The clients for this project were Vancouverites returning ‘home’ from living in the UK for a number of years. They purchased a four-level heritage home (aka character house) in Vancouver’s bustling, in-demand Kitsilano neighbourhood.
The home, originally built around 1910, had been converted into multiple separate apartments, but the new clients had multi-conversion on the mind to turn it back into a single-family dwelling, and Madeleine Design Group (MDG) was commissioned to make it happen.
The challenges for this project were not so much numerous as they were time consuming. Planning for the project began in January 2019; the clients finally moved in during the fall of 2022. The pandemic brought about supply chain issues and labour shortages, but a major portion of time was spent just waiting for permit approval, which can be a lengthy process in Vancouver.
The goal for this project was to marry the old heritage charm and select antique furnishings with a new modern layout and art deco décor. MDG professionally framed and incorporated a lot of the family’s personal artwork and photos into the home’s interior design.
The 3,600 sq ft. house was converted into a single-family home. The three levels of the primary residence were reconfigured into a modern living layout: kitchen, formal dining room, powder room, and lounge are all located on the ‘public’ first floor. The second ‘private’ floor holds a bedroom with full bathroom, home office, laundry room and small family room. The top floor is reserved for the entire primary suite with bedroom, walk-in closet, luxury bathroom, and three small balconies. All furniture, excluding an antique dining set the clients had purchased and lived with abroad, and a couple antique accent pieces, was provided by MDG as part of the full turn-key service.
The original solid oak floors were uncovered during the demolition process. The antique hardwood was carefully restored and thoughtfully incorporated into the new, open floorplan. The additions of modern lighting and carefully selected wallpaper provide an art deco vibe to reflect the old heritage feel. The attention to details and materials as well as the use of brass to accentuate the chosen colours allowed the home to achieve a perfect “rustic-meets-art-deco-meets-historic” feel.
Project success was supported by the general contractor Quinton Construction, John Quinton, who spent 10 years sitting on the Vancouver Heritage Foundation board. His vast knowledge of period specific materials and designs helped make sure the home could be as true to the original first build as possible. With his help, the redesign was meticulously planned with exceptional care for those period-specific details, specifically on the exterior, while infusing 21st century style.
Ema Peter Photography
