Living Spaces June 2014

SPACES

CELEBRATING 15 YEARS

INVITING HARDWOOD FLOORS, GRANITE COUNTERTOPS & TILE BACKSPLASHES

Our EnerGuide rated homes include > ultra high efficient furnace > digital programmable thermostat > basement insulated R-20 > attic insulated R-50 > pvc triple glazed low e argon windows see more at buildgreener.ca

Summer 20142011 WINTER

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T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E S A S K AT O O n & R E G I O N H O M E B U I L D E R S ‘ A S S O C I AT I O N

We m a ke i t s i m p le !

living spaces

2014 + 15+ years experience + Saskatoon’s leading builder of Quality Homes + streetscape.ca

L IVIN G

T H E O F F I C I A L M A G A Z I N E O F T H E S A S K AT O O n & REGION HOME BUILDERS‘ ASSOCIATION

SUMMER 2014

INDOOR, OUTDOOR

LIVING Cottage country Light up the night The perfect porch

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premium location - Silverspring - next to river trails & park - some with views of downtown - low density area htd. enclosed garage 1-2 bedrooms htd. floors throughout

Daxton has been Saskatoon’s best kept secret, until now.

Daxton Condominiums are situated on possibly the last great location in Saskatoon. The South Saskatchewan River and Meewasin trails are across the street and many have views of downtown Saskatoon all with the convenience of Silverspring living. Daxton is an unbelievable value and worth finding.

luxury on sask crescent.

CONTACT: David Leatherdale (306) 281-8029 dleatherdale@northridge.sk.ca

Central Ave. N, turn on Somers

“Am I spoiling myself? ABSOLUTELY.”

STARTING AT

598,800

$

exclusive location - Saskatchewan Crescent - next to river trails & park - views of the river - low density area htd. enclosed garage 3 bedroom 2 bedroom plus den

Welcome to Waters Edge II on Saskatchewan Crescent.

Water’s Edge II is a special building. River views, trails and Gabriel Dumont Park are just some of the perks of being in this prestigious location. Open concept living appointed with high end finishing is what you will find inside. North Ridge Developments exceptional build quality finishes off this long list of ‘I wants’. Go ahead and spoil yourself, it’s time.

northridge.sk.ca 306 242 2434 sales@northridge.sk.ca

MAKING HAPPINESS HAPPEN.

CONTACT: Steve Little (306) 361-3900 slittle@northridge.sk.ca

627 Saskatchewan Cres

315 Ledingham Drive, Rosewood

A gated community you’ll be proud to call home.

Photo credit - Doug Orr

Photo Credit - Layne Schroeder

Photo Credit - Layne Schroeder

• security fenced and gated townhome community • fully landscaped with automatic sprinklers • preselected exteriors, paving stone driveways • wide selection of floorplan types including several walkout basements

Call now to reserve your unit.

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6

A Message from SASKATOON & REGION HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

For further information PHONE: (888) 955-5188 email: info@saskatoonhomebuilders.com

P h o t o b y J e ff Ly o n s

With the arrival of summer, it is time to take advantage of the outdoors. After another long winter, it’s hard to believe we can sit out on the deck again! In this issue, you will find information on the latest décor for your patios and inspirational trends and design for your summer cottage getaway.

The housing industry in Saskatchewan has never been more exciting. Consumers have unprecedented choice and selection allowing for unique designs, energy efficiency, new interior finishings and innovative floor plans.

Each home can be customized to suit specific needs, whether you are looking for your first time home, an upgrade for your growing family or a return to an easy-to-maintain lifestyle option that allows you to travel, worry-free.

There are new ways to build your home as well with many construction techniques meant to reduce the time and cost of construction, while still providing the comfort and interior finishings that new homebuyers prefer.

Modular and ready-to-move homes today are well-built, high quality and indistinguishable from traditional homes built on site. New wall systems, such as pre-fabricated paneling, are easy to install, highly insulated, sound proof, and fire resistant.

We know you want a well-built home so that you don’t have to worry about expensive problems after you move in. With so many options from flooring, to countertops, to state of the art spa bathrooms and other new and exciting home décor ideas, whether you take the floor model or customize every detail, you can be assured that your housing choices offer options to meet your family’s needs. And when you build with a Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ member, you are building with the best in the business.

We hope you enjoy this summer edition of our Living Spaces magazine and that it helps you find answers to your questions and inspiration.

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L I VI NG

SPACES

THE O F F I C IAL MAG A Z INE O F THE SAS KATOO n & RE GION HOME BUILDERS ’ ASSOCIATION

23

contents F E AT U R E S 13 23

8

Indoor, Outdoor Style

AT HOME: Modern meets traditional in Willowgrove

26

Cottage Country

34 Light Up The Night

30 The Perfect Porch

52

Bennett Helps Retired Veterans Get Back to Work

56

Riverfront Lottery Home a Dream Come True

SUMM E R 2 0 1 4

84

38

Open Up!

42 DESIGN ELEMENTS: How to Design a Wine Room 44 Your spa, your way 50 What inspires you?

54 A Touch of Honey 66 Stone Age 77

9 Ways to Improve Curb Appeal

82

Sunrooms Add Joy to the Season

FOOD & E N T E R TA I N I N G 84 IN THE KITCHEN: Barry Johnston

D E PA R T M E N T S 20 ASK AN EXPERT: Fresco Interiors Design Group

56

art direction James Grummett photograp hy Jeff Lyons Elaine Mark

54 DESIGN & R E N O VAT I O N

editor Jeannie Armstrong

58

AFFORDABLE HOUSING: Opportunity is Knocking at Chaparral Ridge

60 SMART CONSUMER: The Legalities of Home Ownership 62 GREEN SCENE: Rosewood Estates Offers Innovative Green Theme 65

ASK AN EXPERT: Maison Fine Homes

70 VISIONARIES: Builder Takes Innovative Approach to Community Support 74 TRAILBLAZERS: Ehrenburg Homes 78

ASK AN EXPERT: Rempel Brothers Construction

79

NEW MEMBER PROFILE: Flo-Essence Plumbing, Hearth and Décor Ltd.

90 ASK AN EXPERT: Kitchen Designs by Delta

contributing writers Jeannie Armstrong Jennifer Jacoby-Smith Hilary Klassen Blair Braitenbach Tom Eremondi Ashleigh Mattern Kira Olfert Darla Read Paul Sinkewicz project coordination Pamela Hilkewich publisher The StarPhoenix

Living Spaces is published

by The StarPhoenix on behalf of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association To reserve your advertising space in the upcoming edition of Living Spaces, contact Sherry Dyck at The StarPhoenix, at 657-6213 or email: sdyck@thestarphoenix.com 9

FROM THE EDITOR

Welcome Jeannie Armstrong Ed i t o r

10

If there’s one thing that Saskatoon residents just can’t get enough of, it’s summer!

This edition of LIVING SPACES, published in partnership with the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association, is designed to help you make the most of these glorious sunny days, whether you’re relaxing at home or kicking back at the family cottage.

Summer is the season to bring indoor comfort to the great outdoors! In this edition of Living Spaces, our writers share savvy advice on ways to pretty up your front porch and add comfy style to your backyard deck. As night falls, there’s no need to rush indoors.

Discover new ways to ‘light up the night’ with trendy outdoor lighting options.

Living Spaces also takes our readers to “Cottage Country,” with a sneak peek inside one family’s amazing four-season residence

at Candle Lake. Find out what factors need to be considered to create a cabin that is perfect for your family.

Summer is always a hectic season for Saskatoon’s new home builders. During the first quarter of 2014, housing starts nearly doubled in Saskatoon when compared to the first four months of 2013. Is this your year to discover the advantages of new home ownership?

Today’s new homes are built using stateof-the-art construction technologies and materials, resulting in reduced maintenance and energy costs. Great designs ensure your new home is the perfect match for your family’s lifestyle.

Let LIVING SPACES be your guide to the latest offerings from the members of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association!

Enjoy!

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AT HOME

Modern meets traditional in Willowgrove

by Jeannie Armstrong P h o t o s b y El a i n e M a r k , D&M Images

Haven Builders has gained acclaim in Saskatoon for its contemporary style – designing and constructing homes that stand out for their modern architecture and innovative features.

In designing their own personal home, however, Nathan and Kim Stobbe looked to the past for inspiration.

The Stobbe residence at 302 Wilkens Crescent in Willowgrove is a unique blend of vintage charm and contemporary elegance, designed to perfectly complement the family’s lifestyle and interests.

“There’s definitely a traditional feel to our home,” says Haven Builders’ founder Nathan Stobbe. “This house is different from what we would typically build. Haven is probably

more known for its modern, contemporary style. Part of what we wanted to do with this house is show our broad bandwidth of designs, and our ability to create homes that reflect our customers’ lifestyles.”

Kim explains, “We built this house to be very personal and family-friendly. We don’t like cookie cutter designs, so everything is unique to our family’s likes and needs.”

The Stobbes says Haven Builder’s in-house designer, Donna Senterre, was invaluable in helping design a home that perfectly reflected their lifestyle. “This design was created for our family and how we like to use the house.

That’s really what we like to do with our customers – focus on how they would like to use their house and then work to create design

13

concepts around that,” says Nathan. “Donna starts that process by connecting with our customers and getting to know them first. She determines what they really love, so she can create a space that’s really unique.”

The Willowgrove home’s traditional feel and decor touches are a tribute to Kim’s grandmother, Mary. “I grew up with my grandmother, so she was the inspiration for a lot of the design touches in our home. I wanted our family home to feel as warm and welcoming as hers always did,” says Kim. Family heirlooms – cherished remembrances of Kim’s grandmother – are showcased in the home’s main floor great room. A weathered wood window salvaged from her grandmother’s small town general store was transformed into a frame displaying a variety of treasured photos. Antiques from the store are given a spot to shine on an alcove over the kitchen’s antique-reproduction Heartland stove. Her grandmother’s antique sewing machine greets guests as they enter the spacious foyer.

“The floor is a distressed Amish hand-scraped wide plank hickory, which also fits in with that vintage rustic feel,” says Nathan, noting the engineered wood floor stands up incredibly well to the wear and tear of their active family, including the antics of their dog, a ‘puggle’ named Wyatt.

Haven Builders’ own cabinetry shop created the classic Shaker-style kitchen cabinets with custom bevelled accents. “We wanted to do traditional white cabinets, with vintage style glass handles and silver pulls,” says Kim. The modern textured glass tile backsplash provides a pop of colour in the kitchen, of robin’s egg blue. Kim says, “I love blue, and it was my grandmother’s favourite colour. It’s the same colour that she had on the walls of her store.”

The lower level cabinets are topped by a unique birch bark-patterned granite countertop. A farm-house style sink and antique-inspired taps add to the room’s vintage vibe.

To maximize space, the Stobbes selected a counter-depth refrigerator

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with integrated cabinet-front doors. The undercounter drawer-style microwave oven, installed in the island, blends seamlessly into the kitchen design.

The large quartz-topped island is a daily gathering spot for Kim, Nathan and their teenage sons, Noah, age 16 and Josh, age 14.

They also have two adult daughters, who are now on their own.

“It’s a really functional space for us. It not only accommodates food preparation, it’s basically our family table. Two-thirds of the island is designed like a table top with furniture-style legs, so we can all sit around it at meal time,” says Nathan.

“At Haven, we customize our island designs for many of our clients. We want them to be highly functional for how each individual family likes to use their island.”

When a crowd arrives at the Stobbe home, the dinner parties extend into the cozy turretstyle dining area which overlooks the adjacent park. “It’s nice because it’s small, but the design allows us to expand the table if we’re feeding more people,” says Nathan.

“A formal dining room would have been wasted space for us, because we just tend to live in the open part of our house,” says Kim. Ten-foot ceilings on the main floor soar up to a 19-foot high ceiling over the living room, emphasizing the spacious, open feel.

The focal point of the living room is the dramatic 19-foot high fireplace which serves as an easel for an original work of art by Castle Designer Glass. The tree motif of the glass art piece complements the collage of family photos on display alongside the fireplace. “It’s a photo family tree – there is a photo of each of us at around the same age, between the ages of three and six,” says Kim. A handsome two-toned maple staircase with staggered spindles leads from the main floor up to the home’s second floor.

“With the boys being teenagers now, we designed the whole second floor of the house to be their living space. They have their own bedrooms, a dual bathroom and a gaming room upstairs,” says Kim. “When our kids were little, I wouldn’t have liked the idea of having their rooms upstairs, but I love it now. It’s nice for them to have their own space,” she adds.

The upstairs bedrooms sport a definite masculine feel, with harmonic tones of light grey, deep charcoal and white accents. “We wanted to do something different to surprise them, so we had specialty eight-foot interior solid core doors designed for each of their bedrooms. Josh is a huge Vikings fan, so we had football graphics carved into the door of C o n tin u ed o n p a ge 18

16

at home c ontinued from page 16 his room. Noah is our techie, so we chose iPhone graphics for his bedroom door. The door to the gaming room is engraved with controller graphics,” says Kim. An eight-zone RTI home automation system enables family members to enjoy their own individual music playlists in different rooms, with a touch of the wall-mounted iPad controller.

The home’s walkout basement is home to a well-utilized family room, which Kim describes as the ‘movie hang-out room.’ The walkout level also features a home gym, guest bedroom, full-piece bath and storage room.

The decision to locate the master bedroom and ensuite on the main floor was in response to Kim’s own health concerns. “Mobility will be an issue for me down the road, so having the master bedroom on the main floor was a necessity. Because of knee surgeries, stairs aren’t good for me,” says Kim. An opulent ensuite off the spacious master bedroom features ‘his and hers’ dual vanities, separated by a vintage-style soaker tub. The walk-in shower addresses future mobility needs and is artistically tiled from the floor to ceiling.

Also on the main floor, just off the foyer, is Kim and Nathan’s home office. “We wanted to devote more space to our home office,” says Kim of the well-appointed office. “I run our foundations from home and Nate does quite a lot of work from home, too, so we needed the office to accommodate both our work spaces.”

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The Stobbes devote their time and energy to two different family foundations: Mary’s Hope and the Legacy Ridge Foundation.

Mary’s Hope, established 12 years ago, supports a variety of children’s charities. “Hands On in Saskatoon is one of the groups we’ve supported. We also work on an ongoing basis at an orphanage in Peru.

We’ve travelled to Peru four times to participate in various building projects at the orphanage. One year, we built a computer lab for the orphanage. The next year, we rebuilt their eating area because it was in quite bad disrepair. The last time we were there, we built three workshops for the older kids, so they would have some skills and training for when they leave the orphanage,” says Kim. “The boys have been playing a more active role in the foundation, and have come with us to Peru every time. They love it! It’s the best thing we’ve ever done as a family.”

Two years ago, the Stobbes established a second registered charity.

The Legacy Ridge Foundation was founded to support adult survivors of childhood abuse.

“These two foundations are the primary reason we started Haven Builders. We really wanted to do something that would help support the causes we are very passionate about,” says Nathan. “It’s really what motivates both Kim and me. It’s been an incredible experience, not just for the two of us, but for our kids as well. It’s pretty life-changing.” LS

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QA

ASK AN EXPERT CHARLENE SCHUMACHER

FRESCO INTERIORS DESIGN GROUP #40-710 CYNTHIA STREET (306) 933-3200

Email: Charlene@frescointeriors.ca www.frescointeriors.ca

Inspiring Design Inspire Limitless Design Exclusive Furniture- Custom Drapery- Designer Wallpaper

20

Q: What are three ways to add designer details to our home?

A: How do you define the difference between a standard spec home and a show home? It’s the exciting design concepts which cohesively flow throughout. The “finishing details” will define your home from another. We begin by designing specific focal points as you enter each room, starting from the front entry and walking through the entire floor plan.

Consider each application carefully to ensure each fresh perspective flows beautifully:

1. Use shluter trims on transition points for all tile applications and create elevations for your installer to ensure it is planned and installed correctly.

2. Research “statement lighting fixtures” for specific focal points such as the dining area, kitchen island and entry. Sculptural pieces in these areas will help to define your home’s style. Nothing defines like lighting. Juggle your lighting budget by spending less on vanities and hallways in order to have exciting dining or entry fixtures. The Luxor 1010 is a circular sphere with 90 tiny LED lights, causing a glow like a starlit sky. At the Fresco Interiors Design Center, we carry exclusive fixtures, completely new to Saskatchewan, which can set your home apart.

3. Create dramatic bulkheads, floating bulkheads over kitchen islands, coffered ceilings in the great room, and ambient reading zones in bedrooms highlighted with lighting, then accent with textured wall treatments or wallpaper.

Q: How can I create cohesive colour?

A: Consider the Design Rule: “70-20 -10.” Use 70% of a main colour; 20% accent colour; and 10% pop colour. Interesting vignettes are created using this balanced combination.

Q: My stucco colour looks purple. How did that happen?

A: Colour bounces off colour. A gray stucco may look gray on the colour chip until you install the stone application. If the stone has an underlying yellow undertone, the gray may react against the warm gray/golden stone, bringing out the purple hue – an exterior finish you didn’t expect or want. A taupe wall may look taupe until the hardwood is installed and the golden tones of the hardwood react, bringing out a peachy or pinky hue on all the walls.

The cost to re-stucco or re-paint can be extensive compared to the cost of a colour consultation. The right colour combinations will enhance your home and provide advanced resale value.

Whether you require a 2-hour colour consultation or a complete design plan for a new home build, Fresco Interiors can enhance your investment. With 11 years of residential design, what unites us to our client is our passion for designing rooms which embody the client’s style. An inspired home is a seamless blending of all ideas cohesively emerging into the home of your dreams.

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Many Saskatchewan residents look to cottage country not just for summer recreation, but all year round. Most of the cabins Northern Sky Developments builds are designed for year-round use, taking advantage of the long winter months for hobbies like snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

Country

COTTAGE T r en d s an d styl e for you r re cr e at i o n h om e

by Jennifer J a c o b y- S m i t h photos courtesy of

N o r t h e r n Sk y D e v e l o p m e n t s

www.sgicanada.ca

t your distinctive lifestyle: Whether a specialty interests collector; a savvy ats, bikes, pets and machines.

ker about Prestige!

Building your dream cottage is about more than just plunking down any old design on a patch of dirt in the forest. According to Terry Kostyna and his son Zak Kostyna, of Northern Sky Developments, there are many factors to consider before creating a cabin that is perfect for your family.

“We just had a situation where we had some people come to us with a design for their cabin at the lake and we looked at it together and we said, ‘You know what? We’re just building another house in (the city).’ What we really try and do is bring in elements – even though it might be a more contemporary design – for us it’s bringing in some rustic elements or something that suggests the lake and the stone and the environment around them,” explains Terry.

When constructing a cabin, Terry says it’s important to understand the location and environment around the soon-to-be-retreat. The family-run company finds a lot of inspiration from American architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

Wright’s philosophy was keeping humanity in harmony with its environment.

“I think back on the house by Frank Lloyd

Wright called Fallingwater. It kind of wraps itself around a river and waterfall. Even though it was, at the time, mid-century modern, it just blended itself into the environment. It seemed that it was there for a thousand years,” says Terry.

Fallingwater – a residence Wright designed for Edgar Kaufmann, Sr. – is a designated National Historic Landmark located in Stewart Township, Pennsylvania.

To take advantage of the beautiful landscapes in Saskatchewan, Terry suggests designing the great room to feature a window overlooking the lake or forest.

Most of the cottages Northern Sky builds are designed for four-season use. Many lake and cottage areas now have access and amenities year round – allowing for owners to enjoy their cottages in every season.

This year-round access means cottages will need more storage for toys like ATVs, recreation vehicles and snowmobiles.

“People are making the most of their cottages and trying to get through winter by enjoying it, and taking advantage of the beautiful surroundings that we do have in Saskatch23

Terry Kostyna says the location can greatly influence the design. Their team usually try to position the biggest living area of the cabin to take advantage of the best view of the lake or woods.

24

ewan,” says Terry.

Snowmobiling, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing are other popular cold weather activities. These hobbies also create the need for a designated mudroom when putting together a cottage design.

“When you’re at the lake and focusing on outdoor activities, that mud room is a bridge between the outside world and the home. So there’s a lot of energy and a lot of time spent designing the mudroom in the modern cottage,” Zak explains.

To unwind after a day of outdoor activity whether snowmobiling or swimming, cottage owners definitely want to unwind in front of a fireplace. Northern Sky typically creates a vaulted great room with a fireplace as a focal point.

While Terry admits they still use a lot of natural materials such as wood or stone, one of the trends with many cabins is incorporating colour. “People want colour. They want it to be bright and cheerful, but still have those natural stone and wood elements.”

Zak describes it as “a blend of contemporary with old rustic touches.” Finding the right balance takes lots of work and getting to know the clients’ needs and wants.

While some of these cottages will only be used occasionally, many owners are planning to use their cottage as a retirement home or main residence in the future.

With retirement in mind, many people are designing their vacation residences for entertaining. Amenities such as wine fridges and beverage coolers are becoming more popular. And whatever the size of the cabin, Terry notes, there has to be “a dining room table for 12 or more.”

Zak adds, “You want to get everybody up there. There might not be enough bedrooms, but there’s room enough in the kitchen and dining room.”

Even Northern Sky’s smallest loft designs will usually have some consideration for how to accommodate guests. Sometimes it may be leaving enough open floor space to fit in some extra mattresses on the floor when the grandkids show up.

One of the most important elements when designing a cottage is keeping it as low maintenance as possible. After all, when surrounded by the majesty of woodlands, lakes and wildlife, what cottage owner wants to be slinging a paintbrush or hammering a board? As a result, the Kostynas are very thoughtful about their use of products that require some maintenance and keeping those products in areas that have easy access.

“People don’t want to go to the cottage to maintain. They want maintenance-free,” says Terry. “So even when we use natural wood,

Strategic lighting creates a majestic great room in the Northern Sky cottage at Candle Lake.

we’re really careful to use products that are long lasting.”

Whether it’s a palatial northern lakeside retreat or a quaint acreage surrounded by golden prairie, building a cottage is about embracing the best this province has to offer. Infusing

your cottage designs with natural elements such as stone and wood conveys the idea of strength and harmony in nature, and is very much in keeping with Northern Sky’s philosophy. It will also create a personal sanctuary for you and your family for years to come. LS

Bringing elements from the great outdoors inside can help to marry your cottage design with the surrounding terrain. This harmony can lead to a blending of rustic and contemporary styles.

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Style Living

INDOOR OUTDOOR b y K i r a Olf e r t

P HOTOS C OURTESY O F G OU L D HOME RE C REATION & HOME C REST

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As any resident of Saskatoon knows, we have to make the most of our warm weather while we can. More and more people are turning their backyards into extensions of their homes in order to maximize their time outdoors. This can be done in a number of ways, including landscaping, lighting, and by using a wide variety of outdoor furniture.

According to Brent Casey of Gould Home Recreation, the trend for bringing your inside out this spring will be big, comfy “chat sets.”

These outdoor furniture groupings have “a lot more deep seating with big, comfy cushions – a place where you can sit and chat and relax! It is equivalent to having a living room in your back yard.”

Casey says this trend has slowly been replacing the outdoor dining areas for the past few years. “Five years ago, 80 per cent of what we sold for outdoor furniture was dining sets. Now, that number is more like 20 per cent. And you can still eat outdoors, but now, the comfortable seating makes it more

comfortable to visit and enjoy each other and the outdoors for longer periods of time.”

One of the reasons for this change, Casey explains, is that “people are no longer afraid of cushions. We all know what it was like in the past when the cushions for our outdoor furniture would get wet. It seemed to take forever to dry them out. But a new cushion membrane technology has been invented and it has cut the drying time in half. This also makes the cushions easier to clean.”

As well, the frames for the new sets are easily cared for. “Most of what we sell now is virtually maintenance free,” Casey says.

“The frames do not even need to be stored for winter. You will still want to store the cushions and wicker, but the rest can be left as is.”

For colour and style trends, Casey says that wicker is popular this spring, and for cushions, bright accent colours are still in.

Bright green is still popular, and Casey is seeing “a lot more purples and blues” making their way into fashion this year.

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“The tren d for b r i n g i ng your inside o u t th is season is b i g , comfy “chat sets.”

BRENT CASEY, Gould Home Recreation

Raised propane fire pits add to the ambience of the backyard chat area. The coffee table height pits “bring more heat to the deeper seats of the outdoor living room sets, and also don’t have the issues that wood-burning pits have in terms of bylaws governing smoke. As well, you can just turn it on when you want, and then turn it off when you’re finished. You don’t have to wait around to see if the fire is out; you can turn it off and go.”

The pits come in a number of shapes and sizes, with the hottest burning pits coming in

28

at 65,000-70,000 BTUs. Solid granite-topped fire pits are also popular. The granite has the added bonus, Casey says, of not getting hot, so you can “pull up to the fire pit both for heat and, if you need to, as a table.”

Propane and natural gas fire pits also have the convenience of being usable year round. “Anytime you can use a barbeque, you can use a fire pit. If your kids want to make smores or roast marshmallows or hot dogs in the middle of winter, you can turn on your fire pit and do that. You can pretend

that it is warm out for a few minutes.” Casey estimates that, with the heat provided by your fire pit, you can use your outdoor chat area from April through to November.

If a raised fire pit isn’t what you are looking for, Gould sells a full line of fire pits for you to choose from.

If you would like to extend your indoor space outdoors, talk to the experts at Gould Home Recreation, located at 116A Ave B. North, or check out their website at www. gouldhomerec.com. LS

L E T U S S H OW YO U H O M E

306 652.9974

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Perfect Porch

The

b y HI L ARY K L ASSEN Photos by Fotolia

30

With the popularity of Craftsman style homes in Saskatoon, we’re seeing a revival of front porches and verandahs. These spaces not only create considerable visual architectural appeal, they are immensely effective at sending out an attractive welcome.

But why are these porches so good at saying ‘come hither?’ What makes them so charming and inviting? Interior design consultant Tamara Bowman of Metric Design has a few ideas on becoming intentional about creating the most welcoming and comfortable porches.

A porch or verandah is a link to your neighbourhood, your community. As such they are transitional spaces, offering the best of all worlds – the space can be somewhat public and somewhat private. “You can create a sense of being part of the community by having a porch as well as having a feeling of personal space and personal time, whether that be for yourself or for your family,” says Bowman.

Both these benefits are reflected in design aspects, first in the clues provided about the home owners through visible personal touches on their porch. “Think of a porch like an invitation to your guests, like the first thing they see, painting the picture of who you are,” says Bowman. Second, porch design aspects reflect a home owner’s desire to create a space very suitable to their own needs. Time for relaxation and personal retreat is often at a premium, so when people get it, “they want to make sure their designated space is the best that it can be and the most suited for their family and their lifestyle,” says Bowman.

What makes a porch or verandah inviting is the balance of all the elements that go into it. Having comfortable furnishings is a vital piece. “Generally, a mix of indoor/outdoor furniture is really popular: faux wicker and having a lot of soft but very durable fabrics that have a lot of colour and texture will create that visual focal point, but keep the space

“ T h i n k of a porch like an invitation to your guests … p a i n t i n g the picture of who you are.”

Tamara Bowman, Metric Design inviting and soft,” says Bowman. This creates a space where you are drawn to simply relax and enjoy the surroundings or settle in to read a book. Cushioned seating is preferred over iron or wood chairs which are not conducive to longer visits.

Designers consider how a design will affect the senses. “Think of smell and sound and lighting and everything that affects your senses, and how is that going to appeal to every person and that will make your space more inviting,” says Bowman. On her porch, she has a branch from a dead tree covered in white lights that’s just in a flower pot. “White lights are great as they provide ambience.”

She says people in the building stage are putting in sconces rather than overhead lighting or even a combo of both rather than just one big overhead light, which helps create a more intimate space.

Ethanol or gel fuel fireplaces that are fully enclosed in glass are great options that you can use indoors or outdoors. Place one on a

little table, and give yourself the ambience you’re looking for. “I would use lanterns and even things like vases with sticks on a porch, dressing up the space like you would a room,” says Bowman. Artwork that is weather resistant could be added and sculptural pieces like ironwork and metal works on the floor create drama.

Another consideration for comfort is the ability to add privacy at certain times or minimize a chilly breeze. “A lot of people are using heavy canvases to curtain the area off and block the wind. It will give you privacy and it will possibly keep the heat in as well,” she says. A combination of fabric and screening is also a good option. A temporary heat source or a heated tile floor could be a good investment, allowing you to use the space more.

Whether your porch is large or small, Bowman suggests the approach to furnishing it is not that different. “You just want to aim for a balanced approach with the placement of your furnishings, and feel like you’re using

up the space.” Of course, a nice big porch is ideal for family groupings and children playing. If you have room for it, put it in.

For those still in the design phase, Bowman says having a porch that is south or west facing is ideal. “You want to be able to enjoy the sun, and especially with our cold climate, feel it beating down on you, and have it feel warmer than it actually is,” she says.

Bowman loves round nest chairs. “It’s a great type of furniture and it’s really great for family.” Furniture groupings using soft fabrics with a loveseat, a couple of chairs and an ottoman, with abundant toss cushions, centred around an area rug, with ambient lighting are some of her favourites.

Metric Design is passionate about taking every aspect of your design space and making it be the greatest it can be. Contact Bowman at Metric Design Centre for inspiration on your porch or other design needs at (306) 341-1976, or visit their website www.metricdesign.ca LS

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by Darla Read PHOTOS COURTESY OF HINKLEY LIGHTING

LIGHT UP THENIGHT

34

What’s one way to quickly enhance the beauty of your home’s exterior and highlight the features of your landscaping? Outdoor lighting!

When it comes to lighting up your outdoor living space, there are two things to consider, says one Saskatoon lighting expert.

Shelley Hudson, lighting project coordinator at B. A. Robinson Lighting, says outdoor lighting will not only enhance the style of your home and living space, it will also increase the safety and security of your home.

Keeping those two things in mind, there are numerous options people can get creative with, says Hudson.

When it comes to exterior lighting, Hudson says B. A. Robinson Lighting offers many lighting options to illuminate the front exterior of the house.

“The big thing that’s been a hit for a couple of years now is lighting that is contemporary, even boxy, that really shows off the house,” she explains, noting that home exteriors now feature a variety of different textures and that outdoor lighting can be used to define and highlight those textures.

Hudson says people often use white floodlights to accentuate both the front and back exteriors of their homes. “Flood lights are extremely decorative and give off a glow.”

Such lighting also provides safety when walking around the home in the evening, brightening pathways and eliminating dark areas where intruders could lurk.

Light-emitting diodes, more commonly known as LEDs, have become increasingly popular when lighting outdoor living spaces.

Hudson says this is because they are a “lowcost option that enhances the true colours of the house.”

Furthermore, “you can stick it up and forget about it,” says Hudson, pointing out that the biggest drawback to any kind of outdoor lighting in Saskatchewan is changing bulbs in December. With LEDs, that’s no longer an issue. LEDs actually like the cold.

When it comes to the placement of lights at the front of the home, Hudson says they are often installed on the front of a garage.

If it is a two-car garage, people often place a light in either corner and then in the middle pillar. As well, light fixtures can be installed in the home’s soffits, on either side of doors or on veranda pillars.

The same ideas apply when lighting a

“ F l o o d lights a re e x tremely d e c o r ative an d g i v e o ff a g low.”

Shelley Hudson, B. A. Robinson Lighting

backyard, although it’s important to think about what you’ll be doing there: will you be just visiting or barbequing, the latter of which would require more lighting.

Lighting can transform your backyard deck into an inviting outdoor living room.

Options for lighting your deck include the installation of outdoor pot lights in the soffits, floodlights or sconces flanking the patio doors and glowing ambient lights on the pillars of the deck. Another trend Hudson is seeing is the installation of ceiling fans on decks, which provide another opportunity for soft lighting. You could even suspend an outdoor chandelier for glamorous al fresco dining.

Hudson says a good option that many people are choosing is to have their deck lighting connected to an exterior-safe dimmer switch. That way, the level of light can be increased for activities like barbequing and then turned down to a softer level for a

more intimate, moonlight effect.

Step lighting will accent the design of your backyard deck as well making it safer to navigate deck stairs after dusk. “It’s really nice because it lights your way,” says Hudson, who recommends choosing lights with a softer glow. Harsh or shrill lighting will dispel that feeling of relaxation that should accompany the time you spend on your deck.

In-ground lighting is another option for all areas of the outdoor living space. These lights can be added inlaid into concrete, whether in the “floors” of sidewalks or the risers of steps.

While soft, subtle lighting is used against the exterior of a house to highlight the house itself, brighter or more colourful lighting can be used to emphasize certain landscape features in a yard. “That could be a nice floodlight on a waterfall or a nice tree,” explains Hudson, noting another option would be

changing colours against a tree.

To illuminate pathways, Hudson recommends selecting hooded fixtures that shine downward. The pagoda-style lights, which are mounted on small posts and driven into the ground, should be placed every three feet along the sidewalk. Because pathway lights are one to two feet off the ground with a cone, they adequately light a pathway so a person can see, but they don’t take away from the starry night sky. “Always keep in mind, you want to enhance the features,” she says. “You want [the lights] to glow, not shine. You don’t want to see the bulbs.”

No matter what effect a person is trying to achieve, Hudson says she first gets them to consider what other lighting they have around their home, and then they can build from there, whether it’s lighting on the exterior of the house, on the deck, or strategically placed throughout the backyard. LS 35

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P h o to c our te

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Wood grain fibres, darker shades and windows with strong, contemporary lines and large amounts of natural lighting are a popular choice for front doors and foyers this spring.

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Garnet Ferguson from Saskatoon Doors and More says that fibreglass doors are now available in wood grains that “you can’t tell are not real wood from five or six feet away.”

Ferguson adds that this is an improvement over real wood for a number of reasons. “Especially in our climate, true wood doors are not the best choice.

The wood was a living thing once, and so when you put it on a home that is going to be warm on one side and facing -30 temperatures on the other side, it gets conflicted as to what it is supposed to do. It will try to shrink on one side and expand on the other, and your door will warp.” As well, true wood doors require more maintenance. “A real wood door will need to be stained often, as it weathers and also because it still loses sap for some time after installation.” Fibreglass wood grains will give you the same look, but without the warping and maintenance.

Fibreglass doors are also easy to colour customize. In fact, Ferguson explains, some people take their doors to autobody shops to get custom paint jobs hand-sprayed on their doors, while others buy custom stain packages and do the work themselves. Saskatoon Doors and More sells the custom stain packages, and also can put customers in touch with autobody shops that provide that service.

However, while dark doors are popular this spring, Ferguson cautions against painting your door black. “A door painted black will act in a lot of ways like a true wood door. The temperature difference between inside and out will cause problems. It will absorb so much heat, and again, the door is conflicted.” In fact, Ferguson says that most manufacturers will void the warranty on their door if you paint it black. So while dark doors are desirable, Ferguson suggests opting for darker earth tones.

To keep on trend for door accessories, stay away from brass and look for complementary slate trim or metal clad framing. For door knobs, contemporary looking silver and pewter and slate in a variety of shapes are an attractive choice.

A wide variety of options for door and front entrance windows, includ-

OPEN UP c o n t in u ed f r o m p ag e 38 ing bold patterns and clean lines, help add to the contemporary look that will be popular this spring. “Some people are choosing to have windows in a three-square pattern, while others are choosing long rectangles. We have doors with windows that are eight inches wide and 64 inches tall that go down the handle side of the door. And some people are choosing glass with decorative patterns or different obscurities on them.” You can also buy decorative glass doors, which are doors that are largely made of glass, and which add a stunning first impression to your home.

Entrance windows are a great way to enhance your foyer, no matter the size. “Instead of expanding foyers,” Ferguson says, “people are adding windows that let in the natural light, which still makes the foyer look bigger and brighter, but with less hassle.”

However, Ferguson reminds those thinking of adding new windows to their door or entrance that the City of Saskatoon has recently changed its bylaws regarding front door safety. “You must have some kind of door view at your front door that is un-obscured so that you can clearly see who is outside your door without having to open it.”

But this is something that the experts at Saskatoon Doors and More would be happy to help you plan.

Saskatoon Doors and More is located at 2835a Cleveland Avenue. Visit Garnet Ferguson and the rest of the team and check out their showroom, or visit www.saskatoondoors.ca. LS

It’s about you, your family and your home. Experience Award Winning Service today.

Dave Price

306.260.1983 Thedavepriceteam.com Independently Owned and Operated. ®/™, trademarks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC, used under license or authorized sub-license. © 2012 Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership.

40

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DESIGN ELEMENTS

Rhonda and Ricky Iula of Decora Homes designed a spectacular wine room for their Rosewood home, near their bar and related storage area. Their collection is visible from most areas of the basement and blends well with the contemporary theme throughout.

How to de s i gn a wi ne roo m

by Hilary Klassen P h o t o s b y J e ff Ly o n s

42

I cook with wine.

Sometimes I even add it to the food.

W. C. Fields Sharing a glass of wine with friends is one of life’s singular pleasures. Wine lovers are a passionate breed who evidence considerable devotion to all things wine. Whether you’re an aficionado, a hobby wine collector or simply a wine lover, developing a wine room may be the logical next step to indulge your passion.

One of the primary considerations in designing a wine room is the style. Designs for wine rooms can go multiple directions, but a common decision is between sleek and contemporary versus an “old world” feel. “An ultra-modern room may have a lot of glass and steel whereas with old world style you’d see lots of wood and barrels and stone,” says Adrienne Fedorowich of Studio 2.0.

Tied in to the style decision is the visibility question. The style of your home may help determine the style of your wine room. If you want your wine room to be an open display, visible from other parts of the house, then

you’ll likely want to work within existing design and style parameters.

The alternative is a private wine room.

Those who have a treasured collection of very precious and expensive wines may prefer to keep their vintages a little more private and out of view. “Creating a private wine room allows for more style options since it doesn’t have to relate to the rest of the house. It could be something completely different.” says Fedorowich. In its own separate zone, the room can take on an old world ambience, like a wine cellar, with the creative use of wood, barrels and stone, or it can take on other innovative design themes that express the character and preferences of the home owner.

Rhonda and Ricky Iula, owners of Decora Homes, designed a spectacular wine room for their home in Rosewood that illustrates considerations of style and visibility. “The plan for the whole basement was to make it a very entertaining spot, so we decided to have the wine room visible from everywhere,” says Rhonda. When people come downstairs that’s the first thing they look at. “It’s a show stopper. It’s like a piece of art really,” she says.

The transparent commercial glass wall and door continue the basement’s contemporary theme and the wall inside displays up to 160 individual bottles beautifully. Ricky got the wine racks online because he couldn’t find anything locally that suited the contemporary flow.

The basement has infloor heating but the wine room floor doesn’t. The Iulas installed the wiring for temperature control but decided to test the chill factor before using it. It works perfectly without temperature control for their red wines. The whites are in the wine fridge.

Rhonda belongs to a wine club and hosted the group in February. “Everybody brings two bottles, you test one and then you get to keep another one. It was definitely a fun environment to host the club with having the wine room.” She’s excited about the wine room in Decora’s current new home build which will have an even more elaborate wine room using wood and stone to create a rustic feel.

Including a tasting area in your wine room is an extraordinary way to entertain your guests. “If space permits, design a tasting

area with a tall table and sink, bar stools, even a small sofa or a couple of lounge chairs,” says Dawn Wreford of Saskatoon Co-op Wine Spirits Beer. For extra character, add a book shelf filled with wine books and maps of wine growing regions on the wall. There should be enough light in this area to read and to see the full colour of the wine.

With or without a tasting area, floor space needs to be determined in your wine room design. Bottles can be stored individually or stacked, with pros and cons to either method.

Details like your wine categorization method will also inform your space requirements. “A cataloguing or organizing system for your collection can be anything depending on your preference or the size of your collection – alphabetical, by country, by varietal, or a detailed numbering system accounting for region, purchase date, vintage, etc.,” says Wreford. You can always keep it simple by simply categorizing reds and whites. Other storage needs, such as a wine glass collection, corkscrews and other wine related equipment needs to be factored in.

Strategic and appropriate lighting that is

dimmable will enhance your display, but too much sunlight can be a concern. “Lots of exposure to ultra violet is harmful and can cause off odours and flavours in wines, especially whites. Try to keep wine from being directly under bulbs (heat & light),” says Wreford.

The ideal temperature for storage, whether your space is small or large is about 12 – 15 degrees Celcius, according to Wreford. “Humidity is a good thing also, ideally around 70 per cent,” she says. “Damp is not tragic and may spoil some labels, but these are only cosmetic.”

Wreford suggests that a wine aroma kit is useful for learners and sommeliers alike.

Becoming proficient at isolating scents in a wine could definitely be beneficial in the tasting area, or anytime a cork is released and it’s time to utter intelligent words about the ‘bouquet.’

With all these considerations, you’re trying to balance functionality and esthetics to suit your own priorities. Creating a wine room is an opportunity to manifest your ideas and make your own statement. And then it’s time to imbibe. LS

43

YOUR

SPAYOURWAY

Ah, the comforts of home!

We are living in the era of nesting, when advances in technology are making it possible for home owners to tailor their havens with conveniences and comforts most suited to their individual needs.

For many seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, nothing beats a long, languid soak in a hot tub. And they are now more customizable than ever, says Mike Lepage, territory manager for Wheatland Fireplace.

His stores in Saskatoon and Regina have been selling hot tubs for years, and are now offering the latest in customizable comfort.

Bullfrog Spas can be configured to massage those parts of the body most in need of soothing water jets.

The tubs use the JetPak Therapy System – modular hot tub jets that can be interchanged.

They deliver maximum massage versatility and allow customers to upgrade their spa when they are ready.

The jetpaks are inserts that contain all the water jets and slide into berths at each seat position. They are self-contained and can be easily removed and replaced with another configuration.

Traditional hot tubs can pose a problem for people who are a little shorter or a little taller.

They can’t realize the maximum benefits of the jets because of their dimensions in relation

44

b y P a u l S i n k e w i cz

to the fixed jets.

“With Bullfrog, each seat in the tub has a different height level,” says Lepage. “What you can do then is find a seat that you like and get whatever massage you need without leaving that seat, because you just take out the JetPak and replace it with whichever one you need.”

Wheatland offers an easy-to-use hot tub design process on its website.

Customers pick from 15 different spa models, depending on the number of seats needed.

After choosing from eight different interior colours and three different exterior choices, it’s time to move on to selecting the JetPaks.

The JetPak panels are configured to target certain areas with a variety of water jets.

The Acutherapy pak targets key points with steady massage, while the Deeprelief pak offers a penetrating deep massage. The Lumbar pak is focused therapy for mid to lower back, while the Neckblaster provides maximum stress relief for neck and shoulder muscles. There are options like Rainshower for gentle caressing massage and Pulsator for rhythmic massage. There are 15 unique configurations, and with tubs designed for two to eight people, it’s possible to treat yourself to several different therapies simply by changing seats.

“Our customers can use the website, or

come into the store, and find the JetPaks that suit them best,” says Lepage. “And we explain what each pak does the best. For example, there’s a deep tissue relief one, others that focus on your neck or your shoulder, and many others.

“There’s nobody else in the industry that offers this. When we first saw it, we were immediately interested. It’s a very good concept.

We’re very excited to have it.”

Wheatland has been selling the Bullfrog tubs since summer and have had great feedback. The clients who have purchased them have returned for more spa supplies with glowing reviews.

“They really like them; it’s been all positive feedback,” says Lepage. “And they’re a very sharp looking tub that catches everybody’s eye.”

Energy efficiency is another strength of the Bullfrog modular system. It’s constructed with less plumbing – up to 90 per cent less than conventional tubs – so less energy is required to heat and deliver the water to each part of the tub. The tubs are also ensconced in a full-foam insulating barrier to keep heat in and costs down.

Visit Wheatland Fireplace in Saskatoon at 625 1st Ave North or reach them at (306) 2494888. In Regina, visit 946 Park Street in Regina or call (306) 791-6699. LS

It’s Time To Ditch The Cookie Cutter

Phone: Fax: Email: 690 Service Rd N Website: Osler, Sk, S0K 3A0 306-221-8887 306-239-4614 jasond@rockridgehomes.ca www.rockridgehomes.ca 45

Building or Renovating?

Hire a professional!

These builders and renovators are also kept up to date with current practices and technologies a customer might be interested in. The business and management skills that the companies obtain through the program meet the consumer’s need for a higher standard of expertise and customer service. The program works to continually raise the level of professionalism and set a high standard for residential construction, and the industry as a whole in Saskatchewan.

With another busy building season underway, it might be time to start looking to build or renovate your home.

Finding a builder who is experienced and able to offer the type of housing or renovation you want is only part of the search. Another consideration is looking for builders who are continuously improving their education and expertise. The Canadian Home Builders’ Association - Saskatchewan administers the Certified Professional Home Builder program which is designed to continue our members’ education, and promote professionalism in the residential construction industry.

Once completed, the Certified Professional Home Builder program confirms that the builder or renovator is working to promote professional home building and is up to date with new programs and issues that affect the residential construction industry. As someone looking to build or renovate, consider a builder who has the professional qualification of a Certified Professional Home Builder.

The Certified Professional Home Builder program consists of 11 courses which provide continued education for builders and renovators who are working in Saskatchewan. The professional status is a way for consumers to recognize which companies are full-time, legitimate and expert builders versus the casual builder who builds on the side.

All builders and renovators who are part of the Association are required to complete the courses. Benchmarks for the courses were set by the National Association, and the local Saskatchewan Association then developed the program to local standards.

46

OF

To learn more about the Certified Professional Home Builders’ Program, contact us at 306.955.5188 or info@ saskatoonhomebuilders.com.

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PR

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The Certified Professional Home Builder program adds value for consumers. Businesses that complete the program are provided with professional development opportunities leading to RTIFIED a better experience between them CE and their customers.

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Ehrenburg Homes

Mosaic Developments Corp

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Haven Builders

Northridge Development Corp

306.382.3667 yourhome@havenbuilders.ca

306.242.2434 sales@northridge.sk.ca

Innovative Residential

Pure Developments Inc.

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Inspires WHAT

YOU?

b y J e n n i f e r J a c o b y- S m i t h P h o t o s b y J e ff Ly o n s

D & S HOMES

This is a busy time of year for builders. There are shovels in the ground, framers pounding nails, and houses going up all over the city. It can be difficult to catch your breath as a builder and find some inspiration. Once again, Living Spaces caught up with two Saskatoon builders to ask them what inspires them as they sit down to marry technical know-how and customer needs with creative flair.

D & S Homes has been around since 1977. Their latest show home at 34 Wright Manor showcases a unique layout and tons of space for the modern family.

48

Travel is a great source of design inspiration for Duane Slater, vice-president of D & S Homes. Slater visits his house in Scottsdale, Arizona almost monthly. While there he loves to check out open houses in the area, especially those constructed by a friend who’s a builder in the area.

“You get a lot of different ideas from different places. I also have a friend in California, so I get to tour around and pick up an idea or two,” says Slater. He does admit not all of the ideas are applicable to Saskatchewan.

Most of the residences by D & S Homes are custom-built. Slater finds a lot of the design process is spent listening to the client to get a feel for what they want, what they need and what fits their lifestyle.

“A lot of times I’m sitting with a customer

straight through (the process) to see what they want,” he notes. “Everybody wants something different. You meet different people all the time and everybody’s got a different idea what they want.”

He explains spec-building is completely different and sometimes a bit more practical. After all when the builder doesn’t know who will eventually be living in the house, the design has to appeal to a broader range of people.

It can seem like a builder would suddenly have the freedom to do whatever they wanted, but Slater is cautious. “You can be as creative as you want, but the customer has to like it, too. Bottom line is you always want to make it saleable. There has to be a reason to buy our house versus someone else’s house.”

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INSPIRES c ontinued from page 48

A vivid blue feature adds interest and glitter to an ultra-modern kitchen.

Builder Greg Barry loves to incorporate the newest trends and innovative products in each build.

BARRY HOMES Since incorporating Barry Homes in 2009, Greg Barry remains committed to building no more than 15 homes a year. That way he can have personal oversight of each project.

Since then he’s won two awards for customer satisfaction.

So where does he find inspiration when designing a new show home or custom build?

“Basically, for me, inspiration is everywhere,” he says. “It’s from the littlest things.

Maybe it’s from something you’ve seen in the past.”

The young builder notes he visits the U.S. and Mexico to see trade shows or source new products as part of his quest to keep up with the ever changing trends in the construction industry. “We’re always trying to do something new.”

New innovations are the earmark of the Utilizing high gloss tiles and reflective glass, this bathroom by Barry Homes sparkles with natural light.

50

latest Barry showhome, which also happens to be Barry’s own house. In the kitchen a large blue quartz feature built into the island sparkles at night. The gorgeous hardwood and vaulted ceilings add grandeur to the design.

“It’s kind of like it came out of my imagination; you need to be inside my head to understand. When I build, it comes from the heart. It comes from what I’m thinking and feeling at the time,” says Barry.

He explains sometimes it’s the client that has sparked a brand new idea or new feature. “We get a lot of our new ideas from our custom builds. A lot of our clients allow us to think outside the box to really achieve something greater.”

He adds, “You have to be very creative and at the same you have to be knowledgeable about quality construction.” LS

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by Jennifer J a c o b y- S m i t h PhotoS courtesy of Damon Bennett

Bennett helps retired veterans get back to work

52

The topic of the mental health of our military service men and women has been thrust into the national spotlight in recent months due to the tragic suicides of former military personnel. It’s a complex issue with no easy solutions. And as Canada wrapped up its mission in Afghanistan earlier this year, the subject has become more urgent.

HGTV star Damon Bennett of HGTV’s Holmes Makes it Right, saw the need and wants to help. After leaving his work with Mike Holmes in December 2013, he’s been in talks to start a new TV show that will focus on working with veterans in the construction industry.

It’s an issue that hits close to home for the Ottawa-raised Bennett. Growing up he was taught to hold military veterans in high regard. He relished their stories and over the years looked for ways to give back.

“I had the opportunity when I was working with Mike Holmes to bring in two veterans that I hired,” explains Bennett. “They were suffering from PTSD, so I just saw them coming out of their shell (through the job). I started seeing them happier and I thought what a great thing to get these guys working, because it helps with the PTSD.” PTSD or post-traumatic stress disorder can be debilitating for many members of Canada’s armed forces. Traumatized by their time in a war zone, they’re suddenly left to reintegrate into civilian society. The paralyzing fear, coupled with lack of employment can weigh heavily on military vets.

“They can go into a really dark place,” says Chris Dupee. “PTSD or not, if you don’t have a job you feel useless. It’s hard.”

Dupee is one of the lucky ones. He’s currently in the process of being released from military duty. He’s been diagnosed with PTSD and through the Department of Defense he was able to qualify for a back to work program. It’s through that program that he came to meet and eventually work for Bennett. He says construction work can be very therapeutic for those with military training.

For starters, the physical demands of construction labour are very familiar to military veterans, but there is more.

“It keeps your mind busy. It gives you goals. You can see your productivity. I think it’s a great fit,” Dupee says. “It’s not for everybody, but I’ll be an ambassador for it for sure.”

In addition, construction crews can foster

Damon Bennett was Mike Holmes’ right hand man for close to a decade on such programs as Holmes on Homes and Holmes Makes it Right. Now he’s hoping to make it right by helping veterans get back into the civilian workforce.

a team atmosphere which is very beneficial to military service vets. Teamwork is key in military operations, so being surrounded by supportive coworkers is very important, adds Dupee.

Hiring veterans for the construction industry has benefits for the trades – many of which are facing long-term shortages of skilled workers.

“I tied it right into the construction industry because we have such a shortage of skilled tradespeople in our field alone. We’re in big trouble in our industry in the next 20, 30 or 40 years in terms of (lacking) skilled tradespeople and I thought what an influx of potentially great candidates to fill those roles in the construction industry,” says Bennett.

This spring, Bennett and Dupee visited home shows across the country to spread their message of encouraging construction trades to hire veterans.

Dupee has started a website called MilitaryMinds.ca to raise awareness of PTSD. Over the next few months, the website will undergo a transformation. Part of the website will be devoted to a database of military veterans looking for work.

One of the biggest challenges facing construction trades willing to hire veterans is finding potential employees. Military Minds will serve as a database of military vets looking for work and hopefully connecting them with employers.

Already governments in Saskatchewan

and Nova Scotia have shown interest in Bennett’s ideas. MLA Rob Norris attended Bennett and Dupee’s presentation at HomeStyles in Saskatoon.

The response from veterans in the crowds is always “rowdy” according to Bennett. He’s hoping he can start a grassroots movement to help veterans.

And finding them employment is just one step. Bennett says the goal is to have the skills veterans gain translate into hope for a brighter future. Imparting a better life for each veteran is the least we can do for those who have given so much for the freedoms Canadians enjoy.

“They serve for us and we need to serve for them,” he adds. LS

53

A Touch of

Honey

by Ashleigh M at t e r n P h o t o S BY J E F F LYONS

If your kitchen is begging for a renovation, it probably has something to do with the dated golden oak cupboards lining the walls.

Seemingly ubiquitous in kitchens designed in the ‘80s, the look has even deterred some owners from using oak in the golden shade at all, says Erin Jabusch, sales and design consultant with Westridge Cabinets.

“Oak is still on occasion being used, but typically with the darker stains, as home owners are hesitant of their kitchens looking like what we saw back in the ‘80s,” she said.

But style is infamous for being recycled, and the golden colour tone is back – with a difference.

More of a honey tone than golden, this variation opts for different species with a more subtle grain, like maple, birch, or alder.

Cherry is also a good choice if you’re looking for a rich tone and a stronger grain pattern.

These suggestions don’t necessarily rule out oak, though, if that wood type is one you prefer, says Jabusch.

“For the home owners that like oak as a wood but not the strong, swirly grain pattern we are so familiar with in plain (flat) sawn oak, there is rift or quarter sawn oak,” she said. “This alternate cut pattern of the lumber creates a more straight vertical grain and can create quite a modern flair, especially when applied to a slab style door.”

The style of the cabinetry also plays a big part in avoiding a passé look. Jabusch points out that in the ‘80s, a lot of cabinets featured raised panel doors with the cathedral or eyebrow arch. A more contemporary style will give a kitchen an updated look even if using a traditional oak cut.

“But if contemporary isn’t the home owner’s preference then even a simple door style like a classic shaker can look updated without going too far over on the contemporary 54

side,” said Jabusch.

Paired with other contemporary touches like a striking backsplash, layered lighting, pops of colour, and an overall clean look, there will be no mistaking this new trend for the old style.

Jabusch says honey tones look best with natural colours, like slate, browns, and creams, but adds that there’s no reason to shy away from colour. The honey colour leaves a lot of room for home owners’ personal tastes and style.

“Muted greens and soft blues, either on a feature wall or tied into a backsplash, can go very nicely with a natural or lightly stained wood. Another option is going high contrast.

Pairing a dark stone countertop like black

When it comes to appliances, Jabusch says, the basic colours are all fair game: Stainless steel blends well with any cabinet colour, black works well if you want a high contrast look, and white has its place in the more neutral toned kitchen. And if you’re really loving the honey wood style, you can use cabinet applied panels to hide the appliances completely.

Kitchens have been leaning towards darker colour palettes for years, and Jabusch says she’s happy to see the honey tones come in to shake things up a bit.

“It’s like a breath of fresh air to finally see the trend shift from the darker tone woods into the warm honey tones. The warmer tones create a timeless palette that blends

pearl granite with black or oil rubbed bronze hardware is really eye catching...

“I would say it’s simply best to pick a palette that you’re comfortable with, and that reflects your own personal style and tastes.

When in doubt, look out the window and see what nature has for inspiration and go with an earthy palette.”

seamlessly with one’s personal tastes whether they lean more towards the more contemporary streamlined look or the traditional look.”

To explore all of the latest trends in cabinetry design, visit the showroom of Westridge Cabinets, located at 618 Cynthia Street, or go to www.westridgecabinets.ca. LS

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55

Riverfront lottery home a dream come true

The $1.15 million grand prize show home for the Kinsmen Riverfront Home Lotto 2014 boasts two-by-eight construction and Rocksil insulation, making it sturdy and energy efficient with very little street noise.

by Jennifer J a c o b y- S m i t h P HOTOS BY J E F F LYONS

Standing in the Kinsmen Riverfront Home Lotto show home, Mike Holmes explains to Saskatoon media what being a Holmes Approved Homes builder means.

56

The Kinsmen Home Lotto show home for 2014 has two great features – a view which is hard to match, and a seal of approval from Canada’s favourite contractor, Mike Holmes.

The home is built by Lexis Homes, one of two Holmes Approved Homes builders in the province.

The program was started by the popular television host after spending years with his team redoing bad renovation jobs and correcting mistakes by builders. He’s passionate about encouraging builders to do it right the first time. Teaming up with Holmes gives local builders the incentive to use quality products and a higher standard of excellence with each build. The end result is a home that is built to last for years to come.

Holmes visited Saskatoon in May to check out the finished product for himself. At a press conference he discussed the importance of improving building standards, using high quality environmentally-friendly sustainable products.

Lexis Homes has been a Holmes Approved Builder from the start. “It’s pretty humbling to be a Holmes Approved Builder. We never applied. Holmes and his group approached us,” remarks Duane Hill with Lexis Homes.

“It’s humbling that they’re putting their name on our houses.”

“When we try to find a Holmes Approved Builder, they don’t come to us, we come to them,” Holmes explains. “We’re looking for guys who want to build the best. They want to build a home that’s healthy, sustainable, environmentally-friendly, but maybe they’re having trouble trying to justify the cost.”

Part of the Holmes’ exacting standards requires the use of coated lumber – such as Pink Wood. This specially treated wood is mouldresistant and fire-resistant. “I’m sick and tired of going in and fixing stuff that doesn’t make sense, that we didn’t make these changes (to the building codes) years ago,” says Holmes.

As well, the rigorous Holmes-approved construction process includes periodic inspections by Holmes-trained inspectors and photo documentation of various stages of construction. As well, the house uses better insulation products – such as Rocksil and spray foam – ensuring an airtight seal. Add in two-by-eight construction, instead of the standard two-by-six, and you get the added benefit of eliminating street noise inside the house.

“A lot of people don’t understand these

little things that we do, that in the long run if I do a bathroom, for instance, it’s going to last the length of the home. Not five years or ten years and you have to take it all down because it was done wrong in the first place,” Holmes says.

Each tradesperson who worked on the house had a chance to meet Holmes before the press conference and he noted each of them were eager to show off their impressive handiwork. He added, he didn’t think they were there just to meet him.

“These guys were really proud to build a better home. They all put their heart and soul into this,” notes Holmes. “When you build for the right reasons and you bring in the right people what a synergy that is to build together with a team of guys who care. If you can build a better home with better builders, everyone wins.”

Someone will win the $1.15 million riverfront showhome. Winning a home lotto house is a dream come true for many, but this particular show home will always have that bonus of being a Mike Holmes’ approval.

The passionate contractor had a message for the eventual winner of the Kinsmen lotto house: “Don’t sell. Stay here forever.” LS

HGTV host and home builder Mike Holmes poses with Kinsmen Riverfront Home Lotto chair, Arthur Cradock, in front of the grand prize show home. The home was built by Lexis Homes, one of two Holmes Approved Homes builders in Saskatchewan.

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Oppor tunity is knocking at Chaparral RidgE

by Jeannie ArmstronG P HOTOS BY J E F F LYONS

The dream of new home ownership has become more attainable with the introduction of a new multi-family project by North Prairie Developments: Chaparral Ridge in Martensville.

Chaparral Ridge is the newest in a series of Freedom Lifestyle Communities designed

by North Prairie. The master-planned community features 106 attractive two-storey multiplex units and loft layouts, priced starting at $204,900 plus GST. At Chaparral Ridge, residents can select from four different floor plans, including two- and three-bedroom options, ranging in size from 929 to 1,031 square feet. The choices don’t stop there. Buyers can choose the layout that best suits their lifestyle, as the development offers bungalow, two-storey and loft floor plans, says Andrew Williams, North Prairie’s Vice-President of New Homes.

With prices starting at $204,900, consumers might expect a plain jane design, lacking in frills, features or style. Not so, says Williams. Although value-priced, the Chaparral Ridge townhomes still deliver features like an open concept main floor with a nine-foot ceiling, a master bedroom with a walk-in closet, upstairs laundry and a package of six appliances. “These are features you may not expect at this price point,” says Williams.

Depending on the flexibility of their budget, buyers can choose from three standard finish packages or one of three upgrade pack58

ages.

“We’ve worked with our design consultant, Peggy Debo, to create interior packages featuring six different combinations of cabinets, countertops and flooring products, allowing clients to customize their units. Buyers can benefit from the vision and expertise of our professional designer,” says Williams.

Chaparral Ridge residences are equally attractive on the outside, featuring rich exterior finishes, charming front porches or balconies, and convenient parking with plenty of green space. “The entire development will be fully landscaped with automatic sprinklers. Each unit has two electrified parking stalls,” adds Williams.

An attractive vinyl perimeter fence encloses the development, featuring an inviting ‘ranch-style’ stone-and-timber entranceway with signage.

At Chaparral Ridge, the living is easy!

Residents will enjoy the freedom of condominium living - no lawns to cut or driveways to shovel - while not giving up the comfort and amenities of a well-appointed new home in a safe, quiet and friendly neighbourhood.

“If you’re renting right now, this is a good price point,” says Williams. “You can own your own home for significantly less than what you’re probably paying in rent.”

The Martensville location is proving very popular with buyers, he adds. “At Chaparral Ridge, you can enjoy the charm of small town

living, with close access to big city amenities,” says Williams. “Located on the south side of Martensville, Chaparral Ridge is very accessible to Saskatoon. You’re literally just a few minutes away from the city.”

Within Martensville itself, facilities including new schools, an aquatic centre, civic centre, heritage centre, soccer fields, tennis courts, ball diamonds and walking trails all enhance the quality of life that residents enjoy.

As Western Canada’s fastest-growing city, Martensville has become a magnet for business. “Martensville is being recognized by the business community as a place of opportuni-

ty,” says Williams, citing the recent opening of businesses including Tim Horton’s, Dairy Queen, Second Cup and Pharmasave, along with the construction of a Canalta Hotel.

“A lot of businesses are recognizing the value that Martensville brings. As a result, more and more people are going to start to live here,” says Williams.

North Prairie Developments has extensive residential and commercial land holdings in Martensville. Chaparral Ridge is North Prairie’s fourth multi-family development in Martensville. “We have an established footprint in the community,” says Williams.

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60

When it comes to real estate transactions, the do-it-yourself crowd can dabble a little bit.

They can definitely do the construction or renovations. They can also pound a private sale sign into the lawn. But when it comes to finalizing the deal, and the transfer of title, it’s time for the experts to step in.

Brad Jamieson practises with Cuelenaere, Kendell, Katzman & Watson, specializing in real estate transactions.

He says unless a buyer is paying cash, there will be a mortgage involved in a real estate transaction and the banks involved will require a lawyer to prepare the documentation.

“We ensure there is clear title to the property and that the bank’s and client’s money is protected,” says Jamieson. “There will be a cash component and a mortgage component, and that money is all sent over to the seller’s lawyer on certain trust conditions to ensure the money’s protected so that at the end of the day the buyer is going to get clear title to the property and their mortgage is going to be the only mortgage registered against it and any liens that belong to the seller are discharged from that title.”

What most people don’t realize is that lawyers have a dual function when they act for the buyers, he says.

“With private lenders, and for commercial transactions, often the lender will hire their own lawyer to draft the mortgage – but the majority of the time, the lawyer that you hire is acting on your behalf and on behalf of the bank.”

A lawyer is also necessary to protect the buyers from finding out there are taxes owing on their new home.

“We do a tax search with the City of Saskatoon to ensure that taxes are all properly adjusted to ensure you don’t incur any tax liabilities,” says Jamieson. “Taxes actually follow the property. They don’t follow individual title owners. So if you don’t do the tax search, and there’s a $3,000 tax liability, the new owner will get a shock when they go sign up for their tax payments with the city.

“We ensure that at the time of closing everything is properly adjusted.”

Jamieson often deals with first-time buyers.

He likes the educational role he can play while helping them to navigate the process.

“First time home buyers are a little more nervous and they don’t understand the process as much, so we just have to take a little more time to ensure that they leave the office comfortable with the knowledge of what they are getting into,” says Jamieson. “Quite

frankly, the way mortgages are worded, some of them can be up to 50 pages long and can be a little daunting with the legalese, so our job is to break that down and give the clients a better understanding.”

The real estate market has been very active the past few years in Saskatoon. Jamieson’s firm is very experienced in real estate transactions, so keeping up with a hot market is not hard. Any challenges come when lenders face a rush of applications, especially in the summer, and the mortgage paperwork really begins to fly. Quick possession dates also test the talents of the lawyers involved.

“My recommendation to people, and I tell this to real estate agents and mortgage brokers, is things will go a lot smoother if you send your clients to someone that practises in real estate. It’s what we do, and we understand it a little bit better,” says Jamieson.In a transaction involving an older house, lawyers in Saskatchewan can act for both buyer and seller. But when arranging the purchase of a newly-constructed home, the Code of Professional Conduct of the Law Society of Saskatchewan does not allow a lawyer to act for both buyer and builder in the transaction.

For new builds, the buyer’s lawyer will put the builder’s lawyer under the trust condition to ensure that the builder has complied with the requirements of the Builders Lien Act. “As we do with all transactions, we are going to search the title beforehand to ensure there are no liens that need to be addressed by the seller,” says Jamieson. “Although we do this on every file, it is especially important for new builds because of the higher likelihood of builder liens.”

He says another issue for buyers of new homes to look out for is holdbacks for work that is not done as of the possession date.

Often if someone takes possession of a new house in winter, the stucco, driveway, sidewalk, etc. are not finished because it is seasonal work. What many people don’t know is that the builder does not have to agree to a hold back, although most will.

“If the stucco is going to cost $10,000 to finish, we want $10,000 held back to ensure that it actually gets done or there is money to hire someone else to do it. However, on the possession date, the buyer contractually needs to pay the full purchase price and the buyer’s lawyer is under trust conditions upon registration of the transfer into the buyer’s name to send the full purchase price to the builder’s lawyer. As such, the buyer’s lawyer cannot arbitrarily hold back money, the amount to be held back must be agreed to by the builder.” LS

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Rosewood E s tat e s o f f e r s i n n o vat i v e gr e e n t h e m e

by Jeannie ArmstronG P H OTOS BY J E F F LYONS

62

When Boychuk Construction set out to design its gated condominium community of Rosewood Estates, they made it a priority to make the multi-family development as environmentally-friendly as possible, in keeping with the neighbourhood’s emphasis on green living.

“Being the lead developer in Rosewood, in the process of developing the plan, we tried to incorporate environmentally-friendly features into the neighbourhood, including a 65-acre wetlands preserve, a series of linear parks and nature trails,” says Ron Olson, general manager of Boychuk Construction.

Builders who purchase lots from Boychuk have also been encouraged to think “green” when designing homes for the neighbourhood. “We’ve encouraged builders in Rosewood to build ENERGY STAR® certified homes and include as many environmentally-friendly features as possible,” says Olson.

“In keeping with that, when we launched our first multi-family project in the neighbourhood – Rosewood Estates – we decided it would be ENERGY STAR certified. To my understanding, it is the first multi-unit development of its type in Saskatchewan to go entirely ENERGY STAR.” Rosewood Estates is an attractive gated community consisting of 27 single and attached bungalow-style townhomes, located at 315 Ledingham Drive in Rosewood. The bungalow-style units range in size from 1,342

to 1,585 square feet. Fourteen of the units are walk-outs, overlooking one of the neighbourhood’s many linear parks.

The project’s eco-friendly features begin right at the roofline. Boychuk Construction opted for EnDur shingles, manufactured right here in Saskatoon from recycled tires.

“There were a number of products that we could have used, but we settled on EnDur shingles because they were both aesthetically pleasing as well as eco-friendly,” says Olson.

The roofing system at Rosewood Estates is made from over 20,000 recycled tires. The product is as durable as it is attractive, boasting a 50-year warranty. “We expect the life of the shingles will extend beyond that warranty period,” says Olson.

Other eco-friendly choices for the exteriors of the bungalows include fiber-cement board siding and stone accents. “We went with materials that were environmentally-friendly, long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing,” says Olson.

The bungalows at Rosewood Estates are equipped with ENERGY STAR-qualified heating and cooling systems, tankless water heaters, windows and doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures, in addition to superior insulating building envelopes. “Every unit has a Heat Recovery Ventilator (HRV), not only to assist in the efficiency of the heating and cooling system, but to ensure that the quality Cont i nue d on pa ge 6 4

63

ROSEWOOD c ontinued from page 62

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of indoor air is maintained,” says Olson.

Buyers can select from seven inviting open concept floor plans which feature spacious great rooms and large master suites.

Nine-foot ceilings on both floors add to the open feel of each unit.

Buyers have the opportunity to customize their interiors at Rosewood Estates. “They can change the layout of the rooms, as long as the unit’s footprint is the same. Buyers can also select their own cabinetry, flooring and finishes,” says Ken Redekopp, project manager for Rosewood Estates.

A tour through the show home at Rosewood Estates reveals the builder’s choice of upgraded finishes and fine craftsmanship.

A pleasing colour palette of contemporary grey and white neutrals, sparked by accent walls of poppy red, was created for the show home by Boychuk’s long-time interior decorator Marlene Petrow.

“We paid attention to details and it is certainly paying off for us. The response to Rosewood Estates from the buying public has been very, very good,” says Olson, who says that approximately one-third of the units at Rosewood Estates are now sold. Remaining units are priced starting at $520,000.

“Our target market consists primarily of empty nesters and boomers who have or are close to retirement. We think there is a lot of concern within that demographic group about protecting the environment. There is an awareness that we all have a role to play there. At the same time, they want to save money on utilities and realize energy savings,” says Olson.

As construction proceeds on Rosewood Estates, planning has already begun on Boychuk’s next multi-unit development in the same neighbourhood.

“We have a second site, about the same size as this one, bordering the school park.

We’re planning another gated community, very similar to this one, with a start date set for next spring. It will also have some unique features to it,” says Olson.

“This summer, we are also busy developing additional single family lots in Rosewood. We will be bringing between 100 to 150 additional single family lots onto the market in Rosewood this year.”

The Rosewood Estates showhome is open for viewing Monday to Friday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. To view by appointment, contact Boychuk Homes’ new home specialists: Joanne Stanton Hassler at (306) 260-3122 or Robert Hassler at (306)260-9145.

For details, visit www.boychukhomes.com. LS

Q A

ASK AN EXPERT

Andrew & JILAIRE Wagner Maison Fine Homes 106 Pritchard Crescent (306) 242-3653

Email: build@maisonfinehomes.ca

www.maisonfinehomes.ca

Q. We are looking at building a new home next year and want our laundry room to be a lot more functional than it is now. What are some key things to consider?

A. The laundry room is one of the most used rooms in the home, but because it’s not on display like your kitchen, it’s also one of the areas that is most often poorly designed.

When planning a laundry room, first consider where the majority of dirty clothes are located. Locating the laundry room by as many bedrooms as possible is a good idea if you have the space. Not only is it efficient, it is also away from major traffic paths in the home. Even a laundry centre located in a closet can save many steps up and down the stairs.

Once the location is determined, the next step is planning your zones.

To function properly a laundry room needs: a dirty area, a clean area, a work space and storage. Each of these areas will differ in size and organization based on your home and space allocation, but no matter the size of the space you can create an efficient laundry room if you incorporate these zones.

Dirty Area: Ideally the dirty area will have room to store and treat soiled clothes. If you have the space plan for several laundry baskets (darks/jeans; brights; whites; dry clean) close to the washer/dryer area for family members to pre-sort dirty clothes throughout the week.

If your laundry room is smaller, you can place laundry baskets in bedroom closets or bathrooms to create a staging area for sorting.

Clean Area: The clean area will handle clothes that come out of the dryer for folding as well as a hanging/drying area for clothes that need to be air dried. A countertop above the washer and dryer with a hanging rod above works great. If your laundry is in a closet, you can install fold down drying racks on the backs of the doors to maximize functionality.

Workspace: The workspace is often the area that gets the least attention in a laundry room. It should include an ironing board, countertop work surface, a spot for detergents and an optional sink if you hand wash a lot of items.

Functional Elegance

Maison Fine Homes and Interior Design is a boutique builder specializing in delivering design-driven homes. Visit us online at maisonfinehomes.ca or find us on facebook.

Storage: Planning extra storage for both linens and cleaning supplies makes a lot of sense. You can take advantage of vertical height by installing cabinets or shelving for baskets and labeled bins. Adding a spot for a vacuum hose and cleaning supplies, will also free up space in other areas of the house.

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b y Pa u l S i n k e w i c z P H OTOS COURTESY O F I - X L MASONRY SU P P L IES

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Few things can enhance the appearance and value of a home like stone or brick.

It draws the eye and warms the heart in a way modern building materials cannot.

“There is something about having a stone or a brick wall that just makes a house feel more like a home,” says Rob Mutch, regional sales manager with I-XL Masonry Supplies.

“Designers will tell you it adds so much personality to a room to have that texture. It’s because of the depth you can get in a stone wall versus doing something in a wallpaper or a painted pattern, where you don’t get the shadow lines and that real texture.”

The company has been supplying highquality masonry products for more than 100 years, and has an extensive dealer network b y H i l a r y Kl a s s e n throughout Western Canada, including Saskatoon.

Mutch says there are many ways to use stone or brick to rejuvenate an older home or enhance a new build.

“People are always amazed at how much you can change the presentation of a home by dressing up the skirting,” he says. “If you

take the first four feet around a bungalow and replace the siding with stone, it gives the home a nice solid base and completely changes the look. It really is inexpensive for the dramatic effect you get.”

The costs vary widely based on the type of stone chosen and the installation costs will depend on the complexity of the design.

Flat-sided bungalows are less expensive to clad than a Craftsman-style bungalow with lots of returns and bay windows.

Using stone or brick also opens up avenues to use other classic building materials like wood to good effect.

“We definitely find there are lots of those products that complement each other. You do get back to the basics with stone and wood – the two original, and most handsome, building materials.”

Mutch says a little interior work can go a long way toward changing the look and feel of a home.

“The classic example is the fireplace.

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Whether it’s a gas insert with drywall around it or an older masonry fireplace, people will turn around and give it a facelift, which is a very popular way to make a big impact.”

Manufactured stone products are also creating options that didn’t previously exist.

Concrete can be made to look like natural stone, and because it is lighter, builders don’t have to worry about the weight issue.

Instead of using full bed natural stone, builders can now use thin veneer products.

“That is what allows us to put it in all these places we had never seen it before,” says Mutch. “And you get so much more colour consistency out of a man-made product versus a quarried product. So if you are looking for a specific colour scheme, it opens

up the possibilities.”

Mutch says the firm is seeing a lot of feature walls everywhere and anywhere in a home.

“That seems to be really taking off. It used to be you might see a feature wall where your fireplace was, but now we’re seeing people ask us to do a wall of stone or brick in kitchens, or bathrooms,” says Mutch. “We’ll also see it in the bedroom. Instead of having a headboard, some people will just do that entire wall in stone.”

Bathroom renovation can change a boring, traditional wall into a statement in stone with alcoves for candles or bath products.

Adding texture and warmth to outdoor living spaces is also a hot trend.

“Everyone wants to transform their back-

JEFF STEWART

yards, whether they are doing a barbecue island done in stone or a fire bowl,” says Mutch. “It’s a great way to upgrade an older home and there are so many great patio furniture options to create a unique space in your backyard. There are so many possibilities.”

Mutch says I-XL Masonry staff members are always ready to welcome customers into their great showrooms to talk design ideas.

“We’re always happy to talk design ideas. It’s pretty common to see someone coming through the door with blueprints in one hand, and paint samples in the other. It’s fun to put these things together and create something new, and many of our customers come back with photos to show us how their projects worked out.” LS

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VISIONARIES

B ui ld e r tak e s in n o vat i v e a ppro a c h t o com m u n i t y s upp o r t b y A s hl e i gh M a t t e r n P h o t o s S u ppl i e d b y i n n o vat i v e R e s i d e n t i a l

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Innovative Residential’s core philosophy is to build communities, which is why they focus on creating entry level, affordable homes, says Tyler Mathies, co-founder and corporate CEO. “It would be tough for us to build a community if we only built four, million-dollar homes in a year,” said Mathies. “You have to pick each part of your business to be consistent with the next, and that whole underlying theme is all about community.”

This community-mindedness goes right down to the building design: Innovative makes sure their homes are suited for families by putting thought into the layout of the units, as well as the space around the complexes. Including green spaces and playgrounds in their project designs is a must.

But their dedication to creating neighbourly environs goes well beyond the initial blueprints: They host celebratory barbecues once a project is complete, inviting all the residents and neighbours to come out.

Rental tenant Beth Gilje attended Innovative Residential’s barbecue celebrating the opening of Hartford Heights in fall 2013.

“It gets the community and the people to get to know each other,” she said. “Because people are busy, and how many times do you actually go out and connect with your neighbours?”

The idea of throwing a barbecue to celebrate the opening started with their Camponi Place development, and they had so

much fun, they decided to do it with every project.

The barbecues feature games, face painting, and bouncy castles. They invite radio stations out to promote the event, and have prize giveaways. At the most recent one, they arranged for Saskatoon Fire and Protective Services to bring out a firetruck for the kids to play in and learn about, and they arranged for a character artist to be on hand to draw family portraits.

“People really love it,” said Mathies. “We have it on these nice summer days, get a whole bunch of people out. And we’re not out there to sell houses; it’s genuine and people see that.”

Building a strong sense of community is much easier when you have someone dedicated to doing the job: Stacie Beever is Innovative’s community development officer.

“Everybody already has a lot on their plates, so to have somebody whose focus is to be mindful of that community presence is important,” said Mathies. “It reiterates here in our own company that it’s stuff that we need to be aware of.”

Innovative also hosts students from E.D. Feehan High School’s worker education program. Getting involved was a no brainer in the context of their corporate philosophy.

Gerald Lashyn, work exploration coordinator at E.D. Feehan, says the students are Cont i nue d on pa ge 7 2

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VISIONARIES c o n t in u ed f r o m p ag e 70 taken through extensive safety training, and their on-site teachers are accommodating and hands-on. Innovative also ran the students through a mock hiring process, giving tips on how to present themselves and how to answer questions about pay.

“It gives them the opportunity to experience the real world, to learn what’s expected of them,” Lashyn said. “It’s often easy for people who have done well to give money, but it’s more difficult to give time.”

This commitment to putting in the time to create community is what sets Innovative apart. Running a profitable business is important, but it’s not their sole concern.

“When we started seven years ago, we looked at where we could be a different company and also make a difference,” said Mathies. “A lot of people want to make a lot of money, then give it all back at the end of their life, but we thought, how can we make a company where we can do that all the way

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along and run a successful business? That’s going to be the most rewarding way to do business.”

Along with building affordable homes, creating a sense of community, and taking students under their wing, Innovative also has a commitment to energy efficiency. Hartford Heights was the first Energy Star qualified multi-unit rental development in Canada. The mindset is that a well-built, energy efficient building will be more affordable in the long run.

No matter what the team at Innovative is doing, they try to inject their own personality and sense of humour. The lightheartedness is a part of their company, starting with the leadership. Their business philosophy also attracts people who believe in doing business this way.

“When you’ve got a good organization, it draws in good people – like-minded people,” said Mathies. LS

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TRAILBLAZERS

Ehrenburg Homes

The Castle Company

by Tom Eremondi P h o t o S s u ppl i e d b y Eh r e n b u r g H o m e s

“ We build every h o m e as if we were b u i l d ing it for one o f our staff.”

Conrad Ehr, Ehrenburg Homes

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Consumers of all types in the market for a new home will frequently see one name: Ehrenburg Homes.

That’s because the company, which builds about 80 new homes every year, works hard to appeal to many buyers.

“We keep an inventory of both land and homes in all communities where we build.

It’s also important to have numerous different housing options available,” says Conrad Ehr, controller at Ehrenburg Homes. “We have options in many different price ranges.”

This includes everything from entry level options to custom built homes and now even rental housing, with a new project in Evergreen. Found at 191 Maningas Bend, the project consists of 26 townhomes, with monthly rental rates priced between $1,400 and $1,800 – ideal for those not quite ready for home ownership.

The company’s approach has worked. You can find the Ehrenburg name on many homes in Stonebridge, Hampton Village, Evergreen, Kensington, Rosewood, The Willows, and in Osler, Dalmeny and Martensville.

Changing with the times is one reason the company has succeeded for 31 years. It started in 1983 and built a reputation as “the castle company,” because of its quality custom-built homes.

“We do plenty of custom building and can do any size or shape as long as it can fit on the lot,” Ehr says, noting the company maintains its reputation because of its focus on design.

“We design homes to fit the lot but work to protect the character of the home. There are several individuals in the company who review every house plan – we design homes as if we were going to be living in them ourselves.”

Ehrenburg also builds a number of predesigned houses that are ready to move in.

“We call this our model home program and it’s in response to the boom,” Ehr explains.

“It’s so that we can always have an inventory of homes available on the market. Many people moving to Saskatoon and area now are moving from outside Saskatchewan or even Canada and usually require a house in a short timeline.”

Ehr and his dad, Joe, who founded the company in 1983, are first to say they owe much to their trades and sub trades. “It’s why we can increase the number of homes we build and still maintain that castle quality.

Many trades we work with have been with us for 15 to 30 years. They have the same standards; we know what we can expect from each other.”

He notes the personal approach once again. “It’s the same as designing. We build every home as if we were building it for one of our staff.”

Satisfaction during and after the build is also key, Ehr continues. “We make sure homes are inspected thoroughly during the building process and that quality is maintained. Our general manager, Daryl Quesnel, has a keen sense for quality. Our construction manager, Dan Findlay, has been with Ehrenburg for over 15 years.”

That devotion is seen throughout the company, which has 20 staff working for it. “Everyone working here has a lot to do with how

Ehrenburg Homes has added rental housing to its inventory. These 26 townhomes, available for $1,400 to $1,800 monthly, are in Evergreen.

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great our reputation is – it’s not just one or two people. We have always hired quality people from office staff to trades.”

It’s not just the company who notes this quality – Ehrenburg Homes has received several Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association Bridges Awards, recognizing quality in construction and dedication to the craft of homebuilding. This past February, the company was recognized as the association’s Home Builder of the Year, its top award.

Ehrenburg has also received numerous nods for green building and environmental leadership, Ehr stresses. “Those are awards we’re really proud of because we work hard to ensure every home we build is built to high efficiency standards. We want to make sure customers get energy efficient homes because it’s environmentally responsible and saves the homeowner money.”

Ehr notes another recent move saw the company become a land developer, with communities such as Parkview Cove in Osler. “Being a land developer allows us to better manage our land supply.

It also allows us to offer better housing designs – we can design each lot according to the house rather than fitting into the lot we’re given. We can refine our concept from start to finish when we’re involved in the whole process.”

There are only a handful of companies who have been practicing for as long as Ehrenburg Homes. At one point in the early 90s there were less than 10 builders in the city. Today there are more than 200.

“Because there are so many builders, I encourage people to buy a house from someone whose full-time job is building homes, that it’s their passion,” Ehr recommends. “I think everyone buying or building a house deserves the full attention of their builder and that’s what you’ll get with Ehrenburg.”

Ehrenburg’s latest showhomes can be found at 126 Pringle Crescent in Stonebridge and 110 Childers Crescent in Kensington. For more information about the company, visit www.ehrenburg.com . LS

9

ways to improve curb appeal Home owners who want their homes to make strong first impressions must prioritize curb appeal. Homes with strong curb appeal sell well and can impart a welcoming feel to all visitors. Improving curb appeal need not be expensive, and the following are a handful of ways to improve the appearance of your home.

1. Install a bold-looking door in a vibrant colour or one with a custom design. This helps the home staund out from other properties in the neighborhood.

2. Edge the driveway to create a distinct border between the driveway and the lawn or other landscaping features. This helps homes appear neat and well kept.

3. Use outdoor lighting to make a home more inviting. Outdoor lighting also makes properties safer to traverse at night.

4. Clean a home’s exterior to remove mildew or discolourations from the siding, driveway, patio, and other outdoor elements.

5. Improve landscapes with fresh plants and seasonal colour. Homeowners without the time to plant can consider container gardens, which don’t take much time to assemble but still add appeal to a home’s exterior.

6. Prune planting beds and add new mulch to restore colour.

7. Add shutters and accent trim to a home’s exterior to improve on the beauty of the house.

8. Install new fencing or give a fresh coat of paint or stain to an existing fence.

9. Replace concrete paths with tile or stone walkways to make entryways more impressive and inviting. (MNS)

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Q A

ASK AN EXPERT

Bruce Rempel Rempel Brothers Construction 201 Jessop Avenue (306) 374-6505

Email: Brucerempel@sasktel.net www.rempelbrothers.com

78

Q. One of the most common questions we are asked in the spring is ‘Why do I have water in my basement?’

A. Flooding or water in basements can occur at any time. It can happen to anyone who has a basement, even if it has never been wet before. While flooding most often occurs during big rains or rapid snowmelts in the spring, it can occur even during dry weather.

Basements are inherently prone to flooding. They are the lowest level of a building, typically built partly or entirely below ground level.

Water seeping through a foundation is caused in most cases by a high water table (groundwater) or surface water (ie. rain or snowmelt). Each of these issues has a different remedy.

Groundwater is water that is naturally flowing below the earth’s surface. The water table identifies how far below the surface this groundwater is flowing, and depending on where your home is built and other environmental factors, the height of this natural flowing water will be different. In some locations, groundwater can be above the level of the floor at all times.

Many houses will have sump pumps to handle this problem – essentially a system to collect groundwater in a pit where it is then pumped into the sewer system. If you are experiencing water in your basement from groundwater and you don’t have a sump pump, you will need to call a plumber to install one.

Surface water is also a big culprit in basement flooding and is usually caused by one of two failures: 1. Poor lot grading. This means that the slope of the land around your house is not directing the water away from the house, but instead is sloping towards the basement. This could be from landscaping, or settling of the soil around the house over time.

2. Improper downspouts from eavestroughs. If you have a short downspout and all the melt or rainwater from your roof is being funneled down right next to your foundation walls, it usually finds a way to get into your basement. A simple remedy involves extending your downspouts to take the water further away from your home to an area where it can drain away.

I get lots of calls from people claiming the water in the basement is because their weeping tile is not working properly. Weeping tile is part of a system designed to help remove water that pools around the outside of the bottom of your foundation. It is definitely an asset in the fight against water but rarely the main reason for water problems.

If you don’t have a sump pit and are not making sure your surface water is moving away from your house you will be fighting a losing battle.

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by Tom Eremondi P H OTOS BY J E F F LYONS

A visit to the Flo-Essence showroom opens eyes to the company’s wide range of plumbing fixtures, fireplace and décor items.

The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association is pleased to introduce one of its newest members: Flo-Essence Plumbing, Hearth and Décor Ltd. “We mainly sell plumbing fixtures but we tend to specialize in the higher end,” reports Robyn Henke, Flo-Essence showroom manager and one of its four co-owners. As the name suggests, consumers can also find fireplace and décor items at the store, located at 122A Venture Crescent.

“Flo-Essence deals directly with builders and plumbers,” she adds, “but we also cater to the retail customer, especially those buying new homes. Builders will offer their standard packages but if customers want to upgrade, they can visit Flo-Essence where we can educate them about the products and when they should probably be spending more money to get a better, more durable product.

“Often it’s things that people just don’t think about,” Henke explains. “For example, people may be thinking of just having a hand shower in a tub. We work with them to make sure it’s what they really want because, once the tiles are on the wall, it’s really hard to change.”

At Flo-Essence, you can find fixtures from the more common and larger names like Moen, American Standard and Price-Pfister.

Henke says you can also find Canadian companies such as Riobel and Rubinet, which is from Montreal. “They have some very nice faucets, including one that has Swarovzki crystals in them. They can come in 21 different finishes and have a variety of accent pieces so you can customize your faucets and make them unique.”

Shower doors are another popular item at Flo-Essence, with Calgary-based Fleurco being one of the key brands. “We have everything from entry-level shower doors to doors that cost about $4,000,” Henke says.

She says this is just a smidgeon of what you can find at Flo-Essence. “Anything you could need for your bathroom or kitchen, we typically have it. We have a wide variety of styles so people can get a good idea what things will look like. If we don’t have it, we usually can find it with a little research.”

The company’s biggest asset may be personal service. “People come in here and when they’re done, they tend to be really happy because we spend time with them and educate

The Flo-Essence team extends personalized service to all customers.

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them on what and why they’re buying. Many customers say, ‘why didn’t somebody tell me that before?’”

That showroom is new to the company, Henke says, noting that Flo-Essence is connected to Aquifer, a well-known company that operates throughout the province. “Aquifer, the wholesale side of Flo-Essence, has been around for about 30 years but we opened the showroom just two and a half years ago.

With all of the building and renovating in the city, we found it was just something that was needed and a better way for people to see

many of the products we carry.”

Flo-Essence also works with consumers who may not have their own contractors.

“We have a few contractors that we can refer people to because we know they do fantastic work.”

Like the showroom on Venture Crescent, becoming a member of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association is also a recent occurrence, Henke says. “It adds to our reputation to be part of the association. People tend to trust companies or businesses that are members of an organization, especially one

so credible. When you deal with a member, you can have faith that you’re dealing with a reputable company.”

The association with the Home Builders began with Flo-Essence being at its annual HomeStyles show and just continued. “It’s a win for us, too. We want to be part of the industry and support growth in Saskatoon and Saskatchewan. Being part of the Home Builders helps everybody involved with FloEssence.”

For more information or to view more products, visit www.Flo-Essence.com . LS

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Sunrooms add joy to the season b y Bl a i r B r a i t e n b a c h P H OTOS COURTESY P ACI F IC H OME P RODUCTS

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Doug Goertzen, Pacific Home Products owner and president, has been installing sunrooms and screen rooms to houses for more than 20 years. While he says the room additions will often help to sell a home quicker – especially in a slower housing market – it’s the sheer joy one receives from these spaces that really make them satisfying.

“Once you have one of these rooms, you tend to use it almost all the time,” explains Goertzen. “It gives the home owner lots of pleasure and a feeling of being outside but with protection and will suit anyone’s lifestyle.

“It really does just change the way you live. You look forward to it. When you go home you can sit down and pour a glass of wine, read the newspaper or just sit there. A house always represents what you should be doing – like washing dishes or watching TV. Instead you can just hang out there for a while and it’s also a great place to entertain friends and family.”

Screen rooms are precisely what their name describes: three walls adjoining an existing home consisting of a fibre screen and an aluminium framework with the option for a roof. These rooms boast wonderful benefits

in terms of blocking out the sun and heavy winds while providing a barrier from annoying insects. A roof will offer greater usage, but a screen room won’t provide for significant warmth in cooler temperatures. “It’s a nice and handy spot to have,” says Goertzen.

Sunrooms, on the other hand, are more involved in their construction and will allow the home owner more time throughout the year to spend inside it. Typically sunrooms are designed for three-season use, usually extending from March until October. Like screen rooms, sunrooms consist of an aluminium framework. From this framework, sunrooms can be custom built to suit the home owner’s tastes.

Sliding doors and windows can be single and double glazed or insulated to provide better heat efficiency. To give more light to the room, a skylight or even glass roof can be added.

Goertzen says to create a year-round sunroom requires significantly more undertaking on both the home owners’ and installers’ ends.

There are different regulations and permits involved when designing a heat-generating sunroom – which increases the level of work and costs involved.

In the end, the design and style of any screen room or sunroom comes down to what

“ I t re a lly does just change the way you live…When y o u g o h o m e you can sit down and pour a glass of wine, re a d t h e n e w s p aper or just sit there .”

Doug Goertzen, Pacific Home Products the homeowner desires. Goertzen prides his business on its attention to detail and delivering what the customer wants.

“All rooms are custom made and designed to suit the conditions on site,” he says, noting sunrooms and screen rooms are virtually maintenance free.

Before home owners decide to add any such room to their house, Goertzen says they need to take a few things into consideration.

Questions to ask include how long one plans to live in the house, budget, how the room will be utilized and where the room will be placed on the house.

“You need to think about your lifestyle and how the product fits in that lifestyle,” Goertzen says. “Even when it comes to finishing, you need to decide if you’re going to go with simplicity in terms of furnishings and flooring. Everyone has different ideas for a home

and they need to know where they want to go with the product and how they intend to use it.”

Additionally, Goertzen recommends that home owners do their research. He says people need to understand who they’re dealing with, what their reputation is and whether a business is installing the rooms themselves or are contracting the work out. With Pacific Home Products, customers deal with Goertzen from point of purchase to finished product and it’s entirely his own employees who do the installation work.

“Customers only have to deal with one person at a time which is a nice bonus and a good feeling for the customer,” says Goertzen.

Like any housing investment, costs to install screen rooms and sunrooms vary, depending on what already exists on site and

what size, style and function home owners are looking for. Screen rooms range from $6,000$15,000 to install, while sunrooms range from $12,000 up to $35,000.

Goertzen says home owners can expect to get about half the money back they spend on any room addition when it’s put up for sale.

However, he adds that when considering the level of use and depreciation that comes with the purchase of say a hot tub, boat or car, screen rooms and sunrooms provide much more bang for one’s buck and last forever.

“You feel like you’re a little bit transported to somewhere else. Nobody ever put up one of these rooms and regretted it that I’ve heard and there’s good reason for that,” Goertzen says.

For more information or to book a showroom appointment, visit www.pacifichomeproducts.ca LS

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IN THE KITCHEN

b y H i l a r y Kl a s s e n P h o t o s b y J e ff Ly o n s

with

Barry Johnston It’s possible executive chef Barry Johnston should have his own TV show. The culinary virtuoso at the Moon Lake Golf and Country Club can whip up a dish almost before you can say, “let’s eat!” He says he’s very organized and the proof is definitely in the pudding, or in this case, the “Spicy Peanut Noodle Bowl.”

It was a mere blink from sizzling sauce to – voilà! – the completed bowl. The magic in his method includes preparing ingredients in advance.

The noodle bowl is Johnston’s own creation inspired by a little restaurant in Victoria he likes to frequent. But flights to that city were becoming a pricey indulgence, so he decided to create his own recipe. “The peanut sauce is just amazing, people just drink this stuff,” he says.

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Johnston is into his sixth season as executive chef at Moon Lake. Since opening in 1990, the scenic 27-hole course has become an area favourite. “The best thing about working out here is everybody’s in a really good mood.

In most restaurants you deal with different types of people but out here everybody’s off work and looking to relax, so the clientele is really great,” he says. He’s taken advantage of complimentary golf and has polished up his game. “I always said I wanted to be just as good as the clowns I golf with,” he laughs.

“But working at a golf course you might as well get good at golf and I’ve managed to do quite well.”

Even so, the main magic happens in the kitchen. With 26 years as a chef, Johnston started young and never looked back. “I

was making Kraft dinner on my own when I was nine years old and when I was in Grade 10, I got my first job as a cook.” Johnston is a Saskatoon native but got his education in Calgary. He spent many years gaining valuable experience in some of the city’s most vibrant establishments before rediscovering his Saskatchewan home in 2004. He is a Red Seal Certified Journeyman and graduate of the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) culinary arts program.

The dishes in this feature are some of Johnston’s favourites. He has full reign over the menu which he says is another great perk of being a chef at Moon Lake. “So I just create whatever I like, and I choose the menus, for example, for the men’s and ladies’ nights. It’s such a creative outlet, it’s just my release. It allows me to create and do things my own way. Some people are fortunate enough to be musicians or writers and this is my creative outlet. I’m fortunate enough to have this freedom,” says Johnston.

The Mini Macs with poutine are a crowd pleaser, and if they disappeared from the menu, he says all havoc would break loose.

He has a passion for Chinese, Vietnamese and

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Thai cuisine. The Vietnamese Charbroiled Pork Banh Mi is one of those menu items he includes partly because he eats there too and it can be hard to find in the city. Johnston says the Coconut Crusted Prawns with Tropical Salsa are always the first thing to disappear at a dinner party. Try switching out the coconut for ground Rice Krispies for a really nice texture on the outside. “I call them Krispy Shrimp,” he says.

The pub style menu at Moon Lake Golf Course Restaurant has drawn increasing traffic in recent years. The course is packed on Wednesdays for ladies’ night. Over 200 ladies come out for “Nine with Wine,” which offers a banquet and complimentary glass of wine following nine holes. “A ladies league that began with 40 – 50 ladies, is now sold out every week, rain or shine and I’m pretty proud of that,” says Johnston. Men’s nights are also popular.

When the new season rolls around Johnston likes to create new menu items. “I always try to do something different and something that stands apart from the year before.”

Moon Lake hosts many corporate golf tournaments as well as weddings. “My first year here they had one or two weddings booked and over the past few years it’s just kind of exploded through word of mouth,” he says. People are attracted not only to the outdoor setting but the “nice casual environment.”

Activity at the Moon Lake Restaurant and Patio was up 34 per cent last year and continued growth is anticipated this year.

Johnston attributes that in part to the opening of the Circle Drive south bridge last year.

But there’s another reason. Having built a solid reputation over the past five seasons, Chef Barry Johnston says it is now common knowledge that Moon Lake is not just for golfers. Perhaps the bridge has made it more accessible, but the restaurant has gained a loyal following.

When the snow starts to fall and the golf season comes to an end, Chef Barry gets a four-month, much needed break. It’s a time to recoup, visit some beaches in warmer climes, or maybe take a trip with Moon Lake management, like the one last October to Pinehurst, NC where the US Open will be held this year.

“It’s great to have thousands of golfers come out here every year, and have that opportunity to feed so many different people my tastes for food.” Disputing Bart Simpson, Chef Barry says, “As it turns out, you can win friends with salad,” or in this case, with delectable pub food in the relaxed atmosphere of the Moon Lake Golf and Country Club. LS

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COCONUT CRUSTED PRAWNS WITH TROPICAL SALSA 12 large prawns (peeled and deveined, tails on) 2 cups ice cold water 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. sea salt 1 egg white 2 cups unsweetened coconut 2.5 cups flour Combine ice water with baking powder, salt, egg white and flour. Batter should be slightly thicker than pancake batter consistency. Spread coconut on a large plate or baking tray.

Dab prawns with paper towel to ensure batter will adhere. Dip prawns into batter, shaking off excess. Drop battered prawns on to coconut to coat both sides evenly.

Using a deep pot (or preferably a deep fryer) heat canola or vegetable oil to 350° F. Holding by the tails, gently immerse prawns into hot oil and cook for 2.5 – 3.5 minutes until golden brown and cooked throughout.

TROPICAL SALSA 1/2 cup apricot jam 1 fresh ripe mango, diced small 2 Tbsp. red bell pepper, diced small 2 Tbsp. red onion, diced small 1/2 tsp. fresh jalapeno, minced fine 1 Tbsp. cilantro, minced fine 1 Tbsp. fresh lime juice

VIETNAMESE CHARBROILED PORK TENDERLOIN BANH MI Vietnamese baguette sandwiches, called Banh Mi, are a delicious alternative to the regular sub sandwiches we all know. The uniqueness of these sandwiches not only lies within the French style baguette, but also the flavor packed savoury Vietnamese fillings.

2 pork tenderloins, sliced thinly and marinated Marinade: 2 Tbsp. minced shallot 2 Tbsp. minced garlic 4 Tbsp. minced lemongrass 2 Tbsp. fish sauce 2 Tbsp. sesame oil 4 oz. Hoisin sauce 4 French-style crusty baguettes Julienne cucumber Cilantro, leaves and stems Pickled carrot & Daikon radish (see recipe at right) Chili lime mayo (see recipe at right)

Marinate pork for a few hours or overnight. Charbroil over medium high heat, allowing sugars to carmelize and create a slight crust on the pork.

Slice baguette and assemble beginning with pork, pickled veggies, cucumber , cilantro and a generous layer of chili lime mayo.

PICKLED CARROT AND DAIKON RADISH 4 oz each carrot and daikon radish julienne 1/2 cup rice vinegar 1/2 cup water 1/8 cup white sugar 1 tsp. salt

Combine water, vinegar, sugar and salt until sugar is fully dissolved. Pour over veggies and allow to pickle at room temperature for one hour.

CHILI LIME MAYO 1/2 cup mayo 1 tsp. sriracha hot sauce 1 tsp. fresh lime juice

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SPICY PEANUT NOODLE BOWL

MINI MACS A fun take on the classic burger. These little guys are popular with people of all ages, but the kids especially love these bite sized morsels.

Yields 24 burgers

1.5 lb. lean ground beef, seasoned to your liking Shredded iceberg lettuce Minced white onion Thinly sliced dill pickles 24 American cheese slices, cut to 1 by 1 inch squares

SPECIAL SAUCE 1/2 cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. French dressing 4 tsp. sweet green relish 1 Tbsp. minced white onion 1 tsp. white vinegar 1 tsp. sugar ¼ tsp. salt

MINI MAC BUNS 2.5 – 3 cups flour 1 package dry yeast ½ cup milk ½ cup water ¼ cup vegetable oil 1/8 cup sugar 1 tsp. salt Sesame seeds Combine flour and yeast.

In a separate bowl, gently heat milk, water, oil, sugar and salt until lukewarm.

Combine wet ingredients with flour mixture. Knead to form a soft dough. Allow to rest covered for 30 minutes.

Shape into small buns about the size of a toonie. Place on a baking sheet. Brush with beaten egg wash and sprinkle generously with sesame seeds. Cover loosely with plastic wrap and allow to rise until doubled in size, about 1 hour. Bake at 350°F. for 12 – 14 minutes or until golden brown.

Form ground beef into 1 oz. patties and cook thoroughly. Assemble the all-beef patties with special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles , onions, on the tiny sesame seed buns.

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8 oz. ribbon-style rice noodles, cooked according to package directions 4 oz. each chicken breast & shrimp 1 red bell pepper, julienned Baby bok choy, roughly chopped 2 stalks slivered green onion 2 cups fresh bean sprouts 1/4 cup roasted crushed peanuts Fresh cilantro, basil or mint Fresh lime wedges 4 Tbsp. cold-pressed virgin coconut oil

INDONESIAN STYLE PEANUT SAUCE 1 – 400 ml. can coconut milk 1 cup chunky peanut butter 3 Tbsp. fish sauce 4 Tbsp.fresh squeezed lime juice 1 Tbsp. chili garlic sauce (Sambal) 3 Tbsp. fresh minced ginger 3 Tbsp. soy sauce 1/4 cup minced cilantro Combine all sauce ingredients. Refrigerate for 2 hours or more to allow flavors to blend. Taste to adjust heat and seasoning. In a hot pan, sauté meats, in coconut oil, add veggies and sauté for 1 minute more. Add sauce and bring to a simmer. Add cooked noodles, and heat throughout. Top noodles with sprouts, green onion, crushed peanuts, cilantro and lime wedges.

Note: this sauce is so delicious a double recipe is recommended to ensure noodles are very saucy!

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Q. What are, and how can I avoid common building blunders?

A. The kitchen is the hub of the home where friends and family congregate on a daily basis. Aside from being the busiest room, it can also create the most value for your home. Starting a new build or renovation project for this area can be a daunting task. As a cabinet company, we are well accustomed to the good, the bad and the ugly of construction projects. We are here to give you a bit of insight on what to avoid during your next project.

1. Assuming it’s cheaper to do it yourself In most cases, the work is best left up to the professionals in order to meet industry standards and to save you both money and time in the long run that can be better spent enjoying your new space. It is important to set a realistic budget for your project right from the beginning and incorporate the labor of trades into that allowance.

By doing this you will eliminate the stress of your finances as well as compromising the quality of work being done. By hiring professionals you can rest assured that the proper tools and materials are being used to produce a long-lasting product.

2. Misunderstanding the roles of the trades Aside from just hiring professionals to do the work on your project, it is crucial to hire the right trade for the job. Although it is convenient to have one company or person working on the entire project, depending on the size, it may be beneficial to hire a separate electrician, plumber, finisher and contractor. If working on a large scale project, having a contractor can be extremely valuable as they will be able to organize all the trades as well as be on site to review any issues that may come up – taking a huge weight off the home owner’s shoulders.

3. Vision without action is a day dream; action without vision is a nightmare Before any work has begun, it is essential to have a clear vision of what you would like the end result of your project to be. This is where the help of designers can be a huge asset in order to bring your vision to life. Research different styles and trends that you are drawn to and create vision boards to help communicate your ideas. Ideally, you want to confirm everything prior to construction as changes after plans are finalized can result in time delays, added costs as well as result in miscommunication and errors being made.

Every project is unique and comes with its own set of challenges and obstacles to overcome. Should any difficulties arise, remember to remain calm and communicate with the professionals you have hired as any problem has a solution.

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