Vancouver Home - Kitchens 2017

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EDITOR’S LETTER

WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE BATHROOM, the kitchen is the most functional room in the house. If there are difficulties in the kitchen – a broken stove, plumbing or lighting problems, a dysfunctional fridge – they have a major impact on daily life.

By contrast, we can easily navigate around problems in such rooms as the den or living room. But the kitchen? It’s the centre of the home.

Being functional, however, doesn’t mean that the kitchen can’t also be beautiful. For several years, designers have been marrying beauty and function in this room. A kitchen that is poorly laid out can fast become a tedious environment in which to prepare meals or entertain.

In this issue, we take you into several kitchens that have been cleverly renovated for both beauty and function.

I am fascinated by the theme that connects these lovely kitchens. Each one is open to contiguous spaces that were once enclosed living rooms or dining rooms. That’s because during renovations, the homeowners folded their living and dining rooms into the kitchen. Down came the walls to create a much larger, open-plan space.

The other common denominator in all of these kitchens is that they are magnets for visitors. Homeowners entertain in their kitchens now. It’s common for guests to gather around an island while their hosts cook. And that’s why good design is being incorporated into a room that was once utilitarian and rarely, if ever, frequented by visitors.

I believe that design trends are always driven by larger social trends. Kitchen design, it seems, is being spurred by our increasingly casual lifestyles. Moreover, in an era when family members are being separated from each other by technology, could it be that we subconsciously harbour a desire to unite everyone in one room? Making the kitchen the locus of family life may well be undoing the trend toward the residential silos that have developed in recent years, in which family members are detached from each other with their respective mobile phones, laptops, tablets and televisions.

The trend toward transforming the kitchen into the most important room in the house is not abating. I see it as a wonderful development.

If you’re wondering about how you can make your kitchen a warm, inviting room for guests, and the centre of the action in your home, read on. There’s plenty in this issue to delight the eye and stimulate the mind.

STEPHANIE WHITTAKER Editor-in-Chief stephanie@movatohome.com

There are several ways you can stay in touch with us: @leahlipkowitz, @movatohome @leahlipkowitz, @movatohome @movatohome

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CONTRIBUTORS

SUSAN KELLY Writer Susan Kelly is a fan of kitchens, wide-open spaces and good design. The Arbutus-area kitchen she profiled for this issue fits the bill. “The space had to be opened up, vertically as well as horizontally,” she says. “And the result is not only architecturally beautiful, but very livable as well.” Susan is a frequent contributor to Vancouver Home who specializes in style and decor.

JEAN BLAIS Photographer Jean Blais began his career shooting photos for an interior design magazine. In the mid-1980s, he made the move into fashion photography for a raft of Canadian magazines. With his friends Daniel Charron and André Ducharme, he launched Manoeuvres, a poster-sized magazine that focused on sports figures, artists, actors, filmmakers, media and models. During the 1990s, Jean worked in New York and then in London to further his knowledge of digital cameras and post-production platforms.

For this issue, he turned his lens on a beautiful kitchen that is as much loved by children as it is by adults.

Volume 5, number 1, Kitchen Issue 2017 Date of Issue: May, 2017

4020 St. Ambroise Street Suite #367 Montreal, Qc. h4c 2c7

Call 1-866-846-1640 movatohome.com sales@movatohome.com

PUBLISHER Leah Lipkowitz EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Stephanie Whittaker ART DIRECTOR Randy Laybourne

OPERATIONS MANAGER Lynn Tremblay PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Wendy Loper

EDITORIAL MANAGER

ACCOUNTING

Tracey MacKenzie

Isaac Hayon

SOCIAL MEDIA Karine Bellisha ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANTS Diane Dollisen Carmen Lefebvre EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT Sarah Lugassy CONTRIBUTORS Susan Kelly

DIRECTOR OF SALES Kelly Chicoine SALES AND MARKETING MANAGER / VANCOUVER Susan Stevens SALES EXECUTIVE Lisa Wolfin COLLECTIONS Trudy Kerman

Phillipa Rispin LEGAL DEPOSIT PHOTOGRAPHY Jean Blais

issn

2292-0870 Vancouver

Home Magazine Inc. 2017.

Roger Brooks

All rights reserved. Any copying

Philip Chang

or reproduction of content without

Paul Grdina Martin Knowles Ema Peter

the written permission of Vancouver Home magazine is strictly prohibited.

Publication # 41959020

STYLISTS Albarosa Simonetti Sarah Gallop Patricia Gray Sean Lew Carly Mens Catlin Stothers 12

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CONTENTS

22 ON THE COVER

A kitchen is renovated to take advantage of the outdoor vista

52 NEW AND IMPROVED

An 80-year-old home gets an open-plan layout and plenty of natural light

40 A GREATER GREAT ROOM

A North Burnaby kitchen is enlarged into a spacious open area

SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL … AND PRACTICAL A small kitchen can contain all the functionality of a large one

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T TH HE E A AR RT T O O FF FF II N NE E LL II V V II N NG G

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CONTENTS

FOR THE PLANET AND THE PEOPLE

How to buy furniture for social responsibility and to respect for the environment

50 88

10 EDITOR’S LETTER 18 THIS JUST IN A selection of new items for your home

GADGETS GALORE Our guide to the best accessories for your kitchen

26 STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL A 1990s home gets a new kitchen that fits perfectly into its open-floor plan 34 GET FRESH The right appliances can keep and cook foods to preserve high nutritional value 36 FASHIONABLE FURNISHINGS Vancouver showroom offers furnishings designed by haute couture designers 60 SENSE OF PLACE Artist Sara Peck Colby portrays the bucolic landscape of Quebec’s Eastern Townships 80 KITCHEN FLOORING REVISITED Homeowners are increasingly opting for wood floors in their kitchens 82 GROWN-UP STYLE THAT WELCOMES CHILDREN A kitchen is designed for adults who cook and kids who love to hang out 94 THE RIGHT ONE How to find a contractor 98 SMALL BUT EFFICIENT Laundry appliances are scaled down for small spaces but are nonetheless powerful 100 MAKING IT WORK A designer navigates the installations in a townhouse to create a dream kitchen 106 PENTHOUSE PANACHE A marble wall becomes a work of art in this Coal Harbour penthouse kitchen

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MAD MEN NO MORE

A dated 1970s kitchen is opened to adjoining rooms and updated for today

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DESIGN

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DESIGN

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DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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A ROOM WITH A VIEW WITH A ROOM This Bowen Island kitchen was designed to take advantage of the vista outside PHOTOGRAPHY: EMA PETER

The interior space of this home, designed

by Frits de Vries Architects, connects seamlessly to the outdoor patio. The floors are clad in Italian ceramic tiles that complement the natural stone outside.

IT WAS THE VIEW OF THE WATER AND THE MOUNTAINS on Bowen Island that inspired the design of this vacation home. The picturesque getaway on the west side of the island is just a ferry trip from West Vancouver. With its panoramic vistas of Collingwood Channel and the surrounding hilly terrain, the scenery was also the starting point for the design of the home’s new kitchen.

“We wanted the indoors and the outdoors to kind of blur,” explains one of the homeowners. This meant ensuring that the visual focus would highlight the view through the window wall, a three-panel bank of floor-toceiling windows that slide to completely open the room to the patio.

“The kitchen takes advantage of the home’s architecture and the view, and sits very quietly within that space,” says designer Vannessa Chadd of bulthaup Vancouver, the company that designed and built the kitchen. • THE KITCHEN ISSUE

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DESIGN

“It looks very light but, functionally, it’s very strong.”

The table, chairs and stools are from Livingspace in Vancouver.

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Chadd designed the space using bulthaup’s b3 system – all-encompassing modular-based furniture that incorporates ergonomics to harmonize style and function. The result is a space with clean lines in a relaxed setting.

“This space allowed us to plan (the b3 system) in its truest form,” she says. “It is a must to be light, elegant, open to the dining room and to the outside. The kitchen should provide a space that allows form, function and balance, so the homeowners can focus on what matters: experiencing and enjoying life and indulging their wishes and habits.”

The first thing that was configured in the design was what Chadd calls the “tall elements.” This centred the refrigerator/freezer,

an oven, a built-in coffee machine and a convection steam oven in cabinetry finished in black-brown oak veneer.

Next, the back wall was fitted with a long quartz-topped counter that includes a sink, dishwasher and upper cabinets. “This element is kept quite minimal, incorporating the b3 active wall panel system below and above horizontally oriented wall cabinets,” says Chadd. “The functional half-inch horizontal gap between the panels creates a mechanism for suspending hanging accessories (knife board, paper towel holder, shelves), providing excellent ergonomics and more working space below.”

DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

The crisp, clean lines do not distract from the view.

Even the ceiling, clad in narrow planks of hemlock, directs attention to the outdoors.

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Then, the island – with a cooktop, lower cabinetry and a raised marble-topped bar – was positioned.

The homeowner says she loves how the range hood retracts into the island when not in use so as not to obstruct the view.

Chadd describes the finished space as “simple, eloquent and social.”

“There’s just enough warmth in there that it’s not too modern,” she adds.

The homeowner describes it simply as relaxing, and admits that she was surprised at how much she enjoys using the space. “We really do use that kitchen,” she says. “We actually cook breakfast and dinner.”

In fact, after this house was built, she and her husband decided to renovate the kitchen in their principal residence in Vancouver, where they opted to install another bulthaup b3 system.

“It looks very light but, functionally, it’s very strong,” she says.

The homeowner appreciates the time that went into the meticulous planning of her kitchen. “It wasn’t just the look of it; it’s so logical, so functional. Every drawer – we thought about what would go into it,” she says.

“It’s a long process but it was totally worth it to do it.” •

This vacation home is in a serene spot on the west side of Bowen Island.

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DESIGN

STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL

A 1990s home gets a new kitchen that fits perfectly into its open-floor plan

BY SUSAN KELLY PHOTOGRAPHY AND STYLING: PHILIP CHANG

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DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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AN OPEN-CONCEPT LAYOUT has become de rigeur in new kitchens. But in the case of this spacious three-level townhouse in the Arbutus area, opening the space served a definite purpose: it revealed hidden architectural features.

“The spectacular 14-foot vaulted ceiling, the focal point of the main floor, carried over into the space,” says Jerome Mens, owner of Rembrandt Renovations, who renovated the space. “But because the kitchen was so closed off, you couldn’t appreciate it.” •

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DESIGN

Varied ceiling heights create interesting angles and add architectural interest.

The original windows, set in a unique T formation, flood the kitchen with natural light. Gas range: Wolf; refrigerator: Liebherr.

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DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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“This inviting kitchen is also highly functional, and a joy to come home to.”

Providing a free f low into the living and dining areas meant removing a central wall.

Mens and his team also shored up the new opening and reconfigured the important ductwork and wiring conduits within. As well, a washer and dryer in the kitchen were relocated to create more storage space.

Because it was unique and striking, the original window configuration was preserved.

Four-paned windows over the sink are set in a T formation. They add architectural interest while maximizing light, something that topped the homeowners’ must-have list. A large window on an adjacent wall extends the hours of available sunlight that flood the kitchen. •

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DESIGN

The space was also crying out for a refresh, particularly because the young professionals who lived there had tastes and a lifestyle that didn’t fit the circa-1990 decor. They had been making do with the original builder-grade cabinets and finishes, and were happy to see them all go.

The homeowners did opt for white as the primary colour – something that is also becoming common when updating a kitchen these days, Mens says. But not for the cabinets, which are a cool grey. Instead, the walls are painted a snowy white throughout, unrelieved by backsplash tiling. Crisp white quartz countertops continue the theme.

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Set against this background, the contemporary flat-front custom cabinetry, covered in a softly textured laminate, becomes the star attraction. Recessed finger-pulls eliminate the need for hardware, preserving the clean lines.

The deep slate colour adds drama and punch.

The owners wanted to create a continuous flow throughout the main floor. “One of the best ways to do that is to have consistent flooring,” says Mens. “It gives a sense of flow and can make it look bigger.” He advised that engineered American walnut be installed in every area on the main floor. And because the couple did not like the look of baseboard heaters, Mens installed under-floor heating. The homeowners later reported how comfortable it made the home, even on the chilliest winter days.

To increase available storage, Rembrandt Renovations built an oversized kitchen island.

At more than 10 feet long, the island not only provides drawer and cabinet space, but also seating for guests. A three-door pantry runs floor to ceiling beside the sink to provide even more room to stash stuff.

“While quite stylish and contemporary, this inviting kitchen is also highly functional, and a joy to come home to,” says Mens. •

DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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A series of 10 pendant lights creates a visual divide between the kitchen and dining area. Faucets: Blanco; countertops: Caesarstone.

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LIFESTYLE

FRESH FOOD FOR A NUTRITIOUS DIET New technology in ovens and fridges allows home cooks to eat well and be healthy

IF YOU’VE MADE A DECISION to improve your health by changing the way you eat, you’re probably careful about your calorie intake, you seek out organic and GMO-free foods, and you cook nutritious meals. But did you know that the right appliances can also help you create a healthful diet? Toronto Home asked Mark Eglington, president of Euro-Line Appliances Inc., about the impact that the right appliances can have on what we eat.

QUESTION: Mark, it is said that cooking food in a steam oven has a major impact on its quality and nutritional value. Please explain why.

ANSWER: Cooking with steam is the healthiest way to prepare a meal. The high humidity in the oven cavity helps to lock nutrients into food. For example, if you are cooking vegetables in a typical dry-heat oven, the moisture slowly evaporates out of the food.

The moisture holds the vegetables’ highest nutritional content. Cooking with steam provides low heat and a wet environment, so vegetables maintain their moisture content through the cooking process instead of releasing their nutritional value. On this setting, the oven temperature never exceeds 96 degrees Celsius, which is the key to fullsteam cooking. It also helps food maintain its colour, texture, and flavour.

Q: Steam ovens are relatively new. What is a steam oven and how does it work?

A: Steam ovens have been used in premium rest au ra nt s worldw ide for yea r s. The technology was unavailable for domestic use though because formatting the ovens in manufacturing facilities was costly and inef f icient. For tunately, our AEG and Porter & Charles factories have research

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and development teams that have made this technology affordable for home use.

These ovens work on a simple premise.

Water is put into an internal tank and the oven uses sensors to inject as much or as little steam as desired to create the perfect dish with minimal effort. Adding a burst of steam to almost any dish creates excellent results: moist and succulent meat, crisp and flavourful vegetables, or firm fish filets.

Many of our clients find greater value in combi-steam ovens.

Q: What is a combi-steam oven?

A: As its name suggests, it is a combination steam/dry-heat oven. You can use it to cook with 100 per cent steam, 100 per cent dry heat, or you can combine the two modes to create optimal levels of humidity for a specific meal. The best example I can give is cooking a Thanksgiving roast. By using a 25 per cent steam-burst setting, you can increase the oven to roasting temperatures, but the internal sensors will know when the air is too dry and inject moisture, locking juices into the meat.

LIFESTYLE VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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The high heat gives the outside of the roast a beautiful brown colour, but the humidity makes it moist and delicious. This works for pastries and bread as well…no more cracking along the top, thanks to steam.

Q: How can a combi oven be used to foster a healthful diet?

A: Cooking with steam preserves the food’s nutritional value. No lifestyle change is necessary to take advantage of this system.

A secondary bonus is that it combines two units into one, creating more usable space in the kitchen.

Euro-Line Appliances Inc. 2912 West 4th Ave. Vancouver 604-235-3980 www.euro-line-appliances.com

Q: Refrigeration can also have an impact on food quality. What are the latest innovations in refrigeration that lend themselves to a healthful approach to eating?

A: Ref r igerat ion plays a huge role i n maintaining maximum nutritional value in food. The longer something is in the fridge, the more the nutrients evaporate out. We have refrigeration products that maintain high humidity levels in the vegetable and crisper drawers. Liebherr’s BioFresh and DrySafe storage compartments allow you to control the humidity level in those compartments.

You would use DrySafe for cured meats and cheeses and BioFresh for fresh fruit, vegetables and fish. DrySafe ensures that no humidity gets into that drawer to maximize the lifespan of food and reduce the formation of mould. And BioFresh injects moisture so fresh food can reabsorb moisture and maintain its integrity longer. Also, both of these compartments are anti-microbial and regulated at 0.5 degrees Celsius, so bacteria struggle to grow, and the cells in food do not break down as quickly. These three food-preservation factors triple the storage time, making grocery shopping and timemanagement easier.

Q: Which appliances are recommended to create that kind of healthy lifestyle?

A: I recommend any Liebherr refrigerator that has BioFresh, the AEG combi-steam oven, and an AEG induction cooktop. These products are made in Germany, have long warranties, represent some of the best equipment at affordable prices and, most important, look gorgeous in any home. •

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DESIGN

FASHIONABLE FURNISHINGS Vancouver showroom offers furnishings designed by haute couture designers

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DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

IN AN IDEAL WORLD, all of the items in our homes would have personal meaning. They would reflect who we are.

It’s an idea that is a guiding tenet at Paramount Home & Design.

“The home is a reflection of those who live in it – their personalities, their lifestyle. It’s a reflection of who they are,” says Liz Miller, Paramount’s sales and design manager. “So, of course, they want something that people see. Sometimes, it’s a dining room table that seats 12 people. Sometimes, it’s a special home office.”

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Whatever it is – whether it’s that one special piece, the furnishings for a complete room or the appointments for an entire house – it’s what they find at the company’s vast showroom in Richmond. Founded in 1972 as Paramount Furniture, the company has grown in the past 45 years to offer not just furnishings, but design services, too.

“We have designers who offer complimentary services to our customers who want to furnish anything from a room to a whole house. Our designers visit the clients at their homes to measure, photograph and get inspired to create a very personalized look,” Miller says.

The company offers a broad range of highend furnishings and accessories that span the spectrum from traditional to contemporary.

And there are always unexpected items, such as a polka-dot writing desk. In fact, for more than a year, Miller has been hoping to find a spot on the showroom floor for the lacquer-finished cream-coloured desk with black polka dots from the Kate Spade line. But every time it was ordered, it was sold before it could be put on display.

She says the famed New York-based designer applies to her furniture line the same f lare that is the signature of her clothing fashions. “It’s not big furniture,” she says.

“It’s feminine-looking and lighter in scale.

It’s imaginative in that Kate Spade way. It definitely appeals to ladies and fashion-forward individuals.”

Paramount offers furnishings from a variety of designers, including Michael Weiss, who launched his own line with Vanguard Furniture, and Thom Filicia, of Queer Eye for the Straight Guy and HGTV fame. “Customers are more educated on colour, style and fabric,” Miller says. “They do their research online and follow design trends on popular home and decor shows.

“Now, furniture is fashion. Fashion trends are becoming a huge part of our business.”

In addition, Paramount continues to offer customization – from upholstery to bedroom sets – to ensure customers walk away with pieces that are as individual as they are.

Vancouver is an international city, Miller says, explaining how this raises the level of expectation. “As a world-class city, Vancouver draws a sophisticated consumer who seeks the best in products and services.

“When customers come through the door at Paramount Home & Design, they are going to find exceptional quality and value,” she says. “And they are going to have the staff and a design team to put something together that is unique to them, something that is different.” • Paramount Home & Design 5520 Minoru Blvd., Richmond 604-273-0155 www.paramounthome.ca

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interior design

renovations & contracting

development

1463 W Pender St Vancouver, BC V6G 2S3 (604) 558 - 4443 www.rodrozen.com

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DESIGN

A GREAT ROOM IS MADE GREATER

The kitchen space in a Burnaby great room is enlarged with the elimination of a dining room PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL GRDINA / STYLING: SARAH GALLOP

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DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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DESIGN

The backsplash looks like marble but is porcelain. The designer used it to clad the range hood. Induction cooktop: Miele; cabinetry hardware: Emtek.

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IT HAPPENS A LOT THESE DAYS. Homeowners who renovate their kitchens decide that there’s something they can live happily without: their formal dining rooms.

When a couple in North Burnaby turned to interior designer Sarah Gallop to redesign their kitchen, their first order of business was to demolish the adjacent dining room and integrate the space into the kitchen. “We didn’t use our dining room,” says homeowner Cindy Oliver. “We decided to get rid of it and open up the kitchen.”

The result is a large, seamless space in which family and friends gather around the island and dine in a casual dining nook.

Gallop, co-owner of the eponymously named Sarah Gallop Design Inc., was hired to redesign and renovate the main floor of the house, of which the kitchen is now the focus. •

DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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DESIGN

“The light streams in, even on gloomy days.”

The great room offers great repose to the family. Cindy says this is the area in which the family gathers after a meal in the adjacent dining nook. Furnishings: Once a Tree Furniture.

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The house was built in 1990, and the kitchen was part of the original “great room,” which encompassed a family room. But the dining room had been built as a separate, enclosed space. Eliminating it required the demolition of two walls and the installation of structural beams to take the load.

“Removing the dining room gave us space to create a prep kitchen with a walk-in butler’s pantry, says Gallop. “We also were able to extend the size of the kitchen.”

The house’s contemporary architecture called for sleek interior design.

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Bojan High End Kitchens created the millwork, including an expanse of pale-grey lacquered cabinetry, punctuated by a bank of upper cupboards with a deep-charcoal-stained walnut veneer. A backsplash of porcelain tile that mimics marble is in keeping with the grey-and-white colour scheme. For the countertops, Gallop chose quartz – Caesarstone’s Vivid White.

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At a length of almost 12 feet, the island is a dramatic central feature in the space. While one end boasts a quartz waterfall edge, the designer prevented the white expanse from becoming monotonous by adding a dramatic long slab of live-edge walnut along much of its length. Stained the same charcoal shade as the upper cabinets, it’s the surface upon which visitors lean when the homeowners entertain. “We wanted something that would show,” says Gallop. •

Removing the enclosed formal dining room allowed interior designer Sarah Gallop to enlarge the kitchen, creating a separate prep area, seen here beyond the panelled refrigerator and ovens. Dated oak flooring was replaced with etched engineered maple planks that unite all the surrounding spaces.

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Aging, yellowing oak f loors were replaced with engineered maple planks that the designer took through the contiguous spaces. “The planks are etched, which makes them very forgiving,” says the homeowner.

Cindy says she and her husband love to entertain. “Getting rid of the dining room allowed us to have a really long island,” she says, adding that the kitchen has become “the room we use most. The light streams in, even on gloomy days.”

She credits Gallop and her contractor, PSL Construction, for bringing the project to fruition “on time and on budget to the penny.”

“I couldn’t be happier with the results,” she adds. “We’ve done renos before, but I would never do another project without Sarah and PSL.” •

The pendant lights above the island, made of walnut and frosted glass, are a whimsical touch. “They’re like cubes on a diagonal with the bottoms cut off,” says designer Sarah Gallop.

The module that now contains a panelled refrigerator and ovens stands where a wall once separated the kitchen from the dining room. Behind it, a prep kitchen gives the homeowners extra workspace. Fridge: Sub-Zero.

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FOR THE PLANET AND THE PEOPLE How to buy furnishings that are ecologically and ethically produced

WE ALL WANT TO DO our bit for the planet.

Many of us have drastically changed our lifestyles to ensure that our environmental footprints are as light as possible. That can mean consuming less, or restricting our consumption to products that are produced with minimal impact on the environment.

David Hooper, owner of Resource Furniture BC, has some advice for anyone who wants to furnish a home while honouring the environment and social justice.

QUESTION: David, what is ethical material sourcing?

ANSWER: Ethical material sourcing is the process of ensuring the products being sourced are obtained in a responsible and sustainable way. This also extends to ensuring that all workers involved in manufacturing products are safe, are treated and paid fairly, and that environmental and social impacts are considered.

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Q: I am concerned about buying furnishings that do not adversely impact my health. How do I buy products that do not off-gas dangerous or noxious chemicals?

A: It comes down to finding out where the products are manufactured and by whom.

Companies that are concerned with these issues are at least aware of them and may advertise this fact. Do avoid buying products that come from a region of the world where environmental and social laws are nonexistent. Many manufacturers comply with Californian and European low-emissions certifications: CARB2 and E1. Also, do ensure that the products are made with waterbased lacquers and that the glues used are formaldehyde-free, solvent-free, and have no toxic fumes.

Q: What kinds of home-furnishing products allow people to live in a sustainable way?

A: To be sustainable, furniture should be of high quality and should support a lifestyle with reduced energy and resource needs. A piece of furniture can be made of the most responsibly sourced materials, but if it falls apart in a short time and ends up in a landfill, or if it can fit only into a carbon-spewing, resource-gobbling McMansion, it’s not sustainable. Furniture that serves multiple functions offers excellent ways to reduce one’s environmental footprint because it makes living in a smaller footprint not only comfortable, but also desirable. It can also influence the location in which a person can afford to live, which can reduce or eliminate commutes.

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“Furniture that serves multiple functions offers excellent ways to reduce one’s environmental footprint because it makes living in a smaller footprint not only comfortable, but also desirable.”

Resource Furniture BC 124 W. Hastings St., Vancouver 604-899-8874 www.resourcefurniture.ca

Q: How can consumers know if they are buying products that are produced under humane conditions for workers?

A: Products or product components should be manufactured in a country that has adopted and conforms to the International Bill of Human Rights. It is better to buy products from regions of the world with strong human-rights laws rather than countries in which workers have no protection and are traditionally abused and exploited. Learn where your products are manufactured as some may be designed in Europe, but manufactured elsewhere.

Q: Is it costlier to buy product s that are environmentally sound and are produced in a way that ensures workers are respectfully and humanely treated?

A: The initial price tag might be a bit higher but in the long term, no. It is actually less costly for the planet and for humanity. One quote we like to use is: “The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten.” •

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NEW AND IMPROVED

An 80-year-old home is renovated to create an open-plan layout and admit plenty of natural light PHOTOGRAPHY: MARTIN KNOWLES STYLING: CARLY MENS

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OLD HOUSES ARE OFTEN filled with charming architectural details. But the size and impractical layout of their rooms rarely lend themselves to today’s lifestyles.

Such was the case with a 1937 home on Vancouver’s West Side that was renovated by its owners two years ago. While the house had 1,000 square feet of space on each of its three levels, it was divided into a warren of little rooms that were not artfully laid out.

Moreover, the kitchen, which was long and narrow, was so cramped that if the door of the dishwasher was open, it was impossible for the homeowners to circulate in the room.

“The house had been renovated twice before we bought it but the main-f loor configuration was still typical of the era in which the house was built,” says one of the homeowners. •

The kitchen is now the go-to room in the house. The homeowners entertain here and their two children use the island to do their homework. Induction range and combi-steam oven: AEG; dishwasher: Miele; refrigerator: Gaggenau; microwave oven: Panasonic.

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They hired builder Jerome Mens, owner of Rembrandt Renovations, to rebuild the ground floor.

In addition to yearning for larger rooms, the homeowners wanted to open the space to light. The kitchen was at the back of the house beyond which was a powder room.

“The whole space was compartmentalized,” says Mens. “The kitchen was a secondary space, as kitchens were in the 1930s.”

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Creating an open f loor plan, however, would require considerable structural changes to the house. Large support beams were added to the main floor and the basement, and the kitchen was relocated to the east side of the house from the west. “We reconfigured all the rooms and put in a new staircase,” Mens says.

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“Sometimes, ‘clean and simple’ is the most challenging to do.”

This once-cramped kitchen is now a generously proportioned space. It was relocated from the west side to the east side of the house. The bright, white surfaces reflect the natural light that the homeowners were seeking. Two materials were used on the backsplash: Calacatta Gold marble on the wall behind the cooktop and Starphire tempered glass on the wall behind the sink.

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And in keeping with the current lifestyle trend of making the kitchen the centre of the home, the space now occupies 500 square feet at the back of the house. The powder room was also relocated, and the back wall of the house was given floor-to-ceiling windows and patio doors to create a connection between the indoors and outdoors.

“We wanted our kitchen to be integrated with the deck outside,” says the homeowner, adding that it has become the go-to room in the house. “It’s the area where we do most of our entertaining and where the children do their homework. It’s where most conversations happen.”

Moreover, he adds, the house is now flooded with natural light. •

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The island was clad in a warm-hued American walnut veneer, which was also used in the dining area’s built-in credenza.

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Mens says the key challenges in the project were reinforcing the structure of the house and moving the plumbing and electrical installations when the kitchen was moved. But the result is a bright, streamlined space that is, he adds, “clean and simple.”

“Sometimes, ‘clean and simple’ is the most challenging to do,” he says. “A lot of planning and forethought has to go into anything that looks effortless.” •

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A powder room and TV room at the back of the house were demolished to create the dining area. Generous fenestration was installed to admit natural light, and a new staircase was added to the space.

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ART

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ART VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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THE MEMORY OF PLACE Artist interprets the landscape of Quebec’s Eastern Townships

BY PHILLIPA RISPIN

THERE’S A CERTAIN ROMANTIC VIEW of the artist as someone driven by the muse, sketching madly and slapping paint on canvas in a frenzy to get that image down. Some artists might work that way, but for most, it’s a considered tug between inspiration and technique, between the desire to formulate and register a concept and the need to do it satisfactorily.

And then the artist must step back and look, really look, at the work. The 19th-century British artist John Singer Sargent phrased it thus: “An artist painting a picture should have at his side a man with a club to hit him over the head when the picture is finished.”

It’s a dictum that Montreal artist Sara Peck Colby has taken to heart; in fact, she has Sargent’s words on a wall of her studio. They encapsulate an important lesson she learned while studying with Charles Stegeman at the Banff School of Fine Arts (now known as the Banff Centre). •

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“Everything he said seemed to resonate with me: technically putting the paint on the canvas and attitude,” Colby recounts. “He encouraged his students to watch as they were painting. Watch the painting, and not assume that you’re just going from A to Z – not ‘I want this field to be green.’ Watch as you’re putting on the colour and what’s happening as it’s going on. There may be wonderful things that you’ll miss if you’re just on your way to getting that field to be green.”

It’s important to Colby to control what’s on the canvas so that the message is clear, because art is “such a personal thing,” she says. “Art is a very personal communication between the artist and the viewer. It’s the best part of human-to-human [communication]; I hope to touch people with what I felt when I either saw the view or was painting the view or the time of day or the lighting or the smell, or the sound. I find it very satisfying to have that communication. •

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Detail from above.

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“An artist painting a picture should have at his side a man with a club to hit him over the head when the picture is finished.” — John Singer Sargent

“When I’m successful, people come up to me and say: ‘That’s exactly what I saw last weekend when I was skiing in the woods’ or ‘You caught it. That’s a Sara landscape. That’s how we think of it.’ It makes me shiver to think that I can touch people with a feeling so basic.”

Landscapes are indeed one of Colby’s most common subjects. She paints mostly Quebec scenes, and she concentrates on what she calls simple beauty, simple things that everyone has access to, such as the colour of sky in March or a prickly bush on the side of the road.

The Eastern Townships countryside, east of Montreal, has figured prominently in her art for the past two decades. She and her husband and their two now-grown children have often gone to the Townships, and she says that being exposed to the seasons in the countryside has been an eye-opener throughout her life. •

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“Because I don’t live out there – people say ‘how can you paint that when you don’t live there’ – I think in a way it gives me more appreciation and it’s more special to me. I bring the ideas back to my Montreal studio and can go back there, to the fields and the ski trails or whatever and interpret them from memory.

That maybe gives me a different perspective.

I put more of myself in because the thing isn’t right there saying ‘No, that road goes that way and that mountain is exactly that shape.’ ” Colby started her art education at the Montreal Museum School of Fine Art and was fortunate enough to take classes with Arthur Lismer. She recounts how he would enter the studio at the beginning of the week and announce, “It’s Monday. We’re going to do the wash. We’re going to learn how to do washes in watercolours.”

Colby now paints almost exclusively in acrylics. It was originally a matter of expediency, she says. “I had young children at that point. I also didn’t have much time.

Acrylics dry fast and are non-toxic. I got an effect that I was quite satisfied with.”

The short drying time of acrylics is ideal for artists who paint fairly intensively. “I work on more than one painting at a time,” she says. “I find it’s good to put a painting aside and let it sit there. I look at it sideways and sometimes it resolves itself or I find the answer when I’m not working on it.”

She describes pausing in the process of producing a painting “a good thing,” especially when beginning a new piece. She finds that “I usually know in the first hour or two whether I’m going anywhere.” The key? “Sargent hits me with a club.” •

Sara Peck Colby is represented by Gemst (www.gemst.com).

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FROM MAD MEN TO MARVELLOUS A 1974 cramped kitchen in Pebble Hill is expanded into an open-concept great room PHOTOGRAPHY: PAUL GRDINA STYLING: SARAH GALLOP

A MAGICAL THING HAS HAPPENED since Sharon and Allan Gauld had their Pebble Hill home renovated. Instead of being separated in individual rooms, family members now congregate in the newly opened ground-floor space.

The house, a back-split built in 1974, was divided into enclosed rooms, as was typical in homes of that vintage. The kitchen, for instance, was cramped; while it would accommodate the cook comfortably, there was little space in which the rest of the family or guests could hang out. •

The window, sink and range occupy the same spaces they had before the renovation. Backsplash tiles: Ann Sacks.

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“What we did was a modern take on a retro look.”

Enter interior designers Sarah Gallop and Stephanie Malhas of Sarah Gallop Design Inc., whose redesign of the space transformed it from a warren of kitchen, dining area and living room to a single open-concept great room. Best Builders did the renovation work.

No longer is Sharon hidden in the kitchen cooking while her two children – aged 12 and nine – occupy other rooms. Now, the family is together in the same space. Moreover, opening the space has opened the views. “I can stand at my coffee maker in the kitchen and see right through the living room windows to a view of Boundary Bay,” she says.

Sharon and Allan knew their house would need a facelift when they bought it four years ago. “It was neglected and dilapidated,” says Sharon. “It was being marketed as a potential take-down. It was dark and dank; everything was dank. But we bought it because it had good bones.”

They also decided that a big renovation was in order to update it from what Sharon calls the “Mad Men” look. •

The original kitchen once occupied the space at the end of the island.

Now open to the dining area and living room, it is part of a single great room on the main floor of this 1974 back-split house. The white oak flooring, stained a mid-tone brown, unifies the space. Refrigerator/ freezer: Fisher & Paykell; pendant lights: Rejuvenation.

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“We wanted to give them a space that would flow,” says Gallop. “They like modern design but they wanted warmth. What we did was a modern take on a retro look.”

The kitchen is the anchor. Cabinetry, made by Divert Millwork of rift-sawn white oak flanks two walls, but to prevent it from overpowering the space, there are no upper cupboards on one of the walls. The window was kept in its original over-the-sink location.

A rich teal-coloured tile by Ann Sacks was chosen for the backsplash. It mirrors wallpaper in the living room of the same colour.

“The backsplash and living room wall speak to each other,” says Gallop. •

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The wallpapered living room wall is opposite the kitchen’s backsplash; both are a warm teal green. “They speak to each other,” says designer Sarah Gallop.

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The space is now open.

“The children play on the floor,” says Sharon. “We do everything in here now.” The fireplace was updated with a plaster treatment that looks like concrete.

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Conscious of ensuring that the kitchen should be as functional as it is aesthetic, the designer gave it a pullout pantry beside the refrigerator and a floating shelf on the wall where the range is positioned. “The shelf creates a nice horizontal line above the backsplash,” says Gallop. It also provides display space for casseroles and serving bowls.

The key challenge, she adds, was to “fit in all of their storage requirements while keeping the space very open.”

Some of the home’s original architectural elements were maintained, but updated. The living room’s wood-burning fireplace was given a plaster façade that mimics concrete.

At almost 10 feet long, the island, topped with Silestone quartz, is the focus of family activity and entertaining. It is wider at one end than the other. “We did that for visual interest and for more clearance. Apart from that, the goal was to make it different,” says Gallop.

The designer says the rejuvenation of the home has enabled her clients to inhabit it completely. “This project gave them the opportunity to use all of the rooms.” •

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Photos courtesy of Raef Grohne

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COMPACT BUT PRACTICAL

Clever design ensures that functionality and beauty need never be sacrificed in small kitchens

BY TRACEY MACKENZIE

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“Giving up space doesn’t mean you have to give up function.”

MERIKE LAINEVOOL KNEW IT WAS TIME to downsize to a condo from a large single-family house after her daughter had left home for university. Paring down meant that Lainevool had to part with many of her belongings.

Mismatched mugs and cutlery were replaced with a curated collection of items that she loves. “Keep only the pieces that bring you joy,” says Lainevool. “Don’t feel obliged to keep family heirlooms and if you feel resentful when you look at a piece, get rid of it.”

With property values on the rise in Vancouver, more people are opting for small-space living. And this is where Lainevool and her design company, Kodu Design, come in. She specializes in creating multifunctional spaces with a serene aesthetic without skimping on functionality. “Giving up space doesn’t mean you have to give up function,” she says.

So how do you get the functionality of a large kitchen in a compact floor space? “If you are building your own kitchen, the first step would be to extend your upper cabinets to the ceiling,” says Lainevool. “This will expand storage and you can use the uppermost cabinets to house seasonal or seldom-used objects and appliances.” •

The white, engineered stone countertops add a touch of brightness to the otherwise dark kitchen, which was fabricated by Room8.

Pendant light fixture: Propellor; baskets: 18 Karat.

The cabinets, manufactured by Dada, are stained a “greige” colour and sold by Italinteriors. Two 24-inch fridges were installed side by side, but they open like a two-door model, and are panelled for a seamless integration. It’s a cost-effective alternative to a 30- or 36-inch fridge.

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Photos courtesy of John Bentley

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The backsplash in this kitchen is a marble mosaic that adds textural interest and contrasts with the countertop. The dining table from Inform Interiors is made by Bensen.

The table with its two leaves looks substantial but is nonetheless quite light. Mosaic tiles: Ican Tile; cabinets: Ikea.

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L-shaped and U-shaped kitchens have difficult-to-access corners. Adding pull-out trays or Lazy Susans can boost usability, she says. And bottom cabinets can be replaced with drawers to make items easier to access.

Combining the dining and kitchen areas also saves space. In one kitchen she designed, Lainevool used a Knoll adjustable-height office desktop as both the dining table and island. When the client wanted to chop vegetables, she raised the table. When it was time to eat, the table was lowered and guests were seated.

In one condo, Lainevool incorporated a classic dining room setup into a kitchen.

The dining area appears to be separate and is decorated as if it were. The walnut dining table matches a made-to-measure suspended shelf.

A glass backsplash was painted in the same walnut colour. The predominant colour on the kitchen side is dark gray, adding contrast to the warm hues of the dining area.

“I take the little black dress approach. I keep it simple and elegant,” says Lainevool.

“This allows you to accessorize according to your mood or trend.”

When downsizing, “planning your kitchen space is key,” she says. “Think about how much you cook and for how many. The standard 30-inch gas stove with five burners may be too large for the little pots a single- or two-person household uses. Installing a 24-inch stove is more practical.”

Ditto for the sink. Choosing a single-bowl 30-inch sink rather than a 48-inch doublebowl sink can save 18 inches of space.

“Combine that with the six inches of stove space and you’ve now gained two feet of counter space,” Lainevool says. This could also mean that much-wanted pull-out pantry now becomes a reality.

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The term “less is more” also applies to decorating small kitchens. Using many textures and materials creates a busy look. “Use fewer materials for an open, airy look and add one or two key textures to dress it up a bit,” says Lainevool. Installing matching panels to hide the fridge and dishwasher also makes the kitchen seem larger. “Having a monochromatic scheme is very restful to the eye,” she says.

Small kitchens are not only beneficial in small spaces. Some large families opt for smaller kitchens to increase their living space.

Craftsman or rambler-style homes that often have less then 1,500 square feet of living space can benefit from having a smaller, more functional kitchen.

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Small space designs can be innovative, creating large-space living within a modest footprint. This is good for the environment as well as the pocketbook. Applying some simple design principles can net a big return on a renovation investment. Lainevool has proved that homeowners needn’t skimp on functionality or beauty when designing a small space. •

This kitchen, built by Inform Interiors, is a study in contrasts with its cool charcoalcoloured cabinets and warm wood floors.

Marble mosaic backsplash tiles: Ican Tile.

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SMOOTH & SEAMLESS Homeowners are increasingly opting for wood flooring in their kitchens

IT WAS BOUND TO HAPPEN. Just as kitchens have evolved from utilitarian workspaces to gourmet showplaces, the floors they are built on have been ratcheted up a notch, too. No longer are they walked on unnoticed. Today’s kitchen floors are making bold style statements with wood.

“Wood flooring is exploding,” says Peter Pocrnic, owner of Casa Madera, a boutique flooring shop in Burnaby. And it’s not just in the living room. By extending wood flooring into the kitchen, condo owners are maximizing the look of open-concept living spaces.

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“It makes the living room and kitchen much more spacious,” Pocrnic says. “People are basically opening up the kitchen to their living room. It makes the whole main floor much bigger.”

That has significant impact in small condos, where owners want to maximize the use and look of every inch, he adds. “If you do decide to do tile in the kitchen, it will look very abrupt. With the cost of real estate in the Vancouver and Toronto areas, people are trying to maximize their living space.”

The wood creates what Pocrnic calls an inviting look that comes in beautiful light tones.

Wide-plank brushed oak flooring runs seamlessly from kitchen to dining area and across the main floor of this condo, giving the space a large, open ambience.

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Many homeowners are opting for wideplank brushed oak in a seamless flow among contiguous spaces. Knotted wood is another choice that is becoming popular as well.

The options are varied. “There are so many different colours and styles, we just can’t keep up,” Pocrnic says.

Customers visit his store with specific ideas about what they are seeking.

“A lot of people are very well-educated.

They already know what kind of colours they’re looking for. They pull out a design magazine.” Often, they arrive with their wall colours or cabinet finishes “and we go through the store to find a close colour match.”

Casa Madera Hardwood Floors Inc. 3744 Hastings St, Burnaby 604-294-9663

Price is another factor fuelling the trend of wood flooring in the kitchen. Compared with tile, it is often less expensive, Pocrnic says.

And although there are sometimes a few colour variations that are inherent in wood flooring, the overall effect is stunning. “Wood is not a perfect floor,” Pocrnic says, “but it is a very rich floor.”

And given that most of the wood flooring used in condos is engineered wood, radiant heating, which is popular in the Vancouver condo market, can still be used. Most engineered products are finished with real wood with a pre-stained finish, making them look and feel like solid wood floors. “You can’t tell the difference,” says Pocrnic. •

Peter Pocrnic says Casa Madera offers custom stair nosing and will custom stain each piece to ensure the colour is exactly what his clients want.

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A GROWN UP SPACE THAT CHILDREN LOVE This kitchen was designed to accommodate adults and children

BY STEPHANIE WHITTAKER PHOTOGRAPHY: JEAN BLAIS STYLING: CATLIN STOTHERS

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The homeowners’ children love to perch on the walnut bar stools that designer Catlin Stothers sourced at www.allmodern.com. The custombuilt exhaust hood is clad in white lacquered panels that match the cabinetry. The designer eschewed tiles on the backsplash, opting instead for back-painted glass. Faucet: Blanco; range: American Range.

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The lacquered charcoal-grey floor-to-ceiling cabinet conceals a structural post that was installed after a bearing wall was moved to open the space. Opposite it, a vertical cabinet fronted in walnut holds wine glasses.

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IT MAY SEEM PARADOXICAL TO DESIGN A KITCHEN that is sophisticated and elegant for adult tastes and simultaneously fun and functional for children. But interior designer Catlin Stothers married sophistication and fun in the kitchen she designed in this Montreal home.

Homeowner Angel Rodriguez had asked Stothers to create a kitchen that would permit him and his wife to entertain friends, and be an inviting spot in which their two children, aged eight and 11, could dine and do homework.

“We like to cook and entertain on the weekends,” says Angel. “I wanted a kitchen that would be functional for that but that the kids would also enjoy.”

The first issue Stothers addressed was structural change. The split-level house, built in 1958, was divided into a warren of closed-off rooms – not the open-plan, loft-like design that Angel envisaged. The solution, Stothers says, was to install a vertical support post that would be a load-bearing feature.

The post would occupy a key space between the galley-style kitchen and the dining area.

“There had been load-bearing walls there, so we had to look at supporting the roof,” says Stothers. “There was no relocating that. It was a conundrum.”

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To conceal the six-inch-square structural support, a floor-to-ceiling cabinet was built around it, which Stothers calls the “charcoal-grey pod.” It creates a dividing line between the kitchen and adjacent living room. A large Samsung refrigerator was installed in it.

Beside the pod is an attached island that holds a wine fridge and offers ample counter space for food preparation and dining. Four walnut bar stools on the opposite side of the island provide the perfect spot for casual meals and homework assignments. “There was nothing more amazing for the children than having those bar stools,” Stothers says.

“They sit there while their dad cooks. Angel took into account the needs of the children

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when planning the kitchen. He wanted to ensure the children would feel welcome in the space. This kitchen couldn’t be too precious.”

Before the renovation, Angel says, the children used to head for the den on the house’s lower level when they returned from school or got up in the morning. “Now they head for the living room and they eat breakfast at the island,” he says.

Each child was given a cubby in a cabinet under the living room’s fireplace, where they stow their toys and schoolbooks. •

The Claylight Boomerang pendant light by Lightexture that hangs above the island has handmade ceramic shades punctured with tiny holes that cast a magical light on the ceiling.

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Stothers says that although the kitchen is laid out in a galley style, there is plenty of space for two cooks. “It measures 48 inches from the edge of the island to the edge of the opposite counter,” she says. “It allows for freedom of movement.”

Aesthetic considerations were also paramount. One side of the kitchen boasts streamlined white lacquered cabinets. Counters are topped with Caesarstone’s Pure White quartz.

Stothers warmed up the space with a rich walnut on drawer fronts and on an end cabinet. “It’s oiled rather than stained, so it will age naturally,” she says.

The flooring is an exotic Brazilian wood called Sucupira, which is carried throughout the adjacent rooms.

Angel says he appreciated his designer’s suggestions. “I thought I knew what I wanted until Catlin brought out elements that I hadn’t considered,” he says. “The walnut was Catlin’s idea and it gives a Zen look to the kitchen.”

DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

The charcoal-grey pod, as designer Catlin Stothers calls it, was designed with a coffee alcove and space for a large Samsung refrigerator.

The cabinetry was built by KB Signature.

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Another element that is Stothers’s trademark is the unusual light fixture over the island. “I like to have a sculptural lighting fixture where there is seating,” she says. “It makes the space more cozy and intimate. This fixture is called ‘Boomerang.’ Each shade is hand-made of ceramic that has tiny holes in it; they cast light stars on the ceiling.”

The kitchen is now the go-to spot for all family members. “We wanted a grownup kitchen that would be child-friendly,” says Angel. •

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KITCHEN GADGET GUIDE As foodie culture becomes increasingly ubiquitous, and many of us entertain in our kitchens, we crave the right tools for the job. Vancouver Home presents its annual guide on how to equip your kitchen with the things you need to produce splendid meals and entertain in style.

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1. BOWLED OVER

The minimalistic black-and-white Pemberton bowl by Martha Sturdy will be at home in any setting from the dining room to the kitchen. Made of resin, the bowl is food-safe and durable.

Provide 1805 Fir St., Vancouver www.providehome.com 604-632-0095

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2. PRESS ON

3. POLISHED PAIR

Made of stainless steel, the Espro Press boasts a patented double micro-filter system and silicon seal to reduce grit and produce a clean cup of coffee. It can also be used for tea.

The Piano serving set is made of natural pakkawood and stainless steel for a contemporary look.

The fluid design makes them easy to use and attractive to behold.

Walrus Home

Design House

3408 Cambrie St., Vancouver

851 Home St., Vancouver

www.walrushome.com

www.designhouse.com

604-874-9770

604-681-2800

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2

1. COOL COASTERS

2. VINTAGE VIBE

Studying geometry can be fun. The next time you have guests, make a game of arranging these coasters in a variety of ways to see who creates the best shape. This set of six coasters is also perfect as a housewarming gift. Available in various shapes and colours.

Add a touch of yesteryear to your kitchen with this Orla Kiely retro storage jar. It’s made of earthenware, has a white stem motif, and is capped with a wooden lid for a touch of warmth.

Amara

Walrus Home

www.amara.com

3408 Cambrie St., Vancouver

855-898-0571

www.walrushome.com 604-874-9770

4 3. LINEN LOVE

Tea towels are a necessity in the kitchen but they needn’t be ordinary. This black linen towel from Lissu is on trend and indispensable. With anti-bacterial properties, it’s also quick-drying and stain-resistant.

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Sunnyside 105C-4390 Gallant Ave.,

4. BARK BEAUTY

North Vancouver

This rugged maple bowl has a live edge, allowing it to be as aesthetic as it is functional. Each bowl is unique, and a beautiful addition to any home.

www.enjoythesunnyside.com 604-971-4340

Provide 1805 Fir St., Vancouver www.providehome.com 604-632-0095

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2

2. MOSCOW MULE MUG

The Gourmet Warehouse

Anyone who drinks a Moscow mule knows that copperware is essential to the experience.

Simply add vodka, ginger beer and lime.

1340 East Hastings St., Vancouver www.gourmetwarehouse.ca 604-253-3022

1. OLD-FASHIONED IN FASHION

The Sunset double old-fashioned glass is made in Poland. A sturdy vessel for a spring or summer outdoor gathering, this multicolored glass shines all on its own.

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Anthropologie 2912 Granville St., Vancouver www.anthropologie.com 604-734-2529

3. COFFEE IN COPPER

4. OPEN TO WHIMSY

This Tom Dixon coffee caddy, made of stainless steel with a high-gloss copper finish, bestows a touch of luxury on coffee time. The lid is designed to hold the matching brew scoop, which is sold separately.

Open your bottles with flair this summer with the Diabolix bottle opener by Alessi. Its whimsical design adds humour to your patio party.

3

Design House Amara

851 Home St., Vancouver

ca.amara.com

www.designhouse.com

855-898-0571

604-681-2800

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2

1. TEA TIME

2. DAILY BREAD

Amara

The Raven stovetop kettle and tea steeper by Fellow has an integrated thermometer and tea filter, which makes the perfect cup of tea an everyday occurrence. Use the colour guide on the thermometer to choose a perfect steeping temperature for your tea.

This stylish bread bin from Joseph Joseph has non-slip feet, and the bamboo lid doubles as a cutting board.

ca.amara.com 855-898-0571

Old Faithful Shop 320 W. Cordova St., Vancouver www.oldfaithfulshop.com 778-327-9376

4 3. BOUQUET BLEU

Show off your favourite flowers in this mouth-blown glass vase. Small imperfections lend a distinctive edge to this handmade piece, which is available in four colours.

The leather strap is removable.

Article www.article.com 888-746-3455

4. LOCH NESS LADLE

The Loch Ness monster comes alive in the Nessie Ladle from Animi Causa. Fun for the whole family to use, this ladle makes doling out soup memorable and amusing.

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Animi Causa 917-463-3974 www.animicausa.com

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2

1. STURDY AND STACKABLE

Old Faithful Shop

Enjoy the richness of your coffee with the Kinto coffee mug.

Made in Japan, Kinto is a series developed to give you the joy of a slow, relaxing passage of time.

Sturdy and stackable, this mug is perfect for small-space living.

320 W. Cordova St., Vancouver www.oldfaithfulshop.com

2. BOARD MEETING

778-327-9376

Handmade in Provence, this olive-wood serving board allows you to serve everything from freshly baked bread and pastries to charcuterie items and cheese.

Sunnyside 105C-4390 Gallant Ave., North Vancouver www.enjoythesunnyside.com 604-971-4340

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3. BOTTLED UP

Chapters Indigo

4. HOME PLATES

Design House

The S’well reusable stainless steel water bottle from Upcycle Studio is BPA-free. It keeps drinks hot for 12 hours and cold for 24. Available in a variety of colours.

2505 Granville St., Vancouver

With their minimal design, Kaj Franck’s Teema plates are a wonderful example of quiet restraint. Unpretentious and versatile, these plates are available in four colours.

851 Home St., Vancouver

www.chapters.indigo.ca 604-731-7822

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www.designhouse.com 604-681-2800

DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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2

1. SOUS-VIDE SUCCULENCE

2. SERIOUS CERAMICS

Sunnyside

Cook your steak to perfection in minutes using the Sansaire sousvide immersion circulator. Clip the circulator to any large pot, add water, adjust the temperature with a twist of the ring, insert meat, fish or poultry, and let the cooking begin. Works with most foodgrade freezer bags.

MĂŠrida Anderson, a multi-disciplinary artist from North Vancouver who currently lives in Montreal, uses playful textures combined with geometric shapes to create her contemporary ceramics in appealing pastel colours

105C-4390 Gallant Ave., North

The Gourmet Warehouse 1340 East Hastings St., Vancouver

Vancouver www.enjoythesunnyside.com 604-971-4340

www.gourmetwarehouse.ca 604-253-3022

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4 3. KITCHEN COMFORT

4. GOOD AS GOLD

At first glance, this non-skid area rug gives the illusion of ceramic tiles. Made of polypropylene, this 100 per cent eco-friendly rug is easy to clean. Place a few together for visual effect.

Made of stainless steel dipped in 24k-gold plating, this flatware will warm up a place setting and add a contemporary twist to any table.

Anthropologie 2912 Granville St., Vancouver

Sophie Produits Italiens

www.anthropologie.com

www.sophieproduitsitaliens

604-734-2529

581-984-6052

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OFF TO A GOOD START Hiring a contractor requires some research but is well worth the effort

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Hiring the right professionals to renovate or build a house can be daunting. Choosing the wrong one can have devastating consequences.

But how do you find the right contractor?

Vancouver Home asked Joel Barrett, director/ owner of Barrett Group Custom Builders, for his advice.

QUESTION: Joel, is it advisable to choose a contractor based on pricing or budget?

ANSWER: Pricing seems to be one of the main deciding factors for most homeowners when they choose a general contractor; but it shouldn’t be.

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I’ve seen clients pick builders based on low cost alone, and nine out of 10 times, this leads to disappointment and cost overruns. It is wise to get multiple quotes and spend time comparing them. When I hear someone say that s/he went way over budget on a project without making changes or additions to the original plans, I know it’s not a case of being over-budget; it’s a case of not having the correct budget to begin with.

A contractor should be given time to tender the pricing for sub-trades and estimate the costs of materials and labour to provide clients with an accurate budget based on the plans

and specifications provided. A detailed budget indicates that care and effort has gone into its development. At this stage, homeowners can see if the contractor is including everything that they expect by comparing the accuracy and details of the various proposals.

Q: What steps can I take to check on a contractor’s past work?

A: While client references are always a great start, I also recommend checking in with a contractor’s suppliers and trades. This can reveal a lot about how the contractor does business. •

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“It is the contractor’s role to effectively schedule all of the tasks and trades according to the schedule. ”

Q: What recourse do I have if I choose the wrong contractor?

A: Ensuring that a proper contract is in place prior to the beginning of the project is a great start. The contract should provide guidelines for recourse – on both sides. Depending on how far along the project is, it can be difficult to get another contractor to replace the first one. Many contractors do not want to clean up another one’s mess. Doing your homework and hiring the right contractor from the start saves you from problems and headaches.

Q: What qualifications should my contractor have and how can I find out if s/he is fully qualified?

A: Some questions you should ask are: Is the contractor a member of a credible home-building association? Is the company up to date with its WorkSafeBC insurance? Is the contractor licensed to build new homes through a provincial licensing association? Does the company have liability insurance?

A contractor that is a member of these various associations and groups will probably have gone through vetting processes. Our company is a member of Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Assocation, Canadian Home Builders’ Association, BC Housing, and WorkSafeBC. We carry liability insurance and provide access to new-home warranty packages.

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Q: How does insurance work in the hiring of contractors?

A: When renovating an existing home or building a new one, it is recommended that you discuss your project with your insurance provider. There are various policy options. New Home Warranty policies (2-5-10) are available on new builds only.

Q: What is the process of getting a project from the design stage to fruition once a contractor has been chosen?

A: If the client has completed the design phase and has an architect’s plans, structural engineering specifications and building permits from the municipality, the contractor can provide a detailed budget and a proposed schedule. The process to completion is a team effort; the client, the architect and the contractor should be able to communicate effectively and cooperatively so that important milestones outlined in the schedule are met, and the contractor can fulfill promises. The scope and size of the project will have an effect on the time required. Many tasks cannot be started until another task is completed. It is the contractor’s role to effectively schedule all of the tasks and trades according to the schedule.

Depending on the scope of the project, you will possibly need an interior designer, architect, engineer, and other consultants.

This can be daunting, so a builder can walk you through this process and refer the right people. Some builders offer a design/build package, which can be convenient. Another route is to approach the architect/designer first and once they have created your design plans, you can tender this to numerous builders for budgeting. •

Barrett Group Custom Builders www.barrettgroup.ca 604-813-9914

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SMALL BUT EFFICIENT

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Imported appliances, sized for condo living, save on space and cost

DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

IN VANCOUVER, where fast-rising real estate prices have put a premium on living space, the footprint an appliance occupies – and how much it costs to operate – makes a difference.

“Size is an escalating factor in everyone’s lives,” says Mark Eglington, president of Euro-Line Appliances Inc. “Space is at an all-time premium. People want to maximize space efficiency.”

And he knows. Euro-Line is a familyrun company that specializes in Europeanmanufactured appliances. The demand for these smaller, energy-efficient products has seen a sharp rise in recent years as condo owners, designers and building contractors look to squeeze more usable living space into every unit.

European appliance manufacturers such as AEG, Liebherr and Gorenje – not quite household names in North America – have been catering to the growing “small size” market for years. Their expertise – and the quality of their products – in this expanding sector are now gaining traction on this continent.

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“Now, all of a sudden, the public can’t get enough of them,” Eglington says.

As the price of housing increases, driving up the cost of living, smaller appliances offer buyers the “greatest return on their investment” in the long term, Eglington says, in two ways. First, they occupy less space, especially in markets where the cost of each square foot can make or break a budget. The space footprint of washers and dryers has an economic impact over the lifetime of the appliance.

Second, the technology used in these appliances makes them more energy- efficient than conventional-sized units.

And then there is innovation that makes them attractive. Eglington points to Porter & Charles’s Combi9-6, a single-unit washer and dryer. He owns one. It allows him to put a load of laundry in before leaving for work in the morning, and his clothes are washed and dried by the time he returns home.

“The only thing that is missing is someone to fold it for me,” he says.

The unit washes nine kilograms of laundry. Or, it washes and dries six kilograms in one seamless process. And because the unit has a weight-load sensor, Eglington knows exactly how much it can handle. He calls it a “plug-and-play machine;” there is no need for venting ductwork.

Eglington says many designers and building contractors are turning to smaller laundry units that easily fit into smaller closets when they design new residential spaces. Although slightly more expensive than conventional-sized appliances, these “condo-size” laundry units allow designers to maximize space and control costs.

An added bonus: Euro-Line offers extended warranties because of the high quality of the imported units. •

Euro-Line Appliances West Inc. 2912 West 4th Ave. Vancouver 604-235-3980 www.euro-line-appliances.com

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MAKING IT WORK A designer navigates around fixed installations in a townhouse to create a dream kitchen

PHOTOGRAPHY: ROGER BROOKS STYLING: PATRICIA GRAY AND ALBAROSA SIMONETTI

THE OWNERS OF THIS TOWNHOUSE along the sea wall near the Cambie Bridge decided it was time for a new kitchen, something that would be less cramped than the one they’d been living with. That was the idea, a notion, really.

The details were not included.

They turned to interior designer Patricia Gray to breathe life into the idea. Together, the broad strokes, right down to the fine details for a larger, open-concept kitchen with clean lines and accent lighting transformed not only the look of the space, but the feel of it, too.

“They wanted a new kitchen because their kitchen was very tiny and enclosed. They wanted it somehow opened up,” Gray says.

So the designer began by examining the bones of what was there. •

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This tall chocolate-brown corner unit houses dishes on pull-out shelving. Beside it, a Miele plumbed coffee machine was equipped with a cup-warming drawer. The door above it flips up to give access to the microwave oven.

Renovating a concrete townhouse comes with certain constraints, she explains. The plumbing was fixed; it could not be moved. The wiring for the electricity presented additional limitations. Could walls be removed?

“You have to see how much you can push those parameters,” Gray says.

Working with a contractor, she measured and juggled the options, attempting to determine how a new kitchen was going to work.

One wall was removed; another came down, except for one section where electrical wires issued through the floor. That part of the wall stayed and was transformed into the end of a new island that redefined the space.

The stainless steel side-by-side freezer/ fridge that the owners wanted to keep was given a new home with a built-in look. It now sits inside a former cabinet space that was reframed.

And a focal point was created – an entire wall of travertine tiles with taupe and grey highlights. It attracts attention immediately.

Not to distract from the focal wall, Gray installed a single floating stainless steel shelf above the sink to showcase the homeowners’ collection of antique Japanese porcelain. All overhead cabinetry was eliminated, but she ensured there would be plenty of storage space, including a slide-out pantry. •

Stainless steel dividers keep order in the island’s top drawer. The drawer fronts extend to be flush with the side of the island, which includes part of a former wall that could not be completely removed due to electrical connections.

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The focal wall, tiled in travertine, has a floating stainless steel shelf. The countertops are Caesarstone quartz. The heated floor is clad in porcelain tile. A two-drawer Fisher & Paykel dishwasher is built into the cabinets to the left of the sink.

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The recessed lights, including those in the range hood, are on separate dimmer switches to create various moods.

New lighting was installed throughout the space – recessed in the ceiling, on the underside of the stainless steel shelf on the main wall, in a corner nook, and on the range hood over the island. All the lights are controlled by individual dimmer switches to provide for various settings a nd combinations depending on need and, as Gray explains, “to set the mood.”

The new kitchen showcases how beauty and function can dovetail, Gray says. The space was extended only slightly – about a foot to allow for the stools to be added to the island – but the openness gives it a much more impressive footprint. •

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AN ENTERTAINING VIEW A Coal Harbour penthouse gets a new kitchen that is open to sweeping vistas PHOTOGRAPHY: ROGER BROOKS

VISITORS WHO WALK INTO the kitchen of this highrise sub-penthouse condo in Vancouver’s Coal Harbour district, find that their attention is immediately drawn to the wall. Then, they turn their heads to take in the view. But their gaze inevitably returns to the wall, a 14-foot expanse clad in white Statuarietto marble.

Art sometimes has that effect.

Interior designer Patricia Gray, who designed the space, calls it her signature: a focal wall. “Because this is a major focal wall, I didn’t want upper cabinets,” Gray says. “We opted instead to do this beautiful slab of marble, like a big piece of art.”

Gray redesigned the entire interior of this downtown condo, turning the three-bedroom unit into an open-concept two-bedroom suite.

The two new bedrooms are larger; the third one was transformed into a walk-in closet for the master.

But the real transformation took place in the kitchen. • A former enclosed balcony is now an eat-in kitchen nook; it boasts a fabulous view.

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There, Gray removed a wall that had enclosed the small galley kitchen, opening the space to the living room and extending the size of the condo by incorporating an enclosed balcony into the living space; it created an eat-in nook as part of the new kitchen. The balcony had been unusable space before. Enclosed behind a patio door, it was too hot to use during the summer and too cold in the winter. Now, it is a beautiful and functional part of the expanded floor space.

The end result is what Gray calls an inviting chef’s kitchen. “It’s beautiful and functional at the same time,” she says.

The owners have a large extended family and love to cook, bake and entertain. They are thrilled with the result.

“It’s stunning,” says Gray. “Kitchens are the most expensive room to renovate or build in a home, so it’s important to get it right.”

Gray says the homeowners wanted to upgrade and maximize the space in this 30-yearold condo. She studied the space to determine the orientation of the views and the way the light entered the rooms at various times of the day, as well as how the living spaces would relate to each other.

After that, she did what she calls “the homework,” by putting the specifications into a computer to produce renderings, ensuring the concept would work. “Our goal is to plan everything out before we start – construction documents, materials, colours, furnishings, lighting, artwork – because everything is priced before we start construction,” she says.

On the focal wall, Gray installed a floating stainless steel shelf with recessed lights that shine down, and a strip of LED lights that shine upward, creating a beautiful soft mood for the evenings. The shelf harmonizes with the look of the stainless steel range hood, and echoes the pulls on the built-in ovens and cabinets.

“It’s those little details; it’s like having a custom-made suit,” Gray says.

Now, the owners can entertain. And when they are not, they can look out from their kitchen nook at their view of English Bay with the mountains in the distance. •

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“It’s beautiful and functional at the same time.”

DESIGN VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

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A white-oak floor in a herringbone pattern grounds the space. Induction stovetop, panelled refrigerator, oven and warming drawer: Miele.

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IN OUR NEXT ISSUE

Before spring’s vegetation has pushed up out of the cold, damp earth, we have begun to dream about the warm weather ahead. The Spring issue of Vancouver Home is filled with stories about spectacular homes and outdoor spaces to help you infuse some design savvy into your spring.

GIVE THE GIFT OF GOOD DESIGN

1-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION FOR ONLY $17.23 www.movatohome.com

BUYER’S GUIDE VANCOUVER KITCHENS 2017

FROM MAD MEN TO MARVELLOUS Sarah Gallop Design Inc. www.interiordesignerdelta.com 604-952-4448 Best Builders www.bestbuilders.ca 604-943-2378 Divert Millwork www.divertmillwork.com 604-560-6370 THE MEMORY OF PLACE Sara Peck Colby www.sarapeckcolby.ca 514-935-4015 OFF TO A GOOD START Barrett Group Custom Builders www.barrettgroup.ca 604-813-9914 FRESH FOOD FOR A NUTRITIOUS DIET Euro-Line Appliances Inc. www.euro-line-appliances.com 604-235-3980

A GROWN UP SPACE THAT CHILDREN LOVE Catlin Stothers Design www.catlinstothersdesign.com 514-984-5122 KB Signature www.kbsignature.ca 514-660-4937 FOR THE PLANET AND THE PEOPLE Resource Furniture BC www.resourcefurniture.ca 604-899-8874 A ROOM WITH A VIEW Bulthaup Vancouver www.vancouver.bulthaup.com 604-688-1881 COMPACT BUT PRACTICAL Kodu Design www.kodudesign.ca 604-657-4353

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A GREAT ROOM IS MADE GREATER Sarah Gallop Design Inc. www.interiordesignerdelta.com 604-952-4448

STYLISH AND FUNCTIONAL Rembrandt Renovations www.rembrandtrenovations.com 604-802-6256

AN ENTERTAINING VIEW Patricia Gray Interior Design www.patriciagrayinc.com 604-681-6523

NEW AND IMPROVED Rembrandt Renovations www.rembrandtrenovations.com 604-802-6256

SMALL BUT EFFICIENT Euro-Line Appliances West Inc. www.euro-line-appliances.com 604-235-3980 MAKING IT WORK Patricia Gray Interior Design www.patriciagrayinc.com 604-681-6523 FASHIONABLE FURNISHINGS Paramount Home & Design www.paramounthome.ca 604-273-0155 SMOOTH AND SEAMLESS Casa Madera Hardwood Floors Inc. 604-294-9663

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ITALIA BLACK ARMOUR Arclinea Collection, design Antonio Citterio

1706 WEST 1ST AVE ARMOURY DISTRICT VANCOUVER 604 683 1116 LIVINGSPACE.COM