House Tours

House tour: Contemporary glamour

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Image: Tracey Ayton

House Tours

House tour: Contemporary glamour

How a stylish couple and a talented designer created a simple yet sophisticated Hamptons-style retreat near Fort Langley, B.C., that honours its picturesque surroundings.

"This is really a special place," says homeowner Rashell Gouwenberg, as she lovingly describes the five-acre parcel of land where she and her husband had their Hamptons-style dream home built three years ago. The idyllic acreage on the outskirts of Fort Langley, B.C., neighbours a conservation area and boasts spectacular forest and mountain views.

After purchasing the private oasis, the couple embarked on constructing a five-bedroom 3,400-square-foot home that would complement the tranquility of its surroundings. The exterior’s classic East Coast vibe was inspired by a trip to Martha’s Vineyard. “It’s a traditional-looking home from the outside,” says Rashell. But the inside, with its more contemporary aesthetic, is a bit of a surprise. “I wanted it to feel very modern and fresh when you walked through the front door.”

Creating a modern yet inviting look in the distinctively white home involved mixing together champagne- and grey-toned elements, warm metals, organic and textural accents and standout statement pieces. The show-stopping light fixtures, for instance, lend drama, but “since they each have an organic quality to them, they also add a little bit of softness and uniqueness to the spaces,” says Leah.

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House tour: Contemporary glamour

Dramatic entryway

A trip to Martha's Vineyard inspired the East Coast style of the shingled house. "The foyer was built to look like a little house to create a more dramatic entryway," says homeowner Rashall Gouwenberg.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Grand space

A delicate crystal chandelier and Moroccan-style handcarved wood bench suit the grand scale of the space.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Open-concept design

The open-concept family room, dining area and kitchen exemplify the comfortable, airy aesthetic of Rashell's East Coast-inspired house. "It's all about keeping the shell of your inspiration and then putting in those pieces that create a unique space," says designer Leah Balderson. For example, the dining area's sculptural chandelier and floor-to-ceiling fireplace surround made of iridescent glass mosaic tiles serve as show-stopping focal points.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Complementary artwork

The oversized painting adds a soft pop of colour to the white-on-white space, while complementing the champagne- and grey-toned accents throughout the area.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Inviting dining area

A chunky wood table and shimmery linen chairs create an inviting look in the dining area.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Louis XV-style armchairs

Rashell found a pair of Louis XV-style armchairs, originally a green colour, at an antiques store. She had them painted white and reupholstered in linen. They flank the glass coffee table in the living room, which takes up little visual space.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Bright, white kitchen

The row of windows was the jumping-off point for the design of the bright, white kitchen. "I really wanted to have these big windows that overlooked the barn and the plains and the pond," says Rashell.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Timeless kitchen design

The kitchen's Shaker-style cabinetry, quartz countertops, marble backsplash and striped stools created a timeless look that is juxtaposed with unexpected elements like the pierced-resin pendant lights, brass hardware and distressed mirror.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Master bedroom

When combined with clean-lined furnishings and a neutral palette, the 73-inch-high brushed-brass table lamp makes a dramatic statement in the master bedroom.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Luxe touch

The croc velvet cushions on the faux leather slipper chair in the master bedroom add a luxe touch.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Master bathroom

The stunning hand-painted mercury glass pendant light anchoring the bathtub in the master bathroom complements the natural surroundings.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

House tour: Contemporary glamour

Relaxing retreat

Surrounded by a conservation area and forest with mountain views, this Hamptons-style home is certainly the relaxing retreat this couple dreamed about.

Image by: Style at Home By: Laura Muir Source: Tracey Ayton

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House Tours

House tour: Contemporary glamour