Boulevard Magazine Okanagan, 2024 ISSUE 1

2024 ISSUE 1

OKANAGAN LIFE AT ITS FINEST

CRAFTING A LEGACY

STYLE, ADVANCED

Eclectic, bold fashion and jewellery, and layers of patterns and texture

GRANDMILLENIAL CHIC

Embracing bold patterns, pops of colour and maximal florals

A BOWL OF “JUST RIGHT”

Elevated porridge

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CONTENTS 50

20 FEATURES

ON THE COVER

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Photo by LiaCrowe

CLASSY AND MODERN. BEAUTIFUL AND FUNCTIONAL

Jane Hoffman and Angela Coupal, of Unison, are crafting a legacy.

Joanne Viau unlocks the potential of Kelowna home

BUSINESS CLASS

By Kathy Michaels

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44

STYLE ADVANCED

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Maximalism replaces minimalism and heirlooms are back

By Laura Goldstein

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Eclectic, bold fashion and jewellery, and layers of patterns and textures.

By Lia Crowe + Jen Evans

GRANDMILLENIAL CHIC

A BOWL OF “JUST RIGHT” Elevated porridge

By Ellie Shortt

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A HEAVENLY RETREAT Corte della Maestà

By Laura Goldstein

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36 DEPARTMENTS

10 12

20

CONTRIBUTORS

By Susan Lundy

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BUSINESS CLASS Crafting a legacy

Ethical Table

By Natalie Bruckner

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SECRETS AND LIVES Heather Gordon

WEEKENDER

By Angela Cowan

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NARRATIVE Grade six superhero

SPOTLIGHT

I’ve got you covered

Japandi style: Claudia Afshar and Cosentino team up

By Kaisha Scofield

By Laura Goldstein

WELL AND GOOD

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The spice is right:

By Lauren Kramer

Samantha Wedlund

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44 40

Bewitched by Orcas Island

LIFE.STYLE.ETC.

By Izabel Kazenbroot-Guppy

GOOD TASTE

By Don Descoteau

EDITOR’S LETTER Chic granny

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By Ann Tiplady

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BEHIND THE STORY

By Lia Crowe

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contributors “I knew going into Pamela’s home

JEN CLARK

MODEL/MAKEUP STYLE, ADVANCED

PAGE 44

that I would experience an aurora borealis of visual delight! Looking up at the 10-foot ceilings and seeing Pam’s treasures felt like sugar plums dancing in my head. Because of this, I chose to keep my makeup simple by adding just a flick of extra lashes on the outer edge, paired with a blurred rosy lip. For Pam—other than tapping on a little rouge and mimicking her favourite lip colour ‘black honey’—there was no need to mess with her iconic style. I’m still dreaming about this photo shoot and the magical beings that were buzzing around creating it.” Jen Clark is a Victoria-based makeup artist offering services in styling, props and art direction.

“I've gone swimming with dolphins

LAURA GOLDSTEIN

in Eilat, Israel, and kayaked with whales in Hawaii, but my idea of extreme sports is climbing that bridge to the top of the mountain in Italy to stay at the gorgeous Corte della Maestà and eating great food!”

Born in Toronto, Laura was an arts and sports publicist and writer for 30 years.

Tired of shovelling snow, she and her husband moved to BC 15 years ago. A highlight of her long career was covering the Kate Middleton and Prince William tour of BC in 2017.

WRITER A HEAVENLY RETREAT

PAGE 78

“Some years ago, the lifelong gratitude

ANN TIPLADY

WRITER GRADE SIX SUPERHERO

PAGE 86

I felt towards my childhood hero, Janet, evolved to a strong wish to thank her, publicly, for stepping up on my behalf all those years ago. When I took up my pen and began writing my stories, that was a priority.” Ann was a wildlife biologist, then a farmer, and is now a writer. She is a Canadian-AmericanCanadian, having grown up in Canada, lived most of her adult life in the US, and recently returned to Canada. In addition to short pieces—true stories and essays—Ann is working on a memoir about her time living and farming in Vermont. She can be found online at anntiplady.com.

O K A N A G A N L I F E AT I T S F I N E S T 2 024 I SS U E 1

BOULEVARD Mario Gedicke GROUP PUBLISHER 250.891.5627

info@blvdmag.ca MANAGING EDITOR Susan Lundy ASSOCIATE EDITOR Lia Crowe CREATIVE DIRECTOR Lily Chan DESIGN Tammy Robinson Nel Pallay Maria Lobanova ADVERTISING Mario Gedicke Vicki Clark Carien Wessels CONTRIBUTING Natalie Bruckner WRITERS Angela Cowan

Lia Crowe Don Descoteau Jen Evans Laura Goldstein Izabel Kazenbroot Lauren Kramer Kathy Michaels Kaisha Scofield Ellie Shortt

CONTRIBUTING Lia Crowe PHOTOGRAPHERS Don Denton Kyle Sanguin

ILLUSTRATION Sierra Lundy CIRCULATION Maria Zacarias DISTRIBUTION 250.763.7575

Okanagan Boulevard® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

Tel: 250.381.3484 Fax: 250.386.2624 info@blvdmag.ca boulevardmagazines.com

We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada

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Sage Water

N AT U R E I N S P I R E D L I V I N G N OW S E L L I N G I N K E LOW N A’ S UPPER MISSION NEIGHBOURHOOD

Nestled into the mountain hillside of Kelowna’s Upper Mission neighbourhood, Sage Water is steeped in history and rich in memory making. This is a place where wetland exploration comes naturally, and wildlife trails stand as a testament to the connection between the people and wildlife who enjoy this land to the fullest extent.

D I LWO R T H H O M E S I Q UA L I F I E D B U I L D E R S A L S O W E LC O M E

B O O K A P R I VAT E A P P O I N T M E N T TO D AY

L I V ESAG E WAT E R .C A

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

Chic granny

“I have a Mother’s Day gift for you,” said my daughter Danica last May. She was sitting at the island in our kitchen, visiting from her home in Connecticut for the first time in eight months. “It’s actually already on your phone.”

“Huh,” I thought, as I went to grab my phone. Could she have added an app to it remotely? Amazing what kids can do these days.

“It’s in a photo,” she said.

She’s embedded a QR code into an image? Even more impressive! She had sent the photo to me two weeks earlier. It’s a sweetly silly photo of Danica and her husband Tim in their kitchen.

“What do you see in the photograph?” Danica asked me now. “Zoom in.”

Okay, there’s Danica and Tim, a corner of the countertop, the fridge. I looked more closely at the fridge. I saw a drawing of a bat. A card. A clutter of what looked like tickets and a couple of photographs. A calendar. I moved down the fridge.

“Is that…?” I gasped.

I dropped the phone and rushed to envelop my daughter in a huge hug.

A pair of ultrasound images revealed the gift: my daughter was expecting a baby girl and was already 11 weeks into her pregnancy. Danica and Tim had told just a few people, wanting to get through the first trimester before spreading the word. But now she was bursting to talk about it, and to be honest, she talked pretty much solidly for the next 24 hours, pausing only to sleep. It was wonderful! I needed to know every detail and she was eager to provide!

“Shall I start at the beginning?” she asked happily.

“Maybe not the very, very beginning,” I answered.

Many of the stories in this issue of Boulevard refer to a home design trend called “granny chic.” I’ve titled this column “Chic granny” even though, to be honest, it’s unlikely anyone would ever call me — wearing my go-to jeans and beloved but well-worn boots —“chic.” But chic or not, I’m thrilled to finally become a grandma.

Danica’s two-week visit included a little getaway that I’d planned for the two of us to Parksville. Our days evolved spontaneously, leisurely, and wrapped in the warmth of exploring the new world my daughter was entering. In some ways it was bittersweet, knowing our lives were about to change so dramatically. For me, it felt like my life as a mother — my glorious life as a mother — had come full circle as my firstborn prepared for her firstborn.

I knew that in this moment, she wouldn’t yet be able to grasp the immensity of being a mom —the soaring joy, the staggering love and even the unbidden fear that comes with having your life so intricately interwoven with another human being.

“Will it change our relationship?” she asked, as we meandered along, arm in arm.

Here’s the thing, I thought later as I considered this. Every stage of our life together has altered our relationship. We grew together and yet apart as she went from babyhood into childhood, teenhood and adulthood. But while the expression of our connection may have changed over the years — especially as the strings of dependency loosened — our bond, or the lifeblood of our relationship, endures.

But in the moment, I just smiled. “You will be struck by the intensity of love for your daughter, and that in turn will make you truly understand my love for you.”

I know that I am blessed to have my daughters exist so profoundly in my life. And though our connections will continue to evolve, our deep love will transcend all stages of our lives together, from birth to death and all that there is in between. I may not be a chic granny, but I am a grandma blessed.

Susan Lundy Managing Editor Susan Lundy is a former journalist who now works as an editor, author and freelance writer. Her latest book, a collection of humour essays called Home on the Strange, was published in 2021 by Heritage House Publishing.

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SAMANTHA WEDLUND, SUCCESS 21 HAIR EXTENSIONS WORDS IZABEL KAZENBROOT-GUPPY X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

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Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born and raised in Jamaica.

What has been your career path?

I started off with business administration, specializing in accounting, while taking a program in hairstyling. While working as an accounting clerk in Jamaica, I was taking care of hair for close friends and family. I moved to Kelowna and got a position in a beautiful salon, where I worked for five years, after which I moved into hospitality for a change.

After I had my first child, I opened up my living room and started my hair career again. I went from a one-room operation to a basement, and now into Orchard Park Mall.

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I love dancing, singing, dressing up like a princess, reading, encouraging the broken, hanging out with my children and having date nights with my husband.

What’s the best life lesson you’ve learned in the last five years?

The greatest life lesson I’ve learned was to take a chance on myself. We all have so much to offer each other, especially if we become one with ourselves. Trusting and believing in oneself is incredibly rewarding.

What innate quality that you possess or daily practice that you have adopted has led to your succ ess?

Praying, I pray in the spirit about everything.

What is “good style” to you?

A modern-day woman, ruling in all her offices. I enjoy dressing up; you’ll often find me in a suit. I’m ready for everything.

How would you describe your personal style?

Modern-day mom, wife and business owner.

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Coffee table book: The Bible.

Last great read: Who Moved My Cheese?

An Amazing Way to Deal with Change in Your Work and Your Life by Dr. Spencer Johnson.

Uniform: Suits.

Favourite musician: Christopher Wedlund.

One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during hard times: Having a worship session, whether in church or on my own.

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well + good

I’ve got you covered

Taking time to understand the health and overall functioning of our skin WORDS KAISHA SCOFIELD

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Listening to your body is an art form. For some, it can take decades of trial and error before learning exactly what the body needs. With practice, however, we can recognize subtle indications; for example, the nervous system gives signals when we are run down and need some rest and relaxation. Our muscles and cardiovascular system help us recognize when we need to lower our training volume; and our digestive system has ways to tell us when we might need to swap out pizza and beer for salad and a smoothie.

It may seem strange, but what we are doing is tuning into our body’s organ systems: fatigue is expressed in the brain, overtraining can present in the heart and lungs, poor dietary choices show up in the stomach and intestines. We become accustomed to the warning signs when these areas of our body need a bit of extra care. The largest organ system in our body, however, is often the most baffling: it’s the integumentary system, which includes your skin.

Forming a physical barrier between the external environment and the internal environment, the integumentary system serves to protect and maintain, and includes the skin (epidermis, dermis, hypodermis), associated glands, hair and nails. Together, it all works to protect you from germs, helps to keep your body temperature regulated, controls part of your immune system, synthesizes vitamin D, grows your hair, helps blood flow, controls your sense of touch, helps nerve function, grows connective tissue and cushions muscles and bone.

Despite its long list of crucial functions in and around the body, most of us only pay attention to our skin when it is reacting. If we have a breakout, sunburn or rash, the response is often to put on a cream, maybe drink an extra glass of water and hope for the best.

We rarely take the time to understand the health and overall functioning of our skin, perhaps because the information available from skin companies is too general for everyone’s individual skin needs.

I was curious about my own skincare, so I turned to a professional, the lovely Jamie Wright, a classically trained skin therapist with a specialization in massage and energy work. Jamie practices out of Philosophy MD and Bernstein & Gold in Victoria, where she helps her clients to enhance their skin health alongside their overall wellbeing. I am lucky enough to have had the pleasure of being treated

by Jamie and can attest to the fact that she is a true skin magician.

I spoke to Jamie in a question-and-answer session about all things skincare:

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Kaisha: What is the most common issue you see with your clients?

Jamie: Guests seek my expertise for a multitude of reasons, the most common being that today’s lifestyle causes a greater demand for moments of tranquility. I see many of my “favourites” monthly and believe they seek tension release to a renewed complexion.

Kaisha: How can we listen to our skin for signals of overall physiological stress, for example, dehydration, exhaustion, general stress and anxiety? Can we use our skin as an early-warning system for when we need to slow down?

Jamie: With stress being such a major contributor to our overall health, it makes perfect sense that our skin will mirror how our nervous system is functioning. Our skin is our largest organ and proves that fatigue leads to increased inflammation, breakouts and a compromised skin barrier. If people are seeing some of these warning signs it can be a message to slow things down and take time to nurture themselves.

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Together, it all works to protect you from germs, helps to keep your body temperature regulated, controls part of your immune system, synthesizes vitamin D, grows your hair, helps blood flow, controls your sense of touch, helps nerve function, grows connective tissue and cushions muscles and bone.

Kaisha: In nutrition, there is a deep belief in the importance of bio-individuality, meaning that there is no diet or nutritional practice that works for everyone, and it is our job to help our clients learn about their individual digestive needs. Is there a similar necessity for skincare?

Jamie: Vitamin C and retinol are widely regarded as the golden standard in achieving optimal skin health, offering powerful antioxidant and rejuvenating benefits. This being said, we are all diverse and it is important to speak to a trained practitioner for guidance on your skincare journey.

vanity, it’s about health. A broken skin barrier can be a sign of seemingly unrelated issues! Diabetes, Parkinson’s, cardiovascular issues, bone density!”

There is so much more to skincare than face masks and puffy eye serums. If you have been ignoring your skin health, this is your sign to treat yourself and your skin to some love with a professional like Jamie.

Of course, we wouldn’t leave you without some product recommendations from this expert. Jamie’s winter favourites are:

Kaisha: How does the skin change throughout our various stages of life? How can we make these transitions easier for our skin?

Jamie: Aging is a gift, and the key to longevity lies in embracing it while prioritizing self-care to foster both our physical and emotional wellbeing.

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In conversation later, Jamie says that for people thinking about seeking out the expertise of a skin therapist, “It isn’t just about

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good taste

PHOTO BY MIKE SONIER.

photos in Van folder

The spice is right

Chef Mike Sonier travels the world to turn international flavours into Ethical Table spice blends WORDS DON DESCOTEAU

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P

erhaps the best phrase to describe chef Mike Sonier is “travelling food artist.”

He has a knack for elevating combinations of simple local ingredients and unique flavours into works of art that dance on the palate.

Having developed his craft back home in Moncton, NB and transferred his culinary talents to BC 15 years ago, Mike has put distance between himself and the full-time commitment of owning and operating his own restaurant.

These days he’s often in exotic and sometimes remote locales, experiencing the outdoors and local food culture, building relationships with growers and other chefs, and sharing his discoveries online and in person, through exclusive catch-andcook style presentations.

I meet with him via FaceTime, as he chats with me from a friend’s restaurant in Mexico City. He sounds happy to be living his dream: exploring the world and discovering new flavours to combine creatively into his dishes. Many of those international tastes have been incorporated into the growing line of spice blends (eight and counting) that he has created, and now markets through his Ethical Table Food Co. “I literally spend my day at the markets,” he says enthusiastically. “The whole point of the travel is to discover new ingredients and experiences within the communities and learn from the culture. Every single ingredient tells a story, and each blend tells the story of my travels.”

Taco seasoning Pura Vida, for example, draws on Mike’s extended culinary discoveries in Costa Rica and Mexico; Caribbean Jerk seasoning was inspired by a months-long catamaran trip spearfishing and free diving in and around the Bahamas. Canadian Seas is blended as a perfect enhancement for fish and seafood, and Mike’s cooking experiences on the east and west coasts played heavily into its makeup.

Not surprisingly, this Vancouver resident’s travels tend to steer him away from touristy areas. He prefers to connect with people outside those centres to learn firsthand about local food and foraging traditions, and then use his skills preparing meals from scratch to craft his own combinations.

Mike effectively uses the Ethical Table recipe web page, as well as short videos on social media, to show exactly what that looks like.

In one, the viewer is placed in the middle of the Caribbean for a squid fishing outing. Subsequent clips narrated by Mike show how he used squid ink as an ingredient in making fresh pasta, and the squid tubes for crispy calamari with stuffed jalapeños—all prepared on the boat.

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PHOTO BY LAURENT GLOOR.

“What I’m after now is to showcase, of course, the beautiful local ingredients—that’s always part of my concept—but also to make really exciting, out-of-thenorm experiences.

That’s why I travel the globe the way that I do.”

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Other posts show him making other amazing dishes from scratch, many of which include cooking or finishing with specific Ethical Table spice blends.

A former restaurant consultant who put together farm-to-table concepts here and on Canada’s east coast for about 10 years, Mike initially launched Ethical Table as a catering company specializing in pop-up special events that promoted sustainability and cultivated connections between local farmers and the community. He has added a distinct international flavour to that side of the business in the past five years.

“The more collaborative work I do now is doing super-fun and inspiring events with other chefs,” he says.

He points to a recent 10-course dinner he teamed up on in Mexico, with each course paired with a different type of mezcal.

He also partners with wineries and is a chef with Veuve Clicquot, which hosts special champagne-inspired dinners and cooking classes in France and North America (see The New Makers Collective post on Ethical Table’s Instagram page).

“What I’m after now is to showcase, of course, the beautiful local ingredients—that’s always part of my concept—but also to make really exciting, out-of-the-norm experiences. That’s why I travel the globe the way that I do.”

He has worked hard to maintain the ethical, sustainable approach with which he began Ethical Table. All herbs and spices in the blends are certified organic, and even the Canadian-made packaging is eco-friendly. Any imported ingredients, such as the

Costa Rican coffee beans that go into the Maple Espresso dry rub/marinade, are sourced through fair-trade companies.

While the pandemic initially delayed the launch of the spice blends, Mike says, they have proven to be extremely popular with home cooks looking to jazz up their meals.

“The feedback I get from the consumers is absolutely amazing and I think the best part is that it’s an ongoing story. My goal with this is to follow my adventures and to share all the inspiration and recipes through my travels. It’s a great way for me to connect with people in their own homes and in their own kitchens.”

With the pandemic forcing people to cook more at home, and currently inflation making eating out a pricier undertaking, connecting with home cooks this way has left Mike feeling good about his contribution.

“I started this company as kind of a passion project. Everyone always asked for my spice blends and rubs in my restaurant, so I wanted to give them something to take home. As we went through COVID, I realized it’s something that’s more crucial than just having a little spice blend floating around; I feel like it’s something that’s needed. Everyone loves to cook.”

Telling stories through food seems to be second nature for Mike.

Inspiring others to craft their own food adventures—and helping them forge a stronger connection to their culture through food—is a skill he continues to develop, one trip and one meal at a time.

Find recipes, a list of spice blends and more at ethicaltable.ca and follow Mike’s adventures at instagram.com/ethicaltable.

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Michael Mychalyshyn REALTOR®

PHOTO BY DARREN HULL

Meet Michael!

PHONE 250-866-0088 CELL 778-594-7653 EMAIL mike@janehoffman.com

Where were you born and where did you grow up? I was born and raised in Edmonton, AB. How would you describe your fashion style? Casual or business casual. What do you read online? I mostly read the news and scroll Facebook and Instagram.

Fave book of all time? My favorite book is Rich Dad Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not! by Robert Kiyosaki. It always makes me think a little differently. Fave musician? This is a tough one. I like most genres of music, depending on the day or mood. I would say Eminem, Garth Brooks and Motley Crue. Bingeworthy series?

Modern Family or Ted Lasso. Favourite app?

SN or Sportsnet. Fave wine or cocktail?

Gin and soda with splash of grapefruit juice. Fave place to visit? This is tough.

I really like New York or Mexico. What makes you happy? A beautiful day on the golf course or a calm day with family and friends on the lake in a boat.

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weekender

Bewitched Orcas Island offers a serene, recuperative getaway WORDS LAUREN KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY SAN JUAN ISLANDS VISITORS BUREAU

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It’s the simple beauty of beaches unscathed by time and development, swaths of protected forest land with magnificent hiking trails, and scenic byways filled with jawdropping views.

T

here’s something magical about visiting Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago in winter. The crowds are gone, dinner reservations are unnecessary and as you explore the beaches, hiking paths and art shops selling the work of local islanders, you have them all to yourself.

It allows you to experience the peace and rural beauty of this island in an entirely different way from in the summer, when rooms, restaurants and any available spaces are at capacity.

We were riveted by the peaceful beauty of a property, which is surrounded by rocky shores and densely forested islands. In the morning, we sipped coffee from a private balcony directly above the log-strewn beach, watching the seabirds dip and dive beneath the still water’s surface and the light change colour on Fishing Bay and Indian Island.

We weren’t the first to be this captivated. Since its inception, the Outlook Inn has changed names and ownership many times, as new proprietors were inspired to renovate, expand and modernize it.

None generated as much controversy as its 1968 purchaser, the mystic guru Louis Gittner. He believed it was close to a powerful energy vortex, and turned the inn into a spiritual commune where he and his followers could live and learn. His followers came in search of help, peace and a different kind of life, and worked for free in the commune.

“This new spiritual community at the Outlook Inn was not welcomed,” said Sara Farish, who co-owns the inn today. Browsing through old newspapers, she came across one from 1969 where the pastor of a local church declared of the commune, “God lives on this side of the street and the devil lives over there.”

There was no devil, of course—just a fear of anything different and unfamiliar. Gittner and his followers recognized the same bewitching, powerful beauty that continues to draw visitors and admirers to Orcas Island year after year. It’s the simple beauty of beaches unscathed by time and development, swaths of protected forest land with magnificent hiking trails, and scenic byways filled with jaw-dropping views.

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Today the Outlook Inn is owned by a small investment group and run by the Farish family with island warmth, friendliness and a distinctly homey feel. A small historic chapel in the garden out back is a beautiful site for small weddings and private gatherings, and sitting alongside the water’s-edge suites is a private lawn with Adirondack chairs where guests can soak up the soul-soothing view.

There’s lots to do on Orcas in the winter, even when the whale watching tours and boat, kayak and bike rentals have shuttered for the season. We took a walk through Eastsound village, exploring small bakeries, bookstores, boutiques and galleries.

At the Pioneer Museum—a collection of original settlers’ homesteads that were relocated to the island and joined together—we marveled at the resourcefulness of the 1880s islanders and those who followed them. They sustained themselves by building their homes by hand, fishing, hunting, and canning food in a time when refrigeration and electricity were unheard of.

We drove the scenic byways along the sun-dappled roads that weave through the U-shaped island, delivering views of forests, rural farmland and rocky shores. And we gleefully detoured to peruse island-made crafts wherever we found them.

To reach Orcas Island Pottery, a series of galleries showcasing many island potters’ work, we drove a gravel road deep into a forest, arriving to a welcoming committee of softly clucking hens in the courtyard. Along with a beautiful selection of pottery, the site boasts a tree house straight out of an enchanted forest.

Orcas Island is home to two state parks, each with its own distinct interest and charm. At Moran State Park, we hiked the switchbacks to Cascade Lake, later driving 2,800 feet to the peak of Mount Constitution. From here, the highest point in the San Juan Islands, we soaked up a view of the Pacific Northwest that stretched from Vancouver to Seattle, encompassing the snow-capped mountain ranges and scattered islands of the San Juans in Washington and the Gulf Islands in British Columbia.

We drove the scenic byways along the sundappled roads that weave through the U-shaped island, delivering views of forests, rural farmland and rocky shores.

Further south, in Obstruction Pass State Park, we walked down to Crescent Beach, one of the island’s longest and most serene stretches of beach, watching seals swim in the crystal-clear water. At Turtleback Mountain Preserve we hiked to Ship Peak, alone on a glorious trail with the reward of a panoramic view at the top.

At Rosario Resort, we were treated to a free weekly winter afternoon musical performance by the resort’s longtime general manager Christopher Peacock. In an hour-long presentation, Peacock played self-composed melodies on the Steinway grand piano and excerpts from Phantom of the Opera on the 1914 Aeolian organ in an astounding music room built in 1909 by Robert Moran, the resort’s founder.

Peacock entertained us with a concise history of Rosario and of Moran, a shipbuilder and former Seattle mayor.

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We left Orcas in a state of sublime peace. Our minds were filled with images of the mesmerizing vistas and the island’s fascinating history, and our bodies were invigorated by windswept hikes along ancient forest trails. If you’re looking for a divinely recuperative getaway, look no further than Orcas Island, a gem in the San Juans.

TO GET THERE: San Juan Airlines (sanjuanairlines.com) offers 10-minute flights from Bellingham to Eastsound for $114 USD one way. The longer route is to drive to Anacortes, then take a 55-minute ride on a Washington State Ferry (wsdot.wa.gov/travel/washington-state-ferries).

Outlook Inn on Orcas Island.

STAY: The 32-room Outlook Inn (outlookinn.com) offers standard guest rooms in the east wing, studio suites on the hill, and its newest and most luxurious addition, five premium water’s-edge suites.

The suites feature king-size beds, electric fireplaces, heated bathroom floors and private balconies. Some suites include soaker tubs. Expect flat-panel TVs, Nespresso machines, fine linens and thoughtful appointments throughout.

EAT: The Outlook Inn’s New Leaf Cafe is a cosy eatery with a sumptuous selection of seasonally inspired brunch and dinner fare that belies its casual atmosphere. The well-rounded menu, lovingly crafted by Chef Andrew Martin, has a “tide-to-table” philosophy that highlights local products, and skillful preparation of each dish is matched by artful presentation. Don’t miss the handcrafted morning cocktails at brunch, and look out for the selection of San Juan Islands-made brews at dinner.

Brunch at New Leaf Cafe.

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Japandi style Cosentino and luxury interior designer Claudia Afshar bring UKIYO to BC WORDS LAURA GOLDSTEIN PHOTOS COURTESY COSENTINO

T

he floating world. Living in the moment. Savouring the moon, the snow, the cherry blossoms and the maple leaves.

Detaching from life’s everyday problems. That is the meaning of the Japanese word ukiyo, the name given to the newest Japandi-inspired Dekton Collection, designed by Claudia Afshar in collaboration with Cosentino, a family-owned sustainable surfaces company.

We are sitting in Cosentino’s vast 4,293-square-foot showroom in Vancouver’s Armoury District (a smaller showroom is located in Burnaby), and the area is festooned with a stunning array of towering pink silk cherry trees in full bloom. It’s an amazing tribute to Claudia Afshar’s sophisticated new UKIYO Collection of textured interior and exterior natural cladding. It’s also a serendipitous collaboration, because as Claudia was surprised and delighted to learn, Vancouver is a twin city with Yokohama, Japan, and the country has gifted hundreds of cherry trees to the city, beginning in the 1930s. And just across the water, Victoria is a “sister” city to Morioka, Japan.

“As a kid I was always rearranging the furniture in my bedroom and driving my mom crazy,” laughs Claudia, the London-born, Los Angeles-based founder and principal of Claudia Afshar Design.

Although professionally trained in ballet and contemporary dance, Claudia seemed destined to continue the family business.

“My mom, who was an interior designer, had a wonderful showroom in Belsize Park in London. It consisted of architects, a building team and one of the largest fabric houses. So, I remember as a kid getting lost in all the fabulous fabric samples. Later, when I wasn’t dancing, I’d intern there. And without really thinking about it, interior design just became embedded in me,” she says.

“Japandi [a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian minimalist design] has been resonating with me for a long time,” confesses Claudia, whose attention to detail has garnered client accolades from around the world. “Minimalism, which is very much my aesthetic, also originates from Japan. It’s all about using raw materials: clean, large-scale slabs, metals and wood.”

She adds: “And we share many of those same elements here in the Pacific Northwest that have had a profound influence on interior design, furniture and architecture. Our profusion of beautiful natural woods like Douglas fir, oak, red cedar, maple and alder, are often juxtaposed and accessorized with brass, bronze, copper and gold decor.”

Dekton by Cosentino is a carbon-neutral ultracompact porcelain surface, created by combining over 20 minerals compressed under high pressure, making it extremely durable and stain and scratch resistant. It’s so strong, it can easily be adapted to curved edges without worry of breakage. Used in multiple iterations, the new UKIYO Collection has vast applications besides wall facades.

“There’s a tremendous diversity for this product,” says Claudia.

“It can be used around kitchen islands, stairs, bath and spa cabinetry and fireplace surrounds, as anti-slip flooring and even for poolside exteriors that extend the fluidity from indoor to outdoor spaces.

And there are so many ways that UKIYO Dekton can be incorporated into furniture. We’ve already created a chaise lounge and a trolley bar on wheels using the collection and we’re really excited about them.”

Inspired by nature and the organic world, Claudia says she “takes the littlest snippets of the tiniest discoveries from my travels, like the cobbled streets in Europe or the way the water ripples when a rock hits it,” and expands on those images when designing.

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“Japandi (a fusion of Japanese and Scandinavian minimalist design) has been resonating with me for a long time. Minimalism, which is very much my aesthetic, also originates from Japan.

It’s all about using raw materials: clean, large-scale slabs, metals and wood.”

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OUTDOOR SHOWROOM IN LOS ANGELES, FEATURING DEKTON MATERIAL.

“My 10-year-old daughter, Paisley, and I were in Malibu and she was running along the beach and said ‘Mummy, look at this stone.’ And I thought, this is an amazing stone, very weathered and decayed, I have to use it in one of the designs for this project—so I did!” Claudia laughs.

Like an enveloping cocoon that brings warmth to any room, UKIYO is available in two structured, fluted-pattern widths that reflect a subtle geometric texture, and five matte colours that cast a sensual calm and feeling of wellness over any environment. Dekton Bromo is a dark slate grey shade that evokes a moody atmosphere; Dekton Umber recalls the warm natural pigments of earthy terracotta, like the roof tiles found in the south of France, Spain, Mexico and Morocco. The neutral Dekton Nacre is an organic cream shade that evokes the colour of mother-of-pearl inside a mollusk shell. Inspired by cement, Dekton Kreta can create lighter or darker dimensions, depending upon the density of the fluting. Dekton Rem captures the subtle elegance of brown and grey veining with hints of gold.

Claudia notes that Pantone’s Peach Fuzz, the 2024 Colour of the Year, is a great coordinating hue.

“People have asked me ‘why such neutral colours?’ This was intentional because they are staples that can be mixed and matched to other Dekton products with more vein or vibrant colours, as well as wood or natural stone. Having said that, we’re in discussions to introduce more colours and textures in the future,” says Claudia.

Her passion for design and the UKIYO Collection is palpable but that doesn’t mean it’s time to rest.

Claudia is already working on high-end lighting, furniture and a nature-inspired rug collection to launch in 2025.

“You know, working with Cosentino was a dream—we understood each other creatively and we are so mindful of not designing anything that I wouldn’t love to have in my own home.”

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hot properties

Classic and modern.

Beautiful and functional Joanne Viau unlocks the potential in Lower Mission home and other projects WORDS KATHY MICHAELS PHOTOGRAPHY KYLE SANGUIN MAKEUP KATHRYN RAMSAY

Tracey Vrecko, left, and Joanne Viau.

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

J

oanne Viau has an eye for what can be.

“The uglier the better, I always say,” she comments with a light laugh, before embarking on a tour through her newest real estate redesign project, a stunning six-bedroom, seven-bathroom home now for sale in one of Kelowna’s most coveted neighbourhoods, the Lower Mission.

The very notion that the stately yet welcoming and modern home at 539 Knowles Road could ever have been deemed anything other than elegant seems unfathomable today. Joanne, however, catalogued the journey that began when she bought the property and started a transformation aimed at unlocking its potential. And there’s a world of difference between then and now.

“It was so dark, this house, that I described it as something from a Charles Dickens novel,” she says, pausing at the bright and airy entryway.

So that it is no longer obscured by moodily coloured walls, heavy fabrics and distracting design features, Joanne prioritized filling the house with natural light. Diffused sunbeams pour in from the abundance of windows and highlight the home’s thoughtful design.

“We really just wanted to lighten it up but still keep the character from some of the original features,” Joanne says.

Maintaining original features was an easy choice, she explains. Joanne noted the high-end trim throughout the house and brought it back to its original luster, enhancing artfully placed arches and drawing the eye to European craftsmanship.

Keeping the traditional feeling born from the original construction and incorporating more contemporary design features has ultimately resulted in a home with timeless appeal.

The balance Joanne walked when she took on this

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project is illustrated perfectly in the heart of the home, a living room that offers soaring ceilings with wooden beams and a floor-toceiling, wood-burning fireplace.

The boldly designed fireplace mantel draws in the eye and is contrasted against lighter features, helping to create a space that is as impressive as it is welcoming.

No less striking is the kitchen. There Joanne added a wall with natural texture and juxtaposed it against an otherwise high-end and modern space. The natural, Okanagan rock wall frames a six-burner gas cooktop and offers a warm backdrop to top-of-the-line Thermador appliances, contemporary new kitchen cabinetry by Westwood with pull-out drawers, and kitchen organizers. It’s a space that can accommodate a busy family moving in and out or a chef creating a culinary masterpiece.

Tucked alongside this space, convenience and luxury meet in a temperature-controlled wine room, prep kitchen and full laundry area. Hours could be spent in this space, but the lower level may be where the next owners of the home choose to go once their appetites have been sated.

Joanne finished the basement of the house, adding an extra 2,300 square feet to fit all the modern amenities a person could ask for, including a pool table, workout

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PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

room and large home theatre that is both tasteful and meets the needs of the most particular movie fanatic. Knowing home theatres are an important space for people to gather, Joanne tapped into the knowledge of experts to ensure that everything from sounds to the seating was topnotch.

Like every other room in the 8,000-square-foot house, a balance is kept between classic and modern; beautiful and functional.

That balance continues in the garden, where this gated estate’s backyard is an oasis, offering a pool deck with multiple access points off the main floor and opening to a large area for patio tables. A storybook quality underlies the functionality of the space, and a 15-foot fountain is intertwined in mature grape vines giving the look and feel of Tuscany.

The patio extends to an outdoor kitchen and a quaint covered sitting area with a gas fireplace, where a running waterfall pours into the koi pond. The upper patio comes complete with a sunken hot tub and outdoor pool bathroom.

There’s a saltwater pool that opens to the lush space, with more than enough room to accommodate a greenhouse, fruit bushes, a play structure and an extensive grassed area.

Everything has been considered in the reimagining of this stunning property.

As Joanne’s friend and realtor, Tracey Vrecko, says, “Nobody is doing it quite like Joanne.”

“It” doesn’t have a precise name. Not one that resonates with Joanne, anyway. Some may say she’s a house flipper, but that would be too reductive a title. Being a flipper —a real estate trend popularized by reality TV—doesn’t do justice, Tracey says, to the heart

and soul Joanne has breathed into the eight projects she’s taken on in recent years.

Joanne says she has always enjoyed creating design solutions. She grew up in a family familiar with the trades, so she understood from an early age how things go together.

But it wasn’t in the cards earlier in her life to take on creative projects like she’s doing now, with her business Unlocked Potential. But it’s a change in direction that’s gaining significant support.

That is demonstrated by a strong Instagram following that turns their focus to her as she mulls over designs, shares tips and highlights a creative view on homes she’s reimagining.

Industry acceptance has also come her way.

Joanne was recently named a finalist in the Okanagan Housing Awards of Excellence, from the Okanagan branch of the Canadian Home Builders Association. She’s been nominated in two categories, Residential Renovator of the Year and Excellence in Bathroom Renovations. All of it is an impressive leap from where she started.

“I was a nurse for many years and then I gave that up to raise my family and help my husband grow his company,” she said, noting that his work was in the educational realm. “Then it was just my time to do something that interested me.”

At first, she considered opening a dress shop, but Tracey talked her out of it, convincing her instead to think about unleashing her creativity on older homes that needed new life. It was a choice

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“I love showing (Joanne’s) homes because she doesn’t cut corners. That’s why we call it a transformation…

Joanne’s focus is not on the profit but rather on the quality. She only uses the best finishings, so she is proud to hand the keys to the new owners.”

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that made sense right out of the gate, despite the significant learning curve.

“I bought one little house, which was just a moderate, smallsized family home, and I gave it a whirl,” Joanne recalls. “I met with a designer friend who I knew in town and I had my notepad and my paper and I was like ‘okay, who’s the first person I call?’”

Demolition, she was told.

“Then, who’s number two?” she asked.

A framer was next on the list and from there, the ball kept rolling.

Work on that house was not nearly on the scale of the Knowles Road home, but it will always hold a special place in her heart.

Not only did it turn out beautifully, it was where Joanne started building relationships that made the experience a pleasure and laid the groundwork for future success.

With a bit of luck and growing know-how, Joanne gathered a team of trusted tradespeople who have stayed with her as she’s moved from project to project. In an increasingly difficult labour market, they are quick to join Joanne whenever she takes on a new project, Tracey says.

It’s just one of the reasons that Tracey, a distinguished-in-herfield and sought-after realtor, looks forward to working with her.

“I love showing [Joanne’s] homes because she doesn’t cut corners,” Tracey says. “That’s why we call it a transformation…

Joanne’s focus is not on the profit but rather on the quality. She only uses the best finishings, so she is proud to hand the keys to the new owners.”

It’s the future owners who are at the heart of what Joanne does.

The entire home is put together with attention to quality and design so families of all kinds can put down roots and create new, beautifully set memories.

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fashion

Plaid jacket and necklaces (stylist’s own); vintage Scottish cape (no brand) ($395), from House of Savoy; silk pants by Lauren Vidal ($80) and red leather ankle boots

by BY FAR ($250), both from Turnabout.

Style advanced Occupy the spotlight with eclectic, bold fashion and jewellery, and layers of patterns and textures. Choose pieces that tell a tale: a story of those who refuse to play by the rules as they grow older, of those who dress for their own delight, who revel in high-style and beauty, and are committed to a life lived creatively. This year, unleash your own inner "chic granny.” Mix new with vintage, wear that hand-me-down brooch from a favourite, stylish aunt, and challenge the norm while surrounding yourself with the pieces that tell the story of your life.

PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

X STYLING JEN EVANS

Vintage blue track jacket by Adidas ($48), blue wool pants by Banana Republic ($98), plaid blazer by H&M ($75), all from House Of Savoy. Beaded head band ($35), vintage seahorse brooch ($45), both from Vanity Fair Antiques and Collectibles, Booth 44. Necklace, stylist’s own, and bracelets, Pamela Madoff.

Red and black knit dress by Hugo Boss ($325), black leather heels by Miu Miu ($37), black and gold woven belt (no brand) ($48), all from House of Savoy.

Tights and scarf, stylist’s own.

Vintage floral print blouse by Laura Mae ($55), plaid blazer by Georges Rech ($125), black leather loafer ($165), Liberty of London clutch ($65), all from House of Savoy, Plaid pants by Max Mara ($49) from @magicfriendmaker Insta Shop and fishnet socks, stylist’s own.

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Models : Jen Clark and Pamela Madoff.

Makeup by Jen Clark.

Photographed on location at the beautiful, heritagedesignated home and garden of Pamela Madoff.

A huge thank you to Pamela for graciously hosting our team for the day.

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lark and Pamela Madoff

Occupy the spotlight with eclec, bold fashion and jewelry, layers atterns and textures, pieces that tell A story of one who refuses to play by s as they grow older, of one who dresses own delight, who revels in high style and is committed a life lived creatively. This h your own inner “chic-granny”, mix new , work in the hand-me-down broach from e, stylish aunt and challenge the norm while ourself with the pieces that tell the story of

Style Advanced

Remy mesh top in huge wave geo camel by Diane Von Furstenberg ($325), patch pocket wedding blazer by Smythe ($795), both from Bernstein & Gold; lamb fur vintage designer headband ($89), enamelled cat brooch ($49), vintage necklace with cat ($159), all from Vanity Fair Antiques and Collectibles, Booth 44.

business class

Crafting a legacy Jane Hoffman, Angela Coupal and team are in “Unison,” building a real estate enterprise grounded in integrity and compassion WORDS NATALIE BRUCKNER

Forty years ago, a young girl named Jane Hoffman arrived in Kelowna with dreams as vast as the Okanagan sky. However, fate dealt a devastating blow not long after her arrival. Her husband, Glen, and his business partner, Jim (her brother-in-law), tragically lost their lives in a plane crash. In the wake of this profound tragedy, Jane stood at a crossroads in her life: either retreat into seclusion or forge ahead.

“There really was no option,” reflects Jane.

Left with Glen’s company, Braniff Construction Ltd., she deftly led its employees while raising her son, Michael.

However, a pivotal moment unfolded during an ordinary breakfast conversation, Jane recalls.

“My cousin turned to me and said, ‘You love Lakeshore so much, you should sell it.’”

And the seed was planted.

In 1984, at the age of 34, Jane quietly enrolled in a real estate course.

“I didn’t tell anyone,” she says.

This decision coincided with a challenging period in the real estate market. Despite the hurdles, Jane acquired her license, taking a courageous leap into real estate that showcased her resilience and unwavering determination.

This unconventional beginning marked the genesis of Jane Hoffman’s remarkable journey—a journey that has unfolded into an inspiring story.

X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Her inaugural sale—a $51,000 rental property in Kelowna—marked her official entry into real estate. This initial success laid the foundation for a career that would ultimately culminate in her recent triumph: listing the multimillion-dollar lakeshore gem at 12391 Pixton Road in Lake Country—reportedly the highest-priced lakeshore home currently for sale in Canada.

Today, Jane stands as a trailblazer in the industry. Her track record boasts thousands of homes sold in the area, with each transaction etched vividly in her memory.

Evolving from an individual identity, the name Jane Hoffman has transformed into a beacon representing a collective of like-minded individuals within the Jane Hoffman Realty brokerage brand, a group that has achieved a collective sales volume surpassing $5.1 billion.

Jane points out that her achievements were never accomplished alone. Her 30-year working relationship with Kristy Huber is a testament to this.

“Women have consistently been influential mentors throughout my career. Their keen attention to detail, paired with an empathetic approach, resonates deeply with my philosophy,” she says.

Her recent pivot stemmed from a meeting with another remarkable woman, Angela Coupal. This encounter led to steering the business toward a new direction that’s more aligned with an ever-evolving world.

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“For me it has always been about the people.

I can walk down a street by the lake, and I have probably been involved in at least half of those sales. I know the history of these places, and the journeys people have been on.”

Jane initially met Angela, a lawyer, at a luxury real estate auction. Angela’s passion for conscious capitalism resonated with Jane’s vision.

“When I first met Jane, she was innovating,” Angela reflects.

“She was an agent willing to take risks.”

However, their paths didn’t cross again until later.

Angela recalls, “I had moved to Nashville with my now husband, who was with the Nashville Predators. He then got offered a job in Edmonton, and in 2016 I decided to return to BC. Unsure of my path, I reached out to my network, expressing my intent to utilize my MBA in a business-related role. Michael Hoffman, Jane’s son, along with Kristy Huber, invited me to see what Jane Hoffman Realty was doing,” Angela says.

Angela was drawn to the team due to shared values, and this marked the beginning of her journey with Jane.

“Jane has shattered the glass ceiling in so many ways,” Angela says.

Angela joined full-time as managing partner and legal counsel in 2016, marking a shift for Jane Hoffman Realty—today it has moved away from its former affiliation with Coldwell Banker

Canada to become an independent brokerage under the name of Unison, which thrives under the Jane Hoffman Realty brand.

Their collective vision extends beyond transactions; it’s about fostering human connections and nurturing a boutique team reflective of Jane’s values.

Jane’s legacy transcends numbers—it is embedded in an unwavering commitment to care.

“Am I a legacy? Maybe?” Jane muses. “But for me it has always been about the people. I can walk down a street by the lake, and I have probably been involved in at least half of those sales. I know the history of these places, and the journeys people have been on.”

Jane’s core belief is that “everyone deserves a home” and so the team is steering Unison Jane Hoffman Realty towards becoming a recognized brand with a steadfast dedication to providing stability in an uncertain world.

“Kelowna holds an indescribable charm,” notes Angela, who is Kelowna-born-and-raised, echoing Jane’s enduring appreciation for the city’s beauty.

“Every morning I wake up and appreciate it like I did the first day I moved here 40 years ago,” Jane says. “When Angela talks

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about the moon that comes over the golf club…that sight, it’s magical, every single time.”

From selling that $51,000 property to handling multimillion-dollar lakeside listings, the narrative of Jane Hoffman Realty embodies resilience and empathy, and an unwavering commitment to transforming lives through every property transaction.

Jane credits her tenacity to her mother, who played a pivotal role in shaping her spirit.

“I might have inherited that from her,” Jane remarks, her smile reflecting warmth and admiration for Kay Beruschi—a Revelstoke pioneer—known fondly as Grandma Kay to locals. Kay and her husband Fred opened the esteemed Regent Hotel in 1945. Even after the loss of Fred, Kay remained a steadfast presence at The Regent, leaving an indelible mark until she passed away at the age of 100.

Today, Jane and Angela, and their team of 15 brokers, are unified by shared values and a dedication to service. They aren’t merely building a thriving real estate enterprise—they’re crafting a legacy grounded in integrity, compassion and the belief that a home is more than mere walls; it’s the cornerstone of a family’s life story.

Says Angela: “When we talk about the legacy of Jane Hoffman, I don’t see it as Jane going anywhere.

For me, it’s more that in the 40 years in this business she has surrounded herself with people and agents that all reflect her character. She’s built her business, and I feel that for us to not create a legacy out of what she’s built would be a disservice to real estate in the Okanagan.”

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Award Nominations: Excellence in Single Family Detached Home $1.5M to $2M, Partner, Mosaic Designs (So Good to be Home) // Excellence in Primary Suite Design, Partner, Mosaic Designs (So Good to be Home) Featured Project: So Good to be Home >> This gorgeous, lakeside “farmhouse” is a gathering place for the homeowners and their extended family. Reflecting the clients’ personalities and passions, this home features year-round, indooroutdoor living. The seven-hole putting green at the front entry sets the tone! The living room boasts a vaulted ceiling, windows on three sides and a massive fireplace. The dining room is technically an inside space, but the folding glass doors magically transform it into outdoor living. The clients wanted to have a hidden staircase to their private space. And this unique primary suite includes a large, vaulted bedroom plus a rarely seen en suite design, highlighted by a free-standing tub that’s situated inside the shower area! An adjoining dressing room has a coffee-bar and opens onto a private deck. So many details in this build, but truly a pleasure to construct!

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LITTLE BUILDING SOLUTIONS Award Nominations: Residential Renovator of the Year //Excellence in Residential Renovations - $500K to $1M (Hill House) // Excellence in Residential Renovations - $500K and Under (City Cottage) Featured Project: Hill House >> In collaboration with Little Building Solutions, a young South African family’s 10-acre property saw a transformative journey. Instead of starting anew, the dated home was reimagined as a modern haven, emphasizing lofted ceilings, reclaimed details and a versatile layout for future expansions. The project stands out for its adaptive design, seamlessly accommodating the family’s evolving needs. Challenges were met in preserving the original structure’s character, while introducing modern elements that could easily transition into a future Phase 2 addition. The result is a unique and rewarding space where past and future coalesce in rural tranquillity—a testament to vision, collaboration and the artistry of Little Building Solutions.

778-940-6956 / littlebuildingsolutions.com Chris and Jen Little, Owners

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Award Nominations: Interior Design - New Home - over 3,000 square feet (Aspen Grove Interior Magic) // Decorating and Styling New Home or Renovation - Under $75,000 (Aspen Grove Visual Harmony // Show Home - $750,000 and Over (Aspen Grove Show Home) // Kitchen Renovations - $100,000 and Over (O’Reilly Farmhouse Kitchen Comfort) // Single Family Detached Homes -$1.5M to $2M (Aspen Grove Nordic Flare) Featured Project: Aspen Grove Show Home >> The Aspen Grove show home, with its Nordic design influence, blends bold black accents and natural warm materials to create a dramatic visual appeal, while respecting the need for functionality and durability that every family home requires. Spaces were created to bring family and friends together, while allowing for separation when needed. The great room, with dramatic vaulted ceilings, custom-cast fireplace surround and fluted wall detail in black, blends seamlessly into the kitchen, with its central island— ideal for eating, working and engaging. Directly off the great room, accessible through stacking sliders, is the covered deck with phantom screens, expanding living spaces, and bringing the outdoors inside. The culmination of creativity and ingenuity, and overcoming a challenging lot layout, this is a stunning custom home with dramatic features that will stand the test of time.

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ALIGN WEST HOMES

Dave Pfuetzner, President Raquel Millikin, Designer

CARRINGTON HOMES Award Nominations: Excellence in Interior Design - New Home - Under 3,000 sq.ft.

(Evans Show Home) // Excellence in Marketing // Excellence in Single Family Detached Home $500,000 to 750,000 (Davis Show Home / Evans Show Home) Excellence in Single Family Detached Home $750,000 to $1M (Emerald II) // Single Family Home Builder of the Year - Large Volume (11 homes or more) Featured Project: Evans Show Home >> The Evans Show Home, located in the community of Trailhead at the Ponds, is nominated for two awards. The walk-up-style home is unique, featuring a triple-tandem garage and a mainfloor recreation room, along with a bedroom and full bathroom, bungalow-style living on the second floor, and views of Lake Okanagan. This home is built for a family that likes to entertain, highlighted by a large central island in a kitchen that’s full of storage solutions, a great room with a wine display, and expansive sliding glass doors to walk out onto the patio overlooking Lake Okanagan. This home has also been selected to be part of the BC Children’s Hospitals Choices Lottery.

250-717-8000 / liveatcarrington.ca Regan Dockrill , Construction Manager

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Award Nominations: Home of the Year (Sunset Project) // Excellence in Single Family Detached Homes - $2M to $3M (Sunset Project) // Excellence in Kitchen Design - New Home - Under $100,000 (Sunset Project) // Excellence in Outdoor Living Space (Sunset Project)

Featured project: Sunset Project >> We loved the challenge of taking a “no view lot” and giving it one of the most unique views on the street, creating a true custom home. We repositioned the house on an angle, using the fireplace wall to block out sight of the home across the street, leaving nothing but unobstructed lake and mountain views. The exterior colours were inspired by the natural surroundings. The interior design is executive and luxurious with a soft comfortable colour palette contrasting the rugged exterior. We take great pride in crafting luxury homes that transcend expectations. Unparallelled quality and attention to detail sets us apart, making each project a masterpiece. Being a finalist for Home of the Year is a testament to our dedication to excellence.

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Grandmillennial

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Maximal replaces minimal and heirlooms make a comforting comeback WORDS LAURA GOLDSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

Fashion aficionados know that the design pendulum always swings back to the past to influence the future, and interior design and decor emulate that cycle.

With the proliferation of grandmillennial or “granny chic” home decor on Instagram, Pinterest and TikTok, the design trend has gained significant traction even with millennials and Gen Zers, who are cognizant of the environmental impact of disposable pieces. But don’t be fooled: if the trend makes you think of stuffy, plastic-covered sofas, shag toilet seat covers and overwhelming tchotchkes, that’s a misnomer. As the antithesis of minimalist, Scandi clean lines and neutrals, grandmillennial chic embraces pops of bright colours, bold patterns, maximal florals, including wallpaper, wicker and rattan, chinoiserie, and vintage and heirloom furniture.

“I lost my aunt last summer and inherited a lot of her heirloom pieces,” says Kyla Bidgood, creative director of the award-winning interior design practice, Bidgood, in Victoria. “She was my cool aunt—single her whole life, well-educated, refined and extremely well-travelled. She was my inspiration and muse for this project.”

We are actually sitting in “this project,” entitled Heirlooms, constructed inside the spectacular, newly opened Gabriel Ross on Government Street in Victoria, after a two-year building renovation.

The 13,000-square-foot showroom, envisioned in gallery settings over two floors, is an intriguing adventure to walk through. After 30 years in Rock Bay, the downtown location doubles the previous space, sparking new ideas, from furniture, lighting and accessories to coffee table decor and design tomes. Alison Melis, Gabriel Ross

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As the antithesis of minimalist, Scandi clean lines and neutrals, grandmillennial chic embraces pops of bright colours, bold patterns, maximal florals, including wallpaper, wicker and rattan, chinoiserie, and vintage and heirloom furniture.

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partner and CFO, worked with Kyla to bring the Heirlooms living room/dining area vignette to life. It’s an eclectic mix of colourful iconic furniture that elicits memories of the past with a modern twist.

Kyla reframes the concept of grandmillennial chic to embrace emotion and longevity.

“My interpretation revolves around the art of collecting heirloom pieces that are carried with you and potentially passed on, rather than a trend or style for people to emulate,” she explains. “The most interesting homes reflect peoples’ travels and finds, as opposed to a contrived aesthetic. The idea is a physical and progressive reflection of their life and personality. And a big part of that is quality,” she adds. “Gabriel Ross is known for quality and, if a piece is not well made, it’s certainly not going to last.”

Many pieces of the furniture in Heirlooms appear modern yet designed with elements rooted in the past. For example, created by architect Piero Lissoni for Kartell, the Largo modular sofa system anchors Kyla’s vision in quintessentially textured black-and-white houndstooth fabric, an optical illusion popularized in the 1920s and originating in Scottish tartans. Later, it became a classic of 1950s fashion by Christian Dior. And yes, the pattern is based upon the shape of hunting dogs’ teeth!

Oriental art and denim textures create a mesmerizing pattern of orange and blue swirling florals in Moooi’s Rendezvous Tokyo Blue Rug that, upon closer inspection, hides playful macaque monkeys.

If you’re a fan of films from the Golden Age of Hollywood, you’ll remember seeing actresses like Ginger Rogers in their swanky penthouse boudoirs, usually in a fringed pouf in front of their vanity table. Kyla has included two in the living room vignette. Moooi’s Amami Poufs in deep blue velvet have long, sensuous fringes that will conjure your inner grandmillennial chic movie star.

Mother Nature would approve of the gigantic yellow LZF

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Dandelion pendant light made from wood veneer by German-born designer Burkhard Dämmer, and originally created in 1996. In the dining vignette it’s suspended over a Karakter Castore dining table made of clear glass with a Carrara marble base designed by Italian sculptor Angelo Mangiarotti in 1975.

My own maternal grandmother had a huge impact on me design-wise. I vividly recall (and have inherited) her love of the colour blue and the porcelain Real Old Willow-pattern dishes by Booths.

The chinoiserie craze in England during the 18th and 19th centuries influenced the production of the Real Old Willow pattern. It depicts star-crossed Chinese lovers eloping together over a bridge, and the cobalt blue-and-white pattern has become a timeless heirloom classic. I think of my late grandmother with love every time I use the dishes.

Riffing on the resurgence of chinoiserie in grandmillennial chic decor, Kyla has included Moooi’s funky interpretation entitled Blow Away Vase by Royal Blue Delft in the dining area vignette. A porcelain blue and white vase looks exactly like it’s had a run-in with a tremendous gust of wind.

So, I wonder, does one entice millennials and Gen Zers to take an interest in collecting heirlooms, and can they afford to even do so?

“I think they are much more aware of the environment and not to be wasteful and how things might have a second life,” Kyla says.

“Vintage is of great interest to the younger generation; the hunt is fun, and because the cost of living is insane, they are being a bit more creative to furnish an apartment.”

“When you look on social media, you’d be surprised at just how sophisticated some young people are when it comes to design,” Gabriel Ross’s Alison adds. So, if grandparents or parents are downsizing, it’s an ideal opportunity to inexpensively start collecting meaningful heirlooms to mix and match with modern pieces.

As the master of maximal shoe design for over 50 years, John

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Fluevog Shoes has joined forces with Vancouver’s Otto Studio, which produces paper-based removable wallpaper that’s perfect for renters wanting to curate a grandmillennial chic floral vibe.

“We were thrilled to be asked to do a limited-edition wallpaper collab with John Fluevog Shoes,” say co-founders Jen Cook and Hannah Lee of Otto Studio.

The two intrepid entrepreneurs launched their wallpaper company during the COVID-19 pandemic, intentionally targeting DIYers who wanted to bring some joy into their apartments while working from home.

“Fluevogian Florals was originally a mural in John Fluevog Shoes’ New York City store. The mural was torn down when they renovated, so this retro pattern is like a homage to that,” Jen explains.

“We also have florals in a decal pack that are great for kids’ rooms and for covering laptop lids and thermos bottles. It’s definitely a nod to the ‘60s and ‘70s ‘flower power’ era,” adds Hannah.

The sky is the limit when it comes to imaginative wallpaper applications.

“We had a client who used the easy-to-remove wallpaper along the bottom of their kitchen island,” notes Jen. “Although design movements don’t change according to geographical locations, as designers we do like to tweak design stories for specific client requests,” says Lu Kapp, senior interior designer at Lakehouse Home Interiors in Kelowna. “I’m really loving large print wallpaper applications, oversized florals as well as grass cloth, which creates a fabulous organic feel. And as a more local Okanagan interpretation, I’m often adding gorgeous rattan pieces of furniture that can be grandmillennial chic, but at the same time, add a hint of beachy West Coast cool to my projects.”

Interior design styles may come and go but grandmillennial chic endures because it triggers nostalgia that we all crave in uncertain times. Granny would approve.

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A bowl of “just right” Elevated porridge for an enticing morning routine WORDS ELLIE SHORTT

X PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

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i

’m a morning person. Whether this is by default or design is up for debate, as growing up I regularly partook in early-start activities that had me at school by 7 am. My dad is also a morning person. He grew up on a working farm in Olds, Alberta, often putting my 7 am starts to shame with 5 am chores.

He then became a physician, and early mornings remained a staple in his schedule, which meant that he had the honour of chauffeuring me to my various crack-of-dawn extracurriculars.

He didn’t mind and neither did I. Our quiet mornings before the other members of our household had fully arisen remain some of my fondest memories. We wouldn’t say much to each other while our bodies and minds slowly woke up, but our shared routines and rituals got us calmly out the door, rarely with a sense of frantic rush.

One such ritual began the evening prior as my dad laid out all the ingredients needed to make morning porridge. Having two Irish parents, porridge was less a breakfast option than a way of life for him, and I fondly remember big pots of oats gurgling away at my grandmother’s house whenever we visited.

I adopted my dad’s ritual, as we shared porridge in the wee hours before heading off to our early endeavours. This unassuming-yet-grounding routine set the tone and pace for the day

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ahead, and even now in this season of new motherhood and the chaotic swirl it sometimes brings, I’ve found myself anchored by this ingrained respect for morning routines, and stick-to-your-ribs satisfying breakfasts.

A few years ago, while visiting a friend in London, England, I found my reverence for porridge fortified upon discovering a charming and trendy little breakfast joint called 21 Grains in Covent Garden. I was lured there by the promise of their buzzed-about porridge bowls, with ingredients and descriptions that felt fresh and exciting. One was adorned with plum and bay compote, lemon cream, almonds, cinnamon and thyme, and another with chia pudding, blackberries, almond butter, cacao and fresh mint. I was inspired and comforted to see others passionate about porridge.

There are many other restaurants and cafes throughout the world that offer unexpected and elevated takes on gruel, and if you go on even a short stroll down a porridge-inspired Pinterest board, you’ll see some remarkable masterpieces. I tell you all this as a friendly reminder to perhaps give porridge another try if you’ve sworn it off as boring or bland, or if you’ve seen these artistic iterations and feel like they’re unattainable in your already stretched morning time situation.

Clearly, I’m passionate about porridge, and my mission is to prove that oatmeal is anything but “oatmeal,” or that an artistic bowl of breakfast-time beauty is more accessible than you might think. In my mind, porridge is perhaps the perfect intersection of simple comforts and a limitless palette of creativity and innovation.

It’s prep-ahead friendly and immensely filling. The number of bases, toppings and iterations are endless, and it lends well to seasonal inspiration. So, if it’s encouragement and the eternal challenge of where to start that are holding you back, I offer some of my top tips for making your bowl of porridge not too boring, not too elaborate, but “just right,” as our pal Goldilocks might say.

NOT-SO-BASIC BASE Porridge in its many forms is a worldwide and ancient phenomenon. Steel cut oats in Ireland, teff in Ethiopia, quinoa in the Andes, farro throughout the Mediterranean, bulgur throughout the Middle East and millet throughout Asia—the porridge base is as varied. Therefore, my first tip is to get out of that rolled-oat rut and try a new grain, or even a combination of grains. Add in some seeds as you stew it for additional texture and taste. A ground flax or chia will smooth out a grittier grain like millet or bulgur and offer a wealth of nutritional benefits such as additional omega 3, 6, and 9. The more grains (and seeds) you experiment with in general, the more nutrient variety you’ll access, as they each contain their own unique makeup of various vitamins and minerals. So don’t hold back, and play around with a multi-grain (and -seed) mix.

BE FLUID WITH YOUR LIQUID

Most grain-cooking instructions will call for water, but I recommend trying out something creamier for the most luxurious texture.

Classic cow milk is a great traditional choice, or you can opt for a non-dairy version such as coconut, almond or hazelnut, all of which offer something a bit different. Because the goal is to create a softer mushier texture, you don’t have to be as fussy about liquid ratios and cook times. My general rule when making a porridge base is to double the amount of liquid you would need to cook the grain regularly. So, if the basic teff instruction says 1 cup of teff to 1.5 cups of liquid, up the liquid to 3 cups. You may need to add more liquid as you go, especially if you’re like me and prep the base ahead of time and reheat before enjoying (often grains absorb more liquid as they sit).

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LEARN TO LOVE LAYERING

In my mind, porridge is perhaps the perfect intersection of simple comforts and a limitless palette of creativity and innovation.

It’s prep-ahead friendly and immensely filling.

The key to almost any good dish is layering various textures and flavours that are contrasting yet complementary. The same theory applies here. Something creamy like yogurt, chia pudding, a chocolate sauce or a nut or seed butter offers a smooth accompaniment to the grain base. Some crumbled crunchy nuts, seeds or coconut chips break up a more homogenous consistency. Chopped dried fruit is not only sweet and tangy, but also texturally exciting with an added chewiness. Pair the dried fruit with fresh, fried or stewed fruit (such as a compote or a coulis) and you’re delivering even more flavour and textural juxtapositions that are pleasing to the palate.

GO ON, GET A LITTLE SPICY

One of the easiest, simplest ways you can spice up an otherwise bland bowl of mush is to do just that…add some spice! When stewing my grains, I almost always add some cinnamon, a bit of vanilla, a pinch of sea salt and then whatever other seasoning inspires me: nutmeg, clove, ginger, cardamom…sometimes all of it!

DON’T BE SCARED OF SAVOURY

Picturing a bowl of porridge, one often thinks of sweet and cozy like apples and cinnamon, but a whole world opens up when you realize you can add any ingredients you want, especially those more on the “savoury” spectrum. Congee (Chinese rice porridge) is often served with an egg, and, of course, in Italy, risotto (essentially a cheesy creamy porridge) is a popular dish eaten at various meals throughout the day. To give your grain base more of a savoury edge, cook it with broth, and then play around with toppings like sautéed veggies, micro-greens and eggs. Even mixing and matching sweet and savoury can be particularly transcendent: try adding herbs and balsamic vinegar to a fruit compote, and then pairing it with a rich and creamy cheese like mascarpone.

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Steel Cut Oats with Bay Plum Compote and Mascarpone **Makes about 2 servings Ingredients ½ cup steel cut oats 1 ½ to 2 cups milk (start with 1 ½ and add more if needed) 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Sea salt 1 tsp cinnamon ⅛ tsp clove Olive oil or butter (about 1 tbsp) 2 loose cups sliced plums (I used Italian plums) 1 tsp balsamic vinegar 1 tbsp maple syrup (plus extra for drizzle) 2 bay leaves About ½ cup mascarpone, divided 2 tbsp to ¼ cup smooth almond butter, divided 1 loose cup fresh blackberries, divided ¼ cup chopped almonds, divided Optional garnish of hemp hearts Directions In a medium-sized pot, bring the milk to a boil. Add the steel cut oats, vanilla, sea salt and spices, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until all the liquid has been absorbed and you have a creamy porridge consistency (this may take 20 to 30 minutes and may require adding more milk if necessary). Remove from the heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat a small saucepan to medium. Add a small amount of olive oil or butter (no more than 1 tbsp) and then the

sliced plums, balsamic vinegar, maple syrup and bay leaves. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally for about 10 minutes, until the plums are soft and stewed. Uncover and cook on simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens slightly. Set aside.

To assemble, spoon about 1 cup of steel cut oatmeal into a bowl and layer with a couple spoonfuls of plum compote and some mascarpone, and then top with a few blackberries and some chopped almonds. Drizzle with almond butter and a bit of maple syrup if desired, and garnish with a sprinkling of hemp hearts. Repeat for the second bowl and enjoy!microgreens and a bit of chopped spring onion on top. Garnish with some sesame seeds, or any other toppings you’d like, repeat with the second bowl and enjoy!

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*Makes about 2 servings Ingredients ½ cup millet 2-3 tbsp ground flax 2-3 cups coconut milk (start with 2 cups and add more if needed) 1 tsp pure vanilla extract Sea salt 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp ginger Coconut oil or butter 1-2 bananas, peeled and sliced in half lengthwise 1 tbsp honey (plus extra for drizzle) ½ cup chia pudding, divided ⅓ cup coconut yogurt, divided Zest of one lime ¼ cup chopped cashews, divided Optional garnish of coconut flakes Directions *Note: you’ll need to make the chia pudding ahead of time. To do so, combine 5 tbsp chia seeds with 1 cup coconut milk and 1 tsp of honey in a sealable jar (like a medium-sized mason jar). Give it a good stir or secure the lid and give it a big shake, making sure all the seeds are evenly dispersed in the milk. Let sit overnight in the fridge and stir before serving.

In a medium-sized pot, bring the milk to a boil. Add the millet, ground flax, vanilla, sea salt and spices, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until all the liquid has been absorbed and you have a creamy porridge consistency (this may take 20 to 30 minutes and may require adding more milk at some point). Remove from the heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat a frying pan to medium-high heat. Add a small amount of coconut oil or butter (about 1 tbsp) and honey (about 1 tbsp) and then the sliced banana. Fry on each side for a minute or two, until the banana slices are caramelized on each side. Set aside.

To assemble, spoon 1 cup of the cooked millet-flax mix into a bowl, layer with some fried banana, about a ¼ cup of chia pudding and a couple spoonfuls of coconut yogurt, and then top with some chopped cashews and the lime zest. Drizzle with honey, if desired, and a sprinkling of coconut flakes. Repeat for the second bowl and enjoy!

Cardamom Bulgur Porridge with Fresh Figs, Hazelnut and Chocolate Tahini Sauce *Makes about 2 servings Ingredients ½ cup bulgur 2-3 tbsp ground chia seeds 1 ½ to 2 cups hazelnut milk, divided (start with 1 ½ and add more if needed) 2 tsp pure vanilla extract, divided Sea salt 1 tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp cardamom Butter ½ cup bittersweet chocolate chips ¼ cup tahini 4-6 fresh figs, cut in half ⅓ cup Greek yogurt, divided ¼ cup chopped hazelnuts, divided Maple syrup or honey for drizzle *Shown here with optional garnish of edible flowers Directions In a medium-sized pot, bring the milk to a boil. Add the bulgur, ground chia, sea salt, vanilla and spices, reduce to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until all the liquid has been absorbed and you have a creamy porridge consistency (this may take 20 to 30 minutes and may require adding more milk at some point). Remove from the heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, heat a small saucepan to medium. Melt 2 tbsp

butter, and then add the chocolate cups, tahini and a couple tbsp remaining milk. Reduce heat to low and stir/whisk consistently until the chocolate is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove from heat and set aside.

To assemble, spoon about 1 cup of the cooked bulgur-chia mix into a bowl and layer with a couple spoonfuls of Greek yogurt.

Top with a few fig halves and some chopped hazelnuts. Drizzle with the chocolate tahini sauce and a bit of maple syrup or honey if desired. Repeat for the second bowl and enjoy!

It’s easy as 1, 2, 3.

1 Contact us BEFORE

taking out your existing kitchen.

2 We will evaluate your

kitchen to determine if it can be removed and reused safely.

3

We will schedule a date and carefully dismantle your old kitchen and take it away. Leaving a blank canvas for your brand new kitchen.

It really is that easy!

FREE kitchen removal service

Donating useful goods to our local ReStore also keeps quality items from going to waste. Your old kitchen will help fund local Habitat for Humanity Homes and in return you receive a taxable receipt for our resale value.

250-862-0635 hfhokanagan.ca

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5-Grain Savoury Porridge with Tamari Shiitakes and Six-Minute Eggs *Makes about 2 servings Ingredients ½ cup five-grain mix (equal parts pearl barley, quinoa, farro, teff and rice) 2-3 cups broth (start with 2 cups and add more if needed) Sea salt 2 eggs 1 loose cup shiitake mushrooms 1 tsp tamari sauce 1 tbsp sesame seed oil 1-2 radishes, thinly sliced, divided 1 spring onion, sliced, divided ½ loose cup micro-greens, divided Optional garnish of sesame seeds Directions In a medium-sized pot, bring the broth to a boil. Add the grain mix, some sea salt (unless your broth is already quite salty), reduce to a simmer, cover and cook, stirring occasionally until all the liquid has been absorbed and you have a creamy porridge consistency (this may take 20 to 30 minutes). Remove from the heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, bring a small saucepan filled with water to a boil.

Using a slotted spoon, gently place the eggs in the boiling water, turn the heat down to low, cover and cook the eggs for 6 minutes.

Once cooked, place the eggs in an ice bath, and allow them to cool before peeling and slicing in half.

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Heat a saucepan to medium-high heat. Add the sesame seed oil, mushrooms and tamari sauce. Sauté until soft and slightly crispy on some edges. Remove from the heat and set aside.

To assemble, spoon about 1 cup of the cooked five-grain mix into a bowl and arrange some radish slices, a halved egg, some microgreens and a bit of chopped spring onion on top. Garnish with some sesame seeds, or any other toppings you’d like, repeat with the second bowl and enjoy!

A LAKEVIEW COMMUNITY

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Set high above the horizon, Shorerise is an exclusive master-planned community that offers an elevated way of life. Inspired by the surrounding mountains, valley, Westside Wine Trail and Okanagan Lake below, this is a place where the architecture is distinctively Okanagan and the hillside trails offer a world of wonder outside your front door. Here, you’re only moments away from the beach, the lake, a round of golf, a hike or a glass of wine savoured with family and friends.

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B O O K A P R I VAT E A P P O I N T M E N T TO DAY

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travel

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A heavenly retreat Past, present and brocantage at Corte della Maestà

Occupy the spotlight with eclectic, bold fashion and jewelry, layers of patterns and textures, pieces that tell a tale.

A story of one who refuses to play by the rules as they grow older, of one who dresses for their own delight, who revels in high style and beauty and is committed a life lived creatively. This year unleash your own inner “chic-granny”, mix new with vintage, work in the hand-medown broach from that favourite, stylish aunt and challenge the norm while surrounding yourself with the pieces that tell the story of your life.

Style Advanced

T

Models - Jen Clark and Pamela Madoff Makeup by Jen Clark Photographed on location at the beautiful, heritage designated home and garden of Pamela Madoff. A huge thank you

WORD LAURA GOLDSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY GIOVANNI DE SANDRE STUDIO GDS

he bridge looks daunting, but chalk it up as part of the adventure. Iron Man and Iron Woman we are not, so the spectacular views of Italy’s Calanchi Valley serve to distract us as we trudge along the modern and very busy 300-metre pedestrian-only bridge ascending almost vertically into the teetering medieval mountain town of Civita di Bagnoregio, about 90 minutes from Rome. A little truck ferries luggage up and down the bridge, much to our relief. From afar, our first impression is “this must be a film set; surely this can’t be real.”

We have time-traveled back to an Etruscan village, built 2,500 years ago and sculpted on volcanic rock perched atop the mountain.

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Our first impression is “this must be a film set; surely this can’t be real.”

An earthquake devastated the hamlet in 1695, and today, although only 11 people live in the village full time, it’s attracted adventurous tourists beguiled by the bridge and the elegant Corte della Maestà hotel. Entering through the ancient stone archway, every step is history. Narrow cobblestone passageways and walls festooned with climbing roses meander off the main piazza, a dizzying maze to the uninitiated. Having just come from the teeming crowds in Rome, we crave “dolce far niente”—slowing down to enjoy the beauty and the sweetness of doing nothing.

Our charming host and hotel manager, Cristiana Melis, is waiting and she leads us through a hidden leafy wooden door that opens into Corte della Maestà (translated to “court of majesty”).

If the literary classic The Secret Garden enchanted you as a child, Corte della Maestà’s walled enclave with its towering arbours and olive trees, potted blue hydrangeas and hidden statuary will captivate all your senses as an adult.

“I discovered Civita almost 30 years ago visiting a patient of

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mine,” explains owner Paolo Crepet, a well-known Italian psychiatrist, author and TV personality. “It’s constructed like a dream but it’s not a hermitage, it’s an emotional experience,” Paolo and wife Cristiana have spent decades renovating the chic antique-filled property, once a 14th-century bishop’s palace, now transformed into a boutique hotel. The two met years ago when she was an arts publicist for an exhibition of Federico Fellini’s illustrations for many of his legendary films. In fact, one of the hotel’s first guests was film director Giuseppe Tornatore, who won an Oscar for the heartfelt masterpiece Cinema Paradiso and is a long-time friend of Paolo.

Their mutual love of the arts and scouring antique and flea markets, Paolo’s passion for auctions and Cristiana’s intrinsic ability to make everything at once both homey and exquisite (she should have been an interior designer) make our stay the highlight of our 25th wedding anniversary trip to Italy.

All four-bedroom suites are stunning. Resembling old master still-life paintings, each harbours its own treasures and fascinating back-stories that Cristiana has conceptualized with antiques mixed with contemporary furnishings.

It’s no coincidence that we are staying in La Scrittrice (The Writer Suite) with its own private entrance off the garden. The cabbage-rose-patterned wallpaper in the sitting room mimics the rose-clustered pergola outside and is a reproduction plucked from Virginia Woolf ’s London home, as is the antique writing desk. An original 16th-century fresco has been left untouched on the wall of the cosy bedroom and a wrought iron headboard towers over strewn plump pillows. The bed is topped with a chartreuse mohair blanket for chilly nights (there is a different colour in each suite), which Cristiana imported from New Zealand. Her penchant for antique portrait paintings, mostly of women, helps decorate the walls.

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The Abbess Suite, which opens onto a little balcony, takes its name from the ornate wrought iron four-poster bedframe that once belonged to the abbess of a monastery. It’s a tribute to the book The Abbess of Castro by Renaissance writer Stendhal. An early 19th-century French oak fireplace and iron bathtub complement the suite’s interior.

A vision in gold, with an ornate headboard acquired from a 19th-century theatrical production, The Sleepwalker Suite is an homage to the theatre and to Italy’s grand tradition of opera, while The Intruder Suite looks out through windows over the valley and the house of the late Argentine poet and writer Rodolfo Wilcock, a great friend of famed Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges.

Unusual wall sconces, beaded lamps and gilded mirrors cast and reflect shadows on the ancient stone walls of each suite.

Entering the hotel’s la cucina (kitchen), it’s hard to know where tp rest your eyes first as it overlooks an immense garden planted with fig, persimmon and lemon trees. A crystal chandelier from Brussels, circa 1930s, dominates the vaulted stone ceiling, antique copper dessert molds adorn blue Italian tiled walls, and beautiful serving pieces from France are everywhere. They all reflect Cristiana’s obsession for brocantage, the art of collecting vintage items.

“It’s been a passion of mine since I was a girl,” she confides. “It was so much fun visiting second-hand dealers and flea markets in France and Italy looking for unusual objects and treasures.”

And the breakfast! The la cucina, under the supervision of the couple’s playful black and blonde Labrador sisters, Ortensia and Olivia, is the rustic centre of activity in the mornings. There are jams and jellies made from the garden’s abundance, heavenly cappuccinos, the freshest eggs and prosciutto, cheeses, cream puffs and tarts (hmm, maybe walking up and down the bridge is a good idea), all presented on decorative china and vintage glassware. Hazelnuts on the table, we learn, are grown in the nearby valley for Ferrero

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Rocher, makers of those luscious gold-foil covered chocolates and Nutella.

One morning Cristiana surprises us by setting up breakfast on a pink, hand-printed Lisa Corti tablecloth, on a table under a wrought iron gazebo in the courtyard.

“How in the world did they get the gazebo up the mountain?” I ask, dumbfounded, learning that it had to be brought up the bridge in sections and reassembled piece by piece.

Elsewhere in the hotel is the cavernous stone Wolf ’s Lair, a cosy hideaway with an enormous fireplace. Once the ancient cistern, now converted into a home theatre, it’s filled with books, games, a Forneris piano and, of course, a large film screen. Imagine watching Fellini’s La Dolce Vita, glass of wine in hand.

Venturing out of Corte della Maestà for dinner we are delighted at the number of restaurants off the main piazza. They receive fresh produce supplies almost daily via moped deliveries. Not only do Osteria Al Forno di Agnese and Alma Civita serve delicious specialties but, to our surprise, we meet several fellow Canadians dining there.

Corte della Maestà is truly the bridge between past and present—a heavenly retreat from our daily lives.

IF YOU GO:

Corte della Maestà is located in the mountain village of Civita di Bagnoregio. The train stops at nearby Orvieto. From Rome, it’s about 90 minutes. If you drive, there is parking at the beginning of the bridge or Cristiana Melis can arrange for a driver to pick you up at Orvieto Station. cortedellamaesta.com

563-Lawrence Avenue, Kelowna SensualKingdom.com boulevardmagazines.com

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secrets and lives —

AND THE 7 SINS with HEATHER GORDON, COSMIC CO-MOTION WORDS ANGELA COWAN PHOTOGRAPHY LIA CROWE

B

uilding on a lifetime of athleticism and a passion for performing, Heather Gordon founded Cosmic Co-Motion in Kelowna more than a decade ago, and has been bringing excitement, sparkle and wonder to audiences ever since.

Growing up in London, Ontario, Heather was bitten by the performing bug at a very young age. Both of her parents were professional figure skaters—her mom was one of the first women to ever complete a triple jump—and they brought Heather onto the ice when she was still a toddler.

“I have literally been performing since I was three years old,” says Heather, adding that those first thrills of applause stoked her desire to perform through childhood and her teen years.

“After figure skating, I was in gymnastics, and then in high school I got into power cheerleading and competed all over the [United] States.”

Around the age of 20, and not interested in pursuing gymnastics at an Olympic level, Heather instead began post-secondary foundational work to become a police officer.

But a trip out West changed everything.

“My brother moved out to Kelowna with his partner at the time, and he told me to come visit,” she says. “We went to Shambhala [music festival] and I thought, ‘I need to be on that stage.’”

Heather dropped everything, moved to Kelowna and pursued her creative ambitions with fierce determination and energy. She began working as a DJ, eventually opening for high-profile acts like Lady Gaga, and constantly experimenting with how to take her performances to the next level.

And then she discovered aerial acrobatics, and everything fell into place. Heather and her best friend and business partner, Selah Paquette, created Cosmic Co-Motion, and that first year their group performed in front of 20,000 people at the Shambhala Music Festival.

With acts ranging from aerial acrobatics to fire dancing, LED light shows, go-go dancing and more, Cosmic CoMotion has since brought a flair for the spectacular to hospital foundation fundraisers, bridal shows, medieval fairs, weddings and everything in between. And this February the group will put on Enchanted, a theatrical production at the Rotary Centre for the Arts, which promises to sell out well before opening curtain.

“Our fans are very devoted,” says Heather. “We’ve never had a show that hasn’t sold out. It all just keeps growing.”

The 7 Sins ENVY:

Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

Wow, that’s such a big question! I don’t know if I would actually walk in someone else’s shoes. We never really know what’s going on in someone else’s life. We only see what we’re told, and it’s usually just the sugar-coated version. I am so grateful for my experience in this life. I get to live passionately, I have amazing kids and my family and friends are so great and so supportive. I truly feel blessed.

GLUTTONY:

What is the food you could eat over and over again?

I don’t know if I will ever have too much sushi. I eat it all the time!

GREED:

You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

If I had a million dollars, I would spend it travelling. I love the feeling of going on adventures and exploring. I would love to do one of those trips around the world. It would be a bonus if I got to perform as well.

WRATH:

Pet peeves?

I’d rather not bring negativity into this, but if I were to say something, it would be dog and cat hair.

SLOTH:

Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

Well, this is a loaded question because I have a very hard time doing nothing. It’s part of my creative brain. I’m always looking for something to create, clean or organize. If I’m doing nothing, I’m either asleep or broken.

PRIDE:

What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of ?

I’m proud of myself for doing what makes me happy. I’ve been a performer since I was three years old. I have always been working on my art and my skills, and I’m continuously doing more to grow. I’m proud that I never gave up.

LUST:

What makes your heart beat faster?

It doesn’t matter if I’m in front of 20 people or 20,000 people, I get butterflies every time I step on stage. It’s my passion and I always give it my all.

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narrative

WORDS ANN TIPLADY X ILLUSTRATION SIERRA LUNDY

Grade six SUPERHERO

i

For 50 years I’ve harboured a profound respect for Janet’s goodness, and by extension for all people who recognize right and wrong and stand up for what’s right.

met My Best Friend late in grade three. Living only one block apart, we’d meet at the end of our lanes to walk together the three short blocks and one long block to school.

My Best Friend and I were in the same classes for grades four, five and six. Living so close to one another, and both being animal-crazy, we spent a lot of time together. We would change into play clothes after school, purposely choosing items we thought would camouflage us as we crept around in the tall grass at the edge of the nearby woods, hiding from anyone who might see us.

We built a tree fort with found materials. It was our base of operations for a short time, until a soggy board broke and I landed hard on my back, fiercely winding me.

Once, on a warm sunny afternoon, we reached between the boards of a fence into a backyard, each stealing a big, hand-filling, warm, ripe tomato. We sat right there, leaning on the other side of the fence, eating our loot. It’s the only time I’ve ever eaten a whole tomato right out of my hand like an apple. It was the best tomato of my whole life.

My Best Friend taught me to play “Heart and Soul” and “Chopsticks” on the piano in her basement. Our furious Chopsticks duets must have driven her endlessly patient mother, in the kitchen overhead, around the bend.

Flanking the front walk of My Best Friend’s house was a pair of tall trees, some sort of cedar, perhaps, with branches slanting downwards, designed to shed snow—or girls. After climbing as high was we dared—as high as the house!—we raced to the bottom, sliding down the outside, grabbing the branches hand under hand just enough to prevent crashing at the bottom. First down won.

The races stopped after I was attacked by a robin defending its nest. I didn’t know I was climbing towards a nest until the robin was suddenly thrashing the top of my head with its wings. It didn’t hurt, but the shock of the attack stopped me climbing that tree again.

Sometime during grade six something changed. My Best Friend became less conversational. I remember sitting on her bed, talking about whatever an 11-year-old girl talks about, while she sat on the floor, disinterestedly fiddling with something. Walking to school with her, I’d do my best to make conversation and she’d respond in monosyllables. Clearly the relationship wasn’t working any more.

But I was only 11. Something was wrong, but I didn’t know what to do. She was my best friend, after all. Where else would I turn?

The big rupture was triggered in art class. We’d made ceramic ashtrays. It was a time when ashtrays were common gifts, and now

that they’d been fired we were glazing them. No longer sitting with My Best Friend, I was sitting near Gail, sharing a particularly pretty blue glaze, when another girl approached, saying we were hogging the blue and we should let others have it now. Shortly after, we handed it over.

Then came the “We Hate Ann Club.” My Best Friend was very popular during those years and easily gathered a posse of girls who would surround me in the playground chanting “We hate Ann. We hate Ann.” One of the gang later explained this treatment was because I had been hogging the blue glaze. I didn’t think we’d been hogging, and it had been two of us. Being singled out felt very unfair. The real pain, though, was that my best friend of three years not only rejected me, but gathered a gang to torment me.

“We hate Ann. We hate Ann.” I was devastated. My parents had no useful advice: “Sticks and stones…words will never hurt you.” That was a lie. School was a living hell.

One day in desperation, I told our classmates, Janet and her friend, what My Best Friend and her pack were doing. The injustice of it made Janet swell and transform. In my memory she increases in size by half again. I can almost see a cape flowing out behind her as she marches right over to the gang and pointing her finger at them says, “WE KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING! STOP IT!” And they did. The strength of Janet’s righteousness blew them away. It never happened again. I’ve been indebted to Janet ever since. She saved me. For 50 years I’ve harboured a profound respect for Janet’s goodness, and by extension for all people who recognize right and wrong and stand up for what’s right.

The damage done by My Best Friend was a deep, raw pain for many years. It’s dull now, but not gone. It never will be. But always the thought of Janet’s heroism is the balm that soothes.

It’s clear now that My Best Friend needed to break from me and didn’t have better tools to make it happen. Sharing, or not sharing, the pottery glaze gave her an excuse, a very thin excuse, to pull the plug on our friendship. It’s scary, though, that due to her popularity she easily gathered a gang that was happy to torment me. I had done nothing to them. What motivated them to join together to bully me? And it stopped so promptly when called out publicly.

I still have the pot. I cheated and made mine without the cigarette resting spots. I gave it to my mother, who used it for years for small jewellery. It’s a little chipped now. It never was much to look at, but I like it. It’s a pretty blue, and when I stop to look at it, I think of Janet. boulevardmagazines.com

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behind the story It all started with a conversation between Boulevard’s Lia Crowe and interior designer Kyla Bidgood about how the “advanced style” aesthetic—made famous by New York legends such as Iris Apfel and Ari Seth Cohen—has become a celebrated interior design trend. That conversation grew into an overall theme for this edition of Boulevard. Those unfamiliar with the term “advanced style” can turn to the words of Ari Seth Cohen, who is the creator of Advanced Style, a book, blog, documentary and website project devoted “to capturing the sartorial savvy of the senior set.”

He says, “I feature people who live full creative lives. They live life to the fullest, age gracefully and continue to grow and challenge themselves.”

When considering this as a theme—a celebration of lives lived creatively, mature fashion mavens and the “granny chic” aesthetic that has filtered down to every age group—and thinking about the words of Ari Seth Cohen, one person immediately jumped to mind: longtime Victoria city councillor Pamela Madoff.

“She is someone who I have seen (and you probably have too) peripherally at events over the years—because she stands out!” says Lia. “She possesses such sartorial savviness with her unique style that abounds with colour, rich fabrics and bold jewellery. I once had the privilege of photographing her home for Boulevard a number of years ago, and saw that her house is an extension of her style: it overflows with wonder, playfulness and an appreciation of beautiful things. At that time a nugget of an idea started to form in my mind, and I found myself thinking that one day I would love to shoot a fashion story in her home.”

It was our pleasure that when asked, she said yes! It was an honour to feature a true Victoria legend in this issue, photographing her and her home, styled by herself, and using the treasures she has collected over a lifetime. Thank you, Pamela, for sharing your home, your wardrobe and a few cookies with us!

PHOTO BY LIA CROWE

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