All About Home magazine (August 2014) by All About Home magazine

AUGUST 2014

OPEN A NEW STYLE IN CANADA Page 17

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the following established stereotypes about crystal chandeliers.

Crystal is Always White and Transparent Like a Dew Drop No, it’s not! Crystal can be any color – red, blue, green, etc. Some crystal rocks discovered in nature emit blue rays; others contain green, crimson, blue and orange tints.

Imagine a crystal chandelier. Ideally pure and touchingly gentle like a maiden’s tears, transparent drops seem to be falling down from the smooth snow-white ceiling. Add to this the carved legs of a few luxurious, upholstered in Jacquard and bearing the patina of the noble old times chairs and sofas, a statuesque lady with a tall chignon and haughty disposition, and several high candelabra. And... OK, let’s leave it at that, especially if you have a conservative nature, and everything new annoys and infuriates you. Yet, today we are going to challenge

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Nature is not the only source of colourful crystal – skilled craftsmen can do it no less successfully. When they add cadmium or gold compound into the source matter they achieve a reddish shade while cobalt adds blue, copper - greenish, and silicon - the pink transparency of sunset-penetrated clouds. Yet the trendiest as of now is dark crystal.

A Crystal Chandelier Only Suits a Big Room Wrong again! You can select from the huge variety of designs and shapes of crystal chandeliers on the market that ideal one capable of transforming even a tiny bathroom. Some of the chandeliers created specifically for small rooms are real works of art.

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A crystal chandelier hanging from a low ceiling is definitely not a great option but manufacturers offer hundreds of models of smaller built-in fixtures decorated with pure crystal droplets. Your kitchen can also be a perfect place for a crystal lighting fixture. Here the chandelier can become that special highlight around which the design of the room is built – just make sure that you have found the right place for it. If you want your crystal beauty visible to all, place it over the dining table. If there is a separate dining room in your home and the dining table in it is sufficiently large hang two crystal chandeliers over it. This will make the lighting more uniform and the design, more attractive. Do not afraid to experiment. Remember the chandelier does not necessarily have to ideally match the style of the kitchen. Eclecticism that is a mix of elements from different styles is very popular in interior design. And the last but not least: don’t be afraid of following your own taste and style. It is your house, your décor and your crystal chandelier.

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Stretch Ceilings An Elegance of your Home

How to fix your ceilings?

How do you differentiate between a typical Canadian house and a European one? The first thing you would probably say would be “by a ceiling with a stucco finish”. And you would be right. This type of ceiling, also called popcorn, is one of the simplest solutions for a contractor to save money on finishes, conceal all defects and imperfections and complete the job faster. The type of finish like stucco requires neither additional labour nor extra preparation needed for smoothing the surface of the ceiling. It is simple, easy, cheap - and ugly looking. Unfortunately the drawbacks do not end here. Stucco collects dust, gets discoloured over a period of time and requires an extra amount of paint for its renovation. From the designer’s point of view it has most unattractive look and may harbour unwanted moisture. In order to remove this type of ceiling you would require a special steaming machine that may generate a lot of dust and mess in the premises. After all this preparation the surface needs to be flattened with the help of special tools and then repainted. The entire process is difficult, messy and very expensive. However, there is a much better solution for it; it is the Stretch Ceiling application. The Stretch Ceilings idea originated in France over 40 years ago but gained popularity in most European countries and USA only at the end of the 1980s. The product owes its popularity to its low cost, its quick and “clean” application and aesthetic qualities. It has numerous other benefits such as the ability to cover any ceiling`s imperfections, like electrical wiring or even holes. It creates a perfectly fresh and new look in your place. This amazing new technology has no limitations to creativity and can accomplish any designer`s idea. It contains only two main elements for installation: a PVC or canvas membrane and profiles. The membrane is being stretched throughout the ceiling or wall area and fastened to a special profile that, in turn, is affixed to the surface around the perimeter of the interior space and is absolutely invisible. The end result is a clean, dust free, perfectly

straight and smooth ceiling surface. Those who may have concerns about a possible decrease in the height of the space are not to worry - the profiles are just ¼” (6 mm) high. Not only it saves inches of the height but it also creates an optical illusion of a bigger space.

The Stretch Ceilings solution has a plenty of benefits:

• It can cover the uneven surface of the ceiling or discolouration from moisture or a leak as well as conceal any other ceiling imperfections. • In a case of leakage, the Stretch Ceiling membrane can hold up to 150 litres per square metre. • Mechanical and electrical elements such as sprinkles, vents or lighting fixtures of any type can be easily integrated into the Stretch Ceiling Product. • It requires neither renewal nor repainting over time. Its maintenance is easy - just wipe it with a wet cloth or, in case of heavy contamination or grease, use a household cleaner – for example, dishwashing liquid. • The installation of the Stretch Ceilings could be combined with any type of insulation to keep the interior space warm and improve acoustical qualities. • The most exciting aspect of the Stretch Ceiling solution is the wide range of colours, textures, finishes (gloss/matte) and printing ideas that can create a warm and beautiful atmosphere in your house. Laqfoil is the first and only manufacturer of Stretch Ceilings in Canada. It can become the best solution for your commercial or residential projects and transform your space from an ordinary one into unique and original. Hundreds of residential and commercial projects completed by Laqfoil are the best evidence that the Stretch Ceiling Technology is a new and exciting page in the history of Design, Architecture and Construction. Contact Laqfoil for a free estimate and individual design for your future project.

20 Magnetic Drive, Unit # 2, Toronto, Ontario, M3J 2C4 Tel.: (416) 663-1708 www.laqfoil.com

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F L O O R M I R R O R S: More Light, More Colour, More Space

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Mirrors are famous for their ability to visually enhance the surrounding space, multiply the lighting factor and reproduce the most beautiful and interesting accessories. A separately standing or leaning against the wall, a floor mirror is a decoration in itself, especially if it is enclosed in a handsome massive frame.

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A floor mirror looks good in both a spacious and a small room. Such a large and bold stroke as a big mirror looks great in a décor striving towards simplicity and clean lines, no matter what function the room has; it suits equally a hall and a living room and of course a bedroom or a bathroom.

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only makes sense to have in it a multipurpose accessory that is both handsome and useful.

BEDROOM For a bedroom a mirror is a must but there is not always enough space on the wall for a hanging one. A standing mirror can be easily moved around the house and the room.

Narrow rooms and empty places will look better, wider or fuller thanks to a floor mirror. First of all it is convenient since you can always check your appearance when passing by; secondly, a floor mirror is a distinctive décor element.

A bold solution to use a huge mirror instead of a small one over the sink enhances a small bathroom and adds the feeling of spaciousness.

LIVING ROOM

DRESSING ROOM

One or two standing mirrors will multiply decorative items. They can also assist in your exercise routine by reflecting your movements and showing whether you are making the correct ones. Since the living room or the great room is the most versatile room in the house it

BATHROOM

No matter whether you have a separate dressing room or a small designated corner in another room, you need a floor mirror there. Before choosing paintings and lighting fixtures, take care of vital issues, which, in this case, is a mirror that can reflect you full length.

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August 2014

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The problem is not, or rather not so much, in hesitating to use a too bold colour scheme. Quite often the idea remains in its conception state because we are used to narrow thinking, afraid to violate some rules that we are not familiar with and of whose existence we are not even sure.

version. To make our décor look not just lively but also stylish, harmonious and rich, try to mix patterns. Stripes and chevrons, a floral ornament and abstract patterns mixed with solid surfaces will create the necessary result.

MIX PATTERNS

LOOK AT OTHER SHADES

The chosen color, be it bold or shy may look too boring and lifeless in its monochromic

When advised to read other authors you don’t conclude that the author you are

First, a pattern mix looks much more dynamic. Secondly, it adds volume and additional aspects. Yet, before fervently getting down to business look around for a solution that feels comfortable for you personally.

reading is bad. In the same way, our advice doesn’t mean that classic colours suddenly became bad and unfashionable. Colours in their pure form have established associations with flags and insignia that have existed long before our decision to paint the room. So continue on the chosen way but still have a look around. There is a reason for annual colour trends, and browns are always trendy. It’s just that 2014 has been declared the year of the colour of French coffee.

DILUTE NEUTRALITY Beige, gray, ivory and egg shell are excellent tones that nevertheless can quickly become tiresome. Have a ball by using the richest, most vivid and bold accessories against these backgrounds. Cushions, an armchair, a rug, or an aggressively bright empty frame on the wall will have just the desired effect. They are easy to put away but their impact is immediately visible.

FULL BLAST One of the dominating colours may be elevated to the point of absurdity. Use it on furniture upholstery and pictures. The same way a bright lipstick colour instantly draws attention to the lips and suddenly makes the whole face attractive and unique, a colour elevated to its absolute helps make the room brighter and more interesting.

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Absolutely clean, professionally painted, nice & warm house in excellent location. 3-bdr, 3-wshr, about 1600 SqFt. Gleaming hardwood floor on main level. Beautiful kitchen with cherry cabinets, modern b/splash, S/S appliances & gas stove. Large breakfast area with W/O to deck. All bedrooms are large. Master with W/I closet, 5-pc ensuite & separate shower. Direct access to garage. Gas connection to BBQ. Walking distance to shopping mall & all amenities. Must see! Excellent area!

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CONDO. BATHURST & STEELES BRIGHT & UPGRADED CORNER UNIT, 2 bdrs, 2 wshrs, about 1100 Sq.Ft. WITH BALCONY. Parquet floors in all rooms, crown mouldings. Large eat-in kitchen with exit to balcony. Parking, locker. Maintenance includes all utilities. Great facilities: outdoor pool, gym, sauna, tennis crt. Close to plazas, public transit, schools, parks.

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2-bdr, 2-wshr WITH BALCONY. EXPOSURE: SOUTH, SOUTH-WEST OR SOUTH-EAST. PREFERABLY WITH HIGH CEILINGS. RICHMOND HILL

Brand new 3-bdr, 3-wshr townhouse with W/O BASEMENT in beautiful neighbourhood. Bright & spacious with great floor plan. 9’ ceilings. Hardwood floors, potlights. Upgraded kitchen with b/splash & top of the line S/S appliances. Family room with gas fireplace. Large bdrms. 2nd floor laundry. Close to good schools, parks, shopping, etc. Steps to Bathurst St.

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CONDO. PROMENADE CIRCLE

FULLY RENOVATED spacious 2-bdr, 2-wshr unit, about 1300 Sq.Ft. New wood floors in all rooms, crown mouldings. Large kitchen with window (new cabinets, new S/S appliances, new porcelain floors, marble b/splash). Upgraded wshrms with new designer vanities & much more. 2 parkings, locker. Great facilities: outdoor pool, gym, sauna, tennis crt.

DUFFERIN & RUTHERFORD Bright & spacious 3+1-bdr, 4- wshr townhouse, over 2000 SqFt with 2-CAR GARAGE & FINISHED BASEMENT WITH SEPARATE ENTRANCE. Double door entry. Hardwood floors on both levels. Oak staircase. 2-nd floor laundry. Great area in demand! Close to schools, public transit, plazas.

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RICHMOND HILL. MILL POND

Private exclusive cul-de-sac! Detached backsplit, 3+2-bdr, 2-wshr, extensively renovated. Everything is new! New roof, custom paint, water proofed COMPLETELY FINISHED BASEMENT APARTMENT WITH SEPARATE ENTRANCE. Hardwood floors, potlights. New custom made kitchen, new baths, new ductwork & electrical, new sprinkler system, new windows, new high efficiency furnace, etc... too many to list...

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RICHMOND HILL

Fully upgraded, 5-bdrm, 4-wshr, 3388 SqFt, bright house with open concept amazingly well functional floor plan. Numerous upgrades: hardwood, marble & porcelain floors, custom made kitchen with high end S/S appliances & gas stove, potlights, interlock, etc. Very large bedrooms with W/I closets, all with ensuites & semi-ensuites. Office on main level. Family room & office with gas fireplace. Sprinkler system & much more...

Asking $1,035,000

August 2014

BATHURST & TESTON

STUNNING brand new home, 4-bdr, 3-wshr, over 3200 SqFt on extra deep lot! 9’ on both floors. 18Ft ceiling in living room. Very comfortable floor plan. Hardwood floors on both levels. Gourmet kitchen with granite, custom b/splash. Potlights, mouldings, iron pickets. All bdrms with ensuites, semi-ensuites & W/I closets.

Asking $1,148,000

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The Lowdown on Second Units #2 - Ensure that the unit complies with Building and Fire Code requirements. Typically, a basement apartment will require a door that leads directly to the exterior from within the unit or an egress window which opens into a well, and a fire rated separation between the units.

Second units are self-contained living units in dwellings which are also referred to as secondary suites, basement apartments, in-law suites, or accessory dwelling units. The benefits of second units are well documented. Second units meet the housing needs of households facing financial challenges. They can also assist first time home buyers with limited equity in carrying a mortgage, older adults to remain in the homes and age in place, or families to provide housing for adult children or other relatives in need. They offer affordable housing choices using the existing housing stock and can sustain communities that have experienced population declines. Although there are many benefits, there are also a number of challenges associated with second units. The impact on the neighborhood, parking, impact on services and infrastructure and safety are amongst the top concerns. Safety of second units is regularly identified as a concern. Many second units are set up illegally and do not meet Ontario Building Code and Ontario Fire Code requirements. Research shows that there are many preconceptions around occupants of second units which result in community concerns. These include ideas regarding household size, the “fit” of new residents in the community, or that neighborhood safety will

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be a greater issue as second units are established. The most reliable data on second unit occupants: • Over half of second units were occupied by a single person • Across the country, just under half of second unit occupants were a relative or close friend of the second unit owner

#3 - Obtain a building permit for construction and obtain a license for the second suite. Your property taxes will be affected and you should do your homework well ahead of time but if done right, adding a second unit could be an ideal project for you and your family.

• In Toronto one-third of occupants had a close relationship with the owners Studies found that nearly one in five Canadian households rent out part of their home. Financial reasons (paying mortgage, increasing income, retirement income) are listed by three quarters of owners as the reasons for renting a unit. In addition to financial reasons, many owners identified the following reasons for renting part of their residence: • to avoid living alone • to provide a home for adult children or elderly relatives; and • for assistance with home maintenance services If you are thinking of adding an accessory dwelling unit to your home, here, in a nutshell, is what you need to do: #1 - Contact your local municipality and find out the current zoning regulation for your property. If you live in Mississauga, you will be happy to know that there have been recent changes to the official plan, allowing for a greater number of approved applications for second suites.

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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.

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LENGTHS OF CABLE TURNED INTO WORKS OF ART

The more technical gadgets there are in the house, the more wires they introduce into the space. Connecting cables for lamps, computers, and TV sets are subject to concealment. There are various gadgets specifically designed to manage this difficult task. Or you can go the opposite route and use them to decorate your place.

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GROW A REAL GARDEN There are myriads of ways to transform wires into wall panels – just let your imagination run free. A figurative or an abstract, do what you like. There is no need to copy a known picture – just go with your whim and believe in yourself – and your wall will be decorated with a real masterpiece. A multi-coloured cable opens even more opportunities for creating fascinating patterns. If you come up with nothing interesting, limit yourself to abstract forms. The simplest way is to create chaotic drawings that will

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become the focal point of the room; wires of bright shades may become beautiful colour accents. If you prefer simple forms, straight lines and corners turn to geometric patterns that will perfectly match any decorative style.

UNUSUAL ORNAMENTS FOR CABLES It would be a challenge to hide all wires – so experiments with the visible parts. For example, use them to create branches with green flowers, leaves and birds. Turn unattractive wires into a real paradise garden.

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Today, prints of huge flowers on wallpaper, textiles and accessories are at the very peak of their popularity. To add flourish and a romantic note to you décor use wall decals. This kind of décor is inexpensive and easy to achieve. One wall decorated in florals is quite sufficient to transform the whole room. Moreover, sometimes a single flower can create the same effect. Large or small, flowers can decorate the whole wall in the room or just one separate element; it can become a modest element of the décor or its main component that sets the tone and interprets the rest of the room through its prism. Summery colour frenzy can continue from the wall to the print on drapery and bed linens, the upholstery, a floor lamp or cushions. Or you can lay the whole blooming meadow at your feet. Sometimes, to refresh a familiar and fairly boring interior, it is quite enough to decorate it with a painting or a poster depicting bright flowers or replace the covers of sofa cushions by brighter, summery ones. Trendy country style is unimaginable without flowers. They add elegant simplicity and unique subtle charm.

Floral décor is not only beautiful – it is trendy, too. These children of Nature have never actually gone out of style; they have just changed their appearance, fluctuating from the richer and even pervasive back to the delicate and gentle. Floral designs of the current season are characterized by vivid and rich colours, a great variety of shapes and arrangements and, the main thing, by their size. FOR ADVERTISEMENTS CALL (416) 477-6107

Floral decorations can easily find their way to any room of the house. They will add grace to the living room, tenderness and feeling of proximity to the nature to a bedroom; in the nursery they will teach your children how to dream and create mysterious images in their imagination, and in the kitchen, they will define the tone of all décor, making it airy and almost magic. If too many vivid colours contradict your natural inclinations yet you have softened your attitude with the arrival of summer, use muted tones that will bring summer into your home in a subtle but distinctive style Flowers can be precise or abstract but any décor will readily incorporate plant ornaments in all their magnificence and variety. There is no such thing as too much plant depictions in any room. They are beautiful in any of their incarnations and capable of creating a summer atmosphere regardless of the season. Just let them into your home!

August 2014

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allergens we clean carpets, enclose book shelves and give our plants to friends. But do we have to reject beauty? Not at all! Besides, no pet will chew on artificial plants. Many people would be glad to create a garden on a window sill in the kitchen or a living room, but cats will always have plans of their own for these tempting juicy leaves.

3. HARMONY AND TRANQUILITY

How to create pleasant worry-free atmosphere in our home? Among imitations that help in this task is to create a house garden by using artificial plants. Greens in interior design complete the conceived style and help zone space naturally and effortlessly.

Natural materials have become an integral part of an eco-friendly way of life: stone, wood, textiles and glass still have a stranglehold as interior finishes and are extremely reluctant to give way to synthetic finishing and furniture. To complete the image of a friendly and cozy décor one needs something big and personal. Works of art serve as a reflection of your complicated inner world but genuine emotional life, memories of your carefree barefoot childhood and dreams of owning something

1. NO EFFORT REQUIRED Live plants certainly need care. The right amounts of water, light and even a green thumb do not necessarily guarantee that your garden will bloom and prosper. Plants are also subject to stress, and sometimes it takes years for a favourite cactus to develop blossoms. To settle the conflict between your pace of life and the need to please the eye, you can always turn to artificial plants – both flowering and green.

2. NON-ALLERGENIC The rate of allergy sufferers has been steadily going up – such is the price mankind has to pay for challenging the laws of natural selection. To rid our houses of

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substantial can be implemented in a skillful combination of a mini-garden and modern dynamic furnishings.

4. TOGETHER FOREVER Down with the reasons for worries! Artificial plants will serve for many years, won’t demand excessive care and will endure much relocation. Beautiful pots and evergreen foliage will help you have a refuge from the outside world day in day out.

5. UNIQUE STYLE What will it be - a palm tree or a bamboo plant? Or perhaps a whole artificial lawn in the room? Or a striking bunch of flowers? It is possible to arrange your own jungle in accordance with your favourite season: refined fall tones or tender springtime will find their embodiment in the apartment and beyond; all you need is to overcome prejudices and decide upon a skillful illusion. Plants created with the help of Realtouch technology look so genuine that they are undistinguishable from the real thing even to the touch. A true artist will always manage to borrow the best. Let your creativity run free and borrow from nature the most expressive means of creating an integral look for our place, the look that will inspire us.

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The Complex of Ancestor Minors LIVING YOUR OWN LIFE ON YOUR OWN LAND

1 Small local production. 2 Communal area – space for communal events that also serves as a visitor center.

3 Greenhouse. 4 Farmers market – allows visitors to try local produce.

5 Solar farm – harvests energy and serves the village.

Fatigue has become a normal state for people living in a busy metropolis; many have found their own ways to deal with the problem. But whatever solution you find is often a quick fix not unlike patching holes: you have hardly finished patching one as another one appears in a different place. As a remedy for such living conditions many people found relief in moving to the country while working in the city. Countryside provides cleaner air, quieter surroundings and an opportunity to live there during the warm months enjoying the cottage country with its freshness and peace. Wouldn’t it be great to stay there year round without moving back to the metropolis jungle? Yes, such possibility does exist!

Ecological and economic factors make the network of Ancestor Minors unique. Taking the load off the environment and lowering the housekeeping cost thanks to energy and resource saving technologies is one of the main purposes when establishing Ancestor Minors. Moreover, every land is meant to become a complete energy and resource provider; all depends on the owners. COLWIS invites everyone who shares these ideas to collaborate and invest their effort into creating and growing their own life and the life of their family as opposed to serving foreign corporate interests.

6 Transportation. 7 Communal farms – common farming purposes.

8 Water recycling system. 9 Pond – recreation and fishing. 10 Forest – common recreation ground. 11 Common land. 12 Roads – natural pavement that allows cars and preserves soil.

13 Ancestor Minors lot - 2.5 acres.

Please call us at +1(905)881-6046 or e-mail at harmony@colwis.ca

COLWIS Group unites people through its collective goal of living in harmony with each other and with nature as much as possible. What is, for some people, a distant dream is a real project for COLWIS with all the planning and calculations necessary to create a complex of Ancestor Minors. How do you plan this complex and each individual estate? There are several options for the location of the settlement depending on the lifestyle of its inhabitants. If the majority of the residents work in the city it can be positioned closer to the urban area. If people can work remotely or have independent income, the settlement can be positioned further away, thus allowing more attractive natural conditions and price of land. The whole complex is around 100 acres in size and is divided into approximately 30 plots, 2.5 acres (1 hectare) each. The complex also includes common areas, energy and resources operation system, a community center, a greenhouse, a solar farm, a recreation area, auto share, etc.

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We will be happy to hear from you! The action group created by Colwis workers is calling for merging our creative potential! (905)881-6046, 647-999-9606 E-mail: harmony@colwis.ca Adress: 9225 Leslie St. Unit # 2, Richmond Hill, ON, L4B 3H6 Tel:

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August 2014

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ANIMALISTIC DÉCOR: Herbivores vs. Predators

Ever since humanity invented weapons and, later, money, everything – or almost everything - has become possible. Whether we believe in living in harmony with nature or in subduing it to our needs, animals become our totem. We endow them with human qualities and tend to associate ourselves with them.

Stuffed animals, heads and stretched pelts are not for the faint-hearted or the animal rights advocates. Yet, these are the very objects signifying the high cost and the gravity of the idea. To make it less offensive one may combine, let’s say a moose head with some vintage elements, family photographs or small stuffed toy animals; this will relieve rigidity and add some irony. After all, one often receives these horns, hides, heads and stuffed skins as a gift or inheritance, and this will be a great way to use them.

There is not too much space nowadays for stuffed animal skins, pelts, or animalistic pictures. But you may find it in a place belonging to a hunter or a collector – with its smell of cigars and hides, open flame and ancient panels made of precious woods; or in the nursery – with its stuffed toys, prints and pictures that familiarize the child with all the diversity of the surrounding world. There is a separate category – apartments of animal theme collectors who assemble various objects, from cats to images and depictions of mythic creatures.

Another extreme – china and pottery decorated with animalistic images - combines functionality with the main idea of the collection. These décor elements not only add playfulness and ease to the room but also entertain children and adults. While the hostess is completing her preparations, her guests of all ages can be occupied with the collection: after all it is so fascinating – to study lovingly picked out ornaments.

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to the chosen style, which, as mentioned before, will most likely be something exotic or possessing ethnic elements. An African print on fabric can be supported by a couple of figurines of ancient goddesses and camels while a primitive style picture placed next to a collection of travel photographs will make it clear who in this house is the most playful and adventurous tiger cub. An animal print for the nursery is not a new yet a very popular solution. However, it doesn’t mean busy wallpaper. Silhouettes of dinosaurs printed on good quality paper with silk screen technology look both elegant and cheerful. And of course you cannot do without stuffed toys so beloved by children! And what if you don’t want to be guided by someone else’s opinion? Really, why do you have to justify each beautiful thing you choose? You can implement your ideas in a gentleman’s pied-a-terre or a hunting lodge in the country where the atmosphere is such as not to be favourable to half measures and compromises.

Ornaments depicting animals, small pictures and figurines will give a finished look

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August 2014

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Decorating with Mosaic

Mosaic is an ancient decorative method that has experienced many rebirths always adjusting to the new game rules. It allows the use of ceramic tiles, glass blocks, stone and composites for decorating surfaces with portraits, abstract images, plant ornaments and even reproductions of famous paintings. For making the right decision it is necessary to remember the following key moments: if your mosaic project is complicated and involves many colours, use professional services. Your mosaic decoration will serve you for a long time, therefore choose the right place for it very carefully .

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WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE The most logical places for mosaic projects are kitchens and bathrooms with tiled floors and walls. The most obvious field for bold mosaic experiments is the backsplash, even though a plain geometrical pattern is often sufficient to give the place an absolutely different motif.

BATHROOM IN ASIAN STYLE Decorating a bathroom to match its dĂŠcor with a Japanese style picture or laying a depiction of a magnificent flower on the pool bottom is a classic design tool used in both a small bathroom of an apartment and a spacious spa in a mansion.

CHIC AND ELEGANCE One of the most important effects of tiles is their shine and play of light. Shimmer-

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ing creates a deepening effect and adds visual diversion while reflecting surfaces reinforce the visual impression of fine patterns.

MOSAIC COLUMN Another bold idea is to underscore an architectural feature with mosaic tiles. Decorate a column, an arch or a technical ledge with them and see a striking new ornamental element in the room.

ADDED COLOUR There is no need to go into smallest details in order to impress with the scale of arduous work. If you are open to uncommon solutions and tired of traditional distribution of finishes go for it. For example, try mosaic design on your bed headboard or on a nursery wall. The latter will be not only colourful but practical as well â&#x20AC;&#x201C; it is easier

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to wash fingerprints and crayon off a tiled surface than off wallpaper of paint.

MOSAIC FAN Mosaic can successfully replace pictures and prints on walls no matter what style you prefer. Be it classic Roman, modern or ethnic style, this picturesque ornament will become the focal point of your drawing room or your office.

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August 2014

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Categorizing people by their temperament goes back to Hippocrates. According to his theory a person can be choleric (or bilious), sanguine, phlegmatic (or lymphatic) or melancholic (or atrabilious). Each of these categories sees their world in a different way and has his own understanding of beauty.

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No wonder that such different people require completely different surroundings in order to feel comfortable. Décor is a reflection of the person who lives among it and, to some extent, the means of balancing our weaknesses. For this reason, psychologists as well as interior designers recommend that when planning decorating for a place one takes the psychological type of the owner into consideration.

person; it does not make him tired because this is the way of life he has fashioned for himself. His home is filled with air and light. You can be sure that this person will happily take down a few walls in a just purchased place to avoid living in a standard layout. And, unlike his melancholic friend, he definitely will not screen off nooks and crannies because he is not scared of life and prefers company to being on his own.

The sanguine psychological type is the most attractive of all. They are balanced and cheerful people who make great hosts.

Sanguinics hate monumental furniture and limit the number of pieces in the room. As far as their preferred style, this is still an open issue: some of them may prefer romantic style while others, extreme one. The main requirement is a lot of air, colour and light. By the way, sanguinics like glass and mirrors that visually enhance the space. They also don’t mind seeing their own reflection due to their self-assurance.

The sanguine person has a vivid and sensual life. They use fresh and bright colours when decorating their dwellings – yellow, orange, crème, red, amber, terracotta, etc. They feel comfortable in any colour scheme; therefore, not unlike their bilious counterparts, sanguinics do not shy away from contrasts and bold combinations. His home filled with joy and energy is the place where children play, pets roam free, visitors come and go and music blasts away. This way of life is just right for the sanguine

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In a word, sanguine persons strive for a cozy and welcome atmosphere in their place of living and are able to achieve it. This is why their guests love visiting and are reluctant to leave this kingdom of friendliness and hospitality.

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Sunday, August 24

11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Richmond Green Park 1300 Elgin Mills Road East Admission is Free! Tastes of the Hill celebrates Richmond Hill’s diverse, multicultural community. And this year’s outside celebration will offer a great variety of activities to enjoy, including live entertainment and a showcase of culture, food, arts and crafts, sports and animals from around the world. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind cultural celebration!

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August 2014

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To Reach the Alarm Clock – Shopping for a Bedside Table We start our day with it. We open our eyes, press the snooze button on our alarm clock praying that we never again hear this persistent trill, and rest our eyes on its light varnished surface. Or not varnished? Or not very light? Nowadays, the variety of bedside tables is tremendous. Low, high, square, round, made of wood or particle board. Which one to choose? SIZE First of all define the bedside table’s function. Do you plan to store linen and a pile of magazines in its depths? Or you want to use it as a stand for your cell phone and glasses? In the latter case, your best bet is a graceful small piece that matches the rest of the furnishings in the room. The size of the bedside table has to match the room scale. Two identical smaller pieces

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on either side of the bed may be just the thing; or a larger bedside table on one side will look better. For a smaller space, a corner table will be the best – it is irreplaceable for a room where every inch counts. A corner linen chest can even replace a wardrobe; besides it will look much better than a massive dresser. The height is also important. It may seem that all bedside tables are approximately identical in height. Not so! A high bedside table may obstruct the view of the room and a considerable part of the window when you are lying in bed. A low one may be uncomfortable for reaching for a glass of water or other items you may need during the night.

DESIGN Undoubtedly, the choice of a bedside table is directly connected to the general decor of the bedroom. Minimalistic style is very trendy these days. This fact facilitates the selection process.

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A bow-front table with ornate legs is a must for a bedroom made up in Baroque style. Pieces in dark or light shades with carved handles look perfect for a traditional style room. Painted furniture suits décor in country or Scandinavian style. For luxurious surrounding, shop for a real antique or antique imitation bedside table. A table upholstered in imitation leather will continue the fundamental atmosphere to the bedroom. There is a trend for bedside tables that stand out of the general colour scheme of the room but it is best to keep it close to the general style. No matter how unusual this piece of furniture is, it needs to match the rest of the furnishings. Today, the classic bedside table in the shape of a cube with two drawers has been gradually replaced by new shapes, lines and materials. Talented designers manage to combine in one object wood, glass and rattan making their bedside tables into real works of art. All we are left to do is to awe and select.

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8001 Jane St Vaughan Location  416.223.3330 974 Kingston Rd Beaches Location  416.699.8999 7581 Jane St  905.761.6262

Whether you are simply re facing your kitchen to update the look of your current cabinetry or Planning to renovate your entire kitchen and bath. We can also design the bar of your dreams or design an entertainment centre that will surely fit the look fit for you! Bath City has wide variety of Canadian manufactured cabinets and accessories that will assure your project is a complete success.

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August 2014

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Trendy Bed Linens Women like to follow fashion trends, to surround themselves with beautiful things, and to create a pleasant setting. This is true for almost every area of life, from clothes, accessories and makeup to choosing a car. Lovely ladies try to make sure that their dwelling, especially their bedroom, looks beautiful and fashionable. Here are the season trends in the field of bed linens. FRENCH TAPESTRY AND FAVOURITE ROSES Very popular are dense fabrics with scene prints in pale tones. They are reminiscent of traditional French tapestry, which will satisfy the tastes of those who admire this beautiful art.

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Gentle and delightful tea roses of various sizes have found their way onto bed linen, towels and curtains. Pastoral scenes and biblical motifs are now fashionable subjects for curtains, throws and coverlets.

by yet another blue and a snow-white one; or a succession of green, brown and white stripes of different widths.

TRENDY COLOURS

Influences of the eastern part of the globe remain in fashion for the bedroom. Yet brightly coloured silks with images of dragons are not trendy any more. They have been replaced by geometrical figures, Arabic patterns and plant motifs. Especially attractive are bed linens with a paisley print.

The most popular are all shades of lilac, brown, gold and light blue; large flowers and fuzzy watercolours. Contrasts between colours and sizes govern textile fashion of the season. Red roses on a white background or shapeless daisies on silver are popular prints for bed linen. Pink peonies look stunning against a light green background of sheets.

STRIPES

QUILTED FABRICS

Haphazard interplay of stripes of various colours and sizes are trendy for both bed linens and accessories. A variety and richness of the shades, no restrictions in sizes and combinations of styles, but everything should be harmonious and handsome. Imagine a thin white stripe followed by a wide blue one with an oriental print succeeded

Patchwork and graceful squares continue to excite modern fashion lovers. Manufacturers of throws, bedspreads and curtains have been using progressively more quilting imitations. A solid cloth printed with such patterns looks luxurious and magnificent while multi-coloured items made of fabric patches enliven bedrooms.

SUBTLETIES OF THE EAST

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August 2014

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July 2014

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