Homes & Design - Spring 2012

edmontonjournal.com

Spring FEVER!

Edmonton’s design and decor scene sizzles

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inside this issue 23

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advertisers Ashley Fine Floors.. ......... PAGE 29 Century Gates – Parkland......................... PAGE 37 Chic Chic........................ PAGE 35 Dhillon Lighting.. ............. PAGE 10 E & L Lighting.................. PAGE 25 Eco-Flex Recycling.. ........ PAGE 36 Home Envy Furniture.. ..... PAGE 18 Iron in Mind.. ................... PAGE 33 Kanvi Homes.. ................. PAGE 20 Melcor - Aurora............... PAGE 21

HABITAT STUDIO | PAGE 7

LEATHER FLOORING | PAGE 31

Green builder celebrates 20 years of custom creations.

Durable material just the thing for your home on the range.

CHINTZ AND COMPANY | PAGE 11

HST rebate boost | PAGE 34

Vibrant, jewel-toned silks are making a big splash this season.

B.C.’s rethink on its HST has Albertans looking west again.

29 ARMSTRONG | PAGE 15

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Downtown shop pays homage to modern design masters.

LE BELLE ARTI | PAGE 19 Create instant ambience with flue-less fireplaces.

DWELL MODERN | PAGE 23

Ingenious devices are beautiful, musical, and practical.

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Polar Windows.. ............... PAGE 4 Rutherford Heights......... PAGE 27 Sabal Homes.. .................. PAGE 6 Sage Furnishings.. ........... PAGE 30 Scandia Furniture............. PAGE 9 The Carpet Studio........... PAGE 26 The Flooring People........ PAGE 22 Upperwoods Furniture Company........................ PAGE 13 Waters Edge Developments.. ................. PAGE 2

124th Street furniture boutique brings the best of Europe to town.

RAIN CHAINS | PAGE 28

Northwest Windermere “Langdale”...................... PAGE 17

ON THE COVER: Custom kitchen designed by Habitat Studio

Westrich Pacific – Signature Condominiums.. .............. PAGE 14

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editor’s note:

Welcome to our spring edition of

Homes&Design The Edmonton Journal has recently undergone a top-to-bottom redesign. Its look is clean, bold, and modern, and its stories have a renewed focus on local – Your Edmonton: Anytime. Anywhere.

But that’s not all that’s new at the Journal.

Our pledge to serve our readers anytime and anywhere means that we are not just paper and not just web, but mobile and accessible across all platforms. With that in mind, I would like to welcome you to our first electronic magazine.

Our new Homes & Design e-magazine is a truly digital-first product. You’ll see this first on our website. Enjoy flipping through its magazine-style design as if you were flipping through the pages of a top-notch glossy.

On the run? Read this on your iPad; it will look stellar on the screen. Prefer the feel of paper? In another first for us, digital will fuel print, and we’ll reverse publish these stories

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in our Homes and Condos sections of the newspaper.

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edmontonjournal.com Editor

Shelley Bindon

It’s fitting that this inaugural magazine dials in on some of the city’s top trend makers and arbiters of good taste, ranging from a green custom home builder to boutique decor and furniture shops, to local home materials experts – Your Edmonton: Anytime. Anywhere.

I hope you enjoy this first step in a new direction for the Edmonton Journal. As you peruse these pages, know that we’re already working to bring you the upcoming issue, which will feature amazing local home designers, must-have appliances, a local builder who knows no creative boundaries, and much, much more.

Sincerely, Shelley Bindon Edmonton Journal Strategic Products Editor

sbindon@edmontonjournal.com Contributing Writers

Leanne Brownoff, Josh Skapin, Chris Standring, Ann Sutherland Designer

Christine Pearce Advertising Lead

rhonda vickers rvickers@edmontonjournal.com

For advertising opportunities in the October 2012 Homes & Design online magazine please call 780-429-5553

Published by the Edmonton Journal, a division of Postmedia Network Inc., at the Journal building, P.O. Box 2421, Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2S6

Boutique builder focuses on

green, not bling Habitat Studio celebrates 20 years of innovation BY ann sutherland Edmonton Journal

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his month local builder Habitat Studio and Workshop will celebrate its 20th year in business designing and building custom homes. Even though the builder has completed numerous homes over those 20 years, each house is as unique as the owner who lives in it.

While each house is one-of-a-kind, they all have one thing in common: they are some of the most green and energy-efficient houses in Canada.

Trevor Hoover, Habitat Studio’s vice-president and senior designer, says that what sets the company apart isn’t just its green approach.

“We specialize in three areas,” he explains.

“We are a custom designer, so each home is unique and designed from scratch. We are also very client-oriented in the building process. And lastly, we build green above and beyond the industry standard.”

Habitat Studio is behind the handful of NetZero homes in the city. The goal is to have a house that yields a net-zero annual energy purchase. By using a solar heating system, a solar electrical power system, and a very energy efficient building envelope (walls, windows, doors and air-tight seals), the NetZero homes come very close to that goal.

Even if you don’t want to go to that extreme, Habitat Studio homeowners still have higher than average energy-efficient homes.

Photos: supplied

“Our standards are above and beyond minimum code,” says Hoover. “For example, the norm for wall thickness for insulation is an R20 rating. We provide thicker walls for a rating of R28 to R40.”

Habitat Studio and Workshop is a local boutique builder specializing in energy-efficient design. They are not a general contractor but act as professional advisers who manage the construction process.

The company builds about 15 homes a year.

The list goes on, from construction techniques that reduce heat loss to water-smart plumbing features.

Architecturally, Habitat Studio has no defining look. They have no stock floor plans and blueprints. What they do have is a creative design team that works closely with clients to build a home uniquely suited to the client’s lifestyle and needs.

“We sit down with clients and go through certain criteria that lets us get to know you.

The client is part of the team giving input on the design, the choice of materials,” says Hoover.

Client involvement continues through to the actual building stage. Hoover explains that Habitat Studio is not a general contractor. Instead, they are professional advisers who manage the construction process. “It’s a very transparent system so that the client is in control of the budget,” says Hoover.

Because a Habitat Studio home is custom, the budget is more than that of your average builder. Just keep in mind the long-term energy savings, Hoover says. The home saves on all utility costs, and there are other

benefits, such as its higher comfort level.

There are no drafts or cold spots. The atmosphere is easy to control in terms of fresh, clean and humid air, and external noise is reduced significantly.

Habitat Studio builds about 15 homes a year. They do a few acreage homes, but most are in-fill projects in Edmonton in mature neighbourhoods like Bonnie Doon, Belgravia, Glenora, and Crestwood. Contemporary design seems to be the direction people are going these days, and the homes blend seamlessly with the more traditional homes in these older areas.

And now, for the first time, Habitat Studio is building in the new Larch Park subdivision located off Rabbit Hill Road and 23rd Ave. The vision for Larch Park is to create a sustainable and eco-friendly community, including energy-efficient homes. It’s a great fit for Habitat Studio.

“The developer, Melcor, came to us and asked if we’d like to be involved,” says Hoover. “We haven’t built in new subdivisions, so it’s a new venture for us.” Hoover reports that so far, they are getting a great response in Larch Park.

For more information about Habitat Studio and Workshop, visit habitat-studio.com.

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Vibrant silk fabrics this season’s must-have Chintz and Company reveals reams of jewel-toned options BY leanne brownoff Edmonton Journal

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pring is in the air, and fresh, inspiring decor is generously flowing into the aisles of retailer Chintz and Company.

Chintz and Company can perhaps best be described as a decor marketplace, brimming with colour and personality inspired by the bustling markets of Europe and Asia. And this year, silk is making a splash.

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“This is a store you will want to take your time with in order to experience it fully,” says store manager Katie Tedeschini.

“There is so much to take in.”

The moment you enter, your senses are tantalized by the brimming displays of eclectic treasures from far away lands and furnishings that whet the creative appetite. Boasting names such as Barbara Cosgrove, Roost, Bella Notte Linens, Vincent Shephard, Bernhardt and Arteriors, to name only a few, Chintz really has

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something for everyone.

“This season is one of colour,” says Tedeschini, “and we are excited with all the new silks that are coming into our textiles department. It is so fresh and inspiring for all of our designers.”

As its name suggests, Chintz is well-known for its immense selection of upholstery and drapery fabrics. In fact, this wildly successful store blossomed from solid textile roots 25 years ago, when owner Nicole DeGoutiere — with her passion

for fabrics — began a hometextiles-focused business.

Designing and supplying draperies, blinds and duvet covers developed the entrepreneurial seed that has become the flourishing decor business we see today.

“Nicole wanted to have the beautiful fabrics that she knew existed in the world,” says Tedeschini. “So she started to travel, returning with stunning fabrics, trims and tassels for her clients.”

Photos: Jason Franson, Edmonton Journal

Silks, brimming with colour and personality, are flowing into the aisles of retailer Chintz and Company.

Bolts of tangerine, intense pink, emerald green, chartreuse and vivid purple are backgrounds for intricately embroidered patterns. These silks can instantly freshen-up a tired decor.

Now the textiles department offers hundreds of fabric bolts displayed in long rows, according to colour and use.

“The new silks are absolutely stunning,” says Tedeschini, “with the most vibrant colours this season. Jewel tones are definitely setting the colour trend for 2012.”

Bolts of tangerine, intense pink, emerald green, chartreuse and vivid purple are backgrounds for intricately embroidered patterns. “These beautiful fabrics can instantly freshen up a tired decor and are truly fun to pair

together in a room.”

Although silk can be surprisingly strong, it is best applied in the lighter use category.

“Look for bright silk pillows to perk-up a neutral sofa, or window coverings such as draperies or roman shades,” suggests Tedeschini. “Think of this as an accent to update your look — you do not need a lot, just the right touch.”

One room that is perfect for this textile is the bedroom.

“Silk is a natural fabric for duvet

covers and accent pillows,” she explains, “and the combination of solids and embroidered patterns lends itself well to this application.”

Not sure how to effectively use these brightly coloured silks in your home?

“We have a talented team of designers and sales people who help you through the creative process effortlessly,” says Tedeschini.

The experienced design team offers advice, house calls and SPRING 2012

checks measurements to help clients make confident decisions. “It’s a collaborative effort that both the clients and designers enjoy.”

Chintz and Company is open seven days a week at 10502 105th Ave. Find them online at chintz.com.

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29 Armstrong

shopsfor the world top design

Downtown shop pays homage to modern masters BY leanne brownoff Edmonton Journal

design and decor industry.

“We are developing a quiet, but growing recognition,” explains Amedeo Pagliuso, owner of the boutique-style store.

ucked in the heart of downtown centre is one of Edmonton’s best kept secrets, but not any more.

The concept was initiated four years ago with the idea of showcasing high design in a retail setting, he says. “Our furniture and decor represent some of the best designs from all over the world.”

Boasting clients from Europe, Australia and Beverly Hills, 29 Armstrong is a breath of fresh air in the interior

The rich design sources include Holmris of Denmark, specializing in customizable office furnishings; Crown Wallpaper, featur-

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ing handmade Japanese paper; and Bensen, a Vancouver-based furniture design company that has secured a permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York, just to name a few.

The modern stylings offered in the loft-like showroom provide a snapshot of a lifestyle.

Although the majority of the designs pay homage to some of the most celebrated modern masters, including some amazing local talent, traditional touches are intermingled to present an appreciation of design in general. This theme repeats as the predominantly modern furnishings are

photos: jason franson, edmonton journal

Danny Ross, a buyer for 29 Armstrong, stands in the loft-like retail space that houses the shop’s many treasures.

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First, we want Edmonton to have a greater appreciation for modern design, and second, we want those who appreciate modern design to know that you don’t have to leave the city or the country for high style — it’s right here.

— amedeo pagliuso, owner, 29 Armstrong

nestled into the refurbished Armstrong Building, one of the city’s older buildings, thus the name of the store.

The design vignettes presented flow from one functioning space to the next, as if you have been invited into a home filled with intriguing furnishings. An architecturally stunning coffee table holds a precarious tower of wooden blocks created by a local designer from end pieces. This sits near a stunning sofa that marries steel to velvet. A glance to the right offers a dining area with a gleaming metal light that hangs elegantly over a glass table that is set to serve eight.

“We look for pieces that are really creative in their design,” says Pagliuso. This is true not only from a visual perspective but in function as well.

bar hidden under the top, the surface becomes a functioning desk.

Pagliuso has recently added mattresses and window coverings to his inventory. “We know there are so many great designs out there,” he explains, “and we want to bring the design world to Edmonton.”

In saying that, “one of the challenges 29 Armstrong faces,” he says, “is when clients think what we show here is a comprehensive selection of what we have to offer.”

“We offer a wide selection of items that will fit into a variety of budgets, and in the process we are educating Edmontonians.”

His focus is two-fold. “First, we want Edmonton to have a greater appreciation for modern design, and second, we want those who appreciate modern design to know that you don’t have to leave the city or the country for high style — it’s right here.”

To get a broader view of 29 Armstrong, you need to visit their website at 29armstrong.com.

“The Milk Desk by Holmris is a great example,” he says, “it is quite a deceiving piece as it looks simple and elegant, yet no one would guess its secret.” Visually, the desk, which doubles as a table, has a classic lacquered finish highlighted with brushed aluminum and a powder-coated steel pedestal base. The secret is in the base.

The Milk Desk is a top find for the store this season.

Though it looks simple, it has a hydraulic base that raises the surface as high as 60 inches.

It can also double as a dining table.

“This desk has a hydraulic lift, raising the top from 29 to 60 inches.” This is perfect for barrier-free living as well as accommodating various seating heights. With a power

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Le Belle Arti keeps modern flame alive Renowned designer adds fire to home decor

BY leanne brownoff Edmonton Journal

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f you have been privileged to visit some of Edmonton’s most stylish modern homes, then you have likely experienced Le Belle Arti’s discriminating decor. The family-owned business is one of the hallmarks of modern furnishings, and its vision is sought after well beyond our city’s borders.

In 1976, Le Belle Arti’s founding members — Orlando, Joe and Frank Milite — introduced Edmonton to the world of high-style modern design.

“It was a little avant-garde at the time,” recalls Orlando, a renowned designer and active partner in the successful retail and design business. “There wasn’t a great deal of knowledge about this minimalistic style, and so it was often misunderstood.”

Early on, he designed a line of furniture comprised of three materials: glass, exotic woods, and stainless steel. It sold well across Canada. Then, his Triclinium, an ingenious composition of seating arrangements, became a top seller in Europe.

His designs expanded to all manner of furnishings — dining tables, sofas, desks, wall

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photo: jason franson, edmonton journal

EcoSmart fireplaces, offered by Le Belle Arti, use bioethanol to create their flame. The units consist of burners that can be placed in metal, tile or stone surfaces such as kitchen counters or bath surrounds.

units, coffee tables and beds — many of which hold a place of prominence in some of the most exquisite homes in the world.

“I love good design that is simple and pure,” says Milite, which accounts for the collections he presents in his showrooms. “We represent the best designers in the world,” he acknowledges, “including B&B Italia, Minotti and lighting pioneer Ingo Maurer.”

The units consist of burners that can be placed in metal, tile or stone surfaces such as kitchen counters or bath surrounds. “They can be retrofitted into an existing fireplace, a coffee table or even an outdoor space — all without the need of a chimney and flue.”

The burner unit comes in three shapes, round, square and elongated. “You can use them individually or grouped for effect.”

Maurer is the designer who pushed the boundaries of design with his invention of the YaYaHo style lighting. “It is in many kitchens in the world,” Milite says. “It is comprised of a halogen light fixture, or several strategically placed light fixtures hanging on what looks like a wire track.”

Since heat is emitted, glass-walled surround boxes may be required and some care is needed when placing the units, but imagine a new kitchen with gleaming cabinetry and granite island top with a beautiful flame that spans the width of the island. It’s instant ambience.

It is evident when you walk through with Milite that there is pride in every item displayed. “We are excited about our new kitchen collections by Snaidero. I believe they are the top kitchen cabinet manufacturers.”

The EcoSmart units are environmentally friendly, as they burn denatured ethanol, a renewable resource.

To accentuate those high-end, ebonized ash cabinets, Milite has selected some innovative fireplace accents to turn up the heat. “We are featuring a brilliant, ventless, free-standing fireplace system that not only looks spectacular,” he states, “but it is highly versatile as well.”

“The CSA-approved ethanol cylinders we supply can burn from nine to 18 hours, depending on the height of the flame,” Milite says.

See these units for yourself at their showroom at 16844 111th Ave. or in their new location at the Enjoy Centre in St. Albert, and check out their entire collection at lebellearti.com.

Furniture with personality Dwell Modern offers bold, playful French line BY ann sutherland Edmonton Journal

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t’s fitting that Dwell Modern, a high-end furniture boutique on trendy 124th Street, is located near a cluster of art galleries. The store’s contemporary European furniture and home accessories could be considered works of art that push the boundaries of our traditional ideas of furniture.

That’s not to say the furniture is so far out there that it isn’t functional. Quite the opposite. At first glance, you might wonder how comfortable is that sleek, minimalist sofa? As it turns out, quite comfortable.

Carrie Cameron, Dwell Modern’s manager, says that while their collections may push the boundaries, functionality is still part of the equation.

The store carries multiple lines of European-designed and crafted furniture. One of its largest and most popular collections is Ligne Roset out of France.

“Ligne Roset is very French and very modern,” says Cameron.

“They make everything across the board, tables, chairs, sofas, wall art, bookshelves, lighting and textiles.”

Ligne Roset is best described as

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furniture with personality. The pieces are colourful, playful, and bold, thanks to a new generation of European designers who bring a fresh, new look to the collection.

Cameron says Ligne Roset is a trendsetter. “They do their own thing and aren’t afraid to take a chance with a particular style or design. They can’t be pigeonholed.”

You’ll find non-traditional sofas that have solid beech frames painted bright red. A thick quilt-like cover — made using a gathering technique called ruching — rests over the frame. The designers recently introduced a new sofa called “Ploum,” that is likened to a “ripe, voluptuous piece of fruit” in the Ligne Roset catalogue.

It uses memory foam technology that makes for inviting and ultra-comfortable seating.

Another innovative design is Ligne Roset’s iconic sideboard.

Minimalist in design, the one in the showroom is finished in a dynamic bright red lacquer. It functions as an entertainment or storage unit and has drawers that are equipped with pushlatch mechanisms.

While neutral colours such as grey and white are available in the collection, Ligne Roset isn’t afraid of colour. Bold oranges, lime greens, and purples

There aren’t a lot of modern European furniture stores in Edmonton. Those who know about us are excited about what we carry.

— Carrie Cameron, manager, Dwell Modern

brighten any space. Cameron says that yellows, greens and royal blue are this year’s popular colours.

Kids and colour naturally go together, and certain pieces of furniture can be ordered in pint-sized versions.

The Ligne Roset line extends beyond sofas and chairs to include just about every home accessory you can think of, from wall art to vases and area rugs.

“Ligne Roset is just one collection we carry, and you can mix and match it with other lines,” says Cameron.

“There aren’t a lot of modern European furniture stores in Edmonton. Those who know about us are excited about what

we carry. We’re really giving exposure to what’s out there and teaching the public about it.”

Cameron says the prices are aligned with the quality of the product. A dining chair, for example, starts at $500 and goes up from there.

Dwell Modern is located within Lightform Lighting Centre at 10549 124th St. “Sharing the space allows customers to see how the furniture, lighting and other accessories will look together,” says Cameron.

Next door is the Appliance Gallery, a boutique appliance store, which is an extension of Lightform. Cameron says having all three stores together gives customers an opportunity for onestop shopping.

Photos: Jason Franson, Edmonton Journal

TOP: Dwell Modern carries multiple lines of European-designed and crafted furniture. One of its largest and most popular collections is Ligne Roset out of France. The line is clean and modern and ranges from sofas and tables to lights and textiles.

ABOVE: Dwell Modern manager Carrie Cameron sits on one of the pieces from the Linge Roset line.

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Japanese rain chains tame runoff Ditch the downspout for these beauties BY chris standring Edmonton Journal

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ain chains may be the perfect garden accessory. They have so much going for them — fun, fashion, functionality, and they’re affordable.

Hailing from Japan, where they’re known as kusari doi, rain chains channel roof water runoff. By slowing the water’s velocity and redirecting it, they help to prevent erosion.

If diverted into containers, stacking stones, river rocks or pea gravel, they can slow the runoff effect even further.

Usually installed at the corners of a building, they’re now a mainstay of garden design on Canada’s West Coast and particularly in gardens on the Channel Islands, where water is a precious commodity in summer months. Some are directed into underground catchment systems to be stored for future use in the garden during the dry season or even treated for household use, as in Japan.

But rain chains aren’t all serious eco-business; they have a fun side, too. As a water feature, they’re exquisite to look at and listen to, as rainwater burbles and swirls its way down the links.

Local gardeners who travel broadly have marvelled at their beauty and introduced them into their own gardens to enjoy here.

Most are made of copper or bronze and come in one of two types, links or cups. Elegant in its simplicity the link-style chain can be fashioned of single links or multiple links woven together. Water simply cascades down the links.

With the cup variety, rainwater fills up each

cup only to spill over into the one below. The components can be simple vessels or artfully shaped containers fashioned to resemble blossoms, animals or other elements from nature.

Chains made of bronze, an alloy of copper and tin, will eventually turn a brownish green, colours that are at home in the garden. Those made of copper take on a rich green patina as they age, adding beauty and serenity to the garden palette. The colour change is actually a good thing since the outer film limits corrosion. Chains made of stainless steel or aluminum will retain their original silvery finish longer, but even they will eventually succumb to some weathering effects and lose their shine.

Rain chains are easily installed. Most come with simple attachment hardware.

First, remove your old downspout. Next, clip the chain to the attachment rod and insert the rod through the hole in the bottom of the eaves trough.

The rod should lie horizontally across the gutter opening. That’s all there is to it.

Rain chains hold up to icing well in climates such as ours, but the gutter connection may need to be strengthened.

Where the chain meets the ground, ensure the slope is away from the house, to avoid pooling at the foundation.

Most major garden centres carry them.

PHOTOS: Greenland Garden Centre

Rain chains make highly decorative alternatives to downspouts and can be found at several local garden centres.

We found some interesting options for between $35 and $50 at EarthTones Garden Shoppe on Stony Plain Road at 142nd Street, at Apache Seeds on 149th Street near Stony Plain Road, at Greenland Garden Centre in Sherwood Park, and online at leevalley.com.

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Handsome

leather floor

just a few clicks away Durable pieces snap together in seconds

BY ann sutherland Edmonton Journal

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sing leather under foot may seem like a relatively new idea, but it’s actually been a flooring choice for centuries.

It may have fallen off the grid, but people are again taking note of this ecofriendly alternative.

At Alberta Hardwood Flooring, leather flooring accounts for about five per cent of sales. But, according to operations manager Jeff Smith, the product is growing in popularity.

“Most people stumble upon it when they come in looking for flooring,” he says.

He believes once people know more about the product, leather flooring will become more commonplace.

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“It’s durable, easy to care for, has an interesting look, and is hypoallergenic.”

Alberta Hardwood carries the Torlys brand of leather flooring, which sells itself as an eco-luxury product. “Leather flooring is made from remnants collected from shoe

manufacturers or car seat manufacturers, even Lay-Z-Boy,” explains Smith. “Hardeners are added to the remnants and it’s then rolled into sheets and made into flooring.

Basically, leather that would wind up in landfill is instead made into flooring.”

The flooring is also formaldehyde-free, so there is no off-gassing when it’s installed. The cork backing, another eco-friendly product, improves cushioning and sound absorption, so there is no need for an underlay.

No glues or nails are used to install leather flooring. Instead, it’s a floating system that clicks together, making

photos: jason franson, edmonton journal

Leather, a flooring choice for centuries, is experiencing a resurgence largely because it is durable, eco-friendly and hypoallergenic.

ABOVE: Alberta Hardwood operations manager Jeff Smith displays a plank made of leather.

LEFT: Samples of leather flooring.

It’s durable, easy to care for, has an interesting look, and is hypoallergenic.

A lavish offshoot of leather flooring is leather walls. Smith says that leather tiles on the walls of a den or library combined with a hardwood floor creates an opulent look.

— jeff smith, operations manager at Alberta Hardwood Flooring

Torlys leather flooring comes in a wide selection of colours from tans to black, and there are various patterns available from a snakeskin to a pebbled look. It also comes in two formats — planks or tiles.

installation a project for do-it-yourselfers.

“The other advantage of the click system is that it’s easy to do repairs if they crop up,” says Smith. “Torlys offers a tool that allows you to repair any section, even if it’s in the middle of the room.”

Leather flooring is not a low-end product. You’ll pay about $12 per square foot, which is comparable to an upgraded hardwood. Smith says they are putting it in mid- to high-end homes.

And you can follow the European mindset of moving your leather flooring from one room to the next.

“Maybe you’ve decided to change up your decor. You can easily remove the flooring and use it in another room.”

Most people will use leather in one room to add a sense of luxury. The den, library or bedroom are the most common areas,

although Smith says they have done entire main floors in some homes.

“Condos are a smaller size, so you might find leather flooring throughout. And the cork backing helps absorb sound between floors.”

The flooring is easy to maintain. Instructions state that you only need to vacuum or sweep the floors once a week or as needed, and clean spills with a cloth. Because the leather is stained, there is no worry of the colour fading over time.

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Waterfront property closer than you think B.C. boosts HST rebate to woo back buyers

BY josh skapin Postmedia News

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C.’s decision to nearly double a tax rebate has caught the eye of Albertans looking west for recreation property, says a sales representative.

“It pulled them off the fence,” says Lynn Robison, director of sales at Qualicum Landing on Vancouver Island.

Under changes to B.C.’s Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) that took effect April 1, certain buyers will be able to claim a provincial rebate of up to $42,500.

That’s up from the previous maximum rebate of $26,250.

The rebate will affect buyers of new secondary vacation or recreation homes outside the Greater Vancouver or Victoria regions priced up to $850,000.

Shortly after the change was recently announced, two Calgary residents bought properties at Qualicum Landing, while another placed a verbal offer, says Robison. “On two of them, it was absolutely the HST announcement,” she says.

Qualicum Landing is a sevenhectare waterfront community just north of Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.

The rebate increase is being made as part of B.C.’s transition from the HST back to a provincial sales tax (PST).

Prior to the rebate announcement, there was uncertainty with the rules around the HST as it is phased out — something that was negatively influencing potential buyers, says Robison.

“People were paralyzed,” she says. “It was confusing for them and nobody wanted to be the last to pay the tax.”

photos: Supplied

Whether lakeside in Kelowna or on the coast of the Pacific, the next house you buy in B.C. could be significantly cheaper.

The rebate change was also made to help support workers and communities in B.C. that depend on recreation property development, says a government news release.

To that end, Robison sees the move as a benefit across the industry, including B.C.’s builders and developers. “There’s been a collective sigh of relief,” she says. “We’re getting back to SPRING 2012

business as usual.”

While Robison says she expects the change to bring renewed interest in B.C. recreation properties from all over, she adds Alberta investors will be high on that list.

Albertans currently account for about 35 per cent of the ownership at Qualicum Landing.

—Calgary Herald

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