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A Look at Marianna Tomlenovich’s Elegant Coquitlam Residence

10.31.24 | By
A Look at Marianna Tomlenovich’s Elegant Coquitlam Residence

In the heart of Coquitlam, British Columbia, a home stands as a testament to the confluence of Italian architectural heritage and contemporary design. For Marianna Tomlenovich, founder of Tomlenovich Design, the journey to create this 5,500-square-foot sanctuary began with an unexpected offer on their previous residence – a serendipitous moment that sparked the transformation of their adjacent property, alongside Su Casa Design, into a dream home on their cherished street.

A minimalist living room with a gray sofa, marble coffee table, wooden chair, and a black hanging light fixture against paneled walls.

Tomlenovich, exposed to a wide array of materials through her work, sought to balance innovation with timelessness in the home’s design. “We first built the house next door and lived there for 3 years until one day my husband had a client who wanted to buy our house instantly,” recalls Marianna. “We said yes and decided to tear down the house we owned next door and build our dream home there because we loved our street and area so much!”

Modern minimalist kitchen with marble countertops, arched alcove, open shelving, and soft lighting. Neutral tones and contemporary decor create an elegant atmosphere.

The resulting home is a serene, understated retreat with soft curves and expansive spaces. Rounded architectural features, including interior arches, a curved fireplace, and a sculptural wood kitchen island, create fluidity throughout. The buttery cream palette, anchored by Benjamin Moore’s Gray Mist, adds warmth and tranquility, enhanced by micro-concrete wall finishes that lend depth and texture.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry, marble countertops, and central island. Decorative vase with dried branches on the island. Minimalist dining table and chairs in foreground.

Modern kitchen with light wood cabinetry, marble backsplash, and a central island featuring two neutral-toned stools. A vase with purple foliage decorates the countertop.

Minimalist kitchen with a marble countertop, arched alcove, open shelves with decor, a black faucet, and light wood cabinetry.

A standout feature is the floor-to-ceiling burnished brass windows, a bold choice that contrasts against the creamy backdrop while framing views of the pool and landscaped yard. Wide plank oak flooring and custom oak millwork maintain a seamless, natural look throughout the home. The luxurious yet restrained approach extends to the bathrooms, where tumbled marble and limestone tiles, along with a 13-foot limestone-wrapped shower, evoke a spa-like experience.

Modern living room with an arched niche, minimalist shelves with decor, and neutral-toned furniture.

Modern living room with a glass fireplace, white furniture, textured wall, and decorative elements on shelves.

Modern living room with a textured white wall, beige sectional sofa, marble pedestal with decorative items, and built-in shelves holding vases and books. Neutral tones and minimalist design.

Minimalist living room with a large, beige sectional sofa and ottoman in front of a wavy-textured wall. A woven lamp and a coffee table with books and flowers complete the decor.

The seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces, facilitated by expansive sliding doors, reflects both Italian architectural traditions and modern living preferences. This interplay of spaces allows the family to move effortlessly between intimate interior moments and alfresco gatherings.

A minimalist entryway with a round table holding a floral arrangement, under five hanging teardrop pendant lights.

Minimalist living room with a curved gray sofa, a round wooden side table, and a vase with tall dried flowers. Large windows show a glimpse of a garden outside.

Marianna goes on to say, “My main inspiration comes from my Italian background. Both my parents were born in Italy and we often traveled there. I was raised and worked at my father’s Italian furniture store. We imported home decor and furniture directly from Italy. That is where my obsession with Italian architecture and style began. That is also where I began my career decorating and designing homes. We have busy lives and our careers require us to be in many different houses daily, therefore, we wanted our home to feel very grand but simple at the same time, with clean lines, open spaces, without being cold.”

Modern closet with large mirrors, wooden cabinets, and a curved beige bench. Neutral tones and soft lighting create a minimalist atmosphere.

Modern bathroom with arched entrance, featuring a marble countertop, built-in sink, vertical light fixture, and a large mirror. Dried flowers adorn the countertop.

A minimalist shower features beige tiles, a window, a rainfall showerhead, a handheld shower, and built-in bench with a draped towel.

For more information on Tomlenovich Design, visit tomlenovichdesign.com.

Photography by Ema Peter.

Leo Lei translates his passion for minimalism into his daily-updated blog Leibal. In addition, you can find uniquely designed minimalist objects and furniture at the Leibal Store.