Trade Secrets

Designer Vanessa Stark turns a too-dark corner into the best part of her home.

When designer Vanessa Stark and her partner, Misha Olynyk, first moved into their Vancouver home, they were thrown by a dark corner in their allwhite space. But after some clever remodelling—including knocking out a wall— the nook became one of the most beloved elements. The addition of the painted wall, ceiling and bulkhead, as well as contrasting colours from the grey-scale area rug and painting by Olynyk’s father, create a full room without closing up the space—the perfect location for cozy, intimate gatherings.—