Calgary Home Decor & Renovations - Apr/Jun 2016

APR - JUN 2016 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2, FREE CALGARY EDITION

The great OUTDOORS Should you go CUSTOM? USE it or LOSE it

TRADEMARK

– renovating for function & storage without compromising style

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contents

V O LU M E 14 I S S U E 2

APR – JUNE 2016

30 38

20 APR - JUN 2016 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 2, FREE CALGARY EDITION

The great OUTDOORS Should you go CUSTOM? USE it or LOSE it

in every issue 06 Editor’s notebook business profile 08 Renova Luxury Renovations wins Calgary Renovator of the Year

18 Enhance Your Home TRADEMARK

– renovating for function & storage without compromising style

cover story

Trademark renovates function & storage without compromising style

pg.

4 YPNEXTHOME.CA

10

Renovations makes the most out of a small space

features 20 Useit or lose it: Getting organized!

26 The great outdoors 34 Yanic Simard on creating custom

tips & tricks 15 Decoding the code 24 Gold is the new chrome 38 You bought a new home. What now?

44 Superstar style: Ellen DeGeneres invites us in

outdoor spaces 30 Garden design basics for 2016 40 From water monsters to sustainable landscaping: Get ready, get set and plot for spring

renomark 46 Knowing when you need a building permit

Renovations that Inspire A Design/Build Firm

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editor’s notebook

APRIL – JUNE 2016 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 02 PRESIDENT, YELLOW PAGES NEXTHOME

Jacqueline Hill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

Susan Legge NATIONAL SALES MANAGER HOME, DÉCOR & RENOVATIONS

Moe Lalani SALES MANAGER, ALBERTA

Shelley Balla ART DIRECTOR

Daiana Garay

Loving your space

SENIOR EDITOR

Elisa Krovblit

Calgary has had a “barely there” kind of winter, and sunshine has not been in short supply this spring. It makes you feel like spending time outside.

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Sara Duck (on leave) MEDIA CONSULTANT

Getting out, creating the perfect yard, garden and outdoor spaces to enjoy this summer has been on my mind a lot. I love getting the kids outside to run around and play, I look forward to sitting on the porch, reading, when golden hour hits – and even moving dinner outside to the backyard.

Anita van Breevoort, 403.461.5518 Anita.VanBreevoort@ypnexthome.ca NATIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER

If you’ve got a yard or garden that could use some inspiration, you won’t want to miss some great advice on trends from Bonny Dann on page 30.

We’re back to basics and I love the look! If you’re in need of tips on curb appeal, Laura Le has a few pointers on the big “Don’ts” – and if you find yourself doing any of these, she’s got some great suggestions for changing your ways – check out The great outdoors on page 26.

If you’re looking for a little decor inspiration, I’ve got some to share – and it’s all about the gold. I absolutely adore the move to all things gold, and think the brasses, rose golds and burnished glow of gold hardware and metalwork brings a nice warmth to this year’s contemporary decor. Check out Gold is the new chrome on page 24.

And if you’ve ever thought about going custom – you just can’t find that perfect thing ready made and think you could do better by having one commissioned, then you won’t want to miss the great insight that celeb designer Yanic Simard has to offer. After reading through our interview with him in Creating custom on page 38, you may have some fresh, ideas to bring into your home.

We hope we can inspire you to enjoy your home to the fullest, from renovating and updating to getting your garden going. With so many great renovators, designers, trades, decor stores and decorators in this city, you should have no problem finding all the elements you need.

Thanks for reading!

John Jenkins PRODUCTION MANAGER

Bala Gnanapandithan PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Greg Van Sluytman GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Mike Terentiev, Miguel Cea CONTRIBUTORS

Bonny Dann, Mickey Foulds, Vanessa Gash, , Michelle Hopkins, Laura Le, Michael Nyikes, Heather Ryan, Yanic Simard, Jackie Swartz, Bryan Tuckey Home Decor and Renovations magazine is published six times a year. Home Decor and Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Calgary and Greater Calgary area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Decor 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 Decor and Renovations magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Home Decor 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 decor and renovations 2891 Sunridge Way NE. Calgary, AB T1Y 7K7 T 403.461.5518

ELISA KROVBLIT SENIOR EDITOR, YP NEXTHOME Elisa.Krovblit@ypnexthome.ca

+ get social 6 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Interact with us on social media: ypnexthome

business profile | RENOVA LUXURY RENOVATIONS

Renova Luxury Renovations wins Calgary Renovator of the Year

by MICHELLE HOPKINS

YOU LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD and more importantly your home, but it’s looking rather dated. You have decided that 2016 is the year that you are going to transform your house into the home you dream of. Creating a unique one-of-akind home to fit homeowners’ lifestyles is taking the home renovating industry by storm.

Brian Maurer, CEO of Calgary’s multiple award-winning renovator Renova Luxury Renovations, says this year’s leading remodeling trends can be custom tailored to fit anyone.

Here are some of the hottest renovation trends Maurer and his team recently completed for clients:

» The industrial-inspired look embraces sophistication. Today, this design trend is called modern industrial, taking elements from both. Here, they combined fine finishes with industrial elements such as pipes and barn boards to create a chic look.

» Salvage and reclaimed wood is one of the hottest home design crazes and it won’t end anytime soon. “To tie in the exterior to the interior theme, we took rough barn doors and hung them on the inside of the office. Stained the same colour as the woodwork it brings a rustic element in an otherwise sleek feel.”

» Creating a dream retreat outside boost the value to your home but more importantly creates a wonderful oasis for family and friends to gather. This one is complete with fireplace, cozy sitting area and barbecue with a space to eat under the stars.

» Advances in technology mean homes are more intelligent » LED Lighting remains bright. Here are just some of the ways Renova Luxury Renovations used LED lighting: Concealed a LED track light in the tread of each step going into the living/ dining areas, under floating cabinets and kitchen valences.

“The cool thing is you can change your LED to suit holiday seasons in a wide selection of colours.”

» Wine bars, cellars and rooms are all the rage. In this home, the bar wall is a simple series of wall cutlines, with a bar cabinet and a very cool Kohler sink. The idea of this space is to show people that you can take a flat wall and creatively panel it, put racks on the wall and wrap those racks in glass to form an instant wine room.

» There’s a move away from the traditional bar with stools – now, it’s more about great furniture and chairs set in front to form a more usable island feel, yet done with movable furniture.

8 YPNEXTHOME.CA

than ever before. The kitchen has built-in televisions inset into the cabinet, yet people see a contemporary design feature.

“Same goes in the master bathroom where we did the same into a tile feature.” In addition, they added piped-in music throughout, which is controlled by an iPad on the wall in the kitchen. That same iPad controls all the accent lights and colours. In the shower, they installed Bluetooth speakers so the kids can play music from their phones in the shower.

» This house also has all the latest greatest Kohler fixtures, from floating toilets to touchless taps. “But the wonderful thing is the ability to control your master shower from your phone.”

Come out and view the Renova Feature Home from April 1st through to August, at 20 Patterson Drive S.W. For more information about Renova Luxury Renovations, call 403-203-7676 or visit www.renovaluxury.com.

cover story

Homeowners renovating for

FUNCTION & STORAGE

by HEATHER RYAN

10窶ズPNEXTHOME.CA

THERE IS NO DOUBT TODAY’S FAMILIES accumulate a lot of stuff. Besides the obvious clothes, coats, shoes and boots there are back packs, sporting equipment, tools, small appliances, toys, and seasonal items – all of which you need to find room for.

Being able to make maximum use of the space and organize and store all this “stuff” are main reasons why people renovate, says Blair Foisy, owner and president of Trademark Renovations.

“Many of the renovations we do are for people who want a more practical and functional space,” he says. “They can add more storage by redesigning their current space, developing their basement, and in some cases even their attic and space

under the stairs, or by adding square footage to their home.”

One way to maximize space and make room for “stuff” is to develop under-utilized spaces. For example, Blair says they recently completed a renovation to an acreage home south of Calgary where they developed the attic over the garage. “It was basically unused space and the owner wanted it converted to an artist studio.”

The studio now features luxury lino that looks like hardwood, but is easy to clean; several skylights to ensure plenty of natural light; a farm sink for easy clean-up; a powder room and a feature wall highlighted with an old Chicago brick to resembling a fireplace chimney for a decorative touch.

APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 11

“It gives our client her own sanctuary,” Blair says, noting spaces like this can be developed to add cool features to a home, or can have other uses including storage.

Often another under-utilized space is the basement.

Homeowners can add storage and maximize space by developing it or renovating it to create not only dedicated storage space, but also add more useful, livable space to the home.

“We’re typically putting in storage, because people always want more storage. We’ve done everything from walk-in storage closets to a full wall of doors that hide pull out drawers and shelves, and in large homes we done full sized storage rooms with custom shelving units on each wall,” Blair explains.

“We’ve done a number of basements where we’ve added built-ins such as creating a built-in entertainment centre

12 YPNEXTHOME.CA

that tucks away all the electronic equipment out of sight and provides shelves and drawers so you to easily organize and store DVDs, CDs, books, etc.

“We’ve also made use of the space under the stairs; we even put a safe anchored into the concrete under the stairs with a false front and storage,” he says, noting that they’ve also added shelves and hooks in utility rooms to make the most out of the space.

A major feature that many homeowners are including in their renovation plans to help them organize is the mudroom.

Blair notes that they’re creating mudrooms to include custom lockers, big closets and loads of cabinets to the ceiling to ensure there is plenty of storage.

“In smaller spaces we’ve done built-in benches with hooks above for coats and storage underneath,” Foisy says.

Being able to make maximum use of the space and organize and store all this “stuff” are main reasons why people renovate.

– Blair Foisy, owner and president of Trademark Renovations.

Laundry rooms are also getting more attention as homeowners want a bigger, more organized work space. “They want room to hang clothes, a table for folding and cabinets to store items out of the way,” Blair says. “An interesting feature we often add are custom cabinets built around the machines this allows easy access, and provides a versatile, space-saving countertop for folding.”

Another priority for homeowners is the master bedroom closet.

“People are thinking more about how to organize the space and they desire built-in drawers, adjustable shelves and racks and shoe racks to ensure everything has its proper place,” he explains.

In fact, in a recent master bedroom renovation the closet had a vaulted 16-ft.-high ceiling and Blair says they made the most use out of this space by building a full-height wall of

storage with a sliding library ladder so the owners can access their seasonal items easily.

“In the kitchen, people often want a larger, more functional space with an organized work space including a large island with ample storage,” he adds. “We’re putting in pullout shelves and magic corners, usually full-height cabinets to the ceiling to and we’re replacing corner pantries with bigger, more accessible floor-to-ceiling pull-out pantries that actually hold as much if not more than the older style corner ones and can help remove the clutter of small appliances.

Finally, let’s not forget the garage. Blair notes there are numerous possibilities for adding space-saving storage, and people typically want component wall-mount shelves and cabinets so they can mix and match to meet their needs.

APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 13

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n

tips and tricks

Decoding

THE CODE

by MICHAEL NYIKES

s

r

Q: A:

I received an email from someone who was considering buying a house that has a wood foundation instead of a concrete foundation, and he was wondering what to watch out for.

Although people are most used to seeing concrete foundations in homes, construction using wood foundations have (and continue to be) quite common and popular for a variety of reasons. There are clear building code requirements for both types of foundations, however the key to wood foundations is APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 15

that the material used be labelled as “preserved”.

Preserved wood used in foundations (PWF) must be stamped or marked appropriately for their intended purpose. This mark differs from, and must be present in addition to, grade stamps and markings found on non-treated dimensional lumber and plywood. PWF lumber and plywood must be marked with the following information: » identification of the certification agency accredited by the Standards Council of Canada; » the initials PWF and FTB (French translation for PWF); » the designation O322 (CSA Standard O322); » the preservative used in treatment (e.g. CCA for copper arsenate); and » a four-digit symbol of which the first two numbers denote the treatment plant and the last two num-bers indicate the year of treatment.

Manufacturers, distributors, designers and builders are responsible for ensuring lumber and plywood used in preserved wood foundations carry the appropriate treatment marks.

16 YPNEXTHOME.CA

For further information please call Alberta Municipal Affairs at 1-866-421-6929 or email safety.services@gov.ab.ca.

Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’ questions about how provincial safety codes affect their projects. Email your questions to 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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business profile | ENHANCE YOUR HOME RENOVATIONS

Enhance Your Home Renovations Makes the most out of a small space

by HEATHER RYAN

WHEN LEONARD AND JACKIE CASTRO wanted to update their master bedroom ensuite and make the most out of the small space, they turned to the experts at Enhance Your Home Renovations.

Leonard explains their home wasn’t in need of a whole redo, “but the ensuite was a bit dated with a small shower, and there was a lot of wasted space.”

What Randy Kaminsky, designer and owner Enhance Your Home Renovations and his talented group did, was create a large custom shower and an updated ensuite “that perfectly suits the home more so than what was originally there,” Leonard says.

“Working with them was a positive, amazing experience from the onset,” he adds. “They are the best functional designers I’ve seen and I work with an engineering, architecture and design firm. They were also practical – they effectively reused what was feasible and didn’t squander anything.

“In fact it was Randy’s idea to reuse the three existing cabinets and keep the tub, and by doing so, they put the [renovation] dollars exactly where they were needed. They renovated the bathroom, modernizing everything without having to gut the entire space.”

Enhance did gut the shower area, and by using the wasted space, constructed a new tiled shower that was three times the size of the original. They also installed new countertops, new fixtures, new tile floor and a new backsplash with a mosaic pattern that ties the vanities, make-up table, tub and shower together for a modern, decorative touch.

“What they did was really quite remarkable, as was the degree of care and attention they put into everything they did … it was almost as if they were working on their own ensuite,” Leonard comments, noting everything from 18 YPNEXTHOME.CA

how the door swings open in the shower, to the knobs used and lines of sight were scrutinized to ensure everything was right.

“What’s also great about Randy is, he doesn’t placate. If he thinks some way is better he tells you; he’ll put himself at risk rather than let the customer do what they want and have it turn out wrong…that’s really enlightening.”

If you’re thinking of doing a renovation project, visit Enhance Your Home Renovations online at www.enhanceyourhome.ca or at their showroom in the mall at 755 Lake Bonavista Dr. S.E.

BEFORE

Can we hav e a larger s hower and a make -up desk?

yo ur

Renovations

Enhancing homes

lives!

feature

USE IT OR LOSE IT Getting organized!

by MICKEY FOULDS

VISIONS SPRING to mind of perfectly arrayed pots and pans and dishes in kitchen cabinets, a row of freshly laundered shirts on matching hangers, or a garage interior so perfect that it seems like a shame to park a dusty car in it.

We hover in the storage aisles of stores, with their stacks of beautifully 20 YPNEXTHOME.CA

coordinated boxes and bins, and marvel at the diversity of resources with which we can encapsulate, stack and store pretty much anything we own! And then there it sits, in a box or a tote, for years. Unused, untouched, unloved and gathering dust in a corner of the furnace room, basement or storage shed. Nevertheless, we keep it.

“Just in case” and “You never know” are two of the closest friends of chaotic existence! Others include “Isn’t this cute?” and “Simply have to have this.” We acquire things without careful thought, have a fleeting relationship with them and then move onto the next shiny object that catches our wandering eye.

Eventually we become aware of all the things we have which no longer serve us and which are beginning to look a lot like clutter. We resolve to get organized.

This involves another trip to the store, which is always fun. We get seduced by the storage systems, which leads to more purchases. This time we are buying stuff to contain our other stuff. The new stuff neatly hides the old stuff. The mountain of stuff grows larger and larger.

In extreme cases this starts to necessitate the use of storage units, which is convenient because then we do not need to see our stuff as it is no longer in our home. If we set it up correctly the direct deposit system takes care of the monthly rental on the storage unit so that we do not even need to be confronted by the cost of storing the totes which are containing our stuff.

Organizing is great, and storage systems are fabulous. However the first question to ask is whether you really need whatever it is that you want to organize and store!

APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 21

The second question is how do we define “need”? Nobody really “needs” a television, but it certainly is integral to many people’s lives.

An easier question to answer is whether or not we use an item. This can be practical in nature, for example a corkscrew, or it may be to bring us entertainment, great memories or pleasure.

As long as they contribute to our quality of life, they are relevant.

Anything that has been superseded is no longer of use to you. When you buy a new television, the old one should exit through the front door, not the door to the storage area in the basement. Similarly the beautiful new suitcase with hard sides and wheels should send the slightly battered but still functional one to the donation bin, preferably packed full with all the clothes that never get worn any more.

So before you “get organized”, do the cull. A great way to get a taste of how good this feels is to carry out the “Sock drawer exercise!”

This was my first serious foray into minimalism. I had a drawer in my dresser which was my designated sock drawer, bursting with a wonderful variety of socks of all different hues and purposes. There were work socks, gym socks, fun socks, sadly single socks and even

22 YPNEXTHOME.CA

compression socks for long distance flights. In an enthusiastic moment of ruthlessness out they all went, with the exception of two identical pairs of black socks, two pairs of white socks, three pairs of gym socks and my travel socks (which I never remember to wear when travelling). This turned out to be an excellent decision. Life is simple. No time wasted hunting for a matching pair, and I never need more than I have. The friends I shared this with have reported back that they too found this to be a cathartic experience. It truly is a great, simple place to start!

This translates perfectly into homes and interiors. The kitchen cabinets were next, followed by the linen closet. We tend to store so many things which we can well do without, and after the cull the simplicity that ensues is very freeing indeed.

So use it or lose it, and embrace the time and space that will enrich your life as a consequence.

MICKEY FOULDS MSC CID CRSS Metamorphosis Design Ltd. phone 403.651.3462 email metamorphosisdesign@shaw.ca

APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 23

decor inspiration

Jacque Console Table $699 crateandbarrel.com

Garrison Pendant in Antique Brass $1,767 WSHome.com

GOLD

is the new chrome Move over chrome, we’re going into the golden age. We love the warmth and elegance of brass and golds that are emerging in hardware, furniture and accessories. They’ve got great depth and richness – and are fun to use in our decor!

by ELISA KROVBLIT

Le Vian Chocolate Diamond Bypass Ring 14K Honey Gold $3,999 peoplesjewellers.com

Gold Flatware Set $39-$399 westelm.com 24 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Brass and Glass Table Lamp $169 homesense.ca

Vida Coffee Table $715 elte.com

Slim Navy Chair $199 cb2.com

Collier de Chien Belt - $2,555 hermes.com

View our website or showroom and be inspired with the product options we provide.

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Builder, Marco Antonio Homes Ltd.

www.prestigerailings.com APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 25

feature

THE GREAT OUTDOORS YAY, SPRING IS WELL UNDER WAY. This is my favorite time of year. The plants are pushing through the dirt in the flower beds, trees are budding and soon there the blossoms will be everywhere. And yet, as I drive around our beautiful city doing my job as a professional stager preparing properties for the real estate market, almost every block has at least one house that still has some sort of seasonal decoration still on the house or in the yard. Christmas is long gone, so is Valentine’s Day. Even Easter is over.

I understand the urge to decorate for every single celebration because I am in the stores and see the “stuff” that is available. It is all so cute and irresistible. That is why there 26 YPNEXTHOME.CA

are cart loads of it leaving the stores daily.

Or, in the case of Halloween, appropriately scary! Whoever thought of marketing for every occasion must be a very, very rich person right now. Anyway, please remove the decorations when the holiday is over.

I have asked if I may take photos of the offending properties while I am out

and about and use them for this article but am told I would need permission for the homeowners before I could publish the photos. That is a tricky prospect and I would not want to embarrass anyone but you know who you are.

I have seen those giant, inflatable snow globes and Santas all deflated and covered in yard debris very recently. I don’t know how easy it is to clean those originally – but now faded – brightly coloured nylon orbs, but it seems prudent to just pack them away when the season has passed.

Next I would like to address the “ficus” on the front doorstep. Just because it is not real does not mean it looks good standing proudly (or not so proudly), beside the front door greeting your guests. If the tree or plant would not survive the winter weather we are enjoying, please don’t put it outside.

You are not fooling anyone. That “silk” palm tree on your balcony in January that has faded to a strange teal green colour is APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 27

equally ridiculous.

If you wish to have greenery outside that is not real during the winter, take a look around you to see what foliage is actually still green in our climate and buy plants that resemble those. Cedars, junipers and fir trees are perfect artificial choices for your yard, balcony or deck.

There is a yard in my neighbourhood that has a huge, very faded banana tree, tiki stools and table with matching tiki bamboo torches mixed with all seasons of children’s sporting paraphernalia.

Everything is out all year and I drive by it almost every day.

Then there are the people that have silk/plastic flowers in their yards or planters. This is very, very difficult to do well, but once in a while it does look great. Without exception, when I have had the opportunity to ask where the beautiful, artificial arrangements came from they were put together by a designer or florist. There are some artificial flowers that are meant to be outside and are able to endure the weather with minimal deterioration and fading.

We all want to have a lovely outdoor space to come home to – and keeping it simple is my best advice.

28 YPNEXTHOME.CA

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63rd

home and garden

Picture by Barkman

GARDEN DESIGN BASICS for 2016

by STEVEN WILLSTEED for BONNY DANN/ESCAPES INC. HERE IN CALGARY WE HAVE JUST EXPERIENCED THE WINTER THAT REALLY WASN’T. Hopefully that has got many of you into planning mode for your garden projects this year.

You have prepared your wish list of necessary components that will go into your new outdoor space after spending the winter researching garden spaces, have decided on a budget and have called your local landscape contractor to arrange a site visit and arrange a start date for your dream garden to begin. In reality, if you are like most people, you really don’t know where to begin what could be a very large project, 30 YPNEXTHOME.CA

comprised of many components that all have to come together at the right time.

Deciding on a realistic budget should be one of the first items on your to-do list. Experts will tell you that five to 10 per cent of the cost of your home should be set aside for landscaping. This will not only add value, but create the necessary curb appeal to show your home at its best. Sharing that budget with a landscape expert when they visit your home should be done as

you walk around your property discussing with them your wish list of elements you would like to see in your new garden. It is here where your dreams can be turned into reality, and your expectations can be met.

In some cases certain components may have to be scheduled for a later date or eliminated in order to meet your budgetary guidelines.

Aspects to consider are fences, patios, cooking areas, shrub and flower beds, trees for privacy or shade, play areas for children and pets and entertaining spaces.

Before any of these areas can be constructed though, consider whether you will need irrigation or lighting elements in your gardens. Both of these garden components require some planning to be done before any planting or structural elements are started. Underground cable or irrigation lines may need to go in before patios or decks are started, and the additional costs involved needs to be calculated, as both can be quite elaborate

and expensive. Deciding on a style of garden will depend on the architectural style of your home and your level of desire to manage that new space. Your landscape professional will be your best asset here in helping determine appropriate plant material and quantities needed to complete the spaces in the most aesthetically pleasing manner. Now is a great time to visit the various retail suppliers of furniture, fireplaces, and building materials yourself and see the new products that become available each spring. Plant material starts arriving in early May so why not visit your local garden centre then and see what new plants are available and pick up those garden accessories you will need to maintain that new outdoor space.

Here are some of the new garden concepts that are trending for 2016.

Perhaps you will be inspired to try some of them.

Calgary seems to be obsessed with beige, so this idea from Europe should catch on in

Experts will tell you that five to ten percent of the cost of your home should be set aside for landscaping.

Photo courtesy of Escapes Inc. APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 31

Photo courtesy of Wicker Land Patio

a very big way. Fences have traditionally been painted or stained in wood tones or perhaps white. How about painting your fence black? Lush green plants in front of a back drop of black would be a stunning way to showcase your shrubs and perennials. The fence would no longer define the perimeter of your garden space but would simply recede into the background, as it should. Black wrought iron gates in any style are also getting much deserved attention, and are a welcome replacement for the ‘stockade’ look of wooden gates we are all familiar with.

Gazebos and pergolas painted in a dark blue or black are also becoming very trendy, and when highlighted with soft up-lighting or strings of cafe or patio lights are a visual treat.

The use of colour in our choices of plant material is also evolving. Subtlety is the current trend, with complimentary being chosen over contrasting colour schemes, the use of all white, and monochromatic themes, all helping to create a softer, calm flowing feel to the garden.

If you can’t create your ideal garden this year but 32 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Photo courtesy of Escapes Inc.

to put up with a jumbled, overgrown mass of vegetation in your front garden. By paying attention to each plant’s growth requirements, it is possible to create spectacular spaces in any style, to compliment any architecture, while helping to create a more sustainable, eco-friendly natural environment.

As always, your garden design should reflect your lifestyle. Careful selection of plant materials, colour palettes, consideration of the desired function of your garden, and the trust of your landscape professional will help you achieve success in the development of your new outdoor oasis.

Photo courtesy of Escapes Inc.

want to add something over-the-top in your garden, then opt for spectacular, perhaps colourful containers brimming with the golden trio of plant material. I am referring to the “thriller, spiller, filler” design principle of using one large exotic statement plant, a cascading trailer or two, and smaller, less showy plants to fill in the open spaces. Feel free to mix small shrubs, perennials, vegetables, or less hardy exotic houseplants together in one pot to create magical focal points throughout your garden.

The use of native species in your garden does not mean you have

BONNY DANN is owner and expert landscape designer at Escapes Inc. www.escapesinc.ca

Designing & Creating Outdoor Living Spaces...just for you! w

403.803.0773 | www.escapesinc.ca | info@escapesinc.ca

SERVICES WE OFFER • NEW SITE DEVELOPMENT • MAKE-OVERS, partial or complete • STONEWORK, patios, walls, walks • CUSTOM WOODWORK, pergolas, screens, decks • MAINTENANCE, flower & shrub beds, lawns • PRUNING, shrubs, hedges • CREATING CURB APPEAL & STAGING • SOD, installed • CONCRETE APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 33

Inspiration | Q&A

YANIC SIMARD ON

CREATING CUSTOM

by ELISA KROVBLIT PHOTOS by BRANDON BARRE

34窶ズPNEXTHOME.CA

1

WHEN YOU HIRE A DESIGNER the space they

create for you is, of course, custom. But the elements in that room – are they a carefully curated collection that will work in your space or are they custom made, just for you?

Home Decor & Renovations caught up with celebrity designer Yanic Simard, principal of the award-winning boutique firm TIDG (tidg.ca), to discuss custom pieces, and he’s given us some amazing insight into creating the best custom essentials for your home.

Home Decor & Reno: Why custom?

Yanic Simard: My idea of comfort is living in a space that feels right – a personal retreat where you end up at the end of the day, and it just feels good. Going custom is the best way to achieve that.

HD&R: Custom can be costly. Are there costeffective ways to get custom looks?

YS: Upholstery. Custom upholstering an entire piece of furniture, such as an armchair or a sofa, can quickly add up. But focusing on something simple, like the seats of dining chairs, can be a small investment with a big payoff.

This approach also gives you the opportunity to create a lot of looks that you are unlikely to find in a store, such as matching your drapery to a chair back for a statement that says “custom,” loud and clear. This also provides an opportunity to use a small amount of high-end fabric for accents and apply a plainer and more durable material to high-impact areas, such as the seat, for the best of both worlds (and a balanced budget).

HD&R: Are there areas where you more strongly recommend going the custom route?

YS: Drapery. As with upholstery, custom draperies can require investing in materials and labour. However, a custom drapery treatment is by far the best way to achieve an elegant look, especially for windows of an unusual size or walls that do not perfectly suit a pre-made panel. This is why custom drapery is generally considered worth the investment.

In many cases it is possible to extend a readymade panel instead of starting from scratch. In much less time than it takes to make a panel from scratch, a seamstress (or skilled DIYer) can cut the bottom of a packaged curtain and attach a panel of a second fabric, creating a perfectlength, colour-block statement without the full price tag.

APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 35

There’s a big trend to upcycle, so if what you have is in good condition, customizing the finish is becoming a popular option.

HD&R: Do you recommend customizing pieces of furniture?

YS: Creating a custom piece of furniture for a client is many designers’ dream, but it can sound more like a nightmare for homeowners. The cost, time, imagination and decisions required can make choosing a custom piece seem overwhelming compared to simply dropping by a store and walking away with a new find.

HD&R: Are there any design issues that are more easily overcome with custom options, where you tend to prefer custom?

YS: Mirrors for the bathroom. Custom inset mirrors solve a lot of issues in bathroom design. They expand a space visually, and they also replace a 36 YPNEXTHOME.CA

large area of tile, allowing a seamless, fully tiled look without requiring as much material to be purchased. When you use a mirror wall to wall or floor to ceiling – and skip the frame cost – you’ll save even more while getting a perfectly polished look.

It’s a good idea especially in a compact bathroom, letting you splurge on a smaller amount of must-have stone and doubling the look of it.

HD&R: What are some of the current trends in customization?

YS: There’s a big trend to upcycle, so if what you have is in good condition, customizing the finish is becoming a popular option. Beautiful, colourful cabinetry can be rare, especially in the exact hue of your choice. In fact, you’re more likely to find a dated or drab shade if you’re living in an older home. If the existing units are in good condition, having the fronts

sprayed with a new finish can be very reasonable in price compared to a full replacement.

The same can be said for salvaged vanities. Whether your look is eclectic, traditional, modern or rustic, a salvaged furniture piece used as a vanity can make for an excellent twist in any bathroom. A simple coat of paint (or just a sealant to keep worn-in character as is), a few cuts and a basic block vessel sink can transform nearly any furniture piece into a bathroom vanity. You can also try adding a solid slab to create a more traditional countertop, or take an inexpensive cabinet frame and replace just the doors to achieve a unique look while still providing plenty of closed storage.

HD&R: Are there any customizations that are particularly influenced by the client?

YS: Art – this is definitely one element that needs to speak to the client on another level. In a Miami condo space I recently designed, I wanted to bring a sense of South Beach artistic flair without letting it swallow the budget. I found high-resolution images created by a local artist online and had them printed directly onto acrylic. If you want to customize art for yourself, ask a local printer what materials they can print on, and try something fun, like canvas, cloth, parchment, plastic or even wood. The result will be unique art pieces with a true artistic story, but without the art-auction price.

And of course, there are also many good reasons to buy a one-of-akind original piece of art from your local gallery.

Sometimes just a little change goes a beautifully long way.

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tips and tricks

You bought a new home.

WHAT NOW?

by VANESSA GASH

Smoke and a carbon monoxide alarm mounted on the ceiling

38 YPNEXTHOME.CA

SPRING IS IN THE AIR! It’s the time of year when we often begin spring cleaning, organizing and home maintenance projects. The City of Calgary website is a great place to find a wealth of helpful information.

If you go to calgary.ca/spring for example you can find information on everything from springtime activities to community clean up schedules and free composting. For homeowner information and resources, check out calgary.ca/myhome.

My Home brings together many planning and development aspects that homeowners often have questions about. The resources available can help guide homeowners through maintenance, home renovations, inspections, landscaping, hiring a contractor, electrical work, plumbing and more. This new comprehensive tool is user-friendly and informative.

It allows you to easily research project planning information, print permit requirement lists and even book permit application appointments online. If after reviewing the information online you still have questions, contact our staff at the Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311, Monday to Friday from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Home maintenance is essential to keeping your home safe, healthy and functioning properly. The Inspection and Maintenance tab on My Home allows you to filter the key elements of home maintenance projects by the frequency they are recommended.

For example, smoke alarms, carbon

monoxide detectors and dryer vents are items that should be checked frequently. Information on how to check these things is included in each section. Water heaters and backwater valves fall under the “once a year” category, while duct cleaning is less often at every two years. Replacement of carbon monoxide alarms and smoke alarms fall into the five to 10 year categories.

Having a maintenance schedule can help alleviate expensive surprises and allow you to anticipate future maintenance projects before they become an emergency.

The home improvement hub on My Home, which can be visited directly at calgary.ca/homeimprovement, lists common renovation type projects, from decks and fences to secondary suites and additions. Selecting a project type from the list provides detailed information about which permits are required and why, as well as associated bylaw and building code considerations. Although descriptions simplified for the average homeowner where possible, a glossary of building and development terms is also included. This is helpful in providing clarity on construction and development terms, with which you may not be familiar. A property information search tool also allows you to check the land use district for your address. This can save you time that you may have previously spent on hold to talk with a planning services representative over the phone.

We are constantly expanding our website and improving our services to help citizens have simple and accurate access to the information you need to make informed decisions. As a plans examiner, it has been exciting to see how many added services have been developed over the last few years. To date this year, more than 85 per cent of all new single family home applications from home builders have been processed online.

Over the next several years, more online services will be made available in permitting, licensing and approval services for homeowners as well. We encourage you to go online today and see how The City is working to serve you better.

VANESSA GASH, LEED AP SAFETY CODES OFFICER - BUILDING COMMERCIAL PLANS EXAMINER, CALGARY BUILDING SERVICES; PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Vanessa has been a plans examiner with Calgary Building Services at The City of Calgary for five years, and is a graduate in Architectural Engineering Technology from College of the North Atlantic.

Prior to working for The City, she spent many years working in the commercial and residential construction industry in Calgary.

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APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 39

home and garden

From water monsters to sustainable landscaping: GET READY, GET SET AND PLOT FOR SPRING DO YOU FIND YOURSELF BESET WITH MYRIAD CHALLENGES SURROUNDING PLANS TO DESIGN AND IMPLEMENT YOUR DREAM GARDEN? And are you concerned about adhering to the needs of the environment without breaking the bank? Are you wanting to think Green and be sensitive to our semi-arid climate, especially surrounding our waterways?

Let’s begin with the concept of creating your very own masterpiece, and that means hiring a professional to walk you through the process of creating your personalized design. That way you can relax knowing that a skilled professional will walk you gently down the path within the guidelines of your budget without compromising your vision.

Engaging a professional landscape designer will ensure all the above criteria is met with the joyfulness of knowing their vast knowledge will save you time and money. Sitting with the professional and creating a landscape design plan is the primary step for homeowners. Being selective and asking pertinent questions will enable you to choose the best fit. Once that is done then you can relax knowing that you have already saved yourself time and money by connecting with a professional that shares your vision. This individual should possess horticulture 40 YPNEXTHOME.CA

by JACKIE SWARTZ

certification and be able to answer all your questions surrounding your dream garden.

The designer will create a working set of blueprints to implement your projects all at once, or you may choose to take on smaller parcels of the overall design and implement your projects into stages. Your final blueprints should display a sustainable landscaping design that conserves resources and be completed to scale. This includes the hardscape, softscape and planting plan.

The hardscape includes walkways, decks, patios, retaining walls etc. while the softscape includes trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, groundcovers, vines and limited lawn areas. The benefit to choosing a landscape designer who has horticulture certification is that they will know the plants that work in your yard.

The common and botanical names of the plants will be placed on your design plan for easy understanding.

A sustainable landscape designer begins by

analyzing your whole site for sunny and shady areas, slope, erosion, wind direction and available water. Consideration will be given to how the yard is used and will be designed for functionality, ease of maintenance, cost effectiveness, while ensuring that the design remains environmentally sound. All this while still boasting the beauty of being visually delightful.

The designer understands how to make the design functional for the homeowner. For example, maybe a quiet seating area is needed, a place for a vegetable and herb garden, or an entertainment area for guests.

An inventory list will be made from existing materials in the yard. A savvy designer will reuse and upcycle all findings into your new living garden space. Also, a wish list is made, and this is exciting knowing that many of these desires will be incorporated on the landscape design while staying with the homeowner’s budget.

Next, soil quality and maintaining soil quality is considered. Soil is a fundamental natural resource.

Maintaining healthy soil is critical to having healthy plants and a beautiful looking landscape. Soil evaluation may include soil testing, analyzing slope and erosion, drainage, and checking for potential leaching. Numerous factors affect soil quality; however, a sustainable landscape designer will happily suggest soil amendments to be added.

This helps maintain the organic levels in the soil.

Typically, the soil in Calgary is low in organic matter and high in inorganic matter. A composting area is usually incorporated into the design plan to allow the homeowner to recycle their Green waste that is collected from their property. Gardens love to soak up the decomposed, relatively stable, and nutrient-rich humus that is achieved from composting. Humus is a great soil amendment for the garden.

Plant selection is really important in a sustainable landscape design. The plants selected for the design plan will be low maintenance and be low water using plants. The landscape designer will use groupings of plants according to their water, sun, shade, and soil requirements. Lawn areas will be kept to a minimum since they are high users of water, fertilizers, and herbicides. Disease and pest resistant plant varieties are usually selected so fewer chemicals are required. Your landscape designer/horticulturist will recommend organic and cultural methods of pest and disease controls if problems were to develop. Did you know that ladybugs (Hippodamia Convergens) can eat over 5,000 aphids and other soft-bodied pests during their one-year lifetime? Ladybugs are beautiful to look at and one of the few beneficial insects found in an environmentally friendly landscape. That is why it is important not to rake the lawn too early in spring before these lovely insects can complete their tasks.

Also, low maintenance plants will be selected so they require less pruning which decreases waste removal. Trees that are selected will be placed on the landscape design plan, near the homeowner’s residence, to help with indoor temperature control and heating costs.

One of the most important issues in the world today is water conservation. We are not cookie monsters but rather water monsters! I say this because in Canada, the residential sector uses more than half of the municipal water. Residential uses 52 per cent, commercial uses 19 per cent, industrial uses 16 per cent, and leakage is 13 per cent according to Environment and Climate Change Canada (ec.gc.ca/eau-water/).

A FEW MORE FACTS ARE: • On the prairies, irrigation is the largest consumer of water • Many homes lose more water from leaky taps than they need for cooking and cleaning • During the summer, about half of all treated water is sprayed onto lawns and gardens • A single lawn sprinkler spraying 19 litres per minute uses 50 per cent more water in just one hour than a combination of ten toilet flushes, two five-minute showers, two dishwasher loads, and a full load of clothes, according to Environment and Climate Change Canada See, we really must be cognizant not to be water monsters. Water is abundant here but still remains a limited resource. Consequently, water conservation is becoming an important part of the sustainable landscape design planning.

Water conservation is becoming a vital part of Calgary’s overall management program. Calgary’s limited water resources and increasing urbanization, periodic drought, and Chinook zone are placing greater demands on water supplies. For these reasons, nursery growers, landscapers, and homeowners should be conscious of water use and should strive to minimize waste and consumption of water. One of the best means of conserving water is to design or modify the landscape to reduce its water requirements using sustainable landscaping methods and practices.

In Calgary the traditional residential and commercial landscape

APR - JUN 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 41

consists of large areas of lawn, trees and shrubs. The traditional landscape is typical of the cool regions of western Canada. Traditional landscapes in Calgary require large amounts of water and maintenance.

In response to drought and limited water resources in Calgary a number of new landscaping ideas have evolved. These initiatives reduce water and maintenance requirements while still providing aesthetically-pleasing landscapes. Landscaping concepts that reduce water requirements while remaining sustainable are referred to as xeriscaping.

Xeriscaping was originally conceived in the southwestern U.S., although it was inspired by the gardening traditions of Spain, North Africa, Middle East, along with the natural landscapes of the Southwest.

Another component of water-conserving landscapes is the concept of natural landscaping.

Natural landscaping is much like sustainable landscaping in that it involves indigenous, low-water use and drought-tolerant plant material. Natural landscaping is based on climate and environment of the area. Also, site characteristics of exposure, sun/ shade, soil quality, slope, site drainage, irrigation, and water quality impact our natural landscapes.

Whether your landscape is new or old, a thorough investigation completed by your landscape designer/ horticulturist of your property can reveal ways of implementing water-saving practices for sustainable landscaping. Simple site-specific information that helps the landscape designer plan for a more waterconserving landscape might include the following: climate and seasonal changes in sun angles, summer and winter wind patterns through the property, drifting snow patterns, microclimates, monthly rainfall amounts, flat and low wet areas, plant material type, location, and condition, and site drainage.

Your sustainable landscape designer will implement water-conserving design features into your plan. They may include the following elements: • LOCATING DECIDUOUS (trees that lose their leaves) trees to provide shade to planting beds and outdoor seating areas.

• PLACING FENCES OR SHRUBS to provide privacy, shade, spatial definition, winter wind protection, or to funnel summer breezes towards patios, decks or porches.

• LOCATING SERVICE-ORIENTED FEATURES (dog run, trash containers, compost pile, etc.) in areas that are easily accessible, least desirable for planting beds and out of sight from windows and outdoor seating areas.

• LIMITING THE AMOUNT OF LAWN AREA and using drought-tolerant seed mixes (turf is the biggest water use in the landscape). As an alternative to turf, use mulch and drought-tolerant groundcovers.

42 YPNEXTHOME.CA

• USING SURFACING MATERIALS for patios and walks that allow water penetration into the ground and that reduce sun glare and heat build up. Examples are wood decks; brick or stone on a sand base for patios; and wood chips, pea gravel, or stepping stones on a sand base for paths and walks.

• GROUPING PLANTS with similar cultural requirements (sun, moisture, soil, etc.)

• Using native drought-tolerant or drought-resistant species of plants.

• Grouping together and limiting the use of water-loving plants.

Place these plants in shaded, moisture-conserving areas or where they will have high visual impact. For color in the landscape, use flowering trees, shrubs and perennials and groundcovers and plants with variegated foliage as an alternative to annuals that require more acre and water.

• MATCHING THE PLANT’S water requirements with the soil moisture-holding capacity; for example, drought-tolerant plants under eaves where soil is always dry.

• MULCHING PLANTING BEDS to conserve soil moisture, control competitive weeds and improve soil conditions as the mulch decomposes.

Your landscape designer will address and include at least some of these ideas into your sustainable landscape design plan. By doing this your designer will be practicing water conservation while providing beautiful and functional landscaping. This will set a good example for your friends and neighbours. With the real threat of a shortage of usable water, it is time that we be aware that we do not want to be water monsters! Let’s remain cookie monsters and enjoy the benefits of relaxing in our newly designed yard that boasts a design that is appropriate, pleasing and water-conserving. From a dreamscape to a beautifully crafted landscape for both our homes and businesses.

Last but not least, a proficient landscape designer will leave you all the necessary information surrounding the maintenance and care taking of your new sustainable landscape. Careful planning will ensure the gifts of low maintenance. Prune carefully, recycle clippings, and mow lawns higher (compost grass clippings), water wisely - adjusting according to weather patterns. Consider using slow release fertilizers (use organic if possible) which reduces the possibility of runoff.

In summary, there are many factors affecting sustainable landscape design planning, but the most critical factor is maintaining the landscape once your projects have been completed in your yard.

Hiring an environmentally conscious professional landscape designer with horticulture certification will ensure that our dream garden reaches fruition. Also, a design specialist will prevent us in becoming water monsters and help us understand the importance of this natural resource. One that nurtures our bodies as well as the Earth. Let’s make our garden grow and glow with sensitivity to the environment. This way we all flourish in the beauty of knowing sustainability is easily accessible to all. Get ready get set and plot your special garden.

Jackie Swartz has a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Olds College. She specializes in the horticultural planning, design, and ongoing life of urban and residential environments. You can contact Jackie at 403-472-5082. Include which city you live in, as well as your phone number so that she can follow up with you.

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SUPERSTAR STYLE Ellen DeGeneres invites us in

by ELISA KROVBLIT

Birdhouse photo: William Abranowicz The Villa photo: William Abranowicz The Brody House photo: Tim Street Porter Trousdale Estates photo: Joanna DeGeneres

MORE THAN JUST A DANCING MACHINE AND A GREAT TALK-SHOW HOST, ELLEN DEGENERES IS A STYLE MAVEN. A PEEK INTO HER RECENTLY PUBLISHED ‘HOME: THE ART OF EFFORTLESS DESIGN’ BRINGS US INTO THE SPACES SHE LIVES AND LOVES TO CREATE. Unique homes are filled with carefully curated furnishings, creative custom pieces and fabulous art. DeGeneres offers a very personal dialogue about what she learned and where she drew inspiration as she developed each of the seven homes in the book. It’s a tour of luxury and inspiration.

Thoroughly enjoyable, it contains her comedic wit and some personal anecdotes, as she shares her love of real estate and great design. Take the tour, learn how she once came for a dinner party and left with a deal to buy the host’s house, and absorb some superstar style!

44 YPNEXTHOME.CA

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renomark

Knowing when you need

A BUILDING PERMIT

by BRYAN TUCKEY

RENOVATING A HOME IS A GREAT WAY TO increase the value of your home, but there are several important steps to follow before you start.

Calculating your budget and finding a renovator are both key elements to a successful renovation, but another vital component is understanding whether you require a building permit.

A building permit is your formal permission from the municipality to build, demolish or alter your home. Each municipality has its own set of regulations but most major renovations, such as those where structural walls or plumbing components are altered, require building permits.

Permits must be obtained before you begin the renovation process and is a complicated process. It can take several weeks or even months to obtain, and may seem overwhelming.

The best thing to do is to contact a professional renovator who has experience with permit applications. Be cautious of any 46 YPNEXTHOME.CA

renovator who suggests dodging the building permit. This is a telltale sign that you are not working with a professional and you may be putting yourself and your home at risk.

Failure to obtain a building permit may result in a fine of up to $50,000 for a first offense and up to $100,000 for subsequent offenses.

Make sure you are working with a renovator you can trust.

There are a number of online resources to find professional renovators, such as the national RenoMark program. It can be accessed by visiting www.renomark.ca, which features a searchable database of professional renovators, trade contractors and custom builders.

A professional renovator will be able to assess your project and explain whether or not a permit is needed, and what it will take to obtain one. He will then bring in the right people, get the necessary drawings and submit the application to the municipality on your behalf. This is the most efficient way to obtain the permit. Just make sure that the cost is discussed up front and factored into the contract.

Make sure you factor in the price of the building permit into your overall renovation budget. It is calculated by the size of the renovation and varies by municipalities. For something like a garage renovation, you can expect to pay a few hundred dollars while something like building a brand new home will cost upwards of $1,500 or more.

Once your application is submitted, it can take as little a few days and as long as several months to get your permit, depending on the size of your renovation.

Talk to your renovator throughout the process. Your renovator is your partner in realizing your dream of a newly renovated home so it’s important to keep the lines of communication open at all times.

Good luck and have fun renovating.

BRYAN TUCKEY is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and is a land-use planner who has worked for municipal, regional and provincial governments. He can be found on Twitter (twitter.com/bildgta), Facebook (facebook.com/bildgta) and BILD’s official online blog (bildblogs.ca).