Well, it’s been a year, hasn’t it? There have been a lot of ways we’ve attempted to distract ourselves through this can’t-wait-to-see-the-back-end-of-it year that is 2020 – upping our sourdough game, Zoom pub quiz nights, putting our Christmas lights up a month early – but one of our favourites continues to be just this: gazing at gorgeous home designs from across the West.

Because there’s nothing we love more than celebrating the best architecture and design in Western Canada, and thus: our 4th Annual Western Living Home of the Year.

A gorgeous Whistler getaway, a striking “pixel” house in Vancouver, a contemporary Calgary home designed to evolve with as its family grows – each finalist here is thoughtful, beautiful and already a winner in our books. Now it’s up to you to decide which home should be crowned our WL 2020 Home of the Year. 

Once you’ve chosen your favourite home, scroll to the bottom to the poll, where you can vote. You can vote as many times as you’d like, and share your favourites with friends. We'll be narrowing it down to the top five on Wednesday, December 9, and crowning the victor€”2019's Western Living Home of the Year€”on Wednesday, December 16.

And in the meantime, take a little inspiration from these gorgeous homes of 2020!

1. Whistler Wonder

 A warm contemporary design in Whistler from Mitchell Freedland just begs for weekends by the fire.

2. Artful Beauty

Designer Robert Bailey elevates simplicity to an art form in the subtle and careful design of this Vancouver home.

 3. Island Getaway

The design of this Salt Spring Island home by architect Fook Weng Chan and designer Amanda Hamilton began with the architect camping on the property for a few days.

4. Smart Style Townhome

A once-tacky '90s townhouse was no match for interior designer Stephanie Brown, even with a baby on the way.

5. Room to Grow

The team at Calgary’s Reena Sotropa In House Design Group were tasked with creating a forever-home for a growing family of five.

6. Bright and Light

The team at Falken Reynolds helps a family transition from close quarters to this airy dream home€”without the growing pains.

7. Festive Contemporary

Designer Gillian Segal brings home the Festival of Lights in glorious silvers, whites and blues.

8. Pixel Perfect

A Vancouver home by Measured Architecture is a gorgeous study of materials, from its confetti-like exterior to its boldly beautiful interiors.

 

9. Incredibly Fun

A Calgary reno from the team at Paul Lavoie Interior Design strikes a balance between elegant restraint and glittering exuberance€”plus a few pleasingly placed unicorns.

10. Calming Contemporary

AK Design used a timeless palette and natural elements to give this home lifelong style.

11. Destination: Design

Texture, pattern and colour collide with abandon in this PlaidFox Studio-designed Vancouver loft€”and the homeowners say: €œBring it on.€

 

12. Holiday Magic

Designer Alykhan Velji revisits one of his designs to bring a modern holiday spirit to a chic Calgary home.

 

13. Modern Glam

Melanie Finkleman of Hazel and Brown Design brings a little rock-star edge to a heritage home in Vancouver.

14. Oceanfront Beauty

Madeleine Design Group designed this four-bedroom getaway atop an ocean bluff for a retired couple.

 15. Mountain Modern

A chic chalet from Form Interiors takes mountain living to new peaks.