Port Moody house transformation a blend of modern and coastal style

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When Pamela Stone first saw her future Port Moody property, the land contained little more than a condemned house. While the location was ideal—directly facing the sparkling Burrard Inlet—the architectural plans that came with the lot embodied a modern, masculine esthetic that left Stone feeling cold. “It did not suit what I wanted and who I was,” she recalls.

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To change that, she brought in Karly MacLeod, principal designer of Karly Kristina Design. “They definitely threw a twist at me,” laughs MacLeod, describing the task of reworking the inherited plans. She and her clients worked together with Phase One Design’s original blueprints to dissect and reassemble the renderings to fit their new vision. “We did a lot of architectural detailing through our designs to help tone down the modernism and make it resonate with their style and interests.”

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MacLeod’s design process began with a full floor plan critique, evaluating how best to adjust the proposed layout to the homeowner’s needs, enhance the functionality of the space, and highlight the property’s natural assets. Stone and her young family wanted a home full character that could welcome guests.

The 2,500-square-foot home spans three levels, each tailored to serve a distinct purpose, from cooking and hosting family gatherings on the top floor to private living quarters on the middle level and vibrant entertaining spaces on the lower level. MacLeod transformed the space into a Hamptons-esque retreat flooded with natural light and a sense of connection with the surroundings.

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To tone down the modernist elements on the interior, the designer developed a layered palette that mirrored the coastal setting and imbued the home with a casual elegance. On the main floor, exposed ceiling beams create striking visual lines, while warm white oak floors and farmhouse-style wainscotting establish a cohesive flow across every level. Nautical nods— such as wrought iron and rope sconces in the guest bathroom and a bold compass star inlay on the beachside room floor— were added to embrace the seaside atmosphere without leaning too heavily on the motif.

The largest floor plan redesign was made on the top level: taking into account the amount of time her culinary-minded clients would spend in the kitchen, MacLeod moved it from the back to the front of the house to capitalize on the incredible view.

In order to make use of every inch of space along the one dedicated kitchen wall, large pullout drawers flank a bright blue Caliber range. Alongside the marble slab backsplash and custom hood fan from Stanisci Design, Shaker oak cabinets reach vertically to the angled ceiling, and clever solutions like an appliance garage ensure a clutter-free environment conducive to culinary creativity. “Both of us are huge cooks,” says Stone. “We utilize this kitchen to its maximum.”

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Mixed amidst the breezy main spaces are unexpected pockets of dramatic design. A large circular mirror hangs on the charcoal shiplap walls in the mudroom above the built-in white oak bench. Vertical stair risers feature polished penny tile— one of nine different flooring tile patterns used throughout the home. In the main floor powder room, guests are met with a jungle wallpaper emblazoned ceiling, mosaic tile floors and a beaded tassel lantern pendant. “I always try to encourage people to think differently with the powder room,” says MacLeod. “It’s a space that everyone enjoys, so you want to create a place for people to come out and be like, ‘Wow, that is a cool room!’”

For Stone, the home’s piece de resistance is the primary suite, which serves as a sanctuary of calm and relaxation. The bed, with its emerald green headboard, faces directly towards the patio so that you see the ocean the moment you start your day. Entering the ensuite through a set of mirrored barn doors onto the honed terrazzo tile floor gives the impression of stepping into a spa. In addition to a deluxe steam shower, the room features a freestanding Victoria & Albert tub and NanaWall that opens for an al fresco bathing experience.

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The award-winning home is a testament to collaborative design between the architect, designer, client and builder. Says MacLeod, “It is a great example of how any slate could be anything that you want it to be when you let it resonate with the people you’re designing it around, whether it is that modern home or this classic, timeless oasis.”

Contributors:

Designer: Karly Kristina Design

Architect: Phase One Design

Builder: Marcraft Homes

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