Rochester couple lets go of trends, leans into joy in home design – Post Bulletin
Becky and AJ Montpetit have made their Rochester home a cozy, creative hub for family life since 2019, settling in just months before the world shifted. Becky is a Rochester native through and through, while AJ brings a mix of Midwest and West Coast roots — born in Stillwater and raised between Southern California, Stillwater and Colorado. Together, they’re raising two energetic kids, now 9 and 11, alongside their beloved sheepadoodle sisters, Birdie and Bunnie.
AJ stays busy coaching youth sports and managing his business and career in digital presence and industry relations in the lumber and sawmill industry. Becky proudly wears the title of “professional know-it-all” as the owner of local lifestyle websites
and
— keeping families connected and communities thriving across the Midwest.
What words describe your home and home style?
Cozy, comfortable, and lived-in, with a “collected over time” kind of feel. Layered textures, warm lighting, and pieces that tell a story. It is the kind of space where you can kick off your shoes and feel instantly at ease.
Do you have a favorite room or space in your home?
Definitely the kitchen-living area. It’s open and welcoming, with a cozy dining nook, comfortable seating and a wood-burning fireplace that makes it feel extra special. It all flows together with the kitchen, so when we host, we can chat and visit while I prep dinner. It’s such a lovely, inviting space, and with the big picture window looking out onto our deck, it always feels bright and connected to the outdoors.
Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin
What’s the most unique, unexpected and/or loved feature in your home?
The second full kitchen downstairs. It’s completely original to the house, built in 1964. The cupboards, countertops, wallpaper and even the appliances are still intact, and it’s the most charming space. Even more special, it connects us to the home’s history. The original owners, who lived here until we moved in, were big on hospitality. They often hosted medical students and threw fun parties using that kitchen. We’ve carried on that tradition, and it feels really meaningful to use the space in the same way they did.
Are there any items in your home that have sentimental value?
One of the most meaningful pieces is a mural we recently commissioned from our friend and Rochester artist, Cassandra Buck. It lives in the stairwell that leads from our main floor to the downstairs living space, and we wanted it to feel really personal to us. Each member of our family is represented by an animal in the mural, which makes it even more special.
What role does functionality play in your design choices?
Our mudroom is truly the workhorse of our home. It’s spacious, tiled, and super practical with a big pantry, a closet, plenty of hooks for all the things, and the cherry on top: a sink area and what we lovingly call the Water Closet (yes, just a tiny room with a toilet).
Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin
How do you incorporate your personality or lifestyle into your decor?
I used to be so caught up in trends and trying to figure out what our personal style even was. But somewhere along the way, I let all that go and just started decorating from the heart. Now, our home is filled with personal memories, mementos, colors and textures that might not follow any rule book, but they feel like us. I’m guided by what brings us joy and what feels like home. I want everyone who walks through our door to feel comfortable and at ease, but most importantly, we want our family to feel like this is their safe place to land.
Any upcoming projects or purchases on the horizon/wish list?
Since we have an older home, there’s always something on the list — upkeep is just part of the deal. But truly, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I love everything about this home and never want to leave.
What upgrades/DIY projects are your most proud of?
I’m most proud of our recent renovation of the downstairs living space. I acted as the contractor on the project, with design help from my talented friends Nicole Pierson Designs and Annie Henderson of City Wide Appraisals and Forager Brewery. It was challenging but so fun. We aimed for a vintage-inspired, lived-in feel that would allow for multiple things happening at once — games, conversation, lounging — and of course, we made sure it would be perfect for hosting.
What advice would you give to someone on making a home be an authentic representation of themselves?
Our house didn’t really start to feel like home until I let go of expectations. We stopped worrying about what was trendy or “right” and just made choices based on what felt happy and comfy to us.
In your opinion, what makes a house a “home?”
Is it weird to say a when your house starts to feel like a family member? That’s exactly how it feels for me. I can’t imagine living anywhere else right now. This home has brought us so much comfort and security — it’s held both our happiest and hardest moments.
Do you know someone with a fantastic, fun or funky home? Send nominations to
with “Home Style” in the subject line.
Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin
Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin
Sophia Marschall / Post Bulletin
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