Inspired Living

After living in the shadow of the rocky mountains, this young couple was inspired to create a cosy, contemporary home, reminiscent of their alpine adventure in Canmore, Alberta.

Story Lori Davis

Photography Sandy MacKay

James Loree and Stephanie Arseneault relocated to Ontario to pursue new career opportunities. It was an exciting time as they juggled moving, building a house and expecting their first child. “We are excited and proud to have our own home, a place where we can raise our daughter Eva, host our family and make memories,” says James.

The home was built by Alair Homes Grey Bruce. Stone for the exterior is Olde Quebec supplied by West Shore Stone and Brick Inc. The MasterGrain front door was supplied by Van Dolder’s Custom Exteriors.

Located in a small subdivision in Port Elgin, this four-bedroom, two-storey house, built by Alair Homes Grey Bruce with exterior stone from West Shore Stone and Brick, is close to Lake Huron. The proximity to water, an extensive trail system and natural landscape attracted James and Stephanie. They started planning their 4,300 sq. ft. family home while they were still in Alberta and forged a strong partnership with designer Kate Robinson, owner of Home Town Design.

Kate Robinson, owner of Home Town Design.

They met virtually to discuss every aspect of the design. “Kate is very organized, responsive and a great listener,” says Stephanie. “She really heard our ideas and worked hard to get things perfect.” Kate helped the first-time homeowners navigate the nuances of designing and selecting materials, colours and fixtures. “She kept us on the right path with small things like how many pot lights and receptacles we needed and the bigger things like designing a kitchen,” Stephanie adds.

Beams on the vaulted tongue-and-groove ceiling are from The Timeless Material Co. Lighting for the home was sourced through Home Town Design. Walls are painted Benjamin Moore Simply White.

Kate returned to her roots in Owen Sound five years ago to open Home Town Design. Kate knew, as a child, she wanted to design. “My mother went away on business trips, and I would transform a room while she was gone,” says Kate. “I didn’t have the knowledge back then to finish what I started but I knew it was what I wanted to do.” Kate believes building a friendship with her clients is the key to designing a home that fits their lifestyle. “You have to have a connection to understand their routines, how they live and entertain,” she explains.

In the den, the colour of the sofa carries tones from the bison painting by Alberta artist Michael Sydoryk. A carving by Leo Arcand sits on a side table. The deep hue of the walls is Iron Mountain by Benjamin Moore.

James and Stephanie wanted the overall design to reflect a western flavour, evocative of their time in Alberta, yet exude a warm, timeless and classic feel. “The most challenging aspect of the project was ensuring the details flowed together,” explains Kate. “We wanted a consistent flow throughout, without everything being the same.” She skillfully infused a mountain vibe, using texture, materials and natural elements. For example, a fieldstone fireplace with a wood mantel and wood beams punctuating the vaulted ceiling in the great room accentuate this theme. Kate used a neutral palette to spotlight the couple’s art collection that includes paintings of bison by Alberta artist Michael Sydoryk and mountainous landscapes by Heather Pant, also an Alberta artist, that harken back to their western home.

James and Stephanie wanted the fireplace to be the focal point of the open-plan living space and Kate achieved that with a Continental gas fireplace insert, surrounded by Rubble Buff stone supplied by West Shore Stone and Brick Inc. and installed by H&D Bloodworth Masonry Inc.

An open floor plan allows plenty of light, space and interaction with family and guests. “We wanted everything to circle around the fireplace in the great room,” says James. “The open concept allows natural light to be pulled from every corner of the house.” The large Silestone-topped oak island in the kitchen ensures everyone can gather around during food preparation. Stephanie wanted a bright yet soft and relaxing feel to the kitchen while maintaining clean, minimalist lines. Panel-ready cabinets, enclosing Fisher & Paykel appliances, a convenient corner lazy Susan and ample lower drawers help achieve this look. Engineered white oak flooring, supplied by Bigelow Flooring Inc., a cream palette and gold accented brass hardware lend a warm glow to the kitchen. “We chose brass fixtures for the kitchen and primary en suite instead of chrome or nickel for a warmer feel,” says Kate.

Silestone Miami Vena covers the white oak island and perimeter cabinets. The range hood over the Zline six-burner stove is made of white oak and the backsplash is white square variegated tile from Centura’s Village Series.

Dual vanities, finished in Organic White Caesarstone, twin sinks and a soaker tub highlight the primary en suite. Kate selected variegated ivory subway tiles, supplied by Sarana Tile, for the spacious glass-enclosed shower to create interest and the illusion the tile is handcrafted. “I would describe it as perfectly imperfect,” she says. “There are no harsh lines and when the light hits the tile, it reflects different colours.” A walk-through closet and dressing area lead to the primary bedroom suite.

In the primary en suite, matching vanities with Organic White Caesarstone counters, sit opposite each other with the soaker tub in between. Custom trim details elevate the wainscotting. A vintage ladder is now a towel rack. Bathroom fixtures are by Riobel.

A contrasting black railing anchors a white-oak staircase that ascends into a cosy, intimate loft. This inviting nook beckons readers to curl up on the comfy armchair. “It’s the perfect spot to read and have some personal space,” says James.

The stairs, with black railings and white oak treads from Wood & Wallworks, lead to the upper level and down to the finished lower level. Trim from Alexandria Moulding is painted Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace.

Guest bedrooms, baths and Eva’s nursery are also located on the upper level. A painting of the Three Sisters Mountains by British Columbia-based artist Kayla Eykelboom accentuates the nursery’s pink accent wall. “We actually lived at the bottom of this mountain range,” says James. The nursery is one of Stephanie’s favourite rooms. “I always wanted a pink bedroom when I was a little girl, so we made sure to incorporate the colour into Eva’s room,” she says.

Sweet dreams for Eva in her pink bedroom. A painting of the Three Sisters Mountains by Kayla Eykelboom is a graphic and colourful addition.

As James and Stephanie settle into their home, they eagerly anticipate hosting family for holidays and watching their daughter light up their lives with memories that will last a lifetime. OH

More pictures of this beautiful home—along with other local features—can be found in the Spring 2023 digital edition of OUR HOMES Grey and Bruce Counties, available to read online at www.ourhomes.ca/greybruce