The objective was to convert traditional, segmented “Vancouver Special” into 1-level open-concept family-style kitchen and home for mom/daughter team who love entertaining, with new suite downstairs. Outwardly just another stucco and brick-faced home built in the early 70s; the homeowner’s intention wasn’t to impress people driving by, but rather to create an entertainment space inside that’s all about the “wow-factor”.

HOW IT WAS ACHIEVED
U-shaped kitchen-counter (with abbreviated peninsula) and walls between kitchen/dining-room and dining/living-room replaced with L-shaped counter, center-island, and eating-bar (seating for four). Sink and new, energy-efficiency appliances re-positioned on west wall. Two sill-less windows frame the stove.

Island and eating-bar purposefully minimalist to create expansive, uninterrupted work-surfaces that doubles as buffets when entertaining.

Much-loved, stone fireplace retained as focal point of reinvented, top-floor great-room.

Second-bedroom converted to spacious master-suite with ensuite (client criteria) featuring dramatic grey-on-grey colour palette, no-threshold shower with floating corner-seat, matte-glass accent, and easy-care floor-tile replicating industrial-chic look of polished-concrete linear floor-drain nearly invisible.

Basement (economically re positioned as two-bedroom rental suite with open kitchen/living room, laundry, and private entry) creates gentle densification.

Project Recognition
CHBA National SAM Award 2013 Finalist -Best Kitchen

Vancouver Heritage Foundation Annual Vancouver Special Tour
(September 2013) One of only five homes featured on the tour