Minimal, Scandinavian-Inspired Style in British Columbia

updated Dec 19, 2019
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Square feet

1100

Sq ft

1100

Post Image
(Image credit: Elissa Crowe)

Name: Dani, Dave & Freddy (4 years old) Valentine
Location: Coquitlam, British Columbia
Size: 1,100 square feet
Years lived in: 4 years; owned

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The Valentines live in Coquitlam, British Columbia which is about 25 minutes outside of Vancouver. You may remember from awhile back Dani’s House Call of their Scandinavian, minimalist inspired home. I had to get the chance to see this home for myself and trekked out for a visit to explore this family’s beautiful, clutter-free space. As soon as you step through the door the skylights and sunbeams take your breath away. It is truly a bright gem.

(Image credit: Elissa Crowe)

Dave and Dani purchased this beautiful sun-filled condo four years ago as a starter home to get into the market, and have been dying to go back to the city ever since. Her husband works in electrical and she stays at home with her son Freddy. Dani was trained as a hair stylist and makeup artist, but in the recent years has found a major interest in the form and function of design which she hopes to pursue a career in.

When they aren’t keeping the house tidy (which takes less time with a clutter-free lifestyle) their son keeps them very busy with all his activities and schooling. They are currently in the midst of trying to sell this condo and are viewing homes back in the Mount Pleasant area of Vancouver. She told me, “Sometimes you just have to get out of the city for a a few years to be able to go back and buy the home you will be in for a long time! Sacrifice is essential in Vancouver as it’s a crazy expensive market. I can’t wait to find our next place and have some new rooms to play around with!” To follow more of this amazing mom’s life her Instagram is quite the treat!

(Image credit: Elissa Crowe)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Minimalistic. Scandinavian inspired. Clutter free. Hassle Free.

Inspiration: My inspiration comes from everywhere really. I love Japanese and Scandinavian design because of the clutter free, streamlined interiors. I am a neat freak and the first sign of dust flips me over the top so I like minimal things to dust ha!

Favorite Element: Well, this condo is our first home so it’s not my ideal space to live in forever, but with that being said, I like the layout and the skylights that let all the amazing sunshine in!

Biggest Challenge: Living in a condo is the biggest challenge ever! The amount of stuff that comes into your life over the years just accumulates (thanks to grandparents for all the Christmas gifts lol) and sometimes you just need to donate and de-clutter! We have a storage room in our condo so that makes it easy to store items when not in use.

What Friends Say: Our friends and family love our space, even pizza delivery guys or Craigslisters picking up stuff say WOW when they come in. It’s such a compliment!

Biggest Embarrassment: I can’t say that I’m embarrassed by our home, but its not our forever home (we are in the process of listing and moving back into Vancouver this summer). The floors are not my cup of tea though!

Proudest DIY: My husband painted the fireplace a couple years back as it was pink tile! Yes PINK TILE in a brand new condo!

Biggest Indulgence: Our couch and kitchen table! We will have them forever!

Best Advice: My best advice is to not hold on to all things you get over the years! Donate items when necessary, and Craigslist is an amazing way to make an extra buck towards something new for your space.

Dream Sources: Oh I’d like to spend a whole day and a life savings at Inform Interiors in Gastown!

(Image credit: Elissa Crowe)

Resources of Note:

PAINT & COLORS

  • Plain old white paint from home depot

ENTRY

  • Desk – Ikea
  • Mirror – Vintage
  • Eames Style Chair – London Drugs
  • Wall Mural – DIY by my Husband
  • Teak Credenza – Built by my uncle over 30 years ago

LIVING ROOM

  • Couch – Urban Barn
  • Coffee Table – Craigslist
  • Rug – Ikea
  • White Eames Rocker Chair – Craigslist
  • Vintage Black Vinyl Chair – REFIND Main Street
  • String Shelf – Scandinavian Design Centre Online
  • White Bench – Ikea
  • Globe Lamp – Ikea
  • Ikea Magazine Holder/ Terrarium – Made by my husband

KITCHEN

  • Table – Made by a local carpenter in East Vancouver
  • Chairs – Craigslist
  • Pendant Light – Home Sense (4 years ago)

BEDROOM

  • Bed frame – Ikea
  • Bedside Table – Ikea
  • Marble Side Table – DIY
  • Teak Dresser – Belonged to my grandparents from 40 plus years ago (comes with matching headboard and side tables hidden away as it’s too much for me)
  • Glass Brick Lamp – DesignHouse Stockholm
(Image credit: Elissa Crowe)

Thanks, Dani!

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