wednesd ay, n o v e m b e r 2 4, 2 0 1 0 T h e Va n c o uv e r C o u r i e r
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special advertising feature
november 2010
{
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO DOMESTIC BLISS IN VANCOUVER
heartfelt holiday homes
}
by Helen Peterson
T
the
festive issue
he holiday décor theme for homes this year is classic meets meaningful. Rather than your home looking like a big-box store exploded all over the interior, finding a theme that means a lot to your family, and will illicit oohs and aahs from visitors, is all the rage. It’s all about defining a theme, and incorporating a blend of homemade items (oneof-a-kind baubles and ornaments, baked goods, real boughs and eco-friendly lighting touches) to present a home that is warm, friendly and cozy. Looking for inspiration for your holiday décor this year? Look no further than the upcoming Homes for the Holidays tour. Proceeds will support the counselling services of Kids Help Phone (KHP), which is now in its 21st year. Prominent interior designers have partnered with local home décor retailers to create five distinctly themed holiday showcases. Raising funds for the organization takes effort, and as well as soliciting donations throughout the year, the Kids Help Phone’s local chapter is now in its the sixth year of presenting the Homes for the Holidays tour. As visitors step inside one of the five feature homes, they’ll see décor ideas and themes that will warm the heart, and will know that their ticket to see these delightfully presented abodes is helping a bigger cause. A committee of hard-working elves (a.k.a. the KHP board, event sponsors and volunteers), make it all happen, and they need your support. (All proceeds will support Kids Help Phone, Canada’s only toll-free, 24-hour, bilingual and anonymous professional phone and web counselling, referral and information service for children and youth.) Homes for the Holidays is a self-guided tour, and takes place Nov. 27 and 28, from 11 am to 4 pm. Tickets ($50) are available from retailers featured on the website, online or by calling 604-267-7057; www.kidshelpphone.ca.
The Clarke living room’ décor is simple, yet refined. all ‘homes’ Photos by: Claudette Carracedo.
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Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r wednesday, november 24 , 2010
wednesd ay, n o v e m b e r 2 4, 2 0 1 0 T h e Va n c o uv e r C o u r i e r
read your
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Shop
in the Garden
a tandem tour by Helen Peterson
O
ne of the five homes featured on the Homes for the Holidays tour has something a little bit different to showcase to an eager public. The Clarke’s main residence consists of a 1920’s character home that has been completely upgraded and refurbished, while adhering to the heritage classic standards. But what’s more interesting is the fact that the Clarkes built a laneway house, from the ground up, which mirrors the main home. “Once the bylaws were in place for laneway homes, we decided to build one on our property, and it will be used as a guest house, or perhaps one day will be rented out as a furnished residence,” says homeowner Mandy Clarke. For tour guests, this means they not only get to see the beautiful decorations provided by 18 carat on Granville, Studio Designs, Flower Factory and Light ‘Em Up Lighting that adorn the
main house, but they’ll be able to walk along a lit path and explore the 545 square foot laneway house, a real treat. “Our theme for this year’s tour is called “Hot Coco,” says Clarke, meaning there is a bit of Chanel influence, while staying true to the tradition of natural greenery and simplistic, classic décor. “We’ve used a lot of silver, taupe and black, a carved reindeer head over the mantle and other natural elements,” she said. “Our Christmas tree will be outdoors, to light up the back yard as you make your way down a ‘Hansel and Gretel’ type of path to the laneway house.” “I welcome all Kids Help Phone supporters to our home this weekend, and we are so happy to be a part of this great fundraiser,” Clarke said. As well as her role as tour home hostess, Clarke was so excited to build her laneway home—she (as the saying goes) bought the company. Tandem Lanehouse Co. is officially… off the ground!
IT’s ORNAMENTAL!
L
ocated in downtown Vancouver, on the Plaza at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, the Vancouver Christmas Market (www. vancouverchristmasmarket.com) will open on Wednesday, Nov. 24 and close Friday, Dec. 24. So much more than just a craft fair, this authentic German Christmas Market creates the perfect atmosphere for purchasing holiday related merchandise for the home and gift-giving, plus enjoy food and cultural activities. The romantic setting of the Christmas Market features its customary rows of little wooden huts, decorated in pine branches and strung with little white lights. One vendor, Käthe Wohlfahrt (www.wohlfahrt.com), is Germany's top Christmas ornament and decor company. The Käthe Wohlfahrt
company has 10 Christmas stores world-wide, among them the world famous "Weihnachtsdorf ”, the Christmas Village in Rothenburg ob der Tauber. A similar store will be built up at the Vancouver Christmas Market. Go to www. christmasfromgermany.com to pre-browse the ornaments.
Christmas cards, unique gifts, handmade wreaths 604-822-4529 friendsofthegarden.ca 6804 SW Marine Drive (at 16th Ave)
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Va n c o uve r Co u r i e r wednesday, november 24 , 2010
DECORATING EDGE give the gift of space compiled by Helen Peterson
D
6th ANNUAL
5
2010
Beautifully
o we really need to give each other more “klatch” this year? If your ideas for under the tree are thinning out, and you’d like to give your spouse or special someone a real treat that keeps on giving, how about giving the gift of space? From a bedroom closet that’s overflowing and disorganized, to a condo flex space that gets piled up with junk —it’s time to upgrade. The Designer Closet Guys (www. designerclosetguys.com) of the Lower Mainland are problemsolvers that can create the ideal space, in just a weekend! Chris and Brett Isfeld are the brothers / designers who will solve your storage issues, from refitting your closets to store clothing and footwear to maximum advantage, creating a workable pantry area, or turning a flex room into a multi-use space that incorporates storage above while accommodating a usable computer workstation. “It is our main objective to create custom, refreshing places from your most personal spaces,” says Brett. “We will consult on both function and style to deliver a design that reflects your unique approach to life.” The Designer Closet Guys strive to ensure your satisfac-
tion, using quality products and delivering professional service, while respecting your home, your time and your budget. Just in time for the holidays, the Guys can create the space you want! Their method: Step #1–The Purge: This is your opportunity to rid your space of anything you haven't used in the past three years (with exceptions for items with sentimental value that you just can't part with.) DCG will assist in ensuring that unwanted items make their way to local charities. Step #2–The Consult: A free consultation will guide you through this process with questions such as: "how many pairs of shoes do you have?" and "how much space are you willing to set aside for your husband?" Spaces are then measured to determine the best styles and finishes to suit your needs.
Step #3–The Design: Designs are based on your needs; you’ll be presented with drawings, layouts and visual aids to ensure expectations are met. Once the designs are finalized and approved, production of your storage system will begin and a convenient installation date will be set. Step #4–The Installation: DCG do all of their own installations. No hourly or piecework labour used, ensuring the best workmanship and your ultimate satisfaction. Step #5–The Re-Stock: Take note, a shopping spree may be required to fill in some of the new found spaces. Step #6–The Show Off: Smile as your friends drool over your fabulous, newly-organized space! Designer Closet Guys service BC's Lower Mainland and beyond. In Vancouver, call 604-484-0374; email:info@designerclosetguys.com.
Decorated Homes
NOVEMBER 27 and 28
12MM NARROW PLANK
LAMINATE FLOORING
Go Green!
From Quality European Manufacturer! • 12mm (1/2”) thick • 4-9/16” wide • V-grooved on all 4 sides • Textured wood grain finish • 25 year mfr’s warranty • Great selection of patterns • Rating: AC3, certified E1.
TiCkeTs $50
www.khphomesfortheholidays.ca
604-267-7057
presented by
Available at: The Cross Décor & Design 1198 Homer Street Valerianne Home 2441 West 41st Avenue Avant Gardener 1460 Marine Drive, West Vancouver
Dexter AssociAtes reAlty
The core board is made up of 90% recycled wood fibres
Barnston Cherry
Almendro
Winnipeg Beech
Pecan
Saskatoon Maple
Kelly Oak
French Walnut
Teca Plank
2
29
sq. ft.
green it up
Holiday 2010 is All-Natural
M
any people choose Christmas-oriented greenery to decorate their homes for the holidays. It makes the home feel cozy and inviting during the festive season. These days, you have many different decorations you can choose from, but Christmas decorations, such as wreaths, garlands, bows, swags, centerpieces and of course Christmas trees, are the most popular. A major reason why natural greenery beats most artificial decorations is that it’s made from natural, 100 per cent biodegradable material. It’s mainly made from evergreen plants, such as fir, spruce and pine. While Christmas trees are harvested and need to be replanted to replenish, traditional greenery is cut from live trees without actually cutting down the whole plant. This means that the branches you cut from the tree can re-grow easily within a year. Christmas wreaths are probably one of the oldest holiday decorations. They were first used in Northern Europe, where winters were harsh and days were short. An evergreen wreath represented everlasting life to Christians in two ways—by means of the greenery (pine, holy, ivy) that stays green throughout the long winter, and by the fact that the circular wreath represents eternity. Artificial greenery may have its place in some households, but nothing compares to real noble fir wreaths, pine cone decorated centerpieces, and spruce door swags. They represent true value, environmental concern and give you a connection to nature in your home.
wednes d ay, n o v e m b e r 2 4, 2 0 1 0 T h e Va n c o uv e r C o u r i e r
WINTER IS COMING! It’s going to get cold outside so make your home warm and inviting inside
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off all in-stock decorating fabric Now’s the perfect time to dress your home for the holidays Made-to-measure drapes and roman shades • Re-upholstery and slipcovers Bedding and upholstered headboards • Decorative pillows
FREE UPGRADE to Thermal Drapes Reduce window drafts and heat loss with our made-to-measure thermal drapes and roman shades
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