January/February 2019 Online Issue

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2019

HOME RENOS

INTERIORS

NEW HOMES

BEAUTY

FASHION

FOOD

TRAVEL

HEALTH

AUTO

SHOPPING

in the house LHBA SHOW REVEALS ALL

LIGHTEN UP

RENO PROVIDES SPACE TO GROW

TO PARIS WITH LOVE LOCAL TALENT AT THE LOUVRE

HAPPY AT HOME

WORK SPACES THAT WORK

fashion facts

dress in a flash

www.lifestylemagazineonline.com

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sales@sloanstonedesign.com

sloanstonedesign.com

contents JA N UA RY | FEB R UA RY 201 9

STOREWIDE CLEARANCE

HOMESTYLE

28

36

9

Future is bright Family home makeover

15

Working in

36

Open spaces

44

Free range

47

Life by the lake

51

Show and tell

Upscale home office trends

Over-the-top rentals

Farmhouse-inspired décor

B and B invites buyers

LHBA’s biggest event yet

BESTLIFE

28 43

Fab fermentation Kombucha cures

Paris bound

Local artist exhibits in the Louvre Annex

YOURSTYLE

43

22

Mega minimalism

40

Golden arches

Formula for fashion success

SALE ENDS FEBRUARY 28, 2019

Four ways to beautiful brows

TRAVELSTYLE

31

Woman power

35

Beer is near

Triumphant travel option

Take a trip to Blyth

www.livinglighting.com

BIZLIFE

31

60 61 62

London Fine Furniture Oak and Linen Home Riverstone Original Homes

2018 WINNER

1673 Richmond St. North at Fanshawe,

519-667-3022

London, On N6G 2N3 livinglightinglondonnorth.xolights.com londonnorth@livinglighting.com January/February 2019

Lifestyle 5

Photos by John Morse

WE BUILD HOMES FOR LIFE

View our project gallery at:

www.keithhunt.ca

Member in good standing of the Tarion Home Warranty Program since 1997.

NEW HOMES

•

ADDITIONS

519 765-2666

•

•

RENOVATIONS

keith@keithhunt.ca

LIFESTYLE PUBLISHER Lana L. Breier EDITOR Jill Ellis-Worthington WRITERS Ellen Ashton-Haiste Clare Dear Jill Ellis-Worthington Mary Jansenberger Kathy Mueller Wayne Newton Kathy Rumleski Heather Toskan ACCOUNT MANAGERS Annette Gent 519-200-0283 annettegent537@gmail.com Lorraine Lukings 519-520-7676 lorrainelukings@hotmail.com Jan McGrath 519-243-2932 jm@lambtonshores.com Elaine Norris 519-702-5583 lifestyleelaine@hotmail.com Wilma Van Vaerenbergh 519-476-5571 lifestylewilma@gmail.com EDITORIAL & AD DESIGN Wendy Reid AD DESIGN Nancy Greenfield Bill McGrath PRODUCTION Nancy Greenfield PHOTOGRAPHY Richard Bain PRINTING Sportswood Printing WEB ARCHITECTURE Redding Design Inc. www.reddingdesigns.com

Lifestyle is published six times a year by 2251632 Ontario Inc. c.o.b. Lifestyle Magazine 108 Tuyll Street, Bayfield N0M 1G0 519-873-0989 lifestylemagazinepublishing@gmail.com Copies are distributed to selected homes, magazine stands and local businesses in London and area.

Canada Post Agreement #41277015 No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. The publisher accepts no responsibility for unsolicited material.

All rights reserved. Printed in Canada.

January/February 2019

Lifestyle 7

BUILDING ORIGINAL HOMES FOR ORIGINAL PEOPLE We’ll make your next home as original as you are Why settle for a run-of-the-mill custom home when you can have an entirely original one? With a planning process that starts with nothing more than your dreams and a blank sheet of paper, you can be sure your Riverstone Original Home will be every bit as unique and remarkable as you are.

We’ve been building original homes for well over 20 years now, and each one has been entirely different than the one before it.

And that’s exactly how it should be.

www.riverstoneoriginalhomes.com 519 . 666 . 3537 Mike Loyens • Travis Loyens

note

Hope smiles from the threshold of the year to come, whispering ‘It will be happier.’

ALFRED LORD TENNYSON

L

ike the Roman god Janus – for whom the month of January is named – we can look both forward and backward at the beginning of the year: evaluating what we accomplished in the year previous, probing for what went well and what could have been improved upon, gauging the outcomes of actions we took and where inaction held us back.

Taking some time to sit and reflect, to just breathe, is a good thing to do in early January. It’s a good time to sit inside as it’s often too cold to breathe outside.

We don’t often take that time to just be: to sit, to breathe, to be still. After doing this, a refreshed perspective allows us to move forward with a new mindset.

I’m a list maker, as many are. I make lists of lists that I need to make. This is probably one of the character traits of someone who’s been an editor for three decades and a bit of a control freak. I know I’m not alone in this. It fulfills the need to have a clear path, and I find it provides clarity of mind. Making a list of last year’s accomplishments and another of goals unmet helps to set my trajectory for the coming year.

I’m a member of a virtual mastermind – a group of entrepreneurial women

that meets by phone every two weeks to keep each other accountable for reaching goals and to offer business advice when requested – that takes a few minutes at the beginning of each session to list our ‘clears’ (things blocking clear thinking or action) and our ‘wins’ (accomplishments since the last session).

Will you join me in a quest to achieve greater accomplishments in 2019 by using this exercise on a daily basis to ensure that we are moving ahead on larger goals, but more importantly to force ourselves to reflect on each day’s progress? Our daily wins often slip by unrecognized and uncelebrated. And that’s too bad because it’s these small steps that lead to the big ones and get us moving down the path of accomplishment.

I have some big goals this year, and I bet you do too. Whether it’s undertaking a major home renovation project, taking a bucket-list trip, starting a business, adjusting your wellness routines or realigning your relationships, realizing the small steps we make every day will keep us motivated to achieve the big picture goals.

The Lifestyle team wishes you and yours all the best in 2019.

Jill Ellis-Worthington lifestyle.editor@writedoton.com

8 Lifestyle January/February 2019

Lara Leitch, Photo Perfect – London

EDITOR’S

homestyle

bright

LIGHT AND CREATING OPEN SPACES KEY FOR RENOVATING OLDER HOME

FROM GUT TO

By Kathy Rumleski

ABOVE The kitchen reflects the home’s renovated esthetic of a midcentury modern vibe.

To enhance this, The Wood Studio, used rift cut white oak and matte black panels to create two-tone cabinetry that is as easy-to-care for as it is easy on the eyes.

A

fter searching months for a home with a big backyard and room for a pool for their children, Sarah and Fred Steciuk were thrilled to find a gem of a property in their area.

Sarah says when they first started house hunting, they weren’t interested in doing renovations.

“However, after searching for two years we just couldn’t find what we were looking for. We were already living in the neighbourhood so when this opportunity came up, we couldn’t say no.”

CCR Building and Remodeling – with more than 20 years’ experience – was hired to create a new living space. Co-owner Arne Madsen is known as a visionary to his team

so it didn’t take him long to map out a plan with the couple. “I knew right off the bat,” he recalls. “You walk into this beautiful home but you can’t really see anything and it’s kind of dark.”

Arne suggested moving the staircase to be central in the house, which meant the main floor would undergo extensive renovations.

“You take one of these older homes with all of these walls and doorways and small windows and you open it up and all of a sudden the house is 50 per cent bigger, but you didn’t go outside of the exterior walls,” he says.

Arne’s son and co-owner, Peder Madsen, says now when you enter the home you can see the beautiful white oak staircase with a switchback design. Its location means the lower level is  January/February 2019

Lifestyle 9

RIGHT Moving the staircase to a centre point in the house, allowed CCR Building and Remodeling to remove walls and install large rear patio doors that provide visibility through the home and into the backyard.

“You take one of these older homes with all of these walls and doorways and small windows and you open it up and all of a sudden the house is 50 per cent bigger, but you didn’t go outside of the exterior walls,” ~ Arne Madsen

ABOVE This kitchen island is over three-metres long and houses the sink and dishwasher, along with lots of storage and work space.

MIDDLE The homeowners are pleased with their new open-concept living space, adding that the kitchen is “beyond stunning and

the craftsmanship shows.

RIGHT After a two-year search for a home, the Steciuks decided to purchase one that needed extensive renovations. The changes modernized it and rendered the rooms – like this bathroom – usable as well as beautiful. 

Experience you can trust!

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January/February 2019

Lifestyle 11

LIGHT AND BRIGHT ~ Continued from page 10

more connected. “We gutted the whole main floor back to the studs. All the insulation was stripped out and everything was revitalized,” Peder says.

At the back of the home, CCR installed two floor-to-ceiling patio doors. The doors lead to a new concrete patio and pool. “When you walk through the front door, it’s stunning.

You can look through the great room, dining room, kitchen and backyard and it’s all quality,” Peder says.

The Steciuks hired The Wood Studio to design their kitchen.

“The house was built with a mid-century floorplan and the couple wanted a kitchen that spoke to that esthetic,” says Elias Polizoes, founder of The Wood Studio. “We used rift cut white oak and matte black panels for door fronts and drawer fronts. That contrast created a nice balance. There was the warmth of the wood and the modern feel of the matte black.”

The Wood Studio also designed an island that is more than three metres long with a sink, dishwasher and loads of drawer space. The Steciuks requested no seams on the countertop.

“Keeping an eye on budget, we managed to source a countertop that they liked that came in an oversized slab. It fit the space wonderfully and we proportioned the island accordingly,” Polizoes says.

The Cosentino Dekton surface is scratch resistant, UV resistant, and fireproof. “The emphasis all around was on making something that’s functional and beautiful.”

Sarah says her new kitchen “is beyond stunning and the craftsmanship shows.” The open concept living space is perfect for their family as well as for entertaining, she adds. “Our reno truly reflects how we like to live.” n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION CCR BUILDING AND REMODELING 2416 Sunningdale Road West 519-472-7461 • www.ccrbuilding.com THE WOOD STUDIO 365-371 Horton Street East 519-872-1350 • www.thewoodstudio.ca

12 Lifestyle January/February 2019

THE GR AYSTONE ADVANTAG E

Visit Our Model Home at 1710 Ironwood Road An exclusive community of architecturally-designed, luxury homes. Located on an elevated ridge, the site enjoys a prime location bordering the beautiful and natural environment of the Warbler Woods permanent open space, offering residents an impressive vista over the west end of the city. Stunning, Beautiful!

Many homes feature the ultimate privacy of backing directly onto the natural open space of Warbler Woods, while others enjoy the privacy and serenity created by the large spectacularly landscaped park in the middle of the community. Large lots, unmatched specs, amazing landscaping, prime locations, Signature designs

Call 519-860-9911 www.theridgeatbyron.ca

Ginette can customize, create and re-invent any upholstered piece of furniture to suit your needs.

Excludes wood finishing and leather repair.

GINETTE MINOR

Certified Sewing Specialist

St. Thomas, Ontario • 519.494.0787 alexelleslipcovers.houzz.com ginette.minor@gmail.com

www.melbarr.ca 14 Lifestyle January/February 2019

| 519.902.0907

‘

DESIGN FOR LIVING. BUILD FOR LIFE.

marketplace interior style The lift desk - stand or sit to work.

Retro styling in warm tones.

JENNINGS FURNITURE & DESIGN www.jenningsfurniture.com

Degree midcentury modern lamp.

ACCENTS HOME FURNITURE www.accentshomefurniture.com

Kerry office or dining chair, with brass leg details.

ACCENTS HOME FURNITURE www.accentshomefurniture.com

Unique framed paper wall art on linen background.

ACCENTS HOME FURNITURE www.accentshomefurniture.com

Ozzie bookends, featuring shy ostriches.

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Bresmo credenza in mango wood, with antique brass accents.

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nuanced by

neutrals

An efficient environment that is light and bright.

January/February 2019

Lifestyle 15

THE TREND IN APPLIANCE CLEANING

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OVEN • BBQ • STOVE TOP RANGE HOOD MICROWAVE • FRIDGE

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Welcome Home to 16 Lifestyle January/February 2019

Multi-use, adjustable shelving unit.

JENNINGS FURNITURE & DESIGN www.jenningsfurniture.com

marketplace interior style

Gaston riveted tabletop clock.

ACCENTS HOME FURNITURE www.accentshomefurniture.com

Five-compartment galvanized storage.

WAREHOUSE 74 www.warehouse74.com TOP Vintage cycle on aged linen.

WAREHOUSE 74 www.warehouse74.com ABOVE Oversize retro City of Vancouver map.

WAREHOUSE 74 www.warehouse74.com

Josephine desk, with antique brass finishes.

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Wooden office sign.

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radically retro

Home workspace that is too hip to quit.

Marion lounge chair.

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January/February 2019

Lifestyle 17

Your home makes a statement.

What does yours say?

WAREHOUSE 74 Custom Furniture & Decor

STOOLS & CHAIRS

Our Design Team can help you make the right one.

Ask about our Complimentary Design Service...

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Since 1885

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COMMERCIAL Medical / Dental

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w a d e

marketplace interior style

Vintage-inspired headlight lamp on metal stand. WAREHOUSE 74 www.warehouse74.com

Combinations of rustic and contemporary styles are on-trend in home office design.

ACCENTS HOME FURNITURE www.accentshomefurniture.com

Benedict chair.

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Metal three-tiered desk organizer.

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wonderful wood

Being productive is natural in a cozy home office.

Orchard desk.

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homestyle

SARATOGA HOMES

Let our family build for yours Welcome home. Saratoga Homes Ltd. has been building quality custom homes in and around London, Ontario since 1985.

Now a certified Energy Star builder, our homes focus on the best of quality and style. In an industry where builders routinely come and go, we have been serving our clients for more than thirty years.

saratogahomes.ca 519.657.2800 20 Lifestyle January/February 2019

For more than three decades, Saratoga Homes has been building custom homes throughout the London region, relying on exceptional customer service, construction practices and design skills to build a track record of distinction.

“We build excellent homes. And that’s just a fact,” says owner Doug Durnin. “Our customers appreciate that we offer more flexibility and exceptional features than other builders in our price bracket.”

He says they recognize the craftsmanship, ingenuity, and attention to detail that sets his company apart. Standard features include nine-foot ceilings, oak stairs, concrete paver driveways and services of an interior decorator.

Founded by Durnin in 1985, the family business includes his three children – daughter Ashley and sons Colton and Tanner.

He credits them plus a pool of talented associates, from office staff to tradespeople, many who’ve worked with him for decades, with the company’s success. “Our network of professionals ensures we use the best, most current building materials and designs available.

They reflect our values in terms of quality and reliability to help us produce superior homes.”

For customers, he says, this makes buying a custom-built home a stress-free and enjoyable experience.

Durnin emphasizes the slogan for his company: “Let our family build for yours.” n

ADVERTISING FEATURE

WELCOME TO LONDON

Warehouse 74 moves to the Forest City

W

arehouse 74’s new location at Fanshawe Park Road and Richmond Street, in the heart of London’s Masonville district, is the realization of a long-held dream for owner Ryan LeClair. “I’ve always wanted to be in London,” says LeClair, who had been eyeing north London’s potential and is delighted with site. “This is really a growing area.” The store opened its doors in November and the early weeks saw “fantastic” business in the lead-up to the Christmas season, he says.

This retailer, specializing in vintageinspired industrial style furnishings and accessories, has traditionally drawn a significant portion of its customer base from London. The business originated in Arva and in 2012 tripled in size with a move to Lucan.

The new showroom is similar in size to the Lucan store, at just over 4,000 square feet. Spread out on one floor, with a lofty ceiling stretching above the metal joists, it exudes a more open and expansive atmosphere. It’s conducive to arranging vignettes to exhibit particular home areas, such as bedrooms, dining and living rooms and entertainment centres.

The store also has a front window stage, where rotating displays of furnishings can be showcased.

The space may look different but the merchandise is comprised of the same high-end offerings that Warehouse 74 has become known for. These include one-of-a-kind furniture pieces and accessories – lighting, mirrors, artwork and wall décor – all built or hand-picked specifically for the store.

There is a strong focus on Canadianmade items and much of the product is constructed by local craftsmen, LeClair says. “We have the same suppliers, with a few new additions to include some different styles and more modern interpretations.”

LeClair stresses that the display pieces are models and any of them can be made-to-order to fit a particular space or taste. “It’s all about customization.”

FOR MORE INFORMATION

|

WAREHOUSE 74

|

519.660.0074

|

1737 – Unit 101 Richmond St.

|

www.warehouse74.com

yourstyle

piece piece by

LESS IS MORE FORMULA FOR MINIMALIST WARDROBE

 Because it is the quintessential wardrobe staple, every woman needs a LBD (little black dress).

This one has a fun asymmetrical hemline and has been paired with a dusty rose blouse for a work-to-play look.



By Mary Jansenberger and Jill Ellis-Worthington

SIMPLIFYING, STREAMLINING, EDITING – watchwords recently popularized by the minimalism movement sweeping North America. The idea that quantity does not equal quality has been posited by fashion experts for years. This begs the question: how many pieces does it take to create a killer wardrobe?

According to Lisa Ferguson, of Hangar9, you can create 36 versatile looks with only nine key pieces. Their formula of [H9] + 9 = 36, originated by store founder JoAnn Fisher, encourages women to invest in nine high-quality, well-tailored pieces to mix, match and repeat.

Having a pared down closet creates a clear runway for getting up, getting dressed



and getting out of the house

This masterful mix and match pairs three key pieces to create a professional yet approachable style.

22 Lifestyle January/February 2019

and into life.

When it’s time to look well suited, pair the checked blazer and pants with a light-toned blouse for an outfit that’s boardroom appropriate.



Swap the trousers for a pencil skirt and add a belt. Now the same printed blouse and jacket have a fresh vibe.

[H9] + 9 = 36 1 4 7

2

3

1 Dorothee Schumacher dusty rose pant.

2 Dorothee Schumacher blazer in dusty rose.

5

6

3 Marie Saint Pierre Bilger pencil skirt.

4 Dorothee Schumacher printed blouse.

5 Craven little black dress.

6 Dorothee Schumacher pink blouse with bow.

8

9

7 Dorothee Schumacher printed pant.

8 Dorothee Schumacher checkered blazer.

9 Dorothee Schumacher checkered trouser. 

January/February 2019

Lifestyle 23

PIECE BY PIECE

~ Continued from page 23



Detailing in the pink blazer ensures that this monochromatic combo is on trend and prevents it from seeming too precious.

BEAUTIFUL

swimwear

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24 Lifestyle January/February 2019

FA L L S

|

|

M Y T O P D R AW E R . C O M

B U R L I N G T O N

|

S I M C O E



Throw a blazer over your LBD and it’s off to the office for the day. Remove the jacket and add some jewelry to be ready for an evening on the town without having to go home to change first.

For an upto-date look, pair with a nude pump, rather than a black one.

Taz Hair Co. London 230 Piccadilly Street London, ON www.tazhair.com E: London@tazhair.com 519-433-5261 @tazhairlondon

Boutique Finze

&

fine italian gloves scarves unique artisan gifts

Visit our shop at: 189 Adelaide St S in London 519-649-4122 | boutiquefirenze.ca

620 Richmond St | London | @Hangar9 | @Hangar9_Inc January/February 2019

Lifestyle 25

COME IN FOR YOUR

‘Me Time’

26 Lifestyle January/February 2019

PIECE BY PIECE

~ Continued from page 24

March Bra Sale

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Prints should be different shapes and sizes to work in harmony.

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Keep it simple with a light coloured blouse and patterned pants for a more casual work look or when it’s time for coffee with friends on a Saturday morning.

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January/February 2019

Lifestyle 27

bestlife

drink to your

HEALTH

KOMBUCHA KEY TO GUT HEALTH

By Jill Ellis-Worthington

LEFT TO RIGHT Master fermenter Shannon Kamins with Booch Organic Kombucha colleagues Trisha Tran (centre), who is a student researcher, and Shannon Williams, quality assurance and health and safety manager.

I

n the landslide of information – that seems to change daily – it is not common for something that is reportedly good for us to also be delicious. Kombucha defies this logic because it has both health benefits and is tasty.

The consumption of fermented foods is one of the latest crazes for those seeking natural ways to promote wellness. Some are well known, like sauerkraut. Others are not traditional to North American palates but are gaining in popularity, like kimchi (a Korean dish made of fermented cabbage). Some haven’t hit the trendy psyche as much, like kefir (a fermented milk drink that originated in Asia), tepache (fermented pineapple skins that originated in Mexico) or miso (a Japanese paste made from fermented soy beans).

28 Lifestyle January/February 2019

Kombucha has been riding a tidal wave of attention with $180 million in sales in U.S. grocery stores in 2015. The origins of kombucha are somewhat clouded but it’s thought to have been invented as a health drink in Asia – Korea, China or Japan – a couple of thousand years ago, travelling through Russia to Europe. It’s made from green or black tea, water, sugar and scoby (a mixture of yeast and bacteria). The ingredients are combined during a first fermentation, taking 10 to 14 days, and flavours can be added during the second fermentation that lasts one to seven days.

According to Kim Pega, registered holistic nutritionist and gut-rejuvenation expert, the probiotics produced by the fermentation process can be beneficial to people suffering from digestive ailments

caused by consuming antibiotics and using antibiotic products. These can kill bacteria in the body – both beneficial and harmful – and consuming fermented products can encourage production of the good ones.

“We have trillions of bacteria cells with 80 per cent of our immune system residing in our guts. Populating our guts with good bacteria can help us achieve homeostasis (balance) in our bodies and better health,” explains Pega.

People seeking natural ways to boost wellness have been driving the market.

Londoner Shannon Kamins saw and jumped on the trend, starting her company Booch Organic Kombucha three and half years ago. At the age of 30, she’s now one of Ontario’s top producers.

CHOOSE PROBIOTICS TO FIGHT THE FLU THIS SEASON the 2,000 year old elixir of health

Visit our retail store to find other healthy fermented products.

boochorganickombucha.com 1010 Dundas Street, London Shannon Kamins holds a scoby, a mixture of bacteria and yeast that causes the tea mixture to ferment.

The brewing facility employs 17 people and produces 6,000 litres per week.

Kamins, who is the master fermenter, loves coming up with new flavours and taste combinations for her Booch brews.

Besides the six regular flavours, they offer a seasonal one that changes every few months and a flavour of the week that is only on offer at the retail facility on Dundas Street.

Kamins feels that regularly consuming kombucha has helped her celiac issues and customers often share their own health-enhancement stories with her.

Shara Greensides, 34, drinks and brews her own kombucha. Looking for an alternative to diet and sugared soda drinks, she finds the fermentation process infuses kombucha with the bubbly quality she seeks, as well as a hint of sweetness. She started drinking various store-bought varieties, loved the taste but didn’t like the cost. Since she’s in the kitchen a lot with her business That Cake Chick, she wanted to try making it herself. Her current favourite is made by mixing pure cherry juice with the tea mixture during the second fermentation. “It’s nice to take to a party since I don’t drink pop or alcohol. Much more fun than drinking water all the time,” Greensides adds.

Sharon Little, 61, hasn’t noticed remarkable health benefits but loves the taste. She started drinking it when it first popped up in the early 2000s and fell in love with Booch. “It’s local and they have a great story. They have worked very smart to build product line and be visible in the community.” n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION BOOCH ORGANIC KOMBUCHA 1010 Dundas Street 519-204-2794 www.boochorganickombucha.com

FEBRUARY 28 MARCH 3, 2019 1 9 TH A N N U A L

STRATFORD ROTARY COMPLEX | 353 MCCARTHY ROAD

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January/February 2019

Lifestyle 29

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travelstyle

TOGETHER IS BETTER

By Kathy Rumleski

Broad Escapes travels the world with groups of women, to exotic destinations like the Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Bhutan (above), the Andes Mountains in Patagonia (inset) and the Hakone Nature Reserve in Japan (bottom).

WOMEN-CENTRIC INTERNATIONAL GETAWAYS

T Broad Escapes was borne out of a need for women to be able to travel on their own in a safe environment.

ravelling can be a metaphorical journey of self-discovery and an expansion of one’s horizons.

It can also be a time of connection, joy, friendship and cultural awareness.

Broad Escapes has created a fertile environment where all these meaningful experiences can happen.

A clever name for women-only travel groups, Broad Escapes was formed a few years ago as a partnership between Ellison Travel and Tours and guide Bonnie Hinschberger. “One of Bonnie’s slogans is that it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey,” says Cathy Ellison of Ellison Travel. “It’s a way for (women) to re-connect with themselves.”

Ellison says Broad Escapes was

borne out of a need for women to be able to travel on their own in a safe environment. “Sometimes they want to see parts of the world that their partner or husband doesn’t,” Ellison says, or they may be single or divorced women wanting to get away.

“It is empowering to be able to travel on your own. Women come away with new friends, too. It’s certainly a bonding experience.”

A variety of trips are offered in 2019 including Flutes, Fiddles and Irish Fun, Experience Japan and Uganda Gorilla Trekking and Safari. In 2020, a trip to Nepal and Bhutan is planned, with a journey through the Himalayas.

They sell out fast, Ellison notes.

The gorilla trekking trip provides a  January/February 2019

Lifestyle 31

Premium Travel…

…Rich Experiences

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TOGETHER IS BETTER ~ Continued from page 31

remarkable opportunity, she says.

“You are seeing (the gorillas) in their natural habitat. You are given a lot of instruction about how to behave around them.”

She says cultural awareness is also a big part of what Broad Escapes offers, meaning the women get to meet other females in the country they are touring. “If they are in Africa, they might visit a village where the women make crafts or goods they sell. Women have more of an interest in connecting with other women and seeing how they live and how they support themselves.”

For some travellers, Broad Escapes is a way to connect with people who have a common interest, yet with no pressure. “If you wanted to be on your own and be reflective, you could be. There are no demands on you to be overly social,” says Ellison. “Sometimes travelling with friends and family, you have a commitment to socialize on a different level.”

But, Ellison says, if you do want to travel with family or a group of people you know, Broad Escapes will customize a private tour for your group. “It could be a family heritage trip, looking at your roots or a yoga retreat or wine tasting trip.”

Ellison says the testimonials they receive prove Broad Escapes has been a welcome way for women to travel. “Within our group there were women with a variety of life experiences and it was interesting to observe people spreading their wings and trying new and different things,” Judith M. says.

“The camaraderie of our group allowed us to laugh together, cry together, and take away many ‘remember when’ moments,” says Karen B. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION A division of Ellison Travel

www.broadescapes.com Exeter 311 Main St.

1-800-265-7022

London 4-1930 Hyde Park Rd.

North Vancouver 101-315 West 1st St. TICO#2392471

32 Lifestyle January/February 2019

BROAD ESCAPES, a division of Ellison Travel & Tours with offices in Exeter, London and North Vancouver 1-800-265-7022 www.broadescapes.com

January/February 2019

Lifestyle 33

Grand Bend and Area

TAKE IN THE BEAUTY AND THE FUN!

34 Lifestyle January/February 2019

in Blyth

What’s brewing

COWBELL FARM PRODUCES A WINNER

I

f the made-up word “brewcation” or the phrase “destination brewery” aren’t yet part of your vocabulary, they soon will be. The craft beer boom has created all sizes of breweries, from quaint farm operations to brew pubs and sizable operations in former factories. But none are quite like Cowbell in Blyth, which in less than two years established itself as a go-to brewery in Southern Ontario and created a new pillar for tourism in the Huron County community of Blyth.

Grant Sparling, Cowbell’s chief development officer, is quick to give credit to the village’s long-time tourist attractions – the summer stock Blyth Festival Theatre, the Old Mill, and Bainton’s Old Mill – for creating synergies needed to attract visitors inland from Lake Huron. “We see it as a matter of critical mass needed to move the needle,” he says.

The allure of craft beer has drawn hipsters and hopheads from a wide area to the distinctive barn-shaped brewery at Blyth’s south edge, but it’s not all about the beer. Many guests through the summer theatre season stop to dine at Cowbell’s farm-to-table restaurant, where gourmet burgers and artisan pizzas are the most frequently ordered items. Both pair well with Shindig, the German-style lager that’s become the taproom’s best seller.

travelstyle

By Wayne Newton

Sparling said guests also include busloads of seniors on daytrips from area nursing homes and passersby who stumble upon the brewery en route to the lake. The usual demographic for craft breweries are people ages 19 to 35. Cowbell draws literally all ages, not all of whom are there for the beer. The facility’s event spaces have hosted several children’s birthday parties.

During the first year, there were 200,000 guests. This “far exceeded” projections, Sparling said. With that success has come an expansion. Cowbell has purchased a former training facility

next door used by volunteer firefighters and is renovating the building to accommodate a packaging line, classrooms and offices. The expansion also adds parking.

What’s needed next in Blyth, Sparling said, is a hotel. While the craft beer world has seen some hotel breweries open, that’s not in Cowbell’s plans. Just like the Sparling family invested and created the brewery to boost one of Huron County’s gem communities, they hope an investor will step up to build a hotel so tourists can extend their stays. Cheers to that. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION • COWBELL BREWING CO. • Cowbell Farm, 40035 Blyth Road (at London Road/Highway 4), Blyth

• 1-844-523-4724 • www.cowbellbrewing.com

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January/February 2019

Lifestyle 35

homestyle TOP Gathering place: spacious, well-equipped kitchens dominate the open-concept great rooms in the nine units of the My Place complex recently completed by Covenant Construction.

BOTTOM LEFT A wall of windows in each unit provides views and plenty of light.

MIDDLE Luxuriate in abundant space: oversized living spaces provide room to spread out and enjoy the view, snuggle in front of the fire or watch a game.

BOTTOM RIGHT Lisa Jackson’s design eye is evident in all rooms of each unit, bathrooms included. Unique tubs – each displaying the dominate colour of the unit – invites you to soak away winter’s cold.

bright

BOLD AND

INNOVATIVE, SPACIOUS APARTMENTS IN MASONVILLE

A

new luxury apartment complex, with a taste of European ambiance, has taken shape in London’s north end. The collection of nine suites on three floors is located above the Richmond Medical Centre, on Richmond Street across from Masonville Place.

It has “a boutique hotel style with a European feel,” says developer Lisa Jackson.

When Jackson relocated her businesses – Richmond Medical Clinic, Children’s After-Hours Clinic and 3 for 1 Optical – to the site, she decided to include the apartments and enlisted the help of Covenant Construction.

36 Lifestyle January/February 2019

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

“We wanted to step off the beaten path and create something out of the box,” she says and credits Covenant’s Bonnie and Craig Hardy for helping her bring that vision to reality.

Covenant proved to be an ideal partner, Jackson says. “They’re hands on. They listen. And, they invest themselves and efforts into their projects.”

The suites are finished in bold colours – red, orange, plum and black – a divergence from the more traditional neutral shades.

This theme carries through in the décor with red, purple, black and green bathtubs and plumbing fixtures setting off the wall tones. The innovative use of colour and design represents 

TOP Nothing is more dramatic than matte black, especially when juxtaposed against white cabinetry.

Stainless appliances and glam light fixtures provide some sparkle to this luxe nest.

MIDDLE Providing views to the hilly north side of the city, these oversized windows also provide an exclamation point to the dark wall colours.

Garden doors provide access to a balcony in each unit.

BOTTOM Vibrant orange walls set a midcentury modern tone for the northeast facing units.

Lisa Jackson and Bonnie Hardy emphasize this with furniture and accessory choices.

This kitchen is on-trend by displaying mixed metals: stainless steel appliances and gold fixtures.

a boutique hotel style with a European feel

INSET On the first floor, bright green greets visitors to Richmond Medical, with an optometry office, pharmacy, family doctors and pediatricians. 

January/February 2019

Lifestyle 37

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BOLD AND BRIGHT ~ Continued from page 37 something new and unique in the London marketplace, says Bonnie Hardy.

“When you make a decision to do something different, it’s important to go all the way,” she adds. “There were times it felt like a free fall, but the feeling when we landed was fantastic.”

And the result was enthusiastically embraced when shown off during the London Home Builders’ Association Parade of Renovations, she adds.

A distinctive feature in the main floor medical centre is the extra-long, wavy, green glass reception desk. To find a company willing to undertake construction of the counter that she envisioned, Jackson says she ended up in Waterloo, where she contracted K-W Glass Systems.

The suites include three different layouts. All are two-bedroom, with a main bathroom and ensuite off the master bedroom, which also has a walk-in closet. One plan includes a bonus room, ideal as a den or office.

All feature an open-concept design in the living and dining areas, enhanced by oversize windows, with inset blinds.

Garden doors from the living area access balconies. Eight-foot doors and extra-high ceilings also add to the open atmosphere. The ceilings start at 10 feet on the first level and increase to 12 and 14 feet, respectively, on the upper floors.

Deluxe chef’s kitchens feature working islands, high-gloss cabinetry and quartz countertops in shades of black, white and concrete. Adjacent pantries and laundry facilities provide added convenience. Additional storage and underground parking is also available for tenants, Jackson says.

A natural highlight for the complex is a rear rain garden, including 660 different plants. These environmentallyfriendly gardens, typically comprised of native shrubs, perennials, and flowers, are designed to soak in rainwater runoff from roofs or driveways and allow it to infiltrate back into the soil, since the plants, mulch and soil naturally remove pollutants.

The units are for sale or rent, with rental rates starting in the mid$2,000s monthly. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION COVENANT CONSTRUCTION 17-105 Bessemer Road, London 519-473-1500 • www.covenantconstruction.ca LISA JACKSON 519-872-1493 • Lisa Jackson3@live.ca

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January/February 2019

Lifestyle 39

yourstyle

frame your face

I

By Jill Ellis-Worthington

BALANCED, BEAUTIFUL AND BODACIOUS – EYEBROWS SET THE STAGE If eyes are the windows to the soul, then eyebrows are the window dressing – the stylish drapes or blinds which frame them.

With an estimated $164.4 million spent worldwide on eyebrow products – pencils, pomades, gels and powders – it’s not surprising that everywhere we turn someone is having some type of service done at a spa or salon to improve the look of these important features.

Oprah Winfrey has been quoted as saying that whenever she has her eyebrows waxed she’s accused of having a face lift. A dramatic difference to one’s look can be achieved by treating brows and there are several options which range in price and

40 Lifestyle January/February 2019

longevity. Simply having the brows shaped by removing excess hair is a first step toward more defined eyebrows. Determining the best shape is art and science. There’s a mathematical formula that takes into account the relationship of angles and spacing of eyebrows, nose, inner and outer corners of eyes, how deeply set the eyes are and how high the brows sit on the forehead, according to Nina Badr, co-owner of N U Hair and Make Up Studio.

She adds that the type of eyebrow hair must be taken into consideration.

The hair’s coarseness, fineness, denseness and patchiness must all be factored in when deciding the type of tint used.

TOP During microblading, the desired shape of brow is measured and marked with a surgical marker, according to Charlene Jones, owner of Artistic Esthetic Spa. MIDDLE Minute cuts are made within the confines of the area to create ‘brow hairs’ into which pigmentation is implanted.

BOTTOM Showing the finished product of the first session for microblading. A follow-up appointment is scheduled four weeks later for touch-ups.

Tint and shape Brow tinting or colouring by a qualified stylist can be either permanent (lasting five to eight weeks) or temporary (lasting up to two weeks).

Ageing affects the colour of eyebrows as it does the colour of the rest of our hair. “We can look like we’re fading out,” says Katina Kritikos, owner of Ethos Rejuvenation Centre, “so using a colour slightly darker than our hair can make eyes pop.”

Faces aren’t perfectly symmetrical; shaping the brows can correct this and make them more balanced. Badr says, “Eyebrows are sisters, not twins.”

When people try to shape their own brows, they are standing a few inches from the mirror and can get distorted results. This is one treatment that’s better done by a professional, rather than as a DIY project.

One way to achieve a balanced look is waxing. This is often accomplished by using a soft wax that has been warmed; it’s applied with a disposable stick (that’s not re-dipped into the pot). A muslin strip is applied over the wax and then quickly removed, taking unwanted hair with it.

Threading is a hair-removal method employed to remove unwanted hair on eyebrows, face, chin or other body parts. Both methods must be redone every few weeks as hair regrows.

Microblading is a longer lasting way to maintain the shape and colour of eyebrows that has experienced a surge in popularity over the past couple of years. Fitness junkies, swimmers, beach babies, and people who just like to get up and go all appreciate not having to use a pencil, powder, gel or pomade to achieve great brows.

When Gale Granger, 43, wanted a different look for her eyebrows she found she couldn’t grow them after plucking them into a thin line for years. She sought help in the form of microblading at Artistic Esthetic Spa. “I love it because they give me the confidence I never had before,” she says.

As with other types of eyebrow treatments, the most flattering shape is determined and drawn on to the skin. The esthetician uses a fine blade 

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Lifestyle 41

FRAME YOUR FACE ~ Continued from page 41

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Oprah Winfrey has been quoted as saying that whenever she has her eyebrows waxed she’s accused of having a face lift. to create hair strokes in the skin to implant the pigmentation for the brows. Periodic waxing or threading has to be done to remove excess hair and maintain the shape of the brow.

According to Charlene Jones, co-owner of Artistic Esthetic Spa, microblading causes scarring so it can be done a limited number of times. Many clients who start out with microblading decide to have a micropigmentation (tattooing) treatment done for eyebrows that look great for five to 10 years.

Nola Taylor, 80, had micropigmentation done 10 years ago and still loves the way they look. “I just wanted it to be less time consuming than putting on a pencil each morning. I don’t have to worry about my eyebrows. Just the best thing I ever did,” she enthuses.

With micropigmentation, a digital machine applies a mineral oxide-based pigment to the dermal layer of the skin, according to Jones.

Both of these procedures take two hours and require a follow up appointment – four weeks later for microblading and six to eight weeks later for micropigmentation – to ensure pigment is well implanted. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION ARTISTIC ESTHETIC SPA 191 Central Avenue 519-433-6245 www.artisticspa.ca ETHOS REJUVENATION CENTRE 1140 Southdale Road West 519-601-8881 www.ethosskincare.com N U HAIR AND MAKE UP STUDIO 99 Friars Way 519-432-5888 www.nuhairandmakeupstudio.com

art scene

culturelife

LONDON & AREA

LEFT In December, The Periodic Motion of Venus was displayed in Paris, France by the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts in an annex of the Louvre. TOP The Dude, was painted from a photo of Jeff Bridges taken by photographer Andy Gotts and now is part of his private collection.

BOTTOM Beat To A Different Drum is a whimsical work that Angela Hardy says “is a reflection upon how we often need to play roles to get by in life but never forget you have the power and the right to beat to a different drum. You do not have to stay a prisoner to those that cage and try to crush you in this life.”

“

travels that never take us in straight lines.” ~ Angela Hardy

TO PARIS WITH LOVE

T

LOCAL ARTIST IS INDESTRUCTIBLE

he adage “It’s who you know” may be based on reality, but it’s what you do after the connection is made that really counts.

In the case of Angela Hardy, a fellow artist suggested she enter an international competition to show her work in Paris.

Her painting, The Periodic Motion of Venus, was selected by the prestigious Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts (SNBA) for its exhibit at Carrousel du Louvre à Paris, an annex of the Louvre, in December.

“It’s a historic society,” said Hardy of the 156-year-old SNBA. Early members included Delacroix, Doré and Manet.

The society stamps the back of paintings. By the end of the show it will be seen by 15,000 visitors. “The magnitude of money invested in art – it’s a big deal for women getting into the old boys’ club,” she said. The honour has also boosted Hardy’s sales.

Forging new paths is appropriate for her work. The Periodic Motion of Venus is part of a series she is creating called Indestructible Women. “Each one is telling the story of individual women perceived as a goddess,” she said. “They have gone over huge hurdles. They were an average person with ‘mortal’ problems.

I want people to understand we can achieve higher goals.”

The acrylic paintings in the series will be scanned for prints and published in a book with the stories of each model.

Hardy painted herself as Venus. “It tells the story of me in the confines of Venus – constant reflection and mirror images.

It reflects various stages of life, how we become stronger. The seafoam waves represent the birth of Venus.” The painting references symbols of her mythology, including stars (her celestial

By Janis Wallace

form), myrtle, swans, doves and mirrors.

At the core of the narrative is respect.

When people view her paintings, Hardy wants them to feel that quality. “I want them to feel reverence for each other, to have the grace and understanding to accept each person as they are, to show by example.”

The SNBA show symbolizes part of Hardy’s acceptance as an artist, a woman. “Paris is the tip of the iceberg to gain the exposure women should have for their stories,” she said.

Now living in St. Thomas, the Labrador native has spent time in Spain, Germany, Chicago and Quebec. Her paintings reflect her life or, as she says in her artist statement: “travels that never take us in straight lines.” From Wabush to Paris. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION • ANGELA HARDY FINE ART • www.angelahardyfineart.com January/February 2019

Lifestyle 43

homestyle

warmth

Feel the west-end

N

oted London home stager Jillian Summers had two words in mind as she started planning the model home interior for the new Wickerson Hills development in west London’s family-friendly Byron neighbourhood. “Cozy and inviting,” Summers said, “as opposed to being a home where you are afraid to touch anything.”

The four-bedroom Providence model

by Jefferson Homes, with both staging and interior design done by Summers’ company Upstaging Limited, features a modern-looking exterior with a farmhouse chic interior. It boasts wide-plank engineered flooring, an exposed pine TOP LEFT Simple beauty is imbedded into the choice of fixtures for this comfortable new construction home, like the farmhouse wooden beam that separates living spaces in the great room.

beam, and both vertical and horizontal ship lap. “It immediately creates an emotional connection,” Summers said of her design and staging choices.

The artwork and furniture – which can be purchased by the model home’s eventual buyers – for the staging includes a custom-made, oversized coffee table in the great room and a billiard table in the family room.

Creating a modern farmhouse design means using comfortable furniture mixed with salvaged materials. Nowhere is the latter more prominent than in a clearstained pine barn beam, which runs along the ceiling. It provides a visual

BOTTOM LEFT Simple lines and quiet colours give this house a serenity, ensuring that it is an oasis for eventual buyers.

INVITING FAMILY HOME IN WICKERSON HILLS

By Wayne Newton dividing line between the open concept kitchen, great room, and dining room.

The beam is the model’s most distinctive feature, and Summers hopes future owners won’t change it with paint or a row of artwork.

The kitchen’s cabinets show Summers’ whimsical side with chicken wire replacing the expected glass or wood on cabinet doors – a clever nod to the farmhouse theme.

The dining and great rooms are divided by a two-sided gas fireplace.

The tile design used for the fireplace is spotted elsewhere in the home, including an upstairs shower enclosure and in the RIGHT Industrial chic meets farmhouse cool, with metal spot lights used as over-the-island pendants and chicken wire replacing glass in the cabinets.

ABOVE This newly constructed residence is part of the Wilkerson Hills development, built by Jefferson Homes.

RIGHT A two-sided fireplace divides the dining room and great room.

INSET The tile used to frame it is echoed in a bathroom and the laundry room.

main floor laundry room. She chose wideplank, light-coloured engineered flooring.

Interior doors are painted in dark colours against soft white walls. Transom windows are used above the doors to create an elongated look.

Summers let loose with her choices of light fixtures, the most eye-catching of which is in the bathroom for a secondary bedroom.

The fixture design echoes industrial water faucets. The master bedroom ensuite features sliding barn-style doors.

The model home – which will sell for approximately $750,000 – can be

replicated on other lots within Wickerson Hills, which is being developed

by York Developments.

Summers and Jefferson Homes have previously worked together at Foxwood Meadow in northwest London.

The model is at 2340 Wickerson Road. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION JEFFERSON HOMES 226-663-7441 • www.jefferson-homes.ca UPSTAGING LIMITED 519-317-5533 • www.upstaginghomes.com

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homestyle

HOUSING HISTORY

Lakeside inn offers shelter to homeowners and guests

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste TOP The name Telegraph House pays homage to the occupation of its original owner Manuel Payne.

LEFT Jon Coughlin is ready to hand over his chef’s coat to new owners to use this fully-equipped commercial kitchen. CENTRE The 30-seat dining room provides the welcoming ambiance of yesteryear to hungry guests.

RIGHT Across the street from Port Stanley’s harbour, visitors to this Lake Erie village can enjoy outdoor dining in the summer months.

P

ort Stanley’s historic Telegraph House has had several incarnations since its construction in 1875. It’s been a family residence, a restaurant and a collection of retail shops. For the past 14 years, Telegraph House has served as a bed and breakfast inn and dining room, operated by Jon and Vicci Coughlin, rated in the top five per cent of Ontario B&Bs. With its understated elegance and historic ambiance, this type of destination venue is ideal as both a home and is a perfect

opportunity for turn-key operation, says John Crosby, sales representative with Royal LePage Triland Realty, who has it listed for $899,000.

The Coughlins purchased the property in 2002 and renovated it, opening in 2004 with the upscale Pineapple Dining Room and three comfy guest suites, plus a proprietor’s suite. All feature electric or gas fireplaces and ensuite bathrooms.

From the outset it became a popular getaway for tourists and go-to eatery for locals, says Vicci Coughlin, recalling New 

January/February 2019

Lifestyle 47

HOUSING HISTORY ~ Continued from page 47

The Coughlins have been diligent in honouring the home’s history. They were, in fact, recognized in 2005 by Ontario Heritage Trust for their preservation of the property.

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Year’s celebrations with fireworks on the driveway and one Mothers’ Day brunch with no fewer than five seatings.

In warm weather licensed dining is expanded from the 30-seat dining room to a spacious side verandah and patio, overlooking meticulously landscaped lawns and gardens.

Adjacent to the dining room is a cozy sitting room, ideal for a bar/lounge.

The house features a fully-equipped chef’s kitchen, designed for commercial use, as well as a covered outdoor kitchen. There’s also a backyard salt-water swimming pool.

Located in the heart of this Lake Erie village, the inn is walking distance to downtown shops and artisan studios, live theatre and two beaches.

The Coughlins have been diligent in honouring the home’s history. They were, in fact, recognized in 2005 by Ontario Heritage Trust for their preservation of the property.

The name, Telegraph House, derives from its original owner, Manuel Payne, who operated the village’s post office and customs house in the 1800s and brought in the telegraph system to serve as an early warning station for floundering boats on the lake. For years the home was known as the Payne House.

The front door, Coughlin notes, is the original London Door, a brand known for a central arch over the main door and smaller matching arches over sidelights. The interior of the home also pays homage to its history with period furnishings, cast iron fireplaces, wide-plank pine floors, claw foot tubs and pedestal basins in the ensuite bathrooms. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION ROYAL LEPAGE TRILAND REALTY John Crosby • 519-777-2659 www.johncrosbyproperties.com

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January/February 2019

Lifestyle 49

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sales@graystonehomes.ca www.graystonehomes.ca 50 Lifestyle January/February 2019

2019 LIFESTYLE

HOMESHOW

‘

PHOTO: DUO BUILDING LTD.

SPECIAL PREVIEW OF ALL THE SHOW HAS TO OFFER

January/February 2019

Lifestyle 51

homestyle

Showing off

LHBA HOME SHOW EXHIBITS EXCELLENCE

By Jill Ellis-Worthington

E

ntering its second quarter century, the Lifestyle Home Show – presented by the London Home Builders’ Association – will welcome 265 exhibitors in 600 booths to the Metroland Media Agriplex at Western Fair from January 25 to 27.

“It’s such a great way for homeowners to see products and learn everything about them from the people who are going to do the work,” says Rebecca Wilcox, home show sales coordinator for the LHBA. One of this year’s ongoing themes is ‘shopping off line,’ to ensure people are aware that the first-person approach is best when hunting for anything to do with one’s home. The show features renovation companies, home builders, appliance and furnishings retailers, service providers and, for the second year, a vendors’ area for local, handmade products.

Eighteen home-centric vendors will sell their products on the spot. Martha Zacharias, owner of Grandma’s Oven and Cakes Inc. based in Aylmer, will again have a booth selling homemade pies, cookies and squares, as well as Mitchell’s soup mixes. “Pecan butter tarts were the most popular item last year, so we’ll be back with lots more of those,” she adds. With

the goal of making more Londoners aware that her products are available every weekend at the Western Fair Farmers’ Market, Zacharias said last year was a very successful trial run for her.

Long-time exhibitors at the event are also returning. DUO Building has been at all of the 26 renditions of the show, according to John Relouw, one of the partners at this company.

“It’s very focused on our industry and it’s a great way to meet potential clients face to face.

That’s the strength of this show over shopping online for products.”

Show highlights include stage presentations

by TV personalities Amber Mac and Ramsin Khachi, who are regulars on the Marilyn Denis Show and who opine on home-related topics for multiple magazines and television shows.

Rembrandt Homes will sponsor the event for the thirteenth year and a $5,000 travel voucher giveaway will again be sponsored by Ironstone Homes and Blowes Travel. n

ABOVE Headliners for this year’s Lifestyle Home Show are Ramsin Khachi, a nationally recognized design/build contractor, popular industry expert and television personality, and Amber Mac, an entrepreneur, bestselling author, blogger, keynote speaker and TV/radio host.

● FOR MORE INFORMATION • LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW • London Home Builders’ Association • www.lifestylehomeshow.ca

March/April ADVERTISE IN OUR ISSUE!

MAGAZINE 52 Lifestyle January/February 2019

LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW EXHIBITOR

Catana Windows and Doors As today’s homeowners appreciate natural light and sweeping views of their surroundings, premium windows are getting more attention, with functionality, energy efficiency and security high on the priority list.

For Catana Windows and Doors, this means continued growth in both the residential and commercial marketplaces.

The London-based company, specializing in new construction, has renovated its showroom in Cambridge and recently opened a new venue in Vaughan, to service an expanding clientele in the GTA. It’s also expanded its distribution network with additional dealers and authorized contractors in Canada and the United States.

Catana offers a variety of window and door styles, including its German-engineered tilt and turn windows and patio doors. Unlike traditional windows, these provide increased functionality with two opening positions, tilting in from the top or opening inwards from the side.

The company also offers European entry doors and oversized lift and slide doors. A multi-point locking system and steel reinforcements in the frame and sash ensures added security. As well, a tightly sealed frame and glass 30 per cent thicker than is standard provides enhanced energy efficiency. n

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January/February 2019

Lifestyle 53

LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW EXHIBITOR

Craig and Bonnie Hardy

Covenant Construction RENOVATIONS. ADDITIONS. CUSTOM MILLWORK

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www.covenantconstruction.ca Unit 15, 105 Bessemer Road London, ON 54 Lifestyle January/February 2019

For Bonnie and Craig Hardy, owners of Covenant Construction, embarking on a renovation project with a client is a journey that they embrace each time with a commitment to superior results.

“We are dedicated to giving our all to every project down to the smallest detail,” Bonnie says.

“We have been in business over 20 years and as we build on the strength of our experience, our customers can rely on us to deliver consistently great projects, year in and year out.”

This includes keeping themselves and their 20-member staff up-todate with the latest developments in the industry. “The custom nature of design build with years of experience has to be kept fresh with new ideas, technology and products,” Bonnie says.

She maintains quality products are the core element. “We understand how hard people work for the money they spend and we are committed to getting them the best products for their money.” For example, she says, she’s “a fanatic” about using Canadian wood for flooring as well as trusted longtime manufacturers, who stand behind their products.

Covenant provides an additional layer of quality service through its own woodwork shop, producing shelving and cabinets for every room in the home. n

LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW EXHIBITOR

From Our Family to Yours

Coni-Marble Manufacturing This year Coni-Marble Manufacturing is celebrating 50 years as a familyowned and operated business. Three generations have served the London region. Since it launched in 1969, with its own manufactured synthetic marble bathroom fixtures, customization of its products has been a hallmark of its success, says general manager Deborah Clemens. “Custom is really the big thing for us,” she says. “Everything we produce, for bathroom or kitchen, is custom made.

Clients aren’t getting something off the shelf. They choose the style, the size, the colour, the material.”

Rather than settling for a kit in a certain size or colour, they can add any number of elements, such as shampoo holders in the tub or different shapes for bathroom basins.

Clemens says this is increasingly important for consumers today.

“When they’re doing a renovation, they are trying to put their own personality and creative stamp on it.”

This is also true for countertops.

Coni-Marble offers a variety of solid surface counters from quartz to their porcelain Neolith. Clemens says quartz remains the most popular and companies like Caesarstone and Hanstone are responding with new designs and colour palettes, including some intriguing veining patterns that are mimicking the look of granite.n

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519-461-0100 www.conimarble.ca January/February 2019

Lifestyle 55

LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW EXHIBITOR

Windows & Doors

30

Homecastle

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519-659-3550 56 Lifestyle January/February 2019

An ever-growing awareness of savings from energy-efficient windows and doors keeps Homecastle Windows and Doors busy with year-round installations.

In fact, last year the company that has been serving the London region for 30 years had grown into a new and expanded showroom at its 535 First Street location.

But there’s an equally valuable asset that attracts referrals and repeat customers to Homecastle, says owner Jim Versteegh.

That’s a strong commitment to customer service.

“Our in-house installers definitely offer a personal touch to our clients,” Versteegh says.

“They’ll move furniture, take down blinds and put them back up and they’ll even make sure your cat doesn’t escape on their watch.”

That, along with pride in quality workmanship and use of longestablished suppliers of Canadian-made products, are the earmarks of the company’s success. Homecastle provides a wide range of window and door products, including vinyl and wood windows and entrance, garden and patio doors, as well as vinyl siding in a variety of textures and profiles. It also specializes in renovations. n

Your Project Starts Here!

LIKE

WATCH

VISIT

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SEE YOU AT THE LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW!

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LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW EXHIBITOR

DUO Building

CCR Building and Remodeling

Celebrating 40 years in the London construction and renovation industry, DUO Building continues to be an innovative leader. “This involves keeping up with current trends and offering a complete package from design conception to construction completion, while managing all steps in between,” says DUO partner John Relouw.

These goals are particularly relevant to a current project, which he says is “extremely exciting” and one of the company’s largest to date.

The renovation and restoration of Wolmur House, an Old North London Tudor Revival style home built in the 1930s – expected to span approximately two years – will expand and update the residence while maintaining its historical character.

The exterior’s brick, stucco and cedar siding and copper accents will be restored. The preservation of the structure’s origins also includes rewiring light fixtures, reusing doors, and refurbishing stained glass windows.

But the interior will be updated with modern amenities, such as state-of-theart mechanical and electrical systems, an elevator with garage-level access, and integrated whole-home technology encompassing a security system, audio-visual components, all aspects of heating, ventilation and air conditioning and even window treatments.

Relouw says this project showcases DUO’s diversity as it works closely with architects and designers to realize the homeowners’ vision. n

From the initial design, through construction, to the end product, CCR Building and Remodeling is a one-stop shop for clients looking for a home renovation. That’s the message co-owner Peder Madsen is emphasizing and looking forward to discussing at the Lifestyle Homeshow.

Creativity in design has always been an integral element of CCR’s services but it’s taking on a higher profile today. “It’s the age of the Internet. Expectations are high and there’s a growing demand for detail in design,” Madsen says.

CCR is meeting that need by bringing their design expertise to the forefront. It’s playing an ever-larger role in preliminary and feasibility consultations. More time spent up front results in an easier process along the way, he says.

Clients are often focused on the big picture and don’t see the possibilities in the smaller details, he adds. “That’s my job,” he says.

“When I pull out those details of function, form or layout, their eyes light up in an ‘I never thought of that’ moment. And, since we design and build what we design, we’re able to maintain a firm grasp on the costs.”

CCR has also hired an in-house interior designer, which Madsen says is another advantage for clients. n

58 Lifestyle January/February 2019

Sloan Stone Design A combination of choice and expertise is the hallmark of success for London’s Sloan Stone Design, a company that’s been designing, manufacturing and installing granite and quartz throughout the region since 2010.

A broad choice of high-quality materials is available. As well, the expert staff provide valued insight on marketplace trends and innovations. The company offers a variety of services, including custom countertops for kitchens, bathrooms, fireplaces, outdoor kitchens, wet bars or tabletops.

A year ago, its continued success and growth led to expansion to a new showroom in southeast London, at 75 Midpark Crescent, off of Wilton Grove Road, west of Highbury Avenue. In this more spacious venue, Sloan Stone Design is able to display more of its granite inventory as well as larger quartz samples. It’s also able to better showcase its wide variety of colour choices. The design team keeps abreast of what’s new in the industry.

Each kitchen features something unique, something that stands out, says sales representative Christine Turnidge. It may be flooring, a backsplash or countertop material. She notes that a detail, being seen more and more often in contemporary kitchens counters, is the “waterfall” island edge, where the counter continues down along the short edge. n

LIFESTYLE HOME SHOW EXHIBITOR

Beauty runs deep

Natural stone surfaces with unmatched depth and clarity at Progressive Countertop.

HOWARD WILTON AND BROOKE ALLEN

With a goal of being a leader in innovation, Cambria, producer of quartz surfaces, continues to push the envelope on multiple fronts. The company recently released nine new designs, available in high gloss and matte finishes, making Cambria’s palette one of the largest in the industry at more than 160 designs.

“We want to ensure that we are setting trends, not following trends,” says Brooke Allen, market representative with Cambria Canada. “That’s something that makes us unique.”

An additional feature setting the company apart from the competition is that its matte counters are available with matte edges, where most have gloss edges regardless of the top.

In another innovative move, Cambria is now offering a full lifetime warranty. It’s for the lifetime of the home and, thus, transferrable.

It has also expanded its augmented reality digital app, which enables consumers to scan surfaces and place Cambria’s design images on that surface to see how the space will look. They’ve added the ability to scan vertical surfaces, allowing the technology to be applied to backsplashes, and to use two different hues so consumers can view complementary colours, for example on island and perimeter counters.

Cambria products are available from Strathroy-based Progressive Countertop. n

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Progressive Countertop/ Cambria

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519-434-0019 ProgressiveCountertop.com

January/February 2019

Lifestyle 59

bizlife

Not just kid’s stuff

London Fine Furniture offers gamut

London Fine Furniture owners Linda and Harold Duesbury.

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

F

or almost three decades, London’s Children’s Furniture Gallery, supplied quality furnishings for youngsters’ bedrooms. But as the city’s demographics changed, so did the furniture demand. A year ago, the retailer was reborn as London Fine Furniture, with a wider selection geared to all ages. Owners Harold and Linda Duesbury reconfigured their 15,000-square-foot store, creating 50 room vignettes, grouping furnishings so that customers can visualize how the items would look in their own homes.

“We have everything except appliances, for living rooms, dining rooms, bedrooms,” says Harold Duesbury.

“All of our furniture is made in Canada and 90 per cent of what we sell is made right here in Ontario.”

The merchandise is high quality, manufactured to last, he says. “In fact, we’re so confident in the quality of our wood products that we double the manufacturers’ warranties.”

All sofas come with a lifetime warranty on the frames and springs, he adds. “If someone buys a bedroom set from us, it will last them the rest of their life.”

Duesbury says he finds many customers are seeking better quality and lasting furnishings. “They’re tired of buying items that are disposable, sofas that will fall apart five years later.”

Another advantage offered by London Fine Furniture is customization. “There are all kinds of options,” he says. If a customer likes a 60-inch dresser but needs it to be 57 inches or a sofa they’d prefer with a higher back, those needs can be accommodated.

“There’s one company we deal with, for example, that has four kinds of wood to choose from and 40 different knobs for dressers,” he says.

London Fine Furniture draws customers from across southwestern Ontario, as far north as Tobermory and from Windsor to Toronto. The staff is non-commission so there is no high-pressure selling n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION • LONDON FINE FURNITURE • 1040 Wharncliffe Road South • 519-649-2590 or 800-613-9280 • www.londonfinefurniture.com 60 Lifestyle January/February 2019

bizlife

Old world charm

International offerings in Arva

Lisa Barron, owner of Oak and Linen Home in Arva.

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

A

world of home décor is waiting to be discovered in a converted 1890s coach house in the village of Arva, just north of London. Oak and Linen Home brings together owner Lisa Barron’s lifelong passion for interior design and her experience living in Belgium for 17 years, to offer a unique collection of textiles, furniture, lighting, and home décor items from Europe and Canada.

In Europe, she says, oak and linen are fundamentals of home décor. She imports custom linen - a textile made from fibre of flax plants - from a small town near the Baltic Sea. That region has been known for centuries for its

linen. The flax is grown and harvested there and the fabric is dyed and stonewashed locally. Three women work together on hand-made custom orders like those Barron sends them. The fabrics come in a variety of colours to mix and match.

In addition to textiles, including bedding, table linens and curtains, she has furniture for all areas of the home, much of it oak, and accessories such as artwork, wreaths, lamps, candles and even carpets. “I try to get unique items you can’t find anywhere else and things that I love,” she says.

She imports European items like soaps from Marseille and French linen tea towels. But she also sources Cana-

dian suppliers and is showcasing local craftspeople – a woman who makes natural soaps, another who fashions linen crib blankets, a potter and a Lucan man who carves cutting boards.

Her husband, Guy Van Gelder, who hails from a family carpentry business, can provide custom woodworking.

Barron has set up her coach house as a home with living room, dining room, kitchen and bedrooms, all showcasing furnishings and accessories and every item available for purchase.

She’s drawing customers from the London region and beyond, often discovered through social media, such as Instagram and Facebook. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION • OAK AND LINEN HOME • 21556 Richmond Street, Arva • 519-672-9514 • www.oakandlinenhome.com January/February 2019

Lifestyle 61

bizlife

The real deal

RiverStone Original Homes delivers the dream

By Ellen Ashton-Haiste

W

hen RiverStone Original Homes completes a build for a client, they have built more than a home.

They have realized a dream. “We start with the client’s ideas and work together to design and build a home that is as unique and one-of-akind as they are,” says Mike Loyens, who operates the company with his brother, Travis. “Everything is from scratch, from the drawing concept to the finished product.”

In business for more than two decades, the company remains small and builds about seven homes in a busy year, he says. That allows them to pay attention to detail, which, with a

strong commitment to quality, appeals to their customers.

“We’re very hands-on. And, we don’t cut corners. Between myself, my brother and our site supervisor, one of us is on-site every day to keep an eye on things,” Loyens says. “Our customers really like that we’re there to watch their house being built.”

Those satisfied customers are RiverStone’s best publicists. “They spread the word.” The company is now booked into late summer.

RiverStone has some signature technologies that clients also appreciate.

Radiant floor heating is used, not just for warm floors, but as the actual heat source for the home. It adds to both

comfort and efficiency, Loyens says, adding that “it’s actually more efficient than any high-efficiency furnace on the market right now.”

As well, 90 per cent of RiverStone homes use ICF (insulated concrete form) construction, modular blocks of polystyrene filled with concrete forming the exterior walls. “This is also very energy efficient,” Loyens says. Together with the radiant heat, homeowners can realize significant savings on heating and cooling costs.

RiverStone builds across southwestern Ontario from Goderich to Rondeau and Stratford to Sarnia. n

● FOR MORE INFORMATION • RIVERSTONE ORIGINAL HOMES • 14742 Fifteen Mile Road, RR 2, Denfield • 519-666-3537 homesbyriverstone@gmail.com • www.RiverStonecustomhomes.ca 62 Lifestyle January/February 2019

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