SP-Living Spaces Spring 2019_March 13

LIVING

SPACES FA L L / W S PI N R ITNEG R 2019 8

LOTTO LUXURY Escala

takes luxury to a new level From paradise lost:

LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION The quest for the

PERFECT CLOSET

CONNECT WITH THE PROS

at HomeStyles 2019 1

liVinG SPACES

Grand prize show home goes Midcentury Modern

SOLAIR

Arbutus reveals plans for solar-powered community

CHALK IT UP! IN THE KITCHEN with City Perks

CENTENNIAL KITCHEN AND BATH

THE ESSENTIAL

BATHROOM

RENOVATION

CALL OR VISIT OUR NEW SHOWROOM FOR MORE DETAILS! 2630 MILLAR AVE 306-665-5366

5-DAY COMPLETE BATHROOM RENOVATION FOR ONLY $10,995!

0% FINANCING AVAILABLE Includes: Design consultation, demolition, drywall repair, permits, installation of new fixtures, faucets, lighting, vanity & mirror, dual flush toilet, flooring paint and 2 year warranty. www.centennialkitchenandbath.com 2

LIVING SPACES

presents VISIT OUR SHOWHOME AT #2 - 315 OLSON LANE WEST

H

L

M

N

A SECURE FENCED & GATED COMMUNITY OF 28 BUNGALOW UNITS • modeled after our award winning Rosewood Estates project • floorplans can be customized • double attached 24’ deep garages • 24’ deep concrete driveways • attached rear decks • fully landscaped

W E

www.boychukhomes.com Office 306-374-3939 boychuk.info@sasktel.net 3

LIVING SPACES

Bill Yano 306-850-9745 boychuk.bill@sasktel.net

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SPRING 2019 features 6

12 14 16 18 26

vIsIonarIes Escala takes luxury to a new level Connect with the pros at HomeStyles 2019 shoW hoMe spoTLIGhT The 105 has your number!

Get growing at Gardenscape froM paradIse LosT Landscape transformation starts with a plan LIvInG CoLoUr Enhance your landscape with native plants

40 24

28 Career paTh Creating opportunities for women in construction trades 34 Sweet dreams are made of this

departments

design & renovation

32 ask an eXperT: Maison Design + Build

11 Rethink your kitchen layout 20 Living Coral emerges as 2019’s hot hue 24 The quest for the perfect closet 30 paInT LIke a pro How to choose the right paint for the job 33 Freestanding tubs have their advantages 38 Add rays of sunshine to your home 4

liVinG SPACES

10 ask an eXperT: Jacquie Chilliak, Century 21 Fusion

36 ask an eXperT: Fresco Interiors Design Group

food & entertaining 40 In The kITChen: Chef David Hamilton of Trail Appliances

14

email: jarmstrong@postmedia.com

eDITOR

LIVING

Jeannie Armstrong

SPACES

ART DIRecTIOn lesley Cockburn

FA L L / W S PI N R ITNEG R 2019 8

LOTTO LUXURY Escala

takes luxury to a new level

20 18

From paradise lost:

LANDSCAPE TRANSFORMATION The quest for the

PERFECT CLOSET

liVinG SPACES

SOLAIR

Arbutus reveals plans for solar-powered community

CHALK IT UP! IN THE KITCHEN with City Perks

CONNECT WITH THE PROS

at HomeStyles 2019 1

LIVING SPACES

to reserve your advertising space in the upcoming edition of living Spaces, contact: Mark hamilton tel: (306) 657-6415 mhamilton@postmedia. com

38 5

Grand prize show home goes Midcentury Modern

PhOTOGRAPhY elaine Mark Jeff lyons

cOnTRIBUTInG WRITeRS

Jeannie Armstrong D. Grant Black tom eremondi Jesse Green Jonathan Hamelin elizabeth ireland Jennifer Jacoby-smith Hilary Klassen patricia Dawn Robertson Carol todd

PUBLISheR

the starphoenix

M E S SA G E F R O M T H E E D I T O R

S

pring is the season to refresh and renew your surroundings. Inspiration abounds in this edition of Living Spaces, from landscape transformation, to planning the perfect closet, to exploring the latest colour trends. Sneak a peek at Saskatoon’s newest luxury condo project: The Escala. And join us In the Kitchen as Trail Appliances’ resident chef, David Hamilton, shares some tasty recipes. Enjoy!

V I S I O N AR I E S

Escala TAKES LUXURY TO A

NEW LEVEL

BY D. GRANT BLACK

S

askatoon’s Meridian Development plans to build an understated, luxury condo project on University Drive — and keep long-time Nutana neighbours happy at the same time.

Escala, a seven-storey structure located on University Drive within a block of the

6

liVinG SPACES

Broadway District, features 45 two- and threebedroom luxury homes (City Homes and Sky Estates) that range from 1,100 to 2,700 sq. ft.

“You can walk to Broadway but you’re still in that wonderful character neighbourhood, which is one of the best residential neighbourhoods in the city,” says Colleen Wilson, director of legal affairs for the development company that she started with

Karl Miller in 2004.

Meridian Development, a residential and commercial developer, is a subsidiary of MidWest Group of Companies owned by Colleen Wilson’s husband, Ken Achs.

Meridian’s residential portfolio includes Aria Condos in Evergreen, LUXE luxury condos on Broadway, The King George condos downtown and The Hideaway, an Arts

Escala is designed to take full advantage of spectacular river and city views.

Meridian Development elevates luxury living at Escala, a sophisticated new residence to be located on University Drive.

& Craft, detached-housing community on 11th Street in Nutana.

“Ken and I travel a lot and we’re always looking for new ideas and new things,” says Wilson. She says many Saskatonians travel extensively where they see innovative real estate projects they’d like to see introduced into the Saskatoon market.

“So we felt that there was a need for something in Saskatoon that took luxury to a new level.”

Wilson says when Meridian built LUXE a few years ago, it featured the highest priced condo in the city to date at that time (over $1 million).

“We decided that we’d raise the bar a little bit more. We’d always been looking for a beautiful riverbank location with the amenities of the Broadway District,” says Wilson. “This was important for us and for the clientele that we know will want to buy there.”

The streetfront two-storey City Homes come with their own front yards and private entranceways, just like a brownstone townhouse in New York City.

When the opportunity came up to purchase the property Faith Alive church sits on, they knew this was the perfect location.

“My husband, Ken, was approached by the Faith Alive church people who told him they wanted to sell their church and move elsewhere,” says Wilson. “Ken recognized this great residential opportunity for something nice.”

Meridian is currently building the Faith Alive congregation a larger church and a school on a property south of the city with lots of parking.

Vancouver’s Wensley Architecture worked with Meridian to design Escala. “The way

that Ken, Karl and I work is that we may be a headache for some architects but we know what we want and they have to see our vision.

We’re not the type of developers that say ‘here’s a piece of land, draw something for us.’”

Wilson describes Escala as more of a “boutiquey project” since it’s “not umpteen storeys high.” She says the City of Saskatoon didn’t want a tall structure built there.

“We like to bring value and enhance a neighbourhood when we go into it and build.

We think our record speaks for itself,” says Wilson. “We wanted to bring that property to a level that was the best possible use for it — while still in keeping with the neighbourhood.” spring 2019

7

Three different types of homes are available at Escala: City Homes, Sky Estates and Penthouses. Residences are generously sized, ranging from 1,100 to 2,700 square feet.

Wilson says it was really important in the design that when pedestrians navigate University Drive, it shouldn’t feel like there was interruption in the ‘residential flow.’

“We wanted people to continue to enjoy the residential experience of walking their dogs down the street and walking past homes with yards. So we’ll build the whole base of the building with what we call our ‘City Homes.’”

City Homes will be two storeys with their own front yard and a private entranceway, just like a brownstone townhouse in New York City. The two-storey units will feature exterior crown mouldings that emulate the heritage character of University Drive.

The short tower above the City Homes was stepped back so that it’s not an imposing, straight structure. Instead of a rectangular shape, Escala features curving edges to create an organic aesthetic that mimics the flow of the river.

Floor-to-ceiling windows are a prominent architectural feature of the project. Wilson says large windows are a common theme in all of Meridian’s residential projects.

“No matter what price point you’re in, we Vancouver’s Wensley Architecture collaborated with Meridian Development on Escala’s design. The building’s design is inspired by architectural marvels from around the world, as well as the neighbourhood’s own rich heritage.

RENDERINGS COURTESY OF MERIDIAN DEVELOPMENT

8

liVinG SPACES

like to give people good windows and nice open kitchens. But obviously with Escala, we can take it to the next level,” says Wilson.

Some units in the sunlit residence will offer river views while other buyers can opt for city views of Nutana and the Broadway District.

“We didn’t want Escala to be some big box sitting in the neighbourhood,” says Wilson.

There were even light impact studies to make sure the building won’t cast shadows on the houses below on Saskatchewan Crescent East.

“Most developers build square boxes because they’re the cheapest. Escala will

be expensive to build but it’s going to be a beautiful asset to the neighbourhood.”

Wilson says there are always some neighbourhood people who are resistant to change and who were initially opposed to the new development.

“But once they viewed the rendered drawings of Escala, some of those same people came back for the pre-sale event and bought units,” she says with a laugh. “So I think we’ve won the neighbourhood over.”

Escala units start at $500,000. To learn more about the project, visit www.liveescala.ca.

Custom Homes and Interior Design | Large Scale Renovations

10 Time Customer Choice Award Recipient Inspired by you, Westridge Homes represents timeless design, luxurious appeal and impeccable craftsmanship. With our dedication to detail and value, our homes are built to the same expectations we would have when building our own.

2019 Winner Customer Choice Award

27th Annual Housing Excellence Awards - Saskatoon & Region

Best Whole House Renovation of the Year

27th Annual Housing Excellence Awards - Saskatoon & Region

Westridge Homes Saskatoon 306.652.9974 homes@westridge.ca

westridgehomes.ca

JACQUeline CHilliAK CENTURY 21 FUSION

Real Estate

(306) 222-7211 jacquelinechilliak@gmail.com www.saskatoonfinehomes.com

how to prepare your home for sale and impress potential buyers

We are planning to sell our home and are wondering what we can do to ensure our property stands out from other listings on the market?

There are many factors that impact how quickly a home sells: price, condition, time of year, personal motivation and location. Quite often though, a sale is determined by the kind of impression your home has left with prospective buyers.

Here are some helpful hints that will set your home apart from the others.

1. Consult with a professional REALTOR® prior to beginning to prepare your home for sale. They can give you helpful advice on what upgrades may be required to give you a good return per dollar invested. They can also help you determine a realistic asking price, factoring in the improvements you plan to make.

2. Complete the upgrades to your home before having that “For Sale” sign installed. Preparing your home can take time and delays can impact the number of homes you may be competing against.

3. Maximizing street appeal is key to making an initial first impression. Make your home shine from the outside in. To spring clean the exterior, be sure to: - Wash your windows.

- Dispose of any pet excrement left behind during the winter.

- Power rake and thoroughly water your lawn.

- Sweep and rinse away any sand, gravel or debris from your driveway and garage.

- Take down Christmas lights.

- Remove debris from flower beds and plant some colourful flowers.

- Ensure eavestroughs and downspouts are clean and in good condition.

4. Once the outside is shining, move inside: - De-clutter your home and remove excess personal photographs and items of value.

- Make the bathrooms and kitchen sparkle. Wash grimy cabinets, fixtures and mirrors.

- Fix leaky faucets. Replace burnt-out or dim light bulbs with regular bulbs for maximum luminance.

- Empty out full closets and storage spaces.

- Re-arrange furniture for an open, bright feel and easy flow between rooms.

- Wash windows, blinds and light fixtures.

- Store pet food in airtight containers, empty litter boxes daily and clean pet blankets, baskets and kennels regularly.

5. List your home with a REALTOR® on MLS®. They are trained to provide advice to buyers and deal with buyer objections. Remember, the first impression of your home is often the lasting impression. If a buyer’s agent is impressed, their clients will be too, resulting in a quicker sale and higher price for your home.

For more information on preparing your home for sale or for a professional market evaluation, call or email Jacqueline Chilliak. She’s happy to help and has 25 years of experience as an award-winning REALTOR®.

10

liVinG SPACES

BUYING OR SELLING?

Buy or Sell with me* and receive 1000 AIR MILES®

Call JACQUIE at 306.222-7211 to schedule your

FREE

MARKET EVALUATION*

?

Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale or buyers under contract. *Some conditions apply.

Independently Owned and Operated. ® ™ Trademarks owned by Century 21 Real Estate LLC used under license or authorized sub-license. © 2018 Century 21 Canada Limited Partnership, CENTURY 21 Fusion. ®™ Trademarks of AM Royalties Limited Partnership used under license by LoyaltyOne and Century 21 Fusion Realty Inc. * Some conditions may apply with the issuing of AIR MILES® Reward Miles -- please contact Jacqueline Chilliak - REALTOR® for more information on this rewards program.

neighb RENDE DEVEL

Rethink your kitchen layout

T

he kitchen isn’t just for cooking. It also is a gathering place for conversation, homework and family time. With so much time spent in this heart of the home, new trends in kitchen layouts are emerging to maximize the comfort and efficiency of these rooms.

Communal zones

seating can fit a number of people comfortably and provides a sensible and casual dining spot solution.

Family table When was the last time you served a meal in a formal dining room?

Today’s kitchens have evolved to accommodate meal prep and dining. A large family table in the center of the kitchen brings people together to get more involved with food, according to San Francisco designer David Kensington.

Today’s floor plans make kitchens the focal point of a home. Food prep also is no longer a solitary task.

Thanks to larger kitchen footprints and multiple zones set up for meal Kitchens are the hub of the household, and modern design Work zone trends cater to a growing need for a multipurpose space. creation, a greater number of people Photo: Getty Images Many families like to have an area can hang out in the kitchen and help of the kitchen set up as a tech zone with meals. You’ll find multiple sinks, large banquette seating in a cozy nook. This where kids can do their homework and islands and more counter space are key design is a practical use of space, and can fit even parents can do some work, such as components of modern kitchen layouts. in large and small kitchens alike. It also can paying bills. Setting aside an area of counter give a kitchen a high-end look, as built-in space as a small desk area can be a great banquettes can highlight a bay window or idea. And consider opting for a countertop Dining nooks Kitchen designs are bringing back seem custom-made for the space. Banquette with wireless charging areas. (MNS)

@KitchenandBathSaskatoon @kbcsaskatoon

spring 2019

11

Learn more about Saskatoon’s newest neighbourhoods at HomeStyles.

SP file photo

At HomeStyles, you can learn about the latest home design trends and new smart home technologies. SP file photo

Connect with the pros at

HomeStyles 2019

By Jeannie Armstrong

W

hen thinking of building a new home or renovating your existing property, knowing who to hire for the job is of vital importance. A poorly informed decision could cost you thousands of dollars and years of dissatisfaction with the end result.

HomeStyles 2019 is a mammoth fourday trade show that connects you to the city’s leading Certified Professional Home Builders and renovators, taking place March 21 to 24 at Saskatoon Prairieland Park. The show, now in its 39th year, is a presentation of the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA).

More than 300 exhibitors will participate in HomeStyles this year, offering expert advice and product displays on every aspect of home building, design and renovation.

“We receive a lot of calls from people who want to buy or renovate a home. There’s so much information out there, they have no idea where to start,” says Jennifer Lamontagne, SRHBA Director of Business Development.

Finding a contractor whose personality and philosophy is the right fit will help ensure your satisfaction, says Lamontagne.

“The person you hire will be in your home, and part of your life, for a significant length of time. It’s important to select the right person. HomeStyles is a great way to meet prospective contractors face-to-face, without feeling obligated or intimidated. And, instead of spending a lot of time driving around the

12

LIVING SPACES

city visiting different showrooms and offices, HomeStyles allows you to meet with a whole bunch of professionals all under one roof.”

Every new home builder you meet at HomeStyles 2019 is a Certified Professional Home Builder and is registered with a third party new home warranty program, which is something people often don’t realize isn’t a legal requirement for all builders in Saskatoon, says Lamontagne. “That translates into higher quality, adherence to safety and a code of ethics, and increased consumer confidence.”

You’ll be even more in the know when you take in interesting presentations from local experts at the HomeStyles Main Stage, sponsored by the Saskatoon StarPhoenix.

All speakers are professional members of the SRHBA, and topics include the latest home design trends, the newest in smart home technology, adapting your home for accessibility, and the steps to follow for a successful renovation. “It’s important that people make the best choice possible for their investment and one way we can help with that is through education. Each presentation will be helpful and informative; they’re not sales pitches,” says Lamontagne.

The Outdoor Living Hall is a brand new feature at HomeStyles, showcasing fresh ways to make the most of your back yard. Watch for trendy displays of outdoor furnishings, barbecues, garden sheds, garages, fencing and hardscaping materials. “You’ll feel like you’re in a series of different back yards and parks,

so you can really picture what it will feel like to incorporate these things into your own back yard,” says Lamontagne.

There’s no better place to entertain than on your patio. “In the Outdoor Living Hall, we’ve partnered with Co-op Wine Spirits Beer to offer presentations on backyard entertaining, including how to mix up some refreshing summer cocktails, suggestions for stocking your bar as well as expert tips for great grilling,” says Lamontagne.

‘Style’ continues to be a big element of the HomeStyles show. The Market, a boutique shopping experience, continues to expand, moving into Hall B this year. Shop to your heart’s content for one-of-a-kind items for your home, your family and yourself – from handmade soaps and lotions to specialty food items.

The Maker Movement has never been stronger, as people of all ages embrace handcrafts and artisan products. HomeStyles turns the spotlight on this movement in a number of ways. “The Market will feature many artisan products, including unique, high end works to decorate your home. There will also be demonstrations by local artisans,” says Lamontagne.

The Saskatchewan Craft Council returns to HomeStyles by popular demand, creating inspiring vignettes of handcrafts by local artists. “You can come and interact with some of the artists and discover ways to make each room of your home unique,” says Lamontagne.

HomeStyles is fun for the entire family!

Sunday is Family Day, with an exciting lineup of entertainment and activities. SP file photo

At the new Workshop Stage in Hall B, you can join the Maker Movement and create a crafty project to take home. A variety of different workshops will be offered, including sign making, painting on canvas and terrarium planting.

The art of food is the focus of the new Kitchen Stage located in Halls D and E. Chefs from The Local Kitchen will take the stage, offering cooking classes for every member of the family.

Each day at HomeStyles has its own unique highlights, promotions and prizes. Rawlco Radio will be on location Friday, Saturday and Sunday at HomeStyles with its Mad

Money Machine – a chance to win some cool cash and other amazing prizes!

Thursday is Industry Day. “If you’re working in the residential construction industry, Thursday is a good time to connect with other people in the industry and take advantage of a special admission discount,” says Lamontagne.

Sunday is “Family Day”, featuring magician Danny Kazam, who will perform two shows on Sunday. Go online to see the complete line-up of Family Day activities!

There’s so much to see, do and enjoy, you’ll want to take advantage of the new four-day pass, offering unlimited admission each and every day of HomeStyles. “There will be so many awesome things to experience at HomeStyles, it’s likely people will want to come back to the show more than once. The all-access pass gives them the opportunity to do so for a huge discount,” says Lamontagne.

Another way that the SRHBA is making HomeStyles more accessible is by extending free admission to teenagers. Young people, ages 17 and under, will be admitted free with a parent. “Children have a big influence on the way we enjoy our homes. We want to make HomeStyles accessible to the whole

Planning a home renovation or new home build? HomeStyles is a great way to meet with Certified Professional Home Builders and professional renovators, all under one roof. SP file photo

family,” says Lamontagne.

HomeStyles opens Thursday, March 21 from 3:00 to 9:00 p.m.; Friday, March 22 from 1 to 9 p.m.; Saturday, March 23 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Sunday, March 24 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $12.50 for adults at the door or $12 online in advance. The four-day pass is $20.00 and is available online only at homestylesonline.com, and only until Sunday, March 17.

To plan your visit to HomeStyles, check out the schedule of events and exhibitors’ list at homestylesonline.com. The latest details will also be posted on Facebook and Instagram (@homestyleshomeshow).

spring 2019

13

S H OW H O M E S P O T L I G H T

Three different show suites are open for viewing at The 105, where you can explore the variety of layouts, sizes and style choices.

Photo: elaine Mark/d&M iMageS

105

the has your number!

BY JEANNIE ARMSTRONG

A

t The 105 in Stonebridge, the choice is all yours. The stylish new condominium project from North Ridge Development Corporation is designed to suit every lifestyle and budget, with 14 different suite options, ranging in size from approximately 750 to 1,328 square feet. Floor plans include one-bedroom, one-bedroomplus-den and two-bedroom units.

Featuring modern architectural styling and a dramatic exterior, The 105 stands out at 105 Willis Crescent, adjacent to one of Stonebridge’s most beautiful green spaces: Peter Zakreski Park.

“At The 105, there’s a floor plan for every lifestyle, with choices in square footage, bedroom options and den options,” says North Ridge sales consultant Roxanne Archer. “With so many floor plans and décor packages to

14

liVinG SPACES

choose from, each suite at The 105 is going to be unique.”

Three different show suites are open for viewing at The 105, offering insight into the variety of layouts, sizes and style choices.

Acclaimed designer Edie Riekman helped the North Ridge team create an array of colour and décor boards for The 105, harmonizing the latest shades, textures and finishes.

A number of suites for sale at The 105 are move-in ready. In fact, the first group of buyers have already taken possession of their new homes. Other suites are at drywall stage, giving home buyers the option to further personalize their residences by mixing and matching options within the four colour boards or making their own choices with North Ridge’s local suppliers.

The feedback from those who have already toured The 105 has been very positive,

says North Ridge sales consultant Richard Orenchuk. “They comment on how bright and spacious each unit feels. The windows in each suite are huge, taking advantage of the awesome views of the park and courtyard area.”

The 105 also stands out for its quality of construction and attention to detail.

“People remark on how quiet, well-built and structurally sound The 105 is,” says Archer.

North Ridge’s advanced building technologies drastically reduce sound transmission between units. Triple pane windows and an external building wrap of 1.5 inches of Styrofoam increase comfort and soundproofing from the outside world. The heating and cooling system is the most energy efficient system North Ridge has installed to-date in any of their condominium projects, with the biggest energy savings coming from high-efficiency

The 105 in Stonebridge stands out for its modern architectural style and dramatic exterior, overlooking one of the neighbourhood’s most beautiful parks. Supplied photo

A number of suites offer awesome views of the park and courtyard. supplied photo

boilers and an ERV system for fresh air supply.

A full complement of lifestyle-enhancing amenities has been designed into The 105.

The 105 Lounge is a welcoming amenities room featuring a big screen TV, honour library and billiards area. It adjoins an outdoor patio, complete with barbecues, patio heaters and comfy seating.

“People are really excited about the amenities room and the sense of community it helps create in the building. Even though you’ve downsized, you still have a great space where you can host larger gatherings,” says Archer.

The 105 also features underground secure heated parking with individual enclosed storage rooms, an on-site fitness studio and a convenient guest suite.

“Having a guest suite is such a selling feature, especially for people who are downsizing from a large family home to a condo,” says North Ridge sales consultant Valerie Hertz. “You can

enjoy the convenience of condo living, and book the guest suite when your kids come to visit.”

The Stonebridge location is also attracting buyers to The 105. Hertz says, “People love Stonebridge. There’s such great accessibility – to downtown, the university and other areas of the city.” She adds that The 105 is ideally positioned within Stonebridge, close to the main traffic arteries, yet situated on a quiet crescent next to the park.

The adjacency to the park also appeals to pet owners, says Orenchuk, noting that The 105 is a pet-friendly development that welcomes cats and small dogs.

When it comes to pricing, you’ll find The 105 has your ideal number. Units are priced from around $170,000 to $400,000, making it easy to select a condo that reflects both your lifestyle and your budget. Every suite at The 105 includes North Ridge’s Comprehensive Customer Care Warranty Program. This proactive approach to customer service earned North Ridge Avid Gold Award – Multi Family for Highest Customer Ratings in Saskatchewan in 2018, as well as the Customer Choice Award for Multi-Family Builder at the 27th Housing Excellence Awards presented by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association.

To experience The 105 in Stonebridge for yourself, visit all three show suites at 105 Willis Crescent. Viewing hours are Monday to Thursday from 4 to 7 p.m.; Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 1 to 5 p.m. For complete details, visit www.the105.ca.

From the moment you step into The 105’s inviting hotel-style lobby, you’ll be impressed. Amenities also include The 105 Lounge, designed for entertaining with a big screen TV, billiards area and kitchen/ dining area. It adjoins an outdoor patio and barbecue area. Photo: Elaine Mark/D&M Images

The 105 is designed to suit every lifestyle and budget, with 14 different suite options. supplied photo

Among the popular amenities at The 105 is the guest suite, which residents can book when family and friends come to visit. supplied photo

THIS STORY WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION ON BEHALF OF NORTH RIDGE DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION. spring 2019

15

g

6

Get growing at

Gardenscape annual garden show turns 30!

BY JENNIFER JACOBY-SMITH

L

ike spotting the first blossoms poking through the dirt or hearing the song of a robin in your back yard, the Saskatchewan Blue Cross Gardenscape heralds the return of spring in Saskatoon. This year the show takes place March 29 to 31, at Prairieland Park.

And Gardenscape celebrates 30 years this year! That’s 30 years of blossoms, learning, and exploring the latest trends in making our outdoor spaces usable and beautiful.

“Obviously over 30 years things have changed a lot,” says Susan Kuzma, manager of special events at Prairieland Park. “There’s just so much more that people can do with their outdoor living space.”

Each year the show grows with new businesses and vendors at the trade show and market place. It’s a great place to get ideas or find a professional who can make your plans reality.

This year, the Speaker’s Theatre offers talks on a variety of different subjects – including the University of Saskatchewan’s Jackie Bantle chatting about the 2019 Plant of the Year: the geranium. This impactful annual flower is very popular in Saskatchewan and features a dark horseshoe-shape on the leaves. The small flowers grow in bunches and come in many colours. Geraniums also make good houseplants.

Also at the Speaker’s Theatre, Sara Williams will give a two-hour presentation on the principles of xeriscaping – or low water and

16

liVinG SPACES

This year Gardenscape turns 30! That’s 30 years of bulbs, sod, trees, and so much more to see and do at Prairieland Park. PHOTOS COURTESY OF PRAIRIELAND PARK

low maintenance gardening. The longer length of the session will allow for more indepth information to be shared. Other topics include, “Saving pollinators one garden at a time”, “Birds in Real Danger”, and “Layer your perennial garden and enjoy blooms throughout the season”.

The University of Saskatchewan Plant Sciences and Master Gardener Program will also showcase how to tackle some common problems in backyard gardening in Gardening 101 in Hall C. “It’s important to ensure that each one of our generations has the knowledge to be able to provide or produce their own gardens,

whether it’s in small spaces and containers or whether it’s in a large gardening plot,” explains Kuzma. “I think that there’s no question that young people are wanting to get back into growing their own vegetables and knowing where their food is coming from.”

The How-To demonstration stage is also back this year to showcase industry experts as they demonstrate skills and knowledge you’ll need for your projects this year.

Of course, the feature display gardens are everyone’s favourite. The feature display gardens are designed and built by professional landscape artists. They will showcase 1,500 spring bulbs (grown right on site), plus over

Each year Gardenscape features professionally created display gardens featuring the plant of the year, which this year is the geranium.

300 trees and shrubs forced in preparation for the show.

“You walk into the show and you know that spring is coming,” says Kuzma. “You can smell the bulbs and you can see the green grass.”

There’s more to the show than just tulip bulbs and patio blocks. Each year show organizers ensure there’s an amazing assortment of good eats for show-goers.

There are all the Saskatoon berry treats you can think of, not to mention assorted pies and sundaes at the café and bistro.

As far as entertainment goes, show organizers have brought back the President’s Choice Super Dogs to make it truly fun for the whole family. This year the dogs are going country in a honky-tonk show called Wild, Wild, Woof! Presentations will take place several times a day. The Super Dogs will have you smiling and wondering if your fourlegged family members could learn a new

Starting in October, the crew at Prairieland Park is busy planting over 1,500 bulbs which are later forced into bloom. As well, over 300 trees are also forced in a greenhouse so they will leaf out in time for the show.

trick or two. Make sure to stay for the Pat ‘n’ Chat after each show where kids and adults alike can meet the canine stars.

As well, the annual GardenScapes Art Show and Sale features original art by local artists on the theme of florals and landscapes.

Daily admission is $12.50. Two-day admission is $18. And three-day admission is $26. Those 15 years and under are free. The show opens at 11 a.m. on Friday, March 29 and closes at 9 p.m. Saturday hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and on Sunday the show is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

As always, plant materials used in the show will also be sold (cash and carry) or auctioned off after the show. From shrubs,

bulbs, and outdoor plants to indoor flowers and tropicals, visitors can add to their home gardens. The sale starts at 6 p.m. with a live auction starting at 6:30 p.m.

Just like every year for the last 30 years, there’s plenty to see and experience at Gardenscape at Prairieland Park. This year is no exception. You’ll find inspiration for your next project whether your outdoor space is acres in size, or a simple balcony, or even just in your dreams.

For more information – including an exhibitor list, show times, map, directions or to pre-purchase tickets – download the Saskatoon Gardenscape App from Google Play or the App Store.

MARCH 29–31 WORLDTRADE CENTER SASKATOON AT PRAIRIELAND PARK FRIDAY, MARCH 29 SATURDAY, MARCH 30 SUNDAY, MARCH 31

11:00 AM – 9:00 PM 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM

WIN $

UP TO

1000

in BACKYARD BUCKS NO CASH VALUE

Backyard Bucks will be honoured by any 2019 Gardenscape Exhibitor

BACKYARD LIVING IDEAS FROM INDUSTRY EXPERTS

GARDENSCAPESHOW.CA

• SPEAKERS’ THEATRE • OUTDOOR DÉCOR • ART SHOW & SALE • FLORAL DESIGN FEATURE

• PLANT SALE SUNDAY • PRAIRIE BERRY CAFÉ • FEATURE GARDENS • BISTRO & WINE GARDEN • HOW-TO STAGE • MARKET PLACE/TRADE SHOW

spring 2019

17

froM paradIse LosT:

Landscape transformation starts with a plan I n Saskatchewan, the wish for an outdoor paradise is keenly felt.

Despite the popularity of weekending at the lake, we still need backyard spaces that invite us to linger long in our rare summer air. A considered landscape design can provide that paradise for you, transforming your vacant or tired landscape into a beautiful oasis.

When Mary Coutts went in search of someone to design her bit of paradise, she found Vision Landscape was best suited to fulfill her vision. She was aiming for the

18

extraordinary – curved walkways, elevated patios, a piazza and zero maintenance. “It wasn’t going to be the traditional wood deck, sod and perimeter plant beds,” Mary says.

Mary’s husband Claude had already signed off, so after a few consultations, Tom and Jodi Levy, owners of Vision Landscape, set out to manifest the Coutts’ vision. It began by creating an extensive triple-elevation stone patio involving a landing outside the back door, a generous sitting area at mid-elevation and an additional ground level patio for more seating options.

Marked by elegant stone patios, a soaring pergola, rock features, synthetic turf and curved pathways, Mary and Claude’s zero-maintenance back yard design presents a rare marriage of beauty and utility. PHOTOS COURTESY: MARY COUTTS

This design wasn’t about developing a yard. It was about creating a piece of art.

- ToM Levy, CO-OWner OF ViSiOn landSCaPe

Visually pleasing curves in all the patios and walkways replicate nature, evoking the feel of a stream or river. Achieving them required a lot of precision cutting. “When we do a curve we want it to be a curve, not just a series of straight lines. Every single brick on the retaining walls was cut in order to get those nice curves and make it seamless on top, too,” says Tom. Incorporating stones into the steps was one of Mary’s inspired ideas and elevates the uniqueness of the design.

Looking skyward, a cedar pergola with uprights connected by a series of horizontal crossbeams creates degrees of demarcation while preserving sight lines. Fabric draperies attached to the posts can be pulled to provide privacy in the sitting area. Strategically placed synthetic turf sets off all those stunning curves and offers the added bonus of being “dog proof ”, Mary says.

Zero maintenance provides worry-free weekend living at the lake for the Coutts. Drip irrigation hydrates a small vegetable garden as well as planted beds and shrubs, when hot weather hits while they’re away.

The project was interrupted by a couple of weeks of rain. Tom went out every day to pump out the yard. He says drainage is always an issue when you have raised areas in a yard.

His meticulous approach touches every detail of a project, ensuring that retaining walls are well supported and gravel is well packed, so the walls hold up over many years.

Tom and Jodi are keen to dig into the upcoming growing season and will be showcasing their work at a couple of home and garden shows. This year, the HomeStyles show (Mar.21-24) will offer a few outdoor displays indoors. “We’re designing and building three separate mini yards for HomeStyles. People can walk through and get some inspiration that might help them envision their yards,” says Jodi.

Following closely on the heels of HomeStyles is Saskatoon’s Gardenscape show (Mar.29-31). Last year, Vision Landscape designed and built the Paradigm Wine Bar for Gardenscape. The bar area included a

pergola, firepit area and gardens. This year, they’re excited to showcase their work at Gardenscape once again.

Both shows offer consumers a glimpse into new trends, products and materials in home and garden design. Tom and Jodi are currently seeing a trend toward greater simplicity in landscaping. Modern elements are surfacing, such as the use of larger slate stones instead of smaller stones for hardscapes. Designs are becoming less ornate and less crowded. “In the last couple of years with clients, there’s been more of a minimalist approach to landscape design. Everything is becoming more simple, more relaxing,” says Tom. People still want high-end products, but fewer of them.

Mary and Claude couldn’t be happier with their new back yard from Vision Landscape.

“The end product is bang on!” says Mary.

Paradise found! Jodi had less design work to do for the Coutts, but she typically collaborates with clients to offer her expertise for their designs, while Tom does the heavy lifting.

For help carving out your own bit of paradise, find Vision Landscape at HomeStyles or Gardenscape, and check out their photo gallery at visionlandscape.ca. spRinG 2019

19

Living Coral emerges as 2019’s hot hue

by Jesse Green

T

hink vital, lifegiving coral reefs.

Think playful, bubbly and zesty. The Pantone Color Institute’s 2019 Colour of the Year lives up to those monikers and more; Living Coral is here to guide us through 2019 with its cheerful and warm feel.

While it is not an environmental organization, Pantone did choose Living Coral in a nod to coral reefs and marine life.

“We are inspired by the natural, colourful diversity of our oceans … and we stand with all those working to preserve and revitalize them by celebrating a shade that represents their natural state of beauty. We also seek to celebrate this shade’s appearance in other natural phenomena such as sunsets and various flora and fauna,” says the Pantone statement.

Living Coral is described as an “animated shade of orange with a golden undertone.”

While this happy shade can be easily worked into wardrobes, jewellery and accessories, it can take a little more planning to incorporate a new shade into the home.

“As a colour linked to tactility and human connection, Pantone Living Coral in shag rugs, cozy blankets and lush upholsteries create a warm, comforting and nurturing feeling in the home,” says the Pantone Color

20

LIVING SPACES

Small touches of Living Coral are a great way to update your indoor or outdoor living space. Photo: Royal Palm South Beach Hotel/Pantone Color Institute

Institute.

If a new rug or upholstery is not on the menu, don’t despair. The design experts at Fresco Interiors Design Group Inc. have suggestions to work in this peppy colour without breaking the bank.

“Smaller touches like a vase, picture frame, a colourful print or throw pillow are great ways to add colour to a room,” said designer Amber Blue.

Fresco specializes in residential renovations commercial design, new builds and custom window treatments. They have an impressive trophy case, including 2018’s Consumer Choice Award Winner for Best Interior Design Firm Saskatoon, and for the second year running, the SHRBA’s Saskatoon Whole House Renovation of the Year Award.

Colour plays a role in everything we do.

Colours can affect our body’s digestion, our minds’ analytical reasoning, our sense of space and trigger different emotions. It’s no wonder that the Pantone Institute’s Colour of the Year announcement makes a splash on the fashion and design industry each year.

We’ll see flashes of Living Coral in social media, lending an organic feel to the digital world. Watch for the playful feel in beauty, where blush, eye and lip treatments lend themselves perfectly to this colour.

The Pantone Institute is recognized worldwide as the authority on all things colour. Their 1963 Pantone Matching System® revolutionized the printing industry, allowing colours to be accurately reproduced and selected anywhere in the world. Today, Pantone’s colour consistency and innovation support millions of designers and producers worldwide in their quest to create. Their trend forecasting includes the Pantone Colour of the Year, Fashion Runway Colour Trend Reports, colour psychology and more.

Watch for flashes of Living Coral in the digital world, fashion runways and cosmetic colour palettes. Photo: KWT Global/ Pantone Color Institute)

The annual colour selection serves as not only a strategic piece for industry, but as a conversation piece around culture. Each year there is a buzz following the announcement with brands, designers and consumers alike joining the discussion on colour choices and the message they can send. They have been selecting the Pantone Colour of the Year since the year 2000, the choice influencing

fashion and design throughout the calendar year. Find them online at www.pantone.com.

Curious about your Colour IQ? Check out Pantone’s colour IQ test online and see whether you’re one in 255 women, or one in 12 men who have some form of colour vision deficiency.

Find practical ways to work trends into your home and for all things design, see Fresco Interiors Design Group Inc. online at www. frescointeriors.ca and get social with them on Instagram, Pinterest and other platforms.

This year’s nature-based choice is a cultural moment. “In reaction to the onslaught of digital technology and social media increasingly embedding into daily life, we are seeking authentic and immersive experiences that enable connection and intimacy. Sociable and spirited, the engaging nature of Living Coral welcomes and encourages lighthearted activity. Symbolizing our innate need for optimism and joyful pursuits, Living Coral embodies our desire for playful expression,” says the Pantone Colour Institute.

We Cover All Angles did you know

New paint and renovations can increase se your property value by at least 10% and d the sale-ability by 25%

TERRY & MARIE WUSCHENNY

onal Let the professi at rs house painte atoon sk 360° Painting Sa ss, re st eliminate the m fro le ss mess, and ha g tin in your next pa project.

Call us today at

306.270-c.6os7t 01 for a no e painting estimat

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • INDUSTRIAL • EXTERIOR RIOR • INTERIOR • RENOVA RENOVATIONS

360Painting.com spring 2019

21

SASKATOON LAND COMMUNITIES

22

LIVING SPACES

saskatoonland.ca

spring 2019

23

perfect closet

The quest for the

by Elizabeth Ireland

L

ike the fictional patriarch and business owner, Jay Pritchett, on the popular sitcom Modern Family, closet expert Mark Dean is very enthusiastic about closets.

“I believe that any airspace in a closet or storage area is usable. Functionality of the space and visibility of what you’re storing are key. Professionally designed and installed closets add value to any home and are often a selling point during the home’s resale,” says Dean.

Dean’s Saskatoon-based company Modern Closet offers ways to make closets in new and existing homes more efficient, all with customized storage systems. Dean is a firm believer that conquering clutter in your home begins with having sufficient storage space.

Modern Closet uses durable laminate to build its closets and wood to maximize the

24

LIVING SPACES

movement of its drawers.

Traditional closets can be ineffective, with lots of wasted space above and below the hanging rod. Dean’s closet designs involve adjustable shelving for folded clothes and double-hanging spaces, keeping in mind that a men’s suit jacket needs 42 inches to hang properly.

“With three young children, I can definitely relate to clients when it comes to keeping a family organized. I honestly don’t know how parents survive the newborn stage without properly organized storage.”

Dean learned the closet installation trade working at a branch of a large North American closet company in Edmonton. He then returned to Saskatchewan, owned and operated a closet shop in Regina for seven years (tripling its business) before opening Modern Closet in Saskatoon a year ago.

Living Spaces has observed two elements appearing in Saskatoon’s new builds that seem to be reminiscent of more historical

homes: the mudroom and the butler’s pantry.

“The number one room where clients want to build or renovate a closet is the bedroom.

That could be the master bedroom, a child’s room or both. Close behind in terms of demand are entryways, mudrooms and garages. Also popular are pantries, whether that’s right in the kitchen or off the kitchen as a separate room,” observes Dean.

As the name implies, a mudroom (or boot room) is a separate room for shedding dirty or wet footwear, clothing and athletic equipment. Dean believes a well-organized mudroom or entranceway can save a busy family a lot of headaches, particularly in the winter.

“Think of going to do an outdoor activity as a family and all the organization and gear that involves. When items are visible, labelled and reachable for children, it makes everything easier. It saves time and the odds are that family will keep doing activities together if getting ready is more straightforward and

efficient.”

A butler’s pantry is a transitional space between a kitchen and dining room. It’s a staging area for serving meals and a place to store items such as tablecloths and candles.

While few people in 2019 still have a butler on staff, a butler’s pantry with accessible storage can make modern day entertaining a cinch.

Dean’s explanation for the trend of including more traditional rooms in 2019 floor plans is simple: “There is a big swing

Modern Closet offers ways to make closets in new and existing homes more efficient, all with customized storage systems. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MODERN CLOSET

back to lived-in homes with the home as less of a showcase and much more functional for an actual family.”

What’s the biggest debate in the closet world these days? Dean explains it is closet doors versus no closet doors. “If your closet is organized, it’s nice to show it off. We all have that sweater from 1995 hanging around, so that should not stop a client from building

a closet without doors. Drawers create an anchor point for the eyes and baskets are always a nice touch. I’m a supporter of closets without doors.”

Modern Closet’s Saskatoon showroom is located at 3919 Arthur Rose Avenue and by appointment only. Dean is available to come to a client’s home for a consultation. Find out more at www.moderncloset.ca.

spring 2019

25

The wild geranium makes a pretty addition to flower beds. It may be available at garden centres; check for the full Latin name Geranium viscosissimum to get the native species. Photo: C. neufeld.

LIVING COLOUR

enHAnCe YoUR lAnDsCApe witH

NATIVE PLANTS

BY CAROL TODD

O

n the prairie, one can see the colour of the air, said Emily Murphy, one of the Famous 5 who fought for women’s rights. Looking down from that living sky reveals the living colour in the prairie landscape – look even closer to see a myriad of native plants, many of which can be incorporated into the garden.

According to the Saskatchewan Conservation Data Centre, this province has more than 1,300 plant species, including over 200 grasses. Yet, the amount of land devoted to native prairie plants continues to decline.

Research done for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada found that, as of 2015, 8.2 million acres of grassland remained in the province out of the historical 60 million acres the Prairie ecozone once encompassed — that’s only 13.7 per cent remaining.

Preserving prairie native plants is an important way to help protect the prairie ecosystem for the next generation, says Shelley Heidinger, president, Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan (NPSS). “I want to be able to play a part in saving or rebuilding prairie or native plant spaces for our future generations.

It’s important to have a good level of education and awareness now, so we don’t lose what we have. We need to look to the future and what am I going to leave for my children and my

26

liVinG SPACES

grandchildren,” she says.

Besides providing habitat for diverse plants and wildlife, grasslands help absorb greenhouse gasses and reduce erosion, and their roots store carbon. The Canada Parks and Wilderness Society estimates that 2 to 3 billion tonnes of carbon per hectare lies within the first metre of uncultivated grassland soil in western Canada, which is the equivalent to removing approximately 150 cars from the surface of the Earth for one year.

Heidinger says incorporating native plants into urban gardens or areas on farms not only preserves plant species, it helps continue that positive environmental impact, while also helping maintain the province’s biodiversity. “The advantage is, we are faced with such a loss of native plants and bio-diversity throughout the West that you’re assisting with bio-diversity and you’re assisting with pollination and providing those little pockets of wildlife friendly areas,” she says.

While the greatest impact comes from larger areas of native plants, even the city gardener can get involved by incorporating a few native plant species into their existing flower beds.

Heidinger says that gardeners can take the next step by devoting an area solely to native plants or go even further and do an entire yard in xeriscaping (gardens with no or minimal water requirements) featuring native plants. “It is possible to go from one extreme to the other

in town,” Heidinger says. Native plant species are especially suited to xeriscaping as many, though not all, are drought-tolerant.

As in any type of gardening, the trick, says Heidinger, is to put the right plant in the right location. “So people do have to be careful when selecting species for their projects that they are getting the right one. [Native plants] are more adapted to our eco-regions, so if you’re selecting the right species, you are getting the most suitable species,” she says.

Acreage owners or farmers can go even further yet by planting large areas, including wetlands, to native plants. “They can turn that into a landscape that is more suitable for increasing biodiversity and creating space for wildlife habitat creation,” Heidinger says.

Building these “corridors” provides a way for wildlife to move around the prairies. “Because what we’ve had happen in Saskatchewan has been segmentation and loss of those native areas. Animals have trouble moving between spaces that are wide open, so if you can create corridors and sort of help them, it all comes together,” she says.

A potential source for landowners is the Shand Greenhouse. The greenhouse, which grows seedlings through the year using the waste heat generated by Shand Power Station, provides tree and shrub seedlings free to notfor-profit agencies, service clubs, conservation agencies and individual landowners for

We need to look to the future and what am I going to leave for my children and my grandchildren.

- Shelley Heidinger, president, Native Plant Society of Saskatchewan

shelterbelts, wildlife habitat and reclamation projects.

City folks looking to add a few, or many, native plants to their yards may be able to find some at their local garden centre; they’re often placed with the herbs. There are also sources available on-line, such as Richter’s Herbs out of southern Ontario. The NPSS has a wealth of information, including plant and seed sources, online at npss.sk.ca. There’s even the option to request an Educational

The colourful gallardia is a drought-tolerant species that may be available at garden centres; check for the full Latin name Gallardia aristata to get the native species. Photo: C. Neufeld.

Activity Sheet for Kids on Native Plant Communities of Saskatchewan.

When looking for native plant sources, buying a package of mixed seeds should be done with care, as some mixes can contain seeds for invasive species at worse, or seeds for plants that are not suitable for our

climate at best.

From one plant to many, from the living sky to the living landscape, there is much to be admired on the Prairies, from the air down to the roots of the native plants that help keep that air fresh and the land healthy.

A measure of skill, hard work and excellence

Proud member of the community for over 30 years Residential/Commercial

(306) 384-7663(roof)

scottroofingsask.com scott@scottroofingsask.com spring 2019

27

Career paTh:

The YWCA Saskatoon’s Trade Journey program has been a valuable stepping stone for Monica Stoneham. The program is helping her to pursue a career in the residential construction trades as a carpenter.

Creating opportunities for women in construction trades

BY ELIzABETH IRELAND

D

aryl Shannon, the president and founder of Delonix Homes, is proud to create opportunities for women in the residential construction trades in Saskatchewan.

Delonix Homes is a home builder and elite residential renovator in Saskatoon, in business for the past 11 years. The company currently has homes under construction in the Evergreen and Kensington areas of the city.

“We are exceptionally passionate about our trade and equally excited to share our knowledge with eager individuals. Over the years we’ve witnessed our male-dominated industry pose exponential challenges for women to gain traction and opportunity. We want to help change this. That’s why we are leaders with the Trade Journey program and

28

liVinG SPACES

support YWCA Saskatoon,” says Shannon.

Shannon grew up in the Greater Vancouver area and is himself a journeyperson carpenter.

On a blustery January day, Shannon was working with carpenter’s assistant Monica Stoneham on a home under construction on 302 Boykowich Street in Evergreen. The house has three bedrooms, two and a half bathrooms and enough bespoke carpentry details to keep Shannon and Stoneham busy.

Stoneham completed the Trade Journey program and found herself drawn to carpentry as her focus. She describes Trade Journey as having a vested interest in the success of its participants, especially after “a pretty rigorous application process.” Stoneham is keen on making a career in the trades.

Both Shannon and Stoneham agree that the program’s real-world placement and

working towards an apprenticeship involve an investment of time and dedication on both sides.

“As a smaller home builder, our relationship with Monica has grown into more of a partnership. She can be involved in every facet of the residential carpentry trade as we build or renovate a home. Flooring, hanging doors, it really runs the gamut,” explains Shannon.

Delonix Homes has taken an industryleading approach to focus on providing both education and opportunity to women in the trades. “Our results show that this has been a benefit for both our company and succession planning in the residential construction trade. We want to provide more opportunities and generate a stimulus to other companies to help make this change,” says Shannon.

YWCA Saskatoon is appreciative of the

attention Delonix Homes is bringing to the underrepresentation of women in the residential construction trades.

“Daryl Shannon, owner of Delonix Homes, has been an ambassador and champion of YWCA Saskatoon and Trade Journey. He brings a caring attitude and has impeccable high standards for the customer service he provides his home buyers. Daryl patiently teaches and provides the women in our Trade Journey program work placement opportunities, which enables them to be successful on the job site,” says Shannon Friesen, Chief Executive Officer of YWCA

Saskatoon.

According to the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission (SATCC), as of June 30, 2018, there are 7,584 apprentices registered in the province with 782 of those female and 383 of those female and working in a predominately male trade such as carpentry or plumbing.

“Trade Journey is a program that allows women the experience and confidence building opportunities they need to consider the trades as a career choice; it has been life changing for some of our participants,” explains Friesen.

“Daryl also sits on the Employer Advisory Committee for the program; his advice and practical suggestions for improvement are invaluable. Daryl Shannon, and Delonix Homes, are a treasured partner to YWCA Saskatoon and integral to the success of Trade Journey.”

Delonix Homes splits its projects between building custom homes and high-end renovations. “We’re a company which has grown because of our consistent building standards, our desire to work closely with our clients and the pride we take in every job,” says Shannon.

Daryl Shannon, president of Delonix Homes, works with carpenter’s assistant Monica Stoneham on a new build in Evergreen. PHOTOS BY JEFF LYONS

THE STAGES OF TRADE JOURNEY YWCA Saskatoon’s Trade Journey program has three comprehensive phases.

The work experience portion provides participants with 30 hours in the areas of carpentry, plumbing and electrical trades for a total 90 hours of training.

Phase one concludes with a three-week work placement as construction labourers

with an industry employer like Delonix Homes.

Phase two is job search and job maintenance. This portion involves making industry contacts, preparing for interviews and opportunities for professional development. Trade Journey’s third phase is ongoing support from YWCA Saskatoon as participants work towards an apprenticeship in their chosen trade.

Women who are interested in Trade

Journey should attend an information session to learn more about what working in the construction industry entails, how the program can help and how to apply.

Information sessions run from now through March 29.

To find out more about Trade Journey or to register for an information session, go to www.tradejourney.ca, contact YWCA Saskatoon at (306) 986-2884 or email tradejourney@ywcasaskatoon.com. spring 2019

29

PAINT LIKE A PRO:

How to choose the right paint for the job

Benjamin Moore’s Century collection is formulated to produce a soft touch matte finish in an unrivaled depth of colour.

30

LIVING SPACES

by Tom Eremondi

D

o you watch the DIY shows and wish you could paint like they do? You can. It all begins with choosing the right paint for the right room, says Ken Zurowski, owner of Eastside Paint and Wallpaper.

“If you do the preparation and buy the better product, then your paint is going to last longer,” Zurowksi says. “If you don’t do the prep work and buy cheaper products – what we call ‘splash and dash’ – then you can count on doing it more often.”

He adds that another key to durability is listening to professionals. “If you’re doing the job right and according to instructions, then it will last. We occasionally deal with customers who are having issues and it’s usually because they didn’t listen to the sales people.”

Zurowski says the first step his store takes with customers is determining what room they’re painting.

“Different rooms, whether it’s a bathroom, kitchen or stairwell, need different applications. If you’re painting a bathroom, because of all the moisture and humidity we really recommend a paint that’s mildew-resistant and has a fungicide.”

The next step is sheen with choices including flat, pearl, gloss and semi-gloss, or eggshell. “For example, if you have a heavily damaged wall and use high-gloss paint, the imperfections are going to jump out at you.

With a flat finish you won’t see them unless you’re right up in front of them. If you’re painting an area with heavy traffic, such as an entryway, kitchen or bathroom, you’ll want a higher sheen like pearl.”

Paint is a tool that needs to be used correctly, he notes, pointing to products such as paint and primer in one.

“In my opinion, that’s a disservice to consumers. It’s just half a gallon of paint and half a gallon of primer so it’s not giving you a full application. My rule, especially with new surfaces, is it needs to be properly primed or you can expect failure.”

Primarily a Benjamin Moore dealer, Zurowksi says the paint manufacturer is a constant leader in innovation.

It was the first company to introduce a computerized colour matching system.

Benjamin Moore is also known for its Gennex paint technology, which promises improved colouring and durability. Gennex is important if you’re wanting a paint with low or zero volatile organic compounds (VOC), he explains. “If you have breathing issues, then it’s something you want to consider. A zero-VOC product guarantees no emissions in the first 24 hours.”

He cautions that, when many products say low or zero-VOC, it only applies to white paint. “It’s the colourant that contains VOCs, so if you’re tinting a paint, it may no longer be VOC-free.” With the company’s patented Gennex technology, this isn’t the case. Paints remain zero-VOC even after being tinted with Gennex

colourants, an impossibility with many generic, all-purpose colourants.

If it’s a serious issue for health or comfort, Zurowski suggests a product with the asthma and allergy friendly™ Certification Program seal from the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

He says the Benjamin Moore colour lock technology also promises durability. “It used to be you could never even consider touching a flat latex because it would leave marks. Now customers tell us they can wipe felt marker off a latex wall.”

Zurowksi says to think of a paint molecule as an egg. “Previously, we’d tint the paint and the colour would sit on the shell of the egg.

If you washed the egg, it would burnish and you’d wash some of the pigment away. You could look at the cloth you were using and it would be the same colour.

“Now, the pigment is like the yolk of an egg, protected by the white and the shell. When you wash the wall, you’re actually just washing the paint and not the pigment.”

The shop owner is excited about Benjamin Moore’s Century, a new soft touch matte finish from the company. “It comes in about 75 jewel-toned colours but what I really love is that it literally feels like suede or soft-leather. It has a really unique touch.”

Another newer product, ideal for commercial use but also for heavy traffic areas in homes, is called Ultra Spec Scuff-X. “It’s very resistant to scuffing. Sometimes if you have, say, rivets in your jeans and lean against a wall, that can leave marks. Scuff-X is really good for preventing that from happening.

Most paint feels like the rough whiskers of five o’clock shadow but Scuff-X feels like a baby’s butt. It’s smooth and silky.”

Founded in 1992, Eastside Paint and

This inviting kitchen features Benjamin Moore’s Regal Select paint collection. The walls are painted in Cloud White OC-130; the windows are in Hale Navy HC-154; window trim is Smoke 2122-40.

Wallpaper now has two locations in Saskatoon – on Walpole Avenue and also on Ludlow Street. For more information, visit eastsidepaintandwallpaper.com.

Elevate Your Lifestyle 637 University Drive 45 Luxury Residences.

1,000 – 2,700 sq. feet City Homes. Sky Estates. Penthouses.

Stately Exteriors. Timeless Interiors.

Contact Shelley Davis, Sales Concierge at 306-220-3002

liveescala.ca spring 2019

31

A S K AN E X P E R T

AnDRew & JilAiRe wAGneR MAISON DESIGN+BUILD

#30-214 Joseph Okemasis Drive • 306.242.3653 build@maisondesignbuild.ca | www.maisondesignbuild.ca

Home Builder We are planning to build a new home this year. should we buy our lot before we start working with a builder?

Choosing your location and lot is one of the most important decisions you can make about your future home. There are many factors to consider when choosing the perfect piece of land: Cost and value: Is the lot worth it? How does the price per square foot compare to other pieces of land? Does it have special features (i.e. park-backing) that support its price?

Location and desirability: Is the lot well located? Is it close to amenities like parks, schools and shopping? Does it support the type of lifestyle you want to live?

Size and shape: Will the lot fit the type and size of house you want to build? If a triple-car garage is a must-have, you will need a lot with more frontage. A bungalow also needs a wider lot than a two-storey.

A narrow piece of land will often need a completely custom design to work with unique site conditions. An infill lot with a back alley often means that you are committing to a detached garage. The type of landscape features you want are also important. A backyard rink or a swimming pool require a bigger yard than a simple patio space.

Lot direction or exposure: What direction does the back yard face?

When do you spend time in your yard? Do you prefer sun or shade?

Are you planning on having a pool or a garden? What type of natural light will enter the house?

Grade (slope of the land): Will the lot require any special landscaping features to manage the grade? Will the grade support desired design elements like a walk-out basement?

Fixed elements (City-owned trees, easements, utility boxes, adjacent building and structures): What existing conditions will you need to plan and build around? How will they affect your design?

Architectural and infill guidelines: Does your dream home work with municipal standards including maximum building height and building dimensions? Are there requirements for the architectural style of house or types of materials used?

To avoid disappointment, work with a builder to analyze the property prior to your purchase. An experienced builder will have the knowledge to make sure it is the right fit for your project.

Another approach is buying a builder-owned lot and having them build on it as sort of a turn-key package. This would be how land is purchased in most Saskatoon new neighbourhoods. If this is the case, you are likely evaluating both the land as well as the builder at the same time. While you have fewer options with this approach, it is also simpler from a logistics and financing point of view as a traditional mortgage is all that’s necessary to purchase the home in most cases.

32

liVinG SPACES

Winners of the 2019 "Builder of the Year" Award, presented at the SRHBA Housing Excellence Awards.

WE BUILD BEAUTIFUL Maison Design+Build is a boutique builder specializing in design-driven homes. We are passionate about timeless design and dedicated to precision quality construction.

Proudly named the 2018 Home Builder of the Year by the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association at their Housing Excellence Awards.

maisondesignbuild.ca | 306.242.3653 |

Freestanding tubs have their advantages

F

ew home design elements provide the instant wow factor of freestanding tubs. Freestanding tubs have an air of luxury that can help current homeowners relax, and impress buyers when homes go on the market.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to install a tub varies widely depending on the type of tub, the materials it's made of and other factors, including plumbing and piping.

For example, the cost to install a freestanding tub will rise considerably if new plumbing and piping are necessary.

Before purchasing a freestanding tub, homeowners should seek estimates regarding installation, making sure to get them in writing.

Contractors will determine if structural reinforcement is necessary and include such costs in their estimates. In addition, make sure to ask contractors to investigate piping and plumbing so no surprises pop up after the tub has been purchased and work has begun.

Consider these benefits of freestanding tubs before making a final decision: • Cleaning: Because they’re detached from

other bathroom fixtures and not flush against of their cost at resale. The thought of a sizable the wall, freestanding tubs tend to be easier return on investment can make relaxing in a to clean than built-in bathtubs. Freestanding freestanding tub that much more enjoyable. tubs are accessible from all sides, making it (MNS) easy to reach all those nooks and crannies where grime can build up.

• Warmth: Freestanding tubs are typically made of cast iron or porcelain. Cast iron is durable and solid and retains heat well, which is great for those who want to spend more than a little time relaxing in a freestanding tub. However, because cast iron is so heavy, installing a cast iron tub may require structural reinforcement of the flooring, which will add to the overall cost of the project.

• Return on investment: In its 2018 “Cost vs. Value” report, Remodeling magazine noted that upscale bathroom Freestanding tubs can transform regular bathrooms into remodels recouped 56.2 per cent luxurious oases. Photo: Getty Images

Beautiful Window Fashions to define your personal style & fit comfortable within your budget Two decades of industry leader service and warranty Skilled Decorators offering Complimentary In-Home Consultations

www.paylessblinds.ca 306 979-1388 spring 2019

33

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SLEEP COUNTRY

Sweet dreams are made of this

by Patricia Dawn Robertson

D

o you frequently hit the morning snooze button and then soldier on through the day in a sleepdeprived fog? Half of all Canadians are tossing and turning at night. They have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep.

Let’s explore some tangible sleep solutions – with the help of a sleep expert – so you can wake up energized and ready to face the day.

“There are things you can do to ensure a good night’s sleep. Not eating late at night. Not having caffeine and staying away from screens before bedtime,” advises Jory Solomon, Senior Manager, Sales Training and Strategy with mattress retailer, Sleep Country Canada.

There are three necessities required to

34

LIVING SPACES

ensure a good night’s sleep: the mattress, the pillow and what the mattress sits on. Sleep Country calls it their three-part sleep system.

The mattress supports 80 per cent of your spine and the pillow makes up the other 20 percent – so it’s crucial for buyers to purchase their pillow and mattress together. They work in tandem to provide full support to your spine.

“Many buyers will invest in a good mattress and then make the mistake of resting their head on a $4 poly-fill pillow,” say Solomon.

“You need the whole back taken care of and supported,” he explains. “Without a good pillow, a great mattress can’t do its job.”

Eleven years ago, when Solomon started his career at Sleep Country, he was a poor sleeper.

He invested in a high-quality pillow to pair

with his mattress. The life-changing purchase earned him tremendous sleep dividends.

When Solomon travels on business, the senior executive always packs his own pillow.

For aromatherapy fans, Sleep Country stocks a pillow that emits the sleep-inducing scent of lavender. “Our lavender pillow is a memory foam pillow so it’s orthopaedic as well. It’s one of our most popular pillows.”

Aromatherapy room sprays are also flying off the shelves as customers spray their pillows, sheets and pyjamas with lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus as an effective sleepy-time ritual.

Let’s get back to the main event: that mattress purchase. It’s critical for buyers to undergo a needs assessment. Solomon says that picking a mattress is very personal. “It really matters how it feels. You have to test it.”

The innovative design of the Bloom Cloud mattress includes advanced gel memory and latex foam that boosts comfort and helps regulate body temperature.

OF

According to Statistics Canada, almost half of all Canadians don’t find their sleep refreshing.

One reason could be the age of your bed. The experts at Sleep Country recommend replacing your mattress every seven years.

Sleeping position, weight and health all influence the selection of the right mattress.

“What features will you need? If you have lower back pain you’ll need lumbar support.

Acid reflux? Purchase a bed with tilting capacity,” advises Solomon.

When a Sleep Country sleep expert assesses you for a new mattress, two key elements are considered: the comfort of the bed and the support the bed provides to sleepers.

“People tend to hang on to their mattresses for too long,” says Solomon. “After ten years, all bets are off. The comfort doesn’t really change over time. What does change is the support. Springs get worn out over time. After the ten-year mark, the support system of your mattress isn’t working.”

If your support needs have changed, your mattress should be replaced after seven years. “Body shape can change in a sevenyear period. People can feel that the mattress isn’t quite right for them. Life events like

Sleep is the best meditation.

— Dalai Lama

pregnancy, injury, aging and sickness can change your support needs,” says Solomon.

A lot has changed in the decade since you made your last mattress acquisition.

What are the latest innovations in mattress manufacturing? “We’ve seen a lot of people migrating towards foam-based technologies like memory foam but higher grades of them,” says Solomon.

Pocket coils, which used to be an upgrade, are now standard features. The layers that rest on top of the pocket coils, the comfort layers, have also improved: foam technology,

Without a good pillow, a great mattress can’t do its job, advises Jory Solomon, with Sleep Country.

pressure-relieving materials and temperature controlling materials have revolutionized the mattress business. Mattresses and pillows now provide temperature regulation. These smart materials can change the output depending on what your temperature is at the moment.

“The majority of people would complain that they’re too hot at night. And for those people the material might absorb body heat and pull it away from their body. But some people are cool at night,” says Solomon. “If a person’s body temperature is cooler – rather than pulling body heat away it – it will now store it or release it.”

For good hygiene and to reduce wear and tear, Solomon suggests that buyers invest in high-tech mattress and pillow covers. And treat yourself to a silken bamboo sheet set – they’re a luxury item that Solomon now counts as a personal necessity.

Sweet dreams! spring 2019

35

Charlene schumacher Fresco Interiors Design Group

NEW ADDRESS: 308 - 701 Broadway Avenue 306.933.3200 Charlene@frescointeriors.ca | www.frescointeriors.ca

A S K AN E X P E R T

Style & Decor We are gathering ideas to finally start our renovation next year. Can you offer us a few pointers on what we need to do to save our sanity?

One of the most important elements before starting a renovation is “Developing a Plan,” including a schedule that outlines all the necessary specifications.

1. Priority design concepts – List each of the areas to be modified, with descriptive notes and images in priority of “needs” and “wants.”

2. Room elevation sketches of your completed space as well as pictures of inspiration images. These serve as visual goals for the end result, and act as a checklist detailing necessary and decorative items. The closer you can define what you love, the easier it will be when you’re in the depths of the renovation trenches.

3. Budget sheet defining the estimated cost of every item. Include costs for construction drawings for the contractor and structural engineer if required.

Allocate for architectural technologist blueprints, design and trades.

4. Cabinetry CAD drawings of all new cabinetry to allow for multiple comparative quotes to be sent out.

5. Component research to obtain accurate estimates, including flooring, countertops, cabinetry, backsplash, plumbing fixtures and lighting.

6. Electrical/lighting plan – Create a plan outlining all task, ambient & focal point lighting for the electrician.

7. Flooring elevations – Create sketches which define positioning of all accent tile in showers and interesting flooring patterns.

8. Back splash elevations – Create sketches which define the installation pattern of back splash tiles and the transitioning schlueter trim.

9. Renovation schedule – Outline the schedule for each trade on the specific date they will execute their tasks. Be sure the correct trades are onsite when specific components need to be installed.

10. Trades Certification – Ensure all trades are insured and certified and that they pull permits for every element.

Allow sufficient time to develop and design your renovation, so you can make better decisions and research well-priced options. Don’t have six to eight months to do this? A company that offers a complete team of interior designers and contractors can provide you with the expertise and peace of mind to ensure all design components are considered and the renovation runs smoothly. They can provide you with experienced trades, and detailed scheduling to turn your renovation dreams into reality.

At Fresco Interiors, we feel taking the time to plan your renovation in detail will give you a home you truly love ... and love coming home to!

Happy Renovating!

Thinking about renovating? You could win a $5,000 interior Design reno Package! imagine having a complete kitchen and living room renovation designed for free! Click on "frescointeriors.ca" and email your submission. The draw will be made at the homestyles show, sat. march 23 at 3 p.m. at the fresco interiors renovation Presentation. You could be the lucky audience member to win!

36

liVinG SPACES

Winner of the 2018 & 2017 RENOVATION OF THE YEAR – SRHBA Bridges Award – Whole Home Winner of the 2018 & 2017 CONSUMER CHOICE AWARD – Best Interior Design Firm – Saskatoon Finalist - "Best New Home Design Award" 2019 SRHBA Housing Excellence Awards

At Westbury, it’s really quite simple. We design and build custom homes that fit your life, budget and style.

westburyhomes.ca | 306-880-5277 |

Add rays of

SUNSHINE to your home

Suncoast’s experts will create a beautiful custom designed enclosure that fits your home perfectly.

BY JONATHAN HAMELIN

W

hen you’re looking to add some brightness to your home, sometimes all it takes is a splash of sunshine. An appealing option for homeowners looking to soak up the sun from the comfort of their homes is to install a sunroom, which is specially tailored to capture natural light and illuminate the space.

One company helping customers harness the power of the sun in their homes is Suncoast Enclosures, an Alberta-based business with dealers in Saskatchewan, Manitoba, B.C., Ontario and the U.S. Three-season sunrooms are among the most popular outdoor living products offered by Suncoast.

“A sunroom is appealing to prairie homeowners as it extends their ability to enjoy the outdoors from early in the spring until late in the fall, all while being protected from the sun’s direct heat, prairie winds, wasps, mosquitoes and even birds like pigeons,” said

38

liVinG SPACES

Ryan James of Suncoast Enclosures. “It’s a place to entertain, relax and unwind.”

James said that adding a sunroom will allow homeowners to transform their deck or patio into an extra room that can be utilized year-round.

For homeowners with outdoor spaces directly outside the house, James suggests getting a deck enclosure installed. Suncoast’s deck enclosures include a polycarbonate roof and three-season windows. The windows operate in a vertical four-track opening and have four window panes per opening. If the weather is cooler, the panes can stay closed to block the elements. In warmer weather, they can be opened all the way (up or down depending on your view) to provide 75 per cent ventilation.

“One of the greatest things about a deck enclosure is the ability to leave doors and windows wide open onto the enclosed area.

You can even permanently remove the screens from the windows,” James said. “This truly adds an outdoor room to your existing home

and creates an outdoor feel in any adjacent room to the enclosure.”

For homeowners with a detached deck or a patio out in the yard or garden, James said a custom-built free-standing room or gazebo is the answer. Suncoast builds gazebos to any desired sized with four, six or eight sides. The type of surface isn’t generally an issue as long as the walls can be fastened down. The company has built on wooden decks, concrete pads, paving stone, stamped concrete and even wooden timbers. These structures don’t add an extra room to the house, but provide a comfortable escape into nature.

“Free-standing rooms and gazebos have proven to be of value in condo and strata cases where ‘attachment’ to the house is not allowed by the condo board,” James said. “You can still enjoy a bug-free area and keep to the rules.”

There are also more affordable opportunities for customers to enhance their outdoor experience by adding screens to an existing covered space. James said screens

Adding a Suncoast polycarbonate roof to your outdoor living area provides protection from rain, sun and even snow.

provide homeowners with privacy and shade while protecting them from the elements and insects. Suncoast offers fixed and retractable screens and a variety of other options such as full view/privacy screens and screens specially designed to block the wind. Customers can upgrade to a standard screened enclosure by adding a polycarbonate roof.

“If you enjoy a walkout basement, covered porch or veranda, a screen wall is a simple and affordable way to utilize your outdoor space,” James said.

If you’d like to control exactly how much sunshine your space is receiving, James said that a louvered roof is a great option. Suncoast installs systems that are operated by handheld remotes, allowing customers to turn the panels and control the amount of sunlight, or close them altogether. These systems can be installed as additions to a home or to detached spaces.

“A louvered roof is a durable, versatile and attractive patio cover,” James said. “It delivers shade on hot days, protects your family from harmful UV rays and keeps your deck, swimming pool, hot tub and outdoor furniture dry during a rainstorm.”

James said there are sunroom options for any budget, as prices vary from $2,000

Enjoy outdoor beauty in indoor comfort, with a three-season sunroom from Suncoast Enclosures. PHOTOS COURTESY OF SUNCOAST ENCLOSURES

to $10,000 up to $40,000 to $50,000, with installations taking between a couple days to a week. For a consultation and free estimate, contact Suncoast now. You’ll be able to make

the most of summer and avoid wait times during the company’s busiest season. For more information, visit www.suncoastenclosures. com. spring 2019

39

In the kitchen

with Chef David Hamilton

of Trail Appliances

PHOTOS BY ELAINE MARK, D & M IMAGES

by Jennifer Jacoby-Smith

I

n the past, Trail Appliances chef David Hamilton trained apprentices in preparation for their Red Seal examinations while working in fast-paced restaurant environments. Now he’s excited to prepare home chefs to face their toughest critics – their families – while getting the most out of their new appliances.

Hamilton reports for duty at Trail Appliances on Idylwyld Drive North, and his duties might seem a little unusual: baking 500 cookies for a weekend sale event or creating full meal prep for an upcoming cooking class, as examples.

“I found this opportunity rather irresistible,” explains Hamilton. “It’s the

40

LIVING SPACES

perfect chef job. You’re not living this ridiculously-stressed-out-every-minute-ofevery-day life anymore. It takes a few years to actually get over that.”

With the slower pace comes the opportunity to connect with customers and introduce them to the newer technologies available to home chefs.

Ovens have become sophisticated tools in modern kitchens. Many come with settings for different styles of cooking. Convection ovens have been around for a while, but now there’s steam convection as well. It can be confusing. Hamilton is there to help raise the bar for home cooks who purchase from Trail Appliances.

Buying an oven with steam convection

is fine, but knowing how to use it to get perfectly browned and chewy pretzels is another.

Hamilton grew up in small town Saskatchewan. He moved to Saskatoon at the age of 15 and began working at Burger King while finishing high school. It was a job that paid the bills and allowed him the freedom of living in the big city. He eventually worked his way up to dishwasher and by the time he was 18 he was kitchen manager at a bar he wasn’t old enough to drink in.

He realized he had an aptitude for the culinary arts.

“I seemed to be excelling in this field and I just stayed with it. I turned myself into a resort chef after a while. I finished my apprenticeship in the Rockies,” Hamilton says.

In 2015, the opportunity to become the chef at Trail Appliances presented itself and it seemed like a good fit.

“I get to work directly with the customers.

I get to put classes together. I get to do basically whatever tickles my fancy in culinary pursuits,” says Hamilton.

His experimentation led to the soft pretzel recipe he shares with Living Spaces readers.

It started out as a cinnamon bun recipe, but it baked up so nice and chewy under a steam setting, he decided to switch up the flavours to create a soft chewy pretzel.

Hamilton also shares a choux pastry recipe – one of his favourite things to cook.

“It’s all simple ingredients, but it’s very procedurally oriented,” says the Red Seal chef.

Thanks to the bacon and cheese it’s bound to become a hit at your next get-together.

Hamilton adds in a quick week night meal of poulet la peche and coconut rice pilaf, combined with some simple steamed broccolini sprinkled with a touch of nutmeg.

And if you’re looking for a flavour-packed salad, his balsamic dressing is the perfect topper for whatever greens you have on hand.

Dough: 4 cups all purpose flour, sifted 2 Tbsp. onion powder 2 tsp. white pepper ½ tsp. salt 1 egg, large, beaten lightly ¼ cup white sugar 1 Tbsp. dry active yeast 3 Tbsp. sunflower oil 1 ½ cups hot tap water (110-115°F) Blanche: 2 litres water ½ cup baking soda Finish: 1 egg 2 Tbsp. water Coarse sea salt Instructions: Heat proofing water to 110°F. In upright mixing bowl, sift flour and mix in onion powder, white pepper, and salt. In second bowl, beat first egg lightly. Set aside. In smaller container, add yeast and sugar. Pour proofing water and oil into egg bowl and stir until mixed. Add mixture into yeast-sugar and stir

lightly. Allow two minutes to bloom.

Add liquid mixture to flour bowl and knead until dough pulls together and is only the slightest bit sticky (approximately 8-9 minutes).

Lightly grease a new bowl, remove dough to it, then lightly grease the top of the dough and cover loosely with plastic wrap.

Proof dough approximately 45 minutes at 110°F (or 70 minutes at 85°F), until it has roughly doubled in size.

Once proofed, punch down dough and weigh into 1 ½ ounce portions. Roll each portion into an approximately 10 cm long snake, then twist into pretzel shape. Place on a greased pan and keep portions covered to avoid drying out.

Meanwhile, bring two litres of water to boil in a large pot and preheat the oven to 375°F convection steam setting. Once water is boiled and pretzels are rolled, add in baking soda (carefully, as it will foam). Blanche pretzels in the water for 1 minute per side, then remove with a slotted spoon to a flat baking tray.

Mix together last egg with 2 tbsp. water, and brush liberally over blanched pretzels.

Sprinkle with coarse salt, and carefully move pretzels to greased steam baking pan. Bake at 375°F convection steam for 9 to 11 minutes, until pretzels are evenly browned. Removed to wire cooling rack and serve warm with spicy mustard. Bon appétit!

RECIPES

soft & ChewY PretZels

Parmesan anD BaCon Profiterole 1 cup half and half creamer or coffee creamer (10-18% milk fat) ¼ cup salted butter ½ cup + 2 Tbsp. all purpose flour 4 eggs, large ½ cup parmesan cheese, shredded 6 strips of bacon, cooked and diced Preheat over to 425°F convection bake. In heavy saucepot, scald milk and butter over medium heat – do not allow to boil! Remove from heat and add flour, stirring until smooth ball of paste forms. Allow to cool to 140°F. Add eggs one at a time, mixing gently between each to ensure all is incorporated. Stir in parmesan and bacon pieces gently. Spoon paste into greased mini muffin tin and bake for 7 minutes – until the tops are showing spots of golden brown evenly across the tray. After the first timer goes, turn the oven down to 375°F, and bake for another 7 minutes on convection mode. Do not open oven door at any point during baking.

Allow to cool in tin for 1 minute before removing to wire rack. Serve warm. spRinG 2019

41

Coconut Basmati Pilaf Yield: 4 servings

½ onion, diced 2 small carrots, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 4 Tbsp. sunflower oil 2 cups basmati rice 1 cup coconut milk (premium) 2 cups water Salt and pepper to taste In heavy saucepan on low heat, sweat vegetables in oil until soft.

When soft, turn heat up to medium and add rice. Stir until rice is evenly coated in oil. Mix the coconut milk and water, then add into the rice mixture. Do not stir – just give the pan a gentle shake.

Turn heat up to medium high until water begins to boil around the edges. Cover tightly and bake at 375°F convection bake for 24 minutes. Allow to sit 5 minutes with the lid on to finish, then season with salt and pepper.

Poulet la Peche (Chicken with peach sauce) 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts 2 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. cooking wine, white 300 ml canned peaches with syrup (total volume) 1/3 cup oyster sauce (or ponzu, if you prefer) 3 Tbsp. honey 4 Tbsp. heavy cream 1 tsp. turmeric Salt and pepper to taste In a large saucepan, sauté chicken breasts whole in butter over medium heat until internal temperature reaches 180°F. Remove to holding oven set for 150°F. Deglaze pan with wine, add peaches and syrup, and bring to a low boil. Add remaining ingredients and allow to reduce while stirring until sauce thickens. Return chicken breasts to sauce and allow to simmer 5 minutes before serving.

Serve with Coconut Rice Pilaf and steamed vegetables.

Balsamic Dressing Yield: ½ cup

1 Tbsp. honey 1 Tbsp. garlic, minced 3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. Dijon mustard ½ tsp. basil ½ tsp. thyme 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper ½ cup sunflower oil

42

LIVING SPACES

Combine all ingredients, except the oil in the bowl of an upright mixer. Using whisk attachment, combine the ingredients thoroughly. While the mixer is running, slowly add a few drops of oil, and allow to mix 30 seconds. Carefully and slowly add the remaining oil with the mixer running at high speed.

Adjust seasoning accordingly.

Keep refrigerated.

Serve with cherry tomatoes, arugula, and feta for a fresh salad.

Extraordinary Extraordinary Living Living Begins Begins Here...

Here...

WHAT’S YOUR

APPETITE FOR LIVING? WHERE WHERE CHOICES CHOICES ARE ARE ABUNDANT. ABUNDANT.

The The Village Village at Stonebridge truly is like no place else.

The choices to enjoy at Stonebridge truly is like no place else. The choices to enjoy food food and entertainment on your terms are bountiful.

Our residents dine anytime e and entertainment on your terms are bountiful. Our residents dine anytime e they nd they choose choose from from 11am 11am to to 8pm 8pm daily. daily. Happiness Happiness is is when when family family and and nd friends friends can can stop stop for for a a visit visit and and a a meal meal anytime. anytime.

The The many many choices choices include: include:

Private Private Dining Dining Room Room Patio Deck Patio Deck 3-course 3-course Dinner Dinner Service Service

DAILY DAILY TOURS TOURS AVAILABLE AVAILABLE

Village Village Bistro Bistro Licensed Licensed A la Carte Menu A la Carte Menu In-Suite In-Suite Room Room Service Service

Happy Happy Hour Hour is is anytime, anytime, every every day, day, when when you you have have the the CHOICES CHOICES we we

“Extraordinary “Extraordinary Living�.

Living�.

The Village at Stonebridge is Saskatoon’s newest, most innovative retirement community. The Village is part of LutherCare’s ‘Continuum The Village at Stonebridge is Saskatoon’s newest, most innovative retirement community. The Village is part of LutherCare’s ‘Continuum of Living’ model. A fully accredited facility, The Village offers 159 suites for independent seniors in a beautiful, warm, and spacious enviof Living’ model. A fully accredited facility, The Village offers 159 suites for independent seniors in a beautiful, warm, and spacious envi

 � �

 � �

110-250 Hunter Rd, Saskatoon 110-250 Hunter Rd, Saskatoon

Call 306-664-0501 EXT. 221 to tour our suites Call 306-664-0501 EXT. 221 to tour our suites

Virtual tours at www.luthercarevillage.com spring 2019 44 Virtual tours at www.luthercarevillage.com