Creating a family home that exudes warmth and comfort is one thing, but combining it with daring aesthetics and bold choices takes a whole new level of confidence and trust. Calgary actor and screenwriter Kirsten Lankester wanted her inner-city home to combine her love of traditional elements, and California’s cool and edgy style. At our first meeting, Kirsten brought out her grandmother’s large watercolour collection asking that it be included in the design plan. I knew right then we would be a good fit as personal storytelling was important to both of us.
A view of the dining area that leads directly into the kitchen and breakfast nook. The artisan glass bubble chandelier adds that touch of elegance while keeping with Kirsten’s laid back aesthetic.
“I wanted a home that melded my love of fashion, colour, art, and energy while not being too precious as we have young kids running around. It had to strike the right balance between sophistication and family-friendly, which can be tricky,” says Kirsten. “Karen took the time to really understand my style and adapt it to our home. It is absolutely stunning.”
At the front entry, two original art pieces were hung and an artist was commissioned to paint a wall mural.
The cherished watercolour collection was grouped and hung in the stairwell reaching from basement to top floor.
Kirsten and her husband, Dave, designed and built their home in the Hillhurst area when they were a newly married couple. Two children later, they didn’t want to move but were finding space a little tight. My goal was to analyze the way they lived and design a plan to fit their changing family dynamic. At the same time, Kirsten and I both wanted to be environmentally responsible and keep as much of the original design without gutting the interior.
A built-in banquette and oval marble table create a cozy nook that’s perfect for breakfast and creating works of art. A bold wallpaper adds a big dose of personality to this little space.
The plan took several months to develop. Kirsten trusted me to blend her aesthetic with function for the entire family. She was juggling producing and acting in her movie “Faultline” and getting ready to screen it at CIFF, so I was given a lot of leeway to develop the design layout and overall aesthetic.
The original layout of the kitchen functioned well as it allowed a good view of the eating and living areas. Extra storage was added and cabinet interiors reconfigured to make better use of space.
Knowing Kirsten spent two years working in Scotland, I understood her appreciation for traditional design elements and hand-crafted pieces that were edgy and a little out of the box. Luscious textiles, hand-blocked wallpaper, and original art combined with quirky accent pieces brought in a little Scottish feel without being heavy on plaid and tartan.
Luscious velvets, fluid satins and detailed embroideries from the Temperley London x Romo collection create a stunning principle bedroom retreat. Bullion fringe, tassels and cording add luxurious details.
Family trips to California, where the decor is laid back and relaxed, had Kirsten wanting to capture this breezy ambiance in her own home. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace was selected for the wall colour throughout, offering a perfect backdrop to the ten different wallpapers that were used to define areas within the home.
Touches of plaid, a large screen tv and graphic wallpaper create a kid friendly hang out space on the lower level.
A variety of textile and wallpaper patterns unified by the use of bight pink create layers of visual interest in Kirsten’s daughter’s room.
Large floor-to-ceiling windows in both the front and back of the home let the light stream through the entire main floor, capturing the indoor-outdoor aesthetic so popular in California. The living room’s look was kept light and bright with bold pops of colour to further bring about the Cali vibes. A Gresham House Canadian-made sofa custom-designed to fit beautifully in the room was upholstered in a washable, lush green velvet. The swivel chair was adorned in a fabric that looks like a floral oil painting and trimmed in a bold yellow, a statement chair if there ever was one.
The living room sectional and swivel chair were custom made in Canada by Gresham House. Floor to ceiling draperies soften the space while motorized blinds automatically lower when the sun turns the corner.
Kirsten is a self-confessed neat freak, so custom built-ins were a must. There wasn’t a single room where storage wasn’t addressed, and the house is truly an organizational gem with a place for everything, including the ever-growing collection of balls, sticks, bats, pucks, and every other piece of sports equipment imaginable that her children seem to accumulate.
Additional cabinetry was seamlessly blended into the existing kitchen to add a coffee bar across from the breakfast nook.
Custom designed cabinets and desk were added to a sunny corner in the principle bedroom to create a writer’s retreat for Kirsten.
After long work days, relaxing was at the top of Dave’s mind. One thing that was quite important to Dave was mood. Lighting options were key and I created lighting schemes across the house through a clever blend of chandeliers, sconces, lamps, and overhead spotlights that were aesthetically beautiful and controlled through a smart home system. “Siri, set the house to relax.”
This lighting extends to the boutique-style backyard where a gorgeous swimming pool is offset by a custom stone bar that glows from within, in-fence lighting, and, of course, multiple heaters, which create a space that is useable from May through October, quite the feat for unpredictable Calgary weather.
Sunny and hot summers are enjoyed in the beautiful outdoor oasis. Light coloured tiles and white furniture convey a modern California vibe. Cedar accents add another nod to the Pacific Coast style.
The Lankester’s backyard oasis is ideal for entertaining or just chilling with the family. The design was kept sleek and minimal so the area didn’t feel crowded. Dividing the space into different zones was an efficient way to create room for an outdoor kitchen, dining table, toy storage, and four lounge chairs. The striking art work on the garage was commissioned and bring’s in Kirsten’s sophisticated, edgy style. There’s even a television mounted on the garage which makes this a perfect place for the whole family to play and relax.
The bright colours in this commissioned art piece add an impactful pop to the otherwise subdued outdoor space.
Integrated Electrical Services Inc. did a exceptional job in back lighting the onyx bar so it glows every evening.
“The design of our home took some time as we were asking so much from one space,” says Kirsten. “With Karen’s ability to distill our desires and goals into a unified vision, we couldn’t be happier with our home. It is truly perfect!”
Kirsten is that special client who understands good design and knows the process takes time. She was willing to wait for custom pieces and thoughtfully considered every choice I presented to her. The end result is a beautiful family home that not only showcases her unique aesthetic but is a sanctuary for the whole family.
