Love Where You Live: How Smart Updates Transformed This Gleneagles Home
Brenda and Lyle wanted to love where they live—without starting over. Longtime Gleneagles homeowners, they knew their layout still worked, but the finishes felt tired and no longer matched their style.
Instead of moving, they chose to refresh their space with thoughtful updates that brightened key areas and improved function for their growing family. With the right design guidance, their home now feels like theirs again—comfortable, modern, and made for the way they live today.
Before we dive in, hi! I’m Michelle, CEO and Principal Designer at Room Service Interiors. We help homeowners fall back in love with their spaces through thoughtful, personalized design. Whether you’re working with an existing layout or looking to make strategic updates that reflect your lifestyle, we specialize in creating homes that are both functional and beautiful.
As a full-service interior design studio serving Cochrane, Calgary, Bearspaw, and beyond, we take care of every detail—from initial concepts to the final styling touches. Our approach is tailored, collaborative, and stress-free, so you can enjoy the transformation process as much as the results.
Today, I’m sharing how smart updates—not a full gut job—helped a Gleneagles couple completely love where they live again. Let’s take a look inside their refreshed and reimagined home.
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The Power of a Thoughtful Refresh
There’s a common belief that you have to start from scratch to make a big difference in your home. But that’s simply not true.
Brenda and Lyle’s project is a great example of how a thoughtful refresh—not a full renovation—can completely change a home’s look and feel. By keeping what still worked and updating what didn’t, we brought new life into their familiar spaces.
That’s where working with a designer makes a real difference. (That’s Me!) I helped them see possibilities they hadn’t considered—like rethinking how they used certain areas, updating finishes to reflect their style, and improving function without unnecessary demo. These are the kinds of details that can be easily missed without a trained eye.
A Functional Kitchen Update to Help You Love Where You Live
Brenda and Lyle’s kitchen didn’t need a full overhaul—just smart updates to help them love where they live.
We removed the raised eating bar to create a smoother, more usable island. The existing cabinetry got a fresh two-tone look in soft blue and white, bringing a calm, timeless feel.
An unused microwave cubby became stylish wine storage, and upgraded lighting and hardware added both elegance and function.
With thoughtful changes, this kitchen now works better—and looks better—without starting from scratch.
Living Room: Clear Views and Comfort That Help You Love Where You Live
One of the best things about Brenda and Lyle’s Gleneagles home is the view—but their old living room layout didn’t make the most of it.
The original two-tier fireplace felt bulky and blocked the sightlines. We replaced it with a sleek Venetian plaster finish, which immediately brought softness and elegance to the room. It’s now a beautiful focal point that doesn’t compete with the view outside.
To add warmth and durability, we introduced new hardwood flooring throughout the space. Not only does it tie the room together, but it also beautifully withstands busy family life—grandkids included!
With coordinated furniture and soft, calming textiles, the living room now feels like a peaceful retreat. It’s welcoming, stylish, and completely connected to the rest of the home. Small changes have a big impact—helping this couple fall back in love with where they live.
Dining Room: Reworked, Not Removed
The dining room had good bones, but a few design choices from the past were getting in the way. Two bulky columns made the space feel closed off, even though it was meant to be open.
Instead of removing everything, we got creative. Working with our contractor, Align Developments, the columns were removed, but we enlarged and repurposed the remaining stub walls to house beautiful custom display shelves. Now, the space feels intentional and more connected to the rest of the main floor.
We also repositioned the lighting so it is properly centered over the table, bringing better balance and a welcoming glow during dinners and special gatherings.
These simple changes made the dining room feel more open and useful without major construction. It’s another reminder that thoughtful design tweaks can help you truly love where you live.
If you’re looking for more inspiration for interior design in Calgary, check out my blog post – Interior Design in Calgary: Creating Comfortable Luxury at Home.
Primary Bedroom: Restful Layers That Make You Love Where You Live
Brenda and Lyle’s primary bedroom was ready for a little refresh—something cozy, calm, and just a bit more “them.”
To start, we added a soft botanical wallpaper behind the bed. It brought a gentle pattern and personality to the space without feeling busy. From there, we layered in new textiles—plush bedding, textured pillows, and drapes that tied everything together in a quiet, elegant way.
We also replaced their old light fixture with a new piece in antique gold tones. It gave the room a subtle glow and a more refined, finished look.
The end result? A restful space that feels fresh and personal. It’s a peaceful place to begin and end each day—and a perfect example of how small, thoughtful updates can help you love where you live.
Ensuite: A Spa-Like Experience Without Major Demo
Brenda and Lyle’s ensuite didn’t need a full demo to feel luxurious. We kept the existing tub to stay on budget and focused on smart upgrades that brought comfort and style.
The shower was reimagined using reclaimed space, now finished with marble-look porcelain tile, a scalloped niche, and warm gold accents. Patterned flooring and updated lighting added softness and charm.
The result? A calm, functional retreat that proves you don’t need to start over to love where you live—just thoughtful choices in the right places.
Lighting & Trim: Small Details, Big Impact
Sometimes, it’s the details that really bring a home together. For Brenda and Lyle, updating the lighting and trim made a surprising difference in how polished and welcoming the whole space felt.
We replaced undersized light fixtures with ones that were properly scaled and thoughtfully placed. This improved not just the look of each room but also how the spaces felt to live in—they were brighter, cozier, and more balanced.
We also replaced the baseboards throughout the main floor, giving the home a more elevated and finished appearance. By keeping the existing window trim, we stayed on budget while still achieving a more refined look.
These small design moves are easy to overlook, but they play a big role in helping a space feel complete. With these changes, Brenda and Lyle were able to fall in love with the little things all over again.
The Result: A Home That Feels Like Theirs Again
At the end of the project, Brenda and Lyle didn’t just have a home that looked better—they had a home that felt like them again.
The design now reflects their personality, their lifestyle, and the joy they find in spending time with family. With more durable finishes, it’s ready for busy visits from grandkids. With better flow and function, daily life feels easier and more enjoyable. And with thoughtful updates throughout, every room now feels connected and cohesive.
Here’s what they had to say about the experience:
"We wanted a fresh, updated look but weren’t sure how to achieve it. Michelle’s expertise in selecting finishes, colors, and furnishings brought everything together beautifully. The flow between the renovated spaces feels seamless, and the quality of materials she recommended is outstanding. More than just a designer, Michelle’s careful planning and clear communication ensured a smooth process from start to finish. She provided detailed drawings and specifications that kept the project on track and on budget. Her prompt responses and attention to detail helped prevent delays and unexpected issues, making the entire experience stress-free... Thanks to Room Service Interiors, our home is not only more beautiful but also more functional."
You Don’t Have to Move or Gut to Love Where You Live
In the end, Brenda and Lyle’s home shows that you don’t need to move or start from scratch to create a space you love. With the right design and expert guidance, a thoughtful refresh can make your home work better for how you live now.
Working with a designer means smart solutions, clear planning, and updates that honor what already works—while bringing out the best in your space.
So, if you’re dreaming about updates but not sure where to start, I’d love to help you love where you live. Whether it’s a few carefully chosen upgrades or a full refresh, design consultations are a great first step toward a home that feels just right for you.
If you’re considering a kitchen renovation in Cochrane, Bearspaw, Springbank, or Calgary, we’d love to chat about how we can help you bring your dream kitchen to life. Give us a call at (403) 860-5901, email us at hello@roomserviceinteriors.ca, or learn more about our team here. Let’s turn your vision into a space you’ll love—one thoughtful choice at a time!
Until next time,
Michelle xx