DYNAMIC DESIGN
Energy imbues the Bowen
Along with presenting the welcoming, thoughtful spaces in the Bowen floor plan, this new show home by Stepper Homes is an inspiration for interior selections.
From the floors, to the backsplash, appliances, and tile in the ensuite, this show home is stocked with elements that provide colour, texture, and energy.
The Bowen — a 2,458-squarefoot home with a two-car, front-attached garage — is showcased in the Airdrie community of Bayview. Master-planned by Genesis Land, Bayview features scenic canals and pathways and sits a convenient distance to shops, services and restaurants on 8th Street S.W. and in downtown Airdrie.
In the Bowen, the main floor is centred by a den with two stylish barn doors across from a U-shaped kitchen that’s above average in size.
The 11 foot one inch by 16 foot one inch kitchen has built-in appliances, a feature more commonly seen in luxury estate homes. Its backsplash is a striking Tierra Sol Chicago Greenwich Village tile, which is carried over in the accent wall of the adjacent dining area, as well.
The sink, which faces the dining area, is done with character in a charming farmhouse style.
Overall, the kitchen has exten- sive counter space, making it easy for multiple people to play a role in dinner preparation without crossing paths. Storage needs are taken care of with a spacious corner pantry, as well.
Setting a warm and inviting tone for the main level are laminate floors in a Richmond Beach House, Pebble Stone finish.
When it comes to its function, the den is a valuable, multi-purpose space. There’s a window in the den that gives it sufficient natural light.
In the show home, the 11 foot by nine foot six inch room is staged as a home office. For this use, it allows the person working from home to establish privacy with the sliding doors, but still be within a few steps of people in the kitchen and great room.
Young families, however, may see it as a play room. When guests are over, the space messy with toddlers’ books and toys is easily hidden from view.
Speaking of guests, the Bowen knows how to greet. Its foyer boasts a soaring open-to-above design. Windows are placed high on the side wall, maintaining privacy, but still pulling in a pleasing amount of sunshine.
Also along the front of the main floor is the staircase to the second storey and a spacious mud room that extends to a laundry room.
The second level has a master bedroom and three secondary bedrooms that sit side-by-side along the same wall. The secondary bedrooms all directly or indirectly face a full bathroom.
When it comes to bathrooms, the ensuite off the master bedroom is a highlight. Something that sets it apart is the tile choices for the floor and shower. Rather than selections that are commonly light and bright, these are rich in texture and bring a different but welcome dynamic to the visual interest of the ensuite.
The ensuite tile is Tierra Sol Urban Avenue Fioranese Shaded Beige, and the shower floor is Daltile Keystone Architectural Gray.
The glass encased shower is spacious and there’s a deep soaker that sits under two windows.
Also on the second level is a bonus room that overlooks the front yard.
The show home presents a developed walk-out basement, where there’s a fourth bedroom, bathroom, large rec area and walk-up bar. Walls along the staircase to the basement are done in eye-catching tongue and groove pine wall panelling.
Stepper was announced as this year’s Ralph Scurfield Builder of the Year winner at the 2017 Canadian Home Builders’ AssociationAlberta Awards of Excellence in Housing and Safety Leadership Awards, which were announced at the Building Industry and Land Development Alberta annual conference this past September.