Organic beauty, a booming surf community and also a laid-back, small-town lifestyle made Ucluelet, British Columbia, an ideal match for Eoin Finn and his wife, Insiya Rasiwala-Finn. As yogis, ocean worshippers and also the founders of Blissology — a holistic lifestyle and doctrine — they left their oceanside home an idyllic location for relaxing and reconnecting between global training sessions for yoga teachers.
The couple purchased their ground-floor, open-concept condominium five decades ago as a vacation rental, “but now we live inside when we aren’t traveling and teaching elsewhere, so it really feels like a little bit of our soul,” says Insiya. Collected furniture, art, vibrant touches and what Insiya describes as eco-boho-modern design have since made the interior a location that both nurtures and inspires.
in a Glance
Who lives here: Insiya Rasiwala-Finn, Eoin Finn and their son, Ananda Lion
Location: Ucluelet, Vancouver Island
Size: 1,700 square feet; 2 bedrooms, 2 baths
That’s intriguing: The condominium sits across the street in the open Pacific, which stretches unbroken to Japan.
Megan Buchanan
Designed as a family space in which to relax, create and be inspired, the living room is bright and open, with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the west-facing views. “I had this idea to make a focal point along the back wall,” says Insiya. “We purchased the house the exact same year we got married in Tofino, and some of our friends who were artists and photographers gave us some lovely pieces.”
The black and white tree photograph is by Alex Jowett of Toronto.
Coffee table: Drake, Gus Modern
Megan Buchanan
A neutral tufted sectional from Gus Modern anchors the room with some cheery coloured throw pillows, including one with an elephant-print cloth that speaks to Insiya’s Indian heritage. The treasures of the couple sit atop the Ikea Expedit shelves housing their book collection.
Megan Buchanan
Fantastic for reading, a leather armchair from Gus Modern that has been Eoin’s pick faces toward the terrace and views. “We put a decorating budget of $25,000 Canadian [about US$24,416] for all the soft and hard furnishings, which we slightly exceeded if we splurged on this chair,” Insiya says. “That is probably my husband’s favorite article of furniture. We had been pretty much on track.”
Megan Buchanan
Beyond the foyer the home opens to the gathering spaces. Ten-foot-high Granite and ceilings beams frame the living , kitchen and dining areas. An earthy yet daring Ferm Living wallpaper defines the living room, with fitting hits of aqua found in the ottoman, throw pillows and area rug brought back from a trip to India, where Insiya is from.
The spacious mantel above the slate-wrapped gas fireplace holds votives and lanterns, while comfy oversize pillows create a place for lounging in front of the flame.
Megan Buchanan
The homeowners enjoy shared meals and gatherings in the dining room in a modern teak dining table and chairs passed by friends. The set fits perfectly in the space with another wooden bits. On the far wall above the console is one of the few first home buys: a hand-carved cedar moon by local artist Keith Plumley.
Megan Buchanan
The wood and natural elements are taken into the kitchen with all the cabinetry and butcher block countertops. Stainless appliances keep things modern. The openness and the views of the ocean while cooking together or washing up are just two of the family’s favourite things in their kitchen. “I love our big glass windows and doors that orient toward the ocean. In addition, I love the high ceilings and the cedar columns that actually ground the distance,” Insiya says.
Megan Buchanan
“I’d call our design eco-boho-modern. We are drawn to organic finishes, warm woods, however love the simplicity of white from the wood,” adds Insiya. Both bedrooms branch from the primary living space, and walls retained neutral showcase more art by friends. A glance into the master bedroom indicates another picture wall treatment.
Megan Buchanan
A navy and white wallpaper, Family Tree from Ferm Living, wraps the wall in the master bedroom. Insiya says, “We have some recommendations from a buddy who’s a designer, Kelly Deck, in Vancouver where to provide the wallpaper for our home, but we chose what and didn’t work with a designer or contractor.” Another beautiful painting coordinates textiles collected from journeys, especially India.
Megan Buchanan
This can be Insiya’s favorite place in the home. “The aged antique white desk that I recently got painted and distressed white in our bedroom is the perfect place to write and journal,” she says.
Megan Buchanan
On the other wall of the bedroom, the couple created a space for relaxing and enjoying the gas fireplace in the foot of the mattress. “We have used sustainable furnishings everywhere potential — none of this upholstery has fire retardants, the mattress mattresses are organic latex, and we use only eco friendly cleaning products,” says Insiya. The soft furnishings and pillows are all organic linen or cotton, and our throws are pure wool.”
Megan Buchanan
Opposite the tub in the master bath are his-and-her vanities with boat sinks and sleek faucets. A large sculpture, evocative of blossom, hangs on the adjacent wall.
Megan Buchanan
The master bath features a large jetted tub surrounded by natural slate tile.
Megan Buchanan
Guests use kid Ananda Lion’s bedroom once the family is away.
Megan Buchanan
The condo’s second bath features a large glass-enclosed walk-in shower and fitting vanities.
Megan Buchanan
A large foyer with built-in closets to the left and also a vintage leather bench gives a fantastic space for browsing or beachcombing prep. The slate tile floors and natural-fiber area rug are perfect for accommodating wet gear.
A painting by Eoin’s mother, Carole Finn, depicts the surrounding Vancouver Island landscape.
Megan Buchanan
The unit is in a condominium building that sits atop a ridge, taking advantage of the west-facing viewpoints. Large paned windows and clear glass patio railings allow ample all-natural light and are excellent for nature viewing. Cedar siding speaks to the unit’s organic design.