Cover The family room features the Moncloud sectional by Cassina in this West Vancouver renovation, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views whilst contemporary art creates a gallery-like atmosphere throughout the space
The family room features the Moncloud sectional by Cassina in this West Vancouver renovation, with floor-to-ceiling windows framing spectacular views whilst contemporary art creates a gallery-like atmosphere throughout the space
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Interior designers Falken Reynolds breathe new life into a clifftop West Vancouver renovation, creating flowing spaces that showcase contemporary art whilst preserving the home’s vintage character and spectacular water views
When Chad Falkenberg and Kelly Reynolds first walked through the 1975 West Vancouver house, they found a home with extraordinary views and terrible flow. Two disjointed additions had created choppy spaces, whilst an original onyx fireplace blocked sightlines to Burrard Inlet beyond.
The homeowner, an art collector and frequent traveller, wanted to transform her 2,800-sq-ft clifftop property into a gallery for her eclectic collection whilst maintaining the building’s 1970s character. This West Vancouver renovation would require careful planning to preserve the home’s vintage soul while creating contemporary gallery spaces.
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The family room showcases both paintings by David Nazari and collages by Michiel Folkers, with the curved onyx fireplace serving as a focal point rather than visual barrier to the spectacular water views
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After demolition began, she realised the fireplace would have to move. Rather than discard it, she asked whether the honey and amber-hued stone could be salvaged. “We all decided removing it was worth the investment, but we really wanted to save that onyx because of how it referenced the history of the house,” says Reynolds, who co-founded Falken Reynolds with Falkenberg. Working with stonemason Robb Webb, they carefully dismantled and reinstalled the stone in a curved configuration that now anchors the living room without obstructing water views.
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Above The living area showcases the curved onyx fireplace with its honey and amber-hued stone, carefully preserved and reinstalled by master stonemason Robb Webb to maintain the home's 1975 character
Above The family room features a collage by Michiel Folkers and demonstrates how the designers used the homeowner’s art collection as inspiration to curate furnishings with bold colours and sculptural forms
The living area showcases the curved onyx fireplace with its honey and amber-hued stone, carefully preserved and reinstalled by master stonemason Robb Webb to maintain the home's 1975 character
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The fireplace preservation exemplifies the approach taken throughout the renovation. The most significant architectural intervention involved removing a wall to open the kitchen to the main living areas, creating continuous sightlines towards Passage Island and Bowen Island. The kitchen itself spans both the original house and a 1990s addition, organised as five independent components that read more like furniture than traditional cabinetry.
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The dining area features vintage Murano glass chandeliers and 562 Dudet dining chairs by Cassina, with the NVL table by MDF Italia positioned to take advantage of the water views
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Spanish porcelain tile forms a continuous base that extends up walls as a backsplash, unifying the disparate elements. Miele appliances were selected for their ability to integrate discreetly into the open plan—the hob mounts flush with the worktop, whilst handleless ovens and a concealed refrigerator maintain clean lines.
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The kitchen's five furniture-like components are unified by Spanish porcelain tile that extends from floor to backsplash, with vintage crystal lighting adding texture and glamour
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A bronzed glass stair guard defines separate zones throughout the public spaces whilst maintaining a visual connection. The translucent barrier mounts directly into hardwood floors that wrap down the fascia, creating a seamless appearance without joints. This design element is what the designers refer to as a “monolithic element,” which remains discreet despite its central location.
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Above The kitchen features vintage Murano glass chandeliers and light hardwood millwork, with Miele appliances integrated discretely to maintain clean lines in the open-plan design
Above The bronzed glass stair guard defines separate zones whilst maintaining visual connection throughout the open-plan spaces, with Spanish porcelain tile forming the kitchen backsplash
The kitchen features vintage Murano glass chandeliers and light hardwood millwork, with Miele appliances integrated discretely to maintain clean lines in the open-plan design
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Materials throughout reference the home’s original era whilst serving contemporary functions. Light hardwood extends from floors to millwork in kitchens and bathrooms. Curved Corian surfaces face the water, softening edges and diffusing light. Vintage glass and crystal lighting adds texture.
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The family room features the Moncloud sectional by Cassina, demonstrating how contemporary art and sculptural furnishings work together in the gallery-like setting that celebrates the owner's collection
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“We wanted warm and sensuous colours as a foundational palette so the artworks could shine,” Falkenberg explains. The result features sculptural pieces, such as the Tactile sofa by Baxter, and vintage Murano glass chandeliers, carefully chosen to complement works by artists including Carla Tak, David Nazari, and Lawrence Paul Yuxweluptun.
Above The family room showcases contemporary art and sculptural furnishings, with the open-plan design allowing natural light to flow throughout the interconnected living spaces.
Above The kitchen opens to the main living areas, creating continuous sightlines toward the water beyond, whilst maintaining discreet integration of Miele appliances
The family room showcases contemporary art and sculptural furnishings, with the open-plan design allowing natural light to flow throughout the interconnected living spaces.
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Like many contemporary West Vancouver renovation projects, this transformation prioritised environmental responsibility. The original windows and skylights were retained, while the mechanical systems underwent upgrades to improve efficiency and air quality. Locally quarried marble from Vancouver Island replaced imported stone, and vintage lighting reduced manufacturing impact.
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The lower-level office features light hardwood millwork and built-in shelving, with views overlooking Burrard Inlet from the home's clifftop position in Eagle Harbour
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Secondary spaces receive equal attention to detail. The primary bathroom features a tub positioned directly beneath a skylight, while vertical lighting in the shower creates ambient illumination. The laundry room elevates the washer and dryer to a comfortable working height, with pull-out shelving and a sink cover to maximise counter space.
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Above The primary bedroom features linen bedding by Sömn, creating a serene retreat where the homeowner’s two university-aged children join her during summer
Above The primary ensuite features a Remnants sculpture by Carla Tak, demonstrating how the main floor serves as a gallery for the owner's art collection set on a warm palette that references a sandy beach
The primary bedroom features linen bedding by Sömn, creating a serene retreat where the homeowner’s two university-aged children join her during summer
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Lower-level spaces opening onto a pool and spa include an office, recreation room, and meditation room, extending the home’s gallery function throughout. Wall sconces reduce reliance on recessed lighting, keeping ceiling planes uncluttered and visually appealing.
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The primary ensuite features 14.1m pendants by Verpan and sophisticated material layering, with light hardwood millwork extending throughout the home to create a cohesive palette
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The West Vancouver renovation required approximately two years of design and construction, transforming choppy layouts into cohesive gallery spaces. Standing in the main living space, with the repositioned fireplace now serving as a curved focal point rather than a visual barrier, the integration of art, architecture, and landscape reads as a practical solution rather than a design flourish.
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Photography: Ema Peter Photography
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Jennifer Choo is Regional Managing Editor of Tatler Homes, covering architecture, interior design, and art across Asia. Based in Malaysia, she oversees regional content on luxury residential design and contemporary art collections. Legally trained but choosing to pursue her passion for design, she previously led notable design publications and worked as an interior stylist and art consultant for property developers, design firms, and private clients.
