MAY 2013
open a new style in Canada Pages 24-25 FREE MONTHLY MAGAZINE DISTRIBUTED DIRECTLY TO HOUSEHOLDERS
Should you sell your home on your own? People often ask themselves whether they would be better off selling their home on their own. However, in my opinion, you should ask yourself a more important question: Do I want to receive the highest price possible and keep as much of it as possible? At first glance, these two questions may seem basically identical. People tend to think that the best way to retain more money from the sale of their home is to sell it directly, without involving an agent. Most people who look to sell on their own use discount companies like Property Guys, Common Sense Realty, and so on. These companies promise to “put money in your pocket”. But before sellers put any money into their own pocket, these companies charge the sellers up to $1500 - $2000 for supplies and services plus another $500 for listing the property on MLS. Of course, they offer no money-back guaranty if the house doesn’t sell. On the other hand, when you list with a realtor you pay nothing until you are satisfied with the price when an Offer comes in. All marketing-related expenses are incurred by the realtor. So you have no out of pocket expenses throughout the selling process. And, unlike those “do it yourself” companies, your realtor will coach you through the entire process.
Still, the most important aspect of selling is an MLS listing, isn’t it? After all, MLS is the open door to Realtor.ca – namely, to the public. With an MLS listing, why would anyone spend money on expensive ads or other marketing strategies? But here lies the rub. The ideal buyer is unlikely to be one who saw your listing on MLS on their own. The public perception about private sales is similar to the perception of all bargain hunters: The asking price of a home sold privately should be much lower than the price of a similar property in the neighbourhood sold through a real estate agent. How much lower? Well, at least 5% + HST lower! (a typical agent’s commission).
Imagine! Paradise in the City! Richmond Hill, Detached backing onto conservation area, quiet crescent, upgraded top to bottom 4 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, prof. fin. bsmnt, prof. landscaped & more. Coming soon on the market. Register for private viewing! Be the first in line!
Many of these sellers nonetheless encourage realtors to contact them directly and are willing to negotiate a commission of up to 2.5%. This is because they understand they need help from a realtor, but they still think they can save up to 2.5% by not using a listing agent. Sellers already pay the discount company, pay to print nice brochures, have to take time from work to show the house, and arrange for open houses on the weekends. In the end, between expenses and commission paid to the buyers’ agent, sellers can save around 1%. Does it outweigh the time, expenses, and emotional energy needed for selling on your own? In the next issue of All about Home we will discuss the topic further. For any questions you may have you can reach me by email soldbyrose@rogers.com or by calling me directly at (416) 410 SOLD (7653) Rose Printz is a Sales Representative with Royal LePage Partners Realty, and has been practicing real estate full time for the past 20 years
www.soldbyrose.ca
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We′ve Got The Right Mortgage For You! Within a wide variety of mortgages in TD Canada Trust Bank, there is certainly one that is the best for you. I am a specialist providing you with the consultation in your home, helping you make the optimal choice. If you want to: ● refinance ● switch your mortgage ● buy a house ● obtain a credit line Call me and receive a personal consultation!
May 2013 To advertise in All About Home magazine please contact us
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vivid accents that are not signs of bad taste but rather witness to your wish to introduce some joyous note into your everyday life. Just remember that balance is the key to good design, which, in this case, means not to overdo the dramatic: one or two bright spots will be enough to make the room look fresh and interesting.
Multicolour is Great This is yet another extreme notion, characteristic to a newly fledged amateur designer. Too many contrasts are wearisome for both the eye and the psyche, and a room thus decorated is not the best place for rest and relaxation.
My Favourite Colour Everywhere!
ERRORS
IN JUDGMENT We strive for the best result of our creative efforts when decorating our place of living. We try to make our surroundings beautiful, stylish, and comfortable. Nevertheless, sometimes we overdo it with basing our judgment on the design rules or, on the contrary, do not consider such rules when creating our decor. Both approaches lead to a look that is far from perfect. There are a few most frequently entertained but erroneous notions in the area of interior design. Blind Trend Following Even if a magazine picture of a well-appointed room has caught your attention copying it detail by detail is not a good idea. Yes, you will attain a trendy look but the question is will it have that individual quality everyone wants? Hardly. The best way to achieve this goal is to use the pic-
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ture as a guideline only adding your unique touch and your own taste.
Walls are the Most Important Thing! Not so. Ideally, the colour of the walls has to be matched to the existing furniture, and not the other way around. Start with buying the largest and more expensive pieces like seating furniture of a big rug. Base on them your selection of window dressing, paintings, and pictures, as well as lighting fixtures. Choosing wall coverings is the last step in the process; just make sure that your wall paint or wallpaper matches the rest of the decor.
Even if you adore the trendy pistachio, lavender, coral, or pink, it is not a good idea to have one of these tones prevail in a room. The excess of your favourite colour will probably turn from the source of joy to the cause for irritation and weariness as soon as in a few months. To avoid such an unfortunate turn of events, try to limit the use of these tones to the easily replaceable accents – rugs, cushions, curtains, etc.
Clutter Some rooms contain so many small objects that they overshadow the main decor theme. Too many shelves, cabinets, figurines, whatnots, cushions, and souvenirs can easily transform a room into unwanted objects storage. To enjoy the harmony of your decor and to breathe easily, try to free the room from insignificant items and increase its functionality.
Furniture should be Placed along the Walls
Monochromatic Decor is a Safe Bet
If you do not intend to give grand dancing parties, forget the outdated notion of leaving the centre of the room unencumbered by placing all the furniture along the walls. A seating arrangement in the centre of a spacious room can serve as a divider between zones with different functions – for example, between the space for relaxation and the dining space. Zones can also be defined by fish tanks or plant stands.
Calm neutral tones may be your choice when it comes to decor because, in your opinion, beige, grey, and brown are the safest colours liked by everyone. Think again – isn’t it going to be dull? The best interior designers teach us not to be afraid of
The conclusion drawn from the above advice is this: do not limit your imagination by common solutions but rather think outside the box. Be bold, improvise, and carry out your wildest dreams to make your home comfortable and unique.
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Condo Bathurst/Clark Asking $339,700
Dufferin/Teston
Large & bright CORNER unit in prime Thornhill location! About 1350 sq. ft, 2+1 bdrms, 2 full wshrms. Unobstructed view from windows. Excellent layout. Laminate floors throughout. Large eat in kitchen w/window & pantry. Large master bdrm with His/Her closet and ensuite w/separate shower. Solarium can be used as 3rd bdrm or office. Maintenance fee includes everything. Well maintained building w/excellent facilities: gym, sauna, outdoor pool, 24-hr security. Close to Promenade, excellent schools, parks, transit.
Asking $1,595,000 Welcome to OPEN HOUSE, Sat& Sun @ 2-5pm. Established neighbourhood with luxury houses throughout. Executive home on a premium RAVINE lot 79 ft x 217 ft, backing onto conservation area. About 3800 sq. ft., 4 bdrms + den, 4 wshrms. Beautiful and bright. Classic design. Open concept layout with impressive architectural details, superb craftsmanship, finest finishes‌ Absolutely stunning and luxuriously upgraded, including custom dark hardwood, soaring 12-ft ceilings
Townhome located in sought after South Richmond DUFFERIN/SUMMERIDGE, YONGE/WELDRICK Immaculate Hill, small and quite luxury complex. 2 bdrms, 1 wshrm. About 1200 Fabulous high demand area of Thornhill Richmond Hill Thornhill Woods sq. ft. Featuring bright eat in kitchen with lots of cabinet space, Woods!!! Elegant brand new 3-bdrm,
Asking $2100/month
RENT
3-wshrm townhome. 1800 sq. ft. Spacious and bright. Contemporary open concept layout. 9ft. ceilings and hardwood on main floor. Oak staircase. Upgraded kitchen with tall cabinets, island, breakfast bar, stainless steel appliances. Large master bdrm with His/Hers closet and 5pc ensuite with separate shower. Direct access to garage. walk to shopping, transit, close to excellent schools.
Asking $342,000
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granite countertop, undermount sinks, custom b-splash, combined living/dining with oak flooring, generous sized bedrooms with laminate floors, walkout to backyard from family room in lower level. Updated bathroom w/ new ceramic floors, vanity w/granite, custom sink. Freshly painted. 1-car garage. Low maintenance fee ($185). Walk to Hillcrest Mall, T&T supermarket, H Mart, transit, parks, close to excellent schools.
on main, cornice mouldings, potlights, glazed porcelain floor tiles, all custom vanities throughout, custom wood garage doors, custom front entry door with 20-ft entryway; extended windows and interior doors. Exquisite gourmet dream kitchen w/granite counters, S/S B/I appliances, custom backsplash with glass inserts. Breathtaking panoramic windows in dinette with custom sliding doors; floor to ceiling windows in family room. Façade newly completed with mouldings, stucco, keystones, pillars, all custom made by Desano Stucco Systems, 9 ft ceiling & 7 large windows in basement & much more to list. This home is a true showpiece!
BAYVIEW/ELGIN MILLS, Richmond Hill Asking $899,000
May 2013
Gorgeous house on quiet court in high demand neighbourhood. 4 bdrms + den on main, 4 wshrms. 3000 sq. ft. Upgraded from top to bottom w/high end materials & finishes. 9 ft ceilings. Dark hardwood floors, plaster mouldings, potlights, quartz counters throughout. Custom maple kitchen w/quartz counter, multitier island, built in S/S appliances. Large master bdrm w/closet organisers & glass shower in 6pc ensuite. Circular oak stairs w/iron pickets. Frameless glass enclosure to marble foyer. And much more!!
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Going Off the Grid
An off-grid solar-power system, otherwise known as a stand-alone or autonomous solar-power system, is the kind of a system you would install in a remote location that would not otherwise have access to usable grid energy. This includes isolated dwellings, boats, or RVs that use solar electricity. Off-grid solar kits are designed specifically to provide solar power to remote locations such as hunting, fishing, or vacation cabins as well as remote cottages, fire towers, ranger stations, and even entire villages. These off-grid solar home kits will provide electric power in places where it is otherwise impossible, impractical, or cost-prohibitive. These systems require little maintenance once installed and can be much more economical than the cost of having the main electric grid brought to your remote location. The main benefit of an off-grid system is the sense of self-reliance that comes from knowing you don’t rely on the power company for electricity. Within the past few years, prices on the solar panels have dropped by 40%! PV solar systems are now a lot more affordable and have reasonable buy-back time.
An off-grid PV solarpower system is the best available solution for remote locations where electrical power is needed. Logitest Solar team has designed “DIY off-grid packages” for everyone to have a chance to try and save on electricity. Off-grid packages can also be used as a backup power and can be installed either on the roof or on the ground. They do not require any maintenance and can be easily transported to any new location if you decide to move or sell your property.
OFF-GRID PACKAGES An off-grid package comes with a solar panel, charge controller, battery, DC disconnect, and wires. Even the smallest off-grid package can provide electrical power for a TV, Laptop, DVD player, or even a small fridge. One 12V battery fully charged is sufficient to power up to 12 fluorescent lamps for over a week. If you have a cottage and experience power shortages, you can use an off-grid PV solar system as a backup power generator. For example: a small size cottage visited once a week with the length of the visit being less than 3 days can be equipped with a single solar panel and 3 to 4 batteries. These will allow you to have more power when needed. In case the power is required on a daily basis, but in smaller portions, a single solar panel and a single battery should be sufficient. All off-grid packages can be upsized to provide you with required power consumption at any time. So start small, you can always add more batteries and solar panels. Contact our office to get more information on off-grid packages we design for our customers.
Logitest Solar
Phone: 1-888-382-4779, Fax: (905)761-9778 Email: info@logitestsolar.ca
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e-mail: aahtoronto@gmail.com
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416-822-3023
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May 2013
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BALL FLOWER POTS Flower pots of plastic, ceramic, or glass have been often replaced by cute pots made of twine. You can buy this kind of pots for both indoor and outdoor use – or you can make your own. All you need is soil and a ball of strong twine. Shape a chunk of soil into a ball and
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closely wind twine around it. There! You have your new pot. Taking care of plants in such pots is a breeze, too. Once a week or whenever your soil feels dry to the touch, dip your ball into a bucket filled with water and keep it there for 20 to 30 minutes, after which lift and let the excess water drain. Then replace it on the hook.
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Most plants can happily exist in such a pot that not only makes taking care of them easier but will add an interesting touch to your home decor as well.
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Excellent Work Experience, Professionalism
Have You Decided To Buy A Property?
and Creativity To Achieve Your Goals And Dreams
• I’ll find you a home where you will feel warm and cozy; • Bonuses for Buyers; Flexible commissions for Sellers; • I’ll do everything possible for fast and successful closing; • I’ll offer you the best mortgage rates; • I’ll find a solution for any complication; • Free consultations and fast confirmation of mortgage approvals.
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MEMBER OF THE TORONTO REAL ESTATE BOARD MEMBER OF ONTARIO REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION MEMBER OF CANADIAN REAL ESTATE ASSOCIATION
www.fayrealestate.ca email: fayservices@yahoo.com LARGE CONDO. BATHURST & CLARK
CORNER UNIT! Large, over 1350 SqFt, very bright & inviting, with large windows and unobstructed view, 2-bdrm + solarium that can be used as 3rd bdrm, 2 full wshrms. Very practical and comfortable floor plan. Large hall with oversized double mirror closet. High quality laminated floors throughout. Large bedrooms. Master with his/her closet & large ensuite with bathtub & separate shower. Large kitchen with window, breakfast area & additional closet. Large laundry (side-by-side washer & dryer). Parking. Maintenance fee includes everything, even cable TV. Parking. Very well maintained building with excellent facilities: gym, sauna, tennis court, outdoor pool. Excellent Thornhill location. Steps to Promenade Mall, excellent schools, transportation.
Asking $339,700
YONGE & WELDRICK
WHY PAY RENT? HOME WHERE YOU’LL FEEL WARM & COMFORTABLE! Excellent for first time buyers or small family! Prestigious area of South Richmond Hill! Excellent condition! Very clean, bright & inviting! Freshly painted. About 1300 SqFt, 2-bdrm, 1-wshrm condo townhouse in excellent complex near excellent schools, plazas, transportation. Very practical layout. Wood floors. Upgraded kitchen with breakfast area, granite countertop, undermount sink, custom made backsplash. Updated bath with new ceramic floors & new vanity. Mirrored closets in both bedrooms & hall. Additional room at the low level with exit to patio. Parking. Very low maintenance fee $186. Just move in and enjoy!
DIRECT:
416-889-9955 Each office is independently owned and operated
YONGE & CLARK
Terrific Thornhill location! Large 2-bdrm, 2-wshrm condo in excellent condition. Very good floor plan. Split bedrooms, huge terrace. Very spacious master bdrm with W/I closet, 4-pc ensuite & W/O to balcony. Modern open concept kitchen. Low maintenance fee. Steps to shopping, public transit, restaurants & other facilities.
Asking $289,900
Asking $342,000
YONGE & 16th
Asking $522,900
NEWMARKET
BATHURST & CENTRE
Luxury new condo in high demand Thornhill location! 1-bdrm+den, 2-wshrm, over 700 SqFt unit with high ceilings, balcony with beautiful unobstructed view, locker & parking. Excellent condition. High quality laminated floors throughout. Modern kitchen with high cabinets, granite countertop, b/splash & stainless steel appliances. Very low maintenance fee. Luxury building with excellent facilities: indoor pool, gym, sauna, party room, etc. Walking distance to Promenade Mall, park, restaurants, schools, public transit, Hwy 7 & 407.
Asking $325,000
LOCATION! RARELY available FREEHOLD END UNIT! 3 bdrms, 3 wshrms, over 1700 SqFt. Excellent condition. Hardwood floors throughout. New oak staircase. Large kitchen with breakfast area & S/S appliances. Large master bdrm with W/I closet & 4-pc ensuite. Professionally finished ground level Family Room with W/O to a fenced very private backyard. Direct access to garage. Minutes away from Hillcrest Mall, schools, transportation.
RAVINE LOT! ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS! $100K in upgrades & renovations! 3+1 bdrms, 4 wshrms on 50’x140’ lot. New hardwood floors, crown moldings. New baths, upgraded kitchen with granite & brand new S/S appliances. All bdrms have W/I closets. Professionally finished W/O basement with apartment (bedroom, kitchen, bath, own laundry - presently rented for $1000/month. Tenant willing to stay) Extensive landscaping with pond backing onto mature trees (no houses behind). Too many upgrades to list...Walking distance to all amenities.
HOMELIFE VICTORY REALTY INC. Brokerage 10720 Yonge St, #226, Richmond Hill, ON L4C 3C9 BUS: 905-737-0033 FAX: 905-737-3132
STEELES & NEW WESTMINSTER
Beautiful & quiet area of Thornhill! Large & bright house with 2-car garage, 2211 SqFt, 3 bdrms, 4 wshrms, recently renovated. Excellent floor plan. Hardwood floors throughout. Freshly painted. New roof, new windows. Family room with fireplace. Family size kitchen with central island, pantry, S/S appliances and W/O to deck. Direct access to garage. Close to Promenade Mall, excellent schools, park and TTC.
Asking $679,900
Asking $630,000
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KING CITY
BUNGALOW! BACK TO CONSERVATION! Famous Kingcross Estates situated on almost 2 Acres! Extremely private! Over 3600 SqFt + basement, 4+1 bdrms, 5 wshrms. Renovated from top to bottom! $350K spent on reno! Floors: Maple hardwood, marble & Italian porcelain. Custom Italian kitchen with brand name high-class S/S appliances, custom baths, 4 fireplaces. Stunning master ensuite with gas fireplace. Tennis court, swimming pool 25 m in diameter. New large cedar deck. 3.5-car garage. Parking for 10 cars. It’s impossible to list all upgrades… Must see!
YONGE & ELGIN MILLS
Beautiful detached 3+2-bdrm, 4-wshrm home with FINISHED BASEMENT WITH SEPARATE ENTRANCE. Very bright with practical floor plan. Wood floors throughout. Very nice kitchen with granite countertop & S/S appliances. Very large master bdrm with W/I closet & 4-pc ensuite. New furnace & air conditioner. Very large and private backyard. 1-car garage. Excellent location! Close to all amenities.
Asking $610,000
DUFFERIN & TESTON
RAVINE LOT 78X217 Ft! Executive home on premium 78X217 Ft RAVINE lot! 4 bdrms, 4 wshrms, about 3800 SqFt with high ceilings & numerous luxury upgrades. 12’ ceilings on main floor, 9’ in basement. Excellent layout. Panoramic huge windows with breathtaking view. Classic design. Hardwood, limestone & granite floors. Exquisite gourmet dream kitchen with all kinds of upgrades. All details are custom made: exterior & interior doors, custom stucco, custom vanities, Jacuzzi, bidet, high class S/S appliances… too many to list… Just see it!
Asking $1,277.000
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My name is Julia Lukhanina and I have the pleasure of working for Wietzes Toyota/Scion for the past five years as a Product Advisor for both new and pre-owned vehicles. Celebrating their 44th anniversary this year, Wietzes has earned a reputation for outstanding customer service, backed by the best product lineup in the industry. Wietzes Toyota offers a state-of-the-art facility with a 27-vehicle indoor showroom, drive-in
service reception and a 16-bay garage and car wash to service all your needs. We also carry a great selection of Toyota-certified used vehicles. Recently Toyota has relaunched many of its most famous models in a new, bolder style with its already legendary reliability. This year has already seen the launch of the all new Avalon and Rav4 and in the months to come the all new Corolla, Highlander and Tundra will debut.
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With 18 models in the Toyota lineup, I'm sure to have the right vehicle to fit your needs and budget. With some of Toyota’s best financing and lease rates ever available, let me show you what I can do! Furthermore, for all my clients, I am pleased to offer the first two years of regular scheduled maintenance at no charge to you. That's over a $700 value! My contact information is below; I look forward to earning your business!
May 2013
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YOUR KITCHENWARE Choosing stuff for your kitchen is probably one of the favourite pastimes for many women. But this fun activity is made more complicated by the wide variety of materials. The thing to remember is that, besides the looks, kitchenware can differ in the area of its safety. This characteristic is defined by both quality and materials it is made from. Today’s kitchenware can be made of ceramics, glass, plastic, stainless steel, cast iron, and aluminum. Each of these materials has its advantages and drawbacks. Steel imparts durability and lightness to the objects but it tends to lose its shape under the impact of high temperatures. Enameled steel is resistant to mechanical damage and as such has a long life span. Nevertheless, if the enamel pot is chipped it becomes harmful to your health. Dump it! Plastic has become extremely popular in kitchenware and small appliance making. For example, the body of a juicer or a food processor is made mostly of plastic. Plastic dishes are used for cooking and heating food in microwave ovens. Nevertheless, it has been proven that it is not healthy. Plastic under the influence of temperatures over 800C discharges toxic substances. Therefore, use plastic containers for storing food, not heating it. The durability of cast iron is a subject of legends. The drawback though is that cast iron wares cannot have non-stick coating. Besides, cast iron dishes are extremely
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heavy. This metal is also susceptible to corrosion even though modern manufacturers use special treatment to avoid this hazard. Aluminum alloys are sufficiently strong, durable, and heat conductive. The problem is that food tends to burn and stick to them during cooking and heating, therefore, if you buy aluminum pots and pans, make sure they have a non-stick
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surface. Never use aluminum dishes for food storage, it’s unhealthy. Ceramic kitchenware is made of treated clay. This makes the dishes fragile and expensive. On the other hand, ceramics are healthy and have excellent heat conductivity. Treated glass can resist thermal impact, is durable, heat conductive, and visually attractive.
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BEFRIEND YOUR NEW DWELLING FAST How? Some psychologists insist that the best way to start feeling right at home in your new dwelling is to walk through it stark naked. The online store Very.co.uk conducted a survey of its customers to find out how long it takes an average person to start feeling confident and comfortable after moving into a new home. The average time it takes turned out to be two months and six days. Interestingly enough, the numbers greatly differ between the southern and the northern parts of the U.K. This has probably something to do with the climate because in cooler conditions you naturally spend more time inside and thus “break in� the new dwelling faster. There are a few ways to accelerate the adaptation process, the most popular of which is walking around your new home without the burden of clothing. Psychologists explain that spending some time in the nude brings the person closer to her new surround-
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ings. There are other ways to make the new home grow on you faster, like breakfast in bed and purchasing new furniture. Among other methods suggested by the participants of the survey are relaxing on a sofa at any time of the day or night, a house-warming party, a new doormat, hanging family photographs on the wall, and having close friends in for a meal or drinks. Young people are the most easygoing where getting accustomed to a new dwelling is concerned while middle-aged and older people need to spend a lot of time not only inside their new living space but around it as well before they start feeling at home there. They need to go to close-by stores, parks, and centres. When they have familiarized themselves with the neighbourhood, the feeling of being right at home follows.
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INVISIBLE KITCHEN CHAIRS Transparent seating is a sure way to make the kitchen beautiful and unusual. Transparent chairs look stylish and trendy. Especially good transparent plastic furniture looks in a small kitchen; these chairs and stools appear almost weightless, nicely retract light, and visually dissolve into the space. Transparent pieces are an excellent match for kitchens decorated in hi-tech or avant-garde style, in combination with other futuristic design elements.
This kind of furniture is very appropriate in a laconic minimalistic style kitchen. Combining transparent chairs with a traditional dinette or Scandinavian style dining furniture creates a striking effect, especially when accompanied by the correct streamline shape and right accessories. Transparent furniture is extremely practical. It can be used both inside and outside due to its advanced materials that are less susceptible to elements. Nevertheless, plastic furniture needs to be protected from direct sunlight and rain as well as from aggressive liquids, especially the ones containing alcohol. High-quality transparent chairs and stools are made from thermoplastic that is considered to be an artificial counterpart of glass, mostly from polycarbonate and polymethylmethacrylatemore commonly known as Plexiglas. Another material they are made of is acrylic or organic glass. Polycarbonate is superior in light refracting and can better withstand mechanical impact than its counterpart, acrylic glass can. Chairs and armchairs made of organic or acrylic glass are more lightweight and less
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expensive; besides they are easier to shape into even the most intricate forms. Most models are made of transparent plastic in their entirety even though you can find some with metal legs – aluminum or stainless steel. Weightlessness and laconic design are the two most important criteria for their design. Nevertheless, functionality if the most important consideration – no matter how stylish and trendy the chair is, it needs to be – first and foremost - comfortable. Transparent furniture is versatile and can look great in the decor of any colour scheme. Chairs made of transparent coloured plastic create an unexpected accent, add brightness and expression to decor, and improve the overall look of the kitchen or dining room. No matter what colours you prefer, the market offers anything, from white, through amber yellow, black, orange, red, and green, to turquoise “invisible” seating furniture to help you create the best solution for your kitchen decor. Transparent chairs also greatly complement a glass dining table.
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CHAIRS “A table, a chair, a bowl of fruit and a violin; what else does a man need to be happy?” Albert Einstein “Designing is not a profession but an attitude. Design has many connotations. It is the organization of materials and processes in the most productive way, in a harmonious balance of all elements necessary for a certain function. It is the integration of technological, social, and economical requirements, biological necessities, and the psychological effects of materials, shape, color, volume and space. Thinking in relationships.” Laszlo Moholy-Nagy
The innovation of steel tubing in the early 20th century revolutionized furniture design, namely in the shift from a decorative yet bulky look to a more crisp and simple style which is viewed as ‘modern classic’ to this day. Readily available man-made materials and new production techniques facilitated by the industrial revolution changed the ideas and values of designers. Function, comfort and the ‘new’ aesthetics in furniture gained in importance and became a priority.
The first cantilevered chair was designed by the Dutch architect, urban planner and furniture designer Mart Stam. The prototype of the chair was constructed of welded gas pipes and plumber’s elbow joints. It was the very first chair exploiting the tensile properties of steel, and it became a benchmark in the history of furniture design. That was very avant-garde! Stam’s innovative concept inspired such great architects and furniture design giants as Marcel Breuer, Mies Van Der Rohe, Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret and Charlotte Perriand.
Le Corbusier, a Swiss-born architect, and the French architect and furniture designer Charlotte Perriand (1903-1999) designed a series of chairs to furnish Maison La Roche, a house Le Corbusier was commissioned to build in Paris. One chair was to be designed ’for conversation,’ another ‘for relaxation’ and a third ‘for sleeping.’ The first was the B301 Sling Back chair, the second the Grand Comfort Club chair and the third the B306 Chaise Longue. Chaise Longue Model No. B306, inspired by the 18th century French daybeds, combined tubular steel with luxurious texture of pony skin and leather. “I thought of the cowboy from the Wild West smoking his pipe, feet in the air higher than his head, against the chimney-piece: complete rest,” recalled Le Corbusier.
This trend towards ‘lightness and simplicity’ galvanized the pioneers of Modern Movement in architecture and design. B301 Fauteuil Dossier
Le Corbusier Architect, Furniture Designer, Writer (1887-1965) Le Grand Comfort Club Chair
Mart Stam Architect and Furniture Designer (1899-1986)
Maison La Roche, Paris
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B306 Chaise Longue Chair (Charlotte Perriand herself posed for the publicity shots)
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“Less is more!” is a phrase associated with the German-American architect and furniture designer Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe, one of the founders of modern architecture and advocate of simplicity of style.
Barcelona Chair (1929) Chromed flat steel, leather
Ludwig Mies Van Der Rohe Architect and Furniture Designer (1886-1969) Barcelona Pavilion, Spain
The beauty and design of this chair are timeless! They stand side by side with the masterpieces by Mozart, the Beatles... and Mies! “It makes me feel guilty that anybody should have such a good time doing what they are supposed to do.” Charles Eames TD Centre, Toronto
Barcelona Chair is one of the most elegant, spectacular and luxuriant of the chairs designed by Mies van der Rohe in collaboration with the Interior Designer Lilly Reich (1885-1947). It is the most recognizable early 20th century chair. It was commissioned for the German pavilion at the International Exhibition in Barcelona in 1929 as part of Mies Van Der Rohe’s design for the pavilion. As the German pavilion was designated to be the setting for the official opening of the ceremony, Mies Van Der Rohe decided to design a chair emulating the style of the throne-like Sella Curulis, an ancient stool used by Roman magistrates.
Charles and Ray Eames: The Architect and The Painter – an American husbandand- wife duo, they were an incredibly talented design team. They devoted most of their work to developing mass-manufactured furniture at affordable prices, but the Lounge Chair was an exception.
Charles Eames (1907-78) and Ray Eames (1912-88)
Lounge Chair and Ottoman (1956)
The Eames team had an idea to design a contemporary ‘American’ chair, an equivalent of a traditional English club chair, but a more opulent version. The result is amazing comfort achieved by the combination of industrial production and hand craftsmanship; leather upholstery and a molded plywood shell with a rosewood veneer that enables the chair to move with the sitter. The Eames Lounge Chair is in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art in New York. This multitalented couple were involved not only in modern furniture design, but also in multi-screen slide show presentations; interiors, exhibitions; creating sculptures, textiles, graphics, and even toys. Most of their works became modern classics. The models of chairs I have selected for this article provide a mere glimpse into the vast world of existing chair designs and their creators. What all these models have in common is that each and every one of them is avant-garde, regardless of whether it was the result of mechanized production or the fruit of traditional craftsmanship conveying the ideas, values, and attitudes of its creator. Residential Planning & Design marina@orlovainteriors.com T: 416.520.4595
Sella Curulis
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#3 - Replace damaged and old fascia boards, eavestroughs and downspouts with new aluminum ones. Go with copper if it will match the exterior brick/stone/ stucco/siding. #4 - Replace old and damaged windows and doors. #5 - Paint as necessary. #6 - Replace the old, cracked/sinking driveway. #7- Spruce up the landscaping. The bigger the yard, the bigger the possibilities!
CURB APPEAL One of the most underrated renovation projects is outside your home!
It’s no mystery that first impressions are usually lasting impressions and when it comes to your home, until we have mastered teleportation, anyone who sees your home will first have to see it from the outside. Nevertheless, when it comes to renovating, most people focus nearly all of their energy, money and efforts on the interior. After all, you’re not going to be living outside, right? No you are not; but did you know that an exterior renovation is among projects that bring greatest return on investment? The truth is that the exterior of your home holds a ton of design potential that, in most cases, is hardly tapped. The reason is that most homes were built by production builders. Production builders usually expend all of their resources on the actual home. Traditionally, future homeowners have selected their homes based on plans, sketches, and architectural renderings. Once the home has been built, you would be lucky to even find a builder who would erect a fence around the backyard or do much beyond laying down some sod. So by the time the home is built and turned over, most people
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just want to move in and live in their new home. Not many people have the flair or know-how to tackle the landscaping. So the trend continues and years later, when it’s time to renovate, most people address the interior. Older homes are a prime example of how neglected the exterior of the home can become. Old shutters, damaged eavestroughs and downspouts, rotting fascia boards, neglected landscaping, broken fences and gates, cracked and aged driveways, sinking steps, and so on. The fact is you don’t have to spend a fortune to fix this mess. Ninety five percent of everything on the exterior of your home can be changed without any significant structural modification. Nearly all of it is cosmetic. Luckily, we live in a time and age where there are a plethora of options in materials to choose from. For nearly anything that you can imagine, you will find a wide range of options and selections. So if you are considering some exterior upgrades, here’s my quick and dirty list of favourites: #1- Remove the old vinyl/aluminum siding and install composite siding. Super easy renovation project with a great return. #2- Replace any damaged/rotting wood with a composite alternative. Composite lasts a very long time and doesn’t rot, twist, shrink, or crack. This includes decks and steps.
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You can do all of the above renovations to your home without a Ph.D in construction and for about the same budget as an average bathroom renovation. If done right, you will be amazed at the transformation and furthermore you will have received one of the greatest returns on your investment and, hopefully, have raised the value of your property at the same time! Now, time to invite the neighbours over to a summer BBQ and a little showing off.
Peter Khatami
Peter is Senior Project Manager and Co-Owner of Nostco Construction, a Design/Build company serving residential and commercial clients throughout the GTA. Peter prides himself in working tirelessly on his clients’ behalf to bring vision to construction reality.
www.NOSTCO.com www.aahtoronto.com
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FUSION STYLE IN INTERIOR DESIGN drops of knitted decorative accents and fill about one-third of the mixture with natural materials like fur, flowers, plants, animal skins, or linen. Don’t forget lighting to accentuate important elements. Be careful as to not overdo the number of ingredients – you will be better off being short on them than having too many. Keep in the boundaries of good taste but do not be afraid of taking risks here.
Kitchen in Fusion Style Infuse new life into traditional country-style furniture with style Modern elements like vivid potholders, towels, chairs or stools, unusual tablecloths and curtains, coloured appliances, or even a bold apron. All of this comes together as an integral and harmonious machine.
The items you own should tell the story of your life, and Fusion style tells the story of a life well travelled. What? You don’t travel a lot? No problem, just fake it. Exotic textiles are right at home in this look. Moroccan lanterns, African bowls and vases, and Asian-inspired furniture blend seamlessly. There are a lot of similarities to bohemian style but whereas bohemian is eclectic and brimming with stuff, global Fusion is more restrained. Your home decorated in Fusion is characterized by unique effects, creativity, brave experimenting, and bold luxury. Styles mixed A large-scale collage in bold colours, a blend of items East and West, of classical and abstractionist that nevertheless creates
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a whole and harmonious space – this is Fusion. This child of globalization was born somewhere between casual and eclectic styles. Globalization in virtually every area of modern life, including culture, arts, fashion, and cuisine, could not forego the world of interior design. Confluence of various ideas, lifestyles, tastes, technologies, trends, and philosophies has created a new outlook at life and an ensuing design style. A house decorated in Fusion is a happy, ever-changing, and unpredictable entity that can be limited only by the limits of your imagination. In today’s interior design, the eclectic cocktail of baroque and empire styles gives way to English classic, ethnic, and modern styles blended together. A recipe for the Fusion cocktail: take 100 grams of high-tech, add a pinch of your grandmother’s lace and velvet, place a Wedgewood teapot on a wooden shelf next to a Chinese lantern, and paint your furniture in bold colours. Include 5
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Plain walls, exposed wooden beams, hitech furniture, and unexpected African accessories help visually divide space into functional zones.
Living Room, Fusion Style To show off your taste and create a striking effect, use Oriental style accents: fans, carved benches, rugs, embroidered cushions, and floor vases. Create an interesting eating space with plastic, wood, or leather furniture. Include slipcovers and sofa cushions in bright fabrics, a roughly woven floor rug, and heavy blinds. Forget boring colours! The most popular colour combinations are raspberry pink with gold, green, or turquoise. Those brave at heart may try to experiment with orangey reds combined with bright blue or severe black-and-whites with purple. Again, the most important rule is not to overdo it; everything has to be pleasant to the eye and fall within the common concept. Spotlights directed to the most striking elements will emphasize their unique beauty.
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Bedroom, Fusion Style This kind of bedroom may use a romantic and frivolous Baroque or Art-nouveau bed inside an emphatically severe space or a minimalistic Japanese style platform bed within a European or Scandinavian decor. Use your imagination without fear because your bedroom is your own, completely private space. More Fusion style features are elegant light-coloured decorations and accessories in different styles and epochs, retro lamps, or ethnic figurines. The only thing to keep in mind is: less clutter and more pleasure. Decorating your home in Fusion style is a challenge; it’s an ability to look at the ordinary from a different angle, to think outside the box, and to break existing stereotypes.
Bathurst /Jefferson
Thomas Cook/Rutherford
Amazing appr 3000 sq ft stylish detached 4 bedroom, 4 w. in high demand area. Appr. 100 k spent on upgrades. Smooth 9 ft ceilings, hardwood, fireplace, pot lights, granite countertop in kitchen. Professionally finished basement with a heated floor.
Gorgeous Detached house, appr. 3700 sq.ft, 4 bedrooms, 4 washrooms, dark kitchen cabinets with granite countertop and s/s appliances, hardwood, smooth ceilings on all levels.High demand area! Call me for showings!
Asking $699,000
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Asking $998,000
Yonge/Davis Dr.
Yonge/Bantry
Very cozy and bright townhouse, 4 bedrooms, 4 washrooms. Hardwood on the main floor and stairs. Finished basement with a bedroom and a full bathroom. Close to transport, schools, mall, shops, parks.
Perfect Freehold townhouse. Stylish design, open concept, ceramic floor on the main floor. Big kitchen, finished basement with lots of potlights. Close to schools, parks, shops, York Transit, Hwy7.
Asking $438,000
Asking $488,000
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Global Manufacturers of Stretch Ceilings
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A waterfall made of natural stone may be a great design element in the style of your home. Imagine the quiet murmur of water sliding down a granite, slate, or marble plunger. These peaceful sounds together with watching the play of light on stones is a great way to relax.
A DECORATIVE WATERFALL
Natural stone is the best material for a waterfall that is intended to be a focus of attention in a home. It is devoid of problems that may plague its artificial counterparts, does not require special care, and is not affected by flowing water. The waterfall can be placed in a corner or by a wall. The use of natural stone in room waterfalls offers a great variety of textures and colours. You can also install decorative lighting in the bowl. An evaporator will create a foggy effect as well as play a role of a humidifier.
Construction and Materials Room waterfalls are built along more or less the same format. The main difference is the construction of the plunger. You can always find the type matching your decorative style. The plunger can be made just in the shape of regular steps, but can also resemble a granite cliff, or the interior of a sea grotto. Waterfalls made of marble look great with ancient style columns and low
relief. Quartz slate steps in room waterfalls have a very decorative look because of the stone’s own tendency to refract light, which adds whimsical patterns to water flowing over them.
fall cannot be placed too close to electrical appliances, paintings, and furniture (no closer than 30 cm). Try to place it away from direct sunlight that promotes slime forming on the water surface.
The use of the upscale granite called stone bark helps create an effect of a “wild cliff”.
Change water in your waterfall monthly using, if possible, distilled water because regular tap water usually contains lime that will promote a whitish film on the water surface as soon as after just one week of operating.
Installation and Care The best way to have your room waterfall assembled in your home is to assign the task to a professional who knows all the rules of the trade. Should you decide on a do-it-yourself way, remember that a water-
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The correct installation will enable your waterfall to function impeccably while timely maintenance will ensure that this decorative accent stays beautiful and healthy.
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Эти, и множество других моделей дверей, ACULO Visit our Showroom Вы найдете в Show Room Aculo Doors DOORS
416-877-0449 www.aculo.ca
PVC Panel Door Series
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HOW TO CHOOSE INTERIOR DOORS Apparently, doors have come to existence many centuries ago, together with the notion of property, when their main purpose was to protect private property and keep unwanted visitors out. The protective function of the door is primary even today where entrance doors are concerned while interior doors are used mostly for defining space and as a decorative element. With the latter in mind, the selection criteria for interior doors should be based on interesting design and attractive look. Nevertheless, functional qualities are extremely important, and one needs to make sure
the chosen door satisfies soundproofing, drought proofing, and other such requirements.
ior doors, knowing exactly what you want drastically lowers the chances of making a wrong choice.
The first person you should discuss the door choice with has to be… yourself: you are the person who needs to decide what exactly you are looking for. What functions are required? What colour do you want? Where is it going to be installed? What design, material, and shape do you prefer? Discussing your choice with your family members is also very important because you want everyone to be happy with your choice. When you go shopping for inter-
The second consideration should be the price of the door. Decide the range of price you are willing to pay for your new doors and try to keep within this range when looking for them. Usually, solid-core doors are more expensive than hollow-core ones (that are as good as their solid counterparts), followed by molded plastic doors. The third rule when choosing a door is not to get carried away by the looks. Construction of the interior door has to be the first consideration. What’s important is the type (e.g. hinge doors, sliding, pocket, folding, etc.), the direction of their opening (left or right), and, of course, the size. The aesthetic considerations should come last. Of course, your new interior door has to match the decor of the room in both colour and style. Welcome to the world of interior doors! Happy shopping!
Aculo doorS т.: 416-877-0449, 905-910-1124 31 Ritin Lane, Unit 2, Concord www.aculo.ca
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We also do COTTAGES ! This stunning Muskoka cottage was custom built and beautifully decorated by us in a perfectly suited nautical theme ‌ Find out what we could do for your cottage!
Contact Catherine-Lucie Horber TODAY ! 416-573-5378 * chorber@gmail.com * www.royalinteriordesign.ca FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CALL (416) 477-6107
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THE HOME SAFE Before going shopping for a safe, decide what you intend to keep in it. If you need a lock box to keep the standard package of documents – passport, certificates, legal papers – and an insignificant amount of money, a built-in safe is the best. This kind will protect its contents from a break-in and fires. Make sure the make is good. The brand name may define whether there are potential problems with the lock. Should you need a safe for more extensive documentation as well as for keeping valuable art or furs for the time you are away, look for a bigger size. A safe weighing under 150 kilos needs to be affixed to the wall or the floor; otherwise, should a breakin occur, the criminals will easy carry your box out together with its contents. Safes differ not only in sizes but also in locks, convenience, reliability, and the level of protection against such hazards as breakin, fire, flooding, and electromagnetic rays. Some of them do not even look like a safe but may pass for a piece of furniture. In any case, the home safe means peace of mind and confidence that your valuables are protected when you are away from home.
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Jacob Grinberg This photography ART will adorn your home or office www.jgphotographs.com
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Free estimates Shingles Flat roofs Skylights Aluminum & Siding Soffit Eavestroughs Cedar Wood Copper
Cell: (647) 892 7400, (416) 247 5695 www.vladroofing.com
Furniture Upholstery
Upholstery for home furniture, marines and automotive Alex’s Interior and Upholstery Custom made
(647) 403-7766 (416) 661-7766 Alex
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Say “Happy Mother’s Day” this May 12th!
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