February 27, 2020

Designer Gwyntie van Tuyl Weswick and her team from Sechelt, B.C., Canada-based Emerge Design not only had the opportunity to get creative recently, but they were invited to learn about a more uncommon category of design.

“The vision seen by the client was unique to any other project we had done,” said Van Tuyl Weswick, explaining that the homeowner had a multitude of antiques to include in the design. “Inspired by her treasure trove of beautiful things, this interior is a decidedly electric take on ornate, mid-century French provincial.”

A Historical Style

This new-build home is situated in an area of British Columbia that overlooks both mountains and the Pacific Ocean. The homeowner wanted her kitchen to connect with the living area and be a place to relax and enjoy the ocean views.

“The client had a deeply comprehensive vision of what she wanted and, as such, was looking for a firm that could work intimately with her to realize that style,” said Van Tuyl Weswick. “To assist in achieving her vision, the client provided access to her vast collection of antiques, art, accessories and textiles that would inspire or contribute to the design.”

These antique and historical pieces of furniture and art were extensive, and only the best pieces were chosen to fit in with the final design. According to Van Tuyl Weswick, this element, in conjunction with the becoming experts on French provincial design, made this project especially challenging.   

A Kitchen that Stands Out

The resulting kitchen boasts a large island with a white jade glass countertop, with the perimeter countertop in black. A subtle gold trim around the countertops adds an elegant detail. Arches used architecturally around the home are also repeated as an accent on the island and upper cabinets.

White cabinetry balances all the gold detailing around the kitchen, which includes a gold-finished faucet and hardware. Small details – like the lionhead-shaped hardware on the island cabinetry – echo the eclectic style the client was looking for.

Cheery Master Bathroom

Along with keeping in tune with the French provincial style, the client wanted the master bath to be bright in color; in this space, she asked for turquoise to be the main palette. This tone was established in the backsplash, which is a turquoise wallpaper with an overall floral design.

To balance the brightness of the backsplash, the rest of the bath has a calm, neutral palette more drawn from the client’s chosen style. Porcelain marble tile was selected for the floors, shower and bath surround for a reference to European culture. For a more modern touch, chrome finishes were selected for the fixtures, although the fixtures themselves have a more traditional style.

“This house has so many highlights that can be seen in the color, pattern, texture, antiques and the crystal chandeliers,” said the designer. “A mix of lush textures and swishy motifs further punctuates the home’s charisma.”