Newly constructed homes often lack a sense of history, but stepping into this Tudor Revival residence in Vancouver's First Shaughnessy feels like entering a time-honored space.
Designer Kelly Deck, founder of Kelly Deck Design, was challenged by the homeowners to craft a 9,000 square-foot house that feels like it's always belonged to the community.
With deep ties to the area, their vision emphasized legacy and feeling over trends. 'We aimed to create a home that resembles an original Shaughnessy manor, beautifully updated for contemporary living—rich in atmosphere, but not outdated,' Kelly explains. This focus on color and heritage resulted in a Tudor-style family home that feels both storied and livable.
The dining room features a deep red grasscloth from Metro Wallcoverings, adding texture to the airy space, while vintage rugs unify the interconnected rooms.
Situated on one of First Shaughnessy's picturesque streets, this home was commissioned by longtime residents deeply connected to the area. 'It's located in one of Metro Vancouver's most historic neighborhoods,' notes Kelly.
'The homeowner grew up in Shaughnessy and raised his children here, infusing the project with a profound sense of legacy,' she adds. This connection guided the design process from the beginning.
The primary challenge was to create a new home that felt genuinely historic, without veering into cliché. 'Finding artisans who understood this distinction was crucial,' Kelly says. 'We produced numerous mock-ups, utilizing archival Shaughnessy photographs. The project took about two years for design and another two for construction, accommodating this family of six and their two dogs.'
The home's structure was crafted by Wiedemann Architectural Design and built by Feature Projects, showcasing heritage wood windows, a hand-carved staircase, and extensive Tudor-style detailing in the grand entryway.
'One of the first things the homeowner requested was to avoid an all-white home, opening the door for rich colors and heritage elements,' Kelly explains.
This posed a challenge as she had to harmonize two distinct interior styles. Balancing the husband's love for tradition with the wife's preference for 'simplicity and quiet elegance' became the defining essence of the home's layered, heritage-inspired color scheme.
'The interplay between his passion for patterns and her inclination for restraint shaped the design narrative,' Kelly says. This fusion is immediately apparent upon entering, where an elegant silk Pierre Frey wallpaper adorns the entryway, leading into the inviting living room.
The living room, painted in Knoxville Gray by Benjamin Moore, features a contemporary painting—'Iris 3' by Hens Cyberdings at Odon Wagner Gallery—that harmonizes nostalgia with modernity, gracefully enhancing the space above the fireplace.
With gray-blue walls and a fireplace carved from a single stone, the living room initiates the home's vibrant color narrative.
However, Kelly faced a moment of uncertainty. 'One amusing incident arose when our painter, whom I respect, called to express concern that the living room blue was too dark. Doubting myself, I asked him to try a lighter shade.'
That was a clear misstep. 'The lighter blue felt entirely wrong; it lacked the depth and presence needed, especially next to the rich dining room. It served as a reminder that adjacent rooms with strong colors must maintain similar emotional weights.'
'I had him revert to our original choice, and when finished, we all laughed, realizing the initial idea was the right one.'
This classic kitchen features Vapor by Benjamin Moore cabinetry complemented by Sommelier by Sherwin-Williams for a bold wine-red island.
At the home's core, the traditional kitchen merges grandeur with practicality, designed for family gatherings and hosting.
The kitchen's lighter tones provide a visual break from the heritage hues of adjacent rooms, contributing to a timeless and effortless ambiance.
Conversely, the deep red island topped with honed Calacatta Viola marble serves as a focal point, inviting gatherings with its upholstered stools, vintage rugs, and classic lantern-style fixtures.
Above the expansive island, the Dover Bell pendants from Urban Electric illuminate the space, while the banquette features fabrics from Anne Starr: Aubergine and Latitude Rust.
The adjoining eat-in area is a delightful space with a generous banquette nestled in a bright breakfast nook, outfitted with relaxed roman blinds, cushions, textiles, and vintage rugs—perfect for leisurely mornings and family meals.
The goal was to 'envision a Shaughnessy manor that feels beautifully restored and suitably updated for contemporary living, rather than a time capsule.'
The home's color palette emphasizes saturation and texture over stark contrasts, especially in the kitchen, where authentic materials narrate the story against neutral backgrounds.
Smoked oak herringbone flooring runs throughout the main level, adding warmth and character.
The butler's pantry, left, is painted in Pigeon by Farrow & Ball, a cozy blue-gray, complemented by Morris & Co.'s Montreal wallpaper. The mudroom, right, showcases Knoxville Gray by Benjamin Moore.
The compact butler's pantry features a rich color palette with sage green cabinetry and ornate marble countertops, creating a whimsical retreat.
The mudroom (complete with dog wash) serves as a practical entry point, blending functionality with warmth through heritage blue cabinetry, perfectly suited for a family with children and pets.
'The color transitions between rooms create a cohesive flow,' Kelly notes, ensuring each area feels unique yet interconnected.
In the principal suite, Kelly selected Pure Marigold by Morris & Co for a tranquil yet traditional touch in the bedroom, while the adjacent bathroom features Calacatta Gold Extra from Ann Sacks combined with the Bryant Large Tail Sconce.
Upstairs, the color scheme softens into lighter hues, creating a restful atmosphere. The hotel-style principal suite combines Morris & Co. wallpaper and classic moldings for a tranquil retreat.
'Shaughnessy Manor is among the most traditionally inspired projects we've undertaken,' Kelly reflects. 'While selecting wallpapers, I studied historical patterns with great diligence, dreaming of how I might design my own.'
'Years later, this vision turned into Odette by Kelly Deck, a boutique wallpaper brand inspired by antique European designs, conceived after a pivotal trip to Paris,' she shares.
When asked about the ambiance she aimed for in this serene bedroom, Kelly describes it as: 'Elegant, elevated, and inviting. Lush furnishings and a timeless quality. This home feels restored, not recreated—historical in essence, contemporary in comfort.'
In the lower levels, darker tones enhance the atmosphere. The home office, left, features a window seat upholstered in Wentworth Check by Kravet. The powder room, right, showcases Morris & Co.'s Snakeshead wallpaper.
While the main levels follow a traditional layout, the lower floor embraces a more relaxed vibe. Here, the office, powder room, speakeasy, and media room adopt a darker, more atmospheric tone.
The home office features dark-stained wood paneling for a cozy, old-world feel, complemented by contemporary art and layered textiles to prevent heaviness.
Nearby, the powder room creates a striking contrast with its bold blue and rich wallpaper, enhanced by glossy hand-glazed tiles, a gilt mirror, and marble vanity.
Many spaces in the home exude a curated, layered confidence.
Creating a new home that feels authentically historic required mutual trust among the designer, clients, and every skilled artisan involved. 'The clients' warmth and trust made the collaboration enjoyable,' Kelly notes. 'Everyone, from painters to carpenters, was dedicated to achieving perfection.'
This Vancouver residence stands apart from typical new constructions. 'Heritage in spirit, modern in its practicality, and perfectly integrated into First Shaughnessy,' remarks Kelly. The result is a richly layered home that reflects the homeowners' journey and lifestyle while honoring the neighborhood's history with warmth and charm.
