…looking a lot like Christmas ›› inside
December 3, 2009
Cost of home ownership on the rise: RBC The cost of home ownership in Canada became more expensive for the first time since the spring of 2008 across all housing segments, according to the latest RBC Economics report. “Home affordability deteriorated in all provinces and major markets in Canada due to a slight rise in key mortgage rates and appreciation in property values,” says RBC senior economist Robert Hogue. “Despite this increase in home ownership costs, affordability measures have still shown improvement from a year ago.” The RBC Housing Affordability measure captures the proportion of pre-tax household income needed to service the costs of owning a home. During the third “Despite quarter of 2009, that measure rose at the this increase national level for all in home housing types (the ownership higher the measure, the more expensive it costs, is to afford a home). affordability The report found measures have that demand in the housing market has still shown outgrown supply improvement since the rebound started last winter, from a year leading to a much ago.” more competitive market and widespread increases in home value across many parts of the country. In B.C., home ownership costs rose during the third quarter, following five consecutive declines, according to the report. Vancouver continues to be the most expensive place to buy a house, with a detached bungalow taking up an average of 66.8 per cent of pre-tax income. Ontario is second, at 48.6 per cent, followed by Ottawa’s 39.2 per cent. “The housing market still faces obstacles, as mortgages have become more difficult to handle for many Canadians amid challenging labour conditions. This is likely to persist until the economic recovery is well established and job creation is sustained next year,” says Hogue. www.rbc.com/economics
Come home for the holidays Making your digs festive, fun and welcoming can be easy TRICIA LESLIE Twinkling lights glitter brightly from their vantage points amid garlands, wreaths, ribbons and figurines. Candles are lit to enhance the seasonal displays that catch your eye throughout the home, from windowsills and fireplace mantles to the chandelier over the dining room table. Your favourite Christmas carols play softly in the background, and the smells coming from the kitchen indicate there’s some seasonal baking on the way – likely a hot batch of shortbread cookies, fresh out of the oven.
Donni Saunders (left) and Brenda Wilkes create warm and welcoming homes for the holidays, like this Maple Ridge house. It’s the first Christmas for the owners at this residence and they wanted to make it special. Rob Newell photo
Your chandelier can become a decorative display for the season’s festivities. Rob Newell photo
It’s beginning to look at lot like Christmas throughout Metro Vancouver, and as the big day nears, many homeowners are getting ready for the holiday season by ‘dressing up’ their homes for the holidays.
Homebuyers who have just purchased a new home may find they have more – or less – space with which to bring the holidays inside. Perhaps the colours of the traditional decorations don’t match the new house, or maybe only some will work. That’s where Brenda Wilkes and Donni Saunders like to lend a helping hand. The two local women are longtime friends who have histories in retail and interior design, and during the holidays, they pair up to make homes look their best and brightest for the festive season. “Each home invites a different look, but it’s really about the homeowner and who they are, and making this feel like their home,” says Wilkes. SEE NEXT PAGE
2 • New Local Home | December 3, 2009
New Local Home | December 3, 2009 • 3
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‘We’re setting the stage ... creating an atmosphere’ FROM PREVIOUS PAGE
Features like recessed niches can help you decorate. Rob Newell photo
A nutcracker soldier is flanked by scented candles. Rob Newell photo
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Don’t forget the reindeer on Christmas Eve. Rob Newell photo
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“It’s about personalizing the home – some people have sentimental pieces they’ll want to use, for example.” While Wilkes and Saunders can provide a whole new look, theme or colour scheme – from black Christmas trees to creating a ‘Whoville’ Dr. Seuss look – they usually work with what each homeowner has, first. One challenge everyone faces with the first Christmas in their new home is how to best decorate it with some of the builder features that are common in new residences, such as recessed alcoves, built-in millwork, art niches, overheight ceilings and double-level staircases, say the designers. They help homeowners use the new features to their best advantage. The pair can work within any budget and can help homeowners avoid being overwhelmed by the decorations shopping experience, when there’s too much to choose from and too little time. “Our goal is to make something extraordinary out of something ordinary,” Saunders says. “It depends on the homeowner, the home, and the story they want to bring to life ... you can decorate an entire home around a sentimental piece.” Plus, Wilkes adds, having a welcoming décor adds to the celebratory feeling when entertaining family and friends during the holidays. “We’re setting the stage and creating an atmosphere ... our goal is to make it the most comfortable and invigorating experience possible.” The designers have already decked the halls
Lorraine Manyk and Ron Kothlow’s home is aglow with seasonal warmth and festive flair, thanks to two local decorators. Rob Newell photo
at Lorraine Manyk and Ron Kothlow’s home in Maple Ridge, for the couple’s first Christmas in the house. Because of the 20-foot ceilings in the great room, a nine-foot tree shimmers with lights and decorations, while the double-level staircase features strategically placed wreaths and two hanging ornaments strung up at different levels, in a theme repeated throughout the house.
Cranberries, Santa figurines, a nutcracker soldier, jesters and red cardinal birds are mixed in among the candles, evergreen boughs, ribbons and mistletoe. Chandeliers – indoors and out – are decorated to reflect the season. From outside the front door to inside the foyer, from the fireplaces and windowsills to the guest bathroom, the home glitters and glows in a warm, welcoming fashion that is not overdone, yet not underdone. It’s perfect. And the homeowners couldn’t agree more. “I love it. It’s fabulous. They have the vision, and they worked with what we already had,” Manyk says of her home. “It’s absolutely amazing.” Kothlow agrees. “I come downstairs and have to pinch myself ... they’ve done a great job,” he says.
4 • New Local Home | December 3, 2009
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