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JUSTIN O’CONNOR & CHRISTY HUGHES Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 1100-1631 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna, BC 250.826.9961 | sothebysrealty.ca

GLOBAL CONNECTIONS.

LAKEVIEW HOMESITES NOW SELLING FROM THE LOW $200,000s

THE ULTIMATE

LAKE COUNTRY EXPERIENCE. WE CALL IT WATERSIDE.

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NOW YOU CAN BUILD A HOME RIGHT BY THE WATER, at Waterside, Lakestone’s premier neighbourhood. It’s easy to imagine yourself living here all year round, with the Lake Club amenities at your doorstep and Kelowna so close by.

But will you ever want to tear yourself away from this view?

North

Come home to the lake This is not an offering for sale. Such an offering can only be made by way of a disclosure statement. The developer reserves the right to make changes to drawings, plans, specifications and prices without notice. Prices do not include GST. E&OE.

OkanaganHOME.com

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FEATURES

CONTENTS 20 48 56 62 68

Issue 30, Spring 2014

Luxury Sale By Auction Tuscan Splendor Going Big With A Small Space Symmetrical Style Inner-City Dream Homes

ISSN 1913-0759 OkanaganHOME.com Info@OkanaganHOME.com Publishers: Justin O’Connor, Christy Hughes

LIFESTYLE

.....................................................................................

Chief Editor: Christy Hughes

28 Jillian Harris, A Local Success Story 35 Great Estates Wine Club

Creative & Design: Okanagan HOME Team | Leanne Kuhn Advertising Executive: Justin O’Connor

DEPARTMENTS

40 72 74 81 82

COLUMNS

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16 17 18 19 44 46

Contributors: Denis Apchin, Thomas Born, Andrew Bruce, Ross Freake, Laura Goldstein, Christy Hughes, Colin Jewall, Kim Jones, Byron Kane, Leanne Kuhn, Richard Montgomery, Darcy Nybo, Justin O’Connor, Sherri Paiement, Dawn Renaud, Jennifer Smith, Sherry Smith, Tom Stratton, Shawn Talbot, Craig Thompson, Kevin Trowbridge, Stephanie Whiting

Fresh Finds | Spring 2014 Builder Profile | Edgecombe Builders Real Estate Listings Artist Profile | Kenna Graff Accessorize | Go For Gold

Okanagan HOME Magazine Inc. PO Box 21117 Orchard Park Kelowna, BC V1Y 9N8 250.826.9961 OkanaganHOME.com Info@OkanaganHOME.com President: Justin O’Connor

..................................................................................

Market Review Design Legal Green Housing Industry Development

Okanagan HOME Magazine makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of the information it publishes; however, it cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions to story, ad or photo content. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, including distribution by any electronic method, including email, website or other distribution without the written consent of the publisher.

Upon publication, Okanagan HOME Magazine acquires Canadian Serial Rights and copyright to all content included in this issue.

Cover Photo by Shawn Talbot Photography

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Home Style |

Aria

LIVE DIFFERENT

The Okanagan Transitional Style of Living What exactly is "transitional style of architecture"? Transitional style of architecture is a home style that blends contemporary design elements with touches of old world charm. The overall floor plan design focuses on maximizing views from multiple rooms. The residence is usually designed to open up to the outdoor living spaces bringing the inside out and outside in. Windows are thoughtfully placed to frame and enhance the view experience, and the overall curb appeal is enhanced with the clean, lean lines of floor to ceiling windows and lighter exterior wall and trim colours.

Now that you have an idea of just what transitional style of architecture is, just

Well imagine no more, “The Okanagan Transitional Style of Living" is here.

The Village of Kettle Valley is currently offering lots for pre-sale in its newest, most prestigious subdivision to date called "The Highlands at Kettle Valley".

K ET

and the mountains beyond.

TL

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under your covered veranda soaking in panoramic views of Okanagan Lake

AGE O LL

Y

of green space to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities. Imagine sitting outside

LE

surrounded by a diverse, natural, hillside landscape with flowing creeks and miles

VI

imagine building your luxurious, transitional-style dream home in a place that is

E VA L

OPEN DAILY The Kettle Valley Discovery Centre discoverycentre@kettlevalley.com 250.764.2199 | kettlevalley.com

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THE BEAUTY OF SPACE

CLIF

TON

2000 acres of Okanagan beauty, over half of it dedicated to parks, trails and wildlife. Wilden is the largest masterplanned community between Vancouver and Calgary. Find your island of tranquility – minutes from downtown Kelowna.

CLIFTON

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10 Minutes to Downtown 10 Steps to Nature

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NATURE INSPIRED LIVING

Contact our sales office: 250.762.2906 · 132 Sky Court · Kelowna · sales@wilden.ca

OkanaganHOME.com

Lots to explore: www.wilden.ca Select your homesite: www.wilden.ca/lotfinder Looking for a townhome? www.wildentownhomes.ca Visit our five Showhomes in the Wilden Skylands! www.wildenshowhomes.ca

FROM THE PUBLISHERS

Okanagan HOME is excited to welcome another new year and the spring season ahead. In keeping with the new season, the publication is making some fresh transformations of its own.

As a start, you may notice that this first issue of 2014 looks a little bigger in your hands. We have increased the dimensions of the magazine to better showcase the amazing properties splashed across its pages. In addition, the paper has been upgraded, a further reflection of our strategy to pursue quality and excellence.

As you peruse this Spring 2014 edition, be sure to take note of a new Real Estate listing section. In this issue and going forward, this department will showcase properties hand-picked as a representation of the ultimate in Okanagan lifestyle and development.

We are honoured to announce that Okanagan HOME Magazine was awarded the Rising Star Business of the Year Award at the recent Kelowna Chamber of Commerce, Business Excellence Awards. We would like to take this opportunity to convey our sincerest gratitude to all of our readers, partners, advertisers and advocates for making Okanagan HOME the publication that it is today. We could not have done it without you.

We look forward to the exciting year ahead and wish all of you the very best in 2014.

Justin & Christy

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DESIGNING

Award Winning Kitchens

CABINETS

COUNTERTOPS

APPLIANCES

Norelco Cabinets

Pure Granite Rocks

Coast Wholesale Appliances

Locally owned and operated in the Okanagan for over 40 years. Norelco is known for award winning designs, trusted quality, and exceptional customer service.

Pure Granite Rocks is the premier provider of custom solid countertops in the Okanagan Valley with the highest standards of quality and largest selection.

Over 34 years supplying home appliances. Coast Wholesale Appliances has the brands you want, and the expertise you need.

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MARKET REVIEW Market Momentum

B Y T O M S T R AT T O N

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada expanded into the Okanagan at the end of 2013, signaling confidence in the region’s real estate market and offering home sellers and their REALTORS® a new and unique opportunity to market their homes to a much wider audience - locally, nationally and internationally.

Tom Stratton is the Managing Broker for Sotheby’s International Realty Canada’s Victoria and Kelowna offices, and leads all brokerage operations for the Okanagan region.

In spite of a slow start to 2013, the Okanagan real estate market ended the year on an optimistic note. The Okanagan Mainline Real Estate Board reported a 44 percent increase in December 2013 MLS® sales activity compared to the same month in 2012. This was a continuation of an upward market trend since the beginning of the year. At the same time however, it’s clear that the market remains firmly in buyers’ territory, and that this trend will extend well into 2014. This means that sellers will need be strategic in their pricing and proactive in marketing their homes to as many qualified potential buyers as possible.

A general sentiment of economic and political stability follows the re-election of British Columbia’s Liberal government in 2013, putting an end to months of negative economic speculation. Moving forward into 2014, Kelowna area MLS® home sales are forecast to improve, with strengthening demand in the market resulting from increasing migration. This is coupled with improved economic and employment growth, according to CMHC’s (Canada Mortgage And Housing Corporation) Fall 2013 Housing Market Outlook for Kelowna. It also anticipates that low interest rates paired with stable home prices will stimulate demand in both new and re-sale homes, making 2013 an excellent time for buyers to consider purchasing property in the Okanagan region.

Our expansion into the Okanagan reflects confidence in the long-term potential of the region’s real estate market. It also reflects confidence in the appeal of top-tier Okanagan real estate to buyers from within BC, across Canada and from around the world. We’re looking forward to extending our services to clients in the Okanagan in 2014, with a talented and dedicated team of associates that are committed to raising the bar within the real estate industry.

To learn more visit SothebysRealty.ca.

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DESIGN The Devil Is In The Details

BY DENIS APCHIN

The idiom “the devil is in the detail” derives from the earlier phrase, “God is in the detail;” This original idiom may have been coined by a few individuals, but most notably by the German-born architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe (1886–1969). Remarkably, even though his buildings were recognized for their simplicity of form, what made them amazing was the painstaking craftsmanship and attention to detail.

Denis Apchin is an award winning Okanagan-based designer of spectacular, luxury homes

Whether a building design is simple or complex in nature, it is often the attention to detail that makes it successful or not. In the context of home design, the saying “the devil is in the details” implies that if small things in plans are overlooked, that serious problems could occur later on. In other words, there is potential danger that a project may be delayed and experience costly over-runs if you are working from a plan with a lack of detail.

If you are planning to build a new home or renovate your existing home you will need to work from a plan. That plan may come from a catalogue, be drafted by a technician or be created by a designer or architect. Each of these methods of obtaining a plan has a different fee schedule, but it is important to note that each plan provides a very different amount of detail. Be warned that you get what you pay for!

Typically a stock home plan has five or six pages of drawings only showing the floor plans, roof plan, elevations and a few sections. On the other hand a well-designed home could have between 15 and 30 pages of detailed drawings, which would further include window, door and beam schedules, structural details, heating and ventilation layouts, electrical and lighting plans, reflected ceiling plan, millwork and cabinet drawings, interior elevations, stair and railing details, plumbing and light fixture specifications, hardscape details for driveways, sidewalks, patios, pools and fencing.

If this information is not on your plans, where is it going to come from? Be sure to factor in the time and hidden costs to obtain this information. The more detail provided greatly reduces the risk of surprise. While some surprises are nice to have, those planned by the devil… not so much!

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LEGAL Financing Your Home Purchase

BY RICHARD MONTGOMERY

When obtaining mortgage financing, some people will get pre-approved by their lending institution up to a maximum amount. This is of course subject to the lender receiving an appraisal showing that the purchase price of the property is approximately equal to or greater than the appraised value.

Richard Montgomery is a partner at Montgomery Miles Law Firm. His business clients are varied and include proprietorships, partnerships, companies, investors, developers and financial institutions.

His real estate clients include lending and mortgage work to conveyancing, leasing and development transactions.

Most people however have a good idea of what they can afford and will find a property they want first and then apply for mortgage approval. In this case they must include a “subject to financing” clause in the offer to purchase to protect them if they do not get approved.

Many will deal with a mortgage broker, who can shop around and find the best deal. Most are under the impression, that the lower the interest rate, the better the deal. In many cases that is a mistake. Some may have plans to pay their mortgage down more quickly, so they need to know if they have any rights to pay it down earlier than the predetermined schedule.

For example, you may be subject to a work transfer and need to sell the home while it is still under the mortgage. In this case, you must know that you can pay it off early and if so, how much the penalty will be for doing so. Some people are much more comfortable if they can go to the lender’s place of business and meet an individual face-to-face to answer their questions, rather than dealing with a “long distance” lender.

Also, a borrower should know if there are any additional costs that will need to be paid to get the mortgage and how long it will take a lender to approve them and get them their mortgage proceeds. It does no good to a borrower if the lender won’t be able to fund by the closing date of the purchase.

A good rule of thumb is to get all the relevant information and consider it all before making a decision.

#1 IN THE OKANAGAN FOR A WHOLE LOT OF REASONS AFFORDABLE Attractive pricing for premium Santa Fe-style home choices. DOWNSIZE WITHOUT COMPROMISE Ample floor plans to accommodate your

living space. NO NEED TO SQUEEZE YOUR LIFE INTO A CONDO Enjoy your very own garage, driveway, outdoor living area and a maintenance-free lifestyle. FIVE MINUTES FROM ANYWHERE Beside Two Eagles Golf Course and minutes to West Kelowna amenities including cafés, restaurants, theatres

and more. Combine all that with Rykon Construction Management’s solid reputation for quality construction and you can see why Sonoma Pines is #1

in the Okanagan for new home development!

LIMITED OFFERING – NOW SELLING Phases ten and eleven offer six styles of premium golf course homes on some of the most gorgeous lots ever offered by Sonoma Pines. Once these homes are gone, there won’t be anything else like it in the Okanagan!

FOUR FABULOUS SHOW HOMES OPEN DAILY 12-5 The builder reserves the right to make changes to plans, specifications and prices without notice. Square footage and room sizes are approximate. Plus GST. E&OE.

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CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION 250.768.3703 | sonomapines.com

In West Kelowna beside Two Eagles Golf Course on Carrington Road

GREEN HOUSING Make A Resolution That Sticks

BY KIM JONES

Admit it. You’ve already snuck a donut or two and skipped the gym more than once, and spring is still around the corner.

If you’re finding it difficult to keep those New Year’s resolutions, FortisBC has a few that are guaranteed to stick. Better yet, they don’t involve pain or self-deprivation and in the long run, could save you money and help the environment.

Kim Jones works with FortisBC PowerSense as a Residential Energy Advisor.

Home energy upgrades or easy changes such as turning off lights that aren’t being used, putting on a sweater or using an extra blanket at night instead of turning up the heat can help make your home more energy efficient and help lower your utility bills. So make 2014 the year to shed your home’s energy waste and get it in tip-top shape. Here are some ideas to get you started: TAKE A TOUR. Tour our virtual Energy House and discover the different ways you can save energy and make your home more comfortable. You can also take the energy saving quiz for more tips on reducing your energy use. Visit FortisBC. com/StartHere.

CALCULATE YOUR WAY TO SAVINGS. Wondering how much it costs to operate an ENERGY STAR® heat pump versus electric baseboard heaters? Or not sure if you should choose an electric or natural gas water heater? Our home energy calculator can help. Try it out at FortisBC.com/Calculator.

UPGRADE AND SAVE WITH LIVESMART BC. You have until March 31, 2014 to receive rebates of up to $4,000 by taking steps like increasing your home’s attic, basement and wall insulation. And once you make the upgrade you’ll be saving on your utility bills year in and year out. Visit FortisBC.com/LiveSmartBC to apply.

SIGN UP FOR RENEWABLE NATURAL GAS. For about $5 more per month you can designate 10 percent of the natural gas your home uses as renewable. It helps reduce your home’s energy footprint and supports sustainable energy made here in BC. To sign up and watch a video about where renewable natural gas comes from visit FortisBC.com/RNG. For more information on rebates and loans and energy saving tips visit FortisBC.com/Rebates.

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EXTERIOR TERRACE

With panoramic views of Lake Okanagan, the tiered 1,441 square foot stone and cedar terraces can be divided into intimate open concept entertaining areas.

1

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LUX U RY SA LE

BY AU CT I ON LAURA GOLDSTEIN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SHAWN TALBOT PHOTOGRAPHY WRITTEN BY

The excitement from the casually elegant crowd is a palpable as the panoramic lake and mountain views from the home that surrounds them.

“Three million!” shouts the auctioneer in his audacious singsong chant – his words spilling over one another in increasing crescendo, inciting bidders and guests alike. This is no ‘cattle rattle’ although the Stetson-hatted ringmaster does reflect a Western vibe. It’s the newest trend in buying and selling highend real estate in Canada - an innovative concept introduced

by Kelowna-based company, The Garage Sale Luxury Auction House.

“I call it ‘recreational real estate’, says The Garage Sale’s Executive Director, Alex Lambert, “because we’re not just selling a luxury home - we’re selling a lifestyle.”

Originally from Drayton Valley, Alberta, the entrepreneurial Lambert, who had worked in the oil and gas industry for several years, always felt that there was an unexplored niche in the luxury real estate market in which traditionally, the buyer and seller are in opposite camps. Rationalizing that by bringing buyers and sellers together, literally under one roof through event-style auctions in a fixed time period, it would make the whole process more streamlined and actually enjoyable to all parties. With his own homes in both Canmore and Kelowna, Lambert established his office in the latter where he laid the groundwork for his unique concept with his first auction in the Okanagan in 2009.

“I saw this idea working in the U.S. for many luxury properties, some owned by celebrities, and I wanted to bring the idea to Canada, “ says Lambert.

“We have a forensic style approach to selling - and by that I mean our team really does their homework with due diligence.

Not only have we built strategic alliances to carefully vet our sellers and potential buyers; target markets both nationally and abroad, but we put together a detailed 250-page prospectus on absolutely everything a potential buyer would want to know about the property. By disclosing all the intricate details and guiding our clients every step of the way, we take the headache out of purchasing a home,” assures Lambert.

BEDROOMS

4

B AT H R O O M S

6

S Q U A R E F O O TA G E

7,361

GARAGE

5 CARS

L O C AT I O N

V I N E YA R D E S TAT E S

One of the most original services The Garage Sale offers to prospective buyers, is an optional Live-In Viewing Experience Package, available in three, four or seven day stays. Who would not want to spend a few days in La Sommita (translates from Italian as ‘The Summit’), a Mediterranean-style Italian villa overlooking Lake Okanagan, Kelowna? But lest you think this is a great opportunity to live like the rich and famous on a reality-TV show for a weekend, guests are carefully vetted and presented with their bill at the end of their stay - deductible only if you purchase the home!

“You wouldn’t buy a car without test driving it first,” says Lambert “so why not take the extra time to make sure that this house suits all your needs?“ And with stunning decor - from tasteful antiques and contemporary furniture, original artwork, 300-year-old hand hewn floors, Persian rugs and state-of-theart appliances included in the purchase of the luxury home, live-in viewing is the ultimate opportunity to make that wellconsidered decision.

“Buyer’s remorse is the last thing we want,” says Lambert. “Three of our vetted potential buyers for La Sommita spent different weekends at the home. We provide fully staffed service with a fabulous chef and concierge that can organize everything from golf games to heli and winery tours. This past Thanksgiving our chef even prepared a wonderful traditional turkey dinner for twelve. And yes, one of the clients who experienced the live-in package was the eventual purchaser!”

Considerable planning and expense by The Garage Sale team is invested into making the live auction event both spectacular and productive. The recent La Sommita auction attracted 100 ticket-holders (at $250 a ticket donated to charity), along with 5 registered bidders who were wined and dined while listening to internationally acclaimed Canadian classical violinist Yi-Jia Susanne Hou and marimba percussionist, Svet Stoyanov. A charitable live auction with donated trip packages and celebrity memorabilia always precedes the main attraction, and the La Sommita event raised $31,000 for The Nature Trust of British Columbia and Pacific Wild.

“Our auctioneer for the La Sommita property, Danny Hooper, had everyone - especially the bidders, on the edge of their seats,” says Lambert. “The room becomes electric. It’s pretty fast and intense for the buyers but they’re a very sophisticated

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 1

group. We do have some short pauses with the paddles for everyone to catch a breath. When the gavel closed at $3.65 million the new owners along with the whole crowd went wild and burst into applause. We were thrilled,” says Lambert, “because the house had been on the market for a year already. Once we took it over, we had it sold in 10 weeks!”

With plans to expand to properties in the affluent all-seasons recreational enclaves of Banff, Canmore, Vancouver, Whistler and Vancouver Island in the near future, The Garage Sale Luxury Auction House has raised the bar in an increasingly competitive real estate market.

“We continually strive to improve our services,” says Lambert, “and hope to offer four luxury homes for auction in 2014.”

For more information on The Garage Sale Luxury Auction House, visit LuxuryAuctionHouse.com.

DEN/LIBRARY

A cozy den with beamed ceiling and 300 year-old oak floors overlooks the terrace.

TOP LEFT:

H A L L WAY TOP RIGHT: Antique and reproduction wrought-iron chandeliers add old-world elegance throughout La Sommita, complimenting plush Persian rugs and fine art.

G R E AT R O O M

A soaring 17-foot natural stone wood-burning fireplace provides a dramatic and formidable focus in the living room.

RIGHT:

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KITCHEN

The sprawling open concept 18 by 17 square foot kitchen boasts 2 Miele dishwashers, Liebherr double refrigerators and freezers, Decor microwave drawer and Aga 4 Oven Open Flame Gas Range and Steam Oven.

Custom white oak cabinetry throughout with granite countertops and island.

ABOVE:

DINING ROOM

Stylish and elegant the 14foot custom-designed dining table made from reclaimed Douglas fir, was built onsite by Plexus Woodworks of Naramata. The arched French doors lead to the exterior terrace.

LEFT:

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M A S T E R B AT H R O O M ABOVE LEFT & RIGHT : The Master bathroom spa boasts a whirlpool tub mounted in beveled handcrafted oak and the double shower is equipped with multi body spray shower heads. Heated slate floors and oak French doors complete the blissful sanctuary. All fixtures by Kohler.

DRESSING ROOM

A custom-built oak walk-in closet off the master suite.

LEFT:

MASTER SUITE

A Habersham Florentina bed, handcrafted in Georgia and floor-to-ceiling natural stone fireplace are striking features of the 16 by 16 square foot master bedroom.

Oak French doors open onto the ground-floor terrace.

BOTTOM:

CUSTOM GRANITE WORKS | GRANITE SUPPLIER

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GAMES ROOM ABOVE:

The entire 1,048 square foot upper level of

La Sommita is a games room, but with its built-in

kitchen and 1 bedroom it can easily be converted to a nanny’s suite.

WINE CELLAR

With decorative stained glass and sculptured rock detailing, the temperature controlled wine cellar off the kitchen stores 350 bottles.

LEFT:

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E X T E R I O R AT D U S K

Surrounded by landscaped natural rock, the salt-water swimming pool embedded with sparkling turquoise Indonesian pebbles, creates a hidden lagoon vibe at night and refreshing oasis during the day.

OkanaganHOME.com

LIFESTYLE

Jillian Harris

A Local Success Story

WRITTEN BY

LAURA GOLDSTEIN

Lots of moxy, taking risks and working like crazy are the secrets to success for interior designer, Jillian Harris.

Like a whirling dervish, Jillian Harris is in perpetual motion. She has just finished taping Season 2 of Love It Or List It Vancouver for the W Network; flew to Toronto to launch Charmin’s Luxury Pop-Up Bathroom at The Distillery Historic District; raced back to her home in Kelowna where she has just completed renovations and is ready for some much needed R&R with her main squeeze, Justin Pasutto and family. She blogs on Jillian Harris Design Inc. and is continuously in demand on the do-it-yourself circuits.

Participating in her home town’s [Kelowna] design industry, she’ll be the guest speaker at The Real Home Show, put on by the local Canadian Home Builders’ Association on March 29th – 30th in Kelowna. Does this woman ever sleep?

“I’m exhausted,” she readily admits. “It’s just been crazy taping the show in Vancouver with 13 houses a season and no break.

I’m working on the set of Love It Or List It twelve hours a day many times until midnight. There is a huge team behind me,” Harris credits, “and I’m very grateful that they take my design vision, then do all the sourcing to pull it all together. ” Sharing co-hosting duties on Love It Or List It Vancouver with real estate agent, Todd Talbot, it’s the interior designer’s job to win-over homeowners with spectacular renovations, while pitted against realtor Talbot as he tries to lure them away to the house of their dreams. The duo’s on-air chemistry is a match made in TV heaven - much of the rapid repartee and off-hand zingers are from the vivacious, self-deprecating Harris, who is never afraid to literally get down and dirty (this is a reality show after all!).

No stranger to the reality show format, the 34-year-old, Peace River, Alberta-born Harris, first charmed audiences on ABC-TV’s The Bachelor, for which she was a runner-up in Season 13.

“I applied to be on the show even though the application said ‘Americans only’ partially on a whim and because I have a romantic nature,” admits Harris.

Then in 2009 she became The Bachelorette (Season 5). Lest you think Harris is just another pretty face, those shows (combined with her grounding interior design experience from BCIT, work

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“I applied to be on the show even though the application said ‘Americans only’ partially on a whim and because I have a romantic nature.”

C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 2 8

with mentor, Scott Morison and Browns Restaurant Group) catapulted her into ABC-TV’s Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. For three seasons the show was a perfect match for her love of interior design and philanthropy.

She also hosted Canada’s Handyman Challenge on HGTV for one season.

“I was concerned at first that The Bachelor/Bachelorette shows might have a negative impact on ‘Jillian the designer’, but quite the contrary they acted as a springboard for many future projects. I did lots of interior design work for free afterwards just to get my name out there to remind people I was an interior designer first,” says Harris. “I’ve always felt it’s important to take risks. What’s the worst that could happen? Certainly nothing if I didn’t try.”

Ironically, she has become so busy with Love It Or List It Vancouver and commercial design projects that Harris has not had the time to develop an individual interior design customer base – something that she hopes to grow in the future. Her commercial design projects include the PNE Prize Homes she designed three years in a row (the 2013 model was a stylish 3,000 square foot modern country-chic home valued at $1.2 million) and the innovative Charmin Holiday Potty – a ‘Jilli-on-the-spot’ that incorporated her design elements for a powder room in a public setting.

Her business and design acumen have recently been channeled into

Charlie Ford Vintage, (named after her nephew); a curated e-commerce

venture she started with her cousin, Tori Wesszer and friend, Alyssa Dennis. From retro cookie jars to estate jewelry; antique steamer trunks, furniture and original crystal chandeliers and sconces, the site offers oneof-a-kind pieces at competitive antique store pricing.

“My Mom was a huge antiquer,” explains Harris, “and had an antique store in Peace River. We’d go on a lot of road trips together and I really liked collecting. I had accumulated so many vintage pieces in my own homes and I didn’t want such a huge inventory so we started Charlie Ford Vintage. We have formed alliances with about 15 antique stores across the country that we love, with a time-sensitive concept so that our beautiful pieces are available to customers online for a limited period only.”

Always committed to giving back to the community, Harris, for the second year participated in The Covenant House Sleep Out in support of homeless youth in Vancouver and helped raise $338,543. “Sometimes I take a step back from my life and think ‘whoa… how did I get so lucky?’ “With the near-freezing temperatures, it was quite possibly the longest night of my life and I have never felt so appreciative of the simple things I take for granted every day.”

Challenging herself to try new projects, Harris has recently inked a deal with Korhani Home Canada to design a line of rugs for Spring 2014. “I love antique Oriental carpets,” says Harris, ”and I’m really excited to come up with some unusual designs incorporating Navajo patterns, distressed, some geometrics and pastels for our new line.”

JILLIAN’S DESIGN

“I don’t like the word ‘trends’,”admits Jillian. “Use a colour palette you love not because it’s in style for one season. I am biased about mixing antiques and vintange with modern.”

ABOVE

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Constantly juggling work with travel and family (she owns a condo and house in Kelowna and condos in Vancouver and Hawaii,) Harris admits, “I’m actually a homebody and really just enjoy staying home with Justin and relaxing in my PJs!” Visit CHBACO.com for more on how you can see Jillian in Kelowna, where she will participate in The Real Home Show this March. For more on Jillian Harris, visit CharlieFord.com and JillianHarris.com.

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GREATESTATES ESTATESOKANAGAN OKANAGANWINE WINECLUB CLUB GREAT

A collection of 7 of the Okanagan’s most renowned quality wine brands in one unique wine club.

A collection of 7 of the Okanagan’s most renowned quality wine brands in one unique wine club.

GREAT ESTATES OKANAGAN WINE CLUB

Partner discounts including Spirit Ridge Hotel Exclusive wine club party complimentary to you and Exclusive wine club party complimentary to you and Partner discounts including Hotel guest. Saturday, AprilOkanagan’s 26, 2014 at NK’MIP at NK’MIP RESORT. Ayour collection of 7 of the most renownedAccommodation quality wine brands inSpirit oneRidge unique wine club.

Accommodation at NK’MIP RESORT. your guest. Saturday, April 26, 2014 at NK’MIP CELLARS. CELLARS. And more...

And more...

Exclusive wine club party complimentary to you and Partner discounts including Spirit Ridge Hotel Access to limited and specialty premium VQA wines Access to limited and specialty premium VQA wines your guest.

Saturday, April 26, 2014 at NK’MIP Accommodation at NK’MIP RESORT.at the estates wineries for pick up at our cellar door or delivered to yours.

To learn more about entertaining for pick up at our cellar door or delivered to yours.

Toplease learn more about entertaining at the estates wineries CELLARS. contact info@greatestatesokanagan.com contact info@greatestatesokanagan.com And more...

Complimentary Winery Tour Experiences and Tastings please Complimentary Winery Touraccessories Experiences andwinery Tastings Access to limited and premiumand VQA wines Preferred Pricing for specialty wine, Preferred wine, accessories andtowinery To learn more about entertaining at the estates wineries forrestaurants. pick upPricing at ourfor cellar door or delivered yours. restaurants. please contact info@greatestatesokanagan.com Complimentary Winery Tour Experiences and Tastings Preferred Pricing for wine, accessories and winery restaurants.

nkmip.com nkmip.com nkmip.com

GREAT ESTATES WINE CLUB

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WRITTEN BY

ROSS FREAKE CONSTELLATION BRANDS

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF

The Thompson Okanagan features over 150 wineries stretching from Kamloops and the Shuswap down through the North, Central, South Okanagan and Similkameen.

From fantastic golf and wine and culinary experiences to winter and summer adventures, the Thompson Okanagan region also features a wide variety of accommodations and cultural activities to take note of as you plan your next vacation here.

A unique club is offering wine lovers great experiences, great deals and a chance to make great friends and great memories. the Great Estates of the Okanagan Wine Club was formed two years ago and already has 1,700 members.

“We offer the most unique wine club in the Okanagan because it offers members the ability to access wine at four of our wineries and seven brands: Sumac Ridge - which includes Stellar’s Jay, Black Sage Vineyards and See Ya later Ranch - Jackson Triggs, Inniskillin and Nk’Mip Cellars,” says Sally Sharpe, regional visitor experience manager with Constellation Brands, which modelled the wine club on one it had started in Ontario.

Wine can be intimidating, and wine clubs allow people to explore and learn in a comfortable setting where they are acknowledged and recognized - just like the TV comedy, Cheers, where everyone knows their name. Membership has its benefits, which include limited release wines, member exclusive wines, complimentary tours and tastings and other special promotions and discounts.

“One of the big things, probably the biggest thing, are exclusive member parties,” Sharpe says. And there’s going to be a whopper of a members’ party April 25th – 27th at Spirit Ridge Vineyard Resort in Osoyoos.

“It’s a fabulous place,” Sharpe says. “We wanted to show the partnership that Nk’Mip Cellars has with the Osoyoos Indian Band and the resort because there is so much going on there.”

And there will be plenty to do at the 226-unit Spirit Ridge, in addition to the wine-related activities. The resort, overlooking Osoyoos Lake, is adjacent to the Sonora Dunes Golf Course, Nk’Mip Desert Cultural Centre, Nk’Mip Cellars Winery, Indian Grove Riding Stables and has water sports and helicopter tours.

While wine club members will have lots to do, they would be remiss if they didn’t take the time to do absolutely nothing. They will have a chance to feel like Mike Campol did on his first morning at Spirit Ridge when he came as a consultant for Bellstar Hotels, which runs the resort, and stayed to become general manager.

“I woke up, had coffee on the balcony and called home [in Toronto] and told my wife to call a real-estate agent and list the house. This is a special place, a spiritual place. It hits all your senses.”

PHOTO BY SHERRY SMITH

The wine club, which has grown beyond expectations, just might grow some more because Campol has invited the 500-member Bellstar ownership group to the party.

“For the South Okanagan as a whole, it’s a massive opportunity,” he says. “Awareness of wine in the area has spread and become international and we’re seeing tourists coming from further out every year.”

It isn’t just the wine and fellowship, but also the culinary aspect, which is also mushrooming in the Okanagan. A highlight of the party will be a five-course paired dinner with Spirit Ridge chef Jamie Hertz, and Nk’Mip Cellars winemaker Randy Picton and assistant winemaker Justin Hall.

There’s no cost to join the Great Estates Wine Club, other than a commitment to buy wine, which vino lovers tend to do anyway. “This is the wave of the future,” Sharpe says. “It’s constantly evolving and responding to what the consumer is looking for.”

AL FRESCO DINING

The outdoor dining patio at Nk’Mip Cellars.

Sumac Ridge Estate Winery.

OPPOSITE PAGE : RIGHT :

HIGHWAY 97 AT COOPER ROAD, KELOWNA, BC 1.800.610.7467 ORCHARDPARKSHOPPING.COM OkanaganHOME.com

FRESH FINDS

MUST-HAVESpring 2014

GARDEN SET

Smart and stylish, with a rail-andpeg system for leather, metal and basket organizers, the Pottery Barn Gabrielle Garden Shed Set reinvents your gardening space with earthy natural materials.

Because it’s modular, it can be configured to suit various spaces and organizing needs.

PotteryBarn.com

MAGAZINE RACK

Storage goes distinctive. The Franc Magazine Rack by GO Home Ltd. is a melding of natural influences, combining a wood frame and handle with a covering of genuine hide. Each piece is crafted from one-of-a-kind materials, an aspect that adds to its singular look.

PureHome.com

DOMINOES SET

Barbara Cosgrove’s X-Dominoes set reinvents a classic game with exotic panache. Housed in a rectangular box, each die exudes striking texture with natural bone on wood.

ZincDoor.com

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M E TA L A R R O W

The curved metal Zentique Arrow Symbol infuses modern interiors with bold and industrial style. This three-dimensional decorative piece’s distressed finish mesmerizes on contemporary tabletops.

ZincDoor.com

BASKET

Sustainable natural fibers make this hand-woven Beachcomber Wood Handled Basket by Pottery Barn stylish and durable. Two wooden handles make it easy to tote and add a textural contrast PotteryBarn.com

JUTE BASKETS

Expand your storage options with a vintage edge. In two different sizes, this set of Jute Tubes by GO Home Ltd. provides numerous storage options, and their cut-out fabric handles allow for easy rearranging. They’re crafted with recycled materials that imbue each piece with a unique look, vintage finish, and fabulously faded colors.

PureHome.com

JEWELRY BRANCH

Hang earrings, necklaces and bracelets from the silver branches of this Manzanita Wall Jewelry Branch by West Elm. Mount it or simply lean against a wall over your dresser or nightstand.

WestElm.com OkanaganHOME.com

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ADVERTISEMENT

Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. $42,500: FOUND MONEY IS WHAT CLIENTS LIKE TO CALL IT. CANADA’S RENO REBATE INC. continues to spread the word about government rebates for new-home purchases, owner-built homes and substantial renovations to existing homes during the tenure of the HST throughout the province. Happy clients are receiving up to $42,500, which is the upper limit a homeowner can receive for a project. Together with the Ontario-based company Rebate4U, Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. has already helped homeowners apply for rebates totaling over $8 million.

“There is a misconception that if your home is worth more than $450,000, you are not entitled to any government rebates, but this is just not true - you are entitled to a portion of the PST embedded within the HST,” says Sean Leitenberg, manager of the Victoria office of Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. “’Do I qualify?’ has to be the most frequently-asked question my staff get,” says Sean. “Each renovation or new build is not exactly the same, so we have to determine that the best we can on a caseby-case basis.”

There are definitely some clear-cut rules, though. There is a deadline of two years to apply from the time you completed your major renovation or new build, though there are a couple of exceptions to that rule, too.

To qualify for a major renovation, you must do substantial work to the majority of the inside of your home. If your work was limited to a small portion of your home, such as a bathroom or kitchen, or if you just painted and put down new floors, you would not qualify.

The end result of your renovation should be substantial enough that your home or condo is like a new home.

The money spent on the exterior qualifies for the rebate, but only if you have done enough work to the inside of the home first to qualify. A new roof or landscaping is not enough on its own, but would be included in the rebate if the inside of the home qualifies.

If you purchased a new home from a builder, the builder may have claimed the rebate and credited it back to you by lowering the price.

In this case, the rebate has already been claimed. If your home is worth more than $450,000, you are not entitled to a federal rebate, but you may be entitled to a provincial rebate if a portion of the construction took place while the HST was in effect. If your home is worth less than $450,000, you are entitled to both a federal rebate

PHOTO BY DON DENTON

and a provincial rebate for the portion spent during the HST period.

A new home built or renovated for yourself or for a family member’s primary place of residence qualifies if it was completed within the last two years. If the home’s value is more than $450,000, then the homeowner is only entitled to a rebate for money spent between July 1, 2010 and March 31, 2013.

Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. currently has representatives throughout the province who are happy to help clients with the forms that need to be signed and the brief questionnaire that needs to be filled out. If you live in an area where the company does not have a representative, or if you would prefer to download the forms from the comfort of your home, you can find everything on their website and use their courier service at no charge. The time involved is minimal and your rebate could be huge.

Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. also has a brief questionnaire on their website that allows you to see if you qualify for the rebate and only takes 60 seconds. Or, give them a call and in just a few minutes, they can determine if you qualify. Everyone seems to know someone who has built a home or done a renovation, so if you know homeowners who might qualify for this rebate, make sure to let them know before they miss their deadline.

Canada’s Reno Rebate Inc. handles all the paperwork and follows through with the government until you receive your cheque.

Because Sean and his staff know the forms, the processes, and who to call, they efficiently and quickly collect the information and submit exactly what the government agencies need. The company charges no upfront fee and if you don’t receive a rebate, the application costs you nothing. “So give us a call or check out our website,” Sean says. “What have you got to lose?”

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INDUSTRY Exciting Times Ahead!

B Y S H E R R I PA I E M E N T

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) is revitalized this year with brand new national and provincial CEO’s, Kevin Lee and Neil Moody. With this new energy added to our association, we can expect a greater emphasis on government relations and a collaborative effort at all three levels of the association. This effort was experienced most recently by opposition to the Canada Post Mailbox fee, where CHBA presented a united front from coast-to-coast. In addition, CHBA BC will continue to call on the provincial government to restructure the PTT (Property Transfer Tax), the highest provincial tax in Canada.

Sherri Paiement is the Executive Officer for the Canadian Home Builders’ Association, Central Okanagan, which works to serve the interests of the local residential construction industry and to help its members succeed and prosper in a complex and challenging environment.

Other key issues for CHBA in 2014 include: HOUSING AFFORDABILITY. First time homebuyers may find it difficult attaining a home with higher prices and mortgage amortization rules, though they may be excellent long-term income prospects. This also means fewer move-up buyers in the future and has a negative effect on the industry. Development Cost Charges can affect the price of homes. CHBA desires federal infrastructure investment to be applied to municipalities to help finance the growing share of infrastructure costs roads, bridges, water treatment and transit. This should reduce the reliance on developers and homebuyers to cover these costs.

SKILLED TRADES DEVELOPMENT. The government supports apprenticeship training. However, in most cases this support is limited. This leaves many seeking a career in the residential construction industry ineligible. CHBA is taking action with federal and provincial governments to make training available to all trades people.

THE UNDERGROUND ECONOMY. Everyone loses with illegal “cash” or “under-the-table” operators in the industry. It creates an unfair playing field for businesses and increases the risk to the consumer (when hiring someone with no insurance for onsite injuries or warranty). It reminds us of the importance of contractors who belong to an association and have proper insurance to protect the consumer.

It’s not glamorous, but all items are vitally important to keep our industry moving forward and adapting to change. Our chapter will be busy working at a local level (with our provincial and national offices) to keep the building industry vibrant right here in the Okanagan.

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SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

BUILDING BETTER = BUILDING GREEN SUSTAINABLE = SENSIBLE PRACTICAL = PRINCIPLED If those equations make sense to you, then you need to explore Okanagan College’s new three–year diploma in Sustainable Construction Management Technology (SCMT). The program integrates management, technology, sustainability and building skills together with practical experience to answer the industry’s need for a new breed of project manager.

Visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/scmt to get started.

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DEVELOPMENT Urban Development Institute

BY ANDREW BRUCE

The Urban Development Institute (UDI) is a national non-profit association (with international affiliations) of the development industry and its related professions that is non-partisan in its activities. In British Columbia, our regional level association is based in Vancouver as UDI Pacific. There are three chapters that function at a sub-regional level under the UDI Pacific umbrella: UDI Victoria, UDI Fraser Valley and UDI Okanagan.

With a background in municipal planning, Andrew Bruce is currently the Regional Manager in charge of the Okanagan land holdings for Melcor Developments Ltd. He has had a seat on the UDI Okanagan board since 2008, and is the current Chair of the Okanagan chapter. In addition, Andrew is a former director with Habitat For Humanity and a current director with the Project Build Society.

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UDI Okanagan was formed twenty years ago in response to the need to address growth and development issues from an industry level approach. These early days saw individual developers work together to help local municipalities create new policies and regulations that helped shape the community we live in today.

Rather than a lobby group, UDI Okanagan (and all UDI chapters) operate on the basis that the development industry has to be a partner with both municipalities and the community. The municipality and the community provide general direction for how the community will grow and change, and the development industry carries those visions forward with real physical construction. Our role is to help fine-tune visions into workable policies and regulations so that the real construction will match both the vision of the community and the market demands of the consumer. None of the three partners can achieve the end goals of a quality built environment without the other two.

The majority of the work we do as UDI Okanagan is very specific, sometimes mundane, and never really glamorous, but the results are borne out over time in high quality developments that provide members of our community a place to live, work and play. As an organization, we have been working on getting our message out to the community. Okanagan HOME will help us to project this to the public by providing a regular column, where we can share information about the local development industry.

Watch for our column in future editions and keep an eye out for our new local website at UDIOkanagan.ca. We hope we can enlighten you on how the development industry builds your communities!

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STRUCTURAL ENGINEERING Our engineers will help you with your house renovation or your full residential development, either in Canada or the US.

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TU SC A N SP LE N D OUR WRITTEN BY

DAWN RENAUD COLIN JEWALL PHOTO STUDIOS INC.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Designed to take full advantage of the Upper Mission area’s lake and city views, this stunning home was created

by Frame Custom Homes for clients who favoured an old-world Tuscan flavour.

Stepping through the arched double doors, guests are welcomed into a home both spacious and serene. The entry area features a curving stairway up to a 10-foot coffered and lighted domed ceiling, accented with crown moulding and hand-painted art - the perfect backdrop for an elegant chandelier.

Dark-stained knotty alder ceiling beams, limestonetextured walls, and arched entryways contribute to the

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luxurious yet comfortable old-world look. Hand-carved appliqué details on the sides of the fireplace repeat through to the kitchen, where even the corbels supporting the countertop and range hood are custom-made. “That speaks to the quality, the craftsmanship,” says Paula Frame. A minimal use of hallways keeps the plan open, while random-width hand-scraped hickory flooring and custom-milled baseboards unify the spaces.

A sumptuous master bedroom suite graces the main floor.

Two additional bedroom suites are upstairs; the lower floor features two more, along with recreation areas and a full bar.

Easily accessed by elevator, this floor capitalizes on the lot’s natural slope, opening onto a spacious backyard with seating and entertainment areas.

One of this home’s many impressive features surprised even the builder: its energy rating. Paula explains that for a house of this size, with its many windows and a southwest exposure, a rating of 89 is exceptional. “It surprised us all,” she says. “It’s really very efficient.”

BEDROOMS B AT H R O O M S S Q U A R E F O O TA G E E N E R G Y R AT I N G L O C AT I O N

5 6.5 7,890 89 UPPER MISSION

EXTERIOR

Tuscan-villa inspired with a multi-dimensional exterior that complies with the neighbourhood’s recommended building and architectural guidelines, the house is positioned to maximize views of city, lake and mountains. A curving drive provides ample outdoor parking and leads to secure storage behind gracefully arched garage doors.

OPPOSITE PAGE :

G R E AT R O O M

BELOW : Custom raised panel cherry wood cabinetry with handcarved appliquĂŠ detail surrounds a 20-foot fireplace, built with locally sourced natural stone. Opposite the fireplace, three niches finished with scrolled wrought iron are backlit for ambience.

Energy efficient windows provide natural light; custom-milled window casings frame a spectacular view.

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ENTRY

Locally manufactured wrought iron railings wrap around the curving staircase and lead upward to the entry’s focal point: an ornate chandelier, suspended from a 10-foot coffered and domed ceiling, which has been hand-painted and made to look antiqued

OPPOSITE PAGE:

STORAGE

Wine storage becomes decorative on this curved rock wall.

ABOVE:

FORMAL DINING

A striking groin vault ceiling forms an impressive canopy in the dining room; this feature repeats in the main-floor master bedroom and hallway.

RIGHT:

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KITCHEN

The well-appointed kitchen embodies traditional Tuscan elegance with warm cherry wood cabinetry, over-sized hand-carved corbels with matching appliquĂŠs, and a tumbled travertine backsplash. Seating is available at the island or in the dining area, where glass doors exit onto the large deck and offer a panoramic view of the city, lake and mountains. Custom hand-scraped hickory flooring in random widths flows throughout, unifying the spaces.

ABOVE:

MASTER SUITE

The master suite offers luxurious solitude.

Private glass door and large windows face west for optimal natural light and breathtaking views. The ample seating area welcomes relaxation, and the bed is canopied with a groin vault ceiling

LEFT:

B A C K YA R D

OPPOSITE PAGE : Taking advantage of our near year-round outdoor entertaining season, the main floor’s deck overlooks the spacious backyard and, of course, the Okanagan landscape.

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C L AY M A S T E R S | L I N E P L A S T E R WA L L S F I N I S H E D T O A N O L D - W O R L D L O O K CUCINA DEL RE CABINETRY | CUSTOM CABINETRY SUPPLIER CUSTOM GRANITE WORKS | GRANITE SUPPLIER D I S C O V E R Y G L A S S & A L U M I N U M I N C . | I N T E R I O R S H O W E R S / B A C K PA I N T E D G L A S S / B R O N Z E M I R R O R S / I N T E R I O R & E X T E R I O R R A I L I N G S H O M E H A R D WA R E K E L O W N A | B U I L D I N G S U P P L I E S

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Not for Everyone. Just for You.

Exceptional Homes in a Waterfront Park.

You’ve worked hard and deserve something special. How about a spectacular home in the middle of a waterfront park? Your private beach, clubhouse, fitness centre, pools, walking trails, boat slips and right in the heart of wine country. Custom homes for special people.

Visit our Display Homes 2450 Radio Tower Road, Oliver, BC See website for open hours.

1.855.742.5555 osoyooscottages.com This is not an offering for sale. Any such offering must be made with an Information Statement. Prices are subject to change without notice. Actual project images.

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GO I NG BI G WITH A SMALL SPACE DARCY NYBO PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN JEWALL PHOTO STUDIOS INC. WRITTEN BY

When you have a million dollar view, it’s great to have a home that matches it.

Taking stunning photos of people and places is something Colin Jewall does well. He spent the 70’s and early 80’s in a design-oriented career where he practiced residential, commercial and industrial architecture. His love for photography saw him form his own company in Vancouver in 1983, where he took photos of everything from people to small items of jewelry to architectural models and fullroom sets.

Colin worked with his wife Contessa, and the two loved to travel together. In 2002, the pair arrived in the Okanagan on a working holiday and spent the summer at the Holiday Park Resort in a 40-foot bus. “We loved this place so much we purchased property here, just up from the lake,” says Colin.

Okanagan living suited the Jewalls well and when a lot on the beach came available, they bought it and parked their

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bus on it. “We were spending more of our time in the bus [motor home] than on the lake, so we sold our other home and designed this one,” says Jewall.

Colin’s background in design came in handy and the pair actually designed this home while in Mexico on holiday.

“There was only four months from when we started to design the home until when it was delivered,” adds Contessa.

The pair created their dream beach house on a beach, with picnic tables and pieces of wood laid out on the sand. “I took 4 by 8 foot tables and laid them out on the beach in the same layout as the kitchen,” explains Colin. “Then we continued laying it out this way for the rest of the house.”

The couple was able to do a walk-through before the plans were even sent in to the factory.

The Jewalls did everything they could within the confines of the rules and regulations for factory built modular homes.

“The solid walls are all 2 by 4 walls,” explains Colin. “This BEDROOMS B AT H R O O M S S Q U A R E F O O TA G E CEILINGS L O C AT I O N

1 1 970 9 FEET DUCK LAKE

way we were able to fit the jetted tub into the bathroom.

As for the size, regulations stipulated a 44-foot by 12-foot build; however, they did allow for a 10-foot sunroom, which could be as long as the main module. “We were only allowed a certain amount of square feet to stay within the park rules and the building codes. This is an RV park so we can only plug into so many amp of electricity,” says Contessa.

They used two different builders for each part of the home.

The main 12-foot wide module was built by Modulux Design and includes an open plan family room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Another company designed the sunroom portion, which includes the living/dining/office area. The house was delivered as a gyprocked shell with a bathtub.

Once the two pieces were together, it was time for the Jewalls to make their beach home a reality. “I wanted something lighter than granite in the kitchen,” says Contessa, who has a degree in interior design. “The countertops are Silestone quartz from Adriatic Granite. It’s very durable and scratchproof and you just need to clean it with soap and water. There’s a little bit of teal in the granite which matched our swivel chairs and we have some teal in the glass accessories.”

The cabinets and backsplash are made out of cherry wood, with access doors from the other side built into the cabinets for storage. They added Mexican Durango tiles behind the propane stove and surrounding the small windows. The granite sink was shipped from Kindred Granite in Scotland and a reverse osmosis unit was added. Cabinets were built outside the home to contain and camouflage the full size water softener, air conditioner, propane tanks, and hot water on demand.

“People asked us why we put so much into this home, as it is in an RV park,” says Colin. “But one look at the view will tell you why. There are herons and eagles and we can take out kayaks in the morning. We hear the fish jump at night, and turtles and beaver swim by the front of the house.”

For more on this stunning home and additional images, visit OkanaganHOME.com.

SUN ROOM

A great way to start or end the day, with an unobstructed tranquil view of Duck Lake.

BELOW:

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DINING & SUN ROOM

TOP: The 360째 fireplace creates a cozy feeling in cooler months and is unobtrusive in the warmer months. No matter what the season, nature is steps away and right outside the windows

KITCHEN

Light from the Swarovski pendant rock candy lights reflects off the Silestone quartz countertop. A solar tube in the kitchen brings more natural light to the area.

ABOVE & RIGHT:

Cabinets and the under-counter backsplash are made from cherry wood. Mexican Durango tiles sit behind a propane stove and surround the small windows.

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MASTER BEDROOM

This bedroom is located at the back of the home and uses builtin cabinetry to optimize on space.

ABOVE:

B AT H R O O M

LEFT: The natural light from the windows shines through the glass art during the day to brighten up the bathroom. Additional light comes through a solar tube in the bathroom ceiling.

B AT H R O O M S I N K

BOTTOM LEFT: The bathroom sink is from Italy and is a handcrafted glass vessel sink with a fountain faucet with shades of brown, orange, and copper.

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C O N T I N U E D F R O M PA G E 5 9 D U S K AT D U C K L A K E

Patio furniture is placed off to the side to allow an unobstructed view of the lake from the living room and sunroon.

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SYMMET RICA L S TYL E DARCY NYBO PHOTOGRAPHY BY PHOTOGRAPHY WEST WRITTEN BY

Viewed from the air, or from the ground, the lines of this house, indoors and out, create a sense of symmetry, order and calmness.

Ken Moen and Kelly Hanna loved where they lived, but their home was in need of a major upgrade. “We love the neighborhood, convenience, and urban flare of the South Pandosy area,” says Hanna. “We agreed on a total downto-the-studs renovation. It was a significant undertaking, and extremely rewarding.” They picked Linda Trenholm of Linda Trenholm Design Inc. and John Donnelly, owner of JOPA Builders to bring their designs to life.

“The biggest challenge was redesigning the entrance,” says Donnelly. “We ended up with a 20-foot high, open glass wall at the front with the door built into the wall.”

Then there were the lines. “The backyard is all coloured concrete with a broomed finish, cut in diagonals. The

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BEDROOMS B AT H R O O M S S Q U A R E F O O TA G E AMENITIES L O C AT I O N

4 4.5 4,106 CARRIAGE HOUSE S O U T H PA N D O S Y

lines continue from the front of the house, (with imaginary lines in the house) and match up at the back of the house.” The lines they created can be seen from the air, and on the ground it creates a flow like no other.

Hot-rolled steel is predominantly featured in this reno. “Every riser on the stair treads, each rise, and every elevation change is untreated, hot-rolled steel,” says Donnelly. Trenholm adds, “There are hot-rolled steel divider posts that separate the kitchen area from the eating nook. It looks great with the white oak floors throughout.”

“All furnishings were chosen to imply a sense of travel,” says Trenholm. “Most of the decorative elements in the house either lean towards rustic and industrial or clean-lined and sparkly.

And the tempered glass garage doors are delicious. You can leave a light on in the garage at night to create a warm glow in the house.”

O U T D O O R E N T E R TA I N I N G

The outdoor entertainment area has a concrete gas fire pit that is only steps away from the lap pool.

ABOVE, LEFT & OPPOSITE PAGE:

The lap pool is a regulation-sized training pool. A larger pool would have clashed with the lines of the home. It has a huge waterfall that comes out of the side of the pool, so you get the soothing sounds of moving water.

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FA M I LY R O O M

The Family room uses columns, and beams that are made from TimberStrand (laminated strand lumber). All the windows are commercial grade black anodized aluminum to pull as much of an industrial vibe as possible into the home.

This room used to be part of an interior hot tub room. The ceiling was removed and squared off to the adjacent nook. Ceilings were raised so they could install floorto-ceiling windows to bring light into the space. It went from a room barely used to the one most used.

The draped area looks through to the carriage house, while the open windows look out onto the pool.

ABOVE:

DINING AREA RIGHT :

This table came from the owners’ home in Calgary. The built-in cabinet hovers above the floor to create a visual experience of more space.

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O F F I C E & E N T E R TA I N M E N T R O O M

TOP & ABOVE LEFT :

Office by day, entertainment room by night. All of the artwork in the home was selected for their new home reno. Several of the art pieces are created by local artists, such as Jody Bruce Art. The wall pallet was kept neutral so the architectural elements and the artwork would be showcased.

S TA I R C A S E ABOVE RIGHT: The 20-foot high open glass wall at the front of the home opens onto stainless steel stairs, railings and punched metal panels with hot rolled steel for the risers.

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KITCHEN

FRONT EXTERIOR

TOP:

BOTTOM:

The two double doors between the fridge and the stove push open like floor-to-ceiling saloon doors and inside is a deep walk-in pantry. The kitchen is located on the other side of the fireplace and 16-foot panel of glass that sparkles when the light shines through the veins of the fractured glass.

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The tempered glass garage doors give a sense of warmth when a light is left on inside, giving the home a warm, inviting look.

BEDROOM

This bedroom had very angled ceilings so a conventional closet would not work. One day the owner looked out to the street and saw exterior security blinds on the school. The steel roll-up doors work perfectly for the closet and bring a more contemporary look into the room.

ABOVE:

B AT H R O O M RIGHT & BELOW: A sense of calm is created in the bathroom by doing a pattern change of the vein cut travertine to give a sense of bamboo.

The chandelier above the tub has twisted industrial chrome mixed in with big chunky crystals. This rooms blends industrial with sparkly beauty. Crystal and metal candle stands beside the tub.

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I NNER-CITY DREA M H O ME S WRITTEN BY

JENNIFER SMITH BORNARTIFEX

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

Nestled in the heart of Okanagan wine country, this ecologically-minded build hits the healthy lifestyle mark.

“The beach is literally a stones throw away from each of these units,” says Michael Daley, whose company developed the airy, contemporary townhouse he shares with his wife as they launch into a new phase of life.

UNITS COMPLETED BEDROOMS B AT H R O O M S S Q U A R E F O O TA G E L O C AT I O N

4 2013 3 3 1,700 -1,800 DOWNTOWN PENTICTON

Each of the four townhouses on the site boasts three bedrooms, three bathrooms and three storeys in a modern 1,700 - 1,800 square foot floor plan.

Daley made his name in the wine industry working as director of operations for Vincor Canada, a company which turned out three million cases of wine annually.

Architect Sean Kimberley used an open concept and 18foot ceilings to accentuate the natural light, unearthing an energy-efficient design that balances the site’s inherent gifts and the best technological solutions available for some of its unique challenges.

Now planning to help the plethora of Okanagan wineries with business development, including property design and construction, his new venture, Winery Consultants, has built the pièce de résistance - a townhouse project for youthful empty nesters, like himself, and other ecologically minded, city-dwelling foodies.

The lakeside location left the designer and builder with a high water table to contend with and a tight square footage, which could have led to a dark, cramped space without proper planning.

“I really wanted to create a project that included smart densification and green principles that could be incorporated in the downtown core of Penticton,” he says.

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Kimberley solved the first problem with a raft foundation, laying down a waterproof liner, or bladder, before pouring a solid concrete slab that will rise as a unit, should water pressure mount.

Adding in-floor, hot water heating and a floating staircase to maximize airflow, light and energy exchange, the home pursues a passive solar building design. It employs some of the most energy efficient technology available, including Starline Window’s structural thermal break, triple-glazed windows and ductless air conditioning.

“Townhouses are typically dark. In these units, there’s so much glazing that with the big open stairwell, you don’t really need artificial lighting,” says Kimberley.

And then there is the roof. Turning to a local supplier, Structurlam Wood Products, Daley and Kimberley decided to use composite wood panels called CLT panels (cross laminated timber). This creates a streamlined roof that replaces the need for rafters and plywood sheeting with an attractive, rigid structure promising a stronger, more durable and even cost-effective finished product.

The homes are focused on active living with large, private patios on each unit, extra storage in the garage for sports equipment and insulated concrete forms between units to keep the noise level to an absolute minimum.

“You can walk to the beach. You can walk to the market and downtown businesses. With all the amenities so close at hand, leaving the car at home is a common occurrence,” says Daley.

Completed in 2013, these homes are also an investment opportunity with one unit fetching $2,500 per week over the summer months.

And for those who love to cook, the floor-to-ceiling, ninefoot Medallion kitchen cabinets should be a welcome sight.

EXTERIOR

MAIN FLOOR

OPPOSITE PAGE:

ABOVE:

Using a three-storey townhouse model, the project manages to include four spacious homes on a tight downtown neighbourhood lot, minimizing the common area for a low strata fee, while maximizing the zoning potential.

The open concept main floor is bright, spacious and designed for a lifestyle that makes full use of the food, wine and bright sunshine of the Okanagan.

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O U T D O O R S PA C E

These homes are designed for an active outdoor life and each include a private outdoor deck to enjoy the lakeside city surroundings.

ABOVE & RIGHT:

DINING & LIVING AREA

OPPOSITE PAGE: Architect Sean Kimberley focused on maximizing the natural light throughout to create a bright, energy-efficient space.

H O M E H A R D WA R E | B U I L D I N G S U P P L I E S R O B I N S O N L I G H T I N G & B AT H C E N T R E - P E N T I C T O N | P L U M B I N G / L I G H T I N G F I X T U R E S

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BUILDER PROFILE

Edgecombe Builders W RITTE N BY JENNI FER SM I T H

Edgecombe Builders holds a cornerstone in the Okanagan construction market because it focuses on the foundation - a solid relationship with the client.

PHOTO BY CRAIG THOMPSON

Kevin Edgecombe always knew he had entrepreneurial blood coursing through his veins.

To predict the drafting course he took in high school would lead to a career building waterfront homes for NHL hockey players, would nevertheless have been a stretch.

PHOTO BY KEVIN TROWBRIDGE

“We do everything from $350,000 medium-size to $4.5, $5 million lakefront homes… You have to be adaptable in this market. You have to be light on your feet,” says Edgecombe, principal of Edgecombe Builders, as he sets out to explain his company’s philosophy.

It boils down to two words: customer service.

Handling everything from the West Kelowna Sears store build, to major hotel renovations like the 260-room Delta Grand Okanagan Resort makeover, it’s a company where attention to detail is paramount. So it is that “light on your feet” mantra.

Today, Edgecombe is selling an infill condominium project in downtown Kelowna called Sole. Melding style and affordable living with the green themes growing in urban construction, its 389-square foot bachelor suite demonstrates this group’s ability to adapt and capitalize on the small space trend sweeping North American cities.

And yet, it’s the polar opposite of the homes that put the company on the map.

The Wilden development encompasses a series of forested, single-family neighbourhoods perched above the semi-rural Glenmore valley. It’s luxury for the average family and it’s an ongoing showcase of what Edgecombe delivers.

“I love the idea of creative projects that are family estates,” says Edgecombe. “It’s pretty discouraging when someone walks in and says we want to build a house and sell it the next year and make some money. “I like the planning and building for a lifestyle; working with a client to build a dream.”

Starting his first firm, Straight Edge Design Build Services, in

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PHOTO BY C O L I N J E WA L L P H O T O S T U D I O S I N C .

1992 and rebranding as Edgecombe Builders in 1999, he is passionate about design.

He trained as an architectural technologist at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology and fell in love with the Okanagan on a ski trip, quickly joining one of the best firms in the valley, Emil Anderson Construction, before heading out on his own.

It’s this history in the trade that’s put him on top.

“I always say, every carpenter should be a draftsperson and every draftsperson should be a carpenter,” he says.

The skill for any builder is in the ability to visualize a project and create a simple, streamlined process so the client sees it too. Before the economy turned, Edgecombe Builders won the 2007 Tommie Award for Large Volume Builder of the Year, but today it’s refocused on this simple goal: “Although it was difficult for me personally to downsize, having a small, more tight-knit group of staff felt better. To me, bigger isn’t always better,” says Edgecombe. “We want to be a medium-sized company appearing very small.”

Remaining one of only four select builders at Wilden, Edgecombe Builders is also proud to have the high-end Highpointe neighbourhood, located on the side of Knox Mountain, The Rise in Vernon and Kelowna’s Sheerwater, a premier development with private moorage and exclusive waterfront views, under its purview.

For more about Edgecombe Builders, visit EdgecombeBuilders.com.

ADVERTISEMENT Depending on the selected mesh type, the screens deliver protection from biting bugs and solar heat gain. Phantom’s Executive screens can also be programmed to lower and retract with sun and wind sensors, and be connected to the building’s automation system.

“We are fortunate to live in an area that allows us to spend so much time outdoors – it is our goal to help you make the most of it,” said Ron. “Phantom’s motorized Executive screens are an ideal example of how to blend function with comfort. The screens can be either fit on your home after it has been built, or completely recessed during the construction process of the building. In either case, they stay out of sight when fully retracted. With a little bit of planning, anyone can create a comfortable outdoor living space that will add to the overall value of the home and provide years of enjoyment.”

Contact Somers Screen Solutions at 1-888-PHANTOM / 250-762-7592 or visit www.okanaganscreensolutions. com to learn how Phantom’s screens deliver shade and insect protection without blocking the views.

Open Up Your Home with Phantom Screens SHADE FROM THE SUN AND PROTECTION FROM THE BUGS – ALL AT THE TOUCH OF A BUTTON Summer has finally arrived in the Okanagan. With warmer weather right around the corner, homeowners across the Okanagan will soon be heading outside to enjoy the outdoor living areas of their homes. Often times, it is the start of the spring season that prompts people to consider improvements to their patios and porches and look for ways to make the most of their home’s outdoor spaces.

Whether you have a fabulous deck or a great room that you want to connect to your patio, retractable screens help to enjoy outdoors throughout spring and summer months. Somers Screen Solutions, an authorised distributor of Phantom’s retractable screens throughout the BC Interior region, has been advising homeowners on the benefits of retractable screens since 2000. “We often work on homes with open sight lines that extend from the living areas into patios and decks. Many incorporate Phantom’s retractable screens to provide insect-free ventilation and shade from the sun without interrupting the flow of the home,” notes Ron Somers, president of Somers Screen Solutions.

WWW.PHANTOMSCREENS.COM

SOUTH EAST KELOWNA

HARVARD HILLTOP ESTATE 2575 HARVARD ROAD, KELOWNA BC | $2,399,800 | MLS 10075658

Area: 4,671

Bedrooms: 4

JUSTIN O’CONNOR & CHRISTY HUGHES 250.826.9961 | sothebysrealty.ca

Bathrooms: 3.5

Lot Size: 4.94 acres

Second Residence Area: 2,400

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 1100-1631 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna, BC

E&O.E. This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Independently Owned & Operated.

HIGHPOINTE, KELOWNA

PERCHED ON POINTE 1191 EAGLECREST LANE, KELOWNA BC | $1,945,000 | MLS 10075659

Area: 4,725

JUSTIN O’CONNOR & CHRISTY HUGHES 250.826.9961 | sothebysrealty.ca

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.5

Lot Size: 0.474 acres

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 1100-1631 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna, BC

E&O.E. This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Independently Owned & Operated.

TRADITIONS, KELOWNA

TRADITIONS CUSTOM 747 BOYNTON PLACE, KELOWNA BC | $1,149,000 | MLS 10074183

Area: 4,400

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 3.5

Lot Size: 0.3 acres

Customize your dream home on the most prestigious lot in the Traditions development.

Call for details and alternate home plan options.

JUSTIN O’CONNOR & CHRISTY HUGHES 250.826.9961 | sothebysrealty.ca

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 1100-1631 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna, BC

E&O.E. This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Independently Owned & Operated.

CARR’S LANDING, LAKE COUNTRY

FRENCH FARMSTEAD 16392 BARKLEY ROAD, LAKE COUNTRY BC | $1,100,000 | MLS 10075710

Area: 5,006

Bedrooms: 4

JUSTIN O’CONNOR & CHRISTY HUGHES 250.826.9961 | sothebysrealty.ca

Bathrooms: 4.5

Lot Size: 4.16 acres

Apartment Suite Area: 720

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 1100-1631 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna, BC

E&O.E. This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Independently Owned & Operated.

OSOYOOS

OSOYOOS VIEW ESTATE 21038 ALKALI ROAD, OSOYOOS BC | $949,900 | MLS 146468

Area: 5,068

JUSTIN O’CONNOR & CHRISTY HUGHES 250.826.9961 | sothebysrealty.ca

Bedrooms: 3

Bathrooms: 3.5

Lot Size: 4.94 acres

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 1100-1631 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna, BC

E&O.E. This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Independently Owned & Operated.

UPPER MISSION, KELOWNA

THE ROSEDALE 980 HEWETSON COURT, KELOWNA BC | $929,900 | MLS 10069164

Area: 3,406

JUSTIN O’CONNOR & CHRISTY HUGHES 250.826.9961 | sothebysrealty.ca

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

Lot Size: 0.19 acres

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 1100-1631 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna, BC

E&O.E. This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Independently Owned & Operated.

UPPER MISSION, KELOWNA

STUNNING UPPER MISSION VIEW HOME 768 KUIPERS CRESCENT, KELOWNA BC | $849,900 | MLS 10071687

Area: 3,556

JUSTIN O’CONNOR & CHRISTY HUGHES 250.826.9961 | sothebysrealty.ca

Bedrooms: 4

Bathrooms: 2.5

Lot Size: 0.16 acres

Sotheby’s International Realty Canada 1100-1631 Dickson Avenue | Kelowna, BC

E&O.E. This information is from sources which we deem reliable, but must be verified by prospective purchasers and may be subject to change or withdrawal. Sotheby’s International Realty Canada. Independently Owned & Operated.

ARTIST PROFILE

Kenna Graff WRITTEN BY DAW N R EN A UD

Kenna Graff’s art explores her deep and passionate relationship with the natural world around her.

That world has always been the Okanagan Valley.

A resident of Kelowna for 20 years, Kenna was born in Vernon and grew up in rural Osoyoos. There, her parents and older siblings were always busy with their chores - leaving Kenna free to roam from a very young age. “I was able to be an observer all the time,” she recalls, “always looking at everything that happened during every season.” In the spring, she couldn’t wait to get out and see things thaw; with winter’s return she couldn’t wait to see everything freeze again.

National Velvet

Although she’s instinctively creative, Kenna’s willingness to explore various mediums may have been learned by example. Her hard-working parents were always creating, making many of the things they needed for their home or their business. She describes her mother as a “wonderful self-taught intricate knitter, who was also into intensive quilting - spending up to 16 hours a day creating doublesided masterpieces”; now in her eighties, her mom is still quilting smaller projects. Kenna’s father was a master woodworker and a welder, and her parents always made good use of the family workshop. “In their retirement,” says Kenna, “they built a 50-foot sailing ship and they went and enjoyed that for a few years.”

Small wonder Kenna grew up with the idea that they could build pretty much anything. “For pleasure,” she says, “but also for necessity, to make life simpler. I think that’s something that all of my siblings learned from our parents; we all dabble in something.”

Although Kenna has dabbled in other mediums, painting is the one she loves best. “It’s restorative to the soul,” she says.

Kenna tends to paint in series, creating several works all using a similar palette and technique. Each series may last for several years; happily immersed in a series, she finds there’s no point in trying to venture in another direction until she feels done with it. “I’m really passionate about it right then,” she says, “and eventually the season may change or my experiences in nature will change and I’ll go on to something else.”

While some of Kenna’s previous series have been vibrant, her current palette is more neutral, almost wintery, perfect for what she sees daily outside her cabin or tipi.

Dipper

Chipper

Kenna is also a cofounder of Ars Longa. For ten years, this small group of local artists has invited interesting and diverse Canadian artists to join them in a fully curated show.

“We like to create a place for people to come, interact with the artists and see the art in a visually appealing space,” she says. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going to a youth arts groups as diverse as theatre, ballet, special needs, and choir. “We encourage them to come and join us as well when we do put on our show.” After a hiatus in 2013, they group’s hoping Ars Longa will return this year.

For more visit KennaGraff.com.

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ACCESSORIZE

GO FOR GOLD L E T T E R T R AY

Inspired by a Hollywood boudoir, Zinc Door’s Norma White Double Letter Tray corrals documents with unassuming elegance. The sophisticated accessory’s creamy white finish brightens with gold chain link accents and u-shaped pedestals.

ZincDoor.com

POUF

Give your home some gilded glamour with this Gold Moroccan Pouf by Imports from Marrakesh. This fancy floor cushion is stuffed with firm cotton batting and covered with shiny gold leather. Sand-toned embroidery gives this pouf its honeycomb pattern and round shape. Set this floor pouf next to your sofa and use as a stylish side table or use as an ottoman to prop up your feet.

PureHome.com

CHANDELIER

Rich gold color accents a statement lighting option by Arteriors, which hovers sculpturally overhead, its individual rods spreading into an exuberant firework of metallics that solidifies and enhances direction of the Zanadoo Large Gold Chandelier’s flow of light. Each individual bulb in this handsome, stylish ceiling light illuminates the golden metal as well, lighting up a space with splendor.

BlissHomeAndDesign.com

CANDLE

WINE STOPPER

Gift your hostess with this exclusive Aerin designed solid brass Heart Wine Stopper.

Sure to add an elegant touch to any table or bar.

NeimanMarcus.com

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Reminiscent of keepsakes or discoveries found in a cabinet of curiosities, this charming Bird Cage Candle by L’Objet features a finely detailed bird finial on its fitted lid and exudes the intoxicating scent of pink champagne. And when the candle is gone, the porcelain vessel can be re-used for keepsakes and trinkets.

NeimanMarcus.com