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This week, we’re digging into the design element that quietly does the most: lighting. From sloped ceilings to semi-flush alabaster cylinders, Vancouver Views is full of real-life tricks for layering light without blowing your eyeballs out (or your budget).
And over at Westward Tudor, our patio is finally taking shape—and yes, it’s working even though we’re still mid-planning. We’re sharing what’s clicking, what’s not (cough, CB2 cushions…), and how it’s shaping up to be one of our favorite outdoor zones yet.
Let’s get into it.
Let There Be (Good) Light!
How Vancouver Views Got Its Glow-Up
If there’s one design element that quietly carries the entire vibe of a home, it’s lighting. And at Vancouver Views, lighting became the unsung hero—bridging traditional bones with a fresh, warm, modern feel.
Let’s break it down, Teal & Scott style.
First Things First: Lighting Strategy That Actually Works
This wasn’t about just picking pretty fixtures. We used lighting as a tool to unify the home—setting the tone in the entry and carrying that thread (hello, metals) throughout every space. Chrome, copper, and brass showed up like well-dressed cousins at a family reunion. Different but clearly related.
We layered for mood, chose smart fixtures for function, and made sure every room got its moment. Here’s how:
Entryway: Welcome to the Glow Zone
We kicked it off with mixed metals—chrome, copper, and brass—so you know the house means business.
The statement fixture here wasn’t just a moment; it was a material moodboard for what was coming next: copper accents in the bar, brass in the dining, chrome in the kitchen. Subtle, not matchy.
Dining Room: Light, But Make It Cozy
Chose a slim-profile fixture so the view stays front and center (no bulb chandelier drama here).
Frosted bulbs for a soft glow without filament glare.
Hung it at just the right height so it feels intimate—not like it’s about to graze your head mid-bite.
Living Room (That Tricky Sloped Ceiling)
Sloped ceilings are lighting nightmares. We solved it with articulating gimbal lights—directional, adjustable, and good at pretending they’re no big deal.
Result? Ambiance and task light, all without spotlighting your forehead.
Kitchen Nook: Cloud Vibes Only
Went quiet here with a frosted glass fixture that gives soft, ambient light but doesn’t scream for attention.
Why? Because the view out the window is the real main character. This light just sets the mood.
Kitchen Island: No Pendants, No Problem
Instead of the usual pendants, we did semi-flush alabaster cylinders that give a gorgeous downward glow.
Why we love them:
No visual clutter
Perfect task lighting for cooking + serving
Don’t fight with the countertop stone or each other
Kitchen Can Lighting: The Unsung Heroes
Architectural cans from Visual Comfort—deep set, directional, and low-glare.
These are a dream if you hate bright light in your eyes (our client did).
We used minimal trim for a clean, almost invisible look.
Under-Cabinet Lighting (Bar + Kitchen)
Little tweaks, big payoffs:
Install tape light near the front edge of the cabinet for best effect
Use dimmable lights with diffusers to soften shadows
Always stop the run 4" short of the cabinet edge to avoid weird halos and shadows
Bottom Line? Lighting is the one element that can make or break your space—and it’s way more than “pick a pretty pendant.”
Want to see it all in action? Watch the full Vancouver Views episode where we walk you through every lighting decision (plus a few we had to fight for).
Westward Tudor Patio Update!
What's Here, What's Coming, and Why It's Working
Things are taking shape at Westward Tudor (Wendy’s NEW family home), and the patio is officially no longer a blank slate. We've started installing furniture—and even though we're still mid-design (more pillows and details coming soon), it’s already starting to sing.
Here’s a little peek behind the curtain for our favorite subscribers...
What’s in place so far:
The CB2 iron-framed seating set is installed—and while the scale and style are right on target (clean, classic, subtly European), we’ll be honest: the cushions could use a little zhuzh. They look good, but aren’t quite nap-worthy. We’re already chatting about ways to add comfort—Teal explains more in the video below.
The stone-top tables bring just the right amount of earthy heft and tie beautifully to the natural slate patio.
Layout-wise, it’s feeling open and connected—perfect for entertaining, wine-sipping, or summer evenings with the kids.
🎥 Watch Teal walk through what we’re thinking for cushion fixes in the short clip below.
What’s still coming:
Coral Room & Board swivel chairs for that cozy POP! We wavered… too modern for the space, or just perfect? They are fabulous chairs all around, so we are willing to go for it (especially with the exceptional return policy and customer service).
Pillow layering in rich greens and neutrals is next—plus that bold botanical print to tie in the blue planters that we moved over from Treehouse (not pictured) with a fringe of coral to tie it all together? Yum.
A sister botanical fabric in the amphitheater zone will help us connect the two outdoor areas without going too theme-y. We are thinking an ottoman or two that people can pull up for overflow seating by the fire-pit.
Need Us To Style Your Patio?
Are you stuck on what pillows to choose?
Do you need help figuring out the spacial flow of the space?
Are you unsure which rug and what size to purchase?
Do you need help with planters to purchase?
We can help you get on the right track in ONE high impact hour! We tackle design challenges through suggestions, spatial planning, material selection, suggestions for new pieces, or refreshing existing pieces... the possibilities are infinite!
Your FREE Resource Guide Awaits…
Love the lighting at Vancouver Views? Your FREE Shop the Look has arrived. Just download the PDF below.
Want more? We have nearly all of our projects, from Mid-Century Modern to Warm Contemporary, in shoppable formats for you to replicate the look and feel of our favorite spaces! See more rooms here.
If you love what you’re reading and learning, share this Substack with a friend who’s ready to level up their interior design game.
Thanks for being part of the Teal & Scott community—we’re so glad you’re here.
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