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My Houzz: Inspired Great Room in North Vancouver
A Canadian designer inspired by ancient history and modern times gets creative transforming the great room in her family home
Houzz home tour contributor. I call the rainy coasts of the Pacific Northwest home and couldn't imagine living away from the mountains or ocean. I'm constantly on the fence between city and country. Subsequently, my style varies from clean and contemporary to cabin in the woods. I have a passion for design, photography and the built environment.
Houzz home tour contributor. I call the rainy coasts of the Pacific Northwest... More »
When Noor Grewal-Virk and Vincent Virk bought their North Vancouver, British Columbia, home they had to decide between taking on a full renovation with two young daughters or creating impact with paint and decor. They chose the latter. Grewal-Virk believes each space deserves respect and love, whether you spend a third of your time in your living room or if you just pass by it in the hallway. "You should let your space entice all your senses," she says. "Make it inspire you!" As principal and interior designer of Noor G.V. Interiors, Grewal-Virk designed every corner of her home to inspire her family of four.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Noor Grewal-Virk, Vincent Virk and their two daughters, Zehan (4 years) and Ajooni (22 months)
Location: Braemar Park, North Vancouver
Size: 2,450 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
That's interesting: A vertical yellow stripe in the dining area is inspired by a beam of sunlight.
Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Noor Grewal-Virk, Vincent Virk and their two daughters, Zehan (4 years) and Ajooni (22 months)
Location: Braemar Park, North Vancouver
Size: 2,450 square feet; 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
That's interesting: A vertical yellow stripe in the dining area is inspired by a beam of sunlight.
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by Megan Buchanan
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| Grewal-Virk painted the original brick fireplace surround a dark gray to create a neutral backdrop for the room. A large circular mirror helps bounce light around, and the circular theme is repeated throughout the space. A large area rug adds pattern and texture, while a modern white circular coffee table floats in the center. Cedric sofa and Strike coffee table: Urban Barn; wall decal and spiral painting: Home Sense; tall red chest: Moe's Home |
by Megan Buchanan
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Grewal-Virk's decorating philosophy is to keep things simple and create impact with graphic and bold details. "I knew from the start I wanted to incorporate a combination of gray and yellow. But every time I take on a project, I let my surroundings inspire me," she says. "I believe in being open-minded about what I will discover, and I've always found pieces that help me create something fresh and out of the box."
Next to the fireplace, a cozy seating area for two rounds out the living room space.
Next to the fireplace, a cozy seating area for two rounds out the living room space.
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by Megan Buchanan
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| A large bay window runs the entire length of the living room. Grewal-Virk says this is one of her favorite spots to relax at home to enjoy the view of their tree-lined neighborhood. |
by Megan Buchanan
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The colorful fabric used in this upholstered chair speaks to her interests. "My classes that focused on architecture and interior design in the ancient, medieval and modern world were the most fascinating to me. These were the classes where my first love for design and interest in history came together," Grewal-Virk explains.
Upholstered Bergere chair: Home Sense
Upholstered Bergere chair: Home Sense
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by Megan Buchanan
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| "I am inspired by history, nature, people and fashion," Grewal-Virk says. Some of her favorite books are stacked behind the sofa. |
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by Megan Buchanan
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| In the dining space, a fun typography-upholstered chair sits at the head of the table. A floating gray and white storage unit anchors the feature wall and provides a storage for tableware. |
by Megan Buchanan
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The large dining table seats eight people. Six velvety nail-head chairs run along each side of the table. Each chair features a pull ring on the back, which is something Grewal-Virk thought would be fun for her daughters to interact with.
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by Megan Buchanan
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| If something were to ever happen to the house, Grewal-Virk says the first things she would grab are her shadow boxes. "One of them has a little pillow my grandma made for my dollhouse when I was a little girl, and the other box has my father's police uniform whistle," she says. Grewal-Virk believes in paying tribute to items with emotional significance. "When the family views them every day, especially your children, it helps them learn a little bit of their own history and where they came from." |
by Megan Buchanan
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Grewal-Virk says she is not afraid to experiment. "I did not plan to put a bar in the living room," she says, "but I discovered this gorgeous rustic piece at Urban Barn and knew I had to create a spot for it." This piece is made from salvaged wood, either drained mango trees or damaged boats. The family owns a marina in the Okanagan Valley, and this piece has been made to look like a vintage piece used to store life jackets. The funky orange bar stool was a great and unexpected find at London Drugs.
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by Megan Buchanan
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| This tequila set is housed on a vertical shelf along with other collected travel pieces. A chalkboard wall invites family and friends to write fun notes and happy-hour recipes. Wall shelf: Lack, Ikea |
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by Megan Buchanan
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| This glass-tile kitchen backsplash was already in place when the family bought the home. Grewal-Virk uses glass jars along the top of the range to create a spice vignette. Her next home project is to renovate the kitchen. She says, "It truly is the hub of the home, and I enjoy cooking — on most days." |
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A more casual eat-in option in the kitchen allows for meal preparation and interaction with kids and guests in the family room beyond.
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| Grewal-Virk's favorite designer is Candice Olsen. She says, "I like that she is gutsy and not afraid to create contrast and tension in a space." The entertainment unit in the family room doubles as toy storage as well. Grewal-Virk wanted the upper cabinets to be within easy access, making for quick cleanup if the space needs to transform from a kids' playroom to an entertaining space. Karlstad sectional, media cabinet and artwork: Ikea; coffee table: Liquidation World |
by Megan Buchanan
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Grewal-Virk's favorite places to shop for the home include Home Sense, Ikea, Urban Barn, Moe's and Once Upon a Tree. Her dream splurge? "An original Salvador Dalí painting. That would be my ultimate dream home item."
Browse hundreds of inspiring homes
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Browse hundreds of inspiring homes
More Houzz Tours:
Eclectic Vancouver Loft
Cozy and Creative Vancouver Apartment
Comments
noorlina Amazing home!
13 months ago · Like
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Jerry Mannor Awesome great room. Love the bar area. Very nice!
6 weeks ago · Like
Ideabook published on March 30, 2012.
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