Covet Spring 2014 by Covet Magazine

modern living with a prairie twist

Change a little, change a lot a go-to-guide to revamping your space

+m otherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s day

brunch menu +s tylish laundry rooms +g et crafty with word play

Effortless Style.

Rebate Rebate

when you purchase when you Duette purchase honeycomb Duette with shades honeycomb PowerRise. shades with †

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PowerRise.

Interior Illusions 100-100 Princess St Winnipeg MB 204-925-4162

info@interiorillusions.ca www.interiorillusions.ca

Winnipeg Drapery 1336 Main St Winnipeg MB 204-582-3239 www.winnipegdrapery.com

Glenwood Draperies 509 St. Mary’s Rd Winnipeg MB 204-233-8956

glenwood@shawbiz.ca

Marcel’s Drapery and Blinds 156 Sherbrook St Winnipeg MB 204-786-8585 marcels@shaw.ca

Window Inspirations Winnipeg MB 204-504-2232

admin@windowinspirations.ca

Offer effective between January 1st and April 30th, 2014.

Offer effective between January 1st and April 30th, 2014. † Purchase 3 Duette® honeycomb shades with PowerRise® and receive a $200 rebate. Also, when you purchase any number of these additional shades, you’ll receive an extra $50 for each. To learn more about PowerRise,® please visit hunterdouglas.ca. Valid at participating dealers only. *Effortless Style rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid American

® THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark®of Hunt Diversified Marketing Inc. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card issued Express Gift Card. † Purchase 3 ®Duette honeycomb shades with PowerRise and receive a $200 rebate. Also, when you purchase any number of these additional shades, you’ll receive an extra $50 for eac by Amex Bank of Canada underValid license American dealers Express. only. *Effortless Style rebate will be issued in the form of a Hunter Douglas Prepaid Ame by Amex BankPowerRise, of Canada. ®®Used please visit hunterdouglas.ca. at from participating learn more about Express® Gift Card. THE PROMOTION CARD is a trademark of Hunt Diversified Marketing Inc. All Rights Reserved. THE PROMOTION CARD is a Prepaid American Express® Card is ® by Amex Bank of Canada. Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

ch. To erican ssued

6 Contributors The great friends and talents we have met along the way, that have given of themselves to make Covet.

7 Editor’s Page

Out and About — Local businesses we would love you to know about.

8 Hip Pooch A beautiful space that’s going to the dogs.

“ April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.”

~ William Shakespeare (Sonnet XCVIII)

Oliv Tasting Room Tapenades, vinegars and oils galore.

12 We Love Items we have spotted here or there that we think you will love too.

Style defined — A design lesson. A period, style, or piece explained.

Istockphoto

Abode

A peek inside Manitoba homes and cottages completed by local design talent or design-savvy homeowners.

Hooray for Hollywood Regency Explore the more is more and over the top world of Hollywood glamour.

Collections — Admittedly, we like stuff. Here we showcase people and their stuff, and their knowledge of their stuff.

fresh white style A lemon fresh approach for a large kitchen.

One Phase at a Time A game plan to meet design goals that’s as easy as 1,2,3.

Art Doesn’t have to Match the Couch

36 Taking Lounging to a Whole New Level Two tiers of midcentury style.

42 Out With the Old , In With the New A modern redesign of a 102— year-old home.

56 all in the family Nephew and Aunt collaborate on a lovely Westwood home.

Get Crafty - We can get into good craft projects, and love the satisfaction creating something brings.

16 Word Play A magnetic scrabble message board.

PROfile — Allow us to introduce you to the great, local design talent available in Winnipeg for you to tap into.

18 Sandra Gilbert of A Sense of Style

modern living with a pr airie t wist

njaminmoore-mb.ca be | d r a v le u o b d 2 5 -5 s cu r fi el

enjoy savings of 35% off select in-stock accessories and decorations. visit us at our current location:

130-1600 Kenaston Blvd p: 204.487.3666

ta b l e o f co n t e n ts

SPRING 2014 Bahia Taylor Editor in Chief Co-founder Leigh McKenzie Creative Director Co-founder

—

Tips O’ the Trades Expert advice. You didn’t solicit it but we’re giving it to you anyway.

76 Style Laundering Make the chore of laundry more enjoyable in a seriously stylish room.

Home Organization

Darren Grunerud Managing Editor

Covet Talks — Yup, we’re chatterboxes... and you’re gonna love who we chat up.

Tools Great gadgets, tools, and task-busting items we thought you should know about.

Jim Taylor Props Coordinator

Barbara Chabai Copy Editor

Graphic Design Hinge Design www.hingedesign.ca Styling Envy Paint and Design www.benjaminmoore-mb.ca

Jackie Morra — The inside scoop on the Hockey Fan Cave.

24 26 Merton road and… Travel with photographer Pauline Boldt throughout the city and province, and take in the sites through her camera lens. This issue, Market Burger.

So You’re Thinking of Moving?

82 2 by 4 Life Follow radio personality Dez Daniels and her family as she blogs her way through the start-to-finish journey of a new home build.

Owned and Published by: Covet Magazine For inquiries, please contact us at info@covetmagazine.ca

Chow — Food, glorious food and everything to go with it.

Dig - Get outside and get gardening.

1811 Assiniboine Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3J 0A5

To Mom, With Love A simple Mother’s Day brunch to celebrate the matriarch in your life.

Bee TLC

www.covetmagazine.ca info@covetmagazine.ca

Prairie Pallette — A glimpse into the Winnipeg art community or profile of a great local artist.

Cover Photography - Cory Loewen While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, Covet Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without written permission from the publisher. Typeset in Chronicle Roman and Whitney Printed in Canada Publications Mail Agreement No. 42575014 Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to info@covetmagazine.ca

74 Jeffery Chester

Living Well — Reviews, ideas, a little form and a little function.

86 The Dandelions are Coming! The Dandelions are Coming!

87 Things That Make You Go Yumm

88 Where To Find

90 In the Mood

72 How to Bring the Outdoors In for a happier home year round Hear what four local designers have to say on the matter.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

contributors pauline boldt 26mertonroad.com TOM BIMA ticoswinehouse.com Samantha braun ecotones@mts.net PEGGY BROOKS forspacesake.com BARB CHABAI bccreativehouse.com marisa curatolo marisacuratolo.com CDECA - Central Prairie Chapter www.cdeca.com MEG CRANE megcranedesigns@gmail.com ESTHER EISBRENNER benjaminmoore-mb.ca darren grunerud Man-about-town IKEA ikea.ca brian johnson gooddogphotography.ca SUSAN KUZ spacialexpressions.com ARTHUR LIFFMANN benjaminmoore-mb.ca CORY LOEWEN coryloewen@yahoo.ca stephanie middagh artfulowl.ca DON MEILLEUR MICHAEL ROBERTS dualityphoto.com CAROL STANDIL carolstandil.wordpress.com jim taylor Go-to Guy DEZ WENGROWICH twobyfourlife.com KASSIA WOLOSHYN benjaminmoore-mb.ca KIM ULLYOT benjaminmoore-mb.ca

e d i to r ' s pag e Covet is free, and if you'd like to receive a copy visit covetmagazine.ca to subscribe. You can view a digital version of this issue there, too. See you soon! After several months of crippling snowstorms and wind and more snow and sub-zero temperatures and more wind, we are really looking forward to spring weather, green grass, and flowers in bloom. Although spring seems to be taking her sweet time to arrive (we are hoping she is planning a grand appearance in fashionably late style) everything else seems to be moving at lightning speed. Conventional wisdom tells us that as you get older, time seems to speed up—you blink and six months have gone by, but the rate at which things are happening around us is shockingly break-neck. While Leigh is embarking on home renovations (big renovations) and looking forward to celebrating her son’s first year, Bahia is undertaking renovations to the new home of Envy Paint and Design set to open this coming July. Travel plans are set for the year as well which include North and South Carolina for High Point Market and a NASCAR race, a weekend concert in Minneapolis, the National Hardware and Paint show in Las Vegas, a family trip and business meeting in St. John’s, Newfoundland and, of course, lounging lake side and pool side in between. And while some of that is daunting, it’s incredibly exciting too! We have big plans in store for Covet as well: pic nics, honey bees, gorgeous cottages, new builds and amazing reinterpretations of existing homes. The advent of spring is a great opportunity for fresh ideas and new thinking – we’d love to hear what you’re up to so please drop us a line if you see or experience something we should explore, let us know about your home decor projects, or to report something happening about Manitoba... with all the hustle and bustle just be sure to take some time to stop and smell the roses... just don’t blink, fall will be here before you know it!

upcoming events • T he highest rated comedy festival series on CBC Television has grown quite a bit since its inception 11 years ago. Today, the Winnipeg Comedy Festival has grown to include year-round outreach programs, rural tours, workshops and television broadcasts that attract over 2 million viewers annually. April 7th to 13th at various venues. Complete details including schedules and tickets at www. winnipegcomedyfestival.com or by calling 204.284.9477. • T he 2014 Investors Group Stars On Ice Presented by Lindt promises to be exceptional as Canada’s top skaters, direct from the Winter Olympics in Sochi, join Canadian superstars Patrick Chan, Kurt Browning, Joannie Rochette, Virtue & Moir and an all-star cast in one spectacular show. May 7th at 7 p.m. at MTS Centre. Complete details and tickets at www.starsonice.ca or by calling 855.985.5000. • E ach year, over 30,000 people attend the Pride Winnipeg Festival to celebrate our province’s diverse community, and to remember that there is so much to be proud of and thankful for. Pride Winnipeg has been celebrated annually since 1987, and has evolved from a one-day event into a 10-day festival filled with pride, confidence, fun, colour, music, laughter, optimism and activism. May 23rd to May 29th at venues throughout Winnipeg. Complete details at www.pridewinnipeg.com.

• S teinbach’s Mennonite Heritage Village brings to life the Mennonite way of life from the 16th century to present day, preserving Mennonite heritage and illustrating a traditional way of life that has all but disappeared. Highlights of the forty acre site include a period village street reminiscent of turn-of-the-century Mennonite villages, a gift shop offering art and souvenirs, and The Village Centre with galleries that tell the story of Mennonite faith and culture through the centuries. Celebrate their 50th anniversary at Spring on the Farm with a tractor parade, tractor games, pioneer demonstrations and delicious Mennonite food! Details at www.mennonitevillagevillage.com • C anada’s most comprehensive project ever aimed at issues related to climate change and polar bears is almost ready to open in Assiniboine Park! The $90 million project is a cornerstone of a complete revitalization of the zoo. Journey to Churchill will feature three distinctive zones along a vast 10-acre route: a majestic boreal forest leading to the Gateway to the Arctic (new home to Hudson and his polar posse) and the domed Aurora Borealis Theatre, which will project a 360 degree horizon of a vast expanse of Arctic landscape with the Northern Lights playing above. Finally arriving at the Churchill Coast, visitors will feel as though they have been transported to the northern frontier.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

out and about

HIP POOCH text and photography COVET MAGAZINE

Find It: 807 Corydon Avenue 204.284.6964 Monday-Saturday 11am-6pm www.hippooch.com History: With a mission to deliver the most unique and highquality products on the market, Hip Pooch first opened in 2006 – this summer, they’ll be celebrating their 48th anniversary (in dog years). The first of its kind in Winnipeg, the upscale dog boutique offers a huge variety of products and services for dog owners who love to lavish their ‘fur children’ and encourages customers to browse the store along with their pooches. The Space: Grab your best buddy and his leash and take a stroll down the Corydon strip; you’ll find the Hip Pooch’s hip storefront located in an older two-story building between Lilac and Cockburn. The bright and welcoming space is decorated in white with bold shots of colour and modern white shelves are loaded with beautifully merchandised products. In 2013, the store took over the space next door and doubled in size – the new addition features a grooming area and a department loaded with high-quality dog foods and snacks.

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Menu: The boutique offers a wide array of upscale merchandise for dog lovers, ranging from designer collars, leashes and apparel (hip hoodie sweatshirts and stylish HBCinspired cable knits) to stylish carriers, fabulous food bowls and comfy pet beds. Full lines of hypoallergenic shampoos are perfect for bath-time at home, but customers may choose to use the self-serve dog wash: for a flat rate, customers can don a rubber apron and bathe their pampered pooches in sparkling clean waist-high tubs with all-natural shampoo; fresh microfibre towels, rubber brushes and a doggy dryer complete the spa experience. And before heading to the lake this summer, make sure to check out their lines of doggie life jackets! Winnipeg: Owner Crystal Bennet grew up in Crescentwood and, after living and working in Vancouver, returned to Winnipeg to marry her husband. Inspired by her own pampered pooches (Suki, an English bulldog, and a Pomeranian named Metro) as well as a pet boutique near her Vancouver home, she decided to bring the concept to life here; she spent time scouting out the perfect location on the Corydon strip. “There are so many cool places in Winnipeg,” says Bennet, “you just need to stop and check them out!” So... who wants to go for a walk?

st y l e d e f i n e d

text ARTHUR LIFFMANN Like the films that we flock to see at our local multiplexes, design styles feature a vast variety of genres. While some are aficionados of big budget action films or sweet rom-com, others prefer gritty dramas or lavish period pieces. The same diversity of taste comes into play in decorating, with a multiplicity of styles towards which we gravitate or repel (forgive the metaphor, but I’ve been inspired by the latest Clooney/Bullock feature I just watched). For many years now, popular decorating has embraced a simplified contemporary aesthetic that utilizes neutral colour palettes, straight lines and cold metals. But lurking in the decorating shadows is an unlikely hero to many who have grown weary of a quasiminimalist look. For those decoristas who believe that more is more, a brave new age is dawning. Or perhaps more accurately, a longawaited remake of an earlier classic is coming soon to a room near you. Inspired by, and originated during the golden age of film making, the Hollywood Regency style is once again a coming attraction. Born out of a response to both the bleak Depression and the dark and somber Spanish and Tudor styles so predominant in early Hollywood, a new approach to decorating that provided a glamourous and theatrical alternative began to emerge. Think Jean Harlow, Carole Lombard and the lavish Art Deco-inspired film sets created for movies during the 1930s era and you’ll have good idea of the basis of this design style’s origins. One of the earliest designers to decorate in the style that eventually came to be known as Hollywood Regency is the legendary Dorothy Draper. Her neo-Classical approach, which evolved over several decades to

include modernist and Asian influences, climaxed in a fully realized style by the late 1960s. Draper, arguably recognized as the first design professional, became well known for her overscaled and brightly colored versions of classic traditional rooms. Her groundbreaking color combinations, broad stripes, wide use of chintz and plaster moldings contributed to a look which became synonymous with the Dorothy Draper name. Some of her signature trademarks – matte white and glossy black palettes, polished checkerboard marble floors, detailed mirrors and lacquered doors – are all trademarks of Hollywood Regency style. Draper’s designs greatly influenced the work of other legendary designers, including Billy Baldwin and David Hicks, who each added new layers of fabric, pattern and texture to the style which is today recognized as classic Hollywood Regency. A divine and decadent style, Hollywood Regency fans could best be described as maximalists – for this look is all about glitz, glam, texture and contrast. Bold antiques mix with tailored upholstery. Palettes are vivid, contrast is high and a well stocked bar is mandatory. Start by embracing colour: think pretty coral, soft yellows and oranges, Chinese red, Kelly and apple green, and turquoise. Tempered by liberal doses of black and white, the colours mitigate the impact of all of the patterns and textures used in these schemes and provide needed balance to all of the ‘muchness’. When painting walls with these colours, don’t be afraid to up the sheen level and choose satin or semigloss finishes – shine is a part of this look. Windows dressed with tailored velvets or silks absorb some of the sheen

and compliment the walls – just be sure to select softer tones for your draperies. When it comes to furniture, look for pieces topped with glass or covered in mirrors. Wooden furniture in classic European or Asian silhouettes is generally painted in black or white and upholstered in high-sheen velvets or trellis-patterned cotton weaves. Chinoiserie cabinets, gilded bamboo accents and lacquered Parsons tables or consoles are all a part of this look. Barrel chairs with high-curved backs are an appropriately over-the-top statement, but make sure to pick up a pair, as symmetry and balance is a huge key to this style. In the bedroom, an upholstered headboard is the ultimate. Mirrors are huge. Whether heavily ornamented, lavishly framed or simply bevel-cut and smoked, mirrors are a must. Use them on tabletops, as cabinet fronts, or cover an entire wall – they provide some of the glamour associated with the style. Up the glam factor with animal hides – zebra print is a classic – and piles of mink throws (good fakes are absolutely acceptable). Contrast all that lux fabric with more shine and shimmer-cut crystal chandeliers, silver candleholders and gold anything. Seriously, anything– if it’ll hold still long enough to be gilded, gild it. Hollywood Regency is truly a melting pot of design styles. Designer Jonathan Adler, whose work is heavily influenced by the style, defines Hollywood Regency as “neo-classical lines mixed with Hollywood glamour and a top note of mod moxie... it adds a layer of pattern and decoration and opulence and glamour to the minimalism of mid-century modernism.” And to many, that sounds like a script for a new blockbuster.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

out and about

oliv tasting room text and photography COVET MAGAZINE Find It: 540 Academy Road 204.414.2019 Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm www.olivtastingroom.com History:Awie and Isabeau du Toit came across a novel idea of a shop dedicated to the sales of olive oil and balsamic vinegar while Isabeau was visiting in New Mexico. The couple already owned property in a wine-producing area in the Western Cape province of South Africa, and having previously determined that wine making was not for them, decided to investigate the production of olive oil. What began with one small retail location in Moose Jaw is now a fully developed olive farm in South Africa that supplies a rapidly expanding business in North America, including sixteen ‘Oliv’ branded tasting rooms across Canada. Can you say EVOOMG? the space: Oliv’s Winnipeg location is located in a bustling strip on Academy Road surrounded by fashionable boutiques and cafes. Arched niches surrounding the perimeter of the spaces are loaded with beautiful bottles of true extra virgin olive oils, that are not chemically altered in any way, as well as delicious balsamic vinegars imported from Italy. Additional space is dedicated to a new range of privately branded pestos, pitted olives and tapenades. Staff are thrilled to offer samples of various products and suggest delicious pairings.

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menu: Pop by and prepare to have your oil changed while you wait. The Oliv team will take you on a personal tasting experience through the store and guide you as you sample over sixty flavors of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. “We take great pride in our rich and expertly blended selection of Oliv Extra Virgin Olive Oils and Balsamic Vinegars. Oliv’s oils are individually and seasonally selected from only the best available extra virgin olive oils available in the southern and northern hemispheres, depending on season, to ensure freshness. Our balsamic vinegars are ‘true’ balsamics, sourced from Modena in Italy.” Be prepared to open your senses to what food should taste like and change the way you interact with food forever! Winnipeg: The du Toits opened their first ‘trial’ store in a beautiful heritage building in Moose Jaw, and have since expanded into various markets across Canada. The Winnipeg location is very much in line with their community-minded business approach – an accessible boutique location staffed with a knowledgeable team offering excellent service and advice. Their commitment to providing quality products that offer their customers great health benefits as well as delicious flavours may not be confined to our city’s limits, but it’s certainly appreciated here.

co l l ect i o n s

Art Doesn’t Have to Match the Couch Acquiring and Managing Art Collections Art is more than just decor on our walls. Art should reflect our travels, experiences and passions and should be acquired slowly over time to build up a collection. When you look at pieces they should have meaning, they should tell a story of where they came from and how they got to be in your home. Wall space is sacred space. Many people ask me about collecting art but most are looking to decorate as opposed to building a collection. Collecting art and decorating are two different approaches to art. Either approach is fine, however, when collecting art it is more of an investment than acquiring decor pieces. Here are some key ideas when building an art collection. • Buy original art from a wide range of artists and regions. I like to buy art on trips from street vendors or from small galleries or artist run centers. • Prints are considered original, however, they should be signed and numbered, not posters or printed paintings. • Buy pieces that you enjoy looking at. Art for investment is great, but if it is

on your walls you will have to look at it often so be sure to like it! • Often original art needs to be framed. This is yet another investment. Choose a trustworthy framer and be sure to mat items in conservation grade mats and behind conservation glass. Frame items in a neutral way so that they can move around your home easily and blend with other items. For example, in my home I have pieces framed in either a brushed silver frame or in a strong black. They blend together easily and can be grouped together and look great. • Once you have built up a collection over the years it is important to care for this collection and be considerate about the placement of pieces. Sunlight is the enemy, so keep pieces away from direct sun exposure. Sometimes this is impossible which will require rotation of the collection. I often rehang our art in different rooms. Not only does it save it from over-exposure but it also allows us to look at it with fresh eyes. Art doesn’t have to be expensive to be awesome, what is important is that

you love it. Feel free to mix art made by children in with your collection. Often the art of children, when nonrepresentational, is a wonderful addition to any room. I suggest using abstract pieces and buy inexpensive frames that you can just pop the work into. It is fine to cut down the pieces to fit or cut out a favourite part of a piece. You can also have pieces dry mounted which gives them a nice finished look and is less expensive than framing. An art collection is such a wonderful way to collect as a family. Art should express the adventures of life and need not be acquired hastily just to avoid bare walls! Our collections specialist Stephanie Middagh has spent the past 12 years being inspired by museum collections while working as a curator for various museums and galleries. Concurrent to her curatorial work, she took this inspiration to her sessional positions at the University of Manitoba where she continues to teach Introduction to Art and the History of Textiles.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

w e lov e

April Showers! Ta ta, Polar Vortex – we won’t miss you! The Winter That Wouldn’t End is finally over, and we’ve got a glorious feelin’ – we’re happy again. But even if the last remnants of slush and sleet give way to fresh spring showers, you can be sure to keep laughing at clouds by checking this spring list of items! Singing and dancing in the rain can be as magical as Gene Kelly made it out to be if you’re properly prepared with a new umbrella, some fabulous galoshes and an umbrella stand for the front hall. So if it’s dark up above, just keep the sun in your heart and remember that April showers bring May flowers.

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MANITOBA HOME BUILDERSâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; ASSOCIATION 2013 GOLD MEDAL WINNING RENOVATOR

Interior or exterior renovations, over and above your expectations. Over & Above Custom Homes can help with your next renovation project.

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Power smart lighting tips Power Smart Lighting Tips Choosing the right bulb More lighting options exist now than ever before allowing you to customize your living space. ENERGY STAR速 LED and CFL bulbs are available for just about every application and will save you money on your electricity bill and time spent changing bulbs.

Shapes LED and CFL bulbs are available in a variety of shapes and sizes. To find a bulb that works best for your fixture, refer to the chart. An easy way to make sure your new bulb fits in your fixture is to bring your old bulb with you to the store.

LEDs Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs are the most energy efficient type of lighting available. LED bulbs use up to 80 per cent less electricity and last up to 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They do not contain mercury and are lead-free. These bulbs perform well in cold temperatures and are suitable for outdoor use.

CFLs Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use up to 75 per cent less electricity and last up to 8 times longer than incandescent bulbs.

* Image Courtesy of the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Colour temperature Colour temperature is measured in degrees Kelvin (K). Incandescent bulbs are usually 2700K. LED and CFL bulbs are available in a variety of colour temperatures from 2700K to 6000K, allowing you to customize the light for every space in your home. 2500K

3000K

WARM LIGHT

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3500K

For warm ambient light, look for bulbs in the 2700K to 3000K range. For task areas such as sewing rooms or woodworking stations, try cooler lights in the range of 3500K to 5000K. 4000K

4500K

5000K

5500K

COOL LIGHT

2014 *Manitoba Hydro is a licensee of the Trademark and Official Mark.

get crafty

Word Play By Kim Ullyot and Bahia Taylor

A double-cute and triple-chic wordy-way to articulate. To honour National Scrabble Day on April 13, 2014 (happy birthday Alfred Mosher Butts!) we composed this way-fun message board. Leave a family member a little love note, have an ongoing game or transcribe a grocery list. Using an old picture frame and a good-one-side sheet of plywood, cut to fit inside the frame, this easy craft will have you shuffling your tiles in no time. We prepped our frame and gave it a fresh lick of white paint, primed our plywood sheet with magnetic primer and finish coated in a lovely shade of blue (Benjamin Moore CSP-695, Antique Glass). Lastly, adhered some strong, rare-earth magnets with super glue to scrabble tiles and voila... game on!

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Furniture for the Way you Live Located 15 minutes North East of Winnipeg, on the edge of Birds Hill Park www.pineridgehollow.c o m 204.777.3881 Open 7 Days a Week

Furniture ~ Gift ~ Home Decor Clothing ~ Restaurant ~ Wedding Venue

PINERIDGE HOLLOW

p ro f i l e

a sense of style

PROfile is a chance to meet and get to know a local Winnipeg talent.

Sandra Gilbert is a décor consultant and owner of A Sense of Style. She has a passion for colour and making homes come alive by guiding her clients’ individual style using the elements and principles of design. Sandra holds a Residential Decorating Certificate from Red River College along with certificates in colour consultation and home staging from QC College. As a current member of the Canadian Decorators’ Association (CDECA), she volunteers on various committees and has collaborated with fellow members to create rooms for display at the Home Expressions Show. Keeping up to date with current design trends and advances is top priority for Sandra who regularly attends product knowledge sessions through CDECA and peruses design magazines and websites. What is the best design advice you’ve ever received?

Covet has partnered with CDECA (Canadian Decorators' Association) to bring you the inside scoop on one of their members from the Central Prairie Chapter. To learn more about CDECA or for a list of CDECA decorators in your area, visit them at www.cdeca.com.

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To make sure a space is not only beautiful but also functional. A client needs to live their life in their spaces so they have to be practical and appropriate for their specific needs. There are many beautiful things out there, but one has to consider what works best with their needs as well as likes. For example, I love the look of a warm colour palette, but I’m personally happier in a space with a cool colour palette. When traveling, what inspires you the most? Colour and light. I was fortunate to visit a cousin and her family who were temporarily transferred to Paris a few years ago. While walking near the Eiffel Tower I recall noticing that the light really was truly different there. There’s a quote about light from the movie “The Lake House” where the main male

character, Alex, is talking with his father, a prominent architect. The father has this to say about light: “Now, come on. You know as well as I do that the light in Barcelona is quite different from the light in Tokyo. And, the light in Tokyo is different from that in Prague. A truly great structure, one that is meant to stand the tests of time never disregards its environment. A serious architect takes that into account. He knows that if he wants presence, he must consult with nature. He must be captivated by the light. Always the light. Always.” What colours are you most looking forward to incorporating into your design palette this year? I’ve always been partial to a blue and white colour palette. I think it’s a timeless, classic combination. That’s why I love Benjamin Moore’s “Breath of Fresh Air #806” from their “new” neutral palette. It is exactly what I love for the spring and summer – fresh, clean, and cool. What’s the hardest room to design well? I think the hardest room to design well is the kitchen. It’s a huge investment. You have to be ready financially and psychologically to invest the money necessary to do it well. A clear vision of how a client wants to work in the space is so important in the kitchen, for both someone cooking solo and – if lucky enough – with the help of others. What are your favourite design trends for 2014? I’m loving that blue is back in all shades from navy to pastel. And I think the use of vintage or one of a kind pieces mixed in with traditional or contemporary furniture really make your house – YOUR HOUSE.

What’s your signature design trick? Whenever possible, I like to repurpose one of a client’s possessions. Something as simple as moving a chest that is hidden or crowded in one room and bringing it to life and purpose in another space. It’s always good to have fresh eyes look at a space and contents to see potential for something new. What’s your biggest design pet peeve? One of my biggest design pet peeves is when thermostats, alarm boxes, light switches, etc. are installed with no thought as to how it looks aesthetically. Or with disregard to how else the wall could be used for artwork, etc. One of my fellow CDECA members, Robin Stamler, calls it “wall acne.” She is so right! What are your favourite ways to quickly transform a room’s decor from winter to spring? Brightly coloured toss cushions and throws in lightweight fabrics are my goto seasonal change up. Another favourite room transformation tip is to change one or two pieces of artwork. If you had a spare $20,000 to spend on furniture, what would you spend it on? That’s a toss-up between totally replacing our master bedroom furniture, which includes a beautiful settee, or purchasing a large Candice Olson sectional and two Eames lounge chairs and ottomans for our family room. What a nice choice to be faced with! To get in touch with Sandra you can email her at asenseofstyle@shaw.ca

+ DESIGN SERVICES + BELOVED BRANDS + NEWLY DISCOVERED TREASURES 444 Academy Road (previously The Garden Room) t: 204.487.1151 | bluehillsdesign.ca

modern living with a pr airie t wist

tips o' the trades

Home Organization With For Space Sake

The once-a-year event that used to be called Spring Cleaning is now, for many of us, an ongoing daily battle to try and maintain some semblance of order in our hectic lives. With crazy schedules, multiple activities and countless devices that allow us to live, work and play at home, our abodes now require some serious planning and effort to keep them organized. Covet spoke with Peggy Brooke of For Space Sake to get her tips for creating a happy and well-organized home base. Kitchens • Sick of losing all your plastic storage lids? Tired of unloading all your pots to reach that one pan that’s always buried at the back? Tame your base cabinets by installing slide-outs. Available in heavy duty chrome or plastic, these babies can literally change the way your kitchen functions. • Add wooden or plastic organizers to your drawers and upper cabinets to keep your knives from dulling, your spices from hiding and your glasses from chipping. Bedrooms • Use clear acrylic organizers to keep socks, underwear, bras and tights in perfect order. • Honeycomb drawer organizers are a great way to maximize space in a dresser. • An over-the-door closet valet is a smart option for adding extra hanging space. • Ladies: install a cluster of purse hooks for your handbag collection. You’ll get smart storage AND a great display. • Gentlemen: hats off to a baseball cap rack . Bathrooms • Control that dreaded black hole of wasted space under your vanity by installing clear acrylic pullout drawers – choose a stackable option that lets you customize your layout and maximize the available space.

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• C ontrol the cords attached to all your dryers, straighteners and shavers with a smart caddy. • A tension pole shower caddy can be a godsend for a tiny bathroom. Adjustable for heights up to 9’ tall, these stainless steel wonders are suitable for inside or outside the shower, take up almost no floor space and provide smart storage for anything from bath products to cleaning supplies. Clothes Closets • Want to change your life for $25? Add a closet doubler. These second rails double the amount of hanging space in your closet by taking advantage of the wasted space between your shirts and your shoes. • Speaking of shoes, get them off the floor. Stacking clear plastic show cubbies by Shoe-Eze allows you to see all your kicks stacked neatly on the upper shelves of your closets and keeps the floor open and clear. Another option is to suspend a canvas shoe organizer from your hanging rod. With room for ten pair, install one for each person using the space. Coat Closets & Mudrooms • Front closets used by guests should feature wooden or metal hangers strong enough to hold long and heavy winter coats. • A Chilewich utility mat is a perfect place to stow wet boots and shoes; make sure to choose a size large enough to stand on while removing footwear. • Add baskets to hold scarves, gloves and hats. • In mudrooms, create designated zones for each family member - this can be as simple as a labelled basket for each person’s accessories and bags, or individual lockers or closets. Laundry Room • No room for a drip-dry closet? Check out the wall-mounted Telegant drying rack: two retractable lines easily pull out to hang or drip dry clothing. • Banish the big, clunky ironing board your mom used to use. Newer compact models simply collapse and fold up into spaces as small as 8˝ x 24˝ when not in use. (Continued on next page)

Top 3 Cardinal Rules of Home Organization: 1. One Room at a Time Easy there, Bonnie Franklin. We know that it’s easy to get delirious when the organizational fever hits, but take a deep breath and focus your energies on one room. “Take baby steps,” counsels Brooke. “Ripping apart every room at once can overwhelm even the most organized person and creates havoc from which there’s no place to escape.” Choose one room – bathrooms or closets are a great place to start – and don’t even think about the next space until the current one is completed.

2. Edit, Edit, Edit “One of the biggest mistakes we make when starting to put things in order is organizing the stuff we no longer need,” says Brooke. This is the perfect time to purge outdated clothing, old paperwork or specific kitchen spices you bought for a recipe you cooked once in 1997. Before organizing, Brooke advises labeling three boxes “keep,” “donate” and “garbage” then sorting all of the items in your space. Getting rid of old clutter and passing along useful items to others who can use them is a great way to simplify your household and makes the job of organizing – and staying organized – that much easier.

whitespac e . grid. repetitio n . alignmen t . yo u n ot i c e d e s i g n eve ry w h e re . we d o too. Hinge is a strategic branding and interactive design agency. We are passionate about culture, and how we can create conversations between our clients and their target audiences. We believe that style reflects who you are and what you do; and in today’s competitive marketplace, having a distinct style is an advantage that will help you stand apart from the crowd. A meaningful style is a powerful way to define your purpose, represent your values and effectively communicate your brand to customers. Design thinking is crucial when approaching and solving business problems in a culture full of change. We’re honest, approachable, down to earth and would like to help.

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3. Lose the Family or Buy a Label Maker One of the biggest obstacles to achieving and maintaining a well-organized home is managing the habits of everyone who lives there. If ditching your spouse and kids isn’t an option, giving them some organizational crib notes might be the best solution. Brooke advocates the use of label makers to designate places for everything, whether they’re stored in files, baskets, cupboards or closets.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

cov e t ta l ks

Jackie Morra Interiors By Barbara Chabai

“Why dream it, when you can live in it?” is the motto behind the creation of The Hockey Fan Cave by Jackie Morra, a hockey-inspired space that allows diehard NHL fans to recreate the arena experience at home. Decked-out from top to bottom with unique sports memorabilia, the Hockey Fan Cave is currently touring across Canada, including a stop at the Winnipeg Home Expressions Home and Garden Show. The Winnipeg-exclusive version, includes a replica of the hometown team’s locker room complete with signed jerseys, a hot tub from LCL Spas and a 1,000-square foot Xtraice synthetic ice rink. As the principal designer of Toronto-based Jackie Morra Interiors, Jackie says she pulls inspiration from her clients’ lifestyles and aspirations to provide them with dream spaces representing their unique personality. COVET MAGAZINE: Where did the idea for the Hockey Fan Cave by Jackie Morra come from? JACKIE MORRA: One of the biggest joys my husband and I have had has been partnering with wish children’s charities to design and create themed dream rooms. We met a 15-year-old boy from Brampton, Ontario whose wish was to have his own “man cave,” so we incorporated his love of the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Canadiens into the theme. He and his family loved it, and it turned out to be such an inspirational project for us. But once the room was finished and it hit the news, the idea really took off and the response was unbelievable. We looked at each other and thought, “Wait a minute, maybe we’ve got something here,” and later debuted our first Hockey Fan Cave at the 2013 National Home Show in Toronto. COVET: And you are in the process of touring the Hockey Fan Cave? JM: We are going to tour Canadian cities this spring and are looking into taking it to the U.S. as well. Our plan is to do hockey-themed feature rooms for Canada and potentially

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combining other sports in the States, depending on the market and its professional teams. Although there are 30 NHL teams, I think that the Hockey Fan Cave is a distinctly Canadian concept because the passion we have for our Canadian teams is insane. Hockey is our national pastime after all. COVET: Does the room’s features differ from city to city? JM: Every Hockey Fan Cave will be specific to the city it is visiting, not only in the way we use licensed NHL products but how we incorporate a little flavour of that city too. For example, Winnipeg’s Hockey Fan Cave will have a replica locker room that makes it unique. We went online to view the team’s facility and used the same materials and colours to recreate that look and feel. COVET: You work directly with NHL licensees when furnishing a Hockey Fan Cave, but what are some of your must-haves? JM: It’s important to remember that the space is intended for the whole family. It’s not the man cave, it’s the fan cave, meaning that it must appeal to everyone – moms, dads and kids. For this reason, it’s about comfort but also about engaging the senses. The “must-haves” are items that will engage the senses of sight, sound, touch and taste. I would definitely recommend having great sound with state-of-theart media equipment, plenty of comfortable seating and great visuals with hockey memorabilia, plus a place for food and drinks. Basically, the fan cave should recreate the emotion you feel for the sport and the excitement of being at the arena in the comfort of your own home. It’s important to point out that each room is tastefully done.

It’s not just about throwing licensed products together. It’s well thought out to capture the feeling you get when you’re at the game. We incorporate authentic materials like rink boards and recreate unique features such as the locker room. And while we use NHL licensed products, we don’t use just any product or random tchotchkes. Every detail in the Hockey Fan Cave is handpicked to give it an authentic, love-of-thesport feel. COVET: What are some tips when featuring branded design elements in a space, like a hockey jersey or a memorabilia collection? JM: What you want to do is capture an emotion, a memory or a feel-good moment, so first of all, think about what you love. Once you have that, you can start to create the space. When including branded design elements like a jersey or memorabilia, you want to almost treat the space like a gallery. Now, a gallery wouldn’t have bright coloured walls and then bright-coloured artwork on top of it. In the same way, you want the paint scheme to remain neutral so that it serves as a backdrop for the memorabilia. To ensure your collection is the feature, I would recommend using blues, greys and cream tones that are very comfortable in the space and work well with other major elements such as the flooring. COVET: Is there such A thing as having “too much” featured in a collection? JM: Definitely. You can have some great memorabilia or a collection you want to surround yourself with, but if you include too much, you can actually lose sight of it. It becomes cluttered to the point that you don’t even know where to look. My suggestion is choosing only your favourite pieces to feature, or perhaps changing them periodically. If you were doing a living room, say, you might change out the area rug and cushions for each season. So in the same way, why not rotate pieces of memorabilia from the collection so you can appreciate them more? That way it won’t become too busy or overwhelming.

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COVET: What inspires you and your work? JM: Even though I’m in an industry that’s all about “stuff,” my inspiration doesn’t come from “stuff” at all. What inspires me most is taking the gifts that come naturally – mine happen to be design and décor – and using them to help others, especially sick kids or those facing terminal illnesses. You can take whatever you’re really good at and use it to serve in your community and make a difference in peoples’ lives. It’s amazing how it even inspires others to say, “Hey, I’ve got a way to help out too.” COVET: If you could create a “dream theme” room in your own home, what would it be? JM: For me, it’s anything nature-oriented, such as a relaxing bedroom or spa bathroom. But yes, we do have our own Hockey Fan Cave in our basement because we are a hockey family. My husband is a Gretzky fan and I love hockey and play hockey. Plus I’m a big fan of Sidney Crosby and Jonathan Toews.

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26 m e rto n roa d a n d â&#x20AC;Ś m a r k e t b u rg e r

Market Burger Photography Pauline Boldt | By DON MEILLEUR

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As another brutally cold February afternoon crippled outdoor activity on an otherwise sunny day, those of us lucky enough to get a table inside Market Burger on Corydon Avenue have little concern for the outside world. With every set of eyes transfixed on the flat screen TV broadcasting the Olympic Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hockey Semi-Final between Canada and the United States, we watch with singular, patriotic focus. Our gaze is broken only during commercial breaks

when our waitress rapidly tends to each of our tables before the game resumes. She quickly takes orders, serves drinks and delivers meals while dodging the spontaneous fist-pumps and high-fives between the patrons as Canada mounts their improbable comeback. Gillian says she isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t much of a sports fan but she clearly understands that her customers are as she is very conscientious not to disturb them while the hockey action plays out in Sochi. With grace and skill similar to

modern living with a pr airie t wist

26 m e rto n roa d a n d â&#x20AC;Ś m a r k e t b u rg e r

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the players on TV, she darts in, out and around as we expend our energy devouring succulent portions of food and teeter on the edge of our chairs. Ah, yes… the chairs. They are one of the first things you’ll notice about the décor. Apart from being understated, you won’t find a matching set at any of the tables. Along with the barn board walls and the solid tabletops, it’s definitely a unique look but it also has history. The chairs are recycled and refurbished items from all across Manitoba, the tabletops are refurbished wood from the former Yellow Warehouse that was located on Main Street in Winnipeg and finally, in a previous life, the barn board walls were literally a real-life barn on a farm. Market Burger is definitely in

a restaurant where you can walk and feel welcome and at home. Home. The very epitome of what Market Burger hopes to offer. ‘Never Forget Where You Came From’ is painted along the east wall and serves as the restaurant’s mantra. More than simply another ‘burger joint,’ the restaurant aims to provide a Manitoba experience for their customers. The initial idea of ownership to support everything Manitoba has allowed Market Burger to flourish in the last year since they opened. From cleverly named food items such as the Wolseley and the Menno to the creative, provincially-shaped menus on which those items appear, our province is front and center throughout. Walls are adorned with

modern living with a pr airie t wist

26 m e rto n roa d a n d … m a r k e t b u rg e r

chalk writings that explain how Market Burger uses local products whenever possible such as meat from Kelmar Farms, produce from Neva Farms, buns from Gunn’s Bakery, coffee from Black Pearl Coffee, cheese from Bothwell Cheese, water from Marchand, MB and desserts from Cornell Creme and Lilac Bakery. If that isn’t enough, the local flavour doesn’t start and end with food only. Manitoba artists, musicians and DJs are also welcome to use the restaurant to promote their skills by holding art shows,

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playing their CDs over the sound system or spinning music. This avenue for local talent is another way for Market Burger to display their Manitoba pride. Pride. As the patrons of the restaurant on that frigid day unite to watch Canada score in overtime to defeat our rivals, the USA, our pride was palpable. It’s doubtful we could have found a better place to exhibit our pride knowing that Market Burger had already set the groundwork for being proud of where you come from.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

abode

fresh white

style

A modern makeover infused with sunny, lemon-yellow and bold aqua.

design by over and above construction | photography michael roberts

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nto Bursting with sunlight and hits of bright colour, the newly renovated kitchen and sunroom of this stately Kilkenny Drive home feel as fresh and expansive as the lush gardens and forest they overlook.

Jayson Nickol of Over & Above Construction would move islands for his clients. “Jayson was willing to do anything we wanted,” said Joan McCorrister. She and her husband Bob hired Jayson when they decided to renovate their kitchen. When Joan became nervous that perhaps the island wasn’t in the right place, Jayson went over the plans with her to make her feel at ease. “He was very patient and still smiled,” chuckled Joan. This wasn’t their first experience with Jayson. He’d redone two of their bathrooms, so they were pretty comfortable bringing him into their home to tackle another project. Before bringing Jayson in, they worked with four different designers to create design plans for the space. Once they decided on a plan, Jayson and OAC got started. Less than three months later, the McCorristers were enjoying their new, more functional kitchen. When the process began, the island in question had a rounded end; it only sat three. Jayson put on a straight edge, expanding the seating capacity and allowing Joan and Bob to entertain dinner guests. They enlarged the space surrounding the island, allowing for easier movement and refrigerator access. That question about the island’s location? In the end, it was left in place. Joan said that she had trouble visualizing, but Jayson showed her why it was in the right place; she has no regrets about the decision. “They were very relaxed clients,” said Jayson, despite Joan’s concerns. Jayson and his team removed the wall between the kitchen and sunroom, opening up the space; this is something that’s important to Joan. “We have lots of windows to let nature in,” she said. Their house is on a 1/4 acre lot near the river, covered in trees. There is a porch that wraps around the home, so they can enjoy being outside in the summer. Opening up the kitchen to the sunroom allows more light to shine through. The openness also allows them to cook while visiting with friends and family, or watch TV while enjoying a meal at the island. While removing the wall was a big job, it wasn’t the hardest thing Jayson had to do. The McCorristers went with IKEA cupboards. According to Jayson, these cupboards are usually very straightforward and easy to put in, but the curved wall in the McCorristers’ kitchen meant that the cupboards had to be customized, which is difficult to do. Over the years, the McCorristers have made some pretty creative design choices. They’ve always kept up with current trends, redecorating often. For years they had a light pink sectional, which was moved around the home as decorating plans changed, and a light fixture in the shape of a treble clef. The current thinking in the home, however, is that when they eventually want to sell the house, potential buyers may not have such adventurous tastes, nor the desire to redecorate so frequently.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

abode

With this in mind, the couple chose a simple, yet elegant design plan. There is a beautiful flow between the two rooms, making the openness seem natural. The McCorristers used a similar colour scheme in both rooms to augment this feeling; they used yellow and turquoise accents in the kitchen to mirror the pillows and rug in the sun room. Instead of adding something permanent, they use dishes, lemons and oils to bring the rooms together. If they decide to take the sunroom in a new design direction, or sell the home to new owners, it won’t be difficult to recreate the same flow there is now. The kitchen was bright before, but Joan loves the addition of lights above the cupboards, which add even more light to the room. The countertops and backsplash are also new. As long as the McCorristers stay in the home, they will continue to enjoy entertaining and eating together in their new kitchen. While sleek white cabinetry keeps the look clean and simple, the glass backsplash tile, shiny stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops add sparkle to the space; the look is balanced by the texture and tones of the oak hardwood flooring and vintage rattan furniture. Opposite: The homeowners’ sunroom furnishings were completely refreshed with custom pillows and cushions. The sofa’s combination of colours, patterns and textures play with the draperies and area rug to create a delightful area for a cup of coffee, reading the paper or just enjoying the view.

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modern living with a pr airie t wist

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The openness also allows the homeowners to cook while visiting with friends and family, or watch TV while enjoying a meal at the island. Right: In addition to abundant cabinet space, the revamped kitchen features two sink zones: a wet bar adjacent to the sunroom, and a large prep area featuring a large undermount sink with integrated cutting boards and drainage racks. A mixture of traditional and contemporary prints, contrasting piping and variations of pattern and scale give the old couch some new energy. The massive central island comfortably seats four people while still providing abundant space for the homeowners to cook a meal. Below: To maintain the clean lines of the cabinetry, the dishwasher (located between the ovens and the sink) is hidden behind matching panelling, a very on-trend design choice in todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s kitchen renovations.

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get this look 1.

1. Maxwell, Soothing, colour 129 available at Envy Paint and Design Ltd. 2. Duralee, 71044, colour 66 available at Envy Paint and Design Ltd. 3. Kravet, Limitless #3-32087, colour 11 available at Envy Paint and Design Ltd. 4. Kravet, Capparis, colour 411 available at Envy Paint and Design Ltd. 5. Cambria, Whitney 6. Goa by Surya #G5127 available at Flatlanders Flooring 7. Ames, Fusion Glass, Rock, FSRMRS available at Flatlanders Flooring 8. Abstrakt by IKEA 9. Benjamin Moore, Stone, 2112-40 10. Benjamin Moore Eternity, AF-695

10.

Hiring a qualified,

LICENSED, QUALIFIED ELECTRICIANS

licensed electrician to inspect your home, make repairs, and conduct installations is a smart way to protect your home’s value and safety. • • • • • •

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abode

A comfortable mix of iconic classics and comfortable contemporary furnishings invite guests into the lower lounge.

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Taking Lounging to a Whole New Level A Two-Tiered Approach to a Midcentury-Inspired Design. design by FIRESIDE DESIGN BUILD | photography PAULINE BOLDT

A sparkling trio of gold Tom Dixon Etch fixtures inject some serious glamour into the space.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

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Homeowners Krista and Mike Stevens enjoy their home – and when your home is a beautiful, raised, midcentury bungalow with a large lot, on a quiet street, just off the river in a wellestablished enclave, there’s a lot to enjoy. Huge windows and cathedral ceilings allow natural light to flood through the open floor plan. A recently remodeled kitchen and dining area overlooks a maturely landscaped yard. Krista, who works from home, enjoys a daily walk with her dogs in a nearby park. If it all sounds a little too idyllic... well, it is. But things weren’t always so perfect – the home’s glory was weighed down by an unused and unloved family room. “It was a long, cavernous, dark space that had some known and unknown structural problems,” says Krista. “Originally, it was an attached garage that previous owners had done a poor job of converting into a living space.” Knowing that their home’s ugly duckling room could be transformed into something better, the couple approached Jaclyn Wiebe and Adam Bumbolo of Fireside Design Build, whose work they had long admired. While the partners regularly tackle commercial projects and new construction, their hearts beat faster for considered home renovation projects. Says Wiebe, “We love the challenge! Every space, every client is unique. Each project is custom.” The original space was dark, uninviting and hopelessly dated. Wiebe and Bumbolo listened carefully as the homeowners talked about what they hoped the room could become. They came back to their clients with a drawing that blew Krista and Mike away, and a scheme to create a two-level living space that was no longer an ad-on, but a well-considered extension of the main living area. Opening up the walls from the living and dining rooms into the new space completely integrated the lounge with the rest of the house. The homeowners also appreciated the care and attention that went into the choice of finishes. The designers recommended a fireplace made of reclaimed brick and extended that finish to cover the gas fireplace in the main living room, tying the two spaces together perfectly. The brick, which Adam hand-selected in the heat of the summer, came from the building at 274 Garry Street (longtime home of Aqua Books). “It's a great feeling to be able to extend the life of this reclaimed material. It looks great in the house and creates a timeless feel,” notes Krista. In keeping with the era of the house and the owners’ love of all things midcentury, the lounge was outfitted with some classic furnishings that perfectly suit the architecture of their surroundings. Two steps down from the living room, the upper lounge functions as a great bar area. Dominated by a vintage teak buffet (a serendipitous Kijiji find) and Mike’s prized Florence Knoll loveseat, the stylish area is a perfect spot for the couple to relax before dinner or a great place for entertaining during a cocktail party. Contemporary metal art above the buffet alludes to both the mod and atomic styles for which the midcentury design period is known, and pulls together all of the mixed metal tones used throughout the space. Taking a few steps down from the bar, guests enter the sunken lounge. Illuminated by a trio of spectacular gold Etch fixtures by Tom Dixon, the lounge is dominated by a soaring

2014

â&#x20AC;&#x153; The concept perfectly fits the midcentury architecture of our home and has become our favourite spot in the house.â&#x20AC;? ~ Krista and Mike Stevens

Opposite: Mod artwork hanging above the bar and metal accessories pearched atop of one of the brick fireplace facades pull together the metal tones used throughout the home; this page: a gas fireplace in the dining area was treated to a matching masonry surround to its counterpart in the lower lounge.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

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A custom niche in the wooden veneer-clad feature wall houses the new AV system and is visible from the dining area above; clean lines in the furniture and accessories play up the vibe of the modernist architecture.

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feature wall clad in a herringbone-patterned wood veneer. The designers’ subtle nod to dark wood paneling is a modern spin on a classic look and bridges the contrast between the lofty white walls and black leather furniture. Clean-lined classics like the Eames lounge chair and George Nelson bench – used here as a coffee table, but equally handy for seating during parties – mix beautifully with soft upholstered furnishings and contemporary art. Large new windows, covered only by the branches of the evergreen outside, bathe the space in light. “It’s a dramatic change from the room it once was,” says Krista. “We didn't often use the room before the renovation; now, we use it daily. I work from home and it's the perfect, quiet, bright spot in the house to plop down with my laptop and get some work done.” In the end, it all comes down to favourites. For designers Wiebe and Bumbolo, it was the opportunity to revamp a space that wasn’t working on any level. “We love these types of projects,” says Wiebe. “Plus, integrating both reclaimed and conventional materials in a totally new application is really satisfying, especially for clients who really are into it.” As for the homeowners... well, they can’t say enough about the results. “We both love how open and bright the renovated space is,” says Krista. “We went from a cavern that was almost completely cut off from the rest of our home to a beautiful, modern space that works great when it's just the two of us, or when we have family and friends over. Thanks to Jaclyn and Adam, the space is not only functional: it's beautiful, and it has become our favourite spot in the house.”

get this look They aren’ — John Kabat-Zinn

1. Maya Rudolph chevron wood veneer wallpaper, available at Envy Paint & Design Ltd. 2. Tom Dixon Etch lighting, available at HutK 3. Alessi Port platter, available at EQ3. 4. Eames-style lounge chair and ottoman, available at Envy Paint & Design Ltd. 5. Cowhide rug, available at Flatlanders Flooring 6. Tuxedo table lamp, available at EQ3. 7. George Nelson bench, available at Envy Paint & Design Ltd. 8. Benjamin Moore Cloud White CC-40 9. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace OC-65

HABITAT IN HARMONY WITH DESIGN | SAMANTHA BRAUN 204.223.6157 | ECOTONES@MTS.NET

abode

Ou t w i t h t h e O ld, I n w i t h t h e Ne w Last Century Meets Midcentury in a Modern Redesign design and photography byADI group

Light, bright and open, the newly renovated interiors of this 102-year-old Wolseley home prove that age is only a number.

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It’s a question debated by most anyone who’s found themselves looking for a modern home in an established area: is it possible to successfully create a space that truly merges good contemporary style, function and lifestyle within the shell of an older building? Though often debated, the fact remains that there’s no clear-cut formula to achieving the desired results. Consequently, some homeowners find themselves living in ‘sensitively renovated’ spaces that don’t meet their original objectives, while others undertake demolition and new construction that often incurs the wrath of neighbours, zoning officers or mortgage brokers. But every once in a while, clients, designers and a property align and get things right. And that’s what happened when the owners of this century-old gem on a prime block in Wolseley connected with designer Jean-Marc Blanc of ADI group. The homeowners loved everything about the area – the well-established sense of community, independent shops and wholesome reputation. However, their design sensibilities leaned heavily to the clean, modern lines and open concept spaces of modern design. Working carefully with his clients, Blanc came up with a comprehensive redesign of the entire interior of the house, while maintaining the integrity of the home’s exterior to the point that any passerby would have no sense of the modern home hidden inside the old walls. And if those old walls could talk, they’d surely have good things to say about the undeniable and unapologetic modernity of the home’s new interior. Once a warren of small formal spaces, the entire main floor was carefully reconceived as a large great- room. “We went through five concepts before finalizing the decision for the space,” says Blanc. “The decision to swap the original kitchen and dining room, while necessitating some significant structural changes, really allowed the entire space to function properly for a young modern family. Whether entertaining guests or just hanging out with their baby, it just flows really well.” Upon entering the large and gracious foyer, carved out of space that was once a tight hallway and a small parlour, guests are immediately greeted by a sculptural staircase. With its steel and glass railings, integrated bench seating and strong linear lines, it clearly articulates the design tone for the house. Comfortable living and dining areas are bathed in natural light that pours through the space; prized pieces from the homeowners’ collection of midcentury modern furniture and art decorate the rooms and add texture to the contemporary design. Warm, ash plank flooring and cool white on the walls and kitchen cabinets combine to create a crisp canvas throughout the space, which is truly centred around the new kitchen. It’s here that one notices a fine example of the smart design infused into the space by Blanc. “The working zone of the new kitchen spans across the original dining room niche; we left the original window opening the same so as not to alter the exterior fenestration,” notes the designer. A modern, glass-fronted appliance garage fills the deeper space below providing both open and closed storage

modern living with a pr airie t wist

while echoing the look and feel of an old barrister bookcase which would have been in keeping with the period of the original house. The simple finishes used here and throughout the home – quartz countertops, subway tile and slab-front cabinet doors – are used to create a clean, subtle envelope throughout all levels of the home. The sleek design flows upstairs to the second level, where two bedrooms and a large bathroom are located toward the front of the house. In the rear, Blanc used the space previously taken up by two smaller bedrooms and an original outdoor sleeping porch to create a luxurious principal suite. Perhaps it is here, lazing on a Saturday morning, while enjoying fresh cinnamon buns from the infamous Tall Grass Bakery located just a block away, that all of the hard work and effort that went into realizing this dream house is best enjoyed. Sadly, for the original homeowners, it’s a dream house being enjoyed by a new family. Shortly after the project was completed, career opportunities opened the door to new possibilities... but it’s a safe bet that after realizing this dream, they’ll be prepared to teach another old dog some new tricks. Clockwise from Top Left: The airy living room is furnished with favourites from the homeowners’ collection of midcentury modern pieces; corner windows in the principal bedroom provide a treetop view from the bed, while maintaining privacy; a spectacular ash-clad staircase confidently signals the home’s contemporary redesign the moment guests arrive in the front entranceway. Opposite: A warm mix of ash, walnut and birch tones combine with mismatched seating to create a playful, young vibe in the dining room.

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modern living with a pr airie t wist

â&#x20AC;&#x153; Reconfiguring an older space sometimes requires concessions, but that can actually help realize a design vision.â&#x20AC;? ~DesignerJean-Marc Blanc

In the principal bath, double vanities with abundant storage flank a large window that bathes the space with natural light. A frameless glass shower stall is reflected in the mirror.

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get this look 3.

4. 6.

7. 2.

1. Navy dining chair Envy Paint & Design 2.LILLÅNGEN glass kitchen cabinet, IKEA 3. Maple Leaf Collection, 4”x16” White Matte, Olympia Tile and Stone 4. Pewter RC101, Hanstone 5. Ash, Golden West, Preverco 6. Dura-tile Nuovola, grey, Ceratec 7. Decorator’s White, CC-20, Benjamin Moore 8. George Nelson bench, Envy Paint & Design 9. Persisk Hamadan area rug, IKEA

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110 -1600 Columbia Drive (Kenaston Commons) 204 275 6660 | www.thewinehousewinnipeg.com Mondays 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays from 12 noon to 6 p.m.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

abode

one phase at a time Solving a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Design Dilemmaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; is as Easy as 1-2-3 design by envy paint and design photography cory loewen

The initial phase of this family's living room revamp created a solid foundation for future furniture and accessories to be added in phases. The look, pictured here, delivers calm and classic style.

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modern living with a pr airie t wist

abode

Phase One: The living roomâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feature wall was reclad with stacked stone and a new raised hearth, and flanked with simple white Ikea bookcases. With the new background in place, the homeownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s existing contemporary leather furnishings were treated to newer cushions and throws to lighten the look. Fresh accessories were layered into the bookshelves and onto the new coffee table; a classic porcelain stool doubles as an end table and adds a brush of the lovely blue accent colour.

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When Kellie and Don Meilleur finally found their new home after six years of searching, it wasn’t exactly love at first sight. “We spent six years looking for a house with some undeveloped land, so when this place came on the market, we jumped,” says Kellie. The large house, located on an acre just outside of St. Adolphe, came with a detached shop, a mature landscaped yard, and an additional one acre lot that quickly became a baseball diamond for the Meilleurs’ three sons. And while everything sounds like it was coming up roses... well, that was the problem. Specifically, the angle-cut, rose-colour painted cedar panelling that covered the living room walls. And the dated berber carpeting and lack of storage space? “That was just an added bonus,” laughs Kellie. Faced with a design dilemma, the Meilleurs called in Bahia Taylor of Envy Paint & Design to bring some life to their living space. See their cry for help in Covet’s Fall 2013 issue. “We worked with Bahia for the complete renovation of our previous home; we were so happy with how everything worked out that we called upon her expertise once again in our new home.” After walking through the new house with her clients and listening to their wants and needs, Taylor drafted a plan that would see the home’s renovations develop over time, in specific phases. Says the designer, “Knowing their tastes and what 1. Brown wool trellis area rug, available at Envy Paint & Design 2. Hemnes coffee table, available at IKEA 3. Liatorp bookcases, available at IKEA 4. Crisscross porcelain stool, available at Homesense 5. Blue cushions with burlap trim, available at Pier One 6. Green glass float, available at Homesense 7. Benjamin Moore Smokey Taupe CC-490 8. Benjamin Moore Cloud White CC-40

get this look

2. 1.

4. 3. 5.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

abode

Phase Two: A new sofa table introduces additional storage and display space behind the loveseat, while two slipper chairs upholstered in soft blue take the place of the original leather chair. The original dark end tables are replaced by a weathered wooden storage trunk and an industrial-flavoured steel barrel-framed table topped with a blue porcelain lamp.

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“Sometimes, doing it all at once just isn’t feasible... but working in stages doesn’t mean that it can’t be fabulous along the way.” ~ Bahia Taylor, Designer they hoped to achieve, we felt it was important to phase out the redevelopment of the house, making changes as time and budget allowed. An initial reworking of the living room was an important first step.” Taylor began by stripping the paneling from the walls and redefining the gas fireplace with new stacked brickwork and a raised tile hearth. Flanked with matching built-in Ikea bookcases (which keep the cost down but offer a built-in look), the new feature wall anchors the room and provides much needed focus in the large space which is open to the kitchen. Taylor planned dedicated space within the shelves for the family’s AV and gaming systems, but left the shelves open to keep the look airy; baskets mixed on different levels provide some hidden storage. While replacing the tired berber was on the wish list, Taylor was convinced it could be left in place during the first phase of the renovations. “The plan eventually calls for new hardwood flooring to be installed throughout the house, including the living room. However, because the new kitchen will eventually borrow some of the space from the living room, we decided to work with the existing flooring for now.” In a move that surprised the homeowners, Taylor lay a large wool rug over the existing carpeting. “While we loved the plan for the new fireplace and bookshelves, we were skeptical of putting carpet on carpet. However, the area rug seems to pull everything together and makes it more cozy – it rocks our room!” says Kellie. During the first phase of the renovation, new artwork with touches of pale blues and yellows was installed over the new bookcases. The homeowners existing leather furniture was given a quick pick-up with some pale blue linen cushions and new throws. The oversized ottoman made way for a large two-tiered white stained coffee table that anchors the entire conversation area. In Phase Two of the renovation, the oversized chair was relocated to the rec room and replaced with a pair of buttontufted slipper chairs upholstered in the room’s new accent colour. A white sofa table added behind the loveseat provides 1. Hemnes sofa table, available at IKEA 2. Jonathan Adler Addison chair, available at Envy Paint & Design 3. Evigan lamp, available at Envy Paint & Design 4. Umbra document frames, available at Urban Barn

get this look

3. 4.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

abode

The original sofa and loveseat join their matching chair in the rec room and are replaced with a spectacular button-tufted linen chesterfield. The new furniture layout allows the family to relax on the couch while facing the television and fireplace; the sofa table introduced in Phase Two is relocated to the side wall. New draperies and cushions inject further shots of the new colour palette into the space.

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additional storage and display space. The original black end tables were repurposed into the dining room and replaced with a large storage trunk and a metal-and-wood barrel table. New lighting and accessories were also added to cozy up the space and add some additional texture to the room. In the final phase, the remaining leather furniture was relocated to the rec room and replaced with a show-stopping blue linen sofa. Trimmed with polished nickel nailheads and featuring button tufting on the sides, the new piece perfectly ties together the new look for the space. It was positioned facing the fireplace, creating a new place to cozy up while directly in line with all the action in the room, while the sofa table was moved against the adjacent wall where it can now function as both storage area and bar. New cushions and striking ombre blue drapery adds a touch of fun and whimsy to the redesigned room. While the home is still far from completed, the homeowners are nevertheless thrilled with the transformation. “When we first moved into the house, we knew that this room was where we were going to start. Without a facelift, it just didn’t feel like home. Bahia was able to work with our budget and deliver different options to produce a room which offered the coziness we were looking for. We’re just thrilled.” 1 Jonathan Adler Lamper sofa, available at Envy Paint & Design 2. White ceramic lamps, available at Homesense 3. Floor basket, available at Pier One 4. Trellis cushion, available at Homesense 5. Wooden trunk, available at Homesense

get this look

modern living with a pr airie t wist

abode

All In T h e Fa m i ly Proving that Family is What Makes a House a Home

design by home scene renovations | photography michael roberts

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Previously a dark and confined space, the inviting new kitchen is a favourite of both the homeowner and her nephew renovator

modern living with a pr airie t wist

abode

spring

2014

Five years ago Linda Boyko took a good, hard look at her home. What she saw didn’t please her. The main bathroom felt dark and tired. The basement rec room was in disrepair and unusable. A wall between the kitchen and the dining room separated the two spaces, making the spaces somewhat inaccessible and inconvenient for family meals. As a retired teacher, she was spending more time at home and needed to be able to use the space better. The house, built in the 1960s, was old and needed to be updated. “Rather than doing simple, cosmetic changes, I wanted it refreshed and more functional,” said Linda. And though she knew what she liked, she didn’t really know what she wanted. She flipped through magazines, pulling out elements that she hoped to see in her home. “I just didn’t know how to put it together,” she said. So she called upon her nephew, Chris Dilay of Home Scene Renovations Inc. They decided to tackle the bathroom first. “We weren’t sure how things would go,” recalls Linda. Chris helped Linda sort through all of her design inspirations, and together they came up with a fresh plan for the space. Working with a timeless Opposite: An antique dining room set and traditional accents beautifully set off the crisp lines and warm colour scheme in the revitalized dining room. This page: A mixture of elements including polished silver, galvanized tin, time worn painted woodwork and classic bone china create an inviting vignette. Simply adding fun patterned linens and tactile dining accessories to everyday place settings bumps up the dining experience.

abode

“ I’ve really tapped into the potential the home always had.” ~ Linda Boyko, Homeowner

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off-white palette, Chris installed an oversized vanity clad with classic shaker fronts and topped with creamy quartz. Brushed nickel sconces were mounted directly onto the oversized mirror, which is flanked with additional cabinetry, some featuring ribbed glass front doors. The bathroom renovation went smoothly - Linda loved what Chris did, and together they went on to renovate the basement before attacking some of the major renovations back up on the main floor. Removing the partition between the kitchen and dining room was a natural decision; making sure his aunt had more counter and cupboard space than she had in her old kitchen was another priority. Chris brightened up the kitchen, as with the other rooms he renovated, by replacing the darker mahogany elements with creamy white. Working with the same style millwork as he utilized in the bathroom renovation, the kitchen and dining rooms were transformed into light and bright spaces with abundant light flowing between the spaces. The new granite countertops that Linda and Chris chose are slabs flecked with deep red-brown tones to tie in the shade of the gorgeous new hardwood flooring installed throughout the new

Opposite: The gas fireplace between the living and dining rooms was treated to a new facade that echoes the millwork used throughout the renovated house. This page: Glass cabinet fronts were used on some of the upper kitchen cabinet doors, creating display space for the homeowner's crystal. The cantilevered countertop, supported by decorative brackets, provides extra prep space while cooking and makes for a handy area from which to serve dinner.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

abode space. Now, “the dining room flows into the kitchen,” said Linda. Decorated with hints of soft green and glimmering with nickel and glass accents, the new combined space is a perfect space for getting the family together to cook holiday meals. Though Linda and Chris stepped into their new roles of client and service provider cautiously, both felt the process went flawlessly. When Linda had difficulty, such as when she couldn’t be home when the fireplace was being delivered and learning that ‘curbside delivery’ meant that she’d need to find a way to get it into her home herself, Chris was there to help out. “Whether he is my nephew or not was almost beside the point,” said Linda. He treated her like he’d treat any client. He was punctual, communicated well and had an eye for detail that Linda really appreciated. From his perspective, Chris believes that Linda did in fact know what she wanted, but simply needed some occasional advice as she had a good idea of the colour schemes and styles she was after. When she was uncertain, she trusted his expertise. “It really shows when you have a customer who knows what they want,” said Chris. In the end, Chris was very happy with how the renovations turned out; and even more importantly, Linda is thrilled with the outcome! “I’ve really tapped into the potential the home had,” she says. And with the home’s two bedrooms still untouched, you can bet Chris will be there when renovations strike again. Soft colours and natural elements lend an outdoor feeling to the main bath, which is windowless.

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get this look 1.

1. Preverco, Hickory, Wasaga, Wave available at Flatlanders Flooring 2. Giallo Ornamental 3. Amerock, BP4235G9 4. Julian, Classica, CLGS26S and CLGS36 available at Flatlanders Flooring 5. Danica Studio/Quill availble at Envy Paint and Design 6. Benjamin Moore, Sandy Brown, CC-150 7. Benjamin Moore, Prescott Green, HC-140

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modern living with a pr airie t wist

c h ow

Pretty mismatched teacups and unpolished silver make for a lovely yet casual approach to the Motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Day table.

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A pretty table and relaxed menu are the perfect combination to set the stage for a day to truly enjoy the company of the mothers in your life. recipes and food styling Marisa curatolo photography BRIAN JOHNSON

modern living with a pr airie t wist

c h ow

Arrange a pretty bouquet for the table and have paper and wrap on hand to send it home with mom at the end of the affair.

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Chicken and Mushroom Crepes Crepes 1 cup all purpose flour ¼ tsp salt 3 eggs 1¼ cups milk 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted, plus more for the pan In medium bowl, whisk flour with salt. In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, butter and salt; add flour to egg and whisk until smooth. Cover and chill for 1 hour. Strain batter through fine mesh strainer to remove any lumps. Heat crepe pan or small skillet over medium heat. Brush lightly with butter. Pour ¼ cup batter in centre of pan, swirling to coat; cook for 1 minute per side. Repeat with remaining batter. Makes 12 crepes.

filling 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 cups sliced button mushrooms 2 tablespoons brandy 6 ounces cream cheese ½ cup sliced green onions 2 teaspoons chopped fresh rosemary ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 1 cup shredded gouda cheese Heat oil in large skillet over mediumhigh heat; add chicken and cook for 5 to 7 minutes or until no longer pink. Remove chicken from pan and place in medium bowl. Melt butter in skillet and add mushrooms; cook until almost no liquid remains, about 5 minutes.  Add brandy and bring to boil; stir in cream cheese. Return chicken to pan. Add green onions and rosemary; season with salt and pepper. Remove mixture from heat. (continued on p. 69)

Something about the spring weather always evokes feelings of nostalgia. Perhaps it’s the sun-kissed tulips dancing in the April rain that reminds me of the garden I used to tend to with my mother, who had a penchant for wellkept yards, antique plates, old silver, novel decor, and, of course, homecooked meals. She was all about keeping things simple, yet exquisite all the same; bringing in every season, celebrating every achievement, savouring every moment with style, elegance and grace. She took great joy in entertaining friends on the porch, making Mothers’s Day brunch a special occasion and bidding adieu to the winter season surrounded by friends and family.

The Table In a nod to Mother's Day past, why not go vintage for this year’s spring styling? Try antique plates, old silver left unpolished, mismatched old linens, and chalky white chairs to set the tone. Oh, and definitely bunches

and bunches of flowers. Freesia, roses, ranunculus, and variegated pittosporum; the balance of bright colours and delicate textures make arranging these yourself an absolute joy. Cut the stems so the florals sit just above the lip of the vase, place your greens first, and punctuate with splashes of clustered colours.

The Menu In keeping with the vintage theme, the menu should echo with simplicity and elegance. Prepare roasted asparagus wrapped in prosciutto, mushroom and chicken stuffed crepes, and carrot cake muffins with cream cheese icing; and, of course, you can never go wrong with a champagne spritzer with which to complement savoury aged cheddar. Marisa Curatolo is a Paris-trained chef, food stylist and culinary instructor. She inspires cooks with her simple, easy recipes that are beautifully presented.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

c h ow

Scrumptious buttermilk biscuits and asparagus wrapped in prosciutto are both elegant and easy to prepare.

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(Filling continued) Add ½ cheese and let mixture cool slightly. Filing can be made ahead. Spoon ⅓ cup filling in a line along centre of each crepe; roll up. Place seam side down in a single layer, in a well greased 13"- x 9" glass baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Bake at 375°F until bubbly and heated through, about 35 minutes. Makes 12.

Cheddar Buttermilk biscuits ¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 ½ teaspoons baking powder ½ cup finely grated sharp white cheddar 1 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cubed ¾ cup buttermilk Preheat oven to 450°F. In bowl, whisk together flour, cheese, baking powder, and salt. Using pastry cutter, combine butter and flour mixture until resembles coarse meal. Slowly add milk, stirring with fork, until dough slightly comes together. Turn dough out onto lightly floured surface and gently knead, just enough to bring the dough together. Roll out dough about ¾ inch thick. Using biscuit cutter, cut about 24 small biscuits, rerolling any scraps. Place on parchment lined baking sheet. Bake for 13 to 15 minutes until golden brown.

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears 1 lb fresh asparagus ( about 12) 6 slices prosciutto, sliced in half lengthwise Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to season 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil Preheat oven to 350°F. In large saucepan of boiling salted water, blanch asparagus for 4 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold water. Pat dry.

Wrap one piece of prosciutto around one asparagus. Arrange single later on parchment lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with olive oil. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Place on serving platter and sprinkle with basil. Serves 6.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes with cream cheese icing 2 cups finely grated carrots 3 eggs 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla ¾ cup canola oil 1½ cups flour 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda ½ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk together carrots, eggs, sugar, vanilla and oil. In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg. Line muffin tins with paper cupcake liners. Divide batter evenly among cups. Bake until wooden skewer inserted in centre comes out clean, about 20 minutes. Transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Cupcakes can be stored overnight at room temperature or frozen up to 2 months. Makes 24.

Cream Cheese Frosting 1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, at room temperature ¼ cup unsalted butter, room temperature 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice 1 cup icing sugar, sifted In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese with butter and lemon juice on medium high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Gradually beat in icing sugar, scraping down sides of bowl. The frosting will keep for 3 days in refrigerator. To frost, use a small offset spatula to spread cupcakes with frosting.

c h ow

Make ahead carrot cake muffins make dessert simple and special.

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pa i r i n g s

Complete the occasion with a bottle masterfully matched. These crowd-pleasing vinos are sure to delight guests and bring together all the flavors on the table, spice up your experience and reinvigorate your family tradition.

Prosciutto wrapped asparagus spears Something crisp with fresh acidity to refresh the palate for each bite. Junta Sauvignon Blanc / Amigo Perro Curico Valley, Chile.

Cheddar Buttermilk biscuits

Chicken and Mushroom Crepes

The aged cheddar will soften a big wine, but you don't want to overpower the biscuit. Try Cignomoro Primitivo Di Manduria, Italy

Mushroom and rosemary will match up very well with the earthy notes of a fresh Okanagan Valley Pinot Noir. Try "NK'MIP" Pinot Noir QWAM/QWMT. Okanagan, Canada.

Carrot Cake Cupcakes with cream cheese icing Looking for a dessert wine that will now have overpowering sweetness. Try the Â˝ bottle of Concha Y Toro Late harvest Sauvignon Blanc. Chile.

The Winehouse, located in Kenaston Common, puts together Covet's pairings. Their attention to detail and genuine interest will exceed your expectations. Pop in to try something special.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

ask a designer

How to Bring the Outdoors In For a Happier Home Year Round by CAROL STANDIL

Given that it will probably be a while yet before you can haul out the deck furniture and plant your petunias, why not use this time to get a head start on spring by carrying its natural beauty to the inside of your home? Bringing more of the outdoors in not only makes your home more beautiful, it can make it healthier and happier too. Most of us know it instinctively, but studies affirm that being in nature really does make us feel good. It can help us sleep better, lower our blood pressure, boost our immunity and improve our mood. Studies also confirm that colour can also have a profound effect on our wellbeing, and that colour is one of the most effective tools we have for bringing the feel of nature to our inside environment. Nature is full of variety, and spring offers a wealth of inspiration for ways to make even the most uninspiring space feel happier and more alive all year round. Look to green leaves and grasses, delicate purple lilacs, vibrant pink tulips, and silvery tree bark for colour inspiration. Think also about the hues of sunrise and sunset, and see how they blend to create a harmonious palette. Imagine the feeling you get in that lovely shaded spot in your back yard. How can

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colour help you to recreate a specific mood, place or feeling so you can experience it year round? Remember that the natural world is full of textures on every level. Recreate that richness in your home by introducing soft area rugs underfoot or giving extra dimension to a wall with grass cloth or sculpted panels. Use rustic woven baskets to store items, even in a very modern interior. Houseplants create a very direct connection to the outdoors, but if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a green thumb, you can incorporate images of nature in artwork, accessories and textiles. Hang a beautiful landscape painting in a spot where you will enjoy it every day. Sleep better under a duvet cover in an abstract leaf print or liven up a powder room with vibrant floral wallpaper. The key to successfully bringing the outdoors in is to keep in mind how Mother Nature herself would do it, and then to follow her lead. After all, she hasn't gone wrong yet! Carol Standil is a certified interior decorator and colour specialist in Winnipeg with a passion for helping people surround themselves with good colour. She blogs about colour and design at carolstandil. wordpress.com. You can reach her at carol.standil@live.ca.

We asked designers: What are your favourite ways to bring nature inside?

d e s i g n i n g s pac e s m b Wanda G. Vuignier The beauty of spring is the freshness of colour. Start by changing out that warm furry throw for a cream coloured, lightweight weave that will give a lighter feel to your space. Add toss cushions in spring colors as well as, depending on your colour palette, white or off-white pillows with a butterfly, dragonfly or bird motif. Accessorize with colored glass in grass green or sunny yellow, a fresh or silk floral arrangement of tulips or pussy willows and branches in a tall vase. Even changing artwork to a brighter colour palette will bring in an outdoorsy feel. Look around for items and colours that reflect the feel of spring, and open your draperies wide to let the sunshine in. Spring is on the way! Ph: 204.990.1135 wanda@designingspacesmb.com www.designingspacesmb.com

t r e n dy lo o ks Carolyn Krawetz My favourite way to bring nature inside is to decorate with twigs, rocks and of course, flowers. I like to fill a corner of the room with a beautiful ceramic pot filled with sticks and twigs. In the winter, I use white sticks and decorate them at Christmas with silver balls. At Easter, I hang a few decorated Easter eggs on my branches to brighten up the corner. And finally, I change it up in the spring and use budding pussy willows and a few white flowers to give that fresh, springlike feel. I also like to add small river stones to a vase with fresh cut flowers on my dining table. The smell of fresh cut flowers can brighten up any home! Ph: 204.799.7181 carolyn@trendylooks.ca www.trendylooks.ca

m i l n e w e l l d r e ss e d h o m e s Monique Milne Spring and summer are so short in Manitoba that I like to surround myself with natural objects year round. Nature offers endless inspiration for interior decorating and hunting for the items is half the fun! Arrange willowy branches in a pretty container. Paint them for an extra pop of colour. Fill trays with a collection of natureinspired objects for a coffee table display. Feathers or shells presented in a frame is a simple but beautiful way to bring the outdoors in. A collection of small glass terrariums provides the perfect place to display pebbles, moss and air plants. Add a battery-operated tealight and watch them sparkle. And, don’t forget to open the windows and let the fresh air in. Ph: 294.792.4867 www.milnewelldressedhomes.ca

ca ro l sta n d i l co lo u r & d e s i g n Carol Standil Colour is one of my favourite ways to bring nature indoors. Painting a ceiling a soft, slightly grayed blue or turquoise can open up a room and evoke the feeling of sky, while yellow walls can work magic to bring the feel of sunlight into a gloomy space. Every spring I am especially hungry for green, and I love the way greens work so harmoniously together in a landscape. Layering different shades of green in your home is a great way to bring that freshness and beauty inside to enjoy all year! Nature is so multi-dimensional. I also like to bring in texture with wicker baskets, woven wood shades and sisal or sisal-like rugs under foot. Ph: 204.226.1533 www.carolstandil.wordpress.com carol.standil@live.ca

modern living with a pr airie t wist

prairie pa l e t t e

Manitoba has a plethora of both emerging and established artists. In each issue, Prairie Palette will introduce you to some of the talented locals who share Manitoba with us, and demystify some of the intricacies of art and the art scene in the province. This issue, we are excited to introduce you to Jeff Chester . Jeffery Chester obtained his B.A. in Studio Art from the University of Guelph in 2001. Over the past 13 years, he has further honed his skills by studying the old masters and spending thousands of hours at the easel. His paintings typically exhibit intensely saturated colour with a strong compositional use of line. Each piece is slowly realized by developing a drawing, creating an opaque underpainting and then glazing multiple thin layers of transparent oil colour. His subject matter ranges from portraiture and figurative work to still life focusing on nature and objects from daily life. His pieces welcome meditation and nostalgia and invite the examination of details and nuance. His works are designed to be lived with and can be found in private collections across Canada, the U.S. and Europe. Jeff was born in Summerside, P.E.I. but as part of a military family he spent time living in Nova Scotia, Ontario, Manitoba

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and British Columbia during his formative years. He himself is a Royal Canadian Air Force pilot and in 2009 returned to Winnipeg, Manitoba where he now resides with his wife and children. It is here that Jeff believes, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The extremes of summer and winter are a constant reminder that balance is a necessity of beauty.â&#x20AC;? The result of his work in Winnipeg over the last year is his much anticipated solo exhibit titled, Ephemeral. This show combines his traditional, realist oil painting techniques with timeless still life subject matter and his contemporary perspective on beauty, mortality and the cyclical processes of nature. The show will run from April 7-27, 2014 at the Pavilion Gallery Museum (Clarence Tillenius Gallery) in Assiniboine Park, with an opening reception on Thursday, April 10th, 5:30-9:00 p.m. Â All are welcome to attend. Additional work and his blog can be found at: www.jeffchester.ca.

Professional Interior Design

Unique

photo Robert Wilson

+ Chic

gift shop Foyer of the Millennium Library, Donald at Graham 204.947.0110

Changing the built environment one design at a time 204.942.2129

www.adigroup.ca/covet

BUILDING DREAMS INTO YOUR HOME RA LL FO

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Trust. Workmanship. Excellence. Integrity.

HOME SCENE RENOVATIONS SPECIALIZES IN: Basement Development

Interior Painting

Kitchen & Bath Remodelling

Flooring

Interior Renovations

Interior Design

204.291.9091 www.homescene.ca

living well This is the way we wash our clothes, wash our clothes, wash our clothes... or at least these are some ways weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to wash our clothes. In gorgeous laundry rooms like these we have to imagine doing laundry is just so much more enjoyable!

Whiter Whites By Esther Eisbrenner and Arthur Liffmann

A crisp white space makes everything feel clean and fresh, and what better feel for a laundry room is there? Keep those whites looking brighter by adding a bold black armoire, either for storing supplies or for hang drying, and a full load of silver sparkle.

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Colour Fast by Bahia Taylor

Make the laundry room a place where brights really are brighter and we bet laundry time will feel less like a chore. A rainbow of chevron striped wallpaper, a bold turquoise washer duo and a bright pink floor tempered by black cabinets and counters are a fun and exciting mix. Check out some cool art ideas to personalize your space, like laundry symbols by Susan Newbury Designs www.susannewberrydesigns.etsy.com.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

living well

Laundro-Man By Arthur Liffmann Equip the fellas in your life with a sleek black washer and dryer, a wood counter top, a rugged wash tub and some hard wearing (albeit very goodlooking) tile finishes and you might just never change another load or fold another sweater. Throw in some manly steel wool, if only for a vintage typographic effect, and we might just bet our shirts on it!

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to o l s

3. 2.

5. 4.

You can easily cut down the line or hang drying process by adding a salad spinner to your laundry room. Takes water out of delicates and hand washables without a damaging wringing action. It works under the same principles as the spin cycle inside a washing machine minus electric power and plus a little mild elbow grease. We suggest you keep two spinners on hand, one for your skivvies and another for your greens! oxo.com

The laundry ball is filled with four types of mineral-derived ceramic beads and two magnets, each performing different cleaning functions. It effectively washes 365 loads of laundry without using any soap or detergents. Replaces fabric softener and dryer sheets. Helps to conserve water and energy. The result is fresh, safe and clean laundry! smartkleancanada.com

This lightweight yet powerful 850-watt steamer uses plain tap water to deliver 15 minutes of steam time per filling. With a comfortable and easy grip handle, it’s perfect for a quick touch up on a busy morning and is lightweight enough for travel too. Stays cool to the touch and can easily be stored in your closet for added convenience. The Go Mini Steamer comes in hot pink and clean white. bedbathandbeyond.ca

The ultimate in laundry luxury. Press your clothes in comfort with this easy-to-use, although slightly over the top, rotary iron, which has a wide roller that allows you to press everything from shirts and pants to bed linens and tablecloths, all with a crisp, professional finish. The “mangler” as it is often called is designed to use while seated and you may just want to be seated when you check out the price tag on this baby! Miele B 890 E.

Stash your dirty laundry in style with these extra cute and fun Novelty Icon Laundry Bags. These bags hold up to 2 large loads and are secured by a pull string closure. Easily carry loads to and from the laundry room. Machine washable. bedbathandbeyond.ca

miele.ca modern living with a pr airie t wist

living well

So You’re Thi nking o f M oving? By SUSAN KUZ

If you’re like most of us, you’ve spent a lot of time indoors this winter. Being one of the coldest on record, it is likely that you’ve become very familiar with the place you call home. With all that time indoors, did you find yourself wondering — How well does my home align with my goals and passions? Is it a place where I can truly live my best life in the years ahead? If you are considering a move to a different home think about how you want to spend your life’s time and energy. Start by making a list of your most important values and priorities then ask yourself these questions: • Why do I want a new home? Is there anything about my current home that does not align with my values and vision of how I want to live? Is it something that only a move would change? • Am I satisfied with the amount of commuting time this location or the location I am considering requires? How many hours a day do I spend commuting to work, activities, to visit family members or friends? Is this something I can change in another way, other than by moving? Can I telecommute a couple of days a week? Or workout at home instead of driving to the gym? • How much time do I want to spend on house and yard maintenance? Can I hire someone to do what I don’t like to do or can’t easily do myself? What can I do to reduce the amount of maintenance in my current home so I can free up time for other things that are more important to me? • Does my current home inspire me? What would I have to change so that it puts a smile on my face, every time I walk through the door?

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• W hat about my family members? What kind of home would help them live their best lives? What changes can we make so everyone feels inspired in our home? • What personality or health related issues do we need to consider? What are the dominant senses of each member of the house and how well does our home align with them? Would an open concept layout, separate spaces or a combination work better for us? Do we need a home with more natural light? What about a quiet country setting or high energy urban? • What about the cost of home ownership? Real estate expert Clara Mitchell Enns of Hearts and Homes Property Group advises homebuyers, “Wherever possible, try to work within a one-income budget. It keeps your options open.” What financial flexibility might we want down the road? Will we want to travel, start a business, home school, or stay at home to raise the kids? Deciding to move is a big decision and if you are seriously considering it, it’s critical to think about what is most important to you and your family members, both now and in the years ahead. After all, with winters that can sometimes stretch longer than we’d like, we all know the importance of enjoying our home. Susan Kuz, a specialist in colour and healthy living spaces, is an associate member of the International Association of Color Consultants/Designers — North America (IACC-NA). She can be contacted by email at Susan@SpacialExpressions.com.

Two-by-Four Life By DEZ DANIELS Snow. The mere mention of it this past winter made even the hardiest Manitoban flinch. There was more of it than ever, during one of the coldest seasons in memory. People grudgingly left their homes and cars, faces scrunched in a stoic but ineffectual attempt to block the wind’s nasty assault. Put another way, this past winter felt like complete sh*$. For our family, the feeling of isolation that comes with winter was exacerbated by an ending that we knew was coming, and yet, hoped we could avoid for awhile yet. My mother-in-law was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease almost two years ago, and this agonizing illness has forced my husband and his sister to make many difficult decisions in the last couple of months. One was to remove mom from the family business she helped found and maintain for 44 years. Also, it’s been a horrible irony taking away the vehicle of a woman who helped so many customers get theirs back on the road with warmth, patience and skill. But without question, the most painful of these decisions has been the one to move mom from the home she has lived in for decades. Most days, mom does not understand what has happened, or why. But for her children, it is just as devastating for exactly the opposite reason. They face the harsh reality of what is going on – that they are saying a slow goodbye to their mother, and now, to a much loved childhood home. And cleaning out a long time family home illuminates how the simplest things from our past are the ones that create the deepest sense of joy while remembering. Its many treasures bring connection between who we were, and who we would eventually become. The house is a humble ranch-style bungalow, eclipsed by the mansions that comprise most of the dwellings in Armstrong’s Point. It is also a little slice of heaven, as my late father-in-law knew instantly when he discovered it shortly after immigrating to Winnipeg from South America. One of his jobs at the time was cutting grass for people of means, hoping to make a little extra money. He made a promise to himself that he would somehow find a way to buy the house, which he eventually did in 1977. While work was the driving force that kept my husband’s family in motion, the house and its magnificent riverfront green space was a backdrop to many wonderful times. As my in-laws were always at the shop, 11-year-old Rudy would be home by

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himself most days, and free to make his own fun. The tapestry of doodlings and friend’s phone numbers that once covered the walls of his childhood bedroom have been painted over, but the horse he drew on the wall going down the basement stairs still remains. Mom was mad... but never covered it up. On sunny, summer days, after delivering Winnipeg Tribunes to the neighbors, he would get in the 1958 flat bottom mahogany motorboat he bought with hard earned savings, and take off from the dock behind the house to grab a shake at the BDI. His cousin Gord, who Rudy frequently babysat, would often come with him. A cherished photo of the two of them was taken by a passing newspaper photographer, who snapped them polishing the boat in the driveway. The river was an important connection to Rudy Sr’s upbringing by the Paraguan river, and so it would become an important connection to his son’s childhood, too. While the walls basically stayed white for 35 years (mom once said my houses looked like a Ukrainian Easter egg), the house needs little for color. It is flooded with sunlight, thanks to huge windows on all sides. It is one of the best things about that house, and along with the view of the lazy Assiniboine River, is the thing we will miss the very most. It is a tranquil spot, and has always felt like a place to restore calm and quiet. So many times, we have looked from the kitchen window out to the skating paths and toboggan slides, watching evidence of another long winter finally give way to the roar of the spring thaw. It is hard to accept that this season will be the last time we will witness it in exactly this way. Needless to say, most progress on our own home has been paused while we say our goodbyes. We are, however, delighted with how things have turned out in our build. Just before Christmas, thanks to a few finishing details, it finally started to feel like a home instead of a build site. We’re also discovering the things we’d change, of which there are always a few. But on the whole, it’s such a pleasure to just... come home. Whether for a few months, or 35 years, home is where we should go to be safe, and be our very truest selves. As my mother-in-law kept telling us when we first conceived the project; “Someday soon, you will just walk through that door, take a deep breath, and say, 'Ahhhh! it’s good to be home!' Mom... you were so right. How I wish we could do the same for you.

A S K A C DECArator Visit the CDECA booth at The Home Expressions Show to meet local chapter members who can help you decode your design dilemmas. For more information about one of our members visit www.cdeca.com

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Richelieu Hardware 1372 Mountain Ave Robinson Bath Centre 1760 Ellice Ave Rosehill Woodcrafters Unit 380A-550 Century St, Winnipeg The Ensuite 1336 Sargent Ave The Floor Show 1042 Waverley St Western Paint 521 Hargrave St Wicker World Home + Patio 120 McPhillips St

Carolyn Krawetz carolyn@trendylooks.ca Susan Kuz susan@spacialexpressions.com April Leitch wildflowercreations.wpg@gmail.com Tracy McGillivray auraandambiance@gmail.com Monique Milne milnewelldressedhomes@shaw.ca Pat Morin pmorin@mymts.net

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BEE TLC text SAMANTHA BRAUN

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By now you’ve probably read headlines about bees, and something called “colony collapse disorder” (and we all know nothing with “collapse” and “disorder” is going to be good!). Some argue it’s a viral thing (or some incarnation of pathogens), some say habitat loss or herbicides. We also have a whole class of insecticides called neonicotenoids (neonics) – and enough scientific fingers are pointing to their contribution to the collapse that the European Union has seriously limited or banned their use for at least two years pending further study. Let’s face it, no bees means no food, no flowers, and that’s about as horrible for the economy as it is for the garden.

So this is where we gardeners come in: 1. Let’s start by bumping up our bee habitat value. To the right are some of the best bang for your ecological bee buck lowfuss varieties. 2. Ask your local garden centres if they use neonics on their plants – if they do, you’re new coneflower will be dosing every little buzzy guy that comes to visit until at least next year when you get fresh growth – and we don’t want that any more than his immune system does! 3. Keep your own bees out of harm’s way by using organic alternatives to chemicals. 4. Consider a bee hotel for solitary bees, and they make a nice gardener gift. Check out the palace below!

bumping up our bee habitat value by adding these beauties to your beds. Golden Rods Great fall colour and especially great nectar source for solitary bees – species can range in height from about 50cm (the well behaved cultivars) or to the take-over-the-cottage-lot behemoth, Canada goldenrod that can top out closer to 150cm.

Russian Sage Technically this one’s a zone 4, but it holds pretty steady in most gardens. Another big guy, at close to 200cm of multi-branching bee heaven – with almost never ending blue blooms all summer into fall.

Giant Hyssop Probably one of the most under-utilized, beautiful, multitasking plants of the prairies. You can eat it, you can smell it, you can hoard bees and butterflies with it. Native stock can reach about 150cm of nonstop blooms here too – and unlike the others on the list, it will still look decent in a little bit of shade.

Asters You pick, the bees won’t even slightly care which or what fall asters you add to help them. As a karmic thank you, your garden will be the envy of all well into the fall. Native asters range in height from the cutest teeny western silvery aster at about 25cm, to one of my favourites (because it’s tough as nails) – smooth aster at about 150cm.

Bee Balm Another multitasking mint (like hyssop), that’s not only as handy, but equally stunning. Mints just keep going and going. These Energizer Bunny blooms are life support for the pollinators in the garden. With so many cultivated and native varieties, beebalm is definitely an easy one to add in anywhere sunny.

Yarrow An easy addition to cottage or prairie gardens where tough is required, and neglect is the maintenance level. Yarrow will wander through beds a bit, but adds more blooms for the little solitary bees and flies that do a lot of work without a lot of thanks.

Valerian A very old world herb that adds a stoic, almost fairy tale presence here and there in a cottage, wildflower or herb garden. It towers over everything at 250cm, with enough water, – branching loads of delicate white, fragrant flowers with a seemingly summer long display of bees and prettiness.

modern living with a pr airie t wist

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The dandelions are coming! The dandelions are coming! If the thought of a residential pesticide ban sends chills down your spine and gives you visions akin to World War Z, but more yellow and occasionally fluffy… it’s going to be okay. I know, some of us happen to like yellow, but it’s not a bad ecological trade-off for a whole lot less dog and kid toys getting soaked in 2-4D on a twice-monthly basis. Simply put, healthy lawns stay in a nice balance. Staying on top of mowing tominimize flowers going to seed, aerating as needed, and over-seeding where the odd patch needs it will keep the yellow guys at a minimum. That being said, here are some alternatives when chemical warfare’s off the table. prevent : Corn Gluten is a fantastic naturally sourced germination inhibitor. No germination equals no babies. Our buddies at Sage Garden Herbs can fill you in on all things organic, including this stuff by the massive bag full. To stop the

fluffy guys in their tracks, applying very early spring. destroy : Other than the obvious of digging out (small children are excellent at this!), directly spraying vinegar on plants will kill them, so will boiling water, or cool little flame throwers. Both weed torches and extremely precise little spray gadgets are available at Lee Valley tools. Children armed with water pistols filled with vinegar are also quite effective, although probably less precise, depending on the child. truce : Nothing’s perfect, so having a couple of weeds in the lawn may be something to embrace. For example, clover’s a great companion for greening up sod and a wonderful nectar source for bees. And you can always add those dandelion greens to your salads. Yes, if all else fails you are organically growing your own liver tonic… that’s the story and you’re sticking to it.

more great resources for organic lawn and garden care One homegrown resource, the Manitoba Eco-Network hosts free organic lawn care workshops at local Winnipeg libraries. They even have a try-before-you-buy initiative called the Lawn Library, where you can borrow tools and garden gadgets to help you on your chemical-free journey… or you can possibly even borrow one of those book things on the subject. Check out

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mbeconetwork.org for the greenjuicy details. Another homegrown, well-kept secret is Eco-tea, although some golf courses and growers have been using it for a few years now. Without going into a full ecological onslaught (because we all know that to have happy, healthy plants, the soil needs to be happy and healthy), it’s all about the microbes. Eco-tea

is to your lawn and garden health, as your daily probiotic and cup of green juice is to yours. Dale’s amazing bubbling brew of aerated compost tea (ACT) "derived from night-crawler castings, high-grade compost, kelp, humic and fulvic acids with addition of bio-activator compounds" is about as ecologically good as it gets… and bonus, they deliver (Ta da) www.eco-tea.ca.

things that make you go yumm If you’ve choked on your organic grocery bill, or contemplated trading your first born for strawberries that actually taste like strawberries here are a couple of interesting ways to grow gourmet staples at home in very limited space. Strawberries are super yummy, and really easy to grow in virtually anything that will hold water. We’ve all seen those great old clay strawberry pots, but another way to get your summer strawberry fix is using hanging bags. Varieties like ever bearing “pink galore” will make you feel tea party ready all summer.

Tumbler tomatoes are a great way to have gourmet pizazz right at you finger tips too. They’ve come a long way from the “fell over and forgot to stake the tomato” look of circa 2002 tumblers. Popping a few of the newer ones in a Tuscan-vibe basket hanging elegantly near your bistro set will scream more “holiday in Florence” than “you want how much for those?!”And yes, they even come in different colours!

Is it a bag? Is it a sac? Are you selling coffee on your deck? Nope… it’s just a brilliant way to grow your own gourmet fingerlings. With so many colours and types to choose from, it's too hard to pick just one; so trade with your friends! Pop in a few of your baby spud bits, cover with soil, and keep rolling up the bag and covering the new soon-to-be spuds as they grow. No massive rows, no digging to find the 6 inch spud that time forgot, no bad language at the farmers market, and most importantly, no strange dormancy chemicals. Samantha Braun is a landscape ecologist and designer with over 15 years experience in the horticultural industry. Her company, Ecotones, specializes in creating Habitat in Harmony with Design. modern living with a pr airie t wist

w h e r e to f i n d If you liked what you saw, check out our digital version at www.covetmagazine.ca for links to the product and talent featured in this issue. In addition, we are happy to help you source one of your “gotta haves” from within our pages. Simply visit us on Facebook at Covet Mag where you can post your query, and one of our team will reach out with the information... while you’re there, be sure to “like” us too!

Thank you for taking the time to get this far!

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Take Lounging to a Whole New Level Fireside Design Build Inc. Designer: Jaclyn Wiebe 204.960.6589 firesidedesign.ca

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If you enjoyed our Srping 2014 issue of Covet perhaps you might give your patronage to our advertisers. Their support has allowed us to create what you have enjoyed.

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design dilemma

Colour inspires designers and decorators alike. It helps transform a blank space from blah to beautiful and bold, giving it soul. There is an art to pulling design elements together, a little bling with some stripes, an outrageous pattern that greets you with a smile. Challenge yourself to add colour to your crisp white walls, be brave! Orange and aqua â&#x20AC;&#x201C; two all time favourites; cool and calm with a splash of zing and zest! This palette is sure to make its way into the heart of our home.

Do you have a design dilemma? Send us your questions and some photographs to info@covetmagazine.ca for your opportunity to receive free design advice from the talented design team at Covet!

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The wall is not your enemy. It’s not there to fence you in. No, the wall’s wide open, nothing but sky. Notice we didn’t say blue. That’s the beauty of the wall. You’ve got your own colour for unbridled freedom. For possibility. For love and surprise. For loyalty, adventure, beginnings and happy ends. For everything that matters, there’s a deep, rich, enduring colour. And the wall always approves.

Find these colours and more at benjaminmoore.ca

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