Some projects begin with a floorplan. Others start with a material palette or a striking view. For interior designer Stephanie Martin of Stephanie Martin Interior Design, this home began with a person – her mother.
Built along the riverbanks of Dead Man’s Flats, just outside Canmore, Alta., the 3,367-sq.-ft. residence was conceived from her heart, and created as a gift for her mother. While the mountain setting offered no shortage of inspiration, it was the relationship between mother and daughter that shaped every decision, from the layout to the finishes.
“My mom and I have always been incredibly close,” says Martin. “We share a mother-daughter relationship and a close friendship. We spend a great deal of time together and talk constantly, so I know her incredibly well.”
That familiarity provided an unusual advantage. Rather than spending weeks uncovering a client’s preferences, Martin already understood how her mother lived, what made her feel good and which details would make the home feel uniquely her own. Design features such as the herringbone wood wine wall and a soft, pastel-coloured kitchen are personal touches that make cooking and entertaining easy.
As the process evolved, however, the project became something even more meaningful. “I found that I was designing a home that reflected who my mom is to me and how she makes me feel,” says Martin. “The home is warm, comforting, inviting, soft and feminine, all the qualities I love and admire so much about my mother.”
The emotional connection is more than just about the finished result. Martin describes it as an opportunity to give back to the person who had been there for her throughout her life and career. “Beyond the experience and the design aspects, I wanted her to feel taken care of and supported,” she says. “Building a home can be overwhelming. I wanted to be by her side through it all, just like she has always been there for me.”
While many mountain homes lean heavily into rustic materials and darker palettes, Martin chose a different path. Formulating ideas from the surrounding landscape and her mother’s personality, she created an airy and elegant atmosphere. “Rather than opting for the typical mountain aesthetic, the concept drew inspiration from the snowy peaks and the river behind the home, with a touch of pretty and sparkle layered throughout,” she says.
That vision found its clearest expression in the home’s dramatic two-storey fireplace. Months before architectural plans had even begun, Martin came across three marble slabs that immediately captured her imagination. Their veining echoed the movement of water and the contours of the nearby mountains.
“I knew the instant I saw them that they would be perfect for the home,” she says. Originally intended for the kitchen, the stone found a new purpose when Martin realized there wasn’t enough material available. The pivot ultimately became one of the project’s defining moments.
“Seeing the slabs on a vertical surface showcased them in such an impactful way that it ended up being the most positive change we made.”
Despite its generous footprint, the residence never feels imposing. A series of thoughtful choices helps create a sense of intimacy. Closing off the stairwell near the entrance established a welcoming vestibule while maintaining privacy within the main living spaces. Traditional wall panelling, detailed cabinetry and ogee countertop edges soften the architecture, while the furnishings encourage lingering conversations.
“Oversized, cosy seating and nostalgic items throughout make the home feel relaxed, layered and homey,” says Martin.
Functionality was equally important. With aging in place a priority, the layout includes a main-floor primary suite, wide circulation paths and a curbless shower. The accommodations are intentionally understated, ensuring accessibility without compromising the home’s character. Natural light also plays a starring role.
A south-facing backyard and expansive glazing maximize views while helping the interior feel bright during Alberta’s long winters.
“Double-storey windows in the great room can be enjoyed from both levels of the home,” says Martin.
“The result is a house drenched in sunlight with spectacular views year-round.” Among all the carefully crafted details, one stands out as the most meaningful. A vintage dresser discovered in Edmonton was transformed into the powder room vanity. Martin’s sister and brother-in-law picked it up and drove it to Calgary, where her father-in-law restored it, painted it and built it into the powder room.
“The piece was a true family affair,” says Martin. “Just like the home was always meant to, it brought us all together in a really special way.”
That sentiment defines the project. Beyond the mountain views, striking marble fireplace and timeless details, the home’s greatest achievement is its heart. Shaped by gratitude, family and love, it stands as a lasting expression of a daughter’s love for her mother.