Pinetree Chalet renovation blog

Sun Peaks Renovation Blog

We took possession of our new Sun Peaks home in January 2021. Follow this blog to see updates of the house as things progress... some will take place right away... others will need to wait until time and rental demands permit time for completing bigger projects.

Check back to see the updated "after pictures" as the project progresses!

We'll post questions asking for your ideas and opinions on various selections for the project.

In addition to updates to indoor spaces, we plan on making the outdoor spaces more inviting. All master bedrooms have balconies that will get outdoor bistro sets; both the main house and Sugar Pine Suite will benefit from outdoor seating, as well.

We are also considering a gazebo above the hot tub.
Pros: easier to get in & out; no need to clear the snow off first; provides more privacy and defined space.
Cons: harder to see the many stars in the vast night sky; loses the "open air" feeling.
Let us know what you think!

April 18/21: More recent photos have been replaced or added over the past weeks. Thanks for the kind comments sent!

As winter turns to summer I felt compelled to write about what is happening outdoors. While the weather is getting warmer "back home" we continued to have freezing nights with fresh snow in the morning. I didn't want it to end!

But as I watch feet of snow wither away to a few patches here and there I'm experiencing spring in a whole new way. A stream has emerged on the side of our property, as well as on the opposite side of the ski run that goes past us. They merge together at the bottom of our property and forms a lake on the other side of the road... how cool! I hope it continues. I see green buds coming out everywhere and I cannot wait to see what the property looks like as it morphs into something new. I feel like it's a butterfly coming out of its' cocoon.

New pictures have been posted of the Durango room, and we're about to make some decisions that will lead to new looks and updated photos. Stay tuned!

Main House

Great Room:
These connected rooms (Living Room, Dining Room and Family Room) were a pale peach in one area and dark green in another. Now they have been painted a rich neutral tone in both areas that helps the walls to recede. It brings the focus on the natural beauty of the outdoors with the drop-dead amazing view that can be seen from all over these main living areas.

With wood featured on the ceiling, beams, posts, railings, window & fireplace trims we selected a colour to also make all of that gorgeous wood "pop". Using the same palette throughout the area plus the connected kitchen makes for a cohesive, smooth look and flow between the living room with adjacent family room, large dining room with bar area, and kitchen. It's a great place to gather together!

- An additional 65" HDTV was added to the living room, which is viewable from all Great Room areas.
- The bar/beverage area was updated with additional wine glass racks, 2 coffee makers, and hanging colourful mugs. This beverage area will help busy cooks to keep others out of the kitchen. ;).
- The bar has its' own full fridge which will be primed and painted with dark grey chalk paint.
- We started a movie and book library suitable for all ages.
- New "stone-look" wool area rugs replaced rugs that didn't match the new decor.
- Faux-fur throws and pillows help to make the space feel very cozy and add extra texture.
- New 'matte black and glass' lighting is going in throughout the house for an updated look and more light at night. The living room lamps were replaced, and a floor lamp was added in the family room.
- Red shades that didn't match the decor were removed to allow a uniform, open look on all of the windows. If needed, trees will be planted for privacy.
- Two new leather sofas were added to the living room, allowing for additional seating.
- The fireplace will be updated with a ceiling height rock exterior (summer project - we will update the photos). The gold metal was painted matte black for a sleeker chalet look.

Great Room Before:

Great Room During & After:

Kitchen:
The kitchen has gone from dark green to matching the rest of the great room.
- All new dishes for 24 guests, including fun colourful mugs and bowls. The glassware was all replaced, including Italian crystal wine glasses.
- New heavy-duty mixer.
- All cupboards were cleaned and detailed. They are beautiful natural wood with interesting knots.
- All of the knotty wood doors and drawer fronts were oiled to bring out the natural beauty.
- Hardware is now matte black.
- Lighting was replaced with brighter, warmer ones which are appreciated when the sun goes down
- Counters and back splash will be renewed in the summer. We'll also have a new sink and faucet.
- We are planning to extend the counter to put in a garbage compactor and recycling area (summer).

Kitchen Before:

Kitchen After (more to come):

Lacebark Room:
This main floor bedroom had a complete make-over.
- It was painted a sleep-inducing dark neutral colour. The large closet doors were also painted with an accent colour (and the dresser was moved to the closet).
- New bedding brings the room together and is very welcoming in a cabin-chic theme.
- New lighting has more bulbs and hangs lower to light the space where the beams created a shadow.
- Table lamps matching the new decor were added.
- A second night stand was added. Handles were painted black to bring the look together.
- A large Elk print creates a balanced focus and echoes the print in the bedding.
- A hand-forged elk hook, plus additional wall hooks were added for a convenient place to hang towels, robes, etc.
- Additional bunk lights will be added, as well as shelves for those in the upper bunks.

Lacebark Before:

Lacebark After:

Main Floor Washroom:
The large main floor washroom consists of 2 rooms. It is conveniently located just past the house entrance and steps from the Lacebark Room.
- Along with the hallway, this room was painted a neutral colour that is a lighter palette than others on the main floor. (Those stickers took a long time to remove!)
- The lighting will be updated to match others in the house, and to provide more light.
- Hardware is now matte black.
- A new buffalo plaid shower curtain ties in the decor with the Lacebark Room.
- New hand-crafted towel bars with shelves allow for additional storage.
- The hallway stairwell now has a stunning hand-quilted throw added for focus and interest.
- Plush new bath and hand towels, bath mats plus face cloths are in all of the washrooms. The "old" towels will be great for hot tub use.
- A trough sink with 2 faucets is planned for the summer.
- Inspirational word art will be added.

Main Washroom Before:

Main Washroom After:

Ponderosa Room:
This upper floor master bedroom consists of a large bed area, a washroom with 2 sinks and jetted tub, a second washroom with toilet and sink, and a large walk-in closet... plus a private balcony.
- It was painted a sleep-inducing dark neutral colour. The washrooms were painted a similar colour that goes well with the blue tones. The door was painted with an accent colour.
- The bunk bed was replaced by a leather sleeper ottoman that is also a handy place to sit.
- New night tables fit the space better. The wood tables now balance the ottoman sitting area.
- Drapes now frame the headboard and define the space, drawing your attention around to the bed area. Pictures hide the speaker system and add interest.
- New bedding, including a featherbed topper in a cabin-chic theme.
- Plush faux sheepskin rug.
- A large hand-made wall quilt was hung on the large wall for added warmth and interest.
- New lighting brings much-needed light to the large space. Additional bedside lights match the sconces. The original lamps made the seating area well lit for reading.
- New white blinds are child-friendly (no cords) and brighten the room.
- A black hook storage system with bench was added to hang towels, etc.
- A bistro set was put out on the balcony. Enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the stream go by.
- STILL looking for ideas on what to do with the small corner between the balcony door and washroom (currently trying out a "pouf").

Ponderosa Before:

Ponderosa After:

Durango Room:
Another upper floor master bedroom consists of a large bed area, ensuite washroom with shower, private balcony and large closet.
- The room has been painted a sleep-inducing dark neutral colour. The balcony door will be painted with an accent colour.
- We love the headboard and wood night tables. They are being oiled to bring out their beauty.
- New bedding, including a featherbed topper, thick organic sheets, and a handmade bear print quilt coordinate with the cabin-chic theme of the house.
- A new iron-wood chandelier light hangs lower to bring much-needed light to the large space.
- New white blinds are child-friendly (no cords) and brighten the room.
- Hooks were added to the walls for a convenient place to hang towels, robes, etc.
- The closet has additional storage shelves with drawer added.
- Nature-inspired art adorns the feature wall.
- A table + 2 chairs were put on the balcony.

Durango Before:

Durango After:

Foxtail Room:
This third upper floor master bedroom consists of a large bed area, ensuite washroom with shower, private balcony and large closet. This room requires the least updating.
- People seem to love the deep blue colour of the bedroom. We hope to find a good paint match to touch up the walls. The washroom was previously a pale blue, now painted a medium-dark grey. The balcony door will be painted with an accent colour.
- We love the headboard and wood night tables. They are being oiled to bring out their beauty.
- New bedding, including a featherbed topper, thick organic sheets, and a handmade bear print quilt coordinate with the cabin-chic theme of the house.
- A new iron-wood chandelier light hangs lower to bring much-needed light to the large space.
- New white blinds are child-friendly (no cords) and brighten the room.
- Hooks have been installed on the walls for a convenient place to hang towels, robes, etc.
- The closet has additional storage shelves with drawer added.
- Nature-inspired art adorns the walls. (New pictures coming with different art.)
- A bistro set with 2 chairs and a table were put on the balcony to enjoy an outdoor moment.

Foxtail Before:

Foxtail After:

Foyers:
The Main House has two foyers - one is specifically for skiers / boarders.
- The dark green colour was painted a more neutral shade to echo the rest of the house.
- A coat tree was added for additional coat storage.
- A tiered shoe rack was added.
- Additional hooks for storing gear were added.
- Upper racks (skier foyer) to store helmets will be added.
- The original living room mantle had an accent piece which will be repurposed as additional coat storage with hand-forged hooks and hung high above the foyer bench

Foyers Before:

Foyers After:

Stairwell:
There are a lot of high ceilings in the house, but the biggest challenge was painting the stairwell to the upstairs. From the floor of the Great Room (where the stairs start) to the ceiling of the floor above it, we estimate it is about 32'. There were some sore muscles after this job! As well as painting, the wall sconces were changed to match the rest of the house decor.

Stairwell during and after:

Sugar Pine Suite

You might have noticed a theme to the various rooms in the house. Every bedroom has been named after a North American Pine Tree, We're calling the first level the Sugar Pine Suite, with the bedrooms named Bristlecone and Jack Pine. Metal word art will be posted on each door for easy identification of the bedrooms throughout the house.

The house consists of 4 levels - this 1- or 2-bedroom suite has 9-foot ceilings and is one story up from ground level, with a large private balcony accessible from the great room.

Great Room:
We've painted this room a darker colour that helps the walls to recede and bring the focus on the natural beauty of the outdoors... with the drop-dead amazing view that can be seen from all over the main living area. With wood featured on the ceiling, beams, posts, railings, window & fireplace trims we selected a colour to also make all of that gorgeous wood "pop". This open area consists of a full sized kitchen, dining table for 6, plus living room.

- A 55" HD smart TV was installed in the living room, which is viewable from all areas.
- For a more streamlined, modern look, the frilly window toppers were removed, as well as the intricate cabinet molding, along with a deep clean.
- A new "stone-look" wool area rug replaced the rug that didn't match the new decor.
- Other smaller area rugs either hide flaws in the floor (until the flooring is replaced) or add coziness to the space.
- Faux-fur throw adds texture and something warm for those cooler nights.
- A living room ceiling light was added, with a lower hang and 3 bulbs to light the room with exposed beams. A new floor lamp was also put in the corner of the living room which matches other lamps in the home. The kitchen lighting was all updated with brighter, warmer pot-lights and a matte black chandelier over the dining table.
- The fireplace will have some of the gold metal painted black for more of a cabin-decor look.
- A leather sofa replaced a worn sofa. A new suede slip cover was fitted on the love seat.
- New nature-inspired pictures hang on the walls to bring the outside in.
- New blinds replaced the mini-blinds in the living room. (The kitchen and dining room blinds are salvageable.)
- We supplemented the dinnerware and glassware, so there is plenty for guests. Cupboards were cleaned and items were amalgamated so guests have lots of empty space to fill with groceries.
- There is a crack in the Silestone counter, which is otherwise in excellent shape. We're looking for ways to repair this.
- We intend on extending the upper cabinets to allow the microwave to be situated better.
- New flooring replace the aging linoleum (this summer).

Great Room Before::

Great Room After:

Bristlecone Room:
The suite master bedroom has gone through many changes:
- In order to turn it into a luxurious master bedroom, the twin/full bunk bed was removed.
- The bed was repositioned to a spot that will allow guests to wake to the mountain view.
- Drapes now frame the headboard and define the space, drawing your attention around to the bed area. Pictures help to balance the window above the bed.
- New bedding, including a memory foam topper in a hand-made bear theme. Thick organic sheets and a plush New Zealand wool pad are used on the bed.
- A leather sleeper ottoman was added. It is a handy place to sit, plus it allows for a couple to add a child to the room, or 2 adults can have separate sleeping spaces.
- The room was painted a sleep-inducing dark neutral colour.
- New night tables fit the "non-square" space better.
- The wood dresser now sits beside the ottoman seating area to place books or items on.
- Plush faux sheepskin rugs for stepping out of bed also adds texture.
- New chandelier lighting brings much-needed light to the large space. Additional bedside lights match the theme.
- New white blinds are child-friendly (no cords) and brighten the room. Frilly window coverings were removed to give a more modern lodge feel to the space.
- Shelves with hooks will be added to the walls for a convenient place to hang towels, robes, etc.

Bristlecone Before:

Bristlecone After:

Sugar Pine Washroom:
One large washroom services the suite in a central (but private) location.
- It was painted a darker, neutral colour. (Stickers took a long time to remove!)
- The lighting will be updated to match others in the house.
- Hardware is now matte black.
- A new buffalo plaid shower curtain ties in the decor with the bedroom(s).
- New plush towel sets were added.
- New hand-made towel bars with wood shelves allow for additional storage.
- A trough sink with 2 faucets is planned for the summer.

Sugar Pine Washroom Before:

Sugar Pine Washroom After:

Lodgepole Room:
- The layout and decor are much like the Lacebark Room with a sleep-inducing dark neutral colour.
- New bedding brings the room together and is very welcoming in a cabin-chic theme.
- New lighting hangs lower to light the space where the beams created a shadow. Matching table lamps also added.
- Two new night stands were added.
- A sleeper ottoman allows for seating or an additional twin bed.
- A large print will bring focus and brighten the room.
- We will add a closet at the entrance to the room (summer project).
- A much-needed storage unit will be built.
- A TV with games will allow kids to have their own getaway.
- Additional bunk lights will be added, as well as shelves for use in the upper bunks.
- Shelves with hooks will be added to the walls for a convenient place to hang towels, robes, etc.

Lodgepole Before:

Lodgepole After:

Foyer:
The Sugar Pine Suite has a large foyer for hanging outerwear, storage helmets and equipment. There wasn't much to do other than a fresh coat of paint and changing of locks to allow for the foyer to be shared, while keeping the suite private. Even the light has a cool snowflake pattern.

Foyer Before:

Foyer After: