Decorating & Design
An NHL Goalie & A Baker Find Their Sweet Escape In The Suburbs
Published on July 5, 2021
When Maple Leafs goalie Michael Hutchinson married Jenna Hutchinson, he knew she wasn’t going to be a stereotypical “hockey wife.” And he was right. Her busy career running a successful Winnipeg cake shop, Jenna Rae Cakes, meant that she was often at home while he was on the road with the team. And then came her biggest challenge yet: building and decorating their new home.
When they eventually needed more space for their baby, Lilah, 2, Jenna was up for the challenge of building something new with the help of Artista Homes and local designer Jaclyn Peters — a process that ending up being a two-year adventure. Set over three levels, the 2,400-square-foot house is decorated in a relaxed mix of modern style and vintage flair. Jaclyn’s design directive was simple: add some character, make it interesting and keep things warm and inviting.
Michael, in particular, wanted a house that was open and great for entertaining, a place where his kids would want to bring their friends to play. “I’ve been on the road for my whole career,” he says. “This is my 11th year of playing hockey and renting, so to have a home of my own where I can have friends and family over is a dream. I never want to leave.”
Jenna and Jaclyn worked closely together on key design decisions. Many rooms in the house have a more neutral, tone-on-tone base, giving Jaclyn the opportunity to layer in interesting textures, brass accents, and colorful rugs, throws and pillows for a warm and inviting look. And with baby number two on the way, nothing is too precious. With easy-care quartz counters, washable fabrics and engineered white oak flooring throughout, everything can stand up to a growing family. “My goal is always to make a home feel lived in,” says Jaclyn. “This house looks like it has a history, even though it’s a new structure with all-new furniture.”
According to Jenna, they’re staying put for the foreseeable future. “No matter where Michael’s career takes us, this will always be our home base,” she says. “I can’t ever see leaving this house, my twin sister or our business.” With a house like this, there’s no better treat.”
Scroll down to see more of this warm and welcoming family home!
Ariana Tennyson
House & Home June 2021
Jaclyn Peters