Fall 2015 at HOME Victoria

VICTORIA VIBE DANA HUTCHINGS

CHEF AT HOME DAN HAYES

INTERIOR DESIGN JENNY MARTIN

at HOME VICTORIA

feature home

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MODERN UTOPIA

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INTERIOR by design

It is amazing what happens when an innovative company like Easy Installations teams up with a creative designer to renovate a family kitchen using IKEA catalogue products. This is a game changer that will make homeowners rethink how they redesign (and budget for) that new dream kitchen.

AH

FALL ISSUE This special edition of atHOME Victoria connects readers with West Coast design, decor and real estate. We’ve got the best in custom homes, emerging interior design trends, affordable DIY ideas, and of course, seasonal food, travel and luxury lifestyle features.

2

COVER STORY

p.18

FEATURE HOME Modern homes are popping up all over Uplands, but no one is building it quite like Ian Roberts.

This contemporary feature home is all about compression and release.

VICTORIA VIBE DANA HUTCHINGS

CHEF AT HOME DAN HAYES

INTERIOR DESIGN JENNY MARTIN

at HOME VICTORIA

feature home

UPLANDS

MODERN UTOPIA

INTERIOR BY DESIGN:

IKEA KITCHEN

Fall!

REAL ESTATE GUIDE

HOMES FOR SALE CUSTOM BUILDERS HOMEOWNERS GUIDE TO SELLING FOR MORE

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contents

4

CONTRIBUTORS

6

EDITOR’S MESSAGE

8

RIGHT AT HOME

12

EDITOR’S PICKS

14

VICTORIA VIBE

16

FEATURE HOME

18

CITY STYLE

30

CHEF AT HOME

34

HOME FASHION

38

INTERIOR BY: DESIGN

42

GADGETS & OTHER GOOD STUFF

48

VICTORIA REAL ESTATE

50

TRAVELLING EDITOR

64

THE ARTFUL HOME

68

COLOUR YOUR WORLD

72

ENTERTAIN WITH DOROTHY

74

TRAVEL CLOSE TO HOME

76

CELEBRITY AT HOME

78

ARCHITECTURAL WONDERS

80

SEA STAR ESTATE FARM & VINEYARD

40

Join us on a seasonally scenic wine journey to Pender Island, where we get a firsthand look at what’s happening at this up and coming, award winning 26-acre winery. by: Stuart Brown

STAGING YOUR HOME TO SELL

60

From the moment you decide to sell your home, you need to look at it through the buyers’ eyes. AHV is sharing five proven low cost ideas that offer the highest return on investment. by: Jane Cross

FUNCTIONALLY FAB WALK-IN CLOSET

66

If you are obsessed with fashion and footwear like our resident interior designer is, Jenny shows us how to create the perfect walk-in closet, just in time for fall renovation season. by: Jenny Martin

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contributors DESIGNER JENNY MARTIN

CHEF DAN HAYES

WINE EXPERT STUART BROWN

is one of Vancouver Island’s premier interior designers, and a name synonymous with timeless interiors and truly functional spaces.

She owns and manages Victoria based firm, Jenny Martin Design.

is the owner of The London Chef in Victoria. Chef Dan combines classical French training and a love of rustic Mediterranean cuisine and seafood cookery to create outstanding dishes, memorable events and cookery lessons.

FUNCTIONAL CLOSET

COQ AU VIN

p.66

p.34

is a Victoria based certified Sommelier and regarded wine expert. Stuart spends his time educating others about wine around the world, and is an instructor for the International Sommelier Guild on Vancouver Island.

ART LOVER EMILY DOBBY is an art professional with commercial gallery and museum experience. Emily first fell in love with Victoria while completing a History in Art Master’s degree at UVic, and is now a loyal transplant.

HOSTESS DOROTHY HAWES grew up in a family of 12 and has been used to large gatherings since she took her first step. Dorothy is passionate about entertaining at home and is the energy behind her online blog Any Excuse For a Party.

SEA STAR VINEYARDS

ARTIST RICHARD MENARD

APPLE HARVEST

p.40

p.68

p.74

AHV WELCOMES DANA HUTCHINGS Dana is proud to call Victoria home. Her family has been here for 5 generations. She is an award winning journalist and Assistant News Director at CHEK News

VICTORIA VIBE

p.16

AH

6

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IT IS WONDERFUL to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw.

– EMILY CARR

A

utumn feels that way on Vancouver Island; raw and moody and yes, grand. Emily Carr knew our city well, and so does our newest columnist, Dana Hutchings. A fifth generation Victorian, I have rarely met someone who is so passionate about our city, our island, our home.

In each issue of atHOME Victoria, Dana will share her musings on the awesomeness (and sometimes the awkwardness) that comes with living in Victoria [Victoria Vibe, page 16].

So many local delights for you in this issue!

Our feature home, Uplands Utopia, takes contemporary home design to a very different place, fusing nature with modernity [Feature Home, page 18]. Our fall featured interior takes a look at how one company is customizing IKEA kitchens, and creating designer spaces for local homeowners. You’d never know this dream kitchen was flat packed [Interior by Design, page 42]. Also in this issue, we have a very special fall Real Estate feature. Whether you are renovating to sell or looking to buy your dream home, AHV has fourteen pages of information to get you on the right path [Real Estate in Victoria, page 50].

In AHV’s living local segment, we are taking a look around the newly redesigned Natuzzi Italia Gallery inside Modern Living Furniture. So stunning—you won’t want to miss this [City Style, page 30].

Of course, we haven’t forgotten design and décor!

Resident interior design expert Jenny Martin shows you how to create a functional (and beautiful) walk-in closet [Design with Jenny Martin, page 66], Ben Brannen is talking designer wallpaper [Colour Your World, page 72], and I’ve rounded up my favourite floor lamps for fall [Editor’s Picks, page 14].

Wine expert Stuart Brown is transporting us to Pender Island for an exclusive look at Sea Star Vineyards [The Wine List, page 40], and chef extraordinaire Dan Hayes treats local media to his take on Coq Au Vin [Chef at Home, page 34].

And we are going places too! I’ll share my experience at a very special and secluded wellness resort in Mexico [The Travelling Editor, page 64] and we take a road trip to Tofino and review Pacific Sands Beach Resort [Close to Home Travel, page 76] This is your local home magazine, Victoria! Whether you are planning a vacation, a move or a renovation, we’ve filled the pages with features to get your fall season off to a great start. As always, thank you for spending time with us. I love sharing our HOME with you.

It’s good to be home,

Tracey Drake, EDITOR IN CHIEF editor@atHOMEvictoria.com AH

8

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DON BASTIAN at HOME VICTORIA

PUBLISHER GLOSSY MEDIA EDITOR IN CHIEF | CREATIVE DIRECTOR TRACEY DRAKE SALES & CIRCULATION DIRECTOR STEVE DRAKE MAGAZINE DESIGNER GREG SZABO PRODUCTION GRACIE ANDOQUE JOSIE SALDAT EDITORIAL BEN BRANNEN STUART BROWN JANE CROSS EMILY DOBBY STEVE DRAKE TRACEY DRAKE DOROTHY HAWES DAN HAYES DANA HUTCHINGS STEPHANIE LEWIS JENNY MARTIN CREATIVE | PHOTOGRAPHY ROBERT BAGANZ STEVE DRAKE DANA HUTCHINGS ANTONIO LA FAUCI SHANNON LEE RAE DEBBIE STEEPER REBECCA WELLMAN ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES 250.595.7870 | sales@atHOMEvictoria.com | atHOMEvictoria.com Published by: Glossy Media All rights reserved. No part of atHOME Victoria magazine may be copied or reproduced without permission. Call Glossy Media 250-595-7870

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10

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atHOME Victoria magazine is proudly produced in Canada Canada Post Publication Agreement #42520516 © COPYRIGHT atHOME VICTORIA MAGAZINE | GLOSSY MEDIA 2014-2015

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his local photograph, titled Night Bean, was taken in downtown Victoria, just before midnight on September 10, 2014.

CONGRATULATIONS Radhika Khan was the winner of a framed print of AHV’s July/August issue, titled Gumball Dispensary.

AH

WHERE WAS THIS PHOTO TAKEN? Tell us where it is (enter on our website at atHOMEvictoria.com), and one lucky winner will win a custom framed print, courtesy of The Print Lab.

12

NIGHT BEAN “Chinatown was one of my favourite spots to come and take photos in Victoria. There’s always something happening here during the day and at night it’s no different. But when the sun goes down the textures, colours and lights take on another personality and this location was one of my favourite establishments to photograph!”

- Robert Baganz, photographer

AHV WANTS TO FEATURE YOUR LOCAL PHOTOGRAPH! Send an email to editor@atHOMEvictoria.com for details on how to submit your Victoria photography.

atHOME Victoria

editor’s PICKS STANDING ROOM ONLY

LITE SOURCE PARVATI Looking for something exotic? The Parvati floor lamp is a kayak-inspired amber organza shade design with an antique brass base. 56” tall.

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RETRO DIRECTEUR Add a hint of old world Hollywood to your décor with this bronze metal floor lamp. Height varies by adjusting the legs.

48” to 60” tall.

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REN-WIL DORSET Designed to be dramatically modern, this floor lamp was created by Jonathan Wilner in retro nickel wire with white drum shade. 61” tall.

Hudson’s Bay, $749.00

CHESTER TANGERINE One light tangerine orange and polished nickel floor lamp offers up a touch of brightness in one of this year’s hottest colours. 67” tall.

Illuminations $577.00

WEST COAST NATURAL Elegant but natural best describes this coastally inspired floor lamp, made of wood with a linen look oversized lamp shade. 65” tall.

Pine Lighting, $2,012.80

AH

AESTHETICALLY GROUNDED Floor lamps are a functional, versatile and stylish way to introduce lighting into a space. Instead of standing out, choose a floor design that blends in with the decor..

14

VICTORIA VIBE WITH DANA HUTCHINGS

I

have a friend who lives on the Lower Mainland who refers to Victoria as the hamlet.

It’s said with affection. Sort of. There is a little snicker in his voice. I hear it. I can feel the pat on the head. Yep it’s condescending. “Awwww little Victoria.”

The definition of hamlet: a small settlement, generally one smaller than a village; a community.

Many who live in Vancouver seem to share that opinion of Victoria.

Let’s talk about the clichés: home of the newlywed and nearly dead, government town, hippy town.

Victoria is often seen as the little sister to Vancouver, if you will. The little relaxed laid-back sister. I can’t count the number of yoga pant styling, Birkenstock wearing references I have heard. I laugh and smile of course.

We Victorians are polite like that.

16

This is my town. I am one of the proudest Victorians there is. My family has been here for 5 generations.

My great-great grandparents were here as Victoria became a city. I try not to get my back up when I hear patronizing comments about the place I love.

So rather than being offended, today I am officially reclaiming the word hamlet.

Think about it, one of the definitions is: “community” and there is no question we have figured that out in spades. This community, this hamlet, comes together when there is need. Every year I participate in charitable walks, events and fundraisers, and every year more people come out to support the causes and we raise record breaking amounts of money.

This community, this hamlet, rallies like nowhere else. Whether it is a bottle drive for a family in need, or a blood drive to help sick children, put out the call in Victoria and compassion responses. That is community and that is special.

Let’s talk about the festivals; this is when our hamlet comes alive. From the Victoria Dragon Boat Festival in the summer, to the Festival of Trees in the winter, just to name two! Year round, hundreds of Victorians put in thousands of volunteer hours so we can celebrate what we have… diversity, culture, creativity, happiness.

Of course we have to mention the beauty of where we live. Think about the stunning vistas of the Olympic Mountains as you run along Dallas Road or the energy and buzz of our beautifully iconic Inner Harbour. If you know me you know that the Ogden Point Breakwater is simply my favourite place in the world. No, it isn’t Vancouver’s Sea Wall but it’s special and it is ours.

We may not be big city dwellers, we don’t have to be; we have found Utopia.

Dana Hutchings is proud to call Victoria home. A fifth generation Victorian, Dana is an award winning journalist and Assistant News Director at CHEK News.

I saw a bumper sticker recently that read, “Relax this isn’t the Mainland”, and it isn’t, but we can (and we should) celebrate what we have.

So who has the last laugh? Now I smile when I hear hamlet, especially when I’m driving to work.

Me on my six minute commute, my friend on the Mainland on his an hour long drive... each way! Six minute commute, twelve minutes per day. All told, that is just one hour a week of commuting time.

But I may take longer this week; I need stop and buy some Birkenstocks on my way. We have a myth to perpetuate!

AH

atHOME Victoria

FEATURE home

MODERN UTOPIA Reimagining what luxury looks like in Uplands

I

BY: TRACEY DRAKE

used to wince a little every time I drove through Uplands and saw yet another vintage house being torn down to make way for a modern monstrosity.

The truth is that most are not monstrosities at all; I just have a true love for character homes. Then one day, I came across this vision on Norfolk Road that yes, is very modern, but is completely at peace with its neighbourhood. It certainly stands out on its prominent corner, and yet works perfectly with its magnificent surroundings. So, I set out to learn more about this house, who built it and made it a mission to track down the builder so we could feature this stunning home in this issue of atHOME Victoria magazine.

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BUILDER: FLASHHOUSE INC./IAN ROBERTS HOME DESIGNER: IAN ROBERTS INTERIOR DESIGNER: NYGAARD INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHER: DEBBIE STEEPER

atHOME Victoria

FEATURE home

A

tired 1940s bungalow on an overgrown lot existed before Ian Roberts, principal and lead designer of FLASHhouse Inc., brought his skill and imagination to the project. His clients, a couple who had previously lived in the same home for 30 years, purchased it as the idyllic spot to build their retirement home.

20

Ian Roberts has a Master of Architecture degree and is an LEED accredited professional. His designs are modern, fresh, and intuitive. He has a great eye for stylish detail, which could be partly attributed to his former career as a fashion photographer. Roberts is a believer in the intrinsic synergy of design and construction, and he constantly uses this unified approach to produce thoughtfully considered and perfectly designed structures, which always focus on the needs of the client. His company website

(flashhouse.ca) boldly states “It is not enough to draw.

You need to make it too.” It is one of the many reasons this Uplands project was such a huge success.

The exterior of the home is modern, constructed of white stucco, concrete, galvalume, balau wood and gorgeous veined marble that was carefully chosen at and expertly installed by Matrix Marble to resemble a God’s Eye, on each side of the massive double white entry doors.

The xeriscape style landscape is minimal, keeping all eyes on the house. The entry side of the home is long, lean and very sleek with glass paned triple car garage at one end and a glass encased dining room at the other that cantilevers out onto the front yard. It was the inside/outside design of the dining room that captivated me the first time I drove past this home.

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FEATURE home

B

uilt on a 19,000 square foot corner lot, this one-level home is definitely inspired by California living, with its unique features, airy spaces and many windows.

Within the 4,200 square foot home, there are two bedrooms, den/office, two and one half bathrooms, centre plan kitchen, living room, dining room and spacious outdoor living space. Sounds simple, right? It’s not! The design is actually quite genius.

For Roberts, the challenge was to create a home that addressed his clients’ desire for a large, open plan living space and respected their need for personal privacy. Not an easy task in a home where floor-to-ceiling glass windows are everywhere and walls are hard to come by.

The solution? Roberts used compression and release between the spaces. The home has a public and a private itinerary, designed expertly to give his clients what they wanted in their forever home.

22

It was all about bringing transparency from the garden into the home.

Compression and release is a change in the experience of space by a physical spatial impact upon the senses. Roberts used the walled entry hallway as the first point of compression, which releases as you enter the open and wide open main living spaces. The same technique was used in the hallway leading to the master suite. The compressed walled areas also do a great job dividing the private and public spaces. And unless someone told you what it was, you would not be able to put your finger on it. But you would feel it, and it works—brilliantly.

of Katherine Hepburn—one of several in the home by acclaimed local artist Myfanwy Pavelic. The side entry hallways feel cozy (think compression). To the right, the hallway leads into the glass dining space, and to the left it opens up into the living room and kitchen spaces (think release).

As you enter the home through the impressive front doors, you are immediately drawn into an entry hallway that is eight inches wider than an average hallway, and decorated with a playful bronze statue and a painting

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FEATURE home

I

n the main living space, the only real wall is the fireplace feature wall with the concealed television cabinet above.

This wall is important as it creates the structure for the hidden master retreat behind it. The rest of the space is flanked by glass walls; the backyard haven to the left and the front terrace to the right.

The kitchen sits in the middle—elegantly modern, perfectly put together.

There is a second corridor that is glassed entirely on one side to the backyard and leads off to the private office/den, guest bedroom with stylish guest bathroom, mudroom and ending at the entry door to the garage.

There is an intentional and clever use of white in this house. White walls, white kitchen countertops, white exterior. It allows your eye to immediately wander to the features that Roberts designed with intention, and to appreciate what is beyond the doors and windows of this home— Mother Nature.

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“This home maximizes privacy while providing complete transparency.”

- Ian Roberts

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FEATURE home

T

o create drama, comfort and functional finesse, Roberts called upon veteran interior designer Sandy Nygaard. The home’s colour palette and design choices are spot on in this residence, and that is testament to Nygaard’s innate ability to understand a structure and complement its architectural design, rather than competing with it.

The backyard has a north/south orientation, and so from May to Winter solstice, the homeowners always have a choice between shade and sun. With access from the master bedroom or the living room, the patio features several seating areas, a cooking area and a bar, making it the perfect outdoor living space.

Beyond the patio, the natural terrain has been partly left untouched, bringing trees, grass and plants into the experience.

26

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FEATURE home

QA &

with: IAN ROBERTS

Principal and Lead Designer for FLASHhouse Inc.

AHV: Did the homeowner have a specific vision for the home’s design?

IR: The owners requested a barrier free, one level home that needed to be a clean and modern living space. In most regards, they gave me carte blanche to design their home, which was a big vote of confidence. I am pleased to say that they are very happy with the result.

AHV: How did the location influence or challenge the design of the home?

28

IR: The property is on fairly prominent corner of Uplands and has traffic on two sides. The home was designed to maximize privacy while still

giving transparency from front to back and allowing the threshold between outside and in to be readily removed.

AHV: How did your design philosophies influence this custom home project?

IR: Given that I was allowed creative freedom within the owners requirements, my design philosophies were given good representation: choosing three standout architectural moments - the glazing, the book matched marble “God’s eyes” and the front doors—and then allowing the rest of the project be quieter.

Concept.Makers.

We know Modern. It’s all we do.

Ian Roberts M.Arch,LEED-AP, IA-AIBC T: 250.920.6353 ian@flashhouse.ca www.flashhouse.ca

atHOME Victoria

CITY STYLE PHOTOGRAPHY: DEBBIE STEEPER EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATHOME VICTORIA MAGAZINE BY: TRACEY DRAKE

A MODERN APPROACH TO WEST COAST LIVING

MODERN LIVING BRINGS ITALIAN ELEGANCE TO VICTORIA

S

ince 2009, Modern Living has been located inside a magnificent 1912 character building at 1630 Store Street, in the heart of Victoria’s vibrant design district. Known for their fresh approach to contemporary West Coast furnishings, the team at Modern Living has always had a vision to provide simplicity, subtle sophistication and clean lines to help define Victoria’s living spaces. Recently, the main floor of the Modern Living showroom was completely transformed into an elegant Natuzzi Italia Gallery. It is magnificent. Walking through the doors, you instantly feel at ease, and yet your design senses start tingling with all the possibilities.

Natuzzi is the leading manufacturer of contemporary furniture, and every piece of the Italia collection is made in Italy. Modern Living offers the Total Living Collection—Natuzzi Italia sofas and armchairs are enriched by a selection of home furnishings (leathers and fine fabrics), lamps, accessories and accent pieces that evoke an immediate feeling of understated elegance.

30

Parm and Tasmin Dodd, owners of Modern Living (part of the Standard Furniture Group) believe that modern interiors do not need to be cold and minimal. In fact, today’s contemporary interiors can be comfortable, welcoming and livable, without feeling dark or overdone. Looking around the new Natuzzi Italia gallery, a stunning space where heritage meets modern; reclaimed brick and exposed beams share a space harmoniously with Italian leather and chrome details, they are right!

The professional team at Modern Living are known for their friendly expertise, always willing to work collaboratively with the client to ensure the end result is a space that is as unique as the home they are furnishing, without sacrificing quality or style.

It’s so true that a home should reflect the personality and lifestyle of the homeowners. With the addition of the Natuzzi Italia Gallery, it is clear that Modern Living understands how West Coasters want to live.

“Canada has always been a very receptive market for us. Being a European Brand made in Italy we find Canadian tastes to be sophisticated and very much in harmony with the contemporary style and quality total living concept Natuzzi Italia offers.

Victoria is exceptional; it has such a rich history from the native Coast Salish First Nations having settled the area thousands of years ago, all the way up to the British settlements first established in 1843, and the second oldest China Town in North America. All of this makes for fertile ground for a rich architecture and diverse style constantly evolving and aided by Victoria being a capital city and international tourist destination. We feel it a perfect place to fly the Natuzzi Italia flag and consider ourselves fortunate to work with Modern Living owned by an established Victorian family with roots planted firmly in real estate and furniture for decades.”

- Christopher Philips, Natuzzi Italia Brand Manager the Americas

MODERN LIVING | 1630 STORE STREET | MLIVING.CA

AH

atHOME Victoria

A PEEK INSIDE THE NATUZZI ITALIA GALLERY AT MODERN LIVING, 1630 STORE ST., VICTORIA

NATUZZI WHERE IDEAS BECAME REALITY

P

asquale Natuzzi, founder of the Natuzzi Group, was very young when he started his career. The son of a cabinet-maker, at just 19 years of age he opened a workshop in Taranto, Italy, producing sofas and armchairs for the local market. Later, in 1985, he took the leap to North America and Natuzzi Upholstery Inc. was established to service the USA and Canada.

Today, Pasquale Natuzzi continues to work with the same passion and creativity and in 2008, he was the first international honouree to be inducted into the American Furniture Hall of Fame.

Today, the Natuzzi Italia collection has expanded from sofas and armchairs to include a modern range of home products including bedroom furniture, unique lighting, luxury rugs, and

32

beautiful home accessories like pillows and throws. Everything that Natuzzi sells is designed to bring happiness through beauty and relaxation.

“Home is where the heart is.

It is a sanctuary for feelings, affection and intimacy. A place to return to, a safe harbour, a comfortable nest for ourselves and our family.

I have dedicated my life to the home and its central role, pursuing an ideal of harmony that over the years has defined the Natuzzi style around the world: an environment where every element, shape and colour expresses beauty in itself and is perfectly in tune with all that surrounds it. This idea has inspired every one of our models, at every point in their creation: from the sketches made in the Style Centre to the selection of leather, wood and fabrics, from the innovations aimed at improving comfort and the assistance offered in our stores right through to the moment of delivery to your home.�

- Pasquale Natuzzi

Italy, Puglia.

www.na tu zzi.co m

blends function and design to create of perfect harmony. conceivedNatuzzi to makeblends us feelfunction good and surround beauty. and designus towith create

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t us and create a 3D model of your new living room. We look forward to seeing you. tore. Address address address address - tel: 000000 - emailxxxx Come Comevisit visitus usand andcreate createaa3D 3Dmodel modelofofyour yournew newliving livingroom. room.We Welook lookforward forwardtotoseeing seeingyou. you.

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1630 Store Street | 250.360.1238 | mliving.ca

CHEF AT HOME BY: DAN HAYES | THE LONDON CHEF

PHOTOGRAPHER: REBECCA WELLMAN PHOTOGRAPHY EXCLUSIVELY FOR ATHOME VICTORIA

Coq au

34

Vin

P

ossibly the most famous of all French poultry dishes, Coq Au Vin is a casserole of chicken in red wine with onions, mushrooms and bacon. Julia Child brought this rustic dish to North American households in 1964 on her television series The French Chef. With its rich red wine sauce and a hint of brandy, Chef Dan Hayes brings his interpretation of this easy to make dish to your home. Perfect for a dinner party or pot luck, Coq Au Vin can be made ahead of time, and in fact it often tastes better the next day, once the ingredients have had a chance to spend the night together.

INGREDIENTS:

|

SERVES 6

• 12 PIECES OF BONELESS, SKINLESS CHICKEN THIGHS • 2 LARGE YELLOW ONIONS, SLICED • ½ CUP DOUBLE SMOKED BACON • ½ CUP PEARL ONIONS

• 1 CUP QUARTERED CREMINI MUSHROOMS • 750 ML RED WINE • ¼ CUP BRANDY

• 1 CUP CRUSHED TOMATOES • 5 SPRIGS OF THYME • 2 BAY LEAVES

• 1 HEAD GARLIC, CUT IN HALF • 2 CUPS WATER

• SALT & PEPPER TO TASTE

• ½ CUP BEURRE MANIE (BUTTER AND FLOUR MIXED)

METHOD: • BROWN THE DOUBLE SMOKED BACON IN A CASSEROLE DISH THAT CAN BE TRANSFERRED FROM STOVE TOP TO OVEN. • FRY BOTH TYPES OF ONIONS & MUSHROOMS IN THE SAME PAN, AND SAUTE UNTIL TRANSLUCENT, ADD IN THE HERBS AND DEGLAZE THE PAN WITH HALF A BOTTLE OF RED WINE & BRANDY, SCRAPING WITH A WOODEN SPOON. • PLACE THE CHICKEN THIGHS INTO THIS MIXTURE.

• COVER DISH TIGHTLY WITH TINFOIL OR LID. BAKE IN A 400 DEGREE OVEN FOR 1 HOUR, UNTIL THE CHICKEN IS VERY TENDER.

• CAREFULLY REMOVE CHICKEN FROM LIQUID ONTO SERVING PLATTER. OVER A LOW, HEAT WHISK BEURRE MANIE INTO THE LIQUID. POUR OVER CHICKEN AND SERVE WITH CRUSTY WHITE BREAD!

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SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR LUNCH GUESTS: DANA HUTCHINGS (CHEK), TANYA SMITH (CHEK), KAREN ELGERSMA (SHAW), LACEY SHEARDOWN (USEDEVERYWHERE), NICOLE MACKINNON (DELTA OCEAN POINTE), AND DEBBIE STEEPER.

D E S I G N Would you like your home to be tailored with...

Farrow and Ball Paint & Wallpaper Lighting, Bedding, & Accessories Hickory Chair Home Furnishings

WINE PAIRING:

1844 – Oak Bay Avenue Victoria, B.C. 250.298.1105 www.bespokedesign.ca

• AHV CHOSE TO PAIR OUR DELICIOUS LUNCH WITH A VANCOUVER ISLAND FAVOURITE. AVERILL CREEK PINOT NOIR 2011 IS DELICATE BUT INTENSE, ELEGANT YET EARTHY AND PAIRS PERFECTLY WITH COQ AU VIN.

MowTime SPRING, SUMMER AND FALL MAINTENANCE

AH

WATCH CHEF DAN COOK THIS DISH Go to atHOMEvictoria.com for the extended version including AHV’s behind-the-scenes photos & video.

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Full landscaping service Lawn cutting & trimming Pruning & Hedge trimming Weeding Debris & Rubbish removal Soils & bark mulch deliveries Sodding & over seeding Aerating Power raking Fertilizing (Full Packages Available) Storm Clean up Pressure Washing Parking Lot Clean-up

(250) 858-0588 www.mowtime.ca

HOME fashion BY: STEPHANIE LEWIS

WashtheAway chaos O

ne of the hottest trends in interior design is the undressing of the master bathroom, and what a welcome evolution it is! And so, we go back to rooms that feel spacious thanks to the use of natural materials and minimal fuss; spaces that allow for the true intention of the master bathroom to take centre stage.

Needless to say, the use of natural materials used in harmony with restraint is expected to continue. While my example image may be a litte too austere for some, there is a happy medium between this and the horror of frilly mats and plastic shower curtains.

WANT NATURAL BALANCE IN YOUR BATHROOM?

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•

Introduce earthy materials into your master retreat — natural stone and roughhewn wood are two good places to start. Search for materials that have an expressive mood; materials like marble, concrete, wood and onyx.

•

Keep the space open and flowing, and without obstructions. This means getting rid of shower curtains, cluttered bathroom cabinets and unnecessary walls that break up the space.

Instead, opt for glass shower doors and storage concealed behind large, dramatic mirrors.

KEY ELEMENTS • Soft, gentle curves inspired by nature • Sweeping contours that flow effortlessly • Materials designed to soothe and relax the mind • Tactility you can immerse yourself in

AH

IT DOESN’T NEED TO BE HARD Materials like stone, glass and concrete are often misunderstood as being hard and cold, but are actually the perfect elements to create calm and serenity. atHOME Victoria

THE WINE LIST BY: STUART BROWN | WINE EXPERT

Sea Star Estate Farm and Vineyards

I

hope that you have taken advantage of the long, dry, sunny summer to get out to the farms and taste some delicious wines. If not, all is not lost; the fall season can be just as enjoyable. Now that the grape growers and wine makers have spent the hot summer growing, pruning and harvesting their grapes, toiling over their crafts, it’s just about time for them to relax, open a beer, and begin their fall wind-down. I have found this an opportune time to visit the wineries while stress is lower and the pace decelerated.

When you take this opportunity to visit the vineyards and wineries, it is important to remember the people that work and live there have dedicated their lives often to every aspect of creating the wines.

Leasing and ownership of the land, planting the vines, establishing the vineyard, eventually harvesting some fruit, building and establishing the winemaking facilities, making the wines, marketing and sales, and much more. It is a true labour of love. For us, the consumer, to casually come into their domain and easily pronounce “I don’t like it.”, could be done too readily and without thought. I agree that we all have our favourites, and our opinions are ours, but try to look at the quality of the wine, and if there would be specific dishes or pairings that would really compliment the specific wine that you are tasting. I have seen too often, winery visitors not liking a wine because it doesn’t taste like their favourite Argentinian Malbec.

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During the past year, a few of my Sommelier colleagues brought up the quality of wines coming from Sea Star Estate Farm and Vineyards during our industry musings. I had heard bits of news that Keith Watt, owner and operator of Morning Bay Vineyard and Estate Winery on Pender Island, had sold his business in 2011. Looking further, I learned that Sea Star was born under the new ownership of David Goudge and the vineyard management and winemaking talents of Ian Baker, formerly a partner at Mistaken Identity Vineyards on Salt Spring Island.

It did not take them long to impress; their first four white wines, made from 2013 estate grown grapes, dazzled the judges at the Northwest Wine Summit competition. Sea Star received two gold medals, a silver medal and a designation as one of 16 wineries of distinction in the Northwest Wine Summit competition. Not a bad start!

A LES

Sea Star, located on Pender Island, is a 26-acre property featuring two vineyards, one that terraces up Mount Menzies while the other travelling all the way down to the ocean. The vineyards were originally planted in 2002 with Gewürztraminer, Pinot Gris, Riesling, Pinot Noir, Marechal Foch, Ortega, Leon Millet and Schonburger. More recently, the winery added Siegerrebe grapes. The vineyard maintenance team of small and cute Babydoll Southdown sheep is quite an attraction and the state-of-the-art winery surrounded by the picturesque property help to complete the project. Sea Star’s team works to produce and feature wines that express the best of what the Gulf Islands can produce.

WIN ES

You can find more information at seastarvineyards.ca including where you can purchase the wines at liquor stores and fine restaurants.

Wines to try at Sea Star Estate Farm & Vineyards:

Salish Sea white blend of Siegerrebe and Ortega

Ortega

SPIR IT S

white made with Ortega and a hint of Stella Maris

Siegerrebe white made only with Siegerrebe

Stella Maris white blend made with Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Schoenberger

Blanc De Noir rose made with Pinot Noir

Encore red blend made with Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (Okanagan produced grapes)

Poetry dessert wine made with Pinot Noir and Marechal Foch

Prose dessert wine made with Riesling

EXPERT ADVICE TO HELP YOU MAKE THE PERFECT CHOICE 919 douglas street 250.370.9463

lrs@strathconahotel.com

INTERIOR by design BY: TRACEY DRAKE

DESIGN FIRM: EASY INSTALLATIONS CONTRACTOR: T-SQUARE CONSTRUCTION DESIGNER: LINDSAY GILMOUR PHOTOGRAPHER: DEBBIE STEEPER

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W

hen you think IKEA, what instantly comes to mind is affordable, fun furniture that comes flat packed and is a nightmare to assemble!

However, in recent years, a new arm of the IKEA empire has emerged a champion – kitchens.

And although they still come flat packed for delivery, they are anything but generic, at least not when you work with a professional company that specializes in customized IKEA kitchens, like Easy Installations.

atHOME Victoria

A

kitchen is a really big renovation project, and usually the most costly of all projects you could take on.

However, the kitchen also provides the most return on investment, immediately and over the long term, as well as creating functionality and visual impact in a space that is the most used, especially for a busy family.

“This project made me stretch my design limits to the max. I really enjoyed working with the homeowners and felt like I was a part of the family right away! Each new job allows me to hone my skills, but it is especially exciting when a client trusts me with the process and my experience to create a dream renovation for them.

I am still looking forward to having a cocktail in the new kitchen with the homeowners!”

- Lindsay Gilmour, Kitchen and Bath Design Consultant

The client on this project was a family of eight - two adults, three children, and three dogs. Add to the mix a large circle of friends and a desire to entertain, and the need for a large kitchen wasn’t just a nicety, it was a necessity. The homeowners were very specific in their desire to have a large, open plan main floor in which they could live better on a daily basis, and entertain more frequently.

The existing footprint of the home meant the kitchen was small and shut off from the rest of the living space. Tony Roberts, owner of Easy Installations and kitchen designer Lindsay Gilmour came up with a plan that would solve this family’s fragmented living conditions. Several walls were removed to join the old dining room, kitchen and family room into one open plan modern kitchen. A wall from the living room was removed to create flow and interaction. The step down into the old family room was left to create visual interest and became the family’s dining room, complete with fireplace.

An elegant space with stainless appliances, white cabinetry, white countertops, and white backsplash.

T-Square Construction took the lead on architectural design for permits, and acted as general contractor on the project. By taking down walls and opening up spaces, Roberts and Gilmour were able to create a kitchen that is 360 square feet, and includes every element the homeowners asked for in their family’s dream kitchen.

44

Homeowners’ wish list

A back wall was cleverly transformed into a wine and coffee bar

Oak Bay Broadloom & Fine Floors Ltd.

3 EXCLUSIVE HARDWOODS Karelia • Muskoka • Mercier PORCELAIN TILE NATURAL STONE WOOL CARPETS CORK FLOORING Roberts and his team used touches of glass, open cabinetry, dark flooring and under mount lighting to soften the all-white colour palette. Using a contrast in the sink finish also visually breaks up the long countertop.

The products in this kitchen may be 100% IKEA, but smart design choices, innovation installation techniques and pops of style all work hard to give it a custom look. The pull-out drawer style microwave uses one side of the large island, and keeps the countertops looking clean and uncluttered. The polished metal hardware adds a contemporary feel to the traditional cabinet doors.

HEATED FLOORS INSTALLS TOTAL BATHROOM RENOS

1990 Oak Bay Ave. Victoria, BC V8R 1E2 250.592.7672 www.oakbaybroadloom.com

Easy Installations is all about creating custom kitchens using

IKEA Products Clock, rug, art and countertop accessories are all current stock - Bungalow in Estevan Village. Large coloured floor baskets - Monarch Furniture on Store Street.

T

he cabinet style used is IKEA Grimslov in off-white, adorned with IKEA Ormas stainless steel pulls. All cabinet hardware, including the extension glides and soft closures are from IKEA; the sleek white fir stone quartz countertops by Exotic Stone.

The entire project, start to finish, took just seven weeks As the dust settled, the family got back to living in a new kitchen that features three distinct worktop areas including a massive island with seating for seven and a gas cooktop, a built-in desk and a double wide stainless refrigerator. The custom island is a big showstopper in this kitchen, and used stock IKEA cabinetry that was reimagined by designer Lindsay Gilmour into a custom feature that makes this space truly special.

This kitchen features designer appliances from Coast Wholesale Appliances, and Roberts is quick to point out that it’s a myth that an Ikea kitchen design won’t work with designer appliances. “95% of the time, it’s a non-issue.

But as a general rule of thumb in kitchen design, you shouldn’t buy appliances until you choose your designer and cabinetry supplier.”

The end result is a beautiful kitchen that meets all the needs of this busy family. Quality, style, functionality—all the aspects of a welldesigned custom kitchen are here—without breaking the bank.

46

Ingenious touches like these space saving double decker drawers provide extra storage and convenience.

ABOUT THE DESIGNER Easy Installations was started because of a need in the kitchen market.

Most high end cabinet shops charge high fees for the same products offered through IKEA at a fraction of the cost. Easy Installations follows a similar process to those custom cabinet shops…except for the cost.

Easy Installations | Victoria, BC | 778.406.1155| easyinstallations.ca

QA &

If you attend

with: TONY ROBERTS

owner of Easy Installations

one epicurean event this year, make sure they are the 60 at Savour Cowichan Festival.

The 2015 Savour Cowichan Festival.

September 25th through October 4th in the beautiful Cowichan Valley.

A celebration of this area’s spectacular cornucopia of locally grown and produced food & drink. For tickets and schedule of events visit www.savourcowichan.com

AHV: Is the entire custom kitchen from IKEA?

TR: The kitchen cabinets are 100% IKEA products. There were a few custom applications such as cutting down cabinetry and building open boxes (ie: above the fridge) and building the desk under the bay window.

AHV: Did the design project include structural changes?

TR: Yes, there was the removal of several walls – the old dining room was where the new island/peninsula is now situated. The old dining room was accessible through the living room OR a doorway from the kitchen. The original kitchen was approximately one-third of what it is now. We also opened up a wall into the living room.

AHV: How did your company’s mission and design philosophies influence this project?

TR: As most people who have renovated a kitchen know, this room can be the most difficult renovation to live through. It is the job of our team of professional designers to actualize and help clients translate their needs, expectations, and wants for the renovations. It is the job of our professional installers to interpret the design plan and put the puzzle pieces together. It is our job to help make this process as ‘easy’ as can be on the homeowner.

Enjoy an Island wine experience like no other.

New tasting room and winery open daily from 11am to 5pm. bluegrouse.ca

2182 LAKESIDE ROAD, DUNCAN, BC AH

@BlueGrouseWines

gadgets & other

GOOD STUFF

FALL MEANS BAKING AND IF YOU’RE A BAKER, AHV IS SHOWCASING FIVE PRODUCTS WE LOVE (AND USE IN OUR TEST KITCHEN) THAT YOU REALLY NEED

2 3

1 4

5

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1.

GOOD GRIP MIXING BOWLS When baker hands get slippery, these bowls will not let you down. Nine piece includes lids and colander in bright colours.

OXO GOOD GRIPS, Bed, Bath & Beyond, $55.99

2.

SQUARE CRUMBLE BAKING DISH If your family loves fruit crumble, get this square Emile Henry Grenade pan. HR ceramic distributes heat perfectly. Oven, broiler, microwave and dishwasher safe.

EMILE HENRY, Hudson’s Bay, $44.99

3.

PRO 600 STAND MIXER High performance, professional grade motor for the serious baker, this 3.3L stand mixer will churn three batches of cookie dough at one time. Available in 14 colours.

KITCHENAID, London Drugs, $699.99

4.

BATTER SEPARATOR This adjustable cake batter separator is the only way to create multi-coloured cakes. Create cakes with two or more colours or flavours.

BATTER DADDY, SweetArt Supplies, $7.99

5.

We’ll teach you how to cook, or we’ll do it for you.

Victoria’s premier cooking school, catering & events.

LAYER CAKE LIFTER No baker should be without this 9” cake lifter, essential for creating the perfect layer cakes or moving cakes from pan to surface. Stainless steel will not rust.

CAKE BOSS, Canadian Tire, $13.99

AH

OUR SECRET RECIPES For access to AHV test kitchen baking recipes including Canadian Maple Pecan Pie and Decadent Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies, visit atHOMEvictoria.com

250.590.1865 thelondonchef.com atHOME Victoria

VICTORIA real estate

2015 FURNITURE TRENDS REPORT

SPECIAL FEATURE

WELCOME TO ATHOME VICTORIA’S REAL ESTATE FEATURE FOR FALL 2015. WE’VE CURATED 14 PAGES OF USEFUL INFORMATION THAT WILL SHOW YOU HOW TO SELL YOUR HOME FOR MORE MONEY, INTRODUCE YOU TO A NEW MASTER PLANNED COMMUNITY, AND HELP YOU FIND YOUR DREAM HOME!

50

H

ome sales started out slow in 2015, but quickly picked up steam, and the last few months have seen impressive numbers in terms of home sales in the Victoria Real Estate region.

VICTORIA REAL ESTATE

BY THE NUMBERS Source: VREB vreb.org

JANUARY 2015: 351 properties sold (compared to 342 in 2014)

FEBRUARY 2015: 542 properties sold (compared to 412 in 2014)

MARCH 2015: 734 properties sold (compared to 575 in 2014)

APRIL 2015: 840 properties sold (compared to 664 in 2014)

MAY 2015: 905 properties sold (compared to 714 in 2014)

JUNE 2015: 910 properties sold (compared to 680 in 2014)

JULY 2015: 796 properties sold (compared to 681 in 2014)

AUGUST 2015: 741 properties sold (compared to 609 in 2014)

If you are looking for an income helper, or having an legal suite is the best way for you to get onto the property ladder, there is very good news. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation announced new rules for buyers who have less than a 20 percent down payment. Victoria Real Estate Board President Guy Crozier noted that “starting at the end of September 2015, buyers who apply for mortgage loan insurance from CMHC will be able to include 100 percent of the projected income from secondary suites. A change like this may buoy the market through the fall and winter, and we may see increased pressure on areas that permit suites.� atHOME Victoria

Call Leslee Farrell at 250.388.5882 for assistance with Call Leslee Farrell at your local and global 250.388.5882 real estate needs. for assistance with your local and global real estate needs.

esidence

Oak Bay Contemporary Residence

Heritage Arts & Crafts - Samuel Secluded Queenswood Acreage!

Idyllic Seven Acre Estate Private Beach

New Home, Warm and Welcoming!

Extraordinary Four Beds on One level!

Maclure Near Oak Bay Village Shoal Point Penthouse

er residence is situated Situated justthis one block from Oak Bay Avenue, Overlooking and situated on for 7 the first time in almost Situated 1 block from the Village, Situated in prestigious Shoal point, a Oldfield Valley, On the market exquisite contemporary stunning architectural building situated 50 years; this exceptional waterfront ped ½ acre garden.cubist The designed this custom 2006 Oak Bay home provides 3000 idyllic acres, this grand heritage designated 1908 home is ready designer in the prime location of Victoria’s outer acreage acres) nt 42’ great room whichfor Viewing! sq. ft.The on two levels. The spacious kitchen with Arts & Crafts manor features a Tudor(2.37 panelled 2 would be the ideal combined wood shingles and stone to Harbour. Over 3000 sf. which has been palate for your estate property! Situated Bay, the Yacht Club and counters adjoins the family room/ dining story central hall with massive granite fireplace. warm the exterior, whilegranite creating an recently redecorated & upgraded with in the heart of Queenswood, with From environment the moment you room in aon great It has 4 bedrooms The residence provides 6bd/8 baths, grand dining flooded with light theroom concept.Brazilian Mahogany hardwood flooring, wooded privacy, it has an east facing interior.

Ceiling heightson ofthe 10’upper on the chic automated and plus study & orientation with spectacular views of ntry hall with feature floor… a rare find in Oak Bay! It Silhouette&blinds, living rooms, sunroom. The 9’ on the 2nd floor one & touch Mt. Baker & the San Juan Islands. The ndows,main inlaid&wood is of with cubistoversized design with 9’ ceilings large sound bright system throughout. property has a 2 stall barn with living quarters, windows/ skylights, enhance the open Generous new gourmet kitchen opening original home offers 3,438 sf., plus a ngs, you will appreciate plus hardwood floors throughout the fenced riding ring, 2 garages (7 parking), an floor plan, yet it remainswindows, totally private to a full length harbourside deck. The newer legal guest cottage of over 1,000 ost distinctive residence main. There plus asuite separate outdoor pool & sf.

2 spring fed ponds.also carries a moorage from within.

Superior finishing setsareit 2 gas fireplaces, master is on the upper level,swimming with The property every theor private on to thethe estate is gated licence ering 6apart beds,in ready forrespect. Enjoy TV room den. The home isgenerous on a large 2nd level ensuite bedroom The entry with which windingallows for mooring wall & fenced back garden off back lane, single located with main. the rich design details,The plus tidaland pool.

The private beach is the ideal Close to UVic & Uplands garden, brilliantly a highEnjoy walking driveway. striking red roof mature detached garage. A truly low maintenance the upper media lounge. Concierge, guest boat or kayak launch. Only minutes to score. Schools, recreation & shopping are allfitness, & 24 hour classicsecurity. gardens make a statement. lifestyle! suites, pool, the University of Victoria, Cadboro Bay close by.

Village, and Uplands Golf Course.

8706 $1,450,000

MLS# 354738 $1,088,000 MLS# 348162$2,595,000

MLS# 348156 $4,400,000 $1,975,000 MLS# 346076

MLS# 353445

Toll Free: Macdonald Realty Ltd. Toll Free: 1-877-388-5882 Macdonald Realty Ltd. 1-877-388-5882 Office: 250.388.5882 755 Humboldt St. 755 Humboldt 250.388.5882 St. leslee@lesleefarrell.com leslee@lesleefarrell.com Victoria, BC, Canada Victoria, BC, Canada www.lesleefarrell.com V8W 1B1 www.lesleefarrell.com V8W 1B1

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SHOWCASING VANCOUVER ISLAND’S BEST

TOP REAL ESTATE LESLEE FARRELL 250.388.5882 ADVERTIS PROFESSIONALS TOP REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS LESLEE FARRELL 250.388.5882

SHOWCASING VANCOUVER ISLAND’S BEST

LESLEE FARRE 25

ARBUTUS COVE OCEAN FRONT! EXQUISITE WEST COAST MODERN RESIDENCE

EXECUTIVE EXCELLENCE VICTORIA, BC $3,395,000 MLS# 354838 “SALTY TOWERS” EXCEPTIONAL OCEAN AND OLYMPIC MT. VIEWS!

WORLD CLASS OCEANFRONT ESTATE

This exquisite West Coast Modern residence

The front entry is marked by thick fir

VICTORIA, BC $2,388,000 MLS# while 348787 will captivate you |from the moment you timbers of the West Coast Portico, VICTORIA, BC | $7,390,000 MLS# 335011

drive down the sloping 1 acre oceanfront fountains and planters flank the door. site to view the distinctive steel gray roof Cabreuva Brazilian hardwood floors,oversized This sophisticated high quality residence enjoys home of distinction, featuring 9’ ceilings, Situated in one of prestigious living, opening to waterside patios overlooking truly exceptional views of Oak the Bay’s plus classic stone pillars.ceilings The gourmet and the artfulsouth-facing Gaulhofer wood/metal door.most windows, oversized windows and high marry locations, this elegant English sits on a the beautifully landscaped Olympic and Trial Island.

Offering over Manor kitchen includes custom maple cabinetry & gardens w/ feature CleanMountains architectural lines blend beauty and to bring the outside in.

The sophisticated rarethis parcel of 2.3 acreshome of waterfront, with private Thesuite home 4000 sq. ft. on 2 levels, contemporary separate prep area. waterfall.

The master is resonates a magical with a classic utility to create abeach polished and streamlined kitchen will speak to any gourmet and access.

Sweeping views of Mt. beauty enhanced by cook. rich panelling, oak floors, is user friendly complete with a water feature elevator to sun-filled retreat; with spa bath, fireplace & private abundant leaded space.

Picture perfect This home description; it glass, is an feature access the upper floor.

Uponpanoramic entering theocean grand viewing deck.defies Five minute walk to Victoria Golf gourmet kitchen, and grand dining room with wine cellar. The size copper front you realize you areroom entering a Course. views are door, available from every of with the experience finest of old world charm modern amenities.not to of be thismissed. property makes it a brilliant hold for the 4,000 sq. ft. space!

The flowing floor plan is ideal for indoor/outdoor future, or an ideal site for new home.

LESLEE FARRELL, MACDONALD REALTY LTD. REALTY LTD. LESLEE FARRELL, MACDONALD Call 250.388.5882Call | 250.388.5882 leslee@lesleefarrell.com | lesleefarrell.com | leslee@lesleefarrell.com | lesleefarrell.com

atHOME Victoria

Your Real Estate Professionals.

The Best Practises Produce the Best Results

BRINGING KNOWLEDGE, INTEGRITY AND TENACITY TO THE TABLE. TOGETHER WE ACHIEVE YOUR REAL ESTATE GOALS!

Corie Meyer

Direct Line: 250-818-3216 Office: 250-384-8124 Toll Free: 1-800-665-5303 coriemeyer.com

Shelley Saldat

Direct Line: 250-589-4014 Office: 250-384-8124 Toll Free: 1-800-665-5303 shelleysaldat.ca

FEATURED property

SOOKE’S

SILVER SPRAY

GO AHEAD, HAVE IT ALL! BY: TRACEY DRAKE BUILDER: RIDGECO REALTOR: TARA HEARN LOCATION: SOOKE - SILVER SPRAY PHOTOGRAPHER: SHANNON LEE RAE

S

tanding on the expansive terrace, looking out over the vast Pacific Ocean, you truly feel like you are perched on the edge of the world; your only neighbours are the swooping birds, breaching whales, and the sailboats that float by on the ocean below. The master planned community of Silver Spray in Sooke is brilliant, and this Ridgeco custom designed home is one of its crowning jewel. It is so private and peaceful, and yet part of a new community that grows more vibrant each passing day.

This 2014 custom built house on Thornton Heights sits on a .65 acre mountain bluff and boasts 4,260 square feet of impeccably finished living space.

56

The interior of this home, which features four bedrooms and four bathrooms, is well laid out, spacious and luxurious, while offering a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle.

The main floor features a large open plan living space with family room, dining area and gourmet kitchen with stainless steel appliances and sleek

quartzite countertops. The back of the kitchen connects to the front door via a hidden pantry hallway and mudroom.

Tucked away from the main hub of the house is the master retreat that features a generous 18x14 bedroom with walk-out terrace, massive walk-in closet, ensuite laundry, and a master bathroom that includes a deep soaker tub with ocean views.

The lower level of Thornton Heights offers the perfect set up for a large or extended family. There is a second family room, flanked by a den and second master bedroom with ensuite on one side, and two more bedrooms and bathroom on the other side, which could easily be converted to spacious inlaw suite. The roughed in kitchenette is already there!

Separate from the manin house is a large three car garage with space above to develop a two bedroom suite, or home office.

Possibilities at Silver Spray are endless, just like the oceanfront views

Of course, when you live here, it’s all about the outdoors and this house doesn’t disappoint. Walking distance to parks and hiking trails, Thornton Heights is close to everything this Sooke community has to offer, without being too close to anything. The home features terraces on both levels, each offering 270 degree views of the Straits of Juan de Fuca, Olympic mountains, Sooke Hills and the magnificent Pacific Ocean.

AH

atHOME Victoria

SPECATULAR WATERFRONT ACREAGE

EXQUISITE PANORAMA

7450 Thornton Heights

$1,400,000

With over 4,200 square feet of open concept living, beautiful custom interiors and unparalleled views of the Strait of Juan de Fuca and the Olympics, this immaculate private home is the perfect balance of design and nature.

CAREFREE CONDO LIFESTYLE

117-50 Songhees Road

1960 Gillespie Road

$1,500,000

Spectacular private 5.70 acre oceanfront property is draped along approx. 1200 ft of frontage features a unique 3 level home and a furnished 2 bedroom cottage and dock.

FAMILY FRIENDLY TOWNHOME

$425,000

This lovely, spacious 2 bed, 2 bath home is located just moments from the harbour and a short walk to downtown. The large kitchen is ideal for entertaining.

Secure u/g parking, storage locker. The building boasts a rooftop deck with stunning views and a guest suite.

2 - 1953 Lisnoe Ave

$425,000

This family and pet-friendly spacious 3 level, 3-4 bedroom, 3 bath town home is ideally located close to French Immersion schools, Centennial Park and Central Saanich Village.

Exceptional service…outstanding results

P: 250-477-1100 C: 250-588-2852 tarahearn.com | tara@tarahearn.com

E

xquisite designs, built to perfection...

Discover the Lands at Silver Spray, Sooke Ocean front, ocean view, mountain top, the choice is yours Ridgeco Developments builds a wide variety of home styles, each distinguished by meticulous detail, superior craftsmanship, and spacious indoor and outdoor livability. We give clients the time they need and the level of personal involvement they want, to ensure that the end result is the home that they truly desire.

We use our 35 years of experience, deep rooted business & community relationships, and a team of industry leading professionals to ensure that the construction of each dream home is nothing short of incredible.

ridgeco.dev@gmail.com

250.642.0104

BORROWED time HOME DECORATING SOLUTIONS

STAGE YOUR HOME TO SELL –

LOW COST IDEAS THAT OFFER HIGH ROI

F

BY: JANE CROSS

rom the moment you decide to put your house on the real estate market, you really need to start looking at things through the eyes of your prospective buyer. The concept known as home staging has become very popular in the last ten years and for good reason. Staged homes spend less time on the market; sell faster and often for more money than lacklustre listings in the same neighbourhood.

Incredible but true — less than 10% of potential homebuyers can actually visualize beyond your furniture, knick knacks and wallpaper — your very personal lifestyle, your family clutter, your lifetime of stuff is in the way!

It is not necessarily the big kitchen and bathroom renovation projects completed specifically to sell a house that yield the biggest ROI (return on investment) at sale time. In fact, it is the moderately priced home improvements, in the $80 to $2800 range, completed right before a house is listed, that yield the highest returns when the home is sold.

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STAGING IS NOT THE SAME AS DECORATING YOUR HOME Home staging is the clever and deliberate art of showcasing your home in such as way that a potential buyer can imagine themselves living in your home.

You could hire a professional home staging company (expect to spend on average about $1,800). Cost will vary greatly depending upon the size of your home and how long it stays on the market.

It is also possible to do it yourself. You certainly do not need to be an interior designer to get through the home staging process and make it work in your favour. You do, however, need to disconnect yourself from the emotional attachment you have to your home and your belongings and approach the home staging project with objectivity and impartiality. Once you understand the basic principles of how to stage your home, and which tasks are worth your time and effort, you will be one giant step closer to selling your home at the best possible price.

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1.

CUT THE CLUTTER

2.

DEPERSONALIZE THE SPACE

3.

STAY ON NEUTRAL GROUND

The #1 way to stage your home to sell is to de-clutter every room in the house. It is by far the worst distraction for buyers and will make a huge difference in how long your home sits on the market, and what it sells for. Clutter makes a house seem smaller, darker and dirtier. The industry truth is that a real estate agent may recommend listing an overly cluttered home for as much as 20% less than a comparable home in the same neighbourhood. If you don’t have a garage or adequate basement storage, rent a storage unit until your house is sold.

De-clutter every room in your house without exception. Reducing the clutter will also make it much easier to keep your home clean and tidy while you are trying to sell it.

As soon as the ‘for sale’ sign goes on your front lawn, it is no longer your home. Or at least, this is the frame of mind you need to adopt to sell your house fast and pocket top dollar. The family room mantle loaded with knick knacks should be packed away, the staircase walls that are lined with framed family photos must be stored, and anything else that is particularly personal should be removed. Your goal is to make it as easy as possible for a buyer to put themselves in your home, and personal items are very off-putting. Artwork that is attractive and appropriate to the room can be left on the walls as well as mirrors which reflect light back into the room and make the space appear larger.

No need to go crazy here! If your bedrooms are painted pale blue, there is no reason to paint them; pale blue is not unpleasant and perfectly fine as long as the paint is in good repair. On the other hand, if your living room is blood red, your dining room is hunter green and your hallway is dark taupe, you must neutralize. First, darker rooms absorb natural sunlight and are much harder to sell to a potential buyer. Second, you want to present a clean palette on which a buyer can envision decorating to their own taste. If you are painting, choose warm neutral colours such as cream, light taupe, pale sage and light gray. Painting your entire home in a clinical, cold white colour can be just as bad as leaving the dark colours. Remember that if you are painting over dark colours, you’ll need one or two coats of good quality primer.

Expect to spend $205-439 ~ Average ROI: 594% ~ 91% of realtors recommend

Expect to spend $86-$210 ~ Average ROI: 769% ~ 84% of realtors recommend

Expect to Spend $216-850 ~ Average ROI: 700% ~ 78% of realtors recommend

THE PURPOSE OF STAGING YOUR HOME is to sell the illusion of a lifestyle but it is not necessarily your everyday lifestyle. Staging your home helps a potential buyer to move in mentally and emotionally, connecting them with your home and hopefully driving them to make an offer to purchase. If you can remember that the way you live in your home and the way you market your house to sell are two different things entirely, your house will be sold in no time at all.

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4.

SETTING THE STAGE

5.

CURB APPEAL

While showcasing your house for sale, you want to appeal to a larger group of tastes and decorating styles to achieve a fast sale at a great price. Essentially you are selling a lifestyle, so it is important to arrange your furniture and home décor accessories in an artful manner. This subtly suggests a desirable lifestyle to buyers that they will remember and want to buy into. Arranging a set of leather club chairs by the fireplace in the great room conveys warmth; a bistro set tucked in a quiet corner of the kitchen with a half completed crossword puzzle set out on the table suggests comfortable familiarity. Keep in mind that too much furniture in a room makes it look small. It is important to edit home décor and remove large, bulky pieces of furniture. In main living spaces, such as the living room and bedrooms, keep only necessary pieces of furniture so the rooms appear spacious with good room-to-room flow.

If your house doesn’t have the WOW factor from the curb, you instantly reduce the number of potential buyers who will want to view the inside. A little money spent outdoors goes a long way. Remove oil spots from driveways, stage the back deck, replace an old mailbox, feed and water the lawn to make it as lush as possible; plant flowers, add a few solar lights and use inexpensive mulch for a polished, manicured look.

Expect to Spend $212-2089 ~ Average ROI: 169% ~ 76% of realtors recommend

Expect to Spend $132-506 ~ Average ROI: 266% ~ 82% of realtors recommend

Y

our work is now done, allowing your real estate agent to work their magic on selling your home.

AH

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TRAVELLING EDITOR

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU SAW SOMETHING FOR THE FIRST TIME?

BY: TRACEY DRAKE | THE TRAVELLING EDITOR

T

ucked into the lush mountainous terrain and perched peacefully over the sparkling Pacific Ocean sits Xinalani Retreat. If you were boating by, and didn’t know what to look for, you’d probably miss it. In fact, there is no other way to reach Xinalani Resort, except by boat. The level of privacy here; the personal feeling of enveloped bliss are unlike any I have ever experienced.

Pronounced she-nah-lah-knee, Xinalani is marketed as an exclusive yoga retreat centre just outside of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This truly is an eco-resort, with open air guest accommodations (that are stunning), natural lighting, and minimal technological distractions. Yes, there is wi-fi in the main lobby area (if you must but please don’t) but they are quick to tell you their connectivity is terrible. Meals, which are included, are healthy and delicious. My favourite part of breakfast was the fresh juice smoothie of the day.

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I am no yogi (that’s an understatement!), and several of the other guests I met had little or no yoga experience. One guest told me she was recovering from a divorce; another was getting away from the stress of her corporate job. I would describe Xinalani as a destination that commands your attention but isn’t demanding of your time; compelling you to focus on you and your wellbeing. It is a place to genuinely breathe, regroup and reclaim your personal balance (heck—maybe even your sanity).

Along the way, you will connect with yourself, live off the grid without wanting for anything, enjoy the spa facilities, lounge on the gorgeous white beach, learn to meditate and if you choose, take part in yoga classes.

This slice of personal paradise is a place far removed from my everyday life, and perhaps slightly outside my comfort zone.

Chances are good that also rings true for you. That is precisely why Xinalani is a place that each of us needs… no, not needs—deserves. I know I did. Now it’s your turn.

GOOD TO KNOW: •

Eco Chic Suites: All 23 rooms are open air, palm thatched cabins that float on stilts, overlooking the ocean.

•

Stairway to Heaven: There are lots of stairs; 176 to be precise with 215 feet of elevation from the beach to the top jungle room. I used that walking time to enjoy the jungle and be alone with my thoughts.

•

Booking a Flight: Xinalani is only accessible by boat, and only during daylight hours. It is important to book your flight to arrive in Puerto Vallarta before 4:30pm and depart after 11:30am.

•

Pack Light: You truly do not need a lot here. Xinalani specifically tells you not to bring yoga props, laptop, hair appliances, soap or shampoo. Oh, and leave your stress at home too.

•

City Fix: If you feel the need to escape the solitude and go into Puerto Vallarta for a little shopping and sightseeing, there is a water tax ($20pp) that goes to and from Xinalani frequently.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, VISIT XINALANIRETREAT.COM FOLLOW @TRACEYDRAKEEDITOR ON INSTAGRAM AND TWITTER, OR GOOGLE HER HASHTAG #THETRAVELLINGEDITOR

atHOME Victoria

DESIGN WITH

JENNY MARTIN BY: JENNY MARTIN | INTERIOR DESIGNER

FUNCTIONAL CLOSET DESIGN

S

ummer is over, and the kids have gone back to school.

Maybe you have purchased a new pair of fall boots (or two) and.. well, you are looking forward to a chance to get one of those projects around the house off your to-do list, and maybe find a place for that growing boot collection!

One of my favourite rooms to work on is the walk-in closet, in part due to my own obsession with clothes, but more so for the artful design and display of them. When designing a closet one of the first thing to think about is the percentage of long hanging items you have, including outerwear, formal wear, long sundresses, compared to your three-quarter length hanging items such as short dresses and longer suit jackets, to halflength hanging shirts, skirts, folded pants etc. This will help determine how to divide the hanging space. Half height hanging is by far the best use of space so keeping the full height hanging to a minimum is recommended.

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I always like to include drawers, so depending on whether you have dressers or not will determine how many need to make their way into the closet. Shallow drawers take up less room and are perfect for organizing jewellery, watches, and rolled belts. Slightly deeper drawers are great for rolled scarves, and intimates like bras and panties. I personally forget about things that are folded at the bottom of deep drawers. If I can’t see them, they’re not on my radar, so I prefer open shelves for folded sweaters, jeans and t-shirts. But it’s still nice to have drawers for work-out apparel and things that don’t fold well on shelves.

And shoes... let’s talk about shoes.

Decide how many shoes you want to display and you don’t have to display all of them, (read: your husband’s shoes can live in the mud room). Shoe shelves can be the feature or work themselves onto lower shelves that run below the entire closet. Remember that your boots will need additional height. And let’s not forget about purses, which are usually best displayed at the top of the closet in the area that’s a little harder to access, because they front face nicely and look organized. Hat boxes and baskets are also great items to be stored up high in hard to reach areas. Make sure to plan for how many purses you would like in your collection, not how many you currently have.

A 3-way mirror is a nice addition to your walk-in closet design. We recently designed one that had floor-to-ceiling shoe storage in behind each of the side mirrors. Other things that are nice to incorporate into your closet, if you have the space, are makeup stations, a bench, hooks for hanging tomorrow’s outfit, or an island.

I like to work with millworkers (cabinet shops) to build out closets as there aren’t any limitations of what they can do. And remember that the size of your closet doesn’t have to dictate how much closet space you can create. Built-in millwork can be added in the bedroom to create additional custom storage.

JENNY’S TOP CLOSET TIPS: • Line jewellery drawers with velvet • Small square drawer dividers work great for belts and ties • Commit to sizes to avoid adjustable shelves; pre-drilled holes are visual clutter • Include hampers that are built-in and hidden • Laundry shoots are a great addition

AH

LIGHTING UP THE CLOSET Pot lights are not recommended for a closet, as they cast light onto the floor, and not your clothing. A well placed chandelier adds style and the rtight light. If possible, include natural window light in your walk-in closet.

atHOME Victoria

THE ARTFUL

HOME

RICHARD MENARD

PROFOUND WEST COAST GRACE BY: EMILY DOBBY

T

he first time I visited Tofino a few years ago, I was strolling along Chesterman Beach without a care in the world when I noticed a little shack in the woods toward the Wickaninish Inn.... the door was cracked open ajar which piqued my curiosity so I decided to take a look. Wood chips crunched under my sneakers as I stepped in. Once inside, I discovered a congregation of totem poles - some completed, others sketched on, some blank; hook knifes and sharpened pencils scattered across the table. I was instantly intrigued and have since returned to the carving shack every time I visit Tofino. I love watching the carvers work - I fall into a kind of trance observing their sketching and cutting. One day I tell myself that I will give it a go.

I was absolutely thrilled to meet Richard Menard after I took in his work at Avenue Gallery. The particular piece I saw entitled “Serene Moon” was a red cedar burl moon face with a patinated copper ring background, framing the face. I was told that Menard studied carving in Tofino and I knew that I had to ask him about it.

Menard blends West Coast materials and forms with Eastern philosophy, using red and yellow cedar featuring elegant,

68

refined burl wood, treating the patinated copper with his own unique formula. Richard’s work invites the viewer to “contemplate, breathe and feel at peace. In our modern world, a great many of us experience a daily bombardment of noise, imagery and over-stimulation.” His work is infused with a sense of serenity.

The Zen/Buddha like expression on the moon’s face, the soft lines of the facial features, the smoothness of the delicate burl, and the varying shades and textures of patinated copper are sublime. The main components of traditional Japanese aesthetics are captured in his work: sabi (the beauty of natural patina and aging); yugen (profound grace and subtlety); shizen (naturalness, absence of artificiality); shibui (understated beauty); and kanso (elimination of clutter).

Richard’s other favourite mediums include stone, bronze, photography and abstract painting. He lives on Denman Island where he enjoys the lush natural beauty, takes walks, and depending on the season, swims, golfs and does cross country skiing.

I was lucky enough to get a chance to speak with Richard and he graciously answered my questions.

HOW DID YOU GET INTO CARVING? Way back in the mid 80’s I used to ride my bicycle up to Tofino from Vancouver. I had met a local who did a little bit of carving and I saw him working on a piece and I thought I should give that a try. Eight hours later I peeled the hook knife out of my seized hand. I was hooked! The next day the same thing happened. I just really took to it.

When I returned from that trip, a number of blank totem poles had been dropped off just behind the building where I worked, next to a First Nations gallery. Soon Francis Horne Senior showed up to carve them. He graciously guided me through my first few pieces. Later I returned to Tofino and worked alongside Henry Nolla for most of a year.

Henry, who assisted Roy Henry Vickers a lot, said, “always keep your pencil sharp! That way you have clear lines to follow!”

We bring your image to life!

WHAT IS YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LIKE? I’m going to say automatic, in as much as when I get going on something the process just flows. Over the many years I’ve learned how to move a lot of material quickly so when I imagine, it starts to manifest easily.

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WHAT INSPIRES YOU? Well that’s changed over the years. Now I’m inspired by compassion, love and a divine being named Amma (Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi). I am inspired to be able to bring some of the peace and serenity I’ve found in my meditation practice into people’s homes.

WHY THE USE OF COPPER? Making the copper change colour (patinas) is a really fun dynamic process. I just love doing it and what it adds to the pieces.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE MEDIUM TO WORK WITH? My favourite medium is yellow cedar. I love the grain, the smell of the wood, the colour, everything about it. It’s very spiritual to me!

WHY BUDDHIST ICONOGRAPHY? Well, I started out doing First Nations style carving. One day a piece with closed eyes started to emerge and I became keenly aware at that time that the way I felt was being transferred into the expression of the piece. I started to see a style that was more my own, a kind of blending of the Buddha face and First Nations. I just feel really drawn to that form, that face and what it represents. The peace and serenity is what I would like to promote.

HOW HAS BUDDHISM INFLUENCED YOUR LIFE? Interestingly I’m not really a follower of Buddhism. I’m actually a yogi. I follow Sanatana Dharma, which is a name for Hinduism meaning the eternal way of life, a life based on dharma. It’s an ancient practice with principles that are universal and eternal. Daily meditation is part of the practice.

WHAT ABOUT COAST SALISH/HAIDA CARVING INSPIRES YOU? I first visited Vancouver as a teenager and was awestruck by the totems. When I got into carving almost 30 years ago I spent long hours at UBC Anthroplogy museum and in galleries studying the different styles. Nuu-chah-nulth and Haida just spoke to me the most. It’s amazing the precision and intricacy that was being achieved hundreds of years ago. How every part of life was art. It wasn’t that they made art, it was a part of life. Every item was art and life.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR ARTISTS? What comes to mind is what I have done with my own process over the years. That is, if you feel a moment of inspiration, act on it immediately. And if you don’t feel inspired, still do something. Pick up a brush or a tool, just do something and let your talent take over. It’s sometimes about overcoming resistance, so you just have to do something!

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HOW HAVE THE ISLANDS (VANCOUVER, DENMAN) INFLUENCED YOUR WORK? The over 10 years I spent in Nuu-chah-nulth territory living on the West Coast of Vancouver Island was very inspirational and made a huge impact on my work as well as the development of my skills, tools and techniques. The amazing beauty of the natural world also influenced my work a lot. I was part of an emerging group of artists and carvers who spent a lot of time together doing art and we really drew on inspiration from each other.

Living on Denman hasn’t influenced my art per se but since moving here in 2001, I’ve really refined what I was doing on the West Coast. I’ve also built a couple of studios on our property and done renovations to our house so I’ve become something of a carpenter, building doors and helping neighbours with renovations. It’s another way to work with wood.

AH

LOCAL FIX Richard Menard is represented by Avenue Gallery in Oak Bay. His work can also be found at richardmenard.com.

OUR MISSION IS TO MOVE YOU, NOT JUST YOUR BOXES. How we’re moving Victoria: “Very professional, careful, and friendly. Made my day soooo much easier, and way less stressful :)” - Jenner Salmon, Victoria

COLOUR YOUR WORLD

BY: BEN BRANNEN | INTERIOR DESIGNER

P

aint offers a big bang when it comes to your interior designing budget, but adding a feature of wallpaper takes it to the next level. When considering your budget, keep in mind that wallpaper can be as effective as a piece of artwork and per square foot it is a bargain. Likewise, when you are selecting the perfect pattern, it can be like selecting a piece of art for your wall.

Sometimes it jumps out at you, and other times you grow to love it more and more over time. Regardless, adding wallpaper to your home will enhance, complement and in some cases even inspire the colour scheme in your home. To find the right balance, follow these failsafe combinations.

Use a bold pattern to bring colour and focus to your bedroom headboard wall. For example, this Designers Guild Rheinsberg wallpaper (inset right) was hand painted, then transposed to wallpaper and will bring a beautiful, ethereal feeling to your Master bedroom. Pair it with one of the background colours on the remaining walls like Farrow and Ball Purbeck Stone, Ammonite or Wimborne White for a more modern look. To finish the look, add a complementary cushion from the collection to the centre of the bed or on a chair.

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h t i w t n i a Pairing P e h t r o f r e p a p l l a W e c n a l a B Perfect

Try wallpapering your powder room with a pattern like Villa Nova Ida and paint the ceiling Farrow and Ball Stiffkey Blue (a gorgeous navy with just a touch of green for warmth). Another option is to paint a dramatic dark colour, like Farrow and Ball Grate Black, on the powder room walls and install a clever graphic pattern on the ceiling—giving the feel of a coffered ceiling design without all the construction.

To make any room special, try wallpapering above painted wainscoted walls in this Farrow and Ball Feuille pattern (shown left). It is a modern interpretation of historic wallpaper—perfect for a character home, or adding some history to a new home. If your home is new and open concept, try a full feature wall instead and use a light neutral paint colour like Farrow and Ball Pointing on the remaining walls.

Wallpaper takes to walls like artwork takes to paint!

In fact, it can take the place of artwork in a home that has just started collecting, and can enhance a collection and in many cases, feature artwork. Try pulling out one of the colours in your favourite painting and find patterned wallpaper to draw your eye to that colour in the painting. If you can’t find compatible patterned wallpaper, try grasscloth. It provides visual interest and a forgiving background for hanging your art collection. Think of the time you tried to hang a grid of botanical prints and had a few extra holes. The texture and shade mixture in grasscloth will hide all of those Imperfections.

If you follow these methods of mixing wallpaper with paint, you are sure to have a visually interesting and personalized home.

AH

ARTISTIC FEATURE WALLS The right wallpaper can have the same effect in a space as a piece of expensive artwork - and for a lot less money.

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ENTERTAIN WITH DOROTHY BY: DOROTHY HAWES

“There may be two or three apples I didn’t pick upon some bough. But I am done with apple-picking now.”

Robert Frost’s poem “After Apple Picking”

f o t h e r e u A L pple e h T

W

ho can resist the temptation of the apple? Apparently it was too much for Adam and Eve and, according to fairytale lore, Snow White also succumbed to the allure of this particular fruit. Our fascination with the apple continues and we are lucky to have access to dozens of varieties of apples such as McIntosh, Royal Gala, Spartan, and Golden Delicious.

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I grew up in the Okanagan Valley where my father was an orchardist. As an immigrant from Augsburg, Germany, he truly believed that he had fulfilled his dream when he acquired and farmed a beautiful apple orchard in the interior of British Columbia. Every fall we harvested tons (literally) of apples, which is why the fall season continues to evoke memories of picking, baking, and eating a lot of apples! Given the abundance in British Columbia, it’s a great time to incorporate apples into all sorts of entertaining and cooking options.

Décor Inspiration!

A bowl of apples in itself makes a lovely centrepiece, whether you choose to use apples of the same variety or create a contrast of colours with apples ranging from red, yellow to green. Add a few autumn leaves or greenery to your display, or be as creative as you like with other seasonal items (gourds, mini pumpkins, etc.)

Apple Tea Lights These are easy to make and are a delightful addition to your table décor. Take a tea light and trace it’s shape around the top of the apple, carve out a one inch hole and place the tea light inside. Space them around your table to create wonderful fall ambiance.

Apple Place Cards Using apples as place cards is a simple but effective way to include this fruit as part of your table setting. Using various colours of cardstock, create leaf shaped nametags and punch a hole in one end. Thread a ribbon through the hole and tie it in a bow around the stem of the apple or use a colourful pushpin to secure the place card!

Apple Recipes My mom’s famous Apfelkuchen (German for Apple Cake) was always a hit with our family and our guests. It’s relatively easy to make and is best served warm.

Apfelkuchen:

For base & topping:

1 ¼ cup soft butter 1 cup sugar 1 egg 3 ½ cups flour 1 tbsp. baking powder Instructions:

For filling:

Approx. 8 apples (par-boiled to slightly soft) ¾ cup sugar 1 tbsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. lemon juice

Mix together butter, sugar & egg. Add flour and baking powder and mix until blended. It will be a fairly dry and crumbly batter.

Press half of this mixture into a 10-inch springform pan or a 9x13 pan.

Mix filling together and spread over base. Squeeze bits of the remaining batter to create large crumbs to spread over the fruit.

Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-40 minutes until lightly browned on top. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream. Delicious!

For more apple recipes from Dorothy including her decadent Caramel Apple Dip, check out atHOMEvictoria.com

AH

BEST PLACES TO BUY APPLES: • Sidney Street Market - sidneystreetmarket.com • Peninsula Country Market - peninsulacountrymarket.ca • The Rootcellar - therootcellar.ca

TRAVEL CLOSE TO HOME I THINK SOMETIMES WE TAKE THIS MAGNIFICENT ISLAND FOR GRANTED. WHEN VACATION TIME ROLLS AROUND — WINTER AND SUMMER ALIKE — MANY OF US PACK OUR CAR OR BOOK A FLIGHT TO ANYWHERE, AS LONG AS IT’S OFF THE ISLAND. BY: STEVE DRAKE

PACIFIC SANDS

BEACH RESORT - TOFINO, BC

B

ut travelling close to home is not only an achievable, affordable way to holiday but it also give you the opportunity to see Vancouver Island as you never have before. That’s what happened on my recent trip to Pacific Sands Beach Resort in Tofino, BC.

Pacific Sands Beach Resort is situated on the edge of the Pacific Rim National Park, directly on the beach at spectacular Cox Bay. The entire resort hugs the sandy beach shore of a bay that offers great surf for novice and experienced surfers (Surf Sisters offer lessons right at the hotel). Our glorious West Coast is known for its raw, natural beauty and this resort is the perfect spot from which to watch waves crashing, wildlife soaring and storms brewing.

The hotel is luxurious but in a beachy, West Coast, don’t take life too seriously kind of way. It’s the reason I will go back, and soon.

WHEN IN TOFINO: • Beer Tasting: Tofino Brewing Company is founded on brewing great beer that is locally focused and being a sustainable, positive part of Tofino. Take home a case of their all natural, unfiltered Hoppin’ Cretin IPA. • Kayak Adventure: Paddle West Kayaking offers the most scenic “Discover the Islands” kayaking tour that explores not just the Tofino shoreline but the island channels and surrounding waterways.

3 hours for $59.

• Sea to Sky: Jamie’s Whaling Station offers a unique journey through Clayoquot Sound to soak in the natural thermal hot springs at remote Hot Springs Cove. Boat up and fly back, or fly up and boat back. 5 hours for $199.

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MUST TRY TOFINO EATS: • WOLF IN THE FOG: Voted the 2014 Best New Restaurant in Canada. Try the Rare Albacore Tuna with Confit Pork.

• SHELTER RESTAURANT: Food, wine and shelter at its best. Try the Side Stripe Shrimp and Mussel Spaghetti.

• THE FISH STORE & OYSTER BAR: Authentically local seafood shop—take home or sit down. Try the Manhattan Clam Chowder.

When every room is a suite, and every suite has a spectacular beach front ocean view, you know it’s going to be a good vacation. Created for those that want to truly relax, the accommodation is well equipped with comfortable furnishings, cozy fireplace, beach luxury bedrooms and a modern kitchen. From studios to three bedroom suites, the rooms are all generously sized at Pacific Sands Beach Resort, ranging in size from 520 to 1,400 square feet. Did I mention the view from the master bedroom? Awe inspiring!

If you are looking for the ultimate accommodation for a family getaway or a small wedding party, Pacific Sands recently unveiled their newest gem – Sunset House at Rosie Bay – a 4-bedroom vacation home featuring exceptional views, unforgettable sunsets, and 2400 square feet of living space with room for 10.

Pacific Sands Beach Resort is located just a few kilometres from the heart of Tofino.

I just want it on record that this little village lives really large. For a community that has 1,800 residents and is all of 4.066 mi², the services and amenities are world class. The food is exceptional, no matter what large culinary metropolis you compare it to. If you want to eat on the go, grab some cured meat and house made cheese at Picnic Charcuterie or munch on a fish taco at Tacofino food truck. Walk the harbour front, check out the galleries, or shop for everything from surfer stuff to designer fashion.

AH

RECOMMENDED ROAD TRIP STOPS On your way to or from Tofino, make sure to stop at Cathedral Grove to hug an 800-year old tree, and stop for lunch, shopping and a visit with the resident goats at Goats on the Roof Coombs Country Market.

atHOME Victoria

CELEBRITY AT HOME 78

NICK VANOFF - BEVERLY HILLS ROYALTY

I

n more gentle times before television started dividing its time between reality shows, heavyhitting documentaries and crime, the country relaxed with shows like The Andy Williams Show, The Tonight Show with Steve Allen and Sonny and Cher. It was Nick Vanoff who produced or co-produced these favourite programs. In the 60s, he produced over ten hours of television every week with stars like Don Knotts, Milton Berle and Bing Crosby.

Starting his career in New York as a professional dancer, Nick met his wife, Felisa, also a dancer, while both were performing at the New York City Opera.

During their marriage they moved to California, where Nick started out holding cue cards for The Perry Como Show and soon became the program’s associate producer. Nick and Felisa collaborated on choreography used in many of the programs he produced, including The Kennedy Center Honors, held annually in Washington, D.C. Vanoff won a Tony, five Emmys and was named Showman of the Year in 1990 by the Publicists Guild of America.

Currently valued at $25 Million, the Vanoff estate in Beverly Hills was built in the 1930s. This sprawling Mediterranean style house has 8,800 square feet of living space with nine bedrooms and twelve baths, a guest house and staff quarters on 1.23 acres. Designed around lushly landscaped gardens, French doors on the ground floor and balconies off the second floor bedrooms open to the loggias and views over the Italian gardens, and an impressive 25-car motor court.

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BATHING BEAUTY The elegant swimming pool, with its two-foot raised seating edge, was modelled after the pool at the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Italy.

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ARCHITECTURAL wonders

A DROP OF WATER

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ocated in Beijing, China, the National Grand Theatre is an ellipsoid dome constructed of titanium and glass, designed by French architect Paul Andreu. Surrounded by a man-made lake, it is nearly 12,000 square metres and seats 5,500 people in three performing halls. It is supposed to resemble a water drop but many say it looks like an egg floating on water.

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another quality project by Bayshore Construction

BAYSHORE CONSTRUCTION specializes in custom Residential, Commercial, and Industrial construction and Project Management. Every Bayshore project receives personal attention, and conscientious builders ensure even the smallest details meet your criteria.

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