Fine Homes Saskatoon Spring 2015 by Fine Lifestyles

FineHomes SPRING 2015 | VOLUME 6 ISSUE 1

SCOTT MCGILLIVRAY: RENO 101 KEN BEATTIE’S ADVICE ON STARTING PLANTS AT HOME

SASKATOON

DIRECTBUY OF SASKATOON

GET MORE OF WHAT YOU WANT

Let Us Put

Your Line in the SKY

GENERAL CONTRACTING NEW CONSTRUCTION RENOVATIONS

The most important part of your home re-modelling and renovation is YOU. Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be disappointed, call TODAY to book your project for 2015.

ADDITIONS & BASEMENT DEVELOPMENT www.skylinecontractingcanada.ca | 306.222.5587 |

| Saskatoon & Area

FineHomes first word SASKATOON

With Fine Homes editor Erin LEGG

inter, begone! I can hardly contain the enthusiasm I have when daydreaming of walking across spring’s royal green carpet of new lawn. This is my favourite time of year, everything new and fresh!

finelifestyles.ca Spring 2015 Volume 6 Issue 1 Editor Erin Legg erinl@finelifestyles.ca Art Direction Lisa Redden Design Candace Haiko, Ghislaine Moffit

Speaking of new and fresh, there’s never a better time than spring to work on your home. However, piecing together the perfect home can be overwhelming. Whether you’re undertaking a renovation or counting down the days until you move into your newly constructed home, dressing the new space to suit your style is a large — and costly — endeavour. Members of Saskatoon’s DirectBuy have the advantage of not only sourcing the perfect furniture, décor and appliances for every room of the house, but saving thousands of dollars in the process. This month’s cover story features DirectBuy of Saskatoon and gives readers a glimpse into the exclusive opportunities its members experience.

Staff Writers Courtney Tait, Henny Buffinga, Melanie Furlong, Tobie Hainstock, Tori Stafford, Tonya Lambert, Trina Annand

Our newest contributor, HGTV’s Income Property host Scott McGillivray, shares his top tips on surviving a renovation project with your sanity intact and your budget under control. For all the gardeners out there itching to get started on this year’s plants, horticulturalist Ken Beattie shares his secrets for success for starting plants at home. And for anyone attending HomeStyles 2015, we highlight a few of our preferred vendors we think you should visit while you’re at the show.

Distribution & Subscriptions kellym@finelifestyles.ca

Cover Photography Lisa Landrie Photography Lisa Landrie, Heather Fritz, Richard Sibbald, Ziqi Zhang Photography Contributing Writers Karin Melberg Schwier, Katrina Geneevasen, Ken Beattie, Scott McGillivray

finemags

@finemags

Enjoy the spring!

Erin

SALES MANAGER

ADVERTISING CONSULTANT

Fine Homes Saskatoon is published by the Group of Fine Magazines Ltd. Fine Magazines is independently owned. Opinions expressed by Fine Magazines are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or advertisers. Fine Magazines doe snot assume liability for content.

Crystal Reich 306.222.7102 crystal@finelifestyles.ca

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JasonBooker 306.290.8487 jason@finelifestyles.ca

All rights reserved ©Fine Magazines Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. For reproduction requests please call 306.540.3320. Canada Post Publication Agreement #41818060. Return undeliverables to 3440 Balsam Grove, Regina, SK, S4V 1H1.

RESULTS GUARANTEED If you don’t have an acceptable offer on your home in 60 days

I will pay you $3000* When your needs are beyond the standard...When you demand more than the status quo... You need the expertise to guide you through your real estate endeavor.

With my Buyer’s in Waiting system your house may be “SOLD” before it even goes on MLS For details call Mike 306.668.1800

*some conditions apply

CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS HOMES & PROPERTIES ...................... 8 BED & BATH ....................................... 40 DREAM KITCHENS .............................43 INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN ...............50

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS ...................................68 OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPES ..................................... 77 REALTOR DIRECTORY.......................81

FEATURES HomeStyles 2015 ...................................... 18 COVER: Get More of What You Want With DirectBuy of Saskatoon .............47 Scott McGillivray: Reno 101 ..................68 Ken Beattie: Starting Plants at Home........................ 78

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TIDY TIME SAVER

Professional House Cleaning Service Opening in Saskatoon April 2015 Reginaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best and fastest growing cleaning company has expanded to meet the needs of busy home owners in Saskatoon. Tidy Time Saver has been providing expert residential house cleaning in Regina and surrounding areas for over 15 years. Over that time, we have developed the reputation for quality, honesty and reliability. We are excited to become part of the community in Saskatoon bringing with us the same exceptional service we offer our clients in Regina. Advanced bookings available.

Book now to save 10 per cent off your first cleaning.

We offer weekly, biweekly, monthly, one time, renovation and new construction cleanings.

Sharla Shaw, owner

TIDY TIME SAVER 306-664-0072

www.tidytimesaver.com

HOMES & PROPERTIES

Wearable Technology THE FUTURE OF SMART HOMES By Tonya Lambert

he future lies with the Internet of Things: a sophisticated, intricate network where the many systems and devices within our homes communicate with each other to fulfill our needs and wishes. This is the future of smart homes. Did you have a bad sleep? Not to worry, your sleep monitor will signal the coffee maker to adjust the strength of your coffee. Feeling stressed? Don’t worry, help is on its way; your mood ring will automatically adjust the sound system and thermostat to create a relaxing atmosphere. Today’s smart homes are laying the foundation for this intuitive future. Some systems and an increasing number of devices can now be activated and controlled through the use of apps on smartphones and tablets. However, as Tom Emrich, founder of We Are Wearables, explains, “The Internet of Things is about making dumb things smart. Things now aren’t really smart; they’re just awake. They haven’t reached their full potential yet.”

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HOMES & PROPERTIES

across your palm to read your commands. Fin is scheduled for release in mid-2015. The Apple Watch, scheduled to appear in the spring, is expected to include apps which will allow the wearer to interact with their home, enabling them to do such things as turn off the lights after they have left their house, much as with smartphones and tablets. OveRcOming the Obstacles Several challenges will need to be overcome as the Internet of Things develops, including the issue of power for wearable technology. To work, wearables must be on, using a lot of energy; companies are researching ways to make them more energy-efficient. As more devices become smart, another obstacle is how to integrate the various technologies for effective communication. At the moment, several integration platforms are in various stages of development. One day, everything in our homes will be interconnected. With wearable technology, an interactive, smart life is closer to reality.

Wearable technology is expected to completely supersede smartphones and tablets for controlling such things as lighting, heating, sound systems and security in smart homes within five years. Canadian-based company, Thalmic Labs, is currently fine-tuning its gesture-control smart armband, Myo. Using biosensors to detect movements of the wrist and fingers, Myo enables its wearer to control digital devices within the home, such as computers, smartphones, iPods, video game systems and home theatres. Myo will be available to order from Amazon in March. One Ring tO Rule The Japanese company, Logbar, has developed a smart ring, which will literally allow you to wrap your home around your finger. Simply press a button on the side of this unisex ring, move your fingers to turn on the lights, turn off the television, play music, take photos and track your location. The Ring was unveiled to the public at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in early January. Fin Robotics is working on another wearable ring that will allow you to control household devices and play video games through simple hand movements. With Fin, the palm of your hand becomes your keyboard as the ring tracks the movement of your thumb

HOMES & PROPERTIES

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Plan for More Than Just a Mortgage

Hilary Maughan Mobile Mortgage Specialist Affinity Credit Union Saskatoon and Area 306.260.3931 Hilary.maughan@affinitycu.ca

inancial needs for homeowners change over time so it’s a good idea to find a mortgage specialist who you trust and can relate to and who will care about how you’re doing along the entire mortgage process and beyond. In the years to come, you’ll likely want advice, loans and investment options through the life of your mortgage and through your family’s life too. Consider this: you’ve worked hard over a number of years to save for a down payment on your first home and now you’re ready to take the next step. But, with your job, family and other responsibilities, life is busy and finding time to visit your local financial institution is not as easy as it sounds. That’s where a mobile mortgage specialist can help. They’re available to meet you when and where it works best for you whether that’s your home, office or favourite coffee shop. A mortgage specialist will help you with the first and very important step of the mortgage process: getting a pre-approval started. They’ll assess your situation and take a look at your financial picture to determine the mortgage amount you can qualify for. This process will provide you with a price-range you can work within when shopping around for a property.

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HOMES & PROPERTIES

Once you’re ready to purchase a home, your mortgage specialist will then go through all your mortgage options and find a solution that will suit your pocketbook and lifestyle. You can choose from a number of mortgage types including a fixed option, where the mortgage rate and repayment you make each month remains constant; an open option, which offers flexible repayment terms; or a variable option, which has a fluctuating repayment rate. You may also be eligible to take out a home equity line of credit which gives you access to funds when the need arises. There are a variety of mortgage options to choose from so it pays to speak to a mortgage specialist and accompanying team of professionals who’ll find the best product for you, ideally, a specialist who can support you over the long term and who understands your needs. When you’re ready to make the leap into the next exciting stage of your life, find an expert who’ll be with you after the ink is dry on the mortgage, someone with whom you can build a relationship and who’ll be there later on to help when you want to build a garage, landscape your yard or complete anything else on your wish list. For more information, feel free to contact me at 306.260.3931. I’ll be happy to go through all of your options at a place and time that’s convenient for you!

Selling Saskatoon & Area’s Finest Homes for 18 Years ALWAYS CALL GERRY FIRST FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

SASKATOON

GERRY LAGIMODIERE 306.222.2229

SaskatoonDreamHome.com Gerry Lagimodiere Realty PC Inc.

Will Your Foundation Stand the Test of Time?

FOUNDATIONS

Dean Geransky owner Precision Foundations Warman 306.249.5665 precisionfoundations@sasktel.net www.precisionfoundations.ca

hen homeowners consider home maintenance they often think of their yard, roof and rooms that could use some sprucing up. There are a number of areas that don’t make this list, but with proper maintenance could prevent damage in the future. Foundations are a good example. With spring fast approaching, the annual dance of freezing and thawing will begin — an event that can have serious repercussions for a home. A foundation is one of the first lines of defence for your home and needs to be properly maintained to ensure its longevity and avoid unnecessary problems.

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Though foundations are designed to keep water out, it can be the structure’s greatest enemy. Long-term exposure to standing water can damage the porous surface, causing cracks and leaks. Minimize standing water by shovelling snow away from the foundation in the spring, thus channelling water away from your home. Water will always take the path of least resistance. Homeowners are often surprised by leaks not resulting from a crack, but poor drainage. In the winter months, weeping tiles freeze and are often not thawed until well into the spring. When overwhelmed with water from thawing snow, the tiles can send water into the basement causing costly repairs. One of the simplest ways to ensure a basement stays dry is proper grading and drainage. With newly built homes there is often a substantial amount of ground settling. This is especially true for those homes completed in the colder months, when fill can contain frozen chunks, which thaw as the temperature rises. Once the weather warms, these dips and divots will need to be restored to a positive grade, away from the foundation using clay and topsoil. Precision Foundations can supply the necessary materials and equipment to properly grade your yard. While the ground is still frozen, it’s important to pump any standing water away from your

HOMES & PROPERTIES

home. Regardless of a home’s age, a proper grade can still settle or be washed away, so it is important to monitor the foundation on a regular basis.

EAVES AND DOWNSPOUTS Homes usually have a standard downspout, which moves water four feet away from a home. This is often not far enough, as water saturates the ground and drains back toward your home. By simply extending downspouts to six or eight feet in length, homeowners can avoid a lot of water damage issues for their foundations. It’s also important to ensure that downspouts and gutters are free of obstruction. A plug can negate any drainage plan. This clear drainage is especially important in the early spring when ice dams can form in gutters. When overflowing gutters send water down the fascia, it’s only a few feet away from the foundation — a recipe for basement leaks. When maintaining or repairing a foundation it’s important to work with professionals who understand the challenges faced by the structure. Precision Foundations is a professional team you can rely on. Extreme weather is part of living in Canada and your foundation should be able to stand up to the task. By following some simple steps you can ensure a safe and happy home for years to come.

NEED IT MOVED? Moving and Delivery: New School Style with Old School Service By Tonya Lambert

Moving can be exciting, until the time comes to actually do it. Then, for many, it becomes a daunting, stressful experience. Michelle and Fritz of Need It Moved? in Saskatoon are realistic people who recognize that moving is an emotionally laden time for people. They see their job as making the experience as pleasant as possible, and they do this through humour, empathy and, of course, reliable and efficient service. 14

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LEFT Fritz RIGHT Michelle Photos by Ziqi Zhang Photography

eed It Moved? opened for business five years ago. Both Michelle and Fritz were working in other professions —as a heavy-duty mechanic and power engineer respectively. Neither enjoyed their work so they decided to follow Steve Jobs’ advice and do work they loved. For Michelle and Fritz, this meant starting their own moving business. “I’m an active person,” explains Fritz. “I like to be doing things. Whether it is taking our children, Aidan and Thomas, and others snowboarding at Wapiti Valley as part of the non-profit organization I run, or moving people’s furniture and office equipment, I treat every day as a new adventure.” Every move is as unique as the people and items involved. “Moving is both an adventure and a challenge,” says Fritz, “and I like that. Michelle and I both love helping people move and making the process a fun one.” At Need It Moved?, they pride themselves on having a high level of professionalism. They believe in being friendly, courteous and respectful, and value honesty and communication, treating their employees like family, too. Fully licensed and insured, they will pack and transport everything safely and securely, reassembling the furniture and putting it all in place when it arrives at the new location. “I have used Need It Moved? as my movers for more than five years,” explains Dawn Foord. “I previously owned and operated a furniture store called Sew & Home. I used Need It Moved? exclusively to handle the customers’ high-end furniture orders. Fritz and Michelle would move the furniture into the customers’ home and offer set-up and carry out repairs if any were required. I continue to use Fritz and Michelle’s services for staging homes in my real estate business. I have also hired them to handle my personal household move. Need It Moved? is the most capable, trustworthy, reliable and willing moving company I have worked with.”

Need It Moved? has a unique look that echoes the joy and fun which Michelle and Fritz bring to moving. “Two local artists painted our moving trucks to look like graffiti,” explains Fritz. “Our trucks are memorable, just like us. At first, some people think I look intimidating with my tattoos and big, crazy hair. But when they get to know me and realize I grow my hair long so I can get it cut and donate it to make wigs for cancer patients, they see me in a completely different light.”

HOMES & PROPERTIES

Have you bought a beautiful new house? Have you discovered a better location for your business? Call the moving company that cares. Contact Need It Moved? today! Need It Moved? Moving and Delivery 306.261.6980 (Michelle) 306.261.6188 (Fritz) needitmoved@hotmail.com www.needitmoved.ca needitmoved

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Fast and Efficient Renovations

Robert Mellau owner ALRO 502C – 47th Street East Saskatoon 306.382.0818 al-ro@shaw.ca www.al-ro.ca

PART I

If you are getting renovations done because the original job was not done correctly, it is only natural to be upset and skeptical that the renovations will turn out any better. Unfortunately, this is an experience which is becoming increasingly common in Saskatoon as many home owners are left to deal with the messes left by the numerous fly-bynight companies that flocked to the city to take advantage of the recent housing boom, just to disappear without a trace, unavailable to fix the problems left in their wake.

enovations. For many people, it’s a word that gives rise to a conflicting group of feelings. There is excitement, anticipation and joy at the thought of the finished product. There may be relief that a problem is about to be resolved. Mixed with all these positive emotions are feelings of anxiety, worry and possibly even dread or frustration.

As a result, Al-Ro has been called in to do renovations to fix these problems more and more often over the past few years. During this time, we have worked to develop a system that will allow renovations to proceed more efficiently, so much so that we can now do the same renovation work in a fraction of the time compared with the several months that it takes others companies to complete it.

R 16

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Most contractors, when called to do a new build or renovations, have to rely on subcontractors who are hired to do various stages of the job. These same subcontractors are also being hired to do work for other contractors at the same time and, thus, every job has to wait its turn. In the meantime, precious time is lost, your home is left exposed to the elements for days or weeks on end — leading to further damage and the need for more costly repairs — and your home and life are left in a state of continual chaos and stress. Al-Ro has eliminated these lengthy wait times by employing various tradespeople to work directly for our company. We have an in-house soffit and fascia specialist, framer, finishing carpenter, painter, mason, plumber and electrician in addition to our specially trained stucco applicators.

is chemical-resistant to further protect the floor’s structure. Coated concrete is popular as its many benefits are becoming apparent to more people. A durable product, concrete becomes even long-lasting when coated with an epoxy resin. Its smooth surfaces require very little maintenance. In addition, a professionally applied coating greatly enhances the appearance of any concrete surface, adding aestheticallyappealing to its list of benefits. Al-Ro has different products from which to choose to give your concrete the look and feel you desire. Various pigments can be added to the coating to create almost any colour imaginable. Other decorative options, such as the inclusion of aggregates to the mix, allow for the fashioning of a multitude of patterns from a fun, whimsical design for the poolside or school hallway to a more subdued, professional pattern for the office.

Having our very own team of specialists has enabled Al-Ro to reformulate the renovation process so that your home is not left exposed to wind, rain and sun. This will also provide a great decrease in the renovation costs. Traditionally, when stucco is repaired or replaced, all the layers are removed. Then, they are replaced one at a time. So the stucco applicators may be ready to do their job but they can’t until the framer, electrician, plumber, painter or mason has done his job. This is when the delays and exposure to the elements occurs. At Al-Ro, we do things differently. Each day, we only remove as big an area of existing cladding as we are able to recover on that same day. No part of your home’s interior is ever left to the mercy of the elements overnight. At the end of every day, your home is left looking better than it did in the morning with the work area clean and tidy. It is a method that virtually removes the feelings of

anxiety and stress often associated with renovation work, leaving only the excitement and anticipation. PART II At the same time as Al-Ro was streamlining the stucco renovation procedure, we were also perfecting the application of epoxy coatings to a seemingly endless array of concrete structures. You no longer need to go to two different companies to get your stucco and concrete finishes done; AlRo can do it all for you. From stucco exteriors to coatings for your patio, deck, stairs, pool and shower, Al-Ro has got you covered! Epoxy concrete coatings are great and work well in residential, commercial and industrial settings. A properly-applied coating will add years of life to your concrete, protecting it from the wear and tear of traffic. In the case of garages and parkades, Al-Ro will apply a coating that

HOMES & PROPERTIES

No matter what type of work you are getting done to your home or office, whether it is renovations or a new build, you should always research your options. Check out several companies. How long have they been in business? What sort of training and experience do they have? Talk to the owners. Ask for references and then call and speak with them. Compare more than just prices; gauge other people’s experiences. It is generally a better idea to pay a little more money to save yourself a great deal of time, hassles and heartache. Al-Ro is always happy to supply potential clients with a long list of references. We also take the time to explain our procedures and answer all your questions. You want your home to be your haven. If you hire a fly-by-night company, you are more likely to find your home looking and feeling like a storm. Hire experienced local professionals like Al-Ro to do all your building and renovating and give your family a place where they can build happy memories today.

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HOMES & PROPERTIES

HomeStyles 2015: Exhibitors to Watch For

ne of the most anticipated events in Saskatoon during the spring is HomeStyles, an event that promotes

professional companies within the building, renovation and technology industries. From March 19 to March 22, guests will converge on Prairieland Park to interact with local and national vendors providing top quality service and products. In addition to the innovative home products and ideas presented throughout the weekend, HomeStyles attracts wellknown speakers to not only entertain the crowd, but share their valuable industry knowledge. This year, guests can hear Damon Bennett, construction company owner, and Kate Campbell, owner of a general contracting company. Bennett has appeared alongside Mike Holmes on HGTV’s Holmes Makes It Right and Holmes’ Inspection, demonstrating his vast knowledge and skills in quality home repair and renovation. Campbell is also a HGTV star, appearing in several hit shows: Holmes on Homes, Handyman Superstar Challenge, Decked Out and Deck

Wars, to name a few. As a regular crew member for Decked Out, Campbell clearly

The following is a lisT of businesses feaTured in This issue of Fine Homes saskatoon ThaT Photo19 courtesy will be aT homesTyles 2015 (march To 22).Sentiments Design DirectBuy (home furnishings and electronics) BP Banister (staircases and railings) Saskatoon Doors & More (doors, windows and hardware)

demonstrates her skills with carpentry

3 ’n 1 Construction (general contracting)

and project management.

Suncoast Screen Enclosures (deck, pool and patio screens)

Attendees can visit the Marketplace,

International Furniture Wholesalers (furniture and home accessories)

where food, beverage and crafts are available (many from local vendors).

Bridlewood Home Products (fireplaces and heating)

Throughout the weekend several product

Vision Landscape & Design (landscape and yard design)

demonstrations will take place (including

Metric Design Centre (interior design and decorating)

tastings!).

Phantom Screens (retractable screens and doors) Flo-Essence (plumbing and hearth) FineHomes

SASKATOON

The

possibilities

GLASSWARE

are endless.

CABINETRY

So are the

savings.

SMALL APPLIANCES ACCENT FURNISHINGS

COOKWARE COUNTERTOPS

CABINET HARDWARE

LARGE APPLIANCES

TILE

HOME FURNISHINGS • HOME IMPROVEMENT • ENTERTAINMENT & OUTDOOR • FLOORING • ACCESSORIES

LIGHTING BEDROOM

WINDOWS

OUTDOOR

DINING ROOM

BATHROOM

Want more? Join the club. With more than 500 top brands, DirectBuy offers a selection to fuel your dreams. Schedule a showroom tour today to discover the endless possibilities.

Visit us at

Homestyles 2015 March 19-22 Booth 633-634

call 1 877 683 3940

SASKATOON

visit directbuysaskatoon.ca

BP Banister has the expertise and innovation to re-create your living space into a dream reality. For 14 years, BP Banister has been established into the lead of design manufacturing and installation of the finest staircases and railings. Our work has been showcased in many of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest properties. We would love to meet with you personally and discuss your next dream project at our booth, Homestyles 2015!

2941 Miners Ave Saskatoon, SK | S7K4Z6 | 306 955 6338 | bpbanister.ca

WINDOWS

•

DOORS

make a STATEMENT 306.242.7550 | 2835A Cleveland Avenue, Saskatoon

HARDWARE

â&#x20AC;˘

SIDING

We sell and install windows, doors and hardware for both new construction and renovation projects. In-home quotes and consultations available. Experienced, knowledgeable staff always on site. Visit us at our bigger and better and still growing location at 2835A Cleveland Ave (North of Boston Pizza on 51st Street)

www.saskatoondoors.ca

Working with a Contractor? The Bottom Line is Trust

stop for a moment and take it in. It’s the biggest investment people make in their lifetime, and we respect that.

Ken Eade Owner 3 ‘N 1 Construction 306.229.8280 3n1construction.ca Saskatoon & Region

Home Builders’ Association Inc. SASKATCHEWAN

s the construction and roofing specialists at 3 ‘N 1 Construction, every job site we visit is someone’s treasured family home. It’s something I never let my staff forget. My advice to homeowners is to work with professionals who feel the same way and back it up with service, detailed quotes and guarantees. I remind my guys every day they are working on someone’s home. Every time I do, they

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Respect on the job site includes giving homeowners good value for their hardearned money. I encourage homeowners to ask questions about the products being used on their project and the way things are being done. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If you’re comparing quotes, you need to compare apples to apples. I have met many disappointed homeowners who fell for low pricing without understanding what was being done to their home. In one case, a family had a leaky roof fixed by a contractor who offered a very low price. However, he didn’t use the right products. The roof soon leaked again, leading to a second insurance claim by the homeowners. While the whole family was confined to living in their living room, the contractor’s wholesaler put a lien on their house because the contractor hadn’t paid his bills to them. Finally, the family had 3 ‘N 1 Construction rip out the work and do it all over again.

HOMESTYLES

Where in this process did they save? They paid for that job three times, had an additional insurance claim and the discomfort of living in their living room for six months. That would be a horrible experience for anyone. Now, those same homeowners don’t do anything to their house without speaking to me first. If I can’t do the work, they want a referral from me. The bottom line is trust. Making decisions based on price does not always end well. As a consumer, I have had to learn these lessons myself. That’s why I prefer to have an opportunity to give my customers a quote that lays out all the work that will be done and the specific products that will be used. This shows homeowners they will get the best dollar value for what they’re spending. If you get a quote that doesn’t fit your budget, postpone the project for six months or a year rather than doing it incorrectly and having to re-do it all in five years. No one wants to live in a home full of regret.

Your

fine

home

begins from the

TOP DOWN

ROOFING SOFFITS & FACIA

3 ‘N 1 Construction specializing in

EAVES WINDOWS GARAGE PACKAGES

3 ‘N 1 Construction

306.229.8280 | www.3n1construction.ca

Attention Homeowners: Imagine a durable, versatile and attractive patio cover. One that delivers shade on hot days, protects your family from harmful UV rays and keeps your deck and outdoor furniture dry during a rainstorm. Suncoast Screen Enclosures will custom build your louvered roof as an addition to your home/business or as its own free-standing patio cover. Our built-in guttering system effectively channels away rain runoff to prevent flooding and structural damage. The louvers are operated by a hand-held remote which is charged by an efficient solar panel. Open the louvers slightly to increase ventilation, or a full 180 degrees allowing maximum sunlight into your home. Suncoast Screen Enclosures offers a screened-in, outdoor area that allows you to enjoy your deck, pool, spa or patio without the sense of being enclosed in an indoor space.

BACK ROW L - R Matt Crebas, Lyle Buzash, Mike Derar, Geof Crebas FRONT ROW L - R Joanne Grant, Don & Kelly Larwood (owners) Doug Grant

BETTER

OUTDOOR

LIVING

New location! 3401 Pasqua St. Regina Come see us March 19 to 22 at Saskatoon Homestyles Booths # 224 and 225 Come see us March 27 to 29 at Gardenscape Booths # 533 and 534

306.761.1801 | Toll Free 1.877.449.5106 www.suncoastenclosures.com | don@suncoastenclosures.com

Bringing the World to Your Door

FAMILY PRIDE AT INTERNATIONAL FURNITURE WHOLESALERS â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Quality Selections For Every Space, Every Budget

he owners at IFW had a simple goal nearly 15 years ago: find a good deal on great furniture. Not the least expensive, not the most expensive, just a really good deal on great quality furniture for their home. Back then in Saskatoon, that was hard to come by, so they decided to do something about it and started their business in a small shop by the rails in Sutherland. Steeped in that commitment, IFW still provides impressive selection and quality products for every budget. The owners and their family are all involved in the business and believe the key to their success is their hands-on approach. From choosing new product to unloading the containers or skillfully

assembling dining chairs, every person who works at IFW is encouraged to be part of the entire process. International Furniture strives for a balance between modern and classic styles, while keeping a finger on the pulse of what is happening in the housing industry in the province. The trend towards smaller spaces like studios and condos and the rejuvenation of heritage homes has created a demand in Saskatchewan for smaller scale furniture. IFW answered the call for small in a big way as can been seen in their showroom. As their slogan promises, International Furniture Wholesalers is committed to bringing the world to their clientsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; door. Staff

COME SEE US AT: Saskatoon HomeStyles Home Show March 19-22 2015 Saskatoon Modern Woman Show and Exhibition April 11-12 2015 Prince Albert Cosmopolitan Home & Leisure Show & Sale April 10-12 2015

will attend the Milan Furniture Market this year as well as several North American markets to bring the best designs in home furnishings back to Saskatchewan for individual clients, decorators and wholesale clients. IFW sources products from a variety of quality suppliers and has worked closely with many of the best decorators in Saskatoon. Many decorators need their items “yesterday,” and IFW keeps them on time and on budget. More people are discovering the store and experiencing the IFW personal touch every week. International Furniture Wholesalers in-stock options include a fantastic selection of specialty sleep sets available in all sizes for all budgets. They also offer a full custom sofa program in both fabric and leather as well as options for orders in any style of bedroom

and dining room suites. IFW also provides custom coloured alternative sleep solutions such as chest beds and wall beds for home, work and cabin. IFW features the best fashion forward designs along with fantastic affordability, including their lines of interior décor accessories. Soon they will offer a signature collection of ceramics including large scale vases perfect for decorating any home. Still faithful to the International Furniture Wholesalers foundation of great selection, quality product and friendly, efficient service, the knowledgeable staff are ready to welcome you. Each one will be pleased to assist in the perfect furniture selections, whether for the first small space of your own or for your family dream home.

ABOVE L-R: (back) Frank, Taya, Rylee, Chloe, Mitch; (front) Tanya and Chet Photo Courtesy Ziqi Zhang Photography.

3402 Faithfull Avenue Saskatoon | 306.955.1031 3332 – 2nd Avenue North, Prince Albert | 306.763.0063 668 Henderson Drive, Regina | 306.779.1228 www.International Furniture Wholesalers.ca

What You Should Know About Radiant Heat Fireplaces

John Christenson Owner Bridlewood Home Products 2310 Hanselman Avenue Saskatoon 306.664.2122 www.bridlewoodhome.com

QueStion: WHAt iS RAdiAnt HeAt?

adiant heating is emitted from its source in rays, emulating natural sunlight. These rays pass through the air without heating it, and instead only solid objects, such as furniture and flooring, absorb the heat. Radiant heating can be used indoors as well as outdoors to supply confined heating. Because it heats the objects in a home instead of the air itself, the heat is confined to the living space rather than

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rising to the ceiling, providing a more comfortable temperature.

makes you feel warmer with the same air temperature.

Radiant gas fireplaces radiate heat through the glass and spread warmth into the people and objects in a room. Because the heating surface is much larger than other systems, a lower temperature can provide the same amount of heat transfer, resulting in more efficient heating, healthier humidity levels, and more satisfying warmth.

Value: Valor fireplaces have modulating gas valves and ceramic glass to provide heat to the living space so you can control the temperature and where it goes more efficiently. Radiant fireplaces are marginally more expensive than the alternatives, however when you consider the added features, performance and overall value they bring, they more than make up for the added cost.

Valor is one of the leading manufacturers of radiant gas fireplaces, and is the main fireplace brand Bridlewood carries. Valor radiant gas fireplaces are available in inserts, freestanding and zero clearance models. QueStion: WHAt ARe tHe AdvAntAgeS oF RAdiAnt gAS FiReplAceS? There are many advantages associated with radiant heating over convection heating: Energy efficient: Valor focuses on energy efficiency. Because the heat is distributed directly into your living space, radiant heat replaces the chill from windows and doors by directly heating the objects in the room. Using up to 25 per cent less energy than forced air systems, radiant heat is a more satisfying heat that

HOMESTYLES

Reliability: Valor Radiant gas fireplaces work while the power is out. While traditional gas fireplaces rely on the electric fan to distribute the heat, radiant doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t rely on electricity, which provides piece of mind during our cold Canadian winters. Less noise and allergens: Fans are not only loud, but they also blow hot air around the room, distributing allergens, dust and other particles in the air which can irritate people with allergies or asthma. Great in any space: A great option for cabins or rural homes, a radiant fireplace is an economical and efficient heating option.

Always Warm

FOREVER TIMELESS

Bridlewood Home Products Radiant heat fireplaces by Valor Garage and deck heaters Wood stoves Air exchangers

If you are considering a new fireplace this year, come visit John, Sharon or Shayne at HomeStyles 2015 and let the experts answer your questions about your upcoming project. Mention this ad and receive a free $50 gift card to use towards your next purchase at Bridlewood Home Products. Locally owned and operated by John Christenson.

2310 Hanselman Avenue, Saskatoon |

306.664.2122 | www.bridlewoodhome.com

LANDSCAPES THAT LAST By Melanie Furlong Photos Courtesy of Vision Landscape & Design

askatoon homeowner Regan Tameling watched carefully as the team from Vision Landscape & Design worked on his neighbours’ homes. The finished landscapes were impressive, but what really grabbed his attention was the extra work the company did preparing the ground for paving stones, stairs, sod and planting beds. “The time and attention they spent in completing the groundwork on those projects gave me the reassurance that the final product they would provide at my home would last, especially in our tough climate,” says Tameling. Vision Landscape & Design, owned by Tom and Jodi Levy, is a full service landscape company. Specializing in hardscape construction such as brick patios, stairs and driveways, fencing, decks, ponds, and flower gardens, the company also offers landscape design services.

The Levys began operating their awardwinning landscape construction company in Saskatoon in 2009 when, after years of experience, they decided to go out on their own. They started small, but year after year the company continues to grow. Going above and beyond typical industry standards has been a major factor in their success. “Going above the standards gives our clients a longer lasting product,” says Tom. “Leaving our clients with a yard that, years down the road, looks just as good or better than the day we finished it.”

Some examples of that include doubling minimum soil depths to ensure plants will be stronger and healthier and doubling the base for patio preparation from the four-inch minimum so the stones won’t sink or buckle later. Paying special attention to detail and taking their time to make sure its right is very important to Vision Landscape. “We pride ourselves on taking the extra time to make sure everything is done precisely and with an expert eye,” says Tom. “With that being said we also understand that landscaping is an art form. You need to stand back and tweak the work as you go. But we take the time to get everything right and we’re never rushing to the next job.” This kind of detail has led Vision Landscape to win the Saskatchewan division’s Award of Merit from the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association for 2013. They also won Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association’s 2013 award for Best Landscape Renovation, and were finalists for the 2014 awards. On March 19th, Vision Landscape & Design will be at the Homestyles Home Show at a beautiful double-booth display highlighting some of what they can do. This is an excellent opportunity for homeowners to meet the Levys and find out more about what Vision Landscape has to offer.

Tameling says he had Vision Landscape complete his entire landscaping and could not be happier. “Starting with my ideas,” he says, “Tom, Jodi and their crew used their knowledge and experience to take my expectations much further then I could have ever imagined. Working with Vision Landscape gave me the confidence that the investment in my landscaping would be well worth it, and it was. The finished product has only gotten better over the years. I now recommend Vision to everyone that asks, and with a yard as great as mine, everyone is asking.”

www.visionlandscape.ca info@visionlandscape.ca 306.373.6716

Invest in Making Your Home Your Own

Tina and Corey moved into a beautiful new show home, and although they loved it, the new house was lacking the personal element that makes it a â&#x20AC;&#x153;home.â&#x20AC;?They valued design and what a personalized space would mean for their family, but as busy professionals they didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the time or vision to complete the space on their own. See how Metric Design Centre helped make their house a home at www.metricdesign.ca/blog Metric Design Centre offers a perfect solution for a busy lifestyle and create one-of-a-kind interior spaces. The design team listens to your needs and delivers a customized and unique solution. Projects are completed using quality interior finishing products from the Metric Design Centre showroom, professional tradespeople and project management services.

Metric Design Centre provides personal, streamlined and simplified solutions for your renovation project or custom designed interior space. Investing in a well-designed space will allow you to enjoy the benefits for a lifetime and truly make your house into the home that you have dreamed of!

160 2nd Avenue North, Saskatoon 306.974.0190 | www.metricdesign.ca

Five Reasons to Install Phantom Retractable Screens in fresh air and keep out insects the convenience of a 1 Let 4 Enjoy Installing Phantom Retractable Screens on your professional installation home allows you to open up your living space without the nuisance of insects.

your screen for an unobstructed view 2 Retract Phantom Screens donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t diminish the view or aesthetics of your doorway, allowing you to preserve the look and design of your home.

more natural daylight into your 3 Let home when desired

Phantom Screens appear transparent, allowing a clear view from the inside out.

Phantom Screens installers help homeowners to

requirements of the openings they want to screen. Screens are manufactured 5 Phantom right here in Canada

Custom Screen Installations is proud to be the authorized Phantom Screen Distributor serving Saskatchewan homeowners and builders since 1995. By appointment only. Showroom located at 124-2834 Millar Ave.

306.934.8959

CUSTOM SCREEN INSTALLATIONS SASKATOON www.saskscreens.ca 306.934.8959 customscreens@sasktel.net

Welcome to Your NEW Favourite Room

Models Courtesy of Masala Model & Talent and School of Personal Development. Photo taken at show home by D&S Homes (425 Greenbryre Lane)

Trade your little black dress for a towel and enjoy a night in your new favourite room in the house. Flo-Essence offers sophisticated brands for bath and hearth, with unique fixtures and stylish accents. With tons of experience in new builds and high-end renovations, Flo-Essence can help you create the home of your dreams, and the bath of your fantasies. For most people, the bathroom isn’t their favourite room, but with Flo-Essence, it can be.

Visit Flo-Essence at HomeStyles 2015! Our industry professionals would be happy to offer ideas or answer any questions about your upcoming home project!

When “five more minutes” just isn’t enough…

Circle Drive/ Yellowhead Hwy The Home Depot

Flo-Essence Plumbing, Hearth and Decor Ltd.

SMP

Venture Cresent

122A Venture Crescent, Saskatoon 306.242.3594 | www.flo-essence.com |

BED & BATH

S o a k i n g in Lu x u ry By Katrina Geenevasen

oday’s modern, well-appointed bathrooms often boast steam showers — they’re the perfect way to dissolve stress and ease your aches and pains. A vaporous heaven, many of today’s steam showers have the added benefit of scented steam. Steam showers are also considered an environmentally-friendly option, since they require very little water. When your steam shower is complete, indulge yourself by standing beneath the cascade of a luxury showerhead.

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Do you prefer the classic wall-mounted look or the luxury of a rainfall showerhead? Those who opt for the rainfall shower may want to check out the Hansgrohe Raindance E 240 AIR 1-Jet Showerhead. Featuring more than 140 spray channels, the wide and soft stream of water perfectly mimics actual rain. Just remember: if you’re switching from a traditional showerhead to a rainfall showerhead, get an addition for the pipe that comes out of your wall — this will allow the water to fall directly on your head.

BED & BATH

If you want to go a step further, consider a waterfall showerhead. Chicago-based company Lavaka has released a waterfall showerhead that combines luxury and class with their Waterblade model. Priced around $1,200, this artistically designed faucet is a must-have for a true luxury showering experience. The most extravagant type of showerhead, however, is the multi-spray shower system — also known as a “shower tower.” With a fixed showerhead and additional wall jets, they are the ultimate in luxury, costing

anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Canada’s Hudson Reed has developed the Guise Concealed Thermostatic Shower Panel. This thermostatic shower panel incorporates three round body jets, a fixed showerhead and a shower handset. Shower lighting is equally important — after all, harsh fluorescent light makes it difficult to relax. Chromotherapy, which is the use of coloured lights in your bath or shower, creates a soothing shower experience. White light clarifies the mind, while magenta reduces anxiety. Need a more serene shower? Opt for turquoise. DREAM TUBS A fully loaded piece of art, the Royal A-512 Massage Bathtub features both air and water jet massage. Its spray nozzles are based on human acupuncture points, allowing users to benefit from hydromassage. Meanwhile, underwater chromotherapy lighting enhances the overall relaxation. For tech lovers, note the bathtub features a multifunction handheld showerhead, computerized control panel, FM radio and

external CD/stereo hookups. There’s also a waterproof LCD monitor with remote so you don’t need to miss a moment of your favourite TV show.

If you favour something a little more

If you live by the motto, “Diamonds are a girl’s best friend,” you might want to check out designer Lori Garner’s Diamond Bathtub. Showcasing nearly 50,000 sparkling Swarovski crystals, bathing will never be the same again.

of glass, acrylic and metal, this uniquely

minimalist in your sumptuous bathroom, the Le Cob Glass Bathtub, which retails for $34,000, might be more your style. Made stunning tub bends to your body for a perfectly relaxing bathing experience. A bed of pebbles below the tub adds to your luxurious bath time ritual.

BELOW The Le Cob Glass Bathtub. Made of glass, acrylic and metal, this uniquely stunning tub bends to your body for a perfectly relaxing bathing experience.

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Your Wise Choice for RV and Cabin Mattresses

Mark Stevens

owner Wiseguys Mattresses 6-805 Circle Drive Saskatoon, SK 306.652.1212 mstevens67@msn.com

f you are in the market for a new mattress, there is really no better place to shop than Wiseguys Mattresses. As the owner, I’ve made it my mission to educate the public on the importance of a comfortable mattress. No need to break the bank: Wiseguys Mattresses can accommodate everyone from the budget conscious student to the luxury loving professional. With summer quickly approaching, it’s that time of year where we start planning to get the cabin ready for weekend retreats and to clean out the RV for those much loved road and camping trips. During this process, you may come to realize that your old RV or cabin mattress needs replacing. It’s important to note that every 10 years a mattress should be replaced in order to ensure optimum comfort and proper back support while sleeping. Purchasing a mattress is an investment in your sleep. Here’s a tip: if you have a cabin or RV mattress that’s nearing the end of its

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BED & BATH

lifespan, and your current bedroom mattress needs replacing, why not move your bedroom mattress to the cabin to extend its usability? Then you can purchase a new mattress for your bedroom. This could be a better option for you rather than purchasing two new mattresses. I often hear RV owners complain about how difficult it is to find the right sized mattress to fit their cozy space. Well, here is some good news: Wiseguys Mattresses carries a large assortment of mattresses in a variety of sizes that are guaranteed to work perfectly in your RV. If you have any questions about your RV or cabin mattress longevity, or inquiries about what the best options are for your individual sleep needs, call or stop in at Wiseguys Mattresses at 6-805 Circle Drive. We carry an impressive display of mattresses in store, as well as pillows, comforters and sheets to dress up your new purchase. Let the sleep experts at Wiseguys Mattresses help!

Vento Kitchen Faucet The Vento faucet, as well as all Riobelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s faucets, has a ceramic cartridge. Designed with a polypropylene and polyester aluminium hose with integrated swivel, the magnetic pull-down spray offers 2 jet possibilities. With a 7 L/min, 1.856 gpm (US) 60 psi, the Vento faucet is also available as one of our GREEN products, ideal for LEED projects.

Now Showing at 829 46th St E Saskatoon (306) 664 - 2389

www.robinsonlightingandbath.com

DREAM KITCHENS

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DREAM KITCHENS

DREAM Kitchen Cabinetry && Backsplashes By Tori Stafford

The kitchen is a bustling hub of people and meal preparations squeezed into busy schedules — but it can still be a beautiful space to enjoy.

reating a dream kitchen often means finding the perfect marriage of function and style. Two elements speak to this kitchen design balance: cabinetry and backsplashes. IT’S WHAT’S ON THE INSIDE THAT COUNTS When it comes to cabinetry, trends are leaning towards simple designs and appearances – but only on the outside, explains Fran Underwood, a Canadian interior designer. “For the cabinets themselves, there has been a complete shift over the years towards very plain and simple designs,” says Underwood. “Even in the hardware, people prefer finger pulls or grooves to handles and knobs.” The number of kitchen cabinets is decreasing, replaced by the favourable drawers that make accessing stored items faster and simpler, she says. “People want to be able to do the things they do in the kitchen as easily as possible,” Underwood says, noting that having appliances pre-wired is also a growing trend. “So something people like to do is have these items in place where they are

accessible, but also usable. You don’t have to get the appliance out, put it on your counter and plug it in; you just open a door or drawer, and there it is, ready to use!” she says. A BACKSPLASH OF COLOUR While neutral, natural, monochromatic and shades of white, black and grey seem to remain the favoured colour themes in kitchens, Underwood says she is starting to see pops and splashes of colour making their way back into the most used room in the home. “I just did a kitchen where the cabinets were all a dark grey, sort of like a weathered wood colour, and the countertop was white granite… and I did the walls orange!” she says excitedly. “The client loved it.”

streamlined kitchen design, suggests Underwood, is to have tiles placed in a straight lay as opposed to a brick lay. “People seem to always think tile needs to be laid in a brick lay pattern, but it doesn’t,” she says. “Often when I show someone straight lay tiles, they really love it, and they much prefer it…with tile, and especially mosaic tile, it’s just too busy.” With today’s user-friendly, efficient and fashionable cabinetry and backsplashes, you have all the ingredients for a dream kitchen. All you need to add is imagination.

Backsplashes have gained a lot of attention over the past decade, with seemingly endless styles and types of glass, stone and ceramic tile. While neutral colours and tones remain quite popular, many are starting to find the multi-tone or patterned mosaic styles too fussy in appearance, Underwood says. Today’s kitchens are all about clean lines and simplicity, and clients tend to favour grey-scale or natural colours and shades. A nice way to create a continuity of the

DREAM KITCHENS

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Locally Locally & Owned Owned & Custom Custom Designed Designed with you with you in mind. in mind.

Saskatchewan’sdistributor distributorofofMURPHY MURPHY WALL BEDS Saskatchewan’s WALL BEDS

Majestic Majestic Cabinets Cabinets proudly seen seen in in the the Hospital Hospital Home Lottery Lottery Show Show Home

511-45thStreet StreetE.E.Saskatoon Saskatoon 306-934-0660 306-934-0660 511-45th www.majesticcabinets.ca www.majesticcabinets.ca

COVER STORY

Get More of What You Want with DirectBuy of Saskatoon Photos Lisa Landrie

he best investment you may make this year prior to your next home renovation or upgrade will be the three minutes you spend reading this article. For many of us who are considering a home renovation, or adding the finishing touches to complete our recent new build, it can be quite overwhelming. We need to get ideas of current trends, compare retail pricing and pick and choose styles. And most certainly, we will devote a significant

amount of time to our searches when shopping the entire market. When we finally decide on all the pieces of the puzzle for our home, the greatest challenge still awaits us: meeting the budget. More often than not, this is where many of us become most discouraged. We may actually find everything we dreamed of, but we simply cannot afford, or justify it. As consumers, this is where we are often left with two simple choices, neither one are which we had hoped for. Spend more money, or expect less …

INNER BEAUTY

We shouldn’t have to compromise the dreams we have for our homes simply because we cannot afford to fulfill them. DirectBuy of Saskatoon’s concept is simple, yet goes against every principle that we have become conditioned to as consumers by the traditional retail marketplace. “Get more of what we want, for less than expected to pay. DirectBuy of Saskatoon was started by local franchisee, Don Elliott. “I began

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COVER STORY

my journey with DirectBuy years ago as member, and after seeing the incredible value and the consumer empowerment it brought to my family’s lifestyle, it made sense to invest in a franchise so I could share that experience with other local families,” says Elliott. “Traditional brick and mortar stores and vendors have high overhead which translates in retail market-up, or basically getting the consumer to spend more money than the product is actually worth. Businesses need to make profit. Plus, they will always promote the products they have available in their stores, versus what is actually right for your home or project. Everyone else always claims they are different and better than the competition, and if the consumer chooses them, they will get the best deal. Here at DirectBuy, it’s not a gimmick or empty promise - it’s the real deal. We treat our members like family, because they are. My entire staff offers a hassle free shopping environment, and does not pressure you to buy one brand or another. They work with each member one on one, find solutions to problems, offer advice which is not bias, and

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INNER BEAUTY

most importantly look for ways for our members to spend as little of their hard earned money as is possible, for exactly what they had hoped for.” DirectBuy of Saskatoon is an exclusive, member’s only consumer club known for its incredible access to over 500 incredible, recognized and sought after brands for the home. In addition, they feature regular workshops and vendor events offered from local, national, and international brand representatives. They don’t have a products catalogue, they have a wall of vendor catalogues. And the best part of all is that they don’t worry about hiding the cost - they share it with you openly. Sometimes one of the greatest concerns after making a large purchase or commitment is wondering if we got the best deal possible. That feeling is quickly forgotten at DirectBuy of Saskatoon and its several thousand Saskatchewan members.

Although DirectBuy has become most well-known for its major products for the home like Kitchens, Bathroom, Furniture, Appliances, Windows and coverings, flooring and more, some of its own membership is surprised to learn of the new additions which are added every year. Designer jewelry, hot tubs, luggage, garage kits and packages … the list seems endless. An old adage goes “everything but the kitchen sink,” but they certainly have those too! When speaking with the Director of Sales and Marketing, at DirectBuy of Saskatoon, John Pearce, it’s obvious just how much he believes in the brand he represents. “Just today I met with one of our newest members who was considering a fairly significant home renovation- flooring, kitchen cabinets and countertop, lighting, window coverings and accents. Together with our team of experts we found her either the same, or in most cases, far better quality of

INNER BEAUTY

products than she had already shopped for. And in her case, the amount of money she saved compared to even her best quotes from other retailers was an incredible amount - not just thousands, but tens of thousands of dollars. Just on this project alone, the money she saved will pay for her membership many, many times over. The savings that she will have on anything she decides to do in the years to come will be hers to keep!” Before you finalize your next home renovation or major purchase, call DirectBuy to set up your own personal meeting with their membership specialists so they can discuss how they can save you more of your hard earned money on your next project or purchase. DirectBuy of Saskatoon 101 – 110 Marquis Road Saskatoon 1.877.683.3940 directbuysaskatoon.ca

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TAKE A WALK

Finer Side on the

Make A Statement With Hardwood By Henny Buffinga

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Homeowners looking to make a statement with their remodel don’t often think about achieving that bold new look with flooring. Hardwood floors are a staple in a stylish home, but designers are now using innovative techniques to modernize the look of a room while recalling the classic luxury of quality hardwood floors. Drawing inspiration from high-end homes with mosaic floors created using different types of wood, some designers are achieving a similar look by using different colour stains and stencils with infinite options for designs.

INNER BEAUTY

Whitewashing is also very popular, creating a French country look in your home. Alternatively, painting the floor a bright colour while leaving walls a neutral shade can maintain the clean modern look while inverting expectation. Distressed or reclaimed wood is also used for rustic appeal, adding rich character to your floor. Reclaimed wood is popular not only for its unique appearance but also for being an environmentally-conscious option. For a truly matte look, ebonizing wood goes a step further than a simple stain or dye. It actually causes a chemical reaction that makes the wood turn pitch black, and when done properly, the grain should not be visible — making it darker than ebony wood itself. For a less intense look, adding dye to a stain can also give it that rich, dark look that hides the imperfections of the grain in hard-tostain woods. Try something different with your hardwood floors — and take a walk on the finer side!

Offering the

EXQUISITE & OUT OF THE ORDINARY By Karin Melberg Schwier Photos Lisa Landrie

Oddly enough, there’s nothing “mainstream” about Mainstream Design Centre. Entering their storefront on 51st Street feels more like walking into a boutique art gallery with its displays of striking colours, earthy hues and varied textures. For homeowners who want to break free of cookie cutter, same-old same-old, this is your ticket to unique and unusual interior design materials that will set your home apart.

INNER BEAUTY

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WILLING TO SEARCH

wner Craig Listwin says his background as a consultant who worked with a lot of builders and flooring retailers throughout Western Canada, gave him the impetus to offer something different in Saskatoon. “I got tired of seeing the same materia ls used over and over in every home,” says Craig. “Contractors are busy; they’ve developed the connections with major suppliers and they just don’t have the time to do the research necessary to locate something new and different. That’s where we can fill that void.” Mainstream has done the work to find stone, glass, tile, real reclaimed hardwood flooring and brick, custom interior doors and more. They carry exclusive lines and have established factory direct connections. Customers, contractors and design consultants look to Mainstream for cutting edge products and excellent, individualized customer service.

CONVERSATION STARTERS Think of what your new walls and floors could say when they’ve already had a rich history. Mainstream carries a fascinating line of reclaimed products for both flooring and wall applications. Oak and hemlock planks once trod upon by sawmill and warehouse workers, and even Italian stevedores on the docks in Venice, have been refurbished for a new life as engineered hardwood flooring. Weathered barn siding has been transformed into tiles for various interior applications, including wall cladding, headboards and fireplaces. Reclaimed veneer planks are also available in several colour options and easy to install for that DIYer. “I think the types of products we have to offer and the enthusiasm people have for them show that rustic is becoming the new modern,” Craig says. “People are looking for something new and different, and that is translating into a demand for reclaimed, more unusual materials.” Mainstream also carries engineered wood flooring created with an aged patina and such painstaking detail it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference from real reclaimed wood. They also carry several lines of porcelain planking with a striking real-wood look. BRINGING THE WORLD TO SASKATOON “We carry a number of exclusive lines,” says Craig. “Every selection in our store has got to be something you just haven’t been able to get in Saskatoon. We love it when customers come in and say, ‘Wow, that is so cool! I’ve never seen that before!’ Our Lunada Bay collection of glass tiles reflects the owner of the company’s travels in the Far East and the unique looks are inspired by Tibet and Japan.” This glass is infused with waves, bubbles and slight irregularities characteristic of a unique handmade products. Along with the more unique items, Mainstream also offers quality building materials from several companies not found in the big box or familiar homebuilding supply stores in the city. A top end carpet line from California is available, along with a large selection of custom solid MDF doors and modern Ville Doors.

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INNER BEAUTY

AMONG THE PRODUCT LINES AT MAINSTREAM:

• Island Stone • Lunada Bay Glass Tiles • Mediterranea Tile • Porcelainosa • Northern Wide Plank Reclaimed Hardwood Flooring • Du Chateau Exotic Hardwood Flooring • Coswick Hardwood Flooring • World Doors Custom Doors • Ville Doors Modern Doors • Everitt & Schilling Reclaimed Wood Tiles and many more! INTRODUCING MERIT KITCHEN CABINETRY One of Mainstream’s newest offerings is the beautiful and durable Merit line of kitchen cabinetry, as well as bathroom cabinetry and vanities. Featured on Vancouver’s Love It or List It real estate and renovation show, the Canadian-made, German engineered line was founded 40 years ago and has grown into a worldclass supplier. Craig is proud to offer Merit as a perfect fit with Mainstream’s other quality products.

BELOW: Craid Listwin, Owner

INDIVIDUALIZED, QUALITY CUSTOMER SERVICE Mainstream Design Centre pays close attention to the needs of customers, and offers advice, education and support throughout any project. Easy to view samples of various products abound at the store. If you need help with measurements in your home, Craig is happy to oblige. The company has skilled installers who complete the process efficiently.

“We’re proud to offer homeowners in Saskatoon high quality materials that are different and unique,” says Craig. “Every time someone walks in and says, ‘Wow!’ we know we’re doing it right.”

Mainstream Design Centre Craig Listwin Bay 4-811 51st Street 306.384.5522 mainstreamsales@sasktel.net www.mainstreamdesign.ca

INNER BEAUTY

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Sorensen’s Invites You to Celebrate Spring’s Latest Trends in Furniture and Décor! Visit our La-Z-Boy comfort studio where function and fashion unite.

Hours: Mon to Sat 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m. Thurs 9:30 a.m.–9 p.m.

Sorensen’s FiNe FurNiTure

715 1st Avenue North Saskatoon 306.955.5909

Step onto New Flooring

this Spring

WINDOW COVERINGS: Cell, roller and roman shades, blinds, track panels and shutters from Shade-O-Matic.

LAMINATE: Light airy wood or dark dramatic colours. The choices are greater than ever!

HARDWOOD: Solid or engineered, urban or rustic, classic and traditional. Or why not wood walls?

TILE: Porcelain or stone, choose from marble, limestone, slate or granite. Not just for countertops anymore!

CARPET: Textured, patterned, luxury plush piles or contemporary Berber. Carpet is always in style!

VINYL: Plank, tile or sheet. Style with vinyl!

Let our experts help you TODAY. New construction and renovation projects are welcomed! 1300-3530 Millar Ave, Saskatoon 306.653.3899 www.carpetsuperstoressaskatoon.ca

MILD?

WILD?

Ian Grove will introduce unmistakable flavour to your kitchen remodel.

There’s a lot more to great kitchens than cabinets and counter tops. ALL ingredients are important when creating a wonderful meal.The same holds true when creating a perfect kitchen. Cabinets, counters and appliances are all necessary, yet they are far from all that is required.Thoughtfully combined finishes add so much flavour. Proper lighting illuminates work areas and brings your food to life.Art delivers focal points and beauty into the room.

Every consideration and eventual decision contributes to the success and enjoyment of all. That’s why hiring the right professional puts the icing on your renovation cake.Talk to Ian today. Call 306 220 2289 or email ian@igidme.ca

igidme.ca

See more of Ian’s work on Houzz.com See more of Ian’s work on Houzz.com

I A N

G R O V E

I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N

Prestige Flooring & Hardwood Thanks You for 10 Terrific Years By Tonya Lambert Photos Lisa Landrie

or the past decade, Prestige Flooring & Hardwood Ltd. has supplied the people of Saskatoon and area with quality floor coverings. Local owners Carl and Carolyn Carduner and their staff invite everyone to come down to Prestige Flooring & Hardware on March 19th to 21st and help them celebrate 10 years in business with door prizes and special anniversary deals. Browse through their large showroom, outlet centre and clearance corner while you’re there to check out their huge inventory - the largest in the province.

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Opening for business in late 2004 under the name Kenny’s Flooring & Hardwood, Prestige has grown substantially over the years. From its beginnings in a 4,400-square-foot showroom on Millar Avenue, Prestige moved to the spacious 25,000-square-foot building on Jasper Avenue, making it the largest showroom and warehouse in western Canada. A joy to explore, at Prestige there is always something new to see. Prestige puts a premium on personalized one-on-one service. Their friendly

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receptionist greets everyone who comes through the door and, without fail, you will find a caring and knowledgeable staff member ready and willing to help you. The atmosphere at Prestige is so warm and welcoming you won’t want to leave! Walking through their beautifully laidout showroom, you will see displays and samples of an enviable array of hardwood, laminate, cork, carpet, stone, vinyl and area rugs as well as ceramic, porcelain and LVT tile. Whatever your flooring needs, Prestige has got you covered.

Moving across to their large outlet centre, you will find many ready-to-go deals. Here you will see their selection of decorative tile from Italy and ornate stones from China, both imported directly. By cutting out the middleman, Prestige is able to offer these remarkable products to their customers at unsurpassed prices. Come by Prestigeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clearance centre regularly to discover new items at incredible discounts. At Prestige Flooring & Hardwood, there is something to match every personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s style, budget and needs. Looking for a quick and easy way to update a room? Choose an area rug from their large selection. Is your house full of children? Want to cut down on the noise? Carpeting or cork flooring from Prestige will do the trick. Does your bathroom or kitchen need a breathtaking focal point? With so many colours, shapes and textures of tiles and stone from which to choose, at Prestige you will find everything you need to create an eyecatching accent for any room of your house. Their crew of trusted contractors will happily install your selections in a timely and tidy manner. However, if you prefer to do it yourself, their staff members are available to answer any questions and to provide you with guidance and helpful advice. The Carduners and their staff would like to thank the people of Saskatoon for their loyalty and support over the years. They are proud to serve the people of this great city that they have always called home and look forward to doing so for another 10 years. RIGHT Staff of Prestige Flooring & Hardwood Ltd.

Prestige Flooring & Hardwood Ltd. 2612 Jasper Ave. Saskatoon 306.955.5033 info@prestigeflooring.com www.prestigeflooring.ca

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A World of Difference

For the latest in beautiful furniture and decor trends, Furniture World has the perfect fit for your home and how you live. Locally owned and operated, since 1990. Let our trusted noncommissioned staff take you through our 36,000 sq ft showroom. Custom order designs, colors, size, fabric available. Let Us Make your Decision Easy.

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831-2nd Avenue North | 306.664.2323 furnitureworldsaskatoon.com HOURS Monâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;Sat 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thurs 9:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

L oc ally owned and operated, since 1990

Proven. Professional. PEACE OF MIND. By Tonya Lambertâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;Photos Lisa Landrie

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hana’s Cleaning Services is a Saskatoon-based residential cleaning company that is here to stay. Shana Rushing and Steve Perron began the business three years ago and soon discovered that the demand was great for dependable, thorough cleaners so they made the decision to expand. Today, Shana’s Cleaning Services employs several fulltime cleaners and has close to 200 satisfied regular clients. Shana and her staff pride themselves on providing reliable, customized service at affordable prices. Shana visits every new client to walk through their home and make a list of everything that the client wants done. Each time, the client’s home is cleaned a completed checklist is left by the cleaner so the client knows the tasks have been completed. Next, Shana and the client work out a schedule that suits the clients’ needs. Linda Y. has been using Shana’s Cleaning Services for the past year. She explains, “Shana’s Cleaning Services is all about customer service, whether it is to be available for an emergency cleaning or to work out a cleaning schedule that is consistent with my work schedule. I trust her staff to do an excellent job and always look forward to coming home to a clean house, knowing I will not have to deal with the residual smell of harsh cleaning agents - which is very important to me as I have allergies. I value

Shana’s Cleaning Services and remain a loyal customer.” Fully bonded, registered and insured, Shana’s Cleaning Services provides both regular cleaning services as well as onetime assistance with move-ins and moveouts or seasonal cleaning. Cleaners can come to your home once week or once a month; how often is entirely up to you.

Shana’s Cleaning Services has spots for new clients. Now is the perfect time to book your spring cleaning! Locally-owned and –operated, Shana’s Cleaning Services supplies all the necessary equipment and cleaning products, saving clients the hassle of having to go out and purchase these items. Shana’s cleaners use only the environmentally-friendly, biodegradable and hypo-allergenic EnviroWise products. These locally-manufactured products are both child and pet friendly. The cleaners at Shana’s Cleaning Services are available from early in the morning to late in the evening, every day of the week. Each cleaner has had a background and reference check done and wears a company uniform. Upon being hired by Shana, each cleaner undergoes two weeks of training.

Shana’s Cleaning Services care about their clients and do their best to provide them with exceptional service - that they succeed in doing so is clear by the high rate of referrals the company receives. Says Jenn, “Our experience, over the years with Shana’s Cleaning Services has been fantastic. The staff are friendly, professional, and very good at what they do. It is wonderful to have the help, and we always appreciate the great job that is done. We are very happy we found their business, and will continue to tell everyone about it!” Shana’s Cleaning Services has been growing strong, keeping a steady amount of clients and staff. Communication with staff and clients is how they are able to maintain such a great number of clients as well as staff members. A recent addition to the Shana’s Cleaning management team is Krisi Berkan. Krisi’s role is indicative of the company’s growth; she is in charge of hiring, training, scheduling and correspondence with the clients. For a free consultation, give Shana (306.262.3262) or Krisi (306.713.9009) a call today. Shana’s Cleaning Services 830 Cynthia St. Saskatoon Shana: 306.262.3262 Krisi: 306.713.9009 admin@saskhomeservice.com www.saskhomeservice.com |

ABOVE Shana Rushing

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INSPIRED DECORATORS Bring Expertise to Your Home By Melanie Furlong Photos Lisa Landrie

Let the interior decorators at Modern Country Interiors help you get the look you want in your home. This in-house team can help you select fabrics and colours in order to best design your space. Come in and meet them!

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CRISTLE Hardy-Dewar

Favourite room to decorate: “I enjoy helping create a cozy and personalized family room for the entire family to gather in. Another favourite is bedrooms. They are one of the most overlooked spaces in a house, but that’s where we start and end our day. The bedroom should be a place of comfort, relaxation and maybe a little romance.” Inspiration: “I find inspiration everywhere. It could be a gorgeous fabric swatch with an amazing pattern to pull colour from or a natural object like a stunning piece of wood that has interest and texture. I also love working with art; we have such an abundance of talented local art to draw inspiration from.” Tip for homeowners: You may have a large room with vaulted ceilings, but it could be an unusual shape or have three different focal points. Furniture placement becomes a little more complicated when you add in these variables. Do not hesitate to hire a professional to confirm measurements and furniture placement. Relaxation: “What’s that? I suppose when I have some time to myself I have a glass of wine and watch one of my favourite shows.” Favourite thing about Saskatoon: “I think Saskatoon is a hidden gem. We have tasty little restaurants, great local musicians and fantastic venues for concerts and shows like the Bassment, the Jazz festival and the Persephone.”

AMY Barrett

Favourite room to decorate: “I love to create spaces that enhance the comfort and happiness people experience when coming home at the end of the day. Living in Saskatchewan, we spend a large part of our lives indoors. The family room tends to be where we hibernate. Creating a magazine perfect home isn’t our goal — we aim to create living spaces for real life. The rooms we decorate have a relaxed sophistication about them that that aren’t too stuffy or breakable!” Inspiration: “My inspiration comes from my clients. I learn so much about their unique style and personality by how they have collected and displayed their furniture, décor or artwork over their lifetime.” Tip for homeowners: “Invest in quality pieces. Our designs are timeless and built to last generations. If you get tired of the stain in 10 years, it can always be sanded down and re-stained.” Relaxation: “A cup of coffee in the morning while scrolling through Pinterest.” Favourite thing about Saskatoon: “The Meewasin Trail. I appreciate walking my dogs and bicycling to and from work along the riverbank. Our city has so much natural beauty to be inspired by: the first signs of green grass in the spring, the wildflowers in the summer, the changing colours in the fall, and the icy frost on the trees in the winter.”

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MARILENA Soares Favourite room to decorate: “I love doing kitchens. Because of my background in architecture, I love revamping older spaces, bringing cooking, eating, lounging and entertaining altogether in one room. Having professional help can save you a lot of stress and money as there are many elements that need to be coordinated.” Inspiration: “Sometimes it comes from a painting at a client’s house or a piece of clothing they are wearing. I also draw inspiration from the work of other designers, including my colleagues at Modern Country.”” Tip for homeowners: “You need to have good bones to let your pieces shine on their own. Hiring professionals to help with fixed elements in your house such as wall treatment, flooring, lighting and general layout will save you a lot of second guessing and will make your decorating a lot easier.” Relaxation: “Believe it or not, our beautiful store is my relaxation time. Being a mother of young boys hardly lets me have time to sit down. Sipping coffee, admiring local Broadway traffic while surrounded by gorgeous art and furniture is my piece of heaven these days.” Favourite thing about Saskatoon: “The weather! Call me crazy but being an immigrant from a tropical country where we hardly have any climate variation makes being in Saskatoon where we have all distinct seasons, each with their own beauty, makes me very thankful to live here. Plus, there are more decorating opportunities here. Who doesn’t love to “summerize” or “winterize” their décor?” Modern Country Interiors 808 Broadway Ave Saskatoon 306.382.2373 modcount@sasktel.net www.moderncountrysask.com

BOTTOM RIGHT Dave Shockey, Owner

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Baby it’s cold outside But you can stay warm with Prestige

SGI CANADA’s Prestige home insurance does more than just protect your higher-value home and valuables. It’ll keep you warm as well, with $50,000 in coverage to replace furnaces, up to $1,000 for

snow removal from your roof after a loss, and full replacement of all garage doors if the replacement door can’t be matched to those undamaged by the loss.

Ask your SGI CANADA broker about Prestige. www.sgicanada.ca

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

Reno

101 By Scott McGillivray Photos Richard Sibbald

The 10th season of Income Property is now airing on HGTV Canada. With nearly 150 on-camera renovations under my (tool) belt, I’ve learned my fair share about what it takes to pull off a successful reno.

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

PrePare, PrePare, PrePare A detailed renovation plan will help keep you on budget and on time. Set out a specific agreement with your contractor before the work begins. You should be able to see on paper how your renovation is going to play out before it ever begins. Don’t jumP the gun on Purchases Don’t buy materials or appliances until you’ve completely planned out your renovation and all measurements have been taken. Online sales can be tempting, but that great deal on a 24-inch dishwasher isn’t going to save you any money if your entire space has to be redesigned because you only had room for an 18-inch model. Work out your timeline Contractor approximations are simply that, so sitting down and working out a detailed timeline before the reno starts will help keep your contractor on track and yourself on budget. Don’t ignore the issues When you pull down walls or rip up floors, there’s a good chance you’re going to be surprised by something you find, especially in an older home. This might mean an unexpected cost up front, but it will save you tons of money in the long run. Don’t cut corners It’s always better to go the extra mile and do it right the first time. Hiring competent people to do the job, buying quality materials, and taking the time to complete all the necessary steps is key.

communicate With your contractor Constant communication is the best way to ensure everything is going as planned. Decisions that affect design, budget or timeline should ultimately be made by you — an open dialogue will help keep surprises to a minimum. use licenseD traDes Electrical, plumbing, HVAC, asbestos removal, anything to do with gas and anything structural should always be completed by a licensed professional in that specific trade. A jack-of-all-trades type can be helpful for basic renos, but saving money by hiring a plumber who’s also willing to do electrical can be a dangerous idea if they aren’t trained, licensed or insured for that line of work. DeciDe on your Diy I love it when I encounter ambitious homeowners who want to get dirty and take part in their renovation. But projects like cabinet installation, complicated tile work or skilled carpentry exceed the limit of a typical DIY project and can reduce the value of your home if done incorrectly. My advice? Involve yourself heavily in the demo — it’s the funnest part anyway! Check out the new season of Income Property Thursdays at 9 p.m. & 9:30p.m. ET/PT on HGTV CANADA. /EverythingScottMcgillivray @smcgillivray @scottmcg | @scott_mcgillivray www.scottmcgillivray.com

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Scott’s

Top 5 Value-Added Renovations

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Income Suite Kitchens Bathrooms Hardware & Fixtures Flooring

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INCOME PROPERTY NEW EPISODE

THURSDAYS HGTV is a trademark of Scripps Networks, LLC; used with permission.

Furniture Selection and Placement

uying new furniture can be a daunting task. Here are some tips for anyone who is not sure where to start.

Tracy Bentham owner Sew & Home Furniture and Design 601B 1st Avenue North Saskatoon 306.373.2332 sewandhome.com

When choosing furniture and décor for a room, spend time looking through photos online and magazines to get an idea of what appeals to you. Let your initial attraction to a particular colour, material or style guide your choices for your project. Maybe you have a family heirloom or a favourite piece of furniture you would like to incorporate into the overall design of the room; or maybe an amazing area rug will be the foundation which the other elements follow. Let something you love become your starting point. In 2015, contemporary and midcentury modern styles will continue to be strong in terms of popular furniture and décor styles. Do not be afraid of colour. Bringing colour into a room can create an emotional experience and allows you to play with some current trends. Jewel tones, including emerald greens and sapphire blues, continue to be strong in 2015, with the introduction of dark-value reds and deep-value greens such as Pantone’s colour of the year, marsala, along with ruby red, sage, khaki, olive or hunter green. The best way to see if a colour is right for you or your space is to try it out first. Keep your large pieces neutral, then audition your colour or patterns in your table linens, pillows or a throw. This will

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

allow you to see if you like a new colour, and allows you to easily adjust your décor to reflect changes in trends or tastes. The furniture and design shows continue to highlight the evolution of metals. There are still plenty of choices within the silvers and golds, but watch for rose golds and coppers to slowly make their way as mainstream design choices. Don’t be afraid to mix metals either, just as we have seen in jewellery trends. Invest in key pieces and window coverings that will last, as these are the “bones” of any great space. There is nothing worse than having bonded leather or poor quality fabric to disappoint you within a short period of time. To get a quality piece for a bargain price, shop the floor model sales most stores offer at least a couple of times a year. Measure twice, purchase once! Always make sure that you have laid out your room on paper first or in the room itself before buying new pieces, whether you are re-doing an entire space or just incorporating a few new pieces. When laying out a room always consider its function as well as the flow of traffic. Sew & Home Furniture and Design offers complimentary furniture selection and placement services when you purchase products in our store. Phone or drop by to make an appointment.

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Your Home, Your Style, Your Life.

If you are considering an upcoming renovation to your home this year, our family at Mirage Woodworks would love the opportunity to work for yours! We specialize in re-inventing your kitchen and revitalizing the overall style and livability of almost any room in your home. We provide no charge, no pressure professional consultation, and a pleasant environment without commissioned sales people. We are locally owned, operated and manufactured right here in Saskatoon. We have access to the most demanded materials and styles, and take great pride in our ethically conscious practices and environmentally friendly products for your family’s home. We believe that benchmarks for our industry are not meant to be followed, they are meant to be set. Specializing in: • Custom kitchen renovations • Bathroom vanities and cabinets • Custom furniture • Bars, entertainment units, storage and more UniqUe to Mirage WoodWorkS • Eco friendly products and practices • Custom colour matching, or create your own colour

mirage Woodworks inc

2236 Avenue C North, Saskatoon 306.343.9663 www.miragewoodworks.com | |

mirage

Woodwor

Planning Your Spring Renovations

Colin Barre owner Barre Construction 306.260.4099 barreconstruction@shaw.ca

One thing is for sure: start booking early. This gives you time to work out the specifics of your project, such as ordering special products. Another good reason to book early is so you can spend the summer enjoying your finished project. When considering your renovation, there are keys points to keep in mind. Here are some common questions that fit most projects. Q: How large of a garage can I put up in my yard? A: First consider what you need the garage space for. Is it just for your vehicle, or is it also for storage and possibly a workshop area? The size of your vehicles alone will determine the height of garage you will require. How much storage room or workshop space you need will help determine the square footage of the garage. Regulations set by the city or municipality dictate how much area a garage can take on your property. This will help determine the maximum size your garage can be in the end.

multiple purposes? Consider a multi-level deck with several areas for entertaining and relaxing with more privacy. Different materials can be used depending on your level of investment. Some require more maintenance then others. By considering your options, you will have peace of mind for years to come. Landscaping might be the last item on your list but can really make a project come together. Your qualified contractor will help you make your dream deck a reality while keeping you on budget. Q: My fence is falling apart. What options do I have to replace it? A:Start by discussing the fence with your neighbours, if you have some. It is their fence, too, and they will be splitting some of the cost. Privacy and maintenance is always top of mind when it comes to a fence. The materials you choose will affect the cost and maintenance for years to come.

t’s here before you know it! Spring, that is. Yes, even though it is still cold outside it’s time to start thinking about getting quotes on your garage, deck, fence or any other renovation you might be thinking of. A lot of thought goes into a renovation or new build. It could be as simple as the style of fence or deck, to tougher decisions such as hiring the right contractor.

Q: I’m thinking of building a deck this year. What are some things I should be considering about the project?

There are many options when it comes to materials: different wood products, vinyl, chain link and composite — all with pros and cons. Discussing your budget and preferred maintenance schedule with your contractor will help narrow it down to the best fencing material for you.

A: What are you planning on using your deck space for and what is your budget? Keep these questions in mind during the planning stages of your dream deck. Are you going to want to use your deck for cooking, eating, relaxing, entertaining or

Barre Construction consists of a team of highly skilled carpenters dedicated to bringing your renovation project to reality. Contact us today with your questions or to receive a quote on your upcoming project.

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

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Award Winning SERVICE & EXPERTISE By Trina Annand Photos Ziqi Zhang Photography

he key to a successful renovation or construction project is finding the right contractor to do the job. With so many constructing companies springing up seemingly overnight, it pays to do some research. At Barre Construction, every job is done to exacting standards by the highly trained journeyman and apprentice carpenters on staff. No job is too big or small for owner Colin Barre, an award winning carpenter who has worked in residential, commercial and industrial carpentry. In 2010, Barre was the first representative from Saskatchewan to win the national carpentry skills competition in its 25 years. “It is important to have not just the skills, but the knowledge and experience to back them up,” says Barre. Sticking to timelines and budgets ensure Barre Construction has happy customers

after every job, whether completing exterior projects, interior finish work or creating custom features. The sky is the limit; the staff approach each and every project with the same care and quality they would expect in their own homes. “Most people don’t realize the scope of work carpentry encompasses. We can build a home start to finish,” says Barre. “Good communication ensures a good project and our clients know to expect nothing but the best from us.” When considering a construction project it’s important to work with a company who understands how important your home is to you and Barre Construction is here to help. Barre Construction 306.260.4099 Saskatoon barreconstruction@shaw.ca L-R Josh Painchaud, Colin Barre & Kyle Ens

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

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SUNROOM Enjoy year round comfort in one of our Four Season Sunrooms or Conservatories. Our rooms stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer and provide you with the feel of being outdoors from thee comfort of the indoors. Will ill yours be a dining room, family room, rec room, orr living room addition?

FINANCING AVAILABLE with our home improvement program!

We build sunrooms throughout Saskatchewan.

Call now for your FREE In-Home Consultation!

866.451.7881 or 306.352.284 306.352.2842 119 Park Avenue, Regina, SK â&#x20AC;˘ www.hybridconstruction.ca

Award Winning Landscapes, from Concept to Completion Make your Home Away from Home a Beautiful Retreat this Season. Servicing the Prince Albert and Lakeland region, we specialize in providing Lakeland properties with exquisite and functional landscapes, leaving you free to enjoy lake living the way nature intended.

Call TODAY to book your consult for 2015. Christopher Lake, SK

306.981.5961

www.gardensbydesign.ca

consultation & design site grading paving stone, flagstone retaining walls woodwork design/build lattice, pergolas, fences, planters custom stone/rock work planting bed design xeriscaping naturalized landscapes

OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPING

Starting Your Plants

At Home

By Ken A. Beattie, NPD, Ph.D.

The garden’s neo-natal wards will be popping up all across the country over the next several weeks. Like so many other anxious gardeners, I am also disinfecting, mounting lights to rival even the most sophisticated “grow-op” and sorting through a rather sizeable container of “got-to-have” seed packs.

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OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPING

here really is something inherently common among all gardeners: the absolute need to get a head start on things and get our private stash of special plants germinated. Germination and the maintenance thereafter can pose some difficulty for first timers, and there are a few tricks of the trade to observe. Cleanliness can’t be emphasized enough; lack of sterile or extremely clean conditions has been the cause of many a lost crop. I prefer to use brand-new containers that I further wipe down with a germicidal moist wipe that would be used in the home just to ensure a sterile area. If you are reusing seeding containers, soak and scrub them in warm, soapy water, rinse with clear water and then dip in a 1:10 solution of household bleach and water or use a moist anti-bacterial wipe

for the final touch. The seeding mix itself will be sterile, so there is no need to re-cook it. Many older garden references, including a couple of my books, suggest a method of home sterilizing media. I would not attempt this now as seedling mixes are common and easy to find. Take care to select a “seeding mix”; they are quite different from standard potting mixes. They are typically light, finetextured, almost dust-like and especially formulated for the rigours of the neonatal plant ward. A very good piece of equipment is a sieve — either homemade from screening, a culinary variety or one designed for the plant lover. One of the most useful tricks is the method of watering the seeding bed. Before that, however, we need to get the germination bed ready. I like to use a pan, which is a squat plastic container with a wide mouth, often referred to as a bulb pan. The seeding mix is poured in and tamped down to ensure there are no air pockets. You can use another clean pan to press the media down; this provides a smooth seeding surface. Smooth is important so that finer seeds can be seen; this helps to avoid oversowing and crowding. Open the seed packet and fold a crease in one end, forming a sort of spout. Aiming your seed packet, lightly tap your holding hand; this graduates the seed flow. Always undersow; never clump and try to fill the container, or this will cause no end of problems later on. Now for the cool watering part! Fill a shallow baking pan with warm water and set the seeding pan in slowly. The seeding pan’s dry media will slowly take up the

OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPING

warm water and moisten the entire container without disturbing the newlysown seeds. Once you are convinced the media is moist, remove from the watering pan and sift a very little bit of dry seeding media over the seeding pan to cover the seeds. The dry media will absorb the perfect amount of moisture from the pan without further work. Most seeds should be covered. It is wise to cover the seeding pan with plastic wrap or a glass sheet; this will keep the humidity at the appropriate level. Warm conditions are best, so if there is room on top of an appliance such as the refrigerator, set your new seeding pans there until germination occurs. Once the seedlings appear, it’s best to remove the plastic wrap gradually and move the pan into indirect light. Germinating seeds do not require light until they have emerged. Stretching is one of the most common errors post-germination because of lower light conditions. If you are planning to place your crop under artificial light, the adjustable tubes should only be a few inches from the tops of the plants. Fungal problems are common this early in the seedling’s life, so apply a light dusting of cinnamon or sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) as a preventative and increase the air circulation around your tender crop. Naturally, increased air flow translates to drier media, so watch the watering. I strongly suggest bottom watering as suggested for the first saturation. Good luck and “almost” spring!

welcome

Ken Beattie is the Horticultural Education Manager with the prestigious Canadian Wildlife Federation.

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START PLANNING TODAY!

Specializing in Complete Yard Landscape Construction • Rough grading to ensure proper surface drainage • Finish grading • Sub-surface drainage • Paving stone • Retaining wall • Architectural grade landscape lighting • Outdoor rooms • Outdoor fireplaces • Pergolas, privacy louvers,

screened-in rooms • Irrigation system installation • Natural stone patios and pathways • Mulch • Shrub and flower bed design and installation • Water features • Crushed rock and other decorative aggregates • Sod installation

Beautify your surroundings and add value to your property

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306.280.6609

luke@city-gardens.ca | www.city-gardens.ca

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REALTOR