Staging a residence inside the iconic Gabriola House—a 1900-built manor originally designed for Benjamin T. Rogers, founder of BC Sugar—presented a unique mandate. The challenge was to honor the home’s soul, expressed through its original stained glass windows, salvaged woodwork, and timeless proportions, while simultaneously introducing a contemporary, livable design. Our focus was on creating a fluid connection between a past century’s grandeur and the requirements of modern living.

Our design methodology centered on a dialogue between old and new. While the furnishings were new, every piece was chosen to echo the building’s original architecture, selecting clean silhouettes and classic textures. To keep the space from feeling static, we introduced unexpected moments of contemporary color and custom-designed accents that inject a distinct personality. The result is a design that respects the manor’s history, yet feels decidedly current and wholly bespoke for the modern occupant