SPRUCE Summer 2023 by Page One Publishing

VICTORIA’S HOME & D E S I G N MAGAZINE

INSPIRING HOMES AND INTERIORS Patio Paradise:

HOW TO ELEVATE A SUMMER AT HOME

One oceanfront build takes a cliffhanging approach to modern minimalism and scenic style. PAGE 28

SUMMER ISSUE PM41295544

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ON THE COVER Precipice of Design

Natural Escape

2023 SUMMER ISSUE

Page 28

Page 38

CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS

OUTDOOR LIVING

18 PATIO PARADISE

EDITOR’S LETTER

Creating your own oasis at home takes a little planning and a vacation state of mind. BY DANIELLE POPE

Take your outdoor living space to the next level with this special section dedicated to making the most of patio season.

SPRUCE IT UP

Bring summer elegance into your home this season with a twist of simple design.

BY SUSAN HOLLIS, DANIELLE POPE AND NESSA PULLMAN

A remarkable cantilevered home brings dramatic architecture to bayside living.

Scandinavian-inspired design meets downtown living for this young couple’s modern renovation.

BY DANIELLE POPE

BY NESSA PULLMAN

PRECIPICE OF DESIGN

This Island home, nestled in an untouched forest, was built with energy efficiency and ecosystem restoration in mind.

Even the smallest spaces can become havens of comfort with these shifts in perspective.

BY NESSA PULLMAN

BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI

ARCHITECTURAL ECOSYSTEM

NATURAL ESCAPE

SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

SMALL SPACE, BIG STYLE

ASK THE EXPERT

Gallery owner Mark Loria helps bring meaning and celebration into homes with Indigenous art. BY DANIELLE POPE

REAL ESTATE

Cocina Conundrum: Is renovating the kitchen worth the expense? BY SHANNON MONEO

FINISHING TOUCH

Fire and water features become symbols of inspiration for home design.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

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Vacation state of mind

ost of my favourite memories growing up involved spending time outdoors. I revelled in places like my grandmother’s carefully curated garden, with its endless promise of green beans, Swiss chard and lettuce, sometimes a ripe strawberry. Or my grandfather’s backyard, with its fruit trees and patio chairs that beckoned me to sit and enjoy a lemonade. My sister and I would take root in the green spaces we grew up with, amidst evergreen trees, flower beds, grassy lawns and sometimes a babbling brook. It takes more energy to find space like this in most cities. On the Island, it’s possible to create your own oasis at home with a little motivation and some strategic landscaping. In this summer issue of Spruce, you’ll find a special section dedicated to designing life outdoors — from finishing your porch or patio, to creating the perfect at-home staycation retreat, to the art of entertaining outdoors and even what to consider with fire and water features. These modifications can range from everyday design tweaks to drastic overhauls, but the aim is to create a landscape that inspires you to get outside and experience the natural beauty this region has to offer. It seems fitting, then, that this issue also takes a closer look at three homes whose inspiration arose from their unique geography. In “Precipice of Design,” you’ll read about a minimalistic home built on the edge of a coastal bluff, cantilevered over a dramatic ocean vista. “Architectural Ecosystem” zeros in on a home in the deep woods of the Saanich peninsula, with efforts made to create energy efficiency and preserve its surrounding environment. “Natural Escape” focuses on a home only steps from the downtown core, but one that was engineered to use all the light and natural elements it could to create a serene space and calming rear patio set amongst the trees. Of course, this season historically brings with it plenty of heat and opportunities to sequester yourself indoors, too, in the cool shade of a living space turned vacation-abode. From an “Ask the Expert,” weighing in on selecting meaningful art, to the feature “Small Space, Big Style” and a look at the impact of kitchen renos in the “Real Estate” column, this issue has plenty to inspire you this season. Whether this is your favourite time of year to be outdoors — lounging in that hammock by the pool or working on your garden every sunny morning — or the time you most look forward to kicking back with a glass of iced something and waiting out the heat inside while planning your next project, I hope you’ll take some time to reflect where you feel the most at ease. With any luck, that vacation state of mind will draw you in to find your own favourite spaces for making memories, all summer long.

Danielle Pope, Editor

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SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

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EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joanne Sasvari EDITOR Danielle Pope PRODUCTION MANAGER Jennifer Kühtz DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jeffrey Bosdet LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER Janice Hildybrant ASSOCIATE GRAPHIC DESIGNER Caroline Segonnes DIGITAL MARKETING CONSULTANT Amanda Wilson MARKETING COORDINATOR Claire Villaraza ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Lauren Ingle

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ON THE COVER

Precipice of Design. See page 28. Photo by Jody Beck Spruce magazine is published by Page One Publishing 580 Ardersier Road, Victoria, BC V8Z 1C7 T 250-595-7243 info@pageonepublishing.ca pageonepublishing.ca

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SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

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SPRUCE IT UP

Summer Elegance RETREAT TO YOUR FAVOURITE CORNER THIS SEASON WITH A TWIST OF SIMPLE DESIGN.

CONNUBIA

HAVE A SEAT

Adorning your space with flexible, striking and modern furniture is an easy way to pop some fun into summer. The Connubia line by Calligaris is a cheerful set of furniture meant to bring new dimension to any room and, best of all, these pieces are created to be completely functional outdoors. For people who desire to “live” in nature, the chairs encourage their owners to go beyond their comfort zones. The entire collection of furniture is sharp enough to grace a living room, but designed to be used every day outside. Available at studioydesign.ca SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

SPRUCE IT UP

Benjamin Moore’s Bright Yellow is a striking choice for a statement door. Rich, saturated colours should complement the surrounding architecture.

DIY COLOUR

REPAINTING YOUR FRONT DOOR CAN WELCOME IN A BOLD NEW SEASON OF CREATIVITY.

A front door shining in this season’s super trendy Viva Magenta or Raspberry Blush may not be for you, but a fresh coat of paint is. Painting your door can update your entrance and even change the personality of your home. Warm, bright colours, like Benjamin Moore’s Ladybug Red or Bright Yellow, and mid-century hues, like Aegean Teal, will liven up conservative exteriors. Best of all, it’s easy to do — you can find all the tips, tools and paints you

need, locally, at one of Pacific Paint’s four Greater Victoria locations. If you’re unsure how to decide on the colour, consider this hack: take a photo of the front of your house, then use an online photo-editing tool to change the colour of your door as many times as you like for a preview before you commit. If you’re ready to go bold, experts recommend using a rich, saturated paint colour that complements your home’s architecture and landscaping.

Front door (above left) shown in Benjamin Moore’s Aegean Teal.

SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

Yellow, red and green are popular colours for statement doors. Alternatively, you can use the colour scheme inside your home to consider the vibe your door opens into for a more harmonious approach. If your house already stands out with a sharp shade, a neutral door may be the best option. Brick buildings are best suited to dark tones, from emerald green to black. Open the door to your own vibrant summer with this simple DIY project.

Popular front door colours, according to Benjamin Moore, include (clockwise from top left) Caliente, Wythe Blue, Tarrytown Green, Hale Navy, Jet Black, Hale Navy and New York State of Mind.

READING NOOK

WALL OF INSPIRATION For those with the space to do it, going big — literally — when it comes to art will transform your space faster than you can say, “Find me a nail!” Maximalist gallery walls are trending in the design world, and these evolving collections are a great way to liven up an unused wall and preserve beloved memories. While creating one can seem daunting, Island Blue Print has a few tips to help you find your way. With the right frames, you can swap out photos every season — or match photos to the season —

to give your walls a new look. Periodically rearranging frames will keep your space looking fresh. Those intimidated by the thought of hanging frames themselves can seek the support of the region’s picturehanging pros, or even try out an online tutorial on creating striking compositions. A few pointers before you climb that ladder: hang the largest piece first, include a few unexpected elements (like tapestries, plants or sculptures) and don’t worry about getting it perfect — gallery walls tend to take on their own unique shape.

LIFE-INSPIRED LITERATURE TO HELP TURN A NEW PAGE OF DESIGN IN YOUR HOME.

Planning Your Escape Summer is the perfect time to uncover books meant to stir the senses. Escapology: Modern Cabins, Cottages and Retreats is just the ticket for stepping out of your everyday routine and finding inspiration for evoking a sense of discovery at home. Authors Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan (interior designers, TV hosts and property speculators) divide their time between homes in Canada and Scotland. Their visual guide takes a stunning look at modern-day retreats — from bucolic weekend escapes by the sea to remote getaways in the woods and rustic mountain hideouts — all in the name of fuelling peaceful living. Lauded as part style bible, part lifestyle manual, Escapology offers a look at how “cabin time” and living intentionally among nature’s own designs can affect health, well-being and happiness.

DESENIO

Seasonal Surprise

SMALL DETAILS An afternoon at the beach never looked so good. Grab a bottle of something cool and pack up your sandies in style with the Alessi Dressed En Plein Air Picnic Set. A wicker basket made to look as elegant on your countertop as it does at the park, this luxury set is made for four people to celebrate together. With a fabric lining and ties to secure various items during transport, the set includes cutlery, glasses, flat plates and soup plates to ensure your meal out doesn’t compromise on etiquette — whether it’s adventure bound or unfolds in your own backyard.

Becoming your home’s design advocate doesn’t require a degree in interior decorating. Author Marie Masureel has offered a shortcut to the process through her book, Living with Nature: Decorating with the Rhythms of the Seasons. Masureel, an interior stylist and photographer, demonstrates how to transform your space by decorating with an ever-changing seasonal array of accents: flowers, buds, fronds, seed heads, fruits and other natural materials gathered from the garden, farm stand and nature trails. For summer, Masureel creates effortless looks with wildflowers, shells, driftwood and other bohemian materials. She shows the reader a mindful way of creating a retreat atmosphere by decorating through her less-is-more approach.

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SPRUCE IT UP SHELVE IT Sustainability isn’t reserved for building supplies and environmental movements. Your books can participate, too. The Magnolia Shelf from Greenington’s Accent Collection is crafted from solid Moso bamboo — one of the planet’s most sustainable and rapidly renewable resources. The shelf is a conscientious purchase with the elegance of mid-century modern design. With five airy shelves and detail in exotic “Tiger,” this minimalist piece adds a sleek finishing touch to your living room or office, flawlessly combining form with function. Available at fawcettmattress.com

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AUTOMATED CLIMATE CONTROL

CONTROL4 HOME AUTOMATION SOLUTIONS

Beating the heat is no small feat, but you don’t have to stand by the dials to change household temperatures. Based on the seasons and time of day, automated climate control systems let you easily adjust temperatures from anywhere in the world, using your smartphone. Smart systems, like the one from Control4 Home Automation Solutions, can synchronize efforts between smart blinds, humidity control, air conditioning units and even auto schedulers to optimize the environment for when people will be home. If climate isn’t the only thing you’re ready to control, smart home automation also offers ways to make navigating your house a breeze. With one touch of a smart device, you can turn up (or down) the heat, dim the lights, play quiet music, lock the door and arm the security system. In fact, you can even program the system to do it at a particular time, with nothing needed from you. Shades can rise with the morning sun, the thermostat can self regulate and you can double-check the doors are locked while on your way to work.

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ASK THE EXPERT BY DANIELLE POPE

Culture on Canvas

INDIGENOUS ART CAN BRING MEANING AND CELEBRATION TO YOUR HOME THROUGH CAREFUL SELECTION.

rt is often lauded as a personal choice. Even in the design world — where light colours stay on trend, styles of minimalism reign supreme and some predictability exists in “what sells” — art has always been a wild card. With as many options as there are visionaries to think them up, punctuating your home with meaningful pieces of art is one of the fastest and most evocative ways to add style to your abode. And, on the West Coast, a special opportunity exists to connect with the region’s Indigenous artists and the heritage their work reflects. Knowing what to choose and where to find it, however, can be a daunting task — especially when you factor in ethical issues around art selection, supporting local and valuing the people who make this their livelihood. Spruce spoke with local curator Mark Loria to ease the process. Loria is director of the Mark Loria Gallery, specializing in contemporary Indigenous art from the Northwest Coast of Canada. Based in the traditional territories of the Lekwungenspeaking peoples in downtown Victoria, the gallery (previously named Alcheringa Gallery) has been representing Indigenous artists from Vancouver Island, B.C. and Canada for over 40 years, and has placed art in private and public collections all over the world. How do you recommend people start their art search, and what should they keep in mind? Understanding the work you are investing in is a valuable start. Modern-day Indigenous art signifies resiliency, creativity, innovation, controversy and a sharing of history. Buyers collect Indigenous art for a variety of reasons. It may be because they connect to the quality of the work, the stories and myths about land and sea, or the artists’ personal stories. Indigenous art, like any art form, is made by an artist for their own purposes as a means of personal expression.

SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

My process involves asking questions about any parameters a client may have, like size, design and colours, and show them available options. The benefit of the gallery experience is taking it all in and learning about each artist’s style of expression. In what ways does the history of the area influence the work people choose? It doesn’t take long to see clients connecting with a style or a specific artist. Many of our regular collectors are interested in certain artists or territorial styles — like Coast Salish art, which is very modern and graphic in its nature. We are a destination for newcomers and collectors interested in contemporary Indigenous art, so a lot of our visitors already have an understanding of the art we represent. It’s important to remember all of our artists are impacted by colonialism and residential schools, either as survivors themselves or as descendants of survivors, so we speak about this every day to continue shedding a light on the true journeys of Indigenous peoples in Canada. When it comes to showcasing cultural pieces in your home, how do you respect and honour those pieces properly? I do get that question from clients: “If I have Indigenous art in my home, am I appropriating it just by having it?” And the answer is no; the artists have made these pieces available for sale. That’s where working with a reputable dealer comes in. Follow your due diligence to make sure you know who you’re buying from. Once you purchase that work, whether it’s a memory from a place you visited, something you feel deeply connected to or just because it matches the colours in your room, the artist doesn’t get involved with that — including how it’s displayed. However, there is a growing effort around understanding Indigenous cultures, and some people choose to take the time to learn more about the meaning of a piece and what it

represented to the artist. That can inform how they move forward with it. How can people ensure they’re supporting genuinely local artists? Nowadays, you’re looking for those signatures. It became more common for artists — specifically Indigenous artists — in B.C. to start signing their work in the 1960s. I would never advise anyone to buy anything that isn’t signed or attributed to an artist, as there is a lot of appropriation that has historically happened in the world of Indigenous art. Some contemporary artists don’t always sign their art, but a specialist can use other identifiers to attribute it. Our gallery only deals in contemporary Indigenous art — 1960s forward— so the new art we represent, as well as the secondary-market art, is all signed and attributable to the artist that made it. From an ethical standpoint, this ensures the art is genuine and handmade and, most importantly, intended for public sale and display by the artists. What should people do if they come across an unidentified cultural art piece? I always recommend clients access expert advice when they can. If it’s a piece that’s been passed down for generations, for example, it may be a case that the family received a gift for something someone did long ago. The best-case scenario is to hold onto it within the family, or work with cultural experts to return the piece, if desired. We have conversations daily about the difference between Indigenous art for public collection and Indigenous art and artifacts from before the 1960s that may have questionable ways of coming to market. Our gallery’s strength is our direct relationships with the artists who are known among their communities and are given authority by elders to make art. We have a great responsibility in representing Indigenous art. We have even been blessed and smudged by Coast Salish elders to do so.

JEFFREY BOSDET/SPRUCE MAGAZINE

Mark Loria, local curator and director of the Mark Loria Gallery, specializes in uniting people with unique, contemporary Indigenous art from the Northwest Coast of Canada.

SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

OUTDOOR LIVING How to make the most of patio season.

PATIO PARADISE

Creating a haven for relaxation and enjoyment will take your outdoor living space to the next level.

Elevating your outdoor space may involve an elaborate renovation. This project, by Christopher Developments, brought a modern, Asian-inspired design into the exterior to suit the esthetic of the home. A concrete accent wall creates privacy from the adjacent pathway, flanked by bamboo and ornamental plants. 18

SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

JO-ANN RICHARDS

t’s the time of year Islanders wait for to experience all this region has on offer. Days finally stretch out into warm, sunny welcomes and the evenings quietly settle around us, sea birds cawing in the distance. Summer in Victoria comes with an understandable desire to spend more time outside. Whether you have a spacious backyard, a cozy patio or a tiny balcony, creating an inviting outdoor living area is a great way to make the most of this season. From dining al fresco to relaxing in a shady corner with a good book, there are endless possibilities for designing the perfect outdoor oasis. This special section will explore ways to transform your space into a haven for relaxation and enjoyment — whether you’re planning a deck renovation, hosting a special event or wanting to experience a staycation of your own. Sit back, grab a cold something and get ready to create your ultimate outdoor living space.

PLANNING YOUR PROJECT

Decked Out

Porch, deck and patio renos offer big payback when it comes to creating livable space this season. BY DANIELLE POPE

t’s hard to think of summer in Victoria without picturing that perfect patio experience — a good book, a glass of sangria, a pair of Adirondack chairs and an expansive deck to enjoy the outdoors, right at home. If it’s on your to-do list, now is the perfect time to finish your exterior space and enjoy Island weather through to the fall. Whether you have goals for a deck expansion, new patio or an upgrade to that wrap-around porch, Spruce searched out the best approaches, from logistics to materials and permitting, to create a structure that will remain beautiful, year round.

ESTHETIC PRIORITIES “Our summers are getting nicer and longer, and we’re seeing people enjoying their outdoor spaces from May to October — having dinners outside, lounging and using it as an extra area when people come over,” says Srdjo Djurkovic, project leader with MAC Renovations. When Djurkovic works with clients to expand

SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

their exteriors, his first question is always: What are your priorities? “I always jump back to how you use the space and how do you want to be using it?” he says. “Maybe you cook a lot and really want a sink on the back deck for meal prep, but getting water lines out there will be an extra investment. It’s important to think about these things going in.” MAC Renovations recently completed one reno in Cadboro Bay for a couple who wanted an expansive patio to host poker nights. An area was left open for a fire pit, while the redo created better flow by moving back the doors that opened onto the patio. The shift reclaimed about 150 square feet of deck space, and included an extended roofline to make the space usable for three full seasons. Djurkovic says the general esthetic of the exterior is important to consider. It’s ideal to suit this modification to the existing property, rather than trying to overdo it. He’s seen some projects supersede their homes.

“It’s valuable to work with a designer who can get creative with your vision so you don’t risk having a Rolls-Royce of patios in your backyard, while your house is a Toyota,” says Djurkovic.

MATERIAL WORLD Because of the range in cost — from the tens to the hundreds of thousands — projects can stretch from 10 x 10 cement slabs to fully landscaped backyards with gathering areas. Materials are a top deciding factor in cost. While wood remains a popular choice for its natural weathering and west coast charm, composite materials are becoming the premium selection on the Island, offering a plank appearance while remaining more durable, long-lasting and fade proof, so the look you install is the look you’ll have. Composite rings in at almost two and a half times the price of wood, however, and can heat up significantly — meaning sunny decks will need strategic shade if bare feet hope to hit these planks.

Vinyl is a more cost-effective material to choose, specifically for decks looking to perform double duty with undercover storage. Concrete is a typical choice when it comes to patio slabs, bringing with it promises of low maintenance and options around tile inlays or other finishings. Finances aren’t the only factor to consider when selecting materials, however. Location is a game changer. If your deck is under a forested area, cleaning needles through wood slats can become a nightmare. South-facing sun locations should be a red flag for heat-absorbing composite, and spots exposed to heavy coastal weather would be better served by something more durable than vinyl.

PERMIT FOR SUCCESS When a new deck is on the horizon, feasibility analyses are useful before moving ahead. Hardpan, bedrock or clay substrate is required for a base. To hit load-bearing ground, builders may have to dig down anywhere from two to 12 feet. These builds often require extensive permitting, based on the height of the deck or porch, though rebuilding on an existing footprint can sometimes sidestep this issue. Patios under 18 inches high, however, are more nuanced when it comes to bylaws and are often considered landscaping, with no permits needed. Setbacks aside, these structures can present a sturdy and attractive ground-level alternative for summer fun.

This project, by Philco Construction and Ryan Hoyt Designs, creates vibrant and invitational seating around a warming centre to keep guests comfortable.

To create a permanent outdoor space with coverage, altering the roofline often makes sense. Extending an awning or adding an overhang may be necessary, but Djurkovic says it’s best to make those decisions early on in the build process, rather than retroactively — especially if the new deck or patio will have to accommodate the load. “It comes back to what is important to you,” he says. “There are many ways to accomplish something, but if a patio umbrella isn’t going to cut it, decide that as early as you can.” Above all, Djurkovic suggests choosing elements that reflect the reality of the climate.

Altering the roofline on this home provides protection from seasonal weather, while an exterior skylight keeps the area bright. The inset lighting in this MAC Renovations project transformed this patio into another dining area throughout the best seasons. “Remember, you’re dealing with the West Coast so you have to plan for rain,” he says. “Waterproofing is a real asset, but there’s also something to be said for the rustic beauty of a cedar deck. It changes as it ages, but it looks great for years to come.”

SETTING THE SCENE

A Serene Summer Staycation No need to jet off to a faraway land this summer when you can enjoy the perfect sanctuary right at home.

JODY BECK

BY NESSA PULLMAN

or some of us, summer vacation means getting on a plane and heading off to a luxurious destination. There are plenty of reasons to stay close to home this year, however, and it’s not just because of the rising prices or flight delays. Vancouver Island is a beautiful place to spend the summer, and more people are choosing to make their vacation a staycation instead, with a little help from some strategic design inspiration. “Nothing compares to being able to throw your feet up and relax in a space that already SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

brings you a sense of comfort,” says Dan Sauve, co-founder of Velocity Projects. “People spend a lot of money on a vacation that only lasts two weeks. You might as well invest that money into a place you can use over and over again.” For those who choose to stay close to home this summer, Spruce has talked to the experts to find out how to make the most of it.

BACKYARD OASIS Summer’s long, warm days mean spending more time outside, so the best way to make your home vacation ready is to start with the backyard. For Sauve, when he’s creating environments to captivate people all summer long, he looks at creating a tropical atmosphere. “Lush trees and exotic plants add privacy and ambiance to a space,” he says. Time with friends and family is often a hallmark of a good vacation. Ensure comfort for everyone by organizing a variety of couches, lounge chairs and benches for visitors to choose from as they soak up the sun — and don’t forget about engineering shade for those scorching

Water features, including decorative waterfalls, add a soothing effect to create an inviting atmosphere. This Christopher Developments home in Uplands received a CARE Award for Best Outdoor Living Space. The area took advantage of its natural surroundings while creating a private space that flowed seamlessly into the living area.

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days, too, whether by strategic placement, umbrellas, pergolas or shelters. “Having lots of comfortable seating will help your guests feel that they, too, can kick back and relax,” says Sauve. When the sun goes down, you’ll want warmth close by to keep the vibe alive. Concrete fire pits, wood-burning stoves or stand-alone heaters are all good options to keep an outdoor space comfortable, Sauve suggests.

A COOL PLACE TO HANG If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outside this summer, it may be time to consider a more drastic overhaul. An outdoor kitchen for preparing your meals is an elaborate feature made for serious cooking and hosting enthusiasts. Beyond a classic grill and patio set, outdoor kitchens are major undertakings and often include built-in ranges, refrigerators, sinks, storage and prep space large enough to host a party — after all, the kitchen is typically the hub of any gathering. The materials you choose, from hardware and countertops to cover and flooring, are

important details for year-round realities. “You want to ensure you use bulletproof items that can stand against the weather,” says Chris Walker, founder of Christopher Developments. Stainless steel or concrete provides an esthetically pleasing look while offering durability. Shelter is essential for food-prep areas, too. Having either a fixed or removable roof will be a lifesaver if the weather takes a turn. Another major modification to consider for the hotter days is a refreshing pool. Adding water elements doesn’t need to be extravagant, however. Walker has worked with many homeowners to make their abodes places to vacation. He suggests creating a lounge ambience outdoors by adding a water feature, such as a small pond, waterfall or fountain. It’s not only visually appealing. “Water sounds add a soothing effect,” says Walker. “A small, cold plunge pool is sometimes all you need.” While they won’t win any style points, even the most basic temporary pool structures can

Below: Plunge pools offer a luxury backyard experience without the oversized footprint a traditional pool requires.

Above: An outdoor kitchen, like the Ravenna by Urban Bonfire, available at Victoria’s Thomas and Birch, brings a fusion of function and durability to an exterior space, with room for a grill, refrigerator, sink, utility storage cabinets and more.

provide a fun and refreshing activity for kids and adults in warm weather. Keep appropriate safety measures (like restricted fencing) and maintenance in mind, however, even when erecting something small-scale.

JOSHUA LAWRENCE

ESCAPE INDOORS When it’s time to take a break from the heat, having a good-quality air conditioning system is vital for bringing that vacation experience indoors. Forced-air systems, including heat pumps, can drastically save on heating and cooling costs and provide a remarkably comfortable environment all year long. With ever-warmer summers, these systems are becoming more popular, even on the Island. If that isn’t quite in the budget, though, there are a few other tricks you can implement. Walker suggests extending the roof overhang so it blocks the afternoon sun from entering the home, keeping the house significantly cooler. Thick blinds and mindful window placement can also contribute to an airtight interior for cooling off inside.

TIME AWAY FROM IT ALL Besides the practical changes, “vacation living” admittedly comes with a few perks less common in our day-to-day residences, like enjoying a hotel atmosphere, chore-free space, less clutter, no work commitments and a relaxed schedule — maybe even a vacation-themed menu. Consider how you could gift yourself these experiences for less than the cost of that trip to Bermuda. It could mean investing in a weekly cleaning service for the summer, hiring a one-time organizer to help sort those mounds of papers, committing to a week with absolutely no plans, planning your own “hobby” time where the only priority is doing what you want, or enlisting a mealdelivery service. You don’t have to jet off to a faraway place to achieve that luxurious getaway. Some of it comes down to renovating your state of mind. “It’s quite special to enjoy a space you’ve built to suit your needs,” says Sauve. “You can’t get that at a resort.” SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

ENTERTAINING IN YOUR SPACE

West Coast Al Fresco

Summer makes for the perfect time to host outdoors, and working with Vancouver Island’s climate and landscape can create an outstanding entertaining experience. BY SUSAN HOLLIS

here’s something alluring — even primitive — about socializing outdoors. There’s room to breathe. Conversational pauses feel natural. A self-satisfied quiet settles in. This is especially true at dusk, when a change of light makes everything more languorous. There’s no better place than south Vancouver Island to host summer soirées, what with all the verdant gardens and ocean air, but transforming a yard from its day-to-day normal into the cocktail version of A Midsummer Night’s Dream can feel like a stretch. Where to begin when your little slice of land features lumpy grass, overgrown raspberry bushes and a mildewing, if beloved, trampoline? Spruce chatted with local experts to learn how to work with what you have to create a memorable experience.

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SETTING THE STAGE When planning an outdoor event of any kind, a good rule of thumb is to be clear about your landscape’s assets. True, you won’t be able to turn a rectangular patch of grass into The Butchart Gardens, but you can still make that lawn as fun and expressive as possible. “The best place to start when looking to entertain at your home is to recognize what your property offers as it is,” says expert party planner Chloe Pasemko, lead planner at The Good Party. “Is your garden your passion? Create a classic garden party feel. Is your home more modern? A minimalistic and clean look may fit best. Starting off with a look that reflects your existing property is a great jumping-off point.” While fostering plant growth is something this region does best, it can also mean overgrown

shrubbery and mildew-covered patio chairs. A good backyard clean-up and a powerwash can quickly bring things back up to par, either done yourself or by a landscaping company. If utilizing pre-existing patio furniture, be sure everything gets a scrub down so it becomes the blank canvas to your setting. Once you’ve established your layout, consider a colour palette for the event. Whether you’re in a yard or on a condo patio, weather-proof floor coverings can help distinguish entertaining spaces and set the stage for niche gathering areas. “Outdoor area carpets can make any zone feel cozy; they really define different areas — a seating area for drinks, or a dining table set up,” says Amy McGeachy, interior designer at McGeachy Design Studio. “In condos, the outdoor flooring is often the first thing to look grungy, so a carpet brightens it right up.”

Keep guests’ preferences in mind by creating a layout with seating that supports a variety of needs: stability for older generations, entertainment for younger ones and visibility for parents trying to keep track of busy children. RSVP YES PLEASE Integral to the party-planning process is knowing who will be attending, so it’s vital to keep your guests and their personalities top of mind when pulling together your setting. Older people will appreciate stable, even ground to prevent stumbling. Children will need some sort of entertainment — a pile of balloons or an outdoor picture book and Lego zone can give parents a breather while still being able to keep an eye on their little ones. “When I am designing an outdoor living space, I try to imagine all the users, young and old, and how they each would prefer to spend time outside,” says Bianca Bodley, owner and principal designer of Biophilia Design Collective. Bodley says she aims to create as many unique opportunities in the landscape as space will allow, keeping various needs in mind.

STRENGTH & QUALITY

“For example, [we include] a hammock or swing chair for an intimate hang spot. A sunken fire pit becomes a warm destination. A dining space that is closely connected to the home makes a seamless connection and extension of the home to the garden,” she says. Even in an outdoor setting, keep blank space in mind. If an intimate garden dinner is the goal, Pasemko says avoid oversetting the table, as overcrowded tables can feel stuffy; the food and drink will provide the charm once everyone is seated. Tableware for outdoor events can be anything from your daily kitchen plates and cutlery to a set of more outdoor-specific colourful and durable items, kept for these moments. If children are involved, ensuring your wares are non-breakable will take a considerable amount of stress out of the event.

QUICK TIPS FOR A BEAUTIFUL OUTDOOR TABLE

1 Ditch the table cloth > For relaxed evenings outside, and reduced wind hazards, utilize colourful place mats, and layer a few with different textures, for a fun, informal look.

2 Pull out the Mason jars > Even casual glasses and everyday flatware can take on an elevated appearance when arranged outdoors, and offer less to worry about in the event of an accident.

3 Add a touch of magic > Lighting — in the form of string lights, candles or

lanterns — can pull together any setting, but consider also adding something unique for a touch of personality. A garden gnome, special stones or handmade driftwood place cards can make whimsical accents.

info@green-island-builders.com

4 Lean into flora > No outdoor event is complete without a touch of nature.

green-island-builders.com

Turn to your own yard for sprigs, branches or grasses, or opt for simple seasonal arrangements in a statement vase.

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FINAL TOUCHES To make your event come together, punchy accents of flowers or branches cut from your own shrubs can add a touch of simple, elegant décor while creating cohesion with your setting. Some rental companies in Victoria specialize in theme-specific place settings, allowing for more elaborate table appearances without much effort. To add visual drama to an outdoor zone, McGeachy’s personal go-to is a large tray filled with white candles of various sizes, plus the addition of citronella candles. Station these away from the eating area to cover bug control without overpowering guests. McGeachy recommends layering your lighting — relying on accents like hurricane glass lanterns with oil-burning wicks, strings of market lights and more permanent landscape lighting — to help transition a party from day to night. For twilight events, when the crisp coastal air can

Lighting is essential in setting the stage for an evening event. From trays of candles to dangling fairy lights, consider how to keep the mood starry and relaxing for guests. creep in no matter how hot the day, propane fire pits or tables offer a warmth and beauty that’s hard to beat. Even with the most alluring features, no matter how elegant your setting, it’s important to think practically about the realities of hosting an event in Vancouver Island’s outdoor climate.

“The coast is often a windy place, which can create some issues with losing tableware to the elements,” says Pasemko. “Are you putting napkins on the table? Look online to find a napkin fold that involves the napkin being tucked under the plate to help hold it. Are you putting out place cards for your guests? A favourite trick of ours is to tuck the place card between the

tines of each guest’s fork to keep it from drifting away in the wind.” Most importantly, ensuring a relaxed and restful environment will keep the party going. “The foundation of a good outdoor event is comfortable seating,” says McGeachy. “Invest in something that your guests can spend the evening sitting and conversing in.”

BUSINESS PROFILE

KEITH BAKER DESIGN Artful. Sustainable. West Coast Design.

t Keith Baker Design, we believe that a home is more than just a physical structure. Our business philosophy is to create thoughtful contemporary homes that reflect our clients’ needs and aspirations. Our focus is on healthy and functional living environments that blend seamlessly with nature. We take a fresh, creative and organic approach to design, incorporating authentic materials. Our designs emphasize access to natural light and interrelationships with the environment, prioritizing flowing, comfortable, warm and inviting spaces. By valuing quality and sustainability and drawing on over 40 years of experience creating harmonious relationships, we work closely with our clients to bring their vision to life.

keithbakerdesign.com | 250-384-1550

SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

BUSINESS PROFILE

McGEACHY DESIGN STUDIO Interior Design  Residential  Commercial

“Building and renovating can be a very stressful time for the average person. Amy McGeachy and her team try to make the experience as timely and streamlined as possible, while keeping it fun.”

587E Bay Street, Victoria | www.mcgdesignstudio.com | 250-589-5810

REBECCA JOY STUDIOS

my McGeachy and the team of designers at McGeachy Design Studio have been immersed in the industry for over 20 years. They work on projects in both residential and commercial design, creating spaces that are functional, innovative and beautiful. Their clients value the high level of service and expertise that they bring to every job. Building or renovating a home can be a very stressful time for the average person. Amy McGeachy and her team try to make the experience as timely and streamlined as possible, while keeping it fun. Hiring a design expert can save you from making many costly mistakes along the way. Their design team caters their services to each job individually, as each of their clients are unique and different. Some people require a brief consultation, while others seek an in-depth design of their full home or potential build. They create floor plans, elevations and detailed specification packages for the sub trades to work off of to ensure that everyone is on the same page and working towards one common goal. Amy has specialized in kitchen and bath design for many years. There is a lot of thought and planning that goes into these spaces before you can begin to look at new finishes and colours. Storage, appliances, work triangle; each one plays a very important role in the design of a kitchen. Amy recently co-produced a TV show called “I Bought A House” with CHEK TV on the renovation of her own home in University Woods. The project had a few hiccups along the way because of rising costs, delayed delivery times and labour shortages, but all-in-all it was a huge success. The one thing that threw her for a loop was living in the space throughout the entire process. The drywall dust, the people constantly coming and going, and the overall mess was a lot more than she had bargained for. It really gave her a first-hand look at the stress and chaos that her clients go through on a job. Through Amy’s TV show on CHEK TV “Trend,” she has all of the inside information on the latest design products and industry trends. She uses her wealth of information to educate her clients and provide the best options for their job.

■ CUSTOM BUILD

PRECIPICE OF DESIGN 28

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A remarkable cantilevered home brings dramatic architecture to bayside living. BY DANIELLE POPE PHOTOS BY JODY BECK

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hen Tim Agar first met Xinwen Liu, she came to his office with an interpreter. She spoke very little English and was struggling to find a designer who could translate her vision for a coastal home into a reality for her family. “One of the first steps was teaching her the words she needed to know about construction and the process,” says Agar, principal of Horizon Pacific Contracting. “We were actually able to collaborate very quickly. The challenges she was having were happening because other people kept trying to tell her what she needed rather than listening. She knew exactly what she wanted.” To look at Liu’s home today, it’s easy to see why the build was complicated to explain. The house all but dangles over the water’s edge on a sharp coastal bluff. While both the architecture and the views are some of the home’s most outstanding features, it was complex to get to this end result. Situated on the most easterly point of Vancouver Island, the landscape educated this build. One of only the first challenges the builders were met with was sand, 40 feet deep, which had to be carefully removed — all while preserving neighbouring structures — until they found bedrock.

“It’s really hard to capture the drama of this home, even in photos. It’s a location-first house, and a terrible site to put a building on, but it’s incredible now that it’s finished,” says Agar. “The home hangs 60 feet off the bay, cantilevered on the precipice of the bank. This is the definition of, ‘Where there’s a will, there’s a way.’ ” From the street, passersby are met with a modest, modern roofline. From the driveway, it would be impossible to predict that the house drops down another two storeys below — right over the ocean. The exterior is finished entirely in black, with minimalist themes: no trim, no detailing, just the sleek, organic shape of the architecture. “When you come in through the front door, the first thing you see is wall-towall, floor-to-ceiling windows. It’s as though there is no structure; it’s just glass and ocean,” says Agar. “The whole house is built around the feel of that first moment.” That’s exactly what Liu pictured when she first saw the property. The ocean was always meant to be a pillar of the build, and not just because of the visuals.

Above: At the edge of the driveway, this coastal home appears modest amidst its surroundings, with modern minimalist style. From this vantage point, few would suspect it drops down another two storeys, displaying three tiers of oceanfront magnificence. Left: Because of the prominence placed on the surrounding geography, homeowner Xinwen Liu wanted the view to be the most outstanding feature of this property, with the build acting as a frame. That meant even furniture choices, like these modern armchairs, allow for visibility. SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

“We had been searching for a house for a while, and the things I kept in mind were location and view,” says Liu, who arrived in Victoria in 2011 from Beijing. “This property sits at the highest point in the entire bay, with a unique view and a sandy beach that emerges when the tide is low. In feng shui, water is a symbol of wealth, and so is the bay. The sea keeps flowing back into the bay, which means plenty of treasure and luck keep pouring in.” Liu was so taken with the property she put in an offer without even looking at the home situated there at the time. “We got the keys and moved in right away without furniture — only a bed,” she says. “We lived in this old house for a year because I wanted to personally experience the changes of seasons, and sunrise and sunset throughout the year to feel how to maximize the best viewpoints from every corner.” With the help of Agar, and Michael Moody of MJM Architect, Liu’s vision started taking shape. She had one main goal: to bring the landscape indoors. The 3,500-square-foot house is bathed in natural light, from strategic skylights to sliding glass doors. The build features a distinctly minimalist approach throughout its structure, with simple lines, high ceilings and few walls to support an expansive open space.

Left: To create a sense of majesty immediately upon entering the home, the view opens up as soon as guests reach the front door. With little but glass and ocean, the experience offers onlookers a sense of being indoors and outdoors in the same moment. Below: A three-by10-foot concrete monolith plinth hangs in the stairwell, adding a striking sense of modernism and gravity to the space. Adorned with hand-painted flowers, the piece adds a personal artistic touch to the living/viewing room.

Above: The dining area is possibly Liu’s favourite space in the home, where she can enjoy a cup of tea at her dining table while watching the ocean and people on the beach. She spent a year in the previous home imagining the view. Right: The exposed steel stairwell is one of builder Tim Agar’s favourite pieces of this home. Completely enclosed with steel mesh, the structure visually appears as a self-suspended box. Even the stair treads themselves are mesh, offering an airy and transparent quality to the ascent or descent between levels.

Polished concrete flooring, exposed steel beams and moody tones turn the house into a quiet backdrop for the ocean panorama. Even the furnishings adopt Liu’s less-is-more design concept. Yet the architecture holds striking features — like the self-suspended, enclosed steel mesh staircase, creating its own optical illusion, or the concrete monolith plinth which hangs in the stairwell, adorned with a subtle hand-painted cultural image. One level down is a movie theatre, first primary and second primary bedroom. The first primary includes a walk-in closet Agar boasts is bigger than most bedrooms, and the ensuite includes functional display elements, like an architectural egg bathtub with a fireplace nesting above. “The main sleeping compartment is quite remarkable, because it hangs a few feet over the ocean,” says Agar. “You feel like you could step out of bed and right into the water.” With such determined design, Agar says getting everything exact took “a combo of arm waving, Google images and everything in between,” but the result was worth it. “The most impressive part of this build, for me, is the interface between the interior living space and the outdoors,” says Agar.

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Left: With the goal to bring nature indoors, the bedroom level hangs out over the ocean with a dramatic abruptness. Natural light fills each room, and glass window walls create an openness to welcome in the feng shui principals of luck, fortune and treasure brought by water — even while sleeping.

“Because of the floor-to-ceiling glass and how much of the home is hanging over the bay, it feels like you’re inside and outside at the same time, like you’re almost a part of the ocean.” Liu says she tries not to make any comparisons with her previous life in Beijing, but her family enjoys the slow lifestyle associated with their Island home. “This house is like my child, and when you grow up with it, you realize it’s perfect in your heart, even if it’s not,” she says. “I’m sitting in the dining area looking out the window at the blue ocean and people walking on the beach. I have to say, this is the same landscape I had in mind when I was designing this house … I’ve made it happen and brought it to my family to feel this together. What could be better than that?”

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Black and white motifs are found throughout this modern build. Even the ensuite adds visual intrigue with its dramatic contrast between the nature outdoors and the concrete and black elements inside. The pedestal tub is accented by a nesting fireplace just above, and the hanging pendant offers subtle thematic links to the rest of the home.

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“I can feel the energy delivered by nature in every corner of the house,” says Liu. From the beach looking towards the property, it’s easy to see why. With an unadulterated view of the sea, thanks to the almost entirely glass side of the house and the relative privacy granted by neighbouring trees, the property is everything Liu was looking for in a home.

RESOURCE LIST Architect: Michael Moody, MJM Architect Designer: Homeowner Builders and framer: Horizon Pacific Contracting Plumbing and mechanical: MXP Ltd Automation: Insight Automation International Heating: RedBlue Heating and Refrigeration Electrician: Amped Electrical Contracting Light fixtures: Amped Electrical Contracting Cabinets and woodwork: Splinters Millworks Doors and hardware: Slegg Building Materials, Oakridge Windows & Doors Windows: Complete Windows Roofing: Top Line Roofing Tile: Island Floor Centre Kitchen appliances: Trail Appliances Countertops: Colonial Countertops Plumbing fixtures: MXP Ltd Stairs: Zapco Welding and Fabricating Hand-painted flowers: Nicolas Callow Flooring: Island Floor Centre Landscape design: Greenspace Designs Landscaping: Golden Appeal Pavers: City Brick Contracting Garage doors: Harbour Door Services Insulation: Alpine Insulation Drywall: Swiftsure Drywall Interior painting: Amira’s Painting Stucco: Logue & Bridges

25 years of finely crafted, handmade cabinetry, furniture & millwork 259 Esquimalt Road 250.360.2123 douglasgrantcabinetmakers.com

D I S C O V E R

Canada’s Little Italy ONLY 25 MINU TES NORTH OF VICTORIA Immerse yourself in the serene beauty of a West Coast oasis, as you escape to Villa Eyrie Resort for an unforgettable overnight retreat. Indulge your senses with an extraordinary culinary adventure at Alpina Restaurant, or surrender to tranquility with a blissful treatment at the Tuscan Spa.

600 Ebadora Lane, Malahat, BC | 250.856.0188 | villaeyrie.com | @ VillaEyrie

SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

■ MODERN RENO

NATURAL ESCAPE A PEACEFUL SCANDINAVIAN-INSPIRED HOME WAS DESIGNED TO SUPPORT A YOUNG COUPLE’S BUSY LIFESTYLE. BY NESSA PULLMAN | PHOTOS BY DASHA ARMSTRONG

rying to balance the desire for outdoor living with the convenience of being in the city can be a challenge, but thankfully for the Gouds, they were able to achieve both. Once the pair laid eyes on the 1980s bungalow in James Bay, they were drawn to its quirky small frame and luscious outdoor flora. The interior, however, needed some improvements — at least in the kitchen and bathroom. The Gouds called upon Kelsey MacDougall, founder of N60° Studio, to bring things up to standard with the home’s luxuriant surroundings. “The house certainly had a uniqueness, and we wanted to play to that,” says MacDougall. “I wanted to work with naturalistic components, using a blend of design influences that reflect serene spaces.”

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The clients — a touring musician and a lawyer — wanted a tranquil place to unwind in when they were both home together, and a retreat space that utilized an outdoor lifestyle. For the interior, MacDougall applied the simple principles of Scandinavian design while the exterior represents the peacefulness of a Japanese garden oasis. What originally started as a kitchen and bathroom upgrade soon turned into a full house renovation — including a charming outdoor living space. As the home was originally built on a designated small-lot subdivision, the renovation faced some permit challenges in order to extend its square footage for a more comfortable living space. Max Shepherdson, founder of Maxwell Developments, was brought in to make it all happen.

To create a seamless feel between the indoors and outdoors, a custom wall-towall, bi-fold door connects the indoor living space to the outdoor space. This door was done with two faces — an interior side in fir, to match the accents inside the home, and the exterior side in aluminum.

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“I wanted to bump the kitchen wall out to make room for a large cooking area they could entertain in,” says Shepherdson. Even with the extension, the footprint of the home was still too small to include a traditional dining room, so they extended the island to accommodate formal seating. “The Gouds are the type of people to have a dance party in the kitchen while they cook,” says MacDougall. “So this definitely suited them.” The kitchen — with its sleek minimalist design, crisp white oak cabinetry and open shelving — easily became the centrepiece of the home.

The kitchen backsplash from Ann Sacks was brought up to the ceiling to avoid any transition strips, and is layered with white oak floating shelves. The countertop, done in concrete quartz, was continued over the sides of the island to create a thick-slab effect, adding dimension to the space.

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Opposite the kitchen is the living room, which makes up the second half of the main floor. “We didn’t want to move the staircase, so we decided to redesign it and turn it into a semi-open room divider,” says MacDougall. The end result — adorned with vertical, white oak slats and seamless glass — was an art piece that doubles as the focal point for the main floor. However, getting the staircase to work (both functionally and esthetically) brought some challenges. “There were about four different trade experts involved,” says MacDougall. “It was a puzzle trying to get everything to function while maintaining the look we wanted.” To unify the natural materials in the home, all new windows and doors are done in the same white oak trim, with matching millwork in the kitchen, staircase and bathrooms. MacDougall brought in dimension by using textured wall tile and black accents in the hardware, as well as various art pieces and dishware on display. With the new and revamped staircase design, the clearance needed for building to code would now alter the placement of the fireplace, so MacDougall had to get creative. “Because I could only work with the right side of the fireplace, I decided to play with asymmetry,” says MacDougall, “which I think adds to the uniqueness of this house.” The now modern floor-to-ceiling fireplace is accompanied by open shelving for the clients to

The fireplace tile by Ann Sacks creates a wet and shiny look which pops against the smooth monochromatic wall. Wall sconces by RBW Lighting create layers of accents against the textured tile.

C I B C WO O D G U N DY

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A mix of vertical and horizontal lines, as well as a floating and enclosed stair assembly, create the complex design of the staircase. Under the stairwell is the furnace, which naturally warms the slate floor tile throughout the main floor.

“IT WAS A PUZZLE TRYING TO GET EVERYTHING TO FUNCTION WHILE MAINTAINING THE LOOK WE WANTED.”

A custom cedar bench was installed in the backyard for the homeowners to enjoy their morning coffee, along with a gas fire pit and serene backyard. The landscape design was completed by Haddow Groundworks and Maxwell Developments.

style their art and vinyl collection. From the living room, bi-folding doors welcome visitors through to the outdoor living area, where a custom built-in bench and fire pit rest amongst the lush plants. “We continued the same slate tile in the interior out to the patio for a seamless look,” says Shepherdson. “This illustrates the indoor/outdoor feel the clients wanted.” To add more privacy around the house and coincide with this now secret-garden oasis, a new cedar wood fence surrounds the property. “We wanted to tie in the interior of the home as much as we could,” says MacDougall. “So we mirrored the same slats in the staircase for the outdoor fence.” Having similar elements on both the interior and exterior of the home creates the naturalistic feel the clients wanted. “The Gouds needed a peaceful space to come home to,” says MacDougall. “A space to inspire them.”

LO C A L LY H A N D C R A F T E D D E S I G N E R K I TC H E N S

D R E A M K I T C H E N S R E A L L Y D O C O M E T R U ERESOURCE LIST Designer: N60º Studio Construction manager: Maxwell Developments Plumber: Victory Plumbing & Gas Doors and hardware: Lynden doors, Emtek hardware, Thermoproof Factory & Showroom Window restoration: Van Isle Windows Electrician: Bernie Osborne Electric Drywall: Southshore Drywall Tiler: Sashco Tile: Tile Town Kitchen/bathroom millwork: Thomas Philips Woodworking Built for life

Built for inspired living

Finishing carpentry: Maxwell Developments / FreshSpaces Design + Build Floor refinishing: Plank + Saw Hardwood Flooring Staircase glass: Royal Oak Glass Staircase slate: Thomas Philips Woodworking Kitchen stools: Knoll Marcel Breuer Cesca Stool (Gabriel Ross)

250.384.4663 | Victoria, BC | jasongoodcabinets.com JOB # JGOF-15756 CLIENT: JASON GOOD CUSTOM CABINETS PUBLICATION: YAM MAGAZINE INSERTION DATE: MAY/JUNE 2014 ISSUE SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023 SIZE: 7.5" X 4.7" (HALF PAGE) PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE INC. @ 250-382-1103

Landscape: Maxwell Developments / Haddow Groundworks Lighting: Cedar & Moss / RBW Lighting

BUSINESS PROFILE

PREMIERE SUITES VICTORIA Q & A with Rachelle Keeley, managing partner

What is Premiere Suites?

Premiere Suites began about 25 years ago in Halifax. We are a proudly Canadian company that supplies fully furnished, serviced condos and townhouses all across Canada. Our office in downtown Victoria manages about 65 properties — from studios to three-bedroom suites.

Who stays with you?

We have a wide client base! Displaced homeowners with an insurance claim often stay with us. We also work with the seven largest national and international relocators for the mobile employee sector. In addition, local projects often bring experts into Victoria, such as marine engineers — Victoria has a vast corporate network. And, of course, we love to have Victoria’s seniors stay with us! Every person has an interesting story.

Why not just stay in a hotel?

Some people choose to. But many need a home in Victoria with a furnished kitchen, a separate bedroom — all the comforts of home, including being able to bring their pet with them if they’ll be working in Victoria for several months. Having one’s own kitchen, even for a short stay of a couple of weeks, can save a lot of money while your routine and diet are maintained. This is really important for many people who don’t want their healthy habits disrupted while away from home.

Is it more cost effective to stay with Premiere Suites? It is. Many companies have found us because of the summer rate increases at the hotels. Our rates don’t change much from winter to summer, and an extended stay is not taxable. That’s a 15% savings right there, not to mention the savings on not eating out every night.

Why do you think Premiere Suites is so successful?

I think there are a couple of key reasons: I truly believe that people are more productive and happier when they are in a beautiful environment. Our suites have a four-star standard without the four-star price. Our staff are very solution oriented as we understand that being out of one’s home can be stressful. They are all experts in their fields. The locations of our suites is key as well. They are all in the downtown core, and very close to where people need to work without the commute, which leaves a lot more time for enjoying Victoria and all that it has to offer!

premieresuitesvictoria.com | 1-888-788-5788

■ ECO-CONSCIOUS BUILD

ARCHITECTURAL ECOSYSTEM This Island home, nestled in an untouched forest, was built with energy efficiency and ecosystem restoration in mind. BY NESSA PULLMAN | PHOTOS BY MATT SHANNON

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The design of this home was based on the German concept of “Passivhaus,” where simple structural choices create more energy efficiency and optimal thermal comfort. The exterior was built with a combination of LUX panelling and HardiePlank siding, which incorporates the major insulation system underneath.

hen Jillian Buriak and Michael Brett first came to look at the overgrown one-acre lot on the northwestern tip of North Saanich, they were glad they came prepared. “We had on our hiking boots and bushwacked our way through,” says Buriak. “We knew instantly this was the place for us.” Both Buriak and Brett are semi-retired professors with a passion for the outdoors, and had a dream of building an energyefficient home surrounded by the vast ecosystems of the West Coast. With

backgrounds in chemistry and mechanical engineering, designing their home was as much a science project as it was a building project for this couple. They reached out to local design-and-build company Villamar to tackle this unique job. “Going in, the clients had an impressive amount of knowledge on renewable energy,” says Drew Mackie, construction manager at Villamar Construction. “It was certainly a team effort integrating their knowledge with ours.” The one-acre lot consisted of an untouched second-growth forest that housed multiple micro-ecosystems, and it

was important to the homeowners that they made as little of an impact on the land as possible. This meant removing as few trees and leaving as many native plant species undisturbed as possible. Duane Ensing, designer at Villamar Design, had to get creative in mapping out the footprint of the home to avoid damaging any mature trees or essential plant species. The end design consisted of a unique threestructure home, staggered on an angle in between towering trees. “I wanted the home to blend into the woods as if it were a part of the forest,” says Ensing.

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“WE NEEDED A USEFUL SPACE, ONE THAT PROVIDED FUNCTION AND EFFICIENCY.” The largest structure of the three consists of the main living area, two bedrooms and a gym, while the mirroring structure hosts a private suite and a double garage to store the clients’ outdoor equipment. Ensing opted for a modern Scandinavian style that would endorse creative angles and unique esthetic choices — all of which allow for the distinct structural requirements for energy-efficient applications. One, in particular, is a six-inch-thick Rockwool exterior insulation which allows for almost no heat transfer. Because the walls are so thick, the builder was able to integrate the roof’s gutters and drains into the wall cavity, creating a clean and simple flush roof overhang typical of Scandinavian design. In addition to heavy insulation, profound airtight measures were applied at all surface penetrations leading outdoors. For the interior of the home, simple, purposeful, function-driven elements were the client’s wish. Ensing, along with Megan McKeage, a residential designer at Villamar, designed the space with crisp white walls and natural hardwood floors for a clean envelope shell — allowing the outdoor landscape to flow into the home through thoughtfully placed windows and skylights.

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Warm wood accents are placed thoughtfully throughout the millwork in this home to create contrast against the stark, all-white walls and cupboards. Connecting the main floor to the upstairs is a floating staircase in powder-coated steel, accompanied by a steel spine that leads directly into the home gym.

YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME.

Exclusive offer to join the Club if you call and book a tour today. for floor Contact Danielle Hind 250-384-1151 (ext.www.robertyoung.ca 320) or sales@unionclub.com 805 Gordon Street, Victoria

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Because the clients wanted a minimal footprint, there is no traditional backyard, which would have demanded more tree removal. Instead, the vast woods surround the home’s edgy exterior. “We didn’t need a home that was primarily esthetically pleasing,” says Buriak. “We needed a useful space — one that provided function and efficiency.” In addition to wanting to save energy, the clients requested important seismic components be added to the structure in case an event should occur. Mackie and the team built structural steel moment frames on all levels of the home to raise it to commercial seismic standards. “We were constantly balancing the vision for the home with the physical land barriers,” says Mackie. “It took a lot of thoughtful pre-planning and customary problem solving.” The result is a modern, eco-friendly home that is highly resourceful. For the homeowners, looking at design through a scientific lens produced a uniquely satisfying result. “I can look around my home and justify every decision we made with an evidence-based answer,” says Buriak.

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Above: The designer carried the siding of the house all the way to the roof and added windows for light and transparency. The multi-structure home blends metal cladding and three distinct truss roofs together for a unique appearance. Opposite page (top): The homeowner extensively researched the native plant species on the land so she could complete ecosystem restoration on the surrounding property. Calypso orchids, salal and meadow grasses are just some of the plants found in the property’s various eco-zones. (Bottom): The guest suite has its own private entrance as well as an outdoor balcony where guests can sit and enjoy the surrounding forest.

RESOURCE LIST Building designer: Villamar Design / Duane Ensing Interior designer: Villamar Design / Megan McKeage Construction manager: Villamar Construction / Drew Mackie Electrician: EM Electrical Engineering: UNISOL Engineering / Munro Engineering Finishing carpentry: Harrison Custom Woodworking Custom millwork: Harbour City Kitchens / Deep Cove Customs Stairs: Broadwell Metal Company Pavers: Rocks + Stones Masonry Landscaping: Homeowners

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SMALL SPACE, BIG STYLE LOCAL PROS SHARE PERSPECTIVECHANGING SOLUTIONS FOR TURNING EVEN THE SMALLEST SPACE INTO A HAVEN OF COMFORT. BY CAROLYN CAMILLERI

hese days, many of us are choosing to live more simply in smaller homes and condos. Perhaps we are downsizing, or dividing our time between more than one residence. Alternatively, our needs may be growing and we want to make better use of the space we already have by doubling up on a room’s purpose. Whatever the case, working with a small space comes with its challenges, but can also glean successful results. It starts with a change in perspective.

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CUPBOARD CONFIDENTIAL Often, the desire for more space can be met simply by rethinking how we keep our possessions. Ted Hancock, owner of Incredible Home, is passionate about maximizing space in smaller homes and condos — and he has a secret to share. “If it’s got visibility, it gives you accessibility, and if it’s accessible, it’s going to be functional,” he says. “That’s my secret to organization.” While he may not advise you on where your

Creating space in your home is one part practical storage, one part visual illusion. Built-in cabinets clear clutter from the walls while keeping the look simple. Low-profile wall lighting works to functionally draw eyes to points of interest, while expanding a feeling of height above. Bonus storage under the bed saves on space, and a strategically placed mirror helps to balance light and expand the room.

couch should go, he is an absolute master of getting the most out of your storage space. You may even be able to eliminate some furniture. Consider what Hancock sees in a standard closet — a single shelf with a rod underneath it. “I look for any blank space on the back wall, because if it’s not utilized with some kind of a system, it’s wasted,” he says. And it’s amazing what can be done with that blank space. Hancock likes to start with the entry closet because it’s the most used. Places are needed for shoes and coats, but also hats and gloves, bags and backpacks, dog leashes and supplies, keys and other small items. The addition of small steps means the space can be used right to the ceiling, with seldom-used items up high. A well-setup bedroom closet, meanwhile, has places for everything from socks and ties to sweaters, handbags and laundry. And, with LED lights in the closet rod, you’ll never mix up black and navy blue again. You may also be able to eliminate the dresser and laundry hamper in the room. In the kitchen, “smart shelves” that fully slide out add substantial space to lower cupboards. Utility and linen closets, the laundry room, storage room and even the garage are often untapped areas of space potential, and Hancock and his team can provide the tools to organize belongings to free up room. Another tip from Hancock: Euro doors with translucent glass panels. While these won’t help you see into the closet — other than shapes and colours — they provide a soft reflection that can make a room feel more spacious. Then there are the floating wall boxes. Sturdy, multi-functional and beautiful, floating wall boxes come in a huge range of sizes and colours. They are guaranteed to hold 25 pounds but in practice can hold up to 50, effectively making some furniture that needs floor space redundant: bookshelves, toy boxes, entertainment centres and even small desks. As Hancock’s grandmother used to say, a place for everything and everything in its place. “It’s still true,” he says. “It creates a calming effect in your life. Frustration and anxiety come from chaos. If we can keep our surroundings calmer and we are organized, it’s a nicer way of living.”

GOALS FOR THE GOLD When space is at a premium, Ben Brannen, principal at Bespoke Design, says use it wisely. The first step: assess your goals. “Knowing what the desired outcome is makes all of the decisions along the way lead back to the goals,” he says. “For instance, we might designate a larger space in the home to a different use than it was designed for.” Take, for example, the dining room. “When space is limited, this is often the first area to take over,” says Brannen. “At the very least, it can double as a home office, but many opt to carve out an area to put a small table and chairs or even use a kitchen island as their eating and entertaining area.”

PRO TIPS

Double Duty

You can designate multiple purposes for just about everything. “A coffee table is an ottoman, is blanket storage, is a seat at the table,” says Kathryn Pickersgill, design consultant and stylist at Bespoke Design. “Similarly, a bed is also a closet under the frame, with two sets of wide drawers and additional space for suitcases.” Or perhaps a hinged shelf that swings up into a desk by day and a bar by night. Or a coffee table with hidden retractable legs that morphs into a dining room table. Or the window blind that becomes a home theatre screen. These can all become powerful hacks that are “just shy of magic.” Selecting furniture pieces that can double as storage is a strategic way to maximize your space. Clockwise from top left: The Boom two-drawer cocktail table from StudioYdesign is one piece that can cut down on visible clutter. The Infiniti round storage ottoman from Crate & Barrel captures extra storage with the luxurious feel of soft chenille and the Emmett two-drawer storage bed from West Elm ensures bedding, clothes or extras can find a place to call home.

Knowing what your household is in serious need of will help define how you reallocate your space resources where possible. Is someone working from home? Does the baby need a safe place to play? Is a new cooking routine requiring a clearer kitchen? “More space in a flexible living, dining and kitchen area and less in a bedroom space where you only sleep makes for more comfortable living,” he adds. In terms of renovations, Brannen says adding cabinets to smaller spaces is the best investment for keeping troublesome clutter at bay — including in bedrooms. “Cabinetry that allows for some recessed spaces and doesn’t come down to the floor gives the illusion that there is more space, but also gives hiding places for things you need on hand,” he says. “I have had great success using the space on either side and above the head of the bed for storage.” Bespoke Design’s Heather Nelson shares other space-saving visions. “Take your kitchen cabinets all the way up to the ceiling, making that unused, dust-collecting

space into viable storage,” she says. No matter your priorities, stay on the lookout for hidden spaces. Nelson suggests using the space under the stairs as storage, or even turning this into a reading nook or small bar. “Should a large renovation be in the budget, it may be possible to rearrange the overall space to maximize the square footage,” she says. “Not all older buildings have a layout on par with how we like to live these days. An open and flowing floor plan will always feel larger than a place sectioned into smaller rooms.”

MURPHY MAGIC If your goal is to increase living space in a bedroom or convert a guest room to a multifunctional room, a Murphy bed may do the trick, especially models that include a storage wall. Island Murphy Beds has some impressive options. “They look really nice and you get that functionality of having a bed as well as a space,” says Mateo McIsaac, sales manager at Island Murphy Beds. The space you gain when the bed is closed SPRUCE | SUMMER 2023

can be a home gym, office, workshop or kids’ playroom. If the room has a lower ceiling, Island Murphy Beds has a solution. “We can also do horizontal beds,” says McIsaac. “Instead of vertically top to bottom, it’s the side coming down.” Customizations make Murphy beds attractive and add functionality: drawers, doors with pullouts for nightstands, lights above the pillow area. You choose the woodwork, as well as stain, paint colours and hardware, and the experts do the rest. “Everything is super customizable and really high quality,” says McIsaac. “And it’s all made in Victoria.”

SMALL BUT MIGHTY FURNITURE Janine Lange, a designer at Luxe Victoria, says function and flow in a smaller space is very important, and well-placed, well-sized items can make a space look larger. “You want to be able to move with ease, so editing is important. Choose only pieces you love and that work well for you, rather than filling every available space,” she says. Style-wise, she recommends contemporary and mid-century modern designs in smaller spaces, as they often have less visual weight — a lighter look — than more traditional designs. For example, big, rolled arms on sofas and chairs can mean not having space for an end table. “That said, there are many condo-sized traditional options as well,” says Lange.

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PRO TIPS

Window Treatments

What you put on windows makes a difference in a small space. “I have had great success with two types of window treatments that help make spaces feel larger,” says Ben Brannen, principal at Bespoke Design. “Blinds that are set into windows and blend with the walls give the effect of larger surfaces.”

Pirouette sheer shades from Hunter Douglas are set into the windows and can blend in to create a feeling of space.

For a more opulent, private feel, go with floorto-ceiling, wall-to-wall drapery, which can make small rooms feel much larger.

Measuring before you buy is crucial. “Having a plan for furniture placement before you order can help avoid expensive mistakes,” she says.

GRAND ILLUSIONS

The Celine loveseat from Luxe Home Interiors offers mid-century style with a small footprint. Smaller sectionals can be a great way to maximize seating but maintain an overall lighter look. Choose a sofa with narrow rather than wide arms. Sofas with higher legs or a lower back offer more visual space without compromising seating. “I like using round coffee tables or end tables for better flow and ease of movement through a smaller space,” she adds. Furniture with more than one purpose is ideal, especially if it offers storage. “Instead of a coffee table, you may choose a storage ottoman with a large tray on top,” says Lange. “The ottoman can then become extra seating when needed. I also love the design of a coffee table that allows an ottoman to be nested under it.” Another consideration is to choose upholstered dining chairs that can be easily pulled into the living room when extra seating is needed.

PRO TIPS

Sometimes, one of the most effective ways to build in extra space is through the work of illusions. While a door may not change its location, adding visibility can do wonders for a space. Kathryn Pickersgill, design consultant and stylist at Bespoke Design, suggests using French doors off a kitchen, especially those that open to a patio or balcony, to encourage a welcoming “space beyond” effect. And, never underestimate the power of less. “Open floor space, clean surfaces and crisp wall corners give us an understated sense of harmony and flow,” says Pickersgill. “Mirrors are a great way to bring light into a space, but also to trick the eye into making the room look larger or deeper than it is,” says Lange. In fact, mirrors and art pieces can do most of the leg work in shifting the perspective of a room. “Don’t be afraid to make statements with art and mirrors, even in a small space,” says Brannen. “If a space is small … go with larger, bolder pieces, but only a few of them. It is important that your home feels comfortable and, at the same time, is inspiring to your soul.”

Design for Micro Living

Bespoke Design’s Pickersgill is helping her son, his girlfriend and their dachshund decorate their 380-square-foot micro unit. Some of her techniques include using a fresh coat of matte All White from Farrow & Ball to provide an open, expansive look. A well-placed mirror offers a feeling of additional space and visual access outside. Tiles in the bathroom, installed horizontally, have given a widening effect to the tiny room, while, in the kitchen, blending the countertop and backsplash with the same bright stone provides a smooth and cohesive look. “If the majority of the space and its contents are trying to suggest roominess, a few well-placed items of dark contrasting colour in all of that expansive brightness can provide a grounding quality,” says Pickersgill, “like black lamp bases or shades, artwork with a black frame, a black vase or a small display cabinet lit within.”

BUYING OR SELLING? I am dedicated to providing my clients with exceptional service, sound negotiating techniques and constant communication throughout the real estate process.

Call Andrew Maxwell for a complimentary consultation. SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SALES

250.213.2104 amaxwell@sothebysrealty.ca A NDR EWMAXWEL L .CA SOT H EBYSR E A LT Y.CA Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated. E.&O.E

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REAL ESTATE BY SHANNON MONEO

Cocina Conundrum

IS RENOVATING THE KITCHEN WORTH IT WHEN SELLING YOUR HOME?

emember when, about a dozen years ago, black granite counters and dark maple cabinets were the crème de la crème in kitchens? Today, white remains right, along with other muted choices. So bringing a kitchen from 2010 to 2023, prior to putting a home on the market, may be foremost in sellers’ minds — and for good reason. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada, a kitchen renovation provides the highest return of all renos, marking this change as one of the biggest incentives for eager sellers. How does that measure up? Typically, kitchen renos earn about an 80 per cent return on investment. So, if $40,000 was spent, about $32,000 becomes added value to the home, making this task top of the to-do list when a home sale is on the horizon. Of course, not all renos are created equal. A small and modest kitchen redo can start at $8,000 and soar to over $80,000 for the grand vision. To maximize the impact, knowledge of what’s popular, and whether it’s even worth the work, needs to be determined. With house prices in the lower Island region already soaring, overhauling the kitchen can be a gamble or a windfall in today’s unsettled market.

UNPREDICTABLE INGREDIENTS Before you crack out the jackhammer, know that not everyone is sold on the reno recipe. Graden Sol, chair of the Victoria Real Estate Board, says his common advice to clients is to forgo a kitchen facelift or, if they do one, make it a modest renovation, which can raise the ROI to about 90 per cent from 80. “You can do a kitchen renovation that isn’t what a potential buyer wants,” warns Sol, also a Realtor with Royal LePage. He’s dealt with instances where sellers go whole hog and drop upwards of $70,000 on a kitchen renovation, but when they come to sell, the price received doesn’t exceed what was spent. Compensation for the hassle, stress and waiting isn’t there. He’s also seen new homeowners rip out the kitchen in the home and immediately start over. “You’re dealing with months of installation and disruption, and you may not get your money back,” Sol says.

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What lurks behind those walls could also be a game changer. Sol knows of some homeowners, intent on a big kitchen redo, who ripped out the drywall only to find bigger problems — pests, electrical or insulation issues — or else made mistakes along the way. Costs can rapidly escalate when professionals have to be called in for repairs. The market also plays an overarching role, Sol says. Recently, homes in the $800,000 to $1.5-million range have been in high demand. “If the market is tight like it is now, getting the home on the market is better than renovating,” Sol says. He reminds sellers that when would-be buyers are looking at homes, what they’re interested in is a clean space, in good working condition. A serviceable kitchen is fine. Remember, too, that some buyers will purchase a home with the entire intent to undertake their own renovations, which can often include the kitchen. Sol does make one important caveat. A 1950s house, duly renovated except for the kitchen, is unappetizing. If a renovation is going ahead, he recommends buying products that can be delivered soon. In the age of backorders, Sol urges people updating appliances to avoid waiting on fancy items and, instead, order what’s in stock. The elaborate stove, fridge or dishwasher may take months to arrive and leave a seller biting their nails waiting to fill a hole in the wall. And, since kitchen renovations are usually subjective, Sol says start fresh and simple, don’t spend excess money and get items fixed rather than replaced.

A FEAST FOR SORE EYES Another Realtor, whose own home renovation included about $35,000 worth of kitchen revamps, has a different view. Amit Dillon, with eXp Realty, has been buying and selling homes since 2016. In early 2019, he and his wife, Kiran, bought an Oak Bay splitlevel home for about $940,000, which they sold in October 2021 for just over $1.8 million. They spent about $300,000 upgrading the property, which yielded a return of about $600,000. “If you’re looking at creating value, the kitchen is probably the number-one area,”

Dillon says, noting that when the couple sold the home, the kitchen was the primary reason the buyer bit. “She loved the kitchen.” What started with linoleum floors, maple cupboards and Formica countertops was transformed into a gleaming, whiteon-white, tiled-floor kitchen with quartz countertops. White was chosen to maximize the space in the reconfigured open concept; a window was enlarged for more light and specialized appliances were installed (a 36-inch, not 32-inch cooktop, a wall oven/microwave combo and a hot-water tap right above the cooktop). Small features, like the tap, carry a minimal cost but deliver an outsized impact, Dillon notes. Initiating a full kitchen renovation should begin with knowledge of the desired layout and where everything will be placed. Recruiting expert designers to ensure all the boxes are checked can be an asset here. Having the correct space (height, width, depth) for appliances is crucial. Next is to meet with the cabinet supplier/maker to coordinate placement of the appliances and countertops. Then, start placing orders. “Get going on that right away, because it takes longer,” Dillon says. A demolition crew will be needed to rip out existing items. Tile-setters, plumbers and electricians are required for installations and to ensure power and water sources can meet new demand. Even with the base requirements, Dillon has simple advice. “Splurge where you need to,” he says. A lot of kitchens he sees require updating, or have only been halfway revised with new appliances. The old countertops and cabinets cry out for a do-over. As a big believer in the pleasure and value brought by an updated kitchen, Dillon says the end result is also meant to be enjoyed. Like anything related to home sales these days, while black and white both remain popular colour choices, the answers may never be so clear. “A kitchen renovation,” Sol says, “is not a simple yes or no.”

IMAGES: SPARTAN MEDIA GROUP

AS A BIG BELIEVER IN THE PLEASURE AND VALUE BROUGHT BY AN UPDATED KITCHEN, REALTOR AMIT DILLON SAYS THE END RESULT IS ALSO MEANT TO BE ENJOYED.

Before

Realtor Amit Dillon is a huge supporter of kitchen renovations for boosting a home’s resale value. From this series of before-andafter images, it’s easy to see why. This kitchen journeyed from a dated linoleum and Formica galley to an open, all-white breathable space. With tile flooring, updated appliances and visibility into the rest of the home, this space improved its function. The accompanying dining area didn’t change its footprint, but, with an open wall and dramatic contrast, the space feels brand new.

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FINISHING TOUCH

Lighting the Flames

or eons, the elements have captivated people as symbols of inspiration. In biblical times, fire and water represented purification. In feng shui, water is viewed as a symbol of prosperity, while fire holds the keys to vitality. In the Scandinavian design concept of hygge, these elements are imperative to creating comfort. It’s little wonder, then, that fire and water features have become popular design motifs for adorning a home — especially when it comes to creating grand entryways and gathering areas. They can also mask the sound of traffic, block the view of a neighbour or refocus attention in a landscape. Installing your own features takes careful prep work, however, to ensure these adornments are as safe as they are striking. “These features are an incredible way to enhance your property, but they also require forethought and it’s best to work with someone who knows how to integrate these into a space,” says Stephen McLeish, registered landscape architect and president and CEO of Acacia Landscape and Pools.

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“It can seem like a great idea to have a fire bowl on a patio, but, if you’re not careful, it can also kill the space — all you can do, now, is sit around the bowl.”

SCALING BACK Scale is an important consideration, says McLeish, to ensure the space doesn’t become one-dimensional. Practical measures, such as how people will access pipes or pumps for servicing, should also be factored in. “The more elaborate you get, the more issues you may have,” says McLeish. “Sometimes, keeping it simple saves you a tonne of maintenance, because fire and water by their very natures complicate things.” The design of any elemental feature should hold safety at the helm — both for intended guests, like people walking by with flowing clothing, and unexpected visitors: wildlife, birds or neighbourhood youngsters. That means positioning ignition switches out of accidental reach, using safeguards for flames and fencing off even small bodies of water.

This elaborate feature combines the best of all worlds. A step-down lounge area offers a natural gathering spot around its fire centrepiece, flanked by a surrounding wade pool with twin waterfalls. The stone wall brings in the element of earth, while the open structure welcomes air movement, creating a perfect synthesis of the elements.

DEVELOPED BY POOL ENVIRONMENTS INC (POOLENVIRONMENTS.COM), DESIGNED BY RANDY ANGELL DESIGNS. PHOTO: JIMI SMITH

FIRE AND WATER FEATURES BECOME INSPIRING SYMBOLS FOR ENHANCING HOME DESIGN.

BRIGHT IDEAS Lighting is crucial for connecting these features to their surroundings, and masonry or plantings can hide cords while keeping things accessible. Fire and water can even be brought in at the micro level, from tiny tabletop fire bowls to prefab hanging fountains. Even circulating water vessels with plants can change the atmosphere immediately, says McLeish. “You can create your own coastal ecosystem right at home. You can engineer the reflection of the forest, the calming babbling of a brook, a place for light to glint and reflect at night,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be a million-dollar project to make a big difference to your life.”

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