Screen Gem
Actor Emmanuelle Vaugier shows us around her loft
Georgia Straight Living, February 23, 2006
Emmanuelle Vaugier has a résumé worth quoting, including an appearance on the cover of this month’s Maxim. Vaugier’s work ranges from damsel in distress (as in the Lions Gate box-office smash Saw II, released last fall) to superhero lead (in the television adaptation of the comic Painkiller Jane, slated to air this winter on the Sci Fi channel). The Vancouver-born and -raised actress is currently part of the CBS success Two and a Half Men, playing Golden Globe nominee Charlie Sheen’s object of desire. Vaugier chooses wisely when it comes to TV: only must-see shows need apply. She’s had recurring roles as Lex Luthor’s wife on Smallville and as Nikki on One Tree Hill, as well as guest spots on cult fave Veronica Mars. She calls Vancouver home but spends much of her time in Los Angeles, with her two toy poodles, Lilly and Isabelle, in tow.
How do you describe your home style?
“It’s a loft, so it’s a big open space—two levels and lots of glass. Two of the four walls are floor-to-ceiling windows. Lots of light; very airy, open, and bright.”
Where’s your favourite place to cocoon?
“In my bedroom, on my four-poster custom bed. It’s very Zen and princesslike.”
Where do you entertain?
“In the living-room/dining area."
What’s your most extravagant purchase?
“My bed. It was custom-designed and made exactly to be my dream bed.”
What’s your best budget find?
“I don’t know. I bargained down a great price on my Yamaha keyboard. I’m not the best bargain hunter. I don’t really have the patience or time.”
What’s your most sentimental piece?
“The painting in my bedroom. A week after [I’d bought it] the artist used it in a show, but when she called me to have me pick it up, she told me that her building had burned down and the only thing of hers that didn’t burn was my painting.”
What’s your drink?
“Manhattan straight up, or a Caesar.”
What’s on your bedside table?
“The Alchemist—my father gave it to me—and another book called Kissing by Andrea Demirjian.”
What’s in your DVD player?
“Mail Order Wife. It’s sick and dark but super funny.”
What’s in your CD player?
“Michael Bublé’s [self-titled] first CD.”
What’s your favourite electronic gadget?
“My iPod.”
What’s your favourite kitchen tool?
“My Bodum.”
What’s your colour scheme?
“Dark-chocolate wood with light-coloured upholstery and curtains with accent walls; a burgundy wall with cream on the rest, and a green wall with cream.”
What's your proudest gardening achievement
“Keeping the few plants that I do have alive.”
What’s your favourite…
Sheets?
“Doesn’t matter as long as they are 1,000 thread count.”
Dishes?
“I don’t eat at home, so I haven’t focused on dishes yet.”
Bath soap?
“Neutrogena Rainbath Shower & Bath Gel.”
Candles?
“Illumé. They make some of the nicest-smelling candles.”
Flower?
“Wild roses and calla lilies.”
Wine?
“I love Australian reds; Wolf Blass’s Grey Label.”
By Luisa Rino
Photo by Peter Svenson