March 2025 | DESIGN & INTERIORS
REVIVING HISTORY in WEST VANCOUVER
words Karine Monie
photos Ema Peter Photography
interior design Falken Reynolds
In West Vancouver, British Columbia, a 1975 home has been transformed into a living work of art by Falken Reynolds.
Co-founders Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds, “The owner loved the soul of the house and was so clear about the life she envisioned living in,” recall Falkenberg and Reynolds. “While we were really intentional about the space planning and functional details, they fade into the background because of the eclectic layering of materials and forms. The house feels vintage and has a sense of history – onyx, bronzed glass, vintage lighting, the soft curves of the furniture.”
A COLOR PALETTE IN HARMONY WITH ART
The design journey began with a warm, sensuous foundation. “We wanted warm and sensuous colors as a foundational palette so the artworks could shine and the furnishings could be an extension of the art – both in their eclectic forms and also in their bold colors,” explain the design duo. The curated hues not only highlight the owner’s impressive art collection but also set a refined stage for the carefully chosen furnishings.
TEXTURED LAYERS AND THOUGHTFUL MATERIALS
Every surface tells a story in this meticulously renovated home. Light natural hardwood flows throughout the interiors, unifying spaces and grounding the design in its West Coast context. In the kitchen, Corian solid surface millwork was skillfully curved to soften the door fronts facing the water, diffusing light with an almost poetic elegance. Reclaimed brick-like tiled bases and backsplashes evoke a nod to another era, while vintage glass and crystal lighting add layers of glamour and playful charm.
RE-IMAGINING A CHARACTER-FILLED FIREPLACE
One of the most striking transformations is the reinstallation of a character-filled fireplace. Originally clad in unique onyx, the old fireplace was set to block the view until the homeowner decided on a daring change. Collaborating with master stonemason Robb Webb, the team salvaged the honey and amber hued onyx—an homage to the home’s storied past—and reinstalled it in a new curved design.
RENOVATION WITH A CONTEMPORARY TOUCH
Breathing new life into the historic structure, the renovation preserved the home’s inherent character while embracing modern functionality. By stripping the house back to its structure and reopening the spaces, Falken Reynolds maintained the large windows and skylights that frame the breathtaking views.
KEY ARCHITECTURAL TRANSFORMATIONS
Additional design highlights include a curated selection of 1970’s-inspired furnishings—such as the sculptural Tactile sofa by Baxter—that infuse the space with glamour and casual sophistication. From its layered materials to its artful reinstallation of historical elements, this West Vancouver home stands as a testament to Falken Reynolds’ ability to marry heritage with innovation. The result is a refined yet approachable space—an intimate, sensual retreat that not only celebrates its storied past but also offers a warm embrace for modern living.
