SEPTEMBER 2011 {
T H E U LT I M A T E G U I D E T O D O M E S T I C B L I S S O N T H E N O R T H S H O R E
}
Spruce up your space
RENTAL REDO
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
WINTER READY YOUR LAWN
BOOST YOUR HOME VALUE
PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM
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A22 - athome - Sunday, September 25, 2011 A D V E R T I S E M E N T
RENOVATEMySpace Samra Roofing is ready for you… while the sun is still shining! It’s no secret that with the North Shore’s moist climate, local roofs have to be able to withstand a lot of punishment. Whether you have cedar or fibreglass shingles, sooner or later they will need to be replaced. Samra Brothers Roofing, a family run company, has been in business since 1972. In that time, they have earned a reputation for top quality workmanship and very competitive prices. Today, brothers Avtar and Kerry Samra run the business and have assembled a skilled team of craftsmen to install their specialty: cedar roofing. “Our specialty is cedar shake roofing,” says Avtar. “The natural resilience of cedar shakes and shingles protects against whatever nature throws at it. We’re known for our quality workmanship. Our cedar installers have been with us for over 30 years and they understand how to get the job done properly.”
“
Using 100% premium edge grain western red cedar, Samra’s shake roofs come with warranties of 20-30 years, depending on the installation. Our fibreglass roofs are warranteed from 30 yrs to lifetime.
geometric appearance and construction provides excellent resistance to wind lifting and blow offs without the need for special adhesives.”
TRUST THE ROOF OVER YOUR HEAD TO THE EXPERTS
New materials have also helped improve durability, look and price.
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All of our fiberglass shingles are laminated to provide a remarkable dimensional thickness, not only for strength, durability, and weather resistance, but also to create an extraordinarily beautiful look for your home. Some of our fiberglass shingles are manufactured in a larger size with more exposure to create a high definition ‘shake’ look for your roof. Its double layer construction, using an extra-heavy fiberglass mat and tough modified sealant, provides superior durability and wind resistance. All fiberglass shingles are surprisingly affordable and are the perfect choice to protect and beautify your home.”
If you are interested in cedar or fibreglass shingles, Samra’s decades of experience can help you get the job done on time and on budget.
If you are interested in cedar or fibreglass shingles, Samra’s decades of experience can help you get the job done on time and on budget.
”
When the time comes to re-roof your home, you owe it to yourself to get in touch with Samra Brothers Roofing.
“Our customers tell us that they are really happy with how our crews perform on the job site,” says Avtar. “The high quality of the work we do makes sure that they get the best value for their money.”
“Among the types of roofing available, we offer a range of heavyweight organic fibreglass shingles. Their handsome
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Sunday, September 25, 2011 - athome - A23
Around the house Short cuts to better living
OH, YOUR POOR PRODUCE…
THE SMART KEY HAS ARRIVED.
PHOTO: DREAMSTIME.COM
Weiser has a new key that it hopes will revolutionize home security. The SmartKey system uses a patented sidebar locking technology that is tougher to crack than a traditional pin-andtumbler lock design. It also comes with a handy feature that lets homeowners re-key the lock without removing it from the door or having to use a locksmith.
left to languish in the fridge until it is limp and worrisomely smelly. Such a fate needn’t befall it, say the refrigerator gurus at Samsung. Here are some tips to ensure your perishables don’t wilt in the crisper:
This innovative advancement allows you to give a key to a babysitter or house cleaner, for example, knowing that when the kids are grown or when you change services, you can re-key the lock without worrying about copies that might be floating around. The Weiser SmartKey is available in a range of finishes and styles. weiserlock.com.
1 Refrigerate the right foods: Some produce is better suited for on-counter storage. Think bananas.
2 Take advantage of your fridge: Like a cool, dark cellar, it can prolong the life of perishables.
3 Store fruit and vegetables separately: Veggies should be stored in the warmest part of the refrigerator (bottom drawers).
4 Know your ideal humidity: Leafy greens crave high humidity, while crisp fruits need low humidity for maximum freshness.
5 Have a clear view: It is much easier to grab a healthy snack when it’s in your sightline. BY LISA KADANEÐ POSTMEDIA NEWS CALGARY HERALD
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT The Management Team and the staff at The Great Canadian Landscaping Company Ltd are proud to announce Karin Forest as General Manager. Karin Forest was raised on the North Shore. She has over 25 years of experience and is well respected by many key players throughout our industry. She is an educator and mentor by nature and carries with her, an optimistic and passionate approach to her career. Her experience, professionalism and candor that she brings to the Management Team and as the General Manager of The Great Canadian Landscaping Company, is a key asset to the company and in achieving its strategic objectives. Trisha Wilkin will take the lead role as Head Landscape Designer and Project Manager.
www.greatcanadianlandscaping.com
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A24 - athome - Sunday, September 25, 2011
Create a space that is your own.
Rental Spruce-Up
The apartment had good bones - high ceilings, original woodwork, abundant light - and its location was unbeatable. But when Alice Danino moved into her two-bedroom place, it felt empty and dull. Kitchen cabinets, walls, countertops were all white. There wasn’t a hint of
embellishment anywhere. So she put her creativity to work, making the place feel homey. She bought selfsticking silver decals in the shape of cutlery for the kitchen cabinets and quotations in calligraphic font for the hallway walls. There are plants in every room now, and generous splashes of colour in the small appliances, dishes, sofa cushions and accessories that Danino and her current roommate, Vanessa Tobin, have brought home.
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Rentals can be boring or dreary, with monotone cabinetry and floors and countertops that have seen better days. Usually, rentals are outfitted in neutral colours and surfaces chosen more for durability and mass appeal than beauty. Many landlords forbid anything but cosmetic changes. Besides, who wants to invest a lot of money in a place they don’t own? But there are ways to make inexpensive, temporary improvements. We asked two interior designers, Nicola Marc and Anita Conidaris, for their suggestions when it comes to injecting warmth and character into a rented apartment. They find their inspiration in all kinds of places, from house and home magazines, museum gift shops, flea markets, decor boutiques and hardware stores to Winners and IKEA. Conidaris is an artist, decorator and garden designer. Her interiors are classic — a mix of textures and styles. Here are a few of her ideas: LIGHTING Good lighting doesn’t just brighten a room; it also adds mood. Make sure to provide light from different sources, including table lamps, floor lamps and ceiling lamps. Even homes with well lit rooms wired with recessed ceiling lights need to be “layered” with light from different heights. PAINT Most landlords insist tenants leave the walls as they found them, or repaint before leaving. Painting one “accent wall” in a living room or bedroom in a deep, bold colour adds instant drama, Conidaris says, and takes less effort to repaint than a whole room when it is time to move.
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“I would love to have painted the walls purple, but then they would have had to be returned to the original white when we left,” Danino said. “Instead, we found more temporary ways of bringing in personality.”
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MIX & MATCH Don’t worry about matching furniture. “I’m not into sets; they don’t lend personality to a room,” she says. Indeed, Conidaris says juxtaposing furniture in different styles adds personality. For example, pair a mid-century coffee table with a more traditional sofa. Or a reclaimed wood table in greyish tones with whitepainted antique chairs for a clean, spare, slightly rustic Scandinavian feel. She also likes the visual “tension” created when different textures are combined: shiny with dull, silk with linen, raw wood with painted surfaces. CREATE GROUPINGS To avoid the appearance of clutter, group items as “collections.” For a pleasing composition, Conidaris recommends the “triangle method” in which taller, larger objects are placed in the centre of an arrangement, with shorter items around.
Sunday, September 25, 2011 - athome - A25
ART FOR ART’S SAKE Art doesn’t have to be expensive or precious. Conidaris places individual sheets of Japanese printed paper in similar frames, black or white, then hangs them together on a wall for a vibrant arrangement. Or you can buy original art — instead of another Monet print — from up-and-coming artists. MIRRORING Group mirrors in different sizes and shapes above a bedroom dresser or on a hallway wall. Place the mirrors in antique frames (from garage sales, for example), or new ones. If the frames are different, unify them by sticking to wood or metal, for example, or a single colour. Or hang an oversized mirror in a small space to visually enlarge the space, and to bring more light into a dark area.
Here are two more ideas from Britishborn stylist and interior designer Nicola Marc:
CURTAINS Offer privacy, as well as protection from the heat and cold. They are also highly portable, and it doesn’t cost much to have curtains resized when you move. In the kitchen area, Marc suggests hiding the washer or dryer behind a “curtain” of fabric. She strings the curtain panel along elasticized cord hung from tiny eyelets in the cabinetry. (Holes are easily filled before moving.)
INVEST IN FABRIC Curtains and cushions in great fabric can spice up an otherwise drab interior. Fabric is a great way to bring colour and pattern into an otherwise neutral room.
BY SUSAN SEMENAK POSTMEDIA NEWS
GO WITH THE FLOW In the use of colour, textures and choice of styles, make sure to maintain a certain flow through the space, especially in lofts or small apartments where one living area opens onto another. Keep colours neutral and add accessories in one or two complementary colours. For example, in an adjoining living room and dining room, toss a red cushion on the sofa, then add a red vase or table runner in the dining room. DON’T BE TOO SERIOUS A few disparate elements that are slightly “off “ add notes of whimsy. Even in a traditional setting, go for a crazy lampshade or a piece of unusual art or a splash of unexpected colour. UPDATE HARDWARE Even if you aren’t allowed to repaint kitchen cabinets, they can be updated with replacement knobs and handles. Home Depot, for example, has a good selection of inexpensive hardware in a number of finishes.
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jennair.ca † Instant Rebate equal to 15% of total retail purchase price (before taxes) and bonus dishwasher offer based on purchase of four qualifying Jenn-Air major appliances. Instant Rebate equal to 15% of total retail purchase price (before taxes) and bonus dishwasher offer based on purchase of four qualifying Instant Rebate equal to 15% of total retail purchase price (before taxes) based on purchase of three qualifying Jenn-Air major appliances. Jenn-Air® major Instant Rebate equal to 10% ofappliances. total retail purchase price (before taxes) based on purchase of two qualifying Jenn-Air major appliances. Multiple purchases must be made at the same time from the same participating authorized Canadian Jenn-Air appliance †† ® Refrigerators, Ranges, Wall Ovens, Cooktops, Ventilation based hoods. ProStyle Rangesof (models JGRP430WP, JGRP436WP,Jenn-Air JGRP548WP, YJDRP436WP YJDRP548WP) dealer to be eligible. Qualifyingequal appliancesto include Jenn-Air Instant Rebate 15% of total retail purchase priceDishwashers (beforeandtaxes) on Commercial purchase three qualifying majorAND appliances. count as two units. Limited time offer. Some conditions may apply. Open to Canadian residents only. In store instant rebate will be deducted at time of purchase. Offer is not available to dealers, builders or contractors. Offer is available on retail purchases only. ††† Rebate to No10% of qualify. totalSeeretail purchase price (before taxes) based on purchase of two qualifying Jenn-Air® major appliances. All Instant models may not be availableequal at all dealers. substitutes Sales Associates for Details. ®Registered Trademark/™Trademark of Jenn-Air U.S.A., used under license in Canada. ©2011 All rights reserved. Multiple purchases must be made at the same time from the same participating authorized Canadian Jenn-Air® appliance dealer to be eligible. Qualifying appliances include Jenn-Air® Refrigerators, Ranges, Wall Ovens, Cooktops, Dishwashers and Ventilation hoods. ProStyle® Commercial Ranges (models JGRP430WP, JGRP436WP, JGRP548WP, YJDRP436WP AND YJDRP548WP) count as two units. Limited time offer. Some conditions may apply. Open to Canadian residents only. In store instant rebate will be deducted at time of purchase. Offer is not available to dealers, builders or contractors. Offer is available on retail purchases only. All models may not be available at all dealers. No substitutes qualify. See Sales Associates for Details. ® Registered Trademark/™Trademark of Jenn-Air U.S.A., used under license in Canada. ©2011 All rights reserved. ®
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A26 - athome - Sunday, September 25, 2011
Compact refills of household cleaners aim to
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To lessen the load on landfills, some manufacturers of household cleaners are going green and offering concentrated detergents in small refill packages.
designing something that is easy to use, easy on our planet and 25 per cent less expensive than conventional cleaners,” he says.
These “just-add-water” cleaners are part of an eco-friendly line of detergents aimed at cutting the amount of plastic household garbage by as much as 80 per cent.
Method, creator of non-toxic, biodegradable home-care products, has partnered with TerraCycle to keep its foaming hand wash, dish soap and laundry detergent refill pouches out of the landfills.
In May, Planet People announced its iQ REFill (Reduced Environmental Footprint) cleaning line will now be sold nationwide. Available at Walmart and Loblaw stores, the four concentrated cleaners (All-Purpose, Bathroom, Glass and Floor cleaners) come in small recyclable cartridges that you empty into a reusable iQ bottle and fill with tap water.
According to the Method website, the lightweight pouches not only yield “more than 80 per cent savings in materials, energy and water over normal bottles,” they are reused by TerraCycle to make plastic bags, fabrics and textiles.
“For a product that is 95 per cent water, the costs to the environment — and to the consumer — just don’t add up,” says Eric Green, president of Planet People. “We created iQ to combat the excessive waste and cost of traditional cleaners,
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Email your name, daytime phone number and the name of one of the Celebrity Guests at this year’s show to contest@nsnews.com for your chance to win. Deadline for entries: Sunday, October 2, 2011 Prize must be accepted as awarded.
Sunday, September 25, 2011 - athome - A27
Lawn care: get it ready for winter Though spring and summer are often seen as the primary seasons for lawn care, fall is a great time to ready a lawn for winter weather. The following tips can help a lawn withstand winter weather and might even make spring lawn care that much easier once the warm weather returns.
FERTILIZE Fertilizing in the fall actually helps the lawn come the early spring. Nutrients remain in the soil throughout the winter months, and the lawn will utilize those nutrients once the snow melts and the sun and warmer weather return. AERATE Lawns typically become compacted by late summer, making it difficult for the grass to thrive. When fall arrives, aerating the lawn can relieve that compaction by removing plugs or cores of soil from the lawn. Once a law is aerated, the grass roots can spread out and thicken the lawn. It’s good to aerate in the fall when grass roots grow. EDGE THE PROPERTY Homeowners who live in areas that experience heavy snowfall in the winter might want to edge their lawns in the fall. Edging can eliminate the risk of damaging grass that hangs over curbs and sidewalks when shoveling snow. What’s more, an edged lawn adds aesthetic appeal to the property.
PHOTO: SUPPLIED
SEED Fall can be a great time to seed a lawn as well. Overseeding a warm season lawn in the fall can help a lawn resist diseases throughout the winter.
25% 5% off perennials! (Chinese lanterns not included in sale) sale ends Oct 2nd
Spring Flowering Bulbs have arrived!
RAKE LEAVES PROMPTLY Don’t allow leaves to accumulate on the grass before finally dusting off the rake. If you allow leaves to sit on the lawn too long, they can smother the grass. Don’t allow leaves to reach ankle length.
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A28 - athome - Sunday, September 25, 2011
If you are considering selling your home, there are easy ways to boost its value. Making minor changes to a home can add to your asking price, whether you’re putting your home on the market this week or waiting for the market to rebound. The following tasks might not take much effort, but they pay dividends. WORK ON THE YARD An appealing lawn is still a great way to catch a prospective buyer’s eye. When a home boasts a lush lawn and well manicured trees, it’s hard to ignore that For Sale sign out front. If landscaping has proven an Achilles’ heel in the past, make an effort to take better care of your property in the months ahead. It doesn’t take long for even the most neglected lawn to rebound from disrepair. By the time you feel confident to put that for sale sign out front, you might just be putting it up in a lush lawn no buyer can resist. UPGRADE APPLIANCES Prospective buyers won’t be thrilled if they walk into a home and see outdated appliances. Some might even feel older appliances indicate a homeowner who cared little about
PHOTOS: DREAMSTIME.COM
Easy ways to boost home value appearances and might begin to wonder if there are any additional areas that might have been neglected around the house. Stainless steel appliances in the kitchen and even new fixtures in the bathroom are esthetically appealing and tend to excite buyers. Homeowners who aren’t immediately putting their property up for sale can gradually upgrade their appliances to lessen some of the financial toll such purchases take.
buyers. If your home hasn’t had a new coat of paint in awhile, that might make buyers feel the home is musty or old. Many buyers judge a book by its cover, and sellers want their home’s exterior to be as attractive as possible. Homeowners can also paint rooms inside the home to give it a fresh and welcoming feel. CLEAN UP A cluttered house will almost certainly repel buyers. Buyers want
a home that’s roomy and well kept, but clutter creates the opposite impression. Organize the closets to make them appear more roomy and clean up any areas that have become cluttered – consider temporarily renting a storage unit to house excess stuff from closets. Basements or utility closets might be handy for storage, but they should be open and clean before hosting an open house. The less clutter a home has, the more spacious it will appear and the more money sellers can likely demand for the home. METROCREATIVE
REPLACE CARPETS A clean carpet might make a world of difference to a home’s inhabitants, but a new carpet will be more appealing to prospective buyers. Choose a neutral-toned carpet that will boast a more universal appeal. PAINT A fresh coat of paint or new siding is always attractive to prospective
BC HYDRO VEGETATION MAINTENANCE - PADMOUNTED TRANSFORMERS
BC HYDRO SYSTEM IMPROVEMENT WORK
To assure continued safety and system reliability, BC Hydro is removing vegetation around all BC Hydro padmounted transformers to clearance standards.
BC Hydro will be making system improvements that will require the installation
Vegetation management work in North Vancouver, West Vancouver and on Bowen
of duct banks (underground utility trenches). The work will take place in North Vancouver along 4th St. E. from St. David’s Avenue to just west of Lonsdale Avenue.
Island will continue until March 31, 2012. BC Hydro requires the area around its electrical equipment to remain clear for the following reasons:
The work will begin on or around September 6, 2011 and will take approximately 2 months to complete. The hours of work are Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Single lane alternating traffic will be maintained in the construction area. Parking
3060
2.5m from any and all doors 0.9m from all other sides
Prior to BC Hydro removing the vegetation, customers may prune or maintain
or through the Lower Mainland Project Line 1 800 663 1377.
vegetation around transformers on their property to these clearances. If not, vegetation removal will be completed by BC Hydro crews. 2866
Learn more at bchydro.com/regeneration50
to prevent overheating of the equipment, and to facilitate emergency repairs or replacement of the equipment.
with notices in advance of parking restrictions.
For 50 years, BC Hydro has been providing clean, reliable electricity to our customers. Today we are planning for the next 50 years by investing in new projects, upgrading existing facilities and working with our customers to conserve energy through Power Smart.
for the safety of our employees operating the equipment,
The clearances around the transformers are:
restrictions may be in effect along 4th St. E. on both north and south sides of the street at one-half block intervals as work progresses. Residents will be provided
Questions may be addressed through LMSC.communityrelations@bchydro.bc.ca
For more information about safely planting near BC Hydro equipment and clearance standards, visit bchydro.com/safety
For 50 years, BC Hydro has been providing clean, reliable electricity to you. Today we are planning for the next 50 years by investing in new projects, upgrading existing facilities and working with you to conserve energy through Power Smart.