A 27th-floor, 270-degree view was a big selling feature for Kenny Edmonds when he purchased his West End condo.

Credit: Doug Shanks

MY DIGS

What it is: a one-bedroom apartment suite on the top floor of a 27-storey building in the West End.

Price: $235,000 (in 2003)

Square feet: 760

Occupants: Kenny Edmonds, an interior decorator and the owner of Redesigned Living, and his partner.

Major selling features: “The open feeling of the space and, of course, the view — it’s a corner suite, so the windows flood the space with natural light. The view spans 270 degrees, which allows us to see the mountains along West and North Vancouver, Stanley Park, Lost Lagoon, the Burrard Inlet, downtown Vancouver, and English Bay. Downtown is stunning at night.”

First thing we changed: “Little had been done to the place since the ’70s. The suite had dark wood paneling, wall-to-wall shag carpet, and heavy drapery. But if I’m being honest, the first thing we changed was the toilet seat. Since then, we’ve stripped away all the ’70s décor and replaced it with light modern finishings.”

Features we brag about: “I would have to say it’s the location we reference most when asked about our place. We’re located just a block from English Bay and a footstep from Stanley Park. The building is the furthest west of the city, and it’s tucked away in a leafy cul-de-sac. It has the feel of a quiet neighbourhood, with the hustle and bustle of the city just a few blocks away.”

That one conversation piece: “A 1950s Viking hi-fi from Eaton’s. As an interior decorator, I’m always looking for old pieces of furniture to reinvent into something cool and functional. I found the hi-fi at a thrift store — I pulled the speakers and turntable out, refinished the piece in white, and added new fabric reminiscent of the original to the front. It now houses our stereo where the speakers used to be, and a liquor cabinet has replaced the turntable. It’s quite nostalgic to share a cocktail while listening to music coming from the hi-fi.”

The décor: “In keeping with the building’s design and construction in 1965, we’ve created a space reflecting the simplicity of Mid-Century Modern influences with the integration of the outdoors via the view. The furniture has clean lines and the upholstery is tightly tucked, giving way to a tailored look. The colour palette is neutral, which serves as the perfect backdrop for adding and trading new colours, textures, and accessories to evoke the mood of the season.”

Story behind the art: “We’re very thankful to a photographer friend who has graciously given us work she’s taken — a collection of black-and-white seaside pictures. We also have a Coleoptera Mosaic by Christopher Marley; it’s a mosaic of 21 remarkably coloured beetles varying in size and from different regions of the world. The photographs and the mosaic inject nature into our space as well.”

Downside: “One bathroom.”

Neighbourhood haunts: “English Bay is a great place to get some sun while people-watching or just napping. We also like riding our bikes along the seawall and through Stanley Park. When it’s time to get a bite to eat or have a drink, we frequent the Bayside Lounge, the Boathouse, and Central Bistro.”

Compared to my last place: “I was previously in a 1,300-square-foot house in Dallas. There’s only about half the space to live in now, but there’s so much more to do outdoors. I certainly don’t miss the heat of Dallas, but I do miss my friends.”

Most recent home purchase: “A replica of the Eames and Saarinen Organic Armchair. The original version was designed in 1940 for the Museum of Modern Art’s organic home furnishings competition. The chair appears fluid and is surprisingly comfortable. It doubles as an occasional chair and as an office chair.”

Favourite home activity: “We like to entertain our friends and family. Whether it’s a dinner party, a cocktail party, or someone visiting, we enjoy opening our home and sharing our space with others.”