This article originally appeared on REW.ca’s sister website Westender. To read the original article, click here – and for more news, features and events, go to www.westender.com
When Linh Nguyen and Mike Tran were looking to custom build a home in Vancouver, they found their perfect design match while flipping through an issue of Style At Home magazine.
Kerrisdale Design Inc. – founded by local designer Karla Amadatsu – had a recent project featured in the publication and both Linh and Mike fell in love with Karla’s signature style, the New Traditional. Kerrisdale Design Inc. created a stunning interior space for the young family, the inspiration for which was sparked by an elegant Schumacher fabric, the Chiang Mai Dragon, proving that sometimes even the smallest details can make a major impact in design.
What is it? A 3,300-square-foot heritage-style new build in Vancouver; a new twist on a traditional design created a beautifully neutral backdrop for the comfortably elegant interior.
Occupant(s): Linh Nguyen and Mike Tran, a married couple who live in the home with their young son.
Major selling feature: The opportunity for the family to build a home from scratch was wonderful in that it allowed them to create a space that fit their lifestyle yet also embodied their own style. Every detail could be customized to suit the family’s needs and personality.
First thing changed: Since this home was a fresh design from the ground up, everything was a change! During the build, the couple chose classic materials and colours, but once complete it required the final layer of furnishings and decor to make it truly feel like home. This is where Kerrisdale Design came in, creating a design for the main spaces of the home that reflected the New Traditional style that Linh and Mike loved.
That one conversation piece: The brass and crystal chandelier in the dining room. The aged aesthetic of the statement lighting piece adds that element of story and old-world inspiration that really plays well against the vibrant yet more relaxed vibe in the dining room. Pops of cobalt blue were brought in with the linen fabric of the Louis XVI-style chairs, which is a perfect palette pairing for the gold tones in the chandelier.
The décor: A fresh take on traditional. (Note: Kerrisdale Design’s founder, Karla, is well known within the design community and among style-seekers for her ability to give a traditional feel a fresh update into modern design. Coined the “New Traditional”, Karla’s signature look was the perfect finish to the clean-lined overall design.) Every detail of the space reflects the juxtaposition of modern and traditional to create an inviting elegance, with furnishings that embody a more formal appeal. The layered textiles and accessories added playful patterns and palettes to mix it up and create a comfortably approachable overall design.
Neighbourhood haunts: Vancouver is such a beautifully outdoorsy city, so the numerous neighbourhood parks are a big hit with the family. The area is home to many local businesses – too many to name them all – but Linh and Mike often visit The Flower Factory for gorgeous bouquets and JJ Bean for great coffee to name a few.
