SITTING PRETTY
Stellar outlooks will be on offer at British Pacific Properties’ Courtenay
Katrina Podmore brought the flavour of West Coast modern exteriors to the indoor space at the Courtenay new-home project in West Vancouver by sticking to a basic principle: keep it simple, spare and uncomplicated.
Ramsay Warden Architects’ plans for the condominiums rely on that esthetic, thanks to the dominant natural timber, stone and generous glazing. The look inspired Podmore, an associate at Insight Design Group, in her work in the interior design.
“We wanted to make sure the relationship between modern clean lines and natural materials was seamless and intentional,” Podmore says.
Podmore uses the simplicity of the display area space as a canvas, giving the spotlight to stellar features — the view being just one. The massive windows in many suites will offer a coveted West Vancouver outlook of mountains and water.
“The use of finishes found in nature brought the outdoors in. Combining this with the open-plan concept, the main living space opening to the view makes for an extraordinary experience.”
The interiors show a balance between sculptural lines and soft circular shapes. There’s a contrast between the simple lines in the wall artwork arrangement against a large round dining table. The bold chandelier also stands out.
Insight Design Group enjoyed using the simplicity of the finishes as a backdrop, allowing these bold pieces to command attention against the restrained style.
“Because the cabinetry is so simple and quiet, we brought sculptural pieces to the forefront to add dimension and volume to the space,” Podmore says.
The same goes for the kitchen. Sleek and free of hardware, the cabinetry acts as a quiet canvas for the backsplash. While it isn’t ornate, the appeal of the backsplash is magnified against the solid, clean finishes.
“We introduced a free-form natural pattern in here with the marble-look backsplash. But the veining we chose is still subtle and it complemented the solid light tone island,” she explains.
While the details were critical to the look, Insight Design Group ensured the materials were tough enough to withstand ordinary daily use.
“Porcelain and engineered quartz materials are less porous and are stain-resistant compared to its natural counterparts,” she says.
“The kitchen island features a soft finish laminate surface, the hardwood floor is engineered and the finish surface is durable.”
The long, unadorned lines that define the interiors of the bathroom were fashioned to lure visitors further inside. Much credit for this inviting look goes to Podmore’s placement of two framed mirrors, side by side, above the vanity.
“We wanted to create a visual focal point in this room as soon as you enter. The cantilevered wood grained vanity against the dark stone-look backdrop of the wall and matching floor made the cabinets and mirror pop. You are drawn to it immediately.”