Western Living Magazine
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It’s Back! Entries Are Now Open for Our WL Design 25 Awards
Announcing the 2024 Western Living Design Icons
You’re Invited: Grab Your Tickets to the 2024 WL Designers of the Year Awards Party
The Top 100 entries vying for glory in our 2024 WL Design 25 Awards.
The top 100 finalists you see here have faced some stiff competition to come out on top. In our first year of the WL Design 25 Awards we received over 600 entries—and no surprise to us, they were all shining examples of the world-class design scene in Western Canada.
In case you missed it, the WL Design 25 is a brand-new awards program, celebrating 25 of the best new designs of the year. While our WL Designers of the Year awards celebrate a body of work, the WL Design 25 awards are designed to focus on specific projects: from an inviting bedroom to a perfect chair, an elegant office space to a sustainably crafted coffee table.
Each of the 25 winners in our inaugural WL Design 25 represent the best of Western Canadian design in 2024.
But first: the finalists. Congratulations to each of our finalists here! And stay tuned for our winners announcement in March 2024, when the top 100 becomes the final WL Design 25.
A third Small Victory outpost in North Burnaby embraces the raw materiality of the existing concrete structure and features a palette that blends naturally with the base building.
A design that highlights (and celebrates) sustainable building materials that are warm, inviting, tactile and possess qualities that support environmental design.
Inspired by ripples in the water as the kingfisher dives to catch its prey, the Kingfisher Sconce is carved by hand to create a dappled light.
Made from repurposed skateboard decks, the credenza reimagines a classic mid-century design into a colourful, yet elegant piece of highly functional furniture.
This kitchen is modest in square footage but big on thoughtful details like Python Quartzite on the backsplash and unlacquered brass hardware.
A transformed space that encourages play, adventure and provides an escape in a room that includes a kitchen, grocery store, dress-up area; a reading nook with custom planetary seating; and a massive peg board.
A design that looks beautiful from all site lines, providing the homeowners with the ability to use the bed space as a lounging/reading zone (if no guests are occupying it, of course).
Orderly squares aren’t so rigid anymore—their borders have softened into an informal, convivial weave where quadrangles are stretched and warped into casually imperfect forms.
A gorgeous retreat that speaks volumes on how to work with existing architectural details to make a space function well—with a play on texture and pattern.
Vibrant colour blocking, geometric and curvilinear shapes, bold neon lighting, bossy terrazzo and multicoloured acrylics create a captivating and Instagram-worthy backdrop for a restaurant that features chicken fingers with a twist.
Reflective of the French-Canadian menu as well as market owners’ personalities, the space is as refined as it is playful.
A naturally bright and airy kitchen shines in a rich palette of wood, navy blue paint, marble inspired countertops, brushed gold hardware and feature glass cabinet doors.
A solid wooden frame made with traditional joinery supports a bent laminated seat and back, which are carefully curved to cradle its occupant.
A dramatic round table featuring a thick blackened conical steel base is meticulously curved and joined to create a seamless connection.
A calming and stress-reducing environment for clients, with a design concept centred around the lawyer’s role as a bridge between individuals and the legal system.
An elegant interplay of stone with an inset table leg system—in this case a king high-crystal Patagonia Granite slab with burnished brass legs.
This fully waterproof plant pot is 3-D printed using a matte black PLA (an environmentally friendly, recyclable bio plastic) and features a blackened steel band that is sealed with a multi-layer wax finish.
Like the birds’ nests that survived an infamous windstorm in 2006, this chair’s design inhabits a space between art and design with sculpted curves that envelop the user in a feeling of comfort and security.
A wide-diameter top on this conical pedestal-base end table provides generous surface area for essentials, while the small-footprint base maximizes space efficiency.
An experiment in materiality, this slim profiled, contemporary entertainment unit features woven cane doors covering its three storage compartments.
Corbel is a modern side table with an adjustable tray that swings into position— and with its modern design and finishes, this accessible tray table belongs in the home, not the hospital.
Made from clay salvaged at the site of the former Sumas Brick factory, the limited-edition series was inspired by objects that would be found in a factory lunchroom in the eighties.
Inspired by a canopied jungle, the design evokes feelings of cover and seclusion – curved booth seating offers more privacy; cascading overhead plants and dripping light fixtures work to achieve intimacy.
In West Coast colour palettes of grey/blue, sage green and dusky pink, the designs are constructed from reclaimed materials rescued from demolished buildings, leather sofas and more.
The wood-fired teardrop stoneware vessel features a flashing, shino glaze, wood ash and gold kintsugi accents.
In this functional, airy mudroom, minimalist detailing is paired with durable surfaces; smart storage solutions allow clutter to be hidden away, while often-used coats and shoes are tidily within reach.
The entrance sequence in this Tsawwassen home transitions guests from the street to the heart of the home. Behind the custom-designed glass and wood front pivot door lies a spectacular new 30ft x 9ft walkable skylight, floating over the length of the new entry vestibule.
The homeowner describes this grotto space as “a return to stillness”: a burnt-cedar meditation room that reveals the rocky base of the adjacent cliff through a glass panel.
A design that takes the idea of forest bathing in a whole new direction with this ensuite, where the homeowners can soak in the view from the egg-like tub.
It’s not just the colour that makes this piece reminiscent of the sea: it’s the waves in its delicate form.
A renovation of an ADU brought a fresh palette and abundance of natural light to a newly functional space. Day to day, it’s a Qipao studio, but it can be easily transformed into a guest suite.
Aged beams, the iron frames of the windows and all of the beautiful patina have been repurposed into a warm, inviting modern business space.
Built from reclaimed maple, the bar cabinet is a feat of impressive woodworking: mitred joints and back panel hold things artfully together: the only fasteners here are the drawer slides and hinges.
This moving school chair proposes an elegant solution to the too-rigid set-up in traditional school settings.
An ensuite designed for the homeowner couple to use together, but also with sound proofing in mind for the times their schedules were not in sync.
Arch N°1 serves a dual purpose as a decorative bookend or paperweight; when inverted, it transforms into a small vase for a few delicate stems.
Lifted’s theory: fitness equipment will be used more if it’s happily displayed in plain sight. This beautiful weight-storage system puts the hypothesis to the test.
Graceful curves define the powder room here, accented by soft lighting and a dramatic oval-shaped vanity crafted with hand-ground Crystallo quartz.
A cookie-cutter basement becomes a moody, textural retreat—complete with eye-catching details like a custom moss installation.
Designing a jewellery studio to suit a variety of different production and retail needs, Trejo has created a true gem of a space.
Marrimor describes the Toof as “a side table with a trick up its sleeve.” That trick? A textural poof that slides out from a sleek metal base.
Through textured, dimensional glass layers, the handmade Ova pendant light casts diffused and ambient warmth.
The wall pulls away to connect the indoors with a stunning waterfront view in this gorgeous bedroom.
A slightly sunken living room invites you in, alongside a dramatic staircase and a window into the lush inner courtyard.
This island retreat takes inspiration from sculptor Donald Judd’s open, structurally exposed spaces.
Hidden pocket walls at the perimeter of the room provide a space where the kids can read, watch movies or daydream; a floating white pavilion houses a top-side perch for sleepovers.
The small-batch, “slow-made” design is perfect in its imperfection.
This mug is made with a Japanese Kurinuki technique.’Kurinuki’ means ‘carving out,” and the results are raw and sculptural.
This piece borrows shapes of the natural world. Rocks, charred wood and forest debris are selected for form and texture; their impressions are captured in poured jeweler’s wax.
The clean lines and simple silhouette of the Yarro light (inspired by both Scandinavian and West Coast sensibilities) create a timeless design.
A little girl’s bedroom is transformed into a haven of imagination with vibrant floral wallpaper and a secret book nook.
The Pop-Upsicle benches can be found out and about in Edmonton, giving people a sweet place to kick up their feet.
This home office is separated from the main floor by a floating bridge that crosses over a trickling stream.
A West Coast Modern interpretation of a Bavarian ski chalet, Mountainscape offers its users a refuge of balance.
The intriguing wall art captures what Origins calls “a fleeting moment in an endless cycle, as a primal force rises and falls tirelessly upon the shorelines embrace.”
The cylinder which holds the tabletop aloft is built from a collection of narrow staves, creating a compelling celebration of texture.
The designer set out to create a piece of furniture using as few tools and materials as possible; the result is a chair that’s “woven” from steel.
Chord is a modular sofa system defined by its graphic, quilted topper and intuitive configurability.
The esteemed architects enter the industrial design arena with a bang: the Joey is a light-weight stool designed for contemporary spaces.
The Maitake table is inspired by the spontaneity of mushrooms sprouting overnight.
Another excellent piece of furniture inspired by fungi, the Pause Company created their whimsical stool for kids.
The bathroom in this Gastown space celebrates the building’s inherent and historical appeal.
The design team eschews the typical bedroom neutrals for a blanket of jewel tones.
A room that’s all asymmetry and gorgeous colour—head-to-toe in moody jewel tones of emerald and turquoise.
The modern space still nods to its Vancouver Special roots; a long, asymmetrical hearth is the centrepiece here.
The outdoor kitchen makes the most of an otherwise unused space, and ties into the architecture of the Prairie Modern home.
Featuring a private shower and water-closet, this washroom is a serene space designed with a neutral palette and fixtures that will specifically patina with time as the family lives in their home.
This craftsman house in Kitsilano was completely restored and transformed into a new and contemporary space for well-travelled clients.
The great room of this home is oriented to the fully appreciate the beach, sunrise and sunsets.
This tea set was designed as a compact solution to make tea for one and store all the components within a single fitted unit.
The cone-shaped cup is a whimsical one, designed to be “connected with memories of beauty, fun, laughter and meaningful conversation.”
The C_love table lamp is reminiscent of a blossoming flower and features a textured, fluted body.
In Mount Pleasant Vintage and Provisions, RNJ has created a campy, midcentury modern cocktail bar that’s a riot of patterns, materials and antiques.
Painted in a moody hue from Benjamin Moore (Abyss), this home office is the perfect place to find focus or escape from the world.
A two-storey kitchen creates room for plenty of dramatic design.
The Ptychí, inspired by Greek for “to fold,” is a geometric spa table blending art and function in white oak and vegan leather.
This hotel lounge-inspired bungalow in Winnipeg seamlessly blends interior and exterior entertaining spaces, featuring large wall windows and a wooden open-plan layout that flows in to an outdoor entertaining area with river views.
The design aims for sophistication through contrasting wood elements, ample natural light from a large window, and the use of leather and natural materials throughout the room.
A captivating lounge/theatre home office that merges modernity with tradition—including a lavish emerald partition wall, rich greens, dark brown hues, dark woods and gold details throughout.
The design combines dark brownish-black walls and cabinetry with natural elements like hanging plants, light paneling and medium wood flooring, creating a sophisticated contrast that incorporates texture and warmth.
A recreation of a historical 1911 Cordova Street saloon with period-correct features, including a poker table with carved maple cards, mirror-clad walls and Indigenous-inspired designs—all in white.
This primary ensuite blends historical nods like cross-handled faucets and classic honed marble with contemporary elements like industrial shower doors and minimalist design, creating a spa-like space with ocean views.
The Japandi-minimalist living room features a large custom white fireplace with natural stone and wood paneling, complemented by sustainable oak wood flooring and locally sourced furniture.
This energy-efficient Whistler building, one of the first “Step 4” structures, seamlessly blends its rocky mountain surroundings with a rich yet restrained interior palette of architecturally finished concrete and natural materials.
The former formal living room is now a bright and minimalist dining room with wood beam ceilings, a captivating string hanging chandelier fixture, custom furniture and a mix of classic and modern design elements.
This home gym in Maui stands out with its rich walnut paneling, grasscloth wallpaper, luxury monochrome gym equipment and disappearing glass doors that open to a stunning view.
The design of this Calgary custom home, influenced by the clients’ desire for serenity and natural textures, features a two-storey living room with custom plaster fireplace, elegant kitchen with wood beams and black accents and practical storage solutions.
This Calgary home’s ’70s-inspired kitchen design includes a functional layout and vibrant colours; it’s a playful space with patterned backsplash, a peach island and unique fixtures.
A family home in Calgary blends mid-century charm with contemporary design, mixing rattan, Douglas fir and white oak for a warm, inviting aesthetic that also integrates retro materials and innovative design elements.
The Garden Garage in Upper Mount Royal fuses a green roof with industrial materials, forming a sustainable and visually striking outdoor living space that blends functionality with modern design.
In Calgary’s Inglewood, this space revitalizes the speakeasy style using a distinctive fir plywood wall-meets-ceiling parametric design, blending traditional aesthetics with sustainable innovation.
Canadian pub meets’70s New York bar in a design that combines retro-checkered flooring with vibrant raspberry and eggplant accents.
A loft combines sophisticated maximalism with industrial heritage, featuring rich textures, vibrant textiles, custom millwork and curated artwork.
A family vacation home features a playful yet elegant design with vibrant colours and extensive millwork, creating a sophisticated yet fun environment.
An eco-friendly renovation, the design goal was to infuse the European bistro charm of Vancouver’s Water Street Cafe and blending it with a Pacific Northwest coastal forest theme and local Nanoose Bay lore.
The B.C. renovation features a theatrical coffee bar, monochromatic design and local cedar elements to immerse patrons in the coffee-making process and brand ethos.
Designed by Robert Studer, the hanging outdoor water feature (in copper or brass) transforms rain into art, with a cascade chain-like design that creates a trickle-down effect.
This living room merges style and function with a transforming wood ceiling-stairway, connecting the home’s key areas with an eco-consciousness, sustainable design.
A pendant light with a chandelier-like design that uses Corian diffusion with thin translucent sections to create a rhythmic and dynamic illumination with a cohesive and soft diffusion effect.
A massive bench for the Museum of Vancouver’s “Repair and Reclaim” exhibition, made from reclaimed mahogany and brass, reimagines the wood as a tree trunk with hidden storage.
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