City Homes
A Contemporary Vancouver Home Designed By Ami McKay Is Warmed Up With Natural Elements
Updated on November 22, 2023
More often than not, a designer’s role is to create a dream space for clients. Occasionally, however, they’re pressed into service in other ways. So when designer Ami McKay of Pure Design Inc. received a call asking if she would serve as a sounding board for a prospective client, she was happy to help. The client and her husband were renovating a home in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighbourhood with a traditional exterior. Inside, though, they wanted a thoroughly modern look. To get the balance right, she turned to Ami, whom she’d been following on Instagram. She loved how the designer created contemporary spaces that never felt sterile; clean lines and warm colours were Ami’s calling cards.
When the couple was ready to finally move in to their new, “old” home, the holidays were just around the corner. It was time for Ami to don a different hat. To ready the house for the Christmas season, she brought her signature less-is-more magic to the forefront with natural holiday decor.
Scroll down to see this contemporary home decorated with natural holiday touches!
Designer Ami McKay didn’t lose any time offering her seasoned insight and positive encouragement. “This client already had a lot of experience renovating,” says Ami. “She just didn’t want to make any costly mistakes — she needed a cheerleader!”
A blue door adds an elegant but beachy vibe while tall birch logs bring a subtle touch of holiday.
With a nimble touch, Ami (pictured), who’s a former florist, deconstructed bouquets and placed them in tiny vases, and decorated a simple tree with artful wood accents like birch offcuts. “It’s not garish, but it’s still festive,” says the homeowner, who loved Ami’s holiday style.
The client wanted a black kitchen but wondered if Ami would say that the idea was crazy. “I was looking for someone to guide me, quell my fears and tell me I was on the right track.” Ami suggested white oak to help balance out those not-crazy black kitchen cabinets. The interplay between the black cabinets and the pale floors and counters provides a study in balance.
The white oak herringbone-patterned floors now serve as a nod to the traditional exterior (Ami found someone who hand-jigged each piece), while the rest of the interior balances a clean and contemporary counterpoint that always reads warm. Light white oak cabinets pair well with black barstools for contrast and drama, too.
A window seat layered in light and dark textures offers a quiet respite during the busy holiday season.
A letter gift tag comes courtesy of a repurposed “Merry Christmas” garland.
A bright piece of art adds warmth to the otherwise simple dining room.
Ami buys flower bundles and then deconstructs them with greens and ranunculus. “I wanted warmth with contrast, and also deep color to reflect the black tones in the kitchen,” she says.
“Sometimes in modern black, white and gray interiors, people make the mistake of not having any grounding tones,” says Ami. “We made sure pillows were on the warmer side and we brought in earthy colors to make it feel more relaxed and comfortable.” Two wood-and-camel leather armchairs break up the neutral palette of white, grey and black.
Although nothing screams “Christmas,” small touches nod to the warmth of the holidays, like the casually draped pom-pom throw, simple greenery and delicious treats.
Simple “less is more” arrangements of green leaves provide modern punch.
Beautifully wrapped gifts await under the minimalist tree.
Ami strung the tree with Vancouver-based Steelwood Design‘s birch garland.
A gingerbread family is placed beneath a string of wooden beads with cards. An oversized mug and cookie bowl allow Santa to refuel in style.
The homeowner’s son steals a snack while waiting for Santa.
Playtime on the furniture shows that nothing is too precious in this welcoming space.
The principal bathroom’s clean lines and neutral palette are timeless and calming.
A hand-painted mural by Vancouver artist Dana Mooney is striking in the principal bedroom.
A cozy family room is tucked away by the back entry.
At the back door, dark cabinets create a moody entrance; hex floor tile hints at the modern interior beyond.
Janis Nicolay
House & Home November 2020