This Calgary home had undergone a fairly recent renovation, but its layout didn’t align with how the new homeowners wanted to live. “They’re a young professional couple who were newly married at the start of the renovation and recently had their first child,” says Meghan Bannon, Principal at Mera Studio Architects. “She is a nephrologist, and he is an entrepreneur with a lifelong connection to the design world—having grown up alongside his father, a restaurant builder whose work spanned Canada and the United States. Together, they brought a thoughtful appreciation for detail, craftsmanship, and how spaces are experienced.”
The couple envisioned a space that felt casual and approachable rather than formal—a home where friends could gather with ease and everyday moments could unfold comfortably. The surrounding neighborhood also inspired the overall atmosphere they hoped to create. “Elboya is known for its tree-lined streets and strong sense of community. It’s deeply family-oriented, with excellent schools and an active community association that fosters a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere,” Meghan shares. “Its balance of established charm and forward-looking design made it the perfect setting for this renovation—a place where a contemporary home could feel both rooted and personal, responding to the rhythms of daily life while honoring the character of the neighborhood.”
Studio Mera Architects served as the interior design team for the project. “We did a high-level look at the plans and changed the flow to better fit how they live,” Meghan notes. “Being cognizant of the last renovation and cost, we prepared options that utilized existing wall locations, plumbing, central fireplace and other items to reduce large scope items. From there we proposed new finishes and selections for the main floor and partial upper floor. We were also engaged to provide procurement services and provided furniture, some art and lighting for the project.”
Design must-haves included open, connected living spaces, areas tailored specifically for hosting, and a material palette that felt timeless yet expressive. “Creating warmth and personality through unique, intentional details was essential, as was ensuring the home felt calm, cohesive, and ready to evolve alongside their growing family,” Meghan notes. “Interestingly, the project began with the clients envisioning a high-contrast black-and-white interior. However, as we moved through the discovery phase, it became clear that they didn’t naturally gravitate toward that aesthetic. Instead, they were drawn to a softer, neutral, and warmer palette, which ultimately became the foundation that guided the overall design.”
As with any renovation, there were a few challenges—all of which the team approached creatively. “The existing home had several very narrow sections and multiple floor level changes,” she recalls. “In a few rooms, raised foundations created awkward conditions that we ultimately integrated into the millwork, allowing them to be concealed while still feeling intentional. The clients wanted a semi-open kitchen with an island, and within the tight parameters our solution was to introduce a narrow, two-tiered island. We also kept the space between the kitchen and living room open, using a custom shelving element to maintain connection between the spaces while still offering a sense of privacy and added function.”
From design kick-off to the completion of construction took just over a year. “The clients were engaged throughout the entire process, attending regular site check-ins as the build progressed,” Meghan tells us. “They’ve now been in the home for over a year and still gush about finally having a space that truly feels like theirs.”
