Western Living Magazine
2026 Kitchen Design Tip #4: Use Bulkheads to Cleverly Disguise Plumbing Systems
2026 Kitchen Design Tip #3: Embrace the U-Shaped Island for Entertaining
7 Dining Rooms with Brilliant Light Fixtures
Recipe: Hopcott Farms Beef Short Ribs with Black Pepper and Sweet Soy (Sườn Bò Nướng)
Recipe: Gai Lan, Ginger and Anh and Chi’s Chilli Oil (Rau Xào Sả Ớt)
5 Scone and Biscuit Recipes to Try This Week
Tofino’s Floating Sauna Turned Me Into a Sauna Person
A Wellness Getaway in Squamish Valley: Off-Grid Yurts, Sauna Cycles and River Calm
Local Getaway Guide: A Peaceful Two-Day Itinerary for Harrison Hot Springs
Protected: Audi Elevates the Compact Luxury SUV
New and Noteworthy: 10 Fresh Home Design Finds for Winter 2026
The Best Home Accessories Our Editors Bought in 2025
Photos: The Western Living Design 25 Finalists Party
2025 Architects of the Year MA+HG On Their Favourite Things
Maker of the Year Winner Andrea Copp’s Local Favourites
The elegant and low-maintenance finish makes the backsplash seem to disappear
Tile is typically the go-to material for backsplashes—but in this Vancouver kitchen, designer Alda Pereira makes a strong case for trying stainless steel instead. The space is already strikingly sleek, designed with serenity in mind: appliances are integrated; the hood vent is recessed into the ceiling and out of sight; the messy prep work of entertaining takes place behind a hidden white oak door to the butler’s pantry. But the swath of stainless steel behind the stovetop creates an elegant (and low-maintenance) finishing touch. “The backsplash seems to disappear into the background and reflect light back into the cooking area,” explains Pereira.
Keep It Open
When Pereira came in to work on this renovation, she was asked to make the kitchen the “central hub” of the home. To achieve this, she moved the existing staircase from the centre of the layout over to the side of the house. “It liberated the view,” says the designer.
Cool and Clean
The Julien SmartStation sink is paired with a tap from KWC. The barstools are from Knoll.
White and Bright
The cabinetry here is white oak installed by BFJ Design Custom Kitchen and Closet, while the countertop is Caesarstone in Organic White. (The material runs up the wall to meet the cabinets on the back, too.)
The editorial team at Western Living loves nothing more than a perfectly designed space, place or thing: and we’re here to tell you about it. Email us your pitches at [email protected].
Are you over 18 years of age?
Get the latest headlines delivered to your inbox 3 times a week.