Country Homes
Ami McKay Designs A 1960s Bungalow In Her Trademark Modern West Coast Style
Updated on December 27, 2024
Two years ago, Toronto expats Erica and Ryan Duffy fell head over heels when they toured their future house in Lions Bay, B.C. The family needed to relocate when a job opportunity came up for Erica, a tech company executive. Lions Bay was attractive because of its family focus, as well as its nearby beach, hiking trails and skiing. Plus, it was only a 20-minute drive from North Vancouver. Though Erica’s job was just a two-year commitment, they decided to stay, making their move west a permanent one. Tucked into a mountainside, the West Coast bungalow had views of Howe Sound and the surrounding forest while Harvey Creek burbled nearby. “Once you head up the steep driveway, it’s very peaceful and the view is spectacular,” says Erica. “You’re surrounded by cedars; it’s like a cabin in the woods.”
Constructed in the late 1960s by West Coast builder Bob Lewis, the nearly 2,000-square-foot bungalow had a classic post-and-beam structure. The bones were great, but the interiors needed serious updating. Peel and stick laminate covered the floors and a wonky rental suite was slapped over the garage. “It was so rotted, you could put your foot through the floor if you stomped hard enough,” says Ryan, a former high school teacher who now runs construction company Timber and Stone Projects. Tudor trimmings such as leaded glass windows and dark-stained elements didn’t suit the family’s modern aesthetic, either. Erica knew exactly who to call. “Ami McKay had to design the house!”
The designer had the dark beams painted a creamy hue in breezy West Coast style. And the rental suite? It was transformed into an inviting kids’ zone, with two bedrooms, a bathroom and a recreation space. Having interiors that felt connected to the landscape and view was important. “As much as possible, we wanted to bring the outside in,” says Erica.
Take a look inside this West Coast bungalow dressed for season!
Erica and Ryan had seen the Pure Design Inc. principal’s talent firsthand, having toured one of Ami’s earlier projects. They gravitated toward her modern, pared-back, cozy aesthetic and deft use of muted hues and natural materials. The couple’s real-estate agent made the introduction, and Ami and her partner, Don Thomas, who heads up construction for Pure Design Inc., immediately got to work. During the eight-month-long renovation, the house was completely gutted and the layout rejigged to improve flow.
“Lions Bay is this perfect, idyllic, mountains-meet-islands community,” says designer Ami McKay, pictured with her life partner, Don Thomas.
After working for a florist and dressing clients’ homes for years, the designer now loves to keep holiday decorating more nature-inspired. “I bring more of a Scandinavian style that leans minimalist and natural; here, it’s a woodland Christmas. Go outside, forage for branches and bring them indoors.”
A new glass front door captures a glimpse of the ocean, and expansive glass sliders in the great room replace a small window. “As dusk falls, the view looks like a painting of nature,” says Ryan. With such a love of the outdoors, it’s no surprise that this family prefers natural holiday decorations.
“Around Christmas time, we like to use clear white lights, cedar boughs and only one or two accent colors,” says Ryan, pictured with Erica and their kids, James and Evelyn. “We’re not kitschy; we like things clean and simple.” The family’s holiday decorating may be low-key, but the festivities aren’t. “We love celebrating Christmas!” says Ryan.
On the main floor — formerly a two bedroom, kitchen and long corridor combo — walls were removed so that Ami could create an updated great room, banquette area, principal suite and office, as well as a spacious new kitchen. Now, the white oak cabinets and highly veined cream and green marble backsplash combine with an oversized island and cozy breakfast nook, creating a family hub that’s perfect for parties. The statement-making fireplace with a raised half-moon hearth is the focal point of the great room. “We did a German shmear technique that softens the look of the brick,” says Ami.
A cluster of black woven pendants brings contrast to the airy, neutral space. “The pendants have graphic impact and ground the room,” says Ami.
An antique blanket box warmly anchors the outdoorsy vignette that’s set off by a pair of vintage skis.
A mix of materials gives the kitchen heft and edge.
“We love to entertain,” says Erica, who wanted a large island with extra seating and plenty of counter space. At 14 feet long, it’s ideal for laying out drinks and nibbles.
Speckled tableware in shades of white and icy grey has wintry appeal.
Erica always wanted a banquette and finally got her wish. “After dinner, we congregate and play games here. It’s so cozy, you never want to leave the table,” says Ryan.
In the powder room, a simple plaster application has a moody vibe.
The principal bedroom is warm and inviting, with wood accents and earthy textiles.
The ensuite includes a custom concrete counter with integrated sinks, suspended mirrors and terrazzo floor tile.
Janis Nicolay
House & Home
Ami McKay