Interior designer Erica Colpitts on her latest projects

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According to Colpitts, there is a growing expectation for great design in Vancouver

Published Jan 04, 2024 • Last updated 1 hour ago • 3 minute read

Interior design by Erica Colpitts, who worked with architects Olson Kundig, on this Edgemont Village home. Photo by Ema Peter

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West Coast interior designer Erica Colpitts is quickly making a name for herself. Colpitts studied design at BCIT, graduating in 2006, and founded Erica Colpitts Interior Design in 2017. She specializes in residential and hospitality design. Here, Colpitts shares her latest and greatest work:

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Colpitts was raised in North Vancouver’s Edgemont Village neighbourhood, spending much time with her large, extended family. She says her grandparent’s “far-reaching hospitality” really affected her.

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Growing up in the Vancouver area and spending lots of time in different neighbourhoods in the city means she has a good understanding of the vibe of these different areas. “I’m proud to be from Vancouver, and I think I understand how people want to live and experience life here.”

According to Colpitts, there is a growing expectation for great design and a deep appreciation of beauty in Vancouver. She sees this in her colleagues, clients, and guests visiting Vancouver’s restaurants and public spaces.

The Watson

One of her number one projects for 2023 was The Watson, a 1,900-square-foot restaurant on Main St. that has “soaring 23-foot-high ceilings and a very cool mezzanine lounge,” says Colpitts.

Scale was everything with this project.

“I still remember first walking in and thinking we were going to need one very, very large bar.”

The Watson designed by Erica Colpitts, of Erica Colpitts Interior Design. Photo by Ema Peter

The Watson was inspired by European design, specifically libraries and apothecary shops in Belgium and The Netherlands.

“We wanted the space to be visually stunning and impressive while maintaining a sense of warmth, ease, and belonging — a place to celebrate a typical Tuesday just as much as a special occasion,” she says.

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The bar

To achieve the “enormous bar,” Colpitts went with a nine-foot-high mirror, with tiered “liquor steps” and a custom bronze arch.

Intimate feeling created at Vancouver bar and restaurant The Watson designed by Erica Colpitts. Photo by Ema Peter

Beside the bar, Colpitts paired two gilt mirrors from the Hotel Vancouver (bought from The Stylewell) with an arrangement of hanging plants to create a lush and luxurious feel.

This is the fourth restaurant or bar Colpitts has completed with her brother, restaurateur Michael Gayman. “Working with him has been an incredible highlight in my life.”

Oversized artwork

Colpitts said she wanted to use oversized artwork to complement the enormous bar — something dramatic and moody, romantic but with an edge.

“We commissioned local artist Rene Botha to create a set of three pieces of art, which we had printed on oversized canvases and framed with elaborate mouldings. Her work is nothing short of striking. I am so grateful for her brilliance,” she says.

Antique chandeliers

Lighting is always an important part of any project, but in The Watson, it’s truly special, she says. Colpitts spent months searching for a set of antique chandeliers, but couldn’t find the right thing.

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During one “late-night sourcing rabbit hole,” she says she found a modern version of a classic chandelier form, which she sourced through CF Interiors.

“The steel cords hang asymmetrically and add an unexpected air. They were perfect.”

Mezzanine lover

Colpitts says she’s always loved restaurants with mezzanines because there’s something amazing about viewing a restaurant from above, and it offers an opportunity to create ‘another room’ or a VIP experience.

“We wanted the lounge to be darker and sexy, a place to sneak away for the evening and not be noticed. We curtained off the lounge with velvet drapes and dropped the lighting very low. I commissioned two custom-designed lighting sconces from John Beck Steel in Illinois — they cast an almost sinister light in the space. Warmed up with woodwork, creamy marble tables, and brass accents, this is the perfect space to sip cocktails into the wee hours of the night,” she says.

Colwood House

Another project Colpitts recently finished and is proud of is Colwood House in North Vancouver’s Edgemont Village neighbourhood. She worked with renowned Seattle-based architects Olson Kundig and contractor Braybrook Projects.

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Interior design by Erica Colpitts, who worked with architects Olson Kundig on this Edgemont Village home. Photo by Ema Peter

This 3,300-square-foot home was extensively renovated but only slightly enlarged. Colpitts says her role was to “meld Olson Kundig’s overall design for the home with an ever so slightly soft and romantic interior.”

The home has a gorgeous, airy main foyer, floor-to-ceiling forest views, and colours like cognac-coloured leather, dark flax and deep charcoals.

“It was an absolute honour to work on this home, and it has been such a joy to see it received so well by the design community.”