At Alair Homes, we know that a home is more than just a structure, it’s a reflection of how you live, feel, and connect within your space. That’s why we value working alongside thoughtful, design-driven partners like Elevated Living, whose approach to interiors brings both beauty and purpose into every home.
We spoke with Kara Neufeld from Elevated Living to learn more about how her business began, what inspires the team’s designs, and how they create spaces that feel as good as they look.
Project Featured: The Wasagaming Renovation
Inspired Interiors
Q: Can you share the story behind Elevated Living, how it got started and where it is today?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an interior designer. Growing up on a farm in rural Manitoba, it felt more like a dream than a realistic career path. After school, I followed other passions in the health field and entrepreneurship, while building and flipping homes with my husband on the side.
Over time, my passion for interiors and construction only grew stronger. Eventually, I decided to take the leap and pursue what had always felt like a calling.
Building Elevated Living has been such a meaningful journey. I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have the support of amazing people along the way, and over the past few years we’ve grown the studio from the ground up. Where we are today is something I’m very proud of, and we’re just getting started.
Q: What inspires you and your team when designing interiors that truly feel like home?
It may sound simple, but we’re truly inspired by our clients.
While I have a strong sense of my own design style, every client brings something unique, their preferences, their routines, the way they live in their home. Our role is to really understand that and translate it into a space that feels like them.
That process constantly challenges us to stay creative and intentional. While every project carries a touch of Elevated Living, each one is thoughtfully curated to reflect the client in a way that feels personal, functional, and elevated.
Creating Thoughtful Spaces
Q: What types of interior design projects does Elevated Living specialize in?
We specialize in full-service residential design, working on both renovations and new builds. That said, we’ve also had the opportunity to take on some incredible commercial projects, and we’re excited to continue growing that side of our portfolio.
Q: Can you tell us about a memorable project you’ve worked on with Alair Homes?
There have been many great collaborations with Alair, but one project that really stands out is the Wasagaming cottage in Clear Lake.
The transformation of that space, from a small family cottage into a beautifully updated retreat with expansive lake views, was incredibly rewarding. But what made it truly memorable was the story behind it.
Projects are always about more than the structure itself. Working alongside Cody Silvius and the Alair team is always a great experience, but it was the clients and the history tied to that cottage that made it so meaningful. It was an honour to help preserve those memories while bringing new life to the space.
Design That Works for Real Life
Q: How do you approach balancing beautiful design with practical, everyday living?
For us, there’s no real value in beautiful design if it doesn’t function well for everyday life.
We spend a lot of time getting to know our clients, how they live, move through their space, and what they need day-to-day. We always design for function first, and then layer in the Aesthetics.
We also believe that your environment has a direct impact on how you feel and show up in your life. When a space is both functional and thoughtfully designed, it can support a lifestyle that feels calmer, more inspiring, and more enjoyable overall.
Q: What interior design trends or styles are you most excited about right now?
We don’t tend to design around trends, we focus on creating spaces that feel timeless and will age well over time. That said, I love seeing a shift away from overly stark, all-white interiors.
There’s a growing appreciation for natural materials and warmth, wood, stone, metals, and layered textures like linen.
Those elements bring depth and character into a space, and create an environment that feels more grounded and inviting.
The Power of Collaboration
Q: How do you collaborate with builders, trades, and homeowners to bring a design vision to life?
At the core of everything we do is relationships.
We place a high value on trust, communication, and respect, whether it’s with our clients, builders, trades, or vendors. The best projects are always the result of a strong, aligned team.
We take the time to build those relationships and ensure everyone involved feels informed, supported, and working toward the same vision.
Q: What does your design process typically look like from the first consultation to the final details?
Our process begins as early as possible, ideally when the project is still just an idea.
We start with an on-site consultation to understand the space, the goals, and to ensure we’re the right fit. From there, we move into a conceptual design and budget review to align the overall vision with a realistic investment early on.
Once approved, we move into full design development, creating detailed drawings, selections, and a comprehensive, fully quoted budget. We present everything together so clients can clearly see and understand the full scope before construction begins.
From there, we collaborate closely with builders and trades throughout construction, right through to the final installation and styling.
Our goal is for the entire experience to feel clear, supportive, and even enjoyable, for both our clients and the teams we work alongside.
Designing for the Future
Q: What advice would you give homeowners who are starting to think about working with an interior designer?
If you’re considering working with a designer, I’d encourage you to start with a conversation and see if it feels like the right fit.
A well-planned design process helps create a more cohesive result, reduces costly mistakes, and ultimately saves both time and money. More importantly, it turns what can often feel like an overwhelming process into something much more supported and enjoyable.
Q: What excites you most about the future of Elevated Living?
I’m really excited about what’s ahead for us.
We’re continuing to grow the studio, refine our process, and push ourselves creatively with each project. I’m looking forward to continuing to expand our team and the level of service we can offer our clients.
Interior design in Manitoba is still evolving, and it’s exciting to be part of that growth, to help elevate the standard and bring thoughtful, well-executed design to more homes.
