Q: Describe your home in terms of the following functions – as a retreat / place for communication / space to relax / work (home office)

We built our home in 2003, when we were just 24 years old and expecting our third child. As our family continued to grow—welcoming our fourth child in 2006—we soon found ourselves needing more space. In 2013, we renovated and expanded to better fit our busy, bustling life.

Our home is set at the end of a long, tree-lined driveway and reflects our take on a traditional rancher-style bungalow. It features five bedrooms, four bathrooms, a spacious home office, and an open-concept main living area that brings everyone together. The large walkout basement serves as a dedicated space for entertainment and includes a full home gym.

We also enjoy the practicality of an oversized three-car garage, and one of our favorite places to gather is the expansive backyard—perfect for hosting friends and family, especially in the winter months when our homemade skating rink comes to life.

Q: What role does light / lighting play in your home – Natural light / Indirect light / Energy considerations / role of light protection?

The back of our home faces southwest, flooding the living spaces with beautiful natural light throughout the day. Both the front and back porches are covered, offering filtered sunlight that keeps things bright without overheating the home during the summer months.

One of our favorite features is the walkout basement, which includes full-sized windows and doors that let in an abundance of natural light—so much so that we confidently painted the space black, and it still feels airy and open. All of our windows are energy-efficient, low-E glass, helping to keep the home comfortable and sustainable year-round.

Q: Your favourite piece of furniture and why…?

One of our favorite pieces in the house is our kitchen table—a rustic farmhouse-style table that expands to comfortably seat up to 12. It’s more than just furniture; it’s where we’ve shared countless meals, conversations, and laughter with family and friends over the years. The comfortable end chairs make it an easy place to linger long after the plates are cleared.

Q: The spot(s)/corner(s) that you treasure the most – your current go to space at the moment?

Our favorite spots in the house definitely change with the seasons. One year-round favorite of mine is the chair at the head of the kitchen table—so many memorable conversations and great bottles of wine have been shared in that seat. It’s a spot that feels like home all on its own.

The home gym is another space we all make good use of. Whether it’s to clear your head, burn off some stress, or just have a little alone time, it’s become an important part of our daily rhythm.

When it’s time to unwind, nothing beats cozying up in bed with a good book—it’s my personal retreat. And in the warmer months, the outdoor fireplace, kitchen, and hot tub become our go-to. Whether we’re entertaining or just soaking in a quiet evening, the views are always stunning. Watching the sunsets—and even the northern lights—from our backyard never gets old.

Q: What does your garden/terrace/balcony mean to you?

Our yard is one of our proudest accomplishments. When we first built the house, it sat in the middle of a bare field. Over the years, we’ve transformed it into a lush, welcoming space—planting every single one of the more than 200 trees ourselves. Now fully grown, they frame our home beautifully and offer shade, shelter, and a true sense of place.

While we used to grow large vegetable gardens, we eventually gave up the battle against weeds and curious wildlife. These days, we stick to planting flowers close to the house, adding vibrant pops of color where we can enjoy them most.

A favorite feature is the large pond in the back, where we love to sit and listen to the birds and wildlife all through spring, summer, and fall. The backyard fireplace and kitchen were handcrafted by Doug and the kids—a true labor of love. We’ve spent countless hours out there together, surrounded by music, laughter, and the sound of guitars being strummed under the prairie sky.

Q: If you could change one thing about your home, with no budget constraints, what would it be and why?

This one’s easy! If we were to build again, we’d absolutely go with higher ceilings. Most of the house has standard 8-foot ceilings, with a raised 9-foot ceiling in the living room—but with so much space and a tall roofline, we wish we had gone even higher to really open up the living areas and add more visual drama.

Another thing we’d change? No carpet—anywhere. We still have carpet in three of the bedrooms, but hardwood is on the horizon. With dogs in the house, hardwood just feels so much cleaner and easier to maintain. It’s a change we’re definitely looking forward to making.

And if Doug had his way, we’d also be adding a room dedicated to a golf simulator. It’s still on the wishlist… and may just happen in the near future!

Q: What has been the biggest learning/lesson from developing/establishing your home?

Every project seems to take twice as long and cost twice as much as originally estimated. 😩 It’s one of those truths you only fully understand once you’re in the thick of it! But in the end, the results are always worth the extra time, effort, and expense.

Q: What was the bravest thing you did to or changed in your home?

When we decided to renovate, we went all in—we gutted the entire main floor while raising four little kids. During the chaos, we all lived in the basement with just one bathroom and no kitchen. It was tight, messy, and definitely a test of patience… but somehow, we made it work.

Looking back, it’s one of those wild family memories that we actually laugh about now. It brought us even closer and made us appreciate the finished space that much more.