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.
- House tour: Modern West Coast cottage
- House tour: Cozy and contemporary family home
- House tour: Seaside sophistication
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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