Is it a house? A townhouse? A duplex? Is it detached? Semi-detached? These are the head-scratching questions that interested buyers ask when they tour Yewbrook Place, a unique development overlooking the Marine Drive Golf Club in Vancouver.

The answer, essentially, is yes. It is a house. It looks like a townhouse. It is semi-detached. It is a duplex, kind of. As Crystal Hung of Icon & Co. Boutique Inc. real estate marketing and sales agency puts it, “There isn’t even a category on MLS to categorize it, it’s so unique. It’s called a ‘bare land strata’, a big parcel of land that 13 homeowners share in a subdivision. They look like townhomes but they’re all individual single lots, with unobstructed views of the 105-acre golf course.

“There’s a lot more to it behind the structure when you enter the home .”

What’s inside

Hung says each structure is designed and built a bit differently. This particular home comprises two-and-a-half bathrooms, three bedrooms plus an open office over two levels connected by stairs and a private elevator. Four new terraces comprise almost 2,000 square feet with heaters above two of them.

The property was renovated twice since it was built in 1982, the last time, in 2023, cost more than $1 million.

The current homeowner, a construction executive, undertook an extensive overhaul, says Hung. “Everything was taken out — roofing, decks, drainage, mechanical, pipes, plumbing, electrical wiring, a lot of insulation, all window systems, the entire flooring was re-levelled, the rooftop deck was rebuilt and waterproofed, and interior and exterior finishes were upgraded. It’s basically a brand-new build.”

She says the homeowner spent $180,000 on the hardwood, tiles, and carpeted flooring alone. Roughly $20,000 of that was just on levelling and waterproofing, from the rooftop deck all the way downstairs. She also invested more than $100,000 on custom-made EuroLine Windows and patio doors.

“Because she’s a construction expert, she didn’t do it just for cosmetic reasons,” says Hung of the extensive renovations. “It was to be her forever home, and it was that long-term thinking she had in mind when she was renovating. She spent all the money and did the work (so it would be) very low maintenance. It’s like a house without the house problem. But she was being drawn too often to grandkids in Richmond …”

There are two gas fireplaces, and extensive skylights span the top of the main entrance, above the staircase and into the kitchen.

All three bedrooms are on the main floor, one of which is being used as a gym (and could also be converted to a home theatre). One features a Murphy bed, and another could be reconfigured to accommodate a live-in caretaker for a downsizer who wants to age in place. The primary bedroom is en suite with a jetted soaker tub and walk-in shower.

There’s also an open office space by the kitchen. “Being a female executive, she’s always in her kitchen and office,” says Hung. “It didn’t make sense to have a third seating room, so she turned it into an office.”

Kitchen appliances include a Wolf range and Sub-Zero refrigerator. There is also a wine fridge next to the wall stoves and a backup fridge by the elevator. Cabinetry, including in the library/TV room, was designed and crafted in B.C. by Nicole Mah Design. Customized Emtek hardware was also incorporated throughout the home.

The elevator was installed by Cambridge Cambrian Elevator from Western Elevator Ltd at a cost of $40,000.

The owner also had a Hydropool AquaSport self-cleaning, energy-efficient jetted swim spa installed for $35,000. “The coolest thing I learned about this pool is that you can swim stationary laps for a full-body workout, use the rowing system to work the upper body, and run or jog underwater for a cardiovascular workout,” says Hung. “The insulation layer inside of the system uses the same technology as NASA for protecting its astronauts from minus 273 degrees in outer space.”

The homeowner also enlisted Repel Technologies to integrate smart home technology, including a brand-new, top-of-the-line security system with the latest alarm sensors on all openings, glass break detectors on windows, CCTV cameras, as well as automatic blinds, temperature, AC, and lighting that can all be controlled with a smartphone or iPad.

The home comes with a two-car garage and an EV charging station, plus extra visitor parking.

“I think the bare land strata is an interesting topic that’s misunderstood,” says Hung, who notes that owners can undertake any renovations, additions or adjustments as long as they obtain the appropriate permits and follow architectural standards and strata guidelines to protect the integrity and esthetic of the complex. Each homeowner pays $900 in monthly strata fees for landscaping in public areas.

“It’s a great model because it’s gentle, it’s respectful, it’s clean, there are lots of benefits that, unless you live there, are not well-known. I think it’s a much better option than building six homes on one tiny lot.”

In the neighbourhood

Hung says she envisions the next homeowner as a downsizer who is looking for something safe and quiet, close to public and private schools, including UBC 10 minutes away, YVR 15 minutes away, and several top golf courses, including the private Marine Drive Golf Club, close by.

Stairs leading outside connect with a walkway that links to the Fraser River trail system and the Pacific Spirit Regional Park and beyond.

Grocery stores, shops and restaurants are a walk, bike or drive up West 57th Avenue, or seven minutes over to Dunbar Village and Kerrisdale Village on W. 41st Avenue.

Location:2236 Yewbrook Place , Vancouver

Listed for: $4,788,000

Year built: 1982

Type: Three bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms

Size: 4,330 square feet

Realtor: Listed by Crystal Hung, Icon&Co. Boutique Inc., Vancouver

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Philosophically, mirrors symbolize truth, self-reflection and vanity (which didn’t turn out so well, mythically, for Narcissus). Mystically, they serve as portals between the physical and spiritual worlds (go ask Alice). Practically, they allow you to check your look before opening the door. Usefully, they make a room seem bigger than it really is, brighten dark hallways, and infuse everything with balance, depth, atmosphere and style.

Mirror, mirror

“Mirrors create the illusion of space by reflecting both light and the surrounding environment,” says Arash Rezghi, director at Omid Glass Ltd . in Coquitlam, which custom crafts glass and mirrors for businesses and residences. “When placed strategically, such as across from a window or at the end of a room, they visually ‘double’ the space, making areas feel larger and more open.”

He says large, frameless mirrors tend to be the most effective at expanding a space visually because they create a seamless reflection. “Minimal or thin frames also help maintain a clean, open look. Vertical mirrors help emphasize height, making ceilings feel taller, while wide, horizontal mirrors can make a room appear broader.”

He says tall mirrors are ideal for entryways, small bedrooms and narrow spaces where you want to create a sense of height by drawing the eye upward. “Full wall mirrors are especially effective in smaller rooms, gyms, or basements, for maximizing the sense of openness.”

Lucila Diaz, founder and creative director at Harmony Sense Interiors in North Vancouver, agrees a well-placed mirror can open up a room through reflection, but she advises being careful about what you’re reflecting. “It will extend sightlines but if it’s extending to something not worth looking at, such as clutter, messy countertops, etc., then you’ll just double the problem. But if you’re reflecting (a clean, interesting space), then you’re doubling the clean space and distracting from clutter.”

Diaz says bathrooms, especially small bathrooms without a lot of wall space or windows, benefit greatly from a strategically placed mirror. Directly across from or beside a window, a mirror draws daylight into the room. Without a window, a mirror hung behind or near a light fixture, such as a sconce, boosts the light and brightens shadows.

She says mirrors that have integrated light all the way around are popular and functional, helping you see better when applying makeup or fixing your hair. Some come with a dimmer, adding warmth to the room.

A medicine cabinet with a mirror can also do double duty as a reflector of face and enhancer of space.

Diaz cautions against having more than two mirrors in a bathroom, especially if you’re placing them directly across from each other, because it can create an infinite reflection effect that can be disorienting and overwhelming, kind of like a funhouse mirror.

Mirrors that are embedded in furniture, such as end tables, coffee tables, curio cabinets, hall trees, or shelving, can also reflect light and expand a space without adding extra furniture to a room.

Outside, mirrors placed around a garden reflect flowers and greenery, creating the illusion of a larger space. Frames that match outdoor finishes give the impression of whimsical little windows around the yard.

Light up your life

“Mirrors enhance brightness by reflecting available light, whether natural or artificial,” says Rezghi. “In darker areas, like hallways or windowless spaces, placing a mirror near a light source helps distribute light more evenly and reduces shadows.”

Also, a mirror at the end of a dark hallway can help elongate the hall, says Diaz. “Placing a mirror next to a wall sconce, table lamp or chandelier extends the reach of the light and adds symmetry.”

A windowpane-type mirror hung opposite to or diagonally from a window is like adding another window, which works well — depending on the view. “You don’t want to just reflect a neighbour’s house,” says Diaz. “But if your window looks onto beautiful greenery, for example, then you can double the effect. Through the corner of your eye, you might think there’s another window on the other side.”

Too much of a good thing can be distracting or irritating, however. Mirrors that reflect harsh light can cause glare and shine that blinds. A simple angle adjustment, frosted glass fixtures or nearby lamps with diffusers can balance the brightness.

Shapes, sizes and hang-ups

When choosing the size and shape of a mirror, you should take into account the size and shape of the space it will occupy. A mirror that’s too large can overwhelm a room, while a mirror that’s too small can fade into the background. “You want it to be in proportion with the furniture or other elements that are underneath or around it,” says Diaz.

Hanging a mirror behind a cabinet, console or shelving can add depth, dimension and layering to a room and prevents furniture from appearing flat against a wall. A large mirror behind a sofa can reflect more light and give the illusion of a wider room.

Some experts advise keeping a mirror’s width roughly the same size as the furniture below it. A mirror that extends slightly beyond the edges of a console table, for example, feels more balanced. A wall mirror in a dining room can double the table and chairs, opening up the space. It can also reflect candles or the glow of a chandelier, warming up the room.

As for shapes, “Rectangular mirrors offer a modern (symmetrical) and structured look, making them suitable for most spaces,” says Rezghi. “Round or oval mirrors soften a room’s (angles) and are often used in bathrooms or above vanities. Custom shapes can also be used as design features to complement unique interiors. Clean, polished edges (work best) for modern and minimalist designs. Bevelled edges add a more classic or decorative touch, as they catch light and create subtle detailing, making them suitable for traditional or more formal interiors.”

When deciding on your mirror’s frame, consider whether it will go with the rest of the decor. “You don’t want the frame to be so ornate that it takes away from the mirror’s job of reflecting a beautiful space, complementing the beautiful console that it’s going above, or a gorgeous fireplace,” says Diaz.

Some experts claim metal frames are cleaner and more modern; distressed wood fits a rustic environment; and ornate gilded frames evoke classic or vintage style. A frame that matches other finishes or features of a room helps tie the space together.

Hang your mirror as you would hang a painting, advise some experts. Too high or too low will make the room feel asymmetrical or unbalanced. While standing, hang the centre of the mirror at eye level, roughly 60 inches from the floor.

“It’s also important to ensure professional installation, especially for large or heavy mirrors, to guarantee safety and longevity,” says Rezghi.

Mirror images

A mirror can reflect more than a room or a face, it can reflect your personal artistic flair. Whether it’s the size, shape or etching in the glass itself, bevelled or polished edges, the style and material of the frame or finish, or a unique antique, a mirror can be a piece of art in its own right.

Small mirrors often work well in groupings, says Diaz. “Make sure they are all clustered together, so they become almost like one piece of art. Don’t just put one on a wall, it will get lost. Group them so they look like a collection rather than scattered here and there.”

Diaz says she’s partial to antique mirrors. “I’m always looking for those that add that extra layer of beauty, extra layer of texture. With that aged look to them, they tell a story.”

In fact, whenever she sees an antique mirror, Diaz reflects on the many faces that have gazed into the looking glass over the ages. “Can you imagine, over hundreds of years, the people who have looked into them? The stories a mirror could tell if it could speak.”

Maybe it’s best not to go down that rabbit hole …

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At the northwest corner of Broadway and Alma, Leckie Studio’s 16-storey rental tower for Westbank brings sculptural concrete forms, family-sized rental housing and Musqueam-inspired public art to one of Point Grey’s busiest intersections.

Named The Raven by Westbank, the project takes its name from the public art installation above the building entrance. Spa:l’ (Raven) by Thomas Cannell features three ravens symbolizing transformation and protection. Inspired by nature and Musqueam traditions, the vibrant aluminum figures contrast with the building’s concrete architecture.

The building sits at the west end of the Broadway corridor, one of Vancouver’s busiest transit routes. Architect Michael Leckie says the site “called for an iconic building to anchor the busy transit corridor and urban axis.”

Rental housing with room for families

The project is entirely rental, with 164 homes spread across the 16-storey tower. Of those, 131 are market rental units, while 33 are secured below-market rentals intended for households earning between $30,000 and $80,000 annually through the City of Vancouver’s Moderate-Income Rental Housing Pilot Program.

The building includes a mix of unit types, from smaller apartments to larger family-oriented homes. In total, 59 of the residences are two and three-bedroom units designed for families. Four retail spaces are located at street level.

Every home includes either a balcony or terrace, providing private outdoor space. Residents also have access to rooftop amenity areas overlooking downtown Vancouver and the North Shore mountains. Landscaped terraces soften the building’s stepped form while adding greenery for residents and neighbours alike.

At the west side of the site, a pedestrian pathway leads to three townhouse units integrated into the development.

Stacked with purpose

The building’s most distinctive feature is its staggered massing.

Leckie says the stacked massing was “very ambitious” and “was achievable through rigorous unit planning to allow the building’s structural loading to transfer between volumes.”

The tallest portion of the building is positioned at the southeast corner, marking the end of the Broadway corridor while helping reduce shadowing on neighbouring residential buildings. The form then steps downward toward the west side, allowing it to transition more comfortably toward future lower-scale development nearby.

Standardized, but distinctive

For Leckie, one of the project’s greatest successes is the way the architecture uses standardization to support both design quality and construction efficiency.

“The architecture is designed with a rigorous approach to standardization as a means to maximize value in the construction process. The exterior cladding is a custom prefabricated concrete panel system that uses a standardized series of components,” says Leckie.

The result is a building that feels substantial without appearing overly heavy. Prefabricated concrete panels give the exterior a rugged, tactile quality, while the staggered form breaks down the overall scale of the tower.

Inside, Leckie Studio continued that durable architectural language.

“We intentionally used a robust and raw-feeling material palette aligned with the design brief for a rental building,” Leckie says.

Designed for daily life

The Raven places a strong emphasis on cycling as a way to get around. The building includes 273 bicycle parking spaces, along with a bicycle washing and tuning area and a dedicated elevator connecting secure bike storage directly to the lobby.

For a rental building on a major transit corridor, the focus feels practical rather than ornamental. The design supports residents moving through the city by bike, transit and foot, while the retail spaces add activity at street level.

The Raven is also being designed and constructed to meet the City of Vancouver’s Low Emissions Green Building requirements.

For Leckie Studio, the project brings together a demanding urban site, ambitious massing and a pragmatic rental brief. The result is a building that treats rental housing with a level of architectural care more often associated with condominium projects, from the public art at the entrance to the private outdoor spaces above Broadway and Alma.

“The building is intended to have a rugged yet refined character,” says Leckie.

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The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of B.C. (CHBA BC)’s Greatest Showman on Earth-themed gala awards celebration was a showstopper, engaging the audience in a circus theatre-style show. Hosted on May 23 at the Hyatt Regency Vancouver, the crème de la crème of the housing industry gathered under the big top for a night to remember.

As the curtain closed on the 34th year of the 2026 Georgie Awards, winners throughout 52 categories were honoured in home building, renovation, design and marketing.

One of the winners was an off-grid retreat on a remote island off the Sunshine Coast. Vancouver-based Lincoln Construction’s The Nest won Best Custom Home: $1 million to $1.5 million at both the Georgie and HAVAN awards. Perched atop Keats Island, the three-level, 1,063-sq.-ft. home combines cedar cladding, black steel, and a modern roofline that sits impressively alongside the canopy of trees and ocean.

Inside, The Nest’s warm and efficient layout was devised to maximize every square foot. Designed by Daria Sheina Studio, The Nest was conceived to seamlessly integrate with its Pacific Northwest surroundings, while setting a new benchmark for sustainable, prefabricated design. The cabin is powered by solar energy with battery storage, vaulted ceilings and clerestory windows.

Erik Lincoln, CEO and founder said: “The uniqueness is both in the intricate architectural elements, and in the owners vision and esthetics for a one-of-a-kind, picturesque cabin.”

Another top winner was Kelowna’s 3rd Generation Homes Ltd., in partnership with Su Casa Design, which took Best Single-Family Detached Home over 2,500 sq. ft. and Best Indoor Design Display Suite over $100,000 for The Oakhaven in West Kelowna.

Overlooking the lake and surrounding peaks, the 3,786-sq.-ft, contemporary farmhouse rancher is a four-bedroom home wrapped in timeless stone detailing on the exterior and European-inspired curved archways in the wet bar and doorways. The piece de resistance, says president of 3rd Generation Homes’ Gerald deVeer, is the wet bar. Off the living room, he says the wet bar offers an entertainment-style zone that adds a touch of elegance with its brick-inspired brown-black tile, and gold accent with seating for three.

The collaboration with Andy Friesen, principal designer at Su Casa, was invaluable, says deVeer.

Friesen went on to explain that the design team balanced transitional esthetic with a relaxed hint of SoCal-inspired style, creating spaces that felt both timeless and perfectly tailored to modern living.

“The goal was to offer a design that stood apart while still feeling cohesive within its setting. From the moment you enter the house, you are impacted by the views beyond,” says Friesen. “All of the main areas of the house were intentionally placed along the back of the house to capture the best part of the property, which is the view.”

Meanwhile, Whistler-based Coast Construction won Best Multiplex Home Projects for its triplex, Aspen Collective. Jennifer Raffler, marketing and administration manager, says the triplex, which also won the 2026 HAVAN award for Best Multiplex Development, stood out for its distinct yet unified design that focused on refined detailing and efficient layouts.

Each 1,200-sq.-ft., two-bedroom unit offers incredible views to the west and east of Whistler Valley, with boxed balconies, deep overhangs that define the rhythm of elevation, and glazing that captures site angles with dramatic mountain views.

In addition, the rock-stack retaining wall, native planting, and tree preservation zone integrate seamlessly into its forested site, whereas the palette of stone, steel, warm wood anchors architecture within its alpine context while delivering crisp, contemporary curb appeal.

Raffler pointed out that inside, each unit features engineered oak flooring, heated tile, and custom birch detailing in millwork. Unit two adopts bold tone with black cabinetry, quartz counters, and a stone fireplace, echoing a mountainside lodge, while the third unit’s sliding glass wall converts flex office into guest room.

“Unit one replaces kitchen island with dining table for open flow, framed by sculptural slatted stair,” says Raffler. “Compact but bright, each interior leverages light, proportion, and texture for comfort and individuality.”

Storage was integrated throughout with custom millwork, sightlines oriented toward natural views for efficient design that meets personalized use.

Once the black tie show ended and the awards were handed out, several winners, nominees and attendees kept the celebration going with dancing, a little gambling, and for those still hungry, there was a hamburger slider bar.

This year, 600 entries were submitted to CHBA BC in 52 categories. The big winner of the evening, with three awards was Everglade Development. They won for Satori Townhomes, Best Advertising Campaign, Best Corporate/Project Website and Marketing Campaign of the Year. A few other winners, including Hasler Homes Ltd., Alair Homes Squamish and Bhaus Construction, each garnered two wins.

For the full list of winners, visit georgieawards.ca/winners-and-finalists/

Last July I was invited to visit the Ball Corporation’s head office in Chicago to view their display gardens. As a garden communicator, I appreciated the great opportunity to see many new plant introductions from various companies around the world. I also had the opportunity to see how the plants compared to each other in various landscape situations, especially when used in containers.

It was also great to see some of Chicago’s best garden stores and their summer planters. At 40 C, in very sunny weather, it was the ideal time to evaluate their performance under challenging conditions.

What struck me most was the juxtaposition of unique plants brilliantly used together in combinations you seldom see. It was exciting to see a wide range of tropical plants blending seamlessly with everyday annuals.

Rex begonias, which we always baby by running them extra-dry for fear of overwatering and the resultant mildew, were showing off their unique colour variations as the focal points in many containers. They seemed quite at home when combined with New Guinea impatiens and sun tolerant SunPatiens, and were treated with no special care, even being watered overtop of their foliage like any other bedding plant. Many were in flower, adding another element of creativity to the containers.

Dracaena Massangeana were perhaps the most widely used in the containers, especially varieties like Limelight, with its neon lime green foliage, and wine-dark leaves of Ruby Red. In many cases they were used as the central focal point, replacing traditional canna lilies, phormiums and fountain grasses. Their vibrant colours added excitement to the planters alongside traditional bedding plants.

On the West Coast we seldom use caladiums, because they need significant heat and are not fans of rainy, cool weather. If we wait until the weather warms up in early June, I think we should find space for some in our containers. Their vivid leaves are truly spectacular. With a rainbow of stunning colours and patterns, from speckled white, hot pink and lime green to multi-hued reds, they add the pop often missing in many of our planters. They also thrive in the heat of summer, when many annuals fade and look tired.

Caladiums also tolerate warm shade and can add a much-needed lift to those darker areas. However, if you can acclimatize them to the sun, they make a refreshing new addition and are far more resilient than you might think.

In our part of the world, we have finally discovered the brilliance of mandevillas. They are now available in a wide variety of plant forms from upright to both trailing and climbing, so they make great ‘spillover plants’ for our containers.

Mandevillas are the ultimate top-performing heat lovers. In their many colours including hot reds, vibrant pinks, brilliant yellows and of course the ever-popular white, they deserve star billing in any container. It seems that the warmer the days become, the better they perform.

Mandevillas are just making their debut now in garden stores since they need that heat for optimum performance. Like caladiums, June is the beginning of their summer show and they elevate the look of any container garden. They play nicely with companion plants but are vigorous growers and can overwhelm if allowed. They are not frost-hardy, but you will enjoy them well into September and even October.

Coleus have now become a go-to plant for many combination containers, especially the sun- and heat-tolerant varieties like the Main Street series from Ball. The many hot foliage colours like rusty-ruby-red Beale Street, the hot lime variety Chartres Street, and multi-hued Sunset Boulevard and Franklin Street make all the difference. They add that punch of colour and they are so easy to maintain. Their colours are a natural fit alongside other vibrant tropicals, and for smaller containers, Ball’s dainty new miniature coleus MicroBlaze series is just delightful.

The popular tropical vine Pothos, or epipremnum, now comes in a wide range of colours and variegated foliage blends and they too were used extensively in outdoor containers. As a spillover, they offer a unique flourish, adding a surprising sense of depth and fun to the planters.

All these warmth-loving tropical plants add a whole new dimension to typical containers but combining them with the more traditional foliage plants increases the level of sophistication of the overall effect.

For added impact, don’t overlook the velvety silvers of senecio candicans Angel Wings, and c. aurea Silver Swirl as well as time-honoured Dusty Millers. Formerly called centauria, they create a dramatic contrast to all your other foliage and flowers.

The hot lime of a Japanese forest grass like hakonechloa aurea, is a must-have, and even some of our carex grasses like c. Everillo fit nicely in planters. Golden Creeping Jenny, lysimachia nummularia aurea, is another favourite for any landscape situation as well.

Ornamental sweet potato vines, especially the black, red and hot lime varieties also tie in beautifully with these combinations. They love the summer heat and perform well in either trailing or upright forms.

The secret to using tropicals is to set them outside in a sheltered spot out of the sun and the wind for at least ten days to acclimatize them to our particular conditions. Then, test them gently in your summer hot spots to make sure they won’t burn.

The beauty of containers is that they can be easily moved if necessary.

As we move into the warm summer months, we have the wonderful opportunity to kick up our outdoor planters this year, so why not take your containers to a whole new level?

I do thank the folks at Ball for their innovative leadership in introducing so many new plants and creative ideas to our horticultural industry.

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

3354 Peak Dr., Whistler

Type: Five-bedroom, four-bathroom detached

Size: 3,958 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $7,230,000

Listed for: $7,900,000

Sold for: $6,700,000

Sold on: April 1

Days on market in this listing: 196

Listing agent: Steve Cartner PREC and Martina Cartner at Rennie & Associates Realty

Buyers agent: Nick Swinburne PREC at Angell Hasman & Associates Realty

The big sell: This private sanctuary in Whistler’s Blueberry Hill neighbourhood epitomizes understated luxury blending rustic charm with refined modern updates. With a design esthetic that focuses on natural elements perfectly crafted to create a stylish interior, the result is one of sophisticated warmth showcasing soaring vaulted ceilings offset by exposed beams, full-height stone-surround fireplaces, a Shaker-style kitchen, and expansive windows that frame mountain and forest views. The interior is laid out over three floors with bedrooms on each level, and an energy-efficient system with air conditioning, radiant heat, and a heat pump. The property was built in 1996 on almost a third-acre lot and resides at the end of a cul-de-sac backing onto forested crown land ensuring that nature is front and centre, while Whistler Village, lakes, golf courses and trails are all nearby.

73 – 2212 Folkestone Way, West Vancouver

Type: One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 1,045 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $855,600

Listed for: $855,000

Sold for: $785,000

Sold on: March 20

Days on market in this listing: 28

Listing agent: Holly Calderwood PREC at Royal LePage Sussex

Buyers agent: Kathleen O’Donnell at Century 21 Queenswood Realty

The big sell: For a one-bedroom apartment, this unit is big on space with a floorplan laid out over two levels allowing for a loft room that could be used as a second bedroom or a home office. Add to the mix a penthouse location offering unobstructed panoramic ocean and city views from Mount Baker to Vancouver Island. It forms part of West Vancouver’s Panorama Village, a 32-unit pet- and rental-friendly complex that was built in 1976. The home was renovated in 2021 with slate countertops, European tiles and fixtures, wide-plank oak floors, radiant heat under stone floors, French wallpaper, and a wood-burning fireplace. There are airy 15-foot-high vaulted ceilings and a spiral staircase that leads up to the loft. New balcony windows were installed to the tune of $24,000, and there is balcony access from the principal rooms. The home comes with a parking stall, storage locker, and a monthly maintenance fee of $793.43.

125 – 6505 3 Ave., Tsawwassen

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,736 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,452,000

Listed for: $1,498,000

Sold for: $1,505,000

Sold on: Jan. 30

Days on market in this listing: Six

Listing agent: Darryl Sjerven and Karel Palla PREC at ReMax Select Realty

Buyers agent: Scott Franklin PREC at Homelife Benchmark Realty

The big sell: According to the listing agents, this detached single-level townhome offers the best of both worlds — the privacy of a house and the security and convenience of a gated strata. The home is located in the Monterra community within Tsawwassen’s Boundary Beach district and represents one of only two standalone units. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom rancher features air conditioning, a spacious kitchen that overlooks the adjacent family room with its gas fireplace, a primary bedroom with newer ensuite bathroom and walk-in closet, a laundry room, and an extra-large private patio that faces a park. A full-sized two-car garage completes the picture. Monterra provides residents with a number of amenities including a clubhouse with an indoor swimming pool, a sauna, and a party room. The home’s monthly maintenance fee is $663.87, and pets and rentals are permitted with restrictions.

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

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

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Innovative design trends often follow from the hospitality industry where stylish boutique hotels and restaurants create unique interiors that are dramatic departures from the conventional or popular styles of the moment. Those spaces feature esthetics that then become aspirational for homeowners such as the hotel-chic bedrooms that were all the rage not long ago as were spa-inspired bathrooms. More rare though is when the art world, specifically modern art, becomes the jumping off point for a new approach for using paint within the home.

A recent collaboration between British paint manufacturer Farrow & Ball and American artist Carol Bove at the Guggenheim Museum in New York became the inspiration for a fresh interpretation of using colour in a residential context. Joa Studholme, Farrow & Ball’s Colour Curator, worked with Bove to create custom colours to make the museum’s rotunda walls not only a backdrop to showcase her vibrant-hued abstract sculptures but also as part of the exhibition with its own colour story. The result is a graduated colour scheme of greys that begins on the ground floor with a deep hue and gradually winds up the spiral in varying degrees of lighter shades of the same colour family.

“Carol Bove’s team and the Guggenheim approached us to work with them on helping to bring the artist’s vision of creating a graduated ribbon of colour to life,” Studholme recalls. “We worked with their brief to create over 20 custom colours that operate as steps connecting each of our signature colours to the next in a seamless transition of colour as you move up the iconic rotunda.”

Seeing the bold effect of the graduated application of colour in a large public environment lead Studholme to wonder how it could be applied in a domestic setting and embarked on formulating how “the idea of graduated colour schemes can be embraced in the home.” The key is to use colours of the same colour family which produces a harmonious transition of the colours throughout the space. And while there is no rule to how many colours one can use, Studholme advises using no fewer than three, noting that the bigger the space, the more colours can be incorporated.

According to Studholme, there are endless possibilities when selecting a colour palette to create gradient colour schemes. As long as the tones are from the same colour family, she says, it will always work and will produce “a layered, polished effect.”

“Warming earth tones running from deep Tanners Brown through to glowing Stirabout work particularly well, as do neutrals, but my favourite is graduating from rich Preference Red through Dead Salmon to Scallop,” she says. (Note: the dead in Dead Salmon refers to the matte finish and not an expired fish.)

Just as there are no defined rules for the number of colours to create a gradient effect, there isn’t just one way to work with the various colours. Given that they’re all in the same colour family, there’s a lot of flexibility to where and how they can be applied, Studholme explains.

She cautions though that “the gradient of colour is much enhanced when the strongest colour is used at the bottom to ground the room and add depth and nuance with lighter colours above to open the space. The lightest tone should be used on the ceiling to unify the design, ensuring that the ceiling feels like an intentional element rather than an afterthought.”

The most recent paint trend favoured by many interior designers has been colour drenching where walls, mouldings, ceilings and even built-ins are done in the same colour and sometime the same finish. So for anyone who opted for that effect, the introduction of gradient painting doesn’t mean that colour drenching will disappear or feel passé as it’s been around since Georgian times, Studholme notes, adding that “there is definitely room for both forms of decoration in the modern home.”

And while colour drenching essentially envelopes a space in colour, Studholme believes that “rooms painted in graduated colours open up and out so there is a general uplifting feel of growth.”

The positioning of each colour and its finish should be intentional, and, while graduated painting can give the room an enveloping effect somewhat like colour drenching, it produces a sense of dimension and visual interest.

“The feel is seamless but never flat,” Studholme says.

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A 1910 Craftsman residence with original floors, stained glass and claw foot tub is one of nine sites on the 2026 Heritage Discovery Day tour .

Participants on the self-guided tour will have a chance to check out a curated selection of nine heritage properties in Mount Pleasant and Riley Park. Another stop on the tour brings together mid-century modernist roots with what later became typical Vancouver Special layout and design.

Since 2003, Heritage Discovery Day has showcased the stories behind the architecture, design and history of some of the city’s most interesting and distinctive homes. Last year’s event drew 600 people to Kitsilano.

Ticket holders are provided with a guidebook that includes information about the homes as well lesser-known places and spaces that have shaped the neighbourhood. Volunteers are also on hand to provide information.

Biking and transit are encouraged, although some sites are walkable and parking information will be provided.

Heritage Discovery Day

When: June 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets are on sale now at vancouverheritagefoundation.org.

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Ricardo Brites has spent much of his career helping move engineered timber buildings from ambitious design experiments into practical housing solutions.

Originally from Portugal, Brites completed his PhD in timber engineering before working in the United Kingdom during Europe’s rapid expansion of mass timber construction. At the time, Europe was already delivering large-scale timber buildings while North America was still cautiously testing the concept.

“I was part of projects with Lendlease, Mace, and Berkeley Homes when mass timber was transitioning from niche to near-commodity in that market,” says Brites.

Today, as director of engineering and VDC at Mercer Mass Timber, Brites works across Canada and the United States on projects ranging from libraries and universities to large-scale residential and commercial developments. His focus is not simply on promoting timber buildings, but on solving one of the industry’s biggest challenges — how to make them practical and affordable enough for mainstream housing.

“What drives me is not the structural performance of mass timber. That case has been made. What drives me is cost competitiveness,” he says.

Mass timber products such as cross-laminated timber, or CLT, are engineered by layering wood panels together to create structural components strong enough for multi-storey buildings. Increasingly, these systems are being paired with steel or concrete in hybrid designs that aim to balance performance, cost and speed of construction.

The most interesting and commercially viable work is almost always hybrid, says Brites.

That approach reflects a shift away from viewing timber as an all-or-nothing material. Instead, hybrid systems use each material where it performs best.

“A well-designed hybrid doesn’t compromise the timber story. It makes the whole building work better and land closer to budget,” says Brites.

One reason architects continue to gravitate toward engineered timber is the atmosphere it creates inside buildings. Exposed wood interiors can feel softer and calmer than conventional concrete structures, while the structural systems themselves often produce cleaner lines and more efficient interior layouts.

“There’s a quality to exposed timber that reads differently from any other structural material,” says Brites. “Warmer, quieter, more grounded,”

Brites says the bigger story is less about esthetics and more about industrialized construction.

One of engineered timber’s major advantages is prefabrication. Structural components are manufactured off-site using highly precise digital modelling, then delivered ready for installation.

“Prefabrication shifts where problems get solved. Instead of resolving co-ordination issues in the field, you resolve them digitally before a single component is fabricated,” he says.

That can shorten construction timelines significantly while reducing costly surprises during the building process.

Canada, particularly British Columbia, has become one of North America’s most active mass timber markets. Brites says the region’s progress has been driven by a combination of housing pressure, supportive policy and growing manufacturing capacity.

Projects such as UBC’s Brock Commons Tallwood House helped establish confidence in tall timber construction, while newer housing policies are encouraging more standardized mid-rise development.

Still, Brites believes the industry remains in a transitional phase similar to what Europe experienced years earlier.

“What we’re in now is a transition from early demonstration projects toward broader market adoption,” says Brites.

One of the biggest barriers is that developers often struggle to evaluate timber systems early enough in the design process. By the time cost estimates and engineering assessments arrive, many projects are already locked into conventional concrete and steel assumptions.

“By the time a project team had enough information to evaluate a mass timber solution properly, the design had already hardened around conventional assumptions,” says Brites.

To help address that problem, Mercer Mass Timber partnered with ZGF Architects and Fast + Epp to develop BuildSpec, a free digital platform that allows architects, engineers and developers to quickly test hybrid timber systems during the earliest planning stages.

The platform generates real-time information about structural feasibility, constructability and carbon impacts for mid-rise housing projects, helping teams compare systems before major design decisions are fixed.

“What previously required weeks of consultant co-ordination can now be explored at the massing stage in minutes,” says Brites.

For Brites, the long-term goal is not simply to create standout timber buildings, but to help the industry move toward repeatable systems that become more efficient over time.

“The housing supply problem in Canadian cities is not going to be solved by better-designed individual projects. It’s going to be solved by delivery systems that can produce good buildings repeatedly, predictably, and at a cost that works,” says Brites.

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

864 Vedder Pl., Port Coquitlam

Type: Five-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 2,744 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,644,000

Listed for: $1,775,000

Sold for: $1,700,000

Sold on: March 30

Days on market in this listing: 18

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

Buyers agent: Kyle Lamb PREC at Royal LePage Sterling Realty

The big sell: This five-bedroom family home has a cul-de-sac setting in Port Coquitlam’s Riverwood district and a lot size in excess of 6,600 square feet that basks in a southwest-facing aspect with a fully-fenced garden complete with a sun deck, pergola, and an outdoor barbecue area. Inside, the home is described as “move-in ready” with an updated kitchen resplendent with a generous-sized pantry, granite counters, and stainless-steel appliances, an adjacent family room with sliding glass doors to the garden, a gas fireplace in the living room bordered by full-height windows, and a conjoined formal dining area with chandelier lighting. All five bedrooms reside upstairs including a luxurious primary suite, while gleaming hardwood floors and designer paint colours including accent walls complement the decor. Updates include a new roof, furnace, and air conditioning, and there is a side-by-side double garage integrated into the home.

1407 East 28th Ave., Vancouver

Type: Three-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,317 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,172,000

Listed for: $999,000

Sold for: $995,000

Sold on: March 29

Days on market in this listing: Four

Listing agent: Cheryl Davie PREC at Stilhavn Real Estate Services

Buyers agent: Stephen Morris at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: East Vancouver’s Kensington-Cedar Cottage neighbourhood is the venue for this duplex-style three-bedroom townhouse that is located to the rear of the Kingcrest Estates complex on the quieter side of the development. Constructed in 2007 at the intersection of East 28th Avenue and Knight Street, there are nine units that display Craftsman-inspired architecture with porches and eave overhangs. This particular unit enjoys an abundance of light thanks to a triple-aspect exposure on all three levels. It has two entrances — one through a private front door, and the other through an attached oversized single garage. The main floor features an open-plan design with adjoining living and dining rooms and a kitchen with walkout access to a patio. There are two bedrooms upstairs with a cheater ensuite bathroom, while the lower level has a third bedroom and full bathroom.

5045 10A Ave., Tsawwassen

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 1,675 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,368,000

Listed for: $1,270,000

Sold for: $1,175,000

Sold on: Feb. 13

Days on market in this listing: 17

Listing agent: Shafik Ladha PREC at ReMax Westcoast

Buyers agent: Mustafa Qaderi PREC at Royal LePage West Real Estate Services

The big sell: With a lot size of close to 9,000 square feet in the heart of Tsawwassen, there is plenty of space to consider a rebuild if desired. The current home was built in 1970 and features a functional two-level layout with the majority of the living space on the ground floor and three bedrooms upstairs served by two bathrooms. The L-shaped living and dining area (complete with bay window and a wood-burning fireplace) flows into the kitchen while the adjacent family room offers additional comfort and relaxation as well as providing access to a generous-sized laundry room with a two-piece bathroom, and an attached single garage. Cliff Drive Elementary School and Brandrith Park are nearby as well as transit and Tsawwassen Mills. According to listing agent Shafik Ladha, the property is currently tenanted for $2,400 per month.

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

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

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A home renovation may only involve a smaller project, but that doesn’t preclude incorporating a bigger design concept beyond mere functionality and updating materials. For a bathroom transformation in an older New Westminster property, the homeowner had a unique and highly specific request that defined the remodel plan: She envisioned reclining in the bath, a glass of wine in hand, while staring up at the stars.

Fulfilling that brief meant not just reworking the floor plan but making the bathtub the focal point of the space. Though an averaged sized bathroom at 80 square feet, the room felt smaller because it was long and narrow. For Rebecca Foster, principal and lead designer at Align Interior Design , the solution was to reposition the tub at the end of the room against the outside wall.

“It had just a tiny window there,” Foster explains. “We made that window bigger and centred it on the wall. There was no skylight there. We totally opened up the ceiling to make this beautiful skylight.”

To emphasize it as focal point, Foster’s concept involved adding an arch to frame the tub — an idea that came from the homeowner discovering an inspiration image of a built-in tub with an arch detail. Foster’s interpretation of the arch was finessed to integrate with the home’s mid-century modern style.

“It was a really traditional bathroom design in the inspirational image, and it didn’t suit the rest of her house,” Foster recalls. “So, we took the arched tub inspiration and modernized it in a way to make it feel a bit more transitional. The style worked with the current mid-century modern house.

“We wanted to make sure that all your attention was drawn through that arch to the window at the back and the skylight because, ultimately when you walked into the space, we wanted it to feel like natural light was flooding into the space and that bathtub just felt so inviting.”

For the colour and texture of the materials, the overreaching theme was a calming, beach vibe. Again, considering the mid-century style of the home, Foster eschewed any obvious coastal motifs or nod to seaside living. Rather she mixed textures and hues that are evocative of water and sand — a feature wall of aqua zellige tile over the natural-wood vanity and at either end of the tub, white shiplap on the wall opposite the vanity and creamy tiles on the floor accented with polished nickel hardware and plumbing fixtures.

“The back wall is just white zellige because we loved the texture of it and how it felt, very much like the flooring, like a sandy beach,” Foster notes. “We’ve got layers of texture. We’ve got the shiplap which is vertical texture. We’ve got floor tile positioned in a diagonal to give that texture.”

Foster continued the white zellige on the apron of the tub for both esthetic and practical reasons: there isn’t a visual break between the tub and the back wall, and the tile is impervious to water. Though as the tub is undermounted under the quartz ledge, which is slanted inward on the edges, the water flows back into the tub rather than the floor but remains the perfect resting spot for a wine glass.

The repositioning of the tub, while visually dramatic, also created greater functionality in the space introducing more creative storage — a built-in spot for a Kitty Litter tray — and a dedicated makeup station for the homeowner.

From the perfectly positioned window with the meticulous tile placement — no odd offcuts to break the visual flow — to the subtle mix of textures, the result is a fresh, serene space. Much of which Foster credits contractor Fifth Element Construction ’s attention to detail.

Foster says she’s pleased with the effect of all the textures play together without it being overwhelming with texture. “It just kind of layered the kind of warmth that you feel when you’re on a beach,” she says.

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Can you see them all? A record 10 private residences are featured on this year’s New West Heritage Homes Tour, showcasing styles that range from mid-century modern to Romantic Revival-era English cottage design.

Stops include a residence once inhabited by the head of the famed Hollywood Hospital, a pioneering centre for addiction treatment, and two homes designed by Vancouver architect R.A. Berwick.

Also on the tour is Irving House, the oldest intact house in the Lower Mainland. The restored home features the original 1887 metallic gold wallpapers in the parlours, which have been painstakingly cleaned to remove over 130 years of soot and coal dust. The hallway papers were redrawn and colour-matched to the original palate.

Now in its 44th year, the self-guided tour includes knowledgeable volunteers and a detailed guidebook. Details on all homes and venues on the tour can be found on an interactive Google map at newwestheritage.org .

New Westminster Heritage Homes Tour

When: May 31, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets and info: newwestheritage@gmail.com; 604-862-2867. You can also buy tickets online at newwestheritage.org

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Marie-Eve Baril knows the faucet game. Her parents launched Montreal-based Baril 40 years ago, after her mother became frustrated by how difficult it was to find beautiful faucets for the home.

Her parents began importing high-end Italian faucets and the company grew from there.

Today, Baril designs its faucets in Montreal and assembles them at its manufacturing facility in Trois-Rivières, Quebec, with products now sold across North America.

Since Marie-Eve Baril and her brother, Jean-Sébastien Baril, took over the company in 2010, the brand has expanded dramatically.

“We’ve grown about five or six times bigger in terms of volume and employees. We’re all across North America,” she says.

New collections inspired by fashion and nostalgia

This growth has not pulled the company away from its original design-first philosophy. It is visible in Baril’s latest collections, which lean into colour, tactility, nostalgia and softer forms.

To mark its 40th anniversary, Baril launched Archive 40, a limited-edition reinterpretation of one of the company’s original bathroom faucets from the 1980s. The pink-and-gold-toned design embraces vintage-inspired details and soft pastel finishes, with only 40 numbered pieces produced.

“We had fun with it,” says Baril.

One of their most striking collections is Marie Kitchen, created in collaboration with Montreal fashion designer Marie Saint Pierre. This sculptural collection includes tactile spherical handles and bright tangelo-orange accents inspired by food and colour.

“The sphere itself is not perfectly round. It’s organic. So when you touch it, you feel a movement on the sphere,” says Baril.

The collection was inspired by elemental forms and sensuality, she says: “The sphere was the earth and the spout was the thing that delivered the water out of the earth.”

A family business built on beauty

Despite the company’s growth, Baril says its original philosophy remains unchanged. Her mother started the business to bring beautiful products into people’s homes, and this hasn’t changed.

That design-first thinking feels increasingly relevant as kitchens and bathrooms continue to evolve into spaces that are as emotional and expressive as they are practical. According to Baril, homeowners interact with these spaces more intimately than they may realize. “The faucet, especially in the kitchen, is the product that you will touch the most in your house every day.”

Baril, now president of the company, says she always knew she wanted to work in business and eventually join the family company. As children, she and her brother regularly accompanied their parents to trade exhibitions and were immersed in conversations about suppliers, customers and design trends.

“We were hearing about faucets and customers and suppliers all the time at the house,” she says.

The company’s direction shifted after Baril’s father died while she and her brother were still young. Their mother continued running the company alone.

Some years later, her mother asked her to join the business, Baril says her answer came immediately: “The decision was made in like 30 seconds. I said I’m coming in,” she says. Her brother joined the company too, and they’ve never looked back.

It’s very difficult to be an entrepreneur and start a business, and Baril says she and her brother are grateful their mother had built a business with a solid customer base and brand recognition. Their job has been to structure and grow it.

Bathrooms and kitchens as emotional spaces

Baril says homeowners are increasingly moving away from harsh minimalist looks and embracing softer, more timeless forms.

“We see more rounder shapes,” she says.

And while trends continue to evolve, she believes quality and longevity remain essential. For Baril, that combination of beauty, practicality and emotional connection has remained at the centre of the company for four decades.

“Bringing beautiful products into people’s homes is still the basis of it,” says Baril.

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A property called Sunset Ridge Estate better back that up with views of awesome setting suns, and this Raymond Bonter-designed home definitely lives up to the name. On sunny days, of course.

Despite being situated in South Surrey, the Georgian-style estate faces more west than you’d expect, says listing agent Karen Conyers of Conyers & Associates, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada — perfect positioning to capture the day’s final rays glowing through the property’s mature trees onto the Nicomekl River and Boundary Bay beyond.

But even on cloudy days the property shines. Passing through the iron gates, designed by the home’s current owner and crafted by a local iron worker in the shape of the Tree of Life, you’re greeted by a lovingly landscaped garden of original plants, including 40 hydrangea bushes.

Around the back of the 1.27 acreage is a pool, hot tub and plenty of decking for outdoor entertaining — and catching those stunning sunsets. There’s also a pool house for storage, water tank and furnace, as well as full bath, toilet, changing room and two separate showers.

Down 120 wooden steps, fashioned from trees cleared during construction of the home, sits a rarity here: a private dock. “These docks were put in ages ago,” says Conyers. “My best estimation is that there are about a dozen on the river and that’s it. If you don’t have one, you cannot get one. The Coast Guard occasionally goes up and down the river looking for illegal activity and people putting in a dock when you’re not allowed to.”

This one was grandfathered in, but, alas, you won’t be able to park your yacht alongside. “It’s a tidal river,” says Conyers. So low tide drops down to about 12 inches and will ground a bigger boat. But you can certainly tie up a canoe, kayak or dingy, and leave your larger vessel at nearby Crescent Beach Marina.

What’s inside

Through the front doors, you enter what’s called a Grand Hall Plan, a wide-open foyer with 20-foot ceilings. To one side, French doors lead into an office and, to the other, similar doors open onto the dining room, each room’s ceiling stretching 14 to 16 feet. Adjacent is a butler’s pantry with wine fridge, which abuts the kitchen with two islands to encourage the joy of cooking (and helpful hands). One of the islands has a gas range top with griddle and pop-up vent.

A huge, British-made AGA cast-iron stove features two covered burners that stay hot, so no time or energy is wasted preheating, as well as four ovens, including a steam oven, a warming oven and the main oven. Radiant heat cuts down on fuel and evenly distributes warmth throughout the ovens to prevent food from drying out.

The creamy colour of the kitchen’s cabinetry, by Chilliwack-based Old World Custom Cabinets, complements the stove’s hue, says Conyers.

Other features include a Sub-Zero fridge/freezer, Travertine floor tile and granite countertops, including one long, unbroken single slab.

All of the home’s triple-glazed windows are German-made Euroline that tilt and swivel to catch the outdoor breezes. In addition to a formal living room with detailed millwork around the fireplace and floor-to-ceiling bookcase, there’s a cosy family room and conservatory, built in 2007, that takes in views of the outdoor deck and gazebo, pool, hot tub, ocean, mountains and, yes, sunsets, beyond.

The main floor primary bedroom features his and hers bathrooms, including a two-person jetted tub, large walk-in steam shower and dual closets. “It’s massive,” says Conyers. “It feels like you could fit three bedrooms in there. It has a fireplace and two accesses to the backyard — one that goes out directly to the hot tub and another that goes out to the garden/pool area.”

Six skylights infuse light throughout the house, and in-floor radiant heat adds warmth. “There’s a commercial hot water tank that holds at least 120 gallons and a boiler system to manage the hot water heat through the floors,” says Conyers.

Downstairs there’s a separate space that could be used as either an in-law or nanny suite with full kitchen, laundry, large bedroom, three-piece bath, and fireplace in the main living area. It has its own access to the outside and private grotto-type garden patio.

The garage can accommodate four cars with its deep middle section. “It also has a big storage room and a wash basin that would make a great dog bath area,” says Conyers.

“The owners maintain this house meticulously,” she says. “If there’s ever an issue it’s dealt with right away. Even the carpet is original and it looks brand new. There is not a crack or a leak; the sinks in the bathrooms look like no one’s ever used them. I’ve never seen a house this age in such good condition. It looks and works as if it’s brand new (but) you couldn’t build this house today for $6.4 million, with the acreage and dock. It would cost twice that much.”

At least the sunsets are free.

In the neighbourhood

There are several schools, including preschool, elementary and secondary, within driving distance, as well as a recreation centre, restaurants, grocery stores, pubs and shops in Ocean Park, five minutes away. White Rock, with even more amenities, is a 10-minute drive away.

Crescent Beach is a short drive in one direction, and the Historic Stewart Farm, which had, at its peak over a century ago, over 440 acres of farm and fields, is even closer in the other direction. The nine-hole Nico-Wynd Golf Course, three minutes away, is a fine way to while away an afternoon.

A 15-minute drive takes you to forested trails, including the historic Semiahmoo Trail, that meander near Anderson Creek and the Nicomekl River.

Location:13375 Crescent Road, Surrey

Listed for: $6,400,000

Year built: 2000

Type: Five bedrooms, eight bathrooms

Size: 8,526 square feet

Realtor: Listed by Karen Conyers, Conyers & Associates, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

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This is the most important gardening weekend across our country as we finally move into consistent warmer temperatures, which allow even most heat-loving plants to become established and grow successfully. From begonias to impatiens, from peppers to tomatoes, it is the beginning of a long growing season to both beautify our homes and gardens and supply our tables with fresh food well into fall.

Whether we use containers or garden beds, the most important factor in achieving success is our soil. There are so many different brands of growing blends out there today that it’s hard to determine the best ones for our specific needs.

For all our plants, both annual and vegetable, we use either Pro-Mix or Sun Gro Complete mixes. These are professional blends from Canadian companies, and they come in a wide range of sizes to suit individual needs. The largest compressed bales, at 3.8 cubic feet, are the best buy dollar-wise, because when opened and moistened, they will expand to between 7-7.5 cubic feet of planting medium. Both brands come in this traditional blend, as well as a more porous aggregate blend, which plants like portulaca and succulents require for better drainage. Pro-Mix also comes in a two cubic foot half-bale which is much easier to handle and still yields double the volume (about four cubic feet or 112 litres), when loosened.

Many vegetable garden beds are in raised beds now, so I would leave the soil in place, work it up well, add a little of one of the packaged soil blends, and some organic matter like Sea Soil or composted manure to enrich the soil. It’s been a rather wet winter and the addition of dolomite lime, at the rate of about 1.5 kg per 10 square meters of soil, will raise the pH levels so plants can more easily access all the available nutrients.

If we are to protect and preserve our soil and beneficial organisms, “no-till gardening” is the future of traditional in-ground garden plots. The idea is to work in as much organic matter as possible, to a depth of about six to eight inches (15-20cm), to keep soil more open and porous without having to rototill. Done well, the soil will have a far better growing texture, but it takes a little practice to get it right.

For colour to do well and last all summer, it’s very important to select plants that will perform best in the most appropriate spot in your particular gardening situation. Hot sun-lovers like petunias, geraniums, gazanias, zinnias, portulaca and SunPatiens, once acclimatized and planted in good soil, will perform splendidly all summer. Two important factors are thorough watering and the right amount of nutrient to ensure good vigour over the season. Adding organic matter to our soils dramatically increases moisture retention and slow-release fertilizers like Garden Pro 14-14-14 will feed all summer long for good results and minimal fuss.

I know it’s not always possible to use larger containers on decks and patios, but if you can manage a rectangular planter about two feet wide and deep and four feet long, it will be a very productive growing area. All your vining plants, like peas, beans, climbing tomatoes, and cucumbers can be grown vertically — up in the air for more sun and better air circulation. You’ll not only capitalize on space, but you’ll be also amazed at the quality and amount you will produce. Make sure the trellis is well secured before the first vegetables begin to form. The weight of a planter this size will be significant so may not be suitable for balconies, and windy days might challenge your trellis, but overall, they are a very good investment.

I think our food gardens could not only be more productive, but also, with some creativity, look far more attractive. I’ll never forget my visit, along with other garden communicators, to the New York Botanical Garden. Almost every garden bed had a pergola, trellis, or decorative archway loaded with edible food plants. Not only did it look great, but the increased production was truly significant.

The benefits are many: In our in-ground beds as well, getting our vining food plants up in the air will allow for greater production, faster ripening and fewer disease problems. The character these frames bring to our gardens is amazing and adding colour with the flowers of Scarlet Runner beans or the vibrant lime foliage of sweet potato vines adds a beautiful lift.

Today there are so many new varieties of vegetables, available in so many colours, it’s hard to make choices. The golden rule might be to stick with what you’ve been successful with in the past, and each year opt for a few new plants to trial in your own gardens.

Early Girl is still one of the best tomatoes for a tasty, early, mid-sized variety. Sun Gold, Sun Sugar, and Chocolate Sprinkles are by far the sweetest cherry tomatoes and are in a class by themselves. For the traditional larger varieties, Big Beef and Beefmaster are wonderful but if you like huge show-offs, Porterhouse is among the largest and tastiest.

For cucumbers, the Japanese burpless Tasty Green is the standard and Perseus is a delicious snack-sized (15 cm) version. Quick Snack or Mini Me are bite-sized, 10 cm, jewels.

In brassicas, the mini, bunching broccolis like Aspabroc and Artwork have now become the most asked for multi-headed varieties.

Although our younger generations of gardeners seem to love hot and super-hot peppers, sweet bell peppers remain the most popular in their wide range of colours from green, red, yellow and orange to purple and chocolate. They really colour up so many summer dishes!

Watermelon, especially the smaller Sugar Baby, early cantaloupe and honeydews will ripen nicely with our warmer summers.

There is still lots of time to seed, transplant, and grow a wide range of garden colour and food. This weekend is just the beginning of some wonderful, creative growing opportunities.

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A 10,446-square-foot luxury home in Langley is among the winning entries from B.C. announced in Quebec earlier this month at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association National Awards for Housing Excellence .

Bravada Homes Ltd. won in three categories for Westcroft Estates, including Best Detached Custom Home Over 5,000 square feet, Best Bedroom/Primary Suite and Best Custom Kitchen. The Surrey builder shares the awards with Kayley Jane Design.

The French architecture-inspired exterior features intricate stonework, graceful arches, and dramatic rooflines. Grand living spaces, dual kitchens, and amenities — including a private gym, sauna, a theatre and billiards room — underscore the home’s blend of luxury, comfort and large-scale entertaining. Outdoors, a pool, hot and cold plunge, and covered lounge create a spa-like vibe.

The primary suite was designed to feel like a private retreat. It features vaulted ceilings, a stone fireplace, a spacious walk-in closet, and access to a covered deck overlooking the backyard. “The ensuite carries the same elevated feel with a large double shower and marble throughout,” says Bravada owner Brian Vankoughnett.

He points to a combination billiards lounge and home theatre as another standout feature. The space recently won a HAVAN Award for Best New or Renovated Space.

The billiards room features a custom bar, illuminated whiskey displays, a pool table, and folding doors that open onto the covered patio, outdoor dining area, and pool.

The large chef’s kitchen has a separate spice kitchen and pantry.

“The whole home was thoughtfully curated, with a lot of design details,” Vankoughnett said.

This year, 900 entries were submitted to CHBA in 49 categories. Entries were judged by nearly 300 industry professionals. Three awards are given for best overall performance.

Besides Bravada, BC-based winners include Jedan Brothers Custom Homes & Renovations Ltd., Coquitlam, and Hasler Homes Ltd. In North Vancouver.

Jedan Brothers won for Best Kitchen Renovation — $70,000 to $100,000.

Co-owner Dan Klassen says the company’s Alexander Home Remodel kitchen reno, in a Langley townhouse, stood out for the builder’s and designer’s willingness to push beyond standard design choices. This is epitomized by a rare, moulded island countertop “ogee edge,” characterized by an S-shaped curve that transitions from a concave to convex arch.

“This one is actually a double ogee edge counter,” Klassen says. “The countertop supplier who we’ve worked with for probably 15 years had to bring it in from Alberta because nobody’s using that edge anywhere. It’s kind of a one-off — in B.C., anyway.”

The project, featured on the Jedan Brothers website with a before-and-after slider, showcases a dramatic transformation anchored by rich wood tones, an arch with recessed niches, and wainscotting.

Klassen credits much of the project’s success to the collaboration between Jedan Brothers, designer Madeline Design Group and longtime cabinet maker Art’s Custom Woodcrafting of Abbotsford.

“They’re really, really good at detail,” he said. “There are fluted end panels on the island, they’re not just flat.”

Hasler’s Best Custom or Renovated Net Zero Home win was for a newly built custom home. Described as a “modern farmhouse” on the company’s website, its features include low-carbon concrete, an advanced building envelope and air-exchange system, and rooftop solar panels.

Hasler Homes Ltd. owner Greg Hasler says demand for Net Zero homes continues to grow as more homeowners look for energy-efficient designs that will remain relevant for years to come.

“The difference between Net Zero Ready and Net Zero is really putting solar panels on your roof,” Hasler said. “You have to produce energy to be able to be Net Zero.”

Hasler said the company has officially completed two Net Zero homes and is working on three more for 2027.

Competition in the category has intensified as more builders embrace high-performance construction.

“There’s a lot of good builders out there that are doing it,” he said. “So I was super excited to have won this one.”

Other CHBA BC-based winners were Vision Pacific Contracting Ltd., Whistler, Best Whole Home Renovation — over $800,000; Solterra Development Corp., Delta, for Best Mid- to High-Rise Building (Completed); Everton Ridge Homes Ltd., Vernon, for Best Detached Production Home Over 2,800 square feet; Whistler Builder, Whistler for Best Detached Custom Home 3,001 to 4,000 square feet; Bellamy Homes, Kelowna for Best Detached Custom Home 4,001 to 5,000 square feet; and 3rd Generation Homes, West Kelowna for Best Bathroom.

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Trust Ikea to provide the perfect way to add a pop of colour into your home.

The Swedish home goods retailer just launched its PS 2026, which marks the first PS release from Ikea since 2017.

So, what exactly is ‘PS’?

The boundary-pushing design collections see the company partner with creatives to reimagine the items we put into our everyday living spaces. The first Ikea PS Collection launched in 1995 at the Milan furniture fair, with the whole goal of putting Scandinavian design at front and centre, but at an affordable price.

Each release has a theme, that the collaborating designers use as a jumping-off point for their creations.

“Central to Ikea PS is the idea that simplicity doesn’t have to be boring, but that it can reveal design in its purest and most engaging form,” explains Maria O’Brian, creative leader at Ikea of Sweden.

The theme of this year’s collection, which marks the 10th release in the PS pillar, is “playful functionality.” That translates into 43 pieces created by 11 designers.

The home goods range from convertible chairs to rugs, to lighting to textiles.

“What’s exciting about the Ikea PS 2026 collection is how it’s designed to adapt,” said EJ Middelhoven, head of Home Furnishing & Retail Design. “For many Canadians, affordability is top of mind, and the furniture they choose needs to offer versatility for changing needs without compromising on design.”

The previous PS collection themes have included:

• 1995 — Democratic Design
• 1999 — Design with added value
• 2002 — The space
• 2003 — Unlimited play
• 2006 — What if
• 2009 — Design stories without end
• 2012 — Inspired by history, designed for today
• 2014 — On the way
• 2017 — Live now!

View this post on Instagram When are the Ikea PS 2026 pieces being released?

The pieces hit Ikea stores across Canada, including in Coquitlam and Richmond, on May 14. Items also launched online, available for home delivery. The collection pieces will be available for click and collect a week after the launch, according to Ikea insiders.

What is the price range of the Ikea PS 2026 collection?

The designer-collaboration pieces range in price from $4.99 for the Moulded Paper Wall Decoration to $499 for the solid pine woven cabinet.

Which designers were included in this year’s Ikea PS 2026 release?

• Henrik Preutz
• Mikael Axelsson
• Matilda Lindstam Nilsson
• Ellen Hallström
• Lex Pott
• Lukas Bazle
• Maria Vinka
• Ola Wihlborg
• Michelle Armas
• David Wahl
• Friso Wiersma

How long will the Ikea PS 2026 pieces be available for?

For now, the launch isn’t a limited edition. But Ikea staff do expect some pieces to sell out.

What are some of the key pieces of the collection?

While there’s lots to love in this release, here are four items that are sure to sell out fast.

Ikea PS 2026 Floor uplighter, $59.99 (available in blue, dark red, yellow) Ikea PS 2026 Chair, with inflatable seat/back cushion, $229Ikea PS 2026 Cabinet, pine, $499 Ikea PS 2026 Table clock, red, $59.99Related

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

504 — 1790 Bayshore Dr., Vancouver

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment

Size: 1,225 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,204,000

Listed for: $1,250,000

Sold for: $1,200,000

Sold on: March 18

Days on market in this listing: 138

Listing agent: Holly Calderwood PREC at Royal LePage Sussex

Buyers agent: Niko Lambrinoudis PREC, Julie De Jong PREC and Aries Lambrinoudis at TRG The Residential Group Realty

The big sell: Coal Harbour’s Bayshore Gardens boasts a coveted position next to Stanley Park with the seawall on the doorstep and endless shops and restaurants nearby. This particular home has a west-facing aspect taking advantage of ocean, mountain and marina views from its corner location within the building enhanced by floor-to-ceiling windows. The air-conditioned residence has more than 1,200 square feet of internal living space that can accommodate house-sized furniture. There are hardwood floors underfoot, new stainless-steel appliances, a gas cooktop and fireplace, a pantry, and insuite laundry. Two side-by-side parking stalls are for owners’ use together with an extra-large storage locker. Bayshore Gardens provides 24-hour concierge services, a gym, sauna, electric vehicle charging, and pets and rentals are permitted. This home’s monthly maintenance fee is $882.71.

2301 — 280 Ross Dr., New Westminster

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment

Size: 1,234 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $891,000

Listed for: $949,000

Sold for: $920,000

Sold on: March 27

Days on market in this listing: 21

Listing agent: Michael Giesbrecht at Royal LePage Sussex

Buyers agent: Helen Chan at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

The big sell: One of the highlights of this sub-penthouse condo in New Westminster’s Carlyle tower is the vista — more than just a room with a view, there is a panoramic montage that can be enjoyed from much of the interior as well as from a wraparound terrace that spans Mount Baker and the Fraser River across to Horseshoe Bay. The home itself was extensively renovated in 2023 and offers marble-clad bathrooms with heated floors and a jetted soaker tub, a built-in fireplace and an integrated sound system, and a bespoke espresso bar to help get the day started. The primary bedroom suite has dual custom closets and an ensuite bathroom, while a versatile den complete with a Murphy bed could function as a guest bedroom or a home office. The unit comes with two parking stalls and a storage locker, as well as a monthly maintenance fee of $767.13. The home went through a number of price adjustments before finding the sweet spot of $920,000.

3177 Quebec St., Vancouver

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,278 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,446,000

Listed for: $1,449,000

Sold for: $1,430,000

Sold on: Feb. 10

Days on market in this listing: 103

Listing agent: Clair Rockel PREC at Macdonald Realty

Buyers agent: Salina Kai PREC at Rennie & Associates Realty

The big sell: This three-storey modern townhome forms part of Q16, a 10-unit complex that was built in 2016 with a concrete, aluminum and glass exterior. Situated at the corner of Quebec Street and 16th Avenue, the properties enjoy close proximity to Main Street’s shops and eateries. The front door of this home is accessed via a private patio and opens to a light and airy main floor with overheight ceilings, a stylish kitchen, dining and living areas, and a convenient powder room. The primary bedroom suite occupies the next floor up complete with an ensuite bathroom, storage closet, and an east-facing balcony, while two further bedrooms are found on the top floor served by a family bathroom. The icing on the cake is a private 313-square-foot rooftop deck with city vistas and plenty of room to entertain and relax. The home comes with a parking stall in the underground garage, a monthly maintenance fee of $592.92, and a strata that permits pets and rentals with restrictions.

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

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

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Whether you want a home office to pull double duty as a bedroom, or you live in a cramped condo that craves more space, a Murphy bed has you covered. Just as the guy who invented it discovered.

In the late 1800s, William Murphy, as the story goes, wanted to entertain a pretty young opera singer. But he lived in a studio apartment with his bed right out in the open, like an invitation. Social norms of the day would have set his San Francisco neighbours’ tongues a-wagging. So he designed a way to slap a mattress on a metal frame that would fold up and, abracadabra, disappear behind a closet door, instantly transforming his one-room apartment into two rooms — parlour by day, bedroom by night.

In fact, when he got the idea in 1911 to build a company around his magically burrowing bunk, he first called it the “Disappearing Bed”. When he later obtained a patent for his invention, he changed it to the more pragmatic but pedestrian “In-A-Door Bed”. But everyone kept calling it the “Murphy Bed”, so much so that by 1989 an appeals court cancelled the trademark and ruled the term generic.

More than a hundred years later we’re still calling them Murphy beds, or wall beds, and these handy hideaways are still very much in use. But they’ve undergone quite a few changes since the heavy, unwieldy ropes and pulleys used to stash them away at the turn of the century.

Remaking the bed

Today’s wall beds are lighter, easier, fancier and flexibly designed with optional add-ons like cabinets, night tables, shelves and desks.

Darryl Adrian, co-owner of Murphy Wall-Beds of Canada in Victoria, says his company’s spring system units make it easy for just about anyone “from seven to 97. You can lift it with one finger in a second or two, even fully made with sheets, blankets and pillows.”

He says the depth of his Murphy beds, at 16 inches, do not intrude into a room. “There are some systems that can be 22 or 24 inches or more, but that defeats the purpose. We also have a single bed that folds down in a hallway. We’ve even taken two single beds and stacked them to make Murphy beds into bunk beds.”

Ilona Beed, sales manager at California Closets in Vancouver, says customers consider Murphy beds as a way to reclaim floor space while still offering a place to sleep.

She says that while sales have always been brisk, they really got a bump during Covid when many people were turning second bedrooms into home offices. “They still wanted the bed with nightstand and cabinets to store linens, but they also wanted the space to work at a desk with shelves. A Murphy bed gives them both. And people have visitors throughout the year — for the summer, Christmas, Thanksgiving — there’s not a time of the year when people aren’t thinking about creating multi-functional rooms and freeing up valuable floor space.”

Which style for which space?

Both Beed and Adrian offer a free consultation that includes designers coming to your home, taking measurements, making note of your storage needs, and listening to your goals and requirements. They’ll then create a virtual model using 3D software, so you can visualize how your bed will fit into your space.

Once you’ve chosen your style of bed, cabinetry and finishes, they’ll custom craft it and professionally install your Murphy bed.

A range of bed sizes and styles are designed to fit within specific room sizes and configurations. A vertical tilt bed stores upright along the height of the wall, requiring adequate ceiling clearance, and opens downward, extending further into the room.

A horizontal side-tilt bed stores sideways along the width of the wall and looks like a built-in console when closed. They tend to work best in limited space with low ceilings. And because they sit lower to the floor, they’re ideal for kids, seniors or those with mobility issues.

Beds can be designed with concealed nightstands or desks, pullout drawers and side tables that double as a nightstand, as well as built-in bookshelves or cabinets around the bed for linen or clothing.

Can you do it yourself?

Surrey’s Murphy Wall-Beds Hardware Inc. , which began as a supplier of Murphy bed hardware back in 1975, now offers do-it-yourself wall bed kits for order online. The company doesn’t offer consultations; customers instead rely on step-by-step instructions, detailed FAQs, blogs and videos to guide them through assembly and installation.

“We have our interactive build-a-bed tool which allows people to build their bed based on the specifications that we offer,” says Chelsea Williams, sales manager. “The pictures, prices and dimensions are all there.”

She says customers peruse their site, select their bed orientation based on their room dimensions, choose size, finish and cabinetry, then place their order. “We manufacture everything (based on that information) and ship direct to them and they install it themselves.”

Although you don’t need an engineering degree to embed the bed, she says it is time-consuming. “Most people who struggle with it are trying to do it as a Saturday afternoon project and it’s definitely more of a two-day, two-person project. If you are prepared to put in the time required, it’s not complicated.”

Murphy Wall-Beds of Canada also offers DIY kits, but Beed says California Closets does not, relying instead on professional installers. “The weight of the mattress determines the size of the pistons that are put on and whether they need adjusting. Our installers are trained in that so they bring different sized pistons to make sure they can put on the correct ones to keep the bed light.”

Designing around the Murphy

When choosing furniture to complement your Murphy bed, designers often suggest opting for ottomans, chairs, coffee tables, etc., that are built on castors to easily roll around the room, depending on whether your bed is up or down.

Dining chairs that are lightweight and can be stacked and out of the way are also a good idea. Nesting tables, ottomans with hidden storage, and fold-down desks also save space.

Decorative moulding and trim options can blend your bed seamlessly into its space using complementary colours and textures, from veneered wood to custom-coloured glass. If the wall bed has a dark wood finish, for example, you can pair it with warm neutrals or soft accent tones like sage or cream. For a lighter, white or grey wall bed, bold artwork or colourful accessories around the bed can liven up the room.

You can personalize the surrounding cabinets and shelving with paintings, photos, books and other keepsakes. You can even decorate the wall bed’s folded-up front surface with framed art, wall sconces or a mirror that reflects light and makes the room feel larger.

Adrian says he attached a barre and mirror onto a bed front for a young ballet dancer. “But you cannot mount a regular mirror on the front of a Murphy bed because mirrors are very rigid and they can crack and break. We used a plastic mirror. A Murphy bed is designed to bend and flex and a plastic mirror can bend and flex with the bed.”

For lighting, consider combining task lighting like desk lamps or reading lights with ambient lighting such as sconces or pendant fixtures to create mood. You can even install LED lights underneath shelving or around the bed frame for warmth and depth.

Regardless of your choice of wall bed, you’ll be able to turn one room into two, and gain some space. It certainly worked out for Mr. Murphy. Not only did he famously design a magically disappearing bed, he bewitched his parlour guest into saying “I do”.

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Co-founder and principal of Aeon Group Amit Thale says great design is not about chasing trends. It’s about creating spaces people want to live in for many years.

Thale and his business partner, Shama Gupta, have built Aeon Group into a Vancouver design firm working in residential, hospitality and multi-family projects. Its companies include Aeon Stone & Tile, Habitat by Aeon and Vancouver’s Poliform showroom , with work spanning homes, kitchens, wardrobes, architectural panelling and custom millwork.

Thale recently returned from Milan Design Week with a clear sense of where luxury interiors are heading next. The biggest shift? Softer spaces, warmer forms and a move away from rigid minimalism.

Rounding out the edges

Milan Design Week is often seen as the global temperature check for design. What appears there tends to ripple through architecture, interiors and furniture over the next several years.

According to Thale, one of the strongest themes this year was the rise of curves and softened geometry, especially in kitchens.

“This year’s Milan Design Week included EuroCucina, which takes place every two years and remains one of the most influential global platforms for kitchen design. One of the biggest trends across both kitchens and furniture was the strong introduction of curved forms and softened architectural lines,” he says.

The change was visible everywhere, from curved kitchen islands and rounded cabinetry to softer furniture silhouettes and more organic room layouts.

For homeowners, it signals a broader cultural shift. After years dominated by cool minimalism and hard-edged interiors, designers are embracing rooms that feel more relaxed and emotionally comforting, says Thale:

“Curves are no longer being treated as accent features. They are becoming part of the DNA of many kitchen collections and shaping how contemporary spaces feel and function.”

The appeal is easy to understand. Rounded forms naturally soften a room. They encourage movement, conversation and ease. Visually, they can make spaces feel calmer and more inviting.

Quiet confidence in luxury design

In a world increasingly driven by fast-moving trends and social media esthetics, Thale was surprised by how disciplined many brands remained this year.

There were not many radically disruptive launches or dramatic departures from what brands are already known for, says Thale. Instead, the collections felt more refined and evolutionary, with companies carefully building on their established identity rather than chasing shock value or trends.

Rather than trying to reinvent themselves every season, many of the leading European brands focused on refinement, craftsmanship and continuity.

For Thale, some of the most compelling names continue to be companies like Poliform, Poltrona Frau , Minotti and Flexform .

“I’ve always gravitated toward brands and designers that focus less on temporary trends and more on timelessness, craftsmanship, and longevity in design. What I admire most is their ability to create pieces that feel contemporary without feeling tied to a specific moment,” he says.

Artful kitchens

One of the biggest surprises for Thale came from minotticucine and a new kitchen concept designed by Claudio Silvestrin.

Traditionally known for monolithic forms and extensive use of natural stone, the company introduced a softer and more sculptural direction this year.

“What made it so compelling was the way the kitchen transcended functionality and began to feel almost like a piece of art. The purity of the forms, the softness of the curves and the architectural restraint created something emotional and deeply memorable,” says Thale.

Milan itself is becoming the main attraction

Another major talking point this year was how Milan Design Week continues to evolve beyond the traditional fairgrounds.

“A number of powerhouse brands, including Poliform and other major international players, are increasingly focusing their energy outside the fairgrounds and into Milan’s historic spaces, courtyards, palazzos and fashion districts,” says Thale.

The city itself has become part of the design experience.

“One of the standout examples was Poliform’s presentation at Palazzo Clerici, where the brand transformed a historic palace into a contemporary design experience. Seeing modern collections and new novelties presented within such an Old World architectural setting created a beautiful dialogue between heritage and contemporary living,” he says.

What’s next for Aeon?

In Vancouver, Thale is incorporating many of these ideas.

Habitat by Aeon is being transformed into a dedicated monobrand space for Poltrona Frau and Modulnova, with a stronger focus on craftsmanship, heritage and immersive living environments, he says:

“This summer, we are excited to formally introduce these new spaces to Vancouver’s design, architecture and development community and invite people to experience firsthand the lifestyle, design language and DNA that these brands represent.”

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