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HOMES + DESIGN
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Trade Secrets
&Daughters designers Emma Sims and Darcy Hanna create the retro-modern divider of our dreams.
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Shopping
Luxurious outdoor furniture, colourful hardware and nature-inspired decor for sunnier months ahead.
FEATURES
One to Watch
Architect Kayla Browne creates gorgeous spaces for her clients—and new opportunities for female architects.
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Dream a Little Dream
Architect Rafael Santa Ana transforms a 50-year-old home into a modern haven for his family.
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The Wild Card
A risky renovation by architect Marianne Amodio yields artful, quirky and beautiful results.
PLUS
50
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Great Spaces
Edit Studios toes the line between modern and traditional in this Vancouver office.
Way Back WL
A legendary architect and a beloved writer meet over a great home in 1980s Calgary.
FOOD
41
Hot Food Time Machine
Our 2021 twists on old recipes: four reinvigorated eats from the 1987 edition of the Western Living Cookbook.
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B.C. & ALBERTA L VOLUME 50 L NUMBER 3
CONTENTS 2021 /
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Kayla Browne: Sarah Knorr; Edit Studios kitchen: Ema Peter; Amodio house: Janis Nicolay; Mushroom Bolognese: Tracey Kusiewicz
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WESTERN LIVING editorial publisher Samantha Legge, MBA editorial director Anicka Quin art director Jenny Reed travel editor Neal McLennan assistant editor Alyssa Hirose editor at large Stacey McLachlan contributing editors Karen Ashbee, Julia Dilworth,
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EDITOR'S NOTE
q& A
A RISING TREND
Follow Anicka on Instagram @aniqua
So I’m a year late in getting in on the trend—but I made my first two loaves of sourdough this past weekend. And I could not have been prouder. In my defence, it never occurred to me that a proper gluten-free starter was possible, let alone a proper GF sourdough loaf, but thanks to Aran Goyoaga and her cookbook, Cannelle et Vanille, I’ve learned you can be a master at both. In the last year, we’ve all likely hopped on to one lockdown-inspired trend or another, whether that was making an Instagram-worthy cup of whipped coffee, perfecting our banana bread recipe, participating in a TikTok video with our kids, or yes, keeping a sourdough starter alive. Another big trend? When your home pivots to becoming an office, a classroom, a restaurant and a home gym all at once—along with its usual duties of keeping us safe and well-rested—it’s no surprise that home renovations have been fast and furious this year. (Head to westernliving.ca to follow editor-atlarge Stacey McLachlan’s uber-entertaining Renovation Diaries on her own home project.) So this issue, we’re spotlighting a couple of those gorgeous re-dos, including a mid-century-modern update from architect Rafael Santa Ana of RSAAW (“Dream a Little Dream,” page 22). He and his family waited a decade before they updated the space from dark and dreary to open and airy (and built in that killer floor-to-ceiling bookcase you see on the cover). But to Santa Ana, it was all worth the wait—because when you take your time, he says, “every piece of hardware is something that makes you happy.” And aren’t we all looking for a few simple things to make us happy these days? Whether you’re planning a big reno yourself, or maybe just considering a bit of an update—a better home office setup, or even a new throw pillow or two—I hope you also find those little moments of joy over the months to come.
Mariah Klein, "12 Designers on Working from Home, Better" westernliving.ca We called them “clusters” growing up, but I’m sure you could Google “no-bake chocolate cookie.” It’s essentially a clump (or cluster) of oats, peanut butter, cocoa and maple syrup. Growing up without anything sugary in the house, this recipe was always a treat. It’s also the only recipe I still have cut out from a piece of paper, and I’m pretty sure it’s at least 20 years old.
Tracey Kusiewicz, "Hot Food Time Machine" page 41 My all-time favourite nostalgic recipe is devilled eggs. Somehow they went out of style, but I still make them on occasion. I even have the serving dish with the indents so they don’t slide off the plate. I especially love them topped off with fresh chives from my garden and a sprinkle of smoked paprika.
BEHIND THE SCENES
The gorgeously colourful recipes featured on page 41 were a combined effort of art director Jenny Reed and photographer Tracey Kusiewicz, who tested and retested different colour combinations of plates and linens. This one didn't make the final cut—but it sure is lovely.
VISIT
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Anicka Quin portrait: Evaan Kheraj; styling by Luisa Rino, stylist assistant Araceli Ogrinc; makeup by Melanie Neufeld; outfit courtesy Holt Renfrew, holtrenfrew.com; photographed at the Polygon Gallery
Western Living is 50 this year! We asked our contributors, What’s your favourite nostalgic recipe that’s stood the test of time?
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The Look: Sliding Doors Ah, the age-old renovation question: do you remove a wall to maximize the floor plan, or keep divisions in place for privacy’s sake? Emma Sims and Darcy Hanna, principals of Vancouver design firm &Daughters, created a third option while working on a recent remodel of a 1958 post-and-beam house. Now, a set of retro-modern sliding screens offers the best of both worlds. (The screens were custom-built by friends at Goodweather Studio: tambour panels are framed by black Douglas fir, bringing in a beautiful texture and nodding to the building’s mid-century architecture.) “Getting the frame and track hardware to fit perfectly and operate smoothly was a labour,” says Sims, “but the result has meant that the clients actually use the system regularly.” An open-andshut case for finding the middle ground.
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HOMES + DESIGN SHOPPING Editor’s Pick Wicker Way
The Bali queen headboard ($769) brings those dreamy resort vibes— a distant memory, alas—to the bedroom. It’s part of Chilliwack, B.C.-based Neutral Shade’s debut rattan furniture line, crafted in Java, Indonesia. neutralshade.com
Slim Fit
Designed to cast bright light but slide into the smallest of spaces, the Oblique office lamp ($533) is ideal for the WFH world—plus, it has a USB-C port integrated into its base to charge up your phone or laptop. informinteriors.com
Rubinet Kitchen Faucet in Blu Jean $1,099, ensuitebc.com
Am I the only one who’s ready for a change from the all-white kitchen trend? I can barely sleep these days, I’m so excited about the olive-green cabinets that are about to be installed at my place. But you don’t need to go for a full-on home makeover to bring in a little colour—a punchy piece like this cobalt-hued Rubinet two-handle Lasalle faucet will add a little fun to the countertop (you can choose different colours for the handles and the faucet!), no drywall dust or power saw required. —stacey mclachlan, Editor-at-Large
For more editors’ picks visit westernliving.ca
Power Planter
Unlike traditional terracotta planters, Hudson and Oak pots are made from a lightweight custom fibreglass compound (it’s the same one used for cars, kayaks and boats). The thick-walled planters (from $100) are designed in Langley, B.C., and come in trendy colours like salted caramel and blush. hudsonandoak.com
Choice of Sides
A hidden adjustable foot inside the Dix table by Connubia (from $1,931) makes it suitable for any sort of flooring (and the 10-sided base is a real show-stealer). It’s offered in multiple finishes, but we’re loving this deep sangria. omgitssmall.com
Silk Switch
A large-scale home reno isn’t for everyone in these trying times, but trading out your throw pillows— especially for these eclectic Turkish silk velvet lumbar cushions (from $179)—is a simple way to freshen up your living space. detailsbymrk.com
Inside Out
Don’t let the sleek design fool you—this is outdoor furniture cleverly disguised as indoor furniture. The Dresden outdoor modular sectional ($6,249) can be oriented any which way you like, and has an optional side table insert for keeping your cocktails safe. roveconcepts.com
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Vancouver designer Shuobi Wu’s roots in ceramics go back over 100 years, to his great grand-uncle in Teoswa, China. He just founded Lineage Ceramics last year, and his super-versatile deep plates (from $25) are the latest addition to an impressive ceramic family tree. lineageceramics.com
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HOMES + DESIGN ONE TO WATCH
Bold Moves According to architect Kayla Browne, the only thing her projects have in common is how unique they all are. “We really like taking on different design challenges, and exercising our minds that way,” says the founder of Calgary’s Bold Workshop Architecture. Whether it’s a sunny, metal-clad house built on passive design principles, an industrial-style urban winery or a restaurant with overgrown cathedral vibes, Browne revels in the unknown. All of her projects incorporate support from Sturgess Architecture, where Browne still works as a senior associate. In the spaces they create together (commercial, residential or otherwise), Browne uses vibrant hues to set the mood. “Colour brings a life, an atmosphere in a project that you couldn’t otherwise achieve,” she says. But the architect’s boldness (pun intended) goes beyond colour and design. Frustrated by the lack of female architects—and overall diversity—in the building and construction industry, Browne joined
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Building Equality in Architecture (BEA) Calgary in 2018. She organizes networking groups, panels and lectures for underrepresented folks in the industry, and has recently teamed up with the University of Calgary’s architecture program to organize mock interviews, portfolio reviews and other opportunities for students. Creating distinct, functional spaces is key in Browne’s architecture work—and she’s creating spaces for other architects, too.—Alyssa Hirose
Special Order
Whether it’s the sleek, sustainable design of the Almost Passive House (top left) or the wild vibes of Calgary’s Orchard Restaurant (above), Browne seamlessly blends utility with beauty.
Portrait: Sarah Knorr; Orchard: Chris Amat; Almost Passive House: Jason Petersson
KAYLA BROWNE, architect, Bold Workshop Architecture
Portrait: Sarah Knorr; Orchard: Chris Amat; Almost Passive House: Jason Petersson
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HOMES + DESIGN GREAT SPACES
OFF THE CLOCK
Modern furniture meets classic Parisian design in this office built for balance. Classy Casual
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The kitchen island is made of a black and white Carrara marble slab with little gold accents dancing throughout. “That was our way of adding the zhuzh, but not being too ostentatious about it,” says Koldingnes. Over the bar, plants add a little greenery to the luxury.
with softer palettes, textures and materials that I don’t think are typical of a commercial office,” says Koldingnes. The soft yet sophisticated design is as atypical as the company’s culture, where long hours are frowned upon and the 9 to 5 actually means 9 to 5. “The owner really wanted to influence his staff, and his future staff, to lead a balanced life,” says Koldingnes, “and this office is here to support that balance.”—Alyssa Hirose
Find more inspiring spaces at westernliving.ca
Ema Peter
It’s not surprising that someone with a background in traditional private equity would value the concept of balance. But facts and figures weren’t top of mind for the owner of this downtown Vancouver office—it was work/life balance that mattered most. “He was all about a culture of working hard, getting it done during the day, and getting home to your family,” says Janay Koldingnes, partner and design director of Edit Studios. She set out to create a space conducive to both productivity and comfort. The firm’s (very well-travelled) owner felt that the French countryside had the warm, inviting feel he was looking for. “We had to be careful we didn’t go too overboard with the theme,” explains Koldingnes, who made sure to complement that classic aesthetic with contemporary furnishings. “The strong concept that came out was French country flavour meets modern office vibe, like a 19th-century flat that you’d see in downtown Paris.” The Parisian feel comes through in warm herringbone oak floors and traditional moulding details, but there’s more to this old-world design than meets the eye. Intricate panelling conceals hidden doors leading to bathrooms and storage areas, a trick reminiscent of the secret passageways one might find in an old French chateau. Iconic Serge Mouille chandeliers were juxtaposed with modern Flos lighting, and cozy Fredericia Swoon chairs create a living room-like environment. “We naturally went in a feminine direction,
Brick by Brick
Because the original fireplace was doing some of the structural work, the monolithic hearth stayed put. Santa Ana gave it a coat of white paint and installed steel shelves on either side to modernize it.
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DREAM A LITTLE DREAM
A post-and-beam home offers an architect (and family man) a chance to make a decade-long design dream a reality. by Stacey M c Lachlan // photographs by ema peter
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HOMES + DESIGN DREAM A LITTLE DREAM
“We had trees! Never mind a roof—it was the trees that made it magical.”
T A Tree Grows in North Van
Before renovations even started on the main house, Santa Ana got to work on the matching treehouse in the backyard, conscious of building it in time for his growing kids—Carmen and Sebbie—to actually enjoy. The resulting structure is a sleek, asymmetrical box, with a corner window that mirrors the real house. “I’m not going to say the treehouse dictated the aesthetic, but if you think about it, there’s a bit of an echo,” he says. “It’s almost like a first draft of the house.” The structure is built right around the trunk, hugging the tree—a cleverly engineered supporting post will actually spin to level as the tree grows.
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his home’s meticulous planning comes as no surprise: architect and homeowner Rafael Santa Ana had a decade to think about it. Santa Ana and his partner, Megan Paris-Griffiths, are both longtime city dwellers—they made the leap to North Vancouver 10 years back. Frustrated with getting outbid for every starter home they went for in Vancouver proper, they saw a light at the end of the tunnel when a friend pointed them to a post-and-beam on the North Shore that had been on the market for three long months. A recent landslide in the neighbourhood had scared off the market... and opened up an opportunity for the young couple to get their foot in the door for home ownership. It felt, says Santa Ana, like they’d won the lottery. “We couldn’t believe we could squeeze into the market,” he says. “We had trees! Never mind a roof—it was the trees that made it magical.” They rented out the basement, and contemplated doing some quick renos to the upper floor where they lived, but
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HOMES + DESIGN DREAM A LITTLE DREAM
Hidden Gem
Carmen’s bedroom features a passageway to the attic. “I’ve always been a fan of houses with secret doors, where you could sneak into a different room,” says Santa Ana.
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ultimately decided they’d be better served by biding their time and fully investing in their dream home down the line. “We just thought, let’s do it right,” recalls Santa Ana. “Let’s ride it out until we can afford to do exactly what we want.” And so, it wasn’t until last year that they were ready to officially take the leap. The couple who rented the basement— who had become great family friends over the years—moved on, allowing Santa Ana (principal of the eponymous Rafael Santa Ana Architect Workshop) to open his home up into the basement for the first time. The 50-plus-year-old house had good bones, so instead of knocking it down, Santa Ana reinsulated it top to bottom and “made the best of it by respecting what was already there,” he says. As a result, the exterior looks pretty much the same as when they bought it back in 2009—though they did tone down the beige and brown palette and pump up the monochromatic black and white. That colour story is echoed inside the home, where white oak throughout and white walls offer a neutral backdrop for the family’s art collection and colourful furniture. Natural light pours in through six skylights dotted across the home (well, seven if you count the port in the attic); every window is triple-glazed for maximum energy efficiency. (“We know better than to be nonchalant about the environment,” says Santa Ana.) The bright-and-airy feeling is enhanced by the vaulted ceiling, which peaks at the top of the two-and-a-half-storey bank of shelves that forms the spine of the house. The cubby-filled structure creates space for a towering library, showcasing floor-toceiling books.
HOMES + DESIGN DREAM A LITTLE DREAM
Kitchen
Before the Renovation
Dining room
The Climb
The stairs along the bookcase transition to a bench at its base; Carmen (12) perches here to dive into a book, while Sebbie (9) cozies up in an Eames chair at the bottom of the shelves. The white oak veneer boxes were custom-made by Precisionwerkz.
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Living room
Bathroom
HOMES + DESIGN DREAM A LITTLE DREAM
Sleeper Hit
Bedrooms were kept at a small footprint to save more square footage for the common spaces. “These just need to be a little chamber to sleep; you don’t hang out there,” says Santa Ana.
Night and Day
In the bathroom (right), cream-coloured ceramic tiles on the floors and ceiling create a serene, luxurious feeling, though the materials themselves are “nothing fancy,” says Santa Ana. “Highend design doesn’t need to be expensive.” The second bathroom (above) is a swerve, decked out in blacks and charcoals for a “Darth Vader chamber” effect. “It’s the coziest place,” says the architect. “It deprives you of light but awakens your senses.”
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In the attic playroom, a small peekaboo window visually connects private spaces with public ones. “Those little moments, every house can have one,” says Santa Ana. “Every house can allow itself to be pierced through to have those visual connections.” The former galley kitchen has been totally reimagined, from a tiny linoleum afterthought into the crown jewel of the home. “This is my mid-life crisis red convertible,” laughs Santa Ana. He also likens it to an airplane, filled with stealthy hidden compartments that hide the hood vent, plug-ins and coffee makers for a true sense of visual peace. A sleek pantry cabinet slides out to allow easy access to both sides. Now, the sink is paired with a ribbon window, and the ultra clean and sleek cabinetry and countertops hide everything neatly out of sight: maximum function with minimal design. “It doesn’t look like a kitchen; it feels like an extension of the living room,” says Santa Ana. “Everything just disappears.” Indeed, the space melds seamlessly with the dining area—which often turns into a de facto office space, as it’s the preferred spot for the kids to do homework and for Santa Ana to answer after-hours emails. “We all want to hang out here,” he says. “Anyone who walks in goes straight to the kitchen.” A dream home 10 years in the making allows for every detail to be meticulously selected to inspire joy, from the sleek kitchen to the tower of books to the darkand-cozy spa-like bathroom. To Santa Ana, it was all worth the wait. “Every piece of hardware is something that makes you happy,” he says. “At this point in my life, there’s something to be said for opening a door and hearing how that hardware sounds, or when you feel the vacuum of air transiting.” The quality of light as it bounces off the wall, the clean lines of the handle-free cabinets: these are all quiet moments of light and peace that open up a world of possibilities. “With a lack of the stuff, you think: what else could this be if not that?”
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Geometry Lessons
The attic was rebuilt and reframed with sharp edges, “like it was a piece of furniture,” says architect Marianne Amodio. “It was really important to us that the ceiling was at a point—a lot of times they get just flattened off.” Geometrics played a big role in the project: in the bathroom (below), a circle inside a triangle makes for the open entryway. The angles of the ceiling are emphasized with LED strips, and the walls are lined with metallic penny tiles.
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THE WILD CARD Architect Marianne Amodio and an ambitious homeowner stray off the beaten path—and anchor a heritage home even more firmly in its community. by anicka quin // photographs by janis nicolay
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HOMES + DESIGN THE WILD CARD
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Steel Resolve
F
rom the very beginning, architect Marianne Amodio could see that this home in Vancouver’s Strathcona neighbourhood wasn’t going to be any ordinary renovation. “Everyone knew that house. Even before we started working on it, people would ask, ‘Are you working on that big house on Union? I ride by it every day,’” says Amodio. “It was derelict, but really prominent—and it just sparked a lot of people’s imagination.” And when she met with homeowner Mira Malatestinic, Amodio’s own creative spark started whirring too. The first phone call from Malatestinic came just as Amodio was driving away from a different project, so she pulled over to take the call. “We had the best conversation in the car—we were just talking about art and culture and I thought, wow, that was a really interesting phone call,” she says. “We get calls from clients a lot, but it was immediate—this one was special.” Malatestinic was interested in creating a legacy project for her extended family. The big house would be renovated to create a home for her, along with a ground level suite. And, behind
While Amodio had planned to powder-coat the steel staircase in one of the home’s historical colours, the homeowner loved the rawness of the steel itself. “I remember having to embrace the idea, and change my mindset—and think about how this huge sculptural feature in a raw material was going to fit,” says Amodio. “And at the end of the day, she was bang on about it.”
the property, she wanted to build another infill building with a few suites that could house her family, including her mother; the lower suite would be a studio. (Malatestinic is incredibly active in the local arts community—creating an art studio in the space was a given.) Amodio and her team at MA+HG Architects went to work crafting a few options for Malatestinic, presenting three to her and her mother. “Two were the path of least resistance—exactly what the city wants us to do,” says Amodio. “And Dinka, Mira’s mom, was there. When I presented what we call the wildcard option—there’s always one that we do that’s just a bit off the beaten path—Dinka said, ‘Oh, no, we have to do that one.’” So they hosted an open house to show the neighbours first. There’s no doubt that Malatestinic’s work in the neighbourhood went a long way with getting everyone on board with their plans for a heritage home streetside and a modern structure on the alley. (Ultimately, they came to the city with a multitude of enthusiastic letters of support.) Malatestinic brought on local artist Reece Terris of Terris Co. to handle the general contracting,
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HOMES + DESIGN THE WILD CARD
1930
Paving the Way
The landscape was designed by Hapa Collaborative, a Vancouver-based landscape architecture practice led by Joseph Fry, who brought in historical elements like the wood block pavers in the courtyard—a nod to the fact that the neighbourhood of Strathcona was once paved in wood blocks.
Before the Renovation
Living room
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Bedroom
ACCESSORIES
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LIGHTING
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FLOOR COVERINGS
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HOMES + DESIGN THE WILD CARD
Curated and Connected
For the infill, each unit has either a pink or a green door (and Heath tiles line the entry), using the main building’s shingle colours of pink and green. “There’s a moment when you’re standing in the pink door and you can see the pink scallops on the gable of the heritage building—it really connects the two,” says Amodio.
which Amodio wasn’t sure about until she started working with him. “He was absolutely the right contractor for the job,” says Amodio. “He understood its artfulness, he understood its quirkiness, and he really just wanted to be a part of it. There was never a problem on that project, there were just solutions—and that is a really rare and beautiful thing.” The project is next door to a four-plex designed by Joe Wai, a prolific architect who’s perhaps best known for designing Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden, and whose projects are dotted throughout the neighbourhood. “We were inspired by that building for the infill,” says Amodio. “We wanted each unit of the building to have individuality, but we also wanted it to appear as though it’s part of the community.” Amodio’s angled design for each unit in the infill—the owner calls it “the octopus”—took inspiration from other forms in the neighbourhood, but it also had a critical function. “This big window would normally just face the back of the principal dwelling,” she says. “By shifting it to the big side yard, it not only makes a presence onto the streetscape, it also just pulls the view away, giving it slightly more privacy.”
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Throughout all the units, a consistent colour palette is drawn from the only colours they could find on the house, since all of the historical photos were in black and white: pink and a mint green on the original asphalt shingles. And so both became historical colours in the project—as accent walls, as doorways on the infills, on millwork in the kitchen. It’s a project that celebrates both the heritage of the neighbourhood and the modern direction of today’s architecture, and that underlines how thoughtful design can create smart solutions to density—even in the time of COVID, as Amodio notes. She’d initially worried a post-COVID world might disrupt all that her team has come to value in their architectural practice. “We were worried about some of our philosophies in the age of COVID,” she says. “We’ve been operating under this idea of social density for so long—is that dead now? But I think what Union proved was an emphatic no. In fact, we just need more of it. The way the courtyard space was used, the way overlooking balconies were used—that Mira was able to live by her mom, that she could see her and not be ‘near’ her. It worked. It all worked out really, really well.”
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SPONSORED REPORT
NEXT GENERATION BLUEPRINTS WalkOnPlans brings blueprints to life to instill confidence in builders and manage client expectations
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hen a homeowner sets out to build their dream home, the possibilities seem endless and the vision seems flawless. But when it comes down to the actual work of building, for some, visualizing flat lines on paper isn’t enough to help them truly understand how blueprints will translate in the three-dimensional world. The result? The client feels like their dream home became a so-so home, and ultimately feels let down. “This is what happens when customers have expectations that are not met, and they feel like they should have been because of the investment they made,” says Andrew VanderWoerd, principal at WalkOnPlans in Langley, BC.
VanderWoerd and co-principal Ted DeVries are changing all that with their company WalkOnPlans, which turns blueprints into a virtual, life-size map that homeowners and designers can experience in real time. “We are planning to revolutionize an industry that is operating the way it has been since 1950,” DeVries says. “Our process brings clarity to the builder and, most importantly, it brings clarity to the homeowner.”
This instills confidence in builders and designers because at the end of the day when they finish the prints, what they have developed and designed is exactly what the client wants. “They know that because the customer has already had a walk-through,” DeVries says. “In this market, people expect more, and they want it to cost less. Our process eliminates changes in the building stages, which can be extremely costly.” Building a home is usually the most important, expensive and stressful time in a person’s life, and they are usually trusting someone they don’t know to handle it. Every client wants peace of mind, a lighter stress load, and to understand what they are paying for and that they will get what they want.
The process begins with sending blueprints to WalkOnPlans, where VanderWoerd and DeVries prep the plans in their state-of-the-art facility. Projectors in the ceiling then project the blueprints on the ground at a 1:1 ratio using proprietary software. “That means if the plans show an eight-by-eight room, the customer can walk through that room at eight by eight,” VanderWoerd says. “We are offering an experience that reflects the builder’s expertise and almost ensures complete customer satisfaction.”
“Builders and designers put lines on the paper and the customer must trust that everyone will work together and be on the same page, but that doesn’t always happen,” VanderWoerd says. “This puts the decisions back in the hands of people who are paying the bills.”
Learn more at walkonplans.ca Connect at: facebook.com/Walkonplans.ca linkedin.com/company/72291968 twitter.com/walkonplans
Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with WalkOn Plans Inc
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HOT FOOD TIME MACHINE
The year was 1987. Dirty Dancing topped the box office, The Joshua Tree topped the charts... and WL put out our first—and so far only—cookbook. Cracking it open again seemed like a great way to celebrate the fact we’ve now been publishing recipes for over five decades—though we were a little fearful of it being woefully out of date as seen through our 2021 eyes. As it turns out, the dishes still looked damn good, so we asked recipe developer Tracey Kusiewicz (and bartender Tim Cole) to take a peek, too, and give everything a little update for our 21st-century palates. We’re loving the blend of nostalgia and contemporary, and we hope you will too. photographs by Tracey Kusiewicz
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Bartender Tim Cole’s take on the Classic Margarita. See recipe page 43.
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1987 recipe was Classic Kefta
Actually quite authentic, but a bit heavy on the ground beef.
2021 Turkey Kefta Kebabs with a Quick Yogurt Sauce
1987 recipe was Margueritas
A weird spelling and weirder use of egg whites.
Kefta is typically made with lamb or beef in Moroccan cuisine; here, we’ve opted to use ground turkey as a more sustainable choice. The milder flavour of the turkey allows the spices to shine through and the quick cooking time makes for a light, easy, no-fuss dinner.
Turkey Kefta Kebabs 1 lb ground turkey thigh ¼ cup minced shallot or onion ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley 2 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 tbsp crushed garlic 1 tsp ground coriander seed 1 tsp ground cumin 1 tsp smoked paprika, mild or hot 1 tsp sumac ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp ground black pepper ¼ tsp ground cinnamon
Quick Yogurt Sauce 1 cup Greek yogurt ½ cup seeded and grated cucumber 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint ½ tsp lemon juice ¼ tsp sea salt
Accompaniments Butter lettuce leaves Cherry tomatoes, halved Persian cucumbers, sliced Feta cheese, crumbled Red onion, thinly sliced Pita bread Start by soaking 12 4-inch flat bamboo skewers in water for 20 minutes. Mix all turkey kebab ingredients in a bowl. Set aside in the refrigerator while you prepare the sauce. For the yogurt sauce, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, mint, lemon juice and salt and set aside. Cut up and prepare your accompaniments. Take the kebab mixture out of the fridge. Wet your fingers so the meat doesn’t stick to your hands, then form mixture into oblong, egg-sized portions onto and around each skewer. Pre-heat and oil your grill or seasoned cast iron stovetop pan, or prepare a charcoal BBQ. Grill kebabs for 5 to 8 minutes, turning a few times, until browned and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Serve with yogurt sauce and accompaniments. Makes 12 kebabs.
2021 Classic Margarita The WL cookbook recipe was classic ’80s, when everyone became obsessed with the texture provided by egg whites. The original recipe from the ’30s would more likely have had a splash of soda instead of the egg white. 1½ oz Pueblo Viejo Reposado tequila (or similar reposado from the Los Altos region) ½ oz Agavero Orange (similar to triple sec but made from tequila) 2 oz lime juice ½ oz hibiscus syrup* Pink salt** Dehydrated lime, for garnish Rim a rocks glass with pink salt. Shake tequila, Agavero Orange, lime juice and syrup hard on ice. Pour into rocks glass with fresh ice and garnish with dehydrated lime. *To make hibiscus syrup, combine 25 g dried hibiscus with 1 litre of water and 1 litre of sugar. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes. Let rest for 15 minutes, strain and chill. **To make pink salt, blend 100 g dried hibiscus into a fine powder. Combine with 1½ litres of kosher salt.
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Mushroom Bolognese on Spaghetti Squash with Oven-Dried Tomatoes. See recipe page 48.
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SPONSORED REPORT
IT’S ALL IN THE DETAILS
Details by Mr. K is a new business, bringing unique and eclectic home furnishings to the Vancouver market, but it is hardly inexperienced in the world of beauty and fine objects
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etails by Mr. K’s concept blends an array of home accessories from around the globe against a subtle and elegant backdrop of neutral hues—here, these items truly shine, showcasing a home’s personality and style.
“An unexpected yet thoughtful selection of products, colours and textures can transform a home, especially for homeowners desiring a modern yet unique living space,” says Andrew Karrasch, owner of Details by Mr. K. “Our products are for people who understand the beauty of imperfection and finding the unexpected. They carefully consider each new addition to their home. A unique, eclectic mix is important to them. Their home is a sanctuary, not a showroom to impress others.” Well-travelled, culturally aware and quality-driven homeowners will love items like Details by Mr. K’s cushion collection. It marries modern design with traditional techniques, pushing the monochromatic status quo that often pervades contemporary North American design. One brand at Details by Mr. K is Les-Ottomans—a home collection of textiles, ceramics and rugs that defines uniqueness of style. The East meets West blend leaves room for personal creativity and the unusual that affirms a home’s individuality. LesOttomans cushions have been a hit with local interior designers thanks to a wide range of textures, patterns and colours.
There is an essence of romance at the core of Chhatwal & Jonsson, a vibrant textile brand firmly rooted in two cultures: Sweden and India. “The brand has a unique approach to creating an expression inspired by living between two cultures, ” Mr. K says. “It began as a humble idea to combine Scandinavian eye for design with Indian handicraft and has blossomed into a recognized label with a presence in 25 countries.” Mr. K’s background and extensive travel experience are what inspired the business and the way its collection dares homeowners and designers to bring something new, vibrant and out of the box into contemporary living spaces. “Our focus is on diversity and making modern spaces look natural and like a home that has come together over time,” he says. “Minimalist isn’t us—balancing the perfect with the imperfect is something we think a great deal about.” Details by Mr. K offers a range of globally, ethically, and sustainably sourced home accessories besides cushions, such as textiles, glassware, various wood products, and unique objects. Explore your home’s worldly desires at DetailsbyMrK.com. Learn more at: detailsbymrk.com Ph: 604-806-0510 2717 Granville Street, Vancouver BC
Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with Details by Mr. K
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FOOD TIME MACHINE
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1987 recipe was Oatmeal Pecan Cookies
A tasty old-school exercise in sugar, butter, chocolate and more sugar!
2021 Oat Pecan Seed Bites If you’re looking for a bite-sized snack on the go, these low-sugar oat seed bites make for a healthier substitute to an indulgent cookie. The cocoa nibs are better suited for an adult palate, but you can always swap them out for chocolate chips for the kids. 3 tbsp canola oil 3 tbsp maple syrup ⅓ cup softened unsweetened nut butter 2 large eggs 1 tsp pure vanilla extract ½ tsp cinnamon ¼ tsp salt 1½ cups mashed ripe bananas 1¾ cups rolled oats ½ cup chopped pecans or almonds 3 tbsp chia seeds 3 tbsp flax seeds 3 tbsp hemp hearts 3 tbsp cocao nibs Pre-heat oven to 350°F with rack positioned in the centre. Spray a 24-cup, non-stick mini muffin pan with vegetable oil and set aside. In a large bowl, vigorously whisk oil, maple syrup, nut butter, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon and salt. Mix in the mashed banana, then fold in oats, pecans, seeds and cocoa nibs. Distribute evenly into the mini muffin pan. Bake for 22 to 24 minutes, until light golden brown. Allow to cool slightly and remove from pan. Store at room temperature for up to 4 days or in the refrigerator for up to 8 days. Yields 24.
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The originals of the updated recipes you see here were published in The Western Living Cookbook. We initially started looking through the 1987 classic thinking that it would be rife with cringeworthy, dated recipes, but to our surprise, the contents have held up pretty well. There’s on-point Thai and South Asian recipes, some great tips on choosing cuts of meat and some still-timely intel on all things mushroom. Alas, the photos didn’t hold up quite as well as the recipes (just look to the left for the ugly truth). See the original versions of our culinary makeovers on westernliving.ca—and let us know what you think of the updates!
1987 recipe was Spaghetti Squash with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Wild Mushrooms
A supergroup of ’80s ingredients channeling the then very in-vogue “California Cuisine.”
2021 Mushroom Bolognese on Spaghetti Squash with Oven-Roasted Tomatoes We’ve spruced up a homely outdated side dish of squash, mushrooms and sun-dried tomatoes into a plant-based take on the classic Italian pasta Bolognese. Using both portobello and dried porcini mushrooms imparts a deep umami flavour redolent of the meat you would traditionally find in this dish. The supermarket sun-dried tomatoes popular in the era are replaced here with a homemade, oven-roasted rendition. Be sure to give it a sprinkling of this easy vegan “cheese” for a punchy finish. (See photo on page 44.)
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Vegan Cheese ⅓ cup raw cashews 1 tbsp nutritional yeast ½ tsp sea salt ¼ tsp garlic powder
Mushroom Bolognese 7 tbsp olive oil, divided 1 spaghetti squash 3 tbsp dried porcini mushrooms 5 cups portobello mushrooms (about 4 large), stems removed and cut into ½-inch pieces 1 cup diced onion ½ cup finely diced celery ½ cup grated carrot 2 tbsp minced garlic 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp ground black pepper 1 tsp smoked paprika ½ tsp chili flakes ½ tsp dry or fresh oregano 1 398-ml can crushed tomatoes 3 tbsp tomato paste 3 tbsp chopped fresh basil
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Pre-heat oven to 300°F. Place the halved cherry tomatoes on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and salt and bake in the centre of your oven for 2 hours, until wrinkly and dried. To make the vegan cheese, pulse cashews, nutritional yeast, garlic and salt in a food processor until crumbly. Set aside. Increase oven to 350°F. Prepare the spaghetti squash by cutting lengthwise and removing seeds and pulp. Place cut-side-up on a rimmed baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cover with aluminum foil and bake in the centre of your oven for 1 hour. Set aside, covered to keep warm, until ready to plate. Prepare porcini mushrooms by breaking them into small pieces and soaking them in 1 cup of hot water while you prepare the mushroom bolognese sauce. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Add portobello
mushrooms and sauté until browned. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt, remove from pan and set aside. On medium-high heat, in the same pan, add remaining 3 tbsp of olive oil, along with chopped onion, celery, grated carrot, garlic and seasonings. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until onions are translucent. Add porcinis with their soaking water, bring to a boil and deglaze the mixture, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pan with a spatula. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste and cooked portobello mushrooms and simmer on medium-low heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until reduced and thickened. Add chopped fresh basil. To assemble, use a fork to scrape the flesh of the spaghetti squash and distribute evenly into bowls. Spoon bolognese sauce on each squash serving, top with a few roasted cherry tomatoes and sprinkle with vegan cheese. Serves 4 .
Original cookbook photography: Derik Murray
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, cut in half lengthwise 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp sea salt
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SPONSORED REPORT
GREEN ROOFS BRING NEW LIFE TO MODERN HOME DESIGN ‘Deep Cove Cliffhanger’, Builder: Naikoon Contracting, LiveRoof by NATS Nursery Ltd., Ema Peter Photography
Homeowners are seeking new ways to improve and enjoy contemporary living, and they are looking past their four walls for creative solutions.
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f reimagining conventional roof design is a growing trend worth watching, transforming these traditionally ‘sterile’ environments into colourful, restorative and biologically diverse green roof systems is an absolute game-changer. Today it is not uncommon to see green roofs being incorporated onto visible rooftops, outdoor studios, and sheds. And for good reason. “Green roofs support biophilia by adding life, colour and movement to home and landscape design,” says Shauna Beaudoin, LiveRoof® manager and Green Roof Professional (GRP) for NATS Nursery Ltd. in Langley, B.C. “They connect individuals to local ecology, provide sensory variability and evolve with time.” Green roofs softly transition sightlines between landscaping and
contemporary home design. Better yet, they positively impact the environment by improving air quality, filtering polluted water and boosting building envelope performance. “Not only do green roofs offer aesthetic value and have a favorable impact on well-being; they also have important climate action functions,” Beaudoin says. “They sequester carbon, cool the environment and support local pollinators.” But not all green roofs are created equal. LiveRoof® hybrid green roof system is revolutionary for the residential market because it negates several issues earlier green roof systems failed to address. “Traditionally, a green roof system includes vegetation that is planted over a waterproofing system designed with a root barrier, drain board, filter cloth, and lightweight growing medium,” Beaudoin says. “Until recent years, all layers were meticulously conveyed to the roof and installed on site, sometimes taking several years to establish.” LiveRoof® modules are pre-grown at NATS Nursery and arrive with 95% plant coverage and established roots. Its soil elevation design and moisture portals unite soil across the entire green roof for sharing water, nutrients and beneficial organisms, supporting long-term plant health. Most importantly, it is fully customizable. “NATS Nursery works with every client to develop a green roof that is unique to their project needs, site-conditions and design objectives,” Beaudoin says. “Plant selections may be inspired by aesthetic preference, eco-regions, colour palettes and native plants that positively impact biodiversity.” Since 2009, NATS Nursery and the LiveRoof® grower’s network have collectively grown 10 million square feet of LiveRoof® across North America. NATS Nursery has been involved in many of British Columbia’s most notable green roof projects, including the renowned Vancouver Convention Centre—the world’s first double LEED® Platinum certified convention centre. Ready to learn more? The team at NATS Nursery is experienced with green roof systems and passionate advocates for green roof best-practices.
Learn more at: natsnursery.com/live-roof Email: shauna@natsnursery.com Facebook: facebook.com/nats.nursery?fref=ts Twitter: twitter.com/NATSNurseryLtd Instagram: instagram.com/natsnursery
Created by the Western Living advertising department in partnership with NATS Nursery Ltd.
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3/22/21 10:04 AM
On Writing
The late Anne Suche was a longtime contributor to Western Living as our Alberta editor. She became an integral part of the design conversation in Alberta, and architect Jeremy Sturgess (who studied under Bill Boucock, this home’s architect) recently praised her writing. “Anne would often challenge my sometimes unfounded precepts,” he said, “and the consequent critical discussions helped shape the architect I became.”
way back
Calgary architect Bill Boucock’s homes graced many of our pages back in the late ’70s and early ’80s. (His Anderson House was recently registered as a historic residence in Alberta—and it too appeared on our cover in 1976.) Many of his designs were rare examples of West Coast modernism in Calgary, with their use of wood and seamless integration with the landscape. And here, in a home he designed for the Masters family, that sunken living room is very much of the moment (though I’d genuinely love that sofa right now), but that riser-less staircase is still stunning in its simplicity. And the interior garden? Gorgeous. “I consider my houses art forms,” said Boucock, “but there’s no reason why they can’t be economical and functional, too.” —Anicka Quin
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Jack Bryan
Celebrating 50 Years
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