Design Your Home - Winter 2012 - 1st Edition by Scott Kasprick

Free

Winter 2012

Brandon and Area

7 Kitchen

Design Ideas Fireplace

Efficiency Is Your Home Safe While on Vacation?

Plus Safety Tips DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 1

Brandon and Area Design Your Home magazine is a Brandon, MB based company created to promote and feature all the great trades in our local area. With the limited amount of media in Brandon and area, this magazine will assist you and your company with great exposure. Design Your Home magazine will help local companies feature their business and the special work they do. Design Your Home magazine will focus on the home and proper ty. Each issue you may see ar ticles on Home and Building, Real Estate, Design and Decorating, Landscaping, and special featured Home and Business.

Why feature in Design Your Home: • Local Home Magazine. • Over 15,000 magazines published • 3 readers per issue, equals to 45,000 points of exposure. • Timeless, often kept and referred to again and again. • Published 4x per year: Summer, Fall, Winter, Spring • Located in very high traffic areas • Delivered to a target audience. • We have articles that feature tips and advice from Home owners and experts.

Contents 15

Feature Business

Fireplace Efficiency

Feature Home

In Every Issue

Design & Decorative

Lifestyle

4 . . . . . 5 . . . . . 10 . . . . 18 . . . . 24 . . . . 26 . . . . 33 . . . . 34. . . .

6 . . . . . 7 Kitchen Design Ideas 17 . . . . A Wild Idea to Make a Bold Decorating Statement 32. . . . Christmas Styles 2012

8 . . . . . K eeping Your Home Secure While On Vacation 27 . . . . Keeping Your Pet Calm During Holiday Celebrations 28. . . . Using A Broker: Step by Step

Letter from the Editor Words from Our Readers Feature Home Feature Business My IDIAH Sidewalk Safety Business Emporium Do You Know?

Home Improvements 15 . . . . Fireplace Efficiency 22. . . . New Products You Should Be Aware of 30 . . . . Window Coverings Keep Homes Cozier During Winter

Disclaimer Reasonable care is taken to ensure that Design Your Home Magazine ar ticles and other information on the web site are up-to-date and accurate as possible, as of the time of publication, but no responsibility can be taken by Design Your Home magazine for any errors or omissions contained herein. Fur thermore, responsibility for any losses, damages or distress resulting from adherence to any information made available through Design Your Home magazine or website is not the responsibility of Design Your Home magazine. The opinions expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of Design Your Home magazine. All interior and exterior home improvements/repairs should be consulted by a professional, prior to the star t of the project. Adver tisements and the content, including photos, of adver tisements published within Design Your Home magazine are solely by the adver tiser. Design Your Home magazine does not accept responsibility for opinions expressed in adver tisements for copyright issues with regards to photo, adver tising, copy and adver tisement, nor shall they find liable thereby.

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 3

Letter from the Editor Welcome to the First issue of Design Your Home! A Brandon, Manitoba based magazine, serving Brandon and area. My name is Stewar t Dyck. I live and work in Brandon, Manitoba. After moving back to Westman and into our new home, we found it difficult to find the right people and products for our domestic needs. We quickly realized that there was a need for a local Design and Style magazine. Each issue will showcase ar ticles about the home, from the interior to the exterior. We also hope it will help you find local ideas, products and companies that will help you make your living space your home! We have brought together a team of local individuals and businesses to bring you this magazine. Jaime-Lynn Dyck, Marketing and Sales Manager, Scott Kasprick of Reaxion Graphics, Leech Printing and many other local freelance writers and photographers. Our goal is to use local talent to bring you our FREE publication, in order to help with your house, cottage, apar tment or condo needs. I hope you enjoy Design Your Home magazine. Stewart Dyck Publishing Editor, Design Your Home

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Words

from our Readers

We at Design Your Home magazine welcome letters, emails, and discussions from our readers. Receiving your feedback on ar ticles or ideas on how to make our magazine better will always be welcomed. So please: • Email us at designyourhome@mymts.net, • Visit us on our website designyourhome.ca, or • Like us on Facebook at design your home magazine Please make sure to include your name, address and telephone number so with your approval we can consider your feedback for publication

Here are Questions we have heard so far: What sort of articles are going to be featured in Design Your Home Magazine? Design Your Home will feature ar ticles on Home Improvement, Design, Garden & Landscaping, Life Style, and Real Estate.

Where can I get my Design Your Home Magazine? Design Your Home magazine will inser ted in the Saturday edition of the Brandon Sun, quar terly. There will also be displayers located in high traffic areas across the Westman area. (See www.designyourhome.ca for exact locations)

How many issue of Design Your Home magazine are available each year? Design Your Home magazine will have 4 issues a year ; February, May, August, November. Each issue will feature ar ticles per taining to that season.

7 Kitchen Design Ideas In deciding on how to design your kitchen, you must take into consideration such things as: will your kitchen have an island? Will it be

Kitchens have evolved a lot over the years. Once found only in the rear of the house, today’s kitchen design takes the kitchen out the background. The challenge for kitchen design is in creating a more open-faced kitchen that is par t of a dining area, a family room or a great room. In deciding on how to design your kitchen, you must take into consideration such things as: will your kitchen have an island? Will it be of a modern or traditional design? What kinds of appliances will you need for your new kitchen design? What kind of lighting design?

of a modern or traditional

1. Kitchen as ‘Great Room’

design? What kinds of

Whether you are redesigning an existing kitchen or planning a kitchen in a new home there are some design considerations to keep in mind, such as including an island or peninsula as par t of the kitchen design. These can be used to connect the kitchen to a nearby dining area or family room thereby creating a ‘great room’. A kitchen island or peninsula will allow the cook to keep in visual and conversational contact with family members or guests in the adjoining family or dining room.

appliances will you need for your new kitchen design? What kind of lighting design? 6 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | WINTER

2. Create a Kitchen Canopy

6. Under-Cabinet Kitchen Lighting

To give the kitchen some visible borders without blocking views create a kitchen canopy. Also a high ceiling in the kitchen can create the perception of spaciousness.

Kitchen lighting can be an overlooked area of kitchen design. Even if the kitchen has generally good lighting, the counter areas can be somewhat dark. For these areas under-cabinet lighting can help provide more light to work in. By using simple spots or fluorescent lights a smaller kitchen can be made to look larger.

3. U sing Kitchen Cabinet Color to Set Tone of Kitchen Design Kitchen cabinets will help set the tone for the whole room. The choice of wood will influence the overall look of your cabinets. To create a light look, use a light wood such as ash, beech, birch, oak, maple, or chestnut. For medium range, select cherry. To darker kitchens, choose wood that has some color to it.

4. Plan Out the Use of Cabinets and Drawers in The New Kitchen Design Plan out in the kitchen design blueprint just how your cabinets and drawers will be used and how much space and storage you will need before you star t your new kitchen design. The first thing to examine is the counter surface area. Look at where you put everything in your existing kitchen and where in your new kitchen design will these things will go in the new space. Will there be more than one person cooking at a time, if so, will there be enough room for two cooks in the kitchen to work together?

5. U se The Galley-Type Kitchen Design As for counter arrangements, many kitchen designers agree the galley-type design to be the best in terms of efficiency with its single aisle and counters to either side, making it easy to turn around to go from sink to cooking range.

7. Looking at Counter tops Granite, marble, and limestone are all popular natural materials for use in counter tops and are available in many colors. Ceramic tile kitchen counter tops are versatile, practical, and also available in many colors, as well as many shapes, patterns, and finishes. Solid surface counter tops provide seamless acrylic faces. Solid surfaces also come in almost limitless colors, patterns, and styles, and are stain and heat resistant. Laminate counter tops are more affordable but not built to last. Concrete counter tops are known for versatility, as well as strength. Wood counter tops are long lasting and easy to clean and repair but the wood will not withstand exposure to water and household chemicals. Stainless steel counter tops lack the elegance of granite or tile. These counter tops do not absorb stains, but tends to scratch easily. -DYH

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 7

Keeping Your Home Secure While On Vacation

magine returning from your holiday to find your windows broken, your cars and possessions stolen or even your pets gone. Your space has been violated. Relax, because with the proper preparation you can discourage intruders and have a carefree vacation. Worry shouldn’t be on the agenda when you are vacationing. Your holiday is a treat that should be enjoyed without stressing about the safety of your home. By planning ahead you minimize your risk of something going wrong while you are gone. Depending on how long you will be gone, there are a few common sense things you can do for your home, pets and possessions.

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Discourage thieves by getting a house sitter. This is the best way to ward off trouble. If you know someone who will regularly stop by your house - water your plants and turn on the lights, you are lucky. If you have animals you might want to think about hiring a house sitter for while you are away. This way your pets are properly cared for and your home is safer. Peace of mind is wor th some extra money. If you are going to hire a house sitter - make sure you use reliable and trustwor thy service. Ask around and get references. If you can’t get a house sitter the goal is to make your house look lived in. It’s a good idea to have a trusted

neighbor to look after your home. Someone who can keep an eye on your proper ty and who has a contact number for you should anything go wrong. There are all kinds of timers you can buy that make it seem like there are people in your house. Light timers and radio timers can be very effective in deterring criminals and are easy to install. Think about the state of your lawn before you leave. Overgrown grass is a loud signal that there is nobody home. If you are not able to have a neighbour or someone you know maintain your yard (cutting your grass or shoveling snow), consider hiring a local company that specializing in this. If you are going to be gone long enough for your mail to pile up make an arrangement with a neighbor to pick it up - a pile of unopened mail is an obvious signal to criminals

that nobody is home. You can also contact your local post office about having your mail held for you for a small fee. Even if you arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t going away for a long time there are some things that you need to do every time you leave the house. - Always lock your door and leave a key with someone to check on your home while you are gone. - Turn on the radio/ TV and leave some lights on - Do not leave your spare key under the doormat or in any of the equally obvious hiding places. Rather give a copy to someone else and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a spare key anywhere in your garden while you are home. If you MUST hide your key on the proper ty be creative! Develop a reciprocal relationship with your neighbors. Watch their houses when they are away; keep your eyes and ears open for strange happenings and ask them to do the same for you. Group together and form a neighborhood watch of some sor t. If you follow these tips you can be sure your chances are good that you will return to a secure house. -DYH

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 9

Feature Home Written By Kyla Henderson

Space under the stairs for kids play area 10 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | WINTER

Bar Cabinets Lift Up

hen it comes to getting what you want in design

and style of your home, star ting from scratch is the best place to star t. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s just what Jeff Kulman and his par tner did with their new home in Brandon.

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 11

Custom Wet Bar In six months, Kulman went from design to a custom-built, personalized space to call home sweet home. Their 1450 sq. foot bi-level was a Ray Burgess design and after some tweaking, Kulman came up with a working draft. Kulman, who owns Get Bent Sheetmetal in Brandon, acted as the general contractor and did most of the work himself, getting various trades to do jobs he couldn’t do. “A friend of mine had this plan and I liked it. He wasn’t using it, so we just made a few modifications to it and that was it,” Kulman said. “It was very open concept – living room, dining room/kitchen area. It had a nice ensuite with a tub and shower, a four piece bathroom, a walk-in closet and downstairs opened to a bar area and large family room.” While Kulman and Get Bent Sheetmetal did the heating and air conditioning, plumbing was done by Badger Creek Plumbing and Heating Inc. and Kulman contracted friends he knew in the business to fill in the rest. The kitchen is where Kulman made the changes to the design and really set the overall feel and look to their entire home.

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Childen’s play area under the stairs

Ensuite complete with a built-in hydro massage bath tub and angle shower

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 13

Custom Stools

The kitchen is a lovely open concept space, painted in modern colours, with one wall finished in a backsplash of beautiful tiny stones. Kulman has said he appreciates the functionality of their kitchen, perhaps due to their redesigned island. “It’s comfor table. Your prep area is right there and then behind you are your fridge and your stove,” Kulman said. “It’s functional with some modern touches.” They redesigned the island in the kitchen, so they could overlook their dining and living room while preparing a meal and expanded their pantry into a walk-in style. “We really like the walk-in pantry in the kitchen. It gives us a lot of space and options where to put groceries and room to store things,” Kulman said. A real highlight of their kitchen is their cupboards, which were purchased at and installed by Contractor’s Corner. The cupboards are stainless steel, with glass inserts – a perfect accent to the stainless steel appliances in the kitchen. The large master bedroom is also another lovely feature of the home, with soft lighting and an ensuite complete with a built-in hydro massage bath tub and angle shower. Two other bedrooms upstairs and two down provide ample space for office and guests.

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Going downstairs into the spacious basement you’ll find other personal touches of the couple, or maybe of Kulman who enjoys hosting his friends over to watch spor ts games, which have extra impact with the surround sound. The walk-up bar is a centrepiece in the downstairs of the home, with a cupboard and fixtures that give it a unique feel. A beautiful home is nothing without curb appeal though. The stucco completes the homes modern look, done by McLachlan Stucco. Kulman did the landscaping himself, but had D & B Sprinklers install the underground sprinkler system. With a vision and a plan you can make your house a home.

• New Home Construction • Renovations • Retail Sales w w w. c o n t r a c t o r s c o r n e r. c a

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Fireplace Efficiency Reduce your energy costs by transforming your inefficient fireplace into an energy saver.

he fireplace has long been the favorite spot to gather in the Canadian home. A place for warmth, the fireplace adds ambience, sparking memories that are to be treasured. With all the benefits that a fireplace can bring, there are some major downsides that if not addressed can cause a love for the fireplace to wane. With soaring energy costs, the chief negative of having a fireplace has to be its inefficiency. When there is a fire burning, the fireplace does indeed radiate warmth in its general vicinity, but it also creates a convection current that can actually pull conditioned air out of the room and up the chimney causing your furnace to work over time.

When the fire is not burning, the fireplace has a damper which is supposed to block inside air from escaping and outside air from invading. The problem is that the damper is usually made of metal (this type of damper technology hasn’t changed in over 100 years!) and has no seal, which means that the damper is incredibly inefficient. Your home has a dir ty little secret – the fireplace that is designed to warm your house is actually doing the opposite and costing you hundreds of dollars in energy costs. Don’t fret – with a little investment of time and money, you can turn that inefficient fireplace into a powerhouse heater that will reduce your energy bills and add even more charm to your existing fireplace. The following is a list of 4 things that you can do yourself to drastically reduce the heating costs associated with the inefficiency of your fireplace. 1. Top Sealing Dampers replace the fireplace throat damper and are installed at the top of the chimney. The top sealing damper has a seal that acts like a storm door keeping the expensive conditioned air inside the house and the outside air – outside. This principle works year

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 15

round, whether you’re heating or cooling your house. This product can be purchased online and is easily installed by either a homeowner or a handyman. 2. A fireback is a cast iron plate that is placed at the back of your fireplace. Its purpose is to protect the back wall from fire damage and it usually features a design that adds to the homes decor. The fireback improves the fireplaces efficiency by absorbing the heat from the fire and radiating the heat back into the room. 3. A Fireplace Heater pulls fresh air from the room, circulates it through a chamber that is heated by the fire and then blows the heated air back into the room. These heaters are closed systems so no smoke from the fireplace is invading the home. Depending on which kind you purchase, these heaters can make a significant difference in your homes temperature, even heating a full room on its own. Specific fireplace heaters can be installed with fireplace glass doors which will kick your cost savings up another notch. 4. Fireplace Glass Doors will likely carry the largest investment, but you can reduce some of that cost by doing some of the work yourself. There are a number of fireplace doors that can be purchased online and come with easy to install instructions. The fireplace glass door creates a barrier between the living space and the chimney, thus reducing the area that your furnace will have to heat. This alone is a good reason to install these doors, but it’s not the only reason. Fireplace glass doors offer another level of safety for the home by protecting children and pets from the fire. If you have a wood burning fireplace you will want to purchase the screen mesh that is designed to go with the fireplace glass doors. This will allow you to have the doors open while the fire is burning and still have your home protected from sparks and embers. Fireplace glass doors are now being manufactured with modern designs and really add beauty and charm to the fireplace. If you’re handy, all of these suggestions are easy to accomplish, but call your local heating or fireplace representative. If you’re concerned about high energy costs but you want to keep your fireplace, then it’s time to plug up the holes in your monthly energy budget by plugging up the holes in your fireplace.

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-DYH

A “Wild” Idea, To Make a Bold Decorating Statement

o you like creative decorating ideas? Here’s an exciting new way to add a distinctive look to your home.

Ready to be a little wild in your decorating? The secret to good decorating is to be bold and creative without ever being tasteless. Here’s an idea which is unique enough to get attention, yet will never be out of place. Instead of just flowers in a silk arrangement, use feathers! Feathers bring an added bit of texture and life to the standard silk flower display. Pheasant and peacock feathers will add height and drama. Bright colored feathers will make your display eye-catching and unique. To add softness to a bouquet, try ostrich plumes. You may want to leave the flowers out and make your arrangement entirely out of feathers. An interesting container can serve as a wonderful star ting point. Search for one with an animal skin motif. Duck feathers in a leather container will add a manly feel to any office or game room. Shor t feathers at the base, with spikes of pheasant plumes, create an attention drawing piece for a buffet or hall table. Exotic feathers can add spice to a bedroom. Put them out with candles and create a very romantic mood. Look outdoors for feathers of local birds from your area. You can use these to make a statement about your love of where you’ve chosen to live. Take a walk in a nearby wooded park and soon you’ll have a collection from local birds. Typically these are small feathers, yet they’ll say “home” in a cute display on an end table. Search the floral section of your favorite craft store for interesting natural items such as moss, twigs and dried seeds to add to your design. A skilled florist will help you change these elements into a stunning display for your home. Don’t be afraid to experiment. You’re sure to draw interesting comments and with reasonable consideration, you’ll add a stimulating look to any room. -DYH

Blinds and Drapery to suit Your Style... Your Budget! SHELLEY TAYLOR Phone 204-726-5510

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Feature Business J&M Windows and Doors

By Kyla Henderson Written By Kyla Henderson

t J&M Window and Door Company in Brandon and Winnipeg, youยนll find cutting edge technology and products with an unparalleled commitment to quality and service. J&M Window and Door Company, located at 1860 18th Street Nor th in Brandon and 1059 Henderson Highway in Winnipeg, offers a complete selection of beautifully designed, top quality windows and doors to add style to your home and cut down your energy costs.

Duraco he ended up in Japan, training on PVC windows. In 1985 he came back to Brandon and bought ownership of J&M. He opened up the second J&M Window and Door Company in Winnipeg in 2004, which his son Ryan Penner now owns and operates.

J&M was set up in 1983 by a very young George Penner, who worked for Duraco, a national window company, at the time. He began his career as a screen roller and eventually became plant manager at Duraco at age 20. With

J&M offers a wide range of windows and doors to suite your needs and the style of your home. Free, no obligation estimates and experienced, knowledgeable installers are two of the perks of dealing with J&M.

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temperatures ranging from +40 to -40 degrees Celsius and J&M can help you choose the right door to keep the weather outside. J&M offers a wide selection of doors to fit any style, shape, size of entry way of your home, including wood and steel insulated doors. “We have always paid attention to product quality and the design of our products. In Manitoba, you can¹t afford to have a cheap door. We offer an excellent product, with an excellent warranty,” Penner said. All J&M doors have a 20 year warranty on everything.

Windows What stands out most perhaps about J&M¹s windows is the undeniable quality and an unbeatable lifetime warranty. J&M offers picture and fixed windows, casements and awnings that allow you to control the air flow into your home and bay and bow windows, which allow more natural light into your home. J&M currently sells Nor th Star window products at a competitive price. “We are on the cutting edge of technology all of the time,” Penner said. “People¹s ideas and values change and we¹ve kept up with that. We offer exceptional service and quality products. We are all about quality and service.” J&M also offers a line of aluminum window awnings.

Doors Penner says buying windows or doors is an investment and with Manitoba¹s harsh climate

Glassworks With J&M¹s state of the ar t etching machine, your imagination is the only limitation. Jamie Dillabough, a true ar tist when it comes to bringing your creations to life, uses glass, and tempered glass, plexi, wood, marble, leather, granite, aluminum and mirrors in his work. Just about any size is an option too. Everything from small coasters, (Dillabough recently provided the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with 3,800 sandblasted logo coasters,) up to a 75 sq. feet sheet. If that¹s not big enough, Dillabough has experience doing many custom designs that are in multiple large pieces. “We can do old black and white photos that are good quality, we can do any picture you take with your camera and put it on glass, marble, mirrors and more,” Dillabough said. Popular custom designs Dillabough has done include wedding por traits, newborn photos, pet memorials, memorials, ar t designs, and more. Dillabough has retrofitted cabins with custom designed glass work featuring a bear and wolf landscape that makes up the ceiling high windows in the cabin. He has done a number

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 19

of back lit photos on mirrors or glass for peopleยนs homes or bars. Dillabough even did a custom piece for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers that featured former Bomber slot back Milt Stegal in play on the field that now frames the door to the Bomber offices. Want a unique gift or a stunning piece to set a room apar t? Need a great gift for grandma or your boss? Dillabough works with customers to help form their ideas and can make your vision come to life. In its glassworks depar tment, J&M offers shower glass and mirror installation, custom laser etching, sandblasting and deep carving, sharp cutting of glass and plexi and laser etching on tempered glass. (J&Mยนs etching machines is one of the few in Canada that can do tempered glass.) For more information, or a great idea, email Jamie Dillabough at jamie@jandmwindows. com. To contact J&M Window and Door Company, call them in Brandon at 204-728-1746 or visit them on-line at www.jandmwindows.com.

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High Energy Bills?

Don’t Sweat it!

Our energy-efficient windows and doors keep costs down. Our optional triple-paned glass, Argon gas or Krypton gas-filled windows provide the highest-performance and maximum energy and cost savings. And you can take comfort in knowing that your’re helping to save the environment, too. Enjoy the view through North Star windows and doors.

SAVE THE GST Present this coupon or mention our ad in Design Your Home magazine. 1860 18th St. N., Brandon, MB

Offer valid until January 31/2013

New Products You should be Aware of

f you are thinking of renovating your home, there may be a number of new products on the market that you might not be aware of:

1- Wi-Fi thermostats that come with Lennox variable gas furnaces will get automatic updates over the internet, have the weather forecast, enable you to control your furnace from your iPhone or remote computer, plus this thermostat can also email you or the installing contractor, if it is not working and tell you what the problem is. 2- Zoning your forced air heating system, is very impor tant in larger homes. People will spend a lot of money on visual things in the home like counter tops, lighting, flooring, and furniture but when they move in, they are surprised at how uncomfor table they are because different areas of the house vary so much in temperature. Think about it, you have one thermostat to control the basement, main floor, upstairs and maybe a sun room. Did you know it is possible to have a control for each area? This would save you money by turning the heat down in areas not being used and use the energy in the area that you use the most. 3- Hot and cold lawn taps on the outside of your house to wash your car, water the plants, clean up your garden tools, or flood the hockey rink in the back yard. 4- Delta touch faucets that can be turned off or on by simply touching them, great for kitchen taps when you have sticky fingers. 5- Replacing an Anode rod in your hot water tank can extend the life of your tank by 5-10 years! The anode is

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a sacrificial rod in the tank that the minerals in the water attack because it is a softer metal. In Brandon this rod only last about 3-4 years so if it is replace in that time line it will extend the life of the tank. These are just a few ideas that Westside Plumbing & Heating service people can help you with. It will make your house more comfor table, energy efficient, and make your life easier in your own home. Westside Plumbing & Heating is a Residential service and retro-fit company that specializes in the residential market only, they don’t do commercial, Industrial or new construction. Their service people are polite, show up on time, knowledgeable, and are able to get your problem fixed as quickly as possible, for a reasonable price. Westside Plumbing & Heating has found that it is better to train their service people in one area of service such as “residential”. The home owner is much happier dealing with one service person, as to having to set up another service call with different trades’ persons. When the one service call can meet all their needs whether it is plumbing, heating, or air conditioning, it can save you time and or money. Service techs are also trained to point out potential problems before it becomes a larger more expensive problem. Westside Plumbing & Heating also offers a 24/7 service. This very impor tant in the service industry, because they will be available when you need them! - Courtesy of Westside Plumbing and Heating

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My Idiah!

{i did it at home}

Dressing Up Your Front Door for the Holidays By Jaime-Lynn Dyck

reaths have come a long way from the traditional evergreen. Typically you can find wreaths in a round shape, symbolizing strength. Now you can see them in squares, triangles and as monogrammed letters.

half and hot glue to the top of the wreaths. Then add any accessories you choose, such as a scarf, bells and maybe a plaque with your last name on it!

Whatever the shape, size or material, have fun dressing up your front entrance with a wreath this season!

Monogrammed wreaths can be very unique as well. First take the letter you wish to use and all you need to do next is cover, paint or wrap it with any material you choose! I decided to hot glue fake cranberries for a festive feel. Finish with a satin or burlap ribbon. You may also want to cover your letter with evergreens, pine cones, pearls…the possibilities are endless!

Christmas Ball Wreath Making a wreath out of Christmas ornaments can be lots of fun! You can truly make it your own and match it to any décor. You will need a minimum of 3 boxes of ornaments and simply feed them through a bent wire hanger. Finish with a large bow on the top and voila! One of the easier wreaths you can make at home yourself.

Snowman Wreath Why not make a fun wreath like the snowman wreath! This wreath will add a little personality to your entrance. Simply take 3 grapevine wreaths and wire them together. Lay it on some cardboard in a well ventilated area and spray with white spray paint. Take a plastic top hat, cut it in

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Monogrammed Wreath

It all depends on the style of your door, how you choose to hang your wreath. There is the traditional wreath hanger that hooks over the door, magnetic hangers and simply using ribbon. Ribbon can be used to hang the wreath to the desired length, or you can simply hang your wreath from the ribbon and tack it to the ver y top side of your door! Don’t forget that wreaths are not just for Christmas anymore, but can be used to celebrate any time of year!

Customize by putting a plaque with your family name. DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 25

Sidewalk Safety By Bill White

y name is Bill White and welcome to my first home safety ar ticle in the exciting new magazine â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Design Your Homeâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;. I am thrilled to be asked to work with Design Your Home magazine so I can shares my years of experiences and trainings to make you aware of any hazards around your home. In this edition, I want to talk about keeping your sidewalks and driveways safe in a Manitoba winter. Icy sidewalks and driveways can turn everyday chores like getting the mail, taking out the garbage or walking your dog into a dangerous adventure. Keeping your sidewalks and driveways clear of ice and snow will help to keep your family, friends and the mailman from possible injury. De-icing compounds can be harmful to your cement and also do harm to plants you may have in nearby flower beds. Following are some suggestions for reducing the amount of de-icer needed while keeping your sidewalks and plants safe. Shovel the walks during a snow storm, if possible, to prevent build up. Frequent shoveling makes the job easier. A sharp, metal snow shovel is the best tool for removing snow that has been compacted. After the storm and the snow has been cleared, spread a thin layer of sand over the walk and driveway to help with traction. Kitty litter also works well if spread sparsely. Wearing rubber soled boots will help with traction. If you cannot avoid a de-icer, choose a product that is more environmentally friendly. Calcium magnesium acetate is a product that does not contain salt and it is easier on metal, cement and plants.

26 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | WINTER

Reduce the amount of de-icer needed by using the smallest amount possible and applying it only when absolutely necessary. Liquid de-icers are available but may be more difficult to find and can be pricey. Remember that de-icers do not remove the need to remove ice but makes it easier by preventing ice from bonding to cement or pavement. You can also spread de-icer at the beginning of a snowfall making it easier to clear ice and snow after the storm. The best way to prevent damage to your plants is to not user de-icer but if it is a necessity then avoid shoveling snow over the plants. In the spring thoroughly water the garden areas to help flush de-icer from the soil. Avoid shoveling any salt/sand combinations that falls from your car onto your lawn or garden areas. If you are clearing snow and ice be sure to dress appropriately. Pay special attention to your hands, feet and exposed areas. Warm up before you star t and take frequent breaks. If you have a history of hear t disease avoid shoveling without first consulting your doctor. Push the snow when possible and if you have to shovel take small amounts. Have a safe and enjoyable winter and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see you in the spring. Bill White has been associated with workplace safety committees for 25 years in the government and private sectors

Keeping Your Pet

Calm During

Holiday Celebrations

here’s one family member that many people forget about

during holiday family gatherings:

• Reward good behavior a few times during the event, by keeping pet treats handy. Encourage your guests to refrain from feeding your pet “people food.” Using people food as a treat can lead to your pet begging for more at your guests’ feet. -DYH

the pet. With the hustle and bustle of the season, many dogs and cats get overly excited when friends and family gather. This not only can annoy your visitors, it also can be harmful to your pet.

Friends FUR Life Day Care Inc.

But you don’t have to keep your animal crated or locked in a room in order to avoid problems. The following tips will help your pet stay calm enough to not miss out on the holiday fun: • Give your pet an extra workout. Taking your pet for an extra long walk or having a longer playtime can help tire your pet out before the par ty star ts. • Encourage guests to greet with care. As the par tygoers trickle in, asking your guests to calmly greet your pet. Giving an excited greeting can encourage your pet to do the same. • Amuse your pet with a toy. To distract your pet from jumping up on guests or getting into things, use toys as a distraction. For dogs, toys with hiding places for treats are suggested. Catnip toys will keep cats busy.

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• Doggie Day Care • Dog Grooming • Lynn White’s Dog Training 941 - 26th Street, Brandon, MB R7B 2B7

• Riplees Ranch • Unique Merchandise

(204) 728-0900 lynn.white@friendsfurlife.ca www.friendsfurlife.ca

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 27

Using a Broker: Step by Step Written by a Mortgage Specialist

e’re all familiar with going Top ten reasons to use a to the bank for a mor tgage. Mor tgage Broker

Taking time off work, using our lunch hour or having to take much needed days off only to spend it waiting for our appointment with our bank. There’s got to be an easier way… When I say “I work for you”, I mean it. I do all the work of mor tgage shopping for you, so you can concentrate on making your move go smoothly. I’ll meet to discuss your needs when and where you like—or handle everything over the phone or even via email, if you prefer. I’ll take the time to explain all the steps and terms in plain English to make sure you’re completely comfor table. Then I’ll negotiate your mor tgage to Canada’s leading lenders who compete for the oppor tunity of funding your mor tgage. If they want your business they’re going to give me their best rate or there’s another bank that will.

28 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | WINTER

Get independent advice on your financial options.

As independent mor tgage broker I’m not tied to any one lender or range of products. My goal is to help you successfully finance your home or proper ty. I’ll star t by getting to know you and your homeownership goals. I’ll make a recommendation, drawing from available mor tgage products that match your needs, and we will decide together on what’s right for you. 2)

Save time with one-stop shopping.

It could take weeks for you to organize appointments with competing mor tgage lenders and we know you’d probably rather spend your time house-hunting! I work directly with dozens of lenders, and can quickly narrow down a list of those that suit you best. It makes comparison-shopping fast, easy, and convenient. 3) I negotiate on your behalf. Many people are uncer tain or uncomfor table negotiating mor tgages directly with their bank. Brokers negotiate mor tgages each and every day on behalf of Canadian homebuyers. You can count on my market knowledge to secure competitive rates and terms that benefit you.

9) No cost to you. There’s absolutely no charge for my services on typical residential mortgage transactions. How can I afford to do that? Like many other professional services, such as insurance, mortgage brokers are generally paid a finder’s fee when we introduce trustworthy, dependable customers to a financial institution. These fees are quite standard and nearly industrywide so that the focus remains on you, the customer. 10) Ongoing suppor t and consultation.

More choice means more competitive rates.

4) I have access to a network of major lenders in Canada, so your options are extensive. In addition to traditional lenders, I also know what’s being offered by credit unions, trust companies, and other sources. And I can help you take care of other requirements before your closing date, such as sourcing mor tgage default insurance if your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price. 5)

Even once your mor tgage is signed and paperwork is complete, I’m here if you need any advice on closing details or even future referral needs. We are happy to be of assistance when you need it. No appointments to make to come see me, just call, I’m here.

Ensure you’re getting the best rates and terms.

Even if you’ve already been pre-approved for a mor tgage by your bank or another financial institution, you’re not obliged to stop shopping! Let me investigate to see if there is an alternative to better suit your needs. 6) Get access to special deals and add-ons Many financial institutions would love to have you as  a client, which is why they often offer incentives to attract creditwor thy customers. These can include retail points programs, discounts on appliances, shopping clubs, and more. I do the math on which offers might be wor th your attention when it comes to financing or mor tgage insurance so you get the perks you deserve. 7) Things move quickly! My job isn’t done until your closing date goes smoothly. I’ll help ensure your mor tgage transaction takes place on time and to your satisfaction. 8) Get exper t advice

We work for you, not the lenders Scott McMullan (AMP) MORTGAGE BROKER 204-761-2678

Mike Trollope MORTGAGE SPECIALIST 204-573-3938

Brian Keown

(AMP) MORTGAGE SPECIALIST 204-761-8188

• 120 day rate holds • Purchases • Refinances • Construction Mortgages • Access to 40 different lenders • We now offer commercial leasing Call now for your no charge consultation and discover all your mortgage options. Phone 204-578-5355 930 Lorne Ave., Brandon, MB

www.mortgagecentre.com/brandon

When it comes to mor tgages, rates, and the housing market, I’ll speak to you in plain language. I can explain the various mor tgage terms and conditions so you can choose confidently.

DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 29

Window Coverings Keep Homes Cozier During Winter

indow coverings add an inviting finishing touch to

your rooms, and during winter, they can even keep your rooms warmer and cozier. Window treatments can make a room more comfor table by reducing the chill from uncovered windows. Open window treatments on south-facing windows during the day to let the sun warm your home. As the sun sets, be sure to close window treatments to keep more warm air in your home. Keep more of your hard earned money and save on utility bills by conserving energy this winter. Your window treatments can help cut your heating bill by preventing the warmed air in your home from cooling against the chilled

30 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | WINTER

window pane. Ten to 30 percent of a home`s heat can escape through windows during winter. Depending on your window treatments, you can reduce heat loss through the window pane by up to 40%. Snugly-fitted window treatments that are fitted inside the window frame are more efficient than those mounted outside the frame at keeping warmed air away from chilled glass. If you`re in the market for new window coverings and want to save on energy costs, the type of product you choose can make a big difference.

Cellular Shades A favorite for the conservation

set.

Their construction lets them trap air and prevent heat loss, providing a definitive R-value

Cellular Shades

depending on cell size, opacity levels and type of fabric.

There are many

R-Value refers to how well the material resists heat

products on the

flow. The higher the value the more insulation the fabric

market today and

provides. Cellular shades combine energy efficiency with versatile design options, and will definitely cozy-up your home in the upcoming months.

many

manufa-

cturers. you

When

choose

shop with us at

Shutters

Draperies

Budget Blinds, you

A great choice because of how they are mounted and the materials they are made from. For centuries, shutters have offered homeowners a unique blend of beauty Shutters and practicality. Their simple, timeless appeal instantly adds an element of sophistication to any room, while their insulating design helps lower energy bills year round.

experience the number 1 window covering franchise in Nor th America with over 20 years of exper tise. During a complimentary in-home consultation we bring you only the best products from the best manufacturers and we suit the products to your needs and style. We have a style for every point of view!!! Allow us to help cozy up your home for the winterâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and save you some money on your energy bill!!! - Courtesy of Budget Blinds

Roman Shades Available in a multitude of styles ranging from crisp and contemporary to bold and dramatic and are proven winners for energy efficiency. Add a black-out liner to enhance insulation proper ties.

Roman Shades

Draperies THESE can be bundledâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;that is combined with a cellular for instance to fur ther enhance chill busting. When spring comes along, swap heavy draperies for sheers or lighter fabrics.

FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION Blinds Shutters Draperies Roller Shades Window Film Rugs and Accessories 635 10th Street, Brandon DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 31

Christmas Styles

2012

Finishing Details – Trends in Trims Candy Land Deserts Yuletide Elegance Frosty Winter Woods Down Home Sleigh Ride

• Bring the outdoors in with the use of all types of birds. • Nutcrackers from the traditional to the whimsical stand to greet visitors. • Use elves to remind us of the child like charm of the holidays. • Nativities; presentations of the holy family in all sizes and materials. • Hark the Harold; Angels will always sing the joy of the season in variations of facial expressions, wings, along with glittering lights. To all of you, enjoy your favorites in Christmas décor from woodland adventures to holiday treats, with decorations and a range of colors for black and white, perky prints amidst the traditional green and red. - Courtesy of Rosanne’s Silk Designs

Sentimental Season Snowdoodle Countdown

Peek into Santa’s Workshop & Visit Us for all the Season Can Offer

hristmas trends over the last number of years have expended to suit numerous family lifestyles. To demonstrate to you the ways Christmas products can deck the halls together, we have chosen just a few themes that reflect the styles, color palettes, elements and floral material to compliment any of your choices for the 2012 season. Your everyday home décor can mix into any of the themes that match your style. This will make your home well rounded and keep your year round favorites complimenting your Christmas décor.

Trim tips: • Ribbon, like scarves or belts are a perfect accessory for floral designs or to tie up the perfect gift.

32 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | WINTER

ROSANNE’S SILK DESIGNS Phone: 204-725-3602 rsd@goinet.ca | www.rosannessilkdesigns.com

Business Emporium Body & Spirit Massage Therapy

Jaid Creations

I Specialize in Tutus, Baby Wraps, and much, much, more.....

Karen Wotton R M T

By Appointment Only

Please visit our Facebook group Jaid Creations Email at JaidCreations@hotmail.com

204.761.3777 knotts@mts.net

Scott Kasprick

Owner / Graphic Designer

Jeff Kulman

OWNER

PHONE (204) 724-5333 EMAIL jeffkulman@hotmail.com

LIGHT COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL HVAC INSTALLERS

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Do You Know? Where are you if you see these images? For the Answers, please visit our website at www.designyourhome.ca/doyouknow.

Name this street and win a $50 Gift Card to The Keg. Email your answers to contest@designyourhome.ca. All correct answers will be entered into a draw, winner will be drawn January, 15, 2013. One entry per email address.

34 | DESIGN YOUR HOME | WINTER

D F

EL RE W i & t h I E Fi na in 2 S VE nc 00 ET RY ing k Pl m o UP an f B s A ra va ndo ila n ble

www.kullbergs.ca

Kullberg’s Furniture - Brandon 731 18th St, Brandon, MB (204) 727-5449

Kullberg’s Furniture - Virden 346 King Street East, Virden, MB (204) 748-3331

Need more decor? 751 18th St., Brandon, MB R7A 5B6 DESIGNYOURHOME.CA | 35 Phone: (204) 725-4664

Brandonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Magazine We are giving you, our readers, articles about house, cottage, apartment or condo living, from the interior to the exterior. We also hope it will help you find local ideas, products and companies that will help you make your living space your home!