My Houzz: Bright and Airy Renovated Home in Vancouver

Regan Xausa and her husband, Davide, founder of Velofix, a mobile bike repair company, found the perfect teardown property on a lot with major potential in Kitsilano, one of Vancouver’s desirable neighborhoods. “We knew it was the one because the house had a south-facing backyard and it was on a quiet, tree-lined street,” says Regan. What set them apart from others buying teardowns was their approach once they found the space. They rented for a year before starting the project, and Regan spent that time looking for inspiration in design magazines and planning for a home that would include outdoor living, plenty of storage and a spacious kitchen. “We then tore the house down and started from scratch,” she says.

The couple started construction in early 2011, and the home was completed in less than a year. They enlisted the help of architect Scott Posno, of Nest Projects, and construction manager Derek Bohne but did the design work themselves.

Houzz at a Glance
Who lives here: Regan and Davide Xausa and their sons, Hudson (age 5) and Grayson (2)
Location: Kitsilano area of Vancouver
Size: 2,900 square feet (269 square meters); 4 bedrooms, 3½ bathrooms

The couple wanted the open living plan to blend contemporary styling with traditional design elements. “Our house has some modern touches, though it’s still traditional,” Regan says.

Bar stools: Tibetan, Pottery Barn; dining table: Inform Interiors; light over dining table: String Pendant, Parliament; dining chairs: Kartell, Living Space


The Xausas can often be found hanging out in their kitchen. “The kitchen is the center of all the activity,” Regan says. The floors throughout the main level are wide-plank Eastern maple.

Sensuous hand-blown glass pendants with a perfect teardrop bottom light the island. The exposed filament bulbs complete the room’s modern yet classic look.

Pendant lights: Minaret, Niche Modern, Provide Home; countertops: Caesarstone; backsplash: Carrara marble; refrigerator: Thermador; stove: Viking; dishwasher: Bosch; cabinets: JNR Cabinets; island paint: Kendall Charcoal HC-166, Benjamin Moore


Family photos and books fill the living room’s built-in shelves, while new tiles shimmer around the fireplace. “Having young boys, we didn’t want to buy new furniture, because we were scared they would destroy it,” Regan says.

The kitchen and bathroom cabinets as well as all of the built-ins throughout the house were made by JNR Cabinets.

Tile: Fontile; hearth screen: Restoration Hardware; shell chair: Herman Miller; Paris clock: Ambiente Haus; floor lamp: from a display suite


Patio doors connect the family’s indoor and outdoor entertaining areas. “Our favorite feature are the folding doors in the back that open all the way up,” says Regan.


The couple used Aloe Designs two years ago to design and install the landscaping. They put artificial grass in the backyard that looks great year-round. “With Vancouver weather it can be pouring rain, and five minutes later our grass is completely dry,” Regan says. It is great for the kids and is another favorite feature of their home.

“The yard looks a million times better in the summer, though,” Regan says. That’s when the Xausas add a huge dining table and chairs as well as two lounges, all from Restoration Hardware, to the outdoor space. Lots of planters full of herbs and flowers add color and lushness.



Davide started his company, Velofix, out of the back of their garage. He partnered with their neighbor Boris Martin, who shared his passion for bikes. “He lived behind us and he used to race professionally as well as work at some of the top bike shops in Vancouver,” Regan says. “Boris started fixing Davide’s bike out of the garage, which turned into all of their friends’ bikes as well.” There are now 13 Velofix outposts throughout Canada, and they plan to expand into the U.S. market this year.

Sofa, lounge chair: Natuzzi, Inform Interiors; pillows: DwellStudio; rug: BoConcept; coffee table: Noguchi, Herman Miller


The couple’s previous home was a three-bedroom duplex in the lower Shaughnessy area of Vancouver. “It was more traditional and had a lot more color than our current home,” says Regan.

The interior walls are painted in Gallery White by Benjamin Moore. “The painter hated us, though, because there is no tint to the paint, so it took several coats,” she says.

A cutout in the stairwell wall allows light from an adjacent window to filter into the living and dining area on the main floor.


The couple wanted to keep things bright, so they chose a punchy abstract painting by French-Canadian artist Patrick Pépin, in which color is the subject.


The black hardware used throughout the house contrasts nicely with the white finishes. A console in the entryway provides the perfect landing spot for keys, while an inventive and fun Hang-It-All coatrack by Charles and Ray Eames lets coats hang in style.

Mirror: Chintz & Company; console table: West Elm; coatrack: Hang-It-All, Herman Miller


A home office sits to the left of the entry and features original black and white artwork by Mackenzie Thorpe Arthaus Gallery. A bold striped rug and bright orange shell chair add graphic elements.

Shell chair: Herman Miller; desk: Pottery Barn; rug: DwellStudio


To the right of the entry is a small but chic powder room. A contemporary round vessel sink and a striking architectural faucet make a dramatic focal point against the gray walls, and a Missoni hand towel picks up the colors of the artwork, which the Xausas bought in Seattle at the Public Market.

Pivot Mirror: Restoration Hardware


Upstairs between the master and kids’ bedrooms, a gallery wall features black and white family photos in a mixture of ornate and modern white frames. “The World Is Your Oyster” statement sends a positive message to the family each day.


Neutral tones in the master bedroom combine with elegant furnishings to create a calming retreat.

Fairmont Fabric Bed: Restoration Hardware; bedding: GlucksteinHome; bedside lamps: HomeSense; side tables: custom


The couple’s biggest challenge was choosing the right tiles for each bathroom and for the kitchen backsplash. The well-organized master bathroom features a cool gray and white color scheme, a custom vanity and polished chrome bath accessories that shine.

Vanity: JNR Cabinets; wall sconces: Restoration Hardware; rug: West Elm; artwork: Chinz & Company; tile: Fontile


In Grayson’s room, fun wall decals spark imagination and creativity. They are easy to remove, reposition and reuse, making it simple to redecorate as interests change. A band of stripes on a wool rug adds visual dimension to the room. The table lamp’s tailored, classic profile contributes a timeless silhouette that Grayson can grow up with.

Bed: Catalina, Pottery Barn Kids; bedding: Pottery Barn Kids; dresser: Ikea; rug: Pottery Barn Kids; lamp: Pottery Barn Kids; Owls Wall Decals: DwellStudio; doorstop: Elephant Bookend, Indigo, Chapters; Elephant Bank: Tiffany & Co.


Hudson’s room has an easygoing attitude accentuated by a personalized beanbag chair and a space-saving, multilevel bed. An aged bookcase keeps everything neat and tidy. Its gently distressed wood in an antiqued finish has a timeworn patina that is reminiscent of vintage crates. Baseball stripes, topstitching and sports memorabilia give the bedroom its sporting good looks.

Industrial Loft Twin-Over-Full Bunk Bed, Vintage Wood Crate Wide Bookcase, striped bedding and beanbag chair: RH Baby & Child


The kids’ bathroom reflects the style and finish choices found in the rest of the home, creating a complete and cohesive look.

Vanity: JNR Cabinets; wall sconces: Restoration Hardware; tile: Fontile


Family photos make another appearance in the laundry room. Regan and Davide compromised by having the laundry room located in the basement. “It isn’t the ideal spot, especially having to carry laundry up and down three floors,” Regan says.

Upper shelving keeps a collection of throw pillows accessible and organized. They are typically used outside but are multipurpose. “As I get bored with the current pillows on the couch, I switch them out,” Regan says.


Structured side cushions and plaid throw pillows lend a vintage look and provide added comfort on the sofa in the family room downstairs. The coffee table’s planked panels and rustic hardware borrow from the vernacular architecture of old American barns. Deep drawers are ideal for stowing games, while the smart chalkboard top is perfect for doodling or keeping score. Red industrial-style stools add schoolhouse charm and complement a vintage distressed red metal illuminated star that casts a twinkling glow, thanks to multiple lights.

Sofa: Gabriel Ross, Gus Modern; pillows: Pottery Barn; Vintage Steel Play Stool, Weller Game Table and Vintage Illuminated Star: RH Baby & Child


The couple’s decorating preference for a simple, clean and bright look can be seen in the downstairs bathroom. A patterned rug adds flair to this modern space.

Artwork: Chintz & Company; rug: West Elm


The guest bedroom downstairs has comfortable bedding from Restoration Hardware and decorative pillows from West Elm. The cityscape painting features the couple’s signature orange accent color and completes the space.


Davide relaxes at home.

Table: Saarinen, Knoll; chairs: Living Space


“We are done with projects until the kids get older and can’t destroy the furniture,” says Regan. “Being in Kits is amazing, because you can walk everywhere. You are close to great restaurants, and there’s activities for the kids.”

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