KateBuilds - Kate Campbell

Two Months In: Life at the Beach

Posted on 22 July 202522 July 2025 by Kate Campbell

I can hardly believe it’s been almost two months since we moved into our dream beach house. In some ways, it feels like we’ve only just arrived. In other ways, it feels like we’ve lived a thousand lifetimes since crossing the threshold for the very first time.

Moving with a one-year-old is a different kind of endurance challenge and if we ever do this again (and I sincerely hope we don’t anytime soon), we are 100% hiring movers. Doing it ourselves and working during nap times, snack breaks, bedtime routines, and while trying to keep a crawling toddler from scaling furniture, felt borderline impossible. Every night, Matt and I would collapse onto whatever surface was closest and high-five each other just for surviving another day (if we had the energy).

Despite the chaos, we were riding the high of new homeownership. That is, until we left the country.

Just two weeks after moving in, we packed our bags (again!) and headed off to the UK for a testimonial hockey game. For those who don’t know, a testimonial is a special match played in honour of a player who’s dedicated ten years to their team. This one was for Joey, a Cardiff Devil and one of Matt’s former teammates. Matt was invited to play, and for him, it was more than just lacing up his skates again, it was a homecoming and a way to really close out his career because his last season had been quashed by the pandemic.

I had never seen Matt play professionally before. We met after he retired. So watching him take the ice, suited up with his old teammates, was emotional in the best way. He also wanted Griffin to be there — to see his dad in action, even if he won’t remember it. (Luckily, we’ve got the photos and videos to prove it happened!)

We turned the trip into a whirlwind mini-tour. We visited a dear friend of mine in the Cotswolds, soaked in the stunning countryside, and then spent a few days in London. But let me tell you — travelling internationally with a one-year-old during a heat wave is not for the faint of heart. Between the 2-hour ferry, 9.5-hour flight and a 3-hour drive to Cardiff… we were absolutely running on fumes. I swear, somewhere over the Atlantic, Griffin had a full-blown existential crisis. We all did.

When we got home, we were exhausted. Jet-lagged. Emotionally tapped. And, of course…the moving process was still not done.

Because, surprise! While we were away, we finalized the private sale of our old house in Nanaimo. Which meant more U-Haul trips, more heavy lifting, and more of the good ol’ “just toss it in the garage and we’ll deal with it later” game plan. Our new house looked like the inside of a storage unit for weeks. There were days I couldn’t find a single pair of matching socks or a coffee mug. Still, we kept inching forward, one box at a time.

And here’s the thing no one prepares you for: moving really shines a harsh spotlight on how much stuff you own. Like, how? How did we accumulate so many things?

Matt spent most of his adult life living out of suitcases while traveling the world for hockey. He never really put down roots for long enough to gather clutter. And when I moved across the country nearly five years ago, I did a massive purge. I sold or gave away almost everything that didn’t fit in the back of my truck and I only really shipped my tools out here (because this girl could never part from her tools!). So where did all this stuff come from?

We kept finding boxes labeled with things like “cables,” “random decor,” or my personal favourite: “probably junk.” I found two crockpots. TWO. We are a family of three humans — we do not need two crockpots.

Only in the past few weeks have we started to feel a shift from surviving to settling. Little routines are forming. We’re starting to see the floor again. Griffin’s toys have found semi-permanent homes (until he relocates them). The boxes are slowly disappearing.

But even in the chaos, one feeling has stayed constant: awe.

Every single day, one of us says it: “Can you believe we live here?” Because the magic of this place? It’s not just in the view. It’s in the way it showed up for us the moment we arrived.

We got possession at 3:30 p.m. on a sunny afternoon. We pulled up, unloaded the truck just enough to find the essentials, and made a beeline to the water. That’s when we saw them: at least twenty bald eagles lining the shoreline. Perched quietly, watching us. Welcoming us. We stood there in silence, completely mesmerized.

Later that evening, after Griffin had gone to bed, Matt and I sat outside on our deck. Champagne in hand, gifted by our realtor, watching the sky begin to turn that soft golden-pink you only get near the ocean. And then I saw it. A movement in the water. Far out. Big.

“No way,” I whispered and pointed. Then Matt saw it too. Humpback whales. Breaching. Putting on a full performance. Right in front of us. Right there.

In the five years I’ve lived on Vancouver Island, I’ve only seen whales breach like that once before. And here they were, on our very first night. In our very own back yard.

As if that wasn’t enough, the sky began to shift again. What we thought at first was light pollution turned into something far more magical: the northern lights.

Bald eagles. Breaching whales. The aurora borealis. On our first night in our new home.

It felt like nature itself was wrapping us in a warm, wild welcome. Like the universe was saying, “You’re in the right place.”

And in that moment, I felt my Dad with me.

He would’ve loved this house. This view. This feeling. He would’ve wandered around with Griffin on his hip, pointing at his favourite trees and building us our first beach fire (which he would have tended to all night). He would’ve poured us each a glass of wine and said, “Well, Katie — this is UNNNN-believable.”

I sat out on the deck long after Matt had gone to bed. Staring up at the sky. Listening to the quiet. Feeling the ache of grief and the warmth of love all at once. I miss him. I always will. But in that moment, I felt him. His energy. His joy. His pride.

He’s here. In the trees. In the waves. In the light.

This house needs work. A lot of it. We’re still living in the mess. Still trying to figure out where everything goes, how to manage renovations around toddler naps, and how to give ourselves grace on the days it all feels too big.

But this is home.

And we are exactly where we’re meant to be.

I Found the One: Our Dream Oceanfront Fixer-Upper

Posted on 2 May 20252 May 2025 by Kate Campbell

You know those moments where your gut just knows before your head catches up? That was me, scrolling through house listings on a random weekend, half-searching and half-dreaming (as always!). Matt walked into the room mid-scroll and without even thinking, I looked up and said:

“I think I found the one.”

Turns out, I actually did.

Ever since I uprooted my life in Ontario to relocate on Vancouver Island four years ago, the dream of oceanfront living has been burning inside of me. Honestly, the dream felt like just that — a dream. Something that probably wouldn’t happen for a very, very long time…if at all.

But, this house — no, this place — is something special. It’s not perfect. In fact, it’s far from it, but that’s what I loved about it. I knew immediately that it had good bones, soul, charm, and the kind of potential that makes your hands itch to start tearing down walls and rebuilding dreams.

It’s 4,000+ square feet of mid-century vibes and funky angles, sitting right on the ocean. Yup — salt in the air, and waves crashing right in our backyard. It’s ours. And it needs a lot of love.

We probably got this house because a lot of other buyers just couldn’t see past the work. The price had been reduced—more than once—which usually means it’s scaring people off. And to be fair, it needs a ton of work and a lot of people can’t see past the peeling paint, outdated layout, or the sheer scale of what it would take to bring a place like this back to life.

It’s not just the money—it’s the vision, the knowledge, and the skills to actually pull off a massive renovation (or at least knowing you’ll be able to figure it out along the way!). I think that’s where most buyers tap out.

But this? This is exactly what I live for: to take something that’s been neglected and turn it into something extraordinary. Not everyone sees the potential in a fixer-upper, but I do. I think that’s a huge advantage—not just being able to imagine what it could be, but actually knowing how to make it happen.

That’s probably why this place sat on the market—and why it’s ours now.

Welcome to Our Next Big Project

This home is going to be a total transformation — the kind of project that will take vision, patience, grit, and about 47 gallons of coffee. And we’re bringing you along for every step.

I’m officially (re)starting my YouTube channel to document the process (think: full reno series, design plans, behind-the-scenes chaos, and some DIY wins and fails). You’ll also see tons of updates, real talk, and room-by-room reveals over on Instagram.

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s really like to take on a massive reno from the ground up (with a toddler in tow, a lot of power tools and right by the ocean), this is it.

A Quick Tour: How We Found It

From the outside, it might not scream “dream home” — yet. But take a look at this view 👇

📍 Nestled on the coast with 141 feet of walk-on waterfront access, the property is quiet, peaceful, and surrounded by tall trees and sea air. We’ve got a natural shoreline, space to breathe, and the kind of stillness that resets your nervous system in five minutes flat.

🏡 Inside? She’s got that retro lodge thing going on. Vaulted wood ceilings, giant beams, a central stone fireplace, and a layout that’s wild — and wildly exciting. It’s one of those homes where every room feels like a time capsule, just waiting for its moment to shine again.

💡 And yes, we’re keeping a lot of the character. We LOVE a good contrast between old soul and modern polish.

Why We Put in an Offer (and Got It!)

Here’s what sealed the deal for us:

The light. Huge windows everywhere. Even on a gray day, the place glows.
That layout. It’s a rancher (which I’ve heard most people love!) and the house runs lengthwise along the ocean, allowing for almost every room to have an ocean view. The layout is weird, it’s bold, and it’s going to make for the coolest before/afters.

The location. I mean… the ocean is RIGHT THERE. Come on.

The potential. This house wants to be amazing again. We’re going to make that happen.

We get the keys at the end of May and you better believe we’re showing up Day One with cameras, coffee, and a “to-do” list.

Let the Ideas Start Flowing…

The truth is, this isn’t just a house. It’s the beginning of something so much bigger — a place to raise our son, build new memories, and create content that shows what’s possible when you dare to tackle something this big. It’s messy, magical, and 100% aligns with who I am.

So here we go. Follow along as we bring this beauty back to life — one room, one wall, and one ocean view at a time.

Let’s build something unforgettable.

Kate 🙂
🛠️ @KateBuilds | YouTube launch coming soon!

Elevate Your Space: The Power of Wallpaper and Wall Decals in Room Makeovers

Posted on 17 February 202517 February 2025 by Kate Campbell

Today, we’re diving into one of my favourite design tools for easily transforming spaces:

Wallpaper and wall decals.

If you’re looking for a way to add personality, texture, and visual interest to your home without a major renovation, these versatile solutions are your new best friends. Whether you’re a renter, a homeowner, or someone who loves to refresh their space frequently, wallpaper and decals offer a practical and stylish way to make a big impact.

Let’s explore why these design elements are worth considering, how I’ve used them in my own home, and which products I recommend to get the job done.

Why Wallpaper and Wall Decals?

Wallpaper and wall decals are more than just decorative—they’re transformative. Here’s why they deserve a spot in your design toolkit:

Instant Transformation: A single accent wall or well-placed decal can completely change the look and feel of a room. It’s one of the fastest ways to elevate your space.
Versatility: From bold patterns to subtle textures, there’s a design for every style and space. Whether you’re going for modern, rustic, or whimsical, the options are endless.
Affordability: Compared to other renovation projects, wallpaper and decals are a cost-effective way to make a big statement.
Low Commitment: Especially with peel-and-stick options, these solutions are perfect for renters or anyone who likes to change things up without the hassle of repainting or retiling.
DIY-Friendly: Most wallpaper and decals are easy to apply, making them ideal for DIY enthusiasts. No need for professional help—just a steady hand and a little patience.

How I’ve Used Wallpaper and Decals in My Home

Let me walk you through a few real-life examples of how I’ve incorporated wallpaper and decals into my own spaces. These projects showcase the versatility and impact of these design tools. (Added bonus: if you want to order any of these products use KATE15OFF to enjoy 15% off your entire order at checkout (affiliate*)

1. Bathroom Renovation

This bathroom renovation was a full gut job. We stripped it right back to the studs and started from scratch, but when the renovation was almost complete, I felt like it was lacking something: personality!

I loved the fixtures and finishes we had chosen but it just needed a bit more pizzazz when you walked through the door. That’s when my designer friend – Ashley – owner of Studio AE Interior Design suggested that we install Urban Walls Decals to spice the space up a bit! Such a great idea!

I couldn’t choose which decal cluster was my fave, so I ordered both of these and combined them: (click button for direct link!)

Thistle and Palms Wall Decals

Bohemian Palm Wall Decal Clusters

They were so easy to install. They come in a big roll with all of the decals on it, so when you open up your package, you have to roughly cut out all of the individual decals. From there, you kind of just put it together like a puzzle. Ashley came over to help me out and we used painters tape to layout all of the decals on the wall before we actually installed them so we could visualize them in the space.

Once installed, you have to make sure all of the air bubbles are pushed out from under the decal. You could use a plastic trowel but we didn’t have one on hand so we actually ended up using Ashley’s credit card and it worked great. It took some patience and was a bit nerve wracking when we actually started to stick the decals to the wall but it kind of felt like we were putting together a big puzzle. It was so satisfying to see how it all came together!

I love how it wrapped into the corner and behind the mirror

The prettiest toilet decals you ever did see!

The best part? If I ever want to change the look, I can simply peel them off and start fresh. It’s a win-win for style and practicality.

2. Laundry Room Backsplash with Wall Decals

Let’s be honest: laundry rooms are often overlooked when it comes to design. But why should they be? I already don’t really LOVE doing laundry, so I at least want a space that I love to be in when I’m doing it.

This laundry room had a bit of a tricky layout so I worked with Stor-X Nanaimo in order to maximize the storage in this space. I ended up with more than enough storage, which included two laundry hampers for dirty laundry, an upright storage area for my mop, vacuums and bulkier items and open shelving.

After they were done installing the cabinets, I decided once again, that the space needed a bit more personality. Instead of doing a full tile backspash, I decided installing some decals would do the trick!

I opted for the Mini Cactus Garden Wall Decals – these decals make any wall pop and every time I see them, they make me smile. With colourful mini cacti designs, they transformed this space with a touch of southwest charm.

Mini Cactus Garden Wall Decals

The result was a space that felt bright, fun, and far more inviting. Plus, decals are incredibly easy to clean—just wipe them down with a damp cloth, and they look as good as new. It’s a small change that made a big difference in how I feel about doing laundry.

3. My Son’s Nursery with Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

When I found out I was pregnant, the initial shock and excitement eventually settled, and I turned my attention to designing the nursery. The room that would become my son’s nursery had plain light blue walls that lacked dimension. I wanted the space to feel cozy, inviting, and a little whimsical, with a touch of West Coast charm. Peel-and-stick wallpaper turned out to be the perfect solution.

I chose the L akeview Wallpaper from Urban Walls to install on the upper 1/3rd of the walls. This wallpaper showcases a scenic, hand-drawn forest landscape featuring bears, moose, and trees, adding a sophisticated yet playful touch.

Lakeview Wallpaper

The wallpaper introduces intricate patterns and a storytelling element, turning the wall into a focal point without overwhelming the space. It also draws the eye upward, making the room feel more dynamic and engaging.

The installation was surprisingly easy considering I was doing it by myself while sleep deprived (helloooo four month sleep regression) and only during nap times (Griffin was still sleeping in our room in a bassinet). I took my time with the first piece and made sure it was completely level. I started by pulling the paper backer far enough down from the top corner that I could stick it to the wall. I pulled the paper backer at a 45 degree angle, down and away from the ceiling (SLOWLY) and made sure to smooth out the wallpaper as I went. If I had to pull the paper off the wall and adjust, it was easy to do so! Call me crazy, but I found it extremely satisfying lining up the little details in the wallpaper from one panel to the next. (I’m also that person who loves painting…so it tracks)

On the lower half of the wall, I installed a muted green board and batten wall panel accent which adds texture and depth, giving the space a polished, high-end feel. The overall effect is warm, inviting, and cohesive—perfect for a nature-inspired nursery.

Unlike traditional baby-themed décor that may feel outgrown in a few years, this wallpaper has a refined, classic style that can transition as my son grows. Whether the space evolves into a toddler’s room, a reading nook, or a more mature bedroom, the woodland theme remains stylish and timeless.

Why You Should Consider Wallpaper and Decals for Your Next Project

If you’re still on the fence, here’s why wallpaper and decals are worth a try:

Affordable Impact: These solutions offer a high-end look without the high-end price tag.
Renter-Friendly: Perfect for those who can’t make permanent changes to their space.
Customizable: With endless patterns, colors, and styles, you can create a look that’s uniquely yours.
Quick and Easy: Most projects can be completed in a weekend, making them ideal for busy homeowners.

Product Recap:

All of these products and more are available on the Urban Walls Website use KATE15OFF to enjoy 15% off your entire order at checkout (affiliate)

Thistle and Palms Wall Decals

Bohemian Palm Wall Decal Clusters

Mini Cactus Garden Wall Decals

Lakeview Wallpaper

Remember, use the promo code:

KATE15OFF to enjoy 15% off your entire order at checkout (affiliate)

Your Walls, Your Canvas

At the end of the day, your home should reflect you—your style, your personality, your quirks. And wallpaper and decals are one of the easiest ways to make that happen. Whether you’re sprucing up a bathroom, adding flair to a laundry room, or creating a dreamy nursery, these products are your ticket to a space that’s as unique as you are.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab some decals, roll out that wallpaper, and let your creativity run wild.

Have you used wallpaper or decals in your home? Share your favorite projects in the comments—I’d love to hear your ideas!

Until next time, happy building! (and peeling and sticking!)

Kate 🙂