One in five Canadians will be aged 65 or older by the end of this year, according to the Canadian Association of Retired Persons (CARP). In another 20 years, the number of Canadians 85 and older will triple.

And although roughly 80 per cent will have some health or mobility issue (arthritis, diabetes or heart disease), 96 per cent prefer to remain in their own home rather than enter a retirement residence, says Anthony Quinn, president of CARP. Yet just half have made any additions or adjustments to make their homes elder-friendly.

“Too many put off the accessibility changes that would allow them to stay in their own homes, and then it’s too late when they have a fall or a change in their mobility, and their home is no longer a practical place for them to live,” he says. “[By then] the required changes would take too long and cost too much to do all at once. So, all homeowners should think about future-proofing their desire to age at home.”

Making those changes doesn’t mean your comfy, cosy home has to look clinical. Additions can be both helpful and beautiful.

Simple steps

“Everybody’s different, whether it’s a hearing issue, mobility or visual challenges,” says Christine Weber, principal, Kasian Architecture, Interior Design and Planning, which specializes in senior living and wellness design. “Just doing a few, simple things can make a big difference.”

Start by tucking away clutter, securing hanging cords, and removing loose rugs. If you absolutely love that special rug, however, Weber says why not hang it on the wall where you can still admire it without tripping over it. (With carpeting in general, low-pile is easier to traverse, especially with a mobility aid, than a thicker weave.)

Having a stylish, maybe antique, table at the doorway to drop keys or bags frees up hands for balance, and a decorative bench offers a seat while putting on and off shoes.

Hand rails and grab bars near doors, toilet, and shower will help keep you on your feet, but many seniors resist installing grab bars because they’re often unattractive. “Many companies are creating really nice grab bars, Moen and Kohler, for example,” says Weber, with finishes and styles in stainless steel, chrome, bronze and brushed nickel which meld nicely with any decor.

Stair railings, too, are rising to the occasion, with elegant options in wood, stainless steel, and glass (having two, one on each side, offers twice the security). Choose those with a comfortable grip diameter of 1.25 to 1.5 inches, and in contrasting colours from the wall to make them easily visible. Some rails have embedded LED lighting and are often motion-activated.

Even hand held showers come in a variety of attractive finishes to accent your bathroom, and are designed with longer hoses for ease of reach and mobility. Single-handle faucets also guard against scalding. Slip-resistant shower seats or benches designed in neutral but beautiful matte will match just about any tiling.

To minimize standing at a mirror or vanity, it’s handy to have a bench or stool to rest on, says Weber, and styles are limitless. “Companies are also making really nice tilt mirrors, [especially those] that go closer to the floor so you can see further down if you’re sitting.”

Reduced hand strength or arthritis can make even twisting a door knob a pain. “Lever handles are far easier to use and they can be installed in minutes and are often eligible for home accessibility tax credits,” says Quinn.

For those with hearing issues, Weber says, “There are acoustic wallpapers that are a bit thicker for deadening echo noises that make it difficult for people to hear.”

Light the way

Motion-activated nightlights might be the best $20 you’ll ever spend, says Quinn. Weber likes the kind that sit about 18 inches above the floor. “And a warm amber light helps with circadian rhythms so if you get up in the night you don’t wake up completely. There’s a product called SnapPower GuideLight which has a little LED at the bottom of the outlet plate that comes on when it’s dark.”

She also likes motion-activated bed lights that come on when you step out of bed that light your way across the room but aren’t so bright they disturb others.

“As we age, our eyes need more light to see clearly, especially in the evening,” says Quinn. “Bright, glare-free lighting in hallways, staircases, bathrooms, and entryways can drastically reduce the risk of falls. The key is to create soft, continuous light that guides you from one room to the next without casting harsh shadows.”

Weber says choosing lighting with a 60 per cent or more spread will create even floor lighting. “A 30 per cent spread creates a circle on the floor which looks like a hill when you’re trying walk through the space.” She says 2700 to 3000 on the Kelvin scale creates a nice warm glow.

Major changes

Installing a walk-in or curbless shower, adding a ramp inside or out, widening doorways and hallways to accommodate mobility aids are easier done ahead of time, but can still be retrofitted any time.

“There’s an aversion to stair lifts that I’ve heard from many seniors,” says Quinn. Still, Weber notes the cost has come down because so many people are installing them. “My parents have an Acorn stair lift that’s beige, which doesn’t stand out too much.”

She says Danish company Pressalit specializes in height-adjustable countertops, cabinets, stoves, and sinks for the kitchen, and electric toilet lifters, adjustable counters and sinks for the bathroom. “The sink mounts to the bathroom wall, has a push button at the front and a handle you can hold onto. The whole sink moves up and down based on your needs.”

Pullout pantries and pull-down shelving also offer ease of access, a job most cabinetmakers can do.

Some people with visual challenges find different hues and textures help them know when they’re crossing from one room to another, such as going from tiled kitchen to a carpeted hallway and into a wood-floored living room (eliminating or reducing thresholds can prevent tripping). Weber suggests choosing similar colours because, “Patterned flooring that has very dark spots and very light spots can look like holes and hills which can decrease confidence for someone trying to navigate that space.”

She says adding a baseboard that’s a darker hue from your carpet or floor helps delineate the floor and the wall. Glare can be an issue for older people and those with vision challenges, so she recommends avoiding shiny finishes for floors and countertops.

Even furniture for the older frame can be functional and chic. “There are a lot of new lift-assist recliners with beautiful Scandinavian design,” says Weber. “There are also custom sofa companies that can build to a senior’s living standard, so the seat is a little higher, and they can make the foam firmer.”

Smart homes

Seniors are getting more comfortable with tech in their lives, especially tech that makes their lives easier. Video doorbells that integrate into existing doorbells enable homeowners to see who’s at the door. Google Nest and Amazon Smart Thermostats adjust temperature by voice or cellphone. Virtual assistants like Amazon’s Echo or Google Home lock and unlock doors, turn lights on and off, close blinds, and view camera feeds. Fire prevention devices for the stove automatically shut off if it’s unattended for a certain period. Home monitoring systems help caregivers and family check on their elder relatives.

Fall detection devices have been around for a few years, but Patricia Debergue, director of the Aging in Place Challenge Program at the National Research Council of Canada (NRC), says innovators are taking that a step further.

Debergue says that new devices in development can “detect changes in your mobility, so [rather than] wait for a fall to happen they can see the evolution in changes in behaviour that could be a predictor of a fall and warn caregivers or the people themselves, and advise them to get assessed.”

She says the NRC is supporting research and development into these technologies, which are co-designed with the older adults and caregivers, and will soon be tested in a real-world setting.

Knowing about emerging technologies and even financial supports to be able to adopt them is key, says Quinn. “CARP has been pushing for stronger and more flexible supports to help Canadians make their homes safer as they age,” he says. “The federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit is a good foundation, but it hasn’t kept up with the real cost of renovations. We’re advocating for an expansion to include a wider range of safety and accessibility upgrades, and for provincial governments to create complementary programs or grants. The idea is to make it easy and affordable to plan for aging in place before there’s a crisis, not after. Think beyond just safety; think about comfort, convenience, and connection. Preparing your home early is part of planning for a good life in later years.”

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

1157 Skana Dr., Tsawwassen

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 2,448 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,625,000

Listed for: $1,649,000

Sold for: $1,610,000

Sold on: Sept. 26

Days on market in this listing: 39

Listing agent: Aileen Noguer PREC at ReMax Westcoast

Buyers agent: Shauna Ocean at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: This roomy rancher affords an abundance of one-level living with almost 2,500 square feet of interior space that spans three bedrooms and three bathrooms, as well as receiving a modern facelift. Built in 1978 and renovated in 2020, the home offers an updated roof and insulation, vinyl windows, new front doors, hardwood flooring in the formal living/dining room and engineered wood floors throughout the remainder of the home, an expansive (24-foot long) family room with french doors leading out to the patio, a freshly-completed contemporary kitchen with quartz counters and a six-burner gas range among other stainless-steel appliances, an informal eating area with garden access, and a primary ensuited bedroom where a third set of french doors also open to the backyard. That garden enjoys both south and western exposure, a vegetable garden with raised beds, and a 9,608-square-foot lot.

202 — 1128 Kensal Pl., Coquitlam

Type: One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 711 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $592,000

Listed for: $598,000

Sold for: $585,000

Sold on: Sept. 14

Days on market in this listing: 42

Listing agent: Erin Aldrich-Rae at ReMax All Points Realty

Buyers agent: Rod Bahari PREC at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

The big sell: This one-bedroom condo was constructed in 2013 as part of Celadon House, a four-level apartment building that forms part of Polygon’s master-planned community at Windsor Gate. Set in a park-like environment and located close to the urban conveniences at Coquitlam Town Centre, the development was inspired by the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright with geometric design accents and expansive windows to bring the outside in. Also on offer to residents is the Nakoma Club with resort-style amenities including a fitness centre and swimming pool. This particular home offers eight-foot-high ceilings, a kitchen with white gloss cabinets and sleek quartz countertops, matching counters in the ensuite bathroom alongside an oversized walk-in shower, and a balcony. It comes with a parking stall, storage locker, and a monthly maintenance fee of $297.35.

101 — 5325 West Blvd., Vancouver

Type: Zero-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 514 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $567,000

Listed for: $589,888

Sold for: $565,000

Sold on: Oct. 17

Days on market in this listing: 15

Listing agent: Matthew Lee PREC at Macdonald Platinum Marketing

Buyers agent: Adam Chahl PREC at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: Boulevard is a four-storey complex with retail on the ground level that was built in 2017 at the corner of West 37th Avenue and West Boulevard in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood. This studio is positioned at the rear of the building with lofty 10-foot-high ceilings and a generous-sized layout with 514 square feet of living space in a linear design coupled with a private 125-square-foot patio. The open-concept interior has an insuite laundry/storage room, a four-piece bathroom, and a large closet off the entrance foyer, full-sized Fisher & Paykel stainless-steel appliances, flat-panel cabinets and a mosaic tile backsplash in the kitchen, and a living/bedroom that could host a number of furniture configurations. Of interest is that the unit comes with two parking stalls and three storage units providing plenty of additional space to store items. The home’s monthly maintenance fee is $286.94, and the strata permits pets and rentals.

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

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

Learn more about the latest mortgage rates and explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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Setting your dining table for Christmas should feel joyous, not burdensome, but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.

Enter Vancouver designers Tanja Breadner and Lauren Bugliarisi of Vancouver design firm Marrimor , with their top tips on making your dining table the centre of fun for holiday festivities, without fuss.

Start with what you already love

When it comes to planning, both designers begin by grounding the table in personal pieces with meaning.

“Our jumping off point is to look at what we have, and what we did last year and build upon it. For example, Tanja has a stunning collection of vintage glassware, so when she plans a dinner party she’ll start by looking at visuals that feature vintage glassware to build a concept,” says Bugliarisi.

These heirloom details are what make a table feel like Christmas rather than just another dinner party.

“What takes decor from ‘nice’ to ‘magic’ is adding in pieces that have personal meaning. Take Grandma’s ornament collection off of the tree for the evening and sprinkle them across your table setting,” says Breadner.

Once you’ve established the personal touches you want to use, you can then fill in the gaps with a few new finds.

“This makes everything feel fresh but still familiar for your guests,” says Bugliarisi.

Avoid the biggest mistake: not planning

Holiday decorating has a way of escalating quickly. The biggest misstep the designers see is starting without a plan.

“We are big believers in spending an hour looking at visuals on Pinterest, laying out the decor you already have on hand, and really committing to a theme before you start,” says Breadner.

From there, they get organized.

“After that, we make a list (checking it twice) before we shop, so we know exactly what we are looking for,” she says.

Think about your guests and your menu

A beautiful table is one thing; a functional table is another. Who’s sitting down and what you’re serving will influence everything from materials to spacing, says the pair.

“If you’re foregoing a dedicated kids’ table this year, you want the entire tablescape to be nonbreakable. If there are elderly guests, it might not be the time to crack out the beautiful but not at all ergonomic flatware,” says Breadner.

The menu matters too.

What you plan to serve is an important part of the planning journey. You have to consider how much space you have for each place setting, for dishes on the table and decor, says Bugliarisi.

Organic glamour: this year’s look

This season, Marrimor is gravitating toward luxurious textures paired with natural elements.

“This year we are really interested in exploring the glamorous side of the organic,” says Bugliarisi.

“We love mixing a linen tablecloth with magnolia branches, while integrating velvet ornaments, bejewelled fruits and pearl-studded napkin rings,” she says.

And colour has taken a moodier turn.

“We are preferring deeper tones of red and more natural greens to the more traditional and saturated tones we typically associate with Christmas,” says Breadner.

A glimpse inside their own homes

Despite very different gatherings ahead — Bugliarisi is hosting a big group, and Breadner is planning an intimate dinner party — their strategies mirror each other.

“We are both going to use a mix of vintage pieces along with some new items,” says Bugliarisi.

Breadner in the form of glassware, and Bugliarisi, as plates. They both have a little treat for their guests on their plates. Breadner is giving everyone a hot chocolate spoon, and Bugliarisi, a game in the form of Christmas crackers.

Their go-to picks this season

Breadner and Bugliarisi love mixing timeless pieces with a few standout details.

“We love these Aperitif Glasses from Crate and Barrel for those who don’t have a vintage glassware collection like Tanja,” says Bugliarisi.

Fresh florals are still their first love, but they’ve found long-lasting alternatives.

“For both sustainability and longevity, we love these blooming magnolia branches and red amaranthus stems for decor options that last for years to come,” says Breadner.

Ornaments shouldn’t be confined to the tree.

“ The Cross has Vancouver’s best selection of ornaments in our opinion, including this lemon that we are loving this year,” says Bugliarisi.

For flatware, they keep it classic.

“ Pottery Barn is one of our favourite stores. We are using the Emma set this year,” says Breadner.

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Emily and Jesse Konzelman will never forget the day they received the keys to their new Habitat for Humanity -built home in Castlegar. It was a day filled with happiness, laughter and a few tears of joy.

“I never thought home ownership was ever going to happen for us,” says Emily Konzelman, a mother of two young children. “It was a miracle and a blessing. We were living in subsidized housing, in a home that was way too small for our family.”

The family was encouraged to apply after a friend had been accepted into Habitat’s program.

“When I was pregnant with our second child, we applied,” says Emily. “We were thrilled when we were accepted in 2023.”

In October 2023, Jesse and Emily Konzelman, along with their then three-year-old daughter Renley, joined Habitat for Humanity Southeast BC board chair Neil Coburn for a “symbolic key ceremony.”

“It was an emotional day … We would not be where we are if it weren’t for Habitat,” says Emily Konzelman. “We love our three-bedroom townhome, which is in a nice neighbourhood, which is only a five-minute walk to the grocery store, close to the park and not far from an elementary school.”

There are still misconceptions that Habitat for Humanity gives away free homes.

That is not the case, says Carmen Rempel, CEO, Habitat for Humanity Victoria. First off, families must qualify for the home ownership program by demonstrating a real need for adequate and affordable housing, the ability to pay a mortgage and the willingness to volunteer for 500 hours in lieu of a down payment, which can include time to the build, the ReStore or other Habitat projects.

“We volunteered 300 hours, and my mom and grandfather volunteered 200 hours for us at the ReStore,” says Emily Konzelman.

Rempel explains that anyone can assist a family to complete their volunteer hours.

“We had a single mom who organized a big blitz,” says Rempel. “She co-ordinated 25 family, friends and co-workers, all of whom showed up for her in various ways to complete her 500 hours.”

Meanwhile, Rempel cannot underscore the positive impact on families’ overall health when they become homeowners.

“The impact is extraordinary and multi-faceted,” says Rempel, adding right now the non-profit is building a 13-unit multiplex project in Saanich, B.C. “There is really good research and data which specifically focuses on families, and how home ownership can boost physical and mental health. When people can stabilize their lives by owning a home, everyone, including the community, thrives.”

So, how does home ownership happen through Habitat for Humanity?

Habitat for Humanity is a global non-profit housing organization working in approximately 70 countries. In Canada, and throughout the world, Habitat’s model differs. In Canada, the process begins with prospective families completing an application that includes reference checks and a confirmation of employment.

Habitat Victoria builds and sells homes to families at a low price point, made possible through generous donations.

“The family gets a traditional mortgage from Vancity for as much as they can qualify for,” says Rempel. “Then, Habitat lends the rest of the mortgage at zero per cent.”

Rempel went on to say: “Because we are also the lenders, we can ensure their mortgage payment never exceeds 30 per cent of their gross household income. We conduct an annual review with the families, and if need be, we adjust their mortgage payments based on their annual income to ensure their home remains affordable and they have security for perpetuity.”

If they choose to move before the mortgages are up, the family can sell, but they must notify Habitat and get the home appraised. Habitat has first option to purchase the home back from the family at the appraised value. But if they stay and complete the mortgage agreement with Habitat, the home is fully theirs.

According to the 2024 Statistics Canada survey , 45 per cent of Canadians reported being very concerned about safe, affordable housing because of the rising costs of housing or rent. In 2024, Habitat for Humanity Canada , assisted 222 families to become homeowners.

The Annual Habitat for Humanity Victoria Gingerbread Showcase brings together local community members in support of affordable home ownership. Held at the Hotel Grand Pacific, it is Habitat Victoria’s premier annual fundraiser.  Visitors can enjoy the wonderfully imaginative gingerbread houses daily from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Jan. 4, 2026.

“This is one of those events that fill you with joy,” says Rempel. “Every gingerbread creation tells a story, and when you visit, vote, and donate, you are helping write a much bigger one about building homes and hope right here in our community.”

For more information about Habitat for Humanity, or to donate, apply to the program or for volunteer opportunities, visit habitat.org .

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Long before he became a realtor, Ryan Sidhu used to walk by a particular house in his South Surrey neighbourhood, stop and admire it. He never imagined he would one day be representing the sumptuous home for sale.

“It’s stunning,” he says. “The sellers are meticulous; they maintain the landscaping and the interior to the nines. I haven’t seen something of that quality and that beautifully layered in a long time The entire exterior is stone,” from the facade to the patios to the paving to the hot tub and rock waterfall cascading into a stone-cloaked pool.

He says the owners situated the pool off the primary bedroom so they could nip out through the double French doors for a quick dip.

Sidhu is particularly struck by the gated mansion’s backyard. “I’ve been going to L.A. a lot recently and one of my favourite places is the Polo Lounge at the Beverly Hills Hotel. This house has that feel, the way the bricks are laid and the way that the awning comes out to cover the patio. It feels like you’re sitting poolside at the Beverly Hills Hotel.”

He says the one-acre property abuts a green belt with a creek that runs below. A sitting area with fire pit, picnic table and gazebo sheltering a barbecue are primed for outdoor entertaining. Mature trees, hedges and flowering shrubbery ensure peace and privacy.

On the inside

The rock theme continues inside the 8,169-sq.-ft. estate, including to the unique stone fireplace, which stretches to the ceiling. “The owners had a vacation home in the Okanagan and loved the stones along the lake shore,” says Sidhu. “They got permission to hire a company to take out stones by hand from the bottom of the lake. So it’s natural B.C. lake stone — not something you see every day.”

To add warmth — while maintaining the stone theme in touches of travertine — the owners outfitted the interior with wood, lots of wood, including fir, mahogany and cedar spanning floors, walls, ceilings and cabinetry. “They said the woodwork took a few years to complete,” says Sidhu. “The barrel-vaulted ceiling in the great room was all done on site. It’s really beautifully finished.”

A secret safety/panic room hides behind the large, wood-panelled walls of the den/office.

The gourmet kitchen features granite countertops, a refrigerator by Sub-Zero, and a six-burner cooktop/stove from professional-grade manufacturer Dacor. A separate prep kitchen has outdoor access for easy entertaining.

The primary bathroom has stained-glass windows, Kohler fixtures, a free-standing soaker tub, a jet tub by Ultra, and steam room by ThermaSol. The curved glass shower has a separate steam shower that you can walk out of and into a regular shower. There’s another steam room in the basement, as well as a sauna by Homecraft.

The owners hired a local artist to paint a mural of a ceramic pot with ivy winding up the wall along the main floor hallway. “There was a picture that really resonated with our client, so she asked the artist to replicate it on the wall,” says Sidhu. There’s a similar mural on the wall of the temperature- and humidity-controlled, brick-accented wine cellar with stone-mosaic floor.

A bar, media room, gym, and guest bedroom complete the lower level.

A detached guest suite/coach home with a bedroom, open-concept kitchenette, seating area and a bathroom sits atop the oversized triple garage. “They have a really large family, as well as a lot of grandkids to come, and they wanted their guests to have a private space,” says Sidhu.

Overall, he says of the house that stopped him in his tracks years ago, “With the details and landscaping and the amount of care that’s gone into maintaining the property, it’s probably one of the best conditioned homes I have seen at its age.”

In the neighbourhood

Numerous schools and a wide variety of recreational activities, many within walking distance, make up South Surrey’s prestigious Elgin Chantrell community. Crescent Beach is a six-minute drive away, and the Nicomekl River is 11 minutes. The neighbourhood’s namesake, Chantrell Creek, runs all the way to the river and its riverfront park. There are many more parks, as well as the Nico-Wynd Golf Course, nearby. There are also a variety of restaurants and shops along King George Hwy.

History buffs will be interested to know of several historic markers nearby, including for the Semiahmoo Trail, used as early as 1858 by American miners trying to skirt official licensing costs and head tax during the Gold Rush, according to the City of Surrey. In 1872, the B.C. government widened the trail to accommodate wagons, making it the main road connecting Canada and the U.S. The trail today is mostly unpaved and preserved as a natural green space.

Location : 3122 136th Street, South Surrey

Listed for: $6,488,888

Year built: 2001

Type: Five bedrooms, seven bathrooms

Size: 8,169 sq. ft.

Realtor: Listed by Ryan Sidhu, Macdonald Realty, Surrey

For more detailed mortgage information, explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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Creating a beautiful space usually requires a statement piece, a focal point that sets the tone for the room’s interior design and reflects the personality and style of those who call it home.

A statement piece immediately draws attention and stands out from the other decor in the room, says Tanya Ali, founder and creative director at Tali + Roche Designs .

“It can take many forms, such as a piece of furniture, artwork, a decorative item, or even the arrangement of furniture,” she says, adding the standout piece should introduce an unexpected or thoughtful element into the space.

Art is one of the most popular choices to add a statement piece into a room. “One of my favourite artists is Lisa Ochowycz ,” says Ali, adding that in her own home she likes to keep everything monochromatic, play with textures and then introduce colour through artwork or decorative pillows.

While statement pieces are sometimes custom and expensive, Ali believes there are cost-effective ways to add a focal point.

Look for work by local or emerging artists through events such as Vancouver’s Eastside Culture Crawl or consider renting art, she suggests.

“Finding statement pieces through thrift stores, second-hand shops or DIY projects can also be an economical way to [find] them. Ultimately it should reflect the homeowner’s personality and style, rather than following trends,” she says.

Interior designer Stephanie Hilton, owner of Stephanie Hilton Design , believes statement pieces should complement the overall design rather than conflict with it, using elements like scale, colour and materials to create an impactful but cohesive look.

“If you have a transitional home adding something that’s not aligned with the rest of the design — something farmhouse or very traditional — wouldn’t make sense. Instead of walking into a space saying, ‘that’s really cool or unique,’ you’re puzzled, it makes everything look disconnected. It has to make sense in the space, complement it, but stand out at the same time,” she says.

Scale is one of the most important aspects to consider when deciding on a statement piece and choosing the right scale is especially important in smaller spaces like condos, adds Hilton, who cautions that while people are often aware of buying something too large for space, buying something too small will look like an afterthought and give the room an unfinished look.

When considering scale, don’t only think about the size of the room, also think about the pieces that are in it, she says.

“If you have a living room with condo size furniture you don’t want something that’s overbearing in the room.”

Colour is one of the ways to make a statement in a room. Hilton is currently completing a project for colour-loving residents who have opted for a custom yellow velvet couch and burnt orange ottomans.

“It’s fun because not many people like to get into that kind of colour,” says Hilton.

In a more neutral space a furniture item like a mid-century sideboard or a light fixture will make a statement, she adds.

“There are also lots of vintage and statement lighting pieces [available]. Mid-century is always going to be a classic; it is one of those exceptions that you can put into any design. My house is very neutral and I have a beautiful walnut mid-century record player that doesn’t go with anything. It’s a statement piece, right? Number one, it’s a record player and secondly, it’s different than all my other wood tones, but it stands out and it’s very unique,” says Hilton.

“Feature wall plaster and natural finishes are huge right now, and sometimes those alone serve as artwork. I recently completed a project where we did a Venetian plaster fireplace with custom lighting that was plastered to match and lime wash in the bedroom. There’s nothing on the walls because [the finish on the walls] is the art,” she says.

Nicole Begrand-Fast, principal at Begrand Fast Design Inc. in Kelowna, works on many interior designs where the most eye-catching aspect is a lake view.

When working with a view, such as a lake, the view itself can be the primary statement and the interior design should complement and not compete with it, says Begrand-Fast who recently designed the interiors in Stober Group’s Movala mixed-use development in Kelowna’s South Pandosy neighbourhood where many of the condos and penthouses have lake views.

“A great view is definitely a statement that no one gets tired of. Going into a space, whether it’s huge or smaller, assessing the views and the natural light, the layout of furnishings, what you’re seeing when you’re standing in the kitchen, what you’re seeing when you’re seated in the living room, all need to be considered. We also compete with focal points such as fireplaces and televisions that [to be functional] also need to be seen. But to me, having those beautiful views, that is the art,” she says.

Some ways to make the most of the view plus see the TV or enjoy a focal point like a fireplace, is to include swivel chairs in the space.

“You can enjoy the view during the daytime, but in the evening when it’s dark then you can turn and view a television or a fireplace so having that flexibility lets you interact with the view and the indoors, depending on the time of day,” says Begrand-Fast.

She adds that elements from the view, be it a lake, mountain or forest view, are great inspiration to pull into a statement piece.

“So, any of the tones and colours in the views that you’re seeing out there could become great statement pieces and have flow and consistency because that’s what you’re looking at,” she explains, adding she always suggests toning down the colours.

“You wouldn’t literally take the same blue from a lake — really look at the tones and the colours of the lake, they can be quite moody with greyish or greenish blues.”

Another way to add a statement piece is through texture. At Movala, Begrand-Fast covered an interior wall with ribbed natural oak to make a statement in the bedroom.

Ali also believes texture in a fibre or a finish can be the star of room.

“It could be a very textural aspect like velvet or introducing different fabrics into the mix to create a statement,” she says suggesting rich and earthy tones will draw attention.

“It could also be an heirloom or a piece of art you have purchased or inherited — it could be a coffee table with a shagreen finish. At its core that’s what a statement piece is; something a bit unexpected,” says Ali.

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

21247 94B Ave., Langley

Type: Four-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 2,068 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,260,000

Listed for: $1,250,000

Sold for: $1,223,500

Sold on: Sept. 30

Days on market in this listing: Five

Listing agent: Adam Chahl PREC at Oakwyn Realty

Buyers agent: Michelle Chung PREC at Sutton Group — 1st West Realty

The big sell: Langley’s Walnut Grove is the location for this four-bedroom detached home that sits on a 5,380-square-foot lot near Dorothy Peacock Elementary, West Langley Elementary and Walnut Grove Secondary schools. Other amenities are also nearby including Walnut Grove Community Centre, shopping, parks, transit, and access to highways. The updated home was built in the mid 1980s with three family bedrooms on the upper level adjacent to the principal reception rooms, and a useful renovated one-bedroom suite on the ground floor that could be used as a mortgage helper or in-law suite. On the exterior, a low-maintenance durable 50-year metal roof has been installed, a deck provides a view across the fully-fenced rear garden, and a generous driveway offers parking for up to five vehicles. The property was snapped up with an accepted offer coming after just five days.

502 — 1200 West Georgia St., Vancouver

Type: One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 689 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $721,000

Listed for: $679,800

Sold for: $620,000

Sold on: Sept. 10

Days on market in this listing: 33

Listing agent: Ali Eshghi at Virani Real Estate Advisors

Buyers agent: Pete Shpak PREC and Lee Bryant PREC at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: The award-winning Residences on Georgia development features two condominium towers coupled with a base of townhouses that were built by Westbank in 1996 in collaboration with James K.M. Cheng Architects. Apart from the convenience of a position in the heart of downtown, there is an on-site fitness centre, a courtyard garden, concierge services, and underground parking (this unit comes with one parking stall). The 5th-floor suite has views across the garden, and features one bedroom plus a large windowed den that listing agent Ali Eshghi states could be used as a second bedroom. At almost 700 square feet, the home can offer sizable rooms including an 18-foot-long living room, as well as a dining area and insuite laundry. Also on hand is a dedicated storage locker, a strata that accepts pets and rentals (with restrictions), and a monthly maintenance fee of $517.80.

4459 West 5th Ave., Vancouver

Type: Four-bedroom, four-bathroom detached

Size: 2,297 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $3,554,000

Listed for: $3,188,000

Sold for: $3,208,000

Sold on: Aug. 17

Days on market in this listing: 17

Listing agent: Mario Felicella PREC at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

Buyers agent: Bob Bracken at ReMax Real Estate Services

The big sell: Buyers’ agent Bob Bracken reports that this custom-built Point Grey family home sold back in August with multiple offers that pushed the final sale figure over the listing price. What appealed to prospective purchasers was a prime position in the centre of Point Grey coupled with tantalizing vistas that offer both city and water viewpoints. The house was built in 2007 with an open-plan main floor that combines a living/dining area with a gourmet kitchen and a spacious family room with access to the landscaped garden. The upper level has three bedrooms including the primary bedroom that boasts a large ensuite bathroom and private deck. A lower level has a fourth bedroom and additional space that could be expanded. The icing on the cake, however, is a top-floor recreation room that walks out to a rooftop deck complete with mouth-watering views.

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

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

Learn more about the latest mortgage rates and explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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Not too long ago, Squamish was mostly known as a pit stop on the way to Whistler. Today, it’s a place where designers, architects, artists, builders and makers have put down roots and are creating work that feels unmistakably shaped by the Sea to Sky landscape.

Some of these people moved to Squamish for affordability or lifestyle, and have got much more from the move than they bargained on. Squamish is fast becoming one of the most interesting design communities in British Columbia.

For interior designer Josianne Bérubé of Stark Architecture & Interior Design , the change was gradual but distinct.

“We began to feel the design community taking shape in Squamish a few years ago,” she says. More studios and creatives started choosing Squamish as their home base rather than commuting to Vancouver, and what was once a scattered group is now a connected ecosystem rooted in shared values and a design language that reflects the Sea to Sky region, she says.

Bérubé traces these changes back to the upgraded highway and international attention from the 2010 Winter Olympics, which brought new people to town. Then came the pandemic, which accelerated everything.

“The pool of talent that has gathered here since then has been incredible,” she says.

The mountains, the light, the trails, and the pace all seem to shape how people think and work in Squamish, says Bérubé.

“In Squamish, nature isn’t a backdrop, it’s a collaborator,” says Bérubé. Designers work in constant dialogue with the environment, letting the landscape guide materials, form and intention. She describes the creative energy as raw, natural, deeply connected and rooted in respect for place rather than trends.

This sense of connection also fuels collaboration.

“Designers here support one another because we’re collectively trying to honour the region through our work,” she says. The shared purpose gives the community a cohesive feel, even while it is still forming.

Megan Mauracher is national program manager for IDS (the Interior Design Show ), and moved to Squamish in 2018, noticing something cool was going on.

“There was this common thread of people who’d figured out how to do work they loved while combining it into living the life they wanted,” she says.

Over the past eight years, she has watched that thread turn into a vibrant network of studios, fabricators, entrepreneurs and collaborators.

The community has really transformed after the 2020 shift to remote work, she says. More designers arrived with the belief that creativity needs room to breathe.

“You can hike the Chief before work, walk by the river at lunch, or bike after hours, all within a 10-minute radius,” she says. And while the outdoor lifestyle gets the headlines, the real anchor is community size, says Mauracher.

“In Squamish, you know your neighbours,” she says. There is a sense of building something together.

Furniture designer and woodworker Jon Hewitt of architectural millwork company Leon Lebeniste reminds us that the design story in Squamish did not start yesterday. He first arrived in 2008 and saw a community already taking shape, mostly connected to outdoor soft goods R&D.

“Arc’teryx, FYI Design, Sea to Summit, Silverfoot… the OG companies centred around the outdoor adventure industries,” he says.

He points out that long before the latest wave arrived, Squamish was home to architects, industrial designers, and makers linked to companies like Fraserwood Industries, which helped shape development across the region.

Infrastructure paved the way for the next phase.

“The Sea to Sky Highway development for the Olympics was a major unlock,” he says. Once commuting became realistic, Squamish hit a sweet spot for people who wanted serious careers and outdoor time in the same 24 hours.

He believes the scene is no longer in its infancy. Instead, it is gathering momentum, talent and higher expectations.

“The quality bar keeps rising as more talent arrives,” he says.

Painter and commercial artist Kathy Ager offers a different view, because she is only just beginning her life in Squamish. She has lived in Amsterdam, Lisbon and Barcelona, so the size of Squamish feels new.

Rather than feeling anonymous in a major art city, she has found clarity in Squamish.

“I feel like I can hear myself think, and like the only person making specifically what I’m making,” she says.

She remembers Squamish as a quick rest stop in the 90s. When she returned in 2022 to visit a friend working on a mural downtown, she was struck by how much had changed.

“I was amazed by how much development had happened in town and how many people live and visit here now,” she says. The mix of new growth and older murals feels important to her.

“I hope the character of downtown is preserved, especially older murals like Ken Skoda’s on 2nd Avenue,” says Ager.

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The floral industry has let the No. 1 indoor Christmas plant become a simple commodity. In box stores, we see rows of red, white and pink poinsettias jammed together — inspiring no one.

In fact, today’s spectacular selection of unique varieties — with their range of bract variegations, colour combinations and various sizes — deserves better because, for decor opportunities, poinsettias have so much more to offer.

My favourites are the tiniest ones of all — the pixies. Each year, usually in August, they are the last poinsettias that growers start propagating. Grown in 2.5- or 3-inch pots, pixies produce tiny, single blooms in time for the holidays. They are, by far, the most versatile and connective poinsettias. They fit nicely on a desk, small tabletop or windowsill. As a small gift, they are some of the most appreciated, especially by folks who are not able to get out much.

We love to use pixies in small containers, along with other plants, like Christmas ferns, kalanchoes and other mini tropicals. Being a type of euphorbia, they also play nicely with succulents. Because they are in tiny pots with just a small amount of soil, pixies need a little more attention with watering but are otherwise easy to care for.

Poinsettias in 4-inch pots come in a wide range of colours and, again, because of their smaller size, they offer more versatility than larger poinsettias. They can fit almost any space in your house or office. In the past, they were the focal point in a white chrysanthemum/poinsettia combination called a mumsettia. Today, that partnership has shifted to a white kalanchoe/poinsettia combo called a kalsettia, which lasts far longer. Another favourite is a fernsettia, which is a 4-inch poinsettia surrounded by various types of small ferns.

Single-bloom poinsettias can be planted together for some spectacular combinations of red, white and pink, or with some of the many new colours and varieties available today for unique colour palette options. Planted in low bowls, they will add a touch of festivity to office or home locations.

Multi-bloom poinsettias, grown in small pots, probably provide the most value of any poinsettia on the market today. Grown well, they will produce a significant bloom display, while still fitting so many locations. I also like that they create a really classy look when planted in a quality container.

Poinsettias in four-inch pots are more widely grown by most producers, so we often see a greater selection of new varieties in this size rather than in the smaller sizes. Along with traditional reds, whites and pinks, you will find bicolours, tricolours and speckled poinsettias, as well as a good range of new pinks, salmons and burgundies. One of my favourites is a very deep red speckled with white. The Tapestry variety is a dark red with variegated yellow and green foliage. These multi-bloom gems are the most popular as they are just the right size for table centres and for seasonal get-togethers.

This poinsettia size is the most used for combination plantings. Four-inch multi-blooms play nicely with white flowered peace lilies, Christmas ferns, multicoloured syngoniums, trailing pteris ferns and a host of other tropicals for stunning mixed gardens that last well into the new year. These many unique varieties will provide a great new, spiced-up look for traditional mixed gardens. They are quite unique and make perfect gifts that are easy to look after.

Princettias were introduced many years ago, initially as a potential outdoor summer annual, but there were some challenges, especially production issues. They never quite fit that niche, but over time the intensity of their colours, particularly the bright whites and radiant pinks, really captured people’s attention. Today, they bring premium prices in the market because of their vibrancy. Again, smaller four-inch pot sizes seem to be the most popular because of their versatility.

Another unique variety that is lots of fun is the fully double Christmas rose. When grown well, its bracts have layers of ruffled red petals, giving them the appearance of double flowers. Remember, with poinsettias, the flowers are in the centre of the plant. It is the bracts that turn colour. They now come in white, pink and marbled varieties.

The floral industry, as well as many growers, also add value with two different processes. By using a special transparent glue sprayed on the foliage, poinsettias can be dusted with glitter to add some sparkle that shines brightly both in the sunlight and in evening indoor light.

Today, there are eco-friendly paints that come in a wide range of colours, and they can be used to dress up poinsettias. White poinsettias are the easiest to paint, but pinks and reds also look pretty spectacular painted with different colours.

Many new poinsettia varieties are far easier to grow and care for in our homes. They should be placed out of drafts, and they need to be checked daily for watering. Simply pick up the pot to feel its weight, and water with warm water only if the pot feels on the lighter side. Because of their more sensitive root system, poinsettias do not like wet soil.

It’s been proven scientifically that poinsettias are non-poisonous, though their sticky sap may be unpleasant on your fingers.

I love all sizes of poinsettias, especially some of the larger varieties, which are true showstoppers. However, it’s the smaller sizes that offer so many more opportunities to enjoy them in our living spaces.

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

1343 Tyrol Rd., West Vancouver

Type : Six-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 5,219 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $3,441,000

Listed for: $3,249,000

Sold for: $3,000,000

Sold on: Sept. 19

Days on market in this listing: 47

Listing agent: Haneef Virani PREC at Virani Real Estate Advisors

Buyers agent: Armin Arian PREC 88West Realty

The big sell: This 1970s West Vancouver home contains plenty of noteworthy attributes including a British Properties location, spectacular south-facing views that take in Lions Gate Bridge, downtown Vancouver and the ocean, a 14,283-square-foot lot with a 90-foot frontage, and walking distance to Chartwell Elementary and Sentinel Secondary schools, as well as Hollyburn Country Club. The house itself commands attention too with more than 5,000 square feet of living space divided between two levels. The current layout comprises six bedrooms — with three on each floor — open entertainment-sized rooms below slatted wood ceilings, wainscot panelling, three fireplaces, a balcony and deck that span the width of the house, and to top it off, an outdoor swimming pool complete with diving board and pool deck, alongside manicured gardens and a greenhouse.

403 — 1320 Chesterfield Ave., North Vancouver

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment

Size: 1,048 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,145,000

Listed for: $1,249,000

Sold for: $1,225,000

Sold on: Sept. 25

Days on market in this listing: 36

Listing agent: Devon Owen PREC at Royal Pacific Realty

Buyers agent: Kim Taylor at Rennie & Associates Realty

The big sell: This comprehensively-updated two-bedroom-plus-den condo offers sweeping southwesterly city, ocean and mountain views from its position within the aptly-named Vista Place development in North Vancouver’s Central Lonsdale. Built in 2009 by Intracorp, the concrete building has a LEED silver certification and amenities that include a gym, party room, guest suite, and an on-site caretaker. The unit itself has a bright, open-concept layout with wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows thanks to its corner location, wide-plank hardwood floors, and a contemporary kitchen with updated countertops, modern flat-panelled cabinets, recessed lighting, an island, and stainless-steel appliances including a Bosch dishwasher. The home comes with two parking stalls, a storage locker, and a monthly maintenance fee of $673.27.

1228 East 27th Ave., Vancouver

Type: Three-bedroom, two-bathroom detached

Size: 2,005 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,846,800

Listed for: $1,695,000

Sold for: $1,700,000

Sold on: Aug. 29

Days on market in this listing: 102

Listing agent: Holly Calderwood PREC at Royal LePage Sussex

Buyers agent: Myron Slobogean at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

The big sell: One of the highlights of this three-bedroom detached house was its lot length — 144 feet with a south-facing aspect to the rear that allowed oregano, arugula, fig and plum trees to flourish. Situated in east Vancouver’s Knight district, the 1914 house features a brick and stucco exterior and two levels with hardwood floors and textured ceilings on the inside. Two bedrooms and the principal reception rooms occupy the upstairs while a one-bedroom suite provides a mortgage helper on the ground level. There are two updated laundries, two renovated kitchens with stainless steel appliances and gas cooktops, all windows have been replaced, and a new hot water tank has been installed. In addition, a large (672 square feet) garage also has new windows and provides lane access. Adding to the appeal is the property’s RT-10 zoning that allows for duplex development among other options.

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

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

Stay up to date on Canada’s best mortgage rates with our guide to the lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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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.

Although archeological evidence suggests that winemaking originated in Mesopotamia around 6000 to 4000 BC, the ancient Romans were arguably the connoisseurs of the craft (they had their own wine god, Bacchus, after all). To preserve their nectar of the gods , they stored it in huge ceramic containers which they buried up to their necks in the ground to ensure a consistent temperature.

Today’s oenophiles have better options, from simple racks to wall-mounted shelving units to elaborate, dedicated rooms of glass, brick or stone in a naturally cool basement (that is, underground, but without the digging).

Sketch out a space

Before taking your vision to virtual, consider the purpose of your wine storage space, says Todd Senft, owner of Vancouver-based The Cellar . “Is it for a display case? Is it for aging a highly valued collection? Or is it for investment purposes, because many people invest in wine, buying and selling it like stocks. So, the purpose determines the size of your wine storage space.”

For the casual consumer who wants to store 50 or fewer bottles, sometimes a simple wooden or metal rack on the counter or a cabinet in the corner of the room will do the trick. Just be sure to keep it away from your stove, fridge, in-floor heating and strong lighting, all of which emit heat and will age wine too quickly. UV light can actually destroy it.

For something bigger but still budget-friendly, Senft suggests consulting a kitchen cabinet company who can create a simple storage unit that doesn’t require a cooling system. Or you could purchase a basic modular wood rack for a dozen bottles that could nestle into a narrow alcove. A free-standing steel rack with pegs will showcase plenty of bottles without taking up a lot of space. A wall-mounted rack, or wood racks that rest on the floor with some anchoring, are also cost-effective and not too complicated, says Adrienne Gavard, president of North Vancouver’s Blue Grouse Wine Cellars . “You can really build up from there in terms of your esthetic preferences. But if it’s just to store wine properly you don’t technically need wine racks; they’re just better for organizing your wine.”

She says a basement space that will accommodate a cooling unit, however, is preferable to store your precious pours long term because there’s no heat gain through the walls. Ideally, temperature should range between 13 C to 15 C, says Senft, and between 60 to 70 per cent humidity.

Going underground

When John Kump and his wife were gifted some bottles of very fine wine and advised to let them rest in optimum conditions for 10 years, they scouted their Coquitlam house for options. They decided to convert a basement suite bedroom into a wine cellar to store their fancy new wine, along with about 750 bottles they’d accumulated during COVID.

Although the established room saved them from having to build new walls, they knew they still needed professional help with the design and technical details. “We did some sleuthing online, found Blue Grouse, checked out their gallery, and found some things we really liked,” says Kump.

In addition to racks and shelves, Blue Grouse installed the cooling unit. “The refrigeration is the most complicated part of building a wine cellar,” says Gavard. Kump’s new cellar needed to be insulated and vapour-barriered, with electricity to power the unit. “Also, you usually need a drain line for the cooling unit, and proper ventilation into open space.”

Kump’s wall-mounted maple wood racks fit snuggly against the existing walls. With textured stone or brick, however, a wall-mounted rack wouldn’t lie flat, says Gavard. “In that case, we would mount [racks] from the floor to the ceiling.”

And although glass wine cellars are popular, she says they are a choice of form over function. “They’re not as efficient when it comes to climate control because of the thermal loss through the glass. But we do calculations to size the cooling equipment to compensate for that. Choosing a dual pane insulated glass is more efficient than a single pane and frameless glass, which is still the more popular option.”

Senft relies on suppliers who specialize in a specific type of glass that has UV protection, as well as insulating factors. “We did a wall unit that was open to a staircase of three floors,” he says. “The staircase was completely open so if you stood on the top stair you could look down and see into the top of the wine cellar. The ceiling and two walls were glass, and only two walls were insulated.”

He says good wood options include mahogany, white oak and redwood because they’re durable, mildew-resistant and stable. “Softer woods expand and contract, absorb the moisture and start to crack. More budget-friendly are pine or alder. Cherry and walnut are also popular.”

Both Gavard and Senft advise being mindful of your wine space’s flooring. Gavard says to avoid carpeting because of the humidity and the potential for mould. While many people opt for cork flooring to cushion a dropped bottle, Senft avoids it because it’s soft and high heels can cause tearing on the surface. Experts generally recommend tile, vinyl, slate or marble, all of which stand up to moisture.

Senft says his professionally installed wine cellars range from $40,000 to $250,000-plus, depending on the extent of the work. Gavard says Blue Grouse’s range from the very basic, non-enclosed non-temperature-controlled installations for as little as $2,000 up to a fully renovated, custom-designed, high-end refrigeration system for over $100,000.

Display as décor

If you’d prefer to showcase your collection rather than bottle it up in a basement, the experts recommend making it a focal point of your home décor.

“If you have fewer than 50 bottles and you’re not collecting expensive wine or keeping it for long, you can make a nice display which can double as a work of art,” says Gavard. “Buy the racks you really like and install them on your wall or enclose it in glass and skip the refrigeration component.”

Most wine cellar builders and designers, including The Cellar and Blue Grouse, offer plenty of information, including DIY options, on their sites to guide you, as well as free consultation.

Proper illumination helps shine a light on your collection and keep it safe from overheating. “Choose LED, not halogen bulbs, to avoid heat inside the wine cellar,” says Gavard. “Having your lights on dimmer is a nice touch as well.”

As for how to organize your bottles, options include sectioning for region, varietal, date, or size. You’ll also want to keep track of inventory, which vintages have matured, which have increased in value, and monitor conditions.

Of course, there’s an app for that. Smart wine cellar systems let you check temperature and humidity remotely via your smartphone and will alert you if conditions change. Software programs can also help organize, track consumption and even offer pairing advice and wine reviews. Some of the more popular apps include CellarTracker , Vivino and VinoCell .

“Most of the cooling systems we sell have an option to integrate with smart home systems so you can monitor your cellar’s conditions remotely,” says Gavard. “A lot of the cooling system manufacturers have also integrated [platforms like] Nest , ecobee , or Honeywell which you can use as a thermostat or controller.”

Ultimately, if you’re handy, have the right tools, and understand the intricacies of lighting and temperature, you can certainly build your wine cellar yourself (with the exception of the more complicated cooling system).

Kump, however, is glad he turned to the experts. “Getting help from a professional is important because there are technical aspects around the cooling and insulation. It has to be done right.”

Also, he recommends sizing your cellar bigger than you think you’ll need, “because once you get into it, you can accumulate bottles pretty fast.”

Cheers to that.

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Vancouver is a city known for its natural surroundings. Water, mountains and forests frame daily life, and most people who live here want to be connected to these aspects in some form.

Affordability pressures can mean this is hard to achieve. Architects in the city are increasingly under pressure to deliver housing that offers this connection to nature, while being comfortable, livable, sustainably built and also affordable. It’s a tall order.

Two projects built around comfort and connection

Two new non-market housing developments in Vancouver, one in the River District and one in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood, show how thoughtful design can make people feel close and connected to nature, even in the middle of a busy city, and hit these other markers too.

Located on a former industrial site in Vancouver’s riverfront area, the Sawmill Housing Development, by GBL Architects, is now welcoming its first residents into a new community of 337 homes. Across the city, on East 12th Avenue, Ryder Architecture has completed Timbre and Harmony, a pair of six-storey buildings, with over 150 homes designed for people 55 years and older and those with disabilities. Both projects focus on the same thing: creating places that feel warm, welcoming and connected, both to nature and those in your community.

GBL Architects’ principal Daniel Eisenberg notes that in a city with rising pressures, private space has become tighter, so shared indoor and outdoor amenities are now essential to everyday life, as they offer people places to gather, work and connect.

Ryder Architecture’s principal Adam James sees the same shift.

“People in Vancouver today are looking for more than a place to live. They want homes that nurture quality of life through connection, comfort and care,” he says.

A new community takes shape in the River District

Sawmill is impossible to miss. A tall tower rises at the corner of Marine Way, marking the entry to the River District, while a gentler six-storey mid-rise steps down toward Sawmill Crescent. Two-storey townhomes line the street, giving the development a friendly, front-door feeling rather than the blank walls often seen in large buildings.

At the centre is a sunny courtyard that acts as the project’s gathering place. Eisenberg describes it as “the building’s social heart, an open-air living room that connects residents to each other and to the outdoors, fostering a sense of belonging and community.”

Walkways, green space and open sky help the large development feel relaxed and neighbourly. Inside, every home has “a generous balcony or patio for individual space,” and the design focuses on balancing shared and private areas.

“Designing non-market housing that feels like home starts with balancing the private and the shared,” says Eisenberg.

A point of difference for Sawmill is that they have around 70 three-bedroom units, which is unusual in new non-market buildings, and naturally appealing for families.

One of the biggest challenges with this project was balancing tight non-market budgets and Step Code performance requirements with escalating construction costs, while still delivering a design that feels dignified and enduring, says Eisenberg.

Thoughtful design on East 12th Avenue

Timbre and Harmony, designed by Ryder Architecture, offer a softer, more understated form of apartment living. The two six-storey buildings on East 12th Avenue are shaped like a pair of Ls facing a shared courtyard. Although the site now holds nearly three times as many homes as before, the design feels light, walkable and open.

James says the architecture draws from Vancouver’s long tradition of modest, modern apartments.

“Our approach was to create forms that are simple yet elegant. The design draws on refined proportions and Passive House principles, with the articulation of balconies and window surrounds adding character, rhythm, environmental control and visual depth,” he says.

Light, colour and shared spaces

Lighter and darker tones were used in the Timbre and Harmony design to break up the buildings’ height.

“We used a darker grey tone for the lower levels and a lighter palette above to visually break down the massing and bring balance to the street,” says James. “Bold accent colours highlight the main entries, giving each building its own identity while enhancing wayfinding and contributing to a cohesive sense of place.”

In between the two buildings, a landscaped commons acts like a shared backyard, complete with gardens, seating areas and spaces for cooking or gathering.

Access to nature, natural light and designing shared spaces that foster connection are key to warm, comfortable living, says James: “Completing these projects and seeing residents move in is incredibly rewarding.”

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Fashion trends can come and go as quickly as a cluster of TikTok videos — fortunately the cycles in interior design often have a lifespan of several years so trends ease in more slowly and well-designed, functional spaces have a more extended runway.

Still, with new materials and evolving preferences to consider, trends continue to impact interior design. In 2026, some of the changes will be a shift away from open floor plans, more focus on biophilic design as nature continues to play a more important role indoors, leaning into health and wellness and a move to warmer colours as cool greys and stark whites exit.

“I think there has been a great shift in the way we view our homes post pandemic,” says Madeleine Sloback, founder and creative director at Madeleine Design Group in Vancouver. “There is a desire for warmth and multi-functional living. Homes need spaces that work, not necessarily looking perfect at all times — hence the shift from all-open floorplan concepts.

“I think people have realized that they don’t necessarily want that completely open view of their entire main floor living space,” she adds.

“Walls also provide a backdrop for art and personalization,” says the mom of two. “And for those of us with kids … we know that a sound and mess barrier is always appreciated.”

Sarah Gallop, founder and director of design at Sarah Gallop Design Inc. , agrees.

“We are again seeing more definition in spaces — a bit of a revolt against spaces being so open and undefined,” she says.

Another trend that traces back to the pandemic and continues to evolve is biophilic design, the integration of natural elements like plants, light and organic materials into homes.

“Live plants or indoor gardens are always a nice way to do it but can be accomplished with water features or natural materials such as wood and stone, or even colours found in nature. We also like to include big windows and areas with clear view to nature outside the home including gardens or planters on patios,” says Gallop.

An extension of biophilic design is the increasing awareness of health and wellness and how it translates into interiors through the creation of spaces that support well-being.

Ami McKay, president at Pure Design , is passionate about incorporating wellness and healthy materials into her work, drawing on her experience from early in her career when she focused on creating healthy, high-performance homes.

She sees the growing interest in wellness-focused design as an important and positive trend.

“The choices that we make in our homes impact our wellness,” says McKay. “I want people to feel joy in their house and whether we design it for them or if they design it for themselves, the goal is to love your house and feel your absolute best in your space. I think that’s the pinnacle of wellness; feeling peace and comfort and joy. It could be creating a space to meditate in, or if you love cooking [a dream kitchen] and if you just like to be home and read in your most perfect nook and look around and say, ‘gosh, this house is me.’ “

McKay also observes the trend toward warmer colours.

“We’ve moved away from the cool colour palettes of the greys, blues, blacks and the lights that are just pure and crispy. We’re now leaning toward the really warm tones like [colours from] sunsets, ochres and the rich tones of velvety browns,” she says.

McKay recalls being part of a group brainstorming colour trends 15 years ago. At that time warm colours were widespread, but greys were starting to be popular. Now, the pendulum is swinging back.

“I think people just get tired of a palette and want something different,” she says.

Paint companies are always at the forefront of colour-related trends as people reach for brushes, rollers and a can of paint to quickly update their space.

Deciding on a signature colour to define the year ahead is the result of many months of research by the company’s colour and design experts who take into account global influences, insights from design shows and exhibitions and even the impact of technology. All those studies and reflections come together to name the final choice. For 2026, Benjamin Moore’s colour of the year is Silhouette, described as a combination of “rich espresso hues with refined notes of charcoal.”

Gallop says in addition to paint, the trend to warmer colours is impacting features like floors and cabinetry.

“I feel like the super light woods are going out, and people are looking to floors and cabinets with more warmth and depth of colour — if not going darker in entirety, then at least in addition to the lighter wood,” she says.

Crisp whites are no longer a top choice and she sees more texture and colour impacting personal choices.

“Homeowners seem more open to giving their space personality and creating something unique to them. Some are [more cautious] and in those cases we are layering textures — soft colours and patterns. Some homeowners are more adventurous and are open to bolder colours and choices,” says Gallop, adding “I love that bolder colours are making their way into projects, as well as warmth, texture and classic details. Adding interesting layers into projects makes our job fun!”

Sloback is a fan of earth tones being incorporated into the trending palette.

“Rich tones just provide so much warmth in a space, especially somewhere where you can layer textures and really create an enveloping feeling,” she says.

The challenge with trends is to be at the forefront of the trend, not as it nears its end, cautions McKay.

“When you design something that’s 10 years ahead of what’s [currently] popular you can enjoy that time with the design — by the time that everybody has it in their house, it’s not trendy. You always want to be ahead of the trend and not include it when it’s commonplace and everybody’s doing it and everybody’s tired of it. That’s probably my most important advice on any kind of trend,” she says.

Gallop has similar advice.

“Trust your design professionals. We see the trends way before most homeowners would and we are on to the next thing far in advance of what you see online and in magazines as it takes time for projects to be completed and photographed to be able to show the next thing,” she says.

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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.

It’s not every day an opportunity comes along to live in the former home of the highest-ranking officer of the province and a representative of royalty. But the four-storey Tudor and Gothic-revival estate of lieutenant-governor Eric Hamber, who purchased the Shaughnessy property in 1913 and named it Greencroft, is now on the market at a reduced price, due to a court-ordered sale.

Hamber, who served as lieutenant-governor from 1936 to 1941, started his career as a banker. According to Vancouver West End History and newspaper clippings at the time, shortly after marrying Aldyen Hendry in 1912, he joined her industrialist father’s mill and trading company, who left it to the couple upon his death in 1916. Hamber’s businesses eventually encompassed successes in timber, banking, railways and coal. He later acquired the Minnekhada farm property in Coquitlam, which became Minnekhada Regional Park.

The couple’s elite social circle expanded to include politicians and royalty. Outside the mansion, a plaque reads: “Renowned for their entertaining, the Hambers hosted guests such as former Canadian Prime Minister Louis St. Laurent, U.S. president Franklin Roosevelt, King George VI and Queen Elizabeth.”

Hamber died in 1960, and Aldyen was reported to still be living at Greencroft when she died in 1988 at the age of 103. The home was sold and the bulk of the couple’s estate was bequeathed to the various charities they supported.

Historic Greencroft

Occupying a 1.1-acre corner lot at 3838 Cypress Street in the prestigious First Shaughnessy neighbourhood, Greencroft was designed by renowned West Coast architect Thomas Hooper and built in 1912. A ballroom was added in 1927, which was converted to a sunroom in 1936. In 2003, the estate was restored, refurbished, updated and stratified into a side-by-side duplex, both of which are for sale, separately or together.

According to the Vancouver Heritage Foundation, in 2001, Greencroft was awarded Heritage A designation, which protects the exterior from alteration, thereby preserving its historical character and value.

“From the outside, it still looks like a grand single-family estate, but does have two distinct units within,” says Lindsey Vermette of Engel & Völkers Vancouver, who, along with Michael Miller, is handling the listing. “Both units have their own legal title, as well as multiple points of optional internal connectivity, making it a unique opportunity for multi-generational living, or a multitude of creative end uses.”

The circular driveway leads to the porte cochere, a covered entryway that offers protection from the elements. The rest of the grounds feature a fountain and pond, as well as terraced gardens with mature trees that “feel like an extension of the home itself, with pathways that follow the estate’s original formal layout,” says Vermette. “Multiple balconies and terraces, as well as a wraparound patio, are accessible through multiple rooms.”

She adds that, “The entryway features exquisite hand-painted, stained-glass panels depicting soft landscape scenes. Each piece was individually crafted, diffusing the light that fills the main entrance with a gentle, almost cinematic glow. It is one of those rare details that still carries the intimacy of the home’s original craftsmanship and artistry.”

Of the estate’s distinctive turret, she says its conical roof and restored bull’s-eye dormers add “a subtle sense of theatre to the architecture. This upper level connects to a wet bar and naturally lends itself to becoming a small lounge or cocktail room for entertaining, or a quiet retreat above the gardens that captures both history and modern living in a single gesture.”

Rich oak dominates throughout, from the floors to the walls to handrails to inlays and wainscotting, as well as the panelled elevator (Unit 1). Coffered ceilings with elaborate decorative detailing flow into arched entryways and oversized crown moulding. There are also original architectural light fixtures throughout the house.

The entire estate consists of nine bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, nine marble natural gas fireplaces, studies, great rooms, a media room with surround sound system, formal dining rooms, as well as four kitchens, spanning 15,808 square feet. If purchased separately, Unit 1 , at 10,849 square feet over four levels of living space, features five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, five fireplaces, and two kitchens with face frame Shaker cabinetry and exposed hardware. A small, Gothic-inspired library occupies the fourth level.

Unit 2 , at 7,362 square feet over three levels of living space, comprising four bedrooms, six bathrooms, four fireplaces and two kitchens. There is also a wet bar with a sink, dishwasher and fridge on the third floor. Both kitchens feature integrated Miele appliances. All kitchens feature solid surface countertops with dramatic bullnoses and glazed tile backsplash. Unit 2 also features multiple turret rooms.

The Art Deco-inspired underground parkade accommodates six vehicles, as well as storage rooms, a mechanical room, additional laundry suite and two fire escape staircases. There is no common property, and therefore no strata fees or shared expenses/responsibilities, says Vermette.

In the neighbourhood

The exclusive Shaughnessy neighbourhood is criss-crossed by many leafy streets with several schools, including at least three private schools, nearby. Restaurants, shops and grocery stores are minutes away in Kerrisdale. Several golf courses and parks, including VanDusen Botanical Garden, are also close by.

Many more grand mansions line this upscale area, including historic Hycroft Manor, also designed by Thomas Hooper, and “Happy Gilmore’s House” on West 19th Ave., which stood in as Happy’s grandmother’s home in the 1996 Vancouver-shot film. So Greencroft’s new buyers will live not only among the vestiges of a past political class, but among those of a Hollywood cult comedy classic down the street.

Location: 3838 Cypress Street, Vancouver

Year built : 1912

Unit 1: Listed for $6,880,000 ; five bedrooms, seven bathrooms; 10,849 sq. Ft.

Unit 2: Listed for $5,580,000 ; four bedrooms, six bathrooms; 7,362 sq. Ft.

Full estate: $12,460,000; nine bedrooms; 13 bathrooms; 15,808 sq. Ft.

Realtors : Listed by Lindsey Vermette and Michael Miller of Engel & Völkers Vancouver

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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.

The holiday season brings joy, family and, let’s be honest, some chaos. Between overnight guests, gift wrapping and endless to-do lists, even the most organized people can feel overwhelmed.

Author and organizational expert Jane Stoller  says it doesn’t have to be this way.

“I have spent years researching the fact that clutter raises stress and can strain relationships,” says Stoller, author of Decluttering for Dummies and Organize Your Business Like a Boss .

Stoller points to a UCLA study that found mothers’ stress hormones spiked when dealing with their belongings.

“Clutter can harm relationships, and studies have shown that where the word ‘clutter’ is used to describe their current household, a higher percentage of divorces ensued,” she says.

As the holidays approach, Stoller’s advice is to tackle clutter before it snowballs.

Declutter before the guests arrive

Make sure you share your decluttering habits with your partner. Your reasons for wanting to declutter and your strategies. You might show them the new boxes you labelled: donate, recycle, throw out, sentimental, says Stoller.

Sometimes the people you live with get worried when they hear the word decluttering, thinking you’re planning on getting rid of everything, including their sentimental things, which isn’t the case.

You just want to emphasize the decluttering process, and hope they hear you when you express how clutter makes you feel, she says.

Divide the chores

Hosting family for Christmas dinner often exposes an invisible truth: one person does most of the work.

“I always tell families to think of the household as a team effort. Resentment comes when one person feels like they’re doing more than their share or when the ‘invisible work’ goes unnoticed,” she says.

Her first step is simple but powerful — make the invisible visible.

“Write down all the tasks, even the ones that aren’t obvious, like booking appointments, planning meals, removing clutter from the entryway or taking out the recycling,” says Stoller.

Once everyone sees the full list, she says, it’s easier to divide fairly and match tasks to strengths.

“A family calendar, a weekly chart on the fridge, or even a shared app helps keep things transparent,” says Stoller. “It’s not about perfection. It’s about communication, structure and making sure no one person carries the entire load.”

Outsource where it counts

If the thought of deep-cleaning before your in-laws arrive makes you feel panicked, Stoller says outsourcing may be your holiday sanity-saver.

“Outsourcing at home is really about two things: protecting your time and protecting your energy,” she says.

“If scrubbing bathrooms every week makes you resentful and takes hours away from your business or family, hiring a cleaner might be a high-ROI decision.”

She acknowledges that many families hesitate.

“Outsourcing feels like an extra expense,” she says. “But I encourage people to weigh the return on time. If outsourcing meal prep gives you five extra hours a week with your kids or to focus on work, that trade-off could be invaluable.”

Small daily rituals

The best defence against holiday chaos is consistency, says Stoller.

“Small daily rituals are powerful because they create momentum and signal to your brain that the day is starting on the right track,” she says.

Her go-tos include: Making the bed, clearing the kitchen counters before bed, a five-minute reset, putting things back where they belong and an entryway check.

For holiday hosts, that means fewer frantic cleanups before guests arrive — and calmer mornings when the house is full.

Start small to avoid feeling overwhelmed

If your home feels more like Santa’s workshop gone rogue, Stoller’s advice is to start small.

“I always suggest beginning with the entryway or a single drawer. These are high-traffic, high-visibility areas, so the payoff is immediate,” she says.

Her practical frameworks help cut through decision paralysis. “The three-second rule is to pick up an item and ask yourself: Do I use this? Do I love this? Do I need this? If you can’t answer ‘yes’ in three seconds, it’s a candidate to donate or discard.”

Manage digital clutter before it manages you

Between online shopping receipts, shipping notifications and holiday e-cards, digital clutter can spike this time of year.

“If your phone is constantly buzzing, your inbox is overflowing, and your files are a mess, it doesn’t stay ‘in the cloud’ — it seeps into your mood,” Stoller warns.

“When you start cleaning up digitally, you create mental white space. That space gives you the calm and focus to tackle everyday life, even laundry, with less stress,” she says.

Her boldest advice? “Simply delete your entire email inbox, even if you have many old unread emails just sitting there. Yes, I am serious. If someone really needs to reach you, they will email you again in your fresh, clean inbox.”

Helping kids and guests keep it tidy

Families often see an influx of toys and gifts over the holidays. Parents can keep the peace by creating simple systems and boundaries, she says.

“Gifts from grandparents, toys at every birthday, goody bags filled with trinkets … it adds up fast. Kids actually get overwhelmed with too many toys,” she says.

Encouraging relatives to give experiences or books instead of bags of clutter is a good idea.

“Children thrive on systems just like adults,” she says.

“When toys have a clear home, when clothes are easy to find, and when school items have a routine spot, kids feel more secure and parents feel less stressed.”

Jane Stoller will be signing her new book, Organize your Business Like a Boss: An Entrepreneur’s Six-Step System to Gaining More Time, Money, and Freedom at Indigo Robson, in Vancouver, on Dec. 7.

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

From handmade ceramics to natural cleaners, our editor’s picks are inspired finds for home-design enthusiasts. Our curated list of functional and decorative homeware features nine thoughtful and timeless holiday gift ideas.

For the natural aromatherapy enthusiast

Simons’ Fluted Ultrasonic Diffuser brings understated elegance to any space. Its softly ribbed design and gentle mist create a relaxed atmosphere that’s perfect for winding down after a busy day. Just add water and your favourite essential oil and let this sculptural piece work its magic.

Fluted Ultrasonic Diffuser | $60

simons.ca

For the coffee lover

Mud Australia’s coffee mug is handmade from Limoges porcelain sourced from France. With 19 colours to choose from, its refined simplicity make it an excellent gift choice. A little piece of luxury that’s now available in Canada at Hopson Grace.

Mud Australia’s Round Mug | $95

hopsongrace.com

For the bathing beauty

Give the gift of calm this Christmas with an Amphora Vessel Gift Set by Bowen Island’s own Sangre de Fruta Botanicals. A violet-glass keepsake designed to hold botanical bath salts with high magnesium sea salt harvested from Salt Spring Island. Pair it with a matching hand-poured candle scented with one of the brand’s signature essential oils. A soothing and sustainable way to say, “You deserve a little luxury.”

Amphora Set| $128

Candle | $114

sangredefruta.com

For the cosy-season devotee

The Raita Throw by Vancouver designer Petra Kaksonen is what happens when Scandinavian cool meets West Coast warmth. Drawing on her Finnish heritage, Kaksonen combines natural influences and contemporary craftsmanship. Made from recycled cotton and available in red, green or beige this throw is a must-have accessory for modern West Coast homes.

Patterned Throw Blanket – Raita by Petra Kaksonen | $205

in2green.com

For the design-forward neat freak

Meet the prettiest way to clean up your act: Wildflower Mercantile’s Signature Collection includes a trio of dish soap, kitchen spray and hand soap that makes everyday chores smell like a spa day. Inspired by her own Vancouver Island garden, Wildflower founder Emily Yewchuk has combined plant-powered formulas with sleek, refillable packaging.

Wildflower Bath, Body & Home Signature Collection | From $12

wildflowermercantile.ca

For the minimalist with impeccable taste

The Linen Pillowcase set from Wilet is all about quiet comfort. Available in seven colourways and patterns, these pillowcases get better with every wash. Cool in the summer, cosy in the winter and a timeless gift sure to make every night feel like a stay in a five-star hotel (minus the checkout time).

The Linen Pillowcase | Set of 2 queen-size from $88

shopwilet.com

For the collector of beautiful things

The Toyo Steel Toolbox Collection marries utility and high design. Handcrafted in Japan from durable steel and available in an array of popping colours and sizes, it’s a versatile catchall for everything from desk essentials to garden tools. A nice choice for the stylishly organized or the secretly chaotic and proving that storage can be sophisticated.

Toyo Steel Toolbox Collection | From $40

t5mrkt.com

For the golfer who likes a good pour

Keep your cool, literally. These golf-ball-shaped Whisky Cubes from Home Depot are the hole-in-one stocking stuffer or cheeky Secret Santa gift for anyone who’d rather be on the green. Cool, reusable and charmingly on-theme for chilled whisky, zero dilution and the right blend of sport and spirit.

Outset Golf Ball Whisky Cubes | $31.55 (online only)

homedepot.ca

For the one who likes to set the mood

This petite powerhouse delivers instant atmosphere. Designed and made by Lexon in France, this portable, dimmable and oh-so-chic lamp glows in warm or cool tones and charges via USB. It’s an excellent holiday gift for anyone who believes good lighting is as important as having the right fit.

Lexon’s Mina LH60 | $50

amazon.ca

mbroberts@postmedia.com

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Winning the grand prize residence at Whitford Shaughnessy in the 2025 Millionaire Lottery would realize a dream of not only having a home in the pricey Vancouver real estate market but also one in the prestigious west side neighbourhood.

The Whitford, situated at Oak and 37th Ave., is just one of nine home options for the grand prize in the lottery that raises funds in support of the VGH + UBC Hospital Foundation.

“What sets Whitford apart is that it is literally the only large townhome community on Vancouver’s west side that is actually in Shaughnessy, right next to VanDusen Botanical Garden,” explains Jennifer Chan, director of operations for Citimark, which in partnership with Grosvenor, is building the project.

Inspiration for the architectural vision, Chan says, was taken from Shaughnessy’s heritage but with a sleek, modern, Scandinavian take. Roofs are peaked and the varied sized, black-framed windows create an elegant counterpoint to the monochromatic, light-hued brick and Hardie plank exterior cladding.

“Something special that the team considered together with the architect (Formwerks Architecture) throughout the design phase was actually making sure the homes felt secluded and private despite it being in an urban setting,” Chan says. “We used landscaping and building setbacks to create a natural buffer from the street.”

The prize home is one of four homes, with the A-4E floorplan, in the project that offers three-bedrooms plus a flex space. It faces out to the private, enclosed courtyard and backs onto a lane and can also be accessed through its own entrance from the underground parkade. The residence features three outdoor living spaces: two patios and a rooftop deck. All homes in the project — no matter their size — boast generous outdoor areas.

“The lane is going to be landscaped,” Chan notes. “This is something the city wanted to do to activate the lane and make sure it’s a connection with the community as well.”

The interior space, imagined by Ste Marie Studio, is a seamless blend of modern and classic design that accentuates the airy, spacious ambiance owing to the oversized glass doors leading to the main level’s patio. The mix of Italian-made cabinetry throughout, warm-hued engineered hardwood floors, quartz composite slab backsplashes and countertops, and Miele appliances adds up to a distinct vibe of understated luxury.

“We made the decision that all the homes would have premium features,” Chan confirms.

Both the hallway and ensuite bathrooms also reflect that approach. They feature stylish floating vanities, underfloor heating, rain showers with niche shelves and a soaker tub. Closets have built-in organizers and the windows are fitted with roller blinds.

Being part of the Millionaire Lottery campaign, Chan says, is down to what she describes as Whitford’s distinct positioning and craftsmanship.

“We know this definitely aligns with the Lottery’s focus on aspirational and best-in-class homes. We’re really in support of the innovations at VGH and UBC hospitals as well as GF Strong. And through our involvement we’ve learned that the Millionaire Lottery has raised $100 million since its inception. We’re equally proud but also humbled to be able to take part in such an important program.”

Liza Jerome, spokesperson for the Millionaire Lottery, echoes Chan’s sentiment, emphasizing that the hospitals treat people with the most complex health issues. “That’s what we’re here for, and this lottery is immensely important in making sure that we have all the equipment, the research and care options.”

Jerome underscores the importance of the raised funds going to support much needed research at the Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute.

“That’s what people are supporting,” Jerome says. “There are so many areas: cardiology, critical care, surgery. It’s the whole breadth of the health care system.”

The deadline to purchase tickets for the Millionaire Lottery grand prize draw is Jan. 9, 2026, or until tickets sell out. The buyer must be in B.C. at the time of ticket purchase. For more information, go to millionairelottery.com

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For more than half a century, Hycroft, the Edwardian-era manor in Vancouver’s Shaughnessy neighbourhood, has opened its doors for Hycroft for the Holidays . This event, themed Winter Garden Wonderland this year, invites people in to explore the mansion, shop from local artisans, and help preserve the heritage property.

Interior designer Francesca Albertazzi, of Studio Albertazzi , is bringing a fresh look to Hycroft’s grand drawing room for this event. A member of the University Women’s Club of Vancouver, which owns and maintains the house, she joined the club’s garden committee a few years ago and quickly became inspired by the property’s natural beauty.

“I’d see all these beautiful hydrangeas going into the green bin at the end of the season. They were too lovely to waste, so I took some home to dry and thought: why not use them to decorate the house?” says Albertazzi.

A garden-inspired theme

This idea formed the foundation of her drawing-room design, which is all about “bringing the outside in,” says Albertazzi. It features dried blue hydrangeas from the Hycroft gardens, fresh greenery and hand-dried orange slices woven through blue tartan ribbon.

The blue of the ribbon links back to the McRae tartan — the original owners of the Hycroft mansion.

“And the orange adds a warm, natural contrast. I imagined what Mrs. McRae might have done in winter with what she had in her garden — drying flowers, making bouquets, decorating with what was on hand,” says Albertazzi.

While much of the house will be decorated by the club’s volunteer committee using pieces from its collection, the drawing room will stand out as a focal point — a nod to the estate’s gardens and to sustainable, natural holiday decor.

Supporting local makers

Alongside the festive displays, Hycroft for the Holidays will feature more than 40 vendors throughout the home. Each showcases handmade goods ranging from textiles and ceramics to jewelry and fine foods.

Albertazzi saw an opportunity to connect her room design with the market.

It made sense to include a few pieces from the artisans showing in the house — pillows, vases, linens — so visitors could see how those products fit into a real interior, she says.

She credits fellow club member Kaarina Talvila, a craftsperson herself, for helping assemble this year’s mix of vendors.

The organizers wanted to focus on artistry and originality — items people won’t find at every other holiday market. It’s a thoughtful curation rather than just festive trinkets, says Albertazzi.

Along with these vendors, the event will feature choral and jazz performances and two cosy on-site cafés.

Preserving a landmark

Proceeds from ticket sales and vendor fees go to the Hycroft Heritage Preservation Fund, which supports ongoing maintenance of the 1911 mansion.

“Keeping a property like this in good condition takes constant attention,” says Albertazzi. “The fund covers the repairs and structural work needed to keep the house sound — everything from terrace restoration to masonry.”

The house has been home to the University Women’s Club of Vancouver since the 1960s.

“There are photos of women in pencil skirts and pumps up on ladders, cleaning and painting,” Albertazzi says. “They literally rolled up their sleeves to save it.”

The club continues to use Hycroft as its base, running scholarship and outreach programs that support women in education and professional life.

“It’s an incredible community,” she says. “There’s so much knowledge in that house — educators, professionals, artists, doctors. Working on the gardens and the design projects there, you really feel part of something meaningful.”

A designer’s path

Albertazzi’s connection to Hycroft follows more than two decades in design, including television and residential work across British Columbia. Viewers may recognize her from Pamela’s Garden of Eden , an HGTV series filmed in 2021 at Pamela Anderson’s property in Ladysmith.

Other projects currently on the go include remodelling a waterfront home in West Vancouver for clients wanting a more personal, less cookie-cutter design; a kitchen remodel in Mountain View with a custom stained-glass nook that balances the home’s heritage character with a modern family lifestyle; and a Richmond project for clients with a small apple orchard, featuring a processing kitchen, pantry and conservatory.

Being involved with the Hycroft event has been a privilege, says Albertazzi. “It’s wonderful to work somewhere with such history and purpose. Designing here connects you to the generations who’ve cared for the house before.”

Hycroft for the Holidays runs Nov. 27 to 30 at 1489 McRae Avenue, Vancouver. Tickets and details are available at uwcvancouver.ca

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It’s a growing phenomenon right across Canada, and once again, I’m truly amazed by the popularity of winter porch pots. Whether they’re situated on the front veranda of a house or on the patio of an apartment or condo, they offer refreshing new colour that can be enjoyed now right through until spring.

Cities’ parks departments and commercial complexes are adding cut greens to their summer planters to beautify downtown streets and shopping areas. Assorted cut greens, along with white birch poles, brilliant red, yellow and orange stems of shrub dogwoods and deciduous holly branches loaded with vibrant, colourful berries, make any container come alive. In just a few minutes, you can create a wonderful natural look that is guaranteed to lift your spirits, especially at this time of the year.

Starting in late September or early October, I always love to take this festive idea up a notch or two by replanting summer containers with hardy, evergreen perennials, colourful conifers, evergreen grasses and interesting broadleaf plants, like the new Thunderbolt lonicera. It’s important to start with a very open, porous soil blend that will not only hold moisture but will also allow excess water from heavy autumn rains to drain away quickly. Container soils with lots of aggregate, like fine fir bark mulch and perlite, are a must. They are available at most garden stores, but you can easily create your own by mixing Sunshine #4 or ProMix HP with about one-third fine bark. This type of soil blend is critical for both the winter container plants and the cut greens that are added in late November or December.

We’ve never had such an amazing collection of plants for winter colour as we do now. As an upright focal point, I most often select a narrow yew, a columnar boxwood (like Graham Blandy) or a Sky Pencil Japanese holly, and sometimes I choose the yew-like cephalotaxus for certain combinations.

Evergreen perennials, like blue-green Euphorbia wulfenii, the gold variety, E. Ascot Rainbow, and the white and green E. Tasmanian Tiger, are excellent options to create a rich fullness, and the many vibrant colours of heucheras, from hot lime and reds to burgundies and purples, add much needed colour. Evergreen broadleaves, like Thunderbolt lonicera, which will spill nicely over the edge, is the main show-off but, of course, evergreen grasses, like members of the carex family, which come in a wide range of colours, will also look attractive spilling out of the container. They, too, are real attention-getters.

Compact nandinas, especially Gulf Stream, which turns red in the cold, and variegated holly, like Osmanthus Goshiki, will also elevate the look of your planters.

You can work in cut greens any time now to change the focus of your planters to winter and the festive season ahead. The nice thing about all these colourful evergreens is that, as zone 5 and 6 plants, they are rated hardy for our winters, and when the festive season is over and the cut greens are gone, these containers will look ready for spring, especially if you add in some winter pansies, four-inch started bulbs or primulas.

For cut greens, silver or noble firs provide two of the key wintergreen branches. I love the fragrance of silver fir, and its flat branches make a nice deep green backdrop for the planter, as do the bluish green branches of noble fir. The soft blue branches of Pinus strobus (white pine) are some of my all-time favourites. Their fragrant, semi-pendulous habit creates a nice spillover effect. Cedar branches, with their soft tips, make great fill-ins.

It is important to understand that these greens are simply used to accent your other plants. Don’t crowd the existing plants too much because they need lots of air circulation to keep them looking nice. Using some shrub dogwood stems will provide a dramatic element of height to your containers, while bright red, yellow or orange toned branches will add a natural look, as well as a touch of sophistication.

Many folks love the contorted branches of the twisted willow, Salix tortuosa. The most common are the green stemmed varieties, but they also come in bright yellow and red. I like to keep these branches about three to four feet long, making them ideal supports for LED mini lights. Clear mini lights add a festive touch, and they look so beautiful lighting up our dark winter nights. There’s a funny thing about these willow branches: The fact is they root easily, and you may have new plants come spring.

The finishing touch is, of course, the branches of Ilex verticillata, a deciduous holly. The leaves are now off the plants, exposing their vibrant red berries that will provide such a traditional winter look. There are also varieties with bright gold berries available, as well as the new hot orange berries now here from Europe. They look quite spectacular and are a natural bird food. These berries will last all winter and will tolerate extremely cold weather.

If your planters are under the eaves of your home, it’s important to keep them moist. All the greens and berry stems will be fine for the festive season if the branch stems are in continually moist soil. If we run into a dry spell of warm weather and wind, you may have to mist the green branches with water to prevent them from drying out. With normal late fall weather, all the plants, stems, greens and berries will keep fresh and colourful.

As well as adding a lovely touch to your festive decor, fall and winter planters will add so much beauty to your home and garden at a time when you may need a little lift.

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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.

There are fashion trends, food trends, and tech trends, but furniture trends? Who swaps out their sofa every season? Nobody, really, but the average crib could benefit from an occasional refresh, whether that’s adding a simple yet sophisticated pillow or a full-on furniture replacement. Besides, anything that trends is obviously new, which is invigorating, and if it means a curvy new couch or a sly little side table with a removable lid to tuck away clutter, adding the odd piece is sure to brighten your space. Another reason to shop? Minimalism is out.

The shape of things

Curve is the word these days, with curling waves, lacy leaves, spiral tree branches and fanned scallop shell shapes incorporated into sofas, beds, tables and chairs using natural materials such as wood, stone, clay or marble. Even pendant lights and floor lamps in undulating patterns cast a wave-like glow.

“Relaxed curves and organic shapes offer a sense of visual comfort, which aligns with people’s need to create spaces that feel restful and restorative,” says Rebecca Andrews, vice-president of category management and design at Article furniture store. “We’re seeing this come through upholstered seating, dining and coffee tables, accent chairs, and very prominently in the bedroom,” noting the store’s Kayra king upholstered ivory bouclé bed’s softly rounded frame and the Almelo hale rust king velvet headboard.

Steen Skaaning, co-owner of INspiration furniture stores, which source up to 90 per cent of their product from Europe, says, “Curvy shapes are really big, everybody loves them. We have a good selection of these kidney shapes, but they’re not always practical. Space is at a premium in Vancouver, and they take a lot of space. We sell a lot more, let’s say, realistic sizes and shapes. But they’re a lot of fun and inspiring to look at.”

Chris Cooke, design mentor at King Living , says that while curves are still trending, “We’re seeing more tailored arcs that feel architectural and gently soften the geometry,” pointing to the store’s newly released Aura sofa as an example.

He says biophilic design continues to influence interiors, noting a greater integration of “natural materials, nature-inspired colour palettes, and organic silhouettes such as rounded edges and curved timber details that mimic the softness of nature.”

Cooke says modular, multifunctional pieces are also dominating these days. “Sofas and sofa beds are increasingly modular, like our Jasper and Delta collections, which can be reconfigured or expanded, adapting as families grow or when living spaces evolve. Dining is moving toward extendable forms, like our Heritage and Magnolia tables, that can expand to seat additional guests and contract for daily use — practical for apartment living.”

Modular has also moved to the bedroom, he says, pointing to modular motion mattresses that can be adjusted to suit preferred levels of support.

Touch and texture

Andrews says textures and layering continue to trend, with a “growing appetite for multi-sensory, tactile features and pieces that invite touch and add dimension to a room.” Textured upholstery like bouclé, a type of yarn with loops or nubs, as illustrated in Article’s Julie swivel chair in sandstone wool bouclé, is all the rage.

“At the same time, velvets, chenille, and ratine are rising in popularity, bringing that same cosy comfort but with a softer, subtler expression.” She points to the layers of supple materials combined with the natural warmth of oak on Article’s Cassie queen upholstered bed with nightstands as an example of chenille and wood that create a multi-sensory feel.

In addition, the store’s plush performance velvet, another rich-feeling fabric, is on display in their Oren lounge chair.

Skaaning says that while velvet, leather and bouclé remain fashionable, bigger, bolder weaves, the “mega- bouclés”, as opposed to the smaller weaves, are gaining in popularity, as are easy clean materials.

Andrews says Article has multiple performance fabrics in their catalogue, including their proprietary Silver, featuring LifeGuard stain-repellent fibres woven into the fabric. Another is their Napa performance fabrics, which include a C0 stain-repellent finish that is PFA-free. Hale fabrics are also a special performance velvet that is fade-resistant, non-absorptive and easy to clean.

Cooke says the appetite for recyclable and renewable textiles continues to grow. “It’s not only the materials themselves, customers are looking for timeless designs and products built to last, which will remain visually and emotionally durable and endure trends. This is why our customers resonate strongly with our removable, replaceable covers and steel frames, which are designed to last decades.”

Skaaning says INspiration specializes in marble, used primarily in their dining tables but also in end tables, coffee tables and accent tables. “It’s an amazing material. Just like wood, there’s this real uniqueness. You will never find two marble slabs that are the same, and here’s a product that was created five million years ago. We have sourced some spectacular marbles from some of the best suppliers around the world. There’s one called Pandora marble from Brazil, which is probably the most popular stone right now globally.”

Pops of colours

The days of greys are giving way to forested greens and earthy browns. “We’re still seeing the soft tones — beige, sand and taupe — but more pops of colour as well, anywhere from pink to burnt orange to a bright red, [especially in] pillows and throws ,” says Skaaning.

Cooke notes neutrals still reign, but they’re being layered with saturated accents rather than replaced altogether. “Think earthy olives, deep terracotta, and muted teals in upholstery,” he says. “These hues add depth without overwhelming a space. It’s less about maximal colour and more about tonal richness. We recently analyzed hundreds of thousands of King Living sofa purchases and found that green fabric sofas have risen from 1 per cent in 2019 to over 18 per cent in 2025.”

Andrews adds, “Colour is back in a big way. People are leaning into it to make their spaces feel truly theirs. Greens and browns are stepping in as the new neutrals while rich, cosy shades like warm taupes and earthy rusts are also having their moment.”

Timeless treasures

Blending old and new is an enduring trend, with designers sourcing looks and materials spanning centuries. Examples include an art deco armchair from the 1920s paired with a hand-painted cabinet of the 1970s, or a 19th-century piano together with a pale wood bench of the mid-2010s.

“Crafting a personalized space is a key consideration for most customers, and mixing vintage with contemporary is an ideal way to achieve this,” says Cooke. “Modern designs give structure, while older pieces can inject character to create balance.”

Andrews calls the melding of old and new styles “visually dynamic and really fun. Think warm woods and textured fabrics for a classic base, paired with clean lines and softer edges to keep things more modern. Add in natural, crafted details and playful shapes like scallops or waves and you get spaces that feel both grounded in nature and joyful.”

She points to Article’s Ansel walnut sideboard, “which has intricate, crated detailing that feels both whimsical and artful, striking that balance between function and sculptural design.”

Andrews says versatility is also premium, especially in smaller homes. “This is driving demand for durable, versatile pieces that help maximize every inch,” noting the company’s Marina Clover Ivory reversible sleeper storage sectional, a kind of Swiss army knife that combines hidden storage and a fold-out memory foam mattress ideal for small-space living. Also, Article’s multi-purpose black storage side table with removable lid and the Maribo felted green storage ottoman with soft-close lid maximizes storage.

Ultimately, “One of the trends we are seeing is not so much style, it’s more value,” says Skaaning. “Customers are looking for value, and they will pay a bit more for good quality. But there have to be good reasons for it; not just because it’s popular or a well-known brand. There has to be value in a well-made product.”

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