Decorating & Design
October 19, 2017
This Colorful Vancouver Loft Doubles As An Art Gallery
Contemporary artist and art dealer Sara Shafran’s Vancouver loft feels a a little bit like an art gallery. “My goal is to merge my work and my life,” Sara says. “I want to use it as an exhibition space for emerging contemporary artists, Canadian and international — a place to screen films and host dinners or lectures relating to the show.” Click through to see inside her vibrant, art-filled home.
In the entry, Sara’s grandmother’s dress and a tapestry from her aunt hold sentimental value.
In Sarah’s loft, an L-shaped sectional is ideal for lounging, but it can also be split into two to flank the coffee table for entertaining or hosting an event. A concrete floor was the obvious choice for a working artist, while a hammock chair offers a perch for creative thinking
A vibrant grouping of her own artwork has pride of place over a custom floating console.
A bronze smudge bowl, tucked in behind a vase of flowers, is used to burn sage and clear energy.
The main living area was renovated to combine the kitchen, dining area and living room into one open-concept space. The kitchen was enlarged by two feet into the adjoining dining space to accommodate an expansive island with seating for three.
Satin brass trim and hardware glams up the range hood and cabinetry.
A hutch done in millennial pink — a Winners score that Sara had painted — anchors the dining area and hints at her artist’s sense of color. Iconic Martinique wallpaper, as seen in the Beverly Hills Hotel, and woven end chairs instil a tropical holiday-at-home vibe.
Designers Ivan Quintana and Erica Schmidt of Medina Design House swapped in a gold faucet to mirror the kitchen’s design.
The guest room was transformed into a studio-meditation room. To make this nook, designers Erica and Ivan sourced antique corbels for architectural interest, then added custom moldings and layers of pillows and textiles. “I’ve always dreamed of having a nook like this. I call it my Cleopatra lounge,” says Sara.
Tracey Ayton
House & Home September 2017
Erica Schmidt and Ivan Quintana, Medina Design House