Decorating & Design
January 22, 2019
Mountain Views Make This Whistler Home Feel Like A Modern Ski Chalet
When Janis and Jay McKenzie couldn’t find their dream home on the market in Whistler, B.C., they decided to build it from scratch. They purchased a gorgeous lot with snow-capped mountain views that backed onto a forested hiking trail and began constructing a 5,200-square-foot house, nearly double the size of their old home. Ami McKay, a Vancouver-based designer with Pure Design Inc., is known for her eco ethos and this project was no different. “I naturally opt for healthy choices, such as wool carpeting and rugs instead of synthetic, and sofas without fire retardants, like the Montauk piece we used,” she says.
The bright, airy home has a modern ski chalet feeling, with a focus on contemporary lines and neutral colors punctuated by hits of black. Large windows encased in inky frames add visual interest to better showcase Whistler’s famous scenery, offering a modern ski chalet feel. “We didn’t want it to be too precious because Whistler’s not precious — it’s a place where everyone’s casual and wearing running shoes.” Click through to tour this cool and contemporary Whistler home.
Daughter Hannah and the family’s bernedoodle, Luna, in the home’s spacious entryway. Windows flood this new-build with light, while a dramatic glass-sided staircase with floating treads keeps sight lines clear.
Hannah warms up near the living area’s limestone feature wall, which continues outside onto the home’s exterior for a seamless look.
The durable leather armchairs and Montauk sofa are family favorites. “I chose the sofa because it’s a luxurious, healthy piece,” says Ami. Free from potentially harmful flame retardants, “it’s clean-lined and comfy with down-filled, oversized cushions — perfect for cozying up in.” A vase holds a bunch of lichen, plentiful in the mountains where the air is purest, while birch logs draw the eye to the fireplace.
The living room is a light-filled space with beautiful views of evergreens. Offering a comfortable spot to curl up by the fire, the grey-blue sofa is complemented by neutral throw pillows and a dark textured blanket.
Graphic pendants and inky chairs offset the warmth of the wood dining table. Large windows on both walls of the dining area bring the outdoors in.
Fresh herbs, wooden serving pieces and simple bites reflect Whistler’s laid-back style
A blond-wood sliding door, which closes off a den, pops against the stone wall.
Homeowners Janis and Jay McKenzie chat with their son Joshua in their open-plan kitchen.
Casual family snacking is elevated with crisp white ceramics and a jug of sculptural branches.
The refrigerator and ovens are housed in a wall of metallic grey cabinetry that adds dimension to the otherwise light and bright kitchen.
With views into the living and dining areas, the kitchen is ideal for hosting a crowd.
An Acapulco chair at the top of the stairs turns dead space into a light-filled reading nook, and a collection of pendant lights have artful impact suspended in front of the windows. “When you pull up to the property, you can see this space from the outside, so we needed something spectacular that would really make an impact,” says Ami.
A Moroccan pom-pom blanket and striped throw pillows look playful in the neutral principal bedroom.
Janis wanted the principal bathroom to be a refined spot to relax. Elegant marble-look tile covers the floor and walls, while a pair of sconces reflect the pleasing symmetry of the floating vanity. “The ceiling fixture functions like a chandelier but looks almost like a sea urchin,” Ami adds.
Forest views make soaking in the tub even dreamier.
Janis Nicolay
House & Home November 2017
Ami McKay