AK Design Transforms Yaletown Loft into Artful Green Retreat for Collectors
Personal taste and artistic living converge in a stunningly reimagined Yaletown loft, where AK Design has crafted an elegant, soft-green sanctuary for two passionate art collectors. The project, led by founder Annaliesse Kelly, showcases how a deep appreciation for art can guide a home renovation, resulting in a space that is both functional and visually captivating.
Philosophy of Design: Choosing What You Love
"My parents gave me the art problem, by the way," laughs Annaliesse Kelly, whose approach to design is rooted in selecting pieces that resonate personally rather than following fleeting trends. This philosophy was central to the recent loft renovation in Vancouver's Yaletown neighborhood, where clients sought to escape the cookie-cutter condo aesthetic.
The clients, a professional couple new to the city, aimed to transform their 1,479-square-foot home into a showcase for their extensive art collection, blending clean lines with mid-century modern and European influences. Despite character features like an exposed brick wall and a glass garage-style window, the unit's long, narrow layout and early-2000s finishes no longer aligned with their lifestyle. Kelly and her team redesigned the main living areas to enhance airiness, functionality, and cohesion.
Kitchen Transformation: Opening Up the Space
The renovation began in the kitchen, where impractical upper storage was eliminated to open up the area. Updates included new lighting, light oak cabinetry, and integrated gas burners in the countertop. The original design, with dark wood tones and a smaller island, proved inadequate for the client, an avid cook. The new five-foot island features built-in shelving and rows of drawers, providing clearly defined storage solutions.
"There's a lot more clearly defined storage for specific things where you need them," says Kelly. Surprisingly, enlarging the island made the room feel more spacious. "By putting in a large island, you show the amount of space you actually have," she explains.
Esmeralda Quartzite: A Standout Feature
The island's countertop, crafted from Esmeralda quartzite with soft green tones and subtle rusty-red veining, steals the spotlight. This choice was driven by the client's desire for colored stone to complement their art collection. After reviewing several options, the team selected Esmeralda quartzite for its translucent finish and harmonious interaction with the exposed brick wall.
"The rust and the Esmeralda quartzite look so beautiful together because they bring out each other's colours," says Kelly. The quartzite also wraps down to the island's drawer faces, adding weight and presence. "It was a beautiful way to carry it down and give the island some substance," she notes.
Balancing Textures and Materials
To balance the richer stone, wood, and brick textures, the team opted for epoxy concrete floors. "If it was all Esmeralda, it would be too much," Kelly adds. The grout-free concrete forms a seamless, neutral base that draws the eye upward. "We wanted a smooth foundation for everything else to shine," she says.
Living and Dining Areas: Blending Old and New
In the living and dining areas, Kelly's team maintained a keen eye for balance, blending cherished furniture with contemporary touches. The dining nook was initially planned with a banquette, but the clients discovered a set of vintage rosewood chairs that changed the design direction.
"They bought these chairs, and they're so gorgeous," says Kelly. "So we worked around the chairs." Custom oak millwork, soft drapery, and Flos Aim pendant lights create a layered, modern feel in the living room, anchored by heirloom leather lounge chairs and a sofa.
This Yaletown loft renovation exemplifies how thoughtful design can transform a space into a personalized retreat, where art and functionality coexist seamlessly. AK Design's work highlights the importance of emotional connections in home design, proving that true elegance lies in the details.
