Fine Homes St. John's/Avalon Spring 2015

FineHomes FEBRUARY/MARCH 2015 | VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1

ST. JOHN’S/AVALON

STAIRCASE OF DREAMS:

THE ATLANTIC WOODWORKING EXPERIENCE

SCOTT MCGILLIVRAY JOINS THE FINE HOMES FAMILY KEN BEATTIE ON STARTING YOUR PLANTS AT HOME CONDO LIVING: IDEAL FOR TODAY’S MODERN LIFESTYLE

Home Means Family Think of Hallmark

Gifts For Friends & Family • Cards and Stationery • Home Décor Items

95 Stavanger Dr. St. John’s 709.753.5707

21 Merchant Dr. Mount Pearl 709.747.3338

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FineHomes ST. JOHN’S/AVALON

With Fine Homes editor AnnA DelAney

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ith great pleasure I welcome you to the first issue of Fine Homes St. John’s/Avalon. Born from one of our most popular departments in Fine Lifestyles, Fine Homes is dedicated to loving the place you call home.

Our first cover story for Fine Homes St. John’s/ Avalon is local stair building business Atlantic Woodworking. Owner Ron and his wife Brenda-Lee don our cover in front of one of Ron’s masterpieces. Built to last with a reputation you can stand on, Atlantic Woodworking has been creating beautiful stairs in our community for more than a decade, and Ron himself has been in the industry for more than 30 years. Specializing in stair building allows Atlantic Woodworking to be the best in their field; you can read all about them in our feature cover story.

HGTV heartthrob and renovation expert Scott McGillivray is now a member of the Fine Lifestyles/Fine Homes family as a contributor and we couldn’t be more thrilled! In this issue we get to know the man behind the hammer. We also bring you an enlightening article on starting your plants at home with columnist Ken Beattie.

Whether it’s an idea for new kitchen cabinets or how to refurbish your antiques, we hope this issue inspires you to love your home again.

www.finelifestyles.ca February/March 2015 Volume 1, Issue 1 Editor Anna Delaney annad@finelifestyles.ca Art Direction Amber Moon, Senior; Lisa Redden, Associate Design Deanne Bell, Natasha Burkholder, Candace Haiko, Ghislaine Moffitt Staff Writers Trina Annand, Henny Buffinga, Melanie Furlong, Tobie Hainstock, Tonya Lambert, Tori Stafford, Courtney Tait Cover Photography Elsie Reid Photography Kyle Callahan, Elsie Reid, Mandee Sugimoto, Robert Young Contributing Writers Ken Beattie, Katrina Geenevasen, Erin Legg Associate Publisher Atlantic Canada Seann P.W. Gervason seanng@finelifestyles.ca 902.476.4700 Distribution & Subscriptions seanng@finelifestyles.ca

Enjoy!

Anna

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Andrew Freake Sales Manager andrewf@finelifestyles.ca 709.730.7874

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Jennifer Tipple jennifert@finelifestyles.ca 709.986.9871

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CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS HOMES & PROPERTIES ...................... 6 CONDO LIVING ..................................20

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INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN.................. 22 DREAM KITCHENS .............................. 32 BED & BATH ........................................34 OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPES .................................38 HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS................................43 FEATURES Condo Living: Ideal For Today’s Modern Lifestyle ......................................20 COVER STORY: Atlantic Woodworking’s Solid Reputation .....24

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Ken Beattie: Starting Your Plants At Home ............................................................38 Scott McGillivray Joins Fine Homes ....................................43

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HOMES & PROPERTIES

Wearable Technology THE FUTURE OF SMART HOMES

By Tonya Lambert

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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.

security in smart homes within five years. Nielsen, a company that monitors consumer trends, discovered in its 2014 Connected Canada Survey that 18 per cent of Canadians already own at least one item of wearable technology, with the heaviest proportion of owners being between the ages of 18 and 24. The survey also revealed most smart home owners are between the ages of 35 and 54. This means those most invested in wearable technology will be those purchasing smart homes in the near future and will want those homes controlled by wearable devices.

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.”

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. Smart homeowners will also be able to use it to operate lighting and other connected systems and devices. Myo will be available to order from Amazon in March. Devices such as Myo, Fin and Logbar’s Ring will greatly benefit the visually and physically impaired, as well as those with other mobility challenges.

Wearable technology is expected to completely supersede smartphones and tablets for controlling such things as lighting, heating, sound systems and

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companies are researching ways to make them more energyefficient. 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.

A potential hurdle is the number of devices controlled through apps becoming too large for an existing Wi-Fi system to handle.

A group consisting of such major companies as Google and Samsung are working to significantly expand the number of available IP addresses. Another project known as Thread is working on current barriers: the current limitations of Wi-Fi — including power consumption and latency problems — and the creation a cloud-based interface system for the home.

One day, everything in our homes will be interconnected.

Appliances and home systems will automatically adjust according to our personal information sent to them from other devices. With wearable technology, an interactive, smart life is closer to reality.

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 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;

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HOMES & PROPERTIES

THE FAMILY HOMEBUILDER That’s With You Every Step of the Way

By Melanie Furlong Photos Elsie Reid and Courtesy of Donovan Homes

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t took long-term vision to start a construction company in Newfoundland during the economic slump of the mid-90s. But John Ryan was ahead of his time. “He had confidence in the province and where it would go in the next 10 to 15 years,” says his son, Philip Ryan, vice president of Donovan Homes. “He made a big bet on the homebuilding business and it paid off.”

During the last 20 years, Donovan Homes, the 2013 and 2014 winner of the Consumer Choice Award for

Homebuilding in St. John’s, has built more than 1,200 homes and developed more than a dozen subdivisions. Philip and his brother, Colin, who run the day-to-day operations of the company together, attribute the company’s success to the high quality, economical homes they build.

“We’re extremely fortunate to be running a successful business, that’s well thought of by the people in St. John’s, on the back of all our father’s hard work in the last 20 years,” says Colin. “None of it would be here for us without him.”

While Donovan Homes builds everything from townhouses to multi-million dollar homes, modest and economical 1,200 to 1,300 sq. ft. bungalows and split-entry homes with two to three bedrooms are the company’s mainstay.

Donovan Homes is able to offer top quality homes with reasonable prices because it’s a vertically integrated contracting company, not just a homebuilder. Donovan Homes is a land developer with its own heavy equipment company, including its own excavators, dump trucks and foundation crane. They

ABOVE L-R Krista Martin, sales associate, Colin Ryan, vice president and Philip Ryan, vice president HOMES & PROPERTIES

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buy raw parcels of land, clear the land, build the streets, construct the homes and sell them, all from under one roof. “That’s our big advantage on a per square foot price,” says Philip.

Another advantage of working with this company is that they are with the new homeowner during every step of the way.

“We don’t come in on step 10 and simply build your home for you,” says Philip.

“We’re with you through the course and know everything about your property.”

Donovan Homes is currently building homes in two of their subdivisions, Mount Carson Terrace in Mount Pearl

and Bristolwood in St. John’s, and will also be active in Soiree Heights in CBS later this year. These single-detached homes can be built from a variety of stock plans, or can be completely customized as the homeowner requests.

Each neighbourhood has its own distinct features, but in general, they are familyoriented areas with playgrounds and nearby amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants and other services. Both Philip and Colin have lived in Bristolwood for a number of years. “We enjoy it a great deal — there are many young families in the area and it’s a very central location in St. John’s,” says Philip. “We like to build neighbourhoods instead of just houses.”

That makes getting involved in the community a priority for Donovan Homes, which has been significant in the development of the Bannerman Park Foundation’s The Loop, an outdoor skating trail. “We want to give back as much as we can,” says Colin. Both sit on a number of boards in the city and are active in notfor-profit groups such as Clean St. John’s, Habitat for Humanity NL, and Easter Seals NL.

CENTRE Donovan Homes at the 2014 Consumer Choice Awards

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Overall, working in a family-run business brings a different motivation and sense of fulfillment to the Ryan brothers. “We’re motivated for the company to succeed,” says Colin. “We know we can rely on each other and we work well together.”

Philip says, “We have a lot of fun together as a family. And we strive to treat our 40 to 45 employees with the respect we would want if we were working for someone else – we consider them part of our extended family.” This has led to high employee satisfaction and retention rates at a time when oil companies are luring many employees away.

BRISTOL DEVELOPMENT Donovan Homes’ associated development company, Bristol Development, is also led by John Ryan, its president. Bristol is the driving force behind the Kelsey Drive Commercial Park in St. John’s and the Bristol Court Office Park, a 150,000 sq. ft. office park in the city.

“When we drive through a subdivision we finished 10 years ago and see people taking pride in their property, it gives us great satisfaction,” says Colin. “We are bringing young families together in quality new, economical houses, and creating these neighbourhoods that are important parts of our city.”

Donovan Homes 145 Kelsey Dr. Suite 101 St. John’s, NL 709.747.5687 www.donovanhomes.com salesquestions@donovanhomes.com

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NormanLane Real Estate

Passionate, Proven Performance

By Tonya Lambert

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ynamic, innovative and driven are words that come to mind when you think of Mark Norman and Wally Lane of the NormanLane team. Each with more than a decade of experience in the real estate industry, Mark as an Accredited Mortgage Professional (and now Realtor®) and Wally as an award winning Realtor® — the two men decided to combine forces and offer clients a more unique home buying/selling experience. With their platform, buying/selling a home with Norman and Lane has never been easier.

Even before coming together to offer their new boutique brand of real estate, both Mark and Wally had proven themselves to be leaders in their respective fields.

Wally has consistently received Remax’s 100% Club Award while Mark was recently recognized as the highest volume mortgage broker in Atlantic Canada, by the country’s largest nonbank lender, and also won a Remax Executive Club Award for Sales. So it should come as no surprise that by pairing their skills together, they’ve seen tremendous growth in their business.

To date, they’ve had more than a 90 per cent success rate with all properties listed with them. To the delight of their clients, these listings received more than 97 per cent of the asking price — not to mention these results were achieved more than twice as fast as the market average!

Clearly, the NormanLane sales system is extremely efficient.

Both Mark and Wally believe communication is the key to a smooth, stress-free and successful experience when buying or selling a home. “Our system was designed to make a complicated transaction easier to navigate,” explains Mark. “Lots of people in the industry view themselves as salespeople,” adds Wally, “but we think of ourselves as experienced consultants and negotiators who know how to get the job done.”

NormanLane has drawn attention from many potential buyers by including professional photographs and video tours while taking advantage of social media.

“All eyes are focused online as home shoppers are looking for a quality online

Above L-R Mark Norman, Wally Lane Photo Mandee Sugimoto

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“By aligning both real estate and mortgage advice directly, we’re able to offer far more of a custom fit for each client.” experience, so we focus our attention to the details that make our listings stand out,” says Mark.

NormanLane is also the only team to offer ‘true’ in-house financing. Mark, who is a highly recognized and experienced mortgage professional, says, “By aligning both real estate and mortgage advice directly, we’re able to offer far more of a custom fit for each client. We know if there is a lower rate or, more importantly, if a mortgage product will have more overall savings than what their bank offers.” This further strengthens the value in the NormanLane system, by maximizing the opportunity to save their clients much more than their competition.

Mark and Wally believe when making the largest purchase you’ll ever make, you should always talk to several industry professionals. However, they’re confident once you see how their system works you’ll know you’ve chosen the right team.

Check out their past client reviews on their Facebook page.

At NormanLane, they have taken an extremely inefficient process and turned it into a well-organized, enjoyable transaction that not only saves their clients thousands of dollars, but more importantly, saves them their most valuable resource — time. Maintaining the status quo is not high on the agenda for these “Agents of Change.”

Keep checking their website and Facebook page for their latest listings and even more big announcements in 2015.

NormanLane Real Estate 95 LeMarchant Road St. John’s 709.743.3939 (Mark) 709.764.3363 (Wally) www.normanlane.ca mark@normanlane.ca wally@normanlane.ca /NormanLaneRealEstate

Above Photos Courtesy of NormanLane

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Krown Property Management: Simplifying Residential and Commercial Investments

By Trina Annand Photos Kyle Callahan

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eal estate is a popular form of investment — whether it’s an apartment in a family home, a condo or a commercial property. Being an investor and being a landlord are two very different things, this is why every property investor should consider the services of an experienced property management team to maximize the potential of their investment and handle the day-to-day stresses. With hard work, determination and passion, Krown Property Management has

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established itself as the premier property management group in Newfoundland.

In 10 short years, Krown Property Management has gone from a portfolio of four homes to the management of 1,000 units. Under the guidance of owner Darren Freake, the company has become the largest property management brand in the province and a multimillion-dollar powerhouse in the industry. “We are so successful because of the amazing team we have assembled,” says Darren. “We

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are all very passionate about what we do and it shows in the service we provide to our clients and tenants.”

What makes Krown Property Management unique is their vast array of services. Much more than just property management, the company has maintenance, renovation, inspection, lawn care and snow removal divisions, ensuring seamless care for their clients’ properties. Krown, with the help of Rob Bowers, construction manager, is also a

Top: Rob Bowers, Darren Freake Bottom L–R: Darren Freake, Courtney Sheenan, Vanessa Fleury, Lindsey Kelly, Michelle Tremblett

member of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association with a division dedicated to building new homes, which adds to their focus on quality. This approach has garnered a loyal client base and an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Well known as a trusted residential management group, Krown Property Management also offers condo and commercial property management services and is currently working with various condo corporations and government co-op organizations. The company has developed a system of monitoring and marketing, and has a dedicated accounting department to better serve their commercial clients’ needs. Technology to track clients’

investments provides monthly and yearly financial statements along the way and ensures excellent communication. “As a commercial and residential investor myself, I understand the importance of having someone you can trust to manage and safeguard your investments. Property management provides peace of mind for clients. After all, you have better things to do with your time,” says Darren.

Part of Krown Property Management’s service menu includes finding the right tenants for each space. Through screening, credit checks and inspections, Krown ensures the lowest rate of turnover and vacancy for investors. “If you have the right property, you attract the right tenant and with the right property management

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team you can simply sit back and watch your investment prosper. We serve as your advisor and advocate to achieve your goals, providing you with all the information you need to make the best decisions,” says Darren.

Time is precious, and often managing investments is not a person’s full time job. To save time and money, it pays to work with a dedicated management team. With the experts at Krown Property Management, your next great investment is the time you get for yourself and your family.

Krown Property Management 211 LeMarchant Road, St. John’s 709.738.4567 www.kpigroup.ca

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The winners of the Member of the Year Awards were presented at the annual Building Excellence and Residential Growth (BERG) Awards Gala — November 22, 2014. The individuals are nominated by members for their outstanding contribution to the Residential Construction Industry in NL.

THE CANADIAN HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR Photos courtesy of CHBA-NL

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ABOVE L–R Vic Rowe of Atlantic Home Warranty Program (Winner of Member of the Year – Non-Builder Category). Terry Walsh of Terry Walsh Contracting Limited (Winner of Member of the Year – Builder Category). Victoria Belbin, CEO of CHBA-NL

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ew home construction has taken off over the past decade, especially in our province.

Whether building or renovating, the process can be overwhelming for homeowners. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association – Newfoundland and Labrador (CHBA-NL) has taken on the responsibility to educate people about building and renovating homes, and how to make more informed choices.

The cost of homes has doubled during the past 10 years. The average price of a new home has increased by 91 per cent from 2006 to 2012, and prices have increased year after year since. Building homes and offering affordable renovation services is a challenging issue for the industry. The CHBA-NL and its members are working toward ensuring the future residential development is collaborative with government and supplies Newfoundlanders and Labradoreans with professionals who provide quality work.

The association, representing close to 200 professional businesses in the residential construction industry,

has introduced two programs to help consumers make more informed choices in their housing decisions.

The Master Builder program offers the choice to purchase a new home from builders with the highest standards in the industry. Master Builders have expert knowledge in building science, energy efficiency and safety. As well, these builders offer warranty and quality assurance, while participating in continued education to ensure superb quality in new construction.

As the cost of new home construction increases, consumers may decide to renovate their existing homes, or choose to buy homes in established neighbourhoods to renovate. Taking on such a renovation project can be an enjoyable and financially rewarding experience, if it’s done properly.

If a renovation goes wrong it can be stressful, both emotionally and financially.

Some renovations are easier than others; more often than not it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

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In 2012, the CHBA-NL introduced the nationally recognized RenoMark™ program to educate the public and help combat the growing underground economy. The program is designed to raise the bar and enables consumers to easily identify professional renovators and contractors who have committed to the program requirements and standards.

When taking on a home renovation or project, the CHBA-NL recommends you “Get It In Writing.” To help keep your project on time and on budget have a written contract outlining timelines and payment agreements. Put yourself in the driver’s seat by educating yourself; ensure you are dealing with a professional business with warranty/insurance, get clearance from the Workplace Health and Safety Compensation Commission and check with the Better Business Bureau.

Protect yourself by hiring a professional and “Get It In Writing.”

For anyone interested in learning more about the programs above and for a list of members, please visit the CHBA-NL website: chbanl.ca

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A Higher Quality of Home with K&S Design

By Courtney Tait Photos Elsie Reid

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or Paul Walsh and fellow owners of the home building company K&S Design, meeting and exceeding their clients’ expectations is a top priority. With backgrounds in architectural engineering and residential and commercial construction, K&S Design prides itself on its ability to provide high quality homes to a broad clientele.

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K&S Design has built numerous homes over the years, gaining a strong reputation in the local industry. The company works directly with its clients to create the home that fulfills each one’s specific needs.

Whether you already have blueprints or are starting the design process from scratch, the K&S team provides the guidance and expertise necessary to choose everything from floor plans to finishings. K&S works with expert trades,

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interior designers and other talented industry professionals throughout the design and building process.

Most of K&S’s clientele discovered the company through word of mouth, referred by other clients who appreciate the superior quality of their home. “We get a lot of positive feedback,” says Paul.

“People compliment us on the quality of our work and service.” The K&S team

Paul Walsh

also ensures they are available for any necessary follow up after the home is complete.

Looking for the ideal builder for your next home? K&S has worked with everyone from first-time homebuilders to clients building their eighth or ninth design. The company is open to building any style of home and welcomes new clients.

With more than 60 years of combined experience and a strong dedication to customer service and exceptional quality, K&S is one of the best options for custom homebuilders in the area.

K&S Design Ltd. 709.682.0831

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CONDO LIVING

Condo Living Ideal For Today’s Modern Lifestyle

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By Trina Annand

hen searching for that perfect next home, it pays to consider condominium living. By providing a unique sense of community and luxury amenities, many building options provide an experience that’s second to none. At condo open houses you will likely see a wide variety of buyers — from developers looking for their next investment to first-time buyers and those looking to downsize, many are seeing the added value condos bring to a modern lifestyle.

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One of the main reasons for making the move to a condo is location. Often perfectly situated in prime locations — such as downtown areas with restaurants, shopping, spas and other amenities — condos provide much more than a home. Many newer condo buildings have retail spaces in their bottom floor, the rent provides for a healthy reserve fund for building maintenance and the shops allow residents the convenience of shopping just outside their front door.

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to enjoy — seeing people everyday, attending building parties, joining clubs and committees creates a strong and lasting camaraderie.

Purchasing a condo can also mean having more resident-centred amenities, which are added costs for homeowners.

Modern condo complexes often come with a variety of features, such as a pool, hot tub, fitness facility, large common spaces for parties, indoor parking, car and pet wash bays and much more. Every element of a condominium is designed to make the residents’ lives easier, creating a home that is a true oasis. Having all these conveniences under one roof allows people to save valuable commuting time and intuitively build their schedule around their busy day. This shared space also builds a unique sense of community that subdivision dwellers don’t get

Those looking for a maintenance-free lifestyle are often lured by the siren song of condo living, where landscaping, snow removal, common space cleaning and general maintenance are taken care of by someone else. Other perks include a secure and monitored building and having a superintendent onsite. In some condos there is even a 24-hour concierge service, making it the perfect home base for the avid traveller. Concierge services vary per building, but can function as security, accept deliveries, check on a resident’s space while they are away, take care of pets and run errands in the complex. The condominium staff is key to making sure the building functions as a well-oiled machine, ensuring effortless living for all owners.

When choosing your next home, consider the type of lifestyle that best suits your family’s needs and get ready to enjoy the next phase of your life with all the luxury you deserve.

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Condo Buying Tips: • Consider the condo fees — if they are too high, it can greatly affect your lifestyle.

• Check to see what your condo fees cover; water, heat and electricity are common inclusions.

• Ensure the building has a healthy reserve fund to cover any repairs that may arise, if the fund is too low it could mean out-of-pocket payments from residents when problems occur.

• Review the Home Owner’s Association rules and regulations; make sure they are acceptable for you. These rules can include limitations on things like interior renovations, patio furniture and even what colour curtains you can have, depending on the building.

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INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

A Treasure Trove of

Times Past

By Tonya Lambert

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he late actor Broderick Crawford once said, “I collect antiques.

Why? Because they’re beautiful.”

This is a great rule of thumb to follow when making any major purchase.

To be classified as an antique, a piece of furniture must be more than 100 years old. Well-made furniture that is over 40 years of age may be termed ‘vintage’ or ‘retro.’ Some dealers have taken to calling mid-20th century furniture ‘modern antique’ in the hopes that the use of the word ‘antique’ will add to its value — and indeed some such furniture is worth a great deal. For example, a 1949 Chieftain armchair by Danish designer Finn Juhl sold at auction in 2013 for $780,000!

Just like with everything else, antique furniture styles are subject to the whims of fashion. The value of a particular piece is determined in part by how fashionable it currently is. Nonetheless, the very fact that a piece of well-made furniture is old will help it to retain its value and generally as its age increases, so too will its worth.

The television program Antiques Roadshow, which launched in Britain in 1979 and the U.S. in 1997, and the long list of spin-offs that it has spawned, are largely responsible for the current popularity of antiques collecting.

Everyone is hoping to make a big find — whether in grandma’s attic, the local flea market or an antiques store. Not only would such a find help to pay off your mortgage, it would also be a favourite story at parties for years to come.

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If you are considering buying some antique furniture, learn about the various furniture styles in the area you are shopping. This will include key stylistic elements as well as popular wood types and methods of construction. You cannot date a piece based on style alone, since popular styles as well as the works of well-known designers will have been copied by subsequent furniture makers over the years. However, if the style, construction materials and craftsmanship all indicate a specific period, the piece is likely a genuine antique. Documentation regarding the provenance of a piece will help you to insure it and to re-sell it later, if you so choose.

While unlikely, it is possible for a piece of antique furniture to decrease in financial value. However, if you purchase a piece that also provides you with great pleasure, its aesthetic value will not decrease during your lifetime.

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COVER FEATURE

Experience True Craftsmanship: Custom Staircases Built for Your Home

By Henny Buffinga Photos Elsie Reid

“Our shop is old school: we don’t use computerized machinery,” says Ron Clarke, owner of Atlantic Woodworking Ltd. “Our work is more hands-on and personal to build the design our clients are looking for.”

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ounded by Ron Clarke in 2003, Atlantic Woodworking fulfills his dream to have a business that is fully specialized on building staircases. The company includes a large manufacturing plant and staircase showroom to allow people to see what they do, and the team includes experienced installers who bring the finished product to your home.

Atlantic Woodworking creates a range of custom staircases, including straight, curved, split-entry, L-shaped, quarter turn, and see-through models, as well as building columns and arches. Originally focused on building with wood using birch, oak and maple, they have since branched out to work with a wider range of materials including glass, iron, stainless steel, brushed nickel and copper spindles.

Atlantic Woodworking is unique in having a showroom that focuses only on staircases. This allows clients to imagine the visual effect of different staircase styles and judge what architectural impact they are looking for in the space they are creating. There are so many choices available when designing a custom staircase. The detail in selecting the material and style for posts, spindles, tread, stringers and railings make each staircase distinctive.

The staff in the showroom provides personal attention to customers, and goes the extra mile to give accurate information while outlining every step of the process. When you want a staircase, it’s always best to go to the experts for the right advice on what you need.

INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

Ron has been working in the carpentry industry for more than 30 years, but the challenge of building staircases has always been his passion. “I enjoy taking a confined space and making a staircase fit,” Ron says. “There’s a rush of adrenaline when you find something that works when people have told you it can’t be done.”

Specializing in staircases has allowed Ron to become an expert, and people know to go to him for different or difficult jobs. He trains his staff to his standards and keeps them under his supervision until he is satisfied they can do a job as good as he can envision it. “I found that it’s good to be versatile, but with that your employees can’t be trained to the degree they should be,” he says. “I found that if I focused on stairs, I could train my guys to do one

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COVER FEATURE

“I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how pleased I am with the staircase that was installed by Atlantic Woodworking. Not only is it exactly as I had envisaged it, but the finish is beautiful. I now own a Ron Clarke ‘original’ to go along with my other works of art. Unlike some of my other art works, this one is on permanent display for all to see and is the focus of my main hallway.

In addition, I would like to comment on the crew that did the work. They were professional, most careful, kept the mess to a minimum, were polite and answered all my questions and accommodated my requests. I would gladly have Atlantic Woodworking’s crew do work for me at any time for they are as ‘picky’ as I and it is clearly visible in the end result.”

- Phil Snow

thing and to do it well. When you’re focused on the same thing day in and day out, you can’t help but learn every trick of the trade.”

In the last few years, retail sales have become a large part of their business.

They sell complete finished and stained staircases, which can be loaded onto a truck and delivered right to your home, ready for your carpenter to install. These completed staircases can be shipped anywhere on the island, and have been shipped as far as Fort McMurray.

All that’s required to build the stairs is a set of drawings, a few photos and measurements.

As a service to contractors or carpenters already working on a product, Atlantic Woodworking can also provide all the components of a staircase — cut, stained, finished and ready for carpenters to assemble in the home themselves. This versatility allows the manufacturing end of Atlantic Woodworking to take on more business than their installation team would otherwise be able to handle.

Ron Clarke with wife Brenda-Lee

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INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

Atlantic Woodworking is a family business. Ron’s son William plans to work in the business after completing high school and furthering his education by specializing in carpentry. When his son is ready to eventually take over the company, Ron is considering going back to homebuilding and design, but thinks he will always be involved in the business to some capacity.

even five years later Ron’s team will often fix spindles or wear on the stairs free of charge. According to Ron, that’s just good customer service.

Well known within the trade community, Atlantic Woodworking is the place to go for quality work and great service. Their staircases are under warranty for a year for problems in the quality of work, but

Always the innovator, Ron is now finding himself updating staircases he built himself 30 years ago. In fact, many customers now are the children of customers he started out with. This

“I get a lot of enjoyment seeing the finished product; to build something from the client’s ideas, putting it on paper, and making it a reality is very satisfying,” he says.

INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

thriving local business is proving to be just like the staircases they create: built to last.

For a worry-free experience with a premier builder, call today for a quote or drop in their showroom to get ideas to complete your dream home.

Atlantic Woodworking Inc. 40 O’Leary Avenue, St. John’s 709.753.9663 www.atlanticwoodworking.com

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TAKE A WALK

Finer Side on the

By Henny Buffinga

MAKE A STATEMENT WITH HARDWOOD

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painting it, adding dye to the stain, or ebonizing it for the ultimate modern matte finish, designers are updating the look of the room while recalling the classic luxury of quality hardwood floors.

By creating patterns with a bold design, whitewashing the wood, distressing it,

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

omeowners 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 modifying hardwood to modernize the look.

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INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

infinite options, you can create geometric arrangements, stripes by staining alternating planks, chevron patterns or an intricately stenciled design. These innovative techniques add a whole new dimension to the look of a room.

Whitewashing is also very popular, creating a French country look in your home. To whitewash floors, you need to strip the colour, bleach (often more than

designers are using paint and dyes in stains to create a similar look. And with bright floor colours and neutral walls, you can maintain the clean modern look while inverting expectation. once), stain, and then seal. Whitewashed floors are the perfect blank canvas for a minimalist and clean style.

Painting the floor with bright colours is not a new idea. Baroness Pauline de Rothschild, for example, was inspired by the European castles she had seen in her travels, and she recreated the look in her London flat. A writer, translator and fashion designer, Rothschild was a reputable tastemaker in the 1950s and 1960s, and her painted floors were well known. Inspired by her bold use of colour,

Distressed or reclaimed wood is also used for rustic appeal, adding rich character to your floor. Distressing the wood involves aging it, scraping it by hand or with steel wire, or sculpting it to add texture. Reclaimed wood is often taken from barns, factories or warehouses, and is popular not only for its unique appearance, but also as 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

INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

black, and when it is done properly, the grain should not be visible, making it darker than ebony wood itself. To ebonize wood, choose a hardwood with a high concentration of tannins (the same as found in wine or tea). Oak, cherry and walnut are all good options. This technique was originally popular in the 1920s, but has resurfaced today.

For a less intense look, adding dye to a stain can give it that rich, dark look that hides the imperfections of the grain in hard-to-stain woods. For modern appeal with a classic twist, a dark matte floor paired with light coloured furniture creates a good contrast.

Try something different with hardwood — and take a walk on the finer side!

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THE CARPET FACTORY Celebrates 22 Years

By Henny Buffinga Photos Elsie Reid

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amont Whalen and Rod Abbott started The Carpet Factory in 1993 with an idea, youthful energy and the will to succeed.

Over the years they have strategically built their sales and installation teams around them, and grown their business from the original 10-carpet end showroom to the large successful business they are today. Celebrating their 22nd anniversary in March, The Carpet Factory is the top destination for the purchase and installation of hardwood, ceramic, laminate, carpet and other flooring products in St. John’s and surrounding areas.

The two-time Consumer Choice Award winners for flooring products in 2013 and

2014, The Carpet Factory has expanded and renovated their building to create one of the largest modern flooring showrooms in the province. They also warehouse a large inventory of carpet, solid hardwood, engineered hardwood, luxury vinyl products (LVPs), rugs, runners and more.

Having inventory onsite significantly reduces wait times for their customers’ installation needs.

To have the competitive advantage, they are manufacturer supplied whenever possible. Their main supplier, Shaw, is one of the largest manufacturers of flooring products in North America.

Shaw supplies many of the products used in HGTV (Home and Garden Television) programming. More

than 50 per cent of their showroom is dedicated to a variety of Shaw flooring products.

In addition, they carry major brands such as Armstrong, Mannington, Torlys, Lauzon, Eterna and Quickstyle, among others. Their extensive access to suppliers has been built up over many years, and includes some of the best names in the industry.

The Carpet Factory has an enviable staff retention rate, with many staff members with them since the beginning, such as their sales manager Derrick James; they really take care of their own. “Our strength is in our staff,” says Abbott. “We aren’t a company of individuals; we’re a real team.”

ABOVE L-R Rod Abbott, Annie Rideout , Derrick James, Michele Hudson, Adam Strong, Barry Snow, Helen Walsh, Lamont Whalen

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INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

“When you talk to one of our guys, you are getting informed advice,” adds Whalen.

Building on this team commitment, both the sales and installation teams are encouraged to take advantage of technical training and seminars to ensure they have the right answers when a customer asks. “The bottom line is we’re not perfect, but we try hard,” Whalen continues. “That’s one thing that we do as a company: we try to make things right.”

This work ethic and professional attitude extends to the installation team, who work evenings, nights and weekends to suit their customers’ busy schedules.

Whalen and Abbott are dedicated to their company, often working seven days a week. With more informed customers keeping them on their toes, the conscientious duo works hard to excel in their field, and they love it. “We’re normal Joes. We come here to work and we work,” says Whalen. Growing from just an idea to one of the major players in the St. John’s flooring market, The Carpet Factory provides quality work from the experts.

Call today for a free estimate or drop by to browse the showroom.

The Carpet Factory 1 Logy Bay Road, St. John’s 709.726.8232 www.carpetfactorysuperstore.com

INNER BEAUTY & DESIGN

FineHomes

TOP LEFT Rod Abbott , Lamont Whalen TOP RIGHT The Carpet Factory Team St. John’s/Avalon

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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.

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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

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FL

BED & BATH

So akin g i n LuxurY

By Katrina Geenevasen

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hen an everyday shower simply won’t do, revel in the glory of a sprinkling that boasts a little something extra. 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

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have the added benefit of scented steam. Imagine reclining on the bench of your steam shower while the tranquil scent of eucalyptus fills the air. An added benefit? Steam showers are considered an environmentally-friendly option, since they require very little water.

Sounds like a good excuse to indulge.

BED & BATH

are the ultimate indulgence. 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.

Jets installed in the walls of the shower can make showering an even more beneficial experience; they mimic the pleasures of a full-body massage in the comfort of your own home.

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, create a soothing shower experience. White light clarifies the mind, while magenta reduces anxiety. Need a more serene shower? Opt for turquoise.

When your steam shower is complete, indulge yourself by standing beneath the cascade of a luxury showerhead. Completely customizable, there are a wide range of options to consider. 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 opt for 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. 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, which is exactly what you want for the full effect.

If you want to go a step further, consider a waterfall showerhead. Mimicking the wide flow of water that comes from a waterfall, these showerheads

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ABOVE 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.

DREAM TUBS At the end of a long day, there’s nothing like pouring a glass of wine and letting the warm water of a bath soothe your aching back and shoulders.

While lighting a few candles and opening a book or magazine is one way to unwind, today’s bathtub manufacturers take bathing to a whole new level.

A fully loaded piece of art, the Royal A-512 Massage Bathtub feature both air and water jet massage. Its spray nozzles are based on human acupuncture points — this allows 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.

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BED & BATH

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.

If you favour something a little more minimalist in your sumptuous bathroom, the Le Cob Glass Bathtub, which retails for $34,000, might be more your style. Made of glass, acrylic and metal, this uniquely 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.

Whatever you choose, just remember bath time should not always be a utilitarian activity; it should transport you to a world of bliss.

Making Bathrooms Beautiful

Saunders Bath and Kitchen Gallery… Why not let us help you create your “Picture Perfect” Bathroom Oasis?

271 Blackmarsh Road | 738-2820 | www.saunders.nf.ca

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Amazing Advertiser Testimonials at: www.finelifestyles.ca/testimonials-videos

BED & BATH

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OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPES

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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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 & LANDSCAPES

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

to

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

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Connecting You to the Land

By Melanie Furlong Photos Mandee Sugimoto and courtesy of Atmosphere Landscape Construction and Airo Landscape Design Inc.

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The stark beauty of Newfoundland’s nature is one of its most treasured assets. Folks in St. John’s are enhancing that beauty with landscapes that make their outdoor spaces valuable real estate assets, too.

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“

ow people are using their spaces as outdoor retreats and designing them to be part of the architecture of their home,” says Andrea Rowe, landscape designer and owner of Airo Landscape Design Inc. “One reason for this is that landscape design is a savvy investment. If you renovate a kitchen, the work depreciates after a few years, but an investment in your landscape only appreciates as it matures.”

Rowe works hand-in-hand with business partner Adam Ziemanis, with whom she co-owns Atmosphere Landscape Construction. Together the two companies offer a full-service design and build operation, creating everything from outdoor kitchens to decks and ponds, gardens and outdoor rooms.

Customer service is very important to this energetic duo and they are just as excited as their clients about each new landscape.

Homeowners Ruby and Martyn Fear say Airo and Atmosphere were the perfect match for their needs, not only in design, construction, delivery and budget, but on a personal level as well. “They are amazing professionals,” says Ruby. “The design was beautiful and we would have never thought of the layout Andrea came up with in a million years. They and their crew really rock!”

Rowe, who founded Airo in 2006, has a degree in Environmental Design and Landscape Architecture from the University of Manitoba, as well as a degree in Linguistics and Mathematics.

Rowe prides herself on the ability to analyze spaces using the language of design and has a keen focus on connecting people with their outdoor space through a symbolic translation of their message into the landscape.

She takes everything about the property into consideration, including site drainage, wind, privacy issues, soil, views to and from the property, sun-shade

OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPES

patterns, the amount of gardening the client is interested in doing, and the types of plants they like.

When possible, Rowe likes to do most of her design plans, which are handdrawings or computer drawings done to scale, in the fall and winter months. This gives her the opportunity to be thorough, while doing revisions and making sure the design is exactly what the homeowner wants and needs. The planned drawings will include dimensions, suggestions of different plants and materials, and other details so the plan can easily be executed.

Atmosphere Landscape Construction typically starts the project in the spring and summer months. From clearing virgin land to renovating existing landscapes, Ziemanis, who has a background as a golf course superintendent, says they’ve done it all.

Installing driveways, fences, stone patios and retaining walls are all part of their repertoire.

In St. John’s, homeowners have a number of particular challenges that Atmosphere Landscape Construction can solve: acidic soil, grading and standing water conditions.

Atmosphere analyzes and treats the soil before they begin building to ensure a quality landscape. Since spring and fall in

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the area mean heavy rainfall, Atmosphere analyzes the grading of the landscape using laser levels to make sure there are no standing water issues. This is especially important when building a stone patio next to a basement door, for example, in order to avoid water getting inside.

“There’s a lot of thought and care involved in what we do and we take great pride in it,” says Ziemanis. “I can say our workers do, too. We want to provide the best and make the client as happy as possible.

Five years down the road, if they want to change something, we’ll be the first people they call if they need anything. Word of mouth is number one in this business so if you make somebody happy, it’s going to help you out in the long run.”

Clients Don and Trudy Barnes say it was a delight to work with Airo and Atmosphere in the design and creation of their new outdoor space. “They listened to our needs really well, and wanted to deliver a space that worked for us and our lifestyle,” says Don. “And it has worked beautifully, from the very low maintenance garden and private patio deck to the classic stone entrance.”

We really appreciated having any issues brought to our attention and discussed before any changes to the plan were made,” Don says. “We have recommended Atmosphere and Airo to many people and will continue to do so. We had a great experience dealing with them.”

A lot of care was taken in the selection of materials, trees, shrubs and plants, and this attention to detail continued into the building phase. “Andrea and Adam were frequently on-site to ensure their crew delivered the vision we were hoping for.

Airo Landscape Design 709.730.5165 www.airolandscapes.ca

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PREVIOUS PAGE Andrea Rowe, Adam Ziemanis

Atmosphere Landscape Construction 709.693.6000 www.buildatmosphere.ca

OUTDOOR LIVING & LANDSCAPES

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

Scott

McGillivray Reno & Real estate InvestIng expeRt

By Erin Legg

now a Regular Contributor to Fine lifestyles & Fine Homes Magazines

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B

est known for his pearly white smile, honest advice and occasional antics as the host of HGTV’s popular Income Property, Scott McGillivray has built an empire from the ground up. Aside from hosting and producing the longrunning program, McGillivray balances being a family man with a career as a successful business owner, author and educator. But take away his international recognition and would it matter? No. Family is his first and foremost commitment.

“Not a day goes by that I don’t acknowledge that becoming a father is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” states McGillivray. McGillivray married Sabrina in 2008, and since have become parents to two daughters, Myah, three and Layla, 18 months. “Having children is the most amazing thing that’s ever happened in my life. It’s changed my life completely.”

McGillivray dedicates everything he can to his family, and that involves strict fashioning of his career and public life. “My primary focus is family and everything else has to work around it. We set up some work rules [and made] hard decisions, but they’ve been the right decisions. I’ve had to turn down opportunities, but I have to be able to just come home and be a dad sometimes.”

Although McGillivray easily gushes about his wife and children, he remains modest about himself in the spotlight. Recently, People named him “Sexy Man of the Week,” which he finds humorous.

“It’s probably the most awkward thing that’s ever happened to me. My wife [and] my friends thought it was hilarious. No one takes it too seriously, especially me.”

At the age of 19, McGillivray was advised: “Life is too short to learn from your own mistakes.” He elaborates, “You’ve got to learn from other people. Lots of people have trouble listening and asking the right questions to people who have already done what they want to do.”

Income Property is just one vehicle by which McGillivray educates homeowners on smart investing and renovations. Armed with more than 150 of his own income properties across North America and his B. Comm (Honours), he partnered with longtime friend, Michael Sarracini, and founded the Lifetime Wealth Academy, providing crucial real estate advice and education to want-to-be investors. “Teaching other people is something I always gravitated toward and I was naturally giving real estate and reno advice to my friends and family anyway,” he explains.

“I feel my best when people can take something away from the show or a live event. I love hearing when people have learned something or have been inspired to buy a property or take on a renovation because of me. That’s the most rewarding.”

In 2015, McGillivray will continue educating homeowners using his knowledge and expertise in real estate as a regular contributor to Fine Lifestyles and Fine Homes magazines. “It’s going to be a good year!” he says with his trademark smile.

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 PREVIOUS PAGE PHOTO Tim Leyes THIS PAGE PHOTOS Richard Sibbald

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INCOME PROPERTY NEW SEASON

FEBRUARY 26 HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

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

Creating the Ultimate Space with

EXPERT Renovations

By Trina Annand Photos Kyle Callahan

BEFORE

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he renovation process is, by its very nature, disruptive to a family’s daily life. When approaching interior or exterior work on a home, it’s vital to select the right contractor for the job. A member of the Home Builder’s Association and one of only four RenoMark™ certified contractors in the province, R.J. Custom Contracting understands a home is not just an investment, but a space filled with memories. This is why the team dedicates themselves to helping homeowners create their dream space through expertise and superior communication.

Whether clients are looking for a new and luxurious entertaining space or a full home addition, the experts at R. J. Custom Contracting have the skills and tools to create a one-of-a-kind space.

After discovering a passion for construction at an early age, Richard Parsons developed a wide variety of skills to better service his clients. “A renovation is very personal; often it is a home they have spent many years in and we need to be sensitive to that. Now people are looking more toward renovation than new construction; it’s about boosting the value of their investment and having a home that perfectly suits their style and needs,” says Parsons.

“When my husband and I decided to complete a renovation and addition project, we knew as busy professionals with two young children we could not do it on our own,” says client Lori Jackman.

“Trusting someone to come into my home and tear it apart before putting it back together was never a relationship I felt comfortable with — until I met Richard Parsons of R.J. Custom Contracting. Our project was completed on time and on budget with a quality of workmanship that made us proud to show off our home to family and friends. The most important thing about Richard is that he is a man of his word. He never over promised or under performed.”

Always looking for creative solutions for his clients’ needs, Parsons often calls on the decades of expertise provided by his father-in-law, Eric Herridge, who introduced him to the industry. “Often when you’re building high quality

AFTER

BEFORE

products, it’s the traditional techniques that work the best,” says Parsons. With an attention to detail that is second to none, R.J. Custom Contracting is expanding their services to include patios, decks and outdoor entertainment spaces in 2015 — for the perfect home inside and out.

Planning is key when envisioning a new space, and it’s never too early to consult a professional. Once the warm weather hits, renovation projects are at the top of everyone’s mind, so it pays to do your research ahead of time. Developing a level of trust with a contractor is key to a successful project and a contractor’s passion for construction ensures a job is done right the first time. “I love bringing people’s ideas to life,” Parsons says. “There is nothing better than taking a dated space and breathing new life into it.”

R.J. Custom Contracting 709.631.2950 rjcustomcontracting@gmail.com

BOTTOM L-R Richard Parsons, Thomas Vatcher Travis Breen, Lloyd Fudge, Emmanuel Warren, Steve Dunne HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

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St. John’s/Avalon

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Reclaim Your Space

By Melanie Furlong Photos Courtesy of Organizing Pros

Are your closets cluttered? Let Organizing Pros help.

O

“

ur design consultants are trained to help you maximize your space,” says Wayne Evans, owner of Organizing Pros. “With the aid of our 3D design software, our experienced consultants can create the perfect solution for your unique space. From practical to sensational, we can create a closet for you that is both functional and beautiful.”

of what we wanted, they did 3D designs so we could visualize what the finished closets would look like,” says Bob.

St. John’s homeowners Bob and Sol Vardy chose Organizing Pros to design and build all the closets in their new home.

“After giving Organizing Pros some idea

The foyer, storage, bedroom and linen closets were designed to maximize space with adjustable shelving.

The Vardys are delighted with the closets, as well as the storage for their expanded family. “Our master walkin turned out even better than we imagined and is a real show piece!” says Bob. “We just can’t say enough about Wayne and his installation team.

They were professional, pleasant to be

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HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

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St. John’s/Avalon

around, and always cleaned up before they left for the day. It was easy to see customer satisfaction was at the top of their list. They even worked during the Christmas holidays so we could get all our clothes unpacked and organized while we had the time off. They are as good as it gets!”

All of Organizing Pros’ closets are custom made using the highest quality products. All cabinets have a 3/4-inch thermofused melamine finish — which resists scratches and stands up to heat, moisture, stains and dirt more effectively

than other products. They also offer a full line of closet accessories in a variety of finishes to keep your belongings clutterfree and easily accessible.

From basic storage to full-blown man caves, garages are an extension of the home and a reflection of your lifestyle.

Organizing Pros is the authorized dealer for Monkey Bars Garage Storage Systems. Their versatile shelf-rack system allows homeowners to customize storage solutions based on their changing needs. Every four feet holds up to 1,000 pounds. “The idea is to get everything off the floor,” says Wayne. “It’s about using your garage for what it was intended to be used — a place for the second most expensive thing we own, our car.”

Homeowner Joy Doyle had Organizing Pros design storage for her garage and says her experience was great from start to finish. “Wayne was flexible and eager to ensure my complete

satisfaction with the product,” says Joy. “Once we had decided on a design, it was installed two days later.

I arrived home after the install to find a beautifully organized garage, which was everything I had envisioned based on the online photos. They were friendly, professional, efficient and treated my garage as they would their own. I could not ask for any better!”

HOME IMPROVEMENTS & RENOVATIONS

Let Organizing Pros get you to a better space — simplify, organize, enjoy!

Organizing Pros 17 Goldeneye Place Mount Pearl, NL 709.685.1245 www.organizingpros.ca

FineHomes

St. John’s/Avalon

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for the home

BY COURTNEY TAIT

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he most interesting objects in a home are the ones that tell a story. The 60-year-old stool your grandfather carved from a fallen pine tree. The antique candle holders your sister gave you for your wedding. The framed drawing of a rainbow, coloured by your son when he was three.

Featuring items that represent another time or place instantly infuses your home with soul.

What if you took that notion a step further?

Reclaimed materials — from stained-glass church windows to tables made of barn wood — are becoming increasingly popular in building, renovating and redecorating, enabling homeowners to add interest to their décor while giving new life to pieces from the past.

If you’re installing or replacing hardwood floors, consider using salvaged wood for a unique look that’s also eco-friendly. Boards from old barns, factories and warehouses can be found through local and online sources, saving the wood from ending up in a landfill and making your flooring an instant conversation piece. Reclaimed wood can also be used for interior walls and siding.

Like mixing antiques into your space? A castiron tub, pedestal bathroom sink or farmhousestyle kitchen sink can complement a modern décor, making a statement that also proves functional. Decorative windows that have been rescued from old buildings become a piece of art once hung on the wall. Even vintage fireplace mantles can be repurposed and used as a headboard or shelf.

The ways in which to use reclaimed materials are limitless. All it takes is a little imagination and a passion for finding treasures with a story you want to tell.

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IMPROVEMENTS & RENOS

Got water?

For All Your Flooring Needs!

Newfoundland and Labrador weather means we sometimes need to have practical flooring or suffer water damaged floors.

For you, The Carpet Factory has Floorte, a lineup of luxury vinyl flooring products that are practical and waterproof, meaning you don’t always have to sacrifice for style. As flooring experts, The Carpet Factory installs what they sell, and carries a range of flooring options to suit any lifestyle. Celebrating their 22nd year in business, The Carpet Factory is proud to provide the best quality products and service to their loyal customers.

1 Logy Bay Road, St. John’s www.carpetfactorysuperstore.com

709.726.8232

Celebrating 22 Years of Servicing You – the Customer!