Home is more than just a place to hang your hat – it’s where your personality takes centre stage. From the bold statement piece in your living room to the cosy throw draped just so, every detail tells a story about who you are. Few understand this better than Amanda Bell, the owner of Lexi + Lake Home, a Kelowna-based furniture design and accessories store that transforms houses into homes with character.
Driven by passion and a flair for design, Amanda has built her business on the belief that home furnishings should elevate both your style and your spirit. Offering furniture, accessories, bespoke interior design services and white-glove delivery, she’s taken Lexi + Lake Home from a local gem to a must-visit destination. In just four years, Amanda’s unrelenting drive and creativity have helped her expand her business fourfold, proving that when you love what you do, anything is possible.
Originally from Regina, Saskatchewan, Amanda always knew she would end up in the Okanagan. Growing up, she spent her summers visiting Kelowna, enchanted by the region’s beauty and lifestyle.
“I knew this was where I wanted to build my life, so I packed up my car and made the move,” she says.
Her first steps into the professional world began in real estate. Earning her license at the age of 21, she discovered a natural talent for connecting with people and understanding their needs. She soon transitioned into the design industry, starting at the ground level. From learning about furniture and appliances to building a network of clients and collaborators, Amanda steadily climbed the ranks, gaining invaluable experience along the way.
“The projects I worked on got bigger and more exciting,” she recalls, her passion evident.
That passion reached new heights when, in 2020, she took over Lexi + Lake, a boutique interior design store that has since become synonymous with timeless style and elevated living.
“I often think, ‘I haven’t done this before, so let’s make it happen.’”
For Amanda, the leap to entrepreneurship was both bold and serendipitous. Having spent 11 years with a well-known fine furniture and design store, she was involved in the growth and evolution of the business. She credits this period for teaching her the intricacies of managing a design operation, from selecting furniture lines to fostering client relationships. When the opportunity to buy Lexi + Lake came along, it was a natural progression.
“I’d been approached about buying the business in 2018, but at the time, I wasn’t quite ready,” she says. “Then COVID hit, and everything shifted. People were staying home, spending money on renovations and furniture. Despite the challenges, it felt like the right moment to move forward.”
Under Amanda’s stewardship, Lexi + Lake Home transformed. What was once a small, accessory-focused boutique evolved into a full-service design firm offering furniture, curated décor and comprehensive interior solutions. Her vision was clear: to elevate the brand while staying true to its roots.
Her ability to adapt has been key to its success. Whether working with a hockey player who wanted a camouflage chair for his monochromatic living room – “I just said, ‘No, absolutely not,’” she laughs – or helping a downsizing couple make the most of their new 1,000-square-foot condo, Amanda’s approach is always client-focused.
“It’s their home,” she says. “It’s about listening to what they want and helping them achieve it.” From small spaces that demand multifunctional furniture to sprawling 17,000-square-foot homes that require careful attention to scale, Amanda and her team thrive on variety. Every project is an opportunity to create something meaningful and personal.
For Amanda, her work is more than a job; it’s a lifelong passion.
“Whether it’s a candle or a $20,000 sofa arriving at our back door, I still get so excited,” she admits.
Her enthusiasm is infectious, helping drive her team forward and inspiring those around her. This passion has also fueled Lexi + Lake’s remarkable growth. Over the past four years, the business has expanded from one warehouse to seven and introduced a delivery service that has become another hallmark of the brand.
Amanda is always thinking ahead. In fact, Lexi + Lake Home recently launched its own pillow line and curated bedding collection, with a furniture line in the works.
“I often think, ‘I haven’t done this before, so let’s make it happen,’” she says, her entrepreneurial spirit shining through.
She’s also attuned to the latest design trends, which she says currently lean toward warm, organic palettes and layered textures.
“We’re seeing a shift back to caramels, warm browns and earthy tones,” she notes. “Even in a monochromatic space, textures add depth and interest.”
As an animal lover and dog mom to a Rottweiler, Amanda understands the importance of livable design.
“It means nothing if you can’t live with it,” she says, emphasizing the need for durability and practicality.
Whether it’s high-performance fabrics from Spain and Italy or modular furniture that adapts to changing needs, her designs are as functional as they are beautiful. Lighting, which she calls the “jewellery” of a room, is another area where she shines, using it to add personality and polish to every space.
While online retailers continue to dominate certain landscapes, Amanda is seeing a growing appreciation for brick-and-mortar local businesses.
“People are realizing the environmental and financial costs of throwaway furniture,” she explains. “Many of my clients appreciate that they are purchasing quality pieces that last.”
This philosophy aligns perfectly with Amanda’s own approach, which prioritizes craftsmanship and longevity over fleeting trends.
Amanda’s story is a powerful reflection of what can be achieved with passion, resilience and a genuine connection to community. Looking ahead, Amanda is focused on adapting, innovating, and leading the charge in the ever-evolving design landscape.
“The future is full of possibilities,” she says.
And with her vision and drive, the best is surely yet to unfold.
This feature appeared in the January edition of Boulevard Okanagan.
