What began as a simple desire to bake better bread ultimately became a complete home transformation, one driven by how Sun Peaks winter residents Melissa and Dave Buches actually live, cook and spend time together.
Both loving to cook, the couple’s previous layout only accommodated one chef at a time, making collaboration difficult and small frustrations added up.
The final nudge toward renovation came from an unexpected but increasingly trending source: sourdough.
“Our existing stove wouldn’t even reach 400°F,” Melissa recalled. “Once we wanted to jump on the sourdough bread-baking bandwagon, and realized we needed a 500°F oven, it was clear the kitchen just wasn’t cutting it.”
Despite its limitations, the couple had no desire to leave their McGillivray home.
“We loved how the condo was constructed,” Melissa explained. “It felt solid, it was quiet and the details were really nice.”
Instead of starting afresh elsewhere, they chose to build upon what already worked.
That decision led them back to the original builder, A&T Construction of Kamloops. Familiar with the building and already active on projects in Sun Peaks, A&T was a natural fit.
“They were happy to help us with the project, and it felt like an easy add-on for such a big, experienced company.”
Because the couple doesn’t live in Sun Peaks full time, A&T recommended working with a local designer from the outset.
“They suggested that if all the decisions were made upfront, it wouldn’t slow things down during construction,” Melissa said. “That was really important to us.”
Their search led them to Cristalee Murdoch of NEVO Design House in Kamloops.
“Her portfolio felt organic and modern,” Melissa explained. “We really believed she could do something special with a small space.”
Demand for Murdoch’s work meant patience was required. They waited a full year for their first appointment—but the payoff was immediate.
“She came out for about an hour, just to visit with us and look around,” Melissa recalled. “Six months later, she showed up with a truckload of presentation materials and mood boards. It was a lot, but in the best possible way.”
Murdoch’s concept was rooted in Japandi design with a modern, organic blend of Japanese and Scandinavian influences. Natural textures, calm tones and intentional simplicity shaped the vision.
“We were honestly in awe of what she presented,” Melissa said. “She showed us what our home could look like when it was finished.”
Dave’s response was simple: “Make it happen.”
With NEVO’s detailed plans in hand, A&T got to work, and delivered almost exactly on schedule.
“They estimated four months, and they finished in four months and one week,” Melissa said.
The renovation touched every surface of the condo: new wood floors, updated bathrooms, popcorn ceiling removal, water softening and filtration systems and most importantly, a fully reimagined kitchen.
The result is a space that finally reflects how the couple lives.
“After the renovation, we can easily work together in the kitchen,” Melissa said. “It functions so much better and yes, the oven gets hot enough for sourdough.”
Beyond the practical upgrades, the home now feels cohesive, calm and elevated.
What stands out most, though, is how smooth the process felt.
“It was honestly great, low stress and actually fun to see everything come together,” Melissa recounted. “Everyone involved were pros. They made it easy for us, even though we were managing it from afar.”
This story was featured in SPIN’s annual Home Issue. Read the whole issue below:
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