CALGARY — Marcia Andreychuk and Joel Hamilton are living in a Simpson-esque orange, blue and purple dream.
The two have been slowly transforming the kitchen in their home in southeast Calgary into a replica of the one inhabited by Marge and Homer Simpson, the popular cartoon family on "The Simpsons," which has been on TV for 26 seasons.
"It's not a renovation. It's a retrovation," said Andreychuk, 43, with a laugh. "I don't like those gutted, new, modular, everybody-has-them kitchens. I like the colour. I love the style. It just delights us."
So far the cupboards are a match — oversized, cartoonish cabinets and doorknobs. Andreychuk managed to find a perfect match for the corncob curtains above the kitchen sink.
"I was able to order the fabric off of a website that you can upload any graphic to and they will take it and print it on fabric."
She used contact paper, which is similar to shelf liner, to provide the correct colour to countertops, cabinets, fridge and stove.
Renovations began on what has become a labour of love at the beginning of the year and the room remains a work in progress.
Andreychuk is still hoping for actual avocado green appliances, which are expensive, and an orange slimline telephone.
"When I suggested to Joel I kind of want to update the kitchen — let's do it like the Simpsons — he bought in immediately," Andreychuk said.
"He is a huge Simpsons fan. He's been following the show since he was the age of Bart, when the show first started, and so there was no discussion, nothing but, yes, let's do this."
Hamilton, 34, said he was hooked on the show after watching the first episode.
"I was the one raised into it. I didn't have a choice. At the age I was at and the impressionable state I was at, I automatically was given into the Simpsons cult."
The couple has been together for four years and intends to complete the kitchen as close to the original design as possible. The key to that is the appliances.
"They're just like a diamond ring," said Hamilton. "That's what I told Marcia — that she's going to get a $100 engagement ring and a $3,000 range.
"I think that is a commitment of cultural status."
The couple don't expect to completely redo the house in Simpsons style, but joke about turning the basement into Moe's Tavern, Homer's favourite watering hole.
Hamilton said every time he goes into the kitchen it catches him by surprise.
"When you see it, it kind of brings a smile to your face. The colours are very vibrant."
