When Arlene and David bought their new house in Varsity Estates, they saw more than just a 1998 home with good bones. They saw potential. This Varsity Estates home renovation was about more than new paint or fixtures. It was about creating a calm, modern place where they could enjoy life now and in the future.
Their goal was simple: make it feel like them. They wanted clean lines, a bright kitchen, a relaxing suite, and rooms that worked for real life. We were happy to help them bring that dream to life.
Hello and welcome. I’m Michelle, CEO and Principal Designer at Room Service Interiors. We work with homeowners throughout Cochrane, Calgary, Bearspaw, and surrounding areas to help them create homes that reflect their stories and experiences. As a full-service interior design studio, we specialize in thoughtful, personalized spaces that blend function with beauty.
How This Varsity Estates Home Renovation Transformed a Dated 90s Interior
The home was well cared for but untouched. The finishes were dated, the lighting was dim, and many spaces just didn’t make sense for the way Arlene and David live. The kitchen was dark and heavy, with a strange island and a soffit that made it feel lower than it was. The primary suite was small and awkward, without the spa feel they were after. And the laundry? Tucked into a powder room closet, far from where it made sense.
Even the lower level had untapped potential. There was space for guests, movie nights, and storage, but it needed planning. So, we rolled up our sleeves and got to work on a Varsity Estates home renovation that would change everything inside while keeping the original structure’s charm.
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A Lighter Look and Feel
We started with the foundation of the home, the things that touch almost every room. First, we updated the lighting plan, swapped out dated fixtures, and added pot lights where needed. Then we repainted the walls and ceilings in a light, neutral palette. This simple change made the home feel bigger, brighter, and much more current.
Next, we replaced the carpet. The new flooring created a more cohesive look throughout the home. These updates laid the groundwork for the larger transformations that followed.
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A Kitchen Made for Today
Arlene loves white kitchens with clean lines, so naturally, we kept what was working and improved the rest. While the bird’s-eye maple cabinets were still solid, we chose to have them resprayed in a warm white. In addition, the fridge panels were painted to match, creating a smooth and unified look.
To begin, we removed the glass cabinet above the cooktop and replaced it with a new, custom hood that feels timeless. Then, we swapped the countertops and backsplash for lighter surfaces. The goal throughout was to reduce visual weight and let the kitchen breathe. To finish the space, new cabinet hardware, a stainless sink and faucet, and under-cabinet LED lighting added modern function.
Additionally, we also removed the old telephone nook and floating shelf. In their place, we added a relaxed lounge space and an art display, turning a dated corner into a new favorite spot. Even if the island stays as-is for now, the kitchen still feels brighter, more open, and ready for everyday life.
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Creating a Calm and Practical Primary Suite in This Varsity Estates Home Renovation
The primary suite was a top priority in this Varsity Estates home renovation. From the start, we focused on comfort, ease, and creating a more open layout. Not only did the space need to feel restful, but it also had to function well for years to come. With thoughtful planning and a few key changes, the new suite now balances beauty with practicality, offering a calm retreat that fits both the home and its owners perfectly.
Here’s what we changed:
Removed the existing shower and toilet area
Created a new floor plan with a separate water closet
Added a soaker tub, shower bench, rain head, and handheld sprayer
Installed new lighting, hardware, and better ventilation
Kept the original vanity base and had it resprayed
Removed the tall tower to open up sightlines
Added a dedicated makeup area with a high-magnification LED mirror
Moved the laundry into the primary closet for easier access
Installed a Toto Washlet Plus for added comfort and function
Ultimately, these updates made the suite feel like a private retreat. It looks beautiful and supports a more relaxed, comfortable way of living.
Maximizing the Lower Level in a Varsity Estates Home Renovation
At the start, the lower level of this Varsity Estates home renovation was full of possibilities. From there, our goal became clear: make each space more thoughtful and useful, whether for daily routines or hosting family and friends. By planning carefully and updating with intention, we transformed the lower level into a well-organized and flexible extension of the home.
Here’s how we approached it:
In the media room, we gave the fireplace a fresh look with a decorative Marmorino plaster finish
Removed the oversized media cabinet and added a beverage fridge with painted cabinetry, finished with a dark walnut countertop
Replaced old flooring with new carpet throughout the lower level for a warmer, more cohesive feel
Removed a tile patch near the stairwell to better integrate the floors
Took out the built-in office nook and squared off an angled wall to extend the hallway
Created a second bedroom with double doors, ideal for guests or future family stays
Kept the steam shower in the lower bathroom but refreshed the tile surround, vanity, lighting, and hardware
Installed an LED makeup mirror to brighten the naturally darker bathroom space
In the mudroom, we borrowed space from a nearby closet to allow for more functional built-in storage
Maintained flexibility for a future elevator shaft if ever needed
Planned space for future cabinetry projects that David can complete over time
As a result, these thoughtful updates brought new life to the lower level. What was once a mix of underused rooms is now a cozy, functional space that supports how Arlene and David live today, and how they plan to live in the years ahead.
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This Varsity Estates home renovation gave Arlene and David the best of both worlds: a house that honors the past but works for the future. The main floor is now bright, calm, and full of clean lines. The kitchen finally reflects Arlene’s taste for white, modern finishes. The new primary suite is a true retreat, with smart details that will support them for years to come.
Downstairs, guests will feel welcome. Movie nights will feel special. And storage will never be a problem again. This is not just a home that looks good. It works better, feels better, and welcomes its owners every day.
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 renovation dreams to life. Give us a call at (403) 860-5901, email us at he***@******************rs.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
