When Kathy Cheng, senior interior designer at Vancouver-based JHA Inc., set about renovating her family home, she thought she knew what to expect. After all, she has guided countless clients through the challenges of budgets, timelines and the delicate balance between wants and needs. But stepping into the dual role of designer and client offered an entirely new perspective. “It was definitely challenging,” Cheng admits, “but the result was very gratifying.”
Cheng and her husband shared a clear vision of how they wanted their home to look and feel. From the outset, they focused on ideas that were inspiring yet realistic, knowing compromises would be necessary to keep the project on track.
For Cheng, the biggest adjustment was reconciling her natural design instincts with the realities of daily family life. “I had to adjust constantly,” she says. “As a designer, I always want to push boundaries, but as a client, I had to weigh those ambitions against budget, timelines and the practical needs of my family.”
That balance extended to choosing where to live. Coquitlam hadn’t been part of their original plan; their sights were set on Vancouver and Burnaby. “The market was competitive, and offers were often overbid,” she recalls. After temporarily living with her sister, who had recently moved to Coquitlam, the couple began to see its appeal. “We discovered a community with good schools, a family-friendly atmosphere, and the chance to buy a home we could truly transform.” The property itself was a blank canvas with untouched original features, allowing Cheng to reimagine everything from the floorplan to the finishes.
The result is a home Cheng describes as contemporary mid-century modern with personal touches. “I wanted a home that reflected our family’s personality – modern, functional and warm,” she notes.
Clean architectural lines are softened with natural textures and thoughtful details, while carefully chosen finishes tie the spaces together.
A few structural moves define the interior. In the entryway, a slat wall acts as a sculptural feature and a light filtre. “It’s not just visually striking – it also diffuses light beautifully and sets the tone as soon as you walk in,” says Cheng. In the living room, a curved wall softens the geometry while cleverly concealing mechanical ducting. “It reduced the number of sharp angles and gave the space a more fluid feel.”
The kitchen balances minimalism and utility, with white oak veneer cabinetry and integrated appliances. The cabinetry finish was perfectly matched to the specified vinyl flooring, creating a pared-back, cohesive space that is elegant and practical.
In the living room, comfort meets quiet sophistication. Low-slung furniture nods to mid-century design, while layered textures add warmth. Expansive windows frame the outdoors, flooding the room with light. The fireplace serves as a dramatic anchor. “We wanted the fireplace to be a strong focal point, especially since much of the house is kept light in colour,” Cheng says. Finished in bold black, it ties into accents found throughout the home, from fixtures to hardware, creating a statement piece that feels seamlessly connected.
The main floor layout also received thoughtful reworking. With only one bathroom originally on the floor, Cheng and her husband debated converting a bedroom into an ensuite. “Creating the ensuite meant sacrificing a bedroom,” she explains, “but it gave us a more functional layout for our lifestyle.”
For Cheng, the renovation was about designing a home that worked for everyone. A dedicated office supports work life, a kid’s playroom offers space for family and generous communal areas encourage gathering. Her favourite spot is the open living, dining, kitchen and back patio, a fluid space designed for entertaining and everyday life.
“When friends and family come over, it feels like everyone can gather in one connected space, whether they’re in the kitchen or the living room,” she says. In the spring and summer, she especially enjoys sitting in the sun-drenched living room, a place that embodies the warmth and livability she set out to create.