Manitoba Home Décor and Renovations - APR/MAY 2012

manitoba edition | free

april - may 2012 Volume 14 issue 2 Endorsed by the

dream

kitchens chic and sophisticated

plus!

making the

most of your backyard

10 MB Reno 04-2012.indd 1

tips for thE perfect bathroom

5

ways to brighten up a room

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Manitoba Home Builders’ Association » Professional Renovators

Do it right…

PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUALITY PHOTOGRAPHIC

hire a professional renovator.

Choosing a professional renovator It’s the best renovation decision you can make. For over 70 years, members of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association have upheld their commitment to quality, service and professionalism, keeping Manitobans among the best-housed people in the world. For your peace of mind, make the smart move – contact a MHBA RENOVATORS’ COUNCIL member for your next renovation. The MHBA RENOVATORS’ COUNCIL is affiliated with the Canadian Renovators’ Council of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.

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This issue’s participating members:

Oswald

Construction LIM I T E D

Ph. 779-6900 www.allcanadianrenovations.ca

Sakiyama Construction Ltd. Ph. 228-3303 www.sakcon.ca

Ph. 474-2334 Fax. 453-0639

Certified Master renovator

Ph. 293-3151 www.harwoodbuilders.com

Ph. 233-8687 www.starbuildingmaterials.ca

Ph. 895-0265 Fax. 895-7735

HOME & RENOVATION

MASTERS YOUR ONE-STOP HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST

Ph. 953-3002 www.hrmasters.ca

Ph. 237-4294 Fax. 235-1120

HIC

est. 1980

Build with Confidence

Ph. 204-661-8600 www.olympicbuildings.com

Ph. 982-2930 www.parkhillhomes.ca

Ph. 927-1483 www.seinerivercabinets.com

Ph. 204-886-2604 www.BerMaxdesign.com

Ph. 781-9383 Fax: 253-4091

Ph. 896-4351 www.rempelbuilders.com

Ph. 204-997-5040 swh@mts.net

For a complete list of Member Contractors call 925-2560 Or visit our website at www.homebuilders.mb.ca Canadian Home Builders’ Association

APR - may 2012 home décor and renovations 3

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4 home décor and renovations APR - May 2012

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everY generAtion hAS itS WinDoW on the WorlD.

We’re YourS. since the beginning of history ,

windows have been designed to let in light. Keeping out the elements came later. the modern word comes from the old norse word, vindauga, meaning “wind eye.” in old english, it was called eagduru, or “eyedoor.” Some of the earliest were paned with flattened pieces of animal horn, and plates of thinly sliced marble. Paper windows were once the norm throughout Asia. the romans were the first to use glass, known as fenestra in latin. our part in the story began in 1948, when Stan Dudeck opened up a small, family company called Paramount, specializing in custom wooden windows and doors. From day-one, Paramount has always embraced innovation, moving into PVC, metal-clad, and composite windows as technology improved. today, we’re one of the few window makers that offers a variety of materials, colours, styles and types. We offer everything from value-formoney vinyl to custom hand-built wooden windows to suit heritage homes, and state-of-the-art fusion-insulated air-cell core triple-paned windows. thinly sliced marble plates, not so much.

Timeless design and peerless quality, for over 60 years.

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S e e i n g Y o u t h r o u g h i t A l l . t h At ’ S PA r A m o u n t.

pa r a m o u n t w i n d ows . c o m

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contents

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 2

APRIL - MAY 2012

24 68

18

18 cover story

DESIGN IN DETAIL

KIM SCHROEDER B.I.D

features 12 No place like “OM”

BY MARGARET ANNE FEHR

24 Making the most of your backyard

BY SHEILA HAHN

59 The Hilary Farr effect

08 Editor’s notebook

Minimal

32 Urban trends 38 De-light-ful

BY ELISA KROVBLIT

BY SALINA YARA HALABI

63 Spring purging

40 Selecting a lawn maintenance company

BY GLEN PELOSO

68 Bathroom renovating

BY TIM MUYS

BY YANIC SIMARD

departments 16 Think outdoor

BY MIKE MOORE

in every issue

tips & tricks 10 What’s new 28 Modern and

22 One stop for glass design and craftsmanship

BY MARGARET ANNE FEHR

34 Granite, Marble or Quartz?

BY MARGARET ANNE FEHR

44 LEED ing the way in ©

sustainable home construction

BY MARGARET ANNE FEHR

48 Brave up to colour

46 Off the wall

BY ELISA KROVBLIT

38

52 Living with renovation...

54

comfortably 5 ways to brighten up a room

BY YANIC SIMARD

56 Talking Turf

BY TIM MUYS

66 Creating privacy along your property line

D

BY RAMMISES TIODIN

BY DEBBIE GOLUB, B.A., B.ENV.D.

50 Yarrow Sash and Door welcomes Apex Siding

BY MARGARET ANNE FEHR

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editor’snotEbook

april - may 2012 Volume 14 Issue 02 Vice President, national real estate

Jacqueline Hill editor-in-chief, nationial real estate

Susan legge editor/account executiVe

merlyn minty 949.6416 art director

Sarah Jang sales Manager

Conni robinson account executiVe

kim Smith 949.6801 sales coordinator

Steve nelson 949.6408 VP, auto & hoMe channels, MediatiVe

bill Wolch

spring into action

national account Manager, MediatiVe

andrea berry Production Manager

bala Gnanapandithan Production co-ordinator/graPhic designer

O

ne of the primary reasons why many of us opt for home ownership is so that we can be in possession of our very own green space. After a long day of work there is nothing quite like escaping to your own private oasis to enjoy the peace and tranquility of nature. If you have kids (or grand kids), having a nice backyard means having a place for them to run and play. When the weekend comes you turn on the barbeque, your friends arrive and out comes the Bocce Ball or Croquet set. Enjoying your meal fresh off the grill while leisurely visiting on your deck or patio is about as good as it gets. Outdoor living helps us make the very most of our summers and improves the quality of our lives.

However, if your outdoor space is bleak and unappealing, you likely won’t be outside very much, and, consequently you will be missing out on a lot of fun in the sun. A good place to start is in the front yard, creating some nice curb appeal. This involves having a well groomed lawn and eye-popping flower beds. Flower pots, address signs and other accessories can add a lot to the overall appearance of your home. But remember, too much is too much! Also, make sure to pick a style and stick with it. There is nothing worse than seeing a number of conflicting themes on display in the same space. If your driveway or sidewalk is sinking or crumbling, it is time to pick up the phone and get it repaired. After following these steps you are sure to make a positive impression on your visitors and your home will most certainly become an asset to your neighborhood.

Once you have established curb appeal it is time to move into the back yard and consider where outdoor rooms can be established. This may entail a deck, patio, sunroom, screen room, or a combination of spaces. These areas can transform boring areas into relaxing and attractive extensions of your home.

Planting well-arranged bushes, trees and flowers is a must if you are to achieve a beautiful backyard. Be careful not to over plant and consider leaving an open green space where your children can play. Feeling overwhelmed by the almost infinite number of plant choices? If your head is spinning and you need help, go directly to a professional greenhouse. You can be assured that you will receive the helpful advice you need to make intelligent plant choices. You may pay a little more, but, if you want it done right the first time, it’s definitely worth it.

After the work is done and your yard is attractive and functional, you are now ready to sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Merlyn Minty

mohammad Haidarpour graPhic designers

daniel mera, Caroline Wassef PhotograPhy

duality photographic, artistic impressions, ted yarwood contributors

margaret anne Fehr, Sheila Hahn, Salina yara Halabi, Glen peloso, yanic Simard, mike moore, debbie Golub, tim muys, rammises tiodin, Elisa krovblit distribution

Winnipeg home delivery and free pick-up newsstands throughout Winnipeg and surrounding communities. distribution locations

Selected assiniboine, Cambrian, Vantis and Steinbach Credit Unions, bank of montreal, CibC, royal, td and Scotia banks, mcdiarmid lumber Stores, Safeway, Sobey’s, dakota Family Foods, Charleswood do-it Centre, iCi paint Stores. yellow magazine street boxes are located throughout Winnipeg. locations include most stand alone tim Horton’s locations..

WE’D LIKE TO HEAR FROM YOU Home Décor and Renovations Magazine welcomes your comments, questions, stories and suggestions!

Wall2Wall Media #1765 Kenaston Blvd., Unit T Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 1V8

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? Please direct all sales or distribution inquiries to Merlyn Minty at 204.949.6416 or via e-mail at: Merlyn.Minty@wall2wallmedia.com HOME DéCOR AND RENOvAtiONs magazine is published by Wall2Wall Media located at 401 the West Mall, toronto, ON M9C 5J5. Home Décor and Renovations, magazine is distributed throughout Winnipeg. this publication has been designed for the renovation and decor market as a guide. We 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 Wall2Wall Media 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. ©2011 Wall2Wall Media.

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

8 home décor and renovations APR - May 2012

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c

DREAM DESIGN BUILD LIVE

At Character Homes Ltd, our design/build approach to renovations continues to work and produce extremely beautiful and efficient projects.

855 MARION STREET 路 WINNIPEG 237-4294 路 CHARACTER_HOMES@MTS.NET

IMAGINATION 路 DESIGN 路 COMFORT MB Reno 04-2012.indd 9

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TIPSANDTRICKS

what’snew

We have been on the look out to see what’s new and exciting for the home. Here are some of the latest products that have entered the market and where you can find them.

1 PRINTED SOLAR LANTERNS These durable, nylon lanterns are a cool way to light up the night without the hassle of electrical cords. With vibrant colours and new silhouettes, they add personality to any outdoor living space. Leave them out all season (even in the rain!) and they will charge with the sun every day and glow for 4-6 hours every night.

1

THE GARDEN ROOM 444 Academy Rd, Winnipeg, MB Tel 204.487.1151 website www.gardenroomshop.com

2 SAG HARBOR GROUP Hand-crafted from the finest allweather materials, the Sag Harbor collection from Kingsley Bate is a beautiful addition to any natural setting.

The pieces are hand-woven using extra-large wicker fibre making for heavier and more substantial seating than typical wicker pieces.

THE GARDEN ROOM 444 Academy Rd, Winnipeg, MB Tel 204.487.1151 website www.gardenroomshop.com

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4

3

5

6 3 FIRE COLUMN Enhance any entry and add the ambience of fire with new Fire Columns from The Garden Room.

Crafted of heat-resistant fiber-cast concrete and glass, these ventless, clean-burning pillars are ideal for patios and outdoor entertaining.

THE GARDEN ROOM 444 Academy Road, Winnipeg, MB Tel 204.487.1151 website www.gardenroomshop.com

4 MYKES TREE & SHRUB GROWTH SUPPLIMENT

When planting your trees or shrubs with Mykes you ensure 2x faster root establishment and reduce watering by 30%. Survival rate is increased by 75%. Mykes is 100% organic. Ask about the 5 year Mykes warranty at Lacoste Garden Centre on all hardy trees and shrubs.

LACOSTE GARDEN CENTRE 2787 St Mary’s Road, Winnipeg, MB Tel 204.256.2377 Website: www.lacostegardencentre.com

5 THE BENCH SOLUTION The Bench Solution fold-away workbench is the perfect space-saving solution for your garage. When not in use, it easily converts to the down position, taking up less than 4 inches of space. It has a large 60”W x 24”D x 1.5” solid hardwood butcher block top, and it is incredibly strong—with a 400 pound load rating. $399.

GARAGE RESCUE Tel 204.421.6118 Website www.garagerescue.ca

6 THE TUFFRAX® SYSTEM The TUFFRAX® system helps homeowners regain floor space, get organized and park their cars back in the garage by leveraging unused ceiling space for extra storage.

TUFFRAX® is a perfect complement to garage cabinets and can be used in laundry rooms and basement storage areas too.

GARAGE RESCUE Tel 204.421.6118 Website: www.garagerescue.ca

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FEATURE

No place like “OM”

Renovation achieves Zen-like calm in busy household

by MARGARET ANNE FEHR PHOTOGRAPHY BY DUALITY PHOTOGRAPHIC

LINDA AND SHAWN LOVE THEIR FIVE-LEVEL RIVERBANK

home designed by Winnipeg architect Frank Stockl back in the 70’s.

“Frank designed the house for himself and really took advantage of the river bank setting,” says Linda, “placing windows in strategic locations to capture wonderful sightlines, to let in an abundance of light and to create an exceptional sense of privacy in a residential setting.”

So when the couple decided to make some changes to the house, they were determined that respect should be paid to the original architectural vision but also incorporate changes that would simplify the busy lifestyle of their growing family.

Harwood Design Builders, headed up by Wayne Sage, emerged as the builder of choice for the couple and the work began in quick order.

To make this unique floor plan more fluid, Linda and Shawn elected to create an open concept kitchen that called for the removal of a common wall between the original kitchen and dining room.

“The old wall had a small pass-through and some counterspace, but overall it was more of an awkward interruption to the way we used the space,” says Linda.

Once the wall was removed, the difference was immediate. “It just created this easy flow within the space.

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To make this unique floor plan more fluid, Linda and Shawn elected to create an open concept kitchen that called for the removal of a common wall between the original kitchen and dining room.

“Frank designed the house for himself and really took advantage of the river bank setting,” says Linda, “placing windows in strategic locations to capture wonderful sightlines, to let in an abundance of light and to create an exceptional sense of privacy in a residential setting.”

The kitchen and dining room was always the centre of the family, but now it’s even more so.”

The transformation continued with the addition of natural finish maple cabinets to provide a soothing palette in the kitchen, contrasted with black granite countertops, an earthy grey/brown glass tile backsplash in combination with brushed nickel hardware. Cork was the flooring choice that unified the kitchen and dining space while providing warmth and quiet underfoot.

The next area undergoing extensive renovations were two adjoining bathrooms. On Wayne’s advice, the bathrooms were amalgamated into a single, multi-use space designed to accommodate simultaneous family traffic. “Shawn insisted

on having a large shower while the bathtub is my thing,” says Linda. A toilet stall, an authentic water closest, allows for privacy within the space.

Clever space-saving touches abound including a floorto-ceiling bank of shallow natural finish maple cabinets that are 4 to 5 inches deep with the exception of end units large enough to hold towels and linens. “It’s brilliant because you can organize everything in separate cabinets and everything is visible and within easy reach,” says Linda.

Linda’s favorite sanctuary, the free-standing bathtub, resides regally within a 3 by 10 feet cantilever extension that’s afforded an additional 30 square feet of space to round out the bathroom’s spacious dimensions.

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Now that the renovation is complete, Linda says, “I know that we’ve achieved what we wanted which is a very Zen, peaceful feel within the space. Everything flows now from the tile backsplash in the kitchen to the bathroom, the paint palettes, the woodwork and flooring; it all exudes a very peaceful feeling. We love the style of the house and we wanted to stay true to it and bring out the best elements in this design and that’s definitely what the renovation achieved.”

As for the Harwood Design Builders team, Wayne described it as business as usual, doing the unusual, with only a few issues that called for some real creative thinking.

“We had to totally re-route the electrical wiring and ductwork that was originally installed. One wall in particular had a 16 gang switch control cluster on it, so that was re-allocated to

better fit the layout and functionality. Otherwise the project moved along as we scheduled and we were glad to finish the job in a timely fashion for such a great couple and their kids.”

Linda and Shawn followed up with their thanks by hosting a housewarming party with Wayne, crew and sub-contractors as guests and put their thoughts to paper in appreciation for the work done.

“On behalf of Linda and my family, I’m writing at this time to express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the outstanding work you and your team did on our house. We couldn’t be happier. The final result is nothing short of world class and has exceeded our expectations.

You’ve got some big fans over here! Harwood will get nothing but positive and enthusiastic recommendations.”

TO MAKE THIS UNIQUE FLOOR PLAN MORE FLUID, LINDA AND SHAWN ELECTED TO CREATE AN OPEN CONCEPT KITCHEN THAT CALLED FOR THE REMOVAL OF A COMMON WALL BETWEEN THE ORIGINAL KITCHEN AND DINING ROOM.

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Linda’s favorite sanctuary, the free-standing bathtub, resides regally within a 3 by 10 feet cantilever extension that’s afforded an additional 30 square feet of space to round out the bathroom’s spacious dimensions.

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DEPARTMENTS

Think outdoor renovations this spring

by MIKE MOORE,

PRESIDENT, MANITOBA HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION

WITH THE NICE WEATHER THAT WE HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING THIS YEAR,

one couldn’t help but turn their attention to the outdoors while visiting the hundreds of exhibitor booths at the recent Home Expressions Home and Garden Show. There were ideas galore about decks and patios, what to put on the decks and patios, extensions to these areas, recreational areas, maximizing the potential of your yard and the various amenities that can put you over the top in fabulous.

The first thing you see when you walk out your back door should be your deck or patio. If you don’t have one, I’d recommend building one. We had a tremendous mosquito-free summer last year, but we all know that won’t last forever, so a little separation from the lawn can be a good thing. The magnitude is up to you but the mind raced with ideas from Home Expressions. Let’s explore a few options.

A multi-level outdoor structure allows various activities but also a bit of separation and privacy. One area or level could be designed for lounging; whether it be reading, socializing or just stretching out in the sun. Another could be for eating, perhaps a table and four chairs under an umbrella. The barbeque, a staple in any Manitoba home in the summer or all year, can be found close by. On the third level, we find the hot tub. There were dozens of models on display at Home Expressions for all tastes and budgets. Inexpensive to maintain, perfect for entertaining or just relaxing, and fully operational all year; they are the perfect complement to the outdoor living space.

Of course, there were plenty of other amenities available that would further enhance the back yard living experience. Fire places or fire pits, lighting, sound systems and a portable bar were just some of the ideas presented.

Beside the deck or as an extension, we were presented with sunroom or seasonal living space options. Gazebos continue to be very popular. Your yard can be whatever you make it to be. There were beautiful landscaping designs, recreational areas, perfect lawns, flowers, shrubs, trees and countless other

options to make your yard your own paradise. For those who wish to cut back on the grass cutting while enhancing their recreational lifestyle, there was plenty of information available on pools.

For anyone who visited the show, there was an endless list of possibilities for renovation and décor just outside your back door. For those who didn’t, hopefully this gets you started in your thinking about bringing new life into your outdoor environment. Home renovations are for the whole home; enjoy yours to the fullest.

MIKE MOORE is president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association

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MULTINATIONAL AWARD WINNING RENOVATIONS

THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX

SERVING THE

30 COMMUNITY FOR

YEARS

Award winning quality and workmanship Custom Finishing Custom Design Personalized Service VISIT OUR NEWLY RENOVATED SHOWROOM.

est. 1980

927-1483

www.seinerivercabinets.com APR - may 2012 home décor and renovations 17

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COVERFEATURE CHALLENGE

DESIGN IN DETAIL 9

To create a kitchen ready for entertaining.

SOLUTION

By replacing the walk-in pantry with a wall of pantry cabinets, we gained the space to create the large island that easily sits 6 guests. The new kitchen feels twice the size and really works for this active family!

3 4 10 2

5

11 6

1

7

8

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01 The large island houses the cooktop, boasts a round bullnose end and has lots of room for 6+ stools.

02 The Murano glass exhaust hood is decorative and functional.

03 The cabinets are made from aged grain white ash and have a painted and glazed finish.

04 Open shelves over the sink provide display space for accessories.

05 The marble backsplash compliments the dark quartz counter tops.

06 The window seat fills the space once used by the dinette table and allows for lounging.

07 The adjustable, swivel barstools provide a perfect place to hang out and keep the cook company!

08 The engineered brushed oak hardwood floors are finished with a white glaze and are the ideal colour to hide dust.

09 The ceiling, painted a lighter shade of the wall colour, provides a soft contrast to the cream distressed cabinets.

10 All the original cherry stained oak trims were painted to create a lighter feel.

11 The fridge was moved from previous location where it just didn’t work.

12 The wall of pantry cabinets easily replaces all the storage of the old walk-in pantry.

13 The shallow accent cabinet becomes control central and houses everyone’s calendars, the phone chargers, cook books, storage drawers for phone books, pens & paper, plus a place for a few collectables.

14 End of island houses the recycling pull-out making it easy to access.

BEFORE

12

13

14

KIM SCHROEDER B.I.D Charisma, The Design Experience 388 Academy Road, Winnipeg tel 204.487.6994 fax 204.487.0551 www.charismadesign.ca

6

19

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From Concept to Completion concave

convex

hanging light

concave & convex wood tile convex

concave mirror 54 3/8"x 64 3/4" - f lat (no bevel)

concave

convex sink

prefab. vanity convex

concave f lat wood tiles

f lat wood tiles

From space planning to a fully provisioned interior, 1 bath our architectural interior designers will make your dream home amain reality.

Scale: 3/8" = 1'-0" A2

388 Academy Road, Winnipeg Ph: 487-6994 www.charismadesign.ca

the design experience

1030 St. James Street 774-2626 20 home dĂŠcor and renovations APR - May 2012

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businessprofile

MPD Glass anD Vinyl GraPhics

One stop for glass design and craftsmanship a sparkling new shOwrOOM FOr Mpd glass and vinyl graphics

by Margaret anne Fehr

p

repare to be dazzled! MPD Glass and Vinyl Graphics has made some big changes with the unveiling of its new glass gallery at 853 Marion Street. It’s a brand new showroom dedicated to a stunning collection of all things glass for home and office.

As a 22-year-old Winnipeg company, MPD is wise in the ways of glass and the many functional roles it can serve, and now it has a stunning new space to showcase its product and service lines to full capacity.

It seemed inevitable to head in this direction, according to MPD designer and partner Chris Kaleta. “With newly expanded display space, we plan on showcasing some new

types of glass products that few people in Winnipeg have seen before.”

Chris gives a hint of things to come. “We’re still in the testing grounds on some new products but we plan on carrying a very thick style glass that’s becoming more popular.

We’re going to be able to showcase those kinds of current glass trends that are being used now for kitchen backsplashes, countertops and islands and raised glass table tops as well as in bathrooms.”

Glass is showing up in every room of the house now from backsplashes to glass showers to stair railings, Chris informs.

“We’re following the design trends of today’s home builders

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towards glass stair railings that are replacing the more traditional wood-fabricated styles. We are also featuring complementary hardware that is extremely effective in creating many different effects to showcase glass railings.

Overall, our entire showroom space will be more focused and specialized. The showroom is just going to be a better avenue to showcase those things.”

The MPD Glass and Vinyl Graphics Showroom also offers the services of three knowledgeable staff members to help customers navigate their way through the showroom and better identify the look, materials and price points they are seeking.

Besides the introduction of new products, the MPD Glass and Vinyl Graphics’ core competencies remain unchanged as a company that specializes in decorative glass, film and glass etching. “Others in the city may offer some similar products, but we want to be seen as the one-stop location that can fulfill customer needs from the moment they walk in our showroom to the installation of the final product in their home,” says Chris.

MPD is completely automated and has state of the art equipment for polishing and sandblasting glass. “We continue to provide sandblasting for some of the major door and window companies in the province. We have some of the best technology available in our industry with computer-aided sandblast equipment to aid us in creating incredibly precise

“it all comes down to one thing,” says chris. “we really want to be the onestop glass shop in the city. you can come to us for the ideas. we don’t just supply glass. we help you create your unique vision.” artwork, and also have the ability to illustrate and sandblast using traditional methods.”

“But when it comes down to custom work, we have a history of doing hand illustration to create a one of a kind creation for our customers.”

“It all comes down to one thing,” says Chris. “We really want to be the one-stop glass shop in the city. You can come to us for the ideas. We don’t just supply glass. We help you create your unique vision.”

MPD Glass and Vinyl Graphics showroom is located at 853 Marion Street and is open from Monday to Friday, 8 am to 5 pm. Visit www.mpdglass.com.

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feature

Making the Most of

your backyard by sheila hahn

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as we welcome the approach of spring over

the next few months one can easily recognize the routine buzz in the air, aimed at new home construction and renovation of existing homes. Talking to many prospective homebuyers and renovators, backyard space development is on the top of their list of priorities in achieving their ultimate home environment. In today’s world, it’s all about extending your home outdoors during the summer months. The thought of spending more time outdoors is quite enticing and something (having such a limited warm season) that should never be taken for granted. Making the most of outdoor space and utilizing every square foot of it

is so important during the backyard planning process.

When designing an exterior room, keep in mind that you’re not just looking at your backyard from outside, you will also be viewing it from the interior. Locate plant materials or other decorative elements so that they create a beautiful focal point when looking through your windows.

There’s nothing more unappealing than peering through a window with an uninspiring view.

Your outdoor space not only has to look great, it also has to serve a function. Include planning out an adequate cooking area for your BBQ, some entertaining space, and an area for decorative flowers and plants to create a very lush

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outdoor living

visual appeal. When selecting greenery, know the zones of your backyard that have the most sun exposure (versus shade) and select plants accordingly. Plants are an investment and should be treated as such. You don’t want to be replacing them every year simply because they didn’t survive the conditions they weren’t meant to be in. Take the time to do your homework and consult with a few local greenhouses. After all, they are the professionals and it’s their job to equip you with the right information that will help you make well-informed decisions.

If you don’t live along a greenbelt and find you’re looking directly into your neighbor’s backyard, focus on creating privacy with green walls. Purchase tall shrubs, trees or other natural screening elements such as vines or bamboo to line your fence and surround yourself with living walls of greenery. Incorporating beautiful greenery in a yard is a wonderful solution to conceal such unsightly items as electrical poles, surrounding houses, fences, and trash cans.

Once you have your basic plan underway, create even more layers of greenery in your outdoor room. Place tall plants towards the back, medium plants in front of tall plants, and short plants directly in front to create a lush environment.

Familiarize yourself with your plants and know when they bloom. Plant accordingly to create a garden that will look fresh during various months of the year.

And finally, use the same principles to decorate your outdoor room as you would decorate the interior of your home. The incorporation of water fountains will give just as much serenity to your outdoor space as it would to your indoor space. There is such a great selection of garden sculptures in the market, and they really warm up a space, making it feel so much more personal. Add colorful cushions made of outdoor fabric to your seating area to give it life. I’m all about being practical, so choosing items for your yard that will withstand the outdoor elements is your best bet for a low maintenance yard you can enjoy all summer long.

sheila hahn Sheila is a design consultant who produces a functional and innovative furniture and accessory line. www.kohon.ca or www.skonsolide.com 780.428.6230

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g

modern minimal living

KITCHEN | BATH | WARDROBE

m concept

KITCHEN & BATH SHOWROOM 1783 Portage Ave. 204.694.9414 www.m-concept.ca

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tipsandtricks

Modern and MiniMal

Kitchens, bathrooms, furniture, walk-in closets, and hardwood flooring are all available at M-concept. These pages present a sampling of what you will find when you walk into their showroom located at 1783 Portage avenue. View their website at www.m-concept.ca for showroom hours or call them at 694-9414.

1 kitchens by aster cUcine.

Aster Cucine is one of the leading manufactures in innovative designs of kitchen cabinets in Europe. Deeply pervaded by a “service oriented” philosophy that has developed a comprehensive company-product-distribution system geared to meet fully the aesthetic and functional requirements of each individual customer. Painstaking care is taken to produce top quality products with an innovative design, and all our projects are supported by a network of highly qualified staff who knows how to design kitchens with the utmost professionalism.

Established in 1983 in Pesaro, Italy, Aster Cucine is today a young and dynamic Italian kitchens manufacturer, always ready to interpret the new trends in the market in terms of product and service. Today Aster Cucine is recognized for quality manufacturing, advanced technologies high-design of kitchen cabinets.

Our collection includes traditional, transitional, contemporary & modern kitchen cabinets.

1

2

2 Walk-in and stand alone Wardrobes.

Very clean and functional lines, to interpret a contemporary taste. Available in a wide range of finishes, colours and materials to customize each detail of your own style, from door, to internal accessories.

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3

4 bathrooms by Wetstyle All WETSTYLE soaking bathtubs and basins are uniquely manufactured by hand and made of WETMAR™, the company’s eco-friendly natural stone composite material containing a high mineral content lending strength, durability, slip resistance and natural thermo-insulation. Available in the industry’s only True High Gloss™ or matte finishes, each model features a slot design hidden overflow channel eliminating the need for external plumbing connections.

3 Pianca fUrnitUre. The combination of beauty and function has been the Pianca philosophy throughout its history.

Pianca was established in 1946 in Gaiarine, a small town in the very heart of what was to become one of the main Italian industrial districts and the home of “made in Italy” furniture. Through the decades, Pianca has stayed true to its core values: a search for a “pure design”, flexibility in production and devotion to quality and service.

Today Pianca consists of 3 production plants, covering over 800,00 square feet, employs 250 people and distributes its wide range of home furniture systems worldwide.

Pianca’s continuing commitment to investing in technology and automated large scale production processes sets its apart from many of its rivals: Pianca is able to deliver cutting edge design and “Made in Italy” quality while maintaining a compelling value equation for its products.

4

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F&C_R

TIPSANDTRICKS

URBAN TRENDS

1

Capitalize on the fabulous weather we are having and plan early for your warm weather entertaining at home this year. Stay cool and stylish indoors with some great electric fireplace and furniture accessory options. As an alternative, grab a cool drink and wander outside to enjoy those warm and glowing evenings, with family and friends gathered around some great outdoor hearth and accessory products.

ALL PRODUCTS ARE AVAILABLE FROM FLAME & COMFORT.

2

1 This beautiful Golden Lights gallery wrapped canvas art from Ren-Wil will help your dĂŠcor stay cool this Summer.

The refreshing wash of blues and browns, combined with warm infusions of orange are part of the newest colour trends coming out this Spring.

2 Gather around this stylish wood fire pit from Dagan Industries and enjoy our great Manitoba Summer to the max this year.

3 3 Add some pizzazz to your interior and exterior living spaces by incorporating an Artisan House Indoor/Outdoor metal sculpture.

The Persuasion free-standing art piece can add a dramatic element to your outdoor entertainment area.

4 This sleek, modern Synergy BLF50 electric fireplace from Dimplex is a great focal point for your home. Beat the heat this Summer and enjoy this fireplace’s stylish Ice glass media design with accent lighting, with or without the heat.

4

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Rumford Fireplace Renaissance Fireplaces™ manufactures the award winning Renaissance Rumford™. The open hearth wood fireplace design offers major advantages over a traditional open fireplace. The hideaway guillotine door allows you to enjoy your fireplace with the door open or closed - without altering your view of the flames.

When burned with the guillotine door open the Renaissance Rumford is an instant mood creator; the crackle of a beautiful fire, tall vibrant flames and the lowest emissions ever seen from an open fireplace. When the door is closed it transforms into a more efficient fireplace by preventing the loss of heated room air, and the open hearth is so clean burning it meets the toughest emission level promoted by the EPA in the Voluntary Wood Burning Fireplaces Program.

LARG LOWEST

EST SELECTIO N & PRICES IN WPG

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943-5263 Furniture

I

31 8 L O G A N A V E.

(JUST OUTSIDE CHINATOWN)

Fireplaces

I

Accessories

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businessprofile

western marble

Granite, marble or quartz?

Advice from the experts

by MArgAret Anne Fehr

W

estern Marble and Tile’s spacious 3000 square feet showroom at 1321 Yukon Avenue features over 400 samples of granite, marble, travertine, limestone, slate, exotic and semi-precious stone from Italy, Brazil, India, and Saudi Arabia.

Brian Bollman, Western Marble and Tile President, informs that the industry heavyweights for today’s residential market include granite, marble and quartz. As a major investment, it pays to consider where, what and how you plan to use these products and which one best fits in with your lifestyle and budget.

Brian has been involved in the industry for nearly 37 years and continues to learn about new products and their capabilities every day. He generously shares his expertise.

Granite Granite nowadays is used predominantly as countertop material and is highly regarded, respected and desired for that purpose with new colours coming onto the market from countries all over the world. For example, from Brazil there are 450 stone colour selections, let alone what we have coming out of Canada and also Italy and India.

red draGon Granite on the counters and island.

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calacatta ondulato MarBle on the BacKsplash. raVen caesarstone on the island.

BliZZard iMperial MarBle on the counters.

The face of granite can be worked with a brushed finish, with a thermal finish or a honed finish; but it is the polished finish that best brings out the beauty of the material and is easiest to service and maintain. Granite is extremely resistant to scratching, staining and certainly to heat due to the nature of its makeup. After all, it was molten rock at one point, extreme heat and infusion in the creation gives granite its durability.

It’s very much of a misconception that all granites always have to be sealed all the time to prevent all stains. This is not the case. Some of the lighter colours should be sealed on an annual basis to help resist oil and grease stains, but many of the stones are very resistant to any kind of staining. It’s simply a question of maintenance and common-sense. If you drop something you wipe it up.

We seal all stone prior to installation, as a matter of course in our production facility ensuring that the product will last a long time. Granite can be used without fear in more intense use areas including board rooms, bank teller stations, casinos, fireplaces, kitchen, vanity countertops as well as flooring.

Marron iMperial MarBle on VanitY.

one of the main components that occur in granite. The quartz is extracted from granite, ground up and mixed with 7% epoxy, resin and dyes resulting in a 93% Quartz content.

Diamonds and Topaz are the only naturally occurring materials that are harder than quartz. Quartz offers different colours that are not found in nature along with a uniform look. It has a degree of resistance to heat, stains and scratches but it is possible for all three to occur without some care. It is not recommended that you place anything over 300 F degrees on a quartz surface since it’s epoxy-based. There are also certain size limitations on the slab sizes, but certainly for kitchen countertops it is quite ideal due to its smooth look, minimum flaws and the fact that it is non-porous. Quartz products do not require any sealing.

Within each material, there is a wide spectrum of prices.

With a natural product such as granite or marble you are not purchasing based on quality but subject to availability and origin. On a quartz versus granite basis, quartz comes in at a medium price range compared to entry level granite.

MarBle Marble has been used for centuries. It is derived from limestone and has a unique look and tone to it. It is used for kitchen and vanity countertops, fireplace surrounds, feature walls and flooring but it does require a degree of care and maintenance to protect its beauty as it is much softer than granite and quartz products.

With marble you can get colours, tones, striations and appearances that you can’t get in granite. More people are going to marble for kitchen countertops but it does depend on the homeowner and the circumstances. It can be used but there is a note of caution to be sure. Marble is more susceptible to scratching and staining than a granite or quartz product.

Making a choice from such a vast selection might be daunting but fortunately the Western Marble and Tile staff is wellversed in product knowledge and design acumen to steer their customers in the right direction.

Luisa Tavares, an independent design consultant, provides some insights into her design approach for using natural stone mixed with engineered stone. In a recent project, Luisa chose a stunning slab of marble Calacatta Ondulatto as a focal point in a kitchen. “I then choose Blizzard Caesarstone to minimize the impact of the surrounding counters and Raven Caesarstone to compliment the dark veining in the marble.

The marble allows for a softer visual effect and the Quartz counters provide a sleek look. Marble is typically associated with a more traditional feeling but mixing it with Quartz products achieves a European look with a contemporary flare.

QuartZ In the last 10 years quartz products have become a popular engineered stone option for consumers. Quartz is actually

Western Marble & Tile is located at 1321 Yukon Avenue . Their website is www.westernmarble.com and they can be reached at 774-0537.

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THE PREFERRED GRANITE SUPPLIER TO THE CABINET INDUSTRY IN HOUSE CUSTOM FABRICATION OF ¾" & 1¼" GRANITE, MARBLE AND QUARTZ PRODUCTS

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774.0537 Office | 774.0701 Fax

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A New Approach For The Ultimate Dream Home.

We are proud to announce the opening of the McDiarmid Design Centre which offers products and services for every stage of your build, such as Pella and Thermo-Tech windows and Perfect Fit Doors, roof and floor trusses, full kitchen design featuring our exclusive Medallion and Bellmont line of cabinetry, as well as, an extensive full service decor department to create that exact look. Come see us today at 580 Pembina and allow us to show you a new approach to innovation and design.

Come Visit Us Today and See Our New Design Centre!

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221 Higgins Ave. Wpg, MB, R3B 0C4 Phone: 953-3002 Fax: 953-2983

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TIPSANDTRICKS

de-light-ful

Period pieces are taking décor by storm.

I’m seeing dramatic fixtures used in lighting, especially in the dining room.

Chandeliers are hot, hot, hot! They make a statement and bring the vibrancy and panache of a bygone era to your décor.

by ELI S A KRO VBLIT

1740

1804

GOTHIC REVIVAL

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ART DECO

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1970

MID-CENTURY MODERN

4

1920

FRENCH EMPIRE

2012

THE 70S

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CONTEMPORARY

6

1 Concerto six-light black chandelier $179 Visit homedepot.ca 2 19th C. French Empire Crystal Chandelier $2,195 Visit restorationhardware.com 3 Fine Art Lighting “James” Tiffany-style hanging lamp $434.99 Visit sears.ca 4 Hammered pendant chandelier $489 Visit ethanallan.com 5 IKEA 365+ BRASA $59.99 Visit ikea.com 6 Tea Time Chandelier $1,800 Visit anthropologie.com 38 home décor and renovations APR - May 2012

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We’ll help you organize your space... then fill it with the most beautiful, unique items.

Our Lowest Rate Mortgage It’s in your best interest.

With our mortgage rates hitting historic lows, it’s the perfect time to take advantage – whether you’re looking to buy your first home, renovate your existing home or refinance. So why choose an Assiniboine Credit Union mortgage? Our no-haggle guarantee gets you our best and lowest rate always. This means you can pay your mortgage off sooner and free up some extra cash for things like investments, an education fund or even a much-needed vacation.

Plus, being local means our 25 Manitoba branches make it easier for you to take advantage of low rates.

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APR - may 2012 home décor and renovations 39

9246 ACU - Renovations Magazine ad 3.7 in. x 10 in.

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tipsandtricks

selecting a lawn

maintenance company by tim muys,

Green Blade lawn Care

After Almost 22 yeArs in the

industry I can honestly say that I can’t distinctly recall anyone who was really, really excited about the prospect of searching for a new lawn maintenance company. It’s just not something anyone looks forward to. At first, you feel great about the idea of not having to mow the lawn every week but that soon turns into the anxiety that goes with trying to find someone you can trust to do it.

There are ways to minimize the risk and improve your odds of getting a reputable company that you can depend on. Your worst fear is finding yourself stuck with a contract you can’t get out of in the middle of the summer, wasting your money on a company that you thought would do a good job.

To get started, call as many companies as you can. There is no such thing as having too many estimates and most companies can provide an estimate for you even though you may not be home. Make sure you are clear about what you want from all companies. If some companies offer additional services than others, ask that these services be listed with a separate price. Be sure you are comparing apples to apples. Next, a little due diligence will go a long way toward narrowing the field. » Does the company have a detailed, comprehensive plan for how they are going to service your lawn for the entire season? » Ask what kind of equipment they plan to use. Don’t be afraid to ask what some of the equipment does or how it

accomplishes the task they are using it for. The company should be more than willing to help you understand not only how, but why their methods are better. » Is the company a member of any local, community, or industry related organizations? Organizations provide ongoing training opportunities, updates on new products, equipment, safety issues, and new regulations. » Ask for at least three referrals. » If it’s early in the spring, ask if they have photos. A picture is worth a thousand words. Most notably, it will tell you right off which companies take pride in their work to the extent they document it. » Ask if you can cancel the service at any time. No company should want to service an angry customer. If they show notable resistance to this question, odds are, customers trying to leave mid season has been an issue for them. Respectable companies will have a waiting list of customers waiting to get on board. » Ask if the company is insured. As a homeowner, you are liable for accidents on your property but the company you hire should be protecting its staff as well. » Ask if they are paying Workers Compensation. Lawn maintenance companies are now required to pay Workers Compensation though many are still unaware of this recent regulation. You can also place a call to the Workers Compensation Board to find out if the company is in good standing.

» Do they offer anything over and above the others that sets them apart, not only in their services, but in who they are, what they stand for, in the community they work in? Companies focused on making a quick buck by offering lowball prices won’t typically offer extras or extend themselves. » Ask how a problem would be dealt with. Is there someone you can reach directly and in a reasonable time frame? How quickly will they address the problem?

If you’re looking toward next year, go for a walk, bike ride, or drive through some of Winnipeg’s more affluent neighbourhoods on a Thursday or Friday and see which companies are maintaining the nicer properties.

Don’t be shy about knocking on a few doors. People love to hear that you think their property looks great and they’d be all too happy to let you know what they think of their lawn maintenance company.

Never let price be the determining factor. High quality service is going to cost more but in the long run, will save you grief and aggravation and will ultimately be worth the long term investment. Are you willing to risk constant nuisance just to save a couple of dollars a month?

What you get depends mainly upon what you look for. It is behaviour that builds trust, not intentions. Look for the company that can best prove, not just in their words, but in their actions and behaviour, that they are the kind of service you’re looking for.

tim muys of Green Blade Lawn Care has over 21 years experience in the lawn care industry.

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3/21/2012

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Page 1

The appearance of your landscape...

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s

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BUSINESSPROFILE

I.R.I.S. CONTRACTORS

LEED ing the way in ©

sustainable home construction

by MARGARET ANNE FEHR

F

rom the time I.R.I.S. Contractors first appeared on the Winnipeg market in 2007, the scope of its projects and position in the marketplace as a fully sustainable home builder and renovation company has grown exponentially.

“When we first started out, people thought that a green, sustainable house meant building a bubble in a tree in the middle of the forest with no gas or electricity,” says Matt MacDonell, Director of Operations and President. “But now the general public is much more knowledgeable regarding green trends and sustainability and it’s what has allowed us to grow as much as we have over the last 5 years.”

The I.R.I.S. acronym stands for Intelligent Renovation and Inspection Services. From the beginning, Matt positioned

the company at the front of the residential construction pack, adopting industry certified LEED© standards in new construction and renovations.

“We don’t just talk the talk,” says Matt. “My own home was built to Platinum LEED© standards and much of what I do revolves around researching and sourcing sustainable technologies that we can bring to our ongoing projects. It’s all about keeping up to date with all the latest and greatest that comes out in green technology.”

Matt states, “We are probably the most hands-on general contracting company in Winnipeg. We have 8 production people in the field, a full-time project manager and 3 of us in the office.”

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“WE DON’T JUST TALK THE TALK,” SAYS MATT. “MY OWN HOME WAS BUILT TO PLATINUM LEED© STANDARDS AND MUCH OF WHAT I DO REVOLVES AROUND RESEARCHING AND SOURCING SUSTAINABLE TECHNOLOGIES THAT WE CAN BRING TO OUR ONGOING PROJECTS. IT’S ALL ABOUT KEEPING UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST AND GREATEST THAT COMES OUT IN GREEN TECHNOLOGY.” “My staff will be on site every single day from the time we start the project right through to the end. In the case of new home construction, our guys go right from the footings to the final coat of paint until we hand over the keys to the customer.”

I.R.I.S. has embarked on another sustainable initiative.

“We have started to do what we call ‘RenewVations.’ It involves renovating some of Winnipeg’s older housing stock that is smaller and in need of significant updating. Instead of bulldozing these homes, we make sure that the foundation is up to standards and have it re-engineered, thus saving the foundation, the main floor system and the exterior walls. Once that’s been done, we add double to two and half times the size of the original home whether by second floor addition or rear floor addition topped with a second floor addition.”

The first ‘RenewVation’ home that I.R.I.S. tackled was just 780 square feet. When completed it was expanded to 1950 square feet and was brought up to modern day building codes and environmental standards.

There are many environmental benefits that come from this approach adds Matt. “We’re keeping a foundation that’s

in perfectly good shape along with a floor system that’s in great shape. As a result, we are then selling a prior lived-in home which means there is no GST charged on the final product to the end user.”

“Because we save five to 10 per cent of the original structure, the City of Winnipeg recognizes it as a renovation project which means acquiring permits is done more quickly.”

“Another benefit is that the homes we’re renovating are sitting on existing foundations and for the most part are settled on the property. That means that soil shifting problems are minimized unlike new home construction in new suburbs where the ground is still unstable.”

“Environmentalism on the residential side is really on the burgeoning stage,” says Matt. “Just like a child they grow so much in the first years; it’s encouraging to see how much of the general public is now starting to ask for this.”

Their website is www.irishomeservices.ca and they can be reached at 788-IRIS (4747).

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tipsandtricks

off the wall by eli s a k r ov b li t

Looking at wall décor, I’m starting to see more than your typical pretty pictures, matted and framed and formally hung.

Pieces don’t just quietly cling to the walls, they’re becoming tactile, dimensional – coming off the wall and into the room – and I love the interaction! Sculptural elements are created through carving, printing on glass and metalwork – or through mixing media with unconventional elements, like hardware. Artists are also layering text onto the canvas, allowing pieces to tell their story.

Try pieces like these to make your walls a little more interactive!

PJaTTERYd Heart Street $59.99 Visit ikea.ca

Vintage Eye Charts: Letters $345-595 Visit restorationhardware.com

Red dazzle Mirror $119.95 Visit pier1.ca

designer: alan Wisniewski Garden Wall decor $40 Visit umbra.com

artist: Christopher Hayes, Rocket Large $250 Visit artinteriors.ca

dark Leaf Metal Wall art $199 Visit sears.ca

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I N T E R I O R

D E S I G N

Photography by Duality Photographic

TEL: 204-489-5151 FAX: 204-487-0719 www.fenwickinteriordesign.ca

• SUSTAINABLE/ENVIRONMENTAL OPTIONS • DESIGN/BUILD • ADDITIONS/RENOVATIONS • CUSTOM HOMES • CERTIFIED PROPERTY INSPECTION phone: 204.788.4747 www.irishomeservices.com

SPECIALISING IN SUSTAINABLE BUILDING AND DESIGN BUILDING OUR WAY TO A GREENER FUTURE

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departments

brave up to colour

Colour, colour everywhere - but not a drop in my house! by debbIe golub, b.A., b.env.d.

designer at fenwick & company interior design

design by fenwick & company interior design photography by artistic impressions

It’s AprIl And sprIng Is fInAlly here! After the long, grey And cold

winter months many people crave to be surrounded by colour. The question designers are often asked by clients is, ‘how do I introduce this into my home?’ In theory, the desire may be strong, but when it comes to actually implementing the scheme, many sidestep it. Why are most people apprehensive to use colour? people hAve A feAr of…

» Putting colour into an expensive item and having it go out of style. » Getting bored of their colour selections » Making the wrong choice – will the colour enhance or detract the space? » Using too much, or too little and not achieving the desired look or feel.

Colour, especially in our climate, can affect one’s mood. It can cheer you up, excite you, calm you down and refresh the mind. Everyday we play with colour in our clothing to express ourselves and do it with confidence. This same approach can be done with our homes. Research, careful planning and some bravery can allow

you to express your colour infused personality into your home!

Start with research.

Following are some current 2012 concepts in interior design.

Ask yourself which environment you most relate to. the reInvented

An appreciation of the past but seen in a new light. Optimistic, passionate and energetic. Bright and fresh, think plastics and high gloss. Retro and period pieces used in a new way with colour and whimsy.

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understAted luxury

Slick, soft colours paired with high contrasting textures and finishes. Pinks, mauves, blues and greens muted by greys.

The use of shells, glass, crystal, marble, granite with subtle washes of metallic. The palette speaks of quality. nAture wIth A twIst

Nature assimilated with synthetics. Inspired by the beauty of the Mother Nature, the pallet contains natural shades, but is abstracted. It is a realistic use of resource sustainability and how we can eco-manufacture them. Interiors relate to the outdoors with the use of soft tones, textured surfaces inspired by nature. Think crooked, scoured and feathery!

Now that you have done your research, you have a blueprint for action – it’s now time to pull the scheme together! Here are a few tips to get things started. be InspIred by somethIng you love

It could be a piece of art (artists are experts in composition and combinations!), a favorite piece of pottery, an area rug or fabric. Analyze the use of colour in the piece, then select a main and two accent colours to be part of the scheme. Note, that using three colours creates interest. consIder the colours In your exIstIng possessIons

the new vIntAge

These will also influence your selections and how you apply this new scheme to your home.

Vintage textiles repurposed. Comfort in worn surfaces, layers of sheen levels, together they emphasize the diversity in design. Timeless colours and heritage fabrics and rugs.

North facing rooms tend to feel cooler. They may need warmer shades. Likewise, South facing rooms may need cooler tones.

note the room orIentAtIon

sImplIcIty

new floorIng or cAbInets?

Is the new backdrop using classic whites, beiges, silver greys and charcoals. Space is the canvas with notes of contrast and subtle intention of colour.

For anything costly to replace, consider using a neutral colour.

Your taste may change before your budget allows for replacing.

Use colour in less costly items. Upholstery wears out, and paint is an economical yet dramatic colour tool.

Now, time for some self discovery!

be consIstent

Create a portfolio of images from magazines, favorite show homes or even a loved restaurant. Examine the colours in the space. Describe the mood and feel of the room. Was it serene, stimulating, formal or informal, cozy or open? Then, develop an ‘at home personality outline’ that best reflects your family and lifestyle.

Carry the scheme throughout the entire home. The balance can be different in each room by using a different colour from your selections, but applied in different proportions. Colour unifies spaces and creates harmony.

AlwAys use one colour predomInAntly

Use the other two as accents. If colours are used equally with in a room, they will compete and create discourse.

Is your family home…

AccessorIes

ActIon orIented wIth somethIng AlwAys on the go?

Choose accents that relate and enhance the overall scheme.

Your tempo is busy, bustling and your house is always full of neighborhood children. You value a home full of fun and laughter. Vivacious active people are often attracted to oranges and reds or strong colours and strong contrasts.

A retreAt?

Peace and harmony are the moods you like to prevail in your home. You enjoy a sense of contentment about yourself and those who surround you. Colour preferences may be towards blues and greens, or a composition of cool hues combined with warm coloured accents. Retreat colours could be a combination of neutrals using textural elements. Think rattan, textural fabrics and wooden pieces with pronounced grain patterns for visual interest.

A lIghtheArted And lIvely spAce? A home for the imaginative and outgoing who also values quiet time and privacy. Shades of yellow may express the lively and light hearted. Alternatively, a low contrast, monochromatic palette, with variations of one colour, may also appeal to this home personality.

Note that you may view your home as one, or a combination of the above capsulated home personalities. Do your research, understand your family needs and determine the colour concept that best reflects your home and family.

Colour is an essential key to creating self-expression in your home. Now, equipped with some ‘selection tools,’ the world towards self expression is at your doorstep!

Still unsure, and feeling cautious? - call a designer!

Equipped to critique and tweak as required, a couple hour consult can help you from making costly mistakes and meet colour with confidence!

lynn fenwIck B.i.d. fenwick and company interior design tel 204.489.5151 fax 204.487.0719 e-mail lynnfenwick@shaw.ca web www.fenwickinteriordesign.ca blog fenwickinteriordesign.blogspot.com like us on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/fenwickcompany

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BUSINESSPROFILE

APEX SIDING

Yarrow Sash and Door welcomes

Apex Siding FOR A HOUSE EXTERIOR THAT’S BOTH TOUGH AND BEAUTIFUL

by MARGARET ANNE FEHR

B

uilding on strengths has been Yarrow Sash and Door’s way of achieving excellence in the Manitoba windows and doors marketplace since 1946.

Now the company has added Apex Siding, a fiberglass product manufactured by Marvin Windows, to its quality inventory collection. And befitting a company with such a long-standing history, owner Michael Neufeld assures that significant vetting has gone into the Apex Siding line to ensure that it offers the perfect complement to the Yarrow Sash and Door existing product lines.

“We started carrying Apex Siding in our showroom last fall,” says Michael. “We rolled it out at the recent Home Expressions show and we’re gratified by the positive response that attendees to the show expressed. People were really impressed that the product resists fading, chipping, impact and moisture and is low maintenance and that all these claims are backed by a 50 year limited warranty.”

Apex Siding represents a real alternative to what’s currently available in the market, simply by virtue of the fact that it’s made of fiberglass, imparting a wide array of superior performance capabilities.

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MADE WITH ULTREX®, A PATENTED MATERIAL PIONEERED

BY MARVIN®, APEX IS A NEW CATEGORY OF HOME SIDING THAT IS STRONGER AND MORE DURABLE THAN FIBER CEMENT, IMPERVIOUS TO MOISTURE AND FEATURES A RICH, BOLD ACRYLIC FINISH THAT RESISTS FADING AND WILL NEVER REQUIRE REPAINTING OR RESEALING. Made with Ultrex®, a patented material pioneered by Marvin®, APEX is a new category of home siding that is stronger and more durable than fiber cement, impervious to moisture and features a rich, bold acrylic finish that resists fading and will never require repainting or resealing.

The feature sheet for Apex Siding is both long and impressive including attributes like high strength-to-weight ratio, low rate of expansion/contraction, impervious to moisture, high resistance to impact, the ability to withstand extremes of temperature.

“Apex Siding has a crisp, clean look for outstanding curb appeal,” says Michael.

“Material comes in 16 foot lengths as opposed to 13 foot lengths which means it has approximately 35 per cent less seams inherently. It can be installed with almost invisible seams in contrast to cement fibre board that requires a 1/8 inch gap at the seams. No sealant or caulking is required during installation.”

Marvin uses patented, mechanically-bonded acrylic finish that ensures long-term colour retention and durability unlike painted products. The patented finish is 3 times thicker than painted finishes and provides superior resistance to

scratching and UV degradation on darker colours.

And today’s environmentally aware customer will appreciate that Apex Siding is the result of a sustainable manufacturing process. The Apex Siding website explains, “For us, it begins with the material. Our siding is made of sand, an abundant natural resource. Adding to our eco-friendly equation is the fact that 95% of the volatile organic compounds generated during the manufacturing process are captured, reducing the amount of VOC’s that are released on jobsites.”

With the addition of the Apex Siding to Yarrow Sash and Door’s Marvin product line-up, Michael says, “This combination of products provides the opportunity to create a complete fiberglass solution for your home exterior that includes windows, door frames, doors and now exceptional siding.”

For further details about the Apex Siding products, visit the Yarrow Sash and Door Showroom at 969 Fife Street from 8 am to 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday to speak with a company representative. Or consult www.yarrow.mb.ca or Apex Siding www.apexsiding.com for further information.

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TIPSAnDTRICKS

living with renovation…

comfortably

ONCE YOUR PROJECT GETS UNDERWAY, YOU AND YOUR

renovator need to work closely together to make sure that everything goes as smoothly as possible. The renovator needs a good working environment so the job can progress without problems or delays. You want as few inconveniences and disruptions to your daily routine as possible.

Many of the responsibilities of both the renovator and the homeowner have already been spelled out in the contract.

Before the work starts, sit down with your renovator and discuss everyone’s expectations and responsibilities in detail.

Good communication is key to a good renovation experience and a satisfying result. beFore tHe worK beGins ›› Discuss the renovator’s requirements for the work, including access to electricity and water on a regular basis, delivery and storage of building materials, and disposal of wastes. ›› Determine the rules of the house for the work crew. Clarify access to bathroom facilities and eating areas, as well as kitchen privileges, if any, and also which parts of the house are off limits. Set out your smoking policy and if you permit music in the work area.

›› Verify that municipal permits and approvals have been obtained as needed. The contract may stipulate that your renovator will do this; however, the ultimate responsibility rests with you, the homeowner. renoVAtor responsibilities ›› Your professional renovator will make every effort to avoid disruptions and minimize the impact on your household. For instance, additions will be built and partially finished before the connecting wall is removed. Temporary hook-ups for water and electricity will allow you to continue your daily cooking and cleaning routines. ›› To keep you informed, your renovator will name a contact person for your project, usually the site supervisor or the renovator personally, who will stay in touch with you throughout the project. You will get regular updates on the progress of the work and be told when to expect tradespeople and when you will be needed for decisions.

This person will also be available on short notice to respond to any questions or concerns that you have. ›› The renovator is responsible for meeting deadlines. The contract should clearly outline the project schedule and deadlines to which your renovator will work. If the work gets off-track for unforeseen reasons, the renovator will

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discuss the situation with you immediately and find ways to correct it. ›› Daily clean-up is part of the service. Professional renovators leave a clean work site at the end of each day. Be sure to discuss your expectations.

Homeowner responsibilities ›› Clear work areas of furniture, drapes and art. Protect your valuables by placing them in an area where no work is going on, or out of the home, and cover anything that might be harmed by dust. ›› Make early product selections. The contract may stipulate that you select and/or provide specific items such as flooring, lighting equipment, tiles and kitchen cabinets.

Have these items available to your renovator when needed to ensure the smooth progress of the work. ›› Keep changes to a minimum. Most renovators are willing to accommodate changes to the original plan as you go along.

However, changes may result in a cost increase or a time delay so make sure to discuss the implications with your renovator. Change orders are amendments to the contract and must be signed by both parties.

›› Be available to your renovator. Invariably, you will be asked to make a number of smaller decisions as the work progresses. Make sure that your renovator can reach you on short notice. ›› Discuss your concerns as they arise. Bring any concerns and questions to your renovator’s attention immediately – don’t wait for “the right moment”. ›› Provide payment as agreed upon in the payment schedule set up in the contract. Be sure to hold back the appropriate amounts required by the Contractors’ Lien Act in your province. Contact your provincial government or your lawyer for information. ›› Accept the unpredictable. Foul weather, unavailable products, unforeseen complications... these can be part of the renovation experience and will be dealt with by your renovator in a professional manner.

Courtesy of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.

SOLIDITY

Countertops & Glass

SILESTONE. CLEANER & SAFER. The advantages of Silestone are numerous. A surface made from natural quartz, Silestone boasts a very high resistance to stains and scratches, at the same time it is food safe. Silestone is the world’s only leading quartz surface that offers unique antibacterial protection as standard and a 15 year warranty.

Silestone is the perfect choice for your kitchen and bathroom.

(204) 981-6098 | www.solidity.ca | info@solidity.ca

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tipsandtricks

5 ways to

brighten up a room by yanic simard

photography by ted yarwood

Brightening up a room that doesn’t have a lot of natural

light can be both challenging and frustrating. If you haven’t got the option of knocking down or opening up walls, or adding windows, then I’ve got five different suggestions that you may find very useful.

1 | “ArtificiAl” lighting I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – It’s all in the lighting. Of course this might seem like the most obvious solution, but many people go about it in the wrong way. When choosing a ceiling light, be sure to choose something that directs the light downwards or outwards, not upwards. If the light is directed towards the ceiling it won’t do you much good. One of my favourite fixtures is the Medusa Chandelier. With its 30 exposed light bulbs, being short of lighting should never be an issue. It’s also 31.5 inches in diameter, covering a wide area of space.

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4 | reflective finishes Mirrors, chrome, glass and metallic are all favourite designer finishes to work with in a dull and dark room.

Keep what light you do have bouncing around off of these pieces throughout the day and night. tip Create a focal wall with three large-scale mirrors that go almost floor to ceiling. This will make the room feel much brighter and also much bigger 5 | furniture scAle The size of the furniture plays a big part in the illusion of adding brightness to a room. If you have heavy, dark, chunky furniture, then of course the room will feel that way. If you have light, open, clean-line furniture, then the room will feel much more airy and open. Typically, people purchase their furniture in a set. If you’re one of those people, try and replace the furniture that’s on the heavier side one piece at a time. Even just swapping one bulky black leather club chair for a slightly smaller light-coloured fabric upholstered slipper chair will make the world of a difference – you’ll see. tip If you have too much furniture or too many pieces in a room, it can make the feel more crowded and dark.

Edit and eliminate what you can on your road to a brighter space!

you need with a solid shade, what’s really the point of having it?

Keep the base and swap the shade! chandelier recommendations Medusa Chandelier NU HGML326 www.greatlighting.com 2 | PAint I asked my fans on Facebook and Twitter if they thought that lightcoloured paint would lighten up a dark room. 99 per cent of them said yes, meaning 99 per cent of them were wrong! Paint can visually brighten up a room (which is what our goal is), but not lighten up a room. You still won’t be able to read a book in that same room with no light, regardless of if your walls are deep blue or bright white! Believe it or not, a mid-tone beige colour is the best choice to keep the room feeling bright. paint colour recommendation Benjamin Moore’s CC-396 Stone Castle benjaminmoore.ca

yanic simard

3 | WAllPAPer Wallpaper can completely warm up and brighten the look of a room. If you’re going to take this route, choose a wallpaper that has an element of metallic in it so that it can reflect the light from it. Wallpaper recommendation: Graham & Brown’s Kelly Hoppen Hicks pattern, colour: taupe/charcoal/silver. grahambrown.com tip If you have a window in the space, it’s ideal that you’d install the wallpaper on the wall directly across from it.

www.facebook.com/yanic.simard www.twitter.com/yanicsimard

yanic is the principal designer of toronto Interior design group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, yanic often applies his signature high/ low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. he has created designs for clients in toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine.

Visit tidg.ca for more information.

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tipsandtricks

Talking Turf Your questions answered by the pro!

Q

by Tim muys, Green Blade lawn Care

How long should a lawn last? I always like to think of the lawn like a human body. Eat your veggies, get lots of exercise, take your vitamins, take medicines when you get sick and so on and you will likely lead a long healthy life. Spend your life drinking, smoking, and doing drugs and your body will probably pay for it. A well cared for lawn should be expected to last anywhere from 30 to 40 years. Most lawns will likely start to show their age at about 25 years and will likely need to be “renovated” at least once or twice by adding a few layers of soil, seed, and by aerating annually in order to extend its life.

the lawn is. Aerating is performed to correct compacted soil, improve drainage, improve water and fertilizer penetration and absorption, improve heat and drought tolerance, and improve the effectiveness of weed control. If you have heavily compacted soil, aerating every year, or even twice a year for a couple of years will dramatically improve your situation.

If you want to realize the full value of watering or want to maximize the effectiveness of your fertilizer and weed control applications, aeration will certainly improve the response that your lawn will have. Ultimately, aeration is a good idea if you have a lawn that isn’t in the best shape. Alternatively, if you have a great looking lawn and want to keep it that way, make an annual aeration part of your regimen.

Golf courses aerate their lawns several times each year.

Q

Q

My property backs onto a ditch and some railroad tracks. I’ve tried everything to stop the thistles from coming into my back lawn. Is there anything you can suggest to stop them? Thistles are probably the most difficult weeds to control in

Manitoba. The Canada thistle can grow to over 6 feet tall! Just imagine the root structure that supports something like that. That’s where your problem lies.

Thistles reproduce in two ways; through seeds, and through rhizomes. Rhizomes are shallow roots that run close to the surface and eventually sprout new plants.

Thus, where you find one thistle, you will likely find a whole family of them. They will spread into your lawn from a neighbour’s unkept flowerbeds as well. Unless the entire family of weeds is wiped out, they will continue to be a constant problem.

Treating the few small thistles on your side of the fence will not solve your problem since you will only be poisoning a small segment of the cluster. You may weaken the root mass, but not enough to kill it. It will continue to thrive and eventually new weeds will spread back into your lawn.

Q

How can I tell if my lawn needs to be aerated? Aerating is a process that involves pulling small finger-like cores out of the lawn. The cores should ideally be 2.5-3 inches long. The length of the cores is dependent on how hard or compact

How can I get rid of quackgrass?

There are no known effective means of getting rid of quackgrass in

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a lawn. The problem lies in the fact that quackgrass is a grass plant species just like the Kentucky bluegrass that makes up most of your lawn. All species of grasses have common hormones and process their food almost identically. Therefore any type of herbicide or other chemical control will also kill the Kentucky bluegrass that you’re trying to keep. Digging up quackgrass might sound like an easy enough solution, but it’s actually the worst thing you can do. Quackgrass has incredibly extensive roots. Digging it up, you will never be able to get all of the roots out. In fact, the roots that are left in the soil will sprout new quackgrass plants in greater numbers than you had before. Unfortunately, all you can do to keep quackgrass in check is to keep your lawn mowed often. Quackgrass is a voracious grass. It grows very rapidly. It has a very large blade, which it needs to photosynthesize enough food to support that large root system. Keeping your lawn cut often will limit the length and size of the quackgrass blade, stunting the extent to which the plant can develop and spread.

Q

I would like to top dress my lawn. How much should I put on my lawn and when is the best time to be doing this? The best time to top dress your lawn is in the

Q

I have a lawn service fertilizing my lawn. I’d like to put some seed down. Should I be seeding before or after the lawn is fertilized? If you are over seeding an

Don’T know whaT To Do wiTh your DanDelions?

spring. No matter how much top dressing you apply, you will be smothering grass plants that need oxygen and sunlight to survive. In the spring the lawn grows vigorously and is easily able to punch through the top dressing. Many homeowners also seed when they top dress the lawn. Spring is an advantageous time to do so since conditions are usually cool and moist. Under any circumstances, the rule for top dressing the lawn should be; lots of thin layers rather than one or two thick layers. How thick you go depends on how long your lawn is. As a general rule, you can apply top dressing to a thickness that is equivalent to one third the height of the lawn. If your lawn is three inches tall, spread top dressing at a thickness of one inch.

If you are trying to raise your lawn significantly, keep in mind that once the top dressing settles and compacts, it will only raise your lawn by ten to twenty percent of the thickness you laid down. Only apply another layer of top dressing once the lawn has completely filled in through the first layer. If you are looking to raise your lawn by several inches, it will be necessary to resod or seed.

established lawn, seed should be put down shortly after your fertilizer treatment.

This would allow the seed enough time to grow before the next application. The fertilizer being applied will be formulated to encourage mature plants to flourish and will be high in nitrogen which would be harmful to recently sprouted grass. The new grass plants would not have an extensive enough root system to absorb the nitrogen. The new grass would essentially wither and die. If you were planting a new lawn, an application of a fertilizer high in phosphorous would encourage rapid and strong root development. Phosphorus fertilizers are now banned in Manitoba.

However, a permit can be obtained by homeowners wishing to use phosphorous fertilizer for the purpose of establishing a new lawn.

Q

What should I do with the old weed and feed product I have in my garage?

Use it for what it was intended for. Much of the active ingredient(s) will have dissipated within the container, but your lawn will still likely benefit from what remains of nutrients that are still lingering in the product. This is certainly the best alternative. Whatever you do, do not throw unused fertilizer or weed control products into the garbage since it will inevitably end up in the landfill, which is not where these products belong. If you have some other type of fertilizer or pesticide you need to dispose of, give it away to someone who might use it or you can call an environmental agency that properly disposes of petroleum products and other chemicals that pose a potential danger to the environment.

DanDelion Blossom Jelly 4 cups of dandelion blossoms (remove any green) ›› 4 cups of water ›› 1 Tbsp. lemon or orange juice ›› 1 box Certo ›› 4½ cups of sugar ››

1 Boil dandelion blossoms and water for 5 minutes.

2 Drain off and use 3 cups of liquid.

3 Proceed as per directions on Certo box.

Makes 5 jelly jars. Especially good with chicken!

IMPORTANT: Make sure that the dandelion blossoms have not been treated with herbicides.

Tim muys of Green Blade Lawn Care has over 21 years experience in the lawn care industry.

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In a perfect world things cost less.

Welcome to our world.

DirectBuy is the new way to buy, a way for you to get what you want and not have to settle for what you think you can afford. With hundreds of thousands of products from over 500 of the biggest brands in Canada, DirectBuy is the only place that combines your unique style, with our unbeatable savings.

$250 OFF YOUR FIRST PURCHASE! Present this ad when you attend a scheduled Open House tour of DirectBuy of Winnipeg, and receive a certificate for $250 Off your first purchase when you become a DirectBuy of Winnipeg member.

Offer good at DirectBuy of Winnipeg only. New members only.

Cannot be combined with other offers. Offer expires June 15, 2012.

Call 204-788-0442 or Visit winnipeg.directbuy.com We’ll mail you a FREE copy of the Insider’s Guide To Buying Direct We’ll also include a Visitor’s Pass to our DirectBuy club so you can come check out the savings and selection for yourself.

Winnipeg

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NOTHING SAYS WELCOME LIKE AN INKSTER PARK DOOR

Your home is important to you. Your doors should be too.

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FEATURE

THE

Hilary Farr EFFECT

by SALINA YARA HALABI

WHEN IT COMES TO TURNING A HOUSE INTO A HOME

there is no better person to talk to than Hilary Farr. Known for her role on the hit show ‘Love it or List it’, Hilary has been making homeowners fall in love with their homes all over again. Her ability to truly understand homeowners’ needs allows her to create the most optimal living space, and is what sets the stage for her beautiful designs. Add in her superior style plus budget savvy skills and you have the perfect recipe for a successful home renovation. We caught up with Hilary and asked her to share some of her renovation and design wisdom.

Q “Love it or List it” is a huge hit, what is the best piece of advice you could give to someone who is caught in the dilemma of either renovating or selling their home.

A Deciding whether to stay in your home and renovate or move on to a new house is and always will be a dilemma.

How to decide? Did you once love this home? Unless the space simply cannot work for you, you can rekindle the love.

If you think of your house as the place to nurture your family rather than an investment, the money and time and patience will be worth it. However, if you consider your house as shelter and mainly as a financial investment perhaps it is time to move on and buy a new home. With luck you will find one that suits all your family needs, and makes sense financially so you can stay put in it long enough to make an emotional investment in the new home and grow to love it.

Q In each episode of “Love it or List it” the homeowners present you with a wish list of renovations to keep them in their home. What is the most outrageous request you have ever received?

A The most outrageous request I have had, was to use valuable space in a small home to create a cedar closet to house a large number of fur coats.

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Q What is the biggest mistake you see homeowners make when they decide to undertake a home renovation project?

A The biggest mistake homeowners make when starting a renovation is scrimping on the budget for upgrades to the infrastructure to allow them more money for all the fun things they want to enjoy. It takes discipline to spend money where you will never see it, but that is where the renovation needs to begin. Do it well, and do it once. Without attending to the infrastructure, no matter how nice their sofa is, they will not enjoy their home.

Q When beginning a new home design project where do you first turn for inspiration?

A I am inspired by the people I am designing for. They know what they need, and they know what they love, they just don’t know how to translate that into the design of their home. My first step is to spend a lot of time talking to BOTH homeowners. I listen to what they do and do not agree on. I can then find the dominant theme that will be my design springboard. Everything else will fall into place and I have a very good idea of what will trigger their emotional response to the design and make them both happy.

Q What are a few of the biggest trends in home decor you expect to see in 2012?

A I feel that in 2012, the trend will be the gradual return to warmer, softer design.

Seating with turned legs, tactile, natural fabrics and upholstered with cushy materials that embrace and invite you to nestle in them rather than just sit or perch. Metallic, woven into fabrics used for pillows, curtains or accents. Stainless steel replaced with warm, metal gold tones, antique silver and matt platinum.

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Backsplashes and kitchens that are more transitional to blend with furnishings in the rest of the home; this is especially important with open concept floor plans.

We want the equivalent of comfort food - French toast with loads of whipped cream - but for the home.

Q Some trends in decor come and go much like fads in fashion. What home design trend do you feel can’t disappear fast enough?

A The trend of overuse of nail-heads on everything from headboards in the bedroom to every possible square inch of sofas and chairs rather than just one piece here and there. Shiny, oversize, faux antiqued, I am sick of them! It has become an embellishment that has taken the place of thoughtful design.

Q There are lots of interesting options for flooring in the home design market. What are some new and exciting flooring options you would suggest trying?

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A I am a big fan of oiled flooring .The oil is natural and carries the colour deeper into the wood to give a richer finish than traditional stain and varathane. As a result, scratches aren’t as visible as with a normal stain and re-sanding is not required as often . There are a myriad of colours available and is available in prefinished, engineered flooring . I would like to see more classic, decorative designs introduced, such as herringbone parquet in walnut with a natural finish. It is elegant, and offsets both contemporary and transitional furniture beautifully.

Q If you had to decide between paint, wallpaper or some other wall treatment to use in your home what would you choose and why?

A I love wallpaper and would opt for using it over paint in certain rooms. It has personality and can make a boring space exciting. I like eclectic design, the blending of different styles and eras.

Gorgeous old botanical prints bring life

to a dining room and look stunning with both antique or contemporary furniture.

Silk or grass cloth brings texture to a room small or large and works with any design style. My favourite room for wallpaper is the bedroom. By dressing up the walls, the bedding can be simple and elegant. On the practical side if you have a wall that is not in good shape, it’s a great way to cover it up and make an ugly wall a feature of the room.

Q What is the latest design element you have added or are hoping to add to your home?

A The latest design element in my own home is bringing in a gas fireplace. Now I can design the new mantle exactly as I want and with this new focal point in my room, I will be re-arranging my furniture around it so it feels completely different.

Q Sticking to a budget is difficult to do when redecorating or renovating a home. What area of the home do you feel people tend to unnecessarily overspend?

A It is true that a kitchen is an area that will add value to your home and it’s also true that it is the most important room in the house. What is also true is that it is the most expensive room in the house and it’s easy to overspend. Planning and keeping to the plan is essential. The tendency is to impulse buy appliances and gadgets that you see on display, deciding there and then it’s the only thing you want, rather than the one you need. Passing over the affordable fridge for one that costs 30% or more of your entire cabinetry budget is ridiculous and unnecessary and I see it happen often. The gadgets available in kitchens are numerous and can break the budget very quickly, leaving you having to scale back on necessities, like food!

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FeATURe

Spring purging

TRADITION WORTH KEEPING

by GLEN PELOSO I RECALL THE SPRINGS OF MY YOUTH

when I would hear the ladies on the street say they were just about to start “spring cleaning.” I always wondered if that meant that they only cleaned up for guests, for Grandma or for the season. When I got to be a little older and I understood that I was going to have to move the sofa, take the beds apart, help my mother re-hang all of the drapes in the house after they had been washed and steamed, I started to really understand what spring cleaning was all about.

The idea of a purge is a great one when you consider just how much we pay for a space per square foot. It really doesn’t make sense to waste any space on something as silly as an

old sewing machine that hasn’t been out of the case for a number of years, or that food dehydrator – you must have been “overtired” when you called that late-night television show to place your order. In our version of spring cleaning, these are the things we have to divest our lives of. The reality is, we end up moving those things around in order to pack in the essentials. As I have said in the past, the elements of the home should be there to enhance your life. My grandfather often suggested that one should be careful about how much he owns because slowly but surely, those things end up owning you since you end up taking care of them.

Walk around the house and identify the things that you are keeping “just in case.” You will feel that much better when you have freed yourself of those extras.

My rule of thumb is if you haven’t used it in a year, chances are pretty good that you never will. Most of the things we keep “just in case” are not very valuable to us and could be purchased or borrowed if we find we need them one day.

That one-year rule also applies to clothes. More often than not, you have several versions of the same article of clothing that you gravitate to. If you can afford to have a closet company re-work your closets, you will not regret the expense. Or, you can do it yourself – all it takes is a bit of ingenuity, some elbow grease and a little help from someone with tools. You still likely won’t need a ball-peen hammer!

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Make sure You use all of the wall sPaCe avaIlable. the floor Is GenerallY the sMallest area of the Closet so use It sParInGlY. Closet makeover: Create various levels at different heights, either 42 inches apart or 72 inches from the floor. These are known as short-hang and long-hang sections. Shelving and drawers can be any width or height, depending on if they are to hold folded items or shoes. When you are on a budget, you will likely need to forgo the drawers, which are really just shelves on rollers. If the budget allows for drawers, they make daily preparation much easier to deal with, and result in a cleaner, tidier look when you’re done.

Make sure you use all of the wall space available. The floor is generally the smallest area of the closet so use it sparingly. Now, have a look at your clothes and determine the percentage of long- and short-hang space.

The most important part of doing a closet is planning your space out effectively and then determining what you are capable of doing – sometimes hiring a professional closet installation company is the most economical way to work if your skill sets do not match your needs in the closet.

An effectively created closet can save you a bunch of money in that it saves on the wear and tear of your clothes and helps you save on dry cleaning and washing.

Colour blocking your clothes also helps you to know what you own at a glance and will help you save more money when you shop; you realize that you already have seven black sweaters and likely don’t need another. You can just buy the light blue one, which is missing in your closet and be happy! When you are finished with the closet you will be so inspired by your ability to organize and purge that you will be rushing to the basement or the garage with a plan to purge and organize even more!

When you say that you are off to do the “spring organizing” it will take the kids a few years to understand what you mean, but soon they will help and you will have passed on a great skill set! Happy cleaning. Or should I say… organizing!

Glen Peloso Glen Peloso, design editor at Home Décor and Renovations and principal designer of Glen Peloso Interiors, has been designing spaces for commercial, corporate and residential clients for more than 15 years. You’ll recognize Glen as the host of such television design shows as Restaurant Makeover, Take This House & Sell It and Renovate My Wardrobe, to name a few, as well as from speaking engagements at home shows across Canada. glenpelosointeriors.com

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tipsandtricks

Creating privacy

along your property line by raMMises tiodin,

nursery manager at lacoste garden centre

Many hoMeowners ask what they should plant

along a property line, a fence, or in front of a window that will provide privacy, will not become too large, and won’t damage the home’s foundation or the yard’s drainage. The answer to this question can be challenging, but there are many excellent options available to Manitobans. Homeowners may initially consider upright cedars or upright junipers. There are, however, some new deciduous plants that are similarly tall and narrow, such as Dakota Pinnacle Birch, Purple Spire Rosy Bloom, Dreamweaver Rosy Bloom and the Columnar Spruce. All of these would be ideally suited for a smaller yard.

A larger yard would obviously allow for some larger trees, opening up even more options.

In the past, decks were built closer to the ground. Privacy

for these deck spaces wasn’t a big concern. However, new home designs quite often have decks built higher off the ground, creating privacy issues. It’s natural to want to have a sense of privacy on your deck; not necessarily to block out the neighbours, but to create a warm, cozy feeling – even when you’re on a deck, high above the lawn. Upright cedars and junipers are great for year-round privacy and the deciduous are great for three seasons.

Selecting a natural privacy barrier will provide you with years of seclusion along with the enjoyment that comes with being surrounded with beautiful landscaping!

Lacoste Garden Centre is located at 2787 St Mary's Road, Winnipeg, MB.

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feature

bathroom top 10 tips by yanic simard

if you have a pink tub and gold antique faucets,

01 imporTanCe of layouT When homeowners finally decide to renovate their bathroom, I often find that people like to jump the gun and head shopping before coming up with a functional floor plan. The significance of creating a layout that works is paramount – take the time to measure and draw out the space (to scale!)

The Calabria VaniTy from The ConTempo ColleCTion, by ronbow (ronbow.Com)

it just might be time to renovate and invest in something you’ll actually enjoy using and admire. Using the “it’s vintage” excuse is getting old, and I can almost guarantee that once the renovation is complete, you’ll ask yourself, “Why didn’t I do that 10 years ago?”

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and create a design that works; keeping in mind the flow of traffic, having enough space to move around comfortably, the right amount of clearance to open doors and drawers, and the end result in the way everything looks in relation to each other. Manipulating the layout can increase your floor space, but you might also be able to move walls to give yourself even more room. If you have a linen closet next to the bathroom or closet from another room that is on the other side of the wall, you might be able to shorten the closet depth to give you a couple extra square feet for your bathroom. Explore all of your options before beginning work. $$ Saving tip Don’t change the location of the tub and toilet, and you’ll save a bundle of money!

azurra adora baThTub from mirolin (mirolin.Com) phoTography by Ted yarwood

02 rely on The ClassiCs You can never go wrong if you choose white and chrome finishes and fixtures. TOTO has some beautiful options, and I really like their Aquia and Upton Lines. They make choosing the components for your bathroom easy and stress-free with their coordinating collections. You’ll never have to worry about making sure pieces match or look good together again!

03 The shower & Tub Having both a shower and a tub in your main bathroom is definitely something that you want to think about if you’re planning on selling your home in the future. It’s something that young homeowners with children in mind for their future want. If your bathroom is on the smaller side, combine the shower and tub. Mirolin has the perfect tub for small spaces – it’s 60 inches, smaller than the standard size – called the Azurra Adora. Pair it with the popular rainfall showerhead and a beautiful bathtub waste & overflow drain (OS&B offers drains in many styles and finishes—available through plumbing boutiques and retailers such as The Home Depot) and your house is practically sold!

04 VaniTy Finding a nice vanity with ample storage space can be a tough task. If you’re looking for something that’s good quality at an affordable price, I suggest taking a look at the options from RONBOW. They have several different size options, meaning they will work well whether your space is small or large.

05 sink spaCe There are so many different shapes and sizes when it comes to sinks – it’s really about finding what is most suitable for you. Make a list of what you’re looking for and take it with you shopping – you might want something deep, round and polished – or shallow, rectangular and matte. Choose your vanity first and bring the measurements with you before going out and making the purchase.

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baThroom by nuheaT (nuheaT.Com)

10 Time To adjusT At the end of the day it’s all about creating a unified look that you’ll be happy to wake up to and come home to every day. Completely transforming your bathroom will be a big change and believe it or not, it will take some getting used to – especially if you change the size and/or the location of the pieces within it. Give yourself four to six weeks to adjust to the new look and really fall in love with your new bathroom.

06 durable flooring There’s no doubt that the bathroom floor gets a lot, if not the most abuse out of any room in the house. Make sure you choose something that can handle a lot of wear and tear. I like choosing a tile or stone that has the coloration running all throughout it, not just one that has a layer of colour on top. That way it will always look the same even as the surface begins to wear down.

08 lighTing The light fixture you choose will determine the mood you’re trying to create.

Choose a fixture that will emit a lot of bright white light. A bathroom is not an area that needs to be ambient – you’ll want good light for getting ready so keep this in mind when choosing your selection.

09 heaTed floors If you’re doing a full bathroom reno and ripping up the floor, why not consider treating yourself by installing a heated floor system? In Canada we have climates that would make a penguin cry so having this feature in the winter is particularly enjoyable! NuHeat is my go-to company for heated floors. With them you can customize the mat to fit the exact measurements of the space so every inch of the floor will give off warmth.

photo by brandon barre

07 mirror arT Choosing a mirror is like choosing the artwork for a room. It’s the finishing touch for the space. The mirror adds the sparkle and reflects the light – the larger the mirror, the larger the impact. Want a designer look? Tile the walls of your bathroom and insert a large-sized mirror to be flush with the tile work. The end result always looks incredible!

yanic simard yanic 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 appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s Cityline. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard

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