a CINEMATIC QUIET 

words Karine Monie

photos Tina Kulic

interior designer Atelier Fēn

Tucked into the leafy Point Grey neighborhood of Vancouver, this recently built home belongs to a cinematographer in his early 30s—a quiet soul with a deep appreciation for materials, mood, and design that endures. Tasked with reimagining the main floor on a modest budget, Atelier Fēn approached the project not as a challenge of constraint, but as an opportunity to create meaningful impact with thoughtful decisions.

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“The brief was never about trends,” says Atelier Fēn’s founder, Sha Wang. “It was about building a space that would last—something warm, refined, and emotionally resonant.”

DESIGNING FOR DEPTH, NOT SCALE

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Working with limited square footage, the design team focused on maximizing functionality while preserving a sense of openness. Custom solutions balance the need for discreet storage with elegant finishes and seamless flow. Light plays a vital role throughout, bouncing gently off painted surfaces and natural materials to create a soft, cinematic atmosphere.

FIVE DESIGN PRINCIPLES FOR SMALL-SPACE IMPACT

1 - Create continuity through material language

White oak flooring, painted millwork, and warm travertine accents form a consistent palette that carries through the living and dining spaces. These repeating elements, combined with clean lines and soft transitions, lend the main floor a sense of coherence and airiness.

2 - Use art to anchor the space

In both the living and dining areas, artworks by Pepe Hidalgo serve as visual anchors. “We used the art as a grounding element,” explains Wang. “Its earthy tones blend effortlessly into the palette, while subtle accents of blue, green, and red introduce quiet energy—echoed again in the accessories and soft furnishings.”

3- Lean into natural materials

Wood, stone, and leather are layered for richness and warmth. In the living room, a De Sede 707 sofa pairs with a Nelson platform bench by Herman Miller used as a coffee table, creating a tactile, grounded setting. A Tabouret Méribel by Charlotte Perriand adds a sculptural note, while the green Via del Corso chair by Yabu Pushelberg (from Man of Parts) introduces a fresh tonal contrast.

4- Mix with intention

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In the dining room, contrasts play out elegantly: a shimmering Glas Italia Shimmer table catches and reflects light throughout the day, while a curated mix of Cassina Cab 412 and Cab 413 chairs in different shades of saddle leather surround it, creating a quiet dialogue of materiality and tone. A Gregg Suspension pendant by Foscarini adds an organic softness overhead, balanced by a sculptural Louise Roe vase on the table.

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5- Divide without disconnecting

To maintain spatial openness, Atelier Fēn used a sleek glass partition between the main kitchen and wok kitchen—providing necessary separation without compromising light or flow. The kitchen itself is defined by a restrained black-and-white palette, softened by natural light that filters through strategic openings. Integrated appliances maintain the visual purity of the space.

A QUIET KIND OF LUXURY 

Throughout the home, there's an intentional rhythm between what’s revealed and what’s held back—between positive and negative space. Built-in cabinetry in the family room appears to float, offering generous storage without visual weight. Every decision feels deliberate, every element part of a larger composition.

“This home breathes with quiet confidence,” says Wang. “It offers serenity, but also a depth that reveals itself over time.”