Spencer Interiors Sets up Shop in Chinatown

Luxury meets contemporary European design in Spencer Interiors’ art gallery-like space

Spencer Interiors’s new, edgier space in Vancouver’s Chinatown encourages lingering

There’s a new outpost of contemporary cool in Vancouver’s Chinatown. Think lofty and SoHo-ish, with gleaming concrete floors and a monochromatic minimalism. This gallery-like space is the swish home of Spencer Interiors, one of the city’s go-to high-end furnishing stores.

Spencer Interiors first opened its doors in 2004 in a former art-gallery space on West 7th in the South Granville area. But owner Stephen Spencer saw the need for a more current and standout space – in an edgier and up-and-coming neighbourhood – to showcase the prestige European brands he carried in-store. He found that in traditional Chinatown.

Relocating to Chinatown

This area is in transition – in a good way. Independent shops, eateries and style-makers are infusing new energy here, happily co-existing with and reinventing the historic community.

Spencer bought all four units on the main floor of the Ginger building and combined them into one stunning 3,600-square-foot space. “Since we’ve relocated, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and our business has grown,” says Spencer.

Besides the stellar space, there’s ample parking right out front – a rarity in downtown Vancouver. Part of the goal, after all, is to let clients linger here. So Spencer asked architect Tony Robbins to create a space with “an art-gallery-like presence for presenting our furniture.”

European Furniture and a Contemporary Cool

Now, customers, and the pleasantly surprised passerby, can gaze at gorgeous modern European furniture and lighting in this cavern of contemporary cool.

Spencer describes the esthetic as soft, modern luxury. “In terms of design, we are known for an approachable soft modern look that is typically warm and inviting,” said Spencer.

The guiding philosophy at Spencer Interiors: “We look for lines that have depth and an approach to design that is timeless, comfortable and luxurious.”

Done – with the pieces in-store and the sleek new space they’re showcased in.

What’s in Store

Splurge: The $15,000 leather tufted sofa from Arketipo is sinfully luxurious.

Signature: Zebrawood and lacquer furniture from Cecchini has been popular since the store introduced it eight years ago. The varied finishes and colours, combined with a classic design approach, make this collection one of the store’s all-time favourites.

Unusual: Wall-mounted Soundwave Panels from Offecct are this Swedish firm’s single bestseller.

Bestseller: David Trubridge Coral lamps.

Hot: Solid Walnut “Twist Tables” from Zeitraum have made a huge impression in a short period of time, with their quality, über-cool design and solid wood warmth.

Spencer Interiors: 708 Main Street, Vancouver; 604-736-1378

Originally published in BC Home & Garden magazine. For regular updates, subscribe to our free Home and Garden e-newsletters, or purchase a subscription to the magazine.