West Vancouver Craftsman Home Transformed into Modern, Light-Filled Space for Multigenerational Living
After a decade in their aging Craftsman home in West Vancouver, a family faced a critical decision: purchase a more modern property and relocate or undertake a comprehensive renovation of their beloved residence. They ultimately chose to transform their existing 7,000-square-foot home into a contemporary, light-filled space perfectly suited for both immediate family gatherings and long-term living.
Preserving a Prized Location
The homeowners had no reservations about their property's exceptional location. Situated on a cedar-lined plot that offers privacy from neighboring views and overlooks the ocean toward UBC, Stanley Park, and beyond, the site was too valuable to abandon. "The clients love that piece of property. It's really fantastic," explains Brad Ingram, design manager at North Vancouver's Synthesis Design. "So they decided they didn't want to give up that site." Once committed to renovating, they enlisted Synthesis Design to lead the ambitious project.
Designing for the Long Term
Beyond achieving a fresher, modern aesthetic, the family prioritized making their home more viable for the long haul. This involved integrating thoughtful features for aging in place, including a central elevator. "Redesigning the upper floor, main floor and basement to allow for an elevator, and then also redesigning the staircase so that we could fit it all in, was a big challenge," notes Ingram. The renovation also needed to accommodate a household not in a hurry to disperse, with the couple's two daughters—one in high school and one in university—still living at home.
This multigenerational living scenario is becoming increasingly common, according to the project design team. "Clients are telling us that they want their kids to stay home longer, whereas for many years it was, 'OK, you're 18, out you go to the world,'" says Synthesis senior designer Julie Lepper.
A Complete Home Overhaul
The changes amounted to a full-scale overhaul of the property. "It was basically a full gut," Ingram confirms. One of the most significant and visible upgrades involved removing walls and reimagining the main floor to create a kitchen that could function as the true heart of the home.
Organized around a substantial 10-by-20-foot L-shaped counter and a long central island, the kitchen is expertly configured for multiple people to cook, prep, and gather simultaneously. "They like to cook all together, so, there was a lot of thinking about how multiple people could be in the kitchen at once and not be on top of each other," Lepper explains.
The large open-plan space accommodates premium appliances, including:
- Double ovens and dishwashers from Miele
- A Sub-Zero freezer and refrigerators
- A large Wolf range
To maximize workspace and maintain an uncluttered aesthetic, a bank of oak cabinetry along the back wall provides ample storage and discreetly houses appliances. The setup is completed with a four-foot galley sink featuring two faucets, a secondary sink, and abundant seating options via counter stools and a counter-height table.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection
A standout feature is the 15-foot-wide sliding glass wall by NanaWall, which opens to seamlessly connect the kitchen with the pool and outdoor entertaining area. "When that opens up, it's almost like you're sitting outside," Lepper remarks. This design choice enhances the home's light-filled atmosphere and expands the living space, making it ideal for hosting large gatherings.
Through careful planning and innovative design, Synthesis Design has successfully transformed a traditional West Vancouver Craftsman home into a modern, functional, and beautiful space ready to support this family's lifestyle for many years to come.
