If your client is a cinematographer, you anticipate an inherent sense of drama. Designer Sha Wang from Atelier Fēn certainly met those expectations with her work on this multistory residence located in Vancouver’s prestigious Point Grey area.
Even though the house was finished not long ago, it boasts stunning vistas of both the sea and the city from its uppermost floor. Inside, however, is where it truly makes a remarkable statement.
What makes it particularly influential? Is
modern kitchen
—or does that mean there are two kitchens?
Instead of opting for a singular open-concept space, she designed two separate zones: a polished main kitchen with a small island and seamless panel-ready appliances, and a functional wok kitchen divided by a glass
room divider
.
“A lot of people in Vancouver have two kitchens, but having two can make your main kitchen look smaller,” says
Sha Wang
One of our goals with the wok kitchen was to make it appear larger and more spacious, which is why we opted for an almost floor-to-ceiling glass divider to keep it open.
Not only does this clever solution maximize light and spatial flow, but “it makes the wok kitchen feel more spacious without compromising its utility,” she adds.
Each kitchen adopts a strikingly complementary color scheme of black and white, complemented by a marble countertop and an expansive tiled backsplash. The use of painted MDF cabinets, along with a fluted MDF range hood, “preserves the architectural integrity that characterizes this area,” according to the designer.
The central
kitchen island
It includes deep drawers on one side and open shelves on the other, ideal for hosting guests. The homeowner, a bachelor in his thirties who enjoys throwing parties, chose simple and budget-friendly materials that maintain an upscale appearance, finding them perfectly suited for his needs.
People might invest $3 million in constructing a bespoke house but could still be unsatisfied with the kitchen,” she states. “Our aim was for this area to function efficiently and provide comfort.
In every corner of the house, she infused an equal mix of pragmatism and fun, drawing inspiration from her client’s dynamic character and recognizing that this dwelling is just a temporary abode for him.
Although his “admiration for meticulous, enduring design, which aligns with Atelier Fen’s ethos,” undoubtedly guided every design choice, it was equally crucial to factor in potential future resales.
“Yes, it should appeal to a future buyer, but it was not about
interior design trends
, but about creating a lasting atmosphere — refined, warm, and emotionally connected,” she adds.
Iconic furniture
like a De Sede sofa and Nelson platform bench from Herman Miller make the cut, while bold yet complementary pops of blues and greens are added through art and fixtures.
The
Glas Italia dining table
, an opportunity to experiment with an unexpected design choice, helps liven up the city’s gloomy weather with its “beautiful, shimmering effect and rainbow shadows.”
“The city has nearly 260 days a year of gloom and rain each year, so I wanted something happier and lighter in the space,” she says. Cassina Cab chairs in varying leather tones anchor the translucent table.
In line with this spirit of designing for future residents, the designer used market research to help decide some of the materiality — “neutral yet timeless” elements like white oak millwork, travertine, hardwood flooring, and the right balance of
concealed storage
.
“In this area, there are a lot of families, high-income individuals, so we aim for the same clientele — usually 30s with one or two kids — so we consider those factors when designing,” she notes.
In the living room,
built-in storage
cabinets are completely recessed. “You touch it and it opens,” she describes. Maximizing functionality while maintaining a sense of spaciousness was key, as she found creative ways to optimize every inch of space without compromising on comfort or aesthetic appeal.
“Balancing the need for efficient storage, smart design choices, and high-end finishes required a lot of thoughtful planning,” she remarks.
The living and dining spaces exhibit visual coherence through the recurrence of primary materials like white oak joinery and floors paired with cozy travertine features. These components transition effortlessly between zones, fostering an atmosphere of cohesion.
“She points out that clean lines and straightforward shapes direct the gaze through the spacious floor plan, giving the impression that the whole space is larger than it really is.”
Alongside collectible furniture pieces, artworks serve as central attractions. The works by contemporary artist Pepe Hidalgo harmoniously integrate into the room’s color scheme, whereas touches of blue, green, and red add an energetic vibrancy to the space.
Nevertheless, the kitchen might just be the designer’s most cherished area. Not only does it showcase the client’s personality and usage of the space, but it also promises to captivate any prospective buyer through its intricate textures and meticulous details.
She mentions that the house exudes a tranquil assurance, providing glimpses of subtle opulence amidst an atmosphere of peaceful minimalism.
Shop the Look
This Herman Miller Platform Bench anchors the open-concept living space with its steel legs, while the slatted timber top ensures it doesn’t overwhelm the room.
Get a similar rainbow look of the Glas Italia dining table with this acrylic coffee table style, made with geometric legs and reflecting ever-changing colors.
The classic chairs from Cassina complement nearly every style of decor and anchor the glass table in this dining setting with their leather seats. For pricing, please inquire.
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