Houzz Tours
Houzz Tour: Contemporary Nest in Fun Vancouver Neighborhood
First-time homeowner turns her compact apartment into a peaceful, light-filled home
Nicole Cannon purchased her newly-built apartment in Vancouver, B.C.'s Mt. Pleasant neighborhood in early 2011 and was the first resident to move into the building about six months ago. While living in her brand new space presented some initial challenges, Cannon has enjoyed personalizing her home with a clean, tranquil and Zen-inspired style. Her personal interest in interiors and design has made it easy to transform this 567-square-foot space with a keen eye and smart style choices.
Old and new blend together along with a diverse and growing crowd when you walk past the trendy lounges and specialty shops that line Main Street. Dilapidated commercial lots have given way to contemporary condo projects, and with the nearby downtown amenities and access to ample parks and the seawall, this pocket of the city has been attracting many first-time homeowners like Cannon.
Who lives here: Nicole Cannon
Location: Mt. Pleasant/South Main neighborhood of Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Size: 567 square feet, with a 88 square-foot patio
Old and new blend together along with a diverse and growing crowd when you walk past the trendy lounges and specialty shops that line Main Street. Dilapidated commercial lots have given way to contemporary condo projects, and with the nearby downtown amenities and access to ample parks and the seawall, this pocket of the city has been attracting many first-time homeowners like Cannon.
Who lives here: Nicole Cannon
Location: Mt. Pleasant/South Main neighborhood of Vancouver, B.C., Canada
Size: 567 square feet, with a 88 square-foot patio
An open-concept kitchen efficiently uses each square foot in Cannon's home. A pop of dark gray on the cabinets helps to both define the space as well as set the color scheme throughout the apartment. Cannon enjoys drinking a cup of coffee here in the morning, and barbecuing on the patio off to the right. A prominent glass partition to the left separates the living area from the bedroom.
Discrete hardware, white quartz countertops and a sleek, minimalist faucet stays with the clean aesthetic. An undermounted sink makes countertop cleanup a cinch. Her next project is to add a glass backsplash. "I am hoping to source a glass subway tile from Fontile here in Vancouver," she says. "I think the aqua color will help to transition from the white countertops to the darker cabinets."
Warm hardwood flooring is a great base for the inviting textures that make up most the furniture. A traditional damask patterned fabric for this custom piece is a great juxtaposition with the contemporary finishing from the developer. Kelly Deck Design has been a source of inspiration. "I appreciate her monochromatic style and use of key personal elements in one's home," Cannon says.
A contemporary bistro set offers an eat-in option Next to the glass partition wall. White leather tufted chairs help to anchor this area.
Cannon enjoys traveling, and if there's a meal abroad she'd like to recreate in her new kitchen, it might be "a great big paella, taking advantage of the awesome seafood in this city!"
Cannon enjoys traveling, and if there's a meal abroad she'd like to recreate in her new kitchen, it might be "a great big paella, taking advantage of the awesome seafood in this city!"
Hints of aqua punctuate the openness. This tall china cabinet from Moe's Home Collection helps set off the dining area from the long entry hall to the left.
The bathroom has been painted a Zen-inspired green from Benjamin Moore Paints. A one-piece countertop and sink vanity rests on top of the same cabinetry used in the kitchen, which creates a sense of cohesion in a small space.
To pick paint colors, "I like to bring home the sample pots that you can buy and paint a few different options on the wall to help me decide," she says.
To pick paint colors, "I like to bring home the sample pots that you can buy and paint a few different options on the wall to help me decide," she says.
The heritage-inspired tiles in the bathroom were chosen by the developer as a hat-tip to the older buildings in the neighborhood. The black border helps to define this tiled space and looks great next to the hardwood throughout the rest of the apartment.
Light spills into the bedroom from the glass feature wall. A luxurious leather headboard anchors the queen-sized bed outfitted with a neutral duvet cover and geometric throw pillows.
Cannon says, "I would love to wallpaper the wall behind the bed with something in a subtle floral motif with a tone-on-tone metallic detail, like this option from The Cross Decor & Design."
Nightstands: IKEA
Cannon says, "I would love to wallpaper the wall behind the bed with something in a subtle floral motif with a tone-on-tone metallic detail, like this option from The Cross Decor & Design."
Nightstands: IKEA
Cannon is mindful of purchasing pieces as functional as they are beautiful. A full-length mirror bounces light around in this windowless room and is a key piece for dressing and sitting adjacent to the closet.
The Paris-themed trunk serves as extra linen storage. If money were no object, Cannon would have a few design splurges: "Definitely a black-silhouette console table and a crystal chandelier."
The Paris-themed trunk serves as extra linen storage. If money were no object, Cannon would have a few design splurges: "Definitely a black-silhouette console table and a crystal chandelier."
An otherwise ubiquitous IKEA dresser is customized with glass knobs Cannon purchased from The Cross Decor & Design.
The contrasting glass and volcanic rock façade add to the cool and edgy look of this new building designed with the area's diverse and emerging crowd in mind.
An extensive communal patio makes good use of the flat roof with an unobstructed view of downtown.
What Cannon loves most about the Mt. Pleasant area is its high score for walkability to nearby shops, restaurants and entertainment. On weekends she often heads over to meet friends at Habit on Main Street for brunch, and if evening drinks are on the agenda, The Cascade Room is her first choice.
More Houzz tours:
British Columbia Townhome with a Postcard View
Traditional with Contemporary Shine
Canadian Cottage in the Netherlands
Modern Houseboat in Vancouver, B.C.
More Houzz tours:
British Columbia Townhome with a Postcard View
Traditional with Contemporary Shine
Canadian Cottage in the Netherlands
Modern Houseboat in Vancouver, B.C.
Cannon had the beautiful chair and sofa custom made by Sofa So Good. The option of choosing upholstery and sizing specs ensured a tailor-made look. Glass nesting tables float above the plush textured area rug. "This space is my go-to spot to relax in with a cup of tea and candles lit," she says.
Moroccan pouf: Hand Made Leather Store