Calgary Home Decor & Renovations - Oct 2016

OCTOBER 2016 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 5, FREE CALGARY EDITION

IS STAGING essential?

Creating CURB APPEAL

Adding the ‘WOW’ FACTOR

TRADEMARK RENOVATIONS

offers tips for the ‘best bang’ on your reno budget

Dream bigger with

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contents

V O LU M E 14 I S S U E 5

OCTOBER 2016

22 25

14

0

OCTOBER 2016 VOLUME 14, ISSUE 5, FREE CALGARY EDITION

in every issue 06 Editor’s notebook

IS STAGING essential?

Creating CURB APPEAL

features 26 Time for new design 28 Is staging an essential

Adding the ‘WOW’ FACTOR

service?

TRADEMARK RENOVATIONS

offers tips for the ‘best bang’ on your reno budget

cover story

Getting the biggest bang for your renovation dollars

pg.

10

COVER PHOTO COURTESY OF TRADEMARK RENOVATIONS

tips & tricks 18 Common mistakes

inspiration 08 Easy ways to update your style

14

Cooking up a kitchen: Where to save, where to splurge

24

The scoop: Dining in rustic chic

25

Foodie: Molten Lava

homeowners make

20

Decoding the code

outdoor spaces 22 Creating curb appeal

business profiles 09 Create a focal point by renovating your aging staircase

editor’s notebook

OCTOBER 2016 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 05 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

Maximizing that budget

SENIOR EDITOR

Elisa Krovblit

As I read Mickey Foulds’ account of her transition from summer outdoor living to fall and winter’s demand for getting cozy in Time for New Design (page 26), I realized that she really spoke to the transition most of us are experiencing. It’s that time of year when you accept the move indoors – but now that you’re spending more time indoors, you’re looking around your home and seeing it with fresh eyes.

MEDIA CONSULTANT

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

John Jenkins

You start to identify spaces that aren’t working for you, exploring your wants and needs around the house. Is it a comfy, cozy nook? Is it a warm and welcoming fireplace? Is it improving the view with new windows? Is it a kitchen? A bathroom? Is it a small update or a big reno?

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Helen Pearce PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Greg Van Sluytman GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

This issue we’ve focussed on helping you maximize on your reno budget.

Whether it’s a little update with some pops of colour – or a full overhaul of a space, we’ve asked and the experts have come back with some great suggestions for “The Most Bang For Your Buck” when you start budgeting.

Some, like Jo Alcorn, offer insight as to where you should save and where you should splurge. There are always areas where you can stretch your budget a bit, but there are always spots that shouldn’t have any corners cut. Find out which are which (page 14).

This issue, we’re featuring Trademark Renovations on the cover, and Blair Foisy, owner and president of the company, definitely has the knowledge and expertise to guide you through a reno with some great advice in Getting the Biggest Bang for your Buck (page 10). Adding value, comfort, style and function are all part of the equation and you might be surprised at where your renovation dollars are best spent!

This issue, we hope we can inspire you to enjoy your home and make it that perfect place to live.

Thanks for reading!

ELISA KROVBLIT

Mike Terentiev, Miguel Cea CONTRIBUTORS

Jo Alcorn, Lisa Canning, Bonny Dann, Mickey Foulds, Vanessa Gash, Michelle Hopkins, Laura Le, Michael Nyikes, Heather Ryan, Leslie Styles

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

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

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Antrim

Inspiration | STYLE FILE

EASY WAYS TO update your style

by LISA CANNING

KITCHENS ARE MY FAVOURITE ROOM to design for families

due to the impact they have on a family’s life. The kitchen is where families are nourished, memories are made and people are cared for – and this sentiment was all kept in mind for this eight week renovation. We transformed the space from dark and dreary to textured and bright. Here are are five easy ways to update your space: 1. ADD A RUSTIC TOUCH We used this trend with this beautiful table and chair set, and hammered metal pendant lights from Artemano. Made by artisans, it’s the handmade touch that makes this trend so popular.

Consider using a hardwood floor with this same rustic element.

Again a trend that is currently popular but, I argue, will be around for a while is a floor with a handscraped element like this engineered hardwood from Torly’s.

2. UPDATE AN APPLIANCE OR FIXTURE This is an easy way to update the look of your kitchen without a huge reno. It’s usually fairly simple to replace an appliance of the same size, or a fixture like your kitchen faucet. This kitchen is in high demand and requires products that will last. We replaced the faucet with my favourite Delta Trinsic faucet and matching soap dispenser which boasts touch activated technology – perfect when your hands are covered in kitchen mess.

3. CHANGE YOUR BACKSPLASH The backsplash is one way you can make a major visual win in the kitchen – it’s usually one of the first things I recommend when you need a kitchen update.

Whether you add some sparkle with glass mosaic tile, or choose a more natural, rustic material, the backsplash can add a pop of colour and texture that make a big visual impact in a kitchen.

This Silver Fox backsplash by ErthCoverings provides another rustic element and just looks like a piece of art. Made of 100 per

cent high quality natural stone, the multi-height backsplash comes in large modular pieces (as opposed to individual small strips) so installation is quick and clean. For a custom look, consider bringing your backsplash all the way up the wall above your upper cabinets - it creates a cohesive look and makes your ceilings soar.

4. UPDATE YOUR CABINET HARDWARE Updating your exterior cabinet pulls is a great update. I also want to create amazing function in my projects. Quality drawers and hinges that don’t bang, slam or pinch little fingers when in use is great function.

5. ADD SOME COLOUR This is a fun, and really easy way to update a space. In this kitchen we had fun with the accessories.

We added pops of orange and teal in accessories from HomeSense. Style a surface like a pro by using a mixture of textures. I always try to incorporate a mix of natural woods and linens, shiny ceramics, sparkly glass, and matte concrete in a space for a modern, on trend look. Repeat a colour at least three to keep things cohesive. And don’t be afraid of colour especially in a neutral space (the paint colour is a neutral Cabot Trail by Benjamin Moore), the pops of orange and teal are fun and lively.

LISA CANNING Lisa Canning is a Toronto based designer who specializes in two-hour interior design consultations in the GTA and beyond. Learn more about her consulting services at www.lisacanning.ca

8 YPNEXTHOME.CA

0

Business Profile | PRESTIGE RAILINGS & STAIRS

Create a focal point

by renovating your aging staircase

by MICHELLE HOPKINS

WHEN A HOMEOWNER DECIDES TO RENOVATE their home, the staircase often gets overlooked. And yet, most staircases are the focal point of a home.

“Most homeowners accept their staircase as is,” says Prestige Railings & Stairs owner Blaine Wickerson. “The staircase is the first thing people see when they walk into a home, and yet it is not the first thing homeowners think of when renovating.”

However, a staircase can be like a beautiful piece of furniture in its own right. When it comes to reinventing yours, there is more choice than ever.

“There are several options, from ornate to traditional to contemporary,” says Wickerson – a seasoned professional of more than 27 years in the industry. “For those who love wood, the exotics, such as Brazilian cherry wood or tiger wood, are very popular.”

What’s been trending over the past several years, especially

in new home builds, is the modern open-concept clear glass and stainless steel freestanding staircase – the sort of sleek, glass-paneled staircases that you might associate with a chic Calgary loft.

“Glass can brighten a dark hallway and transform a space,” Wickerson explains. “It is also visible from most rooms.”

Glass panels come in a range of decorative options, including coloured, smoked and etched.

“You can also combine glass with metal or wood to get a very contemporary look,” Wickerson says, adding he works closely with interior designers, builders and renovators to capture the homeowner’s vision. “It’s all about the theme that a customer wants to go with in their home.”

For more information, contact Blaine and his team of professionals by calling 403-250-1020, Toll Free 1-800-382-8502 or visiting www.prestigerailings.com.

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

2777 Hopewell Place N.E. Calgary Phone (403) 250-1020 Toll Free 1-800-382-8502 Calgary Region Canadian Home Builders’ Association

Builder, Marco Antonio Homes Ltd.

www.prestigerailings.com OCTOBER 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 9

009 (0.5pg) Michelle Hopkins-Prestige Railing Stairs_MC.indd 37

2016-10-11 11:37 PM

cover story

GETTING THE BIGGEST BANG

for your RENOVATION DOLLARS

by HEATHER RYAN

10 YPNEXTHOME.CA

YOU WANT TO UPDATE THE LOOK OF YOUR HOME, but the question is: which renovation project will give you the biggest bang for your buck?

“That depends on what you’re going for – an improved appearance or functionality or both,” says expert Blair Foisy, owner and president of Trademark Renovations. Foisy has helped hundreds of homeowners realize their renovation dreams.

“On the exterior, you can take a dated bungalow with a low sloped roof and replace the trusses with a higher pitch, improving the curb appeal,” Blair says. “With the new roof line you can add dormers, a front covered verandah, new windows and exterior, dramatically changing the look of the home –

which give you a big bang for the buck.

And, taking that transition further, “adding a higher pitched roof allows you to install scissor trusses, providing the option of having vaulted ceilings inside, which really opens up the space.

Without increasing the square footage of your home, you’ve created a space that has a bright, open feel and a totally new look.”

As part of the exterior improvement you can install new windows that are more energy efficient and change the existing siding to an updated Hardie Board, acrylic stucco or combination with insulation, boosting your home’s insulation R-value. this increases its energy efficiency, which not only adds value to the

OCTOBER 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 11

home, but also saves on energy costs in the future.

“Depending on your budget you could also add a mudroom onto the back of the house. A lot of the older homes don’t have and really works well with this style of home,” Blair notes. “Adding a mudroom is a good addition for not too much cost, and it’s a great value-added feature.

“You can install heated floors, a built-in bench and lockers so everyone has their own space to store items like backpacks out of the way, creating a nice organized space,” he adds. “It seems everyone wants a mudroom today – and with the larger ones you can also include laundry facilities on the main floor.”

Those projects aside, Blair says that typically, when it comes to investing renovation dollars inside the home, the biggest bang for the buck is in kitchens and bathrooms. “You can’t go wrong with

12 YPNEXTHOME.CA

renovating a kitchen, a bathroom or adding a mudroom; you’ll reap the reward on resale. And if you’re not looking to sell, you have an updated practical space to enjoy for years to come.”

The kitchen remains a main focus for renovation projects. “It’s seen as the heart of the home so people want a functioning, organized space with plenty of storage and modern touches.”

Topping the list of “must-have” features in the kitchens is a large, single tier island with breakfast seating. “People want as big of an island as they can have in the space because the kitchen has become the gathering space for family and entertaining. They want seating and plenty of serving and work space.”

Kitchen storage is also on the “must-have” list. “We’re doing lots of pullout drawers and shelves, custom full-height cabinets and floor-to-ceiling pull-out pantries are replacing the corner

You can install heated floors, a built-in bench and lockers so everyone has their own space to store items like backpacks out of the way, creating a nice organized space.

– Blair Foisy, owner and president of Trademark Renovations.

pantries, because they actually add more storage.”

Another “must-have” is a gas range, which, Blair notes, has been the trend for the past few years. Adding to the list are double wide fridge/freezers and solid surface countertops.

Some great modern options for updating kitchens include steam ovens, built-in coffee stations and warming drawers.

Updating bathrooms also adds value to the home and topping the “must-have” list is a custom tiled walk-in shower with frameless glass. “The days of acrylic showers are long gone, people want that spa-like look with multi-heads, body sprays, rain heads, bench, built-in niches, steam showers and even sound systems,” Blair says.

“If they have two or more bathrooms, at least one has a tub for bathing the kids; if they have an ensuite and the space, they

want the walk-in shower and a soaker tub,” he says. “Floating vanities are also becoming popular again in a transitional and contemporary style, while in a traditional home we continue to see custom vanities that look more like a furniture piece with solid surface counters.”

Reclaimed wood, which Blair has been using over the years, is becoming a more popular material for feature walls to pump up the wow factor.

A key element to keep in mind when doing any renovation, Blair says, is that “trends are always changing, so try to pick more timeless selections and materials that tie into the look you’re going for.”

OCTOBER 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 13

Inspiration | STYLE FILE

COOKING UP A KITCHEN where to save, where to splurge

by JO ALCORN | photography by JASON HARTOG

WHEN IT’S TIME FOR A NEW DESIGN you want to get the most bang for your buck. In a home I recently designed for a family, they longed for an open concept main floor for greater interaction as a family and more fluent entertaining. While not every budget will allow for such a large scale renovation, the lessons are the same: choose your products wisely and splurge on the right components.

The kitchen is the heart of every home and a natural gathering place. No matter the size of your surface area, countertops should be on your splurge list. Kitchen islands are a focal point and a common gathering zone so be sure to love the countertops you choose.

14 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Your cabinets need to be useful and maximize the space available. I always recommend you find a good, reputable, local company that has some great past projects for you to look at for inspiration. Additionally, I urge all my clients to go the extra mile and get soft-close hardware; you might not see this little gem but the luxury of no more slamming drawers or doors in the kitchen is something you’ll thank me for! A company I have been working with more and more lately is called GRASS, the maker of what I would consider the Cadillac of soft-close hardware. This company aligns with such brands as Armani/ Dada so you know you are getting luxury when you choose their hardware. GRASS is available all over Canada for every cabinet

The kitchen is the heart of every home and a natural gathering place. No matter the size of your surface area, countertops should be on your splurge list.

manufacturer…all you have to do is ask for it.

Oh how I love to install a new faucet in any kitchen I work on! I love all the new features added to faucets in recent years, but one of my all-time favorites is the tap technology. Dirty hands are a breeze to clean with a simple tap and on flows the water. In this kitchen I installed the Delta Trinsic with Touch 20 technology in matte black. This faucet is stylish and adds the right amount of drama!

Get appliances that will work with your family’s lifestyle.

Here I chose Samsung’s Chef Collection in stainless steel; these premium kitchen appliances are gold star and have been tested and approved by Michelin Star Chefs. And don’t forget the

range hood; the Lux Island low profile range hood from Zephyr provided an unobstructed view through the kitchen to the front hallway and it delivered the minimalist look we were going for.

As a bonus, it has a wireless remote control.

Lighting fixtures are both hanging art and a staple within the overall design concept. Here I went with a more industrial look pendant over the island to tie in the exposed beams, and then matched it with two round lights over the table. These beauties are from DVI Canada.

Incorporating touches of nature in an indoor space is just logical, as we all crave outdoor time. For this project we included a table made from raw suar wood. The bench seating OCTOBER 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 15

is perfect for a large family, and the rustic finish will help to disguise the family’s wear and tear. This stylish and functional table is from Artemano. The nature theme continues with table top faux plants, sourced from Bouclair as well as other final touches like pillows to pull the space together.

Open concept requires a coherent look within the entire space, but rooms still need to have distinction. In the living room I used FLOR tiles to make it its own space, while still having it tie into the master space. I love that FLOR has the ability to replace a single tile should it be soiled or damaged.

Simply put, splurge on the high visibility, high functionality items – you will never regret walking into a room you love!

JO ALCORN is a design specialist and designer on HGTV’s Home to Win. She has her own furniture collection, lighting line, pillow and dog bed line and is known for her savvy design concepts. Visit Jo at www.whitewashco.ca

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tips and tricks

COMMON MISTAKES

HOMEOWNERS MAKE

by VANESSA GASH

HOME RENOVATIONS CAN BE a very exciting part of home ownership. Who doesn’t want to create a home with your own flair or personality? That’s why so many of us spend countless hours in home improvement stores, online and pouring over magazines. As you navigate through the dreams you have for your next project, take a few minutes to consider some of the common mistakes homeowners make. It might just help make your next renovation run much more smoothly.

Hiring the wrong contractor Failing to plan One of the biggest mistakes you can make is failing to research and plan all the steps to get from dream to reality. Despite the time you dedicate to how you want the product to look, many people fail to go further than that. In doing so, they often underestimate how much it will cost. It is important to research what permits are required, timelines, bylaw and safety code considerations, drawings and inspections. You may also consider topics such as construction best practices, the product’s suitability for our climate and confirming that the products are approved for use in Canada.

Trying to do the whole project yourself Do-it-yourself projects can be a lot of fun, and sometimes they can even be less expensive than hiring someone to build it for you. However, it can cost more in the long run if you make mistakes or aren’t sure of the safety and bylaw requirements.

Sometimes it is best to consider hiring a professional.

Although homeowners are able obtain permits and do their own plumbing and electrical work, not everyone is skilled in these areas. It’s better to pay someone to do the job correctly than to need to hire someone afterwards to fix your errors. If structural changes are involved, consider having a structural review by an engineer during the planning stages of your project. A few hundred dollars to receive professional advice is money well spent to protect your family and your home from risk. It is also worthwhile to hire someone to prepare your permit drawings if they are complex. Most homeowners can comfortably prepare simple drawings for projects like decks or basement developments. More complicated projects like additions, sunrooms and extensive renovations are best designed and drawn by those familiar with construction and safety code requirements. These professionals can range from technologists to architects and engineers.

18 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Another mistake many people make is to be too trusting. It is important to protect your investment by hiring the right people to do the job. Ask for references, do background checks and require a contract in place before any money changes hands. It’s better to be proactive than left holding the bag if a contractor does not follow through as promised. Unfortunately, a handshake does not hold up in court. For more tips on hiring a contractor, visit calgary.ca/homerenos.

Failing to obtain permits or call inspections Many people think that if a renovation is not structural in nature, it does not require a permit. This is not the case. Be sure to research your project’s requirements. In some cases, applicants obtain a permit but fail to call for an inspection. If you don’t pass your inspections, the permit is not complete and there is no guarantee that the work was been completed correctly. It is equally important to have work inspected as it is to obtain a permit to do the work in the first place.

Hopefully these homeowner pitfalls will help you as you plan your next project. The City of Calgary’s online homeowner hub at calgary.ca/myhome is a great place to start your research and planning. If you have specific questions, please contact 311.

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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YEARS OF EXPERIENCE

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tips and tricks

Decoding

» Example A does not conform to area requirements.

A 380 mm

THE CODE

by MICHAEL NYIKES

380 mm

* opening area only 0.144 m2

» Examples B and C conform to height, width and area requirements.

A:

Unless a basement bedroom has a door that leads directly to the exterior (as in the case of a stairwell or walk-out basement), or the basement is sprinklered, each bedroom must have at least one window that can be opened from the inside without the use of tools or technical knowledge.

This window must provide an unobstructed opening with minimum area of 0.35 metres squared (3.77 square feet or 543 square inches), and have no dimension less than 380 mm (15 inches). See the drawings for further clarification.

If a window opens into a window well (which many basement windows do), a clearance of at least 550 mm (approximately 22 inches) between the window and the wall of the window well is required as per the provincial code.

An awning-style window opening into a window well may pose a challenge in maintaining this clearance due to the angle and direction it opens at, and it could interfere with the occupant’s ability to exit through the window well in case of emergency. Therefore, awning windows are not recommended for use in basement bedrooms. The required clearances must be maintained when the window is in the open position.

With the house in question being newly built in 2013, it is quite likely the builder had the forethought to pre-design basement windows in locations with a future development in mind. The builder would have probably installed code conforming egress windows (most likely slider-style windows) as well as the appropriately sized window wells if those windows were located below the level of the exterior soil.

20 YPNEXTHOME.CA

380 mm

opening opening area area 0.35 0.35 m2 m2

C 592 mm

Q:

A loyal reader recently emailed and said his 2013 built home has an undeveloped basement that he intends to complete this winter, and asked what the code requirements are for windows from bedrooms.

920 mm

B

592 mm

opening area 0.35 m2

If in doubt, the planning & building department of local municipalities is a good first point of contact for information regarding code requirements.

Future Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’ questions about their home improvement and construction 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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BEFORE

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Home & Garden

After

Creating CURB APPEAL Before

by BONNY DANN / Escapes Inc.

ACCORDING TO WIKIPEDIA, CURB APPEAL “is attractiveness of the exterior of a residential or commercial property, as viewed from the street. The term was used extensively in the United States during the housing boom and continues to be used as an indicator of the initial appeal of a property to prospective buyers.” Merriam-Webster defines curb appeal as “the visual attractiveness of a house as seen from the street”. This term is often used by realtors when either evaluating property or trying to sell it. The difference curb appeal makes can be the difference between whether potential buyers even view your home or leave after driving up, never mind, offering to purchase your home! So let’s figure out how to create some curb appeal.

22 YPNEXTHOME.CA

If the overall condition of your home and the front landscaping is in good condition something as simple as painting your front door a complementary but contrasting colour or installing a new front door may be all you need to do. Going one step further, as you may have to do if your home is older, would be replacing the lockset, mailbox and light fixtures at the same time. These pieces should all match in the sense that they need to be the same colour or finish, all brass or all

An exterior facelift of new paint on siding that can be painted, or stucco, can transform the look of your home in no time brushed steel, for instance, and match the architectural style of your home.

If your home is older, check your gutters, soffits and facia. They should all be the same colour. Check them for damage, rust or peeling. An exterior facelift of new paint on siding that can be painted, or stucco, can transform the look of your home in no time. Sometimes it is just the older brick that needs a coat of paint as the siding has been done recently but the brick looks dated.

Once you have the exterior of your home looking up to date with new colours and hardware, stand back and look at the landscape and front step and drive way. Sometimes cracked driveways and/or older looking front steps can be resurfaced;

Before

other times they need to be replaced. Best to check with a concrete contractor or landscape company that does pavers and stone work to advise you, as there are many factors to consider when deciding whether to repair or replace. In some instances you may want to widen your driveway or walkway. In our second ‘before’ and ‘after’ pictures you will notice one where we widen a walkway on a front lot make-over. Curving a walkway in some instances may add more interest, or even changing the material from broom finished concrete to pavers or natural stone.

Now let’s talk about my favourite topic, the green or soft scape part of the landscape. In some instances when we are asked to create curb appeal, the first thing we have to do is get a large tree (usually Spruce), almost as large as the front of the house, removed. When you can not see the front of your home it is impossible, in my opinion, to create curb appeal.

Next we clear the front yard completely with a bobcat. The soil will be so filled with tree roots and very acidic if the large offending tree was a Spruce that I like to remove as much top soil as possible and start over with a good screened loam for under the turf, and a high quality garden mix for the planting areas.

Bordering your planting areas between beds and lawns make both look so much better. If you like to garden and do yardwork, a simple clean dividing trench works. Creating curb appeal to sell means thinking buyers may want a lower maintenance front landscape such as commercial grade black plastic edging professionally installed, concrete curbing or a precast paver mow edge – as in the first ‘after’ picture. Then planting with hardy, good sized plant material, a number five to a number 15 pot gives the beds a mature look. Topping with bark mulch cuts down on maintenance.

After your front yard makeover is complete, do not forget pots, which even in fall and winter, can be filled with seasonal interest and add to your overall curb appeal for yourself and guests or potential buyers!

BONNY DANN After

Bonny Dann is owner and expert landscape designer at Escapes Inc. www.escapesinc.ca OCTOBER 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 23

inspiration

the

SCOOP DINING IN RUSTIC CHIC

Catch up on decor + reno news, inspiration, style + more

by ELISA KROVBLIT

Scoop the look!

‹ Geometric Lantern Ceiling Lamp $120 | bouclair.com

‹ Winnetka Extendable Dining Table $2,699 | crateandbarrel.com

‹

Rustic Chic Dining Room homesense.ca

24 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Valby Ruta Rug 81 by 94 in. $149 | ikea.ca

foodie

molten lava

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease four ramekins, about 23/4 in. diameter and dust with cocoa powder. Set aside.

Melt the chocolate in a small pan over medium heat. Once half melted, add butter and continue to heat until the chocolate and butter are completely melted and combined.

Set aside for 10 minutes, or until needed.

THIS IS A VERY NAUGHTY DESSERT. Warm, silky and devilishly good, Molten Chocolate Lava Cake is the quintessential chocolate lover’s dessert. Best of all, its gooey centre actually does erupt with a luscious molten core of chocolatey goodness.

Using a blender or hand whisk, whip the eggs, egg yolks and sugar in a medium bowl until pale and thickened, then add to the chocolate mixture. Gently fold in the flour with a metal spoon. Divide the mixture between the four ramekins and cook in the oven for 12 to 15 minutes, until the cakes are firm on top.

Using oven gloves, remove the ramekins from the oven and turn them out onto serving plates. Garnish with raspberries and dust all with icing sugar. Serve immediately.

LESLIE STYLES

INGREDIENTS makes four servings › 4 tsp cocoa powder › 4 oz good-quality dark chocolate, broken into pieces › 4 oz unsalted butter (1 stick) › 2 large eggs

› 2 large egg yolks › 4 1/2 oz caster sugar › 4 oz plain or pastry flour, sifted › Icing sugar, to dust › Raspberries, for garnish

Leslie Styles is president of Styles Design Inc., a branding and communications agency, and author of Scrumpdillyicious, a food & travel blog dedicated to all things delicious.

She can be reached at stylesdesign.net and scrumpdillyicious.blogspot.ca

EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS SPECIALISTS

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403.640.1334 www.sisltd.ca Showroom * Offices: 3517 64th Ave. S.E., Calgary OCTOBER 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 25

feature

TIME FOR NEW DESIGN

by MICKEY FOULDS

THE DAYS ARE GETTING SHORTER and there is a chill in the air. Pumpkin spice lattes have become the drink of choice and the word “cosy” suddenly seems rather appealing. Our thoughts turn from rafting down the river on a lazy sunny day, to sitting by the fireside with a glass of red wine watching movies.

Our indoors have suddenly become important. The tired paint on the walls, the somewhat dated cabinets and the ugly light fixture are all clamoring for our attention and help. It is time for new design!

As I contemplate the transition of seasons in my own home, I realize that the days of lounging in the sun, with a book and a drink, on my lovely deck overlooking the ravine are done for now. I love my quiet spot high up, surrounded by large spruce trees. The deck has a glass railing which offers an unimpeded view, and has a quality low-maintenance composite decking – both great decisions. The deck has been both admired and indeed copied by others.

The construction of the deck was a novel experience in that I had engaged a rather unique contractor. While most contractors I work with are solid, reliable, knowledgeable and hugely competent, they rely on me to do the design and simply give them the details to execute.

However, this one was different!

I knew I had a good contractor, but didn’t realize I had unwittingly hired a very design-savvy expert who not only understands the world of nuts and bolts, drywall and two-by-fours, but also has an opinion on aesthetics and has ideas that elevate projects beyond the ordinary. So what better person than this, my contractor Brian Lamacraft, of Lamacraft Construction & Renovations, to ask a few questions about “bang for your buck” (contractors know their pricing, as after all, they prepare the estimates!), must-have lists and options for updating your home.

We sat down to discuss some ideas. I

26 YPNEXTHOME.CA

asked Brian what, in his opinion, is the most important project in his own townhouse which he is currently renovating.

“I can’t start and end my day in a terrible bathroom!” he said.

Brian indicated that a bathroom should be an oasis, a peaceful place with great lighting setting the mood. “Keep lighting symmetrical, and go for sharp straight lines for a clean and simple look. Using LED lighting, illuminate areas like the toe kicks with a strip of lights along the bottom edge of the cabinets. It is a small investment with high impact, giving the space that “wow” factor.”

A somewhat larger investment which falls into the “must have” category is a steam shower. “Once you have had one you will never go back!” Brian pointed out that many people invest in a hot tub outside which is used intermittently, meanwhile for a similar cost you could build a steam shower to enjoy daily. “Build a bench into your shower, put in a pot light on a dimmer switch and create a space to relax.

There are a myriad of different options for shower heads, aromatherapy, chromotherapy and piped music fixtures in showers, elevating them from merely functional to a spa experience. It is not necessary to go high end with tile and fixture selections, as there are many well priced, good quality options that have great design.”

For inspiration Brian suggests looking at commercial applications and integrating them into your residential bathroom. After all, commercial concepts are both

“Have fun with your bathroom! There is great opportunity to give it character and introduce unusual elements... it very simple and clean. Make either the shower or the vanity the focal point, and make them utterly fabulous.”

Brian’s showers usually elicit a “wow” once built – the juxtaposition of clever design, fabulous glass, beautiful fixtures, a spacious feel and interesting tile create a unique look. He has mounted a large mirror above his vanity in his own bathroom, set a few inches from the wall with an LED strip light behind it illuminating the space indirectly with a soft glow. It is a simple, cost effective yet stunning feature.

Our entire conversation about design did not really go beyond the bathroom as there was so much to address (much like every day which starts and ends in the bathroom, our discussion did likewise!).

I returned home and surveyed my own bathrooms – which could use some “new design.” I felt inspired, and thought how delightful it would be to come in from the cold, and while the snow falls against the windows to be luxuriating in a steam shower in a peaceful bathroom oasis with soft lighting and fabulous design.

Actually, it might just be time to give my good friend and creative contractor Brian a call, and get that “wow” shower started!! practical and designed to withstand wear and tear. For example, integrate your hairdryer with its own station in a drawer similar to those at hair salons, or include a basin mounted soap dispenser to minimise clutter on the countertop. Do not use glass bowl vessel sinks as they never look clean. Instead, find unique sinks if you have a large enough countertop. (Robinson’s Lighting and Bath is worth a visit in that regard!) Undermount sinks are ideal for small spaces as they maximise the usable surface area, but if you have the space, be creative. Brian further advises to avoid trying to create a show-home look – they are simply not liveable, and every day use should be your focus. Always address both form and function, ie look good and work well!

“Have fun with your bathroom! There is great opportunity to give it character and introduce unusual elements, for example a Brooklyn theme (Edison light bulbs, recycled wood, industrial feel) or an English alleyway look with a standard lantern and stone paved floor if you want something unusual. Alternatively keep

MICKEY FOULDS MSC CID CRSS Metamorphosis Design Ltd. phone 403.651.3462 email metamorphosisdesign@shaw.ca OCTOBER 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 27

feature

28 YPNEXTHOME.CA

is staging AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE?

by LAURA LE

I BEGAN MY STAGING CAREER about 12 years ago when, as far as I know, there was only one other stager in this lovely city we live in. Since then, the business has grown at a steady, persistent rate and now there are many companies offering staging services. It has become a valuable tool for many real estate agents as far as marketing strategies.

Many agents offer an initial staging consultation before photographing and listing a property. This is to ensure every property they represent is ready and showing its best. Sometimes it is a simple matter of decluttering, cleaning and placement of furniture.

And, sometimes it is more involved…

Staging is a business that can offer several different layers, depending on the budget of the seller. An initial consultation can offer suggestions from editing and where to put the furniture to highlight the features the property offers, to paint colours and small renovation ideas. Painting is one of those jobs that a seller can complete on their own, and is definitely one of the most costeffective, high rate-of-return steps to preparing a property for selling.

Updating flooring is more costly but if it’s in

OCTOBER 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 29

the budget, it is a valuable selling point. Also, adding stone countertops, whether granite or quartz, is without a doubt putting your best foot forward.

Many stagers in Calgary also offer a complete inventory available to rent on a monthly basis. Sometimes it is necessary to add the perfect dining room table to a property in which the rest of the furnishings in the home are great. Adding the last layer of accessories and art can also be beneficial for that finishing touch that makes all the difference both to photographs as well actually being in the space. This is a very common happening in many homes, either because the seller does not have the time or the desire to accomplish this last step. It truly does make a massive difference to complete a room with art, accessories and some toss cushions. It sounds easy, but it can be an overwhelming prospect for some. This layer transforms a bland space into a photo and open house ready property.

The photographs are, without a doubt, one of the most important steps to listing a property. This is because we all sit at home looking at properties online before booking an appointment with an agent and getting in the car to actually view the property in person.

Having a vacant property for sale is very difficult, in my opinion, for a multitude of reasons. First, they often don’t photograph well because it is difficult to show perspective

without furniture in the room. The transition between rooms can also be difficult to see from a photograph, depending on the lens used, as rooms can become distorted – especially if the flooring is linear and the lens is wide-angle. A 10-by-10 room can look like it is 2,000 sq. ft. if the hardwood flooring lines are flaring off into space. It can also be difficult for buyers to imaging their “stuff” in a vacant room. This is because rooms often feel much smaller without something in there to show the best use of space. Then, there is the echo that comes with a vacant property – especially if the flooring is tile or hardwood. Adding soft furnishings and area carpets totally eliminates the echo and gives the space a warm, welcoming feeling which encourages potential buyers to sit down and image themselves living there.

If a buyer feels comfortable in a property they are much more inclined to make that all important offer.

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

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