QC
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
7
FALL
RENOVATION GUIDE
Your
Fresh Look
Deserves
And don’t forget, we are the
Central Vac Specialists! Regina’s only authorized
Central Vacuums Avonhurst Dr A&W
dealer!
1st Ave N Albert St
Fresh Air!
Air Purifiers are becoming the most ESSENTIAL appliance in your house!
Portable Commercial Air Vacuums Vacuums !#&"$'&%
Albert & 1st Ave N
Installations Repairs dependablevacuums.com Dependable Vacuums
2703 Avonhurst Dr
ADVERTISE WITH US.
VISIT P O S T M E D I A S O L U T I O N S . C O M
Bags & Filters Parts Supplies
(306)
525-0916
Mon-Fri 9:00am -5:30pm
|
Sat 10:00am -4 :00pm
|
Sun Closed
8
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
CONTENTS Hire a certified professional to renovate with confidence
3
How to finish your basement with finesse
4
Counter culture: White or black shades dominate quartz trends
6
2021 colour palettes designed to soothe and comfort
8
Top home renovations to invest in this fall
10
Home design and renovation for the COVID age
11
Chestertown Buff (HC-9) is one of 12 hues in the 2021 colour palette curated by Benjamin Moore. For more of 2021’s “Colours of the Year” turn to page eight.
REGINA FALL RENOVATION GUIDE
EDITOR WRITERS
DESIGNER
JEANNIE ARMSTRONG JESSE GREEN ANDREW LIVINGSTONE CAROL TODD BILLIE BIGGS
THIS SECTION WAS CREATED BY CONTENT WORKS, POSTMEDIA’S COMMERCIAL CONTENT DIVISION
BENJAMIN MOORE
Visit Us at our
NEW LOCATION
BEFORE
545 Dewdney Ave E
AFTER
CANADIAN MADE...SOLID WOOD....CUSTOM CABINETRY
545 Dewdney Ave E (306) 545-9818 www.fannysfurniture.com
Like Us on Facebook
QC
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
Hire a certified professional to renovate with confidence
Your home is your biggest investment and the best way to protect it is by hiring an ethical, professional renovator, says Stu Niebergall, president and CEO of the Regina & Region Home Builders’ Association. GETTY IMAGES by Jeannie Armstrong
During this pandemic, everyone is spending more time at home. This lifestyle shift has opened people’s eyes to the areas of their homes that need to be renovated and renewed. Stu Niebergall, president and CEO of the Regina & R e g i o n Ho m e B u i l d e r s ’ Association (RRHBA), says its membership is reporting increased enquiries from consumers looking to upgrade their homes. “I’m even doing that myself this year,” says Niebergall. “With people spending so much time at home during this COVID period, it’s really given them the opportunity
to reflect on what that space means to them. For some people, it’s sparked the decision to buy a home instead of rent—whether that’s a new home or an existing home. For others, it’s motivated them to tackle the list of the home improvements they’ve always thought about doing. In my own home, we had a new fence put up and have been doing odd projects around the house. I probably got more done around our home this year than in the last five.” What renovation projects are most popular with Regina homeowners? Niebergall says that instead of whole home renovations that would require people to
move out of their homes for a few months, Reginans are tackling specific rooms in their homes, with bathroom and kitchen renovations leading the way. “People are showing preferences for one or two smaller renovations. The spending seems to be between that $10,000 and $30,000 price range.” In c r e a s e d r e n o v a t i o n activity during the pandemic creates opportunity for flyby-night or unqualified contractors looking to make a quick buck. N i e b e r g a l l s a y s i t ’s important for consumers to do their homework when hiring a contractor. “Your home is one of the biggest investments
you make in a lifetime. One of the best ways to protect your investment is to hire somebody who is ethical and professional.” He says consumers can have confidence in working with any of the RRHBA’s Certified Professional RenoMark™ Renovators. A complete list of qualified r e n o v a t o r s i s av a i l a b l e on the RRHBA website: reginahomebuilders.com. “All of these professionals have agreed to a code of ethics which includes a minimum two-year warranty on all work. They carry a minimum of $2 million in liability insurance and Workers’ Compensation which protects
the homeowner in the unlikely event of an accident or damage to your home or your neighbour’s property.” Niebergall says that renovators who have attained Certified Professional R e n o Ma r k s t a t u s h a v e demonstrated they are serious about their profession. “It’s a great way to get some distance between a truly professional renovator and a guy with a truck and a tool box.” T he association’s professional renovators are all up to speed on COVID-19 safety protocols, he adds. “If a homeowner proceeds with a bathroom or kitchen renovation, you’re not going to have multiple people working in the space at the same time. The tradespeople that are doing the work are carefully sch eduled to safegua rd both homeowners and the tradespeople.” Niebergall says it’s a good idea to consult with several renovators before proceeding with a project. “Ask them for written quotes, and review each one of those quotes very carefully, examining the description of the work, the specifications, the materials and products, the work schedule and any additional recommendations the renovator has made. Also take into consideration your initial impression of the renovator and what their previous customers have to say about them.” Beware of cash deals,
9
adds Niebergall. “A cash deal means a lot more risk for the homeowner. There’s less control over how the project turns out, and no guarantees of any sort. There’s no paper trail. It’s not really a deal at all.” Contractors who offer to work for cash are committing fraud, says Niebergall. “By asking to work for a lower price and be paid in cash, they’re saying they’re going to lie to the government and commit fraud. Is that the type of person you want working on your home? How can you tell they’re not lying to you as well? Even if it’s only a small job, make certain that you and your family are protected. Always insist on a written contract covering all aspects of the project and proof of those proper business practices.” Niebergall anticipates the promised Saskatchewan Home Renovation Tax Credit will further boost renovation activity in the province. “This new tax credit should help make home renovations more affordable and increase construction activity, helping drive economic recovery in our city, and our province. The program has the additional benefit of addressing the underground cash economy as consumers need to obtain receipts to qualify for the tax credit.” For additional information on home renovations, go to reginahomebuilders.com.
10
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
How to finish your basement with finesse by Andrew Livingstone
The COVID-19 lockdown has brought about many changes in our everyday lives, but the pandemic has not discouraged homeowners from renovating neglected areas within their subterranean spaces. Indeed, the need and desire for basement renovations has only grown during the lockdown. “Demand for all types of home renovations has definitely increased because of COVID,” said Alex Wanner, owner of Wa n n e r C o n s t r u c t i o n , a Regina company that specializes in custom homes and renovations. “People are spending more time at home. In some cases, maybe they have funds saved up that would have been used for travel that they’re now investing into their homes.” With access limited to public entertainment and e xercise facilities, homeowners are interested in creating private spaces that fulfill those functions.
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
“We expect demand for things like home office space, g yms, bars and entertainment areas continuing in popularity,” Wanner said. “If you’re going to spend more time at home, you want to get more out of your space.” A freshly-renovated basement can dramatically improve the functionality of a home, but the desired features typically depend on the age of the residents. “For younger families, it’s about creating play areas or flexible spaces for the family to hang out together that’s more relaxed than the formal living areas on their main floor,” said Wanner. “If the family is older, it’s about wanting to add additional bedrooms for their teenage children or guests and creating entertainment spaces centered around a movie- or sports-viewing multi-media set-up, with a bar or kitchen area often part of the design.” Basement renovations present their own distinctive challenge, in that most
This basement development by Wanner Construction includes an attractive wet bar with ample cabinetry, ideal for entertaining.
residents would prefer that the space not feel like a basement at all. Some basements are constructed with plenty of headroom and access to natural light, but others are not. “If that’s not how your basement was designed, things you can do after the fact include increasing the size of your windows in your existing basement. Consider your lighting fixtures and add lots of pots lights. Fireplaces are popular in Saskatchewan to create cozy spaces. Think of your overall finishes and consider how the tones you choose help add light and warmth. We also work with many great interior designers that can create amazing transformations that fit with the overall style you want to achieve throughout your home.” Be tween the c urrent demand for construction and lockdown-related supplier closures, the availability of materials has declined. “We also are seeing the impact of increased demand on things
WANNER CONSTRUCTION
like material shortages and price increases,” said Wanner. “Lumber in particular has really gone up in price, and manufactured stone has double or tripled in lead time for ordering as plants in U.S. had shut down.” The need to anticipate those cost increases and delays is just one of several reasons why Wa n n e r r e c o m m e n d s that homeowners enlist professional help in planning and executing their renovations. “ The biggest thing, though, is you don’t know what you don’t know,” he said. “This is our full-time job. Chances are, you have day job—so, if you don’t have a ton of spare time on your hands, I wouldn’t recommend attempting to manage your own project. We handle everything, which ultimately saves you time, money and sanity—and produces an end result that, more often than not, far exceeds expectations. “You can hire individual trades on your own,” said
Wanner Construction created an open concept family entertainment area in the basement of this Regina home. WANNER CONSTRUCTION
Wanner, “but you may not know the questions to ask them: when to order materials (for example, knowing windows can take six to eight weeks to order in); time required to allot for each phase for scheduling the trades and in what order; how to spot quality control; what a fair price is; or how to handle warranty issues and get them back to your home if issues do arise.” When renovating privately, even access to tradespeople can be scarce, because they prioritize their relationships with general contractors.
“When you hire a trade yourself, you represent a single job for them, so you may wait longer or have less sway to negotiate better pricing,” Wanner said. “Even a small project comes with a lot of decisions you’ll need to make,” said Wanner. “From the initial layout or structural design to the finishing choices, it can be overwhelming. We walk our clients through each step of the process and can truly make what can be a stressful situation for some into something really exciting and even fun.”
QC
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
11
DON’T REPLAC E...
RESTYLE Since 2007, locally owned Renewed Kitchens & Countertops has been transforming the city’s kitchens, saving homeowners time and money while creating gorgeous spaces you’ll want to spend time in.
A NEW K JUST A ITCHEN IN FEW D AYS!
Instead of gutting a kitchen and starting from scratch, Renewed Kitchens uses the existing cabinetry to remake the look and feel. We recreate your space without the commitment of a complete renovation. The process begins with a free inhome consultation where we will review your renovation goals and the many colors and door styles available to create the kitchen of your dreams. It truly is a no hassle renovation, and it can happen in just three to five days.
$
SAVE
1000
ON COMPLETCEING KITCHEN REFA31, 2020 BER
EXPIRES DECEM
H ANY NOT VALID WFITFER O R OTHE
!
ELIGIBLE FOR THE
10.5 % RENOVAT IO TAX CRE N DIT
AFTER BEFORE • NO HASSLE RENOVATION • NO HIDDEN COSTS • NO REDECORATING • NO NEW FLOORING
FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION CALL
306-584-3340
WWW.RENEWEDKITCHENS.COM
12
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
Counter culture White or black shades dominate quartz trends
by Carol Todd
Opposites attract, as the trend in countertop palettes shifts from one end of the colour spectrum to the other. Black is the new black, and so is white, according to Elizabeth Margles, the vice-president of marketing for Caesarstone, a worldwide producer of quartz countertops. “There really is a trend back to black, but at the same time because of what we’re seeing with COVID-19, we’re also seeing the exact opposite, where people are trending back to white kitchens,” she says, with the thought being that it’s easier to clean what you can see. “So, I think you’re seeing that move to dark, with a warm, dark palette, or a bright white to be obvious,” she says. Margles says that, r e g a r d l e s s o f c o l o u r, Caesarstone quartz countertops will be easier to clean than other stone surfaces like marble or granite, which need to be sealed. “Quartz is 100 per cent non-porous. So you know for hygienic reasons, quartz has a great benefit over marble and stone and I think particularly during these times, that’s become even more important than anything else,” she says. She believes that its nonporous nature is one of the reasons quartz is now
Caesarstone’s Calacatta Maximus quartz counters replicate the look of marble, with a pure white background and contrasting soft grey veins. CAESARSTON E
leading the way in home countertops, over stone and laminate. “I think quartz certainly has overtaken laminate for sure, and we are definitely seeing a very good growth rate of quartz over other natural stone such as marble and granite,” she says. Other reasons include the fact the quartz won’t chip and is scratch resistant. It does need to be protected somewhat from heat, with the use of trivets recommended, and it can be more costly than granite.
But it doesn’t need to be sealed, and the countertops wipe off easily with soap and water or even vinegar and water. Regardless of the choice in materials, Margles recommends that homeowners pick their countertops first when designing or renovating a kitchen. She points out that it is much easier to switch out appliances or hardware than countertops. “If the kitchen is the heart of your home, then the countertop,
really, is the heart of the kitchen. Think about your budget and where you want to invest your money and I would argue that you really should start with your countertops,” she says. Another aspect to the COVID-19 pandemic that has affected the industry is outdoor living, Margles says, with many people extending their living space outside to allow for safe distance to visit. With the Saskatchewan winter looming, the Caesarstone
products are an outdoor choice even here on the prairies. “We tested it in temperature variances of plus 30 to minus 40 Celsius,” she says, pointing out that the quartz countertops are also becoming more popular in condos for the outdoor and common areas. Margles says that C a e s a r s t o n e ’s q u a r t z products have numerous advantages, in addition to its non-porous nature. Unlike granite or marble, which are cut directly into
slabs and can have variations in colour, the Caesarstone quartz is produced using more than 90 per cent quartz mixed with polymers and other materials, allowing for consistency in colour and pattern. “It’s like a recipe for cookies that are the same every time it comes out of the oven. So, if you want a predictable look and if you’re buying several slabs, they’re all going to match up,” she says. The quartz can also come in various thicknesses, allowing for thicker slabs, or even thinner layers to be used for backsplashes, creating a continuum of counter colour right up the wall. Margles says the wide range of patterns, finishes and sizes make Caesarstone an option outside the kitchen or backyard. “The bulk of the business is countertops but the great thing about Caesarstone is that we’ve got different thicknesses which means that you can open it up to different applications,” she says, including everything from stairs, to storage, to laundry and mud rooms and, of course bathrooms. And it all comes with a limited residential lifetime warranty. From black to white and back again, the choices in countertop surfaces are rock solid.
QC
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
13
CAESARSTONE MAINTENANCE TIPS: • Weekly, the surface should be cleaned with Vim® Bleach Cream and thoroughly dried. Due to quartz’s high density and non-porous qualities, normal cleaning with a damp cloth and mild detergent is all you need to keep your Caesarstone surface looking great. Caesarstone recommends a thorough cleaning of your quartz surface on regular basis (because of patina that will develop on the Caesarstone’s Black Tempal quartz interprets industrial travertine. The surface from day-to-day black charcoal tone is a stylish choice for contemporary urban kitchens. use) to keep the surface CAE S ARS TONE
as beautiful as the day it was installed. • To remove common household spills, such as food colouring, herbs and spices, red wine, mustard, coffee/ tea, fruits, ink, markers and make-up, use nonabrasive soap and water (Dawn or Palmolive); 100 per cent methyl hydrate alcohol; Bar Keepers’ Friend (spray or cream). Clean the surface with soap and water using a soft cloth. Household alcohol wipes can also be used to clean your
surface. Rise with warm water afterwards and dry with soft cloth or paper towel. If stain persists apply Bar Keepers’ Friend to damp cloth (not directly on surface) and place and let sit over the affected area for 30 seconds to three minutes. When stains begins to lift, wipe with a wet cloth. Rise with warm water afterwards and dry with soft cloth or paper towel. Repeat for stubborn stains. Do not use a scouring pad or Magic Eraser on surfaces as it
can compromise its luster and shine. • To disinfect your quartz countertops and kill viruses, gently apply Vim with Bleach to damp cloth wiping down surface. Rinse with warm water afterwards drying with soft cloth or paper towel. Apply ethanol or isopropyl alcohol (70 per cent) to surface using a spray bottle. Wipe surface to ensure all places are disinfected. Rinse with warm water afterwards drying with soft cloth or paper towel.
Water Treatment Services WATER SOFTENER
Softener Rentals 6 months free New Customers Only. Based On A Two Year Contract. Softener Purchase $
Save $100
We
Offer:
$1,398.00
On Sale 33,000 Grain
FREE BASIC INSTALLATION WITHIN 25 MILES OF REGINA* Plus taxes, O.A.C., some restrictions apply.
• Water Coolers • 500ml Custom Labelled • Bottled Water Water Bottles • Party Ice • Iron Filters • Water Accessories • Filter Cartridges
Open
Monday to Friday: 8:30 am to 5:00 pm
998
Reg $1098
Meter initiated Water Softener + 5 Stage Household Reverse Osmosis System With Membrane Flush Combination Reg. $1,796.00
5 STAGE WITH MEMBRANE FLUSH OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES:
• Cold • Room & Cold • Hot & Cold Call For Prices
• Commercial Water Treatment • Water Softeners • Reverse Osmosis • Equipment Sales, Rental and Service
1061 Winnipeg St. 306-569-9091
Saturday:
9:00 am to Noon
• SALES • SERVICE • LEASE TO OWN
HOUSEHOLD REVERSE OSMOSIS SYSTEM
www.customwaterregina.com
SAVE
$200
50 Gallon Per Day
$498.00 Reg. $698.00
14
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
2021 colour palettes designed to soothe and comfort by Jeannie Armstrong
If there’s something we’re all craving right now, it’s a little bit of optimism. We’re all adjusting to this new pandemic lifestyle and spending more time at home than ever. It’s important that our home environment be as comfortable, inviting and relaxing as possible. In selecting their colour palettes for 2021, paint manufacturers have looked at the impact the pandemic is having on society. They have selected new hues for 2021 that are designed to soothe and enhance wellbeing. Here’s a look at the “ C o l o u r s o f t h e Ye a r ” selected by leading paint companies for 2021. B e n j a m i n Mo o r e’s Colour of the Year 2021 is Aegean Teal (2136-40)—an intriguing blue-green that creates natural harmony and invites us to reflect and reset.
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
“A e g e a n Te a l i s a n e xceptionally balanced colour. It has this really beautiful blend of blue and green, with a touch of grey to it that creates a look of softened casual elegance that’s really inviting,” says Andrea Magno, director of Colour Marketing and De velopment with Benjamin Moore. Her team member, Hanna Yeo, adds, “Aegean Teal is a shade that is so rich in colour. It has a certain amount of saturation that we know is going to appeal to people who typically love colour. But the grey undertone and the earthy quality of this colour make it so usable in a home environment. I think it’s really going to appeal to people who typically shy away from some of those darker colours.” Aegean Teal is one of 12 hues in Benjamin Moore’s Colour Trends 2021 palette.
Benjamin Moore’s Colour of the Year 2021 is Aegean Teal (2136-40)—an intriguing blue-green that creates natural harmony and invites us to reflect and reset. SUPPLIED
“Every single one of those colours has a sun-baked quality to it, so they’re on the warmer side of the colour scale. And every one of them is very versatile, with a range of mid-tones, as well as a couple of the lights and darks,” says Yeo. SICO Paint by PPG has u n v e i l e d B l u e -W i n g e d Warbler (6160-52) as its 2021 Colour of the Year. SICO senior marketing manager Martin Tustin-Fuchs says, “While much of the world continues to shelter in place, consumers have turned to nature to receive the comfort and relaxation they have been longing for.” Blue-Winged Warbler is a jade aqua tone, combining blue and green to emulate the tones found in deep pools of water and lush forest greenery. The colour pairs nicely with light cream, warm beige or floral accents. PPG has identified “Be
SICO Paint by PPG has unveiled a nature-inspired jade aqua tone, Blue-Winged Warbler (6160-52), as its 2021 Colour of the Year. SUPPLIED
Well” as its Colour Palette of the Year for its DULUX Paints line. Infused with soft, nostalgic neutrals, “Be Well” comprises organic tones that emit a sense of calm and tranquility, such as the mid-tone sandy brown dubbed Transcend (DLX1079 -4); a shaded
ginger tone called Big Cypress (DLX1062-5); and a watercolour cerulean blue named Misty Aqua (DLX1147-3. “Our 2021 colour palette is like a big hug for the home,” says Mitsu Dhawan, PPG marketing manager for Dulux Paints.
“These restorative colours work well both on their own and in combination with one another, with cool and soft aqua providing an unexpected pairing of freshness against the warm and light natural shades. The palette is made up of such versatile tones that
QC
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
any of them can be used as either the supporting or dominant colour in a room.” The Behr Paint Company also chose soothing tones when curating its Colour Trends Palette for 2021, entitled “Elevated Comfort.” “This has been a year of unpredictability and 2020 has significantly changed our relationship with our home. When our colour team began exploring a palette for the coming year, we knew it needed to be grounded in what we’ve been craving: comfort and personalization,” says Erika Woelfel, vice-president of colour at Behr.
Behr’s 2021 colour palette includes 21 different hues, organized into six colour themes: Casual Comfort, Optimistic View, Subtle Focus, Calm Zone, Quiet Haven and Outdoor Escape. Shades include light and cozy neutrals, soft pastels, nurturing blues and greens, dark evocative shades and an eclectic mix of bright, luxe shades. To learn more about all of the colour choices that can transform your home in 2021, visit your local paint store. For project inspiration, check out paint company’s websites and Instagram accounts.
PPG has identified “Be Well” as its Colour Palette of the Year for its DULUX Paints line. The soothing colour palette includes a shaded ginger tone called Big Cypress (DLX1062-5). SUPPLIED
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
Behr Paints embraces ‘Elevated Comfort’ in its 2021 colour collection. The palette features 21 different shades including these hues from the Quiet Haven theme: Royal Orchard and Barnwood Gray. SUPPLIED
BASEMENT & FOUNDATION REPAIR SPECIALISTS (LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED)
HOW STRUCTURALLY SOUND IS YOUR HOME? The foundation of every home is its basement. Your basement has the vital job of supporting the entire house – from floors, walls, doors and windows, right up to the rafters and roof. When that support system is damaged or flawed, big problems can occur. DON’T IGNORE THESE EARLY WARNING SIGNS Homeowners should be on the alert for signs of foundation damage: • Structural damage: Foundation problems can cause structural damage within your home, including warped or sagging flooring. Soil movement under the foundation can also cause walls to crack and bow. RSR TO THE RESCUE If your foundation is showing signs of damage, the basement and foundation repair specialists at RSR Construction will come to the rescue.
15
We have the solutions to your foundation problems, including:
• UNDERPINNING HOUSE LEVELING • COMPUTERIZED LIFTING SYSTEM • WALL BRACING & REPAIRS • EXTERIOR WATERPROOFING • INTERIOR WATERPROOFING • SUMP PIT INSTALLATIONS Locally owned and family operated, RSR Construction has over 35 plus years of construction experience in repairing foundations and waterproofing basements in the Regina area. Providing hands-on expertise, the RSR team will handle the job from start to finish. Fully licensed and insured, we’ve worked hard to attain our reputation for quality service. That’s why we’re confident in providing our customers with a fifteen-year warranty on workmanship.
Call or email for FREE QUOTE 306 520-7280 | rsrconstructionsk@gmail.com | rsrconstruction.net
16
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
Top home renovations to invest in this fall
Today, many families are focused on improving their homes instead of spending money on vacations and entertainment outside. With autumn as your last major chance to renovate before the winter, here are some of the best projects to tackle now for maximum enjoyment of your space.
UPGRADE YOUR KITCHEN The kitchen is the heart of your home, and where you’ll be spending lots of time cooking for the holidays and entertaining your small social circle. So, give it a facelift to make sure it’s a bright and welcom-
ing environment. A great DIY project is painting the cabinets in a bold or warm shade and updating the hardware in a metallic neutral. You can also invest in sleek, energy-efficient appliances for a clean, modern aesthetic and get fresh seasonal linens for your tablescape.
FINISH YOUR BASEMENT A finished basement extends your living space and has an excellent return on investment. It’s also the perfect place to turn into a spacious dedicated home office, so you can finally stop working on your dining table or couch and boost your productivity and comfort.
But whether you want to turn your basement into that, a rec room or in-law suite, the first step is installing a high-performance subfloor. The best option for this is Dricore subfloor panels, which are designed with air gap technology to help protect against mould and moisture and keep floors dry, comfortable and cozy all year. It’s an easy DIY project, as the panels are easy to install and a room only takes half a day to do. ELEVATE YOUR EXTERIORS Not only does the exterior of your home make the first impression, it can also extend
your living space—which is crucial when we’re working, living and playing at home. Make the most of it with areas you can spend time in even when the temperature drops. For example, you can create a sitting area to relax in or host smaller outdoor get-togethers for your social bubble by screening in your porch or installing an awning over your backyard patio. Laying down Dricore panels can work here too, as they will make cold surface feel warmer, softer and cozier for your feet. Complete the space with a heating lamp and you’ll be able to enjoy your exteriors almost all yearround. (News Canada)
Pandemic living has sparked greater interest than ever in home improvement projects. NEWS CANADA
WIN$2,000.00 CASH (Master Radon will give away by random draw from all clients having their homes mitigated for radon in November $2,000.00)
Following all government recommended Covid safety protocols Master Radon continues to install systems daily. Radon and only radon is what we do, every day.
Has your home tested high for radon? Did you know that Regina is the world hot spot for radon with 50% of all homes testing higher than the Health Canada recommended risk bevel of 200 Becquerels per cubic meter? Master Radon is the most experienced and qualified company in Saskatchewan. Go to “Google Reviews Master Radon” or “BBB” to see what our clients say about us. If you are still needing your home tested for radon, go to “Tackle Radon” (www.TackleRadon.ca), get in the fun and WIN prizes.
TEXT/CALL: 306-552-6773
E-MAIL: FKIRKPATRICK@ACCESSCOMM.CA www.masterradon.ca
QC
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
17
Home design and renovation for the COVID age by Jesse Green
Simply getting through everyday life during the pandemic can be a challenge, let alone launching a new business. Nicole Kell and Nicole George have done just that, and things are… not as 2020 as you would expect. Studioen was founded in March of this year and although the business is new, George and Kell bring a wealth of design experience to their collaborative roles. Both registered Interior Designers, their people-centric approach to design has served them well in their past roles at architecture firms. “We tend not to design around trends. We learn what is working for our clients, what is not working and how could their lifestyles could be enhanced,” said George. This year has seen so many people facing the same set of challenges of how to be productive at home and how to carve out that work-life balance. While every project is individual, there are some rules of thumb for making things work during these times of the house-bound 2020s.
Rule one: You can never have too much storage! You will never regret adding extra shelves, cubbies and nooks so that things can have a designated space. Rule two: If you are working or have children studying at home, take a minute to find some space for this. Typing at a too-tall dining table or slouching over a laptop on the couch is fine for short stints, but over time discomfort will turn into injury. “Across the board, people are still figuring out how to work from home, but we’re finding that setting up a designated work zone is really helpful for focus and comfort,” said Kell. They recommend taking time to make that work space inviting. Adding a favourite house plant or lamp can go a long way to creating some zen, and, on a more practical note, a proper desk chair is a great idea. “A lot of local office furniture stores are seeing task chairs selling more than ever,” she said. With schools having possible temporary closures, it’s also great to have a school-type atmosphere set up for the kids. “A quiet focus zone is less stressful and allows you to put
your head down and get some work done,” said George. Rule three: Pandemic pets have definitely been a thing, and while redesigning around a pet isn’t always necessary there are some ways to welcome new critters into the home. What Kell and George recommend is to think ahead a few years and plan accordingly: pets and babies definitely call for more durable flooring than an adult-only household. Again, rather than following flooring trends, it’s about your taste, your lighting, your use of the home. There is no blanket ‘best-pandemic-flooring’ option, or best-pet-flooring option. The stay-at-home orders of these last months have people spending more time in their houses than ever before. Work, school, entertainment and relaxation are suddenly all in one space and how we view our homes in a new light. Studioen aims to enrich, enliven and engage the spaces you work in and offers a range of services from commercial buildings and restaurants to in-home powder room makeovers. While neither George or Kell could have predicted the crazy world into which their
Studioen interior designer Nicole Kell transformed this small-space kitchen.
business was born, their first months have been challenging and enriching. “We focus on the space, and how personal design is. You should love and feel good in your home,” said George. Whether your wish list is to carve out a little space for an office, welcoming new family members and pets or simply needing a refresh, studioen will find the solution. You can find Nicole and Nicole at studio-en.ca, or in-person at 2075 Prince of Wales Dr.
SUPPLIED
Registered interior designers Nicole George (left) and Nicole Kell (right) launched Studioen in Regina in March. The duo take a people-centric approach to design, creating livable home and work environments. SUPPLIED
18
T h u r s d a y, N o v e m b e r 5 , 2 0 2 0
QC
L e a d e r P o s T. c o m / Q c
JUST FTL IT!
Serving Regina & Area Since 1956 METRIE INTERIOR DOORS
ALEXANDRIA SHIP LAP
ALEXANDRIA MOULDINGS
AS IS BRAND WOOD WALLS
QUALITY STONE-FAUX BRICK AND STONE
ONWARD BARN DOOR HARDWARE
WEISER HANDLES
TAYMOR HANDLES
INTERIOR RAILING
1737 Dewdney Ave.
Also located in Fort Qu’Appelle 197 Victoria Ave. 306.332.2833
306.525.2791
www.friestallman.com
