1960's Retro Inprired Interior Design Project
- Clare Riley
- Apr 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Apr 30
Our retro-inspired interior design project, from conceptualization to completion.
Beer Farmers Project 2022-2024 – Not just another farmhouse!
What started as a simple kitchen and bathroom update, with a little fresh paint, new siding, and a new roof, quickly grew into something much bigger. This home, originally built in the 1960s on farmland in the heart of the Pemberton Valley, began as a single-story house. As the family expanded, so did the house, with a second story added later on. Throughout the project, the homeowners were deeply committed to honoring the original spirit of the home — a place filled with memories, not just for their family, but for the whole Pemberton community, being such an iconic property.
During our site tour, we were amazed by the unexpected character that this home had to offer. It felt like we were uncovering hidden gems at every turn, each telling a story of the home's vibrant past.
One of the most charming finds was the vintage wallpaper, we tried everything to save but unfortunately it had to go once we discovered the esbestos.
Beyond the wallpaper, the house had hidden kitchen cabinets with yellow floral pulls. The guest bathroom had pastel fixtures that screamed mid-century with a clawfoot tub, and wall paneling.
There was nothing this house didn't have. I can see the fights now, getting ready in the morning with your siblings fighting over space.
The homeowners envisioned converting the house into a nightly rental for weddings and events to meet the growing demand for accommodations in Pemberton. We knew that to do this, we had to create a space that was not only inviting but also practical.
We recognized the need for a spacious primary bedroom, an ensuite, and a powder room to cater to wedding parties.
The property included an old barn and shed attached to the house, which was in disrepair. We needed to devise a plan to redesign the front stairs so that they redirected guests' access to the back of the house. In achieving this, we removed the interior stairs that gave access from inside the shed to the storage room, which is now the newly designed conservatory.
By salvaging the weathered cedar siding from the back of the home, we successfully restored the barn, transforming it into a charming covered entertaining space
When we finally nailed down the design concepts, we were so excited — we had landed on a cozy Pemberton farmhouse feel, complete with classic plaids, charming shiplap, and timeless shaker-style millwork. But, as with most old homes, the house had a few surprises in store for us.
Just as we were gearing up to move forward, the contractors uncovered a significant (and unexpected) problem — bats had made themselves very much at home in the walls! Construction came to a grinding halt while we dealt with safely relocating them, a process that ended up taking nearly four months. And if that wasn’t enough, we ran into not one, but two rounds of asbestos remediation, causing even more delays.
With each new hurdle, the costs kept creeping higher and higher — in fact, the budget ended up tripling from where we started. Because of that, we had to be thoughtful about where we splurged and where we saved, keeping the finishes and fixtures modest and straightforward while still making sure the overall design was not compromised.
During the unexpected downtime, we took the opportunity to revisit the design and rethink a few things. After chatting with the homeowners, we realized it made perfect sense to lean into their roots — their retro-inspired Beer Farmers brand from the 1960s and '70s. Suddenly, everything clicked into place. We decided to switch gears and design this home with 1960's Retro Inspired Interior Design vibe! This shift opened up so many exciting possibilities and gave us permission to really have some fun with the design.
We started layering in soft, playful colors — buttery yellows, dusty greens, mellow blues, and rich mustard tones — that instantly brought a warmth and personality to the space. Whimsical wallpapers became a key part of the new plan too, allowing us to mix patterns and vintage accents in a way that felt both nostalgic and fresh.
In the kitchen, we went for a soft, muted green on the cabinets, pairing it with sleek flat-panel doors and polished nickel hardware that felt true to that retro vibe. We chose retro-style appliances to complete the look, and designed a vibrant, eye-catching backsplash that brings the whole space to life. Now, it feels like a cheerful, one-of-a-kind place that’s absolutely perfect for a rental — full of character, charm, and a little wink to the past.
The newly redesigned lower floor feels like a breath of fresh air — we carved out a spacious primary suite and a luxurious bathroom, both designed with a soft, timeless elegance in mind. We brought in vintage-inspired wall paneling and calming tones to create a peaceful retreat that feels like a true escape.
The bathroom turned out to be just as dreamy — filled with high-end finishes, sleek fixtures, and an atmosphere that’s both soothing and sophisticated.
By removing the old storage room we were able to add a few brand-new spaces to the layout: a cozy powder room, a functional laundry room, and a bright, airy conservatory.
The Property hosts a sunflower maze and pumpkin patch in the fall, which are popular with tourists and locals. We found this awesome wallpaper with sunflowers on it; we couldn't resist using it! Doing Laundry in this space will sure be a treat.
The old entrance to the home got a complete makeover too — now featuring a beautiful wrap-around deck where you can take in sweeping views of the Pemberton Valley and the colorful tulip fields beyond. It’s the kind of place that practically begs you to slow down and stay a while.
Upstairs, we tackled a brand-new bathroom, playing off the original blue clawfoot tub we had to remove (sadly, thanks to asbestos concerns). We chose fun retro-patterned floor tiles and added a cheerful blue vanity to nod back to that vintage charm we loved.
Throughout the entire renovation, we tried so hard to keep as many original features of the home as possible, but the amount of asbestos we uncovered made it almost impossible. One of the few pieces we were able to save was the old fireplace. It was a labor of love: the homeowner spent weeks painstakingly scrubbing it down to bring it as close as possible to its original glory.
In the end, the final design strikes a beautiful balance between nostalgia and functionality. We curated the furniture with so much intention — mixing new pieces that have a vintage soul with true antiques that help tell the story of a cozy, lived-in 1960s country farmhouse. Every piece, every corner, feels layered with heart.
I loved doing site visits to this project; nothing like driving down the stunningly beautiful Meadows road. The locals are nice too :)
Every year, the Beer Farmers have a tulip festival on display, weather permitting, from April through early May. The sunflower maze in August and the pumpkin patch in late September through to early november.
As one of our favorite local spots for a pint and poutine, this place has always held a special spot in our hearts — and now, it’s even more magical. With the Glover House project complete, you and your friends can experience Pemberton like a true local. Stay in this retro-inspired 1960s farmhouse, full of character, charm, and the perfect mix of history and modern comfort.
Here is the link to book your nightly stay
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