Sunshine Coast is a newly constructed vacation home, perched on a rocky outlook over the Strait of Georgia, near Halfmoon Bay. The bold architecture is truly West Coast modern, designed by OC Architecture (formerly Osburn-Clarke Productions).
The exposed architecture and rugged outdoor surroundings were a major inspiration for the interior design by Stephanie Brown Inc. which also features softer Scandinavian influences. Light Ash wood and pale blue, green, and grey tones create a soft and calming palette within the space, which is a refreshing spin on west-coast-modern style.
“The exposed architecture really set the tone for the interior,” says interior designer Stephanie Brown. “Massive steel columns and beams are exposed throughout, in a dark gun-metal grey. And the ceilings throughout consist of exposed Fir decking, which was white-washed to achieve a softer tone.”
These elements drove much of the selections for other interior materials, such as the mottled grey porcelain flooring, and the light Ash millwork. Inspiration was also taken from the surrounding landscape — the striking Arbutus trees inspired rust-toned furniture and accents, as did the moss, lichen, and rocks inspire other tones throughout.
Functionality and durability were key priorities for this project. Porcelain flooring, quartz and Corian were used for hard-working surfaces, paired with leathered quartzite and extensive Ash paneling for a natural, contextual palette. The dark graphite of the structural beams and windows is repeated throughout the dramatic entryway, and on fixtures and furnishings throughout.
The unique architecture and construction of the home required creative problem-solving. With structural ceilings of open beams and wood decking, interior lighting had to be comprised of suspended fixtures, wall-mount fixtures, and task-lighting. Another challenge was a late request for air conditioning.
“During construction, the clients added central air conditioning to the entire home, which required creative detailing to incorporate grilles and ductwork into millwork and wall paneling. In addition, the raked windows required unique solutions for window coverings,” says Brown.
The thoughtfully executed design earned the project a 2025 Shine Award of Excellence, residential category.
“Receiving the Award of Excellence is a wonderful recognition for the complexity of design and extensive collaboration required for such a unique and detailed project,” says Brown. “It was great to work closely with the architects, both honouring their vision and finding ways to balance minimalism and aesthetics with function and practicality for our clients.”
