For Italian-Canadian designer Maria DeCotiis, style and practicality can coexist beautifully. In a Vancouver home she crafted for her brother and his three daughters, Maria blends European sophistication with family-friendly design, from Italian marble countertops, to natural brass fixtures.
Set in a lively residential suburb of Vancouver, the 2,500 square-foot duplex was completed in 2024. Modern on the exterior, the interiors reveal a soft modern sensibility, where classic architectural details touch contemporary clarity. Built by homeowner Marco DeCotiis – a builder and electrical company owner – the property was designed to remain adaptable for the future with his daughters in mind.
A Kitchen with European Soul
The kitchen anchors the open-plan main floor and embodies the home’s design language: a blend of classical character and modern restraint. Inspired by Paris and Rome, Maria layered traditional materials with clean-lined cabinetry and a soft, neutral palette. Italian marble surfaces bring quiet luxury, white oak floors add warmth, and a sculptural bridge faucet in natural brass introduces subtle, enduring reference. The result is a kitchen that’s as functional as it is timeless, where every detail balances elegance with everyday life.
Intricate plaster mouldings, sourced from California, bring architectural rhythm to the room, but are painted in the same shade as walls and shelving for a calm, cohesive feel. “Painting everything the same colour lets the craftsmanship and textures speak,” Maria explains.
Designing Like Dressing
Maria approaches interiors much like assembling an outfit — a perspective shaped by her fashion and textile background. She begins with function and design goals, identifies one or two statement pieces, and builds the space around those timeless foundations. Accessories such as lighting, trim, and hardware complete the look, adding polish without compromising daily usability.
A Home That Evolves With Its Family
Beyond the kitchen, the home balances contemporary livability with traditional charm. The main floor flows seamlessly, while the second level accommodates the daughters’ bedrooms, laundry, and a full bath.
The third floor is a private retreat for Marco, where moody tones and masculine detailing create a distinctly personal space. Playful touches of colour — burgundy in the powder room, navy in the main suite, and soft gray-lavender in the girls’ bath — ensure each room has its own personality while remaining cohesive.
“Our collaboration felt instinctive,” Maria notes. “My brother trusted me fully with his vision, and that shared trust allowed us to elevate the project in a way that feels authentic to both of us.”
The result is a home that feels both youthful and timeless — where European elegance meets family life, and a kitchen designed for daily routines today will remain beautifully functional for years to come.
Credits
Interior design: Maria DeCotiis, Instagram @maria.decotiis
Images: Tina Kulic (Instagram @tina_emapeterphoto)
