Houzz Tour: Cozy and Creative Vancouver Apartment

Wilman installed rich brown wood flooring in the living space and kitchen, and painted the fireplace wall a deep chocolate brown. The medium tone of the flooring ties together the mantelpiece, tea crates, guitar and picture frames. Most of the walls are neutral to provide a blank canvas for Wilman's mementos and artwork, including his own. The sliding doors lead to a large balcony with views of the North Shore mountains.

Rug and red chair: Ikea

An antique camera collection lines a floating wall shelf in the living room in front of framed comic book covers and candleholders made from old piping. Included in the collection is the very first camera that Wilman learned to shoot with, a graduation present from his parents. "The Pentax K1000 takes the most amazing black and white photos, many of which I still display on my walls," he says.

"I took out part of a wall and moved the bulk of the kitchen along the south end of the apartment, extending it into what was the dining area," Wilman says. "The renovation completely opens up the space, allowing for more natural light into the kitchen."

A sketch shows Wilman's vision for the back wall of the kitchen: ample cabinetry using the full height of the space, glass shelves above the sink and a clean white backsplash with horizontal accents.