WL Design 25

WL Design 25 Winners 2025: Coastal Crafted

Stephanie Brown Inc. transforms a practical pantry into a stunning design feature, blending organic textures with bold architectural elements.

By Kerri Donaldson /
Ema Peter

Regular readers of Western Living might recognize the architecture and design of this home, if not the room itself: the Sunshine Coast-based retreat was featured in our summer issue. Working alongside O/C Architects and Western Craft Contracting, the team at Stephanie Brown Inc. delivers a serene yet functional pantry that pays tribute to its rugged surroundings while transforming a space that’s often an afterthought into a standout feature.

The natural palette of leathered quartzite and warm ash panelling creates a cozy, organic vibe, while porcelain flooring, quartz and Corian counters provide high-traffic durability. Dark graphite beams and steel-framed windows tie the architectural and interior elements together, and also bring the drama. A sliding library ladder gives this space a whimsical charm, too, along with a practical way to reach the ample sky-high shelving. It is a pantry after all—but it’s a pantry you’d want to live in.

Project: Sunshine Coast pantry
Designer: Stephanie Brown Inc.
Collaborators: O/C Architects, Western Craft Contracting, Munro Woodworking
Location: Sunshine Coast

Meet all of the 2025 WL Design 25 winners here.

Photo by Ema Peter
Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson

Kerri Donaldson is an assistant editor at Western Living (and sister mag Vancouver) where she writes about future design stars for the regular “One to Watch” feature and home design stories. Pitch her at [email protected].