Decorating & Design
See How This Family Home Marries West Coast & Scandi Style
Published on January 26, 2021
How do you create a home that embraces the streamlined aesthetic of Scandi style and stands up to three kids? Just ask designers Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds of Vancouver firm Falken Reynolds. The duo turned a new-build in Vancouver into a serene sanctuary for a Swedish family, sprinkled with Nordic elements and hardworking materials. “We really wanted to make the house feel West Coast — a little tougher than some Scandinavian places, which can almost feel a little delicate,” says Chad. “The big things were the palette: the light woods, lots of white, and layering on details that make it feel like it’s not a big white box.” Scroll down to tour this Scandi-style family home!
The entryway gets a dramatic upgrade with a black metal staircase. “We wanted to create a little bit of separation and privacy to the upstairs, but also bring in the light,” says Chad. The unique curved detailing makes it feel like a piece of art.
The designers clad the dining room ceiling in wood to create a more intimate feel, which tie in the Carl Hansen wishbone chairs and spacious table beautifully. A cerused oak credenza by local maker Jeff Martin displays artwork, plants and ceramic vases.
The designers made the kitchen even more hardworking and kid-friendly with quartz on the countertops and on the walls of the passthrough leading to the mudroom (background), so it can withstand grocery bags and toys.
Right off the kitchen, the living room has an eclectic mix of seating (a trend we’ve been seeing a lot lately) and sleek lighting which seamlessly blends into the space.
The biggest statement in the living room is the fireplace, surrounded by black granite and basalt stone.
Even on a Vancouver winter day, the homeowners can cozy up with a coffee and enjoy the terrace. The furniture is light enough to bring indoors when more seating is needed, and the firepit by local designer Steven Pollock keeps fingers and toes warm.
“Matte finishes were used throughout the house to keep it feeling quiet and soft,” says Chad. In the petite powder room, a wall-mounted basin by Agape is reminiscent of the past yet feels quite modern. To offset the darker tones, hand-glazed subway tiles keeps things light and bright.
The whole family gathers in the home office, where the kids have a workspace to do homework (not pictured). “It’s the brightest, happiest room in the house,” says Chad. The adults’ desk is topped with a Corian slab, so there’s no need to worry about markers or paint spills.
In the light-filled walk-out basement, another eye-catching fireplace takes center stage. “We wanted this one to feel like an old stove in a Swedish cabin.” The surround is made out of handmade porcelain tile.
The principal bedroom is the definition of hygge with plush bedding, an upholstered headboard and a cozy rug underfoot. The Louis Poulsen pendant (left) is a light-as-air addition, perfect for reading in bed.
“The principal ensuite is one of my favorite spots in the house because the Bocci 21 fixture creates this gentle glow for evening soaks in the tub,” says Chad. “The client loves how this feels like an oasis from the busyness of family life.”
The goal for the kids’ bedrooms was to keep the furniture neutral so it could grow with them. The accessories, like stuffed animals, books and a colorful rug, make the room feel personal and youthful.
Ema Peter
Falken Reynolds