DDR22 is a thoughtful renovation of a family duplex in Kitsilano, reimagined to improve flow, brightness, and livability. The project began with the goal of addressing the original dark and compartmentalized kitchen, which felt disconnected from the rest of the home. After confirming the kitchen wall was non-structural, we restructured the layout by removing the dividing wall and designing a completely open-concept kitchen and living space. To further amplify the sense of openness, a full-width sliding glass wall is added at the side connecting the interior seamlessly to the porch and allowing natural light to flood the space.

At the entryway, the original stair wall was replaced with full-height vertical oak slats, improving light penetration and enabling visual connectivity—allowing the parents to keep an eye on their children from nearly any point in the home. These design moves transformed the home into a kid-friendly, bright, and social environment that supports both everyday functionality and family interaction.

A restrained Japandi-inspired material palette—featuring light laminates, white oak, and soft neutral tones—was used throughout to bring warmth and visual calm. Custom built-in storage was added along the living room wall to compensate for the lack of storage in the original layout, while subtle trapezoidal geometry was introduced across select millwork details to create a softer, playful rhythm. The dated fireplace was removed and replaced with a clean-lined bank of board game storage, helping reframe the living room as a flexible and activity-rich family space.

DDR22 reflects how simple architectural interventions, when paired with intentional millwork and material curation, can completely transform a small urban home—making it brighter, more functional, and truly family-centric.