Home Makeover February, 2011

FEBRUARY 

Cornered: A linear look creates the hippest bathroom Bright ideas: Learn how to select bathroom lighting Back to the future: A second look at inspired design

HOME MAKEOVER

STARRY SIGHTS  A VAN GOGHINSPIRED MAKEOVER

▼

PM40069240

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED

Timber treasure: Fabulous furniture with a green hue

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HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA

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renovations & custom homes

Congratulations

My House Design/Build Team!

AFTER BEFORE

7 Time Georgie Award Finalist for 2010

s "EST 2ESIDENTIAL 2ENOVATION 5NDER

s 4IME FOR "EST 2ESIDENTIAL 2ENOVATION n

s "EST 2ESIDENTIAL 2ENOVATION n

s "EST 2ESIDENTIAL 2ENOVATION n

s "EST +ITCHEN 2ENOVATION /VER

s "EST #ONDO 2ENOVATION

3 Time SAM Award Finalist for 2010

Serving the Lower Mainland

7664 B

s "EST +ITCHEN 2ENOVATION IN #ANADA s "EST 7HOLE (OUSE 2ENOVATION 5NDER IN #ANADA s "EST 7HOLE (OUSE 2ENOVATION /VER IN #ANADA

www.myhousedesignbuild.com

Call or visit us online today! phone: -Y (OUSE s info@myhousedesignbuild.com

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CONTENTS

8

FEATURES

8 On the cover: A star is born Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night inspires a Fort Langley kitchen makeover

14 It’s hip to be square When it comes to making a small space work, it’s all in the details

16 Turned on Bathroom lighting done right

18 Second helpings In this followup to our coverage of the IDSwest show, we take a look at a few more of the local designers that made our heads turn

21 Diving for timber treasure A local company takes wood salvage to new depths

24 Polished pairs The best washer and dryer sets get the laundry done in style.

26

21

DEPARTMENTS

6 Editor’s note 7 Prize winner 21 Green Change 26 New & Now 28 Professional insights

18

Cover: A kitchen renovation inspired by a painting.

Keith Henderson Photography.

See story page 8.

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MAKE IT RIGHT MAKE IT WALLTITE ECO TM

TM

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WALLTITE ECO meets the stringent requirements of the GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM and GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM certification, thus ensuring optimal occupant comfort and safety.

Optimised through BASF’s life-cycle analysis tool, WALLTITE ECO is the first closed-cell spray polyurethane insulation to obtain the EcoLogoTM, North America’s most widely recognized environmental certification.

With the goal of promoting energy efficient homes, WALLTITE ECO has been used to meet the stringent energy performance requirements for the following homes participating in Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s EQuilibriumTM (Net Zero Energy) Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative: ÉcoTerraTM, Now HouseTM, and the Alstonvale Net Zero House.

For more information: Eastern region: 1-866-474-3538 l Western region: 1-800-891-0671 walltite.com l foammasters.ca l walltiteeco.com

ECO stands for the balance between ecology and economy, achieved through the performance of WALLTITE ECOTM. Major prerequisites for renewable raw materials to become an alternative to fossil resources are their availability at competitive prices for industrial applications, without compromising food production and depleting the natural wealth. For its insulation material: WALLTITE ECO™, BASF Canada has chosen to use renewable content from non-edible crops that do not jeopardize global food production.

WALLTITE ECO™ and foam mastersTM are trademarks of BASF Canada. MAKE IT RIGHTTM is a trademark of Mike Holmes.

EcoLogoTM is a registered trademark of Environment Canada. Now HouseTM is a trademark of the Now House Project Inc. ÉcoTerraTM is a trademark of Les Maisons Alouette. EQuilibriumTM is a trademark of CMHC. The GREENGUARD Certification ProgramSM and GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM are trademarks of the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED WWW.HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA

So long, it’s been good to reno ya

T

Next Makeover In April, we feature allnew kitchen and bathroom makeovers; a small-space patio reno; dishwashers; and tips on refurbishing furniture from local designer

wo and a half years ago I took on the editorial role at Home Makeover magazine with the goal of introducing readers to fantastic renovations, great decor tips and advice on everything from architecture to zebra wood. This is now my last issue as I turn my sights to other adventures.

Through 15 issues, I have delved into drywall and waxed on about woodwork, often stepping over the thresholds into homes, stores and show rooms where no other decor magazine has gone.

Often, when introducing myself as editor of Home Makeover, at a store opening, home show or even to a random real estate agent or designer, I would invariably get the response, “Oh, I love that magazine. I read it cover to cover.”

It’s that kind of fan reaction that has made the job so rewarding, as well as the fact that all our sources are local, so we are doing our part to promote the work of local designers, tradespeople and retailers.

I have enjoyed working with our retail supporters to bring knowlege to our readers while bringing clients to their stores; with our contributors, who scoured backyards and back alleys to find stories of interest; and our design team who consistenly went the extra distance to create a beautiful-looking publication that is a source of pride for everyone.

We started several new ventures in the past two years, including a new magazine (re-style), reno workshops, booth makeovers at the Vancouver Home Show and a prize every issue for new or renewing subscribers. As the magazine moves forward, there are even more initiatives in the works that will keep the pages engaging, contemporary and thought-provoking.

The new editor, Noa Glouberman, will be familiar to readers as the name behind the kitchen and bathroom renovation features, as well as numerous other articles ranging from green walls to paving stones. She brings to the table solid writing experience and a fresh view.

I’m still floating around the BIV Media Group offices, but I’ve taken off the HM hat as I build my other passion - a business as a life coach. I hope you enjoy the new names, the new look and the new content and may all your renos be a breeze.

Publisher: Doug Holt Editor in chief: Baila Lazarus Design director: Randy Pearsall Copy editor: Renate Preuss Contributers: Linda Chu, Noa Glouberman, Heather Kleim, Renu Singh, Grant Wing Production manager: Don Schuetze Advertising sales: Art Pouchet, Brett Stenner Administrator: Katherine Butler Marketing & events co-ordinator: Paige Millar, Aly-Khan Virani System administrator: Les Valan Subscription manager: Veera Irani Controller: Marlita Hodgens Office manager: Dennis LeBlanc President, BIV Media Group: Paul Harris Home Makeover is published six times each year (February, April, June, August, October, December) by BIV Magazines, a division of BIV Media LP, 102 Fourth Avenue East, Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1G2, 604-688-2398, Fax 604-688-1963, www.businessinvancouver.com.

Copyright 2011 Home Makeover. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or incorporated into any information retrieval system without permission of BIV Magazines. The list of services provided in this publication is not necessarily a complete list of all such services available in Vancouver, B.C. The publishers are not responsible in whole or in part for any errors or omissions in this publication.

ISSN 1719-8712 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO: 40069240.

Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Department: 102 Fourth Avenue East, Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1G2. E-mail: subscribe@biv.com.

and former Bachelorette Jillian Harris

6

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Baila Lazarus, outgoing editor, homemakeover@biv.com Photo: Deo Cruz/DC Photography

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PRIZE WINNER

Setting a trend Second winner of HM’s subscriber award

F

ollowing on the subscriber lunch where Donna Sylvester graciously accepted the subscription prize of the table setting as displayed on the cover of HM magazine’s October issue, Donna and her husband Brian invited my wife Tara and me for a wonderful dinner at their beautiful North Shore home over the holidays. Fine food was served as Tara and I enjoyed the spectacular view of Vancouver Harbour, Stanley Park and the city from their wellappointed renovated dining room. Tara and I thank Brian and Donna for inviting us into their home, and I welcome and thank Donna for subscribing to HM magazine. 2011 promises to be an exciting year for HM magazine, and I wish Donna inspired reading!

—Doug Holt, publisher

Publisher Doug Holt with Donna Sylvester, winner of October’s

Next issue, we’ll feature the winner of our December give-away: an Alessi silver bowl, as well as a set of Peugot salt and pepper grinders, shown on our previous cover. ∞

subscriber prize.

This month, our draw prize is the glass table shown on the cover Visit www.homemakeovermagazine.ca for entry details.

www. IDIBC.org

Aesthetics are an important component of any interior design project, but a professional interior designer focuses on much more than appearance.

Designing, redesigning, or renovating an interior space involves a significant investment of time, money, and effort. Hiring a professional interior designer is the best way to ensure you get value for your investment.

WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER? Balance functionality with aesthetic considerations Help you define your needs and project goals and deliver engineered design solutions and specifications catered to your needs ■ Get the most from your available space ■ ■

To find out more about the IDI and for a list of your local registered professional interior designers (RID’s) please visit our web site at idibc.org

REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN (RID) PRACTITIONERS SHARE THE BELIEF THAT DESIGN ENHANCES OUR ENVIRONMENTS AND MAKES A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR LIVES.

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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KITCHEN MAKEOVER

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

star A

is born

Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night inspires a Fort Langley kitchen makeover

F

Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night.

aced with the task of redesigning a Fort Langley kitchen to facilitate the homeowner’s passion for gourmet cooking and casual entertaining, Linda Jones of Vancouver’s My House Design/Build Team turned to a post-impressionist Dutch painter for inspiration.

“When we met to discuss the project, the homeowner brought out some of her daughter’s artwork,” explained the registered interior designer. “She had done this little copy of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night and I said, ‘That’s what we should use for our design concept.’ We wanted to add some sparkle and interest to the kitchen, and the painting reflected that perfectly. ” With van Gogh’s celestial swirls in mind, she and the My House team, which included a second designer – Jeffrey Rebiffe, who is no longer with the firm – and builder Bruno Hoglund, set out to make over the space, which Jones described as “poorly laid out and not very functional.”

Their first order of business was to remove a wall that separated the kitchen from a small, adjacent sitting room. With more square footage to work with, the team was able to add such features as a walk-in pantry, coffee bar and larger island to the kitchen.

“The old island was too small,” Jones noted. “We installed an eight-foot island with seating for four, so

8 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Before

Left image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vincent_van_Gogh_Starry_Night.jpg

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The kitchen’s new

The eight-foot

coffee bar includes a

island by Columbia

Franke Kindred sink

Kitchen Cabinets

with a Hansgrohe

includes seating for

Talis S faucet, a

four and is topped

built-in beverage

with a maple

cooler and cabinetry

butcher block from

by Columbia

Richelieu Hardware.

Kitchen Cabinets.

After photos: Keith Henderson Photography

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HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

9

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KITCHEN MAKEOVER

To indulge the homeowner’s passion for gourmet cooking, a 48-inch Viking range complete with double overns and eight burners and a Sub-Zero Preservation Energy Star-rated refrigerator were installed.

A stainless steel Franke Kindred sink with an extra large capacity is “great for filling big pots” and features a solid brass Hansgrohe Axor Citterio semipro faucet.

A pull-out spice cabinet to the left of the gas range and a pull-out knife rack to the right create extra pockets of storage space throughout the kitchen.

10

people can eat there or gather around the cook. It’s topped with an eight-foot maple butcher block for chopping vegetables and doing prep work, and includes a built-in microwave so the children can warm their own snacks.”

To further indulge the client’s cooking capacities, top of the line appliances – including a 48-inch, eight-burner Viking gas range with double ovens, a Sub-Zero Preservation refrigerator and an extra-large stainless-steel Franke Kindred sink with industrial-style Hansgrohe Axor Citterio faucet – were selected and arranged in an efficient work triangle.

Focus was also placed on increasing the amount of storage space in the kitchen. A pull-out spice cabinet to the left of the gas range and a pull-out knife rack to the right, for example, create hidden places to tuck everyday items neatly away. And the new pantry, says Jones, is perfect for storing bulk items.

The independent coffee bar adds further storage with a wet bar, built-in beverage cooler and shelving for stemware. It also allows for hot and cold beverage service with a round prep sink and Cosmic Black granite countertops, as well as a backsplash of multicoloured, recycled glass tiles.

“The backsplash and granite counters run throughout the kitchen, tying the bar to the main cooking area and creating a sense of continuity,” Jones added. “We also included custom-painted maple cabinets up to the

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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KITCHEN MAKEOVER

Above: A circular drop over the dining table mimics the circular patterns in van Gogh’s Starry Night painting and adds a warm glow to the room. Below: the red carpet colour is picked up in by vase and other decor objects.

ceiling and task lighting all around to provide the right amount of light for working at the counters.”

The under-cabinet lighting also works to bring the backsplash to life; like van Gogh’s stars, the glass tiles sparkle when illuminated. “You can really see how the palette we chose for the backsplash ties in to the countertops, walls and StoneCraft floors,” she said. “It all flows together.”

Further influence from van Gogh’s masterpiece can be seen in the ceiling, where glass cubed pendant lights over the island and kitchen sink provide more sparkle, not to mention ambient lighting in task areas. As well, a circular drop over the dining table mimics the circular patterns in the painting.

“I wanted to provide a dedicated space for lighting and we accomplished that with this unique architectural drop,” Jones explained. “There is direct lighting shining down from it as well as indirect lighting coming from up above, which gives the room a glow and reflects our overall Starry Night design concept.”

Not only was the client “over the moon” about the completed renovation, the kitchen has since earned My House a spot as a finalist in the 2010 Canadian Home Builders’ Association National SAM Awards.

“This was a very rewarding project to work on,” Jones said. “We felt really inspired from the beginning and, of course, to be recognized for your work is also very exciting.” ∞

Resources

Benjamin Moore & Co., www.benjaminmoore.com Columbia Kitchen Cabinets Ltd., www.columbiacabinets.com, 604-850-3538 ET2 Contemporary Lighting, www.et2online.com, 800-486-2946 Franke Kindred Canada Ltd., www.frankecanada.com, 866-687-7465 Hansgrohe Group, www.hansgrohe.com My House Design/Build Team Ltd., www.myhousedesignbuild.com, 604-694-6873 Panasonic Canada Inc., www.panasonic.ca, 800-561-5505 Philips Lightolier, www.lightolier.com, 800-215-1068 Richelieu Hardware, www.richelieu.com, 800-361-6000 StoneCraft, www.stonecraft.ca, 604-532-8001 Sub-Zero Preservation, www.subzero.com, 800-222-7820 Tech Lighting, www.techlighting.com, 800-522-5315 Viking Range Corp., www.vikingrange.com, 888-VIKING1 World Mosaic (BC) Ltd., www.worldmosaictile.com, 604-736-8158

Before

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Collect Art Not Remotes.

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Call us 604-606-1888 or check out our website www.lascala.ca

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BATHROOM MAKEOVER

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

It’s hip to be

square

When it comes to making a small space work, it’s all in the details

Four-sided shapes can be found throughout the bathroom – from the custom Interior Solutions cabinetry to the Kohler WaterTile square 54-nozzle showerhead. The linear look makes the space feel contemporary and organized.

W

hen Teresa Cain, principal of Interior Solutions Design Group, decided that the time had come to update the guest bathroom in her home, she had just one item on her wish list: metallicbrown porcelain floor tiles.

“They’re glamorous, with a bit of a sparkle through them,” said Cain, who asked a consultant within her own West Vancouver firm, Tiffany Karlson, to help complete the transformation. “Other than that, I wasn’t tied to a particular vision for the room, other than to make sure it had lots of storage and a unique, modern look.”

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First, she and Karlson opted to reposition the door and shower and widen the existing window. Then they painted the ceiling, covered the walls with light-coloured, easy-to-clean porcelain and laid Cain’s 12-by-24-inch square tiles across the heated floor.

In fact, square and rectangular shapes can be found throughout the bathroom – from the crystal Schonbek pendant lights hanging above the vanity to the unique Kohler WaterTile square 54-nozzle showerhead. Karlson says that this linear look makes the space feel more contemporary and organized.

After photos: Randal Kurt Photography

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Far left: The crystal Schonbek pendant lights above the vanity pick up the sparkle in the metallicbrown floor tile.

Left: The designers chose a shallowdepth “hatbox” toilet from Kohler to save space and keep with the room’s squareshaped theme.

“The white shower tiles even have horizontal lines running through them, like Japanese tatami mats, as does the grain in the natural maple wood cabinets,” she explained.

“It’s the subtle nuances that you don’t recognize right away that set a certain mood.”

The same sort of attention to detail helped the two designers squeeze as much use as possible from the small, five-by-eight-foot space. For example, they replaced the toilet with a compact, rectangular “hatbox” model from Kohler (which, besides being comfortable, “makes a great conversation piece”) and carefully chose and installed open shelving next to it for paper and towels.

“Had we not gone with the shelves this would have been wasted space, since it is too close to the toilet for traditional under-counter cabinets with doors that need room to swing open and shut,” said Karlson. “Instead of a tiny vanity that didn’t extend to the wall, we came up with this solution, which gives us more storage but is pretty to look at as well.”

The remainder of the custom-made Interior Solutions vanity includes a Kohler sink and faucet, with ample drawers below, a granite countertop and a ceramic backsplash that picks up the metallic in the floor tiles. An upper cabinet on the wall adjacent to the frameless, polishededge mirror is, according to Cain, “unusual for a bathroom, but perfect for hiding nail polish, extra bars of soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste – all the things you need to reach for daily but don’t want cluttering your counter.”

Another unusual concept that helps maximize the space: a door-less shower. “Some people really splash around in the shower, but [a door] is not an absolute must,” Cain explained, adding that the stall’s frameless glass wall

ends where the water hits your body, eliminating the need for a swinging door. “Showering without getting the room soaked is a learned behaviour; it’s really not a problem at all.”

The shower floor has smaller, square versions of Cain’s metallicbrown tiles, and its step is a solid extension of the vanity’s countertop. Both details create the illusion of a larger space.

And though it includes a bench for seating, the shower is purposely void of storage. “I didn’t want any of the shelves or soap dishes you normally see in showers, which tend to get very cluttered and somewhat messy looking,” said Cain. “I just wanted to keep it really clean and open.”

Rather, she and Karlson ensured that there was plenty of room to store things in other areas of the bathroom.

“It’s a small bathroom but it has everything in it: adequate storage with lots of leftover space, plus everything is clean, contemporary and luxurious,” said Cain. “It looks and functions exactly the way I wanted it to.” ∞

Before

Below: The bathroom, before, was tired, dated and needed a makeover.

Resources

Benjamin Moore & Co., www.benjaminmoore.com Interior Solutions Design Group, www.interiorsolutionsdesigngroup.com, 604-922-8311 Kohler Canada, www.kohler.ca, 800-4KOHLER Schonbek Worldwide Lighting Inc., www.schonbek.com HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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1/25/11 2:02:20 PM

BATH LIGHTING

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

In a bathroom that includes his-and-her

Turned on

vanities, each must be lit adequately

Bathroom lighting done right

and independently.

In this case a pair of cylindrical, white pendant lights were hung above each sink to ensure enough brightness for shaving or makeup application.

The trick to making elegant pendant lighting work in a bathroom is layering. These fiery pendants from Alico Industries are supplemented with pot lights in the ceiling. Put pendants on a dimmer to control the level of light they emit.

In most cases, a

Building a mirror

master bathrom

out with plywood

would require

framing and tucking

more lighting than

a fluorescent tube

halogen pendants –

light behind it is

like these glowing

easy, economical

bells from Alico

and gives a modern

Industries – could

effect. This example

provide, but they

only shines from the

create a warm, soft

top and bottom, but

effect in a powder

you can customize

room.

your own mirror to light up around all four sides.

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Resources

Alico Industries Inc., www.alicoindustries.com, 866-662-5426

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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INTERIOR DESIGN

BY BAILA LAZARUS

Second

helpings

In this followup to our coverage of the IDSwest show, we take a look at a few more of the local designers that made our heads turn

Living on the edge Live Edge furniture is made of Canadian western maple brought down by storms or left behind by forest companies and construction companies. Everything – the milling, drying, design and product creation – is done on Vancouver Island. The pieces show off the beauty of this type of wood, finished to a “satin-smooth touch,” according to marketing director Donna Roxburgh.

“Our favourite is the western big leaf maple,” said president John Lore. “It’s sought after by luthiers, wood turners and carvers for its exceptional colour and figure.

Tree growth takes place just beneath the bark. The rich contours of this live edge give a sculptural quality to our furniture.”

On its journey to become custom-made furniture, the tree is milled into massive slabs, dried, designed, expertly crafted and finely finished – all at the Live Edge studio on Vancouver Island.

The result is beautiful West Coast Natural furniture built to last for generations.

“The unique pieces command attention and conversation,” said Lore. “Your guests will love the story of the tree that became your treasure.”

Accompanying story books are available on request.

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HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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1/25/11 2:02:34 PM

Studio sensations If you didn’t know the Olympic cauldron in Coal Harbour is actually made of glass, take a second look. The colourful structure, which changes colour at night, was partly formed with glass designed by Studio G3.

The company, founded in 1996 by Naser Niki and Johnny Tse, uses sandblasting, etching and airbrushing to take coloured glass into a new realm of beauty. Its stunning work has made it one of the world leaders in architectural glass technology. Whether creating a floorto-ceiling wall or a kitchen counter, Studio G3 has established itself in the local and international markets.

It now uses a variety of standard or custom textures, patterns, designs, shapes, sizes, colours and finishes.

Today, thousands of Studio G3’s projects can be found in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, casinos, spas, institutes, restaurants, corporate offices and up-scale residences all around the world.

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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INTERIOR DESIGN

Sleek and simple Klein Furniture Studio, founded by Robert and Naomi Klein, started as a supplier of interior yacht furnishings and moved to custom residential doors and built-in cabinetry. The simplicity of the designs, with just a hint of special detailing (such as a curved backboard on the stacking cabinet) means they’ll fit well in any room.

“Most of my own furniture designs are simple shapes that make the most of carefully selected and matched hardwoods, and the profoundly natural and organic feelings that natural hardwoods illicit,” said Robert Klein. “I find that combining traditional joinery with contemporary furniture shapes not only illustrates clearly that the piece is made out of solid wood, but it adds warmth and a sense of craft.”

Wherever possible, Klein makes each piece of furniture out of a single board. “This way, all the lumber is consistent in colour and character, and I don’t have to use a uniforming wood stain, which would obscure the natural colour.”

His Modernist cabinet is a good example, as is the Organic line of case goods.

“Developing the skills of a furniture-maker is a long process,” said Klein. “Building a beautiful piece of furniture is a unique joy.”

Natural formations At Sticks and Stones Furniture, signature designs blend wood and concrete “showcasing the tensile beauty, strength and motion latent in the two materials,” according to communications director Kaila Jarvis.

“Working with reclaimed wood products and recycled materials, Sticks and Stones products convey a modernity that appeals to the lifestyle and design of West Coast living.”

The hand-crafted, polished-concrete Fire Bench can be used both inside and out. “The eco-burner uses ethanol fuel and does not need to be vented, providing warmth and comfort while creating a beautiful ambience, perfect for West Coast living,” said Jarvis. “Each Sticks and Stones piece is created to custom fit your living and work spaces.”

Along with beautiful movable furniture, Sticks and Stones also creates built-ins for kitchens, bathrooms and fireplaces. The zebra wood island is one such extraordinary example.

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“Created in collaboration with our clients, this polished concrete and zebra wood island epitomizes the essence of a Sticks and Stones signature piece – functional, yet beyond,” Jarvis explained. “Breaking up the surface by using a different colour and thickness of concrete highlights the social area while framing the unique beauty of the zebra wood.”

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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1/25/11 2:03:31 PM

GREEN CHANGE

BY RENU SINGH

Diving for

timber treasure

A local company takes wood salvage to new depths

F

rom the shores, cities and forests of British Columbia to the underwater jungle below the Panama Canal, Coast EcoTimber is making groundbreaking strides in the forestry sector.

Its president, Alana Husby, comes from five generations of B.C. loggers and is committed to sustainable forestry through local and international sourcing of salvaged wood, including rescued city trees, wood from old logging sites, driftwood from local beaches, beams and timber from old buildings and underwater hardwoods.

“The Earth is calling for it – it’s a new revelation. When I started this company, it was based on reclaimed, rescued and rediscovered woods,” said Husby with a smile. “I feel good, but more importantly, the story is just remarkable with these woods.”

Remarkable, indeed – this Vancouver entrepreneur is making history, as her company has secured the rights to harvest unique and valuable tropical hardwoods submersed 80 feet in the underwater jungle of the Panama Canal.

During the construction of the canal in the early 20th century, then president Theodore Roosevelt authorized the damming of the Chagres River, creating Gatun Lake, the world’s largest man-made lake at that time.

In doing so, an old-growth jungle the size of Montreal was flooded and the hardwood species lost beneath the water.

Almost a century later, Husby and international operations partner Arnie Dewitt have launched a salvaging project in the Panama Canal in which loggers dive down and cut the trees using submersible hydraulic chainsaws, lubricated by vegetable oil, to reclaim the perfectly preserved wood.

As the log is released from tremendous underwater Photos: Paul Joseph

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The Patchwork

At the Rocky

Table features

Mountaineer Station

patches of end-

in December, Coast

cuts rescued from

EcoTimber’s core

woodwork shops,

team – (l-r) Carole

where they are

Schwab, Sarah

normally found

Jane Hilton, Alana

in the waste pile.

Husby (president),

This mixed species

Challa Reisner

table will surely

and Arnie Dewitt

be the centre of

– stands in front

conversation for

of slabs of wood,

dinner guests, as

which can be used

they touch and

to create customized

feel the smooth

furniture.

surface and ponder the history of the various trees displayed in the patches. Includes a leaf and sits six to 10 people. $6,700

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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GREEN CHANGE

Constructed from yellow cedar, reclaimed from a 1940s logging site on the Sunshine Coast, the Sexy

These striking tables feature black walnut from Courtenay, B.C., that originated from fallen trees planted by homesteaders in the late 1800s.

The Waterfall Table retails for $3,400, while the Floating Waterfall Table with glass insert is $5,400.

pressure, it pops up to the surface. Before it sinks, as hardwoods are quite heavy, the log is linked with a chain to a barge.

Coast EcoTimber has been working with a local Panamanian company, and the government has been receptive, as their project has created employment and raised awareness of sustainable foresting practices.

“We are really enjoying working with the people of Panama and helping to facilitate an eco-forestry industry there. The wood is stunning and the story is unbelievable,” said Husby.

“I think getting a small section of the lake FSC [Forest Stewardship Council]-certified was our first step to having a world class eco-project on the canal. We look forward to growing substantially in the next year and training Panamanians in B.C. logging and lumber practices and supplying the world with our gorgeous, exotic hardwood products.”

The canal hardwood species (Cumaru, IPE, Espave, Zapatero and Cedro Espino) are not only extremely strong, durable and rich in appearance, but auditors

Beast Bench is not only insect resistant but its tough wood will withstand the elements and be a long-lasting piece for both indoor and outdoor spaces. $3,2000

www. IDIBC.org

Registered Interior Designers are trained to listen to and understand your aspirations and help you design effective solutions to achieve your goals.

Selecting a qualified Interior Designer is one of the most significant decisions you can make.

HOW TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER Take time to interview interior designers and check their references. Each designer should explain their design process, how they work, and what they charge for their services.

They should also ask you about your needs, timeline, and expectations. It’s important that both parties feel comfortable with the relationship before a contract is signed and work begins.

For the list of local registered profession designers (RID’s), please go to our member directory at http://www.idibc.org/find/ , or on our web site you can find our member directory by clicking on “FIND A DESIGNER” at the top of the page in the navigation bar.

REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN (RID) PRACTITIONERS SHARE THE BELIEF THAT DESIGN ENHANCES OUR ENVIRONMENTS AND MAKES A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR LIVES.

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HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Natural Stone A world selection of

Spice up your indoor or outdoor spaces with the Daydream Bed, made from reclaimed Douglas ďŹ r, and the Tatami Coffee Table, constructed from reclaimed western

At your ďŹ ngertips

red cedar from the Sunshine Coast. $2,300 for each piece

Made from reclaimed Douglas ďŹ r collected from an old school on the North Shore and pieced together with glulam for incredible strength, the Love Me, Love Me Not hearts can be used as one piece or split apart into two side tables or footrests.

This image shows four individual units. $1,200 for one unit

and consultants from the Forest Stewardship Council have also deemed the hardwoods FSCcertiďŹ ed (products that are responsibly harvested and/or derived from veriďŹ ed recycled sources).

Coast EcoTimber has received local and international attention from architects, designers and furniture-makers who are interested in incorporating the FSC-certiďŹ ed Panama hardwoods in their work.

The company oers a range of services, including sourcing and providing eco-friendly wood from B.C. and Panama; designing furniture from rescued, rediscovered or reclaimed wood; and sourcing and providing architectural wood products, such as decking, siding, mantles, ooring, beams and character pieces.

As a child, Husby grew up in the Haida Gwaii (Queen Charlotte Islands) and was adopted into the Haida Nation as a honorary member of the Raven Clan, from which she gained knowledge of traditional foresting techniques.

Encouraged by her father to pursue a career in forestry, Husby’s goal was to create a unique logging business that used wood traditionally left behind.

At 35, she is a BCIT-trained forester, has earned the Lumber Grading Ticket, which is a diďŹƒcult accreditation to obtain, and has studied with the very best in the industry, including Glenn Fox and John Okamoto of J&G Log Works.

Now, Husby has added furniture design to her skill list. She launched her inaugural collection in 2010 showcasing stunning furniture pieces that illustrate the beauty of salvaged wood and live edge. She hopes clients will continue to tell the story of the wood for generations to come, as the pieces are keepsakes and truly one-of-akind. ∞

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1/25/11 2:05:27 PM

WASHERS & DRYERS

BY GRANT WING

Polished pairs The best washer and dryer sets get the laundry done in style

Samsung’s 520 steam washer and dryer.

S

tylishly efficient, the latest models of washers and dryers get your laundry spotless while adding panache to your laundry room.

The newest laundry machines boast new features that get your clothes cleaner and help them last longer while being thrifty with energy and water consumption. Plus,

noise- and vibration-reduction technology are allowing homeowners to install them practically anywhere.

On the washer side, front-loading models are popular for their gentler washing, energy efficiency and lower water use. The latest have multi-directional wash actions for specific fabrics and energy-saving cold-water cycles. Steam injection to deal with stains and odours is also becoming available on more washers. And new balancing technology to reduce noise and vibration are available on high-end models.

In dryers, steam is being introduced to eliminate wrinkles and refresh clothes between dry cleanings.

The latest laundry sets also flaunt slick designs, colours and finishes allowing homeowners to add pizzazz to bland laundry rooms.

Here are just a few to ponder.

Samsung Samsung’s newly launched 520 laundry set, at five cubic feet, is the largest-capacity front-loading washer and dryer available. This model has a new foam technology

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HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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that injects bubbled detergent into laundry for deeper cleaning and less residue, said Chelsea Naylor, merchandise manager of appliances at Future Shop. The washer features 13 washing cycles, an energy-saving cold-water sanitizing wash and a deep-steam cycle.

The matching large-capacity steam dryer has 13 drying levels to economically and efficiently dry a wide variety of fabrics, including woolens.

The set is stackable and comes in a chic platinum stainless finish.

Quiet, low-vibration machines like Samsung’s can be installed practically anywhere, said Naylor.

“One of our co-workers put hers in her walk-in closet,” he said. “Why go three levels down to your basement to do laundry when you can do it right in your bedroom.”

The 520 laundry set sells for 3,199 at Future Shop.

Huebsch Huebsch, known as Speed Queen in the U.S., has been known for the dependability and durability of its washers and dryers for 100 years. Its Model LTZA7 is a space-saving, stacking washer and dryer set with extralarge capacity. Built with more metal parts than most makes, the front-load washer has a stainless steel wash tub, seven wash cycles and four wash temperatures. It’s matched with an electric dryer on top featuring three drying cycles. Both are Energy Star qualified.

Huebsch’s domestic washers and dryers are commercial grade and designed to run continuously, said Jack McIver, owner of McIver’s Appliance Sales and Service.

Huebsch machines have excellent washing ability and are very quiet. With proper maintenance, the front-load washers can last up to 20 years, he said. “We’ve been selling them since 1965 when they were built here, so the track record on them is good.”

Huebsch’s stacking washer and dryer set sells for 2,995 at McIver’s Appliances.

LG3875.

LG LG’s flagship model WM3875HVCA steam washer uses steam to boost cleaning and features six-motion washing and a high performance cold-wash cycle. This model has a special high-temperature cycle that removes 95 per cent of common household allergens, said Darren Widas, a sales consultant at Trail Appliances.

“Right now, LG is the only one I can see that is doing it properly, that can add this allergen cycle and can claim to kill dust mites and allergens,” he said.

The matching dryer also uses steam to freshen and to reduce wrinkles and static and has a steam cycle to sanitize delicates and non-washables like pillows.

LG’s vibration- and noise-reduction system also allows the machines to be installed on second floors.

The sleek, stackable set has colour LCD control screen and comes in a popular graphite finish At time of writing, LG’s WM3875 model was on sale for 1,450. Matching dryer was 1,150 at Trail Appliances. ∞

Huebsch stacked washer and dryer.

Resources

Future Shop, www.futureshop.ca Huebsch Canada Home Laundry, home.huebsch.com, 800-898-1879 LG Canada, www.lg.com/ca_en, 888-542-2623 McIver’s Appliance Sales and Service, www.mcivers.biz, 604-879-5222 Samsung Canada, www.samsung.com, 800-726-7864 Trail Appliances, www.trailappliances.com, 604-278-6133

Celebrating 25 years in business!

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WOLCOSKI sturdies bay 60 x 96 inches (diptych)

225 Smithe Street Vancouver BC (604) 688-3301 www.artworksbc.com HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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1/25/11 2:05:44 PM

NEW & NOW JAVA APPLICATION Brand new for 2011, Breville’s Barista Express will have you drinking latté art in no time. It’s got plenty of dials and doodads to impress the finickiest of espresso-lovers, and even if you are a latté learner, once the simple steps are covered, you’ll never want to do without it. Separate knobs adjust grind size, amount of coffee and use of dual or single filter (dual for beginners, single for the more experienced); its conical burr grinder helps keep the flavour of the bean; grinding is one-touch with an automatic stop; and it has an integrated magnetic tamper that’s always right at hand when you need it. This time, it seems, Breville has thought of everything. www.breville.ca

DOGGY NIGHT CARE Well-known for a variety of bedding products and styles, the Company Store has come out with some great winter designs in several products. Two of my favourites are the Dog Days motif (left) and La Crosse colours (right). Some options are all-cotton fiveounce flannel, perfect for chilly nights, gently napped for extra softness and machinewashable. There are also 250-thread-count cotton covers with 12-inch sewn-through box construction that prevents the down from shifting and with down non-allergenic Primaloft Deluxe polyester microfibre fill.

Complete the look with appliquéd pillows in 100 per cent cotton canvas. Dog patterns come in pug, chihuahua, poodle and achshund. Prices start at 19 to 39 for flat or fitted sheets, 24 for a pair of standard-size pillowcases and 59 for comforter covers. www.thecompanystore.com

HERE’S WHAT’S COOKIN’ Are you tired of all the utensils, dishes, pots, pans and cutting boards needed to make just one meal? New in Canada, the Thermomix combines the functions of a stove with that of a stand mixer and blender, saving time and space. It’s a kitchen assistant that will be making pasta sauce, soup, homemade jam, stir fry, even ice cream in no time. The Thermomix has been a staple in European home kitchens for almost 40 years, the best of German engineering and French manufacturing. Price starts at 1,599 including a Thermomix recipe book of your choice. www.easycooking.ca 26 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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1/25/11 2:05:54 PM

NEW & NOW

BEAUTY ETCHED IN STONE Combining the natural beauty of stone with exceptional design concepts, Selezioni Innovative Stone Design has created a line of product rich in splendour. Their recently launched artistic stone panels come pre-assembled, framed and backlit with LEDs and are easily installed on any wall space as you would a painting. As well, the company is developing a modular one-centimetre-thick tile, infusing the stone with a metallic guild. The tiles are manufactured on its premises and are suitable for any wall application. Prices vary according to size, style and application. www.selezioni.ca

The original plumbing solution since 1958

1-800-363-5874 | www.saniflo.ca Install a complete bathroom anywhere you need!

Easy and mess-free above oor installation Pre-assembled unit with check valves included SANITOP model also available for half bathrooms Garages

Basements

Under the stairs

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PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS

BY LINDA CHU

How to get organized, be more productive and do what you want

B

A messy desk,

eing disorganized is tough. It’s stressful. Maybe your home or office is full of clutter. Or the electronic clutter that fills your email inbox seems unmanageable. You’re interrupted. You miss appointments. You don’t accomplish your goals.

You’re not alone.

Eight out of 10 Canadians classify themselves as disorganized, according to a Leger poll for professional organizers in Canada. Among this group: Ă 91 per cent feel that disorganization negatively impacts their lives; Ă 70 per cent who work say their workplace is disorganized; Ă 43 per cent report feeling stressed; and Ă 39 per cent feel frustrated.

So how do ou get organized?

an insurmountable challenge, but following a stepby-step process will

Work-life balance

Take back your time starting at 15 minutes per day. Ask for assistance. Consider leveraging your routine administrative tasks to an assistant (virtual or otherwise). Also, do not make yourself available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is up to you to educate your clients and colleagues. And turn off your cellphone and email after hours. If you respect your time, others will as well.

The decide-in-five model of decision making 1. Delete: Delete messages that are not required, like

you would junk mail inside an envelope.

2. Do: If you can complete a task in two minutes or less,

dining table or dresser can look like

Managing email

Process your email in batches and schedule dedicated time to do so. Turn off your email notifications.

Time management and prioritization

Use a calendar and a single checklist to focus on what matters most at any given moment. Know what your high-priority tasks are and make sure you schedule time for them or they won’t get done.

clear it in no time.

Vision and goals

Figure out what you want to achieve in your organization, business, work, personal life. Do you know what your company vision is? What are the goals you need to accomplish to meet this vision? What are your short-term and long-term goals? How do your personal goals fit into your day?

then do it.

3. Delegate: Even if you are ultimately responsible for a

task, you may be able to delegate part of it.

4. Document (in your reference library): We often

receive emails with information attached with no action required. Save the attachment.

5. Defer: While processing your email, if you cannot do any of the above, defer this action to you to-do list.

Tech savvy organizing

Email programs often have an electronic to-do list that can be used to manage all your to-do actions. They can often defer your emails by creating an action-to-do item on your task list.

Information management

Take an inventory of every item in your office and understand how you access each item. Next, purge the documents that are no longer required by business need or regulation and organize them according to a consistent process. Divide your paper files into active information requiring action, reference materials not requiring immediate action and archival materials. Make the high-priority files easily accessible, move reference materials away from your immediate workspace and consider storing other materials offsite.

28

Just say no. Then say yes

Saying no to one thing means you are saying yes to something else. If you have already made a list of your priorities, you’ll feel better about turning down tasks (or requests) since you’re working towards your goals in an organized way. ∞ Linda Chu is an organizing consultant and the founder of Out of Chaos. For more information on her in-house presentations or to sign up for her monthly newsletter, visit www. outofchaos.ca.

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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1/25/11 2:06:28 PM

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS

BY HEATHER KLEIM

Top 10 do-it-yourself home staging tips Neutral furniture, paint and art, de-cluttered spaces, tasteful accents and a squeakyclean space all serve to attract buyers and garner a higher sale price.

T

hinking of selling your home? As we head into spring, Metro Vancouver’s real estate market is gearing up for an exciting season, and so are the home sellers.

Competition is usually pretty fierce out there, however there are many things you can do to ensure your home is showing in its best light. Homes that photograph well and show beautifully sell quickly, not to mention for better prices. With over 90 per cent of potential buyers beginning their search online, it is imperative that your home capture their attention. By following some basic guidelines, you can prevent a prolonged listing or the dreaded price reduction.

The way you live in your home and the way you sell your home are completely different. If you were going to sell your car, you would have it detailed and washed before you advertised it, right? Home staging is the equivalent of detailing your car. It is also one of the most effective marketing tools you can implement when selling your home.

I provide the following guidelines to all of my clients who are getting ready to sell. Don’t forget to take “before” pictures for your own reference; you’ll be shocked at the transformation!

1. De-clutter. This is by far one of the most powerful home staging tools you can use. Too much stuff (books, knick-knacks, collectibles) is very distracting for buyers and it takes the attention away from your home. Pack and store one-third of your stuff; it will have to be packed when you move so why not get a head start? [For suggestions on de-cluttering, see Linda Chu’s article on opposite page.]

2. De-personalize. This means removing family photos, trophies, awards, religious items and any other personal objects. People are nosy by nature; don’t distract buyers with the photo of your family in Rome or your collection of golf trophies. Buyers will switch from imagining themselves living in your home to reliving their Italian vacation or their last golf game.

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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1/25/11 2:06:48 PM

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS

A simple table setting keeps the look of a room clean but is inviting enough so prospective buyers can see themselves living in the space.

Keep them focussed on your home!

Trick of the trade: If you have a gallery of family photos on a wall and don’t have anything to replace them with, try this: Buy sheets of co-ordinating decorative paper from your favourite gift store that match the colours in the room. Trace the outline of each photo on the back of the paper, cut it out and place in front of the photo in the frame. This is a great way to depersonalize AND incorporate a nice splash of colour.

3. Arrange furniture. The way your furniture is arranged can have a huge impact of how the room feels and shows. It is important that buyers can walk around each room freely when viewing your home without facing obstacles of furniture. Ensure that each room of your home is shown as its intended use: bedrooms should show as bedrooms, not offices, etc.

4. Accessorize. To really get that show home feel, experiment with the placement of your stuff that is being kept on display. Display vases of similar shapes in groups of three, buy some throw pillows that match your artwork and try to keep the colour scheme of each room consistent.

5. Add art. Art can dramatically affect the feel of a room by evoking strong emotions. Peoples’ taste in art varies drastically; it is important that the art you have on display does not contain any nudity or religious or political themes. Decorative paper or fabric in frames is a great way to prevent offending a potential buyer.

6. Clean. When your home is on the market, it should be so clean it sparkles. I suggest you hire professional cleaners to give your home a good, thorough, topto-bottom swipe. After that, maintaining it just takes a little effort each day. When a home is not clean, buyers can be left with the impression that it’s not well

maintained, which can result in either a low-ball offer or no offer at all.

7. Repair. Before listing your home, it is important that all required repairs are addressed. Common repairs include leaky taps, toilets that run, doors that don’t close properly, loose tiles, chipped paint, holes in walls and outdated hardware and fixtures. If you have brass doorknobs, cabinet handles or light fixtures, they should be replaced with silver-coloured hardware.

This is one of the most inexpensive ways to update the look of a home!

8. Increase curb appeal. The exterior of your house is the first impression buyers will have of your home.

Walkways should be swept and clear of all debris, gardens should be weeded, lawns should be cut and there should always be some sort of seasonal greenery at your front door. If you live in a condo, ensure your patio has been swept and has some greenery present.

9. Paint. If you have lime green walls in your living room, or your daughter’s room is bright pink, paint them with more neutral colours. Painting has the highest return on investment of all home improvements. It also creates that move-in-ready feel that buyers covet.

10. Finalize open-house details. Here are a few tips to ensure your open house goes as smoothly as possible: homeowners and pets are not present, garbage is taken out, toilet lids are down, toiletries in bathrooms are stored out of sight, beds are made, curtains are open and lights are on. ∞ Heather Kleim is the owner of Epic Empire Designs Home Staging, 778-232-1864, www.epicempiredesigns.ca.

Décor items for kitchen staging provided by Fluff Rentals, www.rentfluff.com.

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At Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Hardware stores we listen to make sure whatever we do reflects your preferances, your style, your sense of personal comfort.

From the planning stage to the last finishing touches, everything will be just as you imagined.

Come in and let us help you turn any plain area in your bathroom into a unique showpiece.

A simple phone call or visit to your local Home Hardware Building Centre or Home Hardware store can start things rolling. www.homehardware.ca

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