Sullivan Apartment

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High above Vancouver’s West End, with sweeping views of Stanley Park the coastal mountains and English Bay, a rental apartment has been transformed into an expressive living space that defies the typical conventions of tenanted spaces. Designed by Twobytwo Architecture Studio, with contributions from Amelia Sullivan of Landscape Landscape, the apartment is tailored for Brian, a fashion-forward septuagenarian aesthete with a sharp eye for color and form. The result is a study in commitment to personal style.

Though the apartment is rented, the design investment is anything but temporary. Rather than treating it as a space to pass through, the designers approached it through an iterative process with the belief that personality should be present regardless of permanence.

Color plays a leading role throughout the space, the palette embraces moody, high-contrast hues—saturated blues, sharp yellows and deep greens set the tone. In the bedroom, walls, ceilings, trim, and cabinetry are all drenched in a single shade, creating an immersive atmosphere.

Pattern mixing throughout the apartment heightens the visual richness. Floral wallpaper, striped bedding, and a thoughtful mix of modern and natural finishes come together in a controlled interplay of contrasts. Each element is selected for its ability to contribute to a cohesive and expressive whole. Among the standout features are several meaningful family heirloom pieces—vintage club chairs, a classic side chair, and the top of an antique hutch—all reupholstered and refinished to suit the apartment’s modern sensibility. These pieces create a meaningful dialogue between past and present.

Despite the constraints of a rental, the space feels deeply customized. Built-in banquettes, new drapery, custom designed table, bespoke millwork shelving, and custom upholstery add architectural weight to each room, while Brian’s art, objects, and heirlooms bring warmth and a sense of personal continuity.

This project is a reminder that meaningful design doesn’t require ownership. With a clear vision and a willingness to invest in self-expression, even a rented space can be transformed into a reflection of identity.