New Home Living - February 2017 by Source Media Group

VOLUME 13 ISSUE 134 n FEBRUARY 2017

contents

12 COVER FEATURE

Life by nature Cranston’s Riverstone offers more than just an idyllic lifestyle

FEATURE

Romantic Calgary Some suggestions to make it the best Valentine’s Day yet

New!

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contents 10

FOCUS ON

10 Fancy fluff

Throw pillows are an easy way of updating a room’s décor

SHOW HOME PROFILES

16 A taste of perfection

Excel Homes’ new selection of homes in HillCrest hits all the right notes

20 Timeless beauty

Shane Homes’ Tofino II in Midtown in Airdrie shows why it remains a best-seller

COMMUNITY PROFILE

24 Face of the New West

Heartland offers new homebuyers family-oriented community with lasting value

STYLE

Feature walls add an exciting visual depth to rooms FEBRUARY 2017

COLUMNS

45 Around Town 46 Hope at Large

35 Another trick on the wall

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ITEMS

8 Editor’s Message 40 Maps 44 Advertiser Index

editor’s message n

The heart of winter

2017 starts out with a “brrr” instead of a bang, and I guess the good ol’ Farmers’ Almanac was on the nose this year with the frigid temperatures we’ve been enjoying of late. But the housing market it seems is seeing some warmth return to its bones, with economic forecasts calling for better fortunes for home buyers and home builders in 2017 with a more balanced market. But it is a precarious balance. Who knows what the effects will be with the new drywall tariffs? What about the cost of meeting new energy efficiency codes? And what about that carbon tax? We’ll see in the next few, I think. The wheels of progress continue their inexorable push, however, and new communities (to name a few: Livingston, Carrington, Cornerstone — all in north Calgary) have opened, new show home parades have also begun sprouting up even before the spring. Some are even seeing increased traffic to the show homes despite the wintry weather. Our cover feature on Cranston’s Riverstone is a great example of this new blush of growth. Brookfield Residential’s blossoming riverside enclave has attracted a wide range of buyers and not just the well-off retiree looking to enjoy the golden years along some of the best fishing spots in the province just outside their home. I mean, there is certainly that segment of the market found here, but there’s also a growing number of young families and even single professionals who are putting down roots in this amenity-rich, nature endowed community. Like I say in the feature, where else can you go hiking by the Bow River pathway and have a delish meal at Starbelly or Tommyfield Gastropub 10 minutes later? Growth also continues in our sister city to the north, Airdrie, and our two show home profiles this month feature the latest in the neighbourhoods of Midtown and HillCrest. Shane Homes’ Tofino II is making headlines in the new neighbourhood of Midtown that can be loosely termed Airdrie’s new inner-city community for its proximity to its downtown. Excel Homes is one of the home builders I was talking about earlier who are opening a slew of new show home parades this year — they’ve already launched new ones in the southeast community of Walden, and now they are opening single-family front drive homes, and duplex front drive homes in HillCrest, and we were able to get a sneak-peek at some of them. I also have a thing for pillows and we wallow in this personal obsession with a terrific take on what’s available out there in Aaliya Essa’s Focus On photo feature. Our STYLE guru, David Crosson, puts his sights on creating the perfect feature wall to create visual depth in any room. And Shelley Boettcher gives us tips on some choice romantic stops in the city for a Valentine to remember. The extra frigid temperatures makes it just the kind of weather to talk about pillows. Don’t you just want to stay in bed the whole day with this kind of weather?

PUBLISHER

Source Media Group

info@sourcemediagroup.ca A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R

Jim Zang

jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITOR

Pepper Rodriguez

pepper.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca ART DIRECTOR

Jean Faye Rodriguez

jean.rodriguez@sourcemediagroup.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Dave Macaulay

dave.macaulay@sourcemediagroup.ca

Vivian Zhang vivian.zhang@sourcemediagroup.ca P R O D U C T I O N A D M I N I S T R AT O R

Colleen Leier

colleen.leier@sourcemediagroup.ca EDITORIAL

Aaliya Essa, David Crosson Marty Hope, Shelley Boettcher PHOTOGRAPHY

Amadeo Giron, Earl Raatz ADVERTISING

advertising@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING

accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY

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©2017 Source Media Group Corp. Material cannot be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publishers. Source Media Group Corp. agrees to advertise on behalf of the advertiser without responsibility for claims or misinformation made by the advertiser and acts only as an advertising medium. Source Media Group reserves the right to refuse any advertising at its sole discretion. New Home Living® is published 12 times per annum and is available free through select distribution points in Calgary and area. New Home Living® accepts editorial submissions by electronic mail only. Please forward any submissions including all personal information to nleditor@sourcemediagroup.ca. Unsolicited submissions will not be returned. Advertising information available only by request. New Home Living® is a registered Trademark the property of SOURCE MEDIA GROUP CORP. Reg. CIPO TMA 693289. Source Media Group, 6109 — 6th Street S.E. Calgary, Alberta T2H 1L9. T: 403.532.3101, F: 403.532.3109, TF: 1.888.932.3101 E: info@sourcemediagroup.ca www.sourcemediagroup.ca

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NewHomeLivingCalgary

focus on

FANCY

Throw pillows are an easy way of updating a room’s décor n BY

Aaliya Essa THROW PILLOWS BRING a soft touch to the look of a room, but don’t be deceived by its nature as they can still bring an enormous design impact whatever the setting. They’re a brilliant way to throw some colour, geometric pattern or texture to any room without breaking the bank. NL

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FLUFF

5 [ 1 ] Multi Cushion Botanica 30x12in, $598 at Chintz & Co. [ 2 ] Lambswool Cushion — Woodpecker White, $135 at Kit Interior Objects. [ 3 ] Ikat Cuchion with Fill, $65.95 at Stuff. [ 4 ] Lambswool Cushion — Robin Mustard, $135 at Kit Interior Objects. [ 5 ] Pewtr Cushion Tibet, $115 at Chintz & Co. [ 6 ] Multi Cushion Love, $206 at Chintz & Co. [ 7 ] Leaf Cushion Leighton, $148 at Chintz & Co. [ 8 ] Marimekko Pirput Parput Cushion Cover — Black Dots on White, $75 at Kit Interior Objects. [ 9 ] Multi Cushion Botanica 15in round, $442 at Chintz & Co. FEBRUARY 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

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cover feature n

LIFE by

Cranston’s Riverstone offers more than just an idyllic lifestyle

NATURE

youthful energy runs through Cranston’s Riverstone, as the idyllic community surrounded by nature has attracted a wide range of buyers that find the family-friendly, active lifestyle-oriented living it offers irresistible. Its winding pathways are filled with early morning joggers taking full advantage of the natural landscape, dog-walkers taking their pets out for a jaunt are everywhere, and the laughter of children enjoying the numerous tot lots and green space echoes through the river valley everyday. This is the kind of scene everyone expects in this pretty, postcard community. But what not many may realize is that residents of Cranston’s Riverstone also enjoy a very urban lifestyle with its proximity to the developing Seton shopping and commercial district. Where else can you go on an exhilarating, nature-filled hike around the community and then have a delightful meal at Starbelly’s or Tommyfield Gastropub 10 minutes later? Cranston’s Riverstone by Brookfield Residential enjoys everything that a newly established community offers. The greater community of Cranston — also by Brookfield — is well on its way to build out and Riverstone may

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be one of the final opportunities to own a new home in what is already one of the most popular, and thriving communities in the southeast. The master-planned community is already replete in all the modern conveniences. Cranston Market has become the commercial and social hub it was always planned to be with 18 stores offering all kinds of goods and services; public and Catholic elementary schools are now open in the community that is a boon to the young families that make up the bulk of its population; and the world-class South Health Campus hospital is just down the road offering added peace of mind. The thriving and active Cranston Residents Association has also become instrumental in tightening the bonds of community with the

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numerous events it holds through the year, and makes newcomers feel all that more welcome. Public transit is widely available through the neighbourhood and will get even better when the Greenway LRT system eventually makes its way to the neighbouring community of Auburn Bay. Accessibility is beyond compare with its location near the major thoroughfares as Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail. What many may not be aware of is that Cranston’s Riverstone has a wide variety of homes that can fit every budget and lifestyle and not just the high-end luxury homes that it has become famous for.

…residents of Cranston’s Riverstone also enjoy a very urban lifestyle with its proximity to the developing Seton shopping and commercial district. Where else can you go on an afternoon hike and then have a delightful meal at Starbelly’s or Tommyfield Gastropub 10 minutes later?

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cover feature n

Cranston’s Riverstone has move-up homes from Albi Luxury by Brookfield Reidential, Trico Homes and Cedarglen Homes, but they also have multi-family products from Brookfield Residential. “We have a new show home parade for move up homes from Cedarglen Homes and Trico Homes opening in June, and a new multi-family project opening in the spring from Brookfield,” says Mary Aucoin, marketing lead, Calgary Communities at Brookfield Residential. “New estate show homes from Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential, Baywest Homes and Calbridge Homes will also be opening in the fall.” This is why Riverstone is attracting quite a varied demographic. “Anywhere from firsttime buyers who can buy townhomes starting in the $450,000s and move-up homes in the $500,000s, to those who want, villas and estate homes from the $700,0000s and going through the million-dollar mark for luxury estate homes,” Aucoin says. Only about 25 per cent of the overall acreage of Riverstone has been completed to date. Plans call for development to extend south to about where the Bow River intersects with the Deerfoot Trail bridge, and to the north just short of Highway 22X. By the time build out is achieved in five years the community could have a population of about 3,000 people. n

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FAST FACTS: COMMUNITY: Cranston’s Riverstone DEVELOPER: Brookfield Residential BUILDERS: Townhomes – Brookfield Residential from the mid $400,000s Villas – Calbridge Homes from the mid $700,000s Move up – Cedarglen Homes (low $600,000s), Albi Homes (mid $600,000s), & Trico Homes from the mid $500,000s Estate – from the low $700,000s with Calbridge Homes, Baywest Homes (mid $700,000s for bungalows, low $800,000s for two-storey), Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential ($800,000s) Luxury Estate – Albi Luxury from $1million+ HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. DIRECTIONS: South on Deerfoot Trail and exit on Cranston Avenue and follow the signs down the hill. WEBSITE: www.experienceriverstone.com

show home profile n Excel Homes

A TASTE OF PERFECTION Excel Homes’ new selection of homes in HillCrest hits all the right notes n WRITTEN BY

Pepper Rodriguez

THE FAMILY-FRIENDLY environs of HillCrest provides the perfect setting for Excel Homes’ latest show homes that not only display the home builder’s brand of stylishly functional designs, but a wide range of selection that can fit any budget. Excel Homes is opening two single-family front-drive show homes and two duplex front-drive show homes in this popular south Airdrie community on January 28. The openings mark the launch of new phases in this APEX Developments community that is already halfway through to build out. They have a total of five single-family front-drive home models available in HillCrest starting from the $415,000s and four front-drive duplex homes from the $330,000s (both prices include GST). “Our double front-drive garage homes are the perfect move-up home for families looking for more space, while our duplexes are the perfect entry point for those wanting to get out of the renting cycle or who have outgrown their apartment-style condo,” says David Zanini, Excel Homes area manager for HillCrest. The Eaton is their latest single-family move-up model with a front-attached double garage. The 2,410-square-foot home starts in the $490,000s including GST, not bad for a home with four bedrooms, a central bonus room and an upstairs laundry. “Our move-up homes have been popular with young families and are designed with practicality in mind, but also with a stylish flair,” Zanini says. The Barrett is one of their most popular duplex models. At 1,651 square-feet, it sure has the space to accommodate a luxurious lifestyle on a budget. “Our duplexes are very well designed, and uses all of the space efficiently,” he adds. The community of HillCrest has been a smash hit for APEX Developments, and Excel Homes — its home building arm — is a top seller in the community. “Our buyers love the fact that HillCrest is so conveniently located. It’s the nearest Airdrie community to Calgary with easy access off 8th Street to major highways including Deerfoot Trail and Stoney Trail,” Zanini says. “It is also well on its way to becoming an established community with a school and a nearby commercial area opening real soon.”

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home profile

BELOW The Eaton’s well-lit and spacious bonus room is located right at the top of the stairs and serves as a buffer between the master bedroom and the three other rooms for more privacy for each family member. “Its central location also gives families the perfect environment where they can share each others company,” Zanini says.

ABOVE The 1,856-square-foot Edison is another front-drive garage move-up that is available in HillCrest. The open concept floor plan and the high ceilings is something it has in common with plenty of Excel Homes other offerings. The ceiling-height kitchen cabinetry and the built-in wine rack in the central island are available options for most of their homes. LEFT The Eaton’s great room is the picture of relaxed family life. The executive look of the home is brought to fore by its cantilevered fireplace and handsome maple hardwood flooring options. Zanini says the pre-planned options Excel offers allows buyers to map out every last detail of their home to stay on budget and create a home that fits their tastes and lifestyle.

FAR LEFT The stunning curbside appeal of The Eaton stands out even in the stately streetscape of HillCrest. The 58.4-hectare community itself is a huge attraction with its family-friendly features, and its proximity to Genesis Place Recreation Centre, Plainsmen Arena, CrossIron Mills, several schools and an assortment of outdoor parks, picnic areas.

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show home profile n Excel Homes

LEFT The 1,554-square-foot Chester is one of the duplex models that will be available for visitors to check out. Starting in the $340,000s, the Chester has all the comforts of a single-family home, the affordability of a townhome, and the peace of mind of not having to pay condo fees ever.

BELOW The Barrett, like its other duplexes in HillCrest, will have a single front drive garage that’s high on the wish list of those looking to upgrade from their apartment condos. At 1,651 square-feet with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths it also has a big central island and walk-in pantry.

fast facts BUILDER: Excel Homes ABOVE The Chester’s lovely finish gives buyers a good idea of the options that they can go with, and the newly opened sales centre within the new show home parade will be a one-stop-shop where buyers can make their selections.

COMMUNITY: HillCrest, Airdrie STYLE: Single-family front drive garage homes, and front drive garage duplexes PRICE: Single-family front drive garage homes from the $415,000s, duplexes from the $330,00s ADDRESS: 129 HillCrest Drive S.W.

RIGHT The ingenious façade of Excel Homes’ duplex models make it seem like just a stately single-family estate home from the outside. This Barrett and Chester duplex combo blends well with the family-friendly appeal of HillCrest. NL

DIRECTIONS: North on QEII, exit west on Yankee Valley Blvd., and turn left on 8 St. S.W. and follow the signs. SHOW HOME HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.. Closed Fridays. WEBSITE: www.excelhomes.ca

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show home profile n

LEFT The Tofino II show home showcases an upgraded kitchen layout with ceiling-height cabinets and a larger central island with breakfast bar. Granite countertops on the island and perimeter counters bring a stylish finish to the all-around functionality of the design. The island itself provides additional storage options that will prove handy to any growing family.

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Shane Homes n show home profile

TIMELESS BEAUTY Shane Homes’ Tofino II in Midtown in Airdrie shows why it remains a best-seller n WRITTEN BY

TOP Elegant 12-by-12-inch ceramic tile flooring adorns the main floor, an open concept design that takes full advantage of the wide — and numerous — windows, which along with the nine-foot ceilings combine to create a living space with charming sophistication.

Pepper Rodriguez

WHY FIX IT if it ain’t broke? And there’s nothing broken at all with Shane Homes’ Tofino model, which has remained a constant star in its show home parades. In almost every new community that Shane Homes goes into, the multiawarded home builder almost always brings in a Tofino show home. And why not? The Tofino, in all its variations, has almost always been their most popular model. And as Shane Homes makes its single-family show home debut in Airdrie’s Midtown, it’s no surprise that Tofino II is their model of choice. It’s designed to be a family-centric crowd pleaser and this latest version showcases a distinct, traditional family home flavour with a modern beat. The design’s adherence to the maxim of form-follows-function is what resounds most among buyers. “Families and young couples are our main buyers here in Midtown, and and they love the way the Tofino II anticipates their needs,” says area manager Jeff Brodowski. “All three bedrooms upstairs have walk-in closets which are important to growing families. It also has a handy desk area along the second floor hallway near the kids’ bedrooms and a den/study with sliding doors downstairs so kids can do their schoolwork in peace, or for parents to take care of the family’s finances,” he adds. The walk-around bonus room at the top of the stairs is another top-selling feature of the Tofino II. “It’s in the middle of the home, separating the kids’ rooms from the owner’s bedroom, and having the stand-alone wall where the TV is helps prevent sound vibrations from transferring to bedroom walls.” The Tofino II is also sized just right, starting at 2,150 square-feet, but the show home itself is at 2,315 square-feet. “It provides the environment where families can interact with each other and still have spots for each other’s privacy.” Shane Homes in Midtown starts from $455,000 including house, lot and GST, which is very affordable considering that it is in Airdrie’s newest, most amenity-rich community. “We’re a new community that’s nicely located in a well-established part of the city.

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show home profile n Shane Homes LEFT A four-piece ensuite provides a relaxing escape for the owners and includes a corner soaker tub and a fully tiled glass encased shower. Adding to its functionality is a make-up table dividing the double vanity. The spacious walk-in closet will also prove a challenge for any fashionista to fill.

BOTTOM Also accounting for Tofino II’s popularity is its handsome exterior, an unmatched curb appeal that’s heightened further by the generous stonework adorning the Midtown show home. Shane Homes is the only single-family home builder in this new Airdrie community. They also have their Orion show home next door. NL

fast facts BUILDER: Shane Homes AREA: Midtown in Airdrie STYLE: Two storey move-up homes with double attached front garages SIZE: 2,315 sq. ft. PRICE: Midtown homes start from $455,000 house, lot and GST ADDRESS: 604 Midtown Place S.W., Airdrie DIRECTIONS: North on QE II, left on Yankee Valley Blvd and right on 8th St. and follow the signs HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEBSITE: www.shanehomes.com

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community profile n Heartland

FACE OF THE NEW WEST Heartland offers new homebuyers family-oriented community with lasting value n WRITTEN BY

Pepper Rodriguez

FOR THE AVID home seeker who thinks they’ll never be able to afford to buy their own home, take heart in Heartland where beautiful, well-made single-family homes and townhomes are still available at very attainable prices.

Take for example, Claudette, she had moved to the Calgary area from Vancouver. While living in Vancouver, she and her husband did not think they would ever be able to own their own home due to the high market prices. But when they visited Heartland in Cochrane they quickly fell in love with the community, and with home prices starting from the $350,000s, she knew living here would be well within their budget.

“HEARTLAND OFFERS SUCH A WIDE SELECTION OF PRODUCTS THAT IT’S ABLE TO WELCOME FIRST TIME BUYERS, EMPTY NESTERS, AND MOVE UPS.” 24 | NE W HOME LIVING

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n community

“We loved the feel of the community (it’s like the Alpines meets the Prairies), the great use of green space, the family friendly atmosphere, and the proximity to town and easy access to the mountains off the 1A.” says Claudette. “Now is the time to buy in Heartland,

profile

with introductory pricing and amenities coming our way you can get in and ride the wave while building equity in a home you love as the community becomes more established,” says Charla Power, Excel Homes’ area manager. Excel Homes is one of three homebuilders in this popular community from APEX Development just off Highway 1A in the west side of Cochrane. The others are Jayman BUILT and Birchwood Properties. “Heartland is a 250-acre community,” says Susan Henderson, Senior

“NOW IS THE TIME TO BUY IN HEARTLAND, WITH INTRODUCTORY PRICING AND AMENITIES COMING OUR WAY YOU CAN GET IN AND RIDE THE WAVE WHILE BUILDING EQUITY…” FEBRUARY 2017 NE W HOME LIVING

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community profile n

Inspired by Cochrane’s spirited Western heritage, Brand Townhomes offer the best opportunity to enjoy active living, comfort, and convenience in Heartland.

fast facts COMMUNITY: Heartland, Cochrane DEVELOPER: APEX Developments BUILDERS: Excel Homes, Jayman BUILT, Birchwood Properties STYLE: Townhomes, laned homes, front-drive single-family PRICE: Townhomes from the low $200,000s, single-family homes from the mid $300,000s DIRECTIONS: Exit off Trans Canada to Cochrane, left on 1A, first left. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m. WEB: www.heartlandcochrane.com

The Radsion by Excel Homes

Development Manager for APEX Developments. “When it is complete it will have approximately 1,500 homes that are a mix of single-family, duplex and freehold townhomes. There are also six multi-family sites, a local commercial site, lots of parks and a great pathway system to get around the community safely. Heartland offers such a wide selection of product that it’s able to welcome first time buyers, empty nesters, and move-ups,” she adds. “Sales volume in Heartland has been great this year! We launched a new phase to accommodate various price point/timeline needs for our homebuyers,” Power adds. Excel Homes has 11 models to choose from ranging from 1,756 to 2,534 square-feet. Prices range from $350,000 to $475,000. Power says families make up a huge portion of the buyers in Heartland, and upcoming amenities like a future school site, and planned commercial and public service in the community will prove to be very beneficial to them. Jayman BUILT offers double front-attached

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garage two-storey homes, and their best-selling Nitro and the new Dakota show homes are open. “Heartland is an affordable and growing community, and a great opportunity for Jayman BUILT to keep with the momentum of Cochrane’s growth,” says Jayman BUILT area manager, Kym Daigle. “We are looking forward to showing off our newly renovated Dakota floor plan at a price point that really makes sense.” Jayman BUILT, meanwhile, offers double front-attached garage two-storey homes, ranging from 1,674 to 2,405 squarefeet, “with our Best Price First policy pricing starting at $377,116 to $439,444 (lot and GST included)” Daigle says. Our Nitro, Reunite and Emerge have proven to be our bestselling floorplans so far. As for multi-family offerings, Birchwood Properties’ The Brand townhomes are available. Inspired by Cochrane’s spirited Western heritage, Brand Townhomes offer the best opportunity to enjoy active living, comfort, and convenience in Heartland. Brand offers three townhome styles: the Galloway, Highland, and the Devon. With a mix of two-and three-storey townhomes, each with a choice of two or three bedrooms and a single or double attached garage. Sizes range from 1,055 to 1,372 square-feet and start at $239,900 before tax. For information visit www.heartlandcochrane.com. NL

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River Café

Romantic Calgary Some suggestions to make it the best Valentine’s Day yet

n WRITTEN BY

Shelley Boettcher

’m not the world’s most romantic person, but I do love February. It’s an excuse to celebrate love at its finest, with lots of good things: schmaltzy Valentine’s Day cards, cutie-pie Cupids, tons of chocolate, pretty flowers and, of course, fine food and wine.

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feature n

With that in mind, here are a few special ways to show your sweetheart how much you care this month — or any time of the year, to be honest. Whether you go big on February 14 or you celebrate on another day of the month or year, you’ll find plenty of opportunities for romance (and chocolate) in February and beyond.

Rouge Restaurant

Bridgette Bar

DINNER Many of Calgary’s restaurants excel at creating a romantic vibe. A few to consider? Bridgette Bar (bridgettebar.com, 739 10th Avenue S.W.) is the spot in town for anyone looking for mid-century modern style, plus good eats and drinks. The lounge area to the right of the entrance is especially “hygge” (the Danish word for all things cozy.) Hang out and sip cocktails with your honey here for a while, by the cool vintage fireplace. Then move to a table for dinner. A glass of wine and a bite to eat at Cucina (eatcucina.com, 525 8th Avenue S.W.) is a lovely way to leave behind all your workday worries, and the bistro-style charm will make you feel like you’re on a patio in France or Italy, even in the height of a Canadian winter. There are plenty of share plates — calamari, charcuterie, arancini, bruschetta and more — and, best, you can get your parking at 8th Avenue Place validated at the restaurant after 5 p.m. (Ask when you’re at the restaurant.)

Many of Calgary’s restaurants excel at creating a romantic vibe.

Cucina

Aly Velji designs

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Aly Velji designs

The Nash’s Off Cut Bar

Cucina

Dress up and go for a drink (or several) at The Nash’s Off Cut Bar (thenashyyc.com, 925 11th Street S.E.) in Inglewood. The dim lights and cozy seats make it a great stop, and should you run out of sweet nothings to whisper to your date, you can watch the always-entertaining bartenders in action. The menu isn’t as big as at the attached restaurant, but if you’re a meat-eater or a bourbon fan, you’ll find plenty of satisfying options. The sky’s the limit at Sky 360 Restaurant and Lounge (sky360. ca, 101 9th Avenue S.W.), atop the Calgary Tower. With the purchase of an entrée, you’ll get a free lift to the top, plus access to the observation deck one floor above the restaurant. Check out the magic of the city lights when you dine at night; or admire the expansive views on a clear morning for brunch. River Café (river-café.com) has long epitomized romantic dining in Calgary for many reasons, including the seasonally inspired menu, the lodge-like ambiance, charming staff and the fantastic wine list. Park at Eau Claire Market and then stroll, arm in arm, across the bridge to Prince’s Island. In summer, the patio is one of the prettiest in the city, and in winter, you can sit by the fire and watch the snow fall outside. Another perennial favourite is Rouge Restaurant (rougecalgary.com, 1240 8th Avenue S.E.), a popular place for long lunches, special dinners and even small weddings and garden parties. Splurge on the chef’s tasting menu with wine pairings for a culinary experience that can’t be beat.

FLOWERS Interior designer extraordinaire Alykhan Velji is renowned for his beautiful work on local restaurants. (Foreign Concept is one of his most recent projects.) But he also offers big fresh bouquets of flowers at his northeast Calgary office. Pick up a bunch yourself and save the delivery fee, or pay a little extra for delivery and put a smile on your sweetheart’s face this month. Order at alyveljidesigns.com. And Amborella Floral Studio (amborella.ca, 2515 90th Avenue S.W.) offers gorgeous one-off bouquets, as well as floral subscriptions; sign up to send your sweetie weekly or monthly deliveries. Three-month, six-month and yearly packages are available. CHOCOLATE Coppeneur Artisan Chocolate (coppeneurchocolate. com, 805 1st Street S.W.) started in Germany in 1993 and opened a Calgary location a few years later. It’s still a charming spot to stop for excellent chocolate made with some of the world’s finest cacao beans. Pick up a few of the single-origin bars, so your favourite chocoholic can taste-test their way through the world’s best cacao-producing regions: Ecuador, Ghana, Madagascar. Sweet, satisfying and a learning experience, too. The man behind Bernard and Sons Master Chocolat is a legend amongst Canuck chocolate fans. You can’t go wrong with these fresh, delicious treats (a box of hearts, natch), now available online at masterchocolat.com and at select Calgary Co-op locations. And, of course, Cococo Chocolatiers/Chocolaterie Bernard Callebaut (cococochocolatiers.com) can be found at various locations throughout the city. The copper foil-lined boxes have long been a favourite for Calgarians looking for sweet romance on Valentine’s Day and beyond. NL

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Another trick on the wall

have to admit when it comes to painted feature walls I firmly align with the late, great Ray Staples, who said “If a colour’s good enough for one wall then it’s good enough for all the others.” I also used to think there was something decidedly ‘90s about them, too, although I have softened on that position somewhat. Looking at them objectively, painted feature walls can be a great way to adjust the proportions of a room without creating a single spec of drywall dust. For example, a long space with darker walls at either end can feel cozier, particularly if the hues you choose create strong visual contrast. Likewise, a too-high ceiling can be ‘dropped’ to create a sense of intimacy and better human scale when painted in a richer colour. They are also

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Feature walls add an exciting visual depth to rooms n WRITTEN BY

David Crosson

wonderful for calling attention to architectural elements such as fireplaces and other features, especially if you are creating a focal point in a room. With these trompe l’oeil techniques, colour selection does become extremely important, as the wrong combination (feature vs. ‘standard’) can fail miserably. There are, of course, a couple of good rules of thumb to consider. First off, warmer colours (red, yellow, orange) tend to ‘advance’ on our eyes while cooler ones (blue, green, purple) tend to ‘recede’. This is helpful to consider when making your choices as ultimately they will contribute to the success of your efforts.

Forget palm trees or an autumn path; contemporary murals are bold, beautiful and full of inspiration.

P H O T O S C O U R T E S Y C R O W N WA L L PA P E R A N D FA B R I C S

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ABOVE If you want to lend a bit of oomph to a room, a distinctive wallcovering is the way to go — especially since today’s products require so much less commitment than their ‘ancestors’.

Secondly, contrast keeps our eyes from moving around a space as it stops the flow of your gaze at every intersection of lighter and darker colours. Oftentimes, people are reluctant to paint smaller rooms in deeper colours, thinking that they will make them appear smaller. Nothing could be further from the truth. Whether pale or bold, consistent colour on walls and ceilings will help your eye travel, effectively erasing all edges and corners. Remember the power of contrast the next time you need to raise or lower a ceiling — or pull some far-flung walls closer together in your home. As far as colour selection goes, to be fair there are a few that could be considered a bit much if splashed across all four (or more) walls, but that is largely a matter of saturation than application. In many cas-

Smaller prints can make more compact spaces sing and can be great backgrounds for art or mirrors that may otherwise ‘fight’ with a larger print. 36 | NE W HOME LIVING

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es, this can be remedied by choosing a richer or more greyed-down version of a bold colour as it will still appear bright but feel more livable once you complete the space. In some instances, though, going bold on every wall is definitely the right option. This is particularly effective in temporary use spaces such as dining or powder rooms, which are purpose-specific and cry out for increased drama. Deep saturated reds are perfect for the former (especially since they psychologically increase appetite) while the latter offers major latitude for exquisite folly and self-expression. Touching on powder rooms is a great pivot-point for this discussion as the best ones boast a certain jewel-box quality — which is almost always delivered through wallcovering. This is one area where I heartily endorse feature walls, be that a matter of visual punch or budget practicality. Unlike mere paint, wallcovering (paper, vinyl, fabric, grasscloth, etc.) has greater depth to it, either in visual or actual texture. An interesting print can play the role of over-scale art on one wall, whether it’s a pattern repeat or a stunning mural — which are back, by the way, and better than ever. When selecting a product for a feature wall rendered in wallcovering, always bear in mind the scale of the print you’re choosing and the context in which it will be seen. For example, a massive mural will be more successful in

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CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT Sometimes the right print is all it takes to create the colour palettes or thematic jumping-off points that make rooms sing. Far from being the exclusive domain of “feminine” motifs, contemporary wallpaper offers a wide range of looks, like this manly, moody wave formation. Even in a neutral colourway, the correct wallpaper can enliven the most staid and traditional of panelling. A wallcovering is a great way to add depth and create a sense of architectural interest in a space, much like the way this nail-head “quilted” vinyl in soft vanilla tones does.

an open space where you can stand back and enjoy it rather than in, say, a confined hallway. Conversely, smaller prints can make more compact spaces sing and can be great backgrounds for art or mirrors that may otherwise ‘fight’ with a larger print. Manufacturers will always provide the pattern repeat in their specifications so you can check to see how often the motif occurs, especially if you are only looking at a small sample or ordering online. Some still approach wallcoverings with trepidation but really shouldn’t in this day and age. Although they require more skill to install (always hire a professional), they come off with much less effort than their ancestors of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s and represent less of a commitment. The purpose of a feature wall — aside from the functional aspects I outlined earlier — is always to delight the eye. Be it paper or paint, if you choose to do one (or several) in your home make sure it speaks to you and makes you feel like you’re living in the best place in the world. After all, that’s what a well-decorated house is all about. NL LEFT Subtle can still make a statement when done right, as epitomized in this exquisite Phillip Jeffries watercolour selection.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: David Crosson is a freelance design writer and principal of the David Crosson Design Collective. He is a frequent media commentator on matters of life and style as well as a regular guest on CTV Morning Live. For more of his design ideas, visit www.dc-dc.ca

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calgary map

Northwest

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Northeast n calgary map

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calgary map

Southwest | Southeast | Calgary Area

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Southeast/Calgary area n calgary map

AIRDRIE

OKOTOKS

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advertisers index APEX Land Hillcrest Airdrie page 9 APEX Land Heartland, page 27 APEX Land Mountainview in Okotoks page 38 Brookfield Residential Albi, page 15 Brookfield Residential Riverstone, FC, page 12-14 DS Homes page 41 Genstar Walden, page 42 Harmony Park Boulder Creek Estates, page 19 Harmony Park Heritage Hills, page 32 Jayman BUILT Livingston page 39

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n Jayman BUILT page 28 La Vita Land Fireside Cochrane page 47 Mattamy Homes Back Cover Qualico Communities + Bordeaux Developments Evanston, page 3 Qualico Communities + Bordeaux Developments Redstone, page 7 Shane Homes Midtown, page 23 United Communities Drake Landing Okotoks pages 4 United Communities Nolan Hill pages 33 Walton Cornerstone, page 34 Westcreek Developments Legacy, page 2

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By Pepper Rodriguez

2017 STARTS Lottery home opens

P HOTO S B Y E A RL R A AT Z

STARS HOME LOTTERY launched its 2017 campaign with the opening of the grand prize show home from NuVista Homes, which also marks the home builder’s debut in the lottery home scene. NuVista Homes, part of the Qualico Communities group, takes over from its sister company Augusta Fine Homes in bringing this year’s STARS Lottery grand prize home, its new 1,537-square-foot custom bungalow model in the northwest community of Crestmont. The home is valued at $998,000 and comes with all the bells and whistles one might expect from a grand prize show home. It has quite a lavish master bedroom and attached ensuite on the main floor and two more extra-spacious bedrooms in the fully tricked out basement development. “It’s always exciting to be part of the STARS Lottery, it’s a great stage where we can showcase our homes, but more importantly a terrific

way of giving back to the community,” NuVista and Augusta Fine Homes president Mike Plumton tells Around Town. The 2017 STARS Lottery has more than $4.9 million worth in prizes, along with the Lucky STARS 50/50 draw where buyers can win up to $1.55 million. The STARS Lottery has raised over $11 million net each year to help ensure the familiar red helicopters can continue to help critically ill ad injured patients across the province. It is the single largest source of funding for STARS in Alberta. It has sold out every year for the last 23 years, and organizers are confident it will again in 2017 despite the economic challenges facing the province. Tickets can be bought at www.starslotteryalberta.ca or visit the grand prize show home at 9 Crestridge Rise S.W. The show home is open Monday – Thursday: 3 to 8 p.m. Weekends and holidays: Noon to 5 p.m. Fridays, closed.

Calgary housing starts rise in December

Cedarglen Homes opens first show homes in Livingston CEDARGLEN HOMES ANNOUNCED the opening of their two show homes in the new community of Livingston in the northeast. This new show home parade features both zero lot line and move-up homes with prices starting in the mid $400,000s. Cedarglen’s Coronation is a 1,980-square-foot three-bedroom double front attached garage home, while the Macleod has a grander scale at 2,324 square-feet. For more than 35 years, the Cedarglen name has defined the art and science of new home building for thousands of Calgarians, says Cedarglen Homes’ Stephanie Miller. “Our priority isn’t just to build beautiful homes, but to enrich the communities that we build in as well.” Livingston is a new master-planed community from Brookfield Residential. It is located north of Stoney Trail N.W. and west of Deerfoot Trail. Take Deerfoot Trail north and exit west on Stoney Trail N.W. NL Macleod show suite

Coronation show suite

HOUSING STARTS IN the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) were trending at 10,573 units in December compared to 10,243 in November, according to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). The trend is a six-month moving average of the monthly seasonally adjusted annual rates (SAAR) of total housing starts. “Total housing starts trended higher in December as the increase in multiple construction offset the decline in single-detached starts,” said Richard Cho, CMHC Principal Market Analyst for Calgary. “In particular, apartment construction saw a lift last month with a couple of large condo projects breaking ground.” Preliminary housing starts in December 2016 reflect a 29 per cent surge to 975 actual starts from 756 in the same month of 2015. This was largely brought about by a significant increase in row and multi-family homes, which went up 53 per cent in December.

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hope at large n

By Marty Hope

HIGHER HOPES FOR 2017 Some growth expected in Calgary housing market this year GROWING UP IN the housing industry as he has, Allan Klassen has been through cyclic economic downturns before so has a pretty good idea of what to expect when things start to turn around. In short, the message seems to be: time has a way of healing wounds. It is beginning to sound as if the international oil feuding has finally been resolved which means Alberta’s energy sector can begin to regain its feet, restart operations that were curtailed, rehire laid-off workers, and re-look their investment options — and rekindle the flickering flame of consumer confidence. “I do feel (the OPEC situation) is good news and there should be some stability in the consumer confidence of Albertans,” says Klassen, the wearer of two industry hats — that of chair of the CHBA – UDI Calgary Region Association (now recently Allan Klassen renamed BILD Calgary Region – ed.), and senior vice-president of Calgary Housing for Brookfield Residential. “Saying that, though, I also feel there will still be a bit of pain as we work through the outcomes of all the layoffs, projects that have been shelved and a still fragile consumer sector that will need to see three to six months of positive signs to really jumpstart the economy,” he adds.

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When asked when he sees that rebound finally showing itself, Klassen said “end of 2017 into 2018. I believe the pace will be slow and steady versus a quick rebound, though there is likely to be some pent-up demand. I feel that due to all of the pain felt in the economy over the past two years consumers will proceed with caution — as they should. Looking back at 2016, Klassen says everyone in the new home industry — from builders to suppliers and trades — were hurt, although the degree of pain varied significantly. “It was certainly a difficult year, especially for builders who didn’t have great locations or affordable housing options. But regardless of market segment, many companies were 30 to 50 per cent off plan while others who realized the opportunity in the market (adjusting product mix, etc.) were more like 20 to 25 per cent off plan, and probably a bit higher,” he says. A lot of builders were able to offset some of the impact by making adjustments to the types of homes they brought to the market, with many of them choosing the street townhome concept that brought with them a comfortable level of affordability without shunting aside quality.

That isn’t to say new home prices are not rising. Klassen says they are moving up due to energy-related costs, building code levies, and shortages of skilled workers. Over at Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp, the forecast for housing starts is a bit brighter for this year compared to 2016. Single-detached starts will total between 3,500 and 3,700, a couple of hundred higher than last year. The same goes for multi-family activity with 5,300 to 5,700 starts projected. “While oil prices are expected to move higher, the benefits will not be immediately felt in the energy sector or other sectors where job creation and income growth will be modest,” says Richard Cho, CHMC’s Calgary-based principal for market analysis. ATB Financial’s chief economist Todd Hirsch says recovery will be months in the making. GDP growth should reach 2.1 per cent and oil prices should float between $45 and $55 this year — simply not enough to a robust recovery, he told a Canadian Club of Calgary luncheon last fall. NL

Marty Hope. For more than two decades Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing and development industry in Calgary, throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ Association which is given annually to a non-builder member in Canada for contributions to the industry.