Yaletown Condo Transformed into Vegas-Inspired Luxury Retreat with Bold Design
When homeowners in Vancouver's trendy Yaletown district decided to merge two separate apartments into a single, cohesive living space, they turned to the local interior design studio Form Collective. The result is a stunning 2,575-square-foot home that radiates character and draws inspiration from Las Vegas, where the owners maintain another residence.
From Divided Units to Unified Luxury
Initially, the condo bore obvious traces of its past as two distinct units. One side felt under-planned and hastily staged for sale, while the other offered a slightly higher-end finish. However, both lacked cohesion and a distinct personality. Homeowners Lauren Webb and Josephina Serra recognized that more than just decorative touches were needed.
The project quickly evolved into a comprehensive renovation, involving reworked floor plans and a focus on unifying the space in both function and aesthetic appeal. The goal was to pull the mismatched halves into alignment while notching up the style to create a luxurious retreat.
Vegas-Inspired Design Elements
The owners' first major request was a backlit stone backsplash inspired by their Nevada home. Designers rendered this feature in translucent Cristallo Quartzite, which Webb describes as having a "really wild pop factor." Initially concerned it might be too bold, the team now celebrates it as a standout element that gives the kitchen its definitive "Vegas" moment.
In the custom bar area, leather-textured Black Negresco veined quartzite sets off tan velvet stools and gold hardware, creating a moody, glamorous atmosphere. Custom shelving and the bar kick were designed and fabricated locally by New Format Studio, while millwork doors conceal two 24-inch under-counter freezers—a practical addition for the sport fisherman in the family to store his catches.
Custom Features and Artistic Touches
To enhance the kitchen's statement appeal, Webb and Serra extended an existing island with matching stone, adding a curved detail that mimics the condo's outer wall lines. Overhead, a dropped wood ceiling panel with a backlit plate highlights a glittering linear light fixture, while stained shinnoki white oak millwork provides sleek storage and houses appliances.
Around the fireplace, the designers carved out a small family room, collaborating with bespoke furniture maker WD Western Designers to create a custom curved sofa. To maximize seating and sightlines without overwhelming the space, a full-scale template was built on-site prior to fabrication.
Artwork plays a crucial role throughout the home, with pieces carefully layered to evoke the sense of a collection gathered over time. Notable works include "Generations" by Victor Goertz, an original acrylic depicting a mossy evergreen tree, and "City in Pink and Green," a print by David Tycho that picks up the home's color scheme.
Functional and Aesthetic Harmony
In the dining area, an oval Radius dining table by Union Wood Co. pairs with slim chairs by Four Hands, while built-in bench seating by WD Western Designers nods to classic supper-club style. The main living room, bordered by wall-to-wall windows, offers False Creek views and continues the layered mix of materials, with velvet and leather seating clustered around a custom brushed-gold metal fireplace.
Throughout the renovation, the design team focused on creating a space that is both visually striking and highly functional. From the concealed Samsung Frame TV that poses as art when not in use to the locally crafted elements, every detail contributes to a home that seamlessly blends Vegas-inspired glamour with West Coast sophistication.
