Metro Vancouver Spring 2020
intermind
DESIGN
MILA DJURAS DESIGNS AND BUILDS HOMES FROM THE MIND AND FROM THE HEART
LIFE ALFRESCO:
BESPOKE ABODES: BUILD YOUR CUSTOM DREAM HOME OR RENO YOUR CONDO
CREATE A VERSATILE OUTDOOR HAVEN
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Welcome Home
At Furtado Contracting we focus on providing the highest quality of work and building materials. Our reputation is built on trust, respect and communication. From custom homes, additions to large or small renovations, we take pride in what we do and never overlook any of the details. Furtado Contracting is a family owned and operated business and was established in 2009.
f
Fu r t ado Cont rac t i ng Ltd.
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www.furtadocontracting.ca CUS TOM HOMES | COMPLETE RENOVATIONS
contents
SPRING 2020
FEATURES
Special Insert: Kerr Construction Three projects that changed lives by changing spaces BY STEPHANIE MACDONALD
8
Intermind Design Mila Djuras uses her heart and her head to design uplifting spaces BY STEPHANIE MACDONALD
12 RJR Construction
A 1920s Craftsman gets an upgrade into four gorgeous income units BY STEPHANIE MACDONALD
16 TQ Construction
Going Big When Going Home BY DIANE DUFLOT
20 Designs by K & S
Interiors designed for living and loving BY DIANE DUFLOT
42 4
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
8 16
6
CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER
Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Susan Legge susan.legge@nexthome.ca EDITOR
Stephanie Macdonald CONTRIBUTORS
Sara Duck, Diane Duflot, Michelle Hopkins, Alex Dafoe MEDIA CONSULTANT
Brenda Everitt 604.910.5526 brenda.everitt@nexthome.ca SALES & MARKETING COORDINATORS
Gary Chilvers Vi Nguyen DISTRIBUTION
distributionteam@nexthome.ca ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES
accountingteam@nexthome.ca DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA
Lauren Reid–Sachs GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER
Alicesa Pullan GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR
Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Sandra Hanak–Vujnovic Johannah Lorenzo Mike Terentiev Kathleen Walker Alice Wu Published by
ADVICE
29 Ask the Experts
Tips and Advice from HAVAN’s homegrown professionals
INSPIRATION
11 Bathroom Bliss BY ALEX DAFOE
14 Custom Homes BY DIANE DUFLOT
18 Why Quartz? BY SARA DUCK
24 Renovate Your Condo BY DIANE DUFLOT
28 TQ Construction
From Cut-off Kitchen to Culinary Hub
35 Up Your Alley
nexthome.ca
– Laneway Homes BY MICHELLE HOPKINS
36 Renos for
Life Changes
38 Spring into Clean BY MICHELLE HOPKINS
40 10 Reasons to Hire a Pro
42 Outdoor Oasis BY ALEX DAFOE
44 In Living Colour
Designer shares how colour inspires her decorating style, even in her own home! BY REBECCA HAY
46 Go Green: Marketplace
Advertising Call 1.866.532.2588 for rates and information. Fax: 1.888.861.5038 Circulation Highly targeted, free distribution system aimed at homeowners looking to renovate using street level boxes and racking, plus door-to-door insertions in key audience segments. Call 1.866.532.2588 to discuss distribution opportunities. Copyright Notice All copyright and other intellectual property rights in the contents hereof are the property of NextHome, and not that of the individual client. The customer has purchased the right of reproduction in NextHome and does not have the right to reproduce the ad or photo in any other place or publication without the previous written consent of NextHome. Contents of this publication, in hard copy format as well as online, are covered by copyright law, and offenders will be prosecuted. Copyright 2020 All rights reserved. Reproduction, storage in a retrieval system or transmission, in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission of NextHome is strictly prohibited. Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor by email to editorial@nexthome.ca. The views and data expressed by columnists do not necessarily represent those of the publication.
nexthome.ca 5
editor’s notebook
Spring into your 2020 home projects
W
STEPHANIE MACDONALD Editor stephanie.macdonald@nexthome.ca
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Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
ith spring not exactly yet in full swing, now is the time to get all your ducks in a row when it comes to your 2020 plans for your home. Whether you’re envisioning an addition, a complete renovation of your house or condo, a brand-new custom home, or just a little pergola in the garden, we’ve got inspiration and resources galore in our pages ahead. Our cover story this issue is about a designer and builder who embodies the vibrant, revitalizing feeling of springtime in BC. Intermind Designs’ Mila Djuras’s unusual design and construction background, when put together with her unique aesthetic sensibilities, results in projects that perfectly suit her clients while making creative use of space, colour and texture for homes that resemble no others. We’re also featuring many exciting home projects from other awardwinning local designers and builders, so settle in and be inspired by the ingenuity and beauty we have in store. If you’re looking for fantasy outdoor projects, these days you can’t beat building an ultimate outdoor kitchen. Why not add a water feature or two? Maybe a swimming pool where you can float while sipping on a chilly Pinot Grigio from the poolside wine cooler? I’m definitely in. Though, maybe all you need is a Big Green Egg to keep you happy and full of barbeque goodness, either way our Outdoor Oasis story has you covered. We also have all you need to know about renovating your condo, organizing your garage, as well as information on the new generation of prefabricated homes. If you’re picking us up at the Vancouver Home & Garden Show on February 19-23, that’s wonderful, make sure you check out the Homebuilders of Vancouver (HAVAN) “Ask the Experts” stage where you can get personalized advice from the professionals about any home project. Wishing you a blooming wonderful springtime.
INTERMIND DESIGN BUILD 604.338.9936 | www.interminddesign.com
nexthome.ca 7
Cover Story
Integrated, Inspired Design and Contracting in One:
INTERMIND
MILA DJURAS USES PSYCHOLOGY TO OPTIMIZE LIVING AREAS AND REFLECT RESIDENTS’ UNIQUE PERSONALITIES by STEPHANIE MACDONALD
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Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
Walking into an interior designer’s own home isn’t always an option, but those who have the opportunity to visit Mila Djuras’ home office in New Westminster will appreciate the sparkling personality and practicality of her own professional and personal spaces, balanced by a warm inviting ambiance that personifies this talented designer and builder. Mila is also consummately professional, with specialized training in design
as well as building practices, a combination which sets her company, Intermind Design, apart from most other homebuilding and renovation companies. The results of this driven personality coupled with a creative mind are obvious in all her projects: stunning out-of-the-box design solutions that reflect her clients’ unique personalities. “A home should not necessarily look like a picture in a magazine.
A home should reflect the values and aspirations of the people who live in it,” says Mila. Whether it’s designing and building a custom from the ground up, to making a squishy, dated condo chic and efficient, Mila has the diverse training and experience needed to take a project from conception right through to completion. This integrated approach is enabled by Mila’s unusual background, starting as a student in science in Europe, then studying architecture and design, and finally being certified as a general contractor. For many years she was married to a contemporary artist, whose work illuminated and investigated social and cultural issues, and who also battled Multiple Sclerosis. This strong relationship influenced Mila’s eclectic aesthetic, empathetic approach to her work, and taught her the intricacies of how to design for accessibility as well as style. Mila delights in creating homes that stand out, and look anything but ordinary. Getting to know her clients, she learns not only about their aesthetic preferences, but also their lifestyle, aspirations, values and histories.
nexthome.ca 9
“
I think of home design as theatre. My job is to set the stage, turn on the lights and music, and let life happen.
This leads to spaces that blend antiques, family heirlooms and salvaged items to create bespoke spaces that can never be replicated, and create homes that nurture people’s practical lifestyle needs, as well as their emotional needs, so they will feel perfectly content and at home in their surroundings. The Intermind approach to design is remarkably transparent, with each stage carefully worked out from the beginning, so clients know what to expect at each stage of their project. From the first consultation to the finished product, Mila is right there, working through the construction stage using her building team she has worked with for over 25 years. These relationships, with clients, and with her building team and contractors are what makes working with Intermind such a rewarding experience for both Mila and her clients. Client Leila Loua says “Intermind Design listened to our ideas and designed a beautiful, functional space for us. Mila was very skilled at explaining the rationale behind ideas and concepts. We are very pleased with the work done by Intermind Design”. Gathering awards is not the focus of Mila’s career, but that has not stopped her from collecting an impressive, and growing, number of professional accolades within 10
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
her diverse portfolio of completed projects including Homebuilders of Vancouver’s Ovation Awards for Best Renovation under $250,000, and Best Renovation $100,000-$250,000; and Canadian Homebuilders Association of BC’s prestigious Georgie Awards for Best Accessible Design and Best Renovation under $250,000, as well as making it to the finalist circle numerous times a year. She is the kind of person you may feel compelled to make up a project
”
question just because you want to call up and chat with her, but this genuine warmth belies a sturdy professionalism and dedication to getting her work done on time, and on budget. “I met Mila from Intermind 8 years ago, says Joanne Renwick, “and have employed her to implement the design on two major renovations and 4 smaller projects. I have been amazed at Mila’s superior knowledge of design as well as of the whole realm of the construction industry”.
toilets of the future THE LATEST IN LUXURY AND TECHNOLOGY IN YOUR PERSONAL BATHROOM RETREAT by BY ALEX DAFOE It’s the room in our houses where many of us spend up to a year and half of our lives. A room that some see as a place to efficiently go about their business and others see as a quiet refuge from the noise and frustrations of the outside world – a place to linger, unwind and realign and refresh both body and soul. It should be welcoming, comforting, and speak to the character of the home and to the personalities of those who live there. Interior designer Janice Schulte Woodward of Schulte and Co. Design recently returned to the west coast after several years working in London under the mentorship of UK designer Kelly Hoppen and in Toronto as an in-house designer for Restoration Hardware. She says attention to detail when designing your luxury retreat is key. “Keeping it simple and not overcluttering is one of the main rules I would consider. As a designer my role is to really curate the space with regards to what the house is asking for and what the client is asking for.” Schulte says she’s seeing a lot of matte blacks and aged golds right now, and lots of wallpaper, but
suggests leaning towards a classic, timeless look if you’re looking to resell. The trends she’s noticing in British Columbia are very traditional and west coast and back to nature, but that more and more people are looking for a degree of uniqueness, especially if they don’t anticipate reselling right away. Cantu Bathrooms is you’re onestop shop for everything bathroom and they gave us a little idea of some of the more popular and – if you’re feeling a little risqué – unique and exciting fixtures right now. For the utmost in comfort and state of the art toilet-tech there’s the Toto Washlette. Sold either as an attachment or fully integrated into one of Toto’s famous and coveted toilets – pictured is the Toto Neorest NX1 a bidet and toilet combo – it features a seat warmer, adjustable front and rear warm water cleansing from a magical water-wand, automatic air deodorizer and a night light. The Fantini AK 25 shower system, an envelope-pushing design from Italy’s Fantini Rubinetti, is remarkable in its simple and futuristic elegance. Rainfall or waterfall showerhead, FIT hand
shower, built in thermostatic shower mixer with two volume controls, all available in a cool Matte Gun Metal PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition – a high-tech metal finish that simply makes it way more durable).
Local bathroom design house Blu Bathworks has a wide variety of products, including a selection of beautifully streamlined tubs, sinks, shower bases and backsplashes made from their own signature Blu-stone, an eco-friendly stone material. Check out Blue Bathworks’ designs online or in person at the Cantu Bathrooms showroom in Vancouver. nexthome.ca 11
A CHARACTER HOME’S NEW LIFE RJR CONSTRUCTION’S REVITALIZATION OF A 1920S CRAFTSMAN INTO A FOUR-UNIT STRATA INCOME-PRODUCING PROPERTY
by STEPHANIE MACDONALD
12
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
BEFORE
WHILE THIS HOME had been in the owners’ family for three generations, since it was built in the 1920s, very little had been changed. The home, though well-built, and with a classic Craftsman exterior, was dingy and very dated, and was clearly due for an upgrade to realize its potential. This is where RJR Construction came in. They realized that there was one thing both the City and the owners had in common: they both wished to increase the number of rental properties and help densify the neighbourhood, so they came up with a design plan that would more than satisfy both parties, and this project was up and running. The end result, was that the former single-family home maintained the classic exterior and sidewalk appeal, while significantly improving the density of the lot. The building has been transformed into three, twobedroom and loft, strata units in the main building. As well as an infill house in the former unused back
“
�
We are determined to be on time and on budget
BEFORE
BEFORE
yard. Each unit is covered under the New Home Warranty, and can be sold individually, if desired. RJR completed the entire project, from the rezoning, to the design, to the building execution and turned this under-utilized, single-family property into four attractive, livable homes, each with outdoor space. Unit A is a 1,648 square foot, twobedroom, and three bathrooms with a den and a large loft; Units B and C are both around 1,500 square feet, with two bedrooms, three bathrooms and a large loft; And the infill house has approximately 1,100 square feet, with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The property also has parking for three vehicles, bike storage, and a small storage room. Unit C and the infill home share a courtyard between the main building and the infill house, and Units A and B share the large porch off the front of the home. For an immersive 3-D tour of this project, visit the RJR Construction web page at rjrconstruction.ca/ projects/Georgia-street/. nexthome.ca 13
custom home builder HOW TO CHOOSE A
THAT’S RIGHT FOR YOU
If you’re planning on building your own custom home, you probably know that it’s crucial to choose the right builder, but you may not know where to begin your search. There are plenty of custom-home builders out there, but Home Décor and Renovations wants to help you find the right one for you, so—with the help of local design-build experts—we’re serving up some guidance on how to choose a custom home builder. 14
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
CLIENT RELATIONS
A custom-home builder should be well-informed, organized, and able to answer any questions you have about their process. Qualified, experienced builders will establish a timeline to let you know what to anticipate at every stage of the design-build process, and they will collaborate with you to clearly define expectations of the end result. “You’ll want to find somebody who is established, has a good track record,
and who’s willing to provide you with the key information to guide your decisions,” says President of Burnaby’s TQ Construction, Henri Belisle. Tony Furtado, owner of Furtado Contracting, agrees. “A good, passionate builder will be more than happy to provide you with all the information you need,” he says. “Ask as many questions as you can and make sure you know exactly what you’re getting.” (See ad on page 3)
“Selecting a company that installs windows they manufacture themselves is ideal, as Centra does,” says Ronil Desai, communications specialist at Centra Windows, “because this eliminates any dispute about liability if problems eventually arise.” TAILORED DESIGN
Although many common delays can be avoided by proper planning, unforeseen events that cause interruptions are always a possibility in home construction. “What is important is how a builder handles the challenges that crop up along the way.” says Henri, “You want a builder who thinks fast on their feet and is able to come up with creative solutions on the fly. Ask previous clients of any builder you’re thinking of working with how they overcame the unexpected challenges on their projects.” Because the experience of previous clients throughout the design-build process is a good predictor of what yours might be, asking the builder to provide references — and actually contacting those references — is not a step to bypass. If former customers mention that they found the builder slow at responding to questions or concerns, or if you have difficulty getting in touch with a builder early
on yourself, it could very well be a warning sign of further frustration to come. Your builder should make you feel like a priority, not a nuisance. DEPENDABLE TRADESPEOPLE
Builders are only as good as the tradespeople they hire and the materials they use. Respectable builders have a roster of quality tradespeople that includes electricians, plumbers, carpenters, masonry workers, window installers, and more. And quality work in every aspect is important to the longevity of your home. Proper installation of a home’s windows, for example, is essential to any custom-home build. “Improper installations can eventually lead to deterioration of the structural integrity of your home, which is expensive to repair,” explains Roni Desai, communications specialist at Centra Windows.
Come up with a list of needs and wants for you custom home, as well as a budget, and look for a builder who is attentive to your goals and appreciates what you’ve envisioned. Principal Designer at Intermind Design, Mila Djuras, says, “At Intermind,” “We take a highly personal view of design, and our projects are tailored to suit the specific needs of each of our clients.” Mila suggests looking closely at the body of work of the custom-home builder you’re considering to see if their design sensibilities align with your own, because she believes that finding a builder you mesh well with is crucial. “What’s most important is finding somebody you can work with,” she explains, “somebody who truly understands what you want as an individual.” When the build is over, you want a home that lives up to your expectations and that fits the needs of your family. You want a home that not only appears like a sturdy vantage from which to begin or continue to build your lives together, but one that you are confident, from its foundation to its roof tiles, will provide a secure buttress to your loved ones for many, many years to come. nexthome.ca 15
advertorial
TQ CUSTOM
Home Design 2020 VISION: GO BIG AND GO HOME
16
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
When it was time to build a forever home for his family, the owner of a property at Burnaby Lake wanted to include everything he’d ever dreamed of, and the design/ build firm TQ Construction made sure to check off every box on his wish list. Multigenerational living, Feng Shui, and meeting the needs of the family’s Dachshunds were key considerations. “Privacy was also very important to these clients, but they didn’t want a view of a fence or gate,” says Ralph Belisle, founder of TQ Construction. “We were able to achieve the open-yet-private feel they wanted by using very large windows with screen shades.” Tucked back on the 350- by 100foot lot Ralph says the home’s “sheer distance from the road” allows it to
feel secluded in the midst of mature trees and vegetation. Understated from outside, the home’s high-end design is striking upon entering the grand, full-height foyer, which combines a dropped, back-lit wood-panel, horizontal door and window mullions, and intricate black and white diamond motif tile floors. Inside, the modern rancher is a mesh of contemporary and traditional with a floorplan that was kept as open as possible, while remaining consistent with the principles of Feng Shui. All rooms are large, airy, and filled with natural light, and the flow from common and entertaining areas to private and utility areas is smooth and seamless, but guided, with stunning herringbone-patterned hardwood
flooring differentiating the home’s shared spaces from its private areas, which feature straight-laid hardwood. At the rear of the home, floor-to ceiling windows join indoors with outdoors, and an impressive threesided fireplace connects the patio, living room, and dining room. The oversized kitchen boasts upscale, industrial-grade appliances and a combination of modern high-gloss white and walnut finishes, mixed with brass, marble, and black accents. Separated from the living area by a 10-foot-wide framed glass wall, the laundry and mudroom—though these terms don’t do justice to such an attractive room—has a 14-foot countertop with an under-mount sink, and an intricate tile backsplash
that’s reminiscent of an M.C. Escher cube pattern. This room also features a dog shower that’s elevated to an ergonomic working height, so the owners can wash their adored pets— without breaking their backs. Attention to the home’s serenity involved not only décor, but also the structural soundproofing of an Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) foundation, which provides exceptional durability and insulation. As well, the home meets Certified Aging-in-Place (CAPS) design standards, so that TQ’s clients can enjoy it for years to come, which they very much want to do. But why wouldn’t they? It’s exactly what they asked for, after all. For more info go to TQCon.at/bmi. nexthome.ca 17
design file
Why
QUARTZ? by SARA DUCK
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Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
QUARTZ ADVANTAGE 1. DESIGN FLEXIBILITY Ŕ 2VBSU[ JT BWBJMBCMF JO B WBSJFUZ PG DPMPVST BOE TUZMFT Ŕ %JGGFSFOU GJOJTIFT UP DIPPTF GSPN JODMVEJOH QPMJTIFE DPODSFUF BOE SPVHI DPODSFUF Ŕ $POTJTUFOU DPMPVSJOH GSPN TMBC UP TMBC Ŕ 2VBSU[ JT RVJDL UP JOTUBMM 2. NON-POROUS – NO SEALING REQUIRED! Ŕ 1SFWFOUT BCTPSQUJPO PG NPJTUVSF BOE JOIJCJUT UIF HSPXUI PG CBDUFSJB NPVME BOE NJMEFX
Å” 2VBSU[ JT JODSFEJCMZ EVSBCMF BOE JT TUBJO TDSBUDI BOE IFBU SFTJTUBOU Å” 5IJT TVSGBDF JT FBTZ UP DMFBO BOE JT MPX NBJOUFOBODF 3. DIVERSE RANGE OF EDGE PROFILES, SHAPES, PATTERNS, TEXTURES Å” 2VBSU[ JT BWBJMBCMF JO B WBSJFUZ PG FEHF QSPGJMFT JODMVEJOH TUBOEBSE FBTFE CFWFM PHFF TUSBJHIU EPVCMF CFWFM BOE NJUFS Å” $IPPTF GSPN B WBSJFUZ PG QBUUFSOT BOE UFYUVSFT GSPN DMBTTJD NBSCMFE TUZMFT UP NPSF NPEFSO JOEVTUSJBM DPODSFUF TUZMFT
PRIMORDIA QUARTZ BY CAESARTONE
With so many different surface options available today, are you wondering which product will be the best fit for your kitchen or bathroom design? Maybe you have heard about quartz but don’t understand what all the fuss is about. Quartz is quickly becoming the go-to product for counter tops and back splash and it’s not hard to see why. We break down why this surface will work for you.
“
Quartz is a great option for homes with busy kitchens that are looking for easy maintenance, and homes that are design driven. Caesarstone Quartz has an unparalleled breadth of finishes and colours – from polished to rugged to concrete to honed – and the depth of colours – from marble-inspired to industrial chic. — Elizabeth Margles, vice-president, marketing, Caesarstone North America
QUARTZ VERSUS OTHER MATERIALS WOOD Ŕ 1PSPVT NVTU CF QSPQFSMZ TFBMFE Ŕ $BO CF B QSPCMFN BSPVOE TUPWFT HSFBTF BOE IFBU FYQPTVSF
Ŕ /PU EVSBCMF GPS MPOH UFSN JO LJUDIFOT BOE XBTISPPNT Ŕ -PUT PG NBJOUFOBODF PORCELAIN Ŕ -JNJUFE DPVOUFSUPQ FEHF QSPGJMF PQUJPOT
”
Ŕ 0OMZ DIPJDF PG TRVBSF PS NJUFSFE FEHF Ŕ 1BUUFSOT BSF QSJOUFE PO UPQ PG UIF TVSGBDF Ŕ %JGGJDVMU USJDLZ UP GBCSJDBUF BOE PGUFO CSFBLT JO GBCSJDBUJPO BOE PS JOTUBMMBUJPO GRANITE Ŕ 1PSPVT NVTU CF QSPQFSMZ TFBMFE UP BWPJE TUBJOT BOE TFBMFE PO B ZFBSMZ CBTJT Ŕ $BO IBSCPVS CBDUFSJB JG OPU QSPQFSMZ TFBMFE Ŕ &YQFOTJWF UP CVZ BOE JOTUBMM
Ŕ /PU DPOTJTUFOU DPMPVST NBZ WBSZ TP JOEJWJEVBM TMBCT NVTU CF TFMFDUFE
• MARBLE Ŕ &WFO NPSF QPSPVT UIBO HSBOJUF TP JU NPSF SFBEJMZ BCTPSCT MJRVJET Ŕ 4QJMMT QFOFUSBUF EFFQ JOUP UIF TUPOF WFSZ RVJDLMZ BOE BSF WFSZ IBSE UP HFU PVU Ŕ 3FRVJSFT SFHVMBS TFBMJOH UP QSPUFDU UIF TVSGBDF Ŕ 4VTDFQUJCMF UP TDSBUDIJOH Ŕ 0OMZ HPPE GPS QMBDFT UIBU EP OPU HFU IFBWZ VTF nexthome.ca 19
feature
DESIGNS BY KS AND CONDOWORKS’ CONDO GLOW UP INCREASING STORAGE — AND STYLE — IN YOUR CONDO Designs by KS and Condoworks teamed up to modernize this two-bedroom, two-bathroom condo in the Arbutus Walk area for clients whose main objective were timeless design and increased storage space. A cramped kitchen was key concern of the clients, so Designs by KS and Condoworks took some space from the dining area to accommodate a bigger kitchen.
Pacific Rim Cabinets
Caesarstone Blizzard – RJS Stone Tops
20
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
Jade Walls
They added storage on the back of the peninsula, so the clients had a dedicated space for formal dishes and other entertaining and specialoccasion items. This also increased the size of corner cabinets on either side of the range, making storage more accessiblet. By the fireplace in the living room, the team added an entertainment console to conceal remote controls and various other electronics when not in use. “Because the finishes on this piece match those in the kitchen, it really ties the space together,” says Katerina Vastardis, owner of Designs by KS. “Continuity in materials is essential when designing an open concept floorplan.” The woodgrain finish around the fireplace and entertainment unit, as well as on accent pieces and some of the millwork complements the white hues of the countertops, backsplash, and paint. Touches of black — seen
in the wallpaper, the fireplace builtins, the kitchen’s floating shelves, appliances, and plumbing fixtures — were chosen to further unify the space. New benches with under-seat storage in the master bedroom serve the dual purpose of providing a reading nook for the couple and tucked-away storage. The condo’s bathroom also got more functional storage in KS and Condoworks’ design, with the addition of medicine cabinets. “Bathrooms need storage for smaller items, so introduced medicine cabinets and now so these items can be stored at eye level,” says Katerina. Hardwood flooring that wraps up the wall behind the entertainment console is a distinctive design element that serves as a focal point, conversation piece, and makes the space truly unique. The purposeful redesign of this condo is modern, yet timeless, with plenty of storage, just as the client requested.
QUICK TIPS • Feeling cramped in a much-used room? Steal square footage from a less-used adjacent room. • Use finishes, accents, and textures to keep openconcept spaces cohesive. • Keep storage functional: bench seating does double duty. • Pick a standout feature that makes your space unique.
nexthome.ca 21
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LOSE THE DATED DECOR WITHOUT LOSING YOUR MIND, WITH ADVICE FROM THE EXPERTS
How to
Upgrade
your Condo
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Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
Planning to upgrade your condo? Home Décor & Renovations talked to some leaders in home design to pick their brains for tips on how to plan a successful condo renovation, and here’s what they had to say. PLAY BY THE RULES
The vital first step to any condo renovation is to know the rules: be aware of your strata bylaws and get permission and permits for everything you plan to do. “Remember that most strata bylaws require you to get permission from the council for any renovation or remodelling project,” says David Martin, president of Renovation Science.
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Since the kitchen is a focal-point of many condos, it’s a good place to make unique design choices that will characterize your home. “Put in an oversized island or a stunning stove, and get eye-catching faucets,” says Aaron. “Plumbing fixtures are like a room’s jewellery, adding a touch of polish.
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It’s important to do your due diligence and to make sure you have all of the necessary permits and not to simply rely on word of mouth and handshake deals. “Even if someone on strata council says a permit isn’t necessary,” says David, “one of your neighbours might complain about your project. If you don’t need a building permit, you could still require plumbing or electrical permits.” “You’re more likely to have your neighbours, the board, and the property management team on your side if you follow regulations to the letter from the beginning,” says Aaron Mervyn, site supervisor at TQ Construction, “And you’ll probably find that everybody’s more accommodating when you need to book the elevator for a last-minute load-in.” MAKE PLANS
Advance awareness of your strata’s rules will also help keep your renovation schedule on track. “Be sure to ask about work hours, parking, elevators, and logistics of material transport and disposal,” reminds Aaron.
David also emphasizes the importance of planning ahead, saying, “You’ll need to plan your route for large items, like appliances and countertops, which may not fit through your hallways or in your elevator.” RESPECT THY NEIGHBOURS
Another consideration before renovating a condo? The neighbours. The best way to maintain a good relationship with them and stave any off complaints, according to David, is to “warn them ahead of time about the noise.” Don’t stop at thinking of construction noise, either. “Pay particular attention to flooring selections with respect to sound transmission to the neighbours below you,” says David. Your strata may have bylaws relating to floors, and it’s also worth considering that the neighbours below will hear your every move if you don’t choose flooring that absorbs some sound. Getting a quiet dishwasher will help guests from having to raise their voices when you’re entertaining, which is also sure to please the neighbours.
“Look for dishwashers rated at 44 decibels or lower,” suggests Rea Gosine, Marketing Specialist at Trail Appliances, “especially if you have an open kitchen.” CREATE MORE LIVEABLE SPACE
Although it you likely can’t increase your actual square footage, there are plenty of ways to create more liveable space in your condo. Taking down a wall that divides the foyer from the living room, for example, will make your space feel larger and more open from the moment you step through the door. Katerina Vastardis, owner and designer at Designs by KS, says “I like to increase a condo’s footprint by changing the layout,” says Katerina, “I’ll often take some space from the hallway or the dining room to increase the size of the kitchen,” she continues.” “Small space often means small kitchen, but it doesn’t have to, and having a larger kitchen adds value — both of the present owners and for resale.” nexthome.ca 25
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Playing with textures and finishes on countertops, cabinetry, and backsplashes, gives a condo more of a custom look and increases its value — Katerina Vastardis
One of the main reasons homeowners choose to update their condo is that they want it to feel more their own. To this end, Katerina recommends adding varied design elements. “Playing with textures and finishes on countertops, cabinetry, and backsplashes, gives a condo more of a custom look and increases its value,” she says. Since the kitchen is a focal-point of many condos, it’s a good place to make unique design choices that will characterize your home. “Put in an oversized island or a stunning stove, and get eye-catching faucets,” says Aaron. “Plumbing fixtures are like a room’s jewellery, adding a touch of polish.” Aaron also notes that “floors can have a powerful impact on a small space, so try to think out of the box.” Luckily, there’s no shortage of options for floors, and, essentially, if you can dream it, you can have it, whether you have a penchant for a living area in chevron-patterned hardwood or stained concrete or a longing for a bathroom with an intricate mosaic or geometric-look tiles you’ve seen on design blogs. ENJOY THE PROCESS… AND THE OUTCOME
Above all else, the experts we spoke with agreed that, though it might sound daunting, the process of renovating a condo can and should be enjoyable, especially when you’re well prepared, and at Home Décor and Renovations, we couldn’t agree more. 26
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
PHOTO BY MARTIN KNOWLES
CUSTOMIZE YOUR HOME
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It’s important to do your due diligence and to make sure you have all of the necessary permits and not to simply rely on word of mouth and handshake deals.
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RESIDENTIAL RENOVATION SPECIALISTS: ȏ .LWFKHQV DQG EDWKURRPV ȏ %DVHPHQW VXLWHV ȏ $GGLWLRQV ȏ 'HFNV DQG VXQURRPV ȏ :KROH KRPH XSJUDGHV Transform your living space into your dream home by making it more comfortable, durable, functional, healthy and beautiful with every detail! We help you get what you really want by listening to you carefully and by bringing professional project management techniques to the residential renovation industry.
Renovation Science TRANSFORMING SPACE
604-377-5448 | www.renovationscience.com | david@renosci.ca
advertorial
TQ CONSTRUCTION connects heart and home
If a kitchen is the heart of a home, then the condo featured in this design story was cut off from its heart. The condo’s owner was looking forward to spending his well-earned leisure time entertaining, but his disconnected and cramped kitchen didn’t lend itself to the social gatherings he envisioned. He asked TQ Construction to create a living space that connected the living area, dining area—and most importantly for this foodie homeowner — the kitchen.
FROM CUT-OFF KITCHEN TO CULINARY HUB AFTER
ABOVE AND BEYOND, LITERALLY
While creating a new social hub for their client, the design team found that the space presented some challenges. Because there were some structural aspects of the condo that couldn’t be modified, they had the task of working with tight spaces and making them feel open. “Because of an existing structure, we couldn’t have a hood fan completely recessed into the ceiling above,� explains Rebecca Verschoor, residential designer at TQ Construction, “so we built it into a dropped box that blends into the ceiling, making it less noticeable while still maintaining the unobstructed views to the dining area.� President of TQ Construction, Henri Belisle, points out that the team also “went to great lengths to get the stunning 13-foot stainless-steel island countertop into the client’s fourth-floor penthouse.� “It was too large for the elevators, so we had to have it lifted by crane up and through the balcony,� he explains.� The result justifies any challenge faced along the way: gone are the walls that enclosed the kitchen and the fireplace that bisected the living and dining areas. In their place is a new, open space in which the host 28
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
BEFORE
Gone are the walls that enclosed the kitchen and WKH ÀUHSODFH WKDW ELVHFWHG WKH OLYLQJ DQG GLQLQJ DUHDV ,Q WKHLU SODFH LV D QHZ RSHQ VSDFH LQ ZKLFK WKH KRVW FDQ PLQJOH HDVLO\ ZLWK KLV JXHVWV ZKLOH DGGLQJ WKH ÀQLVKLQJ WRXFKHV WR D JRXUPHW PHDO can mingle easily with his guests while adding the finishing touches to a gourmet meal. At the same time, company can avoid encroaching on the chef’s workspace by helping themselves from the built-in buffetbar, which contains a wine fridge, accessory drawers, and two floating display-shelves. A STUDY IN CONTRASTS
The kitchen’s cabinets are finished in a dark espresso stain, and dramatic, dark-stained walnut tones throughout the space — in five-inch wide-plank bamboo flooring, the backside finish of the eating bar, and on the barstools — add continuity, enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
These dark tones are contrasted with the dining area’s white cabinets and the kitchen and foyer’s light-coloured limestone, creating visual interest. To achieve the sleek-with-industrialundertones look the client requested, Rebecca did away with protruding cabinet hardware by choosing clean-looking C- and L-channel recessed pulls, and she opted for stainless-steel countertops, backsplash, and integrated sinks to lend the space an industrial edge. The design, overall, is simultaneously cohesive and dynamic, and the space is remarkably functional and efficient, as a recent dinner for ten at the condo, which went off without a hitch, confirms. For more info go to TQCon.at/bpc.
5 6 16 DAYS
PANELS
EXPERTS KITCHEN DESIGNS Thurs, Feb 20 // 3:00PM – 3:45PM Panelists: Designs by KS; Grenor Homes; maison d’etre design-build inc.
Co r
p.
CONTRACTS: THE INS & OUTS OF RENOVATION AGREEMENTS Thurs, Feb 20 // 5:00PM – 5:45PM Speaker: Kuhn LLP e
nc
Photo: RSC R
n ati o enov
ie Sc
ASK THE EXPERTS
MEET AWARD-WINNING PROS AT THE BC HOME + GARDEN SHOW HAVAN KIOSK Comprised of 1,100 home building professionals, the Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) wants to help you reach your renovation and home building goals. Working with a professional will help you complete your project on time and on budget. Take advantage of the Ask the Experts Panel presentations at the BC Home+Garden Show and the opportunity to meet award-winning builders, renovators, and designers at the HAVAN Kiosk. Connect with the pros. Bring your questions. Get answers.
INDOOR/ OUTDOOR LIVING Thurs, Feb 20 // 6:00PM – 6:45PM Panelists: Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens; Kerr Construction RENOVATION REALITY Fri, Feb 21 // 7:00PM – 7:45PM Panelists: TQ ConstructionLtd.; Novell Design Build; RSC Renovation Science Corp. HIGH PERFORMANCE HOMES Sat, Feb 22 // 2:00PM – 2:45PM Panelists: Shakespeare Homes & Renovations Inc.; Kemp Construction Management Ltd.; B Collective Homes Inc. DESIGN BUILD PROCESS Sun, Feb 23 // 2:00PM – 2:45PM Panelists: Best Builders Ltd.; Abstract Homes & Renovations Inc.; Intermind Design Inc. First 100 to register at www.havan.ca/BCHGS receive two complimentary tickets to the show.
Building 65% of Metro Vancouver homes since 1974.
nexthome.ca 29
Photo: Trail Appliances Ltd.
Kitchen Design: Energy Saving Ideas Life is busy. Your kitchen is the HUB of the home. We asked designers Katerina and Silvie for tips to renovate or custom build that dream kitchen to help make life easier.
is one of the first steps in the design process. Doing your appliance ‘homework’ will help your designer understand how to customize your space.
DESIGNS BY KS • Customize the space to work with how you typically use your kitchen. • Take inventory of items used in the kitchen, breaking it down into different categories: 1- daily use 2- weekly use 3- small appliance This will help your designer organize the space efficiently. • There are many appliances that will appeal to your cooking needs. Consulting an appliance professional
TRAIL APPLIANCES Energy-efficiency is more than just choosing an appliance with an ENERGY STAR rating. Some tips to consider when you’re choosing new appliances for your renovation are: • Refrigerators are most energyefficient when they’re full, so ensure you’re choosing a fridge to suit your family’s lifestyle. If you don’t consistently keep your fridge full, you’re just paying to cool air. • A lot of people choose their new appliance based on the savings at the time of purchase and forget to
Katerina Vastardis & Silvie Pantsios, Designs by KS
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Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
consider how the appliance could save them money in the future. Energyefficient appliances for example, will save you money on your utility bills in the long run. • Induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy and are the most energy-efficient way to cook. They also provide control and performance like gas cooking.
www.havan.ca
Renovation Reality: Dollars and Sense Kathy Yuen, Phase One Design
PHASE ONE DESIGN Start with the end in mind! Create an inspiration board for each room in your home. Include photos, paint swatches, and patterns you love. Then look at all the rooms together. They don’t all need to match but should look cohesive. Then you can easily prioritize which rooms to start your renovation. Bonus: Having an inspiration board helps prevent impulse buys when shopping! RSC RENOVATION SCIENCE CORP Renovating your entire home all at once is easier in many ways, but not always practical or feasible. The advantages of a multi-phase renovation include budget planning, the possibility of living in the home during the process, the opportunity to test out the working relationship with your contractor and designer, and the ability to try out your design ideas on a small scale first, to see how they grow on you. It is, however, critical to plan the phases in the correct order. When it’s time for that new kitchen or bathroom, share you whole home dream plan with your renovator. They can help you decide what to tackle first. David Martin,
Photo: Phase One Design
RSC Renovation Science Corp.
COLOUR AND PATTERNS ARE BACK! BOLD COLOURS GIVE A PUNCH OF PERSONALITY. I LOVE JEWELTONES AS THEY GIVE A ROOM A SOPHISTICATED, YET APPROACHABLE VIBE. PATTERNS ARE ALSO EVERYWHERE, AND THERE IS ONE TO SUIT EVERY TYPE OF PERSONALITY, DÉCOR STYLE, AND MOOD. - KATHY YUEN, PHASE ONE DESIGN
David says, ‘you don’t want to run electrical wiring and plumbing through the basement that you just finished two years ago! Also, consider the path that workers and materials will have to take through your home for each renovation. If you leave the upstairs ensuite bathroom in the back corner of the house until last, it could increase the cost and the risk of damage to your beautiful new hardwood stairs.
Photo: RSC Renovation Science Corp.
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Indoor Outdoor Living: Beyond the BBQ KERR CONSTRUCTION Lounging, dinning, entertaining, cooking and expanding a tight interior space are all good reasons for wanting an “outerior” space. There are two mainstays that we often use to approach the style, pulling the exterior in or, pulling the interior out. • Pulling the exterior in is a great way to make use of any of the beautiful things
that your property has to offer; views, mature trees, the sound of a little nearby creek. Feature walls that run through your exterior walls, big glass, large openings and even the existing rock and stone can be implemented into a space that compliment the environment around you. • Pulling the interior out is a chic way to create a much
more finished look that picks up on the interior of your home. This can be done by the use of roof covered spaces, large opening door systems and flooring that runs through from inside to out. This approach makes for a space that is like an extension of your living room or family room.
Elton Donald, Kerr Construction
Photo: Kerr Construction
Photo: Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens Matt Herbert, Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens
So you want to throw the ultimate outdoor soiree! Cool cocktails, platters of freshly BBQ’d foods, music and blankets to carry into the night. Well, that’s the vision. We asked Matt how to pull this off? SHERWOOD OUTDOOR KITCHENS Guests will always tend to congregate around any kitchen during a party.
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Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
The outdoor kitchen’s design should always consider how it can encourage social moments. • How many guests do you to typically entertain at one time? Do you prefer hosting small soiree’s or is a Superbowl Sunday your style of party? • Beyond the BBQ: Entertaining outside allows you to incorporate unique culinary experiences not always possible with interior kitchens. From charcoal ceramic smokers, beer taps and pizza ovens there are lots options
to add a little fun into the mix. • Integrated speakers allow you to set the tone for any function you are hosting or just listen to your favourite music while you relax outside. • Nothing says BBQ and entertaining more than watching sports with friends so why not consider including a TV in your plans. • Incorporate seating space where you and your guests can enjoy delicious -al fresco dining at its finest.
www.havan.ca
Meme Brooks, Meme Brooks Design Inc.
Photo: Meme Brooks Design Inc.
Photo: Intermind Design Inc.
Design Build: A Soulful Process Reinventing space often requires some ‘letting go’ – or does it? We asked designers for tips on how to incorporate features and treasures one cannot live without, when bringing an older home forward with a fresh modern design. MEME BROOKS DESIGN INC. Some of my clients have a hard time letting go of the natural wood features in their home. Covering over wood with vinyl wrapping, in a colour we love, can make a large impact to the space. Vinyl-covered built-in wooden
shelves create a modern feeling, lighting up the room, without loosing its charm. Bonus: Homeowner keeps feature wall to display family treasures! INTERMIND DESIGN INC. Built-in units offer flexibility in design, while dramatically increasing storage space. Creating clean lines and synergy throughout the home, a designer can work with your collections and treasures to create a clutter-free home. An open-box display houses a coffee station with shelves to display favourite glassware. The patterned teal and
purple window film, the client’s favourite colours, is applied like wall paper, creating the perfect backdrop to showcase heirloom mugs and retro coffee machine. A cheerful way to start each day! Bonus: Window film offers a changeable, budget-wise feature!
Mila Djuras, Intermind Design Inc.
nexthome.ca 33
www.havan.ca
Photo: TQ Construction Ltd.
11 Step Guide to Budgeting for Your Renovation 1. Look at the Resources You Currently Have Before you start, try de-cluttering. Homeowners sometimes assume that they need extra floor space, when you may just need a redesign with the help of a designer. 2. Identify Your Goal What do you want out of the finished space? A quick cosmetic update? Bringing the home up to code? Increase the value of your home? Accommodating a growing family? 3. Make a Wish List: Needs vs Wants Create a list of needs and wants to help you align your priorities. 4. Figure Out How Much You Can Spend Talk to your contractor to help determine costs and how value can be added to your home. This will help if you’re planning to borrow funds. 5. Estimate the Costs If possible, open a wall to see what lays behind the drywall, ie. framing, electrical, plumbing, etc. to help minimize surprises. Finishes can vary greatly.
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Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
Get your designer and builder to help source options. 6. Consider Capital vs Operating Costs Water-conserving faucets and toilets, energy-efficient lighting and kitchen appliances and high efficiency heating can save a considerable amount of money over time. Talk to a professional. 7. Make a Second Wishlist Determine exactly what you want, right down to the kitchen faucet. By specifying details up front, you ensure prospective contractors will price the same items when asking for estimates. 8. Get Quotes from Contractors Three quotes from professional contractors is considered enough. A good way to source contractors is to ask friends and neighbours who have recently renovated. You can also contact HAVAN for a recommendation. Visit havan.ca to find a list of over 1,100+ professionals in Metro Vancouver.
BRINGING TOGETHER THE GENERAL CONTRACTOR, ARCHITECT/DESIGNER, ENGINEER(S) AND KEY TRADES EARLY IN THE PLANNING PROCESS WILL HELP DETERMINE A REALISTIC SCOPE OF WORK AND SCHEDULE TO FIT YOUR BUDGET. - HENRI BELISLE, TQ CONSTRUCTION
9. Set Your Priorities Dreams and budget not aligning? Carefully scale down your dream and you’ll end up happier with the result! Talk to potential contractors for cost-cutting design/ build solutions! 10. Reality Check: Add a Contingency After you select the winning contractor’s bid, add a 20% contingency for the unforeseen problems and changes that occur with every project. Trust us. Most renovations will have an unforeseen surprise. 11. Get Started! Don’t forget to “Get it In Writing” before agreeing to work, or handing over any money. Visit havan. ca to see what needs to be included in your renovation contract.
RIGHT UP YOUR ALLEY For Vancouverites Grace and David Yuen, having a laneway home built behind their new home is a way to both help with mortgage payments, and in the future, for their children to live in. “With the way housing prices are, we don’t know if our children (ages 12 and 15), will ever be able to afford to buy a home,” says David Yuen. “In the meantime, the laneway home can generate rental income for us.” The couple in their forties hired AlleyLane Homes Construction to build both homes in East Vancouver. Their laneway home will be an 800-squarefoot, two-bedroom and den, customdesigned to reflect the aesthetics of the main home. WHAT IS A LANEWAY HOME?
A laneway home is a small scale fully independent house or cottage-like structure built on an existing property, usually in the backyard and opening onto the back lane. They average between 600 to 900 square feet, with
by MICHELLE HOPKINS
a large proportion of them being one or two-bedroom units. Since the inception of the City of Vancouver’s Laneway Home Program Eco-Density bylaw of 2009, the city has issued more than 4,200 permits. “Laneway houses are an important part of Vancouver’s housing strategy, and they provide new housing choice for renters in low density neighborhoods and provide an intergenerational housing option for families,” says Paula Huber, City of Vancouver senior planner, Community Planning. Steve Shandra, principal AlleyLane Homes Construction, says the most popular reason he hears echoed most often is to help defray mortgage costs. “The first laneway house we built was attached to a three-car garage. We modified the garage in order to put a mini-house with a bedroom and bathroom,” says Shandra. “The smallest we ever built was 300+ square feet, but home owners are wanting larger now. The Yuen’s will be the largest we’ve built.”
Start to finish, Shandra estimates, it takes about six months to build. Because of their small sizes, laneway homes offer creative solutions to living in small spaces. “We have added slider walls to create more space and make the residents feel less claustrophobic,” says Shandra. “We also install Murphy beds, so that a bedroom can double as a den or office.” The cost to build a laneway house makes it quite attractive for many homeowners as well. “Typically, to build a 700-squarefoot laneway home costs between $235,000 to $260,000.,” says Shandra. “When you compare that to a home, it’s really not expensive.” On average, Shandra’s company constructs four to five laneway homes each year. “Environmentally, not tearing down homes and building on an existing lot reduces our carbon footprint,” says Shandra.
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Tips & Tricks
Learning from others
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Homeowners who have completed major renovation projects, including bathroom and kitchen upgrades, additions and wholehouse renovations, are a great source of advice. Over the years, CHBA has heard from many such satisfied customers, and here’s the type of advice they offer: Courtesy of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association
1. Find a renovator you can trust and are comfortable with. This is crucial to a good renovation experience. You need to check out the renovator thoroughly. Ask lots of questions when you meet. Talk with previous customers. Visit past or current projects. You also need to be confident that the company is financially stable and has a solid history. Many experienced homeowners also comment on the importance a comfortable personal fit is with the people they hire, that they are easy to talk with and responsive. 2. Find out what services the renovator offers. Homeowners often 36
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
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don’t realize that many professional renovation contractors also provide design and planning services. Even if you want to work with a designer or architect of your own choosing, a contractor can add a lot of value to the process. “Our renovator saw opportunities for improving our design and offered alternative solutions to structural challenges, saving us money in the process.” 3. Make sure you have a detailed written contract. “We chose the renovator who had it all written out. We knew what we were in for and didn’t have to lie awake
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at night worrying what the final costs would be.” 4. Know the facts before the work begins. Ask a lot of questions of your renovator or contractor. What does the work entail? How will it be done and by whom? How will it affect your day-to-day living? Should you consider moving out during any portion of the construction process? What if you want to make changes? The more you know upfront about the whole process, the less anxious you’ll feel. 5. Take an active role throughout the project. It’s your investment and your
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home, so you want to follow things closely and know what’s going on at all times. The best results come from good communication and a good working relationship between you and your renovator. Ask for and expect regular, if not daily, updates. Know how to get hold of the renovator if you have questions or concerns. Be prepared to spend time going over drawings, monitoring the progress of your project, and discussing decisions with your renovator. 6. Don’t expect a problem-free renovation. The bigger the project, the more likely you will run into
the unexpected, such as existing deficiencies hidden in the walls, delays in special orders or bad weather. Be flexible and understand that some things are beyond the renovator’s or your control. “If there is good rapport and trust between you and your renovator, it is usually easy to find a solution and move beyond the problem.” 7. Plan ahead for your finishes. Typically, homeowners are responsible for choosing cabinets, flooring, tiles, fixtures and the many other finishes that will complete the job. This can be time-consuming. “My afternoon at
the bath showroom turned into two full days.” Set aside plenty of time and begin early – in some markets, there may be a significant delay for special orders. And take full advantage of your renovator’s experience to help you find the best options. 8. Keep money in reserve for extras. Once the work begins, it is not uncommon for homeowners to want to go an extra step - a better quality tile, brand-new appliances and so on. “Once you are into it, you realize that just so-so is not good enough and that now is the best time to get those extra little touches of style or luxury.” nexthome.ca 37
lower case for HDR MB book only
Declutter divest and de-stress SPRING CLEANING AND ORGANIZING SETS THE STAGE FOR A MORE RELAXED 2020 by MICHELLE HOPKINS
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When it comes to the most common complaint of homeowners, lack of storage room tops the list. You only have to watch home renovation shows on HGTV to know that just about any problem can be fixed with a host of different storage solutions. When Alex Voogd, Stor-X franchise owner and senior design consultant, is asked by clients how they can create more space, the answer lies in making more effective and efficient use of what you already have. “Most people come to us because they are frustrated, disorganized and tell us they lack space,” says Voogd. “We start by conducting a discovery analysis with clients to find out what they are trying to achieve, and then come up with a needs analysis.” FIRST STEP — DECLUTTER:
Joseph Choi, owner and franchisee of Shelf Genie, say before putting together a custom storage solution plan that works for your family, the process begins by purging oneself of unwanted, unused stuff. Decluttering is a sure-fire way to rejuvenate any room. There’s nothing like getting rid of old or unused items to give you and your home a new lease on life. For those who fear embracing decluttering, start small and this will get you used to the idea of decluttering and create momentum.
“Most people who are downsizing have a really hard time letting go of items that have sentimental value. We have to learn how let go to create space, which will make your home more relaxing and inviting,” says Choi. “We often tell our clients that choosing to have custom-built closet organizers is a good time to purge.” Voogd went on to say: “Once you’ve decided what you want to get rid of, choose what can go to charity, what is for recycling and garbage.”
components that can be permanently installed inside the closet. Closet organizer systems may include a set of shelves or even a few sets of shelves, some drawers or bins, and/or some hanging rods. Closet organizers can also offer pull out drawers for accessories and more. “Closet organizers make life so much simpler, which in turn offers a sense of Zen,” says Choi.
CLEVER STORAGE SOLUTIONS:
Many people solve their garage problem by purchasing plastic bins. Although this works well in your toy room, they might not always be the best solution for your garage. Whether you have a large garage or just a small space, there are many things that you can do to utilize that space and give yourself a bit of additional storage without taking up the area that you need for cars and other items. “Organizing a garage isn’t a one-size fits all project,” notes Voogd. “The key to keeping your garage organized is having a place for everything.” In a garage, walls and ceilings are prime real estate. “Typically, items used daily or weekly are more easily accessed if you can see them at eye level, and therefor will be used more often,” Choi adds.
Closet organizers are essentially a combination of selected storage
OVERWHELMED BY A CLUTTERED GARAGE?
You can maximize your garage storage space quickly and easily with simple mounting hooks, brackets and wired racks for items such as bikes, sports equipment, car wash tools and children’s strollers, to name a few. Voogd agrees but says that for non-daily essentials, deep shelving or cabinets near the ceiling can hold a ton of seasonal stuff like holiday decorations, kayaks, camping gear or rarely used items. “There is so much going on in most home owners’ garages,” says Voogd. “By adding cabinetry, hampers, shelves or dividers, you can transform your garage into a functional one, causing way less stress in your life.” nexthome.ca 39
tips & tricks
hiring a pro 10 REASONS FOR
RENOVATING YOUR HOME should be a positive experience – free from worry and stress. You should have full confidence in your renovator and know that you are getting the best. That’s why you should choose a professional renovator. From start to finish. A professional renovator will help you to put it all together – from ideas to design, products to plans, and construction to completion. Experienced advice. A professional renovator has the experience and knowledge to help turn your ideas into great results. They listen, make suggestions, and look for the best way of doing things. Technical know-how. Professional renovators understand construction, how to deal with challenges and problems, and how to improve the comfort of your home. Expert teamwork. Behind every professional renovator there is a solid network of staff, sub-trades and suppliers ready to go to work for you. A proven track record. Their business is an open book. You are invited to talk with past customers, look at their previous work and check out their reputation. Accurate pricing. No need to be concerned about low-ball costing, inferior work or escalating prices once the job begins. Experienced renovators know what it takes to do something right and how much it costs, and they’ll tell you upfront. A written contract. Trust alone is not enough. Professionals back it up with a written contract that spells your 40
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
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Experienced renovators know what it takes to do something right and how much it costs, and they’ll tell you upfront.
project out in detail – what, how, who, when and how much. Liability insurance and workers’ compensation coverage. Better safe than sorry. In the unlikely event of an accident or damage to your own or neighbouring properties, a professional renovator’s coverage protects you from liability and cost. Warranty. Like any other consumer purchase, a professional renovation
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comes with a warranty on labour. And with professional installation, there is no risk of voiding the manufacturers’ warranties on materials and products. Professional renovators are in business for the long term. They work hard to earn your trust and make every renovation a great experience. Courtesy of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association
ENTERTAIN YOUR SENSES
The Austin Custom Kitchens team will assist you through the process of FKRRVLQJ WKH GHWDLOV :H RÎ? HU D ZLGH UDQJH RI FDELQHWU\ VW\OHV FRORXUV DQG PDWHULDOV VR WKDW \RX FDQ FKRRVH ZKDW ZRUNV EHVW IRU \RX :H ZLOO KHOS \RX WR DFKLHYH WKH ORRN DQG IHHO \RXȇYH DOZD\V GUHDPHG RI 2XU PLVVLRQ LV WR PHHW HYHU\ FXVWRPHUȇV H[SHFWDWLRQV ZLWK XQLTXH VW\OHV WKRXJKWIXO GHVLJQV DQG XQFRPSURPLVHG VXSSRUW DQG VHUYLFHV
604.542.9906 www.austinkitchens.ca #1-15531 24 Ave South Surrey, B.C. V4A 2J4
Allow us to help guide you through your renovation process. We can help you realize your dreams!
outdoor living
Backyard bliss by ALEX DAFOE
INVEST IN YOUR OUTDOOR AREAS AND REAP THE BENEFITS ALL YEAR Living on the West Coast we’re spoiled for nature, surrounded as we are by forest trails, mountain expanses and relatively easy access to a variety of beaches. But not all of us have time for mountain trekking, forest jaunts or lazy beach visits. And for the those of us blessed with the gift of a yard, paradise can be just a couple of steps outside the back door. And with a little help, creating that perfect oasis is easier than you think. Whether you’re looking for a lush and leafy oasis or the clean and geometric elegance of a spare and simple garden spread, check out Richmond-based Swicks Organic Landscaping. They will help you bring your dreams to life, and specialize in design, installation, carpentry and masonry as well as regular garden maintenance. Avoiding chemical based weed-killers, pesticides and fertilizers in favor of organic and 42
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
sustainable methods is at the heart the of Swicks’ philosophy. Nourishing the soil with compost, proper aeration, watering and mowing, and releasing friendly pest fighting critters like Lady Bugs and Nematodes are just some of the ways they’ll help naturally maintain your backyard refuge. If sharing your backyard retreat with friends or family is a priority and if you love hosting and entertaining, the centrepiece of any backyard oasis is a fully equipped outdoor kitchen. According to Matt Herbert, Founder and designer at Sherwood Outdoor Kitchens – an award-winning lowermainland design and install outfit - the trend is to bring all the amenities of your indoor kitchen outside. “The appliances are really kind of expanding from your typical kind of grill, they’re looking to have things like side burners,” says Herbert.
“Customers want it to function more like an interior kitchen.” In addition to your traditional grill, think deep fryers, smokers, pizza ovens, full cabinetry, counter tops for prep and presentation, sinks, bar fridge and a cocktail station. Herbert says he and his team like to get in early in the landscaping and construction process and get a feel for what his clients are looking for. Recent accolades for Sherwood’s custom designs include a property on Hunter Street in Burnaby which won the National Kitchen and Bath Association’s Kitchen of the Year in 2019. The goal was to seamlessly incorporate a resort-like experience for the client’s new backyard and the poolside install features a large 42” Lynx professional grill with a 1200 square inch capacity and duel rotisseries and a drop-in Wolf deep fat fryer. With prices ranging from $25,000 for a bare-bones option, to $250,000
for state-of-art luxury, the, Sherwood offers a vast selection of options for you to choose from. An absolute must for any outdoor kitchen, says Lee Austin of Austin’s Custom Kitchens, is the Big Green Egg. This uber-cool ceramic Japanese style Kamodo style cooker grills, smokes, bakes and roasts and is hugely popular amongst professional chefs and home cooks alike. “Because it’s ceramic it keeps the heat in. Your gas grill just exudes heat, which is why you have to keep it turned up,” says Austin. “So, with the ceramics keeping the heat in you can cook at a steady, even temperature. And because it uses natural lump coal, like pure oak, maple or hickory coal, you get the wood flavours coming through into your cooking.” After nearly two decades of designing indoor cooking areas, Austin Custom Kitchens are finally stepping out into the world of outdoor kitchens
this year and they’re all set to take orders for the upcoming patio season. And if you’re curious about the Big Green Egg, they’ll be doing monthly demonstrations starting later this spring at their Surrey showroom. Finally, no backyard oasis would be complete without water. Want to do laps but don’t have enough yard space for an Olympic size pool? The folks at Bishop’s Outdoor Living have you covered with a variety of compact and elegant Endless Pools to keep you swimming. The Endless Pool E550 Swim Spa is ideal for backyard aquatic exercise with adjustable swim current and underwater treadmill for running and walking. Lounging in a hot tub more your style? Bishop’s also has great selection of hot tubs from brands like HotSpring and Freeflow that will be warm relaxing place to enjoy your backyard oasis all year round.
SWICKS ORGANIC LANDSCAPING
swicks.net 142-11800 River Road Richmond, BC 604-315-8592 SHERWOOD OUTDOOR KITCHENS
sherwoodoutdoorkitchens.com AUSTIN CUSTOM KITCHENS
austinkitchens.ca 604-542-9906 BISHOP’S OUTDOOR LIVING
bishopscentre.ca 604-859-4112
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home decor
in living COLOUR DESIGNER REBECCA HAY SHARES HOW COLOUR INSPIRES HER DECORATING STYLE, EVEN IN HER OWN HOME!
As a designer, I love to infuse a healthy amount of colour in the spaces I design. And, when it came to decorating my own family home, I made no exceptions. With two young kids and a small furry dog, I wanted a space that felt friendly, yet looked polished — a place for neighbours to gather and kids to play. Before designing any space, think about the mood you want to convey. Is it a calm, relaxed space or a warm, inviting space where dinner parties evolve? You don’t need a degree in psychology to figure out which colours are right for you. Trust your gut, and you will never go wrong, but it’s important to be mindful of the mood and energy you are trying to evoke. There’s no surprise that yellow is a cheerful colour that promotes optimism. While blue is associated with tranquility, it also happens to be the preferred colour by men. I incorporated a little bit of navy for the men in my own home! For the living room, I wanted it to be bright and energizing as this is the main sitting and socializing area of the home. The drapery fabric was my inspiration and starting point. I knew we wanted to energize the space with yellow. We already had the retro navy chairs to work with, so I chose to balance 44
Home Decor & Renovations | Spring 2020
the navy of the chairs with bright yellow custom drapery. Colour is an integral element to creating the right mood. When decorating with colour, it’s important to balance any bold colours with lots of neutrals. A little trick that I like to use is the 60-30-10 rule. When decorating a particular room, divide the colours into percentages: 60 per
cent of a dominant colour, 30 per cent of a secondary colour, 10 per cent of an accent colour and you will never go wrong. The dominant colours in our living/ dining space are beige, yellow and navy. I also chose to complement the blues with hints of orange in the living room. Adding a few “bonus” colours adds further interest. I found an old
traditional wingback armchair on the curb once. It was in desperate need of TLC, and so I had it stripped down and recovered with a piece of bold contemporary orange fabric. It’s cosy, warm and inviting while adding some traditional sophistication to the space. Repetition is key to any successfully designed home. By repeating a colour multiple times in a space, it feels purposeful and comforting. We repeated the orange in the custom toss cushions and with smaller accessories. By having the same colour layered throughout the space, it creates a unified design. It’s a family space that is now an inviting and fun place for social gatherings or curling up by the fire. It’s proof that by taking the plunge and designing with colour, you can create a space that is visually beautiful, intriguing, and sometimes surprising.
Designer Rebecca Hay is principal of Rebecca Hay Designs Inc., a Toronto based design firm specializing in classically livable family homes. Offering complete decorating and renovating services for over a decade Rebecca and her team manage all of the details from start to finish. Known and celebrated for her design work and appearances on various acclaimed HGTV shows Rebecca is an active YouTuber. Follow her daily design adventures on Instagram. Servicing clientele throughout Toronto, Muskoka and Canada. RebeccaHayDesigns.com
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market place
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green FROM MILLENNIAL MINT TO EMERALD, THERE IS A GREEN HUE TO SUIT YOU.
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1 | Lucca cushions in grass green. $119 (set of two). Article.com 2 | Viviana Gonzalez agate-inspired coffee table. $320. Wayfair.ca 3 | Vonsbak rug. $149. Ikea.ca 4 | Tynell 1965 pendant lamp in green by Paavo Tynell. $692. Finnishdesignshop.com 5 | Najac velvet three-seater sofa. $1,000. Structube.com
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Photo: Sarah Gallop Design Inc.
Build the Home Your Dog Deserves Visit w w w.havan.ca
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