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Nestled on a dramatic spit of lichen-covered rock overlooking the Swanson Channel, this breathtaking midcentury modern beach house retreat on Pender Island is the kind of renovation story that reminds you why great design matters. Located just a 1½-hour ferry ride or a 15-minute seaplane ride from Vancouver, British Columbia, this 1968 home sat largely hidden behind drywall and floral draperies, its incredible ocean views all but swallowed up by decades of carve-ups and additions.
That all changed when the homeowners brought in Vancouver-based Johnson + McLeod Design Consultants to reimagine what this 2,800-square-foot, three-bedroom, three-bathroom home could truly become. The result is nothing short of extraordinary: a fresh, light-filled Pacific Northwest take on midcentury modern design that honors both the home’s original spirit and the stunning natural landscape that surrounds it.
A bold vision: tearing down walls to reveal the views
When designers Ian McLeod and Kerry Johnson first visited the property, they immediately saw potential where others saw problems. Walls came down and were replaced by glass railings, opening up the entire main living area and finally revealing the sweeping ocean views that had been hidden for years. The renovation focused on transparency and light, with long sight lines drawn through the space and out toward the water. The vaulted ceiling was painted white to keep the interiors bright and airy, while floor-to-ceiling windows were installed to capture uninterrupted views of the ocean — perfect for spotting sea life from the comfort of indoors.
The signature flooring that ties it all together
One of the most striking design decisions in this midcentury modern home renovation was the use of running planked floor tiles made from Italian porcelain that beautifully simulates wood. Installed throughout the entire home with radiant heat beneath, the flooring creates a seamless sense of continuity from room to room. In a particularly inspired move, the same tile was carried up onto the feature wall behind the media center, creating a waterfall effect. The tile starts at the room’s apex and descends through multiple levels, anchoring the space with warmth and texture.
The sunken living room: pure 1960s swank
Perhaps the most show-stopping feature of this Pacific Northwest beach house renovation is the stunning sunken living room, accessed via metal and teak steps with a glass railing enclosing the space. The furnishings strike the perfect balance between investment pieces and budget-friendly finds. Classic Eames lounge chairs and a custom glass coffee table share the space with chevron poufs discovered at West Elm. The result is a relaxed midcentury modern living room that feels curated, comfortable, and effortlessly cool.
A beautiful sunken living room is accessed via metal and teak steps with a glass railing enclosing the space. The porcelain flooring has been carried into this space, along with similar style furnishings and wall colors, to maintain a harmonious atmosphere throughout the home.
An open plan dining area designed for entertaining
The renovation process included taking down walls to create one beautiful open living space. The open-plan dining area was part of the new design scheme, featuring a table from Crate & Barrel, iconic Eames dining chairs, and pendant lighting hung at varying lengths to add visual interest and drama to the space.
A kitchen with a breathtaking picture window
The kitchen is anchored by a stunning, long picture window that floods the space with natural light and frames the landscape like a living work of art. Custom teak cabinets designed in a horizontal grain add warmth and texture, reinforcing the home’s midcentury modern aesthetic throughout. The clean lines, natural materials, and strong connection to the outdoors make this one of the most beautifully functional kitchens we’ve seen in a Pacific Northwest vacation home renovation.
Serene bedrooms designed around the views
The bedrooms were intentionally kept simple and serene, designed to draw attention to the breathtaking views outside rather than compete with them.
A clever cleated headboard was designed to give the guest bedroom with two twin beds maximum flexibility — they can be pushed together or separated depending on who the overnight guests are, without sacrificing an ounce of style.
Bathrooms inspired by the island itself
A view out from the sliding glass doors in the bathroom reveals the lichen-covered rocks that served as the interior inspiration for the entire project. All the bathrooms throughout the home share the same cohesive design language — the signature porcelain tiling, teak vanities, and Caesarstone counters in a sophisticated dark grey hue. It’s a beautiful, full-circle design moment that perfectly captures the spirit of this remarkable midcentury modern beach house retreat.
A home nestled in the rock
As this final exterior shot beautifully illustrates, the residence is nestled into a dramatic outcropping of rock that protrudes directly onto the Swanson Channel, a one-of-a-kind setting for one of the most inspiring midcentury modern beach house renovations we have featured. It is a home that works in perfect harmony with its extraordinary surroundings, and a testament to the transformative power of thoughtful, sensitive design.
PHOTOGRAPHER John Sinal Photography
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