Modern Luxuria Vol 36 MAY 2023

TICKETS

Profile

Fashion

Drinks

PUBLISHED BY MODERN LUXURIA LTD.

FOUNDER

Elsa Amorim

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jelena Bojic

MANAGING EDITOR

Beryl Bacchus

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Brandy Belitsky

COPY EDITOR

Lucie Oosterveld

BRAND AMBASSADOR

Gordana Bosiocic

CONTRIBUTORS

Mona Rose Butler

Twyla Campbell

Marcia J. Hamm

Steven Hope

Nev Ostoin

Francesca Roznicki

Tom Sedens

Modern Luxuria is a digital magazine and is published monthly.

For subscription inquiries email: hello@modernluxuria.com

No part of this magazine, including text, photographs, illustrations, advertising layouts or other graphics may be reproduced in any way without the prior written consent of the publisher. Modern Luxuria Magazine is not responsible for loss, damage or any other injury to unsolicited manuscripts, unsolicited artwork (including but not limited to drawings, photographs, or transparencies) or any unsolicited material. By accepting and publishing advertisements, Modern Luxuria Magazine is in no way endorsing or guaranteeing the quality of service or product with those advertisements.

Thank you

Beryl Bacchus Managing Editor

Beryl Bacchus has had an extensive career with over 20 years in the fashion, events and entertainment worlds. Spending time in Montreal, Toronto and New York, she moved to Edmonton just over a decade ago and is excited to bring her passion for community to Modern Luxuria Magazine and help showcase the talent and vibrancy of Edmonton from a fresh perspective.

Contributors

Twyla Campbell is a freelance writer and food columnist for CBC Radio (Edmonton). She is a seasoned traveler who seeks unique destinations both local and abroad. A proud supporter of Canadian wine and sustainable food producers, Twyla is a regularly sought food panelist and judge for culinary competitions in Canada.

Francesca Roznicki is a creative entrepreneur and busy mom of two boys. Always passionate about interior design, she has worked exclusively within the interior design and home building industry in Edmonton. When she isn't busy shuffling kids to sports practice and writing for her clients, she's scouring the local real estate listings and diving into decor magazines with a piping hot Americano.

Mona Rose Butler, originally from Vancouver, brings with her to Edmonton a background in lifestyle writing within the luxury realm. When not working or training for her next strongman competition, she can be found exploring the restaurants and coffee shops of Edmonton or taking her dog, Pixel, on adventures.

Marcia J. Hamm is a lover of all things wine, but is especially passionate about Italy's native grape varieties. She is a WSET diploma holder, an Italian Wine Scholar and one of only 15 Italian Wine Experts In the world through the Vinitaly international Academy (VIA). Marcia also loves to sing, ride her bicycle, have dinner parties and relax on the patio.

Steven Hope is an award winning creative, working in commercials and film around the world. He is not good at writing about himself in the form of a bio and would prefer we let the work speak for itself. The work would say something like “Hi reader, I’m the work, I’m humbly brilliant.”

Tom Sedens is a husband, father of 3, lover of pie and a world traveler that has explored over 50 countries. He is an accredited member of AJAC (Automobile Journalists Association of Canada) who loves driving anything, anytime, anywhere.

We are heading into the warmer months, and even though there’s a saying that you can experience all four seasons in May and still be surprised by the weather forecast, we are loving the sunny weather and high temperatures that welcomed us into this month.

In the May edition of Modern Luxuria, we are bringing you some exclusive content that really celebrates the season of new beginnings. Speaking of new beginnings; this year, we are launching a new event in partnership with West Edmonton Mall: Fashion in Motion. Join us to see the hottest spring and summer styles from some of the city’s top fashion retailers, enjoy refreshments, and support a good cause. A portion of each ticket purchased will go to Little

Editor's Note

Warriors, a charitable organization focused on the awareness, prevention and treatment of child sexual abuse. Click here to read more about the event and to purchase tickets.

We are grateful to Garrett Turta, the outgoing General Manager of the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, for taking the time to speak to us as he’s preparing for his own new beginning - a move to Jasper, where he’ll be taking over managing the Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. His work and presence in downtown Edmonton left a lasting impression, and we wish him the best of luck in this new adventure in the Rockies.

For all of our luxury seeking readers, we bring some great local indulgence ideas. Whether it’s cuisine and wine selections, art and culture, or designing a modern luxury oasis in your backyard, we want to offer you a chance to unwind, explore and get inspired. We love exploring the city and finding these gems for you, and hope that you will take some time to visit some of the places we mention here. Enjoy the May edition of Modern Luxuria, and let’s finish with a wonderful sentence Garrett shared with us: “Embrace this city, because if you do, it will embrace you back.”

– Jelena

May, more than any other month of the year, wants us to feel most alive

– FENNEL HUDSON

Lasting Impression on Downtown Edmonton

Reflecting on a legacy of community and hospitality with Garrett Turta

WORDS BY JELENA BOJIC PHOTOGRAPHY BY NEV OSTOIN

After ten years as General Manager of the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald, one of the most loved landmarks in the city, Garrett Turta is moving on. His new role still follows the elegant Fairmont banner, as he’s moving to manage the beautiful Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge. Turta didn’t only manage the hotel, he became an active volunteer and supporter of all things Edmonton, particularly downtown.

How did you start your career with Fairmont?

I started off in Vancouver. Actually, my dad owned a hotel and growing up, I was working in it, which inspired me to pursue a career in that direction. I started at Pan Pacific Vancouver Hotel, then moved up to The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver, and 26 years from there, here I am! It’s been a lot of moves, but a lot of fun.

You’ve built your personal brand always tied to Fairmont. How did that happen?

It’s interesting, and I say this to a lot of people that come in for interviews (and I always interview every single person that comes in); it’s the fact that the company’s values and my values are in alignment. I also appreciate the freedom to be able to do and try different things, and to grow within the brand.

You’ve really immersed yourself in many volunteer positions, boards, advisory committees, and so on. What inspires you to do this, and where do you find the time?

I look at our hotels as they are the center of the destination. And the hotel can’t survive on its own; it needs a strong backbone in the city to help it grow. That’s why I think it’s so important to be able to support the city, to give back. When we had Smudge, we were very connected with the Humane Society and raised close to $50,000 over the years, as well as about $20,000 for the Guide Dog Association.. If you want to be successful, you have to give back to the community that supports you. I am a strong believer in that. For me, it’s been a great experience

to sit on various boards to help put Edmonton on the map. We do so many good things here, and over the years, I’ve experienced one thing that was incredible with our guests. Many of them came in not expecting to make a connection with the city, but they all had a tear in their eye when they left. Being able to continue to build the city was an incredible experience. The hotel and tourism community, and the downtown community are working so hard to make great things happen.

You mentioned your dog Smudge, and we can’t talk about The Mac without mentioning the legacy she left. Unfortunately, she passed away, but tell us a bit about how she became a key member of the team.

Our Mother’s Day brunch is a really busy event where we see over a thousand people. The first year Smudge was here, maybe 10% of our guests knew her, as the press release went out. In 2019, 90% of the guests knew her; they knew her name, they were looking for her as they were arriving…she became an important part of the hotel. And that helped in so many ways; many people felt they couldn’t go to The Mac - it’s posh, it’s not for me…and Smudge really helped us with changing that perception. Seeing how she interacted with guests was incredible; we would see people in suits, laying on the floor, and petting a dog…it takes the hustle and bustle out of travel, and makes them relaxed. As hard as it was to write the post that she passed, it was cathartic to see how much she meant to everyone. It helped me and my family with the healing process…and I’ll let you in on a secret, there’s another dog coming!

What is your work philosophy?

It’s all about building the team and having a fun environment to work in. We work when everyone else plays, so making sure our team can still have fun, relax and enjoy their work is first and foremost for me. Listening to our team to make sure they have what they need to do their job is critical. I take the time to get to know our team on a personal basis too. A lot of our people saw my kids grow up over the years and having that family atmosphere is something I truly enjoy. I was given a lot of freedom, and I want my team to experience the same thing; to be able to try things, make mistakes, experiment, and do their best. It’s amazing to see the creativity that comes out of people when they’re happy and enjoying what they do.

How do you ensure you provide the luxury experience all the time?

I have a very good office chair, and by that, I mean I don’t use it much. I’m out walking through the kitchen, the hotel, and the grounds as much as possible as I want to be seen in the hotel to experience what’s happening. I try to see everything from the guests’ perspective, sitting in the lounge or restaurant, walking in to see what their first impression is. That’s how you get to know your team well - which is critical, as well as experience it from the guests’ viewpoint.

What excites you the most about moving to Jasper?

I grew up in British Columbia, so it’s going back to the mountains. Moving from the city centers where I spent so many years, and going to the resort is an interesting challenge, plus Jasper is one of my favourite places. I like the uniqueness and tranquility of it, and the many ways to experience it whether it’s golfing, skiing, or through the spa, and getting into more events and ways to have guests visit is exciting. There is a large renovation happening so I’m looking forward to getting involved with that, and really, putting Jasper on the map! We have some of the best hotels in the Rockies, so being a part of that really excites me.

Your favourite memory about Fairmont Macdonald?

That’s a tough one. It’s just the hotel’s place in the city overall, and the excitement that followed me with this. For example, having my Costco card that has the hotel name on it, and people getting excited and asking,“What is it like working there?” And the pride you feel when you say that it’s under my watch - maintaining that relationship with the city, but also enhancing it and making it stronger. With Edmontonians, it’s something I cherished and enjoyed. I loved speaking to guests one on one, and sometimes in big cities, you don’t get that personal connection.

My favourite moment was when Smudge crashed the Premier’s conference a few years ago and walked through everyone. I remember the RCMP telling me this, and to this day, I have no idea how she got in there.

What is your favourite luxury in Edmonton?

I like Poppy Barley products, and I like that it’s Edmonton grown. I have shoes and bags, and I think what they bring to the city is pretty unique and I really enjoy it.

And finally, your advice to the next General Manager of The Mac?

Embrace the city! Because if you do that, it will embrace you back.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEVEN HOPE AGENCY CHAN INTERNATIONAL MODEL SHELLEY CLARK

Blooming In Style

Spring is in full bloom and so is Who Cares? Wear's latest collection of must-have pieces

WWW.WHOCARESWEAR.COM

It's time to ditch the winter coats and embrace the season of new beginnings. And what better way to do that than with some fresh, chic pieces from Edmonton's own local fashion boutique, Who Cares? Wear. From flowy dresses to breezy tops and statement accessories, their spring collection has everything you need to elevate your wardrobe. Here are some of our top picks from Who Cares? Wear's spring collection.

Smythe Cropped Sleeve

Pagoda Blazer

Cami NYC

Racer Charmeuse

Cami

AG Jeans

Saige

Generation Love

Crepe Blazer

Generation Love

Aida Lace Tank

Generation Love

Lucca Crepe Pant

Rebecca Mink off

Edie Flap Shoulder Bag

Sister X Soeur

Lindsay Sandal

Ulla Johnson

Olina Dress

Ulla Johnson

Daphne Tote

Dolce Vita Ashby Sandals

Tiger of Sweden Sage Suit

Gran Sasso

Black Silk Polo

Sunglasses

Circolo

Cotton Linen Blazer Xacus

Floral Top Brigala

Cotton Chino Drakes

Drakes

Cotton Linen

Games Blazer

Gran Sasso

Cotton Polo

Anderson

Woven Belt

Re-Hash

Cotton Tencel Pants

Drakes

Crosby Moc-Toe

Chukka Boot

Empire Loro Piana Wool Silk Blazer

Stenstrom

Jersey Dress shirt

Anderson

Woven Nylon Belt

Gierre Milano

Pocket Square AG

Denim

Tiger of Sweden Sage Suit Gran Sasso Black Silk Polo Stenstrom's Pocket Square Anderson Belt

Mom's The Word

1. Hillberg & Berk Mom Heart Necklace www.hillbergandberk.com

3. Pura Botanicals Yuzu Melange Body Wash www.purabotanicals.ca

5. The Plaid Giraffe Pokoloko Turkish Towel www.theplaidgiraffe.ca

2. Rocky Mountain Soap Co Essential Face Cream www.rockymountainsoap.com

4. Prairie Chick Prints Mommy Fuel Mug www.themakerskeep.com

1. Paris Jewellers 6+1″ Bracelet With Emerald www.parisjewellers.com

Soul-stirring Modern Performance - 2023 Corvette

An ‘aero’ through the heart of ordinary

WORDS BY TOM SEDENS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

THE2023 Corvette Stingray boasts an impressive pedigree of 70 years. Seventy years during which Chevrolet has constantly refined and modernized this purpose-built sports car, engineering it to take on all challenges that come its way.

The breathtaking eighth-generation Corvette is a boldly sculpted mid-engine sports car with potent aerodynamics, slicing the air with sheer precision.

It is the most powerful Stingray in history, motivated by a massive 6.2L LT2 V8. The naturally-aspirated engine makes 490 HP and 465 lb-ft of torque - those numbers go up with the optional performance exhaust. Paired with an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that is as smooth as it is quick, it can be

manually shifted using the steering-wheel mounted paddles. The powertrain is enough to push the Stingray to stratospheric performance limits, accompanying the pure driving joy with its addictive sonorous V8 bellow.

Using the launch control, 0-100 km/h is reached in 2.9 seconds with the quarter-mile flashing by in only 11.2 seconds.

But this Stingray isn’t just about straight-line performance. The engine sits behind the driver. Combine the resulting perfect weight distribution with the astounding Magnetic Ride Control suspension, a limited-slip differential and staggered front and rear wheel and tire sizes, and you have a car that will happily and comfortably cruise on the highway all day, and also head off to the track where it can be raced.

The driving dynamics are superb, allowing for precise control of every facet of the car’s performance. The steering is heavy but sharp, and the traction is unflappable, the rear tires only breaking loose when the driver wants them to, and you can count on heroic handling any time you need it. And hauling everything back down is done with incredible ease thanks to the gargantuan Brembo brakes.

Opening the heavy doors reveals an interior that seems prepared for flight. It feels as though it was inspired by fighter jets. The materials are outstanding - the dash and doors are completely wrapped in stitched leather.

Taking the racing-inspired steering wheel in hand, the driver finds everything they need is displayed ahead of them in the customizable 12-inch digital dash. All other functions are taken care of by the 8-inch touchscreen, angled toward the driver for easy viewing and control. All the climate controls, as well as seat heating and ventilation, are perched atop a raised spine on the right edge of the centre console. The rest of the console is clean and focused, dedicated to the push/pull gear selector and rotary drive mode knob.

The 14-speaker Bose Performance Series audio system is staggering in its power and clarity and made for great listening even with the top down.

When it comes to safety, there are plenty of driver assistance technology systems to keep everyone safe. Even the Corvette’s bodywork gets protected - an optional Front Lift system pops the front of the car up two inches in less than three seconds, allowing the driver to spare the front end from undignified scratches and bumps on steep entrances.

The Stingray convertible features a retractable roof that looks as great up as it does down. Press a button inside or on the key fob and it will pop up, split into sections, and tuck itself away on top of the engine compartment - all within 15 seconds and at up to 30 km/h, leaving you with a trunk that will still fit two golf bags while the roof is stowed.

First introduced in 1953, the Corvette is one of America’s, if not the world’s, most iconic sports cars. In its current form, it might present the world’s best value, combining exotic super-car performance and five-star accommodations at attainable pricing. The 2023 Corvette Stingray is a truly world-class machine that delivers exactly the thrills its wild looks promise.

WWW.SHERWOODPARKCHEV.COM

The Evolution of Central Social Hall

A local team takes aim at the big leagues

WORDS BY TWYLA CAMPBELL PHOTOGRAPHY NEV OSTOIN

AT11 years old, Central Social Hall on Jasper Avenue has earned its place as a veteran on the Edmonton food scene. Yet despite its tenure, many people still think of it as primarily a place for 20-somethings to go and party late into the night.

It can be that, for sure; but Central, as it’s called for short, is so much more.

In 2012, Jesse Kupina, Jerry Rota and Vance Bosch set out on a mission to bridge the gap between pubs and industry icons. They envisioned a place where people could be as comfortable digging into wings and beer as they could celebrating a special occasion over steak and wine.

Bridging the gap remains the focus, but one that comes with the need for constant adaptation. A couple of years in, the owners, a hands-on gang involved deeply in day-to-day operations, sat down to reassess the game plan.

“As we matured, and our tastes evolved,” Kupina says. “So did the style of the restaurant.”

Adding a selection of dishes geared to kids’ palates meant they could see more of their own families while also appealing to a wider customer base. The drink list has evolved, too. With more people joining the sober curious movement, the menu now includes alcohol-free drinks alongside an intriguing list of boozy cocktails.

Central is still a place for wings and beer. Diehards go for the signature hot sauce wings, but adventurous eaters often opt for ones coated in maple sambal. And the beer list, which has always included the big breweries, now has a strong showing of craft beer, of which seven come from Alberta.

The menu is classic with a few modern takes. Popular dishes include beef tenderloin with brown butter gnocchi, fried chicken coated in crushed pretzels is served with a broccoli and grape salad, and a saucy linguine loaded with grilled chicken and tomatoes gets a generous dusting of grated aged gouda. Sushi? Sure, but the option here features Alberta beef tenderloin instead of tuna—fitting, given where we are.

From an aesthetic perspective, Central Social Hall is pretty without being pretentious. It’s as inviting for the jeans and jersey crowd as it is for the dolled up and debonair. The best seats are (always) at the bar, but booths allow for a more intimate setting, and larger tables are great for group gatherings. And yes, there are TVs which means if you’re looking for somewhere lively to take in a playoff game, this is a good spot for it.

What lies beneath the attractive surface though, is maybe what matters most. Kupina and Rota both grew up in northeast Edmonton and their commitment to community runs deep. When it comes to supporting other local businesses, they do their part. The bourbon-spiked gelato that accompanies the sticky toffee pudding is made especially for them by Little Bear Gelato. A new wine on the list, a juicy Lambrusco, is from local entrepreneur Moirae Choquette. The perogies come from Yo Baba, an Edmonton company that’s been

making Ukrainian foods from scratch since 1962. Gouda is from Sylvan Star, coffee is from Roasti, buns are from Vienna Bakery, and the list goes on. This matters. A lot. Supporting local producers is what keeps the wheels of a community turning. And best of all, what they source from these small companies is stellar stuff.

“Everything about us and in this room, even our takeout service - we aim to be a degree above,” says operating partner, Vance Bosch.

That commitment to aim higher seems to be working. Two years after opening the downtown Central, the group expanded to St. Albert, and in March of this year, to Ellerslie.

If this is the start of something big, I’m here for it.

Rosé All Day

The time of year has come to Think Pink

WORDS BY MARCIA J. HAMM PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Will it be rosé all day or just rosé for summer? With a vast selection of pink to choose from, made in every wine region of the world, and from a plethora of grape varieties, there is no doubt there will be something for everyone’s budget and palate.

Chateau D’Esclans Garrus

From the winery that brings us the well-known Whispering Angel, Chateau D’Esclans’ owner, Sacha Lichine, had a vision to make a luxury rosé that would become established as iconic and world class. The Garrus started production in 2006 and is made from a single vineyard of nearly 100 year-old grenache vines, then fermented and aged in new, large French oak barrels. It is powerful, yet elegant, designed to be aged. Often compared to a fine white Burgundy, there are aromas of delicate red fruits, vanilla cream and toast. The palate is pure Provençal with peach, red berries, orange blossom and a mouth-watering citric freshness. It also has a fine vanilla creaminess giving it a perception of sweetness, although it is bone dry. Complexity in a glass and sure to impress your friends this patio season. If you like fine rosé, this might be the bottle you are searching for. Yes, pricey at around $160/bottle, but well worth the price of admission!

Chateau D’Esclans Les Clans

Another from the Sacha Lichine collection, Chateau D’Esclans Les Clans may be a step down in price, certainly not in quality. There are several labels from this Estate, yet they are vastly different in flavour and price point due to production methods and grape selection. If the Garrus is a little too rich for the budget, try the Les Clans at about half the price - around $75, yet packed with flavour and completely ageable. Not frivolous, but serious, with notes of marmalade on toast, peaches and cream, fresh raspberries, and grapefruit juice – brunch in a glass!

Tornatore Etna Rosato

From the slopes of Mt Etna where the volcanic soils create an undeniable minerality in the wine, Tornatore is quickly becoming a rising star as one of the most respected wineries of the region. Nerello Mascalese is grown at 1000 metres ASL on the prestigious north slope of this active volcano. While darker in colour than many of its French counterparts, this deeper hued rosé shows off juicy wild raspberry, orange and lemon peel, with racy acidity and a saline tang on the finish. A treat to drink - pair with salty, briny fish dishes and won’t break the bank at around $35/ bottle.

Although one might associate rosé with summer and indulging in a glass or two on the patio, these wines are very food friendly and versatile, perhaps even more so than a red or white wine. Don’t be afraid to throw a piece of steak or wild game on the grill, a dense halibut, or even pork tenderloin to experiment with varied flavours and tastes this summer.

Immortalizing the Windows to the Soul

Bringing out the best in all eyes

WORDS BY MONA ROSE BUTLER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

THEeye is incredibly personal. It conveys our emotions, identifies us, and of course, helps us navigate through our day-to-day lives. While at first glance, some eyes may look similar to others, even the most solid-colored irises expose secret shapes and colors when photographed with a macro camera. Some eyes even reveal that they are actually entirely different colors than previously thought.

Eyemazy Edmonton is the first Canadian location, and the company’s first-ever franchise. Rick Maisonneuve’s wife and daughter fell in love with the concept during a trip to Germany in 2018 but the company wasn't ready to franchise yet.

“At the time, I was transitioning out of a long-term career in the cable industry and we were looking for something we could do as a family. We patiently

waited for them to [franchise], and in July 2019, we became their first franchise in the world! We found the concept so unique and meaningful and we thought others would feel the same,” Rick explained.

Rick and his family initially launched the business as a mobile concept, traveling to and from trade shows and festivals. They quickly became the favorite booth at any event, with their Fringe Festival installation garnering a lineup of up to 3 hours!

COVID interrupted their booth and they quickly pivoted to a pop-up space on Whyte Ave. This was a resounding success, and they moved to a permanent retail space not far away. Having once been a gallery, the stark white, minimalist space is the perfect backdrop for the bold, up-close shots of eyes of various sizes, displayed along the walls.

It’s an experience like no other, to see your own eyes like you’ve never before, and not one person who sees it is not blown away by the results. There are no plain eyes. A macro camera is used to shoot a close-up image of both eyes, using a bright flash to ensure as much of the iris is exposed as possible. From there, using specially designed editing software, they simply remove any shadows or remnants of the flash, nothing else.

People often come to commemorate special events, such as anniversaries, or even to create a memorial piece, as is the case when they brought Eyemazy to a family during COVID. The mother, unfortunately, had cancer and the family wanted to have her eye, along with her family’s eyes displayed together in one piece to remember her by, when she passed. The experience is popular with families, and when laid out together, you can often see the striking resemblances between siblings or even across generations.

“Our own family’s iris photos blow me away every time I look at them! It’s a really cool example of how we see genetic connections in the irises of families. You can see repeating structures, colors, and details that make this an amazing keepsake for families to celebrate their connection. Sometimes it’s about the similarities and sometimes the differences. The first thing we did when we got the equipment was to photograph our parents’ eyes and then we did all their grandkids for them, something they absolutely love.”

Wilderness Systems

Targa 100 Kayak

www.breatheoutdoors.ca

www.breatheoutdoors.ca

www.breatheoutdoors.ca

Asolo Men's Eldo Leather GV Hiking Shoes

Silva Pocket Compass www.mec.ca

Black Diamond Trail Cork Poles www.mec.ca

Victorinox Classic Red With Flag

Yeti Roadie 24 Hard Cooler www.mec.ca

The North Face Skeena Outdoor Sandals www.mec.ca

Exploring the Art of Modern Luxury Landscaping

Three local companies share how to achieve your dream outdoor oasis

WORDS BY FRANCESCA ROZNICKI PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

Backyard Oasis: Pure Landscape Design and Construction

For Jeff Fenske, the owner of Pure Landscape Design and Construction, the most important thing about creating a successful outdoor landscape is understanding the end user, as well as their goals. “Understanding how the family functions and how they intend to use their yard is the driving factor for what we design toward,” Jeff says.

When creating a backyard oasis for his clients, Jeff uses pergolas and gazebos to create covered spaces and special nooks that invite you to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Pure Landscape also frequently incorporates low voltage, colour changing lighting that can modify the mood. Lighting is also an important consideration in nightscape design - especially with such long winters here.

Pure Landscape uses 3D imaging to share concepts with their clients so they can understand the vision and get a feel of the space that 2D images cannot communicate. “The design element is the most critical part of everything we do,” Jeff remarks. “It’s always about creating focal elements … areas that invite you in versus areas that are just pretty to look at.”

WWW.PURELANDSCAPE.CA

PURE LANDSCAPE

THE JANSEN GROUP

Modern Retreat: The Jansen Group

When Adam Jansen started The Jansen Group nearly 11 years ago, he knew he wanted to change the world of landscape design in Edmonton. Growing up in Ontario, he saw trends that hadn’t been done here before and he wanted to bring his elevated design style to Edmontonians.

The choices of materials for creating modern exterior spaces has grown dramatically over the years. “Fifteen years ago, your choices were paving stone or concrete as a walkway. That was it. Now we have really cool products to work with.” Adam recalled a recent project where the clients invested in an eye-catching 2cm porcelain tile as a surface walkway. The unique material is rated for Canadian climates and there are as many tile color and size options as for your home’s interior.

As an expert in creating luxurious modern retreats, Adam believes, “People see their outdoor spaces as more than just lawn and a place for the kids to run around. They want it to be an extension of their home and outdoor living space. When you start thinking of your yard in that light, you start incorporating structures, outdoor kitchens, and then everything that goes with that - heaters to keep people warm, lighting to provide a guide, etc.” Adam considers structures with features like collapsible glass walls and retracting overhead doors as a trendy and luxurious new way to create modern retreats for multiple uses.

Curbside Luxuria: Salisbury Landscaping

Salisbury Landscaping is a local company that has been in the business since the early 90s. Originally started as a garden center, and now with locations in St. Albert and Sherwood Park, their focus on high quality products and luxury designs has made them a trusted name in the industry.

The landscape division of the company has four in-house designers that each have a unique style ranging from modern lines and unique layouts, to master gardeners who are experts at their craft. The team works collaboratively to come up with designs for their clients so each project gets the best of each designer's focus. Salisbury Landscape prides itself on getting to know their clients personally and communicating design vision using high quality 3D renderings to ensure that they deliver the best possible results.

Recently, they have noticed a trend toward low maintenance front yards that truly showcase the homeowner's unique personality, and aim to impress visitors. This includes the use of artificial turf for a maintenance free lawn, as well as more intricate floral garden beds and unique paving stone layouts that help create a stunning front yard that requires minimal upkeep - with maximum curb appeal.