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The Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever See
Designer Angela Robinson mastered a balancing act in this 1,200-square-foot lower-level space in Vancouver's Kitsilano neighbourhood. “It’s kind of like two homes in one: the entire front is above grade, but the back is buried and windowless.” The residents, a young couple with a baby girl, moved into the semi-basement to be closer to their parents, who own the house and live upstairs. “I wanted to create a bright and minimal space for this family,” says Angela. “One that felt like the furthest thing from a basement!” And that's exactly what she did. Here's how.
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Location, Location, Location
1/17Location, Location, Location
1/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
"We decided to locate the kitchen, rather than the living room, in the front of the suite where the windows are," says Angela. "It's the space with the most sunlight and the one the couple uses most during the day." All-white cabinetry and pale oak flooring capitalize the natural lighting.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeLocation, Location, Location
PHOTO 1 of 17READ LESS -"We decided to locate the kitchen, rather than the living room, in the front of the suite where the windows are," says Angela. "It's the space with the most sunlight and the one the couple uses most during the day." All-white cabinetry and pale oak flooring capitalize the natural lighting.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Window Display
2/17Window Display
2/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
"The site of the house is very private – there's no traffic or neighbours, so there was really no need for window coverings in the kitchen," says Angela. A great perk for the designer, who felt that installing blinds here would detract from the black window trim.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeWindow Display
PHOTO 2 of 17READ LESS -"The site of the house is very private – there's no traffic or neighbours, so there was really no need for window coverings in the kitchen," says Angela. A great perk for the designer, who felt that installing blinds here would detract from the black window trim.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Black Magic
3/17Black Magic
3/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
Angela punctuated the light and airy kitchen with chic matte black accents, like this streamlined faucet.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeBlack Magic
PHOTO 3 of 17READ LESS -Angela punctuated the light and airy kitchen with chic matte black accents, like this streamlined faucet.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Super Bowls
4/17Super Bowls
4/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
You know you're into design when your dishes match the kitchen! Simple items, like these patterned black and white bowls, are both practical and on point for reinforcing the room's crisp colour scheme.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeSuper Bowls
PHOTO 4 of 17READ LESS -You know you're into design when your dishes match the kitchen! Simple items, like these patterned black and white bowls, are both practical and on point for reinforcing the room's crisp colour scheme.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Take a Seat
5/17Take a Seat
5/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
"I found the island's counter-height stools online at <a href="https://pinkandbrown.com/" target="_blank">Pink & Brown</a>", says Angela. "Because this is the main eating area, it's important for the seating to not only be aesthetically pleasing, but comfortable and functional too!" The area rug, a find from HomeSense, layers in soft texture and interesting pattern.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeTake a Seat
PHOTO 5 of 17READ LESS -"I found the island's counter-height stools online at <a href="https://pinkandbrown.com/" target="_blank">Pink & Brown</a>", says Angela. "Because this is the main eating area, it's important for the seating to not only be aesthetically pleasing, but comfortable and functional too!" The area rug, a find from HomeSense, layers in soft texture and interesting pattern.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Storage Bank
6/17Storage Bank
6/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
In the open-plan entryway adjacent to the kitchen, Angela designed a bank of smart cabinetry that provides ample storage space for coats and shoes as well as a separate pantry cupboard.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeStorage Bank
PHOTO 6 of 17READ LESS -In the open-plan entryway adjacent to the kitchen, Angela designed a bank of smart cabinetry that provides ample storage space for coats and shoes as well as a separate pantry cupboard.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Nursery Cool
7/17Nursery Cool
7/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
Unexpected furnishings, like graphic cushions and vibrant photography, fend off a baby-centric mood in the girl's nursery. And the artwork isn't just for visual interest. "It's a photo of the island of Capri, which is the baby's namesake."Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeNursery Cool
PHOTO 7 of 17READ LESS -Unexpected furnishings, like graphic cushions and vibrant photography, fend off a baby-centric mood in the girl's nursery. And the artwork isn't just for visual interest. "It's a photo of the island of Capri, which is the baby's namesake."Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Master Plan
8/17Master Plan
8/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
"Because there's only one bathroom in the suite, we wanted it to be special," says Angela. "I incorporated a built-in vanity for the homeowner to get ready, his-and-hers sinks and backlit mirrors." The black faucets, hardware and vanity stool add a graphic element and reference the black accents in the principle rooms.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeMaster Plan
PHOTO 8 of 17READ LESS -"Because there's only one bathroom in the suite, we wanted it to be special," says Angela. "I incorporated a built-in vanity for the homeowner to get ready, his-and-hers sinks and backlit mirrors." The black faucets, hardware and vanity stool add a graphic element and reference the black accents in the principle rooms.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Spa Effect
9/17Spa Effect
9/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
The freestanding soaker tub is set against a tiled backdrop. "These penny-round wall tiles make the bathroom easy to maintain and add a textural element to the all-white space." A clever built-in niche neatly corrals soaps and shampoos.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeSpa Effect
PHOTO 9 of 17READ LESS -The freestanding soaker tub is set against a tiled backdrop. "These penny-round wall tiles make the bathroom easy to maintain and add a textural element to the all-white space." A clever built-in niche neatly corrals soaps and shampoos.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Just Lounging
10/17Just Lounging
10/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
To maximize seating options in the living room, Angela opted for a sectional over more traditional sofas or loveseats. The grey colour scheme is a soft counterpoint to the white walls and feels both sophisticated and welcoming.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeJust Lounging
PHOTO 10 of 17READ LESS -To maximize seating options in the living room, Angela opted for a sectional over more traditional sofas or loveseats. The grey colour scheme is a soft counterpoint to the white walls and feels both sophisticated and welcoming.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Fire Placement
11/17Fire Placement
11/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
The designer positioned the living room's electric fireplace, one of two in the suite, at an unexpected level. "It serves its purpose of heating the room without taking up square footage or competing with the TV," she says.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeFire Placement
PHOTO 11 of 17READ LESS -The designer positioned the living room's electric fireplace, one of two in the suite, at an unexpected level. "It serves its purpose of heating the room without taking up square footage or competing with the TV," she says.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Personal Touch
12/17Personal Touch
12/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
Personal photos of the family, including baby Capri, and their vacation memories make this space very much their own. The white frames keep the pictures the focal point, while the sole wood-tone one lends a graphic jolt.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeePersonal Touch
PHOTO 12 of 17READ LESS -Personal photos of the family, including baby Capri, and their vacation memories make this space very much their own. The white frames keep the pictures the focal point, while the sole wood-tone one lends a graphic jolt.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Geometry Lessons
13/17Geometry Lessons
13/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
Despite their angular bases, these round nesting tables serve as a dynamic counterpoint to the room's straight lines. Their curves are complemented by the dramatic candlesticks.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeGeometry Lessons
PHOTO 13 of 17READ LESS -Despite their angular bases, these round nesting tables serve as a dynamic counterpoint to the room's straight lines. Their curves are complemented by the dramatic candlesticks.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Master Plan
14/17Master Plan
14/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
The suite's second electric fireplace is in the family's master bedroom. "I love having a fireplace in the bedroom," says Angela. "It's super practical yet adds a romantic element." The mirrored wall that flanks one side of it reflects light and creates an expansive feel.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeMaster Plan
PHOTO 14 of 17READ LESS -The suite's second electric fireplace is in the family's master bedroom. "I love having a fireplace in the bedroom," says Angela. "It's super practical yet adds a romantic element." The mirrored wall that flanks one side of it reflects light and creates an expansive feel.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Light Time
15/17Light Time
15/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
"We chose to install a glass wall with sliding doors between the bedroom and living room," says Angela. The ingenious idea allows some light from the bedroom into the windowless living area. "I also added floor-to-ceiling linen drapes on the bedroom side for more privacy."Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeLight Time
PHOTO 15 of 17READ LESS -"We chose to install a glass wall with sliding doors between the bedroom and living room," says Angela. The ingenious idea allows some light from the bedroom into the windowless living area. "I also added floor-to-ceiling linen drapes on the bedroom side for more privacy."Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Light and Whimsical
16/17Light and Whimsical
16/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
The master bedroom's sconce and pot lights are countered by a whimsical heart-shaped neon light placed above the bed. Keeping the backdrop and furniture white lifts the space and feels relaxing.Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeLight and Whimsical
PHOTO 16 of 17READ LESS -The master bedroom's sconce and pot lights are countered by a whimsical heart-shaped neon light placed above the bed. Keeping the backdrop and furniture white lifts the space and feels relaxing.Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
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Custom Office
17/17Custom Office
17/17Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
"Custom built-ins are a must when designing a smaller space," says Angela, who designed this work station in a corner of the living room to exact specifications. "It acts as a home office, but there's plenty of storage for work supplies and some of Capri's toys."Great Canadian HomesThe Dreamiest Basement Apartment You’ll Ever SeeCustom Office
PHOTO 17 of 17READ LESS -"Custom built-ins are a must when designing a smaller space," says Angela, who designed this work station in a corner of the living room to exact specifications. "It acts as a home office, but there's plenty of storage for work supplies and some of Capri's toys."Photo Credit: Janis NicolaySource: janisnicolay.com
