SPRUCE Magazine Winter 2023

V I C T O R I A’ S H O M E & D E S I G N M A G A Z I N E

Getting Personal with Style

STAND-OUT CEILINGS ELEVATED ENTRYWAYS 2024 TREND FORECAST

LIFE TOGETHER

A house of glass balances dark and light Modern add-ons update a vintage kitchen

Two families with different styles under one unique roof.

PAGE 42

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CONTENTS FEATURES

22

22

BY SIMONE PAGET

26

EDITOR’S LETTER

Getting personal transforms a space in ways you might not expect.

BY DANIELLE POPE

30

15

SPRUCE IT UP

Get ready for the new season with vibrant colours and textures that add a little spirit.

20

GETTING PERSONAL

THE HOME EDIT

Is heated flooring right for your home? A look at the pros and cons.

A new take on the trends of 2024.

BY LIAM RAZZELL

BY DANIELLE POPE

50

30

THIS ROOM

Transition zones: Making the most of your entry.

HOUSE OF GLASS

BY DANIELLE POPE

54

One home’s architecture plays with the balance between light and dark.

DESIGN INSPO

The fifth wall: Ceilings made to steal glances.

BY DANIELLE POPE

38

DEPARTMENTS

10

FAMILY ROOM REBOOT

How to turn a forsaken basement into the ultimate hang zone.

Winter Issue

38

BY LIAM RAZZELL

RECIPE FOR A KITCHEN TO LOVE

A kitchen designed to fuse style with function.

BY DAVID LENNAM

42

LIFE TOGETHER

A multi-generational home gives two families the chance to live together under one unique roof.

BY NESSA PULLMAN

6

SPRUCE | WINTER 2023

56

REAL ESTATE

How to keep your investment dry, through the winter-proof roof.

BY SHANNON MONEO

58

FINISHING TOUCH Using steel to forge dramatic concepts into home design.

The Mercedes-Benz GLC A true embodiment of refined luxury. The Mercedes-Benz GLC leaves a lasting impression with its sleek design, cutting-edge technology, and unmatched performance. Schedule your Mercedes-Benz experience today and discover the pinnacle of sophistication on the road.

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Page One Story For a quarter-century, this local, independent publishing house has produced the engaging and informative magazines Victorians have grown to love.

M

ISSUE 85 JUL/AUG 2023

yammagazine.com

2023

WINNER

Restaurant of the Year Page 40

FOOD+DRINK V I C T O R I A’ S H O M E & D E S I G N M A G A Z I N E

The Fall Issue

A modern kitchen with a Mediterranean mood PAGE 26

INSPIRED LIVING

• A kitchen designed to last • Open-concept condo • Architectural addition

Get season ready

Fireplaces | Dining rooms | Hardware Window trends | Home security sprucemagazine.ca

PM41295544

APR/MAY 2023

NEW n Desigal Reve

Mentoring

3 entrepreneurs share their stories

SLOWDOWN: CASH FLOW IS KEY

How to deal with best- and worst-case scenarios

A Sober Second Look

Changing views on drinking culture

Opportunity Knocks Is it time to change your business model?

Armon Arani, CEO and Co-founder, Cognito Health

SPECIAL 10 TO WATCH ISSUE

PAGE ONE PUBLISHING INC.

agazines are all glossy photos and clever headlines, riveting stories and advertisements designed to tempt the reader. But for Page One Publishing, its magazines — YAM, Douglas and Spruce — are really all about community, and it’s been that way for 25 years and counting.

On a Tuesday at 10 a.m., Page One H.Q. — a small, brick building near Uptown — is buzzing. Camera bags in hand, the director of photography rushes out the door to a photo shoot across town. Two advertising consultants walk past him, returning from a successful client meeting. The art department works on the beautifully designed pages the magazines are known for. In editorial, computer keyboards click-clack rapidly, adding a percussive beat as writers and editors craft the stories of Greater Victoria.

Directing all this creative energy are the owners of Page One Publishing, Lise Gyorkos and Georgina Camilleri.

“Our team has different interests and areas of expertise, and that helps us publish magazines that everyone loves to read,” Gyorkos says. “The impact the team has made on this city makes me so proud.”

She and Camilleri teamed up 25 years ago, back when the pair were working for another publisher. “Georgina was the art director and I was the production manager,” says Gyorkos.

“We really liked working together, both as friends and colleagues, and we knew we wanted to start our own publishing business.”

In 1998, they founded Page One Publishing.

Working out of Camilleri’s basement, at first they produced custom print publications for tourism organizations. “Humble beginnings,” Camilleri says with a laugh.

As new business owners, the pair immersed themselves in Victoria’s business community, where they quickly spotted a gap in the magazine market: Nobody was producing hyper-local content for and about Victoriabased entrepreneurs and business owners.

So they decided to start a business magazine.

In 2006, the first issue of Douglas hit newsstands, its name an homage both to Douglas Street and the local Douglas fir tree.

“By starting a business magazine, we thought we could address the need for local business content,” says Gyorkos.

580 Ardersier Road, Victoria | 250-595-7243

“But we also saw it was a way to learn about entrepreneurship from business leaders here.”

Camilleri adds: “There were areas we hadn’t worked before that were completely new to us.

We hadn’t been using many freelancers, we hadn’t had to look after distribution before, we didn’t have a sales team, we had to hire writers and create a business strategy.”

But that was just the beginning.

Victoria’s popular lifestyle magazine YAM began as an insert in Douglas (its name an acronym for “you and me”), and in 2009 became its own standalone publication. It was joined in 2017 by the home-and-design magazine Spruce.

At the same time, Page One created some of Victoria’s most popular and influential events. In 2009, Douglas held its first 10 to Watch Awards, which have become a powerful launching pad for new businesses in Greater Victoria. And in 2018, YAM hosted its first Best Restaurant Awards, a heartfelt celebration of the city’s restaurant industry. “People have expressed that winning an award from a Page One event has been life-changing,” says Camilleri. “Working with our awesome team to have that kind of effect is very rewarding.”

All these years later, what sets Page One apart from so many others is their passion for the community they cover, from supporting local businesses during the height of the pandemic to following thoughtful sales practices that never compromise on editorial content. As Gyorkos says, “We offer marketing opportunities that we think will get our clients the best return on their investment and we are very grateful to them for supporting us over the years.”

So what’s next? Along with continuing to cover the community they love, build their subscription base and develop their online offerings, in 2024 the Page One team is launching both its “Spruce Up” series of reader events and its first-ever Spruce Awards of Excellence honouring individuals in the home, design and building industries. And they have even more projects in the works.

“We are excited about the future for Victoria and Page One Publishing,” says Camilleri. “We embrace change and love to feel like we’re moving forward.”

pageonepublishing.ca

Since starting Page One in 1998, co-publishers Lise Gyorkos (left) and Georgina Camilleri have built one of Victoria’s best-loved media brands.

Above left: Production. The creative department is renowned for its compelling design, photography and visual storytelling. From left: Digital marketing co-ordinator Claire Villaraza; graphic designers Janice Hildybrant (YAM and Spruce) and Caroline Segonnes (Douglas); and director of photography Jeffrey Bosdet.

Above: Editorial. The editorial department produces engaging content for Page One’s three magazine brands, covering the stories Victorians care about most. From left to right: Joanne Sasvari, editor-in-chief and YAM editor; Spruce editor Danielle Pope; Douglas editor Ken Winchester; and editorial assistant Liam Razzell.

Left: Sales office. Page One’s sales and marketing team focuses on building relationships with local businesses, serving their marketing needs through both advertising and events. Back left: Advertising co-ordinator Rebecca Juetten and marketing and events coordinator Lauren Ingle. Advertising consultants, from left: Deana Brown, Cynthia Hanischuk, Will Gillis and Brenda Knapik.

EDITOR’S LETTER

For world-class marketing and personal attention, call Robyn Wildman.

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Hot Takes on Chilly Trends

I

f this edition had one theme, I would say it’s getting personal.

Something about turning to the more introspective gears of winter has many of us looking around — and looking inward — at what we want our spaces to reflect.

Those spaces mirror more than we like to think.

It might sound like a Hallmark takeaway, but letting your home become more of what it is (and by extension, more of who we are) is some of the best design advice you’ll see come to life in this issue.

It’s not that we can’t dream our house into a better version of itself — if anything, envisioning the space you want is all about figuring out where to put that ensuite, which direction the front door should open, where the mugs are most accessible. But getting realistic about what looks good in your home, instead of just what’s hot on Houzz and Pinterest, will make your efforts in design so much more palatable than those lofty trends that look great in glossy spreads and fall as flat as a fake plant in real life.

Take Aaron Baird, a Victorian who never intended to build his own home — let alone during a pandemic and with complicated health challenges. As you’ll read in the home feature “House of Glass,” the project took on a life of its own, almost despite Baird’s challenges. The end result became more than he could have found in his inspired sketches; a home tailored to his every need.

Then, there’s the homeowner who decided to give her house its own name and a personality just to imagine what kind of changes it would want (check out “Getting Personal” to learn how you can do the same).

There are the people making big leaps in ceiling renovations (see “Design Inspo”) and others looking down to their floors to find out if heat is the way to go in their homes (see “The Home Edit”). There are homeowners who wanted nothing more than a chef-grade kitchen (see “Recipe for a Kitchen to Love”) and others who decided living together would give them the best chance at creating the property of their dreams (see “Life Together”).

It’s a time to find comfort in the togetherness of the season, whether with friends, family or your favourite book, and there are tips here on how to change your space into one that mirrors what you need most in your house (see “Family Room Reboot”).

Playing it safe doesn’t come with much payback. And it also doesn’t necessarily mean staying the same. As you’ll see in the pages of this issue, these Islanders took some big chances on breaking out of the way things had always been to create a space that worked for them today. As my designer friend Ann Squires Ferguson says, “the weirder the better” when it comes to infusing your space with personal touches.

It might seem like a risk taking a chance like that — after all, we want things to be in style and on trend, right? If the shared wisdom here is any indicator, however, the real risk is never finding your way out of that mould.

thewildmangroup.com Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, Independently Owned and Operated.

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SPRUCE | WINTER 2023

Danielle Pope, Editor

Elegance is not about being noticed.

It’s about being remembered.

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Wonderful hospitality

by Zambri’s Restaurant PHOTOS: MEGAN ROSE WILSON

Amy McGeachy, McGeachy Media Inc.; Caroline Bergeron, Avant-Garde Art

Presenting sponsors Lori and Peter Stofko, Ruffell & Brown and Pacific Awnings; Lise Gyorkos, Page One Publishing

Don Landels, Treehouse Media; Cynthia Hanischuck, Page One Publishing

DESIGN & BUILD INDUSTRY Spruce magazine recently hosted a special evening celebrating the home and design community. This event was proudly sponsored by Ruffell & Brown and Pacific Awnings.

Inderbir Singh, Western Canada Security Julia Wakely, Julia Wakely Interiors; Leanne McKeachie, Flathaus; Deana Brown, Page One Publishing; Melanie Henson, JOMEL Interior Design

Ted Hancock, Incredible Home

Blaise McDonald, MAC Renovations

Jeremy McLeod and Fernando Trejo, Expedia Cruises - Air, Land & Sea Vacations; Darren Ausmus, Luxe Home Interiors

Al Hasham, Maximum Express Courier, Freight & Logistics & Max Furniture; Bruce Carter, Wes-Tech Irrigation

Yvette Zanatta and Tim Kyle, Matrix Marble & Stone

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

PUBLISHERS Lise Gyorkos, Georgina Camilleri EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Joanne Sasvari EDITOR Danielle Pope DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jeffrey Bosdet LEAD GRAPHIC DESIGNER Janice Hildybrant ASSOCIATE GRAPHIC DESIGNER Caroline Segonnes ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Deana Brown, Will Gillis, Cynthia Hanischuk, Brenda Knapik ADVERTISING CO-ORDINATOR Rebecca Juetten MARKETING CONSULTANT Amanda Wilson DIGITAL MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR Claire Villaraza MARKETING CO-ORDINATOR Lauren Ingle EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Liam Razzell PROOFREADER Lionel Wild CONTRIBUTING WRITERS David Lennam, Shannon Moneo, Simone Paget, Nessa Pullman CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Dasha Armstrong, Jody, Beck, Joshua Lawrence, Megan Rose Wilson

25 years of finely crafted, handmade cabinetry, furniture & millwork

CONTRIBUTING AGENCIES Getty Images p. 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 27, 55, 56; Living4Media p. 25, 28, 54 Stocksy p. 19 GENERAL INQUIRIES info@sprucemagazine.ca

259 Esquimalt Road 250.360.2123 douglasgrantcabinetmakers.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR letters@sprucemagazine.ca SUBSCRIBE TO SPRUCE subscriptions@sprucemagazine.ca ADVERTISING INQUIRIES sales@sprucemagazine.ca ONLINE sprucemagazine.ca INSTAGRAM @sprucemagazinevictoria FACEBOOK sprucevictoria X @sprucevictoria ON THE COVER Life Together. See page 42.

Photo by Joshua Lawrence Spruce magazine is published by Page One Publishing 580 Ardersier Road, Victoria, BC V8Z 1C7 T 250-595-7243 info@pageonepublishing.ca pageonepublishing.ca

ADVERTISE IN SPRUCE MAGAZINE Spruce is Victoria’s home and design magazine.

For advertising info, please call us at 250-595-7243 or email marketinginfo@sprucemagazine.ca.

Printed in Canada by Mitchell Press.

Landscape Your Lifestyle Landscaping Your Lifestyle DESIGN | BUILD | MAINTAIN 250-595-0527

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SPRUCE | WINTER 2023

info@acaciavictoria.com

Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Page One Publishing Inc. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents of any advertisement and any and all representations or warranties made in such advertising are those of the advertiser and not the publisher.

No part of this magazine may be reproduced, in all or part, in any form — printed or electronic — without the express permission of the publisher.

The publisher cannot be held responsible for unsolicited manuscripts and photographs.

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement 41295544

SPRUCE IT UP

Ready for a Season of Warmth VIBRANT COLOURS, TEXTURES AND SIGNATURE PIECES WILL ADD PERSONALITY TO YOUR SPACE THIS WINTER.

RED IS THE NEW RED

1

It won’t come as a surprise to holiday fans, but red is being called the “it” colour for winter 2023. This season presents a great comeback for red, officially allowing the colour to reign bold after almost a decade of greys, silvers, pinks, umbers and greens taking centre stage this time of year. Red is being highlighted in the fashion and design world, showing up as subtly as throws and pillows, and as boldly as feature walls — sometimes in velvet wallpaper. Vogue is even claiming this trafficstopping colour will change the way people dress in the coming months. Last season’s burgundy and earlier fuchsia laid the groundwork for red to come into its full force.

And while some call it “a colour imbued with drama,” others look to red as the classic it is — right alongside black and navy.

Create your own showstopping look at home this season with the fiery level of your choosing.

3

2

4

1 Ravishing Red 2008-10 paint (Benjamin Moore); 2 Truette Garnet Red Turkish silk throw pillow (CB2); 3 Big Groovy Flowers wallpaper by Victoria pattern designer Dancing Rabbit Designs (spoonflower.com); 4 Togo Fireside sofa-chair (Corx Designs).

SPRUCE | WINTER 2023

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SPRUCE IT UP

SUDS IN STYLE

JOSHUA LAWRENCE

Not in Vanity Bringing nature indoors is one of the season’s most idyllic trends, especially in the use of unique textures, like curly maple — a wood with a wavy pattern that makes this grain stand out as the feature of any room. The wood’s dynamic ripples create a three-dimensional effect that mimics the look of curls along the length of the board, often enhanced by glossy finishes. The curly maple seen in this featured vanity — created by Jason Good Custom Cabinets — gives this modern bathroom an elevated spa atmosphere and turns clever storage into an attractive feature wall. Also known as “flame” maple, this slightly softer version of hard maple acts as a patternrich and durable option for cabinetry. jasongoodcabinets.com

A Concrete Idea Victorians can hop across the pond to update their bathrooms with a colourful hand-cast concrete sink, designed and made in Canada. Mudd Concrete, founded in Ontario and distributed to Vancouver by concrete artisan Anton Vanee, creates sinks that come in a surprising array of colours — from berry and denim to pumice and silt. One part pottery, one part modern décor, the styles range from bowl and countertop basins to wall-hung sinks.

They’re a statement in any bathroom. renocondesign.com

Cast a Light Enjoying a hot bath is topped by few things — but having something captivating to look at while you’re relaxing could make the experience even better. The Light House Bubbles Chandelier uses a playful mosaic of delicate glass orbs shaped into a collection of bubbles that’s lit from within and comes in either brushed nickel or natural brass.

With its single bulb, this chandelier will add a surprising bit of whimsy and create a pause in any bathroom. lighthouseco.ca

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READING NOOK Books to fill you with inspiration.

DECK THE WALLS Those looking to adorn their hallways with something fresh can have their pick of local art this season at the Winter Small Works Show by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria — on until January 27, 2024.

Paintings, photography and sculptural pieces will be on display from artists around Vancouver Island, including original works in a range of styles from modern, contemporary works to more traditional formats.

For those who fear buyer’s remorse, art doesn’t have to be a lifelong commitment. Those who prefer to test their walls before they buy can even rent select pieces from the gallery to try out in their own home before a purchase. Visit the catalogue online or in person. aggv.ca

Bath Time Even the first page of Barbara Sallick’s book The Ultimate Bath (Rizzoli, 2022) has captured stylish function while capitalizing on design elements that “surprise and enchant.” From grand baths flanked by mirrors and marble, to maximalist patterns and spaces tailored with custom serenity, her collection is made to seduce the senses and serve as a visual blueprint for those looking to create a respite at home, no matter how simple or grand.

Brad Scromeda, Girl With Crows, oil on canvas, 20"x16"

GO GAGA

Water Closet Wonders Looking back can capture new inspiration, and Gestalten’s 2017 book Take a Bath: Interior Design for Bathrooms offers surprise foreshadowing on some of the biggest bathroom trends of today. Focused on the space where you start your morning and end the day, this image-rich text stretches from the utilitarian to the luxurious and the Victorian to the modern for stunning design ideas. Partnered with conversations from those who lived through the renos, this book inspires courage.

When it comes to comfortable seats, the Conform Gaga Chair could make your head spin — literally. With its rounded shape and modest size perfect for apartments, the chair brings ease to any room. It also holds a secret designer Niels Gammelgaard was sure would impress guests: it’s actually a swivel armchair.

The chair comes in fabric or leather upholstery in a range of patterns, with oak or aluminum legs, and the standard-height backrest makes it appropriate for the office or living room. studioydesign.ca

SPRUCE | WINTER 2023

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SPRUCE IT UP

PERSONAL EFFECTS

TINY TOUCHES BRING MORE LIFE TO YOUR HOME

PLYWOOD PACHYDERM In a season framed by childhood joy comes the Vitra Eames Plywood Elephant — a sophisticated take on a toy that could double as a signature sculpture. Charles and Ray Eames, known for their famous chairs, created a prototype of a plywood toy elephant back in 1945. The piece never went into production, but was shown off at the Museum of Modern Art in New York in 1946. Vitra took a chance on running a limited edition cast of the toy in 2007, and has now launched the Eames Elephant into production.

The piece is simple and lively, small enough for a toddler to play on but large enough to look like intentional art this festive season. studiopazo.ca

CLOWNING AROUND

TICK TOCK

The Nomon Pico Clock has been called the “woodpecker” of the wall décor world. Its small hand mimics a beak, while the large one could suggest an imposing crest. Whether you see a bird or geometric art, however, the design of this piece far outweighs its function as a clock.

Created by artist Andres Martinez, with hands that rotate outside the dial, this time keeper will become a talking point in your home. lumens.com

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SPRUCE | WINTER 2023

Personality has never seemed more prolific than in a signature heirloom piece like the limited edition Alessi Candyman Candy Dispenser.

The functional sculpture, created by Netherlands designer Marcel Wanders, is part of a collaboration curated by Gabriel Ross and Victoria design firm Bidgood. The collection aims to capture the significance of heirlooms in building emotional responses to physical spaces. With only 999 numbered copies, you’ll need $2,000 to leave the big top with Candyman — a piece dedicated to the joyful feeling of the circus. grshop.com

Seasonal Checklist

HELEN RUSHBROOK/STOCKSY

Use this list to get a quick start on making your space winter-ready with just a touch of seasonal charm.

FOR RESULTS THAT GO BEYOND YOUR EXPECTATIONS.

❑ Energy Checkup > Ensure your home is well insulated and energy efficient by sealing gaps, upgrading windows and maintaining heating systems for a warm and cost-effective winter.

❑ Feel the Season > Embrace winter textures

with blankets, faux fur throws, soft cushions, even heavy curtains and plush rugs to add warmth and comfort to your décor.

❑ Light it Up > Use a combination of task

lighting and ambient fixtures to create a cozy atmosphere and make the most of the longer evenings. Incorporate warm, dimmable LED lighting that complements winter’s early sunsets.

❑ Get in the Vibe > Introduce winter-inspired hues, like deep blues, forest greens and rich burgundies, along with seasonal décor (your classic boughs and candles) to set the mood.

❑ Create a Fire Focal Point > Make your

fireplace the heart of your winter sanctuary by stylizing your mantel, adding cozy seating and subtle seasonal decorations. No fire? Create a thematic “candle shelf” or wall of comforting art with the same theme.

❑ Winter Botanicals > Add greenery around

your house, from seasonal plants (like poinsettias and evergreens) to gathered branches and ferns that harvest the beauty of your outdoors.

❑ Ready Your Doorways > Upgrade your

entryways with sturdy mats, a covered area and hooks for winter gear to keep your home clean and organized. For more tips on entries, check out “This Room” on page 50.

❑ Keep the Outdoor Open > Extend your design prowess to your outdoor spaces with outdoor patio heating and winter-friendly landscaping that invites an outdoor moment or two.

We have a passion for science, knowledge and people.

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SPRUCE | WINTER 2023

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THE HOME EDIT

BY LIAM RAZZELL

From the Ground Up IS HEATED FLOORING RIGHT FOR YOUR HOME?

W

inter has arrived, and though your heater is on, there’s one part of your home that never warms up — the

floors.

If you’re tired of chilly feet, and don’t want to wear thermal socks forever, heated flooring may be the perfect solution. From its benefits to expense and maintenance, here’s everything you need to know before you decide whether heated flooring will work for your home.

What is heated flooring?

Also called radiant heating, there are two types of heated floors: electric and hydronic.

Electric systems are composed of a maze of thin wires connected to a power source.

Hydronic systems employ tubes connected to a hot water boiler. Both are laid on subfloors, encased in concrete, then covered with your desired flooring type. When wires or tubes heat up — with electricity or hot water, respectively — so do the floors above.

What are the benefits of heated flooring?

People mainly install heated flooring for comfort.

“It takes a hard floor and makes it feel soft,” says Joel Roper, contract and sales representative at Victoria-based Hourigan’s Flooring.

For that reason, it’s popular.

“Ninety per cent of people doing new tile add in-floor heat,” says Jan Van Herwaarden, project manager at Victoria’s Island Floor Centre.

What system will best suit your home?

That depends on how large a floor you want to heat.

“Once you start getting over 300 square feet of space, it stops being optimal to use a wire system,” says Roper.

Hydronic is most economical system for heating floors larger than a single room, because the boiler alone costs thousands of dollars.

In terms of expense, heating a tile bathroom or kitchen with electric heat will cost around $1,500. Large-scale hydronic installations cost tens of thousands of dollars.

Picking the right system also depends on the level of renovations you’re willing to undertake.

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SPRUCE | WINTER 2023

“Hydronic typically has to be done at the time of the build,” says Van Herwaarden.

Otherwise, you’ll have to gut your entire house.

Van Herwaarden notes it’s important to consider that heated flooring will increase your floor height, in some cases by almost an inch. If your ceilings already feel low, you may want to stick with those socks.

Two types of radiant floor heating

What maintenance and repairs are required?

Neither system requires maintenance.

Repairs are needed if a wire or tube breaks, which would only happen during future renovations. For example, if a tradesperson is too rough replacing a broken tile, wires can snap. With hydronic, if someone hammers a nail into a tube, you would have to dig out the floor, bleed the system, fix the line and address water damage.

Can you heat your whole home with heated flooring?

Hydronic

Hydronic systems use water-filled pipes that are heated by a boiler. Experts consider this system to be the most efficient, since water conducts heat better and faster than air. The systems are also sealed, resulting in low emissions.

Electric

An electric radiant floor heating system uses electric wires or heating mats.

While not as effective as hydronic systems, electric radiant floor heating systems still reduce the costs of a heating bill because of their efficiency in warming up a space.

R E - C R E AT E YOUR SPACE

VICTORIA + NANAIMO

green-island-builders.com JODY BECK

Yes, but doing so can present problems.

“In order to get your ambient temperature warm enough to be comfortable in the winter, your floor has to be really hot,” says Roper. “You don’t want to have a 40-degree floor and a 20-degree air temperature — that just doesn’t make sense.”

You also risk damaging your floors if you overheat them. While tile can withstand high heat, hardwood and vinyl floors can’t.

Still, people do heat their whole home, likely because nobody informed them it isn’t ideal, says Roper. But if you’re set on heating your whole home with radiant, he recommends installing a heat pump as a supplement.

For those ready to invest in continually warm toes, now the choice is yours.

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Family Room Reboot

HOW TO TURN A FORSAKEN BASEMENT INTO THE ULTIMATE HANG ZONE.

BY SIMONE PAGET

22

SPRUCE | WINTER 2023

F

aced with colder weather, many of us are looking for ways to maximize our indoor living space. This winter, the basement doesn’t have to be the room where boxes of decorations are stored and overflow guests are relegated. With a little creativity, your basement can be transformed into the ultimate family hang zone.

While often overlooked, finished basements make ideal family rooms. They offer abundant space and can easily be adapted for a wide range of activities. You can designate one corner as a children’s play area while creating a dedicated movie-watching zone in another that can shift from a lounge to a guest room or a space for your next big sleepover party.

Basement spaces are incredibly versatile, but they also present their share of challenges in the form of low ceilings, small windows and chilly temperatures. While it’s possible to change low ceilings and small windows, the process can be costly. The good news is that you don’t need to undergo a full renovation to create an inviting family room.

“There are a few ways you can make your space feel brighter and larger without breaking your budget,” says Lauren Jarvis, an interior designer with Mac Renovations.

That’s true whether you’re in need of a cozy setting for movie night, a lively playroom for the littles, a comfortable guest area or all of the above. Spruce spoke to Jarvis to get her tips on how to recreate this space for the season ahead.

THINK VERTICALLY When faced with lower-than-ideal ceilings, often we think it’s best to keep furniture and décor as close to the floor as possible to maximize vertical space. However, Jarvis encourages people to go tall.

“Elongated items, such as a large mirror, tall plant or long lamp will actually trick the eye into moving upward,” she says.

When considering storage options for your family room, Jarvis suggests maximizing vertical space.

“The most functional homes maximize vertical space, which instills flow within the home,” she says. “Instead of storing your bicycle near the door, consider hanging it on the wall to create more open floor space and a focal point.”

GET CREATIVE WITH LIGHTING When it comes to creating a cozy and inviting basement, creative lighting solutions can help offset what the space lacks in natural light. It can also help compensate for lower ceilings.

“Wall sconces are a great way to not only brighten the space but draw the eye upward,” says Jarvis. “For an even more dramatic effect, consider a sconce that illuminates towards the ceiling.”

In addition to the primary light source, add a floor lamp or table lamps to build texture and create a soft glow throughout the space.

You can also use elevated window treatments to create the illusion of height. Jarvis says mounting lighter-toned curtains or drapes as high as possible will also give the illusion that your windows, and therefore your ceilings, are taller than they actually are.

EASY FIX

The Santorini White Plaster Floor Lamp with Woven Shade from Crate & Barrel draws eyes up with its long stature.

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DASHA ARMSTRONG

CASE This Mac Renovations project turned a STUDY basement space into a completely functional living and visiting area — from the laid-back couch to the wet bar, stock fridge and powderroom. The vertical wood slats separating the stairwell from the room help to elongate the space and create an optical illusion of height given this lower-level ceiling.

MAKE IT ENERGY EFFICIENT Heating a frigid basement can get costly, fast — especially when you’re planning to spend meaningful time there.

Instead, Jarvis suggests investing in environmentally friendly solutions that add value to your home.

“Upgrading your windows and doors is a quick way to improve safety and security without turning the home into a bunker,” she says. “These will both improve energy efficiency by keeping the internal temperatures stable and increase overall security with innovative locking mechanisms.”

PAIR ESTHETICS WITH FUNCTIONALITY

IN THE ZONE This lower-level family room combines multiple areas to hang out in one space.

From a sitting/reading nook with cushion ottomans to a separate dining cove and a visiting corner, this room could act as an ideal backdrop to a festive party or winter gathering. With room enough to move and layouts that accommodate a range of needs, this area becomes the ultimate hang zone.

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When it comes to balancing practicality and style, don’t feel that you need to choose between the two in order to achieve a space that you love.

“There are many ways to incorporate functional pieces that keep your desired esthetic in mind,” says Jarvis.

One way to do this is with multifunctional furniture. Get the most out of your furniture by looking at sofas, ottomans and chairs that feature hidden storage. For example, a storage ottoman or a trundle sofa is perfect for corralling clutter and creating a guest-friendly space.

“These pieces have come a long way when it comes to design and won’t leave you feeling like you compromise on style,” Jarvis says.

Another creative way to beautify the space is to hide wires, remotes, modems and other devices in a stylish basket or box strategically placed on a counter.

Baskets and unique storage containers add texture and personality, but be sure the material is perforated for devices that require airflow.

If your basement family room still feels a bit sterile, Jarvis suggests investing in luxe throw blankets and pillows — even some additional art.

“Layering [fabric] items will give a relaxed and welcoming feeling while also adding character to your space,” she says. “Try mixing and matching patterns, textures and sizes to give your home an effortless, livedin and functional feeling.”

When considering how to create a cozy hang space for the months and years ahead, Jarvis also urges families to embrace nostalgia.

“For an extra touch of character, try adding some unique vintage pieces to your space that tell a story,” she says.

This could mean displaying treasured family items on shelving (think: Grandpa’s perfectly rustic toaster from the 1950s or your favourite sports memorabilia) or getting creative with your wall accents by hanging framed children’s artwork, vintage posters of your favorite movies or family photos to inject your unique personality into the room.

When it comes to making this space one that will entice the family to enjoy it into the future, it’s the little details that will make it feel like home.

VIEW PICTURES/LIVING4MEDIA

EMBRACE YOUR FAMILY’S PERSONALITY

MAKE IT FUN Adding a personal touch is crucial in getting the hang-out vibe just right in a family room. Consider who is likely to occupy this space the most, then custom create a theme that suits. It could be someone’s long-favoured print that never made it to a wall upstairs, or a framed collage of the kids’ artwork. Funky and bold colours are perfect for this room.

Inspiration from the conical, tapering form of a lighthouse.

NIBI COLLECTION

kitchen & bath fixtures

bgshowrooms.com

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GETTING PERSONAL A new take on the trends of 2024.

BY DANIELLE POPE

O

n the precipice of the new year, there’s the usual fervour around what textures and styles will be in vogue for home design in 2024, and what Pantone will announce as its colour of the year. Victoria’s designers, however, are seeing something a little different.

This year’s most prominent trends — especially on the Island — might seem more like ways of becoming. Spruce spoke to two design experts for a little clarity on the matter, and what people can anticipate for the year ahead.

IT’S NOT WHAT YOU’D EXPECT “Trends are interesting because they are the lifeblood of this industry — and they are also incredibly optimistic.

People trying to forecast trends want to build things anew, which is beautiful,” says Ann Squires Ferguson, CEO of Western Design+Build. “But it’s also terrifying. When we look through history, we know we had trends like stirrup pants and leg warmers, or the postmodern era, and we might say, ‘What were we thinking?’ ” Squires Ferguson has her list of usual suspects. She’s armed with research she and her team have done around what’s coming from Europe and New York. (Hint: it’s maximalism, big textures and lots of wood.)

Instead of starting there, though, she says she’s seen something more emergent right here on the Island, and she’s not the only one: deep personalization.

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“People tell me about things they’d love for their home, but they stop and say, ‘Ann, what do you think, though — is it in style?’ I tell them: If you love it, it works.”

It might sound cheesy, but Squires Ferguson makes her case.

“A lot of trend articles feel like shopping lists to me. You get the large-scale wallpaper, the parquet floors. There’s so much specificity to it,” she says.

“But with conceptual design, we try to do something else. It’s not about what’s in style — it’s about how we want to feel in a space.

Then, we talk about what it will take to get there.”

For this cookie-cutter breakaway, the weirder, the better.

To get clients in the zone, Squires Ferguson asks them to imagine their space as a character. One client got so into the activity, she said her home’s name was Goodrun, who braids garlic and onions and leaves them to dry in the foyer.

“You just know that home, don’t you?” says Squires Ferguson. “How it feels — that’s the trend we’re after — and it’s entirely unique to a space.”

Geneva Johnson, who named her home after the “good run” it’s had and its general spirit, is working with Western. She says when she stopped trying to force the space into what she thought it should be, everything changed.

“I let it fully become itself.

It’s a craftsman home, not midcentury or modern, and when we figured out what the home needed it really came to life,” says Johnson. “Now, I can’t help

but hear Goodrun, and the bold choices she would make.”

WORKING FOR COMFORT One European theme is slowly catching up here in Victoria: an increase in comfort.

“There is such a movement for comfort right now, and we’re really seeing that in design,” says Iván Meade, principal and founder of Meade Design Group.

“We’re living in a world that is desperate for peace, so we’re seeing anything that creates a cocoon. We want to be in a world that is not so structured and sharp, so we’re seeing a softness; softer shapes, and a new interpretation of what West Coast design even means.”

Meade has seen furniture that emphasizes gentler, rounded shapes, and textures that build softness into a space, like contemporary macrame.

He’s even seeing a renewed use of marble and limestone, which was traditionally seen as a dangerously soft material.

“IT’S NOT ABOUT WHAT’S IN STYLE — IT’S ABOUT HOW WE WANT TO FEEL IN A SPACE. THEN, WE TALK ABOUT WHAT IT WILL TAKE TO GET THERE.”

“ WE’RE LIVING IN

A WORLD THAT IS DESPERATE FOR PEACE, SO WE’RE SEEING ANYTHING THAT CREATES A COCOON.”

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Comfort can also mean spending less time curating.

“British design magazines don’t tidy up their environment like we do. If there’s a pile of books sitting in the wrong corner or a cupboard full of mess, they leave it,” Squires Ferguson says. “Things look different, and that’s fine.

Bodies have pocks and bumps and scars and so do our homes — that’s what makes them such fascinating places to be. I’d rather have real over curated, any day.”

In one of Squires Ferguson’s projects, a local bar owner was lamenting the look of his marble floors, which had 30 years of wear marks, but unsure what to do.

“I said to him, ‘You know what that means? It means you’ve had thousands of happy humans stand there for 30 years.’ We’re not changing it — it’s a natural material that’s done exactly what it’s supposed to: it’s aged,” she says. “There’s beauty and comfort in that.”

ONLY ON THE ISLAND Finding items unique to our geography is one trend catching speed.

“We are going back to artisans and local crafts people and designers that make things you can’t find anywhere else,” says Meade. “People aren’t satisfied to shop at big-box stores or order online.”

Squires Ferguson says the trend toward hyper local is capturing people’s cravings for unique experiences. Gone are the days when you could

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“I’D RATHER HAVE REAL OVER CURATED, ANY DAY.” walk into a space and really be “anywhere.”

“We play professional Cupid all the time, matching this artist with this place for this client,” she says. “You can never predict the exact outcome, and that’s what makes it captivating.”

A success in design, for Squires Ferguson, occurs when the space unfolds so that you feel as though you’d know exactly where to go for cutlery or dishes, but it is distinctly your aunt’s kitchen in Victoria.

“Someone once told me, ‘It looks like you took a bucket of your personality and splashed it everywhere.’ That was the highest compliment,” she says. “You’re getting wrapped up in me and my family and who we are — you wouldn’t find this anywhere else.”

CREATING THE FOURTH DIMENSION Squires Ferguson says four-dimensional interiors are going to be a signature move for 2024. That means celebrating the change a space is constantly undergoing.

“Our spaces evolve over time, and we have to embrace that. You let them be filled with toys

Celebrating the way our spaces change over time is a new way of looking at home “trends.” Creating spaces that work for your family today, from guest areas and playrooms to library corners like the one pictured here, is one way to stay abreast of mutating trends and keep your design true to your personality.

JENNY BRANDT/LIVING4MEDIA

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

when you have a toddler; you learn some things are disposable, like curtains,” she says with a laugh.

“Don’t get so committed to a space that you forget to let it grow.”

In the same vein, Meade says he’s never before seen such a shift to honouring heritage and bringing new life to found objects.

“There is a huge switch happening right now that not everything has to be new, and I am loving that,” says Meade. “It isn’t about price — sometimes it’s more expensive — but finding accessories with meaning, collecting from antique stores or uncovering a heritage art piece and reframing it in a contemporary way makes it perfect for today.”

Speaking of change, Meade says the biggest one he sees happening in design right now is a resurgence of colour.

“I’ve been designing for 25 years, and no one was using colour. Canada has played it very safe but, suddenly, people are loving colour,” he says.

“I call it the new neutrals — emerald greens, navies, fall colours — colours that were trending in the ’80s but now with richer tones, mixed with a base of neutrals.”

For those wondering what hues will be in vogue next year, the colour authority Pantone’s Spring 2024 fashion palette offers a clue — it comprises hints of nostalgia with “the desire for personal expression” at the core.

Among the trendy tones is Orangeade (PANTONE 17-1461 TCX), a sweet, mildly tangy red-orange hue with a fruity citrus touch.

“These are things we see people choosing, and why is that?” says Squires Ferguson. “People are gravitating towards things they love, things they are passionate about, things that reflect them. I didn’t have the confidence to say it early in my career, but I do now: that wonderfully weird thing you adore, let’s put that in.”

DREAM KITCHENS REALLY DO COME TRUE

Built for life

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Built for inspired living

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 | WINTER 2023 SIZE: 7.5" X 4.7" (HALF PAGE) PREPARED BY: ECLIPSE CREATIVE INC. @ 250-382-1103

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■ FEATURE HOME

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House of Glass A home’s architecture plays with the balance between light and dark.

BY DANIELLE POPE | PHOTOS BY JODY BECK

A

aron Baird wanted to live in a glass house. As a fervent plant owner working as a software designer, Baird’s wish was to build a home entirely filled with light. He would settle, though, for as many windows as was legally allowable.

That limit, however, would turn out to be lower than expected.

“He wanted a big, glass house for his plants and a rooftop patio, but we immediately had to face city building codes and zoning issues,” says architect Pamela Úbeda, principal of Coast + Beam Architecture, who first saw Baird’s sketches and the examples from Australia that captured his vision.

The short story: You can’t have a glass house.

Homes are allowed minimal glazing on a side yard, due to fire code. The further your home sits from your neighbour’s — typically three to 10 feet — the more windows you can have. With the housing density surrounding Baird’s purchased lot, however, he could expect minimal windows on every neighbouring side. Úbeda came up with a plan.

“We needed to open up that south side, so the plan was to create a courtyard,” she says. “That’s really what created the shape of the house, and that’s how I got Aaron his greenhouse.”

HORSESHOE LUCK The home’s U shape integrates a central garden and courtyard into the space in a way that makes every part of the house feel like it’s inside and outside at once.

With its fishbowl atmosphere, the boundary between public and private is intentionally blurred throughout the space — just how Baird wants it. While the front yard faces a bustling city street, the courtyard provides a protected reprieve, isolated from neighbours.

The balance is more than Baird was bargaining for.

“I honestly didn’t set out to build a house,” he says.

“I lived down the street in a crappy little basement suite and with COVID and everything happening I thought, I wouldn’t mind finding a better place to live.”

When Baird discovered the property for sale on the tree-lined street, its tear-down structure was valued at almost nothing. You could smell mould a mile away, he recalls. But the land was appealing, on the crest of a hill, with oak trees and parks nearby. Baird could picture it.

“I HONESTLY DIDN’T SET OUT TO BUILD A HOUSE ...”

Homeowner Aaron Baird was simply looking for a new place to live when he stumbled upon a property that would turn into his own custom build. The exterior’s Shou Sugi Ban charred siding is finished in a coarser grain than typical — another way this home sets itself apart.

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“I was very ignorant going into this, and it took us a couple of years to get all the permits we needed,” Baird says. “But I’m a young guy, and pretty happy … and the project kept getting bigger.”

That wasn’t the only thing changing for Baird.

Since buying the property and waiting for the build, Baird had noticed some increasing health challenges. What started as a concern about asthma progressed into a breathlessness that left him, at times, unable to climb stairs. With months of medical appointments, he was finally diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension — a disease that would change the course of his life.

Baird talks about the fact that he will need a new pair of lungs the way some people talk about replacing a pair of worn-down shoes. It isn’t that it’s a small deal; it’s that Baird is used to meeting challenges head on.

“It’s kind of funny, actually — I bought a house on the top of a hill and it’s a hill I have a hard time climbing now, but I got an electric scooter so I can get around,” he says. “I didn’t know how my health would change when I bought this house.”

DESIGNING THE FUTURE If only a small compensation, Baird and his design team were able to factor accessibility into the build almost from the beginning. He would have his horseshoe-shaped greenhouse, with accommodations for an elevator and singlefloor living, if required.

Left: The outdoor landscape includes concrete paths that lead from one green space to the next, while creating a consistent feeling with the interior of the house.

Right: The horseshoeshaped courtyard grants this home the windows the homeowner had wished for. It also creates an incredibly private space for Baird to enjoy outdoor space in close proximity to his neighbours.

Ethical, dedicated, reliable REALTOR ®

Every day your Realtor goes to work, for you. vreb.org 32

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Above: The customperforated steel staircase creates an optical illusion while bringing in a coastal blue palette and adding dimension to the space. Interior designer Pamela Billinghurst wanted to create a subtle West Coast theme that spoke to Baird’s love of the outdoors in every feature.

Left: Baird says he spends most of his time in front of the fireplace, with its custom steel surround.

While natural materials took centre stage in this build — including the stone, concrete, wood and steel throughout the house — many of the design decisions were actually made to accommodate Baird’s robust collection of plants.

The large windows, the open-space layout and even strategic shelving took plants into consideration.

“[THE HOMEOWNER] WANTED TO BE ABLE TO WALK STRAIGHT THROUGH, FROM GARDEN TO HOUSE TO GARDEN AGAIN. SO WE DID THINGS LIKE BRING CONCRETE THROUGH THE SPACES, SO HE DIDN’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT SHOES.”

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“Doing this with a life-altering condition meant that much of the design was changed to address his future needs,” says Tim Agar, principal of Horizon Pacific Contracting. “The architecture was really secondary to him. Aaron is a gardener first and a homeowner second, so we needed to find a way to bring the gardens inside. He wanted to be able to walk straight through, from garden to house to garden again. So we did things like bring concrete through the spaces, so he didn’t need to worry about shoes.”

The team also created elevations within the backyard to build “absolute privacy,” says Agar, along with almost 10-foot-high fences so Baird could sit and enjoy his space. The exterior rough-grade Shou Sugi Ban siding, with its blackened, charred appearance, contrasts sharply against the bright space, while tying into the charcoal accents throughout the house.

With 20-foot ceilings, almost floor-to-ceiling glass and a catwalk over the living area, the home is dramatic. A loft-style upper level gives Baird space for hosting family and plenty of room for his senior cat, Khan, to call his domain. A perforated steel staircase brings a knife-edge feel to the space, countered by exposed beams and natural wood throughout the house.

“There are touches of West Coast warmth throughout the house, and it’s very open, even in the shelving,” says interior designer Pamela Billinghurst.

“Most people want to hide their things, but Aaron wanted to show them off. Being able to quickly grab things off a shelf was important to him.”

Above: The countertops are finished in ultracompact stone, aligning with the concrete flooring and creating a soft sheen in the kitchen. The designers debated with Baird on his wish for exposed shelving, ideally setting everything within easy reach. He agreed to a combo approach, allowing some cupboards to hide generaluse items.

Right: The bathroom shows off the exposed shelves Baird prefers, along with a vertical terracotta tile that draws eyes up in this smaller room. The floating toilet and vanity add to the optical illusion of height in this space, with full windows aligning with the indoor/ outdoor experience in the rest of the home.

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DESTINATION NATURE Billinghurst worked with Baird to turn every room into a destination. By adding select bold colours in the bathrooms, bedroom and den, as well as a blue perforated staircase, which also creates shadow play on the walls, the home is lit with personality. Even the front door hints at what’s to come.

“The connection between interior and exterior is so strong, you feel immediately connected to nature in this house,” says Billinghurst. “The library loft upstairs has a space for afternoon reading, naps and playing music, while still feeling like you are outside. And you never need to turn a light on in the day.”

While the home required a driveway for bylaw, Baird doesn’t drive, so the team designed a broken-up pathway with greenery. They also put in a rain garden — a pond covered in foliage — to act as an overflow basin and rainwater collection space that flows downhill to the gardens.

Then, of course, there are the gardens. Baird worked with Erin Renwick of Greenspace Designs to bring the outdoor space to life. Her team brought in pops of colours through a series of lupins, ferns, bushes and wild grasses. Baird later added a few touches himself: sunflowers, berries, grapes and tomato plants, fig trees, peach trees and more.

“I built way too big of a house,” says Baird, with a laugh.

“I spend most of my time just sitting in front of the fireplace on the main floor, or in the backyard. Being able to look out and see green from every angle in the house means a lot to me, especially as things change.”

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The upper-level loft was designed as a space for Baird to find a reprieve, with purpose-built areas for reading, resting and playing guitar.

It’s also a favourite hangout for Baird’s senior cat. The surrounding windows and skylights make it bright and cheery, year round.

RESOURCE LIST Architect: Coast + Beam Architecture Interior designer: Pamela Billinghurst Interior Design Builders and framer: Horizon Pacific Contracting Light fixtures: Amped Electrical Contracting Cabinets and woodwork: CSD Design Doors and hardware: Home Lumber & Building Supplies Roofing: Top Line Roofing Shou Sugi Ban: Warburton Woodworks Concrete work: Vancouver Island Polished Concrete, Horizon Contracting Flooring and tile: Island Floor Centre Kitchen appliances: Trail Appliances Countertops: Colonial Countertops Plumbing fixtures: Watershed Plumbing & Gas Stairs: NightNDay Projects Fireplace: Ark@Home Landscape design: Greenspace Designs Landscaping: Golden Appeal Landscaping

BUSINESS PROFILE

OCEANVOLT SOLAR & EV Leaving your space greener than before

B

est buds Jordan Tucker and Marcus Piercy Downer met on the job when they were first-year electricians. As they are both outdoor enthusiasts they struck up a friendship, and due to that mutual love of nature they noticed how global warming’s effects are being felt around the world, particularly as B.C.’s wildfires continue to increase every year. With this realization they knew they wanted to be a part of the change toward a greener future. As a result, Oceanvolt Solar & EV was created. Starting the company allowed them to prioritize sustainability by offering clean, renewable energy solutions to homeowners who wish to decrease their environmental footprint and increase their energy independence.

There has certainly never been a better time to consider owning an electric vehicle and powering your home with solar, even on often-cloudy Vancouver Island. In 2021, the City of Victoria launched the Solar Rooftop Tool, an online tool for residents to find out how much sun their home receives so they can begin the process of determining if solar panels would be a good fit. Incentives are also currently available and include the Solar – Canada Greener Homes Initiative, wherein

homeowners can receive up to $40,000 in interest-free loans and up to a $5,000 rebate for “going green” with their home energy. On top of that, in B.C., solar panel systems are exempt from provincial sales tax. For electric vehicles, the current incentive is to receive up to a $600 rebate for selected EV chargers.

“We believe in the economical advantages of solar energy, including lowering your utility bill and covering your electric vehicle’s consumption. Our overarching mission is to power spaces on Vancouver Island with reliable, safe and sustainable solar power and electric vehicle charging solutions, accompanied by an exceptional customer

experience from start to finish on every project,” says Jordan.

Due to their extensive knowledge in solar technology and team of expert Red Seal electricians who guarantee each project adheres to the latest safety standards, Oceanvolt Solar & EV has seen an increase in leads, referrals and repeat business.

“We really pride ourselves on the level of craftsmanship that goes into each installation and value the importance of providing the highest quality products for our clients,” says Marcus, “all of which contribute to ensuring the durability of each system over time.”

Contact Oceanvolt Solar & EV for your quote today.

oceanvoltsolarandev.ca | 236-464-2979

Recipe for a Kitchen to Love CLEVER STORAGE, CLEAN LINES, MODERN ADD-ONS IN A VINTAGE SPACE.

H

ow do you keep the chef happy? Simple. Give him a better kitchen.

That’s what a professional couple was thinking when embarking on a renovation of their 1930s Vista Heights bungalow. There were lots of boxes to tick, but “kitchen” was high on the list.

“My husband’s father was a Polish immigrant who was a baker,” the homeowner says, “and my husband has picked up all his dad’s baking recipes. He makes his own bread, bagels and, when he makes homemade soup, he makes his own noodles. He wanted lots of counter space for baking. That was very important to him in the renovation.”

The kitchen they got — thanks to the work of builder Jackson Leidenfrost at HYGGE Design Inc. and the crew at Woodshop 506 — is a sleek, spacious and light-filled room with loads of counter and storage space. It’s also a buffer between the original house and the addition, with flourishes of both: the exposed brick of the old chimney against the bright, open space of the new build.

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BY DAVID LENNAM PHOTOS BY JODY BECK

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Right: Designed with light and space in mind, and featuring a pop of retro colour in the Mitzi pendant lights, the kitchen includes a six-burner Dacor steam range. Look closely at the bespoke fridge pulls from Woodshop 506. Can you find the Fisher & Paykel fridge?

The kitchen is just part of a reno that doubled the size of this 1,300-square-foot home the family has lived in for a dozen years.

The homeowner likes to refer to the addition as “a modern stack on the back of an old house.” The description fits. Rising off the back corner of the original structure is an ultra-modern, head-turning, three-storey box.

The homeowner laughs at the comment some friends made about the project.

“When I told them about what we were doing they said, ‘Oh, you’re doing a mullet house.’

Apparently, it’s like a party in the back.”

The design was inspired by what she saw while living in England — a culture that values the heritage esthetic, but is unafraid to incorporate modern flourishes.

“They keep their old architecture and don’t tear it down, but often meld modern with old buildings.”

The new kitchen retains some of the character of the house, but offers room enough for several cooks. Where some kitchen do-overs end up cramming too much into a tight fit, this one offers a generous four and a half feet of width between the stove and the island.

“It’s so well designed,” says the homeowner. “We have so much storage space. We could never have imagined having it. I give my husband credit. He really thought about the function of the kitchen.”

Functional storage, like this built-in wine cooler, creates an easy bar stop and saves room in the fridge for kitchen essentials.

Left: An aerial view of the home shows off the three-storey “box” attached to the rear of the existing bungalow. With large decks on every side, the dining area (above) sits in the middle of this new configuration, creating a perfect vantage point to enjoy from the kitchen and dining area. The decks create an easy walk-out space to enjoy a cup of coffee or a lounge after dinner.

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THE DESIGN WAS INSPIRED BY BRITISH CULTURE THAT VALUES THE HERITAGE ESTHETIC, BUT IS UNAFRAID TO INCORPORATE MODERN FLOURISHES.

CRE ATING A SPACE THAT IS UNIQUELY YOUR S | ESTABLISHED IN 1980 |

The dark hue of the wall of cupboards contrasts sharply against the engineered flooring and flatcut white oak custom cabinetry. To the right of the exposed brick chimney is a door through to the original house.

The ample island features a Caesarstone quartz countertop that complements the Centura Mallorca backsplash, with its Moroccan-style vertical stack, behind the stove.

Hard-wearing engineered white oak floors match the flat-cut white oak of the custom cabinetry from Woodshop 506 and offer a connection to the oak floors of the existing house.

“We wanted to find something that brought a bit of the old house into the new,” says Leidenfrost. “It blends in nicely, but is still modern and with all the upgrades you’d expect in a new house.”

The kitchen, with its south-facing orientation and abundance of large windows, features a subdued palette and a very Scandinavian flavour. It showcases almost-nine-foot ceilings, but with architecturally interesting cutouts. A dark feature wall of cupboards bookends the facing wall of denim blue/green that invites the eye up two stairs into the spectacular dining room — an extension of the kitchen.

Leidenfrost says, even with the intriguing architecture, the end result was exactly what the homeowner wished for: a big, bright, modern space that blends with the existing house.

“We took a little bit of a different approach with the exterior, going with a very contrasted design on the outside, which I think is very interesting and unique,” he says. “But the big thing we came away with is you can update a space in a very modern way and still have it work with an older house.”

M A C R E N O V AT I O N S DESIGN | BUILD

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LIFE TOGETHER An “impossible” home brings an extended Saanich family together under one unique roof.

BY NESSA PULLMAN | PHOTOS BY JOSHUA LAWRENCE

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L

iving with your in-laws could be the makings of your worst nightmare — or not. With the cost of living at an all-time high, pooling resources with your next of kin isn’t such a bad idea.

For Geri and Frank Van Gyn, the idea of living with their daughter and her growing young family was a solution to an unexpected problem. The couple had purchased a nine-acre farm in the Blenkinsop Valley with dreams of one day building multiple houses for their kids on the land.

After discovering a covenant had been placed on the property due to Agricultural Land Reserve designation, they thought their plans were dashed. The covenant would allow only one singledwelling home to be built. The Van Gyns contacted architect Dennis Moore, of D.H. Moore/Architect, to help them create the impossible.

TWO VISIONS, ONE HOUSE “I needed to design a single-dwelling home for two very different families,” says Moore. “One that allowed each family to feel as if they were separate from one another.”

The result became a partial two-storey structure designed like a letter “H,” with Geri and Frank’s home on one wing, and daughter Jill and her family on the other. A connecting room united the two.

This staggered effect allowed Geri and Frank’s side of the home to face the tranquility of the Galloping Goose Trail, while Jill’s side faced the convenience of the street. The vertical section of the “H” design gave them just enough distance from each other while the horizontal section gave them a connection.

“It was finding the balance between privacy and openness that was the critical challenge in the architecture,” says Moore.

Megan Cortini, interior designer at Velocity Projects, was brought in to help with this complex vision.

TWO GREAT ROOMS

For the fireplace on Geri’s side (left), a Neolith material was used to recreate the look of Corten steel for a cozy, lived-in feel. On Jill’s side (below), a sleek Italian plaster was used to match the range hood in the kitchen. Both living rooms share the striking beam detail in the vaulted ceiling, which was composed of stained and distressed Douglas fir. Both walls on either side of the fireplace are lined with similar large windows.

However, Jill’s window trim is clean and modern while Geri’s is ornate and traditional — each matching their own unique style.

“For the most part, we treated these as two separate clients,” says Cortini.

“Each family had very different needs and goals.”

Jill Van Gyn and her husband, Chris, who are raising a young family, needed a home that would be child friendly, while also creating a fun space for entertaining.

Frank and Geri, on the other hand, were looking for a low-maintenance, tranquil space that would be future-proof as they grew older. Apart from having very different needs, their styles would also prove to be quite different.

“It was a challenge working with the two contrasting styles,” says Cortini, “knowing they would still be under one roof.”

BOLD CONVENIENCE To keep the home unified, the foundation of each side would need to be consistent.

This meant using the same hardwood flooring throughout, along with aligned window structures and ceiling details. However, the interior touches were where each style could shine. Jill was drawn to a whimsical, eclectic and bold design style.

“I love bright colours and funky art,” says Jill. “I wanted my home to feel unexpected.”

To celebrate this, Cortini chose deep-saturated green cabinets, marble countertops and colourful patterned wallpaper to add richness to the space.

To avoid visual overwhelm, however, Cortini balanced the bold accents with modern farmhouse elements that tie in the land surrounding them.

JILL’S KITCHEN

The artwork-inspired tile backsplash easily becomes the focal point in both kitchens. On Jill’s side, she chose a custom-designed mural by local artist Paula Gonzales. Jill opted for quartz countertops and a deep farmhouse sink with open shelving to display her dishes. Both kitchens feature an oversized island with seating, as well as a separate scullery kitchen — Jill’s shown here — to support the family for messier meals.

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“FOR THE MOST PART, WE TREATED THESE AS TWO SEPARATE CLIENTS. EACH FAMILY HAD VERY DIFFERENT NEEDS AND GOALS.”

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A kid’s playroom, cozy reading nook and a separate pantry kitchen for baking are also included within this two-storey side of the home.

On the other side, which was kept single-level for convenience, Geri opted for a more traditional and neutral theme, with Italian accents. Coming from Sidney Island, she and Frank wanted their home to feel bright and spacious while opening up to the views of the garden, pond and swimming pool outside.

“There are places everyone can go to have their own space when needed,” says Jill. “But then there are spaces we can all gather together as one family.”

Even with the barriers of contrasting lifestyles, there’s something to be said about multi-generational living, and how the Van Gyns found a way to make it work just for them.

“With the designated farmland restrictions, it’s clear Saanich wants to continue to influence multi-generational living,” says Moore, “to continue the legacy of farming [and living together] the way our ancestors did it.”

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GERI’S KITCHEN

The kitchens in each side of the home boast parallel features, but are distinctly different. In Geri’s kitchen, the stand-out tile backsplash resembles a classic Monet painting, offsetting the otherwise neutral walls with a gravitational and dramatic dark feature. Geri’s kitchen also has a concrete countertop in an aligned green as well as a stainless steel sink. This side of the house also features exclusively lower cabinets designed with accessibility in mind.

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THE BATHROOMS

On Geri’s side (above), a free-standing green bathtub by Victoria + Albert overlooks the garden while a large walk-in shower gives this main bathroom a spa-like feel. Meanwhile, in Jill’s powder room (right), a vibrant custom wallpaper mural (designed by Paula Gonzales) brings a fresh pop of colour to the space. For the bathroom vanity (below), the designer used a rift-cut white oak cabinet with a V groove for an added flare to this flamboyant space.

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RESOURCE LIST Architect: D.H. Moore Architects Builder: Velocity Projects Designer: Velocity Projects Plumbing: Ensuite Bath & Kitchen Showroom Flooring and tile: Island Floor Centre Countertop: Stone Age Marble Millwork: Thomas Philips Woodworking Concrete countertop: Liquid Stone Studios Mural artist: Paula Gonzales, Phaulet Windows: Loewen Windows Exterior stone: Adera Natural Stone Supply Masonry: Heritage Masonry Painters: Black Dog Painting

CONNECTIONS

Electrical: Amped Electrical Contracting

The only connecting room in the house is used as a multifunction media and guest room. The TV, which has a hidden lift to be tucked away when not in use, is used for family movie nights between the two sides. On Jill’s side, a playroom is located next to the front door for her two young children.

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THIS ROOM

BY DANIELLE POPE

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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR ENTRY

SARAH MACNEIL

TRANSITION ZONES

I

KNOWING YOUR INNER NATURE — AND THAT OF YOUR FAMILY — CAN HELP FIND A DESIGN THAT WORKS FOR EVERYONE.

n the flurry of coming and going, the entryway can be mistaken for a pass-through spot to store a coat, cast off a shoe and thrust a pair of keys.

This transition zone provides a pivotal moment of the home; however, it’s the first impression after opening the door and the last look before walking away.

Whether it’s a grand foyer, a small hallway or even a open-concept space with no distinct separation, the flavour and function of this room sets the tone to your home.

“It’s important to understand where the ‘everyday’ entry is in your home,” says Raubyn Rothschild, lead designer with Rothschild West Design + Planning.

“The door that’s used the most should reinforce the style leading into your home, whether it’s the intended entry, or the one everyone happens to use.”

Rothschild says that when it comes to designing entries, function always wins out over Pinterest-perfect details.

“It’s important to be realistic with your home. You can create a beautiful entry, but if the kids drop their backpacks in front of the cupboard every day, it won’t be used in the way you hope,” she says.

Rothschild leans on a philosophy brought forward by psychology experts: there are pilers and filers. Pilers organize their materials visually, out in the open. Filers, as the name implies, tuck everything away. Rarely are families united on this front. Knowing your inner nature — and that of your family — can help find a design that works for everyone.

“You’re not going to train your kids, or yourself, to open the door and put their stuff in the cupboard, so it’s better to see how you use the space and just work with that,” she says. “Everyone needs a spot to put things as soon as they come in.”

That doesn’t mean abandoning hope, but it might mean saying no to wall-towall storage when the reality is no one will use it. Choosing pull-out drawers or cubbies where a backpack can be easily stowed may be a more realistic solution.

Having “touch down” areas for keys, sunglasses, sunscreen or pet leashes will keep these items in the right spot.

“Quite often,” says Rothschild, “we do a mix of open and closed storage options, so both folks have an intuitive spot and no one is asking where their keys are.”

DASHA ARMSTRONG

FUNCTION OVER FASHION

Function is the winning move for all entryways, like the ones pictured here by Rothschild West Design + Planning. Getting realistic with the need to set aside and stow items (rather than a perfect use of wall cupboard storage) means sometimes cubbies and pull-out shelves are the best choice for a family. Having an inviting sitting area and intuitive spot to throw the keys is a must.

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ACCOUNT FOR ACCESSIBILITY

BRING HOME THE DESIGN The entry should feel like a room unto itself, says Rothschild. No matter the layout, there are strategic ways to make that happen.

When it comes to “zoning” your home, lighting

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Right: Having a rug that fits the entry, rather than just the space required of a doormat, turns this into a zone.

Next page: The way the door opens can have a huge impact on the space, and to that “first look” of the home.

DASHA ARMSTRONG

The entry deserves a level of future proofing, both for needs today and in years to come.

Circulation is important, especially when accessibility is a consideration. To prioritize space, avoid low-hanging items that could become barriers to movement and trade walls of high cupboards for a bench to put on shoes.

“Generally, if we’re doing a renovation, we take the opportunity to widen the corridors,” says Rothschild. “It isn’t always because we’re getting older. I could break my leg at any time and have issues getting around, so we want to make sure we’re reducing barriers.”

Adjusting the way a door opens can also change the accessibility of a room, opening into space rather than into a wall.

Get serious about what really belongs at the entry. Do you need your year’s supply of coats in one closet, or could some be stored? The same goes for shoes.

“Shoes are definitely a thing,” says Rothschild.

“We have so many in my house I’m actually considering turning part of my kitchen pantry into shoes storage. You need a lot of room for shoes.”

DASHA ARMSTRONG

should be a prime consideration. Bringing in as much natural light as possible, like from a glass door, creates first-look appeal. For darker entries, adding wall sconces or a table light that fits the home can support this.

To create a distinct transitional space, use this area to hold larger or bolder items. Instead of a small rug that fits the doorway, choose one that suits the size of the room.

“The entry is setting the stage for the home,” says Rothschild. “There is less pressure here, because you don’t have to sit and stare at any one thing for too long, so you can be bolder.”

Rothschild also loves using this space as an opportunity to showcase a gallery wall, either with art or photos of loved ones.

“It’s such a good excuse to get those longcollected pieces out of storage and onto the walls, and it immediately creates a sense of story about your space,” she says.

If your entry is long and narrow, mirrors will open up the space. Reduce unnecessary furniture to keep this area lean. Hooks should also be placed at eye level to keep the upper walls clear and less imposing. Open-concept spaces do well adding in partitions or laying out furniture to build a boundary. Wall treatments — from art to patterned wallpaper — can add a moment of surprise.

Sometimes, the best choice is to rethink it entirely. Rothschild worked with one client who transformed their space into a “receiving lounge” library to create a moment of privacy.

“We want to think about what that first visual experience is when entering the home, because it sets the tone for everything. You want a pause,” says Rothschild. “It takes a client that’s willing to think outside the box to find solutions that will be perfect for their lifestyle and home.”

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DESIGN INSPO

BY LIAM RAZZELL

The Fifth Wall HOW TO CREATE CEILINGS MADE TO STEAL GLANCES.

W

hat makes the interiors of some buildings more impressive than others? Wall colour, furniture, ornamentation, flooring and lighting likely come to mind. Ceilings, however, are often overlooked.

Uta Nagel, founder and creative director of Victoria-based Uta Nagel Design, says ceilings are, in fact, the forgotten child of the design world.

“Homeowners and designers may not be aware of all the creative possibilities,” says Nagel.

LOOKING UP

ANNE-CATHERINE SCOFFONI/LIVING4MEDIA

There are a few big barriers, she admits. Ceiling renovations are expensive. And, if the work wasn’t front-loaded in the initial design, changing ceilings later on is a complex process. As a result, renovators often opt to use their money to update the more functional and visible parts of their home, like bathrooms, bedrooms and floors.

Ceiling renovations can also alter a home’s structure, so expert advice may be required, which will add costs. DIY aficionados may avoid ceiling renovations because working against gravity can be difficult.

Yet, for many homes, there is pure, untapped potential hanging over our heads, and Nagel is a big promoter that this “fifth wall” offers a chance to transform the entire atmosphere of the space. If you’re open to the possibilities and aren’t deterred by costs or labour, you too can decide what your fifth wall will look like.

GET CREATIVE Above: If you’re ready for bold and want to go with a darker ceiling, plan a paint colour that is two to three shades darker than your walls to have the desired effect. This project, accented with Benjamin Moore’s Black Ink 2127-20, creates a dramatic mood.

Left: This ceiling, designed by Uta Nagel Design, makes use of moulding and millwork to add interest to the space.

When paired with a vaulted ceiling, the effect is spacious and unique.

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STAYING ON TREND

Not every ceiling style will work for you or your home, but here are a few big and small ways you can make an impact.

THE INSPIRATION Make your ceilings pop with colour and texture.

“I draw my inspiration from how I feel when I walk into a room,” says Nagel.

For the easiest transformation, Nagel suggests brushing on a personal flourish of colour to make your ceiling stand out — hello, Michelangelo. Slap up wallpaper to incorporate intricate, hard-to-paint designs.

Lean into luxury with statement lighting.

Choose a new pendant lamp or wall sconces that direct the light up.

Go for a farmhouse vibe by exposing supportive beams and swap drywall for brickwork to make your space look like the urban studios found in Montreal and New York.

Kicking the effort up a notch, let in more sun with skylights. Mimic ceilings of years gone by, or experiment with contemporary designs, using moulding and panelling.

Install tile and millwork to add interest in a variety of styles.

Tray ceilings, featuring a higher central section, domed ceilings, with their circular details, cloistered ceilings, with central arches, and vaulted ceilings, with their elevated heights — the possibilities are endless.

Go Contemporary

Brush up on contemporary design trends. Metal and mirror ceilings are out, according to designer Uta Nagel, whereas warm, wood ceilings are as popular as ever. Tongue-and-groove panelling is trending, and recessed lighting and coloured ceilings are always in vogue.

Use Colour

Consider it carefully.

Painting your ceiling a vibrant green may sound like a great idea in isolation, but be sure the colour suits the surrounding wall colour, furniture, flooring and decorative choices.

Make Space

The common denominator in ceiling success is adding a feeling of space. Raising your ceilings or exposing supportive beams can make your home look and feel bigger.

GETTING WARMER

Wood ceilings and other natural materials automatically add warmth and personality to a space. This Uta Nagel Design ceiling incorporates pot lights and covered beams to offset the natural panelling with dimension.

A TRICK OF THE EYE If you can’t raise your ceilings — or make other dramatic changes — work from below.

Nagel suggests a few interior design hacks that play with scale, perspective and light.

Low furniture will trick your brain into thinking your ceilings are higher than they really are. Installing curtains that hang from ceiling to floor will accentuate a room’s height. Liberal use of mirrors will give you the sensation of additional space.

Ultimately, ceiling renovations should satisfy you, not trends, designers, architects or contractors. Your home is yours and should reflect your interests, passions and personality — and, above all, it should make you feel good.

LIGHT IT UP

This recessed ceiling combines trendy curves with a creative LED strip lighting to bring added illumination to the room. While the ceiling itself is simple, the effect is a powerful way to surprise guests.

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REAL ESTATE

BY SHANNON MONEO

The Winter-Proof Roof

HOW TO KEEP YOUR INVESTMENT SAFE AND DRY.

W

inter often calls the question: How’s that roof holding up?

If a new one is in the forecast, there are plenty of options for a homeowner to consider — asphalt shingles, metal, cedar, concrete, solar or even slate. But will putting on a new roof provide a rock-hard return on investment if the house will be sold in a year or two?

A MATTER OF MATERIAL When the Stemkens family decided to replace the 23-year-old asphalt shingle roof on their Sooke home, Meaghan wanted a metal roof.

“It looks nicer, it lasts longer,” she says.

As a self-described “do-it-now” person, if Meaghan had her way, it would have been done immediately.

“If you know you’ll live in your house for a lifetime, go with the metal,” she says.

But after her father Keith got a quote for about $10,000 for a new asphalt shingle roof, versus more than $20,000 for a metal roof, Keith opted for asphalt.

“He considered metal, but he’s cheap,” Meaghan says with a laugh.

But was Keith also being practical?

Today’s asphalt roofs can last up to 30 years if well-maintained, and they are a reasonable choice for the West Coast climate. Fibreglass asphalt (also known as composite) roofs are a cut above, says Martin

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A new roof is one of the top five most pricy home repairs; replacing a roof on a large home can easily cost over $30,000. To get the best return on investment, the homeowner has to consider a few things. How long will they stay in the home, and what are they willing to spend?

Kent, owner and lead inspector at Fairhome Building Inspections. Composite roofs can last around 40 years, withstand West Coast weather better than asphalt alone, and are less expensive than metal.

“I’ve seen everything from immaculate [roofs], which you rarely see, to the worst you can imagine,” Kent says.

THE LIMIT ON LIFETIME Quite often while doing inspections, Kent encounters old roofs that really need to be replaced or sellers who claim their roof is newer than it is. But Kent can tell just by eyeballing the home’s cap. Asphalt shingles, for example, become brittle, curl or go missing over time, or moss starts to embrace the roof.

The two most common questions he gets from buyers who go for home inspections are: Does the roof leak? And how long will it last? He usually provides a ballpark answer.

Shingles guaranteed for 20 years may last for 25. If the roof wasn’t kept moss-free, however, its life is shortened.

The roof is central to the home’s investment, and once water makes its way into an attic or living space, problems follow — like mould.

A new roof is, however, one of the top five most pricy home repairs, vying against foundation fixes. Replacing a roof on a large home can easily cost over $30,000. To get the best return on investment, the homeowner has to consider a few things. How long will they stay in the home, and what are they willing to spend? Should they drop $20,000 on a bathroom renovation or the same amount on a new roof?

The bad news: the ROI won’t be 100 per cent. You can expect a 60 to 70 per cent return, however, which ranks similar to a bathroom reno, and is more crucial to a home’s health.

KEEPING UP APPEARANCES Jason Leslie has been selling homes in Greater Victoria for over two decades and he advises would-be sellers not to delay roof repairs.

“First impressions of a house usually include a visual of the roof and buyers are always excited to see a new roof,” says Leslie, a Realtor with RE/MAX Generation. “As for return on investment, I feel it is a high return.

A newer roof always makes a house easier to sell.”

Most buyers want information about the roof, as do insurance providers, he says.

“It is a critical component of the house and protects you and your property from the elements,” he says.

Like most home improvements, the cost will likely never drop.

“It would be a wise investment. I don’t think I have ever experienced the cost of roofing going down over the years,” says Leslie. “The

sooner the better and, as an owner, it is nice to get some enjoyment from updating.”

Regarding different roof types, asphalt shingles are generally the cheapest, costing about $5 per square foot for materials.

Aluminum can cost about $12 per square foot; wood shingles, $15 per square foot; clay tile, $18 per square foot; concrete tile, $20 per square foot; metal, $20 per square foot; solar shingles, $25 per square foot; slate tiles, around $30 per square foot; green roofs, $30 per square foot. But these are estimates.

THE FINAL BREAKDOWN A roof’s complexity, size, prep work and labour costs can radically change the

numbers. Kent points out that metal roofs can be noisy when it rains, with the drops reverberating throughout the house. Cedar shakes or shingles are not ideal for damp climates and are a fire hazard. Clay is great in hot climates, but also where salty air circulates. Concrete is durable and withstands strong winds.

Leslie also recommends homeowners understand the many roofing choices at their disposal, especially for curb appeal.

“With so many styles and colours available to choose from today, it is important to educate clients and ensure they pick something that complements the style and colour of their home,” he says.

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FINISHING TOUCH STEEL PLATE TRANSFORMS A LIVING ROOM FIREPLACE INTO A DRAMATIC FEATURE WALL.

JODY BECK

Forging Ahead

T

here are moments in architecture that force someone to pause and marvel when they walk into a room. Seaside vistas, grand staircases and, sometimes, a metal feature wall that acts as one part fireplace surround, one part sculpture.

This dramatic custom surround is forged in steel plate by Jake James, an artist and blacksmith located in Metchosin. He is rising as one of the Island’s — and Canada’s — premiere metal workers. James has created an industry out of forging unique and custom works and sculptures.

“Visually, this piece is quite aggressive

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looking, but, when you touch it, all the edges are hammered and sanded and finished with wax, so it’s softened,” says James. “You’re not going to walk by this in the middle of the night and tear holes in your clothes.”

From large architectural commissions like this feature wall to small and personal sculptural works, James has a vision to create an experience with forged metal that holds true to the rich heritage of the craft, while exploring concepts and themes that add personal flavours and a sense of connection to a project that, as he says, “goes beyond surface adornment.”

The fireplace surround was completed as a collaboration with NZ Builders, and the oversized metal is separated into two panels, both on hinges so they can easily swing out if the fireplace should ever need maintenance. It also connects to other forged steel in the house as well, like a nearby aligned stair railing.

“Many people underestimate how visually dominant steel is — it sucks light in. In a house that feels sterile, it actually brings in humanity and movement, or else there is no break in the space, which feels relentless on the eye,” says James.

“With this fireplace, you experience visual motion wherever you stand.”

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