LIVING LARGE

EVELYN HOMES DESIGNED TO SHOW THAT LESS CAN BE MORE

West Vancouver is known for its many large executive-style homes. So when interior designer Rachel Martinuk conceptualized the vignette for the Onni Group’s newest development, Evelyn, it was with local downsizer in mind.

“Knowing that our buyers would be moving out of larger homes with furniture to suit, we deliberately chose large-scale furniture to fit within the space,” says Onni Group’s Martinuk. “We also anticipated that our buyers currently own an eclectic of mix of timeless pieces that they have collected over their lives. The accessorizing of the vignette attempted to mirror what their own heirlooms might be.”

When it comes to downsizing, Martinuk went for a more “Zenlike” atmosphere. Rather than fill a space with furniture, artwork, accessories and objects at every turn, she kept the furnishings at a minimum to create a more sophisticated, refined and mature look.

She went on to say that the more upscale homes are often the ones that incorporate elegant pieces, keep clutter to a minimum and exude light and airy interiors — in short, where less is more.

Meanwhile, since West Vancouver is known for its stunning vistas, all the Evelyn homes will face south, slanting towards the sun and the views, and surrounded by green space. Trails through the grounds will lead residents to Park Royal shopping centre below.

Evelyn is also within walking distance to Ambleside and the seawall, with easy access to the Lions Gate Bridge, the Upper Levels Highway and Cypress Mountain.

Rather than decorate the vignette to be in harmony with the exterior, Martinuk chose to let the art communicate the landscapes.

“The Ronin Boyle Resin prints (from Hambleton’s), to me, are inspired by the views of the ocean on the grey West Coast,” Martinuk says. “A number of the art pieces used are actually reproductions, not original canvasses. This was achieved by utilizing a new technique of applying resin to printed images that is done within the production house, under the advisement of the original artist.”

This technique allowed Martinuk to give the impression of original art at a more affordable cost.

WAYNE LEIDENFROST — PNG The smartly styled show home for Evelyn, an Onni Group project that will be rising on the slopes of West Vancouver.

WAYNE LEIDENFROST PHOTOS — PNG All the Evelyn homes will face south, slanting toward the sun and the gorgeous views from West Vancouver.

PHOTOS BY WAYNE LEIDENFROST/ PNG Kitchens are available in one of two colour schemes — the lighter ‘Dundarave’ and the silvered espresso ‘Ambleside’.

This show home living room is anchored with a good-sized area rug and sofa.

The bathroom cabinets are plentiful, allowing clutter to be kept to a minimum.