Decorating & Design
October 4, 2022
This Vancouver Loft Sings With Color And Pattern
Jasmeet K. Wahid has no interest in being a wallflower — in life or at home. Vivid colors and saturated patterns reflecting her South Asian roots are front and center in her 1,000-square-foot Vancouver loft. “I love the bold, unique and eccentric, and I believe it can be done in an elegant manner,” says Jasmeet, a family law lawyer who worked with Studio Roslyn to redesign her home.
“When I met Jasmeet for the first time, she was wearing a bright blue faux fur jacket with an animal-print skirt and I was wearing neon pink, so I knew our design styles were going to be a perfect fit,” says designer Kate Snyder. Kate collaborated with Jessica MacDonald and Zafirah Bacchus, the project lead for design and management, on the loft.
Scroll down to tour this bold and compact loft!
Italian 1970s glamour, plus a South Asian aesthetic were what Jasmeet requested, along with a library wall and stone kitchen island. Capitalizing on the lofty 12-foot-high ceilings, the team thought outside the box to arrive at a clever color-blocking scheme. “Mixing objects and books along this wall added those layers that give a small space interest,” says designer Kate Snyder about the custom built-ins.
A purple faux mohair sofa reflects Jasmeet’s love of jewel tones. “One of the biggest misconceptions is that white walls make spaces feel larger,” says Kate. “But dark shades can actually make small rooms feel more expansive.”
A custom moss-colored vinyl and cherrywood-veneer banquette seats at least eight.
Next to the dining table is a home office nook with sleek lighting and an open shelf above.
For Jasmeet, the loft feels anything but small, especially with all the personal mementoes on display. The Buddha was a gift from Jasmeet’s grandmother, and the velvet drapes are similar to those from her childhood home.
Just off the dining area is a chic home bar outfitted with some of her favorite books.
The island’s two-tier counters were inspired by the dramatic stone often used in Milanese hotel lobbies. The Green Verde Alpi marble and cream Avatar granite bring a jolt of color and pattern.
“I find the unique beautiful — perfect lines or shapes, not so much,” says Jasmeet.
Jasmeet’s queen-size bed is dressed with a sentimental quilt handmade by her grandmother, Gurdev, and the vivid rug below depicts an Indian temple. Even the living room drapes, sofa and rug evoke childhood memories.
The bathroom stayed mostly as-is, apart from the addition of jungle-inspired wallpaper and new wood trimwork.
“I didn’t realize these connections during the decorating process, but they became clear when my home was complete,” says Jasmeet. “I’m ultimately inspired by my own story and the characters I meet along the way.”
Keep scrolling for our Q&A with Jasmeet!
H&H: If you could add one thing to your space, what would it be?
JKW: “A balcony.”
H&H: How do you keep clutter at bay?
JKW: “By tidying up regularly and keeping items on surfaces to a minimum.”
H&H: What was top of your design wish list?
JKW: “A warm, luxurious home with bold colors, and a library wall.”
H&H: What can make small spaces feel bigger?
JKW: “Mirrors.”
H&H: Best small-space decorating tip?
JKW: “Stick to what inspires you, regardless of space, and trust that it will work.”
Lauren D. Zbarsky
Kate Snyder & Jessica MacDonald