John and Linda loved the setting, history, and character of their Canmore home, but much of the main floor—located on the upper level of this gambrel-roof cottage—still reflected its 1980s beginnings. As a second home, they wanted it to feel brighter, calmer, and easier to live in: warm and relaxed, with more mountain cottage than ski chalet. Their goal was not to over-renovate, but to make thoughtful improvements that would better support how they live now while also looking ahead to the next ten years.
Passed down through Linda’s family, this charming gambrel-roof home was full of character, but the main living level was divided into several small, inefficient spaces. A poorly utilized storage area beside the primary bathroom offered potential, but the existing layout as a whole was not making the most of the square footage.
The bathroom itself came with several challenges. It was open to the hallway, lacked privacy, offered very little vanity space, and still retained many of its original finishes. The shower and overall layout also did not support the kind of comfort or long-term functionality the clients wanted.
The kitchen had its own set of issues. Poor lighting, limited storage, and a lack of usable countertop space made it feel dark, cluttered, and less functional than it should have been. Our original plan was to enlarge the kitchen by moving the kitchen wall and to combine the back hallway, storage area, primary bedroom, and bathroom into one larger, more cohesive primary suite.
As the design process unfolded, however, we uncovered a structural limitation. Because the home is built on a slab foundation with stacked walls through the structure, moving the kitchen wall was far less straightforward—and far more cost-prohibitive—than originally anticipated. That discovery required a thoughtful pivot. Rather than forcing a costly solution, we refined the design and found smarter ways to improve function, storage, and flow within a footprint that made sense for both the home and the clients’ investment.
We approached the renovation with a clear set of priorities: improve function, brighten the spaces, soften the palette, and preserve the architectural elements that gave the home its soul.
In the kitchen, rather than expanding the footprint, we reimagined the cabinetry within the existing envelope to create smarter storage, cleaner lines, and more practical workspace. What had once been a small hall closet was enlarged and transformed into a hard-working wall pantry with drawers and pocket doors, giving the clients a place to tuck away dry goods and small appliances while keeping the counters clear for everyday use.
Updated lighting, fresh finishes, and a softer palette helped the room feel lighter and more open, while the wood ceiling and beams were intentionally preserved to maintain the warmth and character of the home.
In the ensuite, the addition of the adjacent storage area allowed us to completely rethink the layout. We created a more private and functional primary bathroom with a larger vanity, better lighting, and significantly improved storage. The old tub was removed and replaced with a dedicated toileting area, while a generous new shower was designed with both a rainhead and handheld shower, along with space for a future bench if needed. Hidden storage behind the wall ensured every inch worked harder. The result is a bathroom that feels timeless, practical, and much better suited to long-term living.
In the primary bedroom, we were able to enlarge the closet and improve both the sense of space and the quality of light. We fully drywalled the exterior wall and partially the angled back wall to create a proper surface for a headboard, helping the room feel more grounded and complete. Wall sconces on either side of the bed provide light for reading, while a natural woven pendant brings softness and warmth overhead. Additional closet lighting ensured the room no longer felt dark or gloomy. The floor is still awaiting a warm, cozy wool carpet that will complete the space beautifully.
The finished spaces feel brighter, calmer, and far more intentional. The kitchen now functions beautifully for everyday living, with better flow, smarter storage, and a fresh, understated elegance. The ensuite has become a true retreat—quiet, comfortable, and highly functional, with thoughtful details that support both present-day ease and future needs.
Most importantly, John and Linda’s Canmore home still feels like their home. Its charm and history remain intact, but it now lives in a way that feels lighter, more refined, and much better aligned with how they want to enjoy it for years to come.