Character vs. Modern Luxury

A Kitsilano character home will always contain a certain amount of architectural charm. A retro tower will have the 50s colour scheme you wish your furniture could reflect. A West End condo will have a hard wood floor with the worn look of an ice surface after a family skate. These are all sought after traits in the Vancouver housing market, for those looking to buy a pre-loved home. But should vintage aesthetics be placed higher than the merits of modern design?

Typically, the artist's villa is a home where nostalgia inspires contemporary output. Faded kitchen tiles and cracked molding frames shape a space conducive to creating works of art that reflect twentieth century ideals and tastes.

But what about practicality? Archaic construction practices make owning a character residence more of a pain than an inspiration.

In the West End, older suites traditionally contain low ceilings. The lower the ceiling, the less natural light is allowed to enter the room. There are beautiful older apartments downtown, but most are heavily dependent on artificial lighting. 

Any home built more than fifty years ago is also bound to have plumbing issues. From broken pipes to low water pressure, modern plumbing demands are taxing on older water systems. Floods in units above can ruin homes below. Pipes that leak or burst between walls can cost thousands to replace and create months of turmoil for owners looking to continue their daily living routines.

The plumbing advances in modern homes, drastically limits the chance of leaks. Water systems are now able to supply even pressure levels to an entire complex.

Older homes often include appliances that fit the time period of their construction. With rounded features, painted steel and ancient electrical wiring, these antiques can be more of a danger than an asset in the kitchen.

Single pane windows, common in many older suites, are another drawback. Thin windows increase heat loss and decrease protection from exterior noise pollution. The frames might shout nostalgia, but their functionality is limited.

Then there's the parking issue. Many character homes are reliant on street parking, which can be a major problem in places like Kits and the West End.

Evan Living provides controlled underground parking with secured entry gate, ample lighting and a closed circuit camera security system. You will always find parking in a safe environment. 

Evan’s thick concrete walls ensure you will never be disturbed by the noise of a neighbour. The high ceilings are standard and perfect for light entry. The plumbing is state-of-the-art, the appliances stainless steel and the windows are glazed and operable. The other standard amenities are too long to list in this blog, but feel free to review them on this handy PDF.

Still craving a certain nostalgic touch? Head to Vancouver Architectural Antiques Ltd., at 2403 Main Street; literally, a five minute walk from Evan. Let your lamp inspire you, while living in a space designed for modern luxury.