Three Days in Vancouver for the Design Lover
Earlier this month James and I took off for an extended weekend to visit Vancouver and it was glorious! haha It was a very necessary trip to get away, take a break from work, visit some friends and for myself, get inspired thanks to so many beautiful places! I love visiting different cities and seeing their beautiful cafes, restaurants, museums and other stylish spaces that are different from what I usually see day to day.
There’s no shortage of posts about things to do in Vancouver but today I thought I’d share my recommendations from a design perspective. Whether you’re a creative like myself who gets re-energized and inspired from beautiful and creative places and spaces or you’re just looking for somewhere cute to post on the ‘gram, here are my YVR recommendations!
*ALSO if you’re planning a visit to Vancouver, scroll down to the bottom of the post for a promo code you don’t want to miss!
Stay - The Burrard
As soon as I started posting IG stories at The Burrard my inbox was flooded with questions and comments from you guys. I won’t lie - it was definitely the aesthetic that first drew me to The Burrard. I love when a hotel places emphasis on good style! The Burrard is a 1956 converted motel that just oozes mid-century modern cool (Which you guys know is my favourite design style!) Right as soon as you walk in the door you’re greeted by bold Barbie pink modern art, and major modern art and lighting. OBSESSED right from the start!
The Burrard uses bold pops of blue and yellow contrasted with a bright classic white throughout the hotel and I love how fresh and fun it feels! There’s an awesome courtyard with lots of seating and the coziest banquette surrounding an outdoor fire. They had a ping pong table, you can use their bikes to explore the city and even the stairwells were painted in fun colorful modern motifs! The attention to detail was spot on!
Also from a design perspective I LOVE quirky art and throughout the hotel there are prints by Vancouver’s own Dina Goldstein. I love the ‘In the Dollhouse’ series in the main lobby and in our room was one of the prints from the ‘Fallen Princesses’ collection. This kind of art is right up my alley - I officially want one of her pieces for myself!
Attached to the Burrard is the cutest coffee shop - Elysian Coffee. The coffee was delicious (as was the food - try the beet sandwich or the avocado toast, yum!), the space was modern, minimalist and stylish and it’s SO convenient to have a little cafe attached to the hotel! Even though there’s a Nespresso in each room, you know that I can’t ever get enough coffee so I loved the convenience of having this right at our hotel.
Since we’re on the topic of cafe’s, etc - let’s talk about my next Vancouver recommendation….
2. Nero Waffles
So firstly, this is a recommendation for me because the waffles are SO GOOD! Confession time: there are two locations in Vancouver so we stopped at each one to give them a try! haha There are savoury waffles, sweet waffles and little mini waffles that are all delicious (because let’s be honest, we tried a few! haha) BUT aside from the amazing waffles, the Seymour location is so freaking cool! Honestly, these photos don’t quite do it justice. The design is quite modern and minimalist but my favourite part of the design were the cozy little booths. I was very inspired being in the space and if you’re a design savvy waffle lover like I am - you need to go visit! haha
Next on my design tour of Vancouver are my two shopping recommendations
3. The Cross Design & CB2
When I think of design in Vancouver I think immediately of The Cross. If you’re into feminine, traditional, french inspired, farmhouse or transitional design and decor then you need to visit The Cross. The Cross decor carries everything from small accessories to custom furniture and everything in between. Their store is huge and filled to the brim with design inspiration and I could get lost in there for hours (and I have! haha)
Now if your design is on the more modern side of the spectrum then I highly recommend popping into CB2. I source lighting, decor and furniture from CB2 all the time online with Kresswell Interiors so when I visit Vancouver I love to pop in to see the pieces in person. CB2 has beautiful dishware, lighting, furniture and accessories and there’s tons of inspiration in store!
Images via CB2
After some inspiring design shopping. it’s time for a coffee break! My next swoon worthy spot on the Vancouver design tour is
4. Small Victory
If you’re on your way to visit The Cross, stop on your way to get a coffee and pastry at Small Victory. I LOVED this space. The design details are so on point (I mean hello, brass dispensers for the coffee bar?!) and the space has such a cool industrial meets glam vibe. Simple details, clean lines, pops of brass - what’s not to love?! Go visit for yourself!
5. Explore - Vancouver Art Gallery
I make a point to visit the art gallery for any new city I visit and Vancouver was no exception. I could spend all day in museums and art galleries - I find so much inspiration in exploring different exhibitions and seeing different styles of art, design and architecture. We lucked out with a few amazing exhibits at the Vancouver Art Gallery including one on small homes and cabins that I especially loved!
6. Get Outdoors - Stanley Park
On the opposite side of the spectrum, I always try to explore parks and get out in nature when I visit different cities. Getting outdoors, putting my phone away and being in nature gets my creativity flowing and helps to get me inspired. Vancouver’s sea wall and Stanley Park are stunning spaces that are absolutely worth checking out if you visit. James and I spent quite a bit of time outdoors enjoying the beautiful views and it absolutely helped me to feel refreshed and relaxed. Plus, all of the fall colors and the textures absolutely translate to inspiring my interior design and other creative work. For me, being outside and spending time in nature is not only good for me creatively, but it’s also good for the soul!
What are some of your favourite Vancouver spots? Did I miss yours? Let me know in the comments below!
Plus, as a special offer to 204 Park readers, The Burrard is offering 15% off the best rate on any room in the hotel plus a welcome basket of drinks and snacks when you check in! Just use code 204PARK when you book here
