VOLUME 14 ISSUE 145 n JANUARY 2018
contents 10 18 26
10
COVER FEATURE
Inspired living Legacy’s laned homes set the tone for inspired starter home living
8
FOCUS ON
Tell-tale clock
Wall clocks tell a story of your personality
COMMUNITY PROFILE
14 The Hills are alive
Heritage Hills’ beatific mountain views come alive in final phases
22 Windows of the soul
Shades, shutters, blinds and drapes dress up the room
COLUMNS
18 Okotoks’ connection
New community of D’A rcy keeps true to small town values
FEATURE
26 Devoted to design
8
Hear about Sarah Richardson’s life of design at the Calgary Renovation Show
STYLE
29 Real Estate Insider 30 Hope at Large
ITEMS
6 Editor’s Message 28 Advertiser Index
14
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editor’s message n
PUBLISHER
Source Media Group
info@sourcemediagroup.ca A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R
A positive 2018 outlook
Jim Zang
jim.zang@sourcemediagroup.ca
Well, 2017 certainly seemed to blow by in a hurry. I can still remember toasting the year, and now another champagne bottle is already in the chiller to crack open at midnight on December 31st. But by all accounts, there’s a lot of good things to look forward to in 2018, especially in Calgary’s new home sector. Our good friend and Real Estate Insider columnist, Mario Toneguzzi, says the signs for a complete recovery from the prolonged oil slump woes is in the cards for 2018. You can read all about this rosy outlook in this month’s column. Certainly a big indicator of this positive news is Legacy, the WestCreek Developments’ community in southeast Calgary. There has been a whirlwind of activity in the back-to-back SAM community of the year winner, as they introduce more phases for laned homes, move-up homes, luxury estate homes, and townhomes and condos. New show homes for their laned home collection is focused in this month’s cover story, which points out their enduring appeal — especially in this community. This issue, we get to talk about two new communities in Calgary’s neighbouring towns of Okotoks and Cochrane. In Okotoks, Anthem Unitied is introducing us to their new concept of active suburban living with D’Arcy. It’s on the north end of town and one of the very first communities you get to heading into Okotoks from Highway 2A. Grading and construction are going on with show homes expected to open in early 2018. Laned homes and duplexes will be released first, with no-condo-fee townhomes and villas to follow. Then there is Heritage Hills up in Cochrane, which is now down to their final two phases, and are now even set higher on their scenic hillside location in the western part of town. The move-up homes from Stepper Homes and Trico Homes here certainly live up to its idyllic, small-town image. We also cover the Calgary Renovation show this month, and we’re just as excited to see what’s in store at the annual event that will be held at the Stampede Grounds from January 12–14. We spoke to Sarah Richardson, one of their headliners, to see what to expect at her presentations on the main stage. Most of the news we cover here are also available on our website www.calgaryhomeliving. com. Check it out and see what else is going on in the world of new homes and condos. I hope that, like us, you’re excited to see what 2018 have in store. Join us for the ride; it’s going to be a lot of fun.
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 S O C I A L M E D I A & C O N T E N T C O - O R D I N AT O R
Ian Serpanchy
ian.serpanchy@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, Marty Hope, Christina Loc, Mario Toneguzzi ADVERTISING
advertising@sourcemediagroup.ca ACCOUNTING
accounting@sourcemediagroup.ca DISTRIBUTED BY
Gallant Distribution Services, Media Classified, Source Media Group ISSN 1918-4441 PRINTED IN CANADA
©2018 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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NEXT MONTH:
Bed and bedding style OUR NEW WEBSITE
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focus on
n
1
TELL-TALE CLOCK
Wall clocks tell a story of your personality
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n BY
Aaliya Essa
EVER SINCE THE cuckoo clock, wall clocks have been a popular decorative addition to any room, that’s at once functional, stylish and, yes, fun. With the latest styles available, you can add some pop culture memorabilia or a more contemporary design that can set the tone for your modern home. NL
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OUR NEW WEBSITE
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n focus
on
2 3
4
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5
[ 1 ] Bent Metal Wall Clock in Bronze, $79,99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 2 ] Grasslands Road This and That Wall Clock, $49.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 3 ] TJALLA Wall Clock, $12.99 at IKEA. [ 4 ] Umbra Ribbon Stainless Steel Wall Clock in Copper, $59.99 at Bed bath and Beyond. [ 5 ] Metal Art Studio Redout Wall Clock, $129.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 6 ] Sterling and Noble Golden Honeycomb Wall Clock in Gold, $22.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 7 ] Uttermost Rusty Movements metal 35-inch Wall Clock, $369.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond. [ 8 ] SLIPSTEN Wall Clock, $14.99 at IKEA. [ 9 ] Tool Time Wall Clock, $29.99 at Home Depot. [ 10 ] Betty Boop™ 3-D Motion Wall Clock, $49.99 at Bed Bath and Beyond.
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
INSPIRED LIVING Legacy’s laned homes set the tone for inspired starter home living
T
he aspirational quality of living in your own home, with your own yard, is ever the dream especially for first-time homebuyers. The white-picket-fence ideal is still how many see as the ultimate family lifestyle goal. The biggest obstacle to it is usually the cost, but style and affordability go hand-in-hand in the laned homes of Legacy. The family-friendly orientation of this award-winning southeast neighbourhood provides the perfect background not just for first-time buyers but for anyone looking to plant roots in a thriving, amenity-rich community. “The detached garage single-family home has always been the preferred home for first-time homebuyers,” says Kalida Goldade, marketing manager at WestCreek Developments, Legacy’s developer. “The comfort and pride of owning your own home, with your own yard, and still remain on budget is its enduring appeal. And our line of laned homes from some of the most trusted names in the industry provide a range of choices that fit the budget and lifestyle of many looking to build their first home.” Legacy opened a new show home parade for laned homes in the spring from Jayman BUILT, Shane Homes and Stepper Homes. “Laned homes sold out quite quickly in our first phases, we’re glad to be able to offer more of these in this new phase,” says Goldade. Shane Homes’ Sienna laned show home brings to focus the multi-awarded builder’s skill in designing a smart, stylish threebedroom, two-and-a-half bath home. Sienna’s entire 1,561-squarefoot size is put to good use with no wasted space. “Our biggest advantage remains that we are able to let buyers customize the home to better fit their lifestyle. If they want to turn Sienna to a two-master-bedroom plan, they can. If they want to extend the home five feet, they can,” Shane Homes area manager Michael MacLean. Jayman BUILT offers six laned home models here from the $380,000s. They range from 1,300 to 1,789 square-feet. “People
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see a lot of value in our homes, the Jayman BUILT name means a lot to buyers,” says area manager, Randi Lee. “Our new laned homes embody the idea that livability means luxury, and we build them with performance in mind so they’re a pleasure to live in.” She adds that many of her buyers opt for the laned homes for a variety of reasons, including that they have no condo fees, offer a little more space and privacy, and are better for resale. “They are the perfect move-up home from a condo,” Lee says. Stepper Homes has five laned models in Legacy from 1,503 to 1,701 square-feet and starting from $414,500. “Buyers are young families and empty nesters, mostly. These homes are the perfect step up from multifamily living, and a comfortable space to downsize into once the kids move out,’ says Meghan Scott, area sales associate at Stepper Homes. Scott adds that it is Stepper Homes’ comOUR NEW WEBSITE
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
Stepper Homes
Shane Homes
“As Legacy becomes more established, it will have something for everyone. Tons of schools, parks, pathways and playgrounds, transit, shopping, access to major roadways, several golf courses nearby, and close proximity to pristine green space from every corner of the community.”
Jayman BUILT
mitment to customer care that gives them their edge. “As a company that truly cares about the families moving into these homes, we are personable and sensitive to the leaps of faith required during these hugely transitional stages in life.” But they all agree that, collectively, their largest advantage remains to be the complete vision for Legacy. Its status OUR NEW WEBSITE
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as a back-to-back winner of the SAM community of the year award in the last two years doesn’t hurt either. “As Legacy becomes more established, it will have something for everyone. Tons of schools, parks, pathways and playgrounds, transit, shopping, access to major roadways, several golf courses nearby, and close proximity to pristine green space from every corner of the community,” Goldade says. “Many of our visitors already live in the community and genuinely love it here. There is such a buzz around the community as things start to pop up and expand, and our current and future residents visit often to share their excitement,” Stepper Homes’ Scott adds. Legacy, however, is far from just laned homes — in fact, it has one of the widest concentrations of new home options in Calgary — everything from condos, townhomes, no-condo-fee street towns, all the way to estate homes are found within its confines. “Our second estate phase just opened in November, and we’re very excited about this particular collection of lots that sit on a ridge,” Goldade says. “It’s one of the first phases here that backs onto the environmental
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| ADVERTISING COVER FEATURE |
FAST FACTS:
Jayman BUILT
Shane Homes
Jayman BUILT
reserve and offers pristine, unmarred views of this natural amenity.” Legacy will be welcoming Crystal Creek Homes and Morrison Homes into this latest estate phase, which will offer up to 50-foot-wide lots on the ridge. “We’re really excited to see what our builders Stepper Homes can do with those exquisite views,” she says. Yet even more to look forward to is the release of new move-up homes backing onto Legacy’s thickly forested area. “It’s a tricky thing to accomplish, but these homes are being built right in the midst of this thicket of trees, and will be from our own WestCreek Homes and Trico Homes,” she says. New townhomes from Stepper Homes and Trico Homes have just been introduced, Goldade says. Legacy is truly shaping up to be a community for the future. “This is a community for everyone, where you can buy your first home and move on to a bigger family home and onto a downsizer home without leaving the community. It has all the amenities you will ever need close at hand and you can see even more coming in the horizon,” Goldade says. “The southern part of Calgary is booming and there are a lot more employment opportunities within a 15-minute drive from Legacy. The imminent completion of the Stoney Trail ring road will connect Legacy like never before, which means buying in Legacy now gets you in the ground floor of this new growth that’s happening around us.” And the work continues. WestCreek Developments is never one to sit on its laurels, and they already have plans in place for their next communities — Wolf Willow — just up the road from Legacy and Cornerbrook in the northeast of Calgary. n
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COMMUNITY: Legacy DEVELOPER: WestCreek Developments SIZE: Legacy encompasses 442 hectares including 122 hectares of builder-protected environmental reserve. On final build out Legacy will be home to 20,000 people living in 7,400 homes. BUILDERS & PRICES: APARTMENT CONDOMINIUMS: • My Legacy Park by Brad Remington Homes, starting from $119,000. • Legacy Gate by Carlisle Group starting from $200,000. TOWNHOMES: • Trico Homes starting from $270,000. • Aldebaran Homes starting from $320,000. • Stepper Homes starting from $340,000. DUPLEX: • Shane Homes starting from $350,000. • Trico Homes starting from $330,000. LANED HOMES: • Jayman BUILT starting at $400,000. • Stepper Homes starting from $400,000. • Shane Homes starting from $400,000. SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES: • Jayman BUILT starting at $500,000. • WestCreek Homes starting from $490,000. • Trico Homes starting from $500,000. • Sterling Homes starting from $500,000. • Stepper Homes starting from $460,000. • Calbridge Homes – Move-up homes starting from $500,000; estate homes from $600,000. • Albi Luxury by Brookfield Residential starting from $600,000. • Morrison Homes starting from $600,000, Ridge Homes from the $900,000s. • Crystal Creek Homes starting from $600,000, Ridge Homes from the $900,000s. DIRECTIONS: Drive south on Macleod Trail past Stoney Trail. Turn east on 210 Avenue S.E. and take second or third right to access the community. HOURS: Monday to Thursday 2 to 8 p.m., weekends and holidays noon to 5 p.m., closed on Friday. WEB: www.legacylife.ca
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community profile n Heritage Hills
THE HILLS ARE ALIVE Heritage Hills’ beatific mountain views come alive in final phases n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
IMAGINE WAKING UP every morning to the deep blue skies of Cochrane and the tantalizing views of the Rockies looking close enough to touch. That has ever been the captivating charm of Heritage Hills, and even more so now as this charming hillside community approaches its final phases that offer an even better vantage point to enjoy this picturesque panorama. Highfield Land Management, Heritage Hills’ developer, recently opened their latest show home parade that puts a punctuation mark on the family-friendly and idyllic, small town character that has made this community on the western edge of Cochrane such a hit. But more than just beautiful suburban homes, Heritage Hills is all about living a life of adventure. It’s location right at the heart of all of Cochrane’s many and varied recreational opportunities make it the ideal home for the active family. “A life of adventure starts here,” says Yayoi Dobransky, marketing coordinator for Highfield Land. “Residents of Heritage Hills are within five to 45 minutes away from the Bow River, Ghost Lake, McLean Creek Provincial Recreation Area3, as well as Banff, Canmore, and Kananaskis Country. Heritage Hills and your new home here are a jumping point to an exciting lifestyle filled with choices. This is an area of opportunity with a multitude of activities at your doorstep.”
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It isn’t just the views that make life here so appealing, as Heritage Hills offers big city conveniences in a small-town atmosphere. Groceries, restaurants, schools and entertainment venues can all be found in town. “Cochrane is one of the most sought after towns in Alberta. Cochrane is ideal for those looking to live next door to nature while travelling only a 35-minute commute to downtown Calgary.” The builder group consists of respected builders: Stepper Homes and Trico Homes. Trico is building in the laned and front-attached garage single-family segments and Stepper has offerings in each of the community’s home styles. Heritage Hills has a mix of townhomes starting from the low $300,000s; duplex homes from the $340,000s; rear laned single family homes with detached garages starting from the $340,000s; and single-family homes with attached garages starting from the $460,000s. Stepper Homes and Trico Homes just released their newest move-up, front attached garage show homes here, and both capture the small town nature of the community. The show homes, both two-storey models with double front-attached garage, are located at 3 and 7 Heritage Heights. They’re open from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. “Heritage Hills is currently 85 per cent built-out. There are limited lots left and OUR NEW WEBSITE
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n community
profile
Stepper Homes
sales have been terrific since the launch of the final phase last October. We anticipate the development to be completed within three years,” she adds. Adding to the family-oriented appeal is that there will be a 2.35-acre park in phase 4 and a future school site in phase 5. Stepper’s show home is the Hillside. This 2,334-square-foot model comes with four bedrooms as a standard but is available in a three-bedroom option, which is what’s displayed in the show home. The show home also presents an additional bedroom in the developed basement. Trico’s home is the 2,200-square-foot Hudson, which has three bedrooms on the second level and a fourth in the developed basement. Heritage Hills is located on a hilltop off Highway 1A, just west of Highway 22. The entire community is about 111 acres, which will house approximately 550 units, including multi-family. Discover quiet country living close to Calgary’s big city culture, where nature lies just beyond your windows and the Rockies are a stone’s throw away. NL
fast facts COMMUNITY: Heritage Hills DEVELOPER: Highfield Land Management BUILDERS: Stepper Homes and Trico Homes AVAILABLE HOME STYLES AND PRICES: Townhomes (from the $310,000s), duplexes (from the $340,000s), laned homes (from the $340,000s), and move-up front attached garage homes (from the $460,000s). SHOW HOMES ADDRESS: 3 and 7 Heritage Heights, Cochrane HOURS: 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and noon to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. DIRECTIONS: West on Highway 1A, past highway 22 and turn right at Horse Creek Rd. and follow the signs WEBSITE: www.liveinheritagehills.com
Trico Homes
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community profile n
OKOTOKS’ CONNECTI C HOOS I NG T O L I V E in Okotoks, one can expect certain things. Breathtaking views of the Rocky Mountains, a close to nature lifestyle enhanced by natural reserves and winding trails by the Sheep River, and a small town culture unhampered by growth. Those small town values are exactly what the new community of D’Arcy espouses. Creating an environment where neighbours can interact easily is paramount in the plans for this new community being developed by Anthem United and expected to start sales by early 2018. “D’Arcy is one of our most highly anticipated new communities, its location just can’t be beat,” says Steve LePan, sales and marketing director for Anthem United. “It’s a very popular and well known piece of property on the north end of Okotoks bordering the D’arcy Ranch golf course to the west and Northridge drive to the east with some breath taking views of the Rocky Mountains.”
With sprawling green spaces, plans for two new schools, a high street, community spaces and access to the golf course, D’Arcy is a community designed for today’s family with a vision that hails neighborhoods’ past. D’Arcy will sit on 280 acres of prime real estate connected by a network of pathways. “This makes D’Arcy unique, as it will be a place that gives its residents a chance to connect,” LePan says. “We firmly believe in the adage ‘it’s not where you live, it’s how you live’ and D’Arcy is fully designed to tie in with Okotoks’ relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle.” D’Arcy is named after a long-time farming family from the town 20 minutes south of Calgary. It is bounded on the north by the town boundary, on the south by Sandstone Gate, on the east by Northridge Drive, and on the west by the D’Arcy Ranch golf course. The golf course is separately owned and not part of the area development, but LePan says they worked with the town and the golf course to ensure there is an appropriate interface as well as access between the golf course and future development of the D’Arcy Lands. Its connection to Okotoks is further strengthened by having streets named after the local flora and fauna in the first phases. Grading and construction is ongoing at D’Arcy with show homes expected to open early 2018. “We’re going to be showing product types for all budgets and lifestyles, everything from street towns, townhomes, semi-detached and other multi-family styles, to single-family homes with rear-detached and front attached garages, and move-up and estate homes” he adds. First up will be laned homes from Pacesetter by Sterling Homes and Trico Homes; and paired homes from Mor-
“We firmly believe in the adage ‘it’s not where you live, it’s how you live’ and D’Arcy is fully designed to tie in with Okotoks’ relaxed, family-friendly lifestyle.”
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D’A rcy n community profile
ION
New community of D’Arcy keeps true to small town values
rison Homes. “Habitat for Humanity will be building a duplex in the first phase, too,” says LePan. No-condo-fee street towns and villas will follow, there will also be high-end homes in D’Arcy’s estate area. D’Arcy will also have its own retail area, Gateway Village, that will offer residents a wide range of retail in a High Street setting, as well as some office space and a couple of K–9 schools. “We are emphasizing the outdoor recreational opportunities that young families can enjoy here, there will be lots of mini-play features. We’re also working with the Town in pioneering the Safe Route initiative, an active transportation effort that will establish safer walking routes for kids to walk safely to school,” LePan says. D’Arcy is just the latest in a long line of developments that Anthem United has in Okotoks, and its association with the southern Alberta town began when it was still United Communities prior to its merger with B.C.-based Anthem Properties. Their other developments in Okotoks are Drake Landing, Crystal Ridge, and Crystal Shores. “We’ve been building for two decades in this town, and we will be here for the long haul,” LePan says. In fact, Anthem United is already working on plans for the development of Wedderburn, which is on the other side of Northridge Drive from D’Arcy. Wedderburn — also named after a long-time Okotoks family — will also include a variety of housing types
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n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
with an 11-hectare area that will provide a mix of commercial and residential uses — mostly low- to medium-density residential development. Wedderburn will also have its own retail sector. These two properties represent the last remaining residential lands in north Okotoks, all other residential areas nearby are completely built out or nearing build out. “We just love Okotoks,” says LePan. “It’s a town with its own unique character and identity. And for us the north side is a plus with its proximity to Calgary for commuters and the beautiful landscape and sweeping views of the Rockies.” NL
fast facts
COMMUNITY: D’Arcy DEVELOPER: Anthem United BUILDERS (FIRST PHASE): Laned Homes: Pacesetter by Sterling Homes, Trico Homes Paired Homes: Morrison Homes PRICES: Starting from the $300,000s WEB: www.anthemunited.com
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PHOTO COURTESY OF LEADING EDGE INTERIORS
style n
Silhouette shades
Windows of the soul
Shades, shutters, blinds and drapes dress up the room
n WRITTEN BY
Christina Loc
C
hoosing the right window treatment can transform a room and turn any window in to a stunning focal point. With so many products to select from, choosing the right fit can be an overwhelming endeavor. However, basing your choice on your personal needs and aesthetics will transform the task into an investment that will be enjoyed for years. Window coverings typically have three functions: to provide privacy, to filter light and UV rays, and to be aesthetically appealing. Before deciding which window treatment is best, determine the budget and the purpose of window coverings for each room. For example, light sleepers or people who work night shifts will need black-out coverings to sleep during the day. Window treatments can be categorized into four different categories:
BLINDS Blinds are horizontal or vertical slats made of wood, plastic or metal, are very functional and affordable. They can tend to look too basic so adding a layer of curtains or drapes will make your window look more exciting.
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SHADES Shades are costlier than blinds, vary in price and are made of fabric. There are three main types of shades: roller, which pull down and roll up in to a valance; roman, which cascade like drapery panels in elegant folds; and cellular, which have a pleated honeycomb-like shape available in single, double and triple cells. Roller shades became popular in condos and modern homes for their clean lines, affordability and light weight, making them suitable for larger windows. Opacity levels can range from 0 per cent (for no light to pass through) up to 20 per cent of natural light flowing in. Tony from Blinds Express cautions, however, “when you have lights on inside when it is dark outside, people may be able to see in”. Mounting dual roller shades of different opaqueness or layering with drapery or curtains are good options for privacy. A modern take on roman shades, Hunter Douglas’ Vignette line adds a top-down/bottom-up feature to help you control the perfect balance between light and privacy OUR NEW WEBSITE
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PHOTO COURTESY OF LEADING EDGE INTERIORS
n style Woven roman shades
with the distinction of drapery panels having lining at the back. At Sheila’s Drapery, the Ripple fold drapery and sheers are very popular. They have a crisp and modern feel. Using quality channel track rods also makes them easy to adjust. There are endless possibilities with fabric choices, lengths and widths when customizing. If you are on a budget, retailers like Ikea, Pier 1 Imports and Pottery Barn will have ready made curtains and drapes at a reasonable price. You may, however, be limited by pre-set height options with retail panels. All too often, people mount their curtains or drapes too close to the window frame. The rule of thumb is at least 4-6 inches above the window frame. The higher and wider you hang your curtains or drapes, the bigger and taller the window will feel. Adding curtains or drapery to a window that already have blinds or shades not only make the room look warm and cozy, but will give you another element to filter light and create privacy. Other notable mentions in the world of window coverings is automation. With technology advancement, motorized window treatments are much more affordable and can easily be controlled at the touch of a button from remotes, wall switches, tablets, smart phones, or computers. They can be integrated with third party controls such as home automation or sophisticated building management systems. Automation is quite attainable these days and is worth considering, especially for high-up and hard-to-reach windows. If you are part of a home owner’s association or condo board, make sure to check rules as some will require you to have white window coverings from the exterior. It is possible to get the color you want inside, while meeting the requirements of having white on the outside. Even if you are not part of an association or board, be mindful of what the exterior of your home will look like. Keep it consistent and uniform. And lastly, give thought to the goals you want to achieve. For example, room darkening does not mean black-out. Be mindful of halos around a window. Because most window treatments require a header or valance, it is very difficult to get right to the edge of a window, therefore causing a halo like effect with light coming through around the perimeter of a window. This is a common disappointment for consumers, but there are solutions for this. Don’t get blindsided by blinds, shades, shutters, curtains, drapes, and all the in-betweens; call a professional for help. The industry is always evolving. New hybrids and clever inventions are being developed every day. Consider this an investment, and it will pay off. NL
Don’t get blindsided by blinds, shades, shutters, curtains, drapes, and all the in-betweens; call a professional for help. Woven shades are another popular type of roman shade. The extra layer of lining is a great solution for room darkening. Cellular shades have a unique honeycomb design to trap air. The crew at Sonata Designs love the new Hybrid Cell Shade by Shadeomatic, as it has all the benefits of a traditional ¾-inch cellular shade including privacy, light blocking, sound dampening and added insulation with an updated, fresh and more contemporary look. The new Hybrid Cell Shades are 2-inch thick with great fabrics to select from and are competitively priced. Silhouette shades have a sheer front and back with fabric vanes in between. As a Centurion dealer for Hunter Douglas, Sue Dampsey at Leading Edge Interiors says, “Luminette fabrics can be coordinated with Silhouettes for a vertical application. For the person who loves perfection in drapery, these are great choices.” She likes them because the look is very sophisticated and I would have to agree. High-Lite shades by Elite and also known as Banded or Zebra shades from other companies have become popular. These shades alternate fabric with sheer inlays that overlap each other to filter light and control privacy.
Shutters provide a custom, clean and architectural look. They are typically made of wood or faux wood louvers mounted in a solid frame and have the appearance of custom woodwork done to your windows. They are the gold standard of high-end window coverings and are ever so elegant and timeless.
CURTAINS AND DRAPES Curtains and drapery add color, pattern, texture and is the best way to personalize a space with window treatments. The words curtain and drapes may be used interchangeably, the main difference being they are both made with long fabric panels OUR NEW WEBSITE
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Roller shades
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P H O T O C O U R T E S Y O F B L I N D S E X P R E S S
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Devoted to design Hear about Sarah Richardson’s life of design at the Calgary Renovation Show n WRITTEN BY
Pepper Rodriguez
T
o say that Sarah Richardson is the face of Canadian home renovation and design is an understatement. Everyone knows that Sarah lives and breathes home design, but probably not many know that she learned the two-step here in the home of the Stampede. “I’ve been (to Calgary) LOTS — and I love it! I think I may have learned to twostep the first time I visited,” she recalls. “Well, learned might be an overstatement, but I tripped on my feet and laughed!”
Sarah Richardson
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The designer & host of such HGTV Canada hit shows, as Sarah’s House, Sarah’s Rental Cottage and her latest Sarah off the Grid, will be in Calgary again as the headliner of the Calgary Renovation Show this January 12 – 14. And although she may still have to master the two-step, in the realm of design, Sarah is unquestionably the lead hand. Sarah has been a force in Canada’s home design landscape ever since she burst onto the scene 20 years ago. She started in behind-thescenes work as a prop stylist and since then has translated her talent into HGTV stardom and owning her own design company. “To say that I love design would be an understatement. I don’t just love it, I live and breathe it every day, everywhere I go, and in everything I do!” She strongly believes in helping people create the best home environment to fit their lifestyle. She is guided by the principles set by pioneers of the field including English designer William Morris who says: “Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful.” Sarah will be discussing these thoughts when she appears on the Calgary Renovation Show Main Stage on Friday, January 12 at 7 p.m., and again Saturday, January 13 at 1 p.m. The show goes on at the BMO Centre at Stampede Park from January 12 to 14, 2018. “I’ll be sharing insights on design and renovation, accompanied by some key learnings from the wisdom of design legends that inspire me in my approach to design, as well as reflecting on trend predictions for 2018,” she says. Sarah adds that she has always loved doing the home shows, adding she thinks it’s “very important” to keep in touch and meet the people who “support the work we do.”
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THE MAIN STAGE Presented by Postmedia and furnished by Revolve Furnishings Halyna Tataryn
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She says doing these live appearances is vitally important, and really is a two-way street between her and the audience. “This allows me to understand what ideas are resonating with our viewers, clients and readers, and what is on their minds. It’s a ‘give a little, get a lot’ relationship in my view and I get a lot from the audience.” The audience in Calgary, she says, is particularly lively. “Historically I’ve found that the Calgary audience is interested in new builds as well as living well in small spaces. I love the appetite for design and the enthusiasm!” She also has a very active social media platform that also helps her stay in touch with her audience. “Social media is a great platform for sharing inspiration and ideas, as well as a terrific sales tool. My textile collection sales are mostly driven by online social marketing tools and advertising. It works!! Instagram is always my first ‘news’ of the day. And no wonder…
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Rosalyn Lazaruk
Sabrina Smelko
Expert advice for every home! Get it straight from the source on The Main Stage, where HGTV Canada star Sarah Richardson of Sarah off the Grid will share candid insight and advice from her own recent family home renovation and Sabrina Smelko of HGTV Canada’s Save My Reno, who will be sharing her passion for DIY design on a dime. Don’t miss appearances by Alberta-based experts Rosalyn Lazaruk of Wicket Blue Interiors and City of Calgary Planning and Development representative Jennifer Crack, who will be sharing her pro tips on renovation permitting. The Calgary Home Builder’s Association’s Gary Sharp and real estate expert Halyna Tataryn of The Tatayrn Group round out the lineup of local home and renovation professionals. • HGTV Canada's Sarah Richardson • Rosalyn Lazaruk, Wicket Blue Interiors • Gary Sharp presented by BILD • Halyna Tataryn, Tataryn Group • Neil Harding presented by Sleep Country
it’s far more inspiring and uplifting than the real thing!” Forever on the lookout for the latest trend, Sarah sees “rich, saturated colour and plush textures” as an upcoming look. Most of the inspirations she gains from these live appearances find their way into her designs, and it is a never-ending process. “I’m working on a new season of TV, designing hotel suites and homes, and working on a few new product collections. I’m launching a wallpaper collection in the next few months and showcasing two kitchens I’ve designed for Monogram at IDS (International Design Show) the weekend after the Calgary Renovation Show!” She thinks the Calgary Renovation Show, produced by Marketplace Events, is the perfect venue to find design inspiration. Show Manager Teri Salazar says the Calgary Renovation Show is especially focused on encouraging homeowners to approach their home improvement projects, big or small, with confidence. “As the weather grows cold, winter is the perfect time to tackle those at-home projects and refreshers before the arrival of spring. Now more than ever, our homes need to adapt to our ever-changing lifestyles without breaking the bank. We’ve handpicked the industry’s best, from top celebrity guests to homegrown Calgary talent alike, with everything you need to make your home goals happen,” she explains. “Sarah Richardson and local pros alike will present their tips and tricks to get those stalled projects and stalled imaginations moving. It’s one part home improvement, one part DIY design, all parts inspiring — the perfect recipe for living well.” Marketplace Events also produces the Calgary Home + Garden Show (spring) and Calgary Fall Home Show (fall). Visit www.calgaryrenovationshow.com for more information and tickets. NL
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Anthem United Belmont page 24
Cedarglen Homes The Parks of Harvest Hills page 31
Anthem United D'Arcy page 17
Jayman BUILT Cornerstone page 20
Apex Developments Mountain View page 3
Mattamy Homes Back cover Qualico Communities Crestmont page 2
Apex Developments Hillcrest page 16
Qualico Communities Evanston page 7
Bri-mor Developments The Rise page 4
Walton Cornerstone page 21
Brookfield Residential Chinook Gate pages 13 Calgary Renovation Show Marketplace Events page 25
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WestCreek Developments Legacy cover, pages 10-12
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By Mario Toneguzzi
REBOUND SEEN IN 2018 Improved economy bolsters market, but condo sector sees challenges CALGARY’S NEW HOME construction industry is set to slowly rebound in 2018 following two years grappling with a vicious recession in the province. With the collapse of oil prices in late 2014, the local economy took a dive and went into negative territory in 2015 and 2016. That created some dark clouds over the homebuilding industry. And the numbers told the story. According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp., total housing starts in the Calgary census metropolitan area dropped from 17,131 in 2014 to 13,033 in 2015 and 9,245 in 2016. “We’re seeing now more and more positive signs especially signs that the worst is behind us and that certainly helps with that buying decision,” says Richard Cho, principal, market analysis for the Prairies for the CMHC in Calgary. “Overall, we’re expecting activity in the new home market to continue to improve. We saw the market turn around in 2017 and we’re expecting to see that continue into 2018.” The beginning of that turnaround planted some roots in 2017 as housing starts were expected to reach 10,700 to 11,900 units. That is also expected to increase to 10,200 to 11,200 in 2018. The positive outlook is buoyed by a rosy economic picture painted by the Conference Board of Canada. Quite stunning actu-
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ally when you consider where the province has been in the past few years. The board says Alberta’s economy is set to grow by a robust 6.7 per cent this year by far the best in the country. “Several sectors came out of the recession, but it was the swift pickup in drilling and solid oil production that led economic growth. The domestic economy also performed well, as consumer demand picked up, boosting retail sales and housing construction,” says the board in a report released in the fall. But despite the impressive economic outlook, there will be a difference between the single-detached housing market and the multi-family market in the Calgary region in 2018. “While the economy is expected to continue improving into next year, multi-family construction is forecast to come down and this is largely in response to the high inventory levels that are on the market on the multi-family side,” says Cho. On the other hand, Cho says they are “forecasting a modest increase in single-detached next year.” Following 2016 when single-detached starts declined to their lowest level since 1988, new construction is forecast to improve in 2017 and continue rising in 2018, says the CMHC. “Job growth and relatively low mortgage rates have supported demand for new homes. In addition, single-detached active listings in the beginning of the year had declined, providing another opportunity to increase housing starts. The population in Calgary is projected to steadily rise over the next couple of years, with gains in employment and incomes also expected,” adds the
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federal agency. In 2014, there were 6,494 new single-detached homes built in the market. That dipped to 3,489 in 2016. But that number is expected to finish 2017 between 4,100 and 4,500 then rise to between 4,200 and 4,600 in 2018. Cho says mortgage rates are forecast to move higher and that will have an impact on what people can qualify for but at the same time the rates typically rise because the economy has been gaining some ground as well. “So overall although rates moving up may have impact on demand, we’re still seeing other demand factors such as employment growth, population and income growth also improving next year as well so the overall effect we feel is demand will still see an increase in 2018.” The only thing that might put a damper on a fairly positive outlook for new home construction is new, stricter mortgage rules taking effect as of January 1, 2018. “It’s hard to say what kind of impact that will have on demand,” says Cho. “With the new mortgage rules, buyers will have a few more things to consider. And some of them might include holding off on their purchase. NL
Mario Toneguzzi Based in Calgary, Mario Toneguzzi has 37 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist and editor. He worked for 35 years at the Calgary Herald covering sports, crime, politics, health, city and breaking news, and business. For 12 years as a business writer, his main beats were commercial and residential real estate, retail, small business and general economic news. He nows works on his own as a freelance writer and consultant in communications and media relations/training. Email mdtoneguzzi@gmail.com
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By Marty Hope
POSITIVE NEWS FOR 2018 Even with new mortgage rules, experts are bullish for 2018
ALLAN KLASSEN HAS been around Calgary’s new-home construction sector almost since he was knee-high to a chop saw. He’s ridden the rollercoaster that defines Calgary’s economy and housebuilding industry. And what he sees now, and not for the first time, is a continuation of housing’s gradual recovery from the oil-fuelled recession now that 2018 has arrived. As past-chair of BILD Calgary Region, and senior vice-president of Calgary Housing for Brookfield Residential, Klassen has a unique perspective into the workings of the industry. And what he sees happening this year is pretty much what most builders and developers had expected. “I feel the industry is slowly rebounding from a two-and-a-halfyear recession,” he says. Among the factors he cites are an improving level of consumer confidence based on job growth, stronger gross domestic product figures, and healthier international migration numbers. He also notes that there are some “great new communities” for consumers to visit. In this observation, he sees what Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is seeing — a modest increase in the number of new single-family homes breaking ground this year. CMHC is calling for between 4,200 and 4,600 starts. Another element relating to the inching up of the single starts is the level of activity in the resale market, says Klassen.
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“I guess the new “In addition to popuhome market was as lation, employment and active as I expected. wage growth, there is The only surprise to even talk that oil is going me was that the MLS to continue to rebound market was not floodwhich, of course, would ed earlier in the year. have a positive impact.” However, I relate this Cho says that thus far, again to the fact it most of the job growth in the took so much time for Calgary region has been in consumer confidence the service sector as opposed D’Arcy Ranch Golf Course to come back into to the energy sector. Allan the market, allowing “(But) employment is anKlassen people to make the ticipated to improve further conscious decision to list,” he says. this year and in 2019 as higher oil prices Richard Cho, CMHC’s Calgary-based and increased investment will contribute to principal market analysis for the Prairies re- a life in economic activity and support job gion, says economic and market conditions growth across various sectors,” he says. are improving in and around Calgary. Now, about mortgage rates. “Job growth, which shows an increase in CMHC is saying a “modest rise” is exfull-time positions, incomes, population, pected through 2019. The five-year posted and relatively low mortgage rates have supmortgage rate could move up to between ported demand for new homes,” he says. 5.2 and 6.2 per cent. One of the flies in the good“Over our forecast horizon, mortgage news ointment, adds Klassen, are rates are expected to stay below levels the new mortgage rules that came observed prior to the recession,” the federal into effect on New Year’s Day. housing agency says. NL “The mortgage rules continue to be developed to manage the overheated markets in Ontario and Vancouver,” he says. “For Marty Hope. For more than two decades sure there has been a ripple effect here on Marty Hope has been reporting on the housing affordability and on what products people and development industry in Calgary, will move into — perhaps deciding on throughout Alberta, and across Canada. In March, he was presented with the Maple Leaf something smaller or with fewer features Award from the Canadian Home Builders’ in order to still get into a new home.” Association which is given annually to a But looking into what this year has in non-builder member in Canada for store, Klassen remains positive. contributions to the industry. OUR NEW WEBSITE
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