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LIVING
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12 DESIGNER AT WORK Creating beautiful bedrooms
48 STEP INSIDE In conversation with Mayor Jim Watson
63 FOOD THOUGHTS The ultimate sandwich
16 RENOVATION A basement inspired by water 22 CONDO LIVING Lighting done right 26 COVER RENOVATION A family-friendly kitchen gets a glamour makeover 32 DECORATING PROJECT A home office for mom, and a surprise bedroom for a sweet sixteen 36 DECORATING PROJECT For the baby 40 DESIGN DIY Designer Sarah Richardson shares her DIY expertise 44 DESIGN DIY Janel Steeper opens up her home full of DIY inspiration
50 FASHION What’s new and local on the fall fashion scene? 53 GIVING BACK From an abusive home to a safe place 54 BEAUTY Creating a healthy kitchen
64 DINING IN The latest in high-end appliances 67 LET’S DISH Algonquin College’s Indigenous Cook program 71 PAULA’S BITES Savoury pancakes 72 FORWARD THINKING Understanding rattan
58 NEW & NOTABLE Furniture, paint, bagels and a movie 60 NEIGHBOURHOOD ON THE MOVE The revamp of Vanier’s Montreal Rd.
6 EDITOR’S NOTE A season for transition
COVER PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON 4 ottawaathome.ca FALL 2021
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EDITOR’S NOTE
And all the lives we ever lived and all the lives to be are full of trees and changing leaves...” VIRGINIA WOOLF
Fall. It’s my favourite time of year and not just because it’s when my birthday comes along. The season brings a sense of renewal, of starting fresh, tackling projects and making changes. For me that means spending a little more time at home, where my heart is. I feel grounded within my own space. After a summer of adventuring I am always happy to be home, for a little while anyhow. Fall means looking outside the windows and watching leaves begin to turn and garden colours start to take on a deeper, aged version of their more youthful selves. Fall is a reminder to make every moment count, to breathe deeply and enjoy all that we have for as long as we can. Fall also lets us know that change is unavoidable. Within the pages of this issue, you’ll note how homeowners have made changes and improvements to suit transitional stages of life. A family kitchen gets glammed up (page 26) to meet the tastes of empty nesters with a penchant for entertaining in style. If a kitchen reno is in your future be sure to check out Paula Roy’s feature on which high-end appliances are worth the splurge (page 64). A basement renovation (page 16) speaks to the homeowners’ love of summer on the water, and a local radio personality, as well as a top Canadian designer, offer up tips on DIY projects that turn something old into something new (pages 40 & 44). And because change can be exhausting, we have expert tips on how to create a beautifully decorated bedroom that’s ideally suited to your lifestyle and habits (page 12). Thanks to Mary Ciancibello’s guidance, readers will be inspired to switch-up wardrobes while Melissa Shabinsky shows us how to transition herb gardens from the outdoors in. Wherever this fall finds you, may you enjoy the comforts of home with good food and, oh joy oh bliss, even some family and friends! From home with love,
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DESIGNER At Work
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DESIGNER At Work
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S
ascha Lafleur, Senior Principal Designer and Co-Founder of West of Main, carefully takes her client’s needs and lifestyle into consideration before diving into a décor project.
BY MARY TAGGART INSTAGRAMTWITTER @maryktaggart
The Ottawa home furnishing store West of Main was founded in 2018 on the principles of a combined love of beauty in space and objects by Sascha and her husband Justin. “We have selected a unique combination of not only curated objects but also a way of putting it all together to create an unforgettable space. Furniture, lighting, rugs, mirrors, art pieces, décor, and other accessories are all drawn from our travel archive, to create a unique lifestyle destination,” describes Sascha of the shop’s vibe. When it comes to creating dreamy bedroom spaces the designer digs deep with her clients to ask the hard questions. She needs to know if the bed is going to get made or not. There is no point in piling a bed with decorative pillows if they’re just going to create an obstacle course all over the bedroom floor. “The big thing we ask is whether someone makes their bed or not, to determine the look of layered pillows.” Sascha offers and goes on to explain, “There is always a way to make a bed beautiful with more or fewer pillows.” She notes that pillows come in a variety of sizes and styles so there is something to meet every client’s needs. Big firm pillows are great for reading in bed. Body pillows are ideal for comfort and stability and make an impact without the need for too many cushions.
STARTING OUT Sascha takes a practical approach to tackling a bedroom project and advises that measuring and photographing the space is the first step to ensuring that you have a good handle on what the room needs. “Map out everything that will make the room practical for you—this process helps you analyze how you want to utilize your room.” Finding a good rug for the space is crucial. Not a fan of wall-to-wall carpet, Sascha states that an area rug sets the tone and grounds the space to inject texture, colour, and pattern; the rest of the décor builds from there. Lighting is another crucial component that Sascha claims to be the “jewelry of the space as it elevates the decor and can set the mood.” FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 13
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DESIGNER At Work
SASCHA LAFLEUR
THE DETAILS
“ Map out everything that will make the room practical for you—this process helps you analyze how you want to utilize your room.””
Regardless of how many cushions a bed is dressed with, Sascha suggests adding a throw or coverlet at the end of the bed to create a casual effortless look. Her go-to fabric is linen, but she is careful to ensure that her clients like the feel of it as much as she does. Washing linen as soon as it is purchased will soften the sheeting which can sometimes feel rougher than fine cotton. When it comes to colour, blue is a top choice for its relaxing quality, but Sascha has been gravitating to the greens and moving on to what she calls the dessert tones like chocolate mousse. “I prefer a monochromatic scheme with layers of neutrals like terracotta with blush undertones.”
FURNITURE SPECIFICS It’s crucial to ensure that the furniture is to the scale of the room. Creativity goes a long way within a small space. A bench that includes extra storage and night tables that double as dressers are ideal. If space allows, Sascha suggests a bedroom should have a bed, dresser, two nightstands, and some seating. “I really like a swivel chair and four-poster beds are very popular right now.” Follow the shop on Instagram @westofmainshoppe for more decorating inspiration. FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 15
RENOVATION Basement
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RENOVATION Basement
BY HOLLIE GRACE JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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RENOVATION Basement
A love for boating, undying dedication to the Tragically Hip, and a completely blank canvas…
…were the inspiration behind a recent basement renovation from the creative minds of dynamic design duo Denise Hulaj and Jason Bellaire of StyleHaus Interiors. The creation was of epic proportions, and gave them an appreciation for a detailed, interesting, outside the box environment.
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RENOVATION Basement
Having previously worked with clients Brian Turner and Jennifer George on a living room, family room, and kitchen space in their single-family Kanata Lakes home, the StyleHaus Interiors pair was brought back for a complete overhaul of the 900 square foot unfinished basement. Entrepreneurship runs deep throughout this family of four. Brian owns a microchip company while his wife, Jennifer, is a consultant within the field of human resources. With a Sea Ray Sport Yacht named Four Turtles, both parents and their teenage daughters spend plenty of time on the water and, like most homegrown Canadians, they carry a love for the iconic Kingston rock band The Tragically Hip—both boat and band were big influences in the design. Explains Denise, “Our approach is very individualized for each project and we approach them with fresh eyes each time. We don’t have a look that we repeat for each client. We like our designs to reflect the homeowners—things that they love— so at the end of the day it feels like their home. Our style isn’t imposed on them. It’s just us interpreting their style and making it special.” Although the overall style was inspired by, and took many elements from, a nautical design theme, Jason insists that they did not want to go overboard (no pun intended). Instead, details reminiscent of a summer on Cape Cod are sprinkled throughout. The cabinetry is navy blue and soft grey, and the custom closets wrap around the bathroom door, hiding its entrance, much like you might see on board the Four Turtles. Walking into the bathroom you’ll spot some very interestingly patterned tiles, invoking memories of a steering wheel at the helm of a ship. Surrounding the living area is a wall of horizontal whitewashed tongue and groove shiplap which brings with it a coastal vibe, while a bar with a unique cross design on the front of the millwork boasts two taps for whichever local brews Brian is in favor of at the time (right now, he’s drinking a cold one courtesy of
THIS PAGE (TOP) TILE IS FROM EURO TILE (BOTTOM) CUSTOM MILLWORK IS FROM PETER DUTCH CABINETRY FACING PAGE THE SECTIONAL SOFA IS FROM DALA DÉCOR FURNITURE & DESIGN
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RENOVATION Basement
“ t he pièce de résistance is the custom mural, executed by Doug Jackson…” Calabogie Brewing). Another impressive detail that Jason emphasized is the cold wall system, which offers an alternative to a traditional fireplace, redirecting heat buildup from within the enclosure back into the room, allowing material to be brought right up to the base of the glass, without fear of heat damage. And because this family knows how to enjoy some friendly competition on game nights, an underutilized alcove was the perfect spot to create a custom banquette, wrapped around three walls. Adding in a large roundtable with an ornate chandelier and that coastal shiplap, it’s reminiscent of the built-in dining aboard a ship. Jason explains, “There are little references like that [so when] you’re in the space you’re not obviously saying ‘oh this is very nautical’, but it has an homage to all things boating.” Inarguably, the pièce de résistance is the custom mural, executed by Doug Jackson, who owns local Ottawa company ManMade Art. A bright yellow canvas that showcases an ancient nautical map is the backdrop from which The Tragically Hip appear to emerge and scrawled throughout are a collection of the Hip’s lyrics that hold special meaning to the family. Denise gushes, “it’s a very nice piece.” “We were engaged with the project right around the time that Gord Downie died so it was sort of memorializing him in a way. It was an homage to their favourite band, and to Canada in general,” adds Jason. From an unfinished storage area springs a comfortable and cool coastal space where the family can do it all: work, eat and play. Denise is confident that the basement will be well used, “I think they’ll probably spend more time there than they will upstairs to be honest.” FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 21
HOME Condo Living
LIGHTEN UP BY ALEXIA WILKINSON-NAIDOO PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
S
cott Clark (pictured, right) and his partner, Dan MacDonald (pictured, left), purchased their Centretown two-storey condo 25 years ago and have since been inspired with some big ideas to make a space they call their “little treasure” uniquely their own. Despite having to work within a condo footprint, the couple leans toward larger furnishings to make a statement, including an oversized and multi-purpose sectional in the living room, and an entertainment-sized table, to lend gravitas to the dining area. “The original dining table was a Le Corbusier glass tabletop with a classic steel base. But streaks were driving us crazy,” says Scott, “so we found this person just outside the city who does custom concrete work.” They commissioned Threshold Design to replace the original glass dining room tabletop with a concrete one. They wanted the exact same specifications which included it being only one inch thick. Another custom piece is the banister between the first and second floors of the unit, which replaced the original railing. Again, the couple were able to locally source something special and contracted RIDALCO Industries Inc. to create a railing that lends a sleek line to the space.
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The kitchen contrasts some of the weightier pieces. It was originally a classic two-sided galley that they redesigned into a horseshoe shape. This allows additional counter and storage space since both Dan and Scott enjoy cooking. The countertop is now grey Caesarstone with IKEA cabinetry in white glass on the upper cabinets, and grey laminate on the lower cabinets, keeping the space light and contemporary.
HOME Condo Living
THIS PAGE ARTWORK LEFT TO RIGHT: ARTIST, ROBERT FRANCIS, NIKO BOTH FROM KOYMAN GALLERIES. ABSTRACT ABOVE SOFA BY NATALIE BRUVELS, FROM STUDIO SIXTY SIX FACING PAGE KITCHEN CABINETS FROM IKEA
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Dan and I agreed we needed to do something to brighten up our Ottawa space.” —SCOTT CLARK
Their most recent project is their brightest idea yet, inspired by the fact that their condo unit is located on the northeast side of the building, providing little natural light. “When we bought the condo, we also had a chalet up in Edelweiss, so we’d be here during the week to work and weekends in the summer we’d be out in the country,” said Dan. “Then when I retired, we started going to Miami in the winter and we no longer needed Edelweiss as a break. At that point we realized that all the weekends we were spending out at Edelweiss we were missing all the great Ottawa events that were within walking distance. We wanted to rediscover Ottawa. When we decided to sell Edelweiss, we really started focusing on making our condo the way we always wanted it to be.” “And the issue is, because we’re here now and haven’t been able to go away in the winter, is the darkness. It can be very gloomy,” said Scott. “Dan and I agreed we needed to do something to brighten up our Ottawa space.” Their goal was to have a lighting system installed that could give them total flexibility not only with better lighting but also to create ambience in their home. But a huge challenge was the cement ceilings wouldn’t allow for recessed lighting. Luckily, they were able to connect with contractors from the building who were very familiar with that challenge. To modernize and achieve the look they wanted, Scott and Dan worked with Cyrus Renovations Inc. and CEC Electrical Services to create a look that exceeded their expectations. In their living and dining area they installed a floating ceiling with recessed lighting complimented with LED lighting around the periphery. “We did a larger drop ceiling with a space around, so it adds a beautiful
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HOME Condo Living architectural element to the space and helps bring the condo to life again,” said Dan. The frequency of the LED lighting around the periphery can be adjusted to a variety of hues. “We found with our paint colours that coral worked the best,” said Scott. The lighting system provides them with the flexibility they wanted along with a practical way to beautifully highlight their art collection.
“Once we decided on pot lighting, the electrician worked on the placement. It was a joint effort to optimize the lighting for the art as well as for daytime, nighttime, and sunset so it works out in every aspect for us,” said Scott. “At night-time we look into the downtown buildings and it’s absolutely gorgeous. We’ve got all these fabulous sunsets. We don’t get to see them directly but the light reflecting off the buildings is gorgeous,” said Dan.
BELOW THE KELLY GRACE PAINTING AT THE BOTTOM OF THE STAIRS IS FROM WALLSPACE GALLERY RIGHT A CORBUSIER DINING TABLE ONCE HAD A GLASS TOP BUT WAS REMADE BY A CONCRETE ARTISAN AT THRESHOLD DESIGN
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HOME Kitchen Renovation
THE SLATE BLUE ISLAND ADDS DRAMATIC FLAIR AND GETS DRESSED UP WITH GLAMOUROUS PENDANTS FROM PRIMAVERA INTERIOR FURNISHINGS, TORONTO
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HOME Kitchen Renovation
All Grown Up
In 2003 a young family of six began the hunt for their “forever home.” The search led to a Georgian-style, five-bedroom house in Wellington Village that had housed one family since 1925. When the young couple took it over, they launched a renovation and addition suited to their tastes and active lifestyle that included a large kitchen and family room area leading to a patio with plenty of outdoor entertaining space. When the kids got older, they added a pool. The home has been well-loved by the busy family.
BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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HOME Kitchen Renovation
Fast forward to 2019 and the now-adult children have moved on. “We wanted a more elegant, dressed-up kitchen that reflected this next stage of our lives,” offers the homeowner, who is an avid cook with a passion for entertaining that includes extended family. While the empty-nesters wanted to inject some glamour into a family-friendly space, they still wanted it to feel warm and inviting. Danielle Hannah from 2H Interior Design had been an integral part of the original renovation, so it only seemed fitting that she was brought in to help with this latest project. The old kitchen was all white, which appealed to them for a long time, but moving forward the idea of creating texture and intrigue became a priority. This was achieved by adding wood tones and a honed granite countertop, along with gold, brass, and glass elements. While the kitchen renovation was going on they decided to take the opportunity to re-decorate the adjoining family room to allow the entire space to work as one. Swivel chairs allow guests to be a part of the kitchen activities and comfy club chair style bar stools serve as seating at the island so that the kitchen shares in the comforts of the family room. A bar cabinet abuts the kitchen and family room to bring the two spaces together.
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HOME Kitchen Renovation
THIS PAGE MIXING MATERIALS LIKE STONE, METAL AND WOOD LAYERS TEXTURE INTO THE SPACE, FAUCET IS FROM PRESTON HARDWARE FACING PAGE (TOP) HONED COUNTERTOPS ARE FROM INTERSTONE (BOTTOM) THE ENTERTAINING CAPACTIY OF THE SPACE IS ENHANCED BY THE ADJACENT FAMILY ROOM
Out of Sight
Part of the grown-up side of the renovation was creating spaces for equipment so that counter-tops can either be clutter-free— thanks to loads of pull-out drawers—or serve as a stylish way to present food to guests. “I used to have all my appliances front and forward, now they are all neatly tucked away,” states the homeowner, who also created a mini home office from a wall counter. Across the room, a sleek wine fridge tucks into a space that offers up just enough counter surface to easily hold glasses and an ice bucket.
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HOME Kitchen Renovation
We wanted a more elegant, dressed-up kitchen that reflected this next stage of our lives,” While the revamped space has a much more glammed up look than its predecessor, it continues to feel like a high functioning working kitchen that isn’t all about the show. With appliances like a steam oven, rather than a microwave, the entire space meets the current needs of its occupants who have a passion for fresh and healthy eating and sharing their gracious hospitality with all who come through their doors. “It feels like it is more fitting to the stage of life we are in,” affirms the happy homeowner.
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SECTION Title
LEFT A CUSTOM HOODFAN, DESIGNED BY DANIELLE HANNAH, ADDS TEXTURE. THE CABINETS ARE BY MCM CABINETS AND MILLWORK BELOW ARTWORK BY CANADIAN ARTIST VALERIE BUTTERS IS FROM KOYMAN GALLERIES
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HOME Makeover
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HOME Makeover
For designer Stefanie Seguin of TWIG+ TIMBER INTERIORS the feeling of creating space for homeowners that connects them with their space, in a way they hadn’t realized, is what her job is all about. “I love working with clients, trying to find out what they love even when they typically don’t know themselves,” states the design enthusiast. She graduated from the Interior Design program of Montreal’s Dawson College 17 years ago and has been helping her clients realize their dreams ever since. BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDAN BROWN
If You Dream It…
STEFANIE SEGUIN FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 33
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HOME Makeover
As with many people, a home office and bedroom retreat were high on the priority list for Stefanie’s client, a busy mom of five, however, the bedroom wasn’t for her; it was a sweet-sixteen gift for her daughter. After handing the project to Stefanie with a carte-blanche blessing, the mom was just as surprised as her daughter when the room was complete. Creating a space that felt warm and cozy was high on the priority list. Integrated Construction Solutions added a vertically installed shiplap wall treatment to create texture and intrigue. The soft sage green and blush colour scheme allowed for a more vibrant rug and lent itself to light wood tones and creamy macrame accessories to play up a boho vibe. To ensure that the daughter would be able to maintain the look day-to-day the bedding was kept fairly simple with a linen duvet, waffle knit throw and a few embroidered pillows for interest. The overall affect is a stylish yet restful retreat that was pleasing to both mom and daughter.
The office took on a little more drama with a more daring approach to pattern and colour. Stefanie has worked on several projects in her client’s home that blend farmhouse style with coastal influences. This look dictated the feeling for the office, which is now situated at the front of the home, to set the tone for what’s to come throughout. As a teacher, the client specified a need for proper storage space as well as a working counter and place to hold larger items. She also asked that there be room for photo display. Stephanie didn’t disappoint and was able to grant all the wishes. “We added bookcase shelving on one side of the built-in, to display cherished family photos, and then balanced it visually with a deeper closedin upper [cabinet] on the opposite side. This gave her a spot to store larger items and keep clutter at bay.” When a project turns out as well as this one it’s hard to know who is more pleased, the designer or the client. In this case both feel a deep sense of satisfaction.
TOP THE BOHO VIBE IS RIGHT ON TREND AND OFFERS A SERENE LOOK RIGHT THE OFFICE COMBINES BOTH CLOSED STORAGE AND OPEN SHELVING TO MEET THE CLIENTS REQUEST TO KEEP WORK OUT OF SIGHT WHILE FAMILY PHOTOS ARE FRONT AND CENTRE
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Creative Outlet
F
or mom-of-two Sarika, decorating her home offers personal and professional balance. She went to medical school at The University of Saskatchewan and did her residency in anesthesiology and pain medicine in Ottawa, where she now lives and works. “I did go into medicine, and I work full time, but I always knew that interior design and decorating was something that I gravitated to. I love having that outlet to explore,” she offers.
FACING PAGE HAMPTON PENDANT LIGHT IS FROM AERIN, VISUAL COMFORT; RUG IS FROM LD SHOPPE THIS PAGE SARIKA ENJOYS TIME TO REFLECT IN A ROOM SHE CREATED FOR HER DAUGHTER
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HOME Nursery Decorating Project
BY OLIVIA TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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HOME Nursery Decorating Project
She and her husband Denis are raising their son and daughter in a home on a tree-lined street, close to schools within a community bursting with amenities. The house is older and in need of renovations, for Sarika that means there is plenty of opportunity for her to express her creative side. She started with her daughter Valentina’s nursery. The colour scheme plays up the feminine side of the spectrum and while Sarika hadn’t intended for it to be a pink room, she ended up going that route with calming and sophisticated results that offer a space meant for a young girl to grow into. The lighting and wallpaper are soft enough that they work beautifully in a nursery yet are easily suited to an older child’s space. Knowing that the room would be a place that she’d also be spending plenty of time in, Sarika injected some of her own interests with art that reflects her passion for travel. The entire family are avid readers so including books within the décor seemed like a natural fit. “Books are a big part of our life. We read to the kids every night and we knew we needed a bookcase to have some of the books easily accessible,” states Sarika, who also reveals that she could spend hours playing with objects on a bookcase to create the perfect display.
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Sarika sees the big picture when tackling a decorating project. The nursery reflects a variety of her interests and showcases her talent for choosing items that ensure the space is a thoughtful reflection of the occupant with enough personal details to add authenticity to the décor. She scoured Etsy for just the right pieces so that her daughter’s room stands out as stylish yet soothing, offering both mother and child the balance they need at the end of a busy day.
THIS PAGE (LEFT) PERSONAL DETAILS ENHANCE THE SPACE (RIGHT) FEMININE TOUCHES ARE FOUND THROUGHOUT THE ROOM FACING PAGE MARBLE WALLPAPER IS FROM HOVIA.COM
HOME Nursery Decorating Project
Books are a big part of our life. We read to the kids every night…” FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 39
HOME DIY Expert
PRE— 40 ottawaathome.ca FALL 2021
HOME DIY Expert
Canadian designer Sarah Richardson has a long-standing appreciation for DIY projects and offers up tips and advice on how to get it right.
—L VED BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY VALERIE WILCOX
SARAH USED HER DIY TALENT TO TRANSFORM HISTORIC LANGDON HALL IN CAMBRIDGE, ON
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ICONIC HOMES & COMMUNITIES
KANATA
UniformDevelopments.com
ROCKCLIFFE
BEL AIR PARK
KANATA
COMING SOON
COMING SOON
HOME DIY Expert Can you describe some of your earlier DIY projects? Let me tell you a little story. My very first published work was my own loft apartment, which I shared with my best friend. It was entirely decorated with vintage treasures from estate auctions, yard sales and little vintage dealers in downtown Toronto. Not only did House & Home magazine publish a feature on our loft, they also put it on their cover and to this day I have not forgotten that my first piece of published work—and my first cover— featured a $5 chair, a $2.50 lamp, a $20 table with chipping paint and a $50 window frame. I truly believe that budget and style are not mutually exclusive, and I will always be passionate about DIY projects and reimagining and renewing pre-loved pieces with great bones, sculptural lines, and unique character. To what do you attribute the renewed interest in DIY? Saving money and being kind to the planet have always made recycling, upcycling, reimagining and restoring very attractive options. I think the enduring appeal and interest in DIY can also be credited to our collective desire to live with less but with better, more meaningful and unique goods in our homes. I find the process of reupholstering or reimagining finds to be extremely rewarding. What are some of your favourite pieces to DIY? I love creating one-of-a-kind bathroom vanities using vintage dressers, you would be surprised at the kinds of pieces you can thrift or repurpose as a vanity. Check out my YouTube channel because I’ve got a Design Life episode dedicated to upcycling furniture to create the ultimate bathroom vanity! I’m also keen on salvaging and repurposing elements like corbels to use as legs for a wall-mounted desk or as decorative supports beneath kitchen island countertops and flanking entryways. But truth be told, my heart belongs to vintage chairs. I have a hard time passing them up simply because of their potential to become something beautiful and unique once they’re reupholstered and refinished. Do you hit up flea markets? Absolutely! Every chance I get, which admittedly is a lot less often than I’d like these days. Whether it’s a flea market, yard sale, antique store, consignment shop, or Kijiji, I always enjoy the thrill of the hunt. I’m known for my love of sourcing outside the usual retail
destinations and I have storage lockers full to prove it! As a designer, there are few things more exhilarating than finding preloved vintage and antique treasures that I can reimagine into something totally unique. I have a deep appreciation of the soulful element that vintage, antique, reclaimed, up-cycled and repurposed pieces can bring to any project. I’m always inspired by the unique result that can be created when you mix a harmonious blend of old and new. Any tips on ensuring that the quality is still there? When it comes to pre-loved items, no two are alike in terms of condition. If you spring for a find, try to be mindful of what you paid and what you’ll need to invest to ensure they are aligned. I’m all for reimagining and restoring to bring something up to date, but I don’t do broken, cracked or in need of repair items... that story never ends well for me. What tools should the average DIY’er have in their tool kit? If you can, buy pieces in near “mint condition” not “as is” for best results that require fewer tools. I’ve always said, the power of paint can transform any item from drab to fab, so my number one tool kit must-have for the budding DIY’er is a good quality paint brush! Check out my YouTube channel to watch our one-day two bedroom cottage transformation on a remote island using reimagined Kijiji finds!
TOP BLENDING OLD AND NEW WITH FOUND TREASURES IS PART OF DIY CHARM BOTTOM FIND MORE TIPS ON SARAH’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
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HOME DIY
Scrap Save Create Ottawa’s MOVE 100.3 morning show host Janel Steeper’s creations are to DIY for. BY HOLLIE GRACE JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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After leaving behind her childhood home just outside the small beach town of Grand Bend, Ontario, along with the family and farm that gave it such life, Janel Steeper would carry with her the magic of how a simple DIY can transform someone else’s trash into her very own priceless treasure. After bouncing around various locations in the Territories, Northern Ontario and the East Coast, Janel has settled nicely into her current role in the trio hosting The Morning Show on MOVE 100.3, alongside veterans Stuntman Stu and Angie Poirier. With the job comes many free afternoons and so Janel is dipping into her pool of memories to retrieve DIY skills cultivated long ago, and the creativity that fuels them. She credits this rags-to-what-looks-like-riches mentality to her parents. Explains Janel, “I think it was probably a product of [my mom’s] own upbringing. Her parents were immigrants from Holland and she had 12 brothers and sisters. [DIY] is probably how her family got by and she probably picked it up along the way. And I would say the same kind of thing about my dad. Farming isn’t necessarily the easiest kind of job, so you’ve got to be resourceful.”
HOME DIY
THE TABLE AND CHAIRS WERE BOUGHT ON FACEBOOK MARKETPLACE FOR $60 AND WERE COMPLETELY RE-DONE THE PENDANT COMBINED PAPIER-MÂCHÉ AND CONCRETE ALONG WITH FAUX GOLD LEAF AND BLACK PAINT FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 45
S P ONSORED C ONT ENT
Lépine Apartments’
Howard Grant in Barrhaven A new landmark in Barrhaven is quickly gaining a reputation as the ideal residence for small families, work-from-home professionals as well as retirees. Lepine’s Howard Grant, an attractive 18 storey building in the vibrant Chapman Mills community, was completed earlier this year and many happy tenants have already made it their new home. Choosing to forgo the expense and inconvenience of mortgages and maintenance, residents at Howard Grant have reduced their stress and upgraded their lifestyle and are now enjoying all the comfort and convenience of a simpler, more relaxing pace of life. Conveniently located at 1024 McGarry Terrace near the intersection of Longfields and Strandherd, the well-appointed 232 suite building still has a selection of units of various sizes available, ranging from 1 bedroom + office up to 2 bedrooms + office. Many suites include a walk-out balcony or spacious terrace, ideal for relaxing, reading and dining al fresco. Howard Grant’s many premium amenities include a lounge, well-equipped fitness centre, party room, yoga studio, salt water pool, rooftop terrace, storage units, secure bicycle storage and underground parking, plus a staffed front desk. Within walking distance, you’ll also find grocery stores, transit, schools, cinemas and more. Sustainability is incorporated into every facet of a Lépine property, and Howard Grant is no exception. The extremely energy efficient building, constructed with top quality materials, features electrical, mechanical and plumbing systems chosen for their reliability, efficiency and ease of maintenance. In addition, every suite is fully compartmentalized with its own individual air intake and heat pump so you have control over the heating and ventilation.
C O M F O R T, C O N V E N I E N C E & F R E E D O M
Each pet-friendly unit offers durable, attractive hardwood and ceramic flooring, high ceilings, panoramic windows and superior soundproofing to heighten enjoyment of the spacious living areas and full-sized kitchens. While upgraded finishes are standard, some enhancements are available, including sleek, highly functional home offices with built-in cabinetry. As a bonus, each unit includes stainless steel appliances and in-suite laundry. Lépine maintains a steadfast commitment to welcome you home to best-in-class design and construction practices which have resulted in a building which will withstand the stresses of time and the environment for generations to come. “Much like our stringent attention to quality through all aspects of the building process, it is our belief that incorporating sustainable long-term design principles and materials improves quality of life,” notes company president Francis Lépine. A family-founded firm with several decades of construction experience, including more than 20 years in the Ottawa area, Lépine Apartments excels at purpose-built rental apartment buildings. Not only do they design, construct and lease their properties; they manage them as well, ensuring the most seamless and responsive tenant experience. Life at Lépine offers all the convenience and comforts of condos, without the fees. No matter what stage of life you’re at, there’s a home for everyone at Howard Grant, where you’ll find flexible occupancy, a vibrant social community plus some of the largest suites in the Ottawa area. If you’re ready to enjoy the freedom and comfort that comes from living in a stylish Lépine apartment, contact a leasing agent today at 1.888.4LEPINE or leasing@lepineapartments.com to request a tour.
HOME DIY
LEFT (TOP) THE SHELF BELOW THE MIRROR STARTED OUT AS A SIMPLE PIECE OF WOOD. THE TRUNK WAS A THRIFT STORE FIND (MIDDLE) JANEL GREETS GUESTS FROM HER PORCH WHICH OFFERS PLENTY OF DIY DECOR (BOTTOM) A THRIFT STORE LAMPSHADE IS COVERED IN RAFFIA TO CREATE THE WOVEN CEILING FIXTURE
When Janel was in her final year of high school, she had that mystical aha! moment as a realization crystalized—her interests in music and performing could translate nicely into a viable career in radio. She could actually go to school for, and make money doing, something that she loved. She settled in the Niagara region, completing her diploma in radio, television and film. But diving headfirst into this new chapter of her life came with a high price tag, literally. She was living completely on her own and as she says, “In radio you don’t make a ton of money, so it’s been about me being able to flip through magazines or scroll through Instagram and dream about all of these beautiful rooms in beautiful houses and trying to figure out a way that I can have that look and feel in my own home by doing it with DIY or thrifted items.” This undying love for making something old new again is apparent in Janel’s apartment where she says that at least half of the items have been thrifted or somehow repurposed. “It became a necessity for me to be able to have what I wanted.” And since she was already doing it, why not jump on board the YouTube phenomenon and share the love? Enter Janel’s wittily-titled channel “To DIY For”, which she debuted in 2015. On her channel, you’ll find Christmas-themed content leading up to the holidays, patio furnishings in the spring and summer, and even costumes at Halloween. Janel humbly concedes that this has been a continuous learning curve. “When I started, I didn’t own any power tools. I can use my drill now, I know how to change
a pendant light, I have a jigsaw—I have a few handy tools. I’m looking to get a table saw next, which I feel confident about, so I’ve definitely learned a lot along the way.” Janel uploads a new video weekly, and together they have taken over 30,000 viewers on a journey through her thrift store finds, as well as a few snags at garage sales and even on the roadside. She also doesn’t deny a couple of rewarding dumpster dives. Normally, though, you can find her browsing at Value Village and ReStore or online through Facebook Marketplace, where she currently sells her creations. With a budget that falls just shy of $20, plenty of her projects have been made solely using dollar store products, so there are many that have been created for a quarter of that price tag. This has, of course, saved her thousands of dollars over the years as she continued to move and redecorate, with scavenged items that could fit each new, and vastly different, space. MOVE 100.3 has nicknamed Janel the DIY Queen, and listeners are becoming aware of who their go-to in this category should be—she’d be thrilled if it became less of a hobby, and more of a side hustle. In the meantime, you can follow along with Janel’s latest projects, and maybe even try one for yourself, on YouTube, MOVE 100.3’s website and CTV Morning Live where it airs weekly. A little nervous to jump in? Janel’s biggest DIY tip is to just try it. “I think a lot of people are really timid and they’re afraid to get started. Sometimes you have to scrap it and sometimes you have to regroup. If you don’t try it, you’re never going to see that you can actually build it, make it, or do it.” FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 47
LIVING S tep Inside
STANDING PROUD BY VERA CODY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
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LIVING Step Inside
M
ayor Jim Watson got a taste for politics when he won the position of floor rep during his first year at Carleton University. His goal was to become a reporter and journalist upon graduating with a B.A. in Mass Communications from the Faculty of Public Affairs but the lure of politics was strong. In 1997 he became the youngest elected Mayor in the City’s history at the age of thirty-six. Three years later he resigned his position to become President and CEO of the Canadian Tourism Commission. He returned to his media career for a few years and re-entered the political arena as Ontario’s Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing in 2007. In 2010, Mayor Watson was again elected and is the city’s longest serving Mayor. Everything changed in March of 2020 when the pandemic hit. He worried about those who didn’t have the financial capacity to weather an economic downturn and their vulnerability in terms of job security. Shopping local has helped impacted businesses and he’s working with the Federal government and other employers for the quick and safe return of their employees in order to reinvigorate the downtown core and those businesses that rely on a healthy downtown populace. In terms of his legacy, he quotes Lord Baden-Powell who said ‘always leave the campsite in better shape than you found it’. He believes politicians at any level should strive to leave their city, province, or country in a much-improved state. Gratified by his mayoral accomplishments, he is hopeful that the city he loves will return to its pre-pandemic vitality. HOW WAS OTTAWA’S RESPONSE TO THE PANDEMIC? I am proud of the coordinated work of Team Ottawa featuring the front line and health care workers, nurses, doctors, personal support staff and paramedics. Everyone rallied to run an effective vaccination system. COVID is not over yet. People are frustrated and tired of government telling them what to do but we don’t have a choice. COVID is not going anywhere. WHEN DO YOU EXPECT TOURISM TO RETURN? It is our third largest industry and one of the hardest affected and it will require a concerted effort by Ottawa tourism, the city and various partners to announce that Ottawa is a safe and clean place to visit. We are already booking events for 2022. With not everyone vaccinated and still in the midst of a pandemic we need to be prudent in our re-opening of the economy to not send the business community back onto a roller coaster of shut down, open up, shut down.
WHAT PROJECTS ARE UNDERWAY FOR OTTAWA? We are breaking ground on the new central library at LeBreton Flats. LRT’s Phase 2 was our largest infrastructure project and Phase 3 will run from Stittsville to Kanata and Barrhaven. The Civic Hospital rebuild will create a global state of the art hospital. Attracting new businesses and investing in infrastructure gets projects off the drawing board and into reality. After years of discussion, Lansdowne is totally re-vitalized and has become a community gathering spot featuring new greenspace, children’s play areas, skateboard park, apple orchard, a community garden and has brought in The Redblacks, and soccer, basketball and lacrosse teams. IN 2019 YOU PUBLICLY ANNOUNCED THAT YOU ARE GAY; HOW DID THAT FEEL? While in Charlottetown on holiday I wrote it out in long hand and arranged with the newspaper to publish it. It was touching to receive such positive feedback from all over the world. Parents wrote me wonderful letters about sharing my article with their son or daughter going through their own challenges identifying their sexual orientation. I had been agonizing back and forth and knew for a long time I was gay and decided there is nothing to be ashamed of and no reason to hide it anymore. WILL YOU RUN AGAIN FOR MAYOR? I don’t have a good answer yet and will make up my mind sometime in the fall after consulting with many people. If you make your decision too soon it looks like everything you do is political. If you make it too late it may be difficult to gather good people to put together a campaign the size of nine federal ridings. I love this city. Ottawa is home and my family is here. I don’t want to retire as I would be totally bored and would want to do more volunteer work which unfortunately, I have not had more time to devote to. FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 49
SECTION Title
FFashion all BY MARY CIANCIBELLO INSTAGRAM @maryciancibellostyle PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIA MACPHERSON
Fall is the perfect time to play with layers and textures, and to discover new Canadian brands shaking things up in the fashion scene.
MATCHY MATCHY After years of separating sets, it’s time to stick those matching sets back together (and I’m not talking about the tie-dye sets). JACKET AND SKIRT: RW & CO.
SILKY SMOOTH DRESS: RW & CO. SHOES AND PURSE: L’INTERVALLE COAT: WWW.STUDIODIANNE.COM BELTS: SIMONS NECKLACE: ROSE GARDEN
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Silk and satin hair scarves, neck scarves and clothing will bring the smooth back to your style. HAIR TIE + SCARVES: SIMONS
LIVING F ashion
LOCAL LUXURY
UNEXPECTED LAYERS
Nothing feels more luxurious than beautiful pieces by a local Métis designer. This wool bouclé wrap coat is a perfect addition to a marvelous fall wardrobe.
Ponchos have made a return in the most unexpected ways. Mix a poncho + quilted puff = layered heaven.
WOOL WRAP COAT: STUDIODIANNE.COM
PONCHO: H&M
MARVELOUS IN MIDI Wrap skirts, printed skirts, floral skirts—we’re seeing midi skirts for every occasion on rotation this fall. PRINTED MIDI SKIRT: SILKLAUNDRY.CA
ROCK THE CROC This fun texture has been propelled into the spotlight in the most fabulous accessories and colours. CHAIN STRAP PURSE: CALL IT SPRING
SYMBOLIC ACCESSORIES Let your jewelry provide the positive vibes with the protection of the blue eye. EARRINGS: ROSE GARDEN JEWELRY
NEW HEIGHTS Sticking with runners or going back to heals, footwear is getting a major upgrade this fall. KNEE HIGH BOOTS: ALDO WEDGE RUNNERS: CALL IT SPRING
CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS A member of the Nlaka’pamux Nation, Warren Steven Scott’s accessories are moving mountains in the Canadian fashion scene. TWO-TONED EARRINGS: WARRENSTEVENSCOTT.COM FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 51
SECTION Title
BY CATHERINE CLARK instagram twitter @catherinejclark
YA R D S UNLIMITED L
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info@logsend.com
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logsend.com
hen Patricia Verissimo moved to Ottawa from her native Brazil, she did not know a word of English, though that quickly changed as she put down roots and raised a family. But what really made Patricia feel a part of her new country was her decision to give back. “For me, volunteering was a big step to feeling that Canada was my place,” says Patricia. “By volunteering I have truly felt a part of this community.” Patricia volunteers for Shelter Movers Ottawa, a survivor-centered, free moving service for people leaving abuse. “My home city back in Brazil has a major problem with domestic violence,” she explains. “So this was something very close to my heart.” “Coming from a place where you see violence every day, you start thinking it is common, that you can’t do much about it,” notes Patricia. “Shelter Movers is showing that violence is not normal and we can do something to help stop it.” Since opening its Ottawa Chapter in 2017, Shelter Movers has completed over 670 moves, supporting anyone who is fleeing any type of abuse from any source. They help clients move in and out of shelters, as well as store their belongings in storage units at no cost for however long the survivor is in a shelter.
LIVING Giving Back
BEGINNING WITH A
M VE
“We have done some high risk moves, and the police make sure that it is safe for us to go inside and move the belongings, so we go in, get the things, take the client out and help them move toward a new beginning,” explains Patricia. “When we shut the doors on the truck, the client often starts crying because they know it’s final—they’re leaving their home for good—and we have to give them a lot of reassurance, telling them they’re going to be ok, that better things are ahead,” she explains. While Patricia’s involvement with Shelter Movers has taught her skills she is proud to have learned—like how to drive a moving truck, buy a tool kit and work an Allen Key like a pro—it’s those personal interactions with survivors which leave the biggest impact. “These women are so used to people putting them down that they stop believing in themselves, and we are some of the first people to show them that they have value,” concludes Patricia. “I love Shelter Movers. Every time I have a move I know it’s going to be a special day.”
For information on how to volunteer for—or donate to—Shelter Movers Ottawa, please visit sheltermovers.com/donate
PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 53
BY MELISSA SHABINSKY instagram @melissashabinsky PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON
The trick to maintaining a healthy kitchen isn’t just about what’s inside the fridge and pantry; it’s also about having the right tools and gadgets. They don’t have to be complicated but knowing what to have on hand and how to use them is essential. Greening the kitchen with homegrown veggies and herbs is a start. It’s easy to grow recipe go-to herbs like, rosemary, parsley, basil, oregano, chives, and thyme, plus salad greens and small veggies, indoors. All you need is a sunny spot and a few pots.
No need to start from seeds—you can pick up small plants at your local grocery or garden store. Grow all together or in individual pots depending on your space. The nice pop of colour will also add a fresh fragrance to your kitchen space. Snip from your kitchen garden to add to your dishes or as a garnish to any plate. You can even transplant the plants to your outdoor garden in the spring. Having fresh herbs helps to make meal prep easier and adds a boost of nutrients and flavour to soups, sauces, smoothies, and juices.
• Keep chopped veggies on hand at all times. When you’re looking for a quick snack, having pre-chopped veggies will turn healthy eating into fast food. Chop your veggies once you bring them home from the store or Farmers’ Market or buy them pre-chopped (it’s okay to pay for convenience sometimes).
• Grow your own food! Start small if gardening is new to you or you don’t have a lot of space. Tomatoes, lettuces, and herbs are great options that are easy and can be grown in just a pot.
SELF-WATERING PLANTER FROM LEE VALLEY TOOLS, $99.50, MOVES INDOORS DURING THE COOLER MONTHS.
EXPERT SIDEBAR Nutritionist Rachel Caven offers her tips on some easy, healthy changes you can make to your kitchen and pantry: • The best kitchen tool is a great knife! It’s worth the investment and makes meal preparation that much more enjoyable. • Drink your water! It’s one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to improve your health. When water gets boring, add freshly squeezed lemon, lime or orange to your water for flavour. Lemon juice also helps improve digestion and is a source of vitamin C which helps to boost your immune system.
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• Keep easy protein on hand. Protein is the most difficult macronutrient to get into our diets (you don’t always have time to cook a chicken breast or soak your legumes). Make sure your cupboard is stocked with easy, non-perishable protein sources so you always have an easy protein option (canned chickpeas, beans, tuna or salmon, protein powder, nuts and seeds, etc.).
• Swap out any old, expired oils that are hiding in your cupboard. My favourite oils are extra virgin olive oil for salad dressings (should not be heated at high temperatures) and avocado oil or coconut oil for cooking. • Make your own salad dressing! Start with equal parts olive oil and balsamic vinegar and add some of those fresh herbs that you grew yourself. • Save your fruit, veggie, and herb scraps in the freezer to add to smoothies and even keep those onion and garlic skins for soups and healing broths.
LIVING B eauty
TOOLS Stock your kitchen with gadgets that help make eating healthy even easier.
SQUEEZE THE DAY
BLEND & GO
CITRUS JUICER, THE BAY, $29.99
Whip up a smoothie or shake and take on the go with this portable cordless blender. BED BATH & BEYOND, $59.99
GREEN IT UP Keep your herbs fresh and on hand for instant flavour boosts. HERB KEEPER, LEE VALLEY TOOLS, $26.50
KNIVES OUT LARGE CHEF’S KNIFE, LEE VALLEY TOOLS, $69.50
HEALTHY PASTA Make healthy veggie noodles for pasta and salads from carrots, zucchini, beets, and cucumbers. RICARDO SPIRALIZER, KITCHENALIA, $39.95
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PURE LAB VITAMINS
helping build a foundation of health While some businesses and industries have struggled during the pandemic, the opposite has been true for Pure Lab Vitamins, which introduced six new products over the past year and a half; their offerings now include almost 30 clinically-based formulations.
“COVID-19 HAS SHONE A SPOTLIGHT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF SUPPORTING ONE’S IMMUNE SYSTEM VIA APPROPRIATE USE OF VITAMINS AND MINERALS,” EXPLAINS CYRUS. “AS THE HUNGER FOR ACCURATE INFORMATION ABOUT BOOSTING IMMUNITY HAS GROWN, SO TOO HAS OUR COMPANY AND FURTHER EXPANSION IS PLANNED.” Founder of Pure Lab Vitamins, Cyrus Kuhzarani has long been a patientchampioning promoter of natural health. Cyrus trained abroad then came to Ottawa where, in his work as a compounding pharmacist, he witnessed the positive impact of correcting vitamin and mineral imbalances. The line of targeted supplements produced by Pure Lab Vitamins for over a decade has been shown to yield remarkable therapeutic turnarounds, working to reduce the deficiencies and toxicity that build up in the body from several factors including stress. Pure Lab Vitamins’ supplements provide the essential vitamins and minerals which are lacking from most diets today — even among people who endeavour to eat extremely well — because farming practices have led to depleted soils and minerally-deficient crops. It is a catch-22 of the modern era: our daily requirements for vitamins and minerals are going up because of the pace of life, yet our food supply is increasingly unable to meet these needs. Another conundrum is that as we age, many of us get caught in the trap of taking prescription medications that may address symptoms but may also have unwanted side effects. Thankfully, it is possible to correct imbalances in the body through the targeted use of vitamin and mineral supplements and Pure Lab Vitamins offers everything from Vitamins B12, C, D3, and K2 to Magnesium, L-Theanine, Zinc, Folic Acid, and more.
A key element of Pure Lab Vitamins’ success has been the ongoing education provided to retail partners and their staff so they can offer highly knowledgeable support to customers seeking to increase their vitality and enjoy greater overall health. The company has also begun offering webinars to provide direct-to-consumer education. A recent back-to-school webinar, for example, focused on boosting immunity and products to help alleviate the impacts of stress on mental and physical health. “I sometimes call myself the anti-pharmacist, because I offer people a pathway towards wellness by helping them manoeuvre through the jungle of supplements that are being promoted today,” says Cyrus. “There are key vitamins and minerals that can help build a strong foundation of health. Our goal is to make products that are the most efficacious, using active forms, slow-release formulas, and unique ingredients, to help people achieve this.” With a company motto of ‘replenish and thrive’, Pure Lab Vitamins endeavours to support the relationships between independent natural health retailers and their customers. Pure Lab Vitamins products are currently sold at over 200 locations; local retailers include stores such as Natural Food Pantry, Dandelion Foods, Foodsmiths, Herb & Spice, Healthy Planet, and Kardish Health Food Centres as well as select chiropractic and naturopathic clinics plus independent pharmacies.
SPONSORED CONTENT
LIVING B eauty
AIR FRYER Make your favourite crispy ‘fried’ foods without the grease and fat. INSTANT POT AIR FRYER LID, CHEFS PARADISE, $99.99
SPRAY-ON THE FLAVOUR Fill with olive oil for seasoning or avocado oil for high heat cooking. OIL MISTER, KITCHENALIA, $34.95
SPICE IT UP
KEEP IT CLEAN
Add some artful-inspired instant flavour to any dish.
Reusable, compostable Swedish Sponge Cloths.
FOOD CRAYONS, KITCHENALIA, $36.95
KITCHENALIA, $6.95
VEGGIE RICE Make your own carb-free rice from cauliflower or broccoli. VEGGIE RICER, KITCHENALIA, $29.95
AT HOME JUICE BAR This all-in-one juicer and blender is all you need to make delicious smoothies and fresh-pressed juice plus soups and sauces. BREVILLE 3X PRO BLENDER/JUICER, CHEFS PARADISE, $629.95
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LIVING N ew & Notable
Furniture, Paint, Bagels & Movies
BY SANDY CONNELL
COLLECTIVE FURNISHINGS Ottawa has an exciting new home furnishing showroom. Home Société is a collective of local and international brands in one location featuring a curated selection of furniture and accessories for home and garden, led by acclaimed Quebec based design leaders and manufacturers, Maison Corbeil, Jardin de Ville and Must. The showroom was created to display the possibility of design through a specially curated shopping experience celebrating individual style and budgets. Visit the store at 2685 Iris St.
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LIVING New & Notable
@ HOME Realizing your DIY dreams is only a few clicks away. Canadians can now order their favourite Benjamin Moore interior or exterior paint, or colour samples and swatches, whenever inspiration strikes from the comfort of their own home. Any of the 3,000+ colours are available to order online and pick up at a convenient Benjamin Moore retailer or have your order shipped anywhere in Canada. www.benjaminmoore.com
ORDER IN Calling all bagel lovers! Ottawa-based Kettleman’s Bagel is set to bring their Montreal-style bagels to your doorstep. Partnering with delivery company Trexity, the company is offering a new bagel subscription service. According to Craig Buckley, founder of Kettleman’s Bagel, a subscription service was the natural evolution in creating another incredible experience for guests. For more information, head to www.kettlemansbagels.ca
LOCAL BOOK TO FILM Ottawa meets Hollywood as Ottawa Valley book publisher signs a deal for a major movie! The Flying Bandit, published by Burnstown Publishing House and written by Ottawa author Robert Knuckle, with Ed Arnold, will be released as a major movie within the next year starring Mel Gibson, Elisha Cuthbert and Josh Duhamel. The novel is based on the true story of Canada’s most daring armed robber, Gilbert Galvan Jr., who escaped from prison in the US and made his way to Canada where he assumed a new identity, fell in love, married, and portrayed himself as a travelling security consultant living in Pembroke. Unbeknownst to his friends and family, he was leading a double life flying across Canada and successfully pulling off over 60 bank robberies and jewellery heists. FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 59
LIVING N eighbourhood on the Move
The Future is Bright
PHOTO BY LINDEN POLOS
WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY BY TED SIMPSON
I
n French the saying is “un mal pour un bien” which in essence means, “a bad thing so a good thing can come.” And that’s where the community of Vanier is at right now during the most brutal phase of the Montreal Road Revitalization project, with two years of demolition behind them and two years of construction still ahead. “We’re starting to see all of the seeds that we’ve been sowing for the last four or five years now starting to pop up,” says Nathalie Carrier, the Executive Director of the Vanier BIA, an organization that represents the businesses and property owners of the neighbourhood. “Development is starting, we’re getting a lot more housing, a lot more commercial spaces that are viable and rentable, the street itself and the streetscaping is getting better, all of the stuff underground is being fixed and that allows for better development to come in the future.” The Montreal Road Revitalization is a major infrastructure project from the City of Ottawa. Along with subterranean work comes a whole host of improvements to the streetscape. The $64 million project aims to, “construct a vibrant and welcoming main street with a wellbalanced transportation network that will allow residents and businesses 60 ottawaathome.ca FALL 2021
to thrive,” according to the city. That includes burying overhead power lines between North River Road and de l’Eglise Street and adding new streetscaping features to Montreal Road including trees, streetlights, street furniture and improved sidewalks. The transportation aspect will be restructured into three lanes of traffic, two Eastbound and one Westbound, with bicycle lanes running in both directions. For the remainder of this year, and probably well into the next, that means that Montreal Road is down to just one lane of Westbound traffic and no street parking, with side street access blocked off at nearly every intersection. This construction project, in combination with the ongoing public health restrictions around the pandemic, is creating an unprecedented challenge for the local business community. “Sales are slower than usual, there’s COVID of course, but we’re also hearing people say that they can’t park or they can’t find a way to get here. It has even become very difficult to get our deliveries from suppliers,” says Michelle Dahdah, the Head Pastry Chef behind Quelque Chose Pâtisserie. But they’re not losing sight of the good things to come and there are positive signs of growth for the business community.
“This building is actually being torn down in about a year, so we have to move, but we want to stay here in Vanier with a new location because so many new people are coming here, like Little Victories Coffee that just moved in. I think this area has so much potential,” says Michelle. And that idea of the neighbourhood evolving, from a place with a bad reputation to a hidden gem, has been catching on around the city. Many people have drawn the comparison that Vanier might be the new Hintonburg. But the community would tell you that Vanier is the next Vanier, in the sense that preconceived notions and comparisons can devalue the uniqueness of a neighbourhood. Vanier isn’t becoming anything other than a bigger, better version of what we know now, which is a neighbourhood built on diversity and creativity. Vanier boasts the highest population of newcomers to Canada, the highest population of Indigenous people in the city and largest concentration of artists in Ottawa. So much of Vanier has been built, and is continuing to be built, by entrepreneurs of diverse backgrounds. A great example of this can be found in the Mark Motors Group. You’ve probably heard of the controversies surrounding a new Porsche
dealership at the corner of Montreal Road and St. Laurent Boulevard. But you may not have heard the story of Louis Mrak, who was born in Slovenia in 1935 and came to Canada as a young man escaping communism with nothing but a suitcase and a few dollars. He founded Mark Motors on Montreal Road 62 years ago and his family still run that business to this day where they sell fine European cars, including Louis’ favourite brand, Porsche. The Mrak family have gone to great lengths working with the city to ensure that the design of their business complements the revitalization of the street. This collaboration resulted in an improvement to the cycle track, where the dealership will give up three meters of their property to allow the track and sidewalk to continue through to St. Laurent. In the original plan the bicycle lane had been pinched off early due to a lack of space. But it doesn’t really matter whether merchants sell cars or macarons or coffees; it’s the diverse and committed entrepreneurial spirit that has brought Vanier up to the precipice of change that it sits on today, and it’s their power that will continue through the other side of both this construction project and this pandemic to carry the community into a new era. FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 61
L I V E LIFE NO W
M U S K O K A C A B I N E T R Y I S A V A I L A B L E A T:
FOOD Food Thoughts
Preparation Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 5 minutes Serves 2
INGREDIENTS 1 cup charred cooked corn kernels, divided 3 oz goat cheese 2 tbsp mayonnaise, plain yogurt or sour cream ¼ tsp freshly ground pepper, or to taste 4 slices multigrain bread 1 tbsp mayonnaise or Dijon mustard ½ cup baby arugula
PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON
IP KOREY’S T FRIED E H T E T U SUBSTIT F H IT RIED ZUCCHINI W ATOES OR GREEN TOM ALLOUMI GRILLED H CHEESE.
Stacked Tomato & Chevre Sandwich BY KOREY KEALEY instagram @KoreyKealey twitter @foodthought
The layering of textures with raw and cooked vegetables, creamy cheeses, tangy flavours, red green and white colours and the right bread is my idea of a delicious sandwich. The autumn harvest provides so many opportunities to fulfill these criteria with ease.
2 slices beefsteak tomato 4–6 slices breaded & fried zucchini
METHOD 1. In a small bowl, combine ¾ cup of charred corn kernels, goat cheese, mayonnaise and pepper; set aside or refrigerate until ready to assemble. 2. On two serving plates, place a slice of bread on each. Spread a little mayonnaise or mustard then add arugula, fried zucchini slices, tomato slices & some of the reserved charred corn. 3. On remaining two pieces of bread; spread as much of the goat cheese and corn mixture as you like topped with more arugula (the cheese glues everything together). 4. Place the cheese & arugula-topped bread on top of the tomato-topped bread and press lightly. 5. Serve immediately with a big napkin! Bonus tip: Dip beefsteak tomatoes into a pot of hot water and then peel them for a tender & even juicier tomato experience!
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FOOD Dining In
High on Form and
Function BY PAULA ROY
A renaissance in home cooking has many people looking to spruce up their kitchens, and top-of-the-line appliances that are as functional as they are beautiful are found on many wish lists.
LG PROBAKE RANGE LG’s ProBake electric ranges are stylish and packed with useful features including a large-capacity oven with an air fry mode plus state-of-the-art convection technology. The five-burner radiant heat ceramic glass cooktop includes dual and triple burners. Keep things spotless with the EasyClean feature—simply spray the oven interior with water and in 10 minutes, wipe away any leftover grime. The InstaView oven door lets you light up the interior with two quick knocks on the
THERMADOR GAS COOKTOP Thermador’s gas cooktops are both attractive and innovative, featuring unique star-shaped burners which provide better flame distribution and smaller intervals between levels of heat compared to round burners, resulting in a reduced cold spot and more precise control. The pedestalmounted burners and special quick-clean base make it easy to maintain. The centre burner delivers maximum power for rapid boiling or high-heat searing, while two simmer burners offer precise settings for 64 ottawaathome.ca FALL 2021
low-temperature cooking. Continuous grates allow for easy movement of pots and pans across the entire cooktop and electronic re-ignition automatically relights any burners that go out due to drafts. The control panel’s metal knobs feature blue progressive illumination that adjusts to indicate the burner setting. The five-burner cooktops are available in both 30 and 36-inch models, so you don’t have to sacrifice functionality in a compact kitchen.
door and a range of built-in smart, WiFiready functions make for a convenient culinary experience. This appliance is available in both slide-in and freestanding versions; slide-in also includes Air Sous Vide, to lock in flavour while cooking food in vacuum-sealed bags at precise low temperatures with controlled airflow and no countertop water-based appliance needed. They’re available in black stainless steel or smudge-resistant stainless steel.
GE CAFÉ FRENCH-DOOR DOUBLE WALL OVEN Part of GE’s design-forward collection, the Café Professional Series 30-inch convection French-door double wall oven is available in matte black, matte white, or stainless steel. With brushed-finished handle and knob options in stainless, copper, bronze, and black, it’s easy to pick the perfect look for your kitchen. Offering twice the cooking space, the accessible upper door height and design—including the ability to open both doors with one hand—makes inserting or removing food easier. Features include a temperature
probe visible on the oven’s LCD screen, integrated WiFi connectivity that lets you conveniently control the temperature from anywhere plus a built-in smart system that automatically tracks progress, modifies temperatures, and adjusts cook times. It’s the only wall oven that currently delivers top-down true convection for consistent results; it also offers an air fry mode plus superior broiling options and effective self-cleaning including a steam clean option.
KITCHENAID FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR KitchenAid celebrated its centenary in 2019 and it continues to be a favourite thanks to its vast selection and reliability. Their 23.8 cubic foot, 36-inch double door refrigerator is the largest capacity, counterdepth refrigerator in its class and features a unique exterior fingerprint-resistant finish. Inside, the gorgeous platinum interior offers flexible storage options. A fullextension custom temperature-controlled pantry drawer features four pre-sets so you
can customize the temperature for meat/ fish, cold drinks, deli/cheese, and wine. A slide-away shelf retracts to fit tall items, and full-extension self-close crispers let you store more and find things easily. The unique under-shelf prep zone utilizes space beneath the shelf to create a prep zone with a fridge-to-oven, dishwashersafe tray that’s ideal for proofing dough, storing desserts, or marinating meats.
FISHER & PAYKEL DISHDRAWER DISHWASHERS Fisher & Paykel pioneered the concept of drawer-style appliances. Their current product line includes dishwashers available in both single and double drawer models, available in several finishes: stainless steel, white and black stainless plus panel-ready to match your kitchen cabinetry if you prefer. DishDrawers are as easy to open and close as kitchen drawers and can be conveniently positioned at bench height for ease of loading and minimal bending. Flexible racking in both the regular and tall-tub drawers allows you to make adjustments to fit in a variety of dishes. Best
of all, you can run the wash cycle in just one drawer or both drawers independently and select different wash programs, allowing you to safely and effectively clean fine crystal and heavily soiled pots and pans at the same time. These dishwashers lend a stylish, functional edge to any kitchen.
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CHEF CHRIS COMMANDANT FOOD Let’s Dish
BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY TED SIMPSON
Cooking with... 66 ottawaathome.ca FALL 2021
FOOD Let’s Dish As interest grows in learning about and understanding Indigenous culture, a unique five-year-old Indigenous Cook pre-apprenticeship program is thriving at Algonquin College. Ottawa At Home spoke with Chef Chris Commandant, a restaurant industry veteran who serves as the program’s coordinator, to find out about this innovative approach to sharing knowledge and respecting traditions. Why is this program important and timely? Algonquin has made supporting Indigenous students a huge priority so this program was designed to offer
another avenue to increase participation and graduation rates. It was developed to let students—both Indigenous and non-Indigenous—become immersed in important cultural values and traditions. What are the key objectives? We help students connect with Indigenous culture and history while providing them with many of the same practical skillsets as in our Culinary and Culinary Management programs. Students are exposed to a broad range of ideologies and traditions to help them discover, discuss and understand issues happening in real time across the country.
What are participants doing after completing the program? Eighty percent of graduates move on to jobs in the food world, in various settings including restaurants and as Indigenous cultural advisors on food production in their own communities. Some students have gone on to further study in other fields. What aspects of your background are helping you succeed in running this program? I am originally from the Wahta Haudenosaunee Indigenous community in Bala, Ontario and since childhood have been learning about Indigenous culture;
Tradition FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 67
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UrbanQuarry.ca Kitchen by: Deslaurier Custom Cabinets Kitchen Design by: Darien Wilson Photography by: Kevin Belanger
throughout the full process and are committed to excellence in all that we do. Servicing Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.
FOOD Let’s Dish I’ve also completed post-secondary education in English, Food Science and Food Studies. This background helps me get my students organized so they can learn effectively and being able to truly relate to students as an Indigenous person has been critical to providing the compassion needed to keep them on track. Having strong connections in the local culinary industry helps with finding restaurant placements for our students. Can you share any memorable moments? When the NAC opened its new 1 Elgin restaurant, Executive Chef Kenton Leier invited our students to work with renowned Indigenous Chef Rich Francis on the launch event. Our team worked so hard that Chef Francis invited us out of the kitchen to be presented to guests and we got to share in both a standing ovation and a huge sense of accomplishment. That experience really served to reinforce that what we are doing is worthwhile. Are there enhancements you would like to make to the program? When pandemic restrictions loosen I would like to get students working with traditional outdoor cooking techniques and become involved in Indigenous activities in
the community. I’d like to see a full unit dedicated to Indigenous food and traditions in our current Culinary program to help further break down barriers and one day I hope Algonquin College can offer a full track Indigenous culinary program. How might this program to have lasting impact in the hospitality industry in our region? It would be great to see Indigenous-led restaurants, catering firms and food trucks become a strong presence in Ottawa as in other places in Canada. I hope to see Algonquin grads take their skills, adapt them and have the confidence to run their own places and offer delicious food with cultural relevance. Do you have plans to foster greater awareness of Indigenous food in the community? I am excited to have formed a partnership with Ingenium and its affiliated museums to create a workshop series launching later this year, discussing topics including Indigenous food security and sovereignty in contemporary Canada. I am hopeful this will spark conversations and lead to action on issues like access to clean drinking water and healthy food for all.
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SECTION Title
www.kealeygroup.com liam@Kealeygroup.com
613.698.8876
Brendan Kealey BROKER
Liam Kealey BROKER
Korey Kealey BROKER
Over 2500 Homes Sold! 332 Fairmont Avenue Civic Hospital Call for Price
Tasty savoury pancakes are ideal as an accompaniment for grilled fish or meat; they can also be used as a creative base for poached or fried eggs.
70 ottawaathome.ca FALL 2021
FOOD Paula’s Bites
WORDS & PHOTO BY PAULA ROY instagram twitter @paulajroy
ZUCCHINI FRITTERS WITH
WHIPPED MASCARPONE CREAM INGREDIENTS
TO SERVE
WHIPPED MASCARPONE CREAM
2 tbsp (2 g) chopped fresh cilantro
½ cup (125 mL) whipping cream
1 lime cut into wedges
¼ cup (45 g) mascarpone
Whipped mascarpone cream
¼ tsp (.7 g) salt and chili powder, or more to taste
METHOD
1 tbsp (15 mL) freshly-squeezed lime juice
FRITTERS 2 medium sized zucchini, grated 1 cup (30 g) minced sweet onion ½ tsp (3 g) kosher salt 1 large egg, beaten ½ cup (125 mL) milk ½ cup (65 g) flour, regular or gluten-free ½ tsp (2 g) baking powder ¼ cup (60 mL) canola oil, divided Few pinches black pepper
1. Whip together mascarpone, whipping cream, salt, chili powder and lime juice until stiff; cover and refrigerate. 2. Measure out 2 cups (350 g) of the grated zucchini and place in a large bowl with the minced onion. Toss with salt and let sit for 10 minutes. With your hands, transfer the vegetables to a clean kitchen towel, squeezing excess moisture out before placing on the towel. Fold up the towel and squeeze gently over the sink to remove more moisture. Dry bowl and return zucchini and onion to it. 3. Add the beaten egg, milk and a generous pinch of pepper to the vegetables. Stir gently to combine. Sprinkle flour and baking powder over top and mix well.
4. Preheat oven to 325ºF to keep the first fritters warm while you cook the rest. 5. Heat 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of the oil in a large, heavy skillet placed over mediumhigh heat. 6. Drop ¼ cup (60 mL) portions of the zucchini mixture into the skillet, spreading out ⅓ inch (1.2 cm) thick. Repeat with 2–3 more portions (depending upon the size of your pan). 7. Cook until golden brown, 2 to 3 minutes per side; transfer cooked fritters to a baking tray and keep warm in the preheated oven. 8. Add oil as needed to cook the remaining zucchini mixture. 9. To serve, sprinkle the hot fritters with cilantro then serve with whipped mascarpone cream and lime wedges. Makes 8–10 fritters; recipe can easily be multiplied and reheated. FALL 2021 ottawaathome.ca 71
FORWARD THINKING
natural choice BY MARY TAGGART instagram twitter @maryktaggart
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MOBILIA RATTAN COLLECTION
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R
attan furniture is widely associated with the 1970s thanks to the popularity of both wicker and rattan during that decade, which is now seeing a whole lotta love on the style front. What’s confusing is how do these pieces differ? Rattan is the actual product, while wicker is a style that uses the product. Today the use of rattan sees stylish spaces with a more refined approach to the material, offering much less of the cottage feel that usually comes with a wicker weave. Rattan furnishings of today can be found in contemporary spaces that combine with solid wood to create textural pieces that can easily blend with modern and traditional spaces all crying for influences from nature.
1. LINDY PLACEMAT, NATURAL, EQ3 2. RATTAN COFFEE TABLE, BOUCLAIR, $299.99 3. SET OF 3 STRAW BASKETS, THE HOME DEPOT, $99 72 ottawaathome.ca FALL 2021
A PERFECT COMBINATION OF PERFORMANCE AND DESIGN.
ALFA ROMEO STELVIO
Alfa Romeo Ottawa
616 St. Laurent Boulevard 613-740-1001 alfaromeoottawa.com
UPGR ADE YOUR LIFE
