Kelowna’s Chic Contrasts

Ah, Kelowna. Just saying its name loosens our shoulders, deepens our breath, and relaxes our minds. Probably because this gorgeous valley city, nestled amongst soaring peaks, holds something special for everyone.

As one of Interior British Columbia’s most popular travel destinations, Kelowna seems to conjure a savoury juxtaposition when compared to the rest of the country.

Basked in the surreal beauty of Okanagan Lake, you’ll find many vineyards and wineries scattered throughout the city’s valleys and foothills. Often compared to the picturesque landscapes of Napa Valley, it’s no surprise Kelowna has earned the nickname “Canada’s California.”

Equally compelling are its winter experiences, drawing destination skiers and snowboarders to its bordering mountain resorts.

Naturally, with tourism comes constant change, and a willingness to embrace both the traditional and modern takes on aesthetics and lifestyle—converging to create an archetypal character of alluring contrast.

And, if there’s one thing our Kelowna branch excels at, it’s walking this line between transitional times, celebrating and restoring what’s been, while sourcing and ushering in what’s to come.

Read on to learn more about how you can tap into this unique city’s top three lifestyle and home trends.

Trend #1: The Allure of Simpler Times

The Curious Artistry & Alchemy Café, Kelowna | Image Credit to @tourismkelowna via Instagram

Think outside the chalet and dig into a thriving culinary scene. With lush groves, fresh food markets, and farms around every corner, Orchard City offers a taste of simpler times. From a cozy cafe that transforms into a gastropub by night, to chic wine bars, craft breweries and farm-to-table restos, Kelowna offers a smorgasbord of delightful experiences to slowly tantalize your taste buds.

Quails' Gate Winery, Kelowna | Image Credit to @quailsgate via Instagram

You can treat yourself to vineyard tours galore in the summer months. And, even as the snowflakes cast their veil of white, it’s easy to get your hands on a delicious glass of vino at a local winter wine experience. Or, switch it up and go on a craft brewery tour.

Quails' Gate Winery, Kelowna | Image Credit to @kendalljmckinnon via Instagram

Snag Kelowna’s Style: Wayne Dalton Classic Steel Garage Doors 8300

Want to bottle up Kelowna’s wine scene and take it home with you? Why not try your hand at wine or beer making in your garage? To emulate that authentic wrought iron gate entrance, take a look at our Wayne Dalton 8300 series with flush panels and vertical windows, in a black finish.

Trend #2: An Array of Adventures

Mount Boucherie, Kelowna | Image Credit to @tourismkelowna via Instagram

Considering the name Kelowna is derived from a term that literally means “grizzly bear,” it only makes sense that it’s an oasis for outdoor activity year-round. Whatever floats your boat, you’re sure to find it at its best in this Canadian paradise.

Big White Ski Resort, Kelowna | Image Credit to @skibigwhite via Instagram

Surrounded by snow-dipped sleeping giants, Kelowna’s ski scene is world-class, drawing locals and legends alike to ride the slopes. With Big White, SilverStar and Apex walling it in, the region offers excellent winter escapes.

Okanagan Lake, Kelowna | Image Credit to @okanaganexplorers via Instagram

Under the summer horizon, the city’s sun-drenched streets are alive with energetic vibes. With Okanagan Lake shining at its center, Kelowna is a haven for beach goers, boaters, and watersport enthusiasts. For the wanderers at heart, the region’s many provincial parks offer challenging hikes with gorgeously grammable summit views.

Snag Kelowna’s Style: Richard Wilcox Landmark Premium Series

With a love for the outdoors comes lots and lots of gear. And, with gear, comes the need for secure and easily accessible storage for the whole family. Designed with a patented finger protection system, our Richard Wilcox Landmark Premium Series garage doors are the perfect solution. These sturdy steel doors are also finished with a woodgrain look, ensuring you nail that authentic mountain look.

Trend #3: The Transitional Era

Kelowna, British Columbia | Image Credit to @devinaraujo via Instagram

Beyond great sips, cuisine and experiences, as such a popular travel destination, Kelowna is in a constant state of evolution. People crave its authenticity, but also expect to experience modern amenities and trendiness. Enter the transitional era.

Witnessed throughout Canada as a movement toward the contemporary—be it in lifestyle choices, architecture, clothing or attitude—transitional times are upon us.

Boulevard Magazine, Okanagan Home Edition | Image Credit @boulevard_magazine to via Instagram

This style is defined by a period of reinvention and challenging the norm, while blending and honouring the heritage, traditions and heirlooms deemed worthy of preservation.

Wilden, a hillside community, Kelowna | Image Credit to @wildenkelowna via Instagram

A great example can be seen in the Okanagan Transitional home style, which is a beautiful meeting of prairie and contemporary architecture. Honouring the past while embracing the future, the aesthetic is a convergence of time-tested raw materials, asymmetrical facades, large light-drenched windows, and geometric lines, seamlessly connecting it to Kelowna’s stunning natural charm.

Snag Kelowna’s Style: Wayne Dalton & Richard Wilcox

The best part about taking inspiration from a transitional style is that you can truly make it your own. You     decide what stays and what goes. Considering your garage door holds a lot of real-estate when it comes to shaping the outer impression of your home, opting for a new look can go a long way. Both featured doors above cover a good middle ground, with the Richard Wilcox leaning toward traditional, and the Wayne Dalton pushing into contemporary. Check out more styles here.

We hope you enjoyed our foray into modern mountain style. If you’re interested in learning more, please get in touch with our Kelowna branch. Keep watching for our next Local Looks feature on Calgary, where mountainous peaks inspire a rugged yet urbane lifestyle.

Are you looking for snappy, solution-oriented garage door service? How about topnotch garage door repairs in Kelowna and across Western Canada? Give us a call, request a service online, or visit your nearest Creative Door branch today.