Palm Springs style, Vancouver views

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• Photography By Provoke Studios

When the sun beckons, saying no to outdoor living is simply not an option. That’s the unwritten rule here in Canada, where our winters are bitter and the summers are never quite long enough. But a well-designed al fresco living and entertaining area will take you from early spring into late fall without a second thought – and if it’s really well done, it’ll carry you through those lingering winter months as well. That was the goal for the designer and owner of this home, Phyllis Lui, who together with her friend and business partner, Aleem Kassam, founded Vancouver-based design firm Kalu Interiors.

This particular project is especially close to Lui’s heart, being her own private residence. She offers a sneak peek of her always-sunny, Palm Springs-inspired abode.

Killer views

“The views are killer,” admits Lui, who’s steadfast mission to embrace nature seems to be worth every effort. Interestingly, her journey to maximize the outdoors began with her home’s interior.

“I was aiming to achieve a cohesive style between indoors and out, which meant echoing similar elements throughout,” Lui notes, pointing out the continuous colour scheme of cream, coral and royal blue, which pairs beautifully with a palette of soft finishes.

Esthetically speaking, the style is cool and contemporary, yet friendly and fun – the sheer essence of West Coast life. The easygoing, open-concept floor plan ushers you past the kitchen and family room, through stacking glass doors that all but disappear to reveal a breathtaking mountain view, best enjoyed from the adjoining main-floor patio.

Outdoor bliss

“The goal was to make this feel like a fun extension of the indoors,” Lui explains. The uninterrupted indoor-outdoor experience is achieved by taking those traditional “interior” elements outside. A rug underfoot, beautiful quality furnishings, accessories and art deliver comfort and style that invite early mornings and long evenings under the stars.

Warm it up

Lui incorporated wood soffits and pavers layered with rugs, to instantly bring a sense of warmth and welcome to this otherwise contemporary exterior. An oversized barbecue provides all-season cooking and entertaining under the covered outdoor dining and lounging area, complete with integrated heaters mounted overhead for year-round use of the space.

Multi-Level Magnificence

The master bedroom features another walkout and, arguably, a dream come true – a luxurious hot tub steps from the bed and with a breathtaking mountain view. Does it get any better than this? Perhaps it does from the vantage point of the upper-level deck, where a firepit area and lounger seating capture mountains, sea and sky.

Is that artificial turf underfoot? You bet it is! This evergreen landscaping option is gaining popularity, and was an ideal choice for this rooftop patio – and equally appreciated by anyone seeking something that looks lush year-round, is low-maintenance, and likely to induce green-envy glances from the neighbours.

Encircling the upper deck is a frameless glass railing, which maintains the clean and modern esthetic that characterizes this home and provides unobstructed views of the water and the mountains on the horizon.

Outdoor living is certainly top of mind in these weeks leading up to summer, but with a decked-out deck like this, Lui is no slave to Mother Nature. A warm, Palm Springs-style with cosy comforts make this al fresco living space a hot spot, regardless of the weather.

SOURCES LOWER DECK: Navy Blue SOFA, COFFEE TABLE & DINING SET, CHAIRS around firepit, Crate & Barrel Gold easy CHAIRS, CB2 Flamingo ART, Leftbank Art RUG, Chilewich PILLOWS, Etsy CHAIRS & COFFEE TABLE beside hot tub, West Elm PLANTERS, Canadian Sunlight HOT TUB, Beachcomber Hot Tubs UPPER DECK: FIREPIT, Dreamcast LOUNGERS, CB2 SIDE TABLES between loungers, Anthropologie UMBRELLA, Ginger Jar

Lydia McNutt is an award-winning writer, editor, journalist pro based in the Greater Toronto Area.

Lydia McNutt
Lydia McNutt
A Reno + Decor Influencer
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