Light and warm colour palettes with an earthy tone for a sense of serenity that in the main living area
Cover Light and warm colour palettes with an earthy tone for a sense of serenity that in the main living area

The functional yet aesthetically pleasing space fosters togetherness while also providing privacy for the family of four

The Asian couple in their 40s had been following Sha Wang on Instagram for a while, and it was her unique blend of contemporary cosiness in spaces that radiate an unassuming and uncomplicated allure that prompted them to get in touch with the Principal at Space 9 Interior Design to help design their residential home in the coastal city of Richmond, British Columbia.

“The homeowners’ lifestyle, their cherished travel destinations, and even their preferred hotels align seamlessly with my own preferences. It feels as if we were looking into a mirror, reflecting a remarkable harmony between us,” confesses Wang.

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A white oak backdrop complements the veined marble wall
Above A white oak backdrop complements the veined marble wall
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A travertine coffee table and Moooi ceiling light fixture
Above A travertine coffee table and Moooi ceiling light fixture

After a short 30-minute conversation during their first meeting, they swiftly solidified the design proposal for the 4,000 sq ft residence in a multicultural and family-friendly neighbourhood 25 minutes away from Vancouver downtown and the US border.

The client’s brief underscored the importance of a minimalist approach, while employing expert craftsmanship and using high quality materials to create a space of retreat, which the Canadian Chinese designer recalls “were an exact match for my own design style and lifestyle.”

“As I delved into the design process, I felt a genuine excitement knowing that the interior space we were creating would embody my own signature style, fueled by an affinity for natural elements and balanced colour palettes,” she adds.

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The sofa in the family room is inspired by traditional Japanese futon
Above The sofa in the family room is inspired by traditional Japanese futon
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Material selections are kept to the bare minimum
Above Material selections are kept to the bare minimum

For an interior design that is pure, strong and simple, Wang turned to her favourite hotel as a major inspiration for the project: Aman Tokyo–the third party of this meeting of the minds. 

“We wanted to capture the essence of tranquillity and serenity from the Aman hotel, but it was equally important to meet all functional requirements and budget constraints of a full-time home,” explains Wang.

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The main bedroom with a lounge area
Above The main bedroom with a lounge area
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Emphasis on texture and mood
Above Emphasis on texture and mood
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A Bensen Loft 180 sofa
Above A Bensen Loft 180 sofa

At the risk of crafting a carbon copy of Aman Tokyo space, they developed the design further to give the space its unique character so it truly reflected the homeowners’ vision and lifestyle.

“In essence, a space that fosters togetherness while also providing privacy when desired, accommodating their family dynamics and daily activities, such as incorporating plenty of storage solutions to maintain an uncluttered environment, catering to their organised lifestyle,” says the designer, whose clients also have two children and a puppy.

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Secondary bedroom with a flowerpot pendant by Verner Panton from &Tradition
Above Secondary bedroom with a flowerpot pendant by Verner Panton from &Tradition
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Consistent colour and saturation throughout the entire home
Above Consistent colour and saturation throughout the entire home

The new build project that spanned over two and a half years featured a two-level layout with an open floor plan, flowing seamlessly throughout the living areas–the living room, family room and dining-cum-kitchen area, as well as three private bedrooms. 

While the process was collaborative, with the clients engaged in each phase, they granted Wang and her Space 9 team generous artistic freedom, which she says turned out to be a blessing: “This gift enabled a remarkable level of customisation, guaranteeing that colours and saturation were consistent throughout the entire home.”

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The spacious main bedroom en suite
Above The spacious main bedroom en suite
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Smart storage solutions
Above Smart storage solutions
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The secondary bedroom en suite
Above The secondary bedroom en suite
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The powder room
Above The powder room

Such aesthetic alignment included light and warm palettes of earthy tones, with emphasis on texture and mood that fostered a sense of peace. Each room was imbued with individual personality and charm as the inhabitants moved from one space to the next.

White oak with clean lines provided interesting visual geometry throughout the home, as textured concrete panels, black slates, and white veined marble work complemented one another in their various forms and shapes in the different spaces.

Besides that, material selections were streamlined to the bare necessities, free from any unnecessary ornamentation or distractions, keeping the attention centred on reflection and relaxation.

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The open plan dining and kitchen area with ample storage
Above The open plan dining and kitchen area with ample storage
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A minimalist approach that employs expert craftsmanship
Above A minimalist approach that employs expert craftsmanship
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Sha Wang, Principal of Space 9 Interior Design, in her favourite space
Above Sha Wang, Principal of Space 9 Interior Design, in her favourite space

“My favourite room in this wonderful retreat space is the kitchen. It exudes an air of elegance and functionality that truly resonates with my heart,” remarks Wang. “Top-tier appliances and meticulously crafted custom wood cabinets grace the space, providing not only a tasteful aesthetic but also an abundance of storage options so everything finds its rightful place within these cabinets, allowing for a seamless and clutter-free culinary experience.”

On top of that, adding a touch of brilliance to the kitchen was the Trapeze 10 pendant lighting fixture by Apparatus Studio, which the designer concludes was “a true piece of artistry.”

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Credits

Photography  

Tina Kulic / Ema Peter Photography

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