LOOK_Fall 2011

Y O U R

L O C A L

G U I D E

T O

P E R S O N A L

S T Y L E

THE SPICE GODDESS Bal Arneson takes the heat out of Indian cuisine

TUNING IN to SIMI SARA at home and on air

PAMPER YOUR POWDER ROOM small spaces pack a big punch FASHION Fall Trend Report FALL

N O R T H a n d W E S T VA N C O U V E R

| LOOK MAGAZINE | 1 W I N TFEARL L2 021001 1

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editor’s note

F A L L

September is an ideal time to make a change. Updating your wardrobe, getting back to sensible eating and clearing clutter from your home all make perfect sense at this time of year.

Simi Sara is facing fall with a fresh routine at home and at work. For our cover story, Look contributor Michelle Hopkins sat down with the broadcaster just as she was settling into a new house in the city and a new job as CKNW’s midday talk show host. Turn to page 20 to sit in on their conversation.

7 13

On the home front, if you’re looking at a bathroom renovation, we offer plenty of tips in our story Pamper Your Powder Room starting on page 23.

As always, we bring you the latest clothes and accessories from your favourite neighbourhood boutiques. This fall, our fashion insiders are filling their closets with tweed, the colour red and lots of feminine lace. Our Fall Trend Report starts on page 13. Enjoy!

L AY N E C H R I S T E N S E N

e ditor@lookmag.ca

y o u r

l o c a l

g u i d e

t o

P e r S o N a l

PAMPeR YOUR POWDeR ROOM small spaces pack a big punch FASHION Fall Trend Report

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LOOK MAGAZINE

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COVER PHOTO ZENAIDA KWONG

out of Indian cuisine

TUNING IN to SIMI SARA at home and on air

4

SPICE GODDESS

8

RECIPE

13

STYLE REPORT

18

TRENDS for MEN

20

NEW WAVELENGTH

23

POWDER ROOM

26

AFTER HOURS

20

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

PROJECT CO-ORDINATOR

Layne Christensen

Vicki Magnison

MANAGING EDITOR

PUBLISHING AND SALES

Marlyn Graziano ART DIRECTION & DESIGN

Dee Dhaliwal Doug Foot

Adrian Cunningham

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR

DESIGN

Myra McGrath

Myra McGrath

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

BAL ARNESON TAKES THE HEAT OUT OF INDIAN CUISINE. MASALA CHICKEN FINGERS WITH MINT AND MANGO CHUTNEY.

FALL FASHIONS AND ACCESSORIES.

PLAID AND OTHER RUGGED LOOKS. TUNING IN TO SIMI SARA.

SMALL ON SPACE BIG ON STYLE.

FRED LEE’S SUMMER SOIREES.

CONTRIBUTORS CINDY GOODMAN NIKI HOPE MICHELLE HOPKINS LISA KING MANISHA KRISHNAN ZENAIDA KWONG FRED LEE DEANNA PALKOWSKI TERRY PETERS KATE ZIMMERMAN

S t y l e

THe SPICe GODDeSS Bal Arneson takes the heat

N o r t H a n d W e S t Va N c o u V e r

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26

Look also catches up with Coquitlam resident and cooking show host Bal Arneson. The best-selling author of Everyday Indian and its followup, Bal’s Quick & Healthy Indian, has a knack for turning classic Indian cuisine into low-fat yet delicious meals for the everyday. Starting on page 7 she shares with Look readers her secrets for spicing up mealtimes at home and combating brown-bag boredom.

2 0 1 1

FALL

Dee Dhaliwal

Look is distributed four times a year as a supplement to Postmedia community newspapers, a division of Postmedia Network Inc., in select areas of the Lower Mainland. Entire contents © 2011 Postmedia Network Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Statement: Postmedia companies collect and use your personal information primarily for the purpose of providing you with the products and services you have requested from us. Postmedia companies may also contact you from time to time about your account or to conduct market research and surveys in an effort to continually improve our product and service offerings. To enable us to more efficiently provide the products and services you have requested from us, the Postmedia companies may share your personal information with other Postmedia companies and with selected third parties who are acting on our behalf as our agents, suppliers or service providers.

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Enquiries can be addressed to: Look Magazine, 100-126 East 15th St., North Vancouver, B.C. V7L 2P9 Tel. 604-985-2131.

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C U I S I N E

if you can’t stand the heat S p i c e G o d d e ss b a l a r n e s o n e x c i t e s p a l a t e s w i t h o u t i g n i t i n g t h e m

words Kate Zimmerman

on-Indians tend to be daunted by cooking Indian food at home. Many of us assume it’s too complicated for weeknights, and will sear our family’s taste buds when we finally get it to the table. No and no, says cookbook author and Food Network TV host, Bal Arneson.

Arneson is a Coquitlam-based phenom who was born in Tibbi, a village in the Punjab.

Simplicity and subtlety are her watchwords — the easy spice mixtures she uses in her book, Bal’s Quick and Healthy Indian (Whitecap, $29.95), and her TV series, Spice Goddess, are meant to warm the palate and impart earthiness. Those who crave a serious chili presence can layer it on afterward. “I don’t do heat,” she says. >

fall

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PHOTO CHRIS REARDON

> One of Arneson’s favourite ingredients is a homemade spice blend called garam masala. Though she provides several recipe variations in Quick & Healthy, her basic version contains coriander, cumin, pepper, curry leaves, cloves, cardamom, cinnamon sticks and bay leaves. “It brings a beautiful balance and doesn’t overpower food.”

She also avoids heavy ingredients like cream and the clarified butter known as ghee.

Arneson grew up using mustard oil in dishes that didn’t mask natural flavours, but enhanced them. Her book doesn’t call for long braises, either. One recipe features raw tuna fillet coated in crushed coriander seeds, then seared briefly in grapeseed oil so it’s still rare inside, served with broccolini that’s steamed, then sautéed briefly with mustard seeds.

This lighter, brighter approach to Indian cuisine has really made waves with home cooks — the second season of Spice Goddess will run on the Food Network in Canada and the Cooking Channel in the U.S. “We’re not in the village any more,” Arneson explains. “We shouldn’t spend hours and hours in the kitchen. I can cook an amazing four-course meal in 25 minutes.”

Arneson has made no secret of the fact

that she was trained from the age of seven to cook, sew, quilt and be subservient to men to make her a desirable candidate for an arranged marriage. Only the cooking stuck. The marriage eventually fell apart.

Arneson supplemented her Canadian university studies — she has a master’s degree in education — by catering and teaching Indian cooking. Her hobby led to her first cookbook, Everyday Indian, and a friendship with the Food Network’s Chef at Home, Michael Smith.

“I remember flipping through the channels and seeing Michael’s show on the Food Network and I thought ‘That’s so cool — he cooks like I do,’” says Arneson, meaning simply, healthily and without recipes. Smith eventually connected her with his TV producer, Johanna Eliot. She now produces Spice Goddess, which was recently nominated for a James Beard Award.

Arneson may love Indian cooking, but in 19 years, she’s never been back to her home village. She now raises money through the sale of organic spices to support educational programs there in hopes that they’ll help other Indian women break free of traditional barriers.

Spice Goddess feels it’s crucial to pursue your passion, as she has. “Follow what you believe in,” she says. ●

PHOTO WHITECAP BOOKS

C U I S I N E

Cookbook author Bal Arneson brings new twists to classic Indian cuisine, creating low-fat meals for the everyday.

Masala Chicken Fingers with Mint and Mango Chutney from Bal’s Quick & Healthy Indian (Whitecap, $29.95) Serves 4.

Bal writes: “These don’t take long to put together, and they’re really popular with my kids and their friends. When my six-year-old son has his friends over for a play date, this is all they seem to want. They like to help make them, too. I’ve offered to teach my 17-year-old daughter and her friends how to prepare this themselves, but so far they only seem interested in eating!”

“I love adding dried fenugreek leaves to my recipes for their distinct aroma and also for the added benefits of protein, vitamin C, niacin and potassium,” she adds.

1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts ¾ cup (185 mL) plain low-fat yogurt ½ cup (125 mL) chickpea flour 2 Tbsp (30 mL) dried fenugreek leaves 1½ Tbsp (22.5 mL) garam masala 1 tsp (5 mL) Spanish paprika Salt and pepper to taste 2 Tbsp (30 mL) grapeseed oil Cut the chicken breasts into long strips about 1 inch (2.5 cm) wide. Combine the yogurt, chickpea flour, fenugreek (crushing it with your hands as you add it), garam masala, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.

Stir well. Add the chicken strips and coat well with the mixture.

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over mediumhigh heat. When the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken in the skillet and reduce the heat to medium. Cook until the chicken is done, about 8 to 10 minutes, turning the strips frequently so all sides are nicely browned. The meat should be white all the way through and should pull apart easily.

Serve with Mint and Mango Chutney.

Mint and Mango Chutney Makes about 1 cup (250 mL) Mangoes are delicious when ripe and in season.

During the off-season, use canned mango pulp, which is available in ethnic stores. This refreshing and flavourful chutney takes only seconds to prepare.

2 cups (500 mL) ripe mango chunks OR 1 cup (250 mL) canned mango pulp 1 cup (250 mL) loosely packed mint leaves ½ cup (125 mL) chopped red onion 1 medium green chili, finely chopped (optional) 1 Tbsp (15 mL) lemon juice 1 tsp (5 mL) garam masala 1 tsp (5 mL) ground coriander Salt and pepper to taste ¼ cup (60 mL) water Place all the ingredients in a food processor and process until smooth. Keep in a covered glass container for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

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FALL

W

hen asked whether her children — 17-year-old daughter Anoop and seven-year-old son Aaron — are picky eaters, Arneson says she’s never indulged such quirks.

“I tell them, ‘Listen — this is not a restaurant. You will eat what I cook. If you don’t like it, make your own.’”

Likewise, her kids are never called for dinner, because they’re expected to be in the kitchen already, helping to prepare it. “We talk about spices, we talk about flavours.”

Anoop isn’t especially keen on cooking, says Arneson. Aaron’s palate is refined enough, however, that he recently noted that a cider he was served in a café would have benefitted from a little cardamom.

WIN A COPY OF BAL ARNESON’S NEW BOOK

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Light up your lunch box

Enter to win the best-selling author’s latest cookbook Bal’s Quick & Healthy Indian from Whitecap Books.

Simply email contest@lookmag.ca and type spice goddess in the subject line.

Read more about Bal’s healthy kitchen at balsworld.com CONTEST CLOSES OCTOBER 14, 2011.

Though she and her children enjoy every cuisine imaginable, Arneson’s kids never take the classic PB&J in their backpacks. Anoop often totes rice and chickpeas, one favourite being the Sweet and Sour Chickpeas in her mom’s latest book, which contain fresh onion and ginger, mustard seeds, coriander curry leaves, mango juice and tamarind pulp.

Aaron loves the family’s homemade rotis — made with whole-wheat flour or chickpea and all-purpose flour, and herbs such as basil and spices like cumin — stuffed with cooked lentils, steamed broccoli and spinach.

“It’s never the standard lunch at my house,” Arneson says, laughing. “It’s lunch Indian-style, breakfast Indianstyle.” ● — Kate Zimmerman

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F A S H I O N Photos LISA KING

Houndstooth shorts $40 at H&M.

Brave leather bag $160 at Get Dressed.

Ralph Lauren vest $205 and pant $199 at The Bay.

so tweed

Warm up to nubby tweeds and cosy cable knits.

S T Y L e d b y DE A N N A P A L K O W S K I

p r o d u c e d b y layn e c h r ist e ns e n

BB Dakota ‘Calhoun’ cape $155 at Muse Fashions.

The Mad Men Collection jacket $175 at Banana Republic.

Jana sweater $80 at Aldila.

Ann Klein bangle $45 at The Bay.

BB Dakota ‘Serena’ dress $211 at Muse Fashions.

Life Stride flats $80 at The Bay. Rocket Dog ‘Walden’ bootie $90 at Sterling Shoes.

Ralph Lauren gloves $38 at The Bay.

Adam by Adam Lippes skirt $275 at The Bay.

Hue tights $17 at Crowns & Jewels.

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Photos LISA KING

F A S H I O N

Pink Martini coat $169 at Privilege.

BCBG Generation suede high heels $135 at Town Shoes.

Acrylic hat and gloves $7 each at H&M.

red alert Give rich-hued clothes and accessories the go-ahead.

BB Dakota ‘Audrey’ dress $120 at Muse Fashions.

Cartise tweed jacket $265 at BJ’s Fashions, By Berit Boutique and My Collection.

Dyrberg/Kern necklace $120 at Wear Else.

Joe Fresh suede flats $39 at Superstore.

Allison Wonderland skirt $138 at Room6 and Dream.

J Brand jeans $215 at Get Dressed and Privilege.

Native ‘Paddington’ boot $90 at Moulé.

Patent belt $38 at Nine West.

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Oversize bag $135 at Nine West.

FALL 2011

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Until The Sun Comes Up Over Santa Monica Blvd.

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fter having the good fortune to visit LA this month, in particular Santa Monica, I really got a handle on the up and coming fashion trends. One look, that unfortunately has a shorter season in Vancouver because of the climate, is the “patio dress”. If I had a dollar for every woman I saw walking down Third Street in a patio dress and Grecian sandals with a little dog and a designer purse…..! But WOW what a great look (the dog is optional). And guess what, next spring/summer in Vancouver it will be all about the patio dress. Being vertically challenged at 5’4”, I never thought I could pull off the long flowy dress. But the petite girls in LA were wearing them too! And guess how?

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“high-waisted pant” is back with a vengeance, but remember the rule - if you did it the first time around, make sure you change it up a little. The problem with high-waisted pants is they make your derriere look fairly long (which is not a great look from behind). Pairing the high-waisted pant with a blazer that covers the back gives the illusion of extra long legs and is very smart, especially if you’re in the business sector and want to try something new. A skinny patent belt finishes off the look.

Tunics and long cozy sweaters are still a staple this fall with either a legging or a skinny jean. By adding a contoured waist belt (a must have for every girl’s wardrobe) it gives some shape to the silhouette.

My top “must have” pieces for the fall season in Vancouver (not Paris) are: 1. Something plaid 2. A floral top 3. A blazer 4. A pair of coloured skinny jeans (btw next spring they will be even bigger) 5. A fitted, bootcut, dark denim jean that makes your backside look amazing 6. A great scarf Happy Fall!

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F A S H I O N

The Mad Men Collection dress $130 at Banana Republic.

Fall fabrics and jewelry have a vintage feel.

Betsey Johnson clutch $150 at The Bay.

Roberto Rodriguez skirt $340 at Wear Else.

Vero Moda blouse $60 at Aldila.

Badgley Mischka pump $275 at The Bay.

Roberto Vianni boot $100 at Sterling Shoes.

Bonded lace jacket $70 bonded lace pencil skirt $40 lace scarf $15 peep-toe platform shoes $80 structured leather bag $120 at Winners.

Carolee bracelet $52 at The Bay. 16

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See You Monday leggings $45 at Pilar’s.

Pink Martini sweater $54 at Privilege.

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Blue brand cotton zippered sweater $60 Alfred by Alfred Sung cotton check shirt $80 at Moore’s Clothing For Men.

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Naked & Famous Japanese denim ‘WeirdGuy’ low-rise jeans $165 at Boys’ Co.

DeLux ‘Rascal’ wool fedora $45 at Unity Clothing Co.

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Haupt denim shirt $175 and Dion striped tie $125 at The Mensroom.

Billabong ‘Everton’ plaid shirt $75 at West 49.

Leather belt $48 at Unity Clothing Inc. 18

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ALWAYS IN SEASON we also have a wide selection of fall sportswear in stock now!

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p i c t u r e s Z e n a i d a K W ON G

Simi’s new slot

broadcaster simi sara eases in to talk radio’s hot seat and a new home in the city

imi Sara answers the door to her brand new house in Kitsilano looking casual and very much at ease. Her 11-year-old son Jake politely shakes hands as he rushes out to meet friends.

Sara invites Look magazine into her home, where the boxes were just recently unpacked and furniture moved into place.

“We just moved in last week,” she says with a laugh. “As you can see, the whole main floor was designed around the kitchen.”

Her oversized kitchen is a gourmet cook’s dream. She calls the style “edgy industrial.” The cabinetry is custom-made, the countertops are thick concrete and her stainless steel appliances are restaurant grade. Besides being a self-admitted workaholic and news junkie, Sara loves to cook. “I worked my way through Julia Child’s cookbooks and I troll the Internet for recipes,” she says, adding her favourite cuisine is Italian.

As she sits in her sunny, cosy living room to chat about her new radio show, The Simi Sara Show on CKNW, which debuted Aug. 22, Sara says she has slowed down a bit and it “feels really good.”

“When I was working on television, I missed out on my kids’ field trips and a lot of other activities,” Sara muses. “Now, as an afternoon anchor, I can drive them to school in the morning and be there when they come home to do homework and have dinner together.

“This opportunity couldn’t have come at a better time for me.”

Sara takes over CKNW’s talk show once hosted by B.C.’s current premier, Christy Clark, who left to pursue political office. The Simi Sara Show airs each weekday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

“Radio is so smart … in television you are condensing a story into two minutes but on CKNW I can discuss an issue for 10 to 15 minutes, providing an in-depth perspective,” says Sara.

Sara has been filling in as a guest host for CKNW for the past year. “I love that

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radio is an intimate medium and you can interact right away with your listeners,” she adds.

Meanwhile, Sara is very much aware that she has big shoes to fill; a challenge she appears ready for. “I realize I am filling the shoes of the premier, and former hosts Rafe Mair and Mike Smyth, all of whom are terrific journalists,” says Sara, before adding: “More than 100 people applied for this job so I’m grateful that CKNW believes in me.”

The two-time B.C. Association of Broadcasters award winner has been in the public eye for nearly two decades. She has been a reporter, writer, producer and anchor.

This is a time of real change for Sara, exciting to be sure, and one she is embracing. “It’s really been an interesting three years,” she says.

Sara was devastated when she was laid off in 2008 as co-anchor of Breakfast Television and host of CityCooks at Citytv.

“The layoff was difficult but it gave me time to evaluate what I wanted to do with my life, if I wanted to change careers or what,” she says.

Sara didn’t have long to think about it. In the late spring 2009, TALK 1410 (CFUN’s talk radio venture), offered her a morning talk show, the Simi Sara Show, which aired from 6 to 10 a.m. “It was early, I had to be up at 4 a.m. every morning, but I found I loved talk radio,” Sara says.

Neil Gallagher, former vice-president and general manager of CHUM Radio Vancouver, hired Sara. He has nothing but glowing things to say about her. “Simi is not only smart, a great conversationalist and empathetic, but she is one of the nicest people you will ever meet,” says Gallagher. “Her listeners could really relate to her because she was always really well informed about current issues and she made it understandable to her listeners … a great skill for a talk show host.”

Then, four months into her new career,

the axe fell again. “Essentially, I knew once again that the new management didn’t want me there, and they eventually shut down TALK 1410,” says the everpragmatic Sara.

Then, with that signature smile, she adds: “But I’m here to say there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

At the moment, Sara wants to dispel rumours that she isn’t going to be tough enough on politicians on her new show.

“Some people think I’m not tough enough with guests, but there are ways to do that without a knock-down fight,” Sara says. “It’s a pretty toxic environment for politicians right now and I think I can discuss issues in a respectful manner and still get to the heart of the issue. “Nobody needs to attack.”

Sara’s first foray into journalism came in high school. The Vancouver native grew up in Cloverdale and moved to Vancouver’s West Side where she completed her last two years of high school at Point Grey secondary. There, she cut her teeth on the school newspaper. “I always knew I wanted to be in this business,” she says.

Right after high school, Sara studied journalism at Langara College. She began her career as a print reporter with The Surrey Leader back in the early ’90s.

Although she studied print media, not broadcast, Sara was offered an internship in 1993 at Citytv. “I went there for a visit and they hired me on as a practicum student,” she says.

From that moment, Sara, then 21, was hooked on television. Now, she wants to show British Columbians she can tackle her own news radio show on CKNW. A typical day for Sara now involves drinking her morning coffee hunched over her computer, reading everything from The Huffington Post, AOL, MSNBC and The Guardian to Vancouver Sun and The Province newspapers.

Sara says her newest stint requires a fair deal of preparation that starts well before she goes live on air. “I never stop doing

S A R A

Photo CINDY GOODMAN

S I M I

Top left CKNW talk show host Simi Sara relaxes at home with son Jake and daughter Gina. Top The kitchen of her new house on Vancouver’s West Side is a favourite hangout spot for family and friends. A typical day for the news radio host starts at the computer left with a review of the day’s stories, several hours before heading into the CKNW studio above where Sara converses with newsmakers and lets listeners have their say.

prep work and so I read as much news as I can,” she says. “Then, I take lots of notes … I’m the Post-it queen.”

Although the veteran broadcaster is dubbed a “proud Surrey girl” in the press (and yes she is, Sara says), she actually spent the last two decades living in Ladner on a 20-acre farm she shared with her husband Loyola O’Neill, son Jake and 14year-old daughter Gina.

The move to Vancouver was precipitated by Sara’s need to have more time for her family. “The last three years have taught me how precious life is and that was a big factor for moving here,”

Sara adds. “I used to have to drive my kids to their friends’ house all the time and it just took me so much time getting to and from work. “Now, we walk more than we drive.”

The couple bought their Kits lot two years ago, then spent a year designing their 2,700-square-foot home and another six months on the construction of it. “I’m already settling in quite nicely,” she says.

Her colleagues and listeners are quite certain the affable Sara will do the same at CKNW. l

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Daring Design makes a Big Splash in the main-floor bath

Pamper your

powder room

words NIKI HOPE

Photo Randal Kurt

he powder room may be one of the smallest rooms in a house, but it should pack the biggest punch when it comes to design.

It is the restroom that will get used most by visitors, and for that reason it is a great space for homeowners to show off their style, says Teresa Cain, interior designer and owner of Interior Solutions in West Vancouver. “We love doing the powder room because they are like little jewel boxes,” Cain says, adding that the rooms can be “beautiful little surprises.”

The powder room is also where homeowners can make a big splash without having to splurge.

“You can really get some drama without big expenses,” says North Vancouver residential designer Kevin Vallely.

One way to create that drama is by using tiles or stones. For example, Vallely worked with a client who had stones put under a glass countertop, then added lighting and water to create a calming effect.

Wallpaper is another way to add texture and flair, he says. “Wallpaper is a big trend that we are seeing, whether you are doing one wall or the whole room,” Vallely says.

Vallely also suggests looking up for a little inspiration. Try a tin ceiling or go West Coast natural with exposed wood. Make use of every inch of space, he says.

Layering lighting is another way to make the powder room interesting. Add a general light and then some mood lighting to bring depth to the room, Vallely explains. “Even though it’s a really small room, you can do a lot with the lighting.

You are going for depth and making it functional for different tasks.”

To play with the room’s scale, a designer can extend a mirror across the breadth of the room, making the space appear larger.

Adding colour is an inspired way to >

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>change up the powder room without breaking the bank.

Painting the existing vanity can breathe new life into a tired powder room. The options are endless, but Cain says some interesting hues include soft grey, highgloss black or blood red for an Asianinspired look. “Just by changing the colour of something you can completely change the powder room,” she says, adding that another way to freshen up the vanity is to change up the hardware.

“For such a small room you want some punch. Even just putting up some bold paint can have an impact,” says the interior designer. “If you are going to do it, have confidence.”

Cain agrees with Vallely that it is possible to give the powder room a new look on a shoestring budget. “It’s a good space to save money; it’s not as costly as other rooms,” she says.

For those who can afford it, Cain recommends spending extra money picking unique bathroom fixtures.

Ashley Watson, showroom manager at The Elegant Bath Gallery, with locations in Burnaby, Surrey and Abbotsford, says investing in a distinctive faucet is a fun and functional way to add a little personality to a room.

And don’t forget the flush. Most customers are seeking loos with clean, contemporary lines, according to Watson.

One-piece toilets are popular choices for powder rooms because they free up space.

Today’s toilets are laps of luxury.

Comfort-height toilets, which are positioned to standard chair height, are another popular pick, Watson says.

“Technically, it’s a handicap toilet (height), but it’s more comfortable,” she explains.

“There’s no such thing as going and picking up a basic toilet. You want to mix performance with design.”

The bathroom specialist says that the powder room and master bathroom are the two washrooms where homeowners focus on design.

“You might save a bit of money in the kids’ bathroom and the basement bath, but in the powder and the master you really want to go with what you like,” she says.

All three experts agree that being bold is best when it comes to the look of the powder room, but it’s still important to stay true to a house’s overall character.

“Think about the context of the house and whether the space fits in it,” Cain says.

Being bold doesn’t mean flushing taste and judgment down the drain. l

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Photos 1 Duravit 2 Sara King-Laliberte 3 & 4 Randal Kurt

H O M E

Modern bathroom fixtures mix performance with design.

1

2

3

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Previous page Rich walnut and luxurious granite turn a bathroom into a place of luxury. 1 A one-piece toilet frees up space in a powder room fitted with Philippe Starck fixtures.

2 A pendant light creates drama when offset to one side of a bathroom vanity. 3 A statement sink gives a powder room its wow factor. 4 A five-panel laminated glass door sets the tone for a modern looking main-floor bath. Philippe Starck for Duravit bathroom range available at The Elegant Bath Gallery. All other interiors by Interior Solutions.

H O M E Lothantique French-milled soap $9 each at Timbavati Home.

Red Flowers painting by artist Henry Huai Xu $750 at Buckland Southerst Gallery.

Waste and toilet roll baskets $28 each at At Home.

royal flush D r e s s

y o u r

p o w d e r

r o o m

i n

l u x u r i o u s

s c e n t s

a n d

Vanilla fragrance soy candles $9-$15 at The Red Tulip.

S T Y L e d b y l a y n e c h r i st e n s e n

d e c o r at i v e

a c c e n t s

Farrow & Ball Green Smoke No. 47 Estate Emulsion interior paint $80 a gallon at At Home.

Limited edition dry skin hand cream $30 at L’Occitane en Provence.

Photo debrah smith shot on location at Chateau Rigaud

Photos cindy goodman/mike wakefield

Pomegranate Grove home fragrance diffuser $40 at Crabtree & Evelyn.

Lacquer tray $80 and lotion dispenser $70 at RoseHill Bed & Bath. fall

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with FRED LEE

Summer Soirée

R&B artist and Juno award winner Jully Black headlined Le Vieux Pin’s posh party. Guests jetted in to Oliver for the South Okanagan Hospital and United Way Women United in Philanthropy benefit.

Dental students and the VGH/UBC Oral Heath Centre were beneficiaries of the Chinese Canadian Dental Society of B.C.’s cirque-themed Gala Dinner Extravaganza. Dr. Anthony Li and his wife Grace hosted the dinner and auction that netted $50,000.

Winemakers, artists and socialites party with a purpose.

Raising a glass at Le Vieux Pin’s Summer Soirée was Wear Else CEO & president Zahra Mamdani with husband Hanif, VP, RBC Global Asset Management.

Jessie’s girl: Will & Grace’s Eric McCormack helped Jennifer Clement celebrate her first Jessie Richardson Theatre Award, for her supporting role in Morris Panych’s The Trespassers.

Winemaker Jacob Kovacs and his brother Jessie, a runner-up on The Bachelorette, enjoyed some Okanagan wine at the Osoyoos Celebrity Wine Festival.

Glee star Cory Monteith helped open Marianne and Ken Thicke’s West Vancouver Pinkberry, the popular frozen yogurt retailer of Hollywood celebs.

Burnaby and Surrey students Dakota Courtoreille, Peter Recchia, Megan McKee, Janelle Yee and Sarah Spencer from Out in Schools marched in the 33rd annual Pride Parade.

Superstar Sarah McLachlan headlined George Laverock’s MusicFest Vancouver Gala Concert with the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra.

Datebook SEP

29

Singer Jann Arden sang for her supper at Hidekazu Tojo’s $1,000-a-ticket Canadian Red Cross benefit.

The Tojo and Friends Gala brought chefs and musicians together and generated $150,000 for victims of the disaster in Japan.

Is there an event in your community that you would like Fred to drop in on? E-mail editor@lookmag.ca. Follow Fred on Twitter at FredAboutTown.

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DEC

Senator Vivienne Poy and husband Dr. Neville Poy attended the ORBIS Flying Eye Hospital Canada Goodwill Tour ’s hootenanny in Richmond. More than $125,000 was pledged to see the program take flight.

Global TV anchors Robin Stickley, Sophie Lui and Robin Gill with CBC anchor Gloria Macarenko were awash in colour for Opus Hotel’s ElectriCity street party.

Baubles for Banting Canadian Diabetes Association’s inaugural gala. former AG Wally Oppal will host the bling fling at Birks Downtown. Sparkling gems, lavish hors d’oeuvre and an incredible array of live & silent auction items. this is one chic and unique evening not to be missed. baublesforbanting.ca Nite of Hope Kick up your designer heels at THIS Moulin Rouge-themed gala in support of breast cancer research. Champagne Reception, sumptuous three-course dinner, fashion show and dancing at North Van’s Pinnacle Hotel at The Pier. niteofhope.com Crystal Ball A real sparkler on the social calendar, one of Vanhattan’s pre-eminent galas celebrates its 25th anniversary. The BC Children’s Hospital Foundation’s signature soiree at the Four Seasons Hotel always draws an A-list crowd. bcchf.ca

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