Architects and interior designers have long enlisted tools to help them analyze design concepts and communicate their ideas. Visualizing something that doesn’t already exist — then illustrating it in a way for others to understand — is the essence of the profession.

Before digital tools became mainstream, renderers would sit down with architectural plans and hand-sketch and paint illustrations. These works were used in marketing materials, client approvals and more. Then, software like AutoCAD entered the scene, speeding up the process and shifting the skill set from hand drawing to graphic design.

Today, the profession is evolving once again with architects and designers leveraging the power of AI for renderings and real time mock-ups. Bao-Nghi Nhan, partner and director of architecture at Vancouver’s McKinley Studios, whose team has already integrated a number of AI tools into its processes, believes that accepting and embracing the technology will put firms ahead of the competition. “Early adopters will likely be in demand,” she says.

In creating the client-facing renderings for a waterfront Chesterman Beach home in Tofino, which at press time was under construction, McKinley Studios used AI tools for concepts, to accentuate fine details in renderings, and for client presentations.

During the early exploration phase of the firm’s prefabricated Commonplace homes project, McKinley used AI scripts to mock up a variety of design options, and to analyze how the homes would potentially sit on different land sites. “We were able to site test and review multiple options in a [much shorter] time period,” says Nhan. Once the renderings were finalized, the team also used AI to refine the visuals. Nhan credits AI for streamlining internal processes at the beginning of the project, improving client communication, and boosting client buy-in in the early design phases.

AI tools can be impressively speedy and create sleek outputs, but Nhan says they can’t replace human ideation and intuition; designers and architects need to maintain their role as curators and thinkers to avoid generic results. “All tools, whether they be 3D modelling, drafting, BIM or AI tools should be used with intention, and grounded by the author’s conceptual framework,” she says.

Like McKinley Studios, Jamie Banfield Design has also integrated AI software into their design workflow for interior and architectural design. They use AI image-generation tools Midjourney, DALL·E, and Stable Diffusion to brainstorm concepts, develop mood boards, and explore different design directions. “This allows us to quickly explore the form and function of a space, helping to avoid expensive on-site errors or late-stage changes of direction before committing to detailed modelling,” says Banfield.

When it comes to reviewing, co-ordinating, and editing design PDFs, and communicating across consultants, trades, and permitting authorities, Banfield draws on AI design collaboration tool Bluebeam Revu. “AI helps us pressure-test ideas,” he explains, enabling his team to make better-informed decisions. “[This elevates] the quality of our work and strengthens collaboration.”

So are design professionals concerned about AI’s impact on the job market? Banfield believes the AI evolution will change designers’ roles — but could actually make their work even more interesting. He sees video communication, avatars, and AI-assisted visualization replacing the need for hand-sketching and streamlining communication. “[With AI] information can be shared more clearly and consistently across teams and time zones, reducing bias, misinterpretation, and reliance on static drawings alone.”

Designers will then have bandwidth to focus more on higher level strategy. “This shift allows designers to sit more confidently in the problem-solving and strategic seat, guiding outcomes rather than simply producing documents.”

But Banfield says he’s not worried AI will replace the need for human designers and architects. “AI doesn’t replace authorship, judgment, or responsibility, it amplifies them. When used thoughtfully, these tools allow us to design more responsibly, communicate more clearly, and spend more time on the parts of our work that truly matter: understanding people, responding to context, and shaping meaningful spaces.”

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

535 Gower Point Rd., Gibsons

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom detached

Size: 1,173 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $843,000

Listed for: $1,388,000

Sold for: $1,360,000

Sold on: Nov. 28

Days on market in this listing: 21

Listing agent: Leslee Cooper at ReMax Select Properties

Buyers agent: Melissa Grant at ReMax City Realty

The big sell: With a name that conjures up sweetness and charm, Magnolia Cottage is a two-bedroom one-level cottage that oozes appeal and modern comforts thanks to a comprehensive renovation. The front door opens to a skylit hallway with exposed beams and engineered hardwood floors. There are new vinyl windows, Hardie board siding and fresh exterior paintwork, remote control window coverings, black Riobel fixtures, a linear gas fireplace with a wooden mantel, Shaker-style cabinets, quartz countertops, and integrated stainless-steel appliances including a wine fridge. Outside, the updates continue with Duradek front and back decks, a covered pergola with overhead heaters, a gas firepit, and enough space for long-table dinners with family and friends. The property is situated in Lower Gibsons with shops, restaurants, the public market, marina and sandy beaches all within walking distance, plus it receives Gibsons’ Aquifer water.

2 — 365 East 33rd Ave., Vancouver

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,323 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,453,000

Listed for: $1,399,000

Sold for: $1,399,000

Sold on: Dec. 12

Days on market in this listing: 44

Listing agent: Jessica Chen PREC at Oakwyn Realty

Buyers agent: Lara Davis PREC at Oakwyn Realty Northwest

The big sell: This two-level townhome forms part of Ello, a 12-unit boutique development designed by Vandwell Developments in east Vancouver’s Riley Park neighbourhood close to the amenities that line Main Street. The recently-completed home has stylish touches throughout with a Dekton backsplash, Silestone countertops, brushed gunmetal plumbing fixtures, wide-plank engineered floors, designer lighting, large-format matte textured tiles, and white oak millwork accents. All three bedrooms are on the upper floor alongside walk-in closets, two bathrooms, and laundry. The main floor has been thoughtfully configured with dimensions that cover more than 600 square feet with a kitchen island, ample counter and storage space, designated dining and living room areas, and oversized Westeck sliding glass doors that open to a private patio complete with outdoor fireplace.

412 — 1216 Homer St., Vancouver

Type: Zero-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 469 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $453,000

Listed for: $550,000

Sold for: $510,000

Sold on: Nov. 24

Days on market in this listing: 109

Listing agent: Nickola Dawn and Clarence Lowe PREC at Dexter Realty

Buyers agent: Adam Chahl PREC at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: Yaletown’s Murchies Building at the corner of Homer and Davie streets was originally built in 1912 as a warehouse for the Murchie’s Tea and Coffee company before being converted into 59 loft-style residences in the late 1990s. On the fourth floor of the building is this studio with nine-foot-high ceilings, exposed concrete beams and brickwork, reclaimed fir floors, and a noteworthy Suquet stone fireplace. A custom built-in Murphy bed optimizes space while a sleek kitchen showcases quartz waterfall counters and stainless-steel appliances, and the bathroom is resplendent with elegant tiling and extra storage. The unit comes with a large external storage locker and a monthly maintenance fee of $293.20. The six-storey heritage building offers a common rooftop patio with panoramic city views for residents .

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

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Open floor plans and more informal lifestyles have seen dining rooms go the way of the dodo in past decades, says architect, author and cook, John Ota. They’re seen as too fussy, too formal and a luxury in terms of space.

Ota is making a case for the return of the dining room, with his new book out in late March, The Dining Room, and it’s a pretty convincing one.

Dining rooms have brought people together for centuries, allowing knowledge, traditions and family values to be handed down in a significant way, he says. You don’t need a dining room to do this, but if you can swing it, it’s pretty nice.

Ota wrote first about kitchens, releasing The Kitchen: A journey through history in search of perfect design, in 2020, and then turned his attention to the room next door.

“I wanted to explore the dining room, because while I was doing the kitchen, people would say ‘the dining room is dead,’ and I thought, geez, that doesn’t sound very good to me,” he says.

Ota also had personal motivation, in that his wife had been gravely ill and recently recovered, and he wanted to celebrate this, surrounded by the people they love.

“When she had a significant birthday coming up, I knew it was time for a big celebration, a big dinner and a new dining room. Before I started to redesign, I wanted to know everything about the dining room.”

Visiting famous dining rooms around the world

Ota travelled widely for his research, visiting the dining rooms of Jackie Kennedy, Claude Monet, Frida Kahlo and Martin Luther King Jr., among others.

Dining rooms are where people gather to talk, and great things have come from these conversations, he says.

In Monet’s home in Giverny, France, the dining room walls are painted a glowing yellow. Ota believes that colour was deliberate, even if Monet never formally explained it.

“For the impressionists, yellow was more than just a pretty colour. It was a connection to nature, light and the sun,” he says.

In Atlanta, at the childhood home of Martin Luther King Jr, the dining room played a profound role. It was at the dining table that King’s parents first explained racial prejudice to him after he was forbidden from visiting a friend, says Ota. The dining room is where King first developed his ideas and thoughts.

One of the most fascinating things Ota observed in historic dining rooms was the importance of light. Before electricity, rooms were designed to respond to candlelight. Gold edging on china, gold flocked wallpaper, and even gold leaf ceilings were there to catch the flicker.

“I think one of the things we might have lost is that love of the candlelight,” he says.

It’s such a simple idea. You don’t need a stately home, you can simply dim the lights, light a candle and soften the mood. The glow flatters everyone and slows the pace.

“It’s not about the perfect dish, it’s not about the perfect chair or the perfect clothing. It’s really about getting together.”

In a world obsessed with perfect kitchens and matching chairs, perhaps the more radical act is simply to invite people over.

A separate dining room is not that common in most homes today, says Ota. Instead, we have open-plan spaces where kitchen, living and dining areas flow together. He sees this as part of a broader shift toward informality:

“The separate, stand-alone dining room is less common and harder to find now in the 21st century.”

Ota doesn’t see this as a loss, but rather an evolution. His friends have a space in their home they call ‘the great room’ where they often host their friends and family, and people love to go there, he says.

In great rooms, chairs do not need to match, dishes can be eclectic, and the mood can be easy.

If anything, that informality may encourage more frequent gatherings. You don’t need to stage a banquet. A long Sunday lunch with mismatched plates can be just as meaningful, says Ota.

Small gestures, big impact

During his dining room research, Ota learned that Martha Washington was known for greeting her guests at the door with lemonade sprinkled with cinnamon. Edith Wharton welcomed visitors with champagne.

No butler or silver tray required, says Ota. But he picked up some simple tips for good hosting: Keep sparkling water chilled. Set up a simple drinks station near the entry and offer your guests something refreshing as soon as they arrive, as it sets a nice tone.

Ota also believes the buffet is the way forward in our era of dietary preferences and restrictions. It removes pressure and lets guests choose what works for them. It feels generous and relaxed.

After his wife Franny recovered from a serious stroke, Ota did renovate their dining room and host a large birthday celebration for her. It was not about the table settings, but gratitude, he says.

“We know we’re lucky.”

John Ota’s new book, The Dining Room: Exploring the design of twelve iconic rooms in search of the perfect dining experience, is available March 24. There will be a Vancouver book launch at Inform Interiors on April 7 .

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When it comes to finding inspiration for a renovation, the starting points can be seemingly endless. They can come from the designer, from one of the owner’s travel souvenirs or from the surrounding neighbourhood.

The latter was the case with this renovation of a loft kitchen in Gastown. Here, the owners brought forward a bold design vision.

“It’s in an older building that is quite industrial and the clients wanted the space to feel industrial, dark and moody,” says interior designer Janie Hungerford, who oversaw the renovation in the 2,406-square-foot loft.

A kitchen is often the focal point in a home, and in this case, it was even more of a priority, given that the owners — a couple who work remotely — love to entertain.

In terms of layout, the design team started with a blank slate in a sense: a “builder spec” kitchen with weird angles.

“There was no flow, and a really large space in the middle,” Hungerford says. “So the work triangle was not functioning very well and was dated.”

So the team went to work reconfiguring the space, placing an expansive waterfall island with textured concrete as the focal point of the room, positioned for a spectacular view of the North Shore mountains from the perspective of the chef.

“The stone is quite textured to contrast with the smooth surface [of the matte black-stained red oak cabinets] and then there’s the drama of it all being dark and masculine in tone,” Hungerford says. The island allows guests to sit on bar stools facing the kitchen or swing around to face the adjoining living room with its original exposed concrete ceiling and brick wall.

At first glance, the kitchen’s matte black cabinets are sleek and minimalist, but inside they’re functional powerhouses. Designed for everyday living and cooking, they feature deep storage for pots and pans, plus integrated appliances for a cohesive, seamless look.

One of the challenges of working with dark hues in a residential home is ensuring a space feels warm and comfortable, and also bright enough for daily living. Hungerford’s selection of layered greys in different textures, including Missoni textiles and sculptural ceramics, plus brushed steel fixtures merges to create an intimate, welcoming space.

“And, of course, working with really good lighting is important,” Hungerford explains, noting that the original large windows allow natural light to stream in. Proof of the age-old art and design adage, that beauty lives at the intersection of dark and light.

Interior design: Hungerford Interior Design

Builder: Marino General Contracting

5 tips from Janie Hungerford

1. Dark matte paint adds depth and sophistication, while minimizing glare, creating a cosy, enveloping atmosphere that works beautifully in bedrooms and dining rooms or on accent walls.
2. Use varied materials like velvet, mohair, wood, patinated metal and stone to add depth and warmth to dark surfaces.
3. When designing a moody room, consider how palette, material, form and scale come together. Choose every piece intentionally to complement the others.
4. Combine ambient, task and accent lighting to highlight features and maintain a welcoming atmosphere.
5. In a dark space, ceiling details like coves, trays, coffered ceilings, wood panelling or subtle metallic/textured finishes with integrated lighting add depth, drama and dimension.

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The old adage that good things come in small packages might well describe the Trifecta house. Situated in an east Vancouver neighbourhood, this 911-square-foot, two bedroom and two bathroom laneway house is essentially the prototype for a new, innovative approach to constructing infill housing — or potentially larger residences.

The unique building system, created by custom homebuilders Smallworks and inspired in part by the CMHC Innovation program, allows homes to be constructed faster and more economically than a conventional build. The Trifecta system is composed of three different components for constructing a home in an existing neighbourhood, says Akua Schatz, partner and head of operations for Smallworks.

“We looked at the way we were building up until now, and thought, ‘okay how can we still create a customized home for people,’ because we’re often working with families who are looking either to house their aging parents or, in this case, adult children looking to have their starter home? So how do we kind of personalize this but also make it so it’s more efficient to build?”

This case, that Schatz references, is the Trifecta prototype built for Maggie Chao and William Bowden. Having returned from living abroad, the couple, wanting out of a rental situation, was looking for an affordable and permanent residential option in Vancouver. Bowden’s parents initially floated the idea of a carriage house on their property which the couple at first rejected but soon came around to the idea after exploring the city’s real estate landscape.

“Staying in Vancouver was a big priority for us,” Chao recounts. “We both grew up in East Van. We grew up in the neighbourhood right by Commercial Drive. Having the opportunity to be able to stay in the neighbourhood is very different and we feel very fortunate to be able to do that. A laneway house was the only way we would have been able to make that work.”

Through research and chatting with friends, the couple decided to work with Smallworks which provides a complete design and construction service — they also have a full millwork production department.

“One of the things … I really noticed when you’re working with a really smaller footprint, the design becomes very, very important,” Chao notes. “We toured a couple of Smallworks’ laneway houses before we made the final decision. They just felt more thoughtfully designed in terms of how they were using the space and maximizing the obviously more limited square footage.”

The CMHC Innovation grant, which offset some of the $675,000 cost of the construction allowed for some upgrades such as the HVAC system, was a welcome bonus for the pair, and opting for the Trifecta house meant getting into their home sooner — four months earlier than a conventional build according to Smallworks.

This brainchild, produced by the three Smallworks partners Jake Fry, Luke Harrison and Schatz, is characterized as a Lego block approach to housing, she says. Or simply, the three Ps: panels, pods and piles. The system utilizes pre-fab closed-wall panels, which have insulation and weatherproofing, for the floors, walls and roof that come together and are assembled on site. The second piece of the system is the bathroom pod which becomes the infrastructural heart of the home from which all the electrical and plumbing comes.

“The bathroom is kind of fully done,” Schatz explains. “It’s in a box. It also has an attached mechanical room to it, and, what they call in the industry, a wet wall. A wet wall is just a place where you can hang on things, like a kitchen for instance.”

This eliminates the need for the various trades involved in putting bathrooms together — electrical, plumbing, tiling, painting, drywalling — to do the work on site.

“So you get this concentration that usually gets staggered over weeks and weeks and weeks to do each piece. If you can condense that down, you’ve got all your piping and wiring emerging from that because you have the bathroom with an attached mechanical room.”

The third component of the system is installing steel piles for the foundation rather that pouring concrete which is both expensive and takes time to set and cure.

“It’s an old technology, this idea of basically drilling into the ground and putting your home on top of those raised sort of pillars,” Schatz says. “They’re made out of steel. They’re like a giant screw. You’re screwing in a steel pile [into the ground.]”

While the innovative system presented a significant cost and time benefit for Chao and Bowden and allowed for a dedicated outdoor space for them, the interior floor plan and esthetic delivered the top items on their wish list: a light-filled open-plan living space that allowed for a spacious kitchen where the pair could comfortably cook together and entertain friends and family.

“We sent our designer Autumn (Riggan) a slide show of inspiration images that we had gathered from Pinterest of other living spaces and homes that we liked and could imagine ourselves living in,” Chao says. “Autumn did the initial work in terms of bringing together finishes that she felt matched that esthetic which was really helpful. I’m not very visually design inclined.”

The result is a modern, warm living space that, thanks to an abundant use of natural materials and neutral palette, has a timeless quality.

“The light in the space is really, really good,” Chao adds. “We really maximized the windows and glazing. We have really nice views out into Will’s mum’s garden. I can bring the green outside in.”

Schatz says the couple’s experience is usual practice for Smallworks as the firm has a design team that works with each homeowner or family to understand what their needs are and then design a home that brings that vision to fruition.

For Bowden and Chao opting for a laneway home and specifically one produced with an innovative approach was the right choice for them.

“On many levels it was the right decision for us: housing security, having a place we really like and also being close to family, and also being in Vancouver and staying in Vancouver,” Bowden observes.

It seems the Trifecta method is appealing to other prospective homeowners as well; Smallworks is in the process of building their third laneway home using this method since completing the couple’s home in October 2025.

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Blink and you might miss it. Set within a cliffside lot on Bowen Island overlooking the ocean, the custom-built, green-roofed home nearly disappears into the landscape when seen from the road above.

The 1,000-square-foot, two-bedroom residence, designed by GNAR Inc. and built by Alair Homes, was shaped by the land itself—the contours, the views and the clients’ desire for a secluded escape to nature.

For Mark Kavanagh, the lead sustainable building designer, this approach is a core philosophy: buildings should respond to a site, not impose on it.

“It’s not just a building that you could take and drop anywhere,” he says. “It’s a building that reflects the history, topography and shape of the land.”

For years, the clients had envisioned a modest getaway engulfed in nature, a quiet place to unwind, with room to host friends and family. The resulting timber home is nearly off-grid, sunken into the hillside with rooftop solar panels and a wraparound deck larger than the house itself.

Kavanagh began by learning more about the site. Bowen Island, once a hunting and gathering ground for the Squamish Nation and a neutral meeting point for various Indigenous groups, led him to study traditional structures adapted to the land. One that stood out was the pit house: a dwelling partially dug into the ground with an earth-covered roof, built for insulation and protection from the elements.

Rather than replicating its shape, Kavanagh used its principles to guide the design. “I didn’t want to just take the roof of a pit house and drop it in,” he explains. “I wanted to use it for the same reason they used it—for privacy and efficient flow of air—and adapt that to the specific site.”

The home’s form emerged from the natural slope. “There’s this nice naturally occurring flat zone, which then drops off and is super steep again,” Kavanagh says. “It was all driven by the site.” Carving into this pocket created a usable main level and generous deck, with the surrounding earth providing natural insulation and a split-level plan that follows the topography. The low profile also keeps the building discreet from passersby, minimizing its impact on the view.

The green roof, the home’s defining feature, is covered in native grasses and fades into the rocky terrain. “It’s only when you get close and look down that you realize that there’s something under,” Kavanagh says.

The palette was just as intentional. Working with Allester Engineering, the team created a structure made almost entirely of timber, limiting steel to just one central post. Outside, it’s wrapped in locally sourced, thermally modified hemlock, a warm finish that nods to the island’s roots. “Everything is chosen for a reason to reflect the history,” Kavanagh says.

Construction wasn’t always straight- forward: Few square angles, a steep lot and 400-pound windows meant the team had to plan everything. But for Alair partner Jason Zavitz, that complexity was part of the fun.

“We traditionally build boxes,” he says. “So it’s nice to build something a little different.”

Despite some logistical head-scratching, many early decisions—like choosing local wood over steel—helped the process. If something didn’t fit, the team wasn’t stuck waiting on custom steel parts to be redelivered. “It’s a big deal to ferry it back, get a change and bring it back over,” Kavanagh says. Many of those decisions tied back to landscape-led methods used for generations by people who understood the land.

“The ideas that we brought right from the start helped the project as we went along,” he says. “There’s a reason, and it helped us build this house.”

Zavitz still drops by the site whenever he’s on the island—making sure the roof is weathering the seasons, revisiting a favourite project he watched grow from seedlings to grasses now several feet tall.

“The roof had to be something special because it’s about the only thing that you can see [from the road],” he says. “That was the point where we realized this house is finally alive. It’s become itself.”

Building design: GNAR Inc.

Builder/Contractor:   Alair Homes

Structural engineer: Allester Engineering

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“If you’re lucky enough to live by the water, you’re lucky enough,” as the saying goes. But some would say you’re even luckier if you live on the water, literally, as in a float home.

“Every time you look out the window there’s something to see, whether it’s an eagle soaring, a fish jumping, ducks and their ducklings gliding by, the swans that come every year, or simply the mountains,” says Marilyn Yeo, listing agent for the two-bedroom, three-bathroom float home along the Fraser River in Ladner. “Some float homes have narrow windows based on the structure. But these owners wanted really large windows, so there are unobstructed views all the way from one side of the house to the other. It’s like you’re looking out at living art.”

And if you like to fish, you can simply step out onto your deck and cast a line for salmon, trout, even sturgeon, depending on the season. Or walk 20 steps and hop aboard your boat, tied to your private 60-foot dock, and motor to a secluded island for the day, over to Steveston Village for lunch, or farther out into open waters. Or just enjoy the view from your spacious deck or multitude of windows, including a huge picture window in the kitchen.

A walkway ramp that rises and lowers depending on the flow of the river leads to the two-storey, 2,191-square foot float home that was custom-built in 2016 by Pinnacle Homes. It also features 700 square feet of composite decking on the top floor, which the owners designed as a party patio.

What floats your boat home

According to the Floating Home Association of BC, there are more than 800 float homes in the province, moored in marinas, along rivers and lakeshores in Southern Vancouver Island, Granville Island, Coal Harbour, Richmond, New Westminster, Maple Ridge, and Ladner.

This one on River Road, built 16 km upriver at a marine build yard in Delta, presented a challenge for floating home engineer Matt Tobias because he’d never built one with so much glass, requiring extra care not only while assembling but while towing. The structure has 40 glass panels and railings, as well as 30 windows, including the large picture window in the kitchen, all comprising two tons of custom-made glass.

Float homes are built differently than a conventional home, since they rest on water rather than land. As told by the crew during video documentation of the project, they first assembled the floating foundation, a level base made of blocks of polystyrene foam, which are light and float on water like a cork. They then cut trenches into the blocks to accommodate water pipes and utilities, wrap steel bars over the top for structural strength, and finally encase the whole base in 112 tons of waterproof concrete to form the unsinkable platform. More concrete on the lower floor covers 2,000 feet of water pipes, which are the main heat source during the winter.

The 1,700-square foot foundation holds 60 tons of wood and glass above the water line. Once the wooden frame is complete, workers wrap it in a six-inch layer of insulation, then seal it with panels of concrete composite, which they say is more durable than wood or bricks, to protect the house from the elements.

When it came time to launch the 190-ton home, the team said it was “nerve-racking” because of all that glass. They eased it less than an inch per minute down the ramp into the water. They then had it towed to Ladner, moving slowly through waves and around boat traffic, where they carefully turned it around and backed it into its tight mooring.

Most float home walls are built right to the edge of the floating foundation to maximize space inside, but these walls were set three feet inside the edge to allow for a lower-floor wraparound walkway for access to all four sides of the property. The walkway features plenty of cleats for friends to tie up their boats and come aboard for a barbecue. The outdoor kitchen has a grill with wood-fired pizza oven, built-in sink, and lots of counter and lounge space, as well as a hot tub.

A three-car garage behind the home includes refrigeration, a gas fireplace, built-in storage for tools, life-jackets, rope, etc., as well as ceiling racks for fishing rods. There’s also a boat lift to hoist your vessel out of the water for repair or storage.

What’s inside

Reflecting all that nature outside, the visionaries at Dabrowski Design incorporated natural elements and materials inside. Wide-plank oiled walnut wood flooring extends to feature walls. Cabinets are by Delta-based Hi-Design Custom Cabinetry Ltd. with Richelieu hardware. Floor-to-ceiling white pantry space allows for plenty of storage. White walls, ceilings, countertops and island boost the brightness streaming through the windows.

Lighting fixtures are via Vogue Lighting, while the powder room features a Graciano Suspension Bubble Chandelier. Bathroom floor and wall tiles are custom made by Cera Stone Ltd.

The primary bedroom’s en suite features a large floating vanity, roomy shower with rainfall shower head and built-in bench. There’s also a walk-in closet with plenty of storage. The powder room off the entranceway has a unique mosaic backsplash tile.

Kitchen appliances, including a wall steam oven, 70-bottle wine refrigerator, and a six-burner gas cooktop, are by Thermador.

Custom-designed mantel frames adorn two horizontal form gas fireplaces that cosy up the space.

An enclosed laundry room houses a full-sized washer and dryer just off the primary suite, which also features an oiled walnut panel wall to tie into the flooring.

Upstairs, the entertainment space has expansive windows to take in the views, a wall wired for a large-sized TV, and a full wet bar with sink, refrigerator, and bar seating for six — perfect for inside-outside entertaining, thanks to folding windows. Double doors lead to a covered and heated outdoor space for use year-round. This deck faces west, ideal for taking in stunning sunsets.

Another lounge area sits next to a second bedroom and third bathroom with floating vanity and full bathtub.

Integrated Contol4 smart technology connects lighting, entertainment apps, and security systems controlled from your smartphone.

Utilities and maintenance fees are similar to a residential home, with typical services including electricity, water, and routine upkeep of the float structure, dock, and related systems. The property encompasses two lots, the second at 4389 W. River Road, that could be used to build another float home.

As for misconceptions that float homes rock ‘n’ roll in high winds or strong wake, Yeo says modern float homes are engineered for stability and do not noticeably rock in normal conditions. “I’ve been (at the home) in all weather conditions — rainy, windy — and it’s really solid. I haven’t even noticed that the tide has gone up or down; you only notice it when the water line against the grass has gone up. I’m sure if it’s really windy and choppy you might feel it a bit. But there are weights on each corner and, because of the design, being more flat and spread out, you’re not going to (feel it) the same as if you were in a three-storey high, more narrow float home.”

In the neighbourhood

This is not a neighbourhood with services a walk away, but schools, shops, grocery stores and restaurants are minutes away by car or bike. There are also plenty of parks for recreation, and, of course, the river for boating, sailing, fishing or simply gazing at the living art floating by.

“It’s a really special, friendly community” of like-minded residents, says Yeo. “The current owners poured their hearts into this home. It’s been taken care of meticulously. They hope buyers will love it as much as they have and appreciate the beauty and nature that surrounds the home.”

Location: 4379 W. River Road, Ladner

Listed for: $3,650,000

Year built: 2016

Type: Two bedrooms, three bathrooms

Size: 2,191 sq ft

Realtor: Listed by Marilyn Yeo Real Estate, Engel & Völkers Ocean Park

Want more expert mortgage info? Robert McLister shares Canada’s best national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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In the 1950s, dishwashers revolutionized kitchen cleanup, streamlining things for home cooks. Then it was the microwave. Today, AI-powered appliances, smart kitchen tech and voice-enabled gadgets are taking cookery into the future.

It may be some time before fully independent kitchen robots like the Italian-made Moley — it can pour, stir and make an entire stovetop meal without human assistance — will be available to Canadian consumers, but the technology is developing. Case in point: Appetronix was named a Foodtech Frontier 25 Rising Star by the Canadian Food Innovation Network for its AI-powered kitchen. The 100-per-cent automated system is designed to run a restaurant kitchen without any on-site employees, similar to the robotic back-of-house and serving systems at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics.

Until this type of technology is available at home, there’s an array of tech-forward solutions like these designed to make prep, cleanup and cooking easier than ever.

• Charge your device while you chop vegetables with an integrated countertop charger. By integrating FreePower’s wireless technology, Cosentino has transformed its Dekton and Silestone stone surfaces into functional powerhouses. Pricing available on request.

• Transform your morning caffeine routine with Thermador’s built-in stainless steel coffee machine. With its MyCoffee feature, you can store your family’s drink orders by name, and the Wi-Fi enabled system lets you connect to Amazon Alexa for voice-activated brewing. $9,159
• Take the guesswork out of your weekly fridge restock with Thermador’s smart refrigerators like this built-in french door model. They’re fitted with built-in cameras that snap a pic of the contents, which you can access via the app while you’re wandering the grocery aisles. $31,009
• With Miele’s built-in microwave ovens integrated with Amazon Alexa and Miele@home, voice activation can reheat your leftovers faster than you can say “hangry.” $2,249

• Until we have humanoid robots to do our dishes, we have the ultra-energy-efficient 24-inch built-in dishwasher from LG. It’s ENERGY STAR certified, and reviewers say it hits the sweet spot of powerful cleaning with low noise and sensor-informed wash cycles. $599.99 | Bestbuy.ca

• Love cooking, but loathe the tedious prep? Enlist the Thermomix TM7 as your sous chef. The “all-in-one kitchen robot” merges the functions of over 20 appliances, and can weigh and chop ingredients, steam, cook and guide you step by step via its touchscreen. $2,299 |
• Gone are the days where you have to open the door to check if the cookies are burning. The Samsung 30-inch smart induction slide-in range uses AI to automatically adjust temperature and time to ensure your baking turns out perfectly. Choose from multiple cooking modes, including air-fry, slow cook and convection bake. $3,699

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I love the U.S.-based Garden Media Group, which each year tracks statistics and publishes brilliant assessments of the latest gardening trends, trends that change annually as folks navigate our fast-changing world.

Its overall theme for this year is “lemonading,” which it says transforms “setbacks into opportunities through creativity, mindfulness and a sense of joy.”

Failure is not always negative. Often, it can be a great incentive because it is part of the process of discovering new opportunities. It can break the fear of being wrong and trigger a more playful, lighthearted relationship with our gardens.

We live in a world of exhaustion and burnout, and simplicity and beauty are the antidotes. Success is being redefined as emotional well-being, and our gardens can make a significant contribution to this important approach to health and wellness.

Gardens that are more connective and multi-sensory will be one of the most important trends in 2026. Most gardens need to be more visually impactful by using design and colour in more creative and dramatic ways. Fragrance is also an essential component of a sensory garden. By choosing plants that provide perfume over a long period of time — from sarcococcas in winter, daphnes in spring to clethras in summer and Pink Dawn viburnums in fall — our gardens can be fragrant havens each season.

Tactile plants are also very important to any garden. PJM rhododendrons feel soft and effuse a wonderful lavender perfume, as do lavender and rosemary.

The sounds of water, from tiny bubbling fountains to tumbling waterfalls, are a comforting sensory experience. Many trees, like columnar aspens, have leaves that flutter in the wind and are important to the sound of a landscape.

Finding new and exciting trees or plants is also part of the new botanical bent. More exotic fruits, like persimmons, pawpaws and figs, are part of tomorrow’s garden collection.

Some plants bloom twice a year, adding additional colour, so play a far larger role in our gardens.

Making our gardens more pet friendly is also a big trend. “Barkitecture” can include the provision of shade during summers, grass to lay on and small sections for our pets to call their own, with water, shelter and a little seclusion.

Part of “lemonading” is the concept of treating gardening as an exploratory and learning adventure. If a plant dies or doesn’t work out for whatever reason, consider it an opportunity to discover something new and fun. Embracing your garden as a happy place that brings joy, in spite of any challenges, is the new perspective of gardening.

Gardens should be fun, exciting and spaces you look forward to enjoying. A comfortable bench, chair or piece of antique furniture is now very much an integral part of your garden experience when you escape to your new play area.

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Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page.

Vancouver entrepreneur Lyndon Cormack is best known as co-founder of Herschel Supply Company , the global accessories brand that’s helped put the city on the design map. Now he’s turning his attention indoors.

Cormack, alongside Phoebe Glasfurd and Aren Fieldwalker of creative studio Glasfurd & Walker , has launched Typical , a Vancouver-based home goods brand focused on elevating everyday essentials.

Typical launched this month with The Typical Stretch Towel, made from 98 per cent cotton and two per cent spandex. It’s a combination of traditional terry with stretch, a feature more commonly associated with performance apparel than bath linens.

Why a towel?

“We wanted to start with something truly everyday” says Cormack. “Towels live quietly in our homes, our bathrooms, our hotels and our routines. They are a part of how we start and end our days. And yet, despite how universal they are, the category has never really had a strong point of view.”

Cormack says this idea grew from noticing how commodified the category had become. When you ask people what their favourite bath towel brand is, they often don’t know.

“That told us something. It felt like a category that had become overly commodified and emotionally disconnected, despite its importance in daily life. We believed it deserved more intention, more design thinking and more care.”

They had something of a breakthrough when they asked themselves the simple question: Why don’t towels stretch?

“When we began prototyping towels with stretch, the improvement was immediate and surprising,” says Cormack. “The towel wrapped better, stayed in place, moved with the body and simply felt more intuitive to use,” he says.

They’re not trying to reinvent the bathroom, just to make one of its most essential objects work better and feel more considered, says Cormack.

Typical approaches the bath category with a design-first perspective. The towels feature bold patterns, strong colours and graphic prints. They’re designed to be seen.

Glasfurd says tactility was central to their design process.

“We wanted to create something that feels considered both visually and physically,” she says. “The stretch, the patterns, the colour choices all work together to turn a utility into something you connect with.”

A stack of patterned towels on open shelving or a bold bath sheet draped over a tub can shift the tone of a room without renovation.

How does Typical compare to Herschel?

Cormack describes the journey as both different and familiar. “Herschel was bootstrapped almost sixteen years ago. Back then, we were learning everything as we went.”

With Typical, experience offers perspective but not shortcuts.

“Startups are still hard. What has been especially rewarding this time is how hands-on we have been,” he says. “Phoebe, Aren, and I have been deeply involved in the details, doing many of the small, unglamorous things ourselves. There is something energizing about getting back into the trenches and building something from the ground up again.”

Cormack’s vision for Typical is measured rather than expansive. At its simplest, the vision is to make a better towel and a better product for the home. Once you’ve tried these towels, it’s hard to go back, he says: “Other towels begin to feel outdated, almost like they are from another era.”

If the brand earns consumer trust, it may expand into other overlooked essentials.

“The key is patience. We are not interested in rushing,” says Cormack.

Vancouver continues to shape Cormack’s creative outlook.

“First and foremost, being Canadian is something we are genuinely proud of,” he says. “We’re building Typical from Vancouver, and when we share that with Canadian retailers and consumers, the response has been incredibly positive.”

The Vancouver lifestyle and relationship to nature is embedded in the brand’s DNA, he says: “Where you are from shapes how you think, how you design, and how you move through the world. Vancouver has shaped my life, my career and my creative point of view.”

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Spring is about more than cherry blossoms and longer days; it’s also the kickoff to one of the most active real estate seasons of the year. This can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially for first-time buyers.

Homes can move quickly, competition can rise and decisions carry real financial weight. But with the right preparation and guidance, you can step into the market confidently.

Whether you’re taking your first step on the property ladder, supporting a client as a real estate professional or exploring opportunities as a repeat buyer, spring offers meaningful possibilities. The key is preparation. Let’s break down three essential areas that will help you feel more grounded, more informed and better positioned for success.

Getting pre-approved

In fast-moving markets, a solid mortgage pre-approval is more than a formality; it’s a strategic advantage. A quality pre-approval gives you a clear picture of what you can comfortably afford, protects you from stretching beyond your means and allows you to focus on properties that fit your budget and lifestyle.

Additionally, the value of mortgage advice goes beyond the numbers. A mortgage specialist can walk you through interest rate trends, explain how different mortgage terms impact your monthly cash flow and introduce you to partners who can expand the conversation.

During the spring rush, sellers and real estate agents want certainty. A robust pre-approval signals that you’re a serious buyer who can move quickly. It can strengthen your negotiation position and reduce stress when the right home shows up. Think of it as your foundation: steady, reliable and designed to support the decisions ahead.

Saving for your down payment

Saving for a down payment is often the biggest hurdle for first-time homebuyers. In B.C., where home values in some areas are significantly higher than the Canadian average, being intentional with your savings strategy matters.

Start by setting a target that aligns with both your goals and loan requirements. For many first-time buyers, a minimum down payment between five and 10 per cent is common. But going above the minimum can help reduce your mortgage payments and, in some cases, avoid mortgage insurance premiums.

One of the most empowering steps you can take is breaking your savings plan into achievable milestones. Whether you’re using a First Home Savings Account (FHSA), RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, or traditional savings, consistency is your best ally. Small, steady contributions compound over time, and they help keep your goal front and centre.

Understanding closing costs

Closing costs can be a commonly overlooked part of the homebuying journey. These expenses sit outside your down payment and can catch first-time homebuyers off guard if they’re not anticipated early. These can include legal fees, property transfer tax, title insurance, appraisal fees, moving costs, property insurance and adjustments for utilities or property taxes.

Most experts agree you should try to set aside roughly three per cent of your home’s purchase price to cover closing costs. Yet the exact amount depends on the home, the location and whether you qualify for exemptions, such as the First Time Home Buyers’ Program in B.C., which can reduce or eliminate property transfer tax on eligible purchases.

Taking time to understand these costs before your home search brings a sense of control to the process. You can avoid scrambling at the last minute and stay aligned with your financial comfort zone.

For first-time buyers, spring can feel like a whirlwind. But with preparation, you can approach the season with a sense of optimism and purpose.

Whether you’re just starting to save, exploring your options or ready to enter the market, the path forward becomes clearer when you take these steps seriously. With sound advice, intentional saving and a solid understanding of closing costs, you can become not only able to buy a home, but to build a strong financial future. And in an active market, that level of readiness is your greatest advantage.

Randy Chin, RBC Regional Manager, Residential Mortgages

Follow Randy on Facebook @RBCRandyChin, Instagram @rbcrandychin

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There is so much beauty about to burst in our gardens, and it’s important to make sure we get to enjoy those blossoms by not accidentally pruning the buds off.

So many beautiful blooms are destroyed each year by a lack of understanding about when to prune flowering shrubs. To be on the safe side, adopt a rule of letting early flowering shrubs finish blooming and then do your pruning.

When it comes to pruning, perhaps the most confusing is the vast hydrangea family. All the mophead or macrophylla varieties already have their buds set to be ready to flower in June, July, and August. Cutting them back now will essentially end that beautiful display, but you will have to make sure you prune by the end of July to allow the plants to establish the following year’s blooms. Today’s modern hydrangea breeders have helped alleviate that issue by not only developing more compact plants that need less pruning, but also by creating new varieties like the DreamCloud series which bloom both early and late in the season.

Varieties like the Endless Summer series, as well as Proven Winners’ Let’s Dance and the Magical series, have their buds set now but will bloom again on new growth later in the summer. The hydrangea serrata series, especially the Proven Winners’ Tuff Stuff group will also rebloom. All you have to do is prune out the old blossoms as they finish, allowing new growth more space and room to set later blooming buds.

Late-summer blooming hydrangeas, however, like the arborescens Annabell, the newer Invincibelles, and the Incrediball series can be selectively pruned back now for more compact, fuller flowering plants because they bloom on new growth that develops in early summer.

The stars of late blooming hydrangeas, the PeeGees, or paniculata grandifloras, with their beautiful cone shaped, multicoloured blooms can also be safely pruned back now for an even more spectacular show in summer.

The beauty of all these varieties is their wide range of sizes which can minimize pruning. For example, h.p. Bobo grows only 2.5-3 feet (76-91 cm) tall. Even smaller, at 2-3 feet (61-91 cm) tall and wide, is h.p. Fire Light Tidbit. And one of my favourites, h.p. Little Lime Punch is in the 3-5 foot (91-152 cm) range. The very popular lime-coloured blooms will vary from h.m. Little Limes at 3-5 feet (91-152 cm) to the original, Limelight, which grows 7-8 feet (213-244cm) tall and wide.

To minimize pruning, choose the variety that will mature at the height and width you need in your garden. This will make pruning easier: You will still need to shape the plant and maintain openness for quality blooms, but actual pruning will be minimized. You can do this by pruning now for a great show in July and August.

On the West Coast, we are fortunate, especially in this very mild winter, to be enjoying so many winter flowering shrubs. The longest flowering, by far, is the viburnum Pink Dawn which started in late October and blooms in sequence until March. It tends to bloom best on old wood, including last year’s growth, so when you do prune it back, leave enough of that growth to ensure a good display this fall.

The beautiful Chinese witch hazel, with those fragrant, spidery yellow flowers, also blooms best on last year’s growth, so be sure to save some of that to ensure a good display of flowers next winter.

The No. 1 early hummingbird attractor is the flowering red currant. These are in bud now and ready to bloom, so let them flower, then prune. The same is true for flowering quince, or chaenomeles, and forsythia. The new varieties of forsythia, especially Proven Winner’s two-foot-high Show Off Sugar Baby and Show Off Starlet at 2-3 feet (61-91 cm) tall and wide, need little pruning because they will stay very compact. The old-fashioned Lynnwood Gold, and PW’s original Show Off which can grow up to six feet (183 cm), can be pruned quite hard after flowering to keep them from becoming too leggy. By timing your pruning just after flowering, and when the new growth begins, you allow stems to mature sufficiently to produce a good bud set for next year.

Winter flowering camellias, like the sasanquas, will continue to bloom until late March, but when finished, they too should be cut back hard to keep them in shape for next year’s new growth which will develop flower buds in late June. They have been a hummingbird winter favourite.

As a rule of thumb, most late spring and summer flowering shrubs like weigelas, buddleias, spireas, flowering elderberries, potentilla, and hibiscus flower on this year’s new growth so they can be pruned back now and still give you a great show.

Where you can see buds beginning to form on early blooming spireas, lilacs, Scotch broom and genistas, please leave them alone. When in doubt, always observe when they flower and make a note for future reference.

Even though we are having mild weather, be cautious, especially with roses. For hybrid teas, grandifloras, and floribundas, the rule is to wait until after the last hard frost, which is usually the end of February or early March, and then prune. I would also recommend pruning fairly hard to force new growth on more compact plants. With climbers and rambling roses remember that last year’s growth will produce some of your best flowers this summer.

Clematis can be confusing with their A-B-C pruning options, but Ray Evison, one of the world’s best clematis breeders and growers who was a guest with me on CBC a few years ago, told a concerned caller not to worry about it. If it blooms before mid-June, simply leave it alone this time of year because the buds are already set. If it blooms later, or multiple times, prune it back hard in late February.

Broad-leafed flowering shrubs like azaleas, rhododendrons, kalmias, and viburnums should be pruned after flowering. If you need to cut them back more severely you should be OK because they will send new growth out from the older woody stems. The same is true of deciduous azaleas: They can be pruned hard after they finish flowering and still bloom the following year.

Flowering shrubs in our region can bloom in sequence all through the year. They provide important colour at times when our gardens need it most, so the timing of your pruning is critical, not only keep your plants in great shape, but to ensure you are able to maximize the incredible display that each can provide.

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Home improvement goes beyond renovating rooms and livening up landscapes, it’s also about making those spaces work better for everyday living. This year, the annual BC Home + Garden Show , happening at the Vancouver Convention Centre from March 12 to 15, takes things further than upgrading physical spaces, offering the tools and inspiration you need to sharpen your skills so you can bring your home to life. Now, you can renovate your kitchen and learn how to make the most of it, too.

You can upgrade your culinary skills with a visit to the Cooking Stage, presented by Flavour Network, where some of the city’s top chefs and culinary artisans share practical tips through seminars and live cooking demonstrations. Among them is Charlie Holiday, founder and facilitator of The Wild Knead, who will present a No Stress Sourdough workshop on March 14 at 2:30 p.m.

Holiday has found comfort in cooking since she could first hold a wooden spoon. Her early years were spent perched on the counter watching her mother and grandmother cook, and as she grew older, she found her own rhythm in the kitchen.

A former leadership coach, Holiday discovered her calling after experimenting with sourdough at home, eventually turning that passion into a full-time career. Today, she offers home-baked goods through The Wild Knead , sold at four Lower Mainland retail locations. She also runs “Wild Ways,” homestead-based cooking classes that include her signature No Stress Sourdough workshop as well as the art of pickling.

“It doesn’t have to be complicated,” Holiday shares of the common misconceptions around baking sourdough bread. “Sourdough doesn’t respond well to control, it responds to rhythm, attention and relationships. I teach people to trade perfection for trust, both in their starter and themselves.”

For Holiday, sourdough is about more than baking bread. “It’s bringing families back to the table. It’s bringing people to the kitchen, slowing down.” On her top tips for sourdough success, Holiday adds, “It’s less about flour ratios and more about how you show up: patience, letting go of control, being willing to mess up, staying calm, using intuition and trust. Those skills in the kitchen carry over to life.”

That philosophy is at the heart of how Holiday approaches her workshops. She says part of what makes her job so rewarding is watching people realize they’re capable of more than they expected. “There’s nothing like seeing people light up,” she says. That sense of possibility, paired with the joy of sharing food, is what she hopes visitors take away from her presentation. “I love to share not only the joy of sourdough, but the joy of discovering what you’re capable of, without the stress and panic, and bringing these old-world techniques and skills to people,” she says. And, she adds with a laugh, hearing people say her bread is the best they’ve ever tried is always a highlight, too.

Other Cooking Stage presenters share a similar sentiment, connecting cooking skills with everyday life. Presenting together on March 12 at 3 p.m., Carissa Kasper of Seed & Nourish and Harris Sakalis, executive chef at Fairmont Waterfront, demonstrate a garden-to-table approach to cooking. Kasper grows fresh herbs and vegetables in the rooftop garden of the Fairmont Waterfront, and Chef Sakalis turns those garden-fresh ingredients into seasonal, sustainable dishes. Together, they bring their garden-to-table approach to the Cooking Stage, showing how homegrown produce can inspire simple, flavourful cooking.

Also appearing on March 15 at 11 a.m. are Lora Mouammer and Bushra Elias of Everything Za’atar , showcasing their Syrian-influenced spice blends and how you can incorporate them into everyday cooking at home. And Chef Bruno Feldeisen, a judge on CBC’s The Great Canadian Baking Show, presents live cooking demonstrations on multiple days throughout the event (March 12 at 6 p.m., March 13 at 12 p.m., and March 14 at 11 a.m.), where he’ll cook sweet and savoury dishes before your eyes, using locally-sourced and seasonal ingredients.

The BC Home + Garden Show 2026 runs from March 12 to 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Find the Main Stage and Cooking Stage schedule, a rundown of features and workshops, plus show hours and tickets at bchomeandgardenshow.com

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The world of interior design is creative, exciting and challenging and sometimes it takes experiencing a different occupation to recognize that a career designing the spaces we all live and work in is within reach.

In this Q&A four interior designers share their journeys and the moments when they realized it was time to pursue a career that felt like a better fit.

At a glance

Laura Grist: founder Laura Grist Interior Design Inc.

Previous career: Human resources

Studied interior design at: The Art Institute of Vancouver

Years in interior design: 20

What attracted you to interior design?

You didn’t get a lot of people in interior design when I was young; it just wasn’t a big thing. I remember watching a commercial about going to The Art Institute and learning about interior design and thought ‘That’s what I wanted to do. What’s the matter with me?’ So probably within a week I signed up and went back to school full time when I was 40. It was one of those things I’d always known really deep inside me that I wanted to do. But life takes you in a lot of directions.

What was challenging about the career switch?

I remember going back to school and not realizing how little I knew about computers [compared to] back when I was working with a computer — things had changed a lot, and it was really challenging. These were new words; it was like a language I had never heard before. So, I found one of the girls in the class who was very smart and she had a really good design sense. I said to her, ‘I’d like you to be my partner in everything.’ She literally walked me through what [the instructor] said.

Which skills from your previous career did you carry into interior design?

The best thing I carried over — and this has been something I’ve always thought was the mark of my firm in comparison to other firms — is that I treat everyone as professionals. I bring my human resources skills to [staff] in the office. My longest running employee is 15 years now. My next longest is 12, and the next one is eight.

I don’t think you could find that in this industry anywhere where someone signs on to start work with you and no one’s ever left.

They’re amazing and I couldn’t ask for better people to be in my life. They give such good energy, they’re excited and we laugh a lot and that’s important to me too. And at 62, I don’t see myself stopping what I’m doing.

What do you enjoy most about being an interior designer?

I love to be able to take a space people just cannot imagine being different and coming in and giving them something they didn’t even know they needed. It’s like a gift because you get to walk in and see people’s reactions and see how thankful they are that we’ve taken into consideration how they live, how they work, how their family is. Not every interior design is for a magazine but we’re going to make it interesting, thoughtful and make their dreams come true. It’s so rewarding.

Advice for others considering a similar career change?

It’s hard because it is a very competitive field. My advice is don’t turn away any little job that comes your way, any time you can do something on your own, stretch your wings. Don’t be afraid. There’s a solution for everything and don’t be afraid to be creative. Consider salary. The first few years, you’re not going to make the money you make in other jobs because it’s not quite the same, but if you’re considering moving, do it because you love design. Don’t do it because you think you’re going to be on the cover of magazines. It is a job you feel you need to do because that’s your calling.

At a glance

Pam Chilton: founder and principal designer Zimba Building Design and Consulting

Previous career: Building inspector

Studied interior design: BCIT

Years in interior design: 22 years

What attracted you to interior design?

I was always interested in design. I already had a diploma in building technology and was working as a building inspector — the field of building inspection was quite regulatory and there wasn’t much room for creativity. I actually had an epiphany when I was camping alone on Hornby Island, and I’d gone for a walk along the bluffs at Helliwell Park. It was a good place for contemplation, and it just hit me hard: ‘I’m going to go back to school and study design.’ It was a moment of clarity and when those moments come, I pay attention to them.

What was challenging about the career switch?

The most challenging part was taking the leap. I always liken it to jumping over a creek and trying not to get your feet wet and fall in. At some point you just have to make the leap and trust that you’re going to land on the other side with dry feet. Once I made the switch, I would set goals for myself like not missing a mortgage payment and keeping up with bills. Each time one of these goals was achieved it gave me the confidence to continue and to know I was doing the right thing.

Which skills from your previous career did you carry into interior design?

One of the cornerstones of my design firm is that we do all the legwork and dealing with city hall because we have that kind of background with building code and zoning bylaws. We say we speak ‘building permit’ as a second language. Everything we design comes from a practical standpoint because it has a foundation in the building code and a zoning bylaw, so we are never going submit something that isn’t going to work or be approved to be built. When we submit it to city hall it’s not a stab in the dark, we know it’s going to work.

What do you enjoy most about being an interior designer?

I love being able to use my creativity and work out problems that cross between math, science and art. The best thing about my job is when I drive up to a job site and I see something I thought up in my head actually built in real life. It’s so rewarding.

Advice for others considering a similar career change?

Learn all you can before you make the change. Have systems in place to help propel you forward. Find a mentor or an accountability partner you can bounce ideas off of. It’s hard to work in office of one and just talk to the dog all day!

At a glance

Lucy Cockburn: BYU Design, interior designer

Previous career: Marketing

Studied interior design at: Visual College of Art and Design

Years in interior design: 4

What attracted you to interior design?

I have always been interested in interior design; I considered studying it at university but just went a more fine arts direction I think for no better reason than preferring the uni location. The light bulb moment for me was many years later during a conversation with a colleague about what my passion was, and that’s all it took for me to return to that path. Less than a month later I had researched schools and programs in Vancouver and was ready to change things up.

What was challenging about the career switch?

The difference between what people think interior designers do and what we actually do was something I was naive about — the scope of work and depth of responsibility is much broader than I had previously imagined. Also, working in commercial design, I underestimated how many stakeholders would have an input in the design, coming at the project from a different angle with slightly different priorities and constraints to us, and how drastically that can change your concept and how you imagined the end result.

Which skills from your previous career did you carry into interior design?

Although I wish I had got into design sooner, I think marketing experience is incredibly valuable to have in any career. My previous experience has helped me learn how to frame and communicate information in ways that are engaging and clear to different audiences. In interior design, you’re constantly presenting concepts, justifying decisions, aligning multiple stakeholders and being able to present ideas clearly that can move the process along more smoothly.

What do you enjoy most about being an interior designer?

There’s something really cool about taking an idea that came from an inspiration photo, or a detail I have seen in real life, evolving it, drawing it, detailing it and then seeing it become a physical space people will use and live in long after I am gone — that will never get old to me. The creativity and influence of the work is genuinely something I hadn’t experienced before entering this field.

Advice for others considering a similar career change?

If it is something that you have always thought about, I would say go for it, you never know until you try. I am so much happier and more fulfilled in this career than I have been previously. Work is such a huge part of your life, and having work that feels fulfilling really does make a difference to your happiness, your energy and everything around you. It is scary to start from scratch, but I would say in my case it has definitely paid off.

At a glance

Reisa Pollard: Beyond Beige Interior Design, founder and interior designer

Previous career: Librarian

Studied interior design at: BCIT

Years in interior design: 23

What attracted you to interior design?

I have always loved interior design even before I had ever heard the term ‘interior design.’ I saved up my clothing allowance in high school to purchase wallpaper for my room. I redecorated our tiny lake cabin with all sorts of fancy details such as drapery, wallpaper and brass accessories. However, I never considered it as a career until I had done many other jobs. I had always done it as a hobby as my parents were not supportive of it as a profession. Finally, I decided I had to go back to school before it was too late.

What was challenging about the career switch?

The most challenging part was not designing, I was intuitively good at that, but the client management and project management was overwhelming. I remember clients coming into my office saying, ‘you are such a typical artist, your notes are a mess, nothing is detailed, you are just winging it, luckily we love your vision.’

Which skills from your previous career did you carry into interior design?

Who would ever think that being a librarian would benefit interior design, but strangely I have brought over many valuable skills. The first is that the library was one of the first fibre optic buildings so the internet there was fast and effective. I got used to using it to search design details and visuals when designers were still thumbing through magazines. The other thing I have been aware of is that I am a good researcher. Now with technology everything is more available, but not so long ago I would be able to look up the specs, dimensions and details of a product when a peer would be reaching out to a rep and waiting for answers.

What do you enjoy most about being an interior designer?

No day is ever the same, no project is ever the same, no client is ever the same. I will be tested and challenged as long as I do this job. I love creating change that people love. I love that the work we do changes the way people feel in their homes. I’m trusted with their personal space and I get to translate their desires and style into the rooms that they live life in. I love from the depth of my soul, finding beautiful new products. Every day feels like Christmas.

Advice for others considering a similar career change?

Don’t start the way I did! I was so naive and just started my business without any mentor or prior experience. Even the simplest thing was challenging — ‘How do I make an invoice? What taxes do you charge on building materials?’ — everything about running a business was so difficult because I had no reference to standards. Start by working any job in a reputable firm or find a mentor, like me, who can give you so much insight on design practices, business practices. It will make your life so much easier, and you will build a much better foundation for your career.

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

3346 — 3350 West 10th Ave., Vancouver

Type: Eight-bedroom, six-bathroom fourplex

Size: 2,827 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $3,313,000

Listed for: $2,998,000

Sold for: $2,900,000

Sold on: Nov. 22

Days on market in this listing: 92

Listing agent: Bob Bracken at ReMax Real Estate Services

Buyers agent: Thomas Liaskas at TRG — The Residential Group Realty

The big sell: Possibilities abound with this Kitsilano R1-1 zoned property that consists of a four-suite house as well as a three-bedroom laneway home. According to listing agent Bob Bracken, the current total rental income for both properties is $12,575 per month ($150,900 per year). The main house (at almost 100 years old) comprises three levels with a two-bedroom unit on the top floor that generates $2,100 per month, a larger two bedroom suite on the main floor complete with deck for $3,250 per month, and a one-bedroom unit plus a studio suite on the ground floor that bring in $1,480 and $1,295 per month respectively. The nine-year-old laneway house has a two-level layout that spans over 1,000 square feet and is furnished and fully-equipped and that generates $4,450 per month. The oversized lot covers 6,100 square feet which offers redevelopment opportunities too.

203 — 11901 89A Ave., North Delta

Type: Three-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment

Size: 1,243 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $530,000

Listed for: $588,000

Sold for: $555,000

Sold on: Nov. 5

Days on market in this listing: 78

Listing agent: Karim Virani at Virani Real Estate Advisors

Buyers agent: Inder Sekhon PREC at ReMax Performance Realty

The big sell: This three-bedroom ground-floor unit resides in Emerald Court, a six-storey building that was constructed in the early 1970s in North Delta’s historic Annieville district (the location for B.C.’s first commercial salmon cannery back in the 1870s). Fast forward to today, and the location enjoys access to shopping, recreation, dining, and Kwantlen Polytechnic University. This unit has a thoughtfully-designed layout with a centre island and full-sized appliances in the kitchen, insuite laundry, a mix of flooring with both tile and carpet, generous storage space including a walk-in closet, and a patio for outside relaxation and entertaining. There is also a recently-upgraded furnace and hot water tank. The home comes with a parking stall, a monthly maintenance fee of $305.00, and a strata that permits pets and rentals with restrictions.

1 — 3466 Franklin St., Vancouver

Type: Four-bedroom, three-bathroom half duplex

Size: 1,533 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,500,000

Listed for: $1,499,000

Sold for: $1,499,000

Sold on: Nov. 19

Days on market in this listing: 25

Listing agent: Jessica Chen PREC at Oakwyn Realty

Buyers agent: Dave Masson PREC and Austin Adam at Engel & Volkers Vancouver

The big sell: This newly-finished duplex was built by Cheng Properties in Vancouver’s Hastings-Sunrise neighbourhood within walking distance to numerous amenities that line Hastings Street. The whole property comprises three units (the third unit is a detached laneway home) but this is a front-unit half duplex and offers four bedrooms including, usefully, one on the main level opposite a full bathroom. There are engineered hardwood floors below high ceilings, stairway lighting, a gas stove, a peninsula with a waterfall countertop and bar seating, surround sound, a smart doorbell as well as a built-in security system, and a heat pump with air conditioning for year-round comfort. French doors open to a private outdoor space with professional landscaping, and there is parking to the rear. The home sold for the full asking price in just over three weeks.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

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With all the talk about housing affordability out of reach for many British Columbians, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the popularity of modular homes is on the rise. But these new modular homes are nothing like the manufactured homes of yesteryear.

You need only visit Hewing Haus at the BC Home + Garden Show 2026 to see for yourself how truly sophisticated these innovative prefabricated modular homes are.

Today’s housing market is changing fast, and modular homes are meeting that challenge head-on by building homes faster, cheaper, and greener in a controlled environment rather than traditional on-site construction.

A premier builder of custom modular homes in Chilliwack, Hewing Haus specializes in custom prefab modular homes built incorporating cross-laminate timber (CLT) — sustainably harvested and renewable lumber that provides stability, strength and rigidity.

“I have been a builder for more than 22 years, and I was always interested in starting a modular homes company. Since we began in 2018, the demand has kept growing year by year,” says Ken Toews, founder of Hewing Haus. “People come up to us at the home show really interested in learning more about the benefits of modular homes. Today, buyers want them as a recreational cottages, short-term rentals, or as a secondary home on their existing recreational property.”

The benefits are countless, notwithstanding the much shorter build time.

“An average build can take as long as a year or more, whereas a typical modular home takes about six weeks,” says Toews. “Typically, we have been building one-level homes, but we are now building two-level homes. We just completed a 3,600-square-foot, two-level home for a client in Alberta that took three months to complete.”

During the home show, Toews is excited to unveil the Hewing Haus’ newest model, Keats 4, a wider, more luxurious version than last year’s model that attendees can walk through.

In this era of healthy living, modular homes are also transforming the way we think about vacation homes and retreats. Wellness integration is focused on creating environments that promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Toews says not only are its modular homes airtight, extremely energy efficient and include a heat pump and air conditioning, but the company can also combine wellness features such as saunas, hot tubs and even cold plunges.

“Visitors going through Keats 4 will feel like they are in a luxury hotel room,” says Toews. “It is equipped with a coffee bar and fireplace, as well as an outdoor sauna and outdoor shower we custom-built.”

Prefab is nothing new. Dating back centuries, prefabricated homes surged in popularity in the early 1900s with Sears, Roebuck and Co. selling kit homes from its catalogue. The company sold more than 70,000 homes between 1908 and 1940.

Benefits of prefab are many, including the ability to design, model and prefabricate the structural elements of a project off-site, which significantly reduces on-site production schedules compared to traditional on-site construction with steel or concrete.

“Not only is a prefab more efficient, but it also reduces the carbon footprint because there’s less on-site waste,” says Toews.

Sustainability is in Hewing Haus’ ethos. “By building at our Chilliwack facility, we lessen our carbon footprint, decrease material waste and cause less disruption,” says Toews.

The BC Home + Garden Show 2026 runs from March 12 to 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Find the Main Stage and Cooking Stage schedule, a rundown of features and workshops, plus show hours and tickets at bchomeandgardenshow.com

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Spring is the season during which nature revives and strengthens itself — dormant plants begin to grow again and new seedlings sprout from the ground. Whether you’re a novice gardener or a seasoned green thumb, BC Home + Garden Show’s Garden Retail Market has experts on hand to provide you with advice and seeds for your most inspiring garden yet.

Postmedia spoke to Art’s Nursery, retail manager, John Cowie who shared his tips to start you on your way to having the best garden ever, whether you live in a condo with a small patio or a home with a large garden.

When to plant in B.C.’s climate?

Spring in B.C. is the ideal time to start soil preparation, planting and garden design planning.

“I tell customers to start some vegetable seeds indoors by a windowsill before planting them in the garden,” says Cowie. “I’m talking about arugula, spinach, tomatoes, eggplant, peas, lettuce and peppers, which can lead to more fruitful harvests.”

You can plant trees and shrubs in the cool days of early spring. The best plants for our climate include native species such as Douglas fir, Western red cedar, ferns and wildflowers.

Prep your soil for success

“First, it always comes down to having a healthy foundation,” says Cowie. “That means you have to prepare your soil for success.”

Whether you’re growing flowers, herbs or vegetables, a healthy soil is an absolute must. First off, check what type of soil you actually have. Sand, clay, loam? Then, you’ll want to add nutrients in the form of organic matter, which is material that was originally produced by living organisms (like bugs, plants and animals) and has gone through some form of decomposition.

“The secret to a thriving garden is adding organic compost,” says Cowie. “Plants need three main nutrients that are essential to plant functions — nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — all of which are present in organic compost. The healthier the ecosystem is, the more your plants will thrive. That means bigger and tastier harvests and less maintenance.”

Plan your gardens

Cowie recommends taking the time to design your new garden.

“Don’t try to get it all done in March because a garden can be a year-long commitment,” says Cowie. “However, if you are a snowbird or someone who travels extensively, you might want to focus more on your front yard during fall and winter, and in spring focus on your backyard.”

If you are a newbie, Cowie says: “Walk around your neighbourhood and take photos of gardens you like or go online and bring your ideas to the show and we can help you.”

If you live in a condo, Cowie suggests vertical gardening, which uses vertical space to grow plants, whether by displaying them in hanging baskets, along trellises, or by installing a full-scale living wall.

In the Garden Retail Market, Cowie and his knowledgeable staff can help you select from a wide variety of seeds and plants that match the growing conditions you provide. If your garden spot is sunny, read plant tags for plants that thrive in six or more hours of sunlight per day. Partial sun is four to six hours of sunlight. For shady areas, look for plants that prefer less than two hours of sunlight per day.

The BC Home + Garden Show 2026 runs from March 12 to 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Find the Main Stage and Cooking Stage schedule, a rundown of features and workshops, plus show hours and tickets at bchomeandgardenshow.com

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Summit Lake Ski Lodge, located in Nakusp, in the West Kootenay region of southeastern B.C., has served local families for more than sixty years. Built and cared for by volunteers, the lodge is part warming hut, part community hall and part memory bank for generations who learned to ski there.

This small but mighty lodge recently had a renovation focused on preserving the existing building and extending its life rather than replacing or reshaping it.

Instead of chasing a new look, the focus was on durability and long-term use. The team at Town Architecture led this project, finding ways to improve warmth and comfort in walls that were never designed to be insulated, rebuilding roof and deck structures to handle deep snow, and staging the work so the volunteer-run ski hill could remain open throughout construction.

Building on the good

For Jordan Jones, principal at Town Architecture , the value of the lodge was clear from the start.

“You could see the layers of adaptation — how the building had grown over time to meet changing needs. That kind of evolution carries meaning. It felt like something worth building on, not wiping away,” he says.

Since the early 1960s, the lodge has been expanded and altered in stages, each responding to immediate needs using the materials and skills available at the time. Rather than smoothing out those differences, the design team chose to learn from them.

“Once you understand how a place has evolved, it becomes something to work with rather than correct,” says Jones.

An unconventional structure

One of the lodge’s defining features is hidden within its walls. The original building was constructed using stacked lumber instead of standard framing, a practical solution shaped by local timber and hands-on building traditions.

“The stacked-lumber construction is unusual and not something you encounter often today,” says Jones. “Even though it isn’t exposed, understanding how it was built told us a lot about the building’s origins. It reflects a resourceful, hands-on approach shaped by available materials and community effort rather than convention.”

Improving comfort without changing the feel

Rather than altering the interior spaces people know so well, improvements were made from the outside. The work improves warmth and weather protection while leaving the familiar wood-lined interior untouched.

“Upgrading from the exterior allowed us to preserve the wood-lined interior that people closely associate with the lodge experience. That interior has a nostalgic feel for many — it’s part of what makes the place recognizable and inviting,” says Jones.

Working this way also helped keep the lodge in use.

“Working from the outside also helped us maintain usable space inside and kept disruptions to a minimum, which was critical to keeping the ski hill running during the winter,” he says.

Summit Lake Ski Lodge was never sleek or luxurious, and the renewal respects that.

“It helps to understand why people come here in the first place,” says Jones. “They’re not looking for a high-end resort experience — they come for the memories, the family-friendly feel, the location, and the unmistakable Kootenay character. Over-refining the space would have stripped away some of what makes it memorable.”

The result is a lodge that feels warmer and easier to use, without losing its familiar personality.

Built to handle the elements

Snow, moisture, and wildfire risk are part of everyday life in the region, and the renovation responds directly to these realities, says Jones.

“Durability meant choosing materials that could stand up to snow, moisture, and fire risk — but without making the building feel defensive. Metal cladding gave us that resilience, while timber and wood accents were used to bring back warmth and familiarity,” he says.

The final phase of work replaced the aging deck and roof, creating a more sheltered space that sits between indoors and out.

“In mountain settings, these in-between spaces are essential. They offer protection from the elements while still keeping you connected to the landscape. Whether you’re gearing up, catching your breath, or just taking in the view, these thresholds become part of the experience.”

Jones says he hopes the result of this renovation is that people experience a quiet invitation to step inside the lodge, linger a little longer and connect with the place. The more defined entrance was meant to give the building a sense of welcome and presence without shouting for attention, he says:

“We expect the building to age well now that it’s better protected from the elements. But just as important is how it ages emotionally. I hope the improvements make things easier for the people who work and volunteer there, and that it deepens the connection people already have with the place.”

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When Kortney Wilson last presented at the BC Home + Garden Show , odds are that the consummate house-flipper would have talked about renovations. This year she’ll be sharing tips on how to make your existing space more livable, which is the theme of her new Home Network show Life Is Messy.

“We’ve shifted from these really grand renovations — teardowns, rebuilds, add-ons — to going into houses and taking every item down to a pack of gum out of the house, and asking hard questions about how the family lives,” Wilson says. “It’s a much more humble process and really stripped down to what actually makes a home function. Life is messy, but your home doesn’t have to be.”

Wilson first gained fame as the co-host and lead designer of Masters of Flip, which ran for four seasons. She later co-starred in Making It Home for three seasons.

Born and raised in Ontario, Wilson moved to Nashville at 18 to pursue a career in country music before pivoting into real estate and design. Over the years she and her team have flipped well over 100 homes across the U.S.; today Wilson is also a realtor and entrepreneur with her own design line and real estate group.

In Life Is Messy, Wilson and her co-host Kenny Brain help eight families in the Toronto area rethink how they use their homes — from clutter and layout to daily routines. The series begins airing on Home Network April 9.

“Tidying up is the first step, but there is an art to it. Otherwise, everybody would do it. Having taken these families from A to Z over 10 days — yes, it’s on speed — I really want to empower people.”

Wilson cautions homeowners against getting caught up in trends.

“People forget to address how long they’re going to live in a house. Levelling up looks very different if you’re moving in two years versus staying for 20. Also, people forget the practical stuff — where shoes pile up, where clutter lands, where people actually gather. Those answers should shape the floor plan more than any trend.”

She also emphasizes considering resale value in renovation plans.

“I’ll walk into a renovated house and hear, ‘I don’t cook on an island,’ so they put in a tiny one — and I’ll say, ‘You may have just lost $50,000 when you sell.’ I look at this as both a designer and a realtor. I’ve been a realtor for 15 years in Nashville, and I often see buyers pass on homes because beauty isn’t there, even though practicality is.”

One of the appealing aspects of transforming your space, Wilson says, is that you don’t need to break the bank.

“I lead with my heart on Life Is Messy — motherhood, marriage, working from home. Most people don’t have $200,000 for a renovation, so the question becomes: can they still love their house? And the answer is yes. Last week, I helped a realtor friend who hated her living room. We moved furniture, created a focal point, reduced clutter — and didn’t spend a dime. Reducing clutter is the biggest roadblock. People see it on TV, but they’re not brave enough to do it.”

People hang onto stuff for various reasons, but one of the biggest is emotional attachment. Those three decades of Christmas cards in your closet, including the one from your mortgage broker? It might be time to dump them in the recycling bin.

“Our show addresses the North Star by asking, what are you really after? You’re not spending time with your family. There’s a never-ending pile of clutter. Well then let’s start small. Let’s start with one room or one closet, or one pantry. I am there to inspire. I am a doer.”

Wilson, who last presented at the BC Home + Garden Show in 2017, says she is looking forward to her return.

“I’m so excited. I always say if I wasn’t living in Nashville and moved to Canada, it would be Vancouver.”

She adds that she won’t be limiting her time meeting showgoers after her presentations.

“I love looking at people’s house photos and offering advice if I can.”

Kortney Wilson will be appearing on the Sleep Country Main Stage presented by Home Network and the Vancouver Sun Fri., March 13, at 6 p.m. and Sat., March 14, at 1 p.m.

The BC Home + Garden Show 2026 runs from March 12 to 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Find the Main Stage and Cooking Stage schedule, a rundown of features and workshops, plus show hours and tickets at bchomeandgardenshow.com

When it comes to wall decor, the usual go-tos are a new coat of paint, framed art, or wallpaper. But a mural can transform a room as well or better than any of the more obvious solutions.

Calgary-based artist Rachel Lyon has been painting murals for a decade. In that time, she’s seen business from commissioned residential work increase.

“The last three or so years has been increasingly busy,” she said. “Whether that’s because I’m growing my business or gaining a bit more notoriety, I’m not sure. I live in a city that really supports the arts and public art, so I think that helps as well.”

In Vancouver at least, exterior murals have been showcased in the annual Vancouver Mural Festival, which came to a close in 2025 after a nine-year run. A number of local artists and firms, including Natalie Way, Kim Hunter and Studio Muze, accept residential mural commissions.

Lyon finds that some people have to wrap their minds around the idea of a mural over more conventional home decor ideas.

“Sometimes, people are worried that they might change their mind, or outgrow it. Or they’re worried about resale value. But when I bought my house there were three kids-themed murals and we don’t have kids. We just sanded them, primed them, and painted over them. You would never know they were there. It really is just paint.”

Surprisingly, most of her residential work hasn’t been dinosaurs and clouds.

“I’ve done a few kids’ rooms, but I’ve done more powder rooms, guest rooms, living rooms — more adult-themed spaces. That might just be the style of my art. Some of my muralist peers do tons of kids’ rooms, so it’s definitely getting more popular with families.”

Her style tends towards “botanicals and nature elements — plants and flowers — but nothing too out there.”

Usually, her clients have some idea of what they want.

“Some will send over a Pinterest board or they have a colour palette in mind.”

Whether the client comes with their own ideas or not, the mural will be one-of-a-kind.

“Every client I take on gets a custom design. They don’t pick from a preset book of designs. I work with them on their inspiration and what they want, and they see everything mocked up digitally before I even touch the paint, so they have an idea of what they’re getting.”

It takes her about one to two days to paint 100 square feet.

“It depends on the level of detail. If it’s extra detailed, it’s going to take longer. If it’s simpler, it could be done in one day. Every artist is different, but that’s kind of the sweet spot for me.”

Whether on the street, in a lobby or in someone’s house, mural painting is usually done in public. She has got used to people watching her work.

“It was kind of strange at first, but I’ve grown to love it. Most people are so supportive and just genuinely curious. It definitely adds time when you’re painting in busy public places because people want to chat. Sometimes it’s a new business going in and people are curious about what’s happening in their neighbourhood. They just have questions.”

For those on the fence about hiring a muralist for their home, she notes that “It’s different than having a canvas on your wall. It’s something that sparks a feeling — usually joy. That’s why people want murals: something that makes them feel good. And it’s something you get to experience every day.”

For her appearance at the BC Home + Garden Show — her first, though she’s appeared at the Calgary and Edmonton editions — she’ll create a piece for a Vancouver non-profit. Two local artists, Susan Phan and Angel Kao, will help paint the piece, which will be on thin plywood so it’s portable and can be easily applied to a wall.

At the time of this writing, Lyon wasn’t yet sure what the subject will be, though she has some ideas.

“Knowing me, it will be something home-and-garden inspired. Spring’s coming, so probably something florally that gives that ‘we’re over winter’ vibe.”

The BC Home + Garden Show 2026 runs from March 12 to 15 at the Vancouver Convention Centre West. Find the Main Stage and Cooking Stage schedule, a rundown of features and workshops, plus show hours and tickets at bchomeandgardenshow.com