Designer Space: My Home, My Haven - Home Trends Magazine

Angelo Tsakumis, a Vancouver developer and builder, wanted a home that would be a haven. He chose an acre of land in a community near Langley, British Columbia. “The home’s location was unique. It allowed me to retreat from the city without giving up all the amenities that living close to the city provides.”

Designer Karin Bohne describes the year-old home as a “grand estate complete with six bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a games room, a theatre room, a gym and a
wine cellar.” Greek and Italian marble are used with the marbles’ soft whites, smoked greys and whispered black lines setting the home’s subtle colour motif. “I was very adamant about keeping a light, bright theme as I didn’t want to make the home feel dark and gloomy,” Tsakumis states.

Gently burnished metals, rich fabrics, and European detailing bestow a soft lushness to the décor. The home’s sleek tone is set by the foyer with its zippering white banisters contrasting against the dark risers and flooring. “The chandeliers are the first thing one notices through the foyer. They had to make a statement,” Bohne remarks. “I like to hang lighting a little lower than what one might expect. This gives drama to a room.”

To the right of the foyer is the dining room. A plush oyster grey fabric embraces the chairs while Venetian-esque glass chandeliers glitter above the custom table which Bohne describes as “château inspired.” Next to the dining room is the kitchen. “The kitchen was intended to be streamlined, efficient and situated so that when cooking or entertaining the homeowner could literally host in the heart of the home,” Bohne says. “It was important to the homeowner that he could entertain and cook with family around.”

The breakfast nook, behind the kitchen, is a study in contrasts. Delicate white chairs snuggle a round dark wood table. Dark circles, as well as dark versus light contrasts are leitmotifs in accessories, lighting, mirrors, metal detailing and oak floors. The powder rooms and en-suite are ethereal light spaces highlighted by marble. Tsakumis advises “Just respect the stone, keep it clean and the stone will provide years of compliments from those that visit and enjoy it.”

The living room, with its 16 ft. ceiling, has a laid back West Coast vibe with its softly structured furniture, generous space, and windows that open to sweeping pastoral views. Tsakumis notes that his favourite room is the “‘Great Room’ — because it is wide open and a retreat from everyday chaos.” Tsakumis chose not to have window treatments in the home. “Without blinds I feel that the exterior environment is brought into the home, almost like a picture of landscape art on the wall.”

His family loves the house, but Tsakumis observes: “Nothing is perfect and none of us can be. But I have come to realize that a little taste of that in one’s sanctuary, can give clarity to the mind. In my opinion it can translate into a clearer life direction.”

Text J. Lynn Fraser, Photography Amanda Oster

Sources:

Space Designed by Karin Bohne, www.moeski.ca
Photography, Amanda Oster, www.provokestudios.com
Hardwood, Mejor through Divine Flooring, www.divinehardwood.com
Paint, Benjamin Moore Cloud White OC-130, www.benjaminmoore.com
Finish Carpentry Supplied by, West Coast Moulding, www.westcoastmoulding.com
Finish Carpentry Installed by, Sumas Mountain Projects, www.sumasmountainprojects.com
Millwork, TL Millwork Company
Stone Slabs, Statuario Marble and Caesarstone Supplied and Installed by Archstone Kitchens
Tile, Aeon Stone + Tile, Creekside Tile, www.creeksidetile.com
Door Hardware, Emtek through Bradford Hardware, www.bradfordhardware.com
Cabinetry Hardware, Emtek through Bradford Hardware, www.bradfordhardware.com
Appliances, Midland Appliances, www.midlandappliance.ca
Backsplash, Aeon Stone + Tile, www.aeonstonetile.com
Cabinet Hardware, Emtek through Bradford, www.bradfordhardware.com
Hardware Millwork, TL Millwork Company
Plumbing Fixtures, Jewel Faucets, www.jewelfaucets.com
Light Fixture, Restoration Hardware, www.restorationhardware.com
Coffee Table, Moe’s Home Collection, www.moeshome.com
Sofa, BoConcept, www.boconcept.com

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Canadian Home Trends magazine gives you a personal tour of the most stunning homes and condos across Canada. You'll be inspired by a selection of accessible home décor products, trend reports, simple yet stylish DIY projects, and much more. In each issue, you are given the tools to recreate designer spaces you've always dreamt of having at home, in-depth renovation and design advice, colour palette and furniture pairings, and Canada's best places to shop.