18 minute read
Home Trends Series
Designing rooms for real life!
By Mari Suyama
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Contributing Writer
One of the most important factors in home design and décor is finding balance in function and style. What homeowners need to know is that with proper planning and the right team to execute the vision, you can achieve the best of both worlds without compromise.
Industry professionals are seeing the shift to open concept layouts that allow for flexible and integrated living spaces. And those spaces are being upgraded in all ways, from electrical, to lighting, to choice of fabric.
A popular trend in home design is replacing formal living rooms with flexible spaces that can be used as needs change. As Michelle Reid, Director of Marketing and Design at Rooftight Construction explains, as homes get smaller, well-organized spaces become essential and open floor plans offer that much needed flexibility.
Once the initial layout is decided, there are a number of unique products that can further increase the efficiency of the space and boost the overall aesthetic. Such as how to deal with lighting and electrical needs for the room.
“Electrical items can be sexy!” says Reid.
She explains that three popular items in particular not only make homeowners’ lives easier, but also allow the home’s details to be focal points. One, the under cabinet plug bar, hides convenient outlets under the decorative light rail moulding at the front of the cabinet. For electrical needs throughout the house, floor plugs are another fantastic option – allowing furniture to float around the room in a number of configurations, while eliminating cords running across the floor and causing safety hazards. Another unique item, the latest in electrical outlets, is the dedicated USB port built into a wall receptacle – perfect for the technologydependant families of today.
Function and style continue from the walls to the windows. Louise Jessop, Style Consultant from Made In The Shade Blinds & More gives her top three trends in window coverings – the most popular being cellular shades, followed by solar shades and the revamped roller shades.
The cellular shades provide the ultimate in insulation and offer a refined look for any room. The solar shades also offer a modern and sleek look at a reasonable price point and cut UV and glare while still permitting the homeowner to view through the shade. Last, but certainly not least, the roller shade has been redesigned in a variety of exciting materials using the newest in mechanisms. All window covering options are taking into account the efficiency needs and functional needs of the homeowner and wowing them with the style choices as never before.
The design and construction industry has always been working to bridge the gap between what is functional style and what is luxury. But with homeowner standards as high as they are today, luxury at approachable rates is finding its way into homes in a variety of ways – accent pillows, wallpaper, upholstery, and fixtures.
Pam Tower, Registered Interior Designer with Tower Interiors, is seeing florals, Navajo, flamestitch, ikat and chevron fabrics make a wave in today’s homes. The same boldness in design is popping up throughout the house in rough, reclaimed taupeygrey toned wood products with heavy grains, hand-scraped surfaces for rough flooring, tufting on everything from sofas, chairs to headboards, and metallic sparkle in wallpaper, fabric, tiles and countertop.
Above all else, flexibility and the move to bold are changing the way designers are pulling together homeowners’ visions. There are always stylish options that raise the lifestyle standard and overall conformability of the home, it’s being aware of the ever-changing options that will keep the industry evolving and homes improving.
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The bright idea behind LED bulbs
By Mari Suyama
Contributing Writer
The off coloured LED spiral light bulbs we used to know are long gone. The energy saving solution that used to cost a fortune but saved a fortune is now competitively priced and redesigned to save even more money and energy than ever before.
“LED has really come a long way,” says Chris MacQuarrie, Certified Lighting Consultant at Atlantic Lighting Studio. “Five years ago the quality wasn’t there and the colour temperature was inconsistent. Now, there is very good light output for a small wattage and beautiful fixture designs for LED.”
The quality, consistency and aesthetics have significantly improved. And with Nova Scotia now offering generous rebates for LED lighting, the price to switch has never been so affordable. Not to mention the savings on your power bill.
For example, in a 3,200 square foot home, with incandescent light bulbs, the usage would be estimated at 3,000 watts. The same home using LED light bulbs would draw only 400 watts
For saving money down the road, LED is the obvious choice. When it comes to choosing the fixture, the variety is overwhelmingly large.
Some statement making fixtures that are stepping into the limelight this year are chandeliers with elegant wood arms and the colour turquoise being used in fixtures like the new Nuvo Lighting Raindrop Collection.
MacQuarrie is also seeing stained glass being reintroduced to the market but with a more contemporary feel. Home lighting is no longer just about the lighting fixture, a new style all together is focusing the attention on the light bulb. The retro look that calls for the exposed-filament bulb is showcasing the bulb for its different shape, clarity of the glass and the glow it gives off.
“For years we were trying to hide the light bulb,” says MacQuarrie. “Now it’s become the focus of some fixtures and it’s a hot look. Just the shape of the glass give it a whole new effect and when paired with a bronze metal fixture, you stick with the historic look or when paired with a chrome fixture you get contemporary.”
From historic retro to chrome contemporary, style is and always will be the top priority for the majority of homeowners when choosing lighting for the home. And the new generation of LED light bulbs is keeping up with the trends in fixture design while offering consumers a price point that is making the popularity of incandescent light bulbs quickly fade.
So whether it’s style or functionality you’re after, take advantage of an energy efficient LED option and start saving watts and dollars.
What’s cooking in kitchen design
By Mari Suyama
Contributing Writer
The kitchen has always been an incubator for inspiration, creation and experimentation. When it comes to kitchen design, that desire to be creative no longer stops at the evening meal – especially in 2013 when the tools to build just about anything lie at our fingertips.
Whether dealing with a new construction or a renovation, 2013 is proving that before all the bells and whistles are added on, the most important element of the kitchen is the layout.
“Having a space to entertain guests is important,” says Nina Boulanger, Kitchen Designer and Interior Decorator at Cabinetworks Ltd. in Dartmouth. “New builds are designing big open kitchen spaces and renovation projects are taking down walls and putting in big islands.”
Boulanger explains that big islands are practical and work to achieve an open and airy look. If the kitchen allows space for an island, it can be used to separate the kitchen from the living areas or family room while maintaining flow and unity.
Open concept kitchens are the clean canvas to the homeowner’s kitchen vision. The myriad of décor and functionality options is where creativity comes into play.
“We are making spaces more interesting by highlighting design elements,” explains Boulanger. “If you have dark hardwood floors, we might paint the cabinetry in a light colour and add a dark solid surface countertop. We layer materials and play with the contrast.”
Contrast is nothing to be afraid of, and industry professionals are encouraging homeowners to experiment and step outside of what was traditionally considered kitchen design. Matching colours, textures and stains exactly is no longer as important as pairing combinations well.
For homeowners who are looking for a combination of traditional and contemporary, Boulanger explains that transitional design can be an easy segue between the two.
“Transitional has a soft contemporary feel and is less formal than traditional. Sleek but still warm and modern. And it’s in demand.”
Some popular items that follow transitional design are single bowl deep basin sinks and tall gooseneck faucets, solid surface countertops such as the maintenance-free quartz and also products such as Lumicor decorative resin inserts – a translucent resin panel that can be trimmed to fit any cabinet, door or window, instantly adding elegance, flare and creativity to any space The idea of adding accents, playing with contrast, layering materials and letting the creative eye wander are what Kitchen Designers and Decorators are excited to see more of this year and in the years to come.
“Above all else in the design process, quality is what matters most ,” says Boulanger. “Working with a professional who is compatible and well versed in the process is key to executing any kitchen vision – traditional, transitional or contemporary.”
Quality has always been a trend in any home design. Now, coupled with the push to go creative with the help of the neverending variety of kitchen products available, homeowners can now spice up their kitchens in more ways than one.
Bathrooms: pure and simple
By Mari Suyama
Contributing Writer
Bathroom design today is all about simple design, easy maintenance and practicality. Although Atlantic Canadians pride themselves on enjoying a slower paced lifestyle, bathroom trends are leaning more towards contemporary design that accommodate in and out showers, quick daily routines and low upkeep.
“Traditionally, bathrooms featured a tub and shower or corner whirlpool that encouraged people to relax and soak,” says Desmond Wright, Owner of J. Wright Sales Ltd. “Now we are seeing showers with customized shower doors in many diff erent shapes and sizes for ease of entry.”
Fleurco, a new brand to Atlantic Canada and to the Real Home Show has industry leaders like J. Wright Sales and Better Baths talking. Beautifully stylized shower doors are making a statement in the bathroom – for the clarity of the glass, the simplicity of the designs and the clean lines Fleurco off ers.
“Chrome is defi nitely coming back,” says Tamara Stein, Showroom Consultant at Better Baths. “People want clean. And chrome is shiny, polished and defi nitely off ers that clean look.”
Stein is seeing a move away from brushed nickel and away from colour in the bathroom. White walls are making a comeback, especially when paired with the contemporary look of chrome faucets and fi xtures. Clean lines, clear glass and simple
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PO Box 2147, Fall River, NS, B2T 1K6 tiled walls are making design easy on the eyes and easy to maintain. The contemporary ideal of low maintenance and superior design are being realized in bathroom makeovers – but traditional hasn’t completely left the hearts of Maritimers.
“It’s important to have middle ground options,” says Wright. “Transitional products off er lasting style and meet traditional and contemporary tastes.”
Wright mentions German engineered Hansgrohe for faucets and showerheads, off ering everything from traditional to transitional to contemporary, all with a European fl are and design. Stein also adds Riobel to the list of brands that off ers a variety of product to satisfy the changing trends in bathrooms.
Products are getting more stylized and functionality is on the rise. The Delta Touch2O faucet is a clear example of how simple is where bathrooms are heading and even the traditional minded will be tempted by the convenience of this touch or motion-automated faucet.
“It’s perfect if you have children who leave the water running or get distracted brushing their teeth,” says Wright. “Turn the water on or off within three inches of the faucet and eliminate wasted water.”
Pure and simple.
Finding a balance between style, function and manageability are top of mind for bathroom designers and homeowners alike. With advanced products like those from Delta, Riobel and Hansgrohe, building the perfect bathroom is within reach. Remember that a bathroom’s ultimate purpose is cleanliness, and that should refl ect in the simplicity of the space itself.
What floor are you on?
By Mari Suyama
Contributing Writer
When it comes to picking the right flooring for your home there is certainly no shortage of options. Cork, luxury vinyl tile, ceramic, engineered hardwood, and the list goes on.
Finding the right option for the right space is all about understanding how products stack up and know one knows that better than Nova Scotia’s flooring pros.
“Cork is still a hugely popular product,“ says Jay Clarke, store manager at Wacky’s Flooring. “The real benefits are definitely the warmth, comfort and durability.”
Peter Macdonald from Vintage Hardwood Flooring agrees, “the quality of cork has come a long way over the years and people really like the ease of installation as well as the new variations and colours available today.”
The big up and coming flooring trend this year is luxury vinyl tile. Depending on the desired look, it can mimic the appearance of a ceramic tile, hardwood and even stone.
“It gives off an extremely realistic look and can be put together easily,“ says Clarke. “Perfect for a DIY project. It also comes in a huge variety of styles and does not have the hardness or coolness when compared to ceramic for example.”
With all that in mind, sometimes nothing beats the feeling of real wood or a solid ceramic. But there is no lack of innovation here either. Homeowners can expect to see new options in engineered hardwood – a real wood option that provides larger, more stylish boards.
“Right now a lot of people like the four to five inch wide boards,” says Clarke. “It’s also designed to combat cupping and splitting so it works well in our dry climate. Perfect for in-floor heat.”
There are also some great options and trends for ceramic tiles this year. Many include designs with larger than usual tiles.
Floors Plus carries a wide variety of ceramic, porcelain and other stone tiles. There is even a new line from Spain that offers some beautiful designs.
“It’s a tremendous product,” says Buddy Lewis, Branch Manager for Floors Plus in Burnside. “The quality is incredible and they come in a wide range of colours and finishes.”
And finally for carpet, things are looking short this year – really short.
“A lot of people enjoy the frieze style carpets” says Clarke. “ The style works great for bedrooms and the carpets are very comfortable and easy to clean.”
So it’s clear that there is a lot of choice when it comes to flooring and no shortage of innovation. Homeowners looking to attend the Real Home Show this year will surely find benefit in a quick chat with a flooring expert and an up-close look at all the options.
When it comes to home buying, we can open doors for you.
Heather Clark
Mobile Mortgage Specialist (902) 476-4620 heather.clark@rbc.com
Deborah Marshall
Mobile Mortgage Specialist (902) 430-5140 deborah.marshall@rbc.com
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Coming up in Home Automation
By Mari Suyama
Contributing Writer
We live in a world where the newspaper is read on a tablet, our emails are answered on a smartphone, and now our lights can be turned off via handheld devices. Our lives are becoming more dependant on technology and the wireless solutions are off ering much more than just convenience – they are off ering us a new lifestyle.
Companies such as uberHome Technology Integration customize their electronic systems for each home. The uberHome team of home technology professionals connects home theatres, lighting, heating and cooling systems, security systems and more on a central control system which can be accessed from anywhere at anytime.
With the cultural shift to go wireless and be connected 24/7, home automation is gaining popularity among major service providers across Canada. Locally, Bell Aliant will be launching their version of intelligent home automation within the year.
The Bell Aliant service is branded as NextGen Home Security and is a fully digital Internet-based home security and automation system. NextGen will allow the homeowner to monitor and control the home’s lights, appliances, security system, heating and cooling and sound system via smartphone, PC or tablet.
“Bell Aliant will start off ering more than TV, Internet and phone,” says Paul Gaetz,
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Gaetz explains that if a break in occurs, a 15 second video clip of the intruder will be sent directly to the family. Instant notifi cation and wireless technology will be the diff erence between the old systems and the new generation of home monitoring and home automation.
With the coming launch of NextGen, home automation will be made available to a wider audience and at a competitive rate. The peace of mind and fl exibility that wireless home automation and security systems off er is revolutionizing the way families live. The ability to check on a pet or arm the alarm system at any point in the day makes life easier in a way we didn’t think possible.
However, automation such as this relies on more than your basic home wiring. In order to accommodate this level of technology, it is crucial that a home be designed with the appropriate system inside the walls.
TechReady, a joint partnership between Bell Aliant and the Nova Scotia Home Builders’ Association, ensures that home building, renovating and installation professionals are trained and certifi ed to provide this level of service.
The main element of TechReady certifi - cation is structured cabling, providing maximum fl exibility for the homeowner to move voice, data and video services throughout their home.
Solutions for moving and storage
By Mari Suyama
Contributing Writer
Building a new home or renovating an existing home should be an exciting time for the family. But so often does that momentous occasion become tainted with the burden of packing, moving and reorganizing. The stress can be overwhelming and take away from the important decisions that need to be made in the building process.
Enter the on-site maintenance, moving and storage alternative. Rob O’Brien, Owner of PODS Halifax, explains that response to this unique transportable storage container option has been fantastic and homeowners’ moving and renovation experiences have been changed for the better.
Homeowners can rent the containers in three sizes; 7’ typically stores one room, 12’ stores two to three rooms and the 16’ stores three to four rooms. Made of steel and aluminum, the durable container can be left outside in the driveway or parking lot while construction is taking place. The roof is a translucent polymer that allows sunlight in, giving the homeowner natural light to move boxes, read labels and locate items.
“It’s all about convenience,” says O’Brien. “PODS containers can be rented short-term or long-term and they sit flat on site so they can be packed and delivered to any location flat without disturbing the contents.”
This is possible with a patented hydraulic lift system to transport the containers level – a feature that protects the contents and allow the homeowner to pack breakables.
Having the extra space to store furniture during a renovation can make a world of difference. With 24 hour access to the container on site helps ease the inconvenience of living on a job site. They can also be used to supplement space when selling or staging a home.
“Onsite storage can help relieve your home of clutter during the selling of a house,” says O’Brien. “allowing the potential buyers to better visualize the usable space.”
“Customers love it,” says O’Brien. “It’s changing the way we move.”
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2013 March 1 , 2 & 3 Halifax Forum Complex
