My Houzz: Color and Pattern Give a Newlyweds’ Home Zing

High school sweethearts Tamiza and Cory Marcinkow married in September 2012 and wanted to personalize their first home together. Their design process involved very few compromises, as the couple was starting from scratch. “We didn’t own any furniture or accessories,” says Tamiza.

The Marcinkows found an apartment just 10 minutes away from both of their families in the Highgate Village area of South Burnaby, British Columbia. “We fell in love with this one immediately,” Tamiza says. “We liked the layout and the open concept. It’s very central, and we have great views of the mountains.”

Cory, an electrician, updated the place within a year, with some help from his father, Frank. Together they painted the entire apartment a cobblestone shade, replaced the generic carpet with rich walnut flooring and added statement wallpaper in both bathrooms. The couple also tapped their friend, interior designer Daniel Meloche, to help decorate the interior.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Tamiza and Cory Marcinkow
Location: Highgate Village, Burnaby, British Columbia
Size: 850 square feet (79 square meters); 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms

Tamiza had long admired Meloche’s contemporary style. In this instance the designer layered textural neutrals with accessories in bright accent colors — primarily teal and yellow.

Sectional: Cato, Stylus; sheepskin: Tejn, Ikea; side table: Hex, West Elm; table lamp: Perch in yellow, West Elm; yellow vases: HomeSense; floor lamp: CB2; artwork: HomeSense; coffee table: 18Karat


A selection of white framed photographs from a trip to Italy hangs adjacent to the dining table. The pictures convey the couple’s love for travel and help personalize the home. “Since we both love traveling, we wanted to highlight some of our favorite trips,” says Tamiza.

Interior paint: Cobblestone, Martha Stewart


Stone candleholders by British designer Tom Dixon and a box with succulents are displayed atop a Christian Louboutin book on the marble coffee table.

The couple’s decorating philosophy is to mix timeless pieces with fun accessories, texture and pattern.

Chevron pillow: Maharam; multicolor pillow: One Kings Lane; candleholders: Inform Interiors


Meloche painted the wood art piece on the left, incorporating all of the couple’s accent colors. The rest of the art displayed here was sourced online at Minted.

Chair: HomeSense; vase trio: Torre & Tagus


Framed photographs from the couple’s wedding and a trip to Paris are displayed next to Tamiza’s favorite accessory — a bright yellow statue of the Eiffel Tower.

A lamp by Omer Arbel provides ambient lighting and features a crocheted gray cable that is designed to be coiled into a perch for the glass globe.

Cable-knit Marina poufs from Urban Barn provide extra seating. When not in use, they’re stashed neatly under the trio of glossy white floating shelves.

Teal vases: Torre & Tagus; lamp: 28d, Bocci; shelving: Lack, Ikea


After opting for rich walnut flooring and dark wood kitchen cabinetry, the couple lightened the space with a clear glass dining table. A crystal light fixture, centered above the table, adds sparkle to the open-concept room and doesn’t obstruct any sight lines.

Dining table: Tista, Sunpan; dining chairs: Zeus, Sunpan; Linear Strand Crystal Chandelier: Z Gallerie


On any given night, the couple can be found hanging out in the dining area. “We love entertaining, and food is big in our family,” says Tamiza.

The faux antler centerpiece is from HomeSense but has been painted white.


In the main bathroom, the wallpaper pairs a rigorous graphic design with a monochromatic palette. It’s by Marie Mees and Cathérine Biasino, two European textile designers. “I love patterns; they add so much to a room with neutral colors,” says Tamiza.

Wallpaper: Maison 01 collection, Hexagon in 42054, Arte; vase: West Elm


Clear glass shelving takes up little visual space but adds stylish storage. Artwork and teal blue candles from HomeSense complete the space.


One of the couple’s favorite features is the floor-to-ceiling windows, which offer beautiful, unobstructed views of Mount Baker from the living room and the twin peaks of The Lions in the bedroom.

The master bedroom features a custom bed frame with built-in clothing storage.

Side table: HomeSense; dresser: Nyvoll, Ikea; throw blanket: 18Karat; floor lamp: HomeSense; vases: West Elm


A gray custom-upholstered headboard adds warmth to the master bedroom, where it’s joined by a creative installation of bronze and smoked silver hexagonal mirrors.

Headboard: Shift, Stylus; mirrors: Hönefoss, Ikea; bedding: Restoration Hardware; pillows: 18Karat; bedside lamps: HomeSense; bedside tables: Nyvoll, Ikea


Wall-mounted candleholders from West Elm add a subtle sparkle to the master bath, while damask wallpaper gives the room elegant flair.

Wallpaper: Ennerdale in light gray, Shand Kydd


Apartments can lack storage space, which means getting creative. The second bedroom here was converted into an office; it includes a lounge chair that folds out into a single bed for overnight guests.

A bold black and white rug dominates the room, while a sunny yellow side table coordinates with the task lamp on the desk.

Shelving: Expedit, Ikea; owl side table: Urban Barn; rug: Lappljung Ruta, Ikea; lounge chair: Nood (now closed)


This custom inspiration board was made by Hambleton Fine Art in Vancouver.

Chair: Dirk, Parliament Interiors; desk: Bestå Burs, Ikea; Industrial Task Lamp in Turmeric: West Elm; clock: Torre & Tagus



Tamiza and Cory Marcinkow relax at home.

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