Unique Design Elements I’ve Loved from Past and Present Listings
By Diana Klejne, Stonehaus Realty Corp.
Every home tells a story — and as a Realtor, one of my favorite parts of this job is discovering and celebrating the unique design elements that make each property truly one-of-a-kind. From cozy family homes to luxury estates, I’ve had the privilege of walking through countless doors, and every so often, I find features that just make me stop and say, “Now that’s special.”
Here are a few of my favorite design elements I’ve encountered over the years — and how we showcased them in our listings to bring each home’s story to life.
The “Prepper’s Pantry” at 1126 Regina Street
If you’ve ever dreamed of a kitchen that truly works for you, this one had it all. Just off the main kitchen was a spacious Prepper’s Pantry — large enough to fit a freezer, with built-in shelving from floor to ceiling.
It wasn’t just extra storage; it was freedom and function combined. For busy families, gardeners, or those who love to preserve local produce, this pantry represented an organized, self-sufficient lifestyle — something Creston buyers deeply value.
When we marketed this home, we featured the pantry as more than a feature — it became a lifestyle story. The kind of place where you could store homemade preserves, can your own fruit, and keep your harvest ready for winter.
A “Shome” Built for Dreams – 4790 Samuelson Road
This property just has my heart. Known as a “Shome” — a cross between a shop and a home — it offers endless versatility. But what makes it extra special Is the potential to be converted into a Barndominium, blending functional workspace with rustic charm.
I often joke, “Forget the horse in the backyard — this one can have a horse in the home!” It’s that perfect blend of practicality and passion — ideal for those who love wide open spaces, animals, or a live/work lifestyle.
In our marketing, we lean into that dream. We invite buyers to imagine the possibilities — a creative studio, an equestrian retreat, or even a custom home built around their passions.
Western Dreams at 1958 Rykerts Road
If there were ever a listing that could star in a movie, this is it. A stunning log home with a yard that looked straight out of an old Western film — complete with a barbecue pit, a stage for a fiddle player, a bunkhouse, and even a pit house.
And let’s not forget the massive shop and quonset — true treasures for anyone who loves to work, build, or create.
In our ads, we don’t just describe it — we paint the scene. We want potential buyers to feel the evening glow over the mountains, the sound of laughter around the fire pit, and the smell of woodsmoke in the air.
The Loft of Possibilities – 4959 West Road
Lofts are one of my favorite features because they invite imagination. The loft at 4959 West Road was a perfect example — a bright, versatile space that could serve as a guest suite, art studio, office, or even a peaceful reading nook.
When I write listing descriptions, I always try to help buyers visualize how the space could fit their lives. For this one, we highlighted the flexibility — whether you’re running a small business, hosting family, or simply craving a quiet retreat, the loft was the “do-it-all” design feature that made this home stand out.
Luxury & Leisure – 3618 Beam Road
Every now and then, a truly luxurious home crosses your path — and 3618 Beam Road was one of them. From the chef’s kitchen to the state-of-the-art recreation amenities, this home redefined relaxation.
It wasn’t just the pool, gym, and hot tub — it was the way those elements came together to create a sense of sanctuary. We leaned into that in our marketing, focusing on the idea of wellness and indulgence at home. A place where you could unwind, entertain, and live beautifully every single day.
Multi-Generational Magic – 2218 Cedar Street
This one was special for so many reasons. Located right in the heart of town, 2218 Cedar Street was a multi-generational dream. The property featured a beautiful duplex and a fully self-contained creekside cabin, perfect for extended family or additional rental income.
Homes like this are rare — offering both togetherness and independence. In our campaign, we emphasized connection: grandparents nearby, grown children starting out, or even a family running a home-based business together.
It wasn’t just a duplex — it was a community within a property.
Every Home Has a Story
One of the things I love most about real estate is that no two homes — or homeowners — are ever the same. From prepper pantries to barndominiums, from Western movie backdrops to multi-gen masterpieces, every design feature tells a story about how people live, dream, and thrive.
And that’s what makes marketing homes so exciting — it’s never just about square footage. It’s about capturing the essence of what makes a property extraordinary, and helping buyers see not just a house, but a lifestyle.
If you’re considering selling, I’d love to help tell your home’s story too.
—
Diana Klejne Personal Real Estate Corporation
Stonehaus Realty Corp
604-789-8202
DianaKlejne@Gmail.com
KootenayLifestyle.ca
