In Vancouver, a Creative Couple Craft a Calm Residential Retreat
Interior designer Sha Wang of Atelier Fēn balances artful furnishings with a minimal palette.
In Vancouver’s Point Grey neighbourhood, one couple set out to create their ideal home retreat. After relocating to the area from Los Angeles, they wanted a place where they could find a sense of quiet. “They wanted to establish a calm, enduring base in Vancouver,” explains interior designer Sha Wang, founder of the local firm Atelier Fēn. Working with the clients, one of whom is a cinematographer, and the architect, she developed a design approach for the interiors that established a serene, cohesive feel.
“The brief called for a timeless home that would feel refined yet approachable,” Wang recalls. “It was about balancing a quiet aesthetic with practical functionality.” She and the architect refined the interior layout so the public spaces could flex between everyday living and hosting small gatherings. “Every decision, from window placement to built-in joinery, was developed together so that structure and interior feel seamlessly integrated,” Wang says of her approach.
To create a base of warmth and character, Atelier Fēn selected a restrained palette of natural materials consisting of white oak, travertine stone, plaster, and matte black and bronze accents. “Oak forms the foundation flooring, millwork, and furniture and was chosen for its warmth, durability, and timeless character,” she says. “Soft greys and neutral stones complement it, while natural plaster walls give depth to the light.”
Furnishings and art also complement one another to offer points of visual interest throughout the space. “We treated art as a focal point,” Wang says. “Subtle pops of blue, green, and red in the art draw the eye and introduce a dynamic energy. We echoed these hues throughout the furniture and accessories, creating a cohesive and considered composition.” In the kitchen, a black-and-white palette offers a sense of contrast that conveys a minimalist feel against warm wood floors. Integrated panels hide appliances, maintaining a sense of architectural purity.
The result is a home that offers moments of visual interest without overwhelming. “This project embodies our belief that refinement comes from restraint and that true luxury lies in coherence, proportion, and tactility rather than in abundance,” Wang says. “It’s about crafting a sense of belonging—a home that is not about show but about feeling.”
