Calgary Home Décor and Renovations - AUG/SEP 2012

calgary edition | free

august - september 2012 Volume 10 Issue 4

top four ways to

transform your home

Experts reveal how to

freshen your home

up

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plus special section

outdoor oasis

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Renew the functionality of your home.

Refresh your surroundings with new design.

Rejuvenate your lifestyle.

GET INSPIR ED TO R ENOVATE! VISIT ANY OF OUR ALBI LUXURY SHOWHOMES AlbiRenova.com | AlbiHomes.com www.facebook.com/AlbiRenova

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contents

volume 10 issue 4

aug - sep 2012

40 67 cover story

12

Designers

share ideas by heather ryan

features

tips & tricks

52 Design challenge

50 Korean-inspired dinner ideas

by Laura Le and Mickey Foulds

58 Rooms that rock for teens by adene lucas

62 Patios perfected by jackie swartz

by Michael Nyikes

65 Canada’s $66-billion home renovation industry

outdoor oasis

66 Building and development permits

26 Add style to your outdoors

67 Choosing the right home inspector

by heather ryan

by vanessa gash

by shell busey

28 Make the most out of outdoor living

by heather ryan

34 How to create lush, beautiful lawns & gardens

08 Editor’s notebook

64 Decoding the code

by paul golini jr.

by Bonny Dann

in every issue

by SILVANA LONGO

business profiles 10 Lakeview Floors opening new warehouse outlet

by Heather Ryan

17 Spindle, Stairs & Railings

freshen up your home 40 Overhaul four areas of your home

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

46 Extending quality and integrity through custom renovations

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

by Heather Ryan

18 Manor Renovations

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

23 Kayu Canada Inc.

by Heather Ryan

39 Sheila’s Window

Toppers and More

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

51 Prestige Railings & Stairs Ltd. by heather ryan

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Calgary’s

2011

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Call for a quote and experience the Corefront difference

2011

WINNER OF THE BEST HOME RENOVATION WITHOUT ADDITION AWARD

LOCAL CALGARY COMPANY ready to serve Calgarians

Visit us at corefront.ca to view more before and after renos Get your FREE QUOTE online or call 403.457.2673 for an appointment

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Will help bring your Tile Design Ideas to Life

• Small Family Run business, Lucas and Linda with almost 30 years combined expertise.

• Supply stone, porcelain, ceramic and Mexican tile, • Installation provided by Installer who has been working with CITY TILE for 20 years • Specializing in Backsplashes, Bathrooms, Fireplaces, Front Entrances, Kitchen and Bathroom Floors.

• Lines of tile exclusive to CITY TILE • Large showroom Please visit our showroom at 1220 11 AVENUE SW Calgary call us at 403-244-7171 email us at city.tile@shaw.ca 006-Bali & Beyond_City Tile 05-2012.indd 1

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Before

LIMITED SPACE FOR NEW PROJECTS THIS YEAR. CONTACT US TODAY FOR A COMPLIMENTARY IN-HOME CONSULTATION. w w w. k u r m a k b u i l d e r s . c o m 403.277.5525

Transform Your House Into The Home You Desire.

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EDITOR’SNOTEBOOK

AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2012 VOLUME 10 ISSUE 04 VICE PRESIDENT, NATIONAL REAL ESTATE

Jacqueline Hill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NATIONIAL REAL ESTATE

Susan Legge MANAGING EDITOR

Silvana Longo ART DIRECTOR

Julie Yoo DISTRICT SALES MANAGER, ALBERTA

Darren Jensen MEDIA CONSULTANT

Anita van Breevoort, 403.461.5518 PRODUCTION MANAGER

Get the most out of your living space - inside and out This issue touches on the best things we’ve discovered in the world of design, décor and renovation over the course of this windy summer season.

There’s a little something for everyone.

Looking for new ways to make the most of outdoor living while the weather’s cooperating? We have plenty to see and try in this issue’s special Outdoor Oasis section. From creating the perfect patio, adding optimal outdoor lighting, and discovering the secrets to keeping your lawns and gardens lush and beautiful, it’s not too late to get in shape for summer.

And if you’ve ever wanted the challenge of maximizing a small space, the step-by-step feature by Laura Le and Mickey Foulds on page 52 is a great place to start. The challenge was conquered by not one, but two design teams with one goal in mind – to create a pleasing space that their 20-something client could relax in.

Got a teenager in need of a room update? Adene Lewis’s feature on Rooms that Rock will inspire. Good for the tweens and teens, it’s full of places to shop and things to consider before you do so you don’t end up with a mish-mash of items that don’t work well in the space.

There’s plenty more to see and read in this issue.

Let us know what you think. We love hearing from you!

Thanks for reading,

SUSAN LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NATIONAL REAL ESTATE susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/SusanLegge

Become a fan of Home Décor and Renovations on Facebook

Bala Gnanapandithan PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR/ GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mohammad Haidarpour GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Daniel Mera, Caroline Wassef, Viosa Barileva, Alex Yakubovich CONTRIBUTORS

Shell Busey, Bonny Dann, Paul Golini Jr., Adene Lucas, Sirkka Vandergraaf, Michael Nyikes Heather Ryan, Jackie Swartz, Vanessa Gash DISTRIBUTION

Bill White 403.255.3898 x2304

Home Décor and Renovations magazine is published six times a year. Home Décor and Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Calgary and Greater Calgary area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Décor and Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.

The advertising herein, including the photographs and all artwork is the property of Home Décor and Renovations magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Home Décor and Renovations magazine only and does not have the right to reproduce the ad in whole or in part in any other place or publication without the consent of the publisher.

The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and are intended for the sole use of the public.

WE’RE LISTENING! Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!

HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS 2891 Sunridge Way NE Calgary, AB T1Y 7K7 T 403.461.5518 PUBLISHED BY

Wall2Wall Media is a trademark of Yellow Pages Group Co. in Canada.

8 HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS AUG - SEP 2012

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businessprofile

lakeview floors

Lakeview Floors opening new warehouse outlet by heather ryan

F

or close to a decade, customers have chosen Lakeview Floors for all their flooring needs because of its outstanding selection, quality installation and exceptional service.

Come September 1st, 2012, customers will have another reason to choose Lakeview – the company is poised to open a new warehouse outlet providing in-stock product ready for immediate pick up.

“After nine years in business we really want to move forward for our 10th year with the opening of Lakeview Floors Warehouse Outlet,” says owner/operator Brad Thompson. “The warehouse will allow our customers to come in, see the product on full skids rather than just samples in our showroom, and take it home. At this point customers can install it themselves, or we can provide installation.”

Lakeview Floors was established in 2003 by Thompson, who was joined by co-owners Jordan Watson and Ryan Friesen in 2009. Lakeview started out as a hardwood floor and tile company specializing in site finished hardwood flooring, but as relationships grew so did the demand for other floor coverings. The company now supplies and installs every floor covering imaginable, as well as custom shower builds, in-floor heating, fireplaces and more.

Lakeview offers commercial and residential services where care, quality and craftsmanship are at the forefront of the business. Many of the installers have been with the company since it started and new employees go through three years of training to ensure Lakeview’s high standards for workmanship are met.

Lakeview also offers design consultations to ensure flooring choices jive with paint colours, cabinets, finishing and countertops for the best result.

Watson meets with customers on site before installation begins, as well as the installation crew so there is complete understanding of the project, and meets the customers afterwards to ensure they’re satisfied with the work. If there are any concerns, they are addressed promptly.

Lakeview Floors joined the Canadian Home Builders Association-Calgary Region this spring, which allows them to be more involved with decisions made in the community, while staying up to date with building codes and quality commitments that every member is required to follow, including offering customers a two-year warranty, double the industry standard.

The company has consistently maintained an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau since it started and recently joined the Alberta Floor Covering

Association. It is also listed with HomeStars, a professional testimonial website where customers can post testimonials that are verified, and where the company is ranked so future customers can read about the quality of the workmanship and service Lakeview Floors provides.

“We’ve only been on there a short time and we already have 15 testimonials, which we’re really excited about,” Thompson says, adding they’re hoping to get testimonials from every customer.

Whether it’s a new construction build, full renovation, or replacing flooring in just one room, Lakeview Floors has the products and staff to finish every project to your satisfaction.

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Ph: 403.852.2524 I Showroom: 3425 9th St. Hours: Mon-Fri 9-5 Saturday 11-4 Sunday closed

SE

Calgary Region Canadian Home Builders’ Association

brad@lakeviewfloors.ca I www.lakeviewfloors.ca

• Hardwood • Tile • Cork • Bamboo • Carpet • Laminate • LVT • Congoleum • Dura Ceramic

GRAND OPENING Sept 1st

*Prizes * Barbeque *1500 flooring Giveaway *First 25 customers receive a FREE Hardwood Floor Cleaning Kit

INSTOCK QUALITY FLOORING & ACCESSORIES • Canadian Prefinished Hardwood • Mohawk Carpet & Underlay • Porcelain Tile • Acoustic Underlay • European Laminate • Cork • Luxury Vinyl Tile • Mosaics • Mortar & Grout • Schluter Installation Products • Installation materials

WAREHOUSE OUTLET Calgary Region Canadian Home Builders’ Association

Bay 5 - 700 58th Ave SE Ph: (403) 452 5191 Fax: (403)452 4439 www.lakeviewfloors.ca AUG - SEP 2012 HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS 11

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coverstory

Designers share ideas on how to freshen up your home

t

by heather ryan

ake a splash of new paint, mix in some new pillows, add new towels and even a lamp or two, and you have some of the elements needed to freshen up your home, according to design experts.

Vancouver colour expert Maria Killam, who will make her first appearance on the main stage at the 2012 Calgary Home + Design Show at the BMO Centre Sept.

20-23, recommends homeowners keep things simple when looking to freshen any space in their home.

“I hear all the time the easiest way to freshen a home is with paint,” says Killam, who instructs people on distinguishing undertones in her True Colour Expert workshops and is the eBook author of How to Choose Paint Colours – It’s all in the Undertones. “But sometimes that’s hard to do if your whole living area is earth tones – chocolate brown, creams, golds, muted reds or rusty oranges. You can’t just inject a new paint colour if it doesn’t relate to anything in the space; it’s not going to work.”

She suggests that getting a fresh look doesn’t mean you have to then paint your living room walls in Kelly Green or Tangerine Tango (this year’s hottest colour), “you could add those colours and others with simple decorative touches such as bringing in a peace lily house plant, which is really easy to maintain, a white orchid or a chunky carved bowl with three to five grass green balls. If you’re really craving a change, changing the area rug you’ve had for the last 10 years and updating your toss cushions is a great way to inject a fresh look into your home.”

Janette Ewen, design and fashion expert on several TV shows including Canada AM, who splits her time between Toronto and Santa Monica, California, will be making her second appearance at Calgary’s Home + Design show. She advises homeowners not to be afraid to “mix things up; you can have traditional and modern together and rustic can work with clean lines. If it looks

Maria Killam

Janette Ewen

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Interior by Janette Ewen

Interior by Maria Killam

Interior by Janette Ewen

Interior by Maria Killam

right, it is right – your eye will tell you if it doesn’t work.”

To freshen the look of a home, in particular the living room, Ewen looks at the flooring and suggests taking out the carpet in favour of hardwood or cork or updating the area rug to something with graphic lines.

“Flip out the cushions for something with flowers and add new lampshades, or spray paint the lamp base in a glossy bright yellow, candy apple red or bright green for a fresh look.”

The two designers also offer good advice on creating a fresh look in other areas of the home.

KITCHEN “Change the backsplash; glass tiles look great or put in Plexiglas with paint or wallpaper behind it,” says Ewen. “We’re also seeing tiles being done in patterns

and more wallpaper. It’s also easy to add accessories – I added a sculpture in one kitchen and it looked amazing.”

“A simple way to get a new look is to paint your cabinets white and replace the backsplash and hardware,” Killam says.

BATHROOM “Add wallpaper in the bathroom, glass tiles or a soft pastel colour for a new look,” Ewen says. “You can freshen the space inexpensively by doing something as simple as changing out the soap dispenser, the towels, or adding something a little fun like a piece of coral.”

“A great way to freshen the bathroom is to make everything white – towels, mats, shower curtain, even bring an orchid in there, too,” Killam says. “A new light fixture and towel racks can really create a fresh look.” aug - sep 2012 home décor and renovations 13

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BEDROOM “Bedrooms are going two ways – a more relaxed Bohemian style and the Park Avenue bedroom of the ’30s is coming back – and both trends are a more glammed-up look with oversized mirrors and prints, bolder colour choices, deeper tones, sculptured lamps, rich textures and wallpaper on the ceiling,” Ewen says.

“For a simple, fresh look, change out the lights, your duvet and pillows.”

“The master bedroom is the most neglected room of the house, because people spend time making other areas look great for guests,” Killam says. “To freshen the bedroom, pick a colour over a neutral and buy a white duvet cover – it’s an easy choice because it goes with any colour. Also look at adding new lamps, a lot of people have these tiny little lamps for bedside tables or none at all, but I suggest you think about light as a decorative element.”

THOUGHTS ON NEW TRENDS “Faded pastels and water colours of soft lavender, grey, yellow and pink are in trend and we’re seeing light blues,” Ewen says. “The trend has been beige and browns for years; we have

recently gone grey so pastel is a natural match for grey.”

“Grey is the new brown; we’ve been decorating with earth tones for 30 years and we’re done with it,” Killam says. “People are looking for bright colours from the ’60s; we’re seeing black, white and grey motifs with splashes of colours, like yellow and tangerine orange, blues are getting brighter and greens are getting bluer, we’re seeing more mint green, which is all over fashion this year.”

ON THE CALGARY HOME + DESIGN SHOW “Calgary is one of my favourite cities, I’m an outdoorsy girl so I love the area, and there are so many great designers in Calgary,” Ewen says, who plans to speak on finding inspiration to help you become your own best designer.

For more great ideas and inspiration from Janette and Maria, catch them both on stage at the Calgary Home + Design Show, Sept 20 – 23. Visit calgaryhomeshow.com for stage schedules and to buy your tickets online.

Interior by Maria Killam

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2010

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Spindle, Stairs & Railings

businessprofile

Spindle, Stairs & Railings committed to the community

by Heather Ryan

S

pindle, Stairs & Railings Ltd. is well known for its great service, price and quality, but what sets it apart is its commitment to the community.

“We’ve been successful in business since 1999, and are always looking at new ideas and ways to revolutionalize the construction industry,” says owner Kevin Halliday. “We supply and install finishings and railings and we do built-ins, entertainment centres, cabinets and related products. We’re also the only fully vertically integrated company (taking wood right from when it’s cut through manufacturing) in North America and we’re Canadian owned and operated.“ “But we’re more than all that, we’re about caring for the community; we’re about giving back to those who have helped make us successful and not just by giving dollars and cents, we volunteer our time.”

Halliday is a true believer in supporting the community – he and his family are the first to volunteer and he encourages his employees to volunteer as well.

The company financially supported the Spindle, Stairs & Railings Arena in the Trico Wellness Centre in south Calgary so that local kids could play hockey.

“We also help kids (age 9 to 15) who can’t afford to play football get the training and equipment they need and we volunteer with the program,” Halliday says.

“They get training from current and former pros at Strive Fitness in the northwest and the Stampeders organization is awesome and more than willing to help out in the off-season.”

The company also volunteers to help at marathons for both kids and adults, and assists with fundraisers for the marathons, the football program and other activities.

“There is so much happening in Calgary and so much people can do to volunteer.

We help out with anything to do with getting kids out and being active,” he says. “We believe our young people are our future and we want to offer them support to help them be successful.”

Some of that support comes by way of providing an in-house training school that helps young adults learn finishing carpentry and installations of Spindle, Stairs & Railings products so they can learn a trade and be productive.

Halliday is also proud to work with YWCA helping abused women raise their selfesteem and change their lives for the better by offering training and a chance to enter the workforce with a trade.

“The trades industry is male dominated and we saw this as an opportunity to provide leadership and give women the skills necessary to break into the trades and graduate from a training program,” he says. “Many of the graduates come to work for us and we contact other companies to find them jobs. The women who work for us are great people and it’s empowering for them and amazing to see the growth of each individual.”

“For me, supporting the community is not all about money, it’s about action,” Halliday says. “Every other day I’m helping kids train. These kids are our future, and they’re going to be our future customers and employees.“ “We don’t ask what the city can do for us, we ask what we can do for the city and I put out the challenge to other companies to do the same – step up and volunteer,” he says. “It’s our responsibility, our moral obligation, to give back.”

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businessprofile

manor renovations

Manor Renovations:

The Recommended Renovator

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

R

ecently Sharon walked into her transformed basement and looked around with great pleasure at her new surroundings. Not only is her basement renovation a complete success, the entire process has left her with nothing but wonderful things to say about Manor Renovations. “I found the entire Manor team to be incredibly respectful, professional, punctual and organized. I’d recommend them to anyone considering a renovation of their home,” says Sharon.

She especially appreciated their new Amazing Basement 3D Program, a computerized system that allowed her to view the entire renovation process from start to finish without having to leave her home. This new Amazing Basements program affords the opportunity to creatively realize unique and effective ways in utilizing basement space, such as specialized built-ins, media centres, play

areas, and much more. In minutes changes were made to her initial plan, as she was able to see via the computer how certain original plans would simply not work. Sharon enjoyed being able to quickly and efficiently adjust her plans and be so involved in every aspect of design.

With this new Amazing Basement 3D system in place, which can be used to design all areas of the house, Manor clients are looking to spend three to four hours in the design process compared to fifteen, and appreciate a financial savings of up to 50 percent. Manor is always looking to bring the best value for their customer’s dollar.

As well, Manor, as a large scale renovation company, has significant buying power, thus passing on savings to their clients. With professional and skilled in-house trades, Manor boasts a 24 hour guaranteed call back from initial contact, a free in-home consultation, a seven day policy for quote presentation and review, and visits to current job sites for prospective clients, so the client can see the quality of work Manor prides themselves in at every stage of the renovation. Manor seals their work with a two year written warranty and a job done well, one that exceeds the client’s imagination.

With over 20 years of experience in renovations from simple bathroom makeovers to full additions and complete home makeovers, their commitment to environmental conscientiousness, and multiple professional associations and memberships, Manor is prepared to make your dream a reality, just as they did for Sharon.

To learn more about Manor Renovations and their new Amazing Basements program, view their website, manorrenovations.com.

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Manor Renovations would like to thank our proud business partners 4527 6A Street NE 403-770-7489

R

N N Love Where You Live

enovating your home will be one of your greatest accomplishments, but at the same time it can be very overwhelming. Which tile is best for my bathroom décor… which fi nish should I get for my custom cabinets? We are here to make your job easier. Our dedicated sales, administration and tradespeople are part of your team… with on-staff designers and a design center to inspire and guide you, you can rest assured that in the end you will love where you live.

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TIPSANDTRICKS

Give your rooms some life this fall AS SUMMER DRAWS TO A CLOSE AND WE COMPLETE OUR OUTDOOR CLEAN

up, thoughts turn indoors to all the projects put on the backburner before the weather drew us outdoors. Fall is the perfect time for quick and easy makeovers.

Take a look at a few tips on this topic from home décor specialists, Velux:

yo ur

Renovations

Choose an accent wall and apply a bold new colour, a dramatic wall covering, or textured paint to draw the eye and provide an exciting backdrop to the living or dining area. As an alternative to paint and wallpaper, the new Velux blinds collection by designer Karim Rashid incorporates fun, bright patterned shades for an instant room makeover while blocking out light.

Choose vibrant pink, acid yellow or soon-to-be classic black and white designs. The new patterns complement contemporary homes and have decorative metallic details creating a vivid texture and quick design change-up for any room with a skylight. The Rashid collection gives you full control of light and provides the best total blackout for both day and night. Perfect for afternoon naps, blackout blinds are ideal for installing in bedrooms where the tight-fitting blinds prevent any light from entering the room. Design options are available at www.veluxblinds.ca.

Finally, illuminate your home with natural daylight by dropping in a sun tunnel with the designer Lovegrove lamp. Using the sun as a bulb, awardwinning industrial designer Ross Lovegrove has created a sustainable alternative to electric lighting that generates as much light as a traditional 60W electric bulb, even on cloudy days.

A simple, stylish way to transform your space with daylight, you can adjust the light’s intensity and angle for a result that will beautify any interior. NC

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OUTDOOR OASIS AUGUST - SEPTEMBER 2012

LUSH LAWNS & GARDENS HOW TO GET THEM

stylish Outdoor living PHOTO COURTESY OF PHANTOM SCREENS

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outdoor feature

Open Up

Your Living Space Let fresh air into your home without unwelcome insects or glare of direct sunlight. Designed for doors, windows and large openings, Phantom Screens remain out of sight until you need them.

Phantom Screens of Calgary 403-295-6455

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outdoor feature

Kayu Canada Inc.

delivers the classic look of Mahogany

by Heather Ryan

T

o create a truly gorgeous and timeless deck, fence, gazebo, floor and more, you need to start with quality materials that will give you a classic look that will last for years.

For this reason many of the country’s best builders, contractors, deck builders and landscapers turn to the wood products offered by Kayu Canada, specifically Red Balau Batu and Dark Red Meranti, because “it’s the best choice for getting the classic look of Mahogany,” says Kayu Canada president Jim Labelle.

Take a walk on the pathways of the new redeveloped Devonian Gardens downtown, which opened in June, and you’ll feel the richness of the Red Balau Batu that Kayu Canada supplied.

It’s an experience you won’t want to miss as the wood is as fabulous looking as the gardens.

Labelle first became aware of Red Balau Batu over 20 years ago when he saw it on the decking of a cruise ship.

“Red Balau Batu, (also called Philippine Mahogany), has been used for boat building and decking in Europe and the

U.S. for many years; it’s a great outdoor wood that gives you the look of Mahogany and is durable enough to stand up to Canada’s harsh winters, so I started bringing it in from Indonesia and Malaysia to use in my construction company.”

The product was so desirable that Labelle founded Kayu Canada Inc. to sell Red Balau Batu, Dark Red Meranti and Yellow Balau Batu to a broad range of clients, and is the No. 1 supplier of exotic hardwood in Canada. Kayu Canada stocks the woods and other accessories at warehouses in Calgary, Vancouver and Penticton, B.C. “The woods have been used by Canada’s best builders, landscapers and deck builders since 1994,” Labelle says, and now many homeowners are seeing the value of using this luxurious wood and realizing that if they start with high quality wood their deck will last longer and look newer longer.

“These woods are definitely becoming a more popular choice for decking because it’s priced competitively with the composites and clear cedar, they’re able to withstand temperature and moisture differences year after year,” Labelle says.

This product is also resistant to abrasion, wear, dents and decay, and they’re easy to maintain.

And the product also has many uses – beyond decks, fences and gazebos it can be used for siding, soffits, fascia, retaining walls, ceilings and hardwood floors.

Labelle is proud to have supplied Red Balau Batu for the Devonian Gardens, and silvered-out Yellow Balau Batu, “which is maintenance free and looks amazing” to the Calgary Soldiers’ Memorial and Poppy Plaza that are part of the city’s Memorial Drive: Landscape of Memory. As well, his wood has been used on many high profile jobs across Canada, including the award-winning Ultimate Renovations’ showhome in Bonavista.

Your home can have the classic, elegant look of Mahogany inside and out. “If your builder doesn’t know about this wood, let them know,” Labelle says. “You don’t want to be left out because it doesn’t get any better than this.” aug - sep 2012 home décor and renovations 23

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outdoor feature

Riverwalk Project, East Village Calgary

When Only The Best Choice In Exotic Hardwood Products Will Do...

Devonian Gardens

Proud supplier of the Red Balau Batu pathways and decks at the New Devonian Gardens, Ultimate Renovations showhome Calgary, Alberta Extensive use of Kayu Batu inside and out

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Get Real Wood!!...

Choose Kayu Canada’s Exotic Hardwood Decking Products.

Red Balau Batu is a carefully selected, Balau hardwood species that have been used for cruise ship decking and boat building for over 50 years.

Low Maintenance or no maintenance and competitively priced with plastic composites.

Available across Canada for decking, fencing, soffits, siding and interior hardwood flooring.

Kayu Canada’s exotic wood products has been specified in the following high profile commercial and residential projects across Canada: • Devonian Gardens Downtown in Calgary • Memorial Poppy plaza in Kensington, Calgary • Riverwalk Project, East Village Calgary • Statesman Homes “Riverside Quays” in Calgary • The Penthouses at “La Caille on the Bow” in Calgary To many personal residences to list!

You can also see our product at the following restaurants & pubs: • Teatro • Jaroblue • Hudson Tap Houses • The Mercury • Rocky’s Burger Bus Outdoor living at its finest

n o w o pen !

To view or download a complete product catalogue please visit www.kayu.ca Georgie Award-winning exterior Summerland, BC Homescape Building & Designs

Bay #8 6304 Burbank Road SE. Calgary Phone: 403.541.9009 Toll-free: 1.877.666.KAYU (5298) www.kayu.ca

Contractors & Installer Referrals Upon Request.

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Add style

to your outdoors

by Heather Ryan

C

reating a backyard retreat that you and your family can enjoy for years to come can be as simple as updating your weather-worn deck or crumbling patio.

Calgary’s Duratech Coatings can add style to your tired outdoor spaces for a gorgeous, timeless look with Duratech Stone.

“Calgary’s good weather season is short, so you want to take advantage of the nice weather and enjoy an outdoor space that looks great; that has beautiful places where you can sit and relax or entertain family and friends, and Duratech Stone really gives you that wow factor,” says Kyle Caravan, owner of Duratech Coatings.

Duratech Stone is stone aggregate mixed with an epoxy resin that is troweled on an existing concrete surface such as patios, sidewalks, steps, walkways around the pool and driveways, or over wood decks with water proofing and vinyl decks.

“It’s great because you can resurface an already existing surface and it’s less expensive than replacing the old concrete, which is messy and adds to the landfill,” Caravan says. “It’s also less time consuming because we can usually put the surface on in a day.”

Duratech uses a high quality epoxy resin that creates a flexible and durable surface that doesn’t stain, is moisture resistant, and withstands Calgary’s harsh weather – the constant freeze and thaw cycle in the winter and the sun. Its UV protection keeps it looking good and it’s guaranteed for five years before it needs to be reglazed.

“It’s easy to maintain, just pressure wash it in the spring, and as long as you maintain it and reglaze it every five years with an appropriate product it will last indefinitely.”

Caravan says many homeowners are turning to Duratech Stone to create not only visually appealing space, but also a uniform look.

“Some people have an old sidewalk and wood deck and want to add a new patio, a fire pit area or outdoor kitchen, but they want it all to look the same,” Caravan says. “This product is a great way to do that because it freshens the look of the existing deck and sidewalk and matches them to the new space, so everything looks new, and at a dramatically lower price than if you were to redo it all.

“People are amazed at how great it looks; the curb appeal is huge,” he says, adding the product comes in a variety of colours “that really pop and never fade, and we can do some really cool patterns and designs.”

01

The product is also growing in popularity “because concrete poured in the last few years is already getting hairline cracks and crumbling; the mix is just not standing up on wear surfaces.

Last summer 80 to 90 per cent of the concrete we resurfaced was poured in the last five years,” Caravan says, who recommends homeowners resurface their concrete before it begins to deteriorate.

“It’s really a great solution and it turns your deck or patio into a beautiful outdoor living space.”

01

new patio area extended off existing concrete slab

02

close up of Duratech Stone: large sable

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ew surface on badly deteriorated n driveway

Photos supplied by Duratech Coatings

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02

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MAKE THE MOST OUT OF

outdoor LIVING

by Heather Ryan

W

ith Calgary’s long winters and short summers, it’s only natural that people want to make the most of their outdoors by going beyond just putting in decks or patios.

“Since our summers are so short, people want to be able to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible and make it as comfortable as possible,” says Martin Kathrens, owner of Channel Custom Builders. “So the concept a number of the projects are following these days is making the exterior an extension of the interior living space.“ “We’re building more gazebos, covered decks and big awnings so people can sit outside in comfort even if it’s raining,” he says. “Another thing people are doing is following the sun or shade, so we’re creating more side and front yard courtyards.“ Kathrens says they recently created a gorgeous front courtyard at a home

in northwest Calgary that includes a patio with decorative medallions for the outdoor furniture, a stone front entry and stone planters. An intricate stone patio was crafted to match the backyard and the front yard to ensure continuity of the design, and the design flowed into the driveway tying it all together.

“We mixed different stones and different shaped pavers so it looks quite stunning; it presents a lot of street appeal,” he says.

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pictured left

Large boulder waterfall with a serene pond. photo supplied by Handyman Landscaping. pictured bottom

The Jacuzzi J-LX is a great way to relax with friends. photo supplied by JACUZZI CALGARY.

“People are getting more elaborate with their ideas for their outdoor space; some people are even eliminating grass in their backyards and putting in pavers with unique patterns to make a statement,” Kathrens says, noting that without the grass to mow they have more time to enjoy the yard.

Jason Bennett, director of operations for Calgary for Handyman Landscaping Inc. says more people are installing elements such as waterfalls and ponds “to take the greatest advantage of their backyard by creating a paradise they can enjoy every time they open their back door.”

“People are thinking beyond the deck by adding something visually stunning and serene,” he says. “We’ve created some really nice ponds and creeks flowing over waterfalls. One project we did had a creek cascading over mini falls, dropping to a main waterfall and into a pond giving it a mountain look.”

Bennett says installing waterfalls is a perfect choice for people who back onto busy streets. “The water blocks out the road noise, and various size drops will give you different sounds, so it adds a tranquil feel to the backyard, plus it looks great.”

He notes they’re getting more requests to add LED lights to the water features so homeowners can enjoy

• Topsoil, Sod & Excavation • Decks and Fences • Retaining Walls • Patios and Firepits • Rock Gardens • Trees, Shrubs, Perennials • Water Features • Landscaping Design • Bobcat & Trucking Service • Irrigation • Snow Removal • X-mas Light Installation

Home & Garden Show Award Winner

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pictured TOP

Beautiful outdoor Zen resting place with tranquil water flow features. photo supplied by Handyman Landscaping pictured ABOVE

Front courtyard with flagstone & natural stone "veneer" walls/column. photo supplied by CHANNEL CUSTOM BUILDERS pictured right

Roman Euro driveway pavers with Accent medallion. photo supplied by CHANNEL CUSTOM BUILDERS

them even after the sun goes down.

Along with these stunning water features, many people are installing other features such as outdoor fireplaces, which extend their living space outdoors and allow them to relax and entertain in comfort in their backyard well into the evening.

“A lot of people are also installing pizza ovens because it’s a fun way to cook; you can have friends over and everyone can cook their own,” Bennett says, noting it adds another feature that allows homeowners to make the most out of their backyard.

Another popular backyard addition that will give homeowners years of enjoyment is a hot tub.

“You can create your own oasis and make every day a vacation in your own backyard with the addition of a hot tub,” says Darren Jordison, founder of Jacuzzi Calgary.

“You’ll also make the yard more usable by expanding your living space outdoors and get the most out of the investment you’ve made in your home.”

Jordison says many Calgarians are adding the outdoor spas because it allows them to extend their enjoyment of the outdoors year-round and because of the lifestyle it offers.

“It will measurably improve your social, physical and mental well-being; it gives you the opportunity to spend more quality time with the people who are most important in your life,” he says, as you sit, chat and soak away the day’s stress.

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Jacuzzi has 21 different models from the basic design up to luxurious models, but Jordison says the number one seller in Canada for the last six years is the J365 five to six person tub with a centre foot dome. “It’s popular because everyone can sit and get a foot massage.”

He says they also offer “the next generation” in water management called Clear Ray, which basically reduces the amount of chemicals used and time people need to take care of the tub so they can spend more time enjoying it.

“Life is short and having a Jacuzzi allows you to get more pleasure out of your backyard and get more out of life,” Jordison says.

Besides adding hot tubs, many Calgarians are extending their enjoyment of the outdoors year-round by adding a sunroom to their home.

Four Seasons Sunrooms adds about 40 to 50 sunrooms onto homes a year. “People love them,” says owner Jeff Wyndham, “because it’s outdoor living indoors. They’re a great way to enjoy the outdoors, scenic views of the backyard garden, without having to battle the elements – the cold, wind, bugs, rain, and snow.

“People love the rooms because they are so tranquil,” he says, and since the sunrooms are surrounded in glass on three sides as well as the roof, you get the feeling of being outdoors yet you can sit back and stargaze at night, or enjoy the sunlight during the day in total comfort – something you can’t always do on an uncovered deck or patio.

Wyndham notes that Calgary is one of the sunniest cities in Canada and having a sunroom allows “more daylight into the home creating a stimulating environment,” and you can enjoy it even if it’s minus 20C outside.

pictured TOP

Georgian Wood Conservatory. photo supplied by four Seasons sunrooms.

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picture

Enjoy more of your backyard experience with a Jacuzzi J-355. photo supplied by JACUZZI CALGARY.

Four Seasons Sunrooms are full additions to the home using conservaglass with high reflection glazing and spray-on coating that keeps the room cooler in the summer and minimizes heat loss in the winter so it’s comfortable 365 days a year.

Wyndham says the versatile rooms come in different sizes and styles with aluminum or vinyl exteriors and wood-finished interiors, and are designed to reflect the style of people’s homes to provide a seamless transition inside and out.

“It’s really an exciting addition not only because it adds square footage to your home, but it allows you to make the most of the outdoors by being able to enjoy the view of it every day,” he says.

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How to Create

Lush, Beautiful Lawns & Gardens

by Bonny Dann

Y

es, it is possible even in Southern Alberta with all the gardening obstacles we face, to have golf green like lawns and lush, full beautiful beds and borders!

Most plant materials, sod, trees, shrubs and perennials require a rich, dark loam that is nutrient laden and PH balanced and that is something we do not have naturally in Calgary. Our native soil is rocky, clay based and alkaline to very alkaline, having a PH of 6.5 to 8.

However there are ways to alter Mother Nature’s plan for us!

The very first thing to do when developing a new site or making an old garden over is to dig! If you can get a Bobcat in, we use a 36’’ Bobcat mini, excavate and haul out the top, at least 6’’. If you do not have access to a Bobcat or want to do it yourself, the old fashioned man power and a wheelbarrow will work! Dig out as far as you can stand to or until you hit clay and/or rock!

Fill the excavated area with well decomposed compost or a custom

Escapes Inc.

mixed garden blend of 60% compost, the rest will probably be loam and peat moss.

Peat moss has a PH of 4.5-5 so will help make the soil more acidic. On an ongoing basis Calgary gardeners will need to add aluminium sulfate and/or iron chelate to their planting areas, to combat the alkaline water they are pumping into their gardens. Both come in a water soluble powder form and are relatively inexpensive.

Digging peat moss into your gardens spring or fall will also help lighten the clay soil and reduce the PH. Expecting to have lush, green lawns and beautiful gardens in Calgary without continually amending the soil is like being on a junk food diet and expecting to be healthy!

As well as amending the soil you will need to fertilize both lawns and gardens regularly, once a month during the growing season is recommended, and then a winter fertilizer (7-2-28) for lawns in the late fall to help protect them over the winter.

If your lawns and gardens are not looking as well as you would like them to, a soil test may be in order. If you have a very small lawn or garden or only plants in one area that look unhealthy you may simply want to pick up a soil test kit at your local garden center. They are easy to use and inexpensive. If you have an acreage or larger estate property you may want to do a more intensive soil analysis test requiring a pound or so of soil taken from different areas. Your landscape maintenance company will be able to help you out with this procedure. If you have soil deficiencies you will need to make adjustments to your fertilizer, or change fertilizer.

The key ingredients in fertilizers are nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, referred to as NPK, the concentration of these components are expressed in their numbers on all fertilizers and always in that order. These are the primary macro nutrients of fertilizers, some fertilizers also contain secondary macro nutrients, calcium, magnesium and sulfur and some contain micronutrients, iron, copper, manganese, boron, molybdenum, chlorine, zinc and micholin trace amounts.

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Fertilizer can be organic, they can be granular, time released, water soluble powder or liquid.

Nitrogen is required for rapid growth of plants, growth of foliage, fruits and seed production, your lawn will become lush and green using a fertilizer like the 10-4-4 plus organic granular we use on all lawns we maintain. Using a fertilizer with that much nitrogen on your perennials and roses though will cause lots of greenness but reduce the blossoms! On healthy flower gardens I use an all-purpose 20-20-20. Where we need to increase blooming we use a 10-30-20 so high in phosphorus which is required for blooming and fruit production. Potassium is mainly required for strengthening the plants and a deficiency of potassium can result in stunted growth and reduced yield.

You can get as specific as Evergreen fertilizer, Rose, and vegetable garden fertilizer if you wish.

Last but not least is water, as well as receiving the nutrients they need from the soil and fertilizer most plant

Digging peat moss into your gardens spring or fall will also help lighten the clay soil and reduce the PH materials require adequate water. A healthy lawn requires 1’’ of water per week.

You can measure rainfall or irrigation with a rain gauge, there are all kinds of attractive rain gauges available at garden centers but you can also use something as simple as a Frisbee! Remember though that rainfall and/or irrigation will quickly run off slopes and heavy clay soil, never reaching the root systems of the trees, shrubs and perennials you are trying to water. So although it may seem like it has rained enough that you shouldn’t need to water, unless you are measuring you will not know for sure.

When we plant gardens, we water with a deep root waterer and I recommend buying one to all my clients. The deep root waterer is available in most garden centers for about $50.00. The device fits on the end of your garden hose, it has a prong which when plunged into the ground reaches the root system, getting the water where is needed. You simply insert the device, wait for the water to bubble up and then move it. Placing it in 3-4 places around the tree or shrub depending on the size. All gardeners should really own one as they are so much more efficient for watering, it may take more time, watching and moving but you are not wasting water that is simply running off costing you money and not benefiting your plants!

So for lush, beautiful lawns and gardens amend the soil, water regularly and do your fertilizer research! Happy Gardening!

•

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One of Calgary’s leading providers of landscaping and yard maintenance NEED A BACKYARD MAKEOVER? We do complete or partial garden make-overs, from one bed to a complete acreage.

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OTHER SERVICES WE OFFER • Sod, supplied and installed • Stonework, Patios, Walls & Walkways • Organic lawn fertilizer • Deep root fertilizing of trees and shrubs • Maintenance Residential & Commercial CREATING CURB APPEAL

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Freshen up your home August - september 2012

Four

dĂŠcor changers custom renovations that go the

distance Photo courtesy of McArthur Fine Furniture & Interior Design

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freshen up your home

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freshen up your home

Recognized for Quality and Excellent Service:

Sheila’s Window Toppers and More

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

S

heila’s Window Toppers and More was awarded the HomeStars Best Of ‘11 for outstanding customer service in the category of Shutters and Blinds in February 2012. Sheila’s Window Toppers & More has offered quality products and service to Calgarians since 1991.

“We strive to provide our customers with the best service in the industry which will result in a positive, enjoyable, and fulfilling shopping experience,” says Sheila (as she likes to be called), owner, Sheila’s Window Toppers and More. Their professional design team, certified through Hunter Douglas, enjoys listening to customer needs, advising in colour consultations, and focusing on solid solutions. As one of the few certified Hunter Douglas motorized specialist stores in Calgary, their team can provide hard-wired motorized

systems that can work with your home automation system to operate your Hunter Douglas window coverings.

In addition to Hunter Douglas products, Sheila’s Window Toppers and More also carries other window coverings manufactured by Shade-O-Matic and CBM (Canadian Blind Manufacturers); as well, included in the variety of beautiful fabric and wallpaper selections for your home are suppliers such as Joanne, Maxwell and Robert Allen.

Part of the “and More” in their title includes quality furniture makers, ready to create a unique piece for your home, or transform and renew an older piece that you just don’t want to part with. For selection, value and service, Sheila’s Window Toppers and More can transform your home.

There’s no substitution for true beauty.

Hunter Douglas is your first choice for style and innovation. Don’t settle for anything less than our truly distinctive designs.

Manufacturer’s

Rebate

From May 1st to August 31st, 2012, ask us how you can receive a Hunter Douglas Manufacturer’s Rebate.

Scan with your smartphone to view video.

E X T R A O R D I N A RY W I N D O W FA S H I O N S

Visit Our Crowfoot Showroom (For Rebate Details)

E X T R A O R D I N A RY W I N D O W FA S H I O N S

10-250 CROWFOOT CRES NW 403.547.4013 www.sheilaswindowtoppers.com Awarded Best Shutter & Blind Company, Calgary

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PICTURED

Clean lines and warm hues make the Intrigue collection appealing and inviting to today’s clientele.

Photo supplied by McArthur Fine Furniture & Interior Design

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Overhaul Four Areas of Your Home

by Sirkka Vandergraaf

J

ust saying “I want to overhaul my home” is motivating and inspiring. The mind launches into organizing and recreating various spaces throughout the home that have been avoided for too long. Here are four areas of our home to invest some effort.

Our Closets The word “organization” automatically sends our thoughts running to our closets.

Those cluttered, over packed, not sure what’s in there spaces. Clearing out a closet and creating a neat and organized storage system that works and looks beautiful enhances every home. Quite often where you see limited space, a professional can expand the functionality of that space considerably with the plethora of closet organizational accessories that go beyond tie and belt racks; think adjustable shelving! Move further than closets to clearing up entertainment areas, office nooks, and pantries. Transform an old guest room to both an elegant office and guest room by incorporating a pull-out bed within the wall-unit space. “People are looking for more efficient use of all the storage space in their home and we enjoy showing how it can be transformed and attractive,” says Evan Deptuck, Kwik Kloset Interiors.

Our Windows Beyond cleaning our windows, look to window coverings and determine if they need a new life. We receive so much pleasure looking through a clean, clear, crisp window, why not appreciate the inside view, that which frames the window – its worth the effort to re-examine what’s framing them. “If you are pleased with the hard coverings, possibly soften up the look with cornice boxes or side curtain

aug - sep 2012 home décor and renovations 41

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PICTURED ABOVE

PICTURED RIGHT

“Premiere Antique Closet CPCrown Shelf”–“Walk-in closet”

Hunter Douglas Pirouette window shading flanked by decorative drapery panels and upholstered cornice box.

Photo supplied by Kwik Kloset

Photo supplied by Sheila’s Window Toppers

“Never before has the consumer had as much freedom and creativity in designing their own space,”

panels,” says Sheila (as she likes to be called), owner, Sheila’s Window Toppers and More. Or if you prefer to replace existing coverings be aware that the current trend seems to be moving away from the hard horizontal blinds toward a more gentle fabric shade, allowing light in, but not collecting dust as easily and providing UV protection from harsh sunlight. Another option may be the eternally classic, always in vogue and functional, appealing shutters. If you are unsure as to what would work best for your windows, consider speaking to a specialist like Sheila.

Furniture Who doesn’t love to freshen up their home with a new piece or two of furniture? Presently the vibrant colour and style options of furniture allow for

every taste and personality. Furniture is chosen not only for its functional capacity, but also for its artistic character. “Never before has the consumer had as much freedom and creativity in designing their own space,” says Robert Pound, general manager, McArthur Fine Furniture and Interior Design. As we are generally more selfaware, we are increasingly bold in knowing exactly what it is we want in our homes, and what suits us best.

Whether mid-century modern, modern sleek, or country chic, the permission of today’s eclectic look lets you go for it.

One common denominator remains, consumers continue to favor environmentally sustainable wares, constantly educating themselves on the eco-footprint of their purchase.

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fREshEn UP yoUR homE

Designed For Living

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Custom solutions built sooner and for less • Free design consultation • 3D computer design software • Lifetime Warranty

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Basements In addition to all of the above mentioned improvements that can be incorporated into the basement as well, here are a few additional suggestions.

The quickest and easiest way to revive the basement is to repaint. For a welcoming family atmosphere consider lighter or brighter colours, or for a more adult entertaining feel, consider contemporary and trendy colours such as the grey and taupe tones currently popular.

Next, clear out the untidiness, reorganize the media and game centre, design storage solutions for toys that can be accessed easily by the kids, and likewise put away by the kids. Speaking of games, “as families are looking to spend more time together they are purchasing custom pool tables, ping pong tables, dart boards, and shuffle boards, all in an effort to enjoy each other’s presence interactively, away from the screen,” says Matt Menard, custom builder and designer, Pathmark Billiards and Games. Also increasing in popularity are the custom poker tables for the more mature members of the

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family. With over 40 different cloth covers for pool and poker tables, any décor can be matched.

If you have a fireplace, consider an upgrade. “Paint the mantel, and replace the facing with glass, slate, or ceramic tile,” says decorator, Esther Peters. Swap out a wood-burning fireplace for a more efficient and energy saving gas fireplace.

The list of available materials to establish the ambiance you prefer is endless. “Due to modern technology so many unique modern products are available to assist in your décor and design - such as micro-thin sheets of slate for a wall in the wine room creating that old world feel,” says Tim Snow, Manager of Renovations, Hearth and Home Fireplace & Renovation Calgary. “The current trend is toward a more metropolitan feel with an artistic flair throughout the entire home, as well as the basement,” says Snow.

Spend more time in the design phase - critically analyze your needs and how your space can best suit your family.

As you look around for ways to improve your home’s surroundings don’t be afraid to go for character.

Since we spend so much time in our homes, creating an inviting and pleasant atmosphere is a must!

Enjoy your renewed space.

PICTURED LEFT

Handcrafted vision opens up a new lifestyle.

Photo supplied by Hearth and Home Fireplace & Renovation

PICTURED TOP

8 ft Mission style table out of 1/4 sawn Oak Photo supplied by Pathmark billiards

PICTURED BOTTOM

2 table in one La Condo Photo supplied by Pathmark billiards

Calgary’s premier custom pool table manufacturer since 1992. We can build virtually any pool table desired, as well as custom match to any decor, Pool tables starting around $1000.

403.640.2752 3612 Blackfoot Trail SE MON - FRI 10-6 SAT 10-5 SUN 12-4 www.pathmarkbilliardsandgames.ca

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FRESHEN UP YOUR HOME

EXTENDING QUALITY AND INTEGRITY THROUGH CUSTOM RENOVATIONS:

HEARTH AND HOME FIREPLACE AND RENOVATION

by SIRKKA VANDERGRAAF THROUGHOUT HEARTH AND HOME’S 27 YEARS OF SERVING

For a chance to win your fireplace for free, go to www.regency-fire.com/win and enter this code: REFI01GSU

Calgarians, customer satisfaction has been their guide; and it has now lead them to provide quality full home custom renovations with Tim Snow and his 36 years of construction experience managing the team. “Our ‘We Care’ attitude doesn’t end when you sign the contract, it doesn’t end when the job is done or even when the warranty is over. It doesn’t end. We want to build a lifelong relationship with every customer we have and that shows in everything we do,” says Tim Snow, manager of renovations, Hearth and Home Fireplace and Renovation.

With a skilled and experienced team of 40 members, Hearth and Home’s renovation division is prepared and able to bring your renovation dream to reality. As an accredited, licensed, and insured company, they can not only make your dreams a reality, but provide a smooth and peaceful process throughout.

Even if your renovation does not include a fireplace, Hearth and Home will enjoy taking the time to listen to and help design the renovation for any aspect of your home. Snow’s extensive knowledge and experience can bring insight to all areas of the renovation, from wiring and plumbing to custom architectural details. All renovations will be done with talent and care.

To learn more about Hearth and Home’s renovation division visit their website at: hearthandhomefireplace.com.

Tim.s@hearthandhomefireplace.com

It has never been a better time to buy a Regency from Hearth & Home Fireplace

Come in today to see why we are your complete heating solution!

• We will advise you on the right product, performance details and building code requirements for your home.

• We are offering exciting promotions on Regency gas fireplace products.

• At Hearth & Home Fireplace, we stand behind our installation and share in Regency’s commitment to your satisfaction. It has never been a better time to buy a Regency from Hearth & Home Fireplace.

are We C

Inside.

Inside. Outside.

Outside.

5740 1A St. S.W. 403-258-3732

763 Northmount Dr. N.W. 403-453-1755 5740 5740- 1A - 1AStreet StreetS.W, S.W,Calgary, Calgary,AB AB 1-403-258-3732 1-403-258-3732~ ~1-800-204-4199 1-800-204-4199 www.hearthandhomefireplace.com www.hearthandhomefireplace.com

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PICTURED Showcasing the heart of the home, photos supplied by

Hearth and Home Fireplace & Renovation

7/20/12 3:56:08 PM 7/23/12 10:30:41 AM

the at how 2 S 32 ign 12.

0 th s oo De 3, 2 B & at me 0– 2 s 2 o u sit ry H ber i V lga em t Ca Sep

From big transFormations transF to little updates.

Get showhome-style renovations done right.

Updating your home is easier than ever with the experts at Cardel Designs. start crafting an inspired space today. Call or visit us online to learn how. plus ask about our referral rewards program.

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EVERYTHING EXTERIOR Innovative Stone and grass products

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DO IT YOURSELF Stone Veneer panels

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Showroom Unit 10, 3620-29th St NE Calgary, AB T1Y 5Z8

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www.ruscoindustries.com 48 home décor and renovations 048-Rusco Industries 03-2012.indd 1 aug - sep 2012

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1953 2012

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7/23/12 10:52:36 AM

LIFE isn’t meant to be lived in BLACK AND WHITE

Visit our booth at the Calgary Home + Design Show for your chance to receive up to $5,000 off your renovation project *

September 20 - 23, 2012 at BMO Centre

Remodelling your home can be a hectic and stressful experience.

Our job is to take the burden off of you and leave you feeling at ease during the renovation process. Cedarglen’s over 30 years of experience are put into use in each and every one of our renovation projects. It’s the quality you expect from the builder you trust.

phone: 403-692-1223 fax: 403-258-1120 urbanrenovations @cedarglenhomes.com

Urban Renovations

Urbanize your space at cedarglenhomes.com *Contest rules available at Cedarglen Urban Renovations booth. This is a marketing document and subject to change without notification. In case of conflict between this document and a contract, the contract will prevail. 08/2012 E&OE.

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tipsandtricks

Koreaninspired dinner ideas

While a trip to the Far East is out of reach

for many, it’s easy to experience exotic cultures in the comfort of your own kitchen. Add some excitement to your dinner table and take your taste buds on a flavour adventure to Korea. For an exotic twist to your everyday mealtime routine, try Bulgogi, a quick and easy Korean favourite.

Bulgogi is one of the country’s most popular beef dishes.

Made with thinly sliced sirloin and a Korean-inspired sauce, this mouth-watering dish comes together in a snap and pairs nicely with a side of lettuce, spinach or rice.

Bulgogi SERVES 4

»P rep time: 5 minutes »C ook time: 20 minutes » T otal time: 25 minutes » 2 tbsp (30 mL) vegetable oil » 2 cups (500 mL) onion, finely sliced

» 1 cup (250 mL) red pepper, finely sliced

Overhead Door Company of Calgary Overhead Door Company 403-262-7777 of Calgary www.overheaddoor.com 403-262-7777 www.overheaddoor.com 50 home décor and renovations aug - sep 2012 050-Overhead Doors 05-25-12.indd 1

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» 1 1/2 lb (675 g) top sirloin, trimmed of fat and sliced as thinly as possible » 2 tbsp (30 mL) VH soya sauce » 1 bottle (355 mL) VH Korean BBQ Sauce » 1 /2 cup (125 mL) green onions, finely sliced

» In a large sauté pan heat 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil over medium-high heat, add onions and peppers and stir-fry for 7 minutes or until tender, remove from pan and set aside. » Add remaining 1 tbsp (15 mL) oil (more if needed) to pan, add beef strips and stir-fry until browned well, about 12 minutes.

Add VH soya sauce, cook for one minute longer. » Add peppers, onions and bottle of VH Korean BBQ Sauce to the pan, heat through. » Sprinkle with green onions and serve. { Tip } To keep the house cool in the summer months try cooking the Bulgogi in a pan on the barbecue. NC

7/20/12 3:54:38 PM

7/23/12 10:30:48 AM

Prestige Railings & Stairs

businessprofile

Prestige Railings & Stairs focuses on customer satisfaction

by Heather Ryan

W

hen it comes to creating exceptional railings and stairs Prestige delivers unparalleled product and services focusing on customer satisfaction.

In business for 24 years, Prestige Railings & Stairs is a standout, earning numerous Consumers’ Choice Awards for Business Excellence and having its work featured in numerous award-winning homes throughout the province.

“Prestige is recognized as one of the most respected, reliable and sought-after providers of enhancement products to the residential and commercial construction industries,”says marketing manager Jacque Topuschak. “Our goal is to become the preferred choice of builders, renovators, contractors, designers and architects when it comes to all things stairs and railings.”

Prestige’s innovation and design is at the core of the company’s success. In fact one of its mottos is “if you can image it, we can design it,” Topuschak says. While much of the work is crafted to architectural plans, “we’re able to do custom work, and we love the diversity and challenge posed by our clients that has us continually raising the bar on originality and beauty.”

Topuschak says one of its most recent successful renovation projects involved exchanging honey-stained oak turned wood posts and spindles with a curved stair for espresso-stained maple posts with secure glass panels around a straight stair.

“The stair re-design has literally created the largest transformation in the entire renovation,” the homeowner says. “The glass panels in the staircase make the main floor look larger and more modern with the dark wood posts giving it a classic, elegant twist. Prestige has transformed our home from a honey oak conservative residence to a sleek and contemporary looking abode.”

As a 100 per cent Canadian-owned company Prestige also believes in supporting the local economy and “Canadian ownership allows us to support Canadian businesses and employment,” Topuschak says.

“Our iron spindles are built in-house to our exacting specifications, to guarantee that only quality elements are used to create a superior product,” she says. “Our goal is to create Peace of Mind for our customers; they can rest assured that they are receiving a safe and significant product that will enhance their home for decades to come.

“Quality is never an accident, it’s the wise choice.”

Hand-crafted excellence.

Experience the hand-crafted excellence of Prestige Railings & Stairs an ISO certified, multiple time Consumers’ Choice Award winner, and a favourite of refined Calgary builders and home owners for over 20 years!

E

BEFOR

Design your own custom railings at

www.prestigerailings.com

FOUNDING SPONSOR

2777 Hopewell Place N.E. Calgary

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Phone (403) 250-1020 Toll Free 1-800-382-8502

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FEATURE

design

CHALLENGE

by LAURA LE and MICKEY FOULDS

CREATIVE ENHANCEMENT INC AND METAMORPHOSIS DESIGN LTD RECENTLY

decided to shake things up, join forces and find a challenging space for a makeover!

The search was on for one in serious need of “freshening up”. Not just a regular room, but rather a space that would test our skills unlike any we had encountered before.

We found it in the form of a small – very small – basement bedroom, approximately 8x10 ft. The client was a career-focused young professional, renting the space in a townhouse with two other “20-somethings”. Working very long days, his room was a purely functional space with the bare minimum of furnishings - a bed, a small desk and a wardrobe which had seen better days.

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THE SEARCH WAS ON FOR ONE IN SERIOUS NEED OF “FRESHENING UP”. NOT JUST A REGULAR ROOM, BUT RATHER A SPACE THAT WOULD TEST OUR SKILLS UNLIKE ANY WE HAD ENCOUNTERED BEFORE. box spring dominated the room, with bed linens that were adequate but not aesthetically pleasing. The fl oors were bare laminate, and being in the basement, cold in winter.

A rack with hooks was fi tted over the bedroom door, supporting a selection of clothes ranging from a formal suit to a selection of caps.

We had agreed to take on this challenge after meeting the client and having it described to us. After viewing the space we realized the enormity of the undertaking. Not only was it small, but once we had measured it, we realized the placement of the doors and windows added a whole new series of limitations on what we were hoping to achieve.

The client’s brief was simple – he wanted a space that was inviting, where he could relax and “chill“ after a long day’s work. His preference was for a dark wall colour, and he expressed a need for good light control in the windows (the duct tape had already been a clue, so no surprise there!).

The bed was the only piece that was to be kept – everything else could go. Beyond that, we were completely free to do as we saw fit. We love it when that happens!

STEP ONE: MEASURE THE SPACE

The first step was to take accurate measurements of the space. In this case literally every inch mattered, especially with respect to the door swing which only just cleared the bed. Locations of electrical plug-ins, heating vents, cold air return and the CO monitor were also noted.

Next we identifi ed three major functions that had to be addressed in different zones: rest/sleep, relax/read and storage.

STEP TWO: CREATE A FURNITURE FLOORPLAN

The windows were permanently covered by ill-fitting rod pocket black drapes which were ingeniously held closed to prevent the intrusion of light at night by copious amounts of duct tape. (Indeed, while working in the property we discovered that duct tape had become the solution for a number of handyman issues!)

The walls were a bright, almost luminous green. Storage was at a minimum and the rickety closet was bursting at the seams. The small desk was unused. The queen size bed &

The next step was to define what turned out to be an initially exasperating exploration of possible furniture configurations.

After many hours of brainstorming, we eventually had to concede that our client had gotten it right when he initially placed the queen size bed in the corner under the window up against the wall. There simply was no other alternative (although we did threaten our 28-year-old bachelor client with replacing it with bunk beds in a desperate attempt to create more floor space and more alternatives!)

AUG - SEP 2012 HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS 53

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THE SOLUTION FOR CHALLENGING SMALL SPACES IS TO BE VERY SYSTEMATIC IN YOUR APPROACH AND DO THE NECESSARY MEASURING AND FLOORPLAN PREPARATION

Before renovation

We decided to place the wardrobe for hanging clothes behind the door, as the space there would otherwise not be of much use for anything else. A hook next to it on the wall would accommodate his robe. A dresser would be added beside it for folded items and provide a surface for a lamp and some decorative items.

A chair was added in the corner with a small table between it and the bed, serving as a nightstand.

The small niche at the end of the bed offered another storage opportunity.

The headboard would be wall-mounted – there simply was no option to add anything that would take up a few more precious inches of space as the door would not be able to swing open without hitting the bed.

STEP THREE: FURNITURE SELECTIONS

Furniture selections were next.

IKEA turned out to be the solution to our storage challenges – their ever-useful PAX system came to our rescue in the form of a tall single width wardrobe, with two hanging rails and a mirrored door (the mirror was not only functional but also expands the space).

Adjacent to the wardrobe we placed a three-drawer MALM dresser. We had to be careful of the height as we did not want to dwarf the chair beside it or make the space feel crowded.

The chair had to have a small footprint, yet be comfortable. We found the perfect solution in the form of an

armless slipper chair at HomeSense, where we also found a rather glamourous round table which was perfect for the nightstand. (It was important to have something visually interesting for the nightstand as it is the focal point when looking down the hallway into the room.)

Finally the solution for the small niche came in the form of a tall, narrow bookcase with a door on the bottom half (we thought there would be room to spare when looking at the wall measurements, but when we placed it, it was a close fit due to the space taken by the baseboards. Something to remember when measuring small spaces!!)

STEP FOUR: THE BED

The bed was next on our list.

The box spring had originally been placed directly on the floor. We added a bed frame which raised it about seven inches higher, creating another storage area under the bed.

We decided to replace the existing linens with the following: » Cotton mattress protector (not only protects the mattress, but adds a layer of comfort) » Cotton/polyester blend sateen sheet set (polyester for easy laundering) » Hypo-allergenic duvet » Duvet cover with two decorative shams & pillows (a fabulous find at Home Outfitters) » Two pillows with pillow protectors. »Tailored bed skirt

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THE HEADBOARD: In order to be able to control the footprint, we decided to make the headboard ourselves. An upholstered headboard that attaches to the frame of the bed is at least two inches thick and many are actually more than that. In this small space every inch is needed to be functional, so mounting it to the wall was necessary. The price was also a factor as headboards can be a costly expense and finding exactly what is needed to complement the décor can be a challenge if it is not in the budget or time frame to have it custom-made. All it took was a stop at Home Depot where we found a pine wood shelf that was the 20-inch height we needed and a very friendly staff member who cut it to the 60-inch length for the queen bed. Also purchased were the necessary hooks, screws and wall plugs for mounting the headboard to the wall. Then we were off to the fabric store where we found the fabric in a remnant section that was perfect and a roll of quilt batting. Making the headboard was very easy. The batting is stretched over the wood and tacked down with a staple gun. Then the fabric is laid over the batting and stretched and also attached with a staple gun. Begin stapling on the edge of the board in the middle, staple across from that.

Then, to the side repeat this process always lightly stretching the fabric until the staples are about two inches apart.

If the fabric is patterned or striped you must ensure that it remains straight while stretching. Make sure the batting is not too thick at the back of the headboard as it will make it very difficult to attach to the wall. We wrapped it only around the edge but had no batting on the back at all. Attach the hooks to the back of the headboard and put in the wall plugs (unless you are lucky enough to hit a wall stud). Once the screws are into the plugs, the headboard is mounted and looks fantastic. The cost of making the headboard was well under $100.

STEP FIVE: PAINT SELECTIONS

Once the furniture pieces were found we could define the exact wall colour.

Thus far we knew it would be dark (yes, dark colours can work beautifully in small spaces!), but we needed to know the furniture colours and textures for our final decision. As we had hoped, Benjamin Moore’s Willow CC-542 was perfect! (We actually had it colour matched in Pratt & Lambert’s top quality paint line, Accolade, in a fl at finish at United Decorating – this product is unique in that the fl at finish is scrubbable, and due to the rich concentration of pigment the colour has remarkable depth.)

The trim and door was painted in a satin finish in Sherwin Williams’ Westhighland White SW 7566 – in our opinion the perfect white – rich and warm, and a perfect complement to the dark walls.

STEP SIX: WINDOW TREATMENTS

The two horizontal and slightly uneven windows had to be addressed. A consultation for window treatments with Kathryn Aston Interiors soon AUG - SEP 2012 HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS 55

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determined the best choice as we had an awkward, very tight corner and a ledge beneath. An exterior light had to be blocked out at night, and safety (i.e. easy access through the window in an emergency) was an additional consideration.

Custom Graber Crystal Pleat Cellular shades with blackout lining were the perfect solution, clean and streamlined. In small rooms, blinds are always a better choice as they do not encroach upon the space the way drapes do.

STEP SEVEN: LIGHTING & ACCESSORIES

Accessories and lighting are always important in adding character to a space.

In addition to the existing two-spot ceiling light fixture, we added two lamps. The first on the nightstand beside the bed had a 100W light bulb suitable for reading both when sitting in the chair and in bed, and was also adjustable with respect to height for optimum functionality (the bottom of the shade should be level with your shoulder when sitting in bed or on a chair so the light can fall on your book). The second lamp was for ambiance and placed on the dresser.

A large silvery taupe shag rug from Costco was laid on the laminate floor – great texture and also good for adding some much needed warmth and comfort.

Artwork was selected bearing in mind the client’s preference for “outdoor, with water”. A large piece portraying a retro VW camper van on a sandy beach was hung behind the chair – lots of visual interest adding to the sightline into the room from the hallway. Mostly neutral, with touches of blue and orange which could be picked up elsewhere in the room. A second smaller piece was placed opposite the bed. It was an abstract in blue tones resembling a wave, peaceful yet with a certain energy. This would be seen from the rest and relaxation areas in the room and contributed to the tranquil feeling of the space.

Accessories included a three-wick scented candle (always appeal to all the senses!) in a square glass holder (Urban Barn), a cork notice board and a decorative box on the dresser, while the shelf unit housed personal photographs in silver frames as well as a large cream-coloured pelican with a small orange fish in its beak – a reference to the client’s East Coast origins. (It also added the touch of orange which related to the VW picture across the room, helping to coordinate the colour). A textured throw added warmth to the bed, which was further enhanced with a fun throw pillow. A peace plant (Spathiphyllum) was placed on the ledge beside the bookshelf. (Living plants always energize a space, as we associate them with nature and the outdoors.)

The budget, excluding designer fees, came to $3,542.53.

This included the custom-fitted blinds & installation, paint & labour, furniture, rug, bed linens, art and accessories. While the focus was on quality products, pragmatic choices were made wherever feasible.

Once the project was completed we handed the room back to the client who had bravely trusted us and chosen not to see anything until it was finished. We were delighted by his “I absolutely love it!” response, in addition to telling us that this was exactly what he wanted but wasn’t sure how to achieve it.

The solution for challenging small spaces is to be very systematic in your approach and do the necessary measuring and floorplan preparation. (You could always hire a designer for the planning phase and execute the project yourself if this seems daunting!) You need to think of each piece from a three-dimensional perspective, as not only the footprint but also the height has a major impact. Wellcoordinated colour is very important for a seamless look, as well as sufficient pattern and texture to add interest but not overwhelm.

A very fine balance, which when achieved, leads to a fabulous result.

LAURA LE CREATIVE ENHANCEMENT INC. Laura Le has owned Creative Enhancement for about seven years. Laura completed courses with Accredited Staging Professionals(ASP), Canadian Staging. Professionals(CSP) and Canadian ReDesign Association (CRDA).

Creative Enhancement has been a member of the BBB since 2005. Phone 403.807.8591 Email laurale@shaw.ca | www.creativeenhancement.ca

MICKEY FOULDS MSC CID CRSS Metamorphosis Design Ltd. Phone 403.651.3462 Email metamorphosisdesign@shaw.ca

56 HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS AUG - SEP 2012

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AUG - SEP 2012 HOME DÉCOR AND RENOVATIONS 57

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7/20/12 2:24:33 PM

FEATURE

Rooms that rock for teens by adene lucas One room that can really look

outdated is a kid’s room. Envision, Princess bedding, stuffed animals strewn across the canopy bed and a nightlight plugged in. In struts a tween and you quickly realize that the “kid's” room was decorated many years ago and low and behold there is a young adult in the home. The room no longer reflects the person using it. It is time to freshen up the space, quickly and affordably.

Paint is the best place to start. To avoid a scene at the paint counter, I never bring kids as there are too many

choices. I ask in advance what colours they like and then provide three or four samples Young adults tend to embrace colour and typically like bright and bold. My rule with kids and paint is to let them pick the colour but only use it on one wall.

Well before they get excited about a lime green room, they know the colour will only be used one wall. The rest of the walls remain a more neutral colour. This is where you can insert the classic phrase “when you have your own house…” or “I know it’s your room, and I am not being fair but I won’t let you paint it all black…” or any other standards that your parents used on you. Not only does this save you money by not painting an entire room Robin’s egg blue, it also saves a lot of time when in three years the young adult is tired of that colour and wants it redone. Not to mention that colour does influence mood and I am guessing an entire Robin's egg blue room would make an irritable tween that much more irritable.

If paint is not an option there are amazing wall decals available that add personality and detail. There is everything from botanical prints to symbols, shapes and even faux

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A room for your tween or teen should reflect their personality and style. I fine tune it and bring the choices to them. That way everyone feels they are being heard and their taste respected and acknowledged. headboards. Wall murals are another option. Not the type with a deer poking his head around a tree stump, which my dentist had in his office for years and went well with the gold carpet. Today’s murals are art, cityscapes, famous buildings and 3D objects.

They all add visual interest and can be changed easily.

Once the colour or wall treatment has been selected, it is time to pack up the princess collection and look for bedding that will nicely tie in the wall colour.

Currently, I like Bouclair for young adult’s rooms. The colours are current, the price points are great and an entire room can be completed from one store. They also carry fun accessories for many age ranges that fit with most decors. Big box such as Home Outfitters, Bed Bath & Beyond and The Bay also sell countless styles and looks. Also try online sites that specialize in bedding as many of the sites do ship to Canada and the selection and price can be quite competitive. Make sure the shipping costs and duty are accounted for as sometimes those two additional fees negate the savings.

If you want something higher end, my favourite place to look for bedding is Cushy Life, they sell unique duvet covers and have thousands of sample books of fabric to select from. Again, I would narrow down the selection before your child falls for the most costly option. Make sure the bedding is machine washable and buy the duvet first so the cover can be made to fit.

Now that the big decisions of paint and bedding have been made it is time to look for the fun things that really finish off a room. Lighting is important as it adds

to the overall look. Typically layered lighting works best, so change out the ceiling fixture and select something that reflects the style of the room or the person living in it. Think IKEA or any other big box store that carry fixtures. A faux chandelier or something whimsical can really add a spark to a room that is getting an overhaul. If there is a night table, a table lamp can add flair and is practical for evening reading. If space is at a premium, think about installing a wall mounted fixture.

If the floor is hardwood, a large area rug can tie in the rest of the colours nicely and it will also absorb sound and dust. Think bright, bold patterns as they can withstand the wear and tear and stains will not be as obvious. Although I am not a big fan of layering an area rug

59

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can be useful if there is room, but if floor space is at a premium then I would forgo the desk and use a wall storage unit which maximizes what can be stored.

A room for your tween or teen should reflect their personality and style. I fine tune it and bring the choices to them. That way everyone feels they are being heard and their taste respected and acknowledged. To do a room over without input could be a real disaster so always involve the person, but just limit the choices. In the end, you can always shut the door and dream of when that space is finally yours again or you could do what my parents did and rip the bedroom out as I am driving away for University. on existing carpet, sometimes it works because the size is right and the effect the rug has on the room is worth it.

Although not on the fun list, storage is an issue for many. Shelving, media centers that have many compartments, and floating boxes that are wall mounted can be a useful way to display items that your child can’t part with. It is also a great idea to look into closet organizers. The space can be under-utilized if there is only a rod. Drawers, hooks and shelving will provide additional storage to even the smallest closet. Another area is under the bed storage, there are specific plastic storage bins available that will roll under, to stow away seldom used items. Desks are another option in the never ending pursuit of storage. Some parents are uneasy about a desk in their kid’s rooms because of unsupervised computer use. A desk

adene lucas www.accentondesigninc.ca | 403.651.7491

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FEATURE

Patios perfected by jackie swartz Creating an outdoor patio space is becoming the trend for jazzing-

up the backyard. It is becoming as much a requirement as building or renovating a new kitchen or bathroom. Every year home owners seek new ideas to create that wow-effect in their outdoor living areas. More and more homeowners are giving up their vacations in favour of spending their travel money into creating outdoor retreats in their own backyards.

The hot trends for patio design are custom-built fireplaces, incorporating pergolas and water features, using eco-conscious and cost-effective materials, comfortable furniture for a living room and dining room area, and designing the right size and shape for the patio.

Primarily, patios are an outdoor space used for entertaining and dining. They can be joined to your residence to extend your living area to the outdoors or joined

to a wooden deck to take you to a lower and more private level. Patios are also installed into courtyards and are becoming more popular because you can customize them to suit your style and needs. They tend to be more functional and attractive than a wooden deck. Patios create harmony and balance and should blend into the surrounding landscape.

There is necessary homework required when deciding on a patio style and layout. Some questions you need to ask yourself before you start are: 1) How many people do you usually entertain on a regular basis? 2) Do you host large parties? 3) How many family members are in your house? 4) What is your favourite patio material? 5) What is your budget? 6) What shape, style and size will your patio furniture be? 7) Will you need a dining area and a living room area? 8) Do you need extra room to incorporate a water feature or fireplace area? 9) Will you require an overhead pergola to achieve privacy and shade?

There are many material choices to consider when building a patio. Your patio doesn’t have to be the same as everyone else’s in the neighbourhood; you can create a unique-looking patio by the choice of material that you use. You can use poured concrete and stamped concrete, natural stone, manufactured stone or an epoxy overlay on existing worn out concrete.

Concrete is commonly used because it tends to be less expensive; however, there are many reasons why you should consider using other choices of materials. Concrete is poured above ground therefore it risks cracking during our Chinook winter season. In Calgary and surrounding areas, the temperatures fluctuate

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Patios create harmony and balance and should blend into the surrounding landscape during the winter causing concrete to sometimes crack. Stamped concrete is an inexpensive way to achieve the look of interlocking brick or natural stone; however, it is very hazardous and slippery when ice freezes on it.

Epoxy overlays are used to hide ugly concrete. There are a variety of colours to choose from and this is an incredibly strong long-lasting material. Sierra Stone is a decorative stone and epoxy overlay is used to cover any hard surface. Sierra Stone is not an artificial product; it is made with natural stone and pebbles.

I had a chance to interview Scott from Sierra Stone in Calgary, Alberta. Scott says that patios are less maintenance compared to having a wooden deck because there is no staining or sanding required. He says that people are enjoying patios more than ever because it is a way to bring you outside to enjoy the outdoors. I asked Scott if he felt that patios were more of a safety issue; however, he says it is no different than riding your bicycle down the street on hard pavement or concrete walkways.

Typically, wood decks are built higher from the ground and if the railings are not safe that can be more of a hazard.

He says that his customers are looking for patios that have different shapes, styles and flair. Scott says that people do not want linear shapes anymore; however, they are looking for curvy designs. Sierra Stone is a multi-surface solution that can be used everywhere from driveways, walkways, patios, pools, decks and steps.

Natural stone is beautiful and tends to be used more in informal settings. A twoinch flagstone is typically used because of its strength and durability. Natural stone is locked together using a natural crushed stone. Mortaring the stone together is not a common practice because it tends to crack easily between the stone because of the wide gaps that are created when the stone is laid. There is not one identical piece of natural stone so it is inevitable that you will get a few wide gaps between the stones. Some choices of natural stone that is used in the Calgary area are Rundle stone (charcoal grey in colour), Charmin stone (pink and brown in colour), Kootenay brown stone (grey with iron colours in it), and Granite stone (usually green tones). Some of the advantages of using natural stone are the stunning colours, availability and the wide selection of stone. Natural stone can be custom cut; however, this is expensive because a lot of stone becomes waste. Natural stone is more expensive to get installed because it takes longer to lay the stone. It is like assembling a jigsaw puzzle. Usually, the pieces are laid out first adjacent to the work area so the designer/builder can easily see and choose individual pieces to fit in place with each other.

Next, there is manufactured stone which is available in many styles and colours.

One type of stone is called cobble stone which is an inter-locking paver. Cobble stone is the most commonly used material for patio areas when using manufactured stone. It also comes in a tumbled, old-world look. This is a great alternative instead of using poured concrete and natural stone. It tends to be a little more costly than poured concrete because the process takes longer to build. In Calgary, you have to excavate to clay first and remove all of the organic material from underneath.

Manufactured stone is the longest-lasting solution for patios and is the most aesthetically pleasing. It is the only stone that can be used as a replica to mimic oldworld charm and elegance.

Whatever your personal style and taste, and whatever your goal is to increase your home’s resale value or improve your enjoyment of your house, enhancing your outdoors is an investment that makes sense. Patios are lower maintenance than having a wooden deck and are longer-lasting. Whether your patio area is small or large or serves as a dining or living room area, the solution to creating your perfect outdoor space is planning and designing. Your outdoor room can be done in stages and will be enjoyed for years to come.

jackie swartz Jackie Swartz has a Bachelor of Applied Horticulture Technology Degree (BaHt) from Olds College and owns and operates YardShaper. Jackie’s specialties are landscape design, landscape maintenance and landscape construction. You can contact Jackie at 587-352-0950 or at office@yardshaper.com aug - sep 2012 home dÊcor and renovations 63

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tipsandtricks

Decoding

the code

by Michael Nyikes

Q

A distraught reader sent me an email asking what he can do about building code infractions discovered after the contractor has completed the job?

A

I called the reader to discuss the situation and he indicated major building code issues had arisen with his home renovation project, but the contractor has already been paid, is now gone, and is not returning phone calls or emails.

This didn’t sound good, but got worse quickly when the reader also told me that he did not have a written contract in place for the work that was done.

Regarding the recourse for the building code infractions, I referred him to information in my March/April 2012 Renovations Magazine column. Here is what I told him about getting a written contract in place next time so he doesn’t have this type of experience again.

Most contracts include at least two kinds of information.

First, the contract defines what you and the contractor have agreed to. This includes basic information such as: » who the contractor is » what the contractor is responsible for doing, what work you will do yourself or have another contractor do » who is responsible for obtaining necessary building permits and inspections » when the work will be done (start and estimated completion dates) » how much you will pay the contractor for the work » when payments are to be made » what warranty the contractor provides for the work Second, the contract addresses what happens if there is an accident or if the contractor fails to conduct business properly.

To achieve this, the contract should specify that your contractor: » has adequate business liability insurance » is enrolled in the province’s Workers’ Compensation program, or if exempt, carries equivalent private disability insurance » agrees to payment holdbacks in accordance with the province’s lien legislation » has a Business or GST Number » is bonded as per provincial requirements

» has a municipal business license number to operate (if required for the municipality) Essentially, a contract is good if it treats both parties fairly.

You want written assurance you’ll get what you agreed to, on the schedule agreed to, at the price agreed to. Contractors want their obligations clearly spelled out, and assurance that you will pay in full and on time.

If disputes come up between you and the contractor, contracts commonly specify that mediation or third-party arbitration is required when disputes cannot be resolved. It is also common for contracts to include provisions that allow either party to be released from the contract if the other party defaults in specific ways. For example, the contractor defaults if he declares bankruptcy or abandons your project. Similarly, you default if you declare bankruptcy or fail to pay the contractor.

If you don’t agree with or understand aspects of the contract or if details are missing, discuss and resolve this with the contractor before you sign the contract.

Lastly, don’t just flip through the phone book or rely on a neighbor or a family members “recommendation” for a reputable contractor. Do your due diligence in sourcing a professional contractor through an existing renovator contractor referral service such as the RenoMark program with your local Canadian Home Builders’ Association. Visit www.renomark.ca for more information on this program.

Future Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’ questions about how the provincial building code affects their projects. Email your questions to me at decodingthecode@gmail.com. Be sure to include which city you live in, as well as your phone number in case I need to follow up with you.

Michael Nyikes Michael is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist, and leading industry expert on building codes, residential construction, building envelope science, and environmental design. He can be reached at decodingthecode@gmail.com

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RENOMARK

Canada’s $66-billion

home renovation industry by paul golini jr.

Did you know that Canada has a $66-billion home

renovation industry?

Some updated figures were released at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) spring board meetings, which I attended in June, and that one definitely stood out.

When I think about it, it makes a lot of sense. Across the country, people who have some equity in their homes are choosing to renovate or repair instead of sell. With the increased demand last year, the renovation industry created half-a-million jobs and the trickle-down effect amounted to additional income tax revenue for the government and increased consumer spending in the local economies where these professional renovators live.

When I mention professional renovators, I would be remiss if I didn’t give a nod to the RenoMark program, which has expanded into seven provinces and 32 markets across Canada. Professional renovators who are RenoMark members abide by the CHBA Code of Ethics and a renovation-specific Code of Conduct, which includes providing a detailed written contract for all jobs, offering a minimum two-year warranty and carrying a minimum of $2-million liability insurance.

Educating homeowners about the RenoMark program is one way home building associations across the country are combating the still-prevalent underground cash economy— another way is by asking the federal government to introduce a permanent home renovation tax rebate and we’re still having those conversations.

You can renovate with confidence knowing that RenoMark contractors are held to a higher standard. I read recently that Altus Group did a survey of new homebuyers that purchased between 2009 and 2011 across the nation and one in six said they were planning to do a renovation over $5,000 in the next year. ‘Tis the season and popular renovations range from designing and building a backyard deck, to upgrading a bathroom, to gutting and remodelling an entire kitchen.

It goes without saying that an investment in your home, by way of renovation or repair, will get you a handsome return. In many cases, the return on your investment is more than 100 per cent. Doesn’t that sound like a win-win?

If you’re thinking of doing a renovation or repair to your home, visit www.renomark.ca as a starting point and find an information guide, as well as a local list of professional contractors that work in your area.

paul golini jr.

Paul Golini Jr. is chair of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and can be found online on Twitter (twitter.com/bildgta), Facebook (facebook.com/bildgta), Youtube (youtube.com/bildgta) and BILD’s official blog (bildblogs.ca).

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tipsandtricks

Building and development

permits by vanessa gash

As a residential plans examiner I usually write

about the requirements to obtain building permits in Calgary.

Sometimes, in addition to a building permit you also require a development permit. Since applicants are often confused about the difference between the two, I thought this might be a good opportunity to clarify these issues.

Building permits must comply with the Alberta Building Code 2006

This provincial legislation regulates minimum requirements for buildings and structures to be built safely. All developments are also evaluated to ensure they meet the Land Use Bylaw 1P2007 and to consider the appropriateness of the proposed development. This municipal legislation regulates the placement of buildings, setbacks, heights, privacy and other planning matters. The land use bylaw helps Council implement policies such as the Municipal Development Plan and Area Redevelopment Plans. If you do not comply with these rules you may need to apply for a development permit.

This is required before your building permit application will be accepted or you are able to start work. A development permit allows discretion to be applied to a development to ensure it is sensitive to surrounding parcels and to review the merits of a relaxation of the rules.

Building permit and development permit applications are required to be made before you build

This ensures that what you propose will be acceptable to meet the requirements of both the Alberta Building Code and the land use bylaw. When you come to city hall to apply for a building permit your application is first screened for compliance with the bylaw. For simple projects where a development permit is not required you may be issued your building permit during your visit.

Garages, decks, fences, parking pads, sheds, and small additions that meet the prescribed rules typically do not require a development permit. Some developments that require one include: large additions, developments requiring a relaxation of the rules and the construction of new homes.

It’s always recommended that you check the City of Calgary website and/or call the Planning Services Support Centre at 403.268.5311 to determine your requirements before coming down to make an application.

If you determine a development permit is required, downloading a Development Permit Complete Application

Requirement List (CARL) online will assist you in preparing a complete application.

The review process for a development permit may require advertisement, circulation to community associations and notice posting. Due to these requirements, 8-10 weeks is a common target timeframe to expect for processing and may vary based on the proposed development. Once you have an approved development permit, then you may apply for your building permit. Once your building permit drawings are accepted at the counter, our target is to issue residential improvement projects within 5 working days and single construction permits within 21 days. Again, processing times are target dates only and may vary based on complexity of the project and the quality of the information received in the application.

Hopefully this has helped to clarify development and building permits. If you have any questions, a wealth of information is available on the City website www.calgary.ca or by calling 311.

vanessa gash, LEED AP Safety Codes Officer - Residential Building Regulations Division Development and Building Approvals

Vanessa Gash is a Residential Plans Examiner with the Building Regulations Division at the City of Calgary. She is a graduate in Architectural Engineering Technology from College of the North Atlantic and spent a number of years with various architectural firms and homebuilders in Calgary.

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tipsandtricks

Shell Busey: ask a pro

Choosing the right

home inspector by shell busey

Buying residential or commercial

real estate is a serious venture with some potentially significant risks. Selecting the right property inspector can greatly reduce the associated risks, and the following information will help you understand the process.

What qualifications should an inspector have?

Check the inspector’s credentials, a “certified inspector” with the designation CPI or CHI signifies that he or she is certified under a government act and is recognized by the courts and other professional bodies. One group that regulates home inspectors in Alberta is the Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors – Alberta.

A background in the building industry, as well as in the inspection field, is an asset. If you have not built or repaired it, how can you inspect it?

A qualified inspector is required to have a good working knowledge of: » building envelopes » structural components » plumbing systems » heating systems » electrical systems » roofing » ventilation » hazardous materials – IE asbestos related items such as Zonolite insulation The inspector needs to understand how all the components listed above function and how they work together as a system. The ability to communicate this information to the client is also important.

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tipsandtricks

Check the inspector’s credentials, a “certified inspector” with the designation CPI or CHI signifies that he or she is certified under a government act and is recognized by the courts and other professional bodies

An experienced, perceptive inspector should notice design defects and signs of structural or component deficiencies (including unprofessional workmanship). Followup information from the inspector should include the “how to or who to” make the necessary corrections.

Accepting a referral for an inspector through your realtor is not something I recommend. Make certain the inspector is working in your interest. Realtor/inspector relationships are a cause for concern within our industry.

How much should a house inspection cost?

It can cost thousands of dollars to sell an average house, yet people are sometimes surprised at a $500 to $600 fee to inspect the same property. The inspection of an average 2500 square foot house provided by a qualified inspector should cost around $400-600. The inspection should include a detailed written report complete with pictures in electronic form and a walk through with the client. There should also be time for follow-up discussion. Allow 5 to 6 hours for a thorough inspection.

Bottom line The purchase of your home is one of the biggest financial commitments you will ever make. Do your homework, ask the right questions and do not base your selection of a property inspector on price alone.

For more home improvement information, to send Shell an email, or to watch his AskShell webcast go to www.AskShell.com.

Shell Busey For more home improvement information, or to sign-up for Shell’s FREE online HouseSmart E-Newsletter visit www.AskShell.com

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TERMS & CONDITIONS: This Best Price Guarantee applies to projects based on identical scopes of work, specifications, products, levels of finish, service, and quality. Best Price Guarantee applies to overall total project price and not the individual components contained therein. All recognized competitor quotes are subject to verification by Trademark before honoring this offer. Trademark will not accept screenshots or other purported evidence of a lower price that cannot be independently confirmed by Trademark personnel. Nor will Trademark verify any request that it believes, in its sole discretion, is the result of a printing or other error or is made fraudulently or in bad faith. All original documents from recognized competitor quotes must be presented to Trademark prior to verification, execution of any contract or commencement of work. This Price Guarantee excludes insurance claims, free offers, gifts with purchase, gift cards, gift certificates, rebates, clearance or close-out prices, credit or financing programs, used, damaged, or display merchandise or products. Discount applied before taxes and environmental stewardship fees or other levies, if applicable. This price guarantee cannot be combined with any other offer.

Trademark reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify or discontinue the Best Price Guarantee or to restrict its availability to any person, at any time, for any or no reason, and without prior notice or liability to you. The failure by Trademark to enforce any provision of these Terms & Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

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