A Moody and Playful Interior Tour Filled with Wallpapers and Murals
In this tour, we explore a beautifully designed home that seamlessly integrates the principles of Feng Shui and the yin and yang philosophy to create a balanced and harmonious living space. Phyllis Lui of Kalu Interiors designed a moody and playful interior design in this residence, located in a highly desirable area of Kitsilano, Vancouver. This home is a haven of calm and energy, reflecting a sense of moodiness with a neutral palette and subtle purple, gold, and sand accents. And fabulous implementations of wallpapers and murals!
Feng Shui and Yin-Yang in Moody and Playful Interior Design
“The house had tremendous potential,” remembers Phyllis Lui of Kalu Interiors. “We were brought into the project when some of the renovation had already commenced. The homeowners, having just had their second baby, were overwhelmed and needed someone to help pull the renovation together and choose finishes for them.”
Feng Shui principles inspired the home’s aesthetic, influencing the color palette based on room usage, spatial organization, furniture placement, light levels, and decorative accessories. The yin and yang philosophy’s concept of duality also impacted the design, blending soft and bold energies to create harmony throughout the spaces.
The Homeowners: A Family of Young Entrepreneurs
This home belongs to a couple in their 30s with two young children, aged one and four. The husband, a tech company founder, was born in Beijing and raised in Vancouver, while the wife, a nutritionist turned Feng Shui consultant in training, was born in Hong Kong and raised in Vancouver. Their years in England influenced their appreciation for a blend of traditional and contemporary styles.
Location and Architectural Style
Situated in Kitsilano, close to the beach, the house boasts a transitional style with traditional exterior elements and contemporary interiors.
Living Room: A Blend of Elegance and Quirkiness
The goal for the living room was to create a dramatic yet inviting space where the family could relax and entertain. The feature wall mural, hand-painted by Carly Bouwman, sets a moody tone, while the sofa from King Living provides comfort and style. Coffee tables and a side table from Arteriors add sophistication, and the entry and TV console from CB2 enhance the room’s modern feel. Plants from WC Jungle bring in a touch of nature, complemented by a floor lamp from RH for ambient lighting. The playful face pillows from Fornasetti and a Peyote Reversible Throw from Blacksaw inject personality into the space, while the rug from Etsy and a Samsung Frame TV complete the look.
Kitchen: Durable and Stylish
The kitchen was designed to be both functional and stylish, with an emphasis on durability. Precision Pendants by Kelly Wearstler hang above the island, providing focused lighting. Stools from Worlds Away offer comfortable seating, and a plant from WC Jungle adds a fresh touch. The island stone is Dekton (Laurent), chosen for its resilience and beauty. The backsplash and hood fan surround are also made from Dekton, creating a cohesive look. Cabinet hardware from Emtek, a Wolf cooktop, a Falmec Massimo Pro integrated hood fan, and Miele ovens and a coffee machine ensure top-notch performance and style.
Dining Room: A Space for Gathering
The dining room was designed to be a welcoming space for family meals and gatherings. The feature wall mural, hand-painted by Carly Bouwman, adds artistic flair. A table from Lock & Mortice serves as the room’s centerpiece, surrounded by dining chairs from Rove Concepts that offer both comfort and style. The light fixture from Avenue Lighting illuminates the room, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Powder Room: Quirky and Elegant
The powder room combines elegance with a touch of quirkiness. Lighting from Kuzco Lighting sets a soft ambiance. The toilet, mirror, faucet, and sink are from Kohler, ensuring quality and style. The countertop and backsplash, made from Dekton (Laurent), add a luxurious touch. Nuvolette wallpaper from Cole & Son creates a striking backdrop, while artwork from Criss Bellini adds a personal touch.
Principal Bedroom: Elegant and Tranquil
The principal bedroom is a tranquil haven designed for rest and relaxation. Wallpaper by Black Edition adds texture and interest. Light fixtures from Kuzco Lighting provide soft, ambient lighting. The bed from RH offers comfort and style, while custom drapery by Kalu Interiors ensures privacy. Nightstands from Crate & Barrel and a rug from CB2 complete the room.
Home Office: Stylish and Functional
The home office is designed to be a productive and stylish workspace. Wallpaper from Emma Hayes through NewWall adds a sophisticated touch. A desk and floor lamp from Rove Concepts provide a practical work area, while a chair from CB2 ensures comfort.
Principal Ensuite: Luxurious and Relaxing
The principal ensuite is a luxurious retreat designed for relaxation. Arabescato marble adorns the shower back wall, benches, and vanity, creating a spa-lke atmosphere. Side walls feature Julian Tile, while plumbing fixtures from Kohler ensure top-notch performance. Medicine cabinet mirrors and vanity wall lights from RH add elegance, and a tile floor from Ames Tile completes the look.
Playroom: Fun and Functional
The playroom is a vibrant and playful interior design perfect for sparking creativity. Frutto Proibito wallpaper from Cole & Son brings the room to life with its bold pattern. Chairs from Eternity Modern provide comfortable seating, while a rug and pillows from Etsy add coziness. The Rock Coffee Table from Phillips Collection serves as a focal point, and a library ladder from Custom Ladder Co on Etsy adds a whimsical touch. A pendant light fixture from RH Baby & Child ensures the room is well-lit for playtime.
Kids’ Bedroom: Cozy and Inviting
The kids’ bedroom is a cozy retreat designed for rest and play. Melville wallpaper from Cole & Son sets a whimsical tone. The bed and drapery, custom-made by Kalu Interiors, provide a comfortable sleeping area. Nightstands from TOV Furniture offer storage, while table lamps from Crate & Kids add soft lighting.
Photos by Provoke Studios (Instagram @provokestudios )
Interior Design by Phyllis Lui of Kalu Interiors (Instagram @kaluinteriors )
