--- title: Original Timber Frame Chalet Gets a Design Update from Sarah Richardson description: Normerica original timber frame chalet gets a design makeover from Sarah Richardson's Design Team, taking advantage of the timeless timber frame style. image: https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Normerica%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Dining%20Room%2c%20Cathedral%20Ceiling%2c%20Painted%20Timbers%2c%20Natural%20Timbers.png --- - [Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/custom-homes/) - [Semi Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/semi-custom-homes/) - [Mass Timber](https://normerica.com/mass-timber/) - [Meet Normerica](https://normerica.com/meet-normerica/) - [Our Process +](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Overview](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Construction Options](https://normerica.com/our-process/construction-options/) - [How We Manufacture](https://normerica.com/our-process/how-we-manufacture/) - [Our Materials Building Solution](https://normerica.com/materials-shell-package/) - [Cost of Building Your Timber Frame Retreat](https://normerica.com/cost-of-timber-frame-home/) - [Architects & Builders](https://normerica.com/architects-builders/) - [Blog](https://blog.normerica.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://normerica.com/contact-us/) Menu - [Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/custom-homes/) - [Semi Custom Homes](https://normerica.com/semi-custom-homes/) - [Mass Timber](https://normerica.com/mass-timber/) - [Meet Normerica](https://normerica.com/meet-normerica/) - [Our Process +](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Overview](https://normerica.com/our-process/) - [Construction Options](https://normerica.com/our-process/construction-options/) - [How We Manufacture](https://normerica.com/our-process/how-we-manufacture/) - [Our Materials Building Solution](https://normerica.com/materials-shell-package/) - [Cost of Building Your Timber Frame Retreat](https://normerica.com/cost-of-timber-frame-home/) - [Architects & Builders](https://normerica.com/architects-builders/) - [Blog](https://blog.normerica.com/blog) - [Contact Us](https://normerica.com/contact-us/) # Original Timber Frame Chalet Gets a Design Update from Sarah Richardson 28 Jul, 2021 ![](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Normerica%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Dining%20Room%2c%20Cathedral%20Ceiling%2c%20Painted%20Timbers%2c%20Natural%20Timbers.png) ## Normerica’s Contemporary Timber Frame Chalet Gets a Design Makeover While Taking Advantage of the Timeless Timber Frame Style Happily dubbed the *Contemporary Chalet* by Sarah Richardson and her Design Team, one of Normerica’s original timber frame homes built in 1986 was recently the featured space for a complete design makeover. Normerica has been in the business of building timber frame homes since 1979. They are one of the oldest timber frame companies in Canada. Normerica remains Canada’s leader in timber frame buildings with the experience of building thousands of timber frame homes, cottages, chalets, and other structures. Sarah Richardson is an award-winning designer and television personality with a video series on YouTube called [Design Life](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdM_E_tNEIx1DIssu9so1Q?sub_confirmation=1). In September 2019, Sarah’s team began renovating and updating the Contemporary Chalet. ## The Final Reveal: A Normerica Contemporary Chalet Gets A Design Makeover by Sarah Richardson Normerica’s Team was lucky enough to be invited back to the original Contemporary Chalet site by the Sarah Richardson Design Team to participate in the final reveal. ![2 Normerican Timber Frames, Sarah Richardson Design, Living Room, Painted Timbers, Natural Timbers](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/2%20Normerican%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Living%20Room%2c%20Painted%20Timbers%2c%20Natural%20Timbers.jpg?width=559&name=2%20Normerican%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Living%20Room%2c%20Painted%20Timbers%2c%20Natural%20Timbers.jpg) In episode 41, Sarah welcomes the Normerica team as she reveals the ground floor of the Contemporary Chalet! [In this episode, we get a sneak peek into the transformation of the lower level:](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5NVNhZPHzY8) bathroom, laundry room, and guest room. The biggest reveal and design evolution since the original build in 1986 is definitely the painted-out staircase and timber ceiling throughout the ground floor. Find out how the Normerica team really feels about painting the timbers white as opposed to leaving them in their natural wood stain!   ![5 Normerica Timber Frames, Sarah Richardson Design, Master Bedroom, Painted Timbers](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/5%20Normerica%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Master%20Bedroom%2c%20Painted%20Timbers.jpg?width=560&name=5%20Normerica%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Master%20Bedroom%2c%20Painted%20Timbers.jpg) [In episode 45 of Design Life, the Normerica-built Contemporary Chalet has completed its chalet evolution.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ctjXKW8CkCE)This original Normerica timber frame chalet design from the 1980’s had a unique inverted floor plan in order to take in the beautiful sights and surroundings and while the original chalet plan has kept up to date with the changing times, the interior design has not.   Sarah Richardson took on this dated chalet design and completely transformed the interior of the home with a fresh and modern makeover. Without replacing a single window or door and keeping the heritage and architectural beauty of the timber frame intact, Sarah brought this Contemporary Chalet into the modern day! It's a perfect example of how timber frame chalet designs can be leveraged to support a variety of styles and designs – making updates timeless and limitless. ![4 Normerica Timber Frames, Sarah Richardson Design, Kitchen, Living Room, Stairs, Loft, Painted Timbers, Natural Timbers](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/4%20Normerica%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Kitchen%2c%20Living%20Room%2c%20Stairs%2c%20Loft%2c%20Painted%20Timbers%2c%20Natural%20Timbers.jpg?width=560&name=4%20Normerica%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Kitchen%2c%20Living%20Room%2c%20Stairs%2c%20Loft%2c%20Painted%20Timbers%2c%20Natural%20Timbers.jpg) The final reveal of the Contemporary Chalet: we can’t believe what a transformation the living room and the dining room have been through! ![3 Normerica Timber Frames, Sarah Richardson Design, Living Room, Fireplace, Cathedral Ceiling, Painted Timbers, Natural Timbers](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/3%20Normerica%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Living%20Room%2c%20Fireplace%2c%20Cathedral%20Ceiling%2c%20Painted%20Timbers%2c%20Natural%20Timbers.jpg?width=560&name=3%20Normerica%20Timber%20Frames%2c%20Sarah%20Richardson%20Design%2c%20Living%20Room%2c%20Fireplace%2c%20Cathedral%20Ceiling%2c%20Painted%20Timbers%2c%20Natural%20Timbers.jpg) Take the tour in episode 45 with David McFarlane, Founder and former President of Normerica, and Chris McFarlane, current President, as they reflect on the original home and take in the beauty of Sarah Richardson’s design. The father and son duo stand proudly behind Normerica’s timber frame designs, a family business, and represent both the classic and modern design elements that timber frame has to offer. [![Watch from the Beginnning of the Transformation!](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/3954028/b9cf865e-6b25-45f0-b303-9eb4824669b4.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/3954028/b9cf865e-6b25-45f0-b303-9eb4824669b4) --- #### [![Sarah Richardson Designs Logo](https://blog.normerica.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Sarah%20Richardson%20Designs%20Logo.jpg?width=176&name=Sarah%20Richardson%20Designs%20Logo.jpg)](http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/)[About Sarah Richardson](http://www.sarahrichardsondesign.com/) An award-winning designer and television personality Sarah Richardson is the host and co-producer of eight HGTV lifestyle series which are seen in over 100 countries. Sarah’s practical and inspiring approach to design teaches viewers how to turn ordinary spaces into magazine-worthy rooms! Pick up for her bestselling books: Sarah Style and At Home: Sarah Style (Simon & Schuster) at your local book retailer, and catch her on HGTV or right here on YouTube as she documents are daily Design Life and brings viewers along for the ride! #### [About Design Life](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBdM_E_tNEIx1DIssu9so1Q?sub_confirmation=1) Sarah Richardson is always renovating, building and designing lots of projects all at once, and now she’s sharing them with you in her brand-new Design Life video series. It’s REAL LIFE, REAL DESIGN - a brand new as-it-happens series and it’s only on the Sarah Richardson YouTube channel. You can watch ANY TIME, from ANYWHERE in the world, and you can vote, weigh in, and be a part of the action as it all unfolds!     ## About Normerica Since 1979, Normerica has created the highest quality timber frame homes and buildings across North America and around the world. Our decades of timber frame experience and expert in-house design capabilities have given us the ability to offer a high level of customization and design flexibility – a key advantage of timber frame homes and post and beam construction.  ### Recent Posts ### Categories - [Bungalow](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/bungalow) - [Cathedral Ceiling](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cathedral-ceiling) - [Choosing a Custom Home Builder](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/choosing-a-custom-home-builder) - [Construction Financing](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/construction-financing) - [Contemporary Homes](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/contemporary-homes) - [Cost of Building a Timber Frame Home](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cost-of-building-a-timber-frame-home) - [Cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cottage) - [Cottage Life Show](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/cottage-life-show) - [Custom Timber Frame Home Blog](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/custom-timber-frame-home-blog) - [Environmentally Friendly Home](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/environmentally-friendly-home) - [Featured Publications](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/featured-publications) - [Great Room](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/great-room) - [Green Building](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/green-building) - [Green House](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/green-house) - [House Designs](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/house-designs) - [House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/house-plans) - [How To Build A Custom Home](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/how-to-build-a-custom-home) - [Lakeside Cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/lakeside-cottage) - [Modern House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/modern-house-plans) - [Net Zero Homes](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/net-zero-homes) - [Post and Beam Construction](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/post-and-beam-construction) - [Promotions](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/promotions) - [Screened-In Porch](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/screened-in-porch) - [Shows](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/shows) - [Timber Frame Homes To Love](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-homes-to-love) - [Timber Frame House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/timber-frame-house-plans) - [Timber Framing Experts](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/timber-framing-experts) - [Traditional House Plans](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/traditional-house-plans) - [Waterfront Cottage](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/tag/waterfront-cottage) Interested in Our Custom Homes? Start a conversation! ![](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Normerica_updated_blog_theme_52_pickup/images/green-arrow.svg) ![](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/raw_assets/public/Normerica_updated_blog_theme_52_pickup/images/start-a-conversation-iamge.jpg) ### Read Further [![Customized Normerica Rocklyn timber frame home on Georgian Bay in winter, featuring a two-storey window wall and four-season sunroom addition](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/IMG_5574.jpeg) A View Worth Building For: A Customized Rocklyn on Georgian Bay Normerica Timber Homes 07 Jul, 2026 / 3 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/a-view-worth-building-for-a-customized-rocklyn-on-georgian-bay) [![What Does a Timber Frame Home Actually Cost? A Complete Guide to Budgeting Your Build](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Cost%20of%20Building%20a%20Timber%20Frame%20Home%20Blog%20Normerica%20Header%20Update%202-1.png) What Does a Timber Frame Home Actually Cost? Normerica Timber Homes 20 Jul, 2026 / 7 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/understanding-the-true-cost-of-building-your-dream-timber-frame-home) [![best of cottage designs muskoka room screened in porch three season room lakeside living](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Rennie.jpg) Building a Muskoka Room / Screened In Porch in Your Timber Frame Home Normerica Timber Homes 08 Apr, 2022 / 10 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/cottage-designs-muskoka-room-screened-in-porch) [![Up to $130,000 in HST relief on a new custom timber frame home — exterior view of a Normerica timber frame home surrounded by mature trees and landscaping](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/Normerica%20HST%20Blog%20Banner%20June%2026%202026.png) Up to $130,000 in HST Relief on a New Build…Here’s What We Know Normerica Timber Homes 23 Jun, 2026 / 6 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/hst-relief-new-build-ontario) [![mar14_fusstruss](https://blog.normerica.com/hubfs/mar14_fusstruss.jpg) The Fuss About Trusses normerica\_ 10 Mar, 2014 / 1 min read](https://blog.normerica.com/blog/the-fuss-about-trusses) ## Office [645 Veterans Drive, Unit H Barrie, Ontario Canada L4N 9H8](https://maps.app.goo.gl/hXRbfndK6bWDA8Qd8) [info@normerica.com](mailto:info@normerica.com) [+1 (800) 361-7449](tel:+18003617449) [+1 (705) 431-4710](tel:+17054314710) ## Opening Hours Monday to Friday 8:30am – 5:00pm By appointment only. 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