When Cara Lawson put her name forward to decorate a room of the 2009 PNE prize home, she had other challenges on her mind, like how long it would be before she'd walk again.

Not long before, the interior designer had seriously injured herself in a waterskiing accident while vacationing in Osoyoos, and had needed surgery to reattach her hamstring.

And while her leg will never be 100 per cent again, Lawson said the experience of having something she'd always taken for granted – unlimited use of her legs – ripped away made her truly appreciate the ability to complete even the most mundane tasks, including dishes.

And it made the chance to be involved in the prize home all the sweeter.

"I couldn't even walk when I put my name forth," said Lawson, an Earl Marriott Secondary alumni and owner of Cara's Designs in White Rock.

"When all of a sudden you're incapable of doing something, when you are capable, you're that much hungrier for it."

Work to get the 2009 prize home ready began last fall. Lawson was chosen to design the girl's room, exactly what the mother of two boys had been hoping for.

She envisioned a chandelier, wallpaper, purples and flowers – everything she could imagine her goddaughter would love to come home to.

"I just played on it. It just kind of transpired from that," said Lawson.

While the wallpaper concept was axed, as the house is destined to be relocated to Kelowna, Lawson came up with the idea of adorning the painted surface with swarovski crystals.

Next came designs for a upholstered, fireplace-mantle headboard; then, she found a European-feel dresser.

Throughout, Lawson focused on ensuring the lines of the room flowed.

She is thrilled with the result, which people may have a sneak peak at from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday (Aug. 9), during the final preview before the PNE opens on Aug. 22.

Lawson described the opportunity to be part of the prize home team as an honour, and said she can't imagine a career doing anything other than designing. Even as a little girl, she would come up with ways to add her own special touch to a room.

"I love what I do," said Lawson. "It's just so much fun.

The 3,000-plus-square-foot home also features energy-efficient solar panels, hot water on demand, in-floor heating and a roof made of rubber from recycled tires.

It will be open for viewing throughout the 17-day fair, which runs until Sept. 7.

Tickets are five for $25 or 15 for $50, and include chances to win early bird, getaway and vehicle prizes. The grand prize package includes a $2,500 grocery package and one year of housecleaning services.

For more information, visit www.pneprizehome.ca