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A Restored ‘Vintage’ Home In Kitsilano With Pops Of Cheery Colour
Photography by Janis Nicolay
House Tours
A Restored ‘Vintage’ Home In Kitsilano With Pops Of Cheery Colour
In Vancouver’s laid-back Kitsilano neighbourhood, this inviting family home celebrates its past while embracing the future.
Before its renovation, this abode could only be described as “vintage”—in an era-clashing, intriguing sort of way. But that’s not to say that all of its original feats lacked charm.
“It was simple—if it could be saved, we worked with it,” says Negar Reihani, founder and principal designer with Space Harmony Interiors in Vancouver, B.C.
Although almost the entire floor plan changed in the name of functionality, Reihani salvaged as many authentic elements aspossible. The inlaid flooring on the main level was restored, original brass and Tiffany lights were dusted off, and the crown jewel of the home—a tiled fireplace in the great room—was made the unspoken star of the design.
“Refreshed and reimagined, this home is now poised to serve its new owners for many more decades to come,” says Reihani.
Photography by Janis Nicolay
Prior to the renovation, the kitchen was dark, cramped, and lacked functionality. “The kitchen was completely reworked to suit modern family life,” says Reihani.
A refreshed palette and new layout infused effortless ease into the small space. A large fridge, freezer, and pantry are perfect for a family on the go, while a U-shaped prep area serves cooking and cleaning needs.
“To keep the kitchen airy, we avoided excess cabinetry, opting for details like a vintage-style stone shelf, bistro-style glass shelving with brass supports, and brass mesh cabinet inserts for a nostalgic touch,” says Reihani.
A built-in window seat is a cozy breakfast spot for busy mornings.
Photography by Janis Nicolay
Character is at the heart of the revamped great room. The original cerulean-blue-tiled fireplace is bordered by built-in bookcases with vintage glass doors displaying the homeowners’ collection of art, books, and heirlooms. Stained-glass windows add a dazzling charm to the room while arches maintain a softness.
“With multiple seating areas and a designated TV zone, this space is perfect for hosting family gatherings, no matter the age group.”
Photography by Janis Nicolay
In the renovation, the family and dining rooms swapped places. Now, the new dining space looks elegant space an organic wood table, sophisticated lighting, and a funky bar area.
Intricate wall trim cleverly disguises the entrance to the powder room, which is adorned with bold wallpaper and an original Tiffany-style ceiling light.
Photography by Janis Nicolay
The upper level of the home is entirely dedicated to the homeowners. With a primary bedroom, home office, and spa-like ensuite, it’s a “true sanctuary at the end of the long day,” says Reihani.
Despite its fresh appearance, the primary was one of the most challenging spaces to design. Its original wall-to-wall sloped ceilings made the room feel more like an attic than a bedroom, and it completely lacked storage. “The ceilings made getting out of bed a challenge,” says Reihani.
To make it work, Reihani built a strategic wall behind the bed that functions as a “hidden nook” for the family dog as well as functional drawers and shelves for seasonal storage. Across from the bed, another new wall houses more drawers and a TV, and fronts a brand-new walk-in closet.
Photography by Janis Nicolay
Similar to its accompanying bedroom, the ensuite—which was initially the only bathroom in the home—was also oddly-shaped with a sloped ceiling. But rather than completely eliminating the original feature, Reihani leaned into its character.
“We used a single material—dreamy blue penny tile—throughout, drawing the eye upward and celebrating the sloped ceiling,” she says. To make the height work, she borrowed a few inches from the next-door home office.
The vintage-inspired tiles and antique-style bronze fixtures infuse a retro vibe without crossing over into kitschy.
“We designed a large glass shower with a bench by the window for enjoying the view, and installed slim pedestal vanities to keep the room feeling light,” says Reihani. “Smart storage solutions include recessed medicine cabinets and wall-to-wall cabinetry tucked into the low end of the slope.”
Photography by Janis Nicolay
Pre-renovation, the basement was a classically neglected space used for storage and laundry. To capitalize on the underused lower-level, Reihani transformed it into a bright haven for the homeowners’ two teenage girls.
A full reimagining of the layout, along with all-new plumbing and electrical, gave way to a cozy and functional space with two bedrooms and a bathroom. The basement is now perfect for hosting, with a separate garden entrance, a playful mint green kitchenette, and a lounge area.
“For a ‘cool factor’, we installed shimmery cream polished concrete floors—an instant hit with the girls,” says Reihani.
The basement didn’t lose its functionality. There’s also a spacious laundry room and floor-to-ceiling storage for all the homeowners’ goodies.
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