Edmonton Home Décor and Renovations - MAR/APR 2013

EDMONTON EDITION | FREE

MARCH - APRIL 2013 VOLUME 11 ISSUE 2

PAUL LAFRANCE

DESIGNS TO-DIE-FOR DECKS SEE HIM AT THE EDMONTON HOME + GARDEN SHOW

IN THIS ISSUE

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contents

volume 11 issue 2

March - april 2013

11 38

30 cover story

11

Designing a deck

for your backyarD oasis

by HeatHer ryan

tips & tricks

business profiles

15 Tasteful displays

08 Gienow Windows & Doors

by eLiSa krovbLit

20 Goodbye winter,

hello spring cleaning

by SiLvana Longo

36 The impact of stuff

by HeLLen buttigieg

41 Renovating with confidence: Select a RenoMark member

42 Ask a pro

by SHeLL buSey

46 Decoding the code

by MicHaeL nyikeS

outdoor living in every issue 06 Editor’s notebook

24 Water features…

The choices are endless

by SHane’S LandScaping & contracting Ltd.

26 Deck & patio:

Extend your living space

by HeatHer ryan

22 Custom Wall-Beds 44 Tile’s Trend

features 10 Finalists for the 2013 Awards of Excellence in housing

16 The hallmarks of a great renovation part 2

by Marie SoprovicH

30 Kitchen trends by yanic SiMard

34 Refenestration: The

“second chance” to get it right by aL dueck preSident, duXton WindoWS & doorS

38 Historic inspiration for spring 2013

by uSHeda akbar-SHankS

Four days of new products, professional advice, great deals and inspiration for your home & garden, from over 650 retailers & industry experts. Satisfaction guaranteed — or the price of admission is on us.

Don’t miss the State Farm Main Stage presented by HGTV & furnished by IKEA, for live presentations from industry experts including HGTV’s hosts, Bryan Baeumler of Leave it to Bryan and Paul Lafrance of Decked Out.

Cultivate your gardening know-how with Canada’ top outdoor experts at the Garden Stage presented by Greenland Garden Centre. Learn how to make your garden grow and have the entire blog green with envy in no time.

SAVE $4

Let the pros guide you in the right direction!

Avoid decorating disaster and bring your photos and swatch samples to Ask a Decorator for free one-one-one design and colour consultations with some of Alberta’s top designers.

BUY TICKETS ONLINE PROMO CODE: RENOS

*OFF REGULAR ADULT ADMISSION

REGULAR ADMISSION: ADULTS $15.00 / SENIORS (60+) $12.00 SENIORS BEFORE 5PM (FRI) $6.00

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THURS 4 PM – 9 PM / FRI NOON – 9 PM SAT 10 AM – 9 PM / SUN 10 AM – 5 PM

CHILDREN (12 & UNDER) FREE HGTV is a trademark of Scripps Networks, LLC; used with permission.

EDMONTONHOMESHOW.COM

PRODUCED BY

editor’sNOTEBOOK

march - april 2013 Volume 11 Issue 2

vice President, wall2wall media

Jacqueline hill director oF sales, western canada

Josh heppner editor-in-cHieF

Susan legge editor/account executive

Nancy chemait 780.619.3241 account executives:

Spring is in the air…

Shelley Balla 587.784.4044 Jennifer mizier 780.217.6778 carolyn porteous 780.668.3570 art director

Sarah Jang Production manager

Bala Gnanapandithan

Spring is a great time for renovation and home improvement projects both inside and out. With the days getting warmer and the snow beginning to melt away, now is the perfect time to get started on those long awaited to-do lists. Whether it’s spring cleaning, organizing, or getting started on your dream backyard oasis, this issue is full of ideas, inspiration, and expert advice to guide you along the way.

On the cover this issue is custom deck builder Paul Lafrance. Best known for his hit HGTV shows Decked Out and Deck Wars, Paul has been at the top of the deck construction industry for 15 years. We caught up with the industry expert to chat about the important things to consider when creating your dream deck - see page 11 for all the details. Be sure to stop by the Home & Garden Show at the Edmonton Expo Centre March 21-24 for your chance to see and hear Paul in person.

This issue also marks the second installment of a new Series: Hallmarks of a Great Renovation. In the first chapter we saw a local Edmonton couple go through the initial planning and design phase of their renovation. In this second chapter the couple and their renovator enter the demolition phase – which not only exposes the home’s foundation, but a set of new obstacles to go along with it. See how the renovator comes up with a solution that leaves the couple delighted. Check out page 16 for all the details.

Home Décor & Renovations magazine is proud to announce the 2013 CHBA-ER Awards of Excellence in Housing finalists in the Renovation Category. See page 10 to read about the renovators that have been recognized as the best in the industry. The winners will be announced Saturday, March 16th, 2013 at the Awards of Excellence in Housing Gala at the Shaw Conference Centre. Congratulations to all the finalists!

Home Décor and Renovations is always free and is available across the Greater Edmonton Region at participating retailers and banks and in the Big Yellow Box. If you have any comments or a renovation story you would like to share please write us – we would love to hear from you.

Happy Renovating!

Production co-ordinator/ graPHic designer

mohammad haidarpour graPHic designer

caroline Wassef contributors

Usheda akbar-Shanks, Shell Busey, hellen Buttigieg, al Dueck Elisa Krovblit, Silvana longo, michael Nyikes, Yanic Simard, marie Soprovich Home Décor and Renovations magazine is published six times a year.

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

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

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

WE’rE liSTENiNG! send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!

Home décor and renovations pO Box 458 Station main Edmonton, alberta T5J 2K1 pUBliShED BY

nancy chemait EDiTOr nancy.chemait@wall2wallmedia.com 6 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

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

MAR - APR 2013 home dĂŠcor and renovations 7

BUSINESSPROFILE

GIENOW WINDOWS & DOORS

GIENOW WINDOWS & DOORS OFFERS COMPLETE INSTALLATION PACKAGE

by HEATHER RYAN

F

or more than 65 years Gienow has made its mark in designing and manufacturing outstanding windows and doors, so it’s not surprising that homeowners are turning to Gienow for their renovations.

Founded in 1947, Gienow Windows & Doors traditionally sold windows and doors to the home-building industry, to renovators and directly to the public, says Dallas Paquette, who is the Director of Gienow’s Retail and Corporate Service divisions.

“Recently, we’ve renewed our focus on renovations because we see a great opportunity as cities start to mature and homeowners are putting more money into renovating,” Paquette says.

“Sometimes they just need to replace their windows or doors and are looking for a company they have confidence in and understands their needs.

“Our long-term view is to provide a service to homeowners that adds value, so our philosophy is to take care of them through the complete process,” he says. “When doing a renovation with us customers don’t have to deal with going through a separate contractor,

supplier and manufacturer; it’s all us. This is valuable to homeowners because they know that if they have a question or concern they just have to make one phone call.

“We handle the entire job from designing and manufacturing of the product, to removing and taking away the old product, doing the installation and providing a warranty,” Paquette says. “Getting the product and installation directly from us is also a big cost benefit to the customer.”

And customers know that with Gienow’s 65-plus years of experience they’re getting quality products that are energy efficient, safe and designed to improve their home’s appearance and comfort.

Gienow also stands by its work, providing a 10-year warranty on the labour and a lifetime warranty on the product. As well, the installer goes through each project with the homeowner to fill out an onsite report on the renovation to ensure customer satisfaction.

A division of Gienow Windows & Doors, Gienow Renovations was launched in Edmonton three years ago and it’s been such tremendous success it’s now being offered in other western cities – Calgary, Kamloops, Kelowna, Saskatoon and Winnipeg.

Todd Swekla, Edmonton Branch Operations Manager, says they’ve handled the replacement and installation of windows and door in everything from single-family homes to multi-family complexes.

“We remove the existing product, prepare the opening, install the new product and we tie the new windows into the exterior,” Swekla says. “We also replace rotten sills during door installations, and we can install prefinished door slabs and provide the hardware, so it’s a full package – the homeowner doesn’t have to do a thing.”

The renovator can do any size job whether it’s one window or door or a complete home. Swekla notes one of the biggest jobs last year was to a home that included installation of 27 windows and five doors.

With spring around the corner it’s a good time to book your renovation project. For more information, visit gienow.com. For the Edmonton branch, call 780.454.RENO (7366).

8 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

Live Comfortably...

No matter what’s out there.

Gienow Windows & Doors has been providing quality windows and doors for more than 65 years. Call today for a free in-home consultation and find out how you too can live comfortably, no matter what’s out there.

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM AT: 9704 -12 AVENUE S.W., EDMONTON | 780.454.RENO(7366) | GIENOW.COM MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 9

FEATURE

Finalists for the

2013 AwArds Of excellence

in housing awards

SponSor Cobblestone Master Builder RN1 Best exteRioR ReNovatioN

Ackard Contractors Ltd.

Ramsay Heights Ackard Contractors Ltd.

Parkview North Aquarian renovations

Biander Gardens Residence Aquarian renovations

Grand Isle Residence Caliber Master Builder Ltd.

High Park The Canadian home Builders’ assoCiaTion – edmonTon region

(CHBA-ER) is pleased to announce the 2013 Awards of Excellence in Housing finalists in the following categories: Single-Family, Multi-Family, Renovation, Sales Centre, Advertising, Development, Leadership, Environmental, Builders Choice, Sales Volume, and Sales People.

The Awards of Excellence in Housing celebrates the creative design and craftsmanship of Edmonton Region builders and renovators, and recognizes excellence and professionalism in the field of sales and marketing within the home construction industry. Every year at this time, the industry honors the best of the best, and this year’s entries are no exception!

The Awards of Excellence is Housing represent our industry’s finest.

Awards are reflective of the hard work, dedication, and success of the members of the CHBA-ER. The association is proud to congratulate all of this year’s finalists. Please take the opportunity to visit the Home Parades taking place across the Edmonton Region, where finalists proudly display their 2013 finalist banners.

The winners in all categories will be announced Saturday, March 16th, 2013 at the Awards of Excellence in Housing Gala at the Shaw Conference Centre.

SponSor Gem Cabinets RN2 Best iNteRioR ReNovatioN

Ackard Contractors Ltd.

Ramsay Heights Ackard Contractors Ltd.

Parkview North Aquarian renovations

Laurier Heights Residence Aquarian renovations

Pleasant View Residence Caliber Master Builder Ltd.

High Park SponSor Habberjam Mechanical RN3 Best ReNovatioN uNdeR $125,000

Ackard Contractors Ltd.

Parkview East Ackard Contractors Ltd.

EvEry yEar at this timE, thE industry honors thE bEst of thE bEst, and this yEar’s EntriEs arE no ExcEption!

10 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

Parkview West Aquarian renovations

Glenora Residence Serenity Contracting & Design Inc.

Hubick Residence

coverstory

Designing a deck FINALISTS FOR THE for your backyard oasis 2013 AWARDS

OF EXCELLENCE IN HOUSING AWARDS by heather ryan

a

lthough winter is still lingering, spring really isn’t that far away so it’s a good time to begin planning how to make the most out of your outdoor space when warmer weather finally arrives.

Having a fabulous deck where you can

enjoy the sunshine, fire up the barbecue and kick back and relax with family and friends will likely be at the centre of your back yard plans.

So who better to ask about deck building than one of Canada’s experts in the field Paul Lafrance, creator, owner and CEO of Cutting MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 11

“...give more space to your kitchen with an oversized square island that can accommodate six to eight people.”

each individual deck design is something that is designed specifically for that homeowner... for that house

12 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

Edge Construction and Design, who has more than 15 years of experience in generating state-ofthe-art custom deck designs? He’s also the host of HGTV’s Decked Out and Deck Wars and will be in Edmonton for the Home + Garden Show, which runs March 21-24.

When it comes to deck design, Lafrance says he doesn’t go by trends. “There aren’t elements of design that are hot or cold for me. I would never design based on trends such as multiple levels, covered barbecue nooks or planters, to name

a few. While I love those features, my designs are all very personal to the homeowner. Each individual deck design is something that is designed specifically for that homeowner... for that house,” he says.

For instance, looking at one design element – exposure to the sun – “you can have the same house, with the same type of people, one yard faces north and the other south, those are two entirely different designs right there, as the sun will affect each yard in a different way.

Building a deck can take a lot of work so a skilled contractor can Be a huge asset. lafrance urges clients to do the research and get referrals when hiring a contractor Because if they sound too good to Be true, they often are.

“There are so many incredible new products out on the market that didn’t exist in years past, as more and more people are realizing the potential of their backyards,” Lafrance says. From water features and gas fire pits, to retractable awnings there are seemingly endless choices to personalize a backyard space.

However, he says the one item that stands out above the rest is lighting. “Lighting systems are making the outdoor living space something that you can enjoy all week long as opposed to the traditional daytime use on the weekend. It’s breaking those boundaries and allowing the space to take on an entirely different emotional feel.”

Based on his years of deck design experience, Lafrance has discovered “the number one most overlooked item is the one that’s hard to miss – the sun!”

When you’re designing you deck, and ultimately your outdoor space, consider whether you’re a sun person or a shade person?

“Most people want the option of both,” he says. “If shade elements aren’t incorporated, you can end up with a deck that you don’t want to go anywhere near when the temperature soars, during the season that you most want to be outside.”

His first piece of advice to homeowners it to consider having the deck designed by a professional, which his company does for clients across North America.

“Traditionally, the deck is seen as a box with a space for a barbecue and a table. I’m constantly amazed by what people accept as a deck, when the demands for design inside the house are so high. This is an important part of the house people! My philosophy is dream big, think outside the box, and dare to imagine the possibilities for your own patch of grass.”

This is something a professional can do, and he also suggests getting a 3D design, which “ensures the deck gives you the oasis you really want, as opposed to just a square box with the corners cut off. Check out my website for more on this (www.cuttingedgedesign.ca).”

When it comes time to actually build the deck, Lafrance says doing it yourself or having it professionally done depends entirely on the homeowner.

“If you are lucky enough to have the skills and the time to build your own deck, that’s a hugely rewarding thing. In reality, not everyone has the skill set it requires to build a deck on their own, and noble attempts can lead to disaster decks. Equally as often, homeowners who are deck savvy bite off more than they can chew when it comes to the amount of time a DIY deck takes to complete.”

Building a deck can take a lot of work so a skilled contractor can be a huge asset. Lafrance urges clients to do the research and get referrals when hiring a contractor because if they sound too good to be true, they often are.

“For me, whether you decide to build it yourself or if you hire a professional, what it really boils down to is the Design,” he says.

“If you create the same old square box design that’s been a standard on homes for years, that clearly has limited appeal. You want people to see your deck and say, ‘Wow you have completely transformed this space!’ It should end up being a retreat, not a boring space you need to be rescued from.”

Along with the design, you’ll also want to consider the materials you’ll use for the deck.

“Composite deck boards are the most popular material being used for deck building, simply because of the ultra low maintenance factor. Products such as pressure treated wood require a lot of maintenance, including MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 13

i love Being creative and designing, But the real pull for me is the aBility to create places of rest for people in a world that’s gone crazy.

14 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

frequent sanding and staining, and what may have started out as your retreat can very quickly turn into an ongoing stress that you never intended to take on. Composite is a worry-free product that can withstand the wear-and-tear of Mother Nature and a surplus of foot traffic.”

Lafrance is looking forward to his participation in the Edmonton Home + Garden Show and says when it comes to deck building for Edmontonians, “they are essentially in the same boat as we Torontonians.”

With both climates experiencing relatively long winters, he suggests incorporating an outdoor four season room could prove to be an invaluable addition.

A four-season room can be as simple as a small pathway to a 10-ft. by 10-ft. heated outdoor structure that would allow you to have a space where you could escape the house all year round even in the middle of January, Lafrance says. “By building these quiet spaces 20 feet from the backdoor, you can feel connected to your yard and de-stress no matter what the weather’s like.”

TIPSANDTRICKS

on

Putting things “away” out in the open is the latest kitchen fashion statement. Open shelving and countertop storage demand stylish jars and coordinated cannisters.

Opaque containers add pops of colour while clear glass allows you to showcase your ingredients.

e

tasteful displays

ur se ve

n

fo

e re th x si

fiv e

tw

o

by ELISA KROVBLIT

one ‘Sugar’ ‘Coffee’ & ‘Tea’ storage jars. $39.50 each. Visit chapters.indigo.ca. two Vintage Hungarian mason jars, amber $79-$139. Visit restorationhardware.com three Le Parfait jars .5L - 1.5L $7.95-$9.95. Visit crateandbarrel.com four Stainless steel canisters 20oz-58oz from $9.99. Visit canadiantire.ca five DROPPAR jars .9L-3.5L $4.99-$9.99. Visit ikea.ca six Le Creuset enameled stoneware canisters $65-$190.

Visit williams-sonoma.ca seven Antique-silver glass canisters 9-inch-14.5-inch from $77. Visit Potterybarn.ca MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 15

FEATURE

The hallmarks of a great renovation ParT 2

by Marie Soprovich in the previouS article you were introduced

to a family who decided it was time to do the renovation of a lifetime. It was a watershed moment in their lives where before the renovation would mark a certain time period just as after the renovation would too. The home was a 1970 era remake that had endured a serious fire before being reconstructed in the original footprint. The home was situated on a gem of a location with a huge lot, a spectacular view high on the riverbank of the North Saskatchewan, complete with a prince, princess and a moat that protected them from any pirates who might be sailing on the mighty North Saskatchewan River.

Demolition can be messy. There is also a great deal to be learned in the process of demolishing and the value of physical work is one of them.

Homeowners, Darren and Joyce created an agreement with their contractor, creating the opportunity to do some of the demolition work by themselves. They wanted to include their children

16

in the renovation process and in addition involving their children in designing their bedrooms and walkin closets’. Having the two young teens involved in the demolition was a very tangible and real way for them to make a contribution. So with a reasonable plan, a very large dumpster and under the watchful eye Mom and Dad, Sarah and Matti along with a few good family friends, dawned on safety goggles, a good pair of gloves, grabbed a pry bar and began to pop off baseboards, window casing, roll up carpet, take off doors and pull off some of the drywall.

Taking a house apart is akin to a seamstress who carefully takes apart a well-worn suit hoping to salvage the shape and bare treads upon which it can be rebuilt again.

The Aquarian team finished the demolition where the family team left off. The castle on the riverbank was being stripped down to the bare bones and secrets hidden in the foundational walls were about to be revealed. The nagging concern of a house with a partially unknown past that included fire damage would unnerve any homeowner or renovator. As imagined, the uncertainty with the concrete walls proved to be real and solutions were needed. With calmness and appropriate concern, the Aquarian team and the home owners examined the exposed scaling foundation and the implications of deterioration that was more than what a fire had caused. It became evident that this foundation had not only endured fire but several years of exposure to the elements of nature - and those years had not been particularity kind. This was a new revelation. The current home had been rebuilt on top of this weakened foundation wall and for the last thirty years, the concrete has done its best to provide a sturdy foundation, enduring a portion of the structural weight. With this renovation however, Joyce and Darren had hopes of removing the brick fireplace and centre wall on the main floor to create a more spacious floor plan and this foundation would need to bear significantly more weight than it currently was. These were new questions for the structural engineers and concrete specialists and based on this information, decisions had to be made.

The concrete strength was tested and was found to be satisfactory for the 25% load it was originally bearing – nothing more. In order to increase the capacity of this foundational wall the load bearing capacity would need to be increased by at least an additional 25%. More concrete and rebar could be a solution, as could a totally new foundation. Both of these solutions were expensive and could put the whole renovation into jeopardy. With some serious consideration for the structural need and budget constraints, the architectural design team and journeymen carpenters at Aquarian came up with a thoughtful solution that was practical, durable, met the weight need and the building code and was still cost effective. With meaningful explanation of how this solution worked, lead carpenter Jeremy Pasieka, communicated a solution and won the approval of homeowners. The decision was made to build a wood-framed load bearing foundational wall on the inside of the original foundation. The depth of the foundation on this walk-out basement would be doubled and more than the needed stability to the structure would be added. In addition to the increased structural value, this solution didn’t stretch the budget too far out of alignment and this was a win-win for everyone involved.

Keeping water out of the existing foundation, walls was also essential in ensuring the longevity of this concrete so with care and attention to detail, hairline cracks were filled, and waterproofing from the exterior was done along with added weeping tile and a sump pump. The basement was starting to feel snug and strong, and the homeowners took

a deep breath and were ready to take a look at the next creative construction solution Aquarian had for their basement. Heating ducts had hung low in the basement hallway and for years, tall friends needed to watch their heads in the family room. Plans had been made in the design phase to rework these ducts so that more headspace could be added to the hallway and family room. Using bulk heads on the outer perimeter of the ceiling and sinking the ducting into the floor space in the hallway delighted Joyce and Darren and the Aquarian team. The room felt bigger, the hallways were grander and the place was starting to really come together.

17

While this renovation was undergoing the foundational and basement discussions, the roof also needed to be reevaluated. The vaulted ceiling was now stripped and the walls obstructing the open floor plan were nearing removal.

The now exposed beam that spanned the house was not as solid or as sturdy as thought in preconstruction so replacing it with a steal beam became a topic of conversation and a real possibility. A total roof reconstruction was also put on the table as an option needing to be considered. Something had to be done as the current roof construction could not adequately distribute the weight on the outside walls without at minimum, a new beam spanning the opened rooms. After crunching these numbers and comparing the construction value of a totally new roof with that of a new steel beam and required reconstruction work, the solution revealed itself. For a few thousand dollars added on to the existing budget, the new roof became the clear solution for Joyce and Darren. “In the long run we could see this was a better solution. Jeremy explained to us that a new roof would create a clear span with a sturdy distribution of weight. It would also give us a roof with a higher pitch adding a few more inches in the height of the ceiling, room for added insulation, generous space for the pot lights we really wanted and most importantly, peace of mind knowing that the roof over our heads would be totally new and completely up to code. We were in.”

Because this home was on such a spacious piece of land, the Aquarian team was able to build the roof in the front yard and using a crane, hoist it onto the walls when it was ready.

The team got right at it and enjoyed the speed and additional safety that came along with building a roof so close to the ground. When the crane came to safely maneuver the roof into its new crowning position on top of the fortified new walls overlooking the stunning North Saskatchewan River, the crowds cheered wildly. You could almost hear the jousters the lords and ladies, but no one could be happier than Joyce and Darren and the Aquarian team. What a wonderful series of problem solving events had unfolded and now the remaining 18 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

series of events would be pretty standard for a renovation of this size and nature. Joyce said, “I was waiting for something bad to happen and it has been so smooth… nothing couldn’t be handled and made right… Everything was workable.”

Renovating one’s home with the feeling of living large is so important. The trick of the modern conscientious homeowner is being able to do this within the existing footprint and of course, within one’s budget. This is a trend that comes as good news to many homeowners and Joyce and Darren are a good example of how this can really work. They wanted to resize their floor space without adding to their footprint.

Embracing this idea and finding a renovation company that shares the dream, understands budget constraints, and values open honest communication was forefront and a hallmark of this great renovation. “Home is less about impressing others and more about making ourselves happy. We are homebodies.”

Darren states. (Although impressed friends are sure to follow just the same.) Darren and Joyce were willing to wait for what they wanted and their willingness to be mindful about their expectations and their unwavering willingness to work with their contractor for a common outcome was a tremendous joy for everyone involved.

In an email from Joyce and Darren, they sum up their experience thus far, “We just want you to know how pleased and happy we are to be working with Aquarian Renovations.

Our project is coming along great and we are thrilled with how everything is going. You have some phenomenal people employed who have been a pleasure to work with. ‘The craftsmanship and service have been excellent, communication has been great and the process has been….

Surprisingly easy, which frankly….we did not expect it to be.”

As this major renovation project passed the biggest hurdles of foundation and roof the rest of this reconstructive makeover would be routine. That was the plan… How would it turn out? Would the family be home for the holidays? …Stay tuned for part three and find out how this renovation was completed and where the family ended up for Christmas.

TIPSANDTRICKS

Goodbye winter, hello spring cleaning HD&R went to Molly Maid cleaning expert Amelia Mackie to find out best practices for a sparkling spring-ready home

by SILVANA LONGO

Q The spring cleaning list can be daunting for anyone to tackle, what would you say are the essential must-do cleaning tasks and which ones can be done at a later time or throughout the year?

The first must-do on the spring cleaning schedule would be to tackle inside the hall closets. Usually at this point, we are ready to put away our winter outerwear and switch them with our lighter spring jackets and coats. Take this opportunity to wipe off the shelves and floor before replacing your spring things. The closet floor can be covered in winter’s sand and salt and cobwebs may line the shelves.

Another area to address is windows and window treatments. Start by washing windows on the outside if possible, then inside. Don’t forget the window tracks. A handy tool to use is a small paint brush or a vacuum crevice tool. Finally, you can tackle the window treatments. If you have blinds or shutters, a quick tip is to use those old odd sports socks. Slip one on your hand and dust across the slats one by one, you can dampen the sock and remove any sticky smudges. Launder or dry clean any curtains or drapes, re-hang and voilà…Here Comes The Sun!

Put more rumpus in your rumpus room...

On approved credit. Rates and offer as of February 15, 2013 and can expire without notice. Variable rate based on ATB’s prime lending rate, which can fluctuate without notice. The Prime Rate on February 15, 2013 is 3.00%. Upon expiry of the promotional rate, the HELOC rate will revert back to the documented rate you qualified for at time of application. Maximum equity percentages will apply and are subject to any prior outstanding mortgage or other encumbrances. Some conditions, set up fees, and minimum amounts may apply. Residential properties only. See branch for further details. ™ Trademarks of Alberta Treasury Branches.

20 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

The foundation of our service is based on providing a deep clean, which cannot be achieved with clutter everywhere. We do recommend that clients clear their counters, floors, and furniture tops before we arrive. If clutter is a huge issue for a client, we recommend that they use bins and baskets to help contain the items which in turn allows for easier moving so we can then clean effectively.

Q How important is decluttering to ensure a quality cleaning job? Have you recommended professional organization services or provided them yourself to your clients prior to cleaning their home? What do you recommend homeowners do before you arrive for the most effective cleaning results?

Decluttering allows you to do a deep, thorough cleaning. If you do not declutter, you are simply limiting the areas that you can clean and are actually leaving dirt and dust behind.

Q What are your favourite cleaning tools and products and why?

My favourite cleaning tools would have to be microfibre cloths and an extendable handle duster. The cloths can be used wet or dry and in any room. They actually trap dirt and dust. They are great on mirrors and glass as they don’t leave any lint behind. The extendable duster can reach the cobwebs up high on ceilings where they gather over the winter. The duster also allows you to dust the baseboards without too much bending and stretching. It is a great tool for cobwebs and dust bunnies in tight spots like behind heavy cabinets and headboards.

My favourite product would be an all-purpose cleaner. Its name says it all…it can be used all over the house for many different surfaces. I recommend finding an environmentally friendly one that can be used on glass and mirrors.

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BUSINESSPROFILE

CUSTOM WALL-BEDS

Get some space!

figure exactly what you need. In fact, “for us, the biggest thing is to get our customers to handle the beds as soon as they walk into the showroom.” The lifting mechanism is guaranteed to be feather light. That means no matter GIVES EDMONTONIANS MORE who has to operate the bed, whether BREATHING — AND SLEEPING — ROOM it’s a senior or a younger child, it can be operated easily. ou’d be hard pressed to watch Once you navigate your way around In the past, they’ve also done a stable, the news or eavesdrop on a a caboose, oil sites and birthing rooms the showroom, pulling out different conversation without hearing hidden beds, Wall-Beds Alberta takes in hospitals. The opportunities are the words “more space”. It seems the time to discuss materials for the only as endless as your needs. The like everyone — in one way, shape cabinetry and beds. Their unique list goes on. or form — is looking for either room custom cabinetry is available in a Wall-Beds Alberta is happy to help to expand or a better way to utilize multitude of wood products, as well solve any of your space problems. the space they have. as textured lacquer finishes. Wall-Beds But how do you know what to ask for?

That’s exactly what long-time Alberta can also custom match wood Where do you start? Nagel explains, Edmonton family business, Wall-Beds and lacquer finishes, depending on “Some people have an idea of what Alberta, offers residents and the color needs of their clients. they’re looking for. And some don’t businesses in the Greater Edmonton Wall-Beds Alberta provides all realize, to borrow a term, we offer the Area: a way to better use their space the designs, including an onsite full meal deal.” That means custom without compromising on taste. beds, cabinetry, hardware… the works. consultation right in your home, They’re Alberta’s leading wall-bed or and builds all the custom cabinetry Wall-Beds Alberta treats wall bed Murphy Bed manufacturer — they in their shop in Calgary. By newbies and veterans the same way: were established in 1989 — and they manufacturing their own beds and they walk you through the process and have a proven track record for cabinetry, they can guarantee the designing and manufacturing wall beds high quality of their product. It also that fit every room and every style. means they can get creative.

Owner Jo Nagel says Wall-Beds Murphy Beds are available in single Alberta can customize any room to (twin), double (full) and queen size. be multi-functional. “Our business is Whereas in the past the beds could all about the better utilization of space. only accommodate 10” mattresses, Just think, once the bed is off the they can now accommodate a thicker, floor, you now have all that room for higher-quality 13” foam or coil mattress, sewing areas, home offices, exercise while maintaining the same quality machines and for playrooms for kids.” as before. The beds can also be constructed as horizontal or vertical pulldowns. That means that no matter the room configuration, room size or ceiling height, the beds can be installed.

Wall-Beds Alberta

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To try a Murphy bed out yourself — and get some space — head down to their showroom at Bay 18, 3908 97 Street, Edmonton, and they’ll open your eyes to your space-saving possibilities. If you can’t wait to talk to them, give them a call at 780.490.1818 or visit their robust website at www.custommurphybeds.com.

22

OUTDOOR LIVING MARCH - APRIL 2013

WATER FEATURE

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design is a welcome addition to a property’s overall appeal. The soothing sights and sound of running water are calming and can also mask unwanted noise such as nearby traffic or neighbors. Water features of all kinds attract birds and other wildlife that are enjoyable to observe. By adding plants, decorative rock or a custom koi pond to the water feature, you can create the illusion that you are off somewhere in “nature” while sitting in the comfort of your own backyard.

decisions, decisions, decisions Decide on the type of water feature. Ponds set into the ground, waterfalls, streams, large bubbler rocks – the choices are endless. You also have to choose the style of the feature, which ranges from completely natural looking, made with native materials, to highly formal. When you see a design you like, take a picture or clip it out and build a file for future reference. What suits one gardener’s tastes may be unappealing or impractical for others. However, one thing is for certain – all water features will add beauty and movement to your landscape. Consider why you want to have a water feature and what’s most important to you. Is it simply to enjoy the beautiful sights and calming sounds? Does the prospect of growing plants in water intrigue you? Is a set of bubbler rocks on the frontyard your ideal? Having a clear picture in your head (and on paper) of what you hope to achieve will go a long way toward making sure it becomes a reality. Calling a qualified landscaping professional for some advice is a great place to start.

24 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

Study your space carefully and consult with your landscaping professional to determine the best place to situate your water feature. If possible, pick a location which can be viewed not only from your yard, but from the inside of your house too, such as near the kitchen window or deck. After all, if you’re going to the trouble of adding a water feature, you might as well have multiple opportunities to enjoy it. A qualified landscaping professional should have a photo album or a website, so you can easily view other projects and water features that have designed and constructed.

By taking some of this advice into consideration, the process of achieving the “yard of your dreams” will be easier. A quality outdoor living space will not only make you the envy of the neighborhood and be a welcome sanctuary for your family, children and pets for years to come, it will also increase the value of your home.

It is important to hire a landscaping contractor who has extensive experience in the industry, and is a full service landscaping company.

Shane’s Landscaping & Contracting ltd. specializes in residential, estate and acreage landscape construction.

From patios to water features, driveways, retaining walls, lighting, walkways, fences, irrigation, garden beds, boulders, barbecue, fire pits and the new synthetics grasses, we can help make your landscaping beautiful. Planning your landscaping is an exciting time and we are here to help. Our team of friendly knowledgeable and hardworking staff can make your landscaping dream a reality. Call us now for a consultation.

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outdoor living

dECK & PAtio

extend your living space

outdoor living iS PArt oF

today’s lifestyle, and many homeowners are turning their outdoor areas into attractive and relaxing extensions of their homes during the warmer months of the year. This can be as simple as a sitting area for the family, or include a combination of decks, patios, walkways, gazebos, gardens, pools, ponds and fountains.

When planning a deck or a patio, professional renovators can offer valuable advice to help you get the most out of your property and your budget. be creative. The sky’s the limit when it comes to design. Explore ideas, browse through magazines and look at what other homeowners have done.

Discuss your plans with a professional renovator, and ask for suggestions on design, materials and details. be realistic about siZe. How do you see yourself living on your deck or patio? Do you need a cooking and eating area? Will you be entertaining? How much furniture do you plan to put there?

Stake out the space you think you need.

Will everything fit in comfortably? Don’t scrimp on size-adding a few extra feet is less expensive at the planning stage than later. be aware of sun, shade and wind. If the deck or patio will be bathed in sun the entire day, you may want to create a shaded area. Consider awnings, lattice walls, roof structures covered with plants or fabric there are many options to suit any style and budget. Or think about planting a tree for shade. Don’t forget to check the prevailing wind - you may also wish to build a windscreen. add in light and water. If you plan to spend evenings outside or are concerned about security, make sure your plans include outdoor lighting fixtures as well as electrical outlets.

Install an outdoor faucet for easy watering of flowers and shrubs.

continued on Page 28…

26 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

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outdoor living

Plan for storage. Will you be able to put things away easily and conveniently? If not, consider builtin benches with storage room, or an adjacent shed. look for easy maintenance and longevity. You want to spend your time enjoying your outdoor living space, not maintaining it. A professional renovator can advise you on the best construction methods, materials and finishes to protect your investment and your leisure time. eliminate Potential Problems. Experienced renovators can explain how to avoid any structural problems that could arise from attaching a deck to your house. For instance, it is important to prevent water penetration where the two are joined, or you could face moisture problems and rot later on. know the regulations. You, or your renovator, need to check with your municipality on regulations that could affect how you design and use your outdoor living space. For instance, how close can you build to property lines?

Will you need a railing for your deck? If you need a building permit, make sure to get it before any work begins. integrate your outside sPaces into an overall design. Depending on the size of your lot, you may want to develop a number of different “areas” on your property - flower beds and a vegetable garden, a gazebo or private sitting areas, a fountain, a pond or a pool. You may also want play areas for children, a clothesline and storage areas for tools, toys and bicycles.

Even if you don’t do all the work at one time, develop an overall plan. Map out traffic flow and walkways from one area to another. Consider fencing for privacy, safety and looks. Think about plants, shrubs and trees for the long term - how large will everything grow in 10 years, and how will that affect space and sun patterns?

28 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

On a small lot, you can blend many different areas together with the right choice of materials and colours. There is a wide range of new materials on the market for walkways, patios, decks, fencing and more. Ask your renovator for information.

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feature

kitchen

trends

by Yanic Simard

30 home dĂŠcor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

applianceS As technology advances, one of the most dramatic changes we can see to the modern kitchen is the incredible number of options available for custom and unique range hoods. I love the clean look of pieces such as the Thermador Masterpiece series — when the hood is this beautiful and simple, there’s no need to hide it.

Home kitchens are getting more and more like a real chef’s headquarters every day, with restaurant staples such as warming drawers and wine refrigerators popping up everywhere. Microwaves are moving to under the counter, often using a drawer instead of a door to make lifting hot items in and out more convenient. Many companies even make built-in automated coffee machines to get as much clutter off your surfaces as possible—no barista required!

Aquabrass makes a great user-friendly version of a potfiller faucet, called the Zest, which gives you the pull-out multi-functionality of an industrial fixture with a stylish and elegant look appropriate for an inviting kitchen. counterS While we’ve recently seen total integration of cupboards and appliances into one perfectly clean line, a new trend emerging is the return to a more furniturebased look, rather than minimal built-ins.

By this I mean you can find little details creeping in that let kitchen cabinets — and especially islands — feel more like stand-alone pieces than part of a continuous set. For example, while most kitchens have the lower cabinets raised off the floor enough to create a toe space, now designers are adding traditional feet to the corners of each section, echoing the look of an elegant vanity. At the same time, ending the countertops flush with the face of the cupboard allows those two elements to merge into a furniture unit, rather than looking like the cabinets and counter are unrelated. At my design studio, we’ve been loving the use of mixed materials for the countertops, pairing quartz and marble to let distinct areas have their own identity. I love working with Marble Trend and Caesarstone — mixing calacatta oro with grey quartz produces a beautiful look, and of course, there is also an infinite array of other possible combinations.

Flooring An ongoing trend in both open and closed plan homes, playing against the more furniture-like counters, is a unification of flooring types throughout the space. Running continuous wood flooring from your dining room throughout allows the kitchen to feel less like a separate work space, and more like part of the larger environment. It also avoids unsightly joints between wood and tile, which are often less than ideal.

Hardwood or engineered wood may not be quite as durable as tile when facing dropped pots and pans, but the right selection mixed with a little care can yield a more elegant and comfortable floor for the chef of the house to stand on. In the photo above, you’ll see Brushed Oak Luxe Ravensdale from Kentwood — I loved it for this home and it can fit into virtually any style of kitchen, from traditional to minimal. If you do prefer an even softer look, many people are finding an elegant runner rug (much longer than it is wide), following the line of the cabinetry, can add a pleasant visual break to the floor, and be cleaned or replaced in the event of a catastrophic spaghetti spill. This classic Scandinavian style can warm up your space visually, and you can switch out your rug later to get a punch of new colour. lighting Borrowing from art galleries and museums, some recent lighting trends have focused on making the light sources disappear, so the sparkling surfaces can have all the attention. Traditional style pot lights for the ceiling are nothing new for kitchens—they are very practical sources of direct light for cooking and suit the tasks well, however, new shadow box style pot lights seem to be becoming more popular with their modern style. Lately, many such lights can be found recessed into tiny alcoves in the ceiling, which allows a slightly more extended fixture to angle the light to hit more specific targets. This creates a sophisticated look, and MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 31

time. Your beautiful dishes and glassware have been hidden away for too long!) Look to SieMatic, and especially their BeauxArts.02 collection, to put a little metal in your mix.

mo - Designed by Anna Torfs. $500

BEAUTIFUL GLASS BOWLS, VASES AND SCULPTURES CAN BE EASILY MIXED INTO AN EXISTING KITCHEN SPACE, AND SINCE LEAFY TONES ARE AROUND US ALL THE TIME IN NATURE, WE ARE INSTINCTIVELY TUNED TO LIKE GREENS WITH ALMOST ANY COLOUR SCHEME. lets you avoid unsightly track lighting. Creating much larger recessed areas over the kitchen island is another popular trend, as this helps define the area as a special gathering place—which is fitting, as despite our plans this is so often where the real party happens! Of course, since the kitchen is such a celebrated space, it also deserves some statement lighting of its own, and many homeowners are electing for grander pieces rather than modest pendants. While your hidden lamps are doing a lot of the work, a brilliant chandelier over your island again helps to define this as a central space, and keeps the room from feeling too strictly functional. colour My absolute favourite colour of the year, which you can find popping up in designs of every taste and budget, is not just a colour but a precious stone: emerald. As a wall colour in paint or paper, rich jewel greens add a layer of depth and drama to a space, but also allow other lighter colours to breathe —it can be the focus, or a near-neutral backdrop, depending on the shade. Beautiful glass bowls, vases and sculptures can be easily mixed into an existing kitchen space, and since leafy tones are around us all the time in nature, we are instinctively tuned to like greens with almost any colour scheme. Drop by Avenue Road to see their selection of great home accessories (as well as furniture) —I find exciting new things every time I go.

Another trend I’m loving is not just any colour, but actually chrome!

Now I know you have probably heard of chrome for appliances, even backsplashes —this is a timeless look. However, lately designers have been applying touches of silvery glamour to the kitchen cabinetry, like the one shown here from adding to the gallery display case aesthetic.

Stainless steel complements the cool emerald shades wonderfully, and frames the view through your cabinet windows like an elegant piece of art. (By the way, if you don’t have any windowed cabinets, now is the 32 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

BacKSplaSheS Kitchen backsplashes tend to fall into one of two categories: timeless, neutral looks, or very personal style statements.

Having your backsplash retiled isn’t something you do every day, so you need to absolutely love it. A style I’ve found recently is the beautiful diamond “pillow” tile from Deco-Tile. It creates a quilted effect, mixing the soft curves of an elegant sofa with the durability of tile. At the opposite end, companies like SieMatic are creating backsplash “systems” that transform the space into either multi-functional shelves, cupboards, or racks, so you get the most usability out of your space while maintaining a beautiful, built-in look.

YaNIC SIMarD is the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group.

Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Simard often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination design techniques in developing unique designs. Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and has appeared as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. For more information visit tidg.ca.

www.thearearuggallery.com 780.483.1992 17834-106 Avenue A well placed area rug creates warmth, colour and texture. Be selective in sizing your rug, size and colour are equally important.

Try to define a specific area by incorporating most or all of your furniture in the space.

These standard sizes will help when measuring:

4 x 6 I 5 x 8 I 6’6 x 9’6 I 8 x 11 I 9 x 12

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Edmonton renovations Home improvement & Design reaches more qualified readers than any other home improvement publication. Our readers are looking for project ideas and connections to professionals that specialize in home improvement, design and construction. Within our colourful, informative format, we can highlight your business, product or service in the best possible way: with creative advertising and/ or informative articles and profiles. it’s the best way to get your business the valuable exposure it needs!

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FEATURE

Refenestration:

THE “SECOND CHANCE” TO GET IT RIGHT

by AL DUECK

PRESIDENT, DUXTON WINDOWS & DOORS

IT MAY COME AS A SURPRISE BUT THE ODDS ARE THAT THE TYPICAL

homeowner has bought their windows and doors with very little input into their details. For the most part, first or second time home buyers of new homes have accepted the builder’s window. When they sell their home, the new purchaser settles with whatever that home happens to have in place. Yet some of the most sophisticated builders such as Peter Amerongen of Habitat Studios/ Riverdale Net Zero feel quite differently, “Windows become one of the most important elements of the building envelope – helping to shape its energy efficiency, its lively breath of light and passive heat and fresh air.” There are, in fact, many considerations to help a serious buyer make their home more comfortable, energy efficient, and ultimately increase its value.

CHOOSING A WINDOW BRAND AND INSTALLER Replacing windows and doors is done infrequently and would ideally be done with some thoughtful pursuit of a brand that fits your aesthetic and performance goals. The company should also be committed in the long run, as replacements are often done in stages over several years. A company with Energy Star qualified products represents a level of testing and performance verification within Fenestration Canada terms of reference.

Equally, finding an installer who is trained, knowledgeable and committed to your satisfaction is very important. Notes David Smeding of Shield Contracting,

“Full frame window replacements are more typical. A commitment to detail on our behalf is critical to proper weather sealing and customer satisfaction during the installation.”

FRESH, THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATIONS FROM INDUSTRY LEADERS There are broad influences coming from LEED and Passiv House design influencing the amount of visible light, access to fresh air, and the OVERALL U value of the frame and insulating glass. Visible light transmission is a trade off when adding layers of glass and variations of “low emissivity” coatings, leading to more thoughtful application of glass types. While fixed windows are less costly, a modest added investment will ensure properly located venting fenestration, and allow cross ventilation – sliding doors, tilt n turn windows or operating sidelites.

WINDOW FRAMES THAT MEET YOUR DURABILITY GOALS The owners’ budget will impact the window decision but there are definitely differences in quality and life expectancy as in most things. Many people start with pre-finished and low maintenance frames as the basic starting point. However, ever larger glazing assemblies are being used in replacements and in home additions, requiring an even closer examination of the window manufacturer’s capabilities.

The strength of the frame becomes essential to holding the weight of the glass over time.

34

Life expectancy of the windows should also be a factor, as windows tend to be a large investment for a home and it would be preferable to delay another replacement as long as possible. For a given frame material and different manufacturers, life expectancy can vary somewhat, and amongst differing materials there can be large variations. An independent researcher from UBC has found that fiberglass windows are expected to last on average 38% longer than vinyl windows. This is partly due to the fact that fiberglass expands and contracts 7 times less when compared to vinyl. Higher quality insulating glass with a warm edge will also contribute to longevity, while reducing edge condensation, offering a limited 20 year warranty.

AESTHETIC FEATURES A basic white exterior and interior has been a common starting point for years but has broadened a GREAT deal in the past 10 years. Take the time to understand the key elements that influence the curb appeal of your property (considering permanent features such as brick or new roof) and whether there is a particular window frame color that will be complementary. Light colored frames against light stucco finish can create a very bland appearance.

Interiors similarly need a thoughtful touch as there can be customization, even room by room. Kitchens and bathrooms may be best suited to

materials that can withstand high humidity. There may also be areas where exceptional door or window finishes can become real features, framing amazing views.

CARDINAL GLASS

INSULATING GLASS THAT PROVIDES COMFORT TO YOUR HOME A certain number of window sellers or

FENESTRATION CANADA

retailers are quite eager to simply close the deal with “low e” glass, regardless of your needs. However, it is very clear that increasing the R-value of your glass by up-grading to triple pane (as little as 3 - 5% higher cost) can have a great impact on your comfort level, never mind reduce heating bills and condensation/frost. A closer look (ask for performance charts) and a more informed decision with “low e” glass allows you to increase or reduce solar gain (typically shown as Solar Heat Gain Coefficient, SHGC) depending on the orientation/elevation of the wall in question.

cardinalcorp.com DUXTON WINDOWS & DOORS

duxtonwindows.com fenestrationcanada.ca ENERGY STAR CANADA

energystar.gov SOUTHWALL GLASS

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This “second chance” to up-grade windows and doors can greatly improve the appearance of the property (inside and out), increase the energy efficiency (summer and winter) with reduced cooling and heating costs, add more comfort with fresh air and fewer cold drafts, and even add greater security with multi point locking on doors!

MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 35

tiPSandtRiCKS

The impact of stuff

by HELLEN BUTTIGIEG

EVERYTHING AROUND YOU HAS AN

impact on you whether you realize it or not. When you create and develop your décor, you are trying to set the tone of the room – give it a certain look and feel. You take time to include pieces you like and enjoy, whether they are part of the design or part of the function of the room. But other pieces make their way into your space, even though they may not belong there or may be there for the wrong reasons. By organizing, de-cluttering and streamlining, you can make sure your environment has the right effect!

Is clutter getting you down?

Surrounding ourselves with items that mean something to us brings pleasure. And then there’s all the other stuff. Often when we feel down but can’t figure out why, it could be the clutter. Even if it’s stuffed in the back of the closet, the basement or the garage, you know it’s there.

Every item holds a vibrational energy; if you’ve buried sad reminders of disappointments from your past, know that as long as you keep these emotionally toxic things in your space, they are still haunting you. Break free from the past and make space for new opportunities to come into your life. If it’s in storage and bringing you sorrow, now is a great time to let it go. Out with the old, in with the new!

Eliminate your clutter hot spots We all have certain spots in our homes that have become magnets for clutter, usually because they provide a convenient, empty, flat surface to pile things on. Walk around your home to determine where the clutter hot spots are, then remove the clutter (toss it in a box or laundry basket for now) and put something beautiful in its place, like a vase or a sculpture. If it’s the dining room table, set it as if you were having a dinner party. This will deter you from using it as a drop zone. Walk around your home with the box you tossed everything into and deposit these items where they belong, either in the garbage or recycle box or stored elsewhere in your house. If they don’t have a proper home, create one.

sUrrOUndinG OUrselVes WiTH iTems THaT mean sOmeTHinG TO Us BrinGs PleasUre. and THen THere’s all THe OTHer sTUff. OfTen WHen We feel dOWn BUT Can’T fiGUre OUT WHy, iT COUld Be THe ClUTTer. 36 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

Detaching from sentimental attachment Things that have a story attached to them are often difficult to let go of because of the sentimental attachment.

Keep in mind that the item is not the memory; it simply triggers the memory.

It may be beneficial to take a picture of the item and put it in a scrapbook or photo album with a short note telling its story. That way, the memory is preserved without taking up as much space. Another option is to pass along the items to a family member who could put them to good use.

Daily de-clutter habit.

You brush your teeth every day. You shower every day. Why not de-clutter every day too? Make it a habit, just like the examples I gave, and it will become second-nature. Throughout the day, when you pull something out, take a moment to put it back when you are finished with it. At the end of the day, take a couple of minutes to do a “clean sweep” of your home and put away anything that is out of place. Keep a sticky note somewhere on your way to your bedroom to remind you for the first little while. After doing it for a month, you can take the note down because it will become a habit – one that will serve you beautifully for the rest of your life. This simple practice can help you cut down on clutter without taking a lot of time and effort.

KeeP a sTiCKy nOTe sOmeWHere On yOUr Way TO yOUr BedrOOm TO remind yOU fOr THe firsT liTTle WHile

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Hellen Buttigieg Hellen Buttigieg, CPO, is a Certified Professional Organizer, life coach, TV host, author and owner of We Organize U. Visit her website, weorganizeu.com, for a free e-Book on how to find more time, energy and inner peace. Contact Hellen at 905.829.2219 or info@weorganizeu.com

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MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 37

FEATURE

Historic inspiration

for spring 2013

by Usheda akbar-shanks

every season has its nUances and inflUences. Spring 2013 has almost sprung, and I

am already excited and inspired by the potential for change! Like throwing away a well worn, old coat it is necessary to embrace what is new and intuitively channel what works for a specific client.

Historic colour palettes: Neapolitan ice cream & rainbow bubblegum This spring, hot colours span the rainbow for sure, however, the effect is calming with a more subtle and ‘subdued’ kick. The yellows are lemons, greens are pistachio and jade, reds are raspberry and pink lemonade, blacks are reflected in various shades of grey and...beige has blended into a many splendored Neapolitan of creams, chocolates and pinks.

For spring this year the colours are paler, yet more complex and interesting. As mentioned above, the colours are not as heavy, but are balanced by embroidery, shiny threads, and prints. For those of us with more sophisticated taste, the spring palette of patterns is grounded by uniform colour, creating a complexity in form and engaging the mind and the eye repeatedly.

Elevate your senses Look no further than a Shakespeare movie to elevate the senses. As kings and queens rule over their subjects, where everything is prim and proper. More importantly from an Interior design perspective, no luxury is spared. The saying goes that “Your home is your castle”, so go ahead and live like a King or a Queen! I think it is fundamentally important to hope and to dream. When you look out the window, do you see mud or do you see stars? Is your glass half empty or half full? My point is that, it is not so important where you start, but where you finish. It is not what you own, but how you live that matters.

The Historic theme is very easy and fun, because it encompasses a lot of shiny nuances like ribbons, gilded threads, and shiny fabrics. As mentioned above, choose fresh, vibrant yet subdued colours to create an aura of freshness and elegance.

All At once, GlobAl inspirAtion brinGs to mind eArthy connotAtions, mAnifestinG itself in orGAnicAlly crAfted ArtifActs, of strAw, nAturAl wood, cottons And fur.

Earthy elements, historic comfort Luxuriousness of Classic Design has to be balanced and tempered with Contemporary trends, or it will appear utterly boring! From the velvet ribbons and delicate laces of Elizabethan times, silks and brocades, tweeds and cable knits, luxurious Egyptian cotton, African woven straw, and Arctic furs....we scan the globe for inspiration. All at once, Global inspiration brings to mind earthy connotations, manifesting itself in organically crafted artifacts, of straw, natural wood, cottons and fur. This harnessing of organic elements is crucial to the successful melding of Historic influences in the modern palette.

38

39

the yeAr is still fresh And new, with the eternAl promise of Good thinGs to come! stArt At home by creAtinG And re-creAtinG your personAl spAce, while not forGettinG to Add some pieces of historicAl interest.

But, Please choose carefully! Too much of a good thing happens all the time.

Balance the earthy with the historic for a wonderful combination, reflective of the Worldly Traveler and Educated Historian. No room is complete without a few velvet cushions, gilded lamps, and fur throws. Did I forget to mention a stack of quality books, preferably on Interior Design! It is crucial, not to forget to add that important layer of whimsical playfulness! Remember your Inner Child when designing, as it speaks to your playfulness and creativity.

Playfulness and creativity To take this one step further, is your Inner Child rebellious, defiant, happy, cool , calm and collected? Did you know that your Psychological makeup is connected to the appearance of your space? It is what makes us unique and should be nurtured and treasured. Like Neapolitan Ice cream and bubblegum, the element of playfulness should not be ignored. Set yourself free to dream, create and design.

By all means have open discussions with your personal Design expert about your style. It is sometimes a long shot to know what makes you tick from a designing perspective. More and more, it is becoming evident to people that the luxury of dictating the tone and feel of your personal space is readily accessible to all. From the click of a television button, to the showcase of show homes in your neighborhood, free advice is everywhere.

to magical times, when life was more innocent, sexuality more restrained and social graces more in vogue. Historical influences can tame the wild beast in us all. When all the 'noise' is restrained life becomes much calmer. When people become calmer, their focus becomes much stronger. This 'Focus" is what makes for incredible Interior Design, where ideas and ideals flow freely. The creative muse is set free and the song and dance of Architecture can take hold!

Overall, the spring rush brings with it new fortitude. The year is still fresh and new, with the eternal promise of good things to come! Start at home by creating and re-creating your personal space, while not forgetting to add some pieces of historical interest.

Rule of three!

In spite of all the free choice out there, it is still important to follow the rules. Again, your ability to do this effectively may be directly dependent upon your defiant little, inner child! All jokes aside, it is easier to follow some rough parameters, (the tried and true) rather than try to re-invent the wheel. When decorating for yourself, remember the rule of three. Cap items of a similar genre to a maximum of three.

Anything more and your room will look like a store. If you have no more than three different/coordinating colours in a room then you need to layer in more options.

Complex layers bring a wealth of excitement to your palette and add much needed comfort to your room. Too few options leaves a stark and stiff feeling to a room.

Architectural music Historical influences are ever present today. The most popular television shows and movies are set in Historical genres. From the Hobbit to Lincoln, the Historical and magical aspect of the internal and external surroundings beckon us very easily.

Historical artwork and paintings open up new worlds for us. They transport the mind 40 home dĂŠcor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

Usheda akbar-shanks b.a. sociology, Urban stUdies and design Freelance Writer, Intuitive Designer

phone 780.484.3664 edmonton, Ab. e-mail ushanks@shaw.ca

tipsandtricks

Renovating with confidence

select a Renomark member Renovating youR home should be a positive

experience, enjoyable, free from worry and stress. It is a watershed time in your life where you talk about your house in terms of “before the renovation” and “after the renovation”. Yes, there will also be those times during the renovation when things will get dusty and your dream home will feature a very “torn apart” look but hold fast, do not worry… out of the dust your trusted renovator will create your beautiful new dream kitchen, ensuite , second story addition or total house make over. As quickly as the first baseboard was popped off at the beginning of the renovation, the last dab of paint and the last polish of the granite will end your renovation and you and your dreams for your newly renovated living space will start to unfold.

Your dream for a professionally renovated home should never be left up to chance. In 2001, the RenoMark program was created to help home owners to quickly and easily find professional contractors. The popularity of this program has spread across Canada and currently has associations in eight provinces. Member of the RenoMark program have all agreed to a Code of Ethics that is set out by their local association as well as the national Code of Conduct. In Edmonton, RenoMark identifies those renovators who have agreed to CHBA– Edmonton Region’s code of Ethics as well as a renovationspecific code of conduct. They offer a minimum of a two-year warranty on all work and carry a minimum of $2,000,000 liability insurance. An equally distinguishing feature of all RenoMark members is the commitment to provide a detailed, written contract including the scope of work for all jobs. Trust is very important and backing up that trusting feeling with a written, dated and signed contract is the best way to protect everyone involved. To find a professional renovator in your area visit www.renomark.ca and customize your search for

the Edmonton area. The RenoMark website is easy to read and provides you with a list of renovators working in your area along with contact information and a link to their website. This information will help you save time and money by directing you to qualified renovators who will get the job done right the first time. Once you have short listed your potential renovators you can follow through on finding just the right company to work with your situation.

It is also worth noting that as with many aspects of home improvement, you get what you pay for – a renovator who may charge more but has solid experience and a sterling reputation is generally worth the extra cost. Don’t hire based on the lowest estimate alone.

A renovation can breathe new life back into your home and your living experience. A renovation is a big investment of money, time and energy. Hiring a reputable renovator will save you in quality, bottom line and even more importantly, peace of mind. Renovate with confidence and check out RenoMark Edmonton today!

RenomaRk edmonton – www.RenomaRk.ca The program identifies those renovation contractors who have agreed to CHBa – Edmonton Region’s code of ethics, as well as a renovationspecific code of conduct, they provide warranties, understand the value of customer service, and continually educate themselves regarding current trends, materials and regulations.

MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 41

tipsandtricks

Shell BuSey: aSk a pRo

The facts about polybutylene pipe

by Shell BuSey

Recently we have Received

several inquiries to our office from homeowners who are concerned with potential issues arising due to their Polybutylene pipes and fittings.

Polybutylene plastic pipe or Poly-B for short, was installed in homes built between 1978 and 1995. It was used for hot and cold supply piping in homes.

Poly-B plumbing and heating systems include polybutylene plastic pipe connected with acetal plastic insert fittings. Polybutylene plastic pipe is usually gray and occasionally black. The acetal plastic insert fittings are usually gray and occasionally white. The fittings are usually held in place with a metal crimp ring on the outside of the pipe.

However, Poly-B has attracted considerable attention over the years because of concerns with its potential

to leak. The claim is that Polybutylene pipes and fittings may deteriorate when exposed to hot water and high chlorine residuals in water. However, there appears to be a relatively low incidence rate of failures, most of which have been attributed to poor installation.

If your Poly-B piping is only distributing your domestic hot and cold water throughout your home you should have little to no concern with any potential issues. In this case, I always suggest turning the water temperature down to 130F on the hot water tank.

Consumers concerned about whether or not they have Poly-B pipe in their homes should do the following:

Determine when your home was built. If it was before 1974 and no major plumbing renovations were made, this issue does not apply to you.

Step 1

Determine whether your home has circulating hot water heating. If you have a forced air system or electric baseboard heating, this situation likely does not apply to you.

Step 2

In an unfinished area of your home where there are exposed water pipes, look for flexible, grey-colored plastic pipe or tubing. The areas to search in your home include: - Basement: connected to a water meter or to a hot water heater (Note: Poly-B pipe should not be connected directly to a hot water heater.

- Bathrooms: connections beneath the lavatory sink and to the water closet - Kitchen: beneath the sink note: There may be copper piping in some areas and Poly-B pipe in others.

Step 3

42 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

Step 4 Check to see if the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) mark and CSA standard number “B 137.8” is on the pipe. The following marking should also be on the piping: - piping manufacturer identification - material designation “PB2110” - nominal size and “SDR 11” - pressure rating “690 kPa @ 82°C or 100 psi @180°F” - date code - the word “POTABLE” (to indicate suitability for use in potable water supply)

The National Building Code of Canada requires Poly-B pipe used in residential construction to meet the requirements of CSA standard CAN/CSA B137.8, Polybutylene Piping for Pressure Applications. Poly-B piping certified to these requirements may bear the CSA mark, or the mark of another accredited certification organization.

If you have a hydronic heating system in your home using Poly-B, please contact a hydronic hot water heating specialist and have them assess your system by doing water tests within your system and they will advise you on the next steps to take. note: It is very important to have a hydronic heating specialist to address any concerns with these systems For more information about requirements for and use of Poly-B products, a CSA consumer fact sheet can be found by going to the CSA website www.csa.ca.

For more home improvement information, to send Shell an email, or to watch Shell’s askShell webcast go to www.askShell.com

POLYBUTYLEnE PLaSTIC PIPE OR POLY-B FOR SHORT, WaS InSTaLLEd In HOMES BUILT BETWEEn 1978 and 1995. IT WaS USEd FOR HOT and COLd SUPPLY PIPInG In HOMES

Shell BuSey For more home improvement tips, sign-up to receive Shell’s online House Smart newsletter at www.thehouseSmart.com

HouseSmart Home Services Referral Network

From A-Z, Your Home Improvement Resource

IT’S JUST THAT EASY!!

Visit AskShell.com for helpful tips to improve your home including: Renovation Trends, New Products, Maintenance and Repairs, Do-It-Yourself Tips and Grants and Rebates for energy upgrades

r Projects Help For You

des ciency Upgra • Energy Effi d Cooling • Heating an Control • Air Quality paces ent & Crawls m se a B et W • Design • Accessible

Proud Ho useSmart Members Serving th e Edmonto n Area • Cloverd ale Paint • Windso r Plywood • Baseme nt System s • Duradek Vinyl Dec k ing • Karndea n Luxury V inyl Floori • The Furn ng ace Comp any • Durabu ilt Window s & Doors

For any type of home improvement referral, call us at 1-888-266-8806 or visit us at: www.AskShell.com and please remember; “It’s Just That Easy!”

MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 43 043-Shell Busey 01-2012.indd 1

2/20/13 10:27:43 AM

businessprofile

Tile’s Trend

It’s all FashIon Forward at

tIle’s trend

T

hose looking to jazz up their homes with modern and unique tile—whether on the floor or wall, glass or stone—have a new place to shop in town, Tile’s Trend in Edmonton’s south side.

Located at #7, 445 Parsons Road, Tile’s Trend boasts an impressive inventory of contemporary and trendy tiles from around the world; all of which are perfect for anyone doing a home renovation or new home construction, and who are looking for something unlike what they’ll find in any other home in the city. That’s because it’s Tile’s Trend’s business policy not to order large quantities of tiles—they order just enough for a few houses. And once the inventory is out, they rarely reorder the same tile again, both to uphold an individualized look for their customers’ homes and to make sure they’re always offering Edmontonians the latest trends.

The owners of Tile’s Trend have been in the new home construction business for more than 10 years, and they saw a niche in the market after noticing people wanting to express their individuality, and have something special—something they don’t see everywhere—in their homes in terms of tiling.

Today, Tile’s Trend carries a variety of tiles, including metallic, glass, marble and mosaic tile for backsplashes. They also carry funky round glass tiles—great for unique looks in the bathroom—as well as floor tiles and funky 24x24 wall tiles.

For those who like DIY, shopping at Tile’s Trend means picking out your tiles, and for the most part, walking away with your choice on the same day. (Depending on the size of the project, Tile’s Trend may have to order something in. If that’s the

44 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

case, the tiles should arrive in a maximum of a few weeks.) Those not keen to do it themselves, Tile’s Trend works with three different tile installers to help you get the job done.

To get your hands on some oneof-a-kind tile for your upcoming project, visit Tile’s Trend with your blue prints or measurements, and you’ll be well-served by all their knowledge, friendly staff. (If you don’t have blue prints or measurements, Tile’s Trend is happy to send someone out to your home for a consultation.)

For more information about Tile’s Trend, visit their website at www.tilestrend.com, give them a call at 780.485.2277 or better yet, stop by their showroom today. Store hours are Monday to Friday 9:30am–6pm and Saturdays from 10am–3pm. Closed Sundays and Holidays.

PRODUCT & SERVICES DIRECTORY

AREA RUGS

The Area Rug Gallery

#100, 17834-106 Ave 780-483-1992 www.thearearuggallery.com

Avi Renovations

Renovations of Excellence

AW N I N G S

780.482.0200 www.wedorenos.com

Canfab Products Ltd

ManZone Construction

12819-144 ST 780-451-4341 www.canfabproducts.ca CABINETS

780-721-8562 780-264-9799 info@manzoneconstruction.ca www.manzoneconstruction.ca

Delton Cabinet Mfg. Ltd.

Nord Alta Construction

13030-146 St. 780-413-2260 www.deltoncabinets.com

EnVogue Cabinetry Inc

100, 10445-178 St. 780.809.1431 www.enVogueCabinetry.com Superior Cabinets

11045-190 St. 780-409-3400 www.superiorcabinets.ca CLOSETS

The Closet People

Unit #101, 17854-106A Ave 780-452-4567 www.theclosetpeople.com FLOORING

Payless Wholesale Flooring & Lighting

18415-104 Ave 780.487-2700 www.paylessfloors.ca Tile’s Trend

#7, 445 Parsons Road 780-485-2277 www.tilestrend.com G A R AG E S

ManZone Construction

780-721-8562 780-264-9799 info@manzoneconstruction.ca www.manzoneconstruction.ca H O M E R E N OVAT I O N S

Aquarian Construction

780.481.7671 www.aquarianconstruction.com

W I N D O W C OV E R I N G S

#197- 130 Broadway Blvd Sherwood Park 780-410-1844 www.homesbyavi.com

780-940-6767 www.nordalta.com L ANDSCAPING

Shane’s Landscaping & Contracting

789-983-8233 www.shaneslandscaping.com The Renovations Store

12049-127 St. 780.451.3019 www.therenostore.com

Hunter Douglas

www.hunterdouglas.ca WINDOWS

Durabuilt Windows & Doors

West 10920-178 St. 780.455.0440 South 8605 Argyll Rd 780.463.4466

Duxton Windows & Doors

6764 99 Street (by appt only) 780-887-5163 www.duxtonwindows.com

Gienow Windows & Doors

9704-12 Aveune S.W. 780-454-RENO(7366) www.gienow.com

Tile’s Trend For all your tile & Stone needS

SOLAR LIGHTING

Lightco Solar

6103 Gateway Blvd.

780-489-0303 www.lightcosolar.com INTERIOR DESIGN

Kohon Designs

#143 - 10309 107th St. Phone 780.428.6230 www.kohon.ca KITCHENS

Towne and Countree Kitchens

17212 107 Ave. 780.489.3331 www.towneandcountree.com MURPHY BEDS

Wallbeds Alberta

Bay 18, 3908 97 St. 780.490.1818 www.wallbedsalberta.com P O LY U R E T H A N E S T O N E

Everything Exterior

8826-51 Ave. 780.455.6839 www.everythingexteriorstore.com

Floor Tiles Glass Tiles Mosaics Wall Tiles #7 445 parsons road edmonton, aB.t6X 06W phone: 780-485-2277 email:tilestrend@gmail.com www.tilestrend.com mon- Fri: 9:30am - 6:00pm Sat : 10:00am - 3:00pm Supplying leading-edge, modern, contemporary productS

MAR - APR 2013 home décor and renovations 45 044-Tiles Trand 02-2013.indd 1

2/20/13 10:27:46 AM

tipsAndtricks

decoding the code

by MiCHAEl NyikES

Possessing effective health and safety management systems have been proven to dramatically reduce jobsite injuries, which eliminate the social and financial effects on an employer’s company. It demonstrates an employer’s commitment to professionalism and ability to provide a culture of safety for both their workers and the people they are doing work for.

More information regarding the SECOR program can be found by visiting the provincial government’s Human Services website at http:// humanservices.alberta.ca/working-inalberta/334.html or the Alberta Construction Safety Association’s website at http://www.acsa-safety.org/ page.php?s=2&p=17

Q

Having received a number of quotes for a renovation project, a homeowner wrote me asking what it meant when some contractors had SECOR certification and others didn’t.

A

A Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (SECOR) is awarded to employers with less than 10 employees that develop a company health and safety program which is evaluated by a certified auditor and meet established standards.

A health and safety management system is a proactive approach for an employer to minimize the risk of jobsite injury to their workers. The elements of a system include: ›› management commitment ›› hazard identification and assessment ›› hazard control ›› worker competency and training ›› inspections ›› emergency response planning ›› incident investigation ›› system administration Certificates are issued by the provincial government and are co-signed by certifying partners such as the Alberta Construction Safety Association (who also provide the training).

Achieving and maintaining a valid SECOR is required for earning a financial incentive through the Workers’ Compensation Boards “Partnerships in Injury Reduction” program.

46 home décor and renovations MAR - APR 2013

Future Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’ questions about how the provincial building code affects their projects.

Email your questions to me at decodingthecode@gmail.com. Be sure to include which city you live in, as well as your phone number in case i need to follow up with you.

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

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There is no substitute for experience!

6764 99 St. Edmonton, AB (By appointment only) PH: 780-887-5163