Modern Bungalow Makeover

STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY CHRISTOPHER RITTER - SKYPOINT MEDIA

As seen in the Waterloo/Wellington Spring 2026 Issue.

When Jessica Hare and March Trent decided to renovate their 25-year-old bungalow, they envisioned a contemporary, spacious home with ample room for entertaining.

Located just outside Cambridge in North Dumfries, the couple’s four-bedroom home was dated and offered limited space to host family and friends. “We’ve lived here since 2016 and knew the house needed many updates,” says Jessica. “The original house had great bones and we really liked the property. It’s quiet, and there is a hardwood forest behind us that allows us to witness the change of seasons.”

The couple knew a complete redesign, with extensive interior and exterior renovations, was required. Hennink Construction Ltd. handled the build, while architectural and interior designer Emily Larochelle and her her firm, Elle3 Design & Interiors, created a functional and elegant design. “Our builder recommended Emily,” says Jessica. “When I emailed her to connect, I discovered we had exchanged an introductory call a year prior. I remembered her right away and couldn’t believe the coincidence; it felt like the stars had truly aligned.”

Emily, a lifelong design enthusiast, is a registered interior designer with ARIDO and holds a BCIN, enabling her to create code-compliant structural drawings. She founded Elle3 in 2017, specializing in thoughtful residential architectural and interior design services. Her team includes architectural technologist Kyle McLean and Taylor Young, an intermediate designer and ARIDO intern. Elle3 was the ideal fit for the project. “We ask clients to invite us into their lives so we can get to know them and how they need their spaces to function,” says Emily. “Jessica is a fantastic decorator and had a clear vision of the final spaces.”

The result is a two-level modern home with open, sophisticated indoor-outdoor living spaces designed for entertaining and enjoying with family and friends in every season.

Walls were moved and supporting structures adjusted to create a large, inviting great room with expansive windows from Bavarian Window Works, a wood-burning fireplace from Fergus Fireplace and ample seating. “It’s a large area that feels homey and comfortable,” says Mark. “Our family grew up with wood fireplaces and we love the sound, smell and warmth they provide.” The renovation also included a dramatic A-frame exterior porch integrated into the house. “This was the biggest challenge,” says Mark. “What looks quite simple was, in fact, a complex process of design, engineering and construction.” Roofing by House & Hammer Roofing and timber supplied by Home Hardware provided a solid structure that will stand the test of time.

The renovations also included a larger foyer addition with an elegant, timeless front door from Bavarian Window Works and new porches at the home’s front and back. The lower rear porch features a screened indoor-outdoor living room with retractable screens by Vastek Solutions, which allows the couple to enjoy the outdoors in every season. “It’s a perfect place to relax and unwind by the fire, regardless of the weather,” says Jessica.

The interior décor, shaped by Jessica’s vision, balances contemporary farmhouse style with rustic warmth. “We used natural woods, simpler finishes and a clean, contemporary black-and-white colour palette,” says Emily. Wood finishes, wide-plank oak flooring, tall baseboards and shiplap panelling create a consistent look throughout the indoor and outdoor areas.

The kitchen and great room are integrated to offer flow and connection. The couple loves to cook and entertain, so the kitchen had to be visually appealing and user friendly. “The layout is excellent,” says Emily. Kitchen Appeal crafted the cabinetry and built-ins, while Great Mountain Soapstone provided the kitchen counters.

Fixtures came from Watermarks Kitchen & Bath Boutique and the Moroccan Zellige ceramic backsplash was installed by Sarmazian Brothers Flooring. Interior doors, trim and mouldings from Elmira Door & Trim Ltd. elevate the space. Behind the scenes, plumbing services were completed by Briar Pump & Plumbing, ensuring the home’s kitchen, laundry and outdoor amenities function seamlessly.

Heating and cooling were provided by Westside Home Comfort and audio and video systems were installed by McNain TV & Electronics. Electrical work was handled by REP Electrical Contracting.

A large outdoor entertainment area was a must for the couple. “The most interesting thing about our house is the indoor-outdoor living space and how much attention we put into making it fantastic and functional,” says Mark. The exterior features a kitchen, pizza oven, living room, hot tub, fire pit and multiple zones for gathering. Landscaping by TMJ Outdoor Services and Landscape Plus Ltd. enhances the space, and an elegant pool was installed by Pool Solutions. Connecting the upper deck to the pool and lower lounge area is a custom exterior staircase with glass railings by Stairworks, adding a sleek, modern appeal while maintaining open sight-lines across the landscape.

“Emily and Taylor turned our vision into a well-thought-out design with fantastic follow-through,” says Jessica.

The homeowners were impressed with the quality workmanship all the trades brought to the project, especially Hennink Construction Ltd. and Hodasy Masonry Ltd. “I would strongly recommend Hennink Construction to anyone wanting a quality result. They definitely know how to get things done properly, cost effectively and on time,” says Mark. “The masons did a phenomenal job inside and out.”

For Emily, the most rewarding part of a project is guiding families as they reimagine their homes and how they live in them. “We want our clients to love everything about how their home functions and makes them feel.” For Jessica and Mark, the experience has been truly transformative. “Our greatest satisfaction is seeing all our hopes and dreams become reality,” says Jessica. OH