Designer Karly Parker’s Favourite Room

Over her two decades in design, Karly Parker, managing principal and lead designer at Karly Parker Interior Design in Nanaimo, B.C., has become known for her meticulous attention to detail and creativity. So it’s no surprise those attributes shine in her own home in Nanaimo.

By Laura Bickle | 2 minute read

Oct 31

“We planned this kitchen around the large windows showcasing the panoramic ocean views, which allow an incredible amount of natural light to flood the space.”

– Karly Parker

What is your favourite room?

I always find the kitchen is where everyone is together as a family, to cook, eat, and share our daily experiences. It’s not just a place for food preparation; it’s the heart of our home and it nurtures our creativity, fosters connections, and is where we create cherished memories.

What was the inspiration behind creating the room?

I really wanted to bring the beautiful natural surroundings of Vancouver Island into the space. We carefully selected natural wood for the upper and perimeter cabinets. This added warmth to the space and provided us with ample storage. It was important for the kitchen to not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also functional. The double island offers ample seating for hosting family and friends.

Karly chose neutral and warm wood colours to accentuate the natural surroundings. A double island offers plenty of seating for family and guests.

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What were the challenges in creating the room and how did you overcome them?

It’s always a challenge to design around a specific feature. We wanted to showcase the ocean view with large windows, which meant we couldn’t place cabinets along the window wall. This is when careful space planning becomes essential in the design process. We were able to place cabinets on the opposing window wall allowing for all the storage we needed while not having to compromise on the large windows. We also prioritized the seating at the island so that the view could be enjoyed by everyone in the space.

What are your favourite features of the room?

We planned this kitchen around the large windows showcasing the panoramic ocean views, which allow an incredible amount of natural light to flood the space. The double island was a must when designing this space, offering plenty of seating for our family and friends.

Cabinets along the opposing wall allow for an unobstructed view of the ocean, not to mention a lot of natural light.

How does this room make you feel?

This is the space I come to after a long day. It lets me breathe a little deeper and slows the heart rate.

Sleek, modern cabinetry with ample storage makes the space functional yet comfortable.

Describe a favourite moment in this room.

Moments of socializing and catching up around the large central island, while taking in all the views are just a few moments where this truly magical kitchen makes you really appreciate the impact surroundings have on your life!