There is nothing like a place to call your “Home Away From Home!” Whether you are building, renovating or purchasing a brand-new cottage property, you will find different surprises waiting for you as opposed to your everyday residence. When Mandy and I bought our cottage property, we thought it was going to be simply a “paint job”, therefore being able to enjoy it shortly after. Well, after 4 years of demo, renovation, and construction, we finally stayed our first night in our home away from home. We learned a lot along our journey to becoming cottagers! In fact, Mandy went into labor with Ella while we were painting the cottage. Now, I hate leaving a paint job half done, but extreme circumstances call for quick reactions. We quickly left the cottage to make it to the nearest hospital. I may be handy with a hammer but delivering a baby in the middle of a construction site is not in my wheelhouse. Fast forward 6 years and we now have two little ones who love being able to jump in the car and head up to the lake! We like to spend as much time up there as possible and I recently became the captain of our beloved boat that Mandy named “Ship Happens!” It seemed fitting with our adventure of going with the flow, as we tore apart the cottage through the years and built it back up one piece of lumber at a time.
MARC ATIYOLIL Editor-in-Chief marc@canadianhometrends.com
Bacon & Cheese Strata Boost your breakfast with this delicious dish. 66
Live Your Best Life Expert advice for your health and lifestyle. 112
Summer Entertaining Tips and ideas for summer entertaining. 68
Choosing a Dentist What should you look for when choosing a cosmetic dentist. 114
COTTAGE LIFE
Exercise and Your Dog Appropriate exercise based on your dog's age. 116
Cottage Living 101 Advice for your best summer ever! 74
IN THIS ISSUE... OUTDOOR LIVING #trending2022 Lydia Thammavong shares favorites from the 2022 patio collections. 28 Design Concepts Two custom design ideas for your patio. 34 Outdoor Oasis An outdoor space becomes a space to play, entertain and relax. 38 Hardscape 101 Taking the mystery out of finding a quality hardscape contractor. 40 Natural Luxury A sauna designed for the views. 42 Blending Indoor and Out A modern family outdoor living space. 44
Explore Décor Designer Jillian Straky shares design inspiration from a recent visit to Palm Beach. 47 Elevate Your Space Outdoor living space design advice from Jena Peters. 50 Modern Tech for Summer Learn how tech can change your summer! 52 Budget-Wise Décor Decorate your outdoor space on a budget! 56
We Love… Editor's picks for what's trending for your cottage this year! 78 Muskoka Retreat Tour our cover feature by Gilbert & Burke. 85 Life's a Beach Designer Sarah Marie Lackey gives this oceanfront home a beachy makeover. 89 Modern Farmhouse Designer Farah DhallaSingh shares inspiration for a modern farmhouse cottage. 96 Unique Beach Luxury Designer Lori Sutherland Burns designs three stunning units. 98
ENTERTAINING 2022 Grill Guide Delicious recipes to try this summer! 59 Soufflé Pancakes Fluffy pancakes with a blueberry honey butter syrup. 64
LIFE & STYLE Trendsetters A look inside the work and lives of some of the industry’s most innovative thinkers. 105
Summer Essentials Must-haves for a busy summer on the go. 119 Summer Trends Update your summer looks with jewelry trends inspired by runway styles. 122 Careers in Design Would a career in design be right for you? 125 Summer Hair Protect your hair from summer damage. 128
AT HOME Tips from the Pros Experts share advice for your home. 134 Modcube Marvel A stunning laneway home concept. 137 90s Refresh A 90s home gets a modern update. 143 Affordable Luxury A beautiful home with thoughtful detail. 153
Spring 2022 Special Edition
Editor-in-Chief Marc Atiyolil www.MarcAndMandy.com
Senior Associate Editor Crystal Williams National Design Editor Glen Peloso Lifestyle Editor Mandy Atiyolil Design & Event Editor Evelyn Eshun Style Editor Jo Alcorn Food Editor Chef Rob Thomas Design Editor Jillian Straky Copy Chief Lorraine Jolicoeur Art Director Micheline Gosselin
Media Sales Inquiries: Canadian Sales Office: Ph: 1-866-984-0940 sales@canadianhometrends.ca www.canadianhometrends.com Production and Design Marc Atiyolil Media Inc. Published by: Marc Atiyolil Media Inc Box 7, 20 Centre Ave, Blumenort, MB R0A 0C0 1-866-984-0940 – FAX 204-346-9099 Email info@canadianhometrends.ca www.canadianhometrends.com
To Subscribe Call: 1-866-984-0940 All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher. Canadian Home Trends Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes, but cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. Publications Mail Agreement No. 41438018 Return Undeliverable Canadian Addresses to: Canadian Home Trends Magazine Box 7, Blumenort, MB R0A 0C0
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
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Editor-in-Chief Marc Atiyolil; Design Editor, Designer Jillian Straky; Designer Annaliesse Kelly; Designer Lydia Thammavong; Designer Sarah Marie Lackey; Designer Farah Dhalla-Singh; Landscape Expert Matthew Blanche; Designer Terra Currie; Staging Expert Jena Peters; Designer Lori Sutherland-Burns; Nutrition Expert Ilona Gorelik; Tech Designer Mike Freedman; Doctor Ed Lowe
#trending2022 Lydia Thammavong, Head Designer, Styles and Trends Expert shares favorites from the 2022 patio collections inspired by our longing to feel good, be safe, be able to escape, and imagine we’re somewhere else to recharge our batteries.
Exotic Escape Collection: Like a dream destination, this boho-chic, casual-style collection will transport and charm you. It is inspired by exotic countries and villages where you can buy unique, handmade pieces. We dared to mix colors, textures, and shapes to add an artistic, natural touch to your yard and create a warm atmosphere.
Seaside Collection: The Seaside collection combines a modern style with classic touches and is inspired by the most beautiful seaside hotels near the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Here, seaside and country chic are harmoniously blended through indigo blue, nautical stripe print, and texture on pot covers reminiscent of sand grooves.
To make the most of your backyard during the summer, create comfortable but also functional areas, which are similar to the rooms of your home. Furniture, carpets and cushions will add style while outdoor lighting, fireplaces and terrace heaters will keep you warm during cooler summer nights.
‘ Natural fibres are in the spotlight this year. They add a touch of warmth to your outdoor space.’ Lydia Thammavong
COVER UP Create your own shade, where you need it, when you need it with a sturdy, moveable umbrella!
WARM IT UP
THE BRENNFIELD This oversized wicker chair features a cocoon shape for great comfort and is ideal for transforming your space into a peaceful oasis.
Modern Haven Collection: Inspired by architecture, this urban-looking collection is sure to please with its aesthetics of clean lines and shapes. The main color black is worked in with textures and finishes that modulate the light, offering an interesting visual effect. The monochromatic aspect of the collection contributes to a clean and stylish decor.
All products available from Lowes www.lowes.ca
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS & MICHELE CUMMINS
13010 Burns Road, Mission
COZY COUNTRY LIVING PROPERTY FEATURES Open Concept Floor Plan
1 Bedroom Carriage Home
4.6 Acres
Large deck and covered balcony
3 Bedrooms
Double Garage This house and carriage home is perfect for the growing family with lots of room to play in a fully fenced yard. Located in a private setting on 4.6 acres down a No Thru road, the open concept home features a rec room, a 3 piece bath and granite countertops. It also benefits from Low E windows, 2x6 construction, a back up propane generator and a 525 sq ft deck. The large deck is perfect for large gatherings and BBQ season. A detached double garage with a 1 bedroom carriage house above includes a 3 piece bath and is plumbed and wired for the addition of a kitchen. Bring your hobbies, work from home or retire and enjoy your surroundings - Michele Cummins, www.michelecummins.ca
DESIGN CONCEPTS
Country Charm Blending contemporary decking with black Regal Ideas' wide picket railings is the perfect base for an updated country classic concept. This works well with modern timber-frame homes featuring natural wood, gray stucco and a black roof. This deck concept will seamlessly integrate with the exterior. As for furniture and accessories, look for simple black pieces and pair them with lively red accessories. - Marc Atiyolil, Editor-in-Chief, Home Trends Magazine; Co-host, Marc & Mandy Show
The Materials
CREATE AN UPDATED CLASSIC LOOK WITH A MODERN GRAY DECK AND REGAL IDEAS’ RAILINGS IN A TRADITIONAL BLACK.
Light it Up PATHWAYS ARE OFTEN USED LATE AT NIGHT AT THE COTTAGE AND IT IS IMPORTANT TO ENSURE THEY ARE WELL LIT! THESE CORROSIONRESISTANT LED LIGHTS OFFER A 360° SPREAD FOR MORE LIGHT THEN TRADITIONAL PATH LIGHTS. Silhouette Lights www.silhouettelights.com
SOURCE LIST Railings, Regal Ideas, www.regalideas.com; Color Scheme, Cool Runnings DR34-0, Richardson Brick CC003-3, Slated for Greatness DR40-4, Beauti-Tone, www.beautitone.ca; Deck Material, Clubhouse Decking, www.clubhousedecking.com; Table, CB2, www.cb2.com; Bench, Pottery Barn, www.potterybarn.com; Kamado Joe Grill, Home Depot, www.homedepot.com; Lumbar Cushion, Lantern, Canadian Tire, www.canadiantire.ca; Personalized Sign, Pillow, Bed Bath & Beyond, www.bedbathandbeyond.ca; Rug, Lowes, www.lowes.ca; Firepit, HomeSense, www.homesense.com
DESIGN CONCEPTS
Ocean Views
The Materials
Life at the lake is about embracing the natural wonders of one's surroundings so it's not surprising that cottages and decks are often designed with the view in mind. Using Regal Idea's CrystalRail glass railing system allows for the safety of a railing without obstructing that million dollar view! This look embraces nature cedartones, terracotta and shades of blue that accent rather than distract from the view. - Marc Atiyolil,
CREATE A LUXURIOUS LOOK WITH CLASSIC CEDARSTONE AND REGAL IDEAS’ RAILINGS IN A TRADITIONAL BLACK.
Editor-in-Chief, Home Trends Magazine; Co-host, Marc & Mandy Show
Light it Up Silhouette Lights www.silhouettelights.com
ADD SAFETY AT NIGHT AND HIGHLIGHT KEY FEATURES OF YOUR YARD WITH SLEEK, MODERN LED LIGHTING THAT BLENDS NICELY INTO THE LANDSCAPING!
SOURCE LIST Railings, Regal Ideas, www.regalideas.com; Color Scheme, Happy Tune C20-1-0648-3, Blue Pot C8-4-0624-0, Flickering Flame B43-1-1005-3, Beauti-Tone, www.beautitone.ca; Deck Material, Clubhouse Decking, www.clubhousedecking.com; Blue Planter, Patio Set, Home Depot, www.homedepot.com; Planters, Rug, West Elm, www.westelm.com; Lantern, Canadian Tire, www.canadiantire.ca; Blue Pillow, Lowe’s, www.lowes.ca; Compass Pillow, Bed Bath & Beyond, www.bedbathandbeyond.ca; Anchor Pillow, Home Hardware, www.homehardware.ca
outdoor This North Vancouver family already had plans to revamp their outdoor space, and with the arrival of COVID-19 it could not have been a better move! As a young active family who loves to entertain, this re-envisioned space not only improved the overall look and functionality but brought a lot of joy while keeping things safe. Two warm and welcoming “wings” of covered outdoor living space expand out from the back of the home, while still leaving plenty of open grassy space for the kids to play. One wing taking on the role of an outdoor fitness and hot tub pad, while the main wing serves as a comprehensive entertaining or family living space, complete with spacious outdoor living, dining and kitchen areas. The deck was replaced with a low maintenance Trex composite deck and the main area was placed flush with the backyard landscape. Environmentally conscious and naturally insect and rot-resistant, the warm, natural feel of the environment is additionally enhanced with its cedar soffit, post and beam details.
Design by Synthesis Design www.synthesisdesign.ca Photography by Darren Sutherland www.snowchimp.com
HARDSCAPE 101 HARDSCAPE EXPERT, MATTHEW BLANCHE, HELPS TAKE THE MYSTERY OUT OF FINDING A QUALITY HARDSCAPE CONTRACTOR FOR YOUR SUMMER LANDSCAPING PROJECTS. - www.epicinterlock.com
WHAT ARE SOME RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR? Reviews are the new 'currency' for all businesses. Reading reviews and seeing what clients are saying as well as how the company is responding can help you narrow down your selections quickly. Once you meet with your selected hardscaper, there are a few red flags you should watch for. They Don't Understand Your Vision - The conversation should end at this point no matter who they are or their reputation. Attitude/Personality/Professional - Not very happy. Not really passionate about their job. Dreading that contractor being on your property for multiple weeks. No mention of the neighbors, no plan on how they will keep the peace with them. Beat up, rusty truck. No branding. No obvious investment into the company. These are all red flags that indicate that the contractor may not put value into their work or business. Bad First Impressions - Late to your meetings. Disorganized. Flustered, in a rush or not very interested in your project. Forgot paver samples, brochures, copy of contract, etc. Deposits - They're ok with taking cash to reduce the price. No record of deposit on the contract.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A "SOFT LANDSCAPER" AND "HARD LANDSCAPER"? A soft landscaper will handle maintenance style work such as mowing grass, weed control, planting and plant care. A hard landscaper handles hardscape construction including things like patios, retaining walls, fireplaces, firepits, walkways, swimming pools, outdoor lighting and water features. Learning the proper term will automatically narrow down the search engine results for the right contractor. WHY IS EXPERIENCE IMPORTANT WHEN HIRING A HARDSCAPE CONTRACTOR? A lot is riding on proper construction of hardscape projects and hiring an inexperienced hardscape contractor could cost you more money and time in the future. An experienced contractor will understand what is needed to ensure that this construction can hold up to regular use, adverse weather conditions and other things that come into play when building structures that will be outdoors 24/7. This is why you need to ask your hardscape contractor about their installation processes, such as what will they do to prevent frost/thaw shifting, water drainage, etc. WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD YOUR HARDSCAPE CONTRACTOR BE ABLE TO ANSWER? A hardscape contractor should be able to give you detailed answers on the various aspects of the project and what steps are taken to ensure a quality, long lasting finished project. How is the excavation and sub-base preparation done? What do you use for base material and what is the compaction process? Do you use Geotextile fabric and where? What type of jointing sand do you use in hardscape construction? Do you use Geogrid reinforcement in retaining walls? They should be able to understand your vision for the space and what needs to be done to ensure that your outdoor living space remains beautiful, functional and safe for years to come. WHAT SHOULD BE IN THE CONTRACT? Every project should be outlined in a contract prior to any work being done and any money being exchanged. This should cover the full scope of the project including permits, what are the agreed upon materials (paver color/ brand, amount, pattern, etc), when will the project start and what is the expected completion date and what deposits and payments are expected and when. The contract should also include a written guarantee of at least 2 years.
natural
LUXURY
A sauna is a fantastic addition to your cottage or outdoor living space! Nothing feels quite as luxurious as enjoying your own private sauna in your backyard! When designing this sauna, the goal was to create a spa-like feel but with a design that would fit well with the existing natural surrounding. The spot selected for the sauna was on a slope. Screw posts were used for the foundation and a deck was placed on top to hold the sauna. To make the best use of the stunning views of nature, a full glass wall was installed along one wall! Adding stone finish in the wall, pebbles on the floor and of course, plenty of wood, allows the space to feel right at home in it's natural environment! To create a bit of ambience, backlighting was added under the benches and back rests as well.
Capable Group www.capablegroupinc.com
HOST NOTES Have some space in your backyard? Nothing makes summer hosting easier than a separate guest house! ENTERTAINING SPACE - A well planned guest house provides a space for entertaining. A built in outdoor kitchen and dining area next to the pool is the perfect place to host guests with all the conveniences you would have indoors! PRIVACY FOR ALL - A separate guest house provides privacy for your family, friends and yourself as well. Guests can choose to visit when they wish and have their own space to retreat to when they need time to themselves!
Blending Indoor and Out This West Vancouver outdoor living space was designed for use by a family of four looking for a modern but comfortable design that would blend the best of indoor and outdoor living together into one space they could all enjoy. Designer Annaliesse Kelly's goal was to create a design that would be both functional and stunning while also maximizing the south facing views of Burrard Inlet. The patio area features an outdoor kitchen equipped with a grill, fridge and plenty of prep space! The covered patio features a skylight and ceiling mounted heaters built right in. This allows for plenty of room for lounging and dining no matter what the weather may bring. Located directly off the indoor kitchen, the patio is perfectly situated to provide easy access when entertaining guests! When designing an outdoor living space, it is important to invest in durable pieces that can weather the elements. Annaliesse recommends that you consider furniture covers to protect them when not in use! All materials used in this project are not only durable but also weather protected to ensure they last through all seasons. Outdoor pieces receive a lot of wear and tear, both from use and from exposure to the elements. It is important to keep that in mind when selecting pieces for your outdoor living space. Designer Annaliesse Kelly, www.annaliessekellydesign.com Photography, Provoke Studios, www.provokestudios.com
SUMMER WATCH LIST
LOOKING FOR IDEAS AND INSPIRATION FOR YOUR HOME OR COTTAGE? Check out these segments from the Marc & Mandy Show to get your creative juices flowing! Click on any video to watch on demand.
ExploreDecor
Designer Jillian Straky shares design inspiration from a recent visit to the Kips Bay Decorator Show House in Palm Beach - www.housewears.ca As a design lover, design is always on my mind, even when on vacation. A prominent historic estate filled with designs from experts all over the country was a must-see on a recent holiday to Palm Beach in Florida. Alive with maximalist style in color, texture, and pattern, the 2022 Kips Bay Decorator Show House conveyed a clear ‘Let’s get extra’ vibe. I loved the use of geometrics, the layering of multiple patterns, and interesting wall and painted surfaces. Use of very extra details such as leather fringe on chairs, scallops on umbrellas, pops of unusual color and lots of woven wicker and cane are trends we’ll see more of this year and in years to come.
a look inside Filled with layers of eye candy for the design-minded, we took some noteworthy morsels away from the interior of this stunning house! Here are a few of my favorites! 1. Tent it! Ashley Gilbreath used multiple striped patterns beautifully, creating a cocooning canopy effect in the master bedroom. 2. Remember the ceiling! Nikki Levy added great drama to the master bathroom with gold metal rods on the ceiling and a linear pattern of lights. 3. Swings are hot! Tiffany Brooks took it to a new level by creating a swing daybed in this cheery bedroom! 4. Go bold on walls! Robert Brown’s clean lines, bold shapes and colors really make this room stand out. The pattern and dimension of a screen behind the sofa was stunning!
Text and Photos By Jillian Straky, www.housewears.ca
Elevate
BRING OUT THE SAME ELEMENTS AND COLOR SCHEME AS YOU HAVE INSIDE YOUR HOME AND BRING IT OUTDOORS TO CREATE A COHESIVE FLOW BETWEEN YOUR INTERIOR AND EXTERIOR LIVING SPACES. Jena Peters, www.jenareneeliving.com
YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE
Surround your space with greenery and put your plants or flowers in pots. Pots are a great way to add texture and dimension. Add textiles like outdoor pillows. Keep the same color palette as your interior but bring in different patterns. You can also bring in throws for those cozy mornings or chillier evenings. Poofs are another great way to add texture and bring in extra seating at the same time!
Bring in decorative pieces like serving ware, vases and trays. Adding the perfect lights like string lights or lanterns will create the perfect oasis.
Who says an area rug is only for indoors? Area rugs are the perfect addition as they add color, texture and pulls the space together. It creates some coziness to your space.
I Spy... Bird watching is a fun and educational activity for all ages! Here are some essentials to get you started this summer!
Modern Tech FOR SUMMER LIVING We've had it all wrong for years! We’ve looked at the outdoor and indoor spaces as two separate living areas when really, we need to look at the outdoors as an extension of the indoors. By doing this, we significantly increase our overall living space. Turn the back deck into your living room and make your outdoor space the focal point of the best summer ever! There are a lot of areas where technology can help. Smart BBQ’S tell you when your food is perfectly cooked and smart lights turn on just before dusk. Cameras let you see your space from anywhere and proper Wi-Fi coverage makes it all work together.
own voice to make your outdoor space come alive.
Start in your own backyard with a variety of bird feeders designed to attract a variety of local birds!
Increase your living space with technology and live outdoors: it’s a lot easier than you think!
Michael Freedman, Audio Insider Technology Design Group www.audioinsider.ca
A rugged, high quality pair of binoculars is a must for spotting those elusive birds in the wild!
Music drowns out the noise of the city. Modern speakers blend into your landscape, seamlessly creating an immersive experience instead of blasting music into your neighbor’s yard. Outdoor TV's can be used in bright sunlight and even in the rain. You are going to love watching TV and sports, seeing your favorite band playing in concert or watching a movie in the backyard with the kids! Figuring out how you want to live in your backyard is only part of it. The other part is figuring out the best way to control it. You should be able to easily talk to your house! You can use an app or even use your
A local field guide is a must to help identify your finds! Find these great products and everything else you may need at www.urbannaturestore.ca
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS & JOEL GWILLIM
Penthouse Luxury designed for entertaining
PROPERTY FEATURES Luxury Living at Le Germain 3 Bathrooms 3 Bedrooms 1000 sq ft of outdoor living space Penthouse Realtor: Joel Gwilliam Tour This Property on YouTube!
Welcome to the Penthouse - one of the most exclusive addresses in Calgary. Indulge your senses and walk out to the nearly 1,000 sq ft outdoor terrace, chinook breeze blowing, the dazzling illuminated skyline staring back - you are on top of the world. Inside you will discover a two level layout, flooded with natural light via the large windows on both sides. Stand in awe at the 21 foot vaulted ceilings extending above the main floor living area. Quartz counters, integrated Miele appliances, gas range, custom cabinets, cappuccino maker + wine fridge. Let's head upstairs to the picturesque wall of windows looking out to the Calgary tower and secondary living area - an amazing additional space to cater to your lifestyle. Retreat to the outstanding primary bedroom ensuite bathroom. The second bedroom enjoys those magical city views and the
third room consists of a space saving murphy bed and built-in desk. The upper floor full bathroom revels in the south views and just adds to the high-end experience for visiting guests. This very private and boutique complex offers onsite concierge services to simplify your daily routine. Enjoy access to Le Germain Hotel amenities including RnR Wellness Spa, fitness centre, valet parking, restaurants, room service, catering, conference rooms, housekeeping and dry cleaning. Additional perks include two underground parking stalls, secure storage area, car wash, pet shower and bike room. World renowned architectural firm Lemay Michaud joined forces with Groupe Germain to create this gorgeous landmark. A life of style, sophistication and spectacular opulence. This is your chance to call it home.
Summer Project List We scoured the internet for summer DIY ideas we could try on our Cricut Maker 3 and created a wish list of summer projects we’d like to try out this year! Click on any image to learn more about each project!
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CREDITS 1. Life is Better Decor by Sarah Marturano 2. Welcome Sign by Christina Dennis 3. Framed Paper Succulents by Rebecca Lopez 4. Wood Veneer Coasters by Marc & Mandy Show 5. Diamond Hanging Planters by Rebecca Lopez 6. Beach Shadow Box by Cori George 7. Paper Feather Wall Decor by Sonja & Jane
A HOT MARKET Top Tips for Buying & Selling in a Hot Market Across Canada, housing markets are very robust with demand outstripping supply in most areas. Here are our top tips to compete in a Hot Market.
Budget-wise ECO-FRIENDLY DECOR We’ve all heard the saying, “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle”. With the ever-increasing efforts to preserve our planet, we constantly need to find new ways to live that mantra. Shopping for outdoor furniture pieces through |consignment stores is a fantastic way to not only decrease your environmental impact, but also save a little money at the same time! Pre-loved Outdoor Best Sellers White Wicker: Traditional white wicker outdoor furniture is beautiful. This style has been popular for many years. Paired with brightly colored textiles, white wicker can be inviting and fun in your outdoor space! Rattan/Bamboo: With the rise in popularity of mid century style, we’ve seen rattan patio furniture come back in a big way! Looking for the perfect piece to incorporate this trend into your home? You’re in luck. Vintage rattan can be thrifted everywhere! Wrought Iron/Cast Iron: Durable wrought iron furniture is great for functional outdoor spaces. You can find iron patio pieces to match a casual or ornate setting, depending on your style preference!
Colorful Outdoor Accessories: Furnishing your outdoor space is expensive, we know! Plus we only use our patios, at best, 4 months of the year! An easy way to change up your backyard is to add colorful accessories. We’re loving how stylists are using interior decor outside, in unique ways. TIP: grab some outdoor spray paint in your favorite bright color and go to town on some old vases and lanterns! The Millionaire's Daughter www.themillionairesdaughter.com
1. Understand exactly what you can afford! Make sure you file your income taxes ASAP. Your mortgage broker or banker will want to see 2 years of tax returns and the Notice of Assessment showing you don’t have any outstanding taxes due. 2. Get an up-to-date pre-approval for a mortgage. The rate is usually held for 90 days, this is the time frame in which you must purchase a home and close on it for the rate to be honoured by the lender. 3. If you have a home to sell, and you also want to buy, it is important you know if your mortgage can be transferred to a new property and if there are any costs for doing so. You will need to know the amount owing, realtor fees for selling and moving costs. Finally, you need to know what equity you have available to use for your next home. This is called a Sellers Net Sheet and using a spreadsheet program can really help. 4. You should BUY FIRST in a hot market, and look at price points 10-15% below what your top end is so you have room to compete in negotiations. 5. Work with Realtors who understand the Buy-Sell transaction strategy and will help you prepare your home to sell, while you are in the process of looking for homes to buy. Make sure your home is list ready before you start looking to buy, and always confirm with your lender that you can make an offer without a subject to sale clause. Shelly Smee, Integrity Real Estate Group, www.integritygrp.ca
2022 GRILL GUIDE PUFF PASTRY CANAPES
CALABRIAN PESTO PANZANELLA SALAD Featuring Olive the Best Oregano White Balsamic, 18-year Traditional Balsamic and Spicy Calabrian Pesto Olive Oil, this salad is one of the simplest to make. The key to delicious flavor is to allow the salad to sit for 30 minutes so flavors can
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
integrate before serving. -
Summer
FRESH SALADS
Tender puff pastry is prepared with two different toppings to whet the appetites of your Christmas party guests. In one hand, they’ll have tart pears topped with walnuts and sweet honey, and in the other, a salty prosciutto and sundried tomato with bitter arugula. Both are layered on a creamy ricotta cheese base.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
ENJOY THE BEST OF SUMMER WITH THESE FRESH SALADS!
CUCUMBER SALAD This summer salad features fresh garden cucumbers and tomatoes with Olive the Best Fused Greek Oregano Olive Oil and Oregano White Balsamic Vinegar for a refreshing summer flavor!
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
ROASTED BEET SALAD Roasted beets are easy to make — you simply drizzle them with oil, wrap them in a foil packet, and then roast them directly on an oven rack for an hour. Just be sure to top the salad with the beets as opposed to tossing them in, as mixing the beets into the salad will turn everything pink!
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
ZUCCHINI BLOSSOMS
GRILLED AVOCADO
These Zucchini Blossoms, fried in Olive the Best High Bio-Phenol Ultra-Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, are tender and delicious. They are the perfect tasty treat if you find out you've planted more than enough
Jonathan Robinson takes grilled avocados to the next level with Olive the Best 18 Year Aged Traditional Dark Balsamic Vinegar! - CLICK
zucchini! -
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
Delicious
STARTERS
HERE FOR THE RECIPE
VIETNAMESE FRESH SHRIMP SPRING ROLLS A refreshing appetizer or snack on a hot day or any day, these fresh, healthy rolls are so delicious combined with Olive the Best Honey-Ginger White Balsamic and Japanese Roasted Sesame Oil. - CLICK HERE FOR
THE RECIPE
WET YOUR APPETITE WITH THESE DELICIOUS SUMMER APPETIZERS AND SNACKS!
2022 GRILL GUIDE PUFF PASTRY CANAPES
HONEY, SOY, GINGER, TANGERINE BALSAMIC GLAZED WINGS Olive the Best's Tangerine Dark Balsamic together with Cayenne Olive Oil, Garlic Olive Oil and 100% Traditional Japanese Sesame Oil puts a fresh, new twist on this wing recipe. So sweet and tangy with just the right amount of heat that you wouldn’t be able to resist cooking it again! -
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
Savory
ENTREES
Tender puff pastry is prepared with two different toppings to whet the appetites of your Christmas party guests. In one hand, they’ll have tart pears topped with walnuts and sweet honey, and in the other, a salty prosciutto and sundried tomato with bitter arugula. Both are layered on a creamy ricotta cheese base.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
FIRE UP THE GRILL WITH THESE SUMMER FAVORITES!
BALSAMIC GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN AND ROSEMARY VEGETABLES Janice Robinson creates a hearty meal that is chock full of mouth watering flavor! The Gravenstein glaze adds the perfect sweet contrast to the herbiness of the Fused Rosemary Olive Oil that will keep you wanting more.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
TRI-TIP ROAST It's the combination of Olive the Best's Blackberry-Ginger Dark Balsamic Vinegars together with the Picual Extra Virgin Olive Oil that really makes this dish stand out.
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
SPRING TRIFLE
SPICY CHICKPEAS
This delicious, fruity Spring Trifle with Olive the Best's Lemon Fused Olive Oil is simple to prepare and sure to be a family favorite! Perfect for Spring and Summer entertaining.
These delicious chickpeas make a fabulous snack and are a great alternative to popcorn. Made with Olive the Best Cilantro & Roasted Onion Extra Virgin Olive Oil and Cayenne Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
Combine zucchini and carrots from the garden with Olive the Best's Elderflower White Balsamic for a delicious treat!
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
CLICK HERE FOR THE RECIPE
Tasty
TREATS
ELDERFLOWER ZUCCHINI AND CARROT MUFFINS
TREAT YOUR GUESTS TO THESE TASTY SNACKS AND DELICIOUS DESSERTS!
GOURMET SUMMER FAVORITE
Soufflé Pancakes
WITH BLUEBERRY HONEY BUTTER SYRUP
SOUFFLÉ PANCAKE INGREDIENTS
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3 eggs
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3 1/2 Tbsp milk
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3 Tbsp flour
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2 Tbsp sugar
DIRECTIONS Separate egg yolks from egg whites. Egg yolks should go in a mixing bowl and egg whites should go in a stand mixer bowl. Add flour and milk to the egg yolks. The batter should be thick.
batter into the pan. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes. Flip the pancakes VERY GENTLY! Cover and cook for 4-5 more minutes until done. Repeat with the remaining batter. Top with your favorite berries and Blueberry Honey Butter Syrup. BLUEBERRY HONEY BUTTER SYRUP INGREDIENTS
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2/3 cup Western Sage Blueberry Honey
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1/2 cup salted butter
Whisk the egg whites on medium-high speed in the stand mixer. Once ribbons begin to form, add the sugar. Whisk until stiff peaks form.
DIRECTIONS
Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
Bring to a gentle boil for 2 minutes. Serve hot over pancakes.
Heat a large non-stick pan (with a lid) over low heat. Add a very small drizzle of oil. Using ¼ cup, scoop the
In a pot melt salted butter and Western Sage Blueberry Honey over medium heat.
www.kbhoneyfamily.com
Chungchun Rice HotDog started with the goal of making a memorable Korean style hot dog that can stimulate our nostalgia with traditional sensibility. Offering a chewier texture that brings back childhood memories, the Rice HotDogs come in 14 different varieties including the popular Mozzarella Cheese Hot Dog (half cheese, half hot dog) and the Volcano Hotdog, long enough to fill your stomach! In addition to a variety of beef, chicken and pork options, Chungchun also offers cheese only, chocolate only and veggie versions. These delicious hot dogs offer a gourmet upgrade to a childhood summer favorite! Enjoy them as a summer treat or serve them at your next summer get together for a memorable touch! www.chungchunricedog.ca
Bacon & Cheese Strata INGREDIENTS
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1 pkg bacon, diced
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2 small onions, diced
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6 large eggs
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1 1/4 cups milk (full cream or low fat)
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1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
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1/4 tsp salt
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Black pepper
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2 pkgs Quesava Poppers, Garlic and 3 Cheese flavor
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2 cups cheese, shredded
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parsley , finely chopped (optional)
DIRECTIONS Heat a large non-stick frying pan over high heat. Add in bacon, cook until lightly browned then add in onions. Sauté for 1 minute. Remove from the pan and place on a paper towel to drain. Whisk the eggs, milk, salt and pepper and Worcestershire sauce in a large bowl. Add the Quesava Garlic and 3 Cheese Poppers, 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and the cooked bacon with onions to the egg mixture. Mix well. Cover and set aside in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (until all the egg is soaked into the bread) or overnight.
Preheat oven to 180°C/350°F. Generously grease a 20cm/8" springform cake tin with butter or use a seasoned cast iron pan. Pour the bread mixture into the cake tin or cast iron pan, pat down to compress. Scatter with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Cover loosely with foil. Bake for 25 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for a further 15 – 20 minutes until golden on top and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean (no raw egg). Allow to rest for 5 minutes before removing the springform or cast iron pan. Garnish with parsley if desired. Cut into slices and serve! www.quesava.com
Summer Entertaining Make this your best summer ever with these tips and ideas for entertaining at home, at the cottage or wherever you spend your summer days!
One of the best parts of summer entertaining is the wide range of fresh seafood and produce that can be used to create delicious, guest-pleasing dishes! For those who love to entertain, the Monolith Refrigeration line is a must! With features like Bio Fresh, Power Cooling, FlexSystem and more, Monolith has an option that will perfectly fit your lifestyle and ensure the freshest ingredients whenever you need them! Don’t forget to include a Monolith Wine Column as well for perfectly controlled, beautiful storage of your wine collection right at your fingertips! Euro-line Appliances, www.euro-line-appliances.com
ECO-TIPS FIVE QUICK TIPS TO MAKE YOUR SUMMER ENTERTAINING MORE ECO-FRIENDLY!
COCKTAIL HOUR
Source locally crafted beer and wine, as well as produce, seafood and meat where possible. Decorate with potted plants or herbs that can be added to your garden after the party or given to guests as mementos. Light up the night and save energy by using solar or LED outdoor lighting options. A single LED light lasts up to 25,000 hours while an incandescent lightbulb lasts about 1,500 hours. Looking to dress up your tables with centre pieces? Use potted plants in decorative containers and offer them as gifts or prizes for your guests to take home. Offer recycling and composting options for eco-friendly waste disposal.
Turn The Galley into the perfect cocktail station for your summer guests and serve up delicious summer favorites that are sure to be a hit! Shown here (click on any image to find the recipe): Strawberry Daiquiri, Tea Spritzo, John Pink Collins, Herbal Tea Sangria
The Galley: The Galley is the ultimate tool for summer entertaining, or entertaining any time of the year! A wide variety of customizable options and flexible features mean that The Galley can be a place to prep, a place to serve, a place to clean and everything in between! - Euro-line Appliances, www.euro-line-appliances.com
Impress your guests with The Ultimate 7-Layer Dip! This healthy and colorful snack combines creamy avocados from Mexico, beet hummus, fresh salmon, crunchy vegetables and a hint of jalapeño — just enough to spice things up. It’s easy to make and also for clean up. FIND THE RECIPE HERE.
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS & HADDEN HOMES
Family Living ON STUNNING RAVINE LOT PROPERTY FEATURES Oversized Windows
Large In-ground Pool
2 Bathrooms
Direct Park Access
3 +1 Bedrooms
This fantastic mid-century bungalow is located on a stunning ravine lot with direct access to Glen Agar Park. Surrounded by parks with oversized windows that overlook your own personal greenspace and a gorgeous in-ground pool, this is your own slice of heaven. Located just minutes from top ranked schools with easy access to public transit. Heather Hadden, www.heatherhaddenhomes.com
Cottage Living 101
OUR EXPERTS SHARE SOME OF THEIR BEST ADVICE FOR YOUR BEST SUMMER EVER!
Jennifer DeFrenza Surex
Kevin Breitner CRESI
Summer is quickly approaching and whether you’re planning to spend your time at the cottage, the trails, or the beach, you may find yourself on a boat, motorcycle, ATV, or in a trailer. Being able to use these fantastic summer “toys” gives Canadians the chance to take their long weekends and cottage vacations to another level of fun. Do you want to save on insurance this summer? Try these tips:
Should I buy a cottage and rent it out via Air BnB? This is a question I am asked often and the answer I give is “Let's chat about it.” We discuss what’s important to you, now and in your future. The next question I would ask you is, “Do you plan on enjoying the cottage for a few weeks a year or more?" Would you want someone else to help with the bills? If so, then this could make sense for you. It’s a lot of work to own a cottage and to operate an AirBnB business, and there are always professionals to help. But you need to determine if you want to enjoy your cottage or turn it into an income generating cottage. As a real estate broker and investment specialist we can have that “chat” with you.
Increase your deductible Increasing your deductible is a tried-and-true way of saving on monthly/annual insurance payments (be prepared to pay more if you file a claim). Do your research You should never stick with the first quote that you get! Always shop around to find the best deals on coverage. Stay claims-free Do your best to stay safe and avoid getting into accidents. This will help you remain claims-free and potentially make it easier to save on coverage. If you’re thinking about switching providers or simply have questions that you’d like answered, you can count on Surex.
Michael Bobula Vintage Woodcrafters Hand Hewing refers to the traditional process of converting a log into lumber. Before sawmills, an axe or adze was used to square up wooden beams for timber framing. This process, while slower than modern options, creates a truly unique, one-of-a-kind piece that can be completely customized to your needs! These stunning beams and exterior trims have a rustic feel which is perfect for your cottage interior and exterior, adding a stunning architectural detail that will stand the test of time! In addition to beams and trim, hand hewing can be used to create stunning deck posts, fireplace mantels and shelves! Mixing the rustic, traditional look of hand hewn pieces with luxurious, modern finishes will create a stunning, one of a kind look for your home!
With energy costs rising, residential solar systems have seen an explosion of interest in recent years. Electrical costs are skyrocketing and will continue to climb in the future and going solar offers a fantastic option to control those rising costs!
Tyler Wilson Pilot Mortgage Group Many Canadians dream of owning their very own vacation property. A cottage at the lake. A condo in the city. A cabin in the mountains.
Zain Peerani Brett Bauman Peerani’s Flooring Solar YYC
It is a common misconception among homeowners that Canadian winters keep solar from being a worthwhile investment but one of the key benefits of a northern climate is that we have incredibly long summer days which more than make up for our sometimes miserable winters.
Considering solar? Combining great When selecting flooring, it’s importantperformance with generous government to look beyond appearance and pricegrants (and multi decade warranties) only! You need to do research and makes solar a great way for homeowners take into account the unique details ofto secure their monthly expenses and generate passive income. your project including structure,
Regardless as to your preference for your home away from home, the question remains, how can I make that happen? With real estate prices increasing across Canada, the idea of owning a vacation home or cottage has started to feel unattainable for many. The good news is that it is likely much more attainable today than you might think. A second home in Canada can often be financed with as little as only 5% down. This falls under what we call an Insured Mortgage in Canada and it can open the door to that second property for clients who now own their own home but don’t quite have the resources for a sizeable down payment on a second property. For Canadians who have owned their principal residence and built-up equity within their home, either through the rising real estate markets or paying down their initial mortgage, you could also choose to refinance your existing residence to obtain a much larger down payment. With many online options for renting your property out when you are not using it yourself, there are many who are able to cover the cost of this second home with 1-2 months’ worth of nightly rentals. So, the question remains, what are you waiting for?
Kamden Holder Wrench It Up
Art-Metal Workshop Inc.
Your vacation may be held up if you have to deal with plumbing issues at your summer home. Poorly installed plumbing can result in blockages, a sewer smell from your plumbing system or pipes that freeze and eventually burst, causing floods or other irreparable damage. Leaky pipes or slow drainage is a common problem you need to watch for when the water has not been utilized all season. If you use well water, you also need a proper water filtration system and you must know how to service it. To avoid these problems, hire a licensed plumber to complete any plumbing work on your property. Make sure you winterize your property and deal with the small issues while they are small.
Railings are an important part of the exterior builds such as decks, porches and walk-outs that often get slippery and unsafe in winter! Metal/glass rails come in handy when you do not want anything bulky for small spaces or you prefer not to block the view. On the other hand, there are plenty of options for privacy screens and walls that will help you keep some privacy when enjoying "you time" in the warm summer evening. Railings should not only be considered when building a new outdoor living space. They can become a game-changer when talking about updating your space as well. You will be surprised how the old dull staircase can change by simply repainting the stairs or replacing the treads and changing the railing!
Much like a luxury home, a luxury cottage or vacation property will often include specialty features that go above and beyond what you might expect from a second home!
Michel Cerny, Ambassador Fine Custom Homes
CUSTOM OUTDOOR LIVING SPACES The kitchen is the heart of every home and at the cottage, the outdoor kitchen is king! When designing a luxury vacation home, thought is given both to creating stunning, highly functional living spaces both indoors and outdoors including manicured paths, complete outdoor kitchens, lounge areas, pools, hot tubs, saunas and much more. SPACE TO ENTERTAIN A luxury vacation home is generally designed to be shown off and will include space to host plenty of guests! This may mean extra bedrooms and bathrooms in the home itself or, in many cases, a guest house or boat house with guest suite is part of the plan.
When selecting a water storage tank for the cottage, it is important to know the difference between potable and non-potable options. A potable water tank is approved for safe water storage and is suitable for storing drinking water. A non-potable tank is not safe for drinking but can be used for rainwater harvesting, gray water storage, etc.
WELL CONNECTED From state-of-theart electronics to advanced plumbing and electrical features, luxury vacation homes are designed to offer all of the conveniences of home. Smart home features, automated lighting, security systems and other modern amenities are standard inclusions.
It is important to ensure your potable water storage tank is properly maintained including being cleaned and disinfected twice a year to remove algae, sediment and harmful bacteria. For short term, seasonal use, renting may be a lower maintenance option!
Cottage owners often can’t wait to open the cottage in the spring, but there’s a lot to do. Here is a thorough checklist to get you from spring chores to summer snores. The Drive-In: Bring cleaning supplies, including garbage bags. Plan a quick and easy meal for the arrival night. Make note of new potholes that need fixing in the cottage laneway.
Molly Maid
Shane Kinch Steelhead Ventures
Outside Inspection: Do a walk-around visual inspection. Look for damage caused by weather or pests. Check roof for missing/loose shingles or any sagging spots. Visually inspect power lines leading to your cottage and report any damage. Inside Inspection: Do a walk-around visual inspection indoors. Look for leaks or other damage as well as signs of mice. Open windows to air things out. Get Things Going: Turn on the power. Check appliances. Make sure they are working, and clean as necessary. Turn on the water. Ensure the toilet and taps are in good working condition.
Time to Clean: Clean the entire cottage. Start by dusting everywhere with a damp cloth. Vacuum floors and rugs. Disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Check all drawers and cupboards in the kitchen, and clean all contents, as necessary. Wash windows and mirrors. For Safety Sake: Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Change batteries. Check expiry date on the fire extinguisher – replace if needed. Check the fireplace – if the chimney has to be cleaned, call and schedule it. End of Day One: Make the beds. Set out towels in the bathroom. Day Two: Remove any deadfall on your property. Clean the eaves trough of winter debris. Clean the barbecue. Wash outdoor furniture and set up.
WElove
EDITOR'S PICKS FOR WHAT'S TRENDING FOR YOUR COTTAGE THIS YEAR!
PLUMB POSSIBILITIES Your cottage is your second home, so you want it to be comfortable, usable and enjoyable – your escape from the hustle and bustle of the city life. But, when it comes time to renovate, cottages pose a challenge. For example, many older cottages use out-dated plumbing, which may now pose a risk of clogging, corrosion, and damage from tree roots. Another problem is that the terrain where your cottage is located can affect what type of installations you may benefit from. For instance, if your cottage is built on rock, this will limit your building options, especially if you need to dig down to install new plumbing. Plumbing renovations are often costly, time consuming and challenging at the cottage. However, Saniflo’s range of plumbing systems are a great solution to these issues. With Saniflo, you can easily add desirable amenities to your cottage, like a full-piece bathroom, laundry room or outdoor kitchen. A bar or pool house plumbing could also be done all without major construction. The secret? Up-flush technology. Environmentally friendly, simple to install and offering a variety of solutions, Saniflo’s up-flush toilet and grey-water pump systems can be installed anywhere from basement to attic. Saniflo systems pump wastewater horizontally up to 150 feet away with gravity fall, and up to 18 feet vertically. These macerating and grinding technology systems use small-diameter piping that can be run virtually anywhere. They can be installed above-floor or concealed within a wall with minimal construction in just a few short hours. Never before has adding a new bathroom or laundry room to your cottage been so easy! Saniflo provides a wide array of hassle-free, cost-effective renovation possibilities for cottagers, no matter the situation. The Saniaccess® 3 is the most advanced macerator in the world and is perfect for installing a full bathroom in a cottage, especially in situations where you can’t drill down below the bedrock. For a laundry room install, the compact Saniswift® drain pump can handle the wastewater from a washing machine with a laundry sink connection. www.saniflo.ca
St. Genéve, www.stgeneve.com
SLEEP WELL There is nothing worse thn enjoying a wonderful, relaxing day at the cottage only to crawl into an uncomfortable bed at the end of the day! The mattresses at the cottage are often an after-thought but they shouldn’t be! Invest in a quality mattress to ensure you enjoy your nights as much as you enjoy your days and you’ll wake up ready for another day of adventures! National Mattress offers a unique business model with space saving warehouses instead of showrooms, giving you the best prices from the best manufacturers in Canada including Serta, Simmons, Beautyrest, Sealy, Tempurpedic, Springwall, and more. www.nationalmattress.ca
RAINY DAY SAVER This play couch, designed and made in Canada, is the perfect solution for rainy days at the cottage. The couch acts as a fun play surface that kids can mold to suit whatever their imagination can come up with. When not in use as a play space, the couch provides additional seating or even a comfy spare bed for overnight guests! - www.gococonut.ca
THE STANDARD BUNKIE, coming in at about 104 sq ft plus loft, can comfortably sleep up to 4 people and because it is under 107 sq ft, does not require a building permit in most areas (check your local jurisdiction to verify)!
SPACE FOR GUESTS
THE NEVADA MODEL, at 99 sq. ft., offers a modern look with enough space to create a guest bedroom, a home office, a private art studio or whatever you may need a spare room for!
One of the best parts of summer is sharing it with family and friends but sometimes, available space can be an issue. We love these kits from Pacrim that offer a beautiful, high quality solution to the problem. Available in a variety of styles and sizes, these kits include everything you need to create the perfect guest house at home or at the cottage! There are a variety of sizes available, ranging from a 36 sq ft model perfect for a gardening shed, to a 139 sq ft model that makes the perfect tiny home with porch! These kits are easy to assemble and come with high quality materials, including a choice of metal or shingle roofing, high quality, kiln dried Nordic Spruce timber, windows, doors, hardware and all screws and nails needed to construct the unit and install any finishing. www.pacrimls.ca
CREATIVE IDEAS
for better outdoor living
Give your outdoor living space a boost with these ideas from the Marc & Mandy Show. Click on any image to watch!
ENCLOSE YOUR GAZEBO
COTTAGE FURNITURE design trends to watch Cottage furniture doesn't have to be boring - in fact, the cottage is the perfect spot to embrace styles and colors that you love but don't quite fit into your home! The cottage is also a great place to play with color and pattern if you're nervous to do so at home! The laid back, relaxed environment of most cottages lends itself to some recurring design trends as well. NATURAL MATERIALS Natural materials that blend well with the outdoor environment are a popular choice for the cottage. This may include wood, metal, natural linens, stone and the like.
TEXTURED FINISHES Textured fabrics, hammered metals, carved details and other texture-building finishes are a great choice for the cottage, adding a cozy, welcoming feel to the space.
CREATE SPACE TO ENTERTAIN
VINTAGE STYLE Both true retro pieces and new pieces with vintage inspired details are used to create a feeling of childhood nostalgia at the cottage.
Pieces shown available from Speers Interiors, www.speersinteriors.ca
COVER YOUR DECK
Muskoka
RETREAT
COVER FEATURE
Located on the stunning lake shores in Muskoka, this contemporary, yet rustic cottage is brimming with charm. The homeowners, originally from eastern Europe, wanted to bring in finishing touches and design elements that would bring the feeling of the "old country" into the space. These unique touches, combined with stunning features like an Indonesian tree trunk used as part of the island, handcrafted Eastern European cabinetry and a one-of-a-kind stone bowl sink with a live edge wood counter, create a space that is truly a work of art. To keep a natural element to the space, a wide variety of stone, wood and natural finishes are used throughout. As you walk through the home, you will see log facings, cedar and pine shiplap, barn boards along with floors that intermingle wide plank hardwood and imported Italian black tile. In-floor hydronic heat keeps the cottage warm and comfortable, making it an enjoyable place to stay season after season. Maximizing the lakefront feel and embracing the outdoors were important aspects of this project. Minor variance processes allowed for an expanded footprint built closer to the water. Large windows and open concept spaces allow for the most natural light and outdoor views possible. Moving through the screen porch, the outdoor space is meticulously landscaped to make the best use of the topography and natural materials. From the granite fireplace on the patio, to the pathway, to the lake that passes by an integrated hot tub and an outdoor shower, each detail is carefully planned out to ensure a seamless, luxurious transition from indoors to outdoors. The home won both the ‘Most Outstanding Exterior Living Space’ and ‘Most Outstanding Custom Home (2,001-3,500 square feet)’ categories at the 2017 Peterborough & Kawarthas Home Builders Association awards.
A stunning Sunspace WeatherMaster Plus Aluminum Bi-fold Door System leads from the main living to the screen porch. This state-of-the-art system allows the maximum amount of light to move through the cottage when closed, but folds completely open to create a true open concept space. This gives added functionality as well, allowing the two areas to become one, letting in fresh air and allowing guests to mingle through-out without feeling separated. This European designed system offers above ground, bottom running, with multiple threshold options. The hardware components and system are bespoke designed to give maximum carry capacity, whilst offering slim sightlines, oversized doors and minimum profiles. The screen porch is constructed with Douglas Fir timbers and granite floors that embrace the natural elements beyond. Outfitted with Sunspace WeatherMaster Windows, which offer up to 75% ventilation and are virtually maintenance free, this screen porch offers the perfect blend between enjoying the outdoors while being protected from insects, harsh sun and other environmental concerns. Made from ViewFlex vinyl, these windows are virtually indestructible!
Space Designed By Gilbert + Burke, www.gilbertburke.ca For more information on Sunspace WeatherMaster products, visit www.sunspacesunrooms.com
Beach Life’s A
DESIGNER SARAH MARIE LACKEY GIVES THIS OCEANFRONT HOME A BEACHY MAKEOVER.
TEXT Rayelle Cloutier-Williams PHOTOGRAPHY Tracey Ayton
The owners of this Lions Bay home, a doctor and a personal trainer, have three active teenage boys. They love to take surfing trips to Hawaii so making a home that felt like a vacation all year long was a big dream for them. Located on an oceanfront property, their home gives you the best of both worlds, offering the perks of beach life with the comforts of home. For Designer Sarah Marie Lackey, the ocean was the biggest inspiration when designing this home. Using whites and pastels gives the space a more oceanfront look and feel. Her goal was to maximize natural lighting but also make sure the space felt just as light and airy during darker winter months. A few favorite features in the home included mismatched wood chairs with a white wash finish to tie them all together and of course, the ocean view from the kitchen island. Sarah’s advice for others wanting to renovate is to always start with a vision board and make your intentions for each space clear. Think about how you’d want to feel not just on those busy days, but also on the laid back, relaxing days as well. A place to enjoy your morning coffee, a comfortable place to spend your afternoons reading or relaxing, a large eating area to have meals with family and friends, etc. It's also important to choose where you want to splurge or where you want to save. For this project, they saved mainly on furniture by using second hand or vintage pieces. If you can find what you’re looking for second hand, do it! Save money and give the piece another life. Not only do you end up with a unique look, but it's eco-conscious as well. They splurged in the kitchen to maximize the cabinet storage space. She wanted to make sure there was enough room for some larger appliances that are much needed when you have multiple teenagers in the house. Spending a little extra on things that will improve functionality based on your own needs and lifestyle is never a bad idea!
Design by Sarah Marie Lackey www.sarahmarieinteriors.com Photography by Tracey Ayton www.traceyaytonphotography.com
Creating A DREAM
DREAMY LAUNDRY ROOM The laundry room and mudroom will feature white millwork with a marble tile backsplash, brass hardware, an accent wall in black and white wallpaper and a custom tiled wash station.
After purchasing an empty lot in Port Colborne, Kevin Belem, president of Sherhill Construction, decided to use the property to create a dream cottage for his family. The main cottage will feature a three car garage, a stunning wrap around porch, a state of the art kitchen, a master suite and two additional bedrooms. An unfinished basement will provide plenty of opportunity for future growth as well! Together with Avenue Design Inc, the open concept space has been designed to feature bright, airy spaces with plenty of luxurious details and modern touches for a warm, welcoming space that Kevin's family will enjoy for years to come! Watch for the finished space in an upcoming issue of Home Trends Magazine!
www.sherhill.ca
MODERN CLASSIC KITCHEN The design concept for this dream kitchen is a combination of white, wood and marble with statement lighting and brass accents. A mix of shaker and flat panel millwork, a concealed range hood and thoughtfully planned storage solutions complete the design!
BEFORE
Sometimes called a second home or summer house, cottages often become a very special place passed on through generations, while making lifelong memories along the way. There are two types of cottages and the type of cottage you choose can affect the type of mortgage you need.
Try This When selecting furniture for a cottage or second home, it's often our leftovers or cast-offs that find their way there in an effort to be budget conscious and reuse what we have. Upcycling your old pieces to give them a new life at the cottage is a great way to give it a fresh new look with minimal environmental footprint and little budget needed! On the 2022 Cottage Special Episode of the Marc & Mandy show, we took an old wooden dresser that was still sturdy but outdated and gave it a fresh new look. We applied a bit of painter's tape and Frenchic’s environmentally friendly, non-toxic chalk and mineral based paint! This self-leveling paint gives a stroke free finish for a professional look! We used paint from the award winning Lazy Range which is the perfect choice because it has the primer, paint and finish all in one. There's no need to add a wax or finish coat when you're done! To create the pattern, we applied painter's tape to the dresser after ensuring it was clean and dry. For this geometric pattern, we used the holes for the hardware as a guide and a ruler so we could create a symmetrical pattern across the front. We painted the sides in solid white but left the top and legs of the dresser natural for that
cottagey wood and white look. TIPS FOR A BETTER FINISH Proper prep is key but it doesn’t have to be hard! Clean the surface of your project with Sugar Scrub, give it a “scuff” sand and then wipe clean. You’re good to go! Frenchic Paint is a self leveling paint so be careful that you don’t overwork it as it dries fast! Apply even coats. The first coat will be streaky but resist the urge to overwork it and fill in the color with the first coat. The color will build with each coat. Most projects require three or four coats! Apply each coat smoothly and leave it as it will self level, leaving NO Brush marks! Let it cure! Frenchic paint dries quickly (within hours) and is extremely durable once cured. Full curing takes about 21 days and you should handle your project with care until the curing period has passed.
Frenchic Canada www.frenchiccanada.ca
Type A Cottages: A cottage with year-round access, a winterized home with a permanent heat source and potable running water set on a permanent foundation below frost line. Type A cottages can be mortgaged similar to mortgaging a permanent residence, minimum 5% down payment, fixed and variable terms with eligibility to refinance once equity has built up. Type B Cottages: A cottage with seasonal access, often with no permanent heat source and sitting on a floating foundation (concrete blocks or pilings). Type B cottages can be mortgaged but generally require a 10% or larger down payment. Getting a Mortgage Most financial institutions offer financing programs for cottages or second homes. Depending on the type of property, you may be eligible to obtain financing for up to 95% of its value. Your primary residence is a good place to look for financing for a cottage. For example, if you’ve built up some equity in your home, you may be able to utilize that available equity to achieve your goals. Depending on the amount of equity you have built up, you can borrow up to 80% of the value of your home to finance the purchase of your cottage. If owning a piece of paradise away from city life is on your wish list, you should talk with me for relevant financial solutions to help make that dream come true. Elaine Carter, www.elainecarter.ca
Market Ready Even in a hot Seller’s Market most of us find ourselves in right now, it is extremely important to prepare your home to maximize your sale and the return on your investment! Here are some must-do things to ensure you really present your home at its finest.
Muskoka’s MODERN FARMHOUSE Muskoka is home to serene landscapes and captivating adventures. Being recognized by National Geographic and Reader’s Digest as one of Canada’s top destinations, this cottage oasis two hours north of Toronto, holds a remarkable experience. Muskoka homes are designed with the intention to curate a tranquil lifestyle in combination with modern opulence. The components that magnify the potential of these homes, independent from the architectural appeal, is the interior. When designing a Muskoka home, the focus is to compose an interior that illuminates Modern Farmhouse. Modern Farmhouse is a design style that integrates farmhouse with contemporary. A Lady’s Touch implements this through light tones, soft textures and delicate touches of wood, creating a space that is inviting and minimalistic. We can anticipate this aesthetic to carry throughout these estates in 2022. Here's a tip: When looking to implement Modern Farmhouse design into your home, keep it casual. Light, natural textures, a neutral color palette with soft
contrasts, subtle wooden elements, and the touch of comforting, cozy furniture pieces. Home staging has captured appreciation in the Muskoka region as a result of increased migration, especially with more people able to work from home. A preference to a serene landscape and larger lot size is becoming more prominent over city dwellings. Farah Dhalla-Singh, www.ladystouch.ca
DEPERSONALIZE Remove family photos, put away personal belongings and anything that does not pertain to the esthetic, functionality and design of the home itself. Buyers want to imagine themselves living in the home and creating their own memories so it's best not to distract your potential buyers with your beautiful photos and memorabilia. ORGANIZE Minimize the amount of clutter or extra "stuff" you have. Now is a great time to purge! Focus on your kitchen, living rooms, bedrooms, basement and hallways. Doing so will truly showcase how big, bright, and beautiful your home really is! Less is more! REPAIR Touch-up wall knicks, paint scratches, blown light bulbs, damaged trim, squeaky floors or perhaps a loose cupboard door that we don't want to fall off if a potential buyer opens it. It gives buyers confidence that the home is well cared for and well maintained! CLEANLINESS IS… MONEY! I find that the cleanest and tidiest homes always show the best and command more money! This allows buyers to concentrate on the home they want to be theirs and not on anything else that could distract them or turn them off. So, a good cleaning from top to bottom is an absolute must! Paul Mann, www.mannestates.com
Unique Beach Luxury DESIGN BY | Lori Sutherland Burns, www.studioten.ca TEXT | Rayelle Cloutier-Williams PHOTOGRAPHY | Peter Taylor
At the Kitsilano Luxury Beach Resort, each rental unit is different. When working on the design process to renovate these three units, Designer Lori Sutherland Burns wanted something that would tie the units together so she had artist Andrew Briggs create bespoke pieces of art that are in almost every room – archival photographs of Vancouver architecture, beachscapes and streetscapes, washed with pops of invigorating color. Each unit is equipped with USB chargers in nightstands, video game rooms, outdoor putting green, electric car chargers and bold wall finishes to meet any of the travellers’ needs. The goal was to create something that provides an authentic experience for the traveller that would be a memorable, unique experience.
Unit 1 Unit 1 features a stunning arched window in the living room and an onyx wall backdrop in the dining area.
Unit 3
When planning the budget for this renovation project, Lori saved on flooring by using a high quality and durable vinyl plank that is a fraction of the price of hardwood flooring. She then splurged on wall finishes such as wallpaper, tiled walls, and 3D feature walls that give that WOW factor. She also splurged on high end tile in the washrooms, waterfall countertops, and durable yet gorgeous plumbing fixtures.
Unit 3 includes a unique wall hung coat rack and a 3D feature wall in the dining room.
Unit 2 In unit 2, a storage room was transitioned into a gorgeous and quirky bathroom.
Credit, Cottages & Your Mortgage “Rebuilding your credit for home and cottage living, one step at a time” A second mortgage can be a good idea if you are in the right situation for it. Just like any other major mortgage decision, the first step is understanding the details of this unique financial contract and how to go about qualifying yourself. Second mortgages are not just for paying off debt and can become your gateway to financial freedom. With an approval rate of nearly 100% and no income verification, hard times don’t have to happen. Your home has value and over time it can gain that value as a property asset. The equity of your property can rise over time due to home renovations or neighborhood improvements to the surrounding areas. A 2nd mortgage allows a homeowner to borrow large funds while using their home as collateral. A number of Canadian citizens have a hard time dealing with the major banking institutions when it comes to finances and mortgages regarding their owned properties. Private mortgage companies remove the tedious procedures of banks and will most likely not even look at your overall GDS or TDS ratios. Need more information on a 2nd Mortgage? Most of the time, your qualification is determined through what is called ‘The LTV Formula’. Here is some information on the LTV formula, citing two general examples to give you an idea of how it works. The LTV formula (Loan-to-Value): Loan to Value (LTV) is monetary
terminology used by the Canadian banks and private mortgage lenders to show the ratio of a mortgage to the worth of the current homeowner’s property. You divide the amount of security by the value of the home giving us an idea of how much a private mortgage brokerage would be able to lend you. Please keep in mind these numbers are subject to change and very fluid based on the economic landscape. Property example #1 is a home valued at $350,000 with a mortgage of $175,000. You would be sitting at 50% LTV. That means with a lending cap to 85%, a private broker will be able to potentially get you $122,500. Property example #2 brings us to a cottage valued at $200,000 with a mortgage of $127,000 would have you sitting at 63.5% LTV. That means with a lending cap of 75%, because it is rural, your mortgage agent will potentially be able to get you $23,000. Whether it is understanding how to qualify, or discussing a proper method of payment and financial plan for the future, always remember a second mortgage is not just to pay off debts! Always be sure to speak with a licensed professional before embarking on any major financial decisions. Finding a company that puts you first and keeps the client and their situation in mind is what matters. www.jmsmortgages.com
Christopher Audette
Key INGREDIENT PLANNING TO PURCHASE A VACATION HOME? COTTAGE OWNERS DEAN AND ANNETTE SHARE THE KEY LESSONS THEY LEARNED WHEN CHOOSING THEIR VACATION HOME.
Award Winning REALTOR® www.thegroup.ca
The majestic mountains call. It makes you ponder. Should you own a little piece of this heaven? According to Dean and Annette Quirk from Calgary, AB who also own in the mountain valley in Fernie BC; OWN IT! But, don’t buy blindly. When asked for tips for new recreational home hunters, Dean advises, “Write down what you want it to be, certainly in the now, but also in the future, that will help you define where you want to be.” Think of your current and future plans. Perhaps this is an area you want to retire in. Recreation may be your biggest concern now, but amenities may be the larger later on. How many beds and baths do you need every day, and how many for guests? Should they be temporary makeshift areas or dedicated spaces? Travel and distance are also prime considerations. “You want to be close enough that you’re going to be able to go when you want.” says Annette, and Dean adds “Close enough for a weekend, but far enough where there’s not too many weekend tourists.” Wise words as many purchasers have great intent to visit regularly, but when the commute time surpasses the 3 hour mark, the likelihood of that actually happening decreases rapidly and properties fall into disrepair and unvisited properties lose value. Research where you want to be, and what kind of home and budget you should be allowing for. Sites like www.Real-Estate.ca make it easy to look at homes and find them on the map. But you really need to physically explore the area yourself and talk to an agent to get the inside scoop. Rec properties particularly can be tricky with different rules, regulations, ownership structures, fees and taxes that may need to be considered. It can be a difficult and daunting task. But is it worth it? “As I sit on the deck and look up at the mountains and, I don’t know, I think to myself… I’m pretty satisfied with my life” says Dean. “It’s all worth it, SO worth it” says Annette with a satisfied smile on her face.
Dr. Mark Hawass first got involved in arthritis and pain treatment after a car accident left him with chronic lower back pain. He tried everything he could before finally researching on his own. He tested different therapies himself, which made his pain go from a 8-9/10 to a manageable 3-4/10. This is what led him to his training in Chronic Pain Management and to later sub specialize in Arthritis and Joint Pain Management. Challenge and hope are the two main things that inspire Dr.Mark. Learning from past struggles has shaped his life and decisions. He was able to overcome the struggles with hope of what comes afterwards. He is the medical director for Arthritis VIP Clinic and has a diploma in Chronic Pain Management from the Canadian Academy of Pain Management. Dr. Mark started his private clinic in 2019 with the main focus of treating people with arthritis and joint pain, and now they have a success rate of over 90%. Their entire team is extremely caring and very passionate in what they do. His advice for anyone who is suffering with chronic pain is to take control of your own health. Do the research, and do not restrict yourself to what is covered by your insurance. Afterall, your health is your wealth.
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS: If you could have lunch with any one person in the world, who would you pick and why?
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this issue s TRENDSETTERS A look inside the work and lives of some of the industry’s most innovative thinkers.
DR. MARK HAWASS: Tony Robbins. He is the master in shifting and changing someone’s own limiting belief. I still have a limiting belief that I would like to get rid of. Tony Robbins would be the one to help me do that. CHT: If you could go back 20 years, what advice would you give your younger self? MH: Do NOT procrastinate. Take action now. You will not know if you made a good or bad decision till you make one. Either you will succeed or you will learn from those decisions. CHT: Name one thing on your bucket list. MH: A trip to the Amazon. I love nature, it gives me peace of mind. CHT: What is your favorite room in your house? MH: The family room. I love to connect and chat with my wife and the kids.
www.arthritisvip.com
Dr.Mark
Hawass
Angela Calla Dr. Kabani
Angela Calla has always loved real estate and financial planning so being a mortgage broker is the best of both worlds! Some of her many awards are the Accredited Mortgage Professional Award of the Year, Canada wide, in 2009, the Women of Influence Award several years running, and the 2020 Best Selling Author Pursuit 365. Angela is also the host of The Mortgage Show, the longest standing Home Finance radio show.
Angela started her business at just 22 years old. One of Angela’s favorite parts of being a mortgage broker is that her business is free to her clients because she gets paid through the lender where the mortgage ends up getting placed. She is passionate about empowering Canadians. From real estate investment and financial planning to insurance and business leadership, everything she recommends is exactly what she does for herself. Every day is exciting and different when it comes to the business, but these last 2 years have been dedicated to education and alignment with industry partners to lead for the people she serves. Canadian Home Trends: Name one thing on your bucket list. Angela Calla: I want to go on a 6-week trip to Italy. Rent a huge house, have a few friends come to visit me and explore more of my heritage with my husband, kids, and best friends. CHT: What is your favorite spot in your house? AC: The bathtub is a magical place for me! There is no phone, no digital interruptions. I can just relax. When my kids, who are my two favorite humans ever, come to talk to me uninterrupted, I hear so much about their day, their feelings, their friends, their dreams and their goals.
www.angelacalla.ca
Dr. Aliya Kabani has always known she wanted to be a doctor but wasn’t sure what type. Introduced to the naturopathic field after undergoing a bone marrow transplant, she immediately knew that’s what she wanted to do, which led her to opening her own clinic in 2017. Her patients in her clinic inspire her to learn more about the profession and to be the best doctor she can be. She chose the profession because she loves the philosophies of finding the cause and imbalance of a disease. Seton Wellness Clinic is an integrative health clinic with various services, ranging from botox, naturopathic medicine, chiropractic care to psychology services, treat the whole person. Their focus is on blood work and functional medicine tests to identify the root cause of the issue. Canadian Home Trends: If you could have lunch with anyone in the world who would it be and why? Dr. Aliya Kabani: Deepak Chopra. He embodies and teaches total health of body and mind and I believe that the key to health and the future of health lies in knowing how to control our thoughts and be deeper in our spiritual health. CHT: What is your favorite room in your house? AK: The kitchen. It's where I think of family, joy, togetherness, counting our blessings and creating wonderful creations and memories together. It's where I will be either making a dish, or baking something, or cleaning something, and all of a sudden, I will hear an old school song or think of one and stop to dance and sing. My boys will look at me, a little oddly at first, but then I will take them in my hands and dance with them. It's where they have been introduced to Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Phil Collins and Sting. It's where the magic and love is. www.setonwellness.com
Sang & Arielle
In 2019, Sang started to notice the amount of household food waste she was generating and was inspired to create Peko, a mobile app used to track expiry dates of your groceries. During the pandemic, the Peko App became her side hustle and in December of 2020, she joined Canada's top founder-startup incubator, Next 36 where she meet Arielle. Together, they teamed up to build the app. During the prototyping and testing phase, Sang & Arielle noticed a new problem. Food waste from produce rejected due to cosmetic reasons adds up to nearly $3.1 billion per year and food waste accounts for 8-10% of the greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming! With food costs on the rise, they saw the opportunity to make a difference and Peko Produce was born with a mission to reduce food waste and empower access to affordable, healthy eating. Peko Produce takes "peculiar" produce from wholesalers and
farmers that is misshapen, discolored, has minor scratches and dents or was being discarded as surplus and redistributes it to consumers through their online grocery store and weekly delivery service. Since May 31, 2021, Peko Produce has rescued more than 75,500 lbs of produce, saved their customers over $150,000 all while helping to reduce environmental impact.
www.pekoproduce.com
58% of all food produced in Canada is wasted or lost every year. Canada is experiencing the highest increase in food costs since 2010, translating to $645 per family of four annually.
Ansley Marc & Fabyan Barreto Ansley developed a love for travel when she was young and has visited over 40 countries and 6 continents so far. When the pandemic hit and brought her thriving travel agency to a temporary halt, Ansley decided to pivot and turn her passion for travel into a monthly subscription box that would give people a chance to experience the world, right at home! In 2021, Travelista won best Travel Subscription Box of Canada from A Year of Boxes. Each month, the box is themed for a different destination and is filled with things you would see, do, buy, make or eat at that destination. As a female owned and operated business, Ansley strives to use the boxes to support other female owned small businesses both in Canada and abroad whenever possible. This year brings many exciting developments including options to customize your box, special limited edition boxes and even possibly some Travelista group trips in the future! Canadian Home Trends: If you could give a potential client just one piece of advice, what would it be? Ansley Barreto: Try and take trips that matter to you. You can do the cheap getaway of course but make sure to take the time to do what's important for you on the trip. If it is a special trip, spend the appropriate budget to ensure you get to experience it the right way. CHT: If you could have lunch with any one person in the world, who would you pick and why? AB: As a professional, Richard Branson from Virgin. He loves travel himself (even owns a private island or two) and he's really diversified himself as a business person. His charity work is also inspiring. He doesn't take life for granted and seems to live it to the fullest.
Marc Desgroseilliers first joined the renovations industry as a teenager, working alongside his father. In 2019, Marc joined forces with Fabyan Velasco to launch Garage Floors 4 Less, offering a new concrete flooring system designed to stop moisture. Their technology driven, customer centric business structure allows them to assist homeowners in their garage makeovers while providing propietary products with good, better and best options. Garage Floors 4 Less has recently expanded as a franchise with 7 new locations in Southern Ontario and National expansion on the horizon! Canadian Home Trends: If you could give a potential client just one piece of advice, what would it be? Marc Desgroseilliers: Get 3 or 5 quotes, do your research and ask for references. CHT: If you could have lunch with any one person in the world, who would you pick and why? MD: Brian Scudamore, founder of 1-800-Got-Junk. He is very wise in our home service industry. CHT: If you could go back 20 years, what advice would you give your younger self? MD: Read more and don’t burn any bridges. Build Bridges instead. CHT: Name one thing on your bucket list. MD: Playing Golf in Scotland. CHT: What is your favorite room in your house? MD: The garage of course :-)
CHT: Name one thing on your bucket list? AB: To teach or speak at a conference preferably for women. www.travelistabox.com
www.garagefloors4less.com
Live Your Best Life
OUR EXPERTS SHARE SOME OF THEIR BEST ADVICE FOR YOUR HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE!
Dental Treats and Water Additives? Yes please! During the summer months there is nothing better than being outdoors with your pets. Despite our best efforts, with the change in routine, we forget to brush our pet’s teeth daily.
Closer to Home Stronger Together Every child needs a strong family and a supportive community to feel valued and safe. Since 1995, Closer to Home Community Services has been providing community-based intervention services to support over 60,000 vulnerable children, youth, and families. The program supports those experiencing mental health challenges, in need of parenting support and early childhood development knowledge, and people seeking cultural identity and healing. At Closer to Home, we know that strong, stable homes and relationships are critical to every family’s success and wellbeing. But not all families have a support network on which they can rely. Struggles may arise at any time from anywhere – from a long history of trauma to a temporary crisis. Jobs and homes can be lost in the chaos. Children’s lives and futures are compromised. Families need a community of support to stay together. That’s where we come in. And with your support, we can all be stronger together. Learn more at closertohome.com.
Jennifer Kaiman Pretty Puppy Smiles
While there is no substitute for regular dental cleanings, Dental Treats and Water Additives are a great way to help keep plaque and tartar at bay in between cleanings. Keeping teeth and gums healthy is the best way to ensure your pet keeps their teeth as long as possible and avoid health issues, such as heart and kidney disease so don't forget to have your dog's teeth cleaned regularly.
Veganism has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it’s easy to understand why. Faced with an obesity epidemic, a climate catastrophe, and even a global pandemic, many people are looking for ways to make meaningful change. Being vegan is a uniquely powerful individual choice that has tremendous positive effects for personal health, environmental sustainability, and reducing the number of animals subjected to horrific suffering and death. From the new Canada Food Guide, to the EAT-Lancet report, to the Drawdown Review, experts from around the world recognize the importance of shifting our eating habits to plant-based diets. By becoming vegan, you will be helping to address climate change, air and water pollution, deforestation, and global hunger. You will also be adding years to your life and life to your years! Studies have shown that the risks of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, ischemic stroke, and some types of cancer are all substantially lower in people eating largely plant-based diets. You will also be shifting your support from industries that inherently cause animal abuse and suffering on an unfathomable scale, to those that produce the foods keeping us healthiest: fruits & vegetables, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, and seeds. Far from being restrictive, moving towards veganism today is easier than ever, and it can open up a world of culinary possibilities and reignite a love for food that nourishes your body. Start making your shift towards a plant-based diet today! Visit www.earthsave.ca to learn more.
Ilona Gorelik Nutrition Balance Twelve tips on looking and feeling your best for the summer season: 1. Aim to drink 2 liters of water throughout the day and squeeze lemon juice into your water for a nice cleanse.
Stress, such as the stress we have all been experiencing throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, can put our body into a state of imbalance," which prevents it from functioning as it should. Occasional and manageable stress and anxiety are nothing to worry about; however, long-term chronic stress and anxiety, such as chronic unpredictable stress, can have a negative impact on our physical, emotional, and mental health and well-being. Problems occur when we do not release these tensions regularly.
Zain Peerani Reflexology Association Peerani’s Flooring Reflexology is a natural, non-invasive of Canada
therapy, mapping the whole body onto When selecting flooring, it’s important reflexes in another part of the body. Through to look beyond appearance and price the application of pressure on these reflexes, only! You need to do research and reflexology can be used to release stress, and maintain the body’s natural take into account the unique details restore of balance, and facilitate healing. your project including structure, If you are experiencing physical, mental, or emotional symptoms of stress such as, brain fog, muscle tension, panic attacks, digestive issues, lack of quality sleep, etc., reflexology can help reset and rebuild your body from the inside out without the use of drugs.
2. Don’t go to the grocery store hungry. 3. Use smaller plates, bowls and wine/cocktail glasses. 4. Eat breakfast within an hour of waking up.
Have you been wanting a career change but have been putting it off? There is no reason to keep waiting, Mortgage Brokering might be the perfect fit for you. In just 5 days you can start a career that helps others arrange their finances and get their dream home. Since Mortgage Agents are usually paid a commission by the lender after the mortgage is funded, you have the power to grow your income exponentially. Why wait any longer?
5. Always include a good source of protein with breakfast. 6. Don’t drink your calories. Limit the amount of pop, juice and other sweetened beverages that you drink. 7. Don’t have tempting foods around. If they are there, you’ll eat them! 8. Beware of the “See-Food Syndrome.” Remove treats and temptations from within eyesight. 9. Slow down when you are eating and enjoy your food. Try putting your utensils down in between bites.
There are 3 steps to get licensed in Ontario:
Joseph White Remic
1. Pass The Course – The mortgage agent course can be done in as little as 5 days for as little as $338. 2. Get Hired – You must join a mortgage brokerage first before you can get licensed.
10. Share an entree when you go out for dinner and start with a salad instead of a piece of bread.
3. Complete the FSRA Application – The FSRA (formerly FSCO) licensed mortgage brokerage applies to FSRA for your mortgage agent license
11. Have a snack of veggies and hummus, an avocado toast or a simple yogurt before you go to an outing or out for dinner- you will be more in control.
There’s no better time to jump start your new career than right now! Join us and become a Mortgage Broker in as little as 5 days!
12. Try eating every 3-4 hours instead of eating every 5-6 hours.
What’s stopping you from reaching your goals? For more information please visit http://www.remic.ca and if you register, use the code CHT2021 for a $50 discount!
CHOOSING A COSMETIC DENTIST If you’ve been considering a smile makeover, be prepared to do a little homework before you find a cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is not a recognized specialty, so any dentist can call himself or herself a cosmetic dentist. It is important to take some time researching candidates before you make a decision, so that you feel confident you are getting the best treatment and will achieve the best possible results. ASK FOR REFERRALS If any friends or members of your family have had good cosmetic dental treatment, ask them for a referral. You can then check out the doctor's website, talk to the office, or even go in for a preliminary consultation. Ask other dental professionals you know whom they would recommend. VIEW THEIR WORK Most dentists who perform cosmetic dental procedures are proud of their work and eager to document it with before-and-after photos. You can usually view these pictures online or see them in an album at the dentist's office. One caveat: commercially produced before-and-after examples do exist, so make sure that the photos you are being shown represent actual patients of the dentist you are considering. CHECK CREDENTIALS Even if a particular dentist comes highly recommended and shows you beautiful photographs, you will want to make sure he or she is qualified. Check online to see where your prospective cosmetic dentists went to school, what continuing education courses were completed, and what professional organizations they belong to. Keep in mind that the most highly qualified cosmetic dentists are members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. WHY SELECT AN AACD MEMBER DENTIST? Members of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry are offered education and training on the latest procedures, techniques, and products through AACD publications, lectures, and workshops. AACD member professionals stay one step ahead of their peers by keeping informed on
trends and learning how the latest products and technology benefit the patient. They also support not only responsible aesthetics but also systemic oral health. By selecting an AACD member dentist, you know your dental professional cares enough to stay in the forefront of the cosmetic dentistry field, so you receive the most up-to-date and best care available. AACD Accredited members have an even higher level of expertise. Find an AACD Cosmetic Dentist. To achieve AACD Accreditation, a dental professional must complete a written examination, document five specific types of clinical cases, participate in continuing education classes, and pass a final oral examination. Once a dentist or a laboratory technician has achieved AACD Accreditation, he or she is expected to stay on top of industry trends and technology, bringing patients the best care available. MAKE A LIST It's important to determine what you want to change about your smile before you have your first consultation with a cosmetic dentist. Take a good look and compile a list. That way, when you do choose your specialist, you will be ready to present your wish list and compare it to the dentist's own proposals. COMMUNICATE WHAT YOU WANT A person's own perception of what looks good is an important factor in achieving a satisfying result when it comes to smile enhancement. The art of “making smiles” lies in a dentist's ability to integrate the individual's personal perceptions of what is important with the dentist's own scientific and anatomical knowledge as it applies to smile design. With a professionally trained and experienced eye, your dentist will actually see more dental possibilities than you do. It is therefore his or her responsibility to educate you so that you're better able to make your own personal choices. At the same time, you must have confidence and trust that your dentist hears what you're saying about what you want to look like. Dr. Ed Lowe, www.mysmilemakeover.com
EXERCISE AND YOUR DOG PUPPIES Exercise not only helps build a puppy's body, it also helps build their mind (helps with brain development). However, exercise that is not appropriate for the puppy's stage of development can cause significant and irreversible damage. Puppies are more prone to injury and are not built for endurance. Appropriate exercise for puppies helps to increase bone density and cardiovascular function. This includes self-directed play (eg. exploring, sniffing, digging, play with a well-matched playmate), soft landings from furniture, etc. Stairs should be avoided until at least 3 months of age as they put excess strain on puppy's joints. EXAMPLES OF AGE-APPROPRIATE TRAINING 8 weeks to 6 months:
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Self-directed play
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Proprioception, balance, and flexibility exercises (eg. Stepping on different surfaces so they learn where to place their feet)
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Jump training up to carpus (wrist) height only
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Non-impact skill training (eg. Basic obedience - sit, down, come; also contact training)
After 14mo. (~20 if spayed/ neutered), can now begin:
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Jump training above elbow height
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Weaving
ADULT DOGS A dog doesn’t have to be a canine athlete to do athletic things. Any dog that jumps on and off furniture or in and out of the car, goes for hikes, chases a ball or plays at the dog park is using its muscles and impacting its joints in an athletic way. These dogs can benefit from a conditioning program to help keep them fit and decrease the risk of injuries. SENIOR DOGS It is very important for senior pets to remain active as long as possible to help keep the joints lubricated and moving well (“motion is lotion”), but the types and frequency of activity needs to be considered. In general, lower impact, shorter duration, higher frequency exercise is easier on the joints. Taking the dog for 3-4 10-15min. walks per day, instead of an hour long walk once a day. You could also use balance equipment (such as in our self-serve canine gym) or hydrotherapy in an UWTM or pool where the buoyancy of the water takes pressure off the joints.
6-14mo. (~20mo. if spayed or neutered) - neurons are now firing at full speed, so can add in:
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Strength training exercises
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Jump training up to elbow height
Commercial real estate and residential real estate are quite different. With a residential property, the value is determined by an appraisal. With a commercial property, the value depends on rental income. If the property is vacant or unable to be leased, the bank considers the property to have no value.
COMMERCIAL MORTGAGES
Your income also comes into play when looking for a commercial mortgage. This could be your own
personal income or your business income. If you are looking to start a brand new business and do not yet have any business incomes, buying a vacant property can be very difficult. An experienced mortgage broker can help you navigate the unique challenges when making a commercial purchase and help position you in the best spot for success.
Christine Xu, www.moneybroker.ca
SUMMER essentials SUMMER IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER AND THIS YEAR, WE’RE LOOKING FORWARD TO GETTING BACK TO OUR FAVORITE SUMMER ACTIVITIES MORE THAN EVER BEFORE! HERE ARE A FEW ESSENTIALS FOR A BUSY SUMMER ON THE GO.
18L PLEATED BACKPACK X The essential everyday pack, designed to keep everything you would need to go from home to work to the beach and beyond. Removable sweat gear bag to keep post workout clothes separated. Internal laptop sleeve holds a 15" laptop that allows for quick and easy access. This versatile bag is a must for a busy summer on the go!
www.forwardwithdesign.com
PORTABLE CLEAN START BODY WIPES These 12 individually wrapped extra-large biodegradable wipes are perfect for keeping clean on the go. The pre-moistened wipes made with extracts of apple, aloe, chamomile, and cucumber soothe and nourish skin.
24OZ LUXE INSULATED STRAW TUMBLER The perfect on-the-go hydration companion offers both style and function. Sleek and sturdy tumbler equipped with leak resistant automatic smart seal technology to ensure leak and spill-proof use. Keeps drinks cold for 16 hours and hot for 8 hours making it perfect for a day at the beach or an afternoon on the trails.
3-IN-1 CHARCOAL CLEANSER FOR FACE, BODY & HAIR In a convenient, travel friendly pouch, this multi-tasking cleanser is bursting with natural extracts of aloe, ginger and goji, nourishing moringa extracts, and detoxifying white charcoal. Leaves skin and hair feeling thoroughly cleansed and refreshed.
QUICK DRYING ECO-FRIENDLY BAMBOO FIBRE TOWEL The essential towel for the cottage or beach, the Fouta towel is made from a 70% cotton and 30% bamboo blend which dries quickly and features a dual-purpose design.. The front face features a flat woven surface while the back has a looped terrycloth texture for ultra-absorbency.
www.forwardwithdesign.com
summer trends Update your summer looks with these jewelry trends inspired by fashion runway styles for Summer 2022!
SYMBOL OF LOVE Heart shaped pieces are a popular choice this summer! Wear your heart on your sleeve… or on your finger perhaps? Heart shaped pieces are showing up in traditional and modern styles so you’re sure to find something that suits your personal style!
MIX IT UP CHARMING Mixed materials continue to be a growing trend in jewelry. Adding personality to your pieces with multiple finishes, a variety of stones and a mix of materials for unique updates on traditional styles.
Charms, in many forms, are showing up everywhere this year. Dangling from necklaces, earrings, bracelets and more, charms are a fun way to show off your personality this summer! Find these trendy pieces and more at www.charmdiamondcentres.com
Careers IN DESIGN
DO YOU HAVE A CREATIVE SIDE AND A PASSION FOR STYLE, DESIGN AND FASHION? ONE OF THESE CAREER PATHS MAY BE PERFECT FOR YOU!
INTERIOR DESIGN & DECORATING Do you love to rearrange furniture, plan renovation projects and style rooms around your house? A home decorating career might be just the thing! The Cut Fashion Academy's Home Decorating Certificate Program introduces students to the world of interior decorating and how designers create spaces that are both creative and functional. You will learn the fundamental elements and principles of design as they relate to interiors. You will be guided through the design and decorating process, for both residential and commercial projects, from concept to completion. Students will learn how to create concepts for different spaces, while discovering how proportion, scale, color, and pattern produce harmony in design. You will learn how to observe, evaluate and make informed design decisions through analyzing interior spaces and class discussions. Students will create dynamic inspiration and presentation boards to help support their ideas and concepts. They will then learn how to apply their ideas through space planning and furniture selection.
FASHION DESIGN Do you have an eye for fashion and a love for creating new looks? The fashion industry is full of rewarding career opportunities! The Cut Fashion Academy offers a wide variety of fashion courses to help get you started. Whether you're looking to launch your own line, explore a new career direction or just add new skills to enhance a favorite hobby, there are full time, part time and even online course options available! Explore pattern making, improve your sewing skills, learn how fashion is marketed, create 3D fashion models or learn how costume making is done for film and TV! Choose the diploma, certificate or part time course that fits your needs!
IS A CAREER IN FASHION AND DESIGN RIGHT FOR YOU? Take The Cut ‘‘Fashion and Design Career Training Readiness Quiz” Whether you want to launch your own fashion line, are looking for beginner sewing classes, or anything in between, The Cut Design Academy’s Training Quiz can help you identify goals, personal strengths, and important facts so you can make an informed decision. It takes a few minutes! - CLICK HERE
summer hair Summer, with its abundance of sunshine, beaches, pools and travel, can be hard on your hair. Follow these tips to ensure your hair is protected through-out the busy summer months.
COMBAT HUMIDITY FRIZZ Summer humidity can leave hair difficult to manage and frizzy, especially for those with fine, curly or porous hair. TRY THIS Loma’s Travel Calming Creme is formulated to detangle and soften hair to tame fizziness. Its coconut oil and aloe vera gel is key to smoothing hair.
PRACTICAL TRAVEL TOOLS The smart voyager usually has a compact travel hair dryer, mini curling iron or small flat iron. International travelers should definitely invest in the versions that offer adaptability for different voltages. In addition to a suitable travel device, it’s wise to pick up a travel heat mat that can easily fold around your flat iron while in transit, and is very handy to hold hot objects while in your hotel room or cabin, from heated styling tools and shirt iron to your pots and pans straight from the camp fire.
TRY THESE The BaBylissPRO Bambino Nano-Titanium Micro Travel Hair Dryer is small, ultralight weight and offers dual voltage for worldwide use.
CLEAN ON THE GO When on the go, vacationing or camping, the opportunity to wash your hair may not present itself. Dry shampoos are designed to spray on dry hair, and reduce dirt, oil and grease as you let it dry and massage and brush it through. TRY THIS Blacklight’s Travel Dry Shampoo (made in Canada) is specially formulated to cater to summer shades whether hair is highlighted, bleached or color treated.
The Infashion Travel Heat Mat is heat resistant up to 482°F (250°C) and takes up very little space in your luggage.
SUN PROTECTION The hot summer sun, longer daylight and dips in a chlorine pool can cause extra damage to hair during camping and vacation season. Packing a compact leave in conditioner with thermal or UV protection helps maintain moisture and protects against the harsher sun, while you’re out and about. To re-strengthen sun or chlorine bleached hair after a full day outside, look for a hair treatment product that can replenish the hair’s depleted keratin.
TRY THESE
SAVE NOW! Use coupon code CHT15 and save 15% off these products and more at www.beautywellness.ca
Blacklight's 18-in-1 leave in conditioner is perfect for blonde or color treated hair. Replenish keratin with this nourishing line from Luseta.
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS & ESZTER SEBOK
Saturday at Downsview convenience, though ully designed PROPERTY FEATURES 105 Square Foot Terrace
Family Friendly Neighborhood
2 Bathrooms
24 Hour Concierge
2 Bedrooms
Welcome to Mattamy's Saturday At Downsview Community! This rapidly growing, family friendly neighborhood offers a mix of affordable townhomes and brand new boutique condo units. Overlooking Parkland, this condo features 9 foot ceilings, 2 split bedrooms, 2 full baths, and an extremely functional open concept layout. This amazing brand new unit includes a 105 sq ft terrace and a spacious 767 sq ft interior with a modern kitchen featuring stainless steel appliances and quartz countertops! Enjoy the condominium amenities including fitness room with yoga studio, party room (Indoor/Outdoor), BBQ Area, 24 hour concierge and pet wash station. Enjoy the wonders of Downsview Park just steps away and easy access to highways, markets, shopping, TTC and subway access. - Eszter Sebok, www.eszter.ca
Tips from the Pros OUR EXPERTS SHARE SOME OF THEIR BEST ADVICE FOR YOUR HOME!
Future Proofing Your Pre-wire When building, go over your wish list and make sure to pre-wire accordingly. The worst thing you can do is try to retrofit after. Due to the increased costs, many times it may be impossible to do it after the fact. It is always much better to have everything hard wired rather than trying to find a wireless solution. Pre-wire Considerations: 1. Multi-room audio: Make sure to run speaker wires to every zone in the house. You can leave out areas that you are sure you don’t want audio, however, even if you are unsure about a particular zone I would still wire it.
Kurt Villanueva The Audio Room
2. Automation/Security: At every location where you may have a table wire in a cat6e cable. This way you can avoid any unsightly power cables. I would recommend you also wire cat6e cables to all the desired camera locations. 3. TV locations: I advise to run at least two cat6e cables per location. Most flat panel TVs today are considered smart. With the world of streaming on demand this will ensure a stable connection. In the future cat6e cables through baluns can be converted to an assortment of different connections. For example, if you want the sound from that particular TV to be sent to the rest of the house, it is still possible. 4. Soundscape: Don’t forget about your outdoor sound system. Even if it means running a pair of speaker cables to your future patio. Also consider a conduit to your utility room to the outside of your house. With the ever-growing popularity of outdoor sound products, the possibility is endless.
5 THINGS YOU MIGHT BE OVERLOOKING IN YOUR HOME Homeowners, whether new or seasoned, have a long list of to-do’s to take care of every year. What are you missing? The experts at Rümi share the top 5 things homeowners often miss when it comes to home maintenance: 1. Attic hatch. Make sure it’s well insulated to save on energy and reduce the chances of finding attic rain in the winters. 2. Dryer vent. Clean your vents every year to help prevent irritating allergies and potential devastating house fires.
Brendan Graham Rümi
3. Water leaks. Any leaks should be treated seriously. Tiny drips can point to major damage in your home. 4. Furnace Filter. This is a quick fix that can make a big difference. Swap out your filter in the winter (and in the summer if you have AC) to keep your hardest working appliance functioning at its best. 5. Visual Inspection. A simple 360 degree walk around your home can help spot anything out of place. Not sure what you’re looking for? Rümi’s Ask A Home Inspector service, a one-of-a-kind virtual service, with our experts, can help.
A mortgage broker acts as an intermediary between the borrower and the lender. Traditionally, banks sell their own products. They are working for themselves rather than for the consumer.
Jeff Wright, The Great Plumbing Company
Zain Peerani Peerani’s Flooring
The service provided by a licensed and accredited plumbing service provider can have a big effect on one’s life and on your families’ lives. Here is what you should be looking for when hiring a professional plumbing service:
When selecting flooring, it’s important to look beyond appearance and price only! You need to do research and take into account the unique details of your project including structure,
Certification & Licensing: The individual plumber performing the work is to be certified as a journeyman plumber with a certificate issued by the province. Additionally, the company must possess a Master plumber license and a plumbing contractor's license, both issued by the city.
Jevad Danesh & Lina Addeo Easy Mortgage Pro
Insurance: They should carry liability insurance indicating the name of the company and the level of coverage. Be sure to note the expiry date. Referrals and/or Reviews: With Internet access, it is considerably easier for a customer to assess the company they’re about to hire. However, due diligence is still very much required. The level of service as well as value that a professional plumbing company exemplifies is typically indicated in online reviews. Quote vs Estimate: Estimates are most often misleading and vague. A professional plumbing company should have no issue in providing a detailed written quote. This should include the job scope, materials, labor costs, start date and completion date. It’s wise to consider the presentation and reliability of the tradesman when obtaining a quote. Keeping in mind, if they do not present well at the initial visit, it’s almost assured it will not be any better during the work being performed.
Dryer Vent Doctor Characteristics of an Inefficient Dryer: 1. Dryer takes more than one cycle to dry your clothes 2. The dryer vent hood flapper doesn't open 3. The clothes that come out of the dryer are hotter than normal 4. Dryer vent has sagging or pinched areas in its run If you own an older home you may have a duct system that is possibly more restrictive than today's standards. If so, it's even more important to have your dryer vents cleaned regularly.
Mortgage brokers, on the other hand, are working for the best interest of the consumer. With access to banks and an unlimited number of various mortgage lenders, a mortgage broker can offer an option tailored specifically to the homebuyers’ needs. As mortgage lending guidelines become more complicated, mortgage brokers are the key factor in helping consumers get proper approval with a mortgage option that works for their needs.
The work professional builders and independent contractors do carry a lot of risks. Even if you are a homeowner and are remodeling or renovating your house, construction can be a source of potential risk. For professional builders, contractor insurance protects you from the risks associated with accidents at a home renovation or construction site. General liability insurance for independent contractors is designed to cover any third-party injuries or property damage you may cause, even if you work at multiple sites. Tools and equipment insurance covers your expensive equipment should they be lost, damaged, or stolen. You should always confirm builder’s risk insurance is in place before you begin a project. Get a free quote for your business insurance needs by visiting Zensurance.com, and let our licensed brokers find the policy you need from our partner network of more than 50 insurance providers.
Completed in 2019, this modern and modular MODCUBE laneway house provides 990 square feet of large open living space. This two-story, two bedroom, two bathroom laneway home was thoughtfully designed with 9 foot ceilings on the main floor and an open concept to maximize space and flexibility. Custom dimmable LED strip lighting in the living room highlights the space and creates a subtle divide from the full-size kitchen. Guests can continue to the outdoor living space through sliding glass doors which provide access to a private patio. The primary upper floor bedroom features a Jack and Jill ensuite. A private rooftop deck is covered with a cedar trellis and surrounded by a live roof garden. Neutral colors and natural materials create a bright, yet simple backdrop in this home.
MODCUBE
MARVEL
Design by Synthesis Design www.synthesisdesign.ca www.modcube.ca Photography by Tina Kulic www.emapeter.com
MODCUBE minimizes construction times on site, providing more ergonomic building conditions (in a factory), resulting in significantly less waste. This home is 34.3% more efficient than the energy guide reference house, meeting BC’s Building Step Code 3. MODCUBE was designed in response to the growing lack of affordability across Vancouver and the Lower Mainland. Throughout Canada, land is at a premium; cities are sprawling beyond their boundaries while reducing the surrounding natural environment, people are living further away from the communities they work in and are forced to commute long distances while housing prices continue to skyrocket. MODCUBE is Synthesis Design's answer to the growing housing crisis. By utilizing existing single-family lots to densify our neighborhoods, we enable people to live, work, and grow in the community they love. The goal with MODCUBE is to provide people with more; more options to downsize while remaining on their property, create more housing for adult children or aging parents, or have an additional source of income through short or long-term renting. MODCUBE can mean different things to people at varying times in their lives. However, one thing remains constant: MODCUBE makes more possible.
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS & TIMSOLD REAL ESTATE TEAM
One-of-a-Kind MODERN, LOFT-STYLE HOME PROPERTY FEATURES 17’ Ceilings on Main Floor
Pot Lights Through-out
Open Concept
Finished Walkout Basement
4 +1 Bedrooms
Located in the prestigious Unionville area on a quiet cul-de-sac, this modern, detached home is a one of a kind, custom -built loft-style home. The 17 ft ceilings on the main floor and open concept layout brings in tons of natural light. The home is complete with a finished basement featuring large floor to ceiling windows and a walkout to the backyard. Located just steps from transit, highways, top ranking schools, Too Good Pond, Historic Main Street Unionville, plazas & parks! - Tim Keung, Broker, www.timsold.com
90S REFRESH
This late 90s, 1 1/2 story house is home to a young family of five. Both parents work at home so creating a functional and comfortable space for them and their three children, ages 8-14, was important. They are not into "things" or clutter so Designer Terra Currie aimed to keep the space on the contemporary side with clean lines and pops of fun. The home was all original and much in need of an update so the project involved a complete overhaul including the kitchen, dining room, living room, three bedrooms and two bathrooms along with adjoining hallways. At the start of the project, Terra created a mood board showcasing her vision for the space. The couple loved the concept so much that they gave her freedom to purchase, design and make any calls with all elements of the home. Having that kind of freedom made it easy to be inspired throughout the project. Terra brought in natural stone elements, wood and greenery to add depth to the rooms without making them feel too busy. One of Terra's favorite design features is the built-in buffet in the dining room. "I love that I was able to take this incredibly underutilized space and make it work to its full capacity" says Terra. Another favorite feature is the fun tile used in the kids' bathroom. It creates a young, fun feel in the room but they will be able to grow without aging out of the space. To save room in the budget, Terra selected semi flush mount lights from Home Depot that make a statement without breaking the bank. Keeping all the trim for the doors, windows and baseboards the same size also helped cut costs and lends well to the contemporary feel of the space. These savings allowed room in the budget to splurge on high quality Spanish tile for the backsplash. They also splurged on exterior doors with a bluetooth door lock with four deadbolts and commercial grade triple pane fibreglass to help with the Alberta winter drafts.
Design By Terra Currie, www.terracurriedesigns.com
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CANADIAN HOME TRENDS & PROPERTY FINDERS
Renovated Family Home with residual income poten al PROPERTY FEATURES 2 Full Kitchens 6 Bathroom 6 Bedroom
Large Sundeck with Solarium Residual Income Potential
A beautifully renovated home in Vancouver, close to everything with easy access to public transit and Langara College. Original 1940's hardwood floors refinished upstairs, new furnace 2016, and newer stainless steel appliances including built in oven and built in stove top in a gorgeous kitchen that would make any chef happy. Basement has endless potential and is currently housing students for excellent residual income. Lane access for the attached double garage that is the foundation for the large sundeck with attached solarium. The deck overlooks the fully fenced yard and gated separate entry into the downstairs. A one of a kind home that you must see to appreciate! - The Property Finders, www.thepropertyfinders.ca
affordable
LUXURY TEXT | Rayelle Cloutier-Williams
This 2021 Spec Home was built by the talented team at Professional Custom Homes. They wanted to create a home that catered to all buyers, while also showcasing what they are capable of, within a typical budget! The success of this build proves that affordable-luxury does not have to mean sacrificing on style or on functionality. The style aesthetic in this home is a very light and bright, modern farmhouse featuring natural colors, a richer flooring finish, and a tile that is both visually interesting and timeless to tie it all together. For this project, Professional Custom Homes decided to splurge on things like extra high interior passage doors, painted ceilings, upgraded lighting features and even certain tile selections. The kitchen in this house features an oversized island, waterfall countertops and an extended quartz backsplash that amplifies the modern look of the cabinetry while also being easy to maintain! Their advice to others is to get a clear idea of what you’re wanting beforehand and then find builders and trades you trust. Also, adjust your expectations when it comes to the time frame for your project. Timelines for renos and new construction alike have been extended due to global supply chain disruptions. They have managed to navigate these hurdles and operate relatively smoothly, making decisions and placing orders well in advance of when materials are needed on site. That means planning needed to begin early. Have fun and try to enjoy the process. Sometimes, buyers have to feel the difference an upgrade makes to really appreciate its value. Seeing really is believing! Professional Custom Homes Ltd, www.prohomesab.com
Inspired BY NATURE
After living in the home for many years, the homeowners decided it was time to give their primary bathroom an update with a more modern feel. The modern design of this three piece bathroom is inspired by light, neutral tones to open up the space and wood accent colors to invoke a cozy feeling for the homeowner. The contrast between colors allows for a seamless transition from the bathroom to the rest of the house. The vanity, with soft close doors and black accents, brings a strong presence to the space.
Space Designed By Model Renovations www.modelreno.com
Using the bundled "Model" offering from Model Reno, the homeowners were able to save money with savings that wouldn't typically exist when purchasing materials individually for a bathroom project. Model Reno works to secure these savings for their clients and passes them on so that the homeowner benefits directly.
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS & HOMES FOR ALL REALTY
Low Maintenance Living in private, tranquil environment PROPERTY FEATURES Overlooking greenspace 1 Bathroom 1 Bedroom
Low Condo Fees include heat and water In-Suite Laundry
Secure, clean and private one bedroom, one bath suite in Aspen Woods. In-suite laundry, nearly new stove and in-suite storage. Condo fees include heat, and water/sewer along with management, parking, snow removal, landscaping and exterior maintenance. North facing patio looks onto a green space that ensures privacy and a tranquil environment. Large windows in the bedroom and the patio doors allow in lots of natural light but keep the heat out due to the northern exposure. Low maintenance laminate flooring and lino along with carpet in the bedroom mean easy care living. Low condo fees make this condo easy to own and enjoy. Close to shopping, transit, schools and quick trip to downtown. Douglas Bowman, www.homesforall.ca
Urban
Country Chic
Digreen Homes, www.digreenhomes.com
Caledon living is all about urban-country chic style amidst some of Ontario’s prettiest scenery. Residents here are committed to maintaining their rich history and heritage villages that are scattered in the rolling hills of Caledon country. Constellations in Caledon is a limited collection of spacious single-family homes featuring deep lots and a basement side entrance. Located east of Kennedy Road just north of Hwy 410, you’ll be close to all urban amenities like schools, restaurants, shopping complexes and recreation centres. Beautiful parks and conservation areas are nearby for a true dual lifestyle – countryside living with big city conveniences. With a wide variety of models available, this multi-phase project is sure to have something to fit your family! Sixty single family homes, ranging in size from 220 sq ft to 3600 sq ft, offer plenty of options for customization to suit your specific needs. One popular feature, especially with families from South and East Asian cultures who live with extended families, is the option to add an additional bedroom on the ground floor. Built with environmentally friendly options, these homes are spacious, comfortable and unique.
Space TO GROW Ecuabuilder Ltd www.ecuabuilder.com
Turning this two story brick dwelling into a three story forever home for this hardworking family of four who originally migrated from Ecuador was a pleasure for Luis Calle of Ecuabuilder Ltd. The new layout offers two separate units. The second and third floor makes up the main home for the family while the first floor unit is essentually a rental unit. This unit is designed for either future personal use or possible rental income and consists of an open concept kitchen, living room, two bedrooms, washroom and office. The entrance for the main living space is located in the back with stairs to the second story that opens into the open concept living space shared with the kitchen. It is complete with all appliances and a 6’x3’ island with views of the amazing fireplaces cladded with natural face stone in the living room. Towards the front you will find the private office on this level. A second story deck, accessed from the kitchen, is perfect for entertaining, or just spending time and enjoying the outdoors. The third floor completes the main living space with two bedrooms, bathroom, master bedroom with walk-in closet, ensuite and private deck. One of the goals the homeowners had for this project was to incorporate the outdoors as much as possible, create a second unit and still have plenty of space for their family. The addition of a third story to the original home allowed this to become a reality. Adding decks to the second and third stories really maximizes outdoor space! Underpinning the basement also allowed for more height and the inclusion of a second unit.
CANADIAN HOME TRENDS & TAV SCHEMBRI
5593 Escarpment Sdrd,Caledon
COUNTRY PARADISE
PROPERTY FEATURES Picturesque 1 Acre Parcel
Open Concept Split Level
4 Bedrooms
Large Windows + Vaulted Ceilings
3 Bathrooms
Stunning Views
Enjoy the private treed setting with this open concept home. Features include hardwood floors, skylight, freshly painted, vaulted ceilings, large windows throughout and spectacular views. Family room is an entertainer’s dream with a fireplace leading to a large updated patio and very spacious new deck. Kitchen features upgraded stainless steel appliances and granite countertops. Includes upgraded furnace, water softener, A/C, air purifier, updated garage doors and invisible dog fence. Home includes existing fridge, stove, hood range, built-in dishwasher, washer & dryer, all electrical light fixtures, all window coverings, fridge and freezer in garage, and custom built-in closest organizers. - Tav Schembri, Broker of Record, www.tavsells.com