http://article.homebydesign.com/pages/article/HBD_JUN_14_03/255186/index.html

The view of the Vancouver Harbor would provide sufficient inspiration for anyone. But the vista wasn’t the only reason for incorporating watery blue accents into this condo’s decor. “Our client works on the water and has a strong connection to the ocean,” says Gaile Guevara, owner of view of the Vancouver Harbor would provide sufficient inspiration for anyone. Gaile Guevara Interior Design & Creative located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The young homeowner provides boat services for the movie industry, a long-time family business. Because he works long hours, he wanted his condo to be an oasis reflecting what he loves beyond his job: family, friends, and his faithful lab Griffin. Griffin inspired several design choices. “He takes Griffin with him to work,” says the designer. “[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][The dog is] getting a bit older, so many decisions related to furniture finish, style, and placement were made to be Griffin friendly.” Several textiles in the home are indoor-outdoor commercial grade so it’s easier for the owner to clean off pet hair. Much of the furniture sits low to the ground, and most accessories and lights are intentionally away from surfaces, so an accidental bump by Griffin doesn’t cause any damage. The finish of the wire-brushed white oak floors can also take abuse. Even Griffin’s dog bowl is customized with his name and placed at an ideal height for an older dog. The project, a collaborative effort of the interior design team and suppliers, involved a complete gut of the condo. The renovation was completed by builder Alan O’Rourke Construction with the help of site coordinator Eduardo Narvez. One reason for the gut was to create an open floor plan that would allow the view to be seen from as many rooms as possible. For instance, the kitchen was once blocked by a wall, but it’s now open and connected to the living area. Lacquered Ikea cabinets, although purchased off the shelf, were configured to provide a customized look. Additionally, their shiny surfaces reflect the waterfront vista, even if you’re facing toward the cabinetry.
The two-bedroom, two-bath condo is approximately 1,200 square feet. The small space demands that furniture perform double duty when possible. One such example is the kitchen island, which is roughly eleven feet long. Black walnut barstools provide seating on one half of the island, and the other half provides storage and work space. “Because we used an induction cooktop that doesn’t produce heat, you have a large workable island where people can gather,” says Guevara. A twenty-four-inch built-in fridge and a pantry pullout are also space savers.

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