Designer Adrianne Bailie and architectural designer Nathan Buhler of BLDG Workshop collaborated to transform this family’s lakeside home on Kalamalka Lake, in Vernon BC. Originally planned as a renovation, the project expanded significantly when the original foundation, built on remnants of an old sawmill, proved unstable. Embracing this challenge as an opportunity, the design centered on enhancing lake views, maximizing natural light, and creating welcoming spaces for casual gatherings.
Gravina
Modern Lakeside Ease Meets Gravina Floors at Kalamalka Lake, Jul. 2025
Throughout the home, wood serves as a visual bridge connecting the indoors with the natural landscape beyond. From the exterior timber posts and cladding to the interior ceilings and Gravina floors by CRAFT, the presence of natural wood significantly elevates the home’s visual harmony with nature. This intentional material connection promotes a calming environment that enhances comfort and overall well-being, grounding the homeowners in their lakeside surroundings.
A fresh, modern ‘surf-style’ aesthetic celebrates simplicity and comfort, defined by CRAFT’s Gravina floors which anchor the home in warmth and understated elegance.
CRAFT: Below, Adrianne shares insights into the design process and how Gravina played a key role in the home’s transformation.
Q: What inspired the overall design of this lakeside home?
Adrianne: The owners are friendly, relaxed people who love country music, cribbage, and hosting friends. They have a meaningful connection to this spot on Kalamalka Lake and wanted a home that captured their laid-back spirit without feeling overly formal.
Adrianne: It was all about creating a comfortable, modern beach home that retained the sentimental vibe they cherished.
Q: Why was CRAFT’s Gravina floor the right choice for this project?
Adrianne: When considering flooring, we looked for something light, warm, and beachy with a modern sensibility. Gravina’s sandy beige tones immediately stood out, setting a cohesive palette that informed ceilings, cabinetry, and stair railings. The homeowners instantly connected with its look and feel.
Q: Did the build present any particular challenges?
Adrianne: Absolutely! Initially, we planned a partial renovation. However, after discovering the home’s unstable foundation due to sawdust from an old sawmill, the project evolved into a complete demolition and rebuild. Though challenging at first, it ultimately allowed us to expand the footprint and create more functional kitchen and lower-level spaces.
Q: How did you approach interior materials and finishes?
Adrianne: We embraced natural and simple materials: stone, rope, plaster, linen, rattan, and wood, introducing an authentic, organic warmth to every room. Playful prints and textures also came into play, reflecting the homeowners’ vibrant personalities.
Q: What kind of mood or experience did you aim to create for the homeowners?
Adrianne: We wanted the home to feel effortlessly welcoming and playful, mirroring the homeowners themselves.
Adrianne: The main goal was to keep the focus on the lake and its beauty, ensuring every design decision complemented, rather than competed with, the natural surroundings.
Q: How did sustainability factor into your choice of a CRAFT floor?
Adrianne: Sustainability was very important to us and the homeowners. Gravina clearly stood out due to its responsibly sourced North American wood and rigorous third-party certifications like PEFC Chain of Custody certification as the standard option on all floors, which ensure ethical and sustainable forest management practices.
Adrianne: The homeowners particularly appreciated CRAFT’s strong commitment to creating healthy indoor environments—Gravina floors are GREENGUARD Gold certified, Declare labeled, and Red List Free.
Adrianne: Choosing CRAFT meant they could confidently invest in flooring that significantly reduces environmental impact, aligning perfectly with their commitment to protecting and preserving our natural world.
Q: What’s your favourite aspect of how this project turned out?
Adrianne: Seeing how the home enhances the owners’ lifestyle has been very rewarding. The final design beautifully aligns with their easygoing nature—perfectly suited for enjoying lake life, hosting friends, and creating new memories.
For CRAFT, this home exemplifies the transformative power of thoughtful, sustainable design. Seeing our floors installed into spaces that foster connection and genuine enjoyment reinforces why we do what we do. It’s also inspiring to see our commitment to healthy, responsibly sourced materials resonate with homeowners who share our passion for sustainability and quality craftsmanship.
Architectural Design: BLDG Workshop
Interior Design: Adrianne Bailie Design
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