Taking cues from the timeless elegance of former US first lady Jacqueline Lee Kennedy Onassis' sailing trips, this family home in Canada seamlessly blends antiques with modern elements in a chic and restrained style.
Filled with vintage seaside charm, the home features exceptional architectural details by Eric Stine Architecture , complemented by outdoor areas perfect for joyous moments in spring and summer. Rather than moving away, the family expanded, acquiring the adjacent property to craft a larger, timeless abode where history meets modernity, and where the art of living is reflected beautifully.
Tapping interior designer Kelly Deck Design for interiors inspired by American aristocratic sailing trips, the home carries a presence and substance of a historical home that had been standing for generations.
The home faces a city park, which acts as a separation between the quiet street and the waterfront which is one block away from the Royal Vancouver Yacht Club. The views from the home are ideal: families having picnics in the park, blue ocean, ships masts and mountains beyond.
“We referenced the timeless and practical details, and materials of wood sailboats – the sun kissed wood, the fastened details, the colours of rope, sail and sea”, says interior designer Kelly Deck. “All these elements are inspired our colour scheme and the relaxed coastal feel.”
Achieving an Airy and Light-Hearted Atmosphere
Walls are kept crisp and white in most rooms on the main floor. The great room features gauze drapery so that the light could easily pass through them. With furnishings throughout kept timeless and comfortable, this gave opportunity to layer rugs plus a curation of art that is a mix of antique finds and modern treasures.
For example, the stained glass windows each have 8 light blue diamonds incorporated into the design to represent the eight members of the family.
To create the feeling of a historical home, the design team was very intentional with the use of finishing carpentry throughout. Stained-glass windows were incorporated into the panelled stairwell where antique frames were used to create a double height gallery wall of family photos.
Combining two homes in one
The style of the new home is craftsman. Tucked behind a tall Portuguese Laurel hedge, the house is hugged by deep verandas around three sides of the home – giving it a stately and Southern sensibility.
The original home was built in 2012, while the construction of the home’s current rendition is brought to life with the help of Ronse Massey. Over time the family grew but they didn’t want to relocate so the homeowners acquired the property next door and consolidated the two lots to build a larger home that met their needs. They commissioned architect Eric Stine to expand the home. All new landscape – including a spectacular pool and outdoor living areas – was spearheaded by landscape architect Paul Sangha.
A Family Home’s Legacy
“Adapting to the evolving needs and tastes of the family over four years was a challenge and an opportunity,” says Kelly Deck. “Room configurations changed and older teens moved to the lower floor (to be close to the “hangout” rooms), requiring flexibility in our role.”
The intricacies of preserving the original home near the ocean presented challenges, with restricted excavation depth and lower floor ceiling height. Close collaboration with consultants was essential to hide mechanical systems in the ceiling. Ultimately, the recreation level exudes beauty, offering a comforting embrace upon entering. The oak-covered walls and intricate ceiling details make all the hard work worthwhile.
“We used a broad selection of finishes in this home. It has so many contained spaces – through archways and glazed oak doors that there were beautiful opportunities to create unique experiences from room to room” says Kelly Deck. The main flooring is a wide plank, whitewashed white oak. It keeps the home feeling light and bright.
