Inside a 1,000-Square-Foot Home That Masters Luxurious Simplicity

A West Van renovation turns a stuffy 30-year-old apartment into an open, airy West Coast wonder.

How do you downsize without compromising on that luxury feeling? If you're a semi-retired custom home builder, you know to call in the pros for a little help. Cue Shannon Bradner of HB Design, who came on board to help transform a cramped, low-ceilinged 30-year-old apartment into a comfortable, upscale, open-concept living space for a West Vancouver client.

BEFORE PHOTOS: What the Condo Looked Like Pre-Renovation

After knocking down walls, tearing up the floor and covering up a dramatic ceiling mural, Bradner got to work modernizing the 1,000-square-foot condo. To create a feeling of elegance in the compact space, she implemented a soft West-Coast colour palette, combining wood and various textures to add warmth and dynamic elements to the design. The incredible view allowed by the new floor plan certainly didn't hurt the luxe-factor, either. "The open plan allows every room to take advantage of the stunning views of the Burrard Inlet," says the designer. "Each aspect of the design, even down to the translucency of the wire dining-room light fixture, was thought through with the location and view at top of mind." Light oak herringbone Hakwood floors, wood wall panelling, wallpaper and metal with lacquer accents were selected to add layers of texture and pattern. The colour palette was kept light and bright, with subtle grey tones to maximize the natural light, creating a beautiful neutral backdrop to highlight art and accessories. Once that elegant backdrop was set, Bradner began to layer in the details. "I loved adding the unique and subtle elements—like the recessed lacquered handles in the living room, the retro cylinder lights in the hallway and the metal accents throughout—to the clean design," says Bradner. "It’s these small touches that make a home and personalize the space."

AFTER PHOTOS: See This West-Coast-Casual West Van Renovation