The property
For a masterclass in how to make the most of a quirky floor plan while still thinking about modern home design, look to this inspiring project led by interior designer Gillian Segal in the beautiful Canadian city of Vancouver.
Segal was called in to save the day by a developer client who was struggling to sell eight apartments with challenging, unusual layouts. Though sold on their location, would-be buyers were finding it difficult to visualise living in these spaces.
Within a tight five-week timeframe, Segal and her team transformed the trickiest of floor plans into a warm, contemporary show suite that highlighted both function and flair.
Despite a city-wide shutdown in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, Segal brought the apartment to life with custom millwork, bespoke upholstery, luxurious drapery and unique decor sourced from artisans worldwide.
Just one month after opening the show suite, every property had been snapped up.
See Also: Is this New York apartment a party house or sophisticated SoHo loft? It's a bit of both
Living room
Floor to ceiling windows draw the surrounding leafy trees into this contemporary living space. Warm wooden detailing and soft ivory curtains keep it from feeling cold and earthy blue cushions add depth to the neutral palette. The rich aubergine cabinet opens to reveal a TV and shelving.
Get the look: Floor lamp with rattan shade from Arteriors. Glass rectangular coffee table from Iacoli & Mcallister. Curved back lounge chairs from inform. Grey marble side table from CB2. Custom upholstery (curved back sofa and dining banquette) and TV millwork by Gillian Segal Design.
Segal thoughtfully curated decorations - including sculptures and coffee table books - from all around the world.
Get the look: Rose marble plinths from inform.
Dining space
The rigid triangular shape of this statement pendant light is softened by an oval dining table and a pastel blue velvet bench. Curved cream armchairs and pampas grass cosies up the design while an organic-shaped mirror throws an abundance of light around the space.
Get the look: Dining top with black oak base from RH and black mid-century dining chairs from France & Son. Blue velvet fabric for custom banquette seating is Romo by Ann Starr. Brass globe fixture from Apparatus Lighting. Modern mirror from 1st Dibs. Ceramic sculpture by Danica Kaspar and 'Every Becoming' artwork by Zoe Pawlak.
Kitchen
Shiny all-white kitchen cabinets create a glossy wash effect that contrasts with the island's honeyed wooden worktop. Chic industrial touches in the form of monochrome stools and steel appliances nod to the current trend in an understated fashion.
Get the look: Bouclé backless counter stools by Mermelada Estudio for CB2. Kitchen accessories and florals from Celsia Florist.
Butler's pantry
Drinks trolleys remain popular but Segal has also shown how to make a statement with crockery and dry foods. Piling lemons in a rustic wicker basket brings a countryside homeliness to an otherwise hard and modern space. The panelled ceiling complements the mahogany flooring to add period charm.
See Also: Pantry Ideas: Dreamy Kitchen Pantries
Get the look: Pantry baker's rack and hutch from Crate & Barrel. Black bar cart and handwoven ivory rug from Wayfair. Grasscloth wallpaper from Philip Jeffries.
Home office
Working in your home office would feel like a luxury if you had this statement red velvet throne to sit on! The minimalist white desk lets the soothing sight of trees take the spotlight and warm grey curtains play into the natural aesthetic.
Decorative gold accents complement the matt black lampshade and textured greige wallpaper.
Get the look: Cream desk with drawer from CB2. Warren Platner chair with merlot velvet upholstery from inform. Ballard sconce from Human Home. Black dome pendant light from Atelier de Troupe. Grasscloth wallcovering from Philip Jefferies and art by Tappan Art. Custom kidney shape rug by Gillian Segal Design.
Bedroom
The bedroom should be a sanctuary - a place to restore and ground yourself after a busy day. This soothing design sticks to a calming earthy palette but plays with shape and texture to keep things interesting. Neatly pleated curtains and glam round cushions sit together in harmony.
Playful touches include contemporary wall hangings and a shaggy sheep sculpture! Nature remains the star of this show thanks to more floor to ceiling windows.
Get the look: Upholstered king bed from RH. Black nightstands from Blu Dot. Tarnished silver base with white lamp shade from Amy Meirer. Three-arm lighting fixture from 1st Dibs. Bedding from Last Light and blanket from Hermes. Sheep sculpture from Davinci's.
Live-in suite
Why offer guests a spare bedroom when you can offer them a spare live-in suite? This sofa bed combines function and style while a statement light with rattan detailing keeps the vibe warm and welcoming.
The annexe kitchen is a continuation of the main kitchen with its glossy handleless cabinets and grey marble splashback. The black and metallic stools add edge and the counter table offers the ideal spot for Sunday brunch.
Storage has been made a style feature throughout this apartment. Gold brackets complement white marble shelving and an eclectic array of Japandi-style bowls and glassware lends fascination to the worktops.
Get the look: Sofa bed from CB2 and ivory bouclé ottomans from Article. Three-light fixture is Salt by Caza. Counter height dining table from EQ3 and counter height stools from France & Son. Dining storage from Ikea and marble shelving from CB2. Sconce from Blueprint and ivory rug from CB2. Painting above counter table is 'Espace D' by Carla Tak.
See Also: An industrial London apartment full of clever decor twists
Interior design: Gillian Segal Design
-
4 serene window ideas to keep the festive warmth in and the winter cold out this ChristmasGive your windows the gift of new dressings this Christmas, complete with a customised and stress-free service from Hillarys
-
12 pieces of timeless furniture - the Livingetc edit of what will never go out of style
If you're hoping to build a living room or bedroom that defies fickle trends and endures year after year, start by shopping our edit of timeless furniture here
-
Tour a mid-century house in Philadelphia with a modern take on Mad Men style
This mid-century house in Philadelphia is a modern take on mid-century design and the perfect backdrop for this enviable collection of art and objects
-
This modern Edwardian house in Melbourne is small but mighty
It may be small, but thanks to its ingenious design, this Edwardian house in Melbourne makes family living a breeze
-
Old meets new in this apartment in New York's East Village - a former community centre built in 1860
The owner of this loft-style apartment in New York's East Village mixes ancient and modern with timeworn pieces, design classics and his own abstract art...
-
Explore this super-contemporary coastal house in Cornwall
This coastal house in Cornwall is all about drinking in the uninterrupted views of nature at its most raw, most pure…
-
Explore this spacious detached 1900s house in southeast London with stylish modern interiors
Edgy textures, luxe materials and a mix of vintage and bargain buys transformed a blank detached 1900s house in southeast London into a home full of personality.
-
This large house in west London is minimal yet playful
A firefighter’s pole in the kitchen and a slide down the stairs? This house in west London proves minimalism can also be fun.
-
Inside A Clever Garden Room That Doubles As A Chic Guest House
This striking garden room design incorporates a sleeping area, kitchenette, loo and shower, as well as plenty of storage space, making it ideal as both a self-contained guest house or a restful retreat to escape to.
-
This light and bright Victorian terrace in west London is relaxed yet stylish
This chic Victorian terrace in west London is full of clever ideas that allow it to evolve.
