This young couple enjoys a new historical home but with a touch of modern styling and comforts.

Photo by: Lucas Finlay A successful entrepreneur and self-proclaimed bachelor, the owner of this 1,100-square-foot Yaletown property sought a complete renovation in time for Vancouver Winter Olympic Games. The goal: make it party central and keep the neighbours happy. For the latter, we added acoustical insulation to walls, ceilings, floors and doors. For the former, we designed the kitchen to provide ample catering space and keep guests oriented around the bar top and living area. Concrete counters, stainless steel cabinets, tin doors and concrete floors were chosen for durability and easy cleaning. The black, high-gloss lacquered pantry cabinets reflect light from the single window, and amplify the industrial space’s masculinity. To add depth and highlight the history of the 100-year-old garment factory building, the original brick and concrete walls were exposed. In the living room, a drywall ceiling and steel beams were clad in Douglas Fir to reference the old, original post and beam structure. We juxtaposed these raw elements with clean lines and bold statements with a nod to overnight guests. In the ensuite, the sculptural Spoon XL tub provides room for two; the vanity has a pop-up make-up mirror and extra storage; and, LED lighting in the steam shower to shift the mood from refreshing to sensual.

This large kitchen in a converted schoolhouse needed an unusual approach. The owners wanted an eclectic look – using a diverse range of styles, shapes, sizes, colours and finishes. The final result speaks for itself – an amazing, quirky and edgy design. From the black sink unit with its ornate mouldings to the oak and beech butcher’s block, from the blue and cream solid wood cupboards with a mix of granite and wooden worktops to the more subtle free-standing furniture in the utility. Top of the class in every respect! Photo: www.clivedoyle.com

Roundhouse Urbo handless bespoke matt lacquer kitchen in Farrow & Ball Downpipe. Worksurface and splashback in Corian, Glacier White and on the island in stainless steel. Siemens appliances and Barazza flush / built-in gas hob. Westins ceiling extractor, Franke tap pull out nozzle in stainless steel and Quooker Boiling Water Tap. Evoline Power port pop up socket.

A wine cellar is located off the study, both within the side extension beneath the side passageway. Photographer: Nick Smith

Amir Schlezinger

In the kitchen the wall is utilised to store bottles of wine in a vintage wine rack. A new glass extension to the rear lets in light. The wall has been left in its raw brick state and has been painted with a magnetic paint.

Photo by Alan Tansey This East Village penthouse was designed for nocturnal entertaining. Reclaimed wood lines the walls and counters of the kitchen and dark tones accent the different spaces of the apartment. Brick walls were exposed and the stair was stripped to its raw steel finish. The guest bath shower is lined with textured slate while the floor is clad in striped Moroccan tile.

Bruce Cole Photography

The kitchen's sink area let's the cook talk with his guests. The stainless steel sink is fully integrated with the counter. A higher counter of butcher block is at the end for rolling pasta and cutting cookies. KR+H's Karla Monkevich designed the glass shelving that's framed in the same machine age aesthetic as the other metal components in the kitchen. Our customer wanted large, deep drawers to hold lots of things so top quality, heavy-duty hardware was used and moveable dividers were integrated into the drawers for easy re-organization. Cutouts in the shelving above allow light to flow but keep the kitchen's clutter out of sight from the living room. Builder: DeSimone Brothers / Photography from homeowner