Sullivan Apartment

High above Vancouver’s West End, with sweeping views of Stanley Park, the coastal mountains, and English Bay, this rental apartment is transformed into an expressive interior that challenges the conventions of tenanted living. Designed by Twobytwo Architecture Studio, with contributions from Amelia Sullivan of Landscape Landscape, the space is tailored for Brian—a fashion-forward septuagenarian with a sharp eye for color and form.

Despite its rental status, the project is approached with permanence in mind. Rather than treating the apartment as transient, the design evolves through an iterative process grounded in the belief that personality should be expressed regardless of tenure.

Color plays a central role. A moody, high-contrast palette—saturated blues, sharp yellows, and deep greens—defines the interior. In the bedroom, a single hue is carried across walls, ceiling, trim, and cabinetry, creating a fully immersive environment.

Layered patterning heightens the visual richness. Floral wallpaper, striped textiles, and a mix of modern and natural finishes are composed into a controlled interplay of contrast. Select heirloom pieces—including vintage club chairs, a classic side chair, and elements of an antique hutch—are reupholstered and refinished, establishing a dialogue between past and present.

Within the constraints of a rental, the space feels distinctly tailored. Built-in banquettes, new drapery, a custom-designed table, bespoke shelving, and custom upholstery introduce architectural weight, while Brian’s collection of art and objects brings warmth and continuity.

This project demonstrates that meaningful design does not depend on ownership. With clarity of vision and a commitment to self-expression, even a rented space can become a reflection of identity.