Ottawa At Home | Spring 2019

HOMES

DESIGN

LIVING

SHOPPING

FOOD

Renovation THE

EXPERT RENOVATING ISSUE TIPS Kitchen Bathroom Basement Laundry Room Backyard

Renovation THE

ISSUE

EXPERT RENOVATING TIPS

Kitchen, Bathroom, Basement, Laundry Room, Backyard

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The Details Make The Difference kitchen • bath • lighting • accessories

DESIGN & CABINETRY BY ASTRO. FEATURING VISUAL COMFORT & CO. LIGHTING.

16 43 LIVING

FOOD

50 STEP INSIDE Meet Zoe Shelley

67 FOOD THOUGHTS A refreshing Cobb-style salad

52 FASHION Spring trends

68 DINING IN Entertaining in grand kitchen spaces

56 FIT AT HOME Arm work

HOME 12 DESIGNER AT HOME Contemporary with character 16 RENOVATION/BACKYARD Transforming an urban space 24 RENOVATION/ LAUNDRY & BATHROOM A chic bathroom and laundry room conversion 26 RENOVATION/BASEMENT Inspiring DIY ideas and pro tips 32 RENOVATION/ENSUITE Light and elegant sanctuary

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58 NEIGHBOURHOOD ON THE MOVE Exploring the Golden Triangle 61 GIVING BACK Celebrating an 80th birthday with a long walk 63 NEW & NOTABLE Local innovations

75 LET’S DISH Helping the food industry thrive 77 PAULA’S BITES Spring meringue

DEPARTMENTS 6 EDITOR’S NOTE Celebrating success 7 CONTRIBUTORS Getting to know some of the team

52

80 BACK STORY An historic sundial

36 RENOVATION/ GALLEY KITCHEN Jo Alcorn shares her kitchen renovation 43 CAPITAL COLOURS Choosing the right grout

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49 INSPIRING PROJECTS Get Stoned contest winner COVER PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON 4 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Going Strong

“Let the beauty of what you love be what you do.” — RU MI

LET’S CONNECT @OttawaAtHome @Ottawaathomemag @ottawaathomemag

This year marks my 10th year as editor-in-chief of Ottawa At Home magazine. Yes, time flies. Ten years ago, the print media business was in a bit of a flux and its lasting appeal was under speculation. But, here we are, alive and well!

When I first came on board I had limited experience and in fact had to google what an editor-in-chief did just before I headed to the job interview! Now, I own the magazine and function as its publisher as well.

Yes, I also googled “what does a publisher do?” before I went ahead and bought the publication…

But, here is what Google didn’t have to tell me—success follows those who have a passion for their jobs, believe in the work they do and surround themselves with good people.

One of the more astounding factors, aside from our success in the turbulent world of media, is that many of our original team remain intact. Our associate editor Jane Whiting celebrates ten years with me.

Our food editor Paula Roy has been with the magazine longer than I have, along with our photographer Mark Holleron. The magazine itself is going into its 15th year of production.

Jennifer Tackaberry, our sales representative has been on board for over nine years, and many of our writers and contributors have been with Ottawa At Home for just as long. The dedication of the talented team behind creating Ottawa’s leading lifestyle and décor publication impresses me. I am also grateful for the injection of new contributors to help keep the magazine fresh and cutting edge.

This is our Renovation issue. Inside you will find features that look at different home projects that generate up-to-date style, and you’ll meet a variety of experts who do what they love, oh so well!

At Ottawa At Home we are always evolving. So, while a renovation might not be happening within our organization, we certainly embrace everything it takes to be a current, high-quality print magazine that keeps building with all the right materials to stand the test of time.

TO KNOW Ottawa At Home comes together five times per year with a team of talent.

Meet five team members who share five fun personal facts.

JANE WHITING, ASSOCIATE EDITOR

MARK HOLLERON, PHOTOGRAPHER

Where can we find you on the weekend?

The tennis court Bucket list travel destination? Northern Lights in Alaska Drink of Choice? Gin & elderflower Music genre? Classic rock Dream car? My Mini Countryman

Where can we find you on the weekend?

Boating/motor crossing Bucket list travel destination?

New Orleans, Mardi Gras Drink of Choice? Craft beer Favourite Food? Lobster Dream Car: My Porsche 911

JENNIFER TACKABERRY, SALES AND MARKETING

Proudly,

@maryktaggart

Mary’s Must-Haves Whether classically luxurious or on-trend, a new throw cushion freshens up the décor ELAINE NADEAU, CREATIVE DIRECTOR MOD FRETWORK, HAND-DIP DYE, SILK VELVET DOWN AND FEATHER PILLOW; $435, CADIEUX INTERIORS

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CONTRIBUTORS

Last book read? Untethered Soul by Michael Singer Guilty pleasure? Dark chocolate Favourite season? Summer Decorating Style? Modern/Contemporary Dream car? Helicopter

Where can we find you on the weekend?

Mont Tremblant, skiing in the winter and boating in the summer Bucket list travel destination? Costa Rica Last book read? The Light Keeper’s Daughters by Jean Pendziwoi Fave tourist destination in Ottawa?

Biking with my girls to the Inuksuk along the parkway Celebrity Crush? Bradley Cooper, only in A Star is Born

PAULA ROY, FOOD EDITOR Where can we find you on the weekend? At farmers’ markets, then in my kitchen cooking Bucket list travel destination? The cooking schools of Southeast Asia Drink of Choice? Old vine Zinfandel Last book read? The Hour of the Fox by Kurt Palka Music genre? Indie folk-rock SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 7

C U S TO M H O M E S I T E S N OW AVA I L A B L E

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mary Taggart DESIGN & LAYOUT

AN Design Communications

Canada’s first adaptive development, only 10 mins from downtown Ottawa.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR

Jane Whiting PHOTOGRAPHER

Mark Holleron FOOD EDITOR

Paula Roy FOOD CONTRIBUTOR

Korey Kealey STYLE/BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR

Melissa Shabinsky CONTRIBUTORS

Mary Ciancibello, Catherine Clark, Vera Cody, Sandy Connell, Chloe Girvan, Andrew King, Lianne Laing, Tia Macpherson, Ted Simpson, Alexia Wilkinson-Naido PROOF READER

Paula Roy WEB EDITOR

Olivia Taggart ADVERTISING

Jennifer Tackaberry jtackaberry@ottawaathome.ca ADMINISTRATION

David Lindsay FINANCE MANAGER

Danial Taggart PUBLISHER

Mary Taggart PUBLISHED BY

Ottawa At Home Media Inc. CONTACT US

General inquiries: editor@ottawaathome.ca DIRECTOR OF NEWSSTAND

Craig Sweetman SUBSCRIPTIONS

admin@ottawaathome.ca ottawaathome.ca CIRCULATION

30,000 copies printed 5 times per year 5-issue subscription $25.00

OTTAWA AT HOME MEDIA INC. Contents © 2019. Reproduction of advertisements or articles appearing in Ottawa At Home, in whole or in part, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher. Ottawa At Home and Ottawa At Home Media Inc. shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with any advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue or the refund of any monies paid for the advertisement.

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HOME Designer At Home

CHARACTER & COMPRESSION

BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

A

ndrew Reeves grew up playing with Lego and Lincoln Logs, having fun creating structures with little knowledge that he was forging his career path. But somewhere along the way, early in life, he recognized that architecture was in his future.

After graduating from Carleton University with a Master of Architecture degree, Andrew worked for BBB Architects before becoming principal partner of Linebox Studio, a local architectural firm known for thinking outside the box. With a fresh approach to designing innovative homes and offices, Linebox has an impressive line-up of jobs from the St Charles condo development to Shopify offices, the Riviera restaurant and even the super-cool Rockcliffe Park Field House. But their client list expands beyond the capital, and as their reputation for a strong appreciation of good design grows, so does their scope of work.

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SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca  13

HOME D esigner At Home

HOME Designer At Home

Horizontal windows create cool shadows when the sun comes in and allows light to come through, while also giving privacy” — ANDREW REEVES

THIS PAGE (BELOW) THE IRPINIA KITCHEN HAS LOTS OF CHARACTER WITH AN ORANGE, BACK-PAINTED GLASS BACK SPLASH AND A REPURPOSED LIGHT FIXTURE, CREATED WITH RECLAIMED LIGHTING FROM CASTOR LIGHTING, TORONTO RIGHT CLEAN LINES ARE IN INTEGRAL DESIGN ELEMENT FOUND THROUGHOUT; ARTWORK BY LOCAL ARTIST CHRISTOPHER GRIFFIN FACING PAGE (TOP) A MURANO GLASS CHANDELIER IS FROM DESIGN WITHIN REACH, THE PAINTING IS BY CHRISTOPHER GRIFFIN; THE DINING AREA OPENS TO THE INVITING LIVING SPACE (MIDDLE) ANDREW LEANS ON THE POLISHED CONCRETE COUNTER (BOTTOM) EVERY NOOK SERVES A PURPOSE

14 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

Andrew and his wife Melissa have created their own dynamic living space within a three-door town home unit in New Edinburgh, which of course was a Linebox project. The relatively small, multi-level space was designed with a “compressed family living” philosophy.

Every inch of the space was carefully thought through so that the family of four live with ease. The second of the two bedrooms incorporated space for bunk beds for Andrew and Melissa’s two daughters, and the garage space doubles as a play area. Lots of smart storage solutions permeate the multi-level home.

Not only does their space take family living into consideration, but careful attention to the environment was taken within the design concept. Both natural and physical elements were observed during the process so that factors like the sun and neighbouring structures all played into the design process, which Andrew believes creates a timeless design.

While the style of the Reeves’ home would fall into the contemporary category, Andrew expands on this notion and says he prefers a “contemporary with character” definition. He states that this defines the overall approach taken by

Linebox: “A lot of what we do is characterbased, in contrast with clean crisp lines.”

His townhome showcases stylish character with clean lines throughout, from the open staircase to the horizontal windows. The use of horizontal lines is a clever design tool that creates an open feeling as well as offering privacy.

“Horizontal windows create cool shadows when the sun comes in and allows light to come through, while also giving privacy,” explains Andrew.

The Irpinia kitchen functions as a central hub within the space. A concrete slab countertop adds the cool factor, while a back-painted, glass backsplash in “Linebox orange” adds both colour and character.

A tufted banquette and colourful leather bar stools are an example of contemporary with character décor elements.

Décor throughout the space plays on the contemporary with character mix with a perfectly balanced blend of vibrant colours, found in the artwork and accessories, against a crisp white backdrop. An abundance of board games stacked in their rightful place, underneath a highly-efficient Stûv fireplace, proves that creating a stylish space for family living within a relatively small footprint is attainable.

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 15

HOME R enovation Backyard

HOME Renovation Backyard

PERFECT POOL & PATIO

BY JANE WHITING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

I

f you think your backyard is too small to create a grand outdoor oasis with a pool, think again! Big homes with larger footprints and smaller lots may present more challenges, but landscape designers and pool builders can work miracles with yards of all shapes and sizes.

THIS PAGE A SWIM JET, ON THE FAR WALL, WAS A MUST-HAVE FOR THE HOMEOWNER 16 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 17

HOME R enovation Backyard

HOME Renovation Backyard

We created a pretty amazing space within a fairly small urban backyard” — HOMEOWNER

“We created a pretty amazing space within a fairly small urban backyard,” says the homeowner of a recent outdoor living transformation in West Wellington Village.

The project involved adding a custom-made pool to the long rectangular area to maximize sunlight in a neighbourhood full of mature trees, together with a new landscaping design that ups the wow factor.

COOL POOL Pool Builders installed the 12 × 24 foot salt water pool which is six feet at the deep end and fully loaded with high-end features. In a family business owned by her father, Shanelle Lee manages the pool projects, while her brothers take care of all installation and service work.

She explains that this customized pool has vinyl over galvanised steel sides with a grouted-concrete bottom that will not shift, crack or lift the liner. “The steps along the width of the shallow end are also made from vinyl over steel which is becoming more popular as it gives a sleek, modern look and allows for a non-slip, gradual entry.”

Automation is an extra feature that the homeowners wanted to make pool operation and maintenance a breeze. “It’s fully automated so the pool heater, lights and auto cover can be controlled by a remote and a panel,” says Shanelle. She adds that the solar and safety cover is a mesh that fits into a metal railing system that not only keeps leaves out and the heat in, but also prevents falls into the pool when closed.

Like many pools today, a salt-water system was chosen for its lower pool maintenance benefits and because it’s softer on skin and more environmentally friendly. The crystal coloured liner gives the pool the same blue tones of the Caribbean Sea and offers another inviting element.

LOLA, THE GOLDENDOODLE, EMBRACES THE NEW URBAN BACKYARD AND OFTEN DIPS HER PAWS INTO THE POOL 18 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2018

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HOME R enovation Backyard

HOME Renovation Backyard

STUNNING STONEWORK Once the pool installation was finished, it was time to integrate the new landscaping design with the existing outdoor living space.

Marc Bertrand, president of Green with Envy Landscaping & Design, collaborated with Shanelle on the coping and interlocking around the pool, and worked with Parkway Landscaping to bring the transformation together. He notes that the functional requirements of defined pool access and proper drainage to protect the property were the first considerations.

“I incorporated wide Mega-Melville slabs into the design to balance in size and colour with the backyard’s large natural stones,” says Marc. “We used river stone to enhance the drainage, and I also designed a structure to go over the pool cover to hide it and to provide easy access all around the pool.”

In addition to the drainage aspect of river stones, they were strategically placed to provide a clear separation between the new pool area and the existing lounging and dining patio space. The oversized stonework around the pool also has the effect of making the pool area appear larger.

“As we needed a retaining wall to support the base of the patio, I proposed bringing it forward, off the back fence, to convert what otherwise would have been an unutilized space into a raised flower bed,” adds Marc.

The raised wall adds elevation to a dead space without much natural light. The flower beds are filled with the homeowner’s love of colourful hydrangeas, they also planted a dwarf hydrangea tree in the corner. Inserting cap lighting into the retaining wall to shine down onto the ground helped to lighten up the shady side of the yard.

For the finishing touches, Marc put in two big stones in the transitional area between the pool and patio for planters to be added. “After the pool and stonework have been installed, the plantings really soften the hardscaping, and together with all the greenery, lighting and good furniture placing, it really brings the space together.”

With distinctive patio furniture from Hauser, along with pretty pots and plants from Flowers Talk Tivoli, the outdoor oasis is complete. Only hot, sunny days are needed now to enjoy this perfect pool and patio!

TOP LEFT CONTAINER GARDENS, CREATED BY FLOWERS TALK TIVOLI, ADD COLOUR TO THE MOSTLY STONE LANDSCAPE TOP RIGHT AFTERNOON REFRESHMENTS ARE ALWAYS ON HAND BOTTOM LEFT THE WELL THOUGHT SPACE OFFERS PLENTY OF ROOM FOR LOUNGING AND ENTERTAINING; ALL OUTDOOR FURNITURE FROM HAUSER BOTTOM RIGHT ON HOT DAYS BY THE POOL, COOL TREATS ARE ALWAYS APPRECIATED

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HOME B athroom & Laundry Renovation

making R

O

O

BY ALEXIA WILKINSON-NAIDOO PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

Updating older homes can pose a number of challenges, depending on the era and architecture. Just ask homeowner Mia Hempey and designer Janise Saikaley, who took on transforming the main bathroom of a ‘60s-era home into a luxurious 2019 retreat.

The older home design didn’t include an ensuite and the main bathroom was quite small and dated. Mia had done several renovations over 17 years of living in her Beaverbrook home, mostly with Janise’s help. So, when she decided to attack the bathroom she knew who to call.

“Mia reached out and said she wanted to pretty up her home and redo her bathroom,” said Janise, principal and lead designer of Uproar Interiors. “It’s my favourite enclave of Kanata. They’re beautiful homes with a very ‘60s vibe.”

But the bathroom was only about 6 × 8 feet, so the designer had an idea for Mia: “Why don’t we turn this into a laundry room and turn the fourth bedroom into a main family bathroom that is so much more functional for the size of the house?”

“I really agonized over giving up that fourth bedroom,” said Mia. “But I decided that for that one day a year that I use my guestroom, I’d get much more use out of it if it was turned into a fabulous space I would use all the time.”

Janise wanted to make something spacious and luxurious with a fabulous shower, a spectacular soaker tub, and more functional space. She painted the 24 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

M

walls, ceilings, and trim all in Farrow & Ball’s Great White and Modern Emulsion.

“It feels like you’re in a cloud,” said Janise, “very delicate and soft.” She added a touch of delicate pink to an antique chair— which she gave as a gift to Mia—with ROMO fabric and Farrow & Ball Wevet.

Visual texture was added with Farrow & Ball Helleborus wallpaper behind the bath, with a flush chandelier from the Electrical Plumbing Store for extra sparkle and plumbing fixtures from Preston Hardware. The room now has gorgeous and functional custom cabinetry that Janise designed and had made in charcoal black. She also continued the elegance of the bathroom with a custom mirror.

All bathroom tiles are from Ceragres; one of Mia’s favourite features of the room is the heated floor, intricately laid with a generous application of Carrara marble.

The finishing touches were white linen drapes from JAB and beautiful Portuguese towels. “Spend money on those things that you use every day and take your time and find quality items,” advised Janise.

As the COO at a law firm, being able to relax in comfort when she comes home is quite a treat for Mia. “I come home and have a bath, and then I have a bath again before I go to bed,” she laughed. “So, it’s worth every penny considering I never went into the spare bedroom before. And how could you not be a big fan of baths when you’ve got chandeliers and heated floors?

It’s very luxurious after a long day at work.”

Having a laundry upstairs is a treat as well. “Janise also convinced me to move my laundry room up from the basement to

HOME B athroom & Laundry Renovation

LEFT A COMBINATION OF CARRERA MARBLE CREATES INTRIGUE WITHIN THE SPACE BELOW A TOUCH OF BLUSH WITHIN THE CHAIR FABRIC OFFERS A FEMININE TOUCH THAT BLENDS INTO THE SPACE BOTTOM FARROW & BALL WALLPAPER DRESSES UP THE HIGH FUNCTIONING LAUNDRY ROOM

the second floor,” said Mia, adding that it’s a “life-changer” especially with boys who create a ton of laundry.

“Janise wanted to do the whole laundry room in wallpaper, which I hesitated about, but she inspired me to go with it,” said Mia. “She said, ‘Mia, it’s going to look like a little jewelry box.’ And she’s right, it’s quite beautiful.”

In her professional life, Mia is used to making a lot of big decisions every day, but she was comfortable handing over the reins to Janise for the project. “I have an idea of what I like, but I’m happy to outsource the work to experts. And with Janise I know I can completely trust her judgement.”

“Nine times out of ten the client has some idea of what they want—especially given all the design info we now have access to online,” said the designer.

“But our job is to pull it all together. At the end of the day, I just love seeing a client get real enjoyment out of the space we’ve designed.”

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 25

HOME Renovation Basement

G ET TI N G D OWN W I TH VA LUE A DDE D

HOME Renovation Basement

BY CHLOE GIRVAN @mom_interrupted PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

P

rior to building their Clarence Creek home in 2013, Vickie Brunet and Casey van den Hanenberg made sure to purchase a lot suited to the construction of a walkout basement. They spent several years carefully planning a DIY renovation of their unfinished space, before bringing on designer Chantal Charron of CDesign4U to help shape and define their desire for a rustic and industrial looking pub-style escape.

Inspired by the visual appeal of unfinished wood, harvested from discarded pallets and used by Casey to frame in the furnace room, Chantal suggested using the same wood to wrap support beams and pipes throughout the space. They used a similar wood to build an impressive bar and sliding barn doors to the guestroom. It pairs beautifully with panels of corrugated roofing tin and an earthy handbuilt red brick wall. Iron plumbing pipes, purchased from the aisles of Home Depot, take top marks for both creativity and style as brackets for open shelving.

THIS PAGE (LEFT) FRIENDS COUNT ON DELICIOUS FOOD LIKE GOURMET BURGERS AND HAND CUT FRIES WHEN THEY COME TO PARTY IN THIS BASEMENT (RIGHT) THE BAR IS WRAPPED WITH CORRUGATED ROOFING TIN FACING PAGE IN TRUE DIY SPIRIT CASEY AND VICKIE PLACED EACH BRICK ON THE BACK WALL

26 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

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HOME Renovation Basement

A rustic and industrial style works really well because nothing is required to match, and the overall look is intended to be imperfect.”

— CASEY VAN DEN HANENBERG

When complimented for the incredible job they have done, Casey reveals that rough materials are a great choice for those wanting to renovate their basement themselves. “A rustic and industrial style works really well because nothing is required to match, and the overall look is intended to be imperfect.”

The couple, who now refer to YouTube and Google as their new best friends, stayed on trend while saving thousands of dollars by leaving the cement basement floor untouched, and spray painting the open basement ceiling and all of its components black.

To distill natural light coming through two huge bay windows and a sliding glass door, dark grey was chosen for the walls with tones of brown swirled in for additional warmth. Drawing on their professional expertise in lighting, Vickie

and Casey opted for industrial interior fixtures, outfitted with glowing Edison bulbs, to create specific moods in each of three seating vignettes.

The project was finished in January 2019, just in time for Vickie’s surprise 30th birthday party. Now, the proud couple are happy to invite friends and family over for casual dinners, sports events, and even host boisterous gatherings of Casey’s 90 relatives.

CALLING IN THE PROS For homeowners seeking to outsource their basement renovation, companies such as Ottawa’s Just Basements are there to help from start to finish. After being in business for 20 years, President Norm Lecuyer takes pride in his company’s expertise and says that planning and due diligence are key to a successful basement renovation.

TOP CASEY IS THE BARTENDER FOR VICKIE (LEFT) AND CHANTAL BOTTOM THE GUEST ROOM CLOSES OFF WITH SLIDING BARN DOORS 28 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

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HOME Renovation Basement

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“When purchasing a property, always check the basement for headroom and signs of leakage. Look to the future during the design stage of your renovation, contemplating the number and ages of family members in the household and how many years you plan to live there.”

Norm also believes that good lighting design is an excellent investment, along with ensuring that floors, ceilings and walls are properly insulated, to meet the demands of winter or a booming home theatre.

Typically, the creation of a family room and additional bathrooms top the list of the company’s basement renovation requests, yet they also have an impressive number of custom projects. These have included designing lower-level guestrooms, wet bars, adult craft and game areas, audio rooms, pet-washing stations, and even an indoor skateboard park.

“We try to create rooms that can evolve over time to meet the changing needs of the owners,” notes Norm. “A large, openconcept basement can add value by being useful for multiple purposes at the same time. Architecture, furniture and lighting can be used strategically in these areas to make them feel either airy or cozy.”

Adam Mallett, Westend’s president, is happily following in the footsteps of his father Brian, the company’s founder. “From our modest beginnings as a plumbing store, my dad grew the business into a full service design and renovation firm with an unwavering focus on customer service,” he says. Westend is now fully equipped to work its magic on any area of the home, including kitchens, bathrooms, basements, flooring, painting, interior and exterior doors, fireplaces and custom closets.

“Many times, our clients are homeowners who wish to renovate their home for the purpose of staying long term,” notes Adam. “They appreciate not having to worry about future renovations as our craftsmanship, plus high-quality materials and products, guarantee they will not have to do it again.” He adds that Westend is equally popular among homeowners who are looking to sell and are eager to get the maximum return on their investment in a quality renovation.

TOP LEFT JUST BASEMENTS CREATED A SLICK GAMES ROOM IN THIS PROFESSIONALLY RENOVATED SPACE TOP RIGHT CRAFT AND HOBBY SPACE ARE PART OF WHAT CAN BE CREATED FROM BONUS BASEMENT SPACE BOTTOM ADDITIONAL ROOM FOR ENTERTAINING TOPS THE LIST OF DESIRE WITH A BASEMENT RENOVATION

Westend Bath and Kitchen stands head and shoulders above the competition because it embarks on every project with a singular goal: to protect the investment you are making in your home. Their carefully-crafted process begins with a thorough in-home measurement and assessment, after which the firm’s experienced, dedicated and highlytrained designers work with you to plan the space of your dreams. With an 8000 square-foot, centrallylocated showroom, it’s easy to peruse their selection of high-quality products, including many Canadian suppliers and custom designs. You’ll receive comprehensive, personalized, three-dimensional plans as well as a detailed contract to give you peace of mind.

The same attention to detail applies to the work itself. Westend delivers full turnkey service from beginning to end with project coordination, necessary permits and structural engineering sign off as needed. Their highly experienced contracting crews are dedicated to each project from start to completion. All workers are fully licensed and insured with a minimum two-million dollar liability for your protection. Westend only works with licensed plumbers and electricians who provide final inspection reports, and the company is committed to maintaining full workers’ safety compliance to protect you in case of injury on your property. As if this weren’t enough, Westend extends a comprehensive three-year warranty on all labour, is RenoMark Certified and proudly maintains a longstanding A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

“Because we have been in the renovation business for so long, we have perfected the process,” explains Adam. “The experience and attention to detail of our people is invaluable, as they know every possible scenario that can present challenges, so they work to ensure there are no hiccups during your renovation. Organization is the key to successfully completing every project on time and on budget; our talented designers, managers and contractors cooperate, communicate and leverage their considerable skills to ensure a smooth process from start to finish.”

Referrals and repeat customers are the number one reason Westend has maintained its industryleading position for so long. “We truly go above and beyond to ensure that every customer is fully and completely satisfied, which is imperative in getting those repeats and referrals,” says Adam. “Our number one priority is a completely happy and entirely satisfied customer!”

“Because we have been in the renovation business for so long, we have perfected the process. The experience and attention to detail of our people is invaluable.”

–Adam Mallett, president, Westend Bath and Kitchen 1660 Woodward Dr. Ottawa

www.westendbk.ca

&

HOME M aster Bathroom Renovation

sensuous

HOME M aster Bathroom Renovation

BY JANE WHITING PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

serene

S A N C T U A R Y

The space feels simultaneously peaceful yet powerful, serene, yet bold, classic yet edgy”

A

design inspired by natural elements and the classical architecture of an older home in Cedar Hill has transported a bathroom that was a high-end beauty in the early ‘90s into an elegant sanctuary with a timeless hotel-chic vibe.

Interior designer Susan Bryson put her considerable talents to work on her own master bathroom in a spectacular design that has been submitted for a NKBA Ottawa chapter award. The bathroom was completely gutted to create a clean, classic space that she says, “feels simultaneously peaceful yet powerful, serene yet bold, classic yet edgy.”

Susan explains that the tension between these dynamics gives the room a distinctive energy, and admits that her husband chose one of the finishes to help achieve this appealing effect.

—

SUSAN BRYSON

32 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 33

HOME M aster Bathroom Renovation

HOME M aster Bathroom Renovation

PRODUCTS & DÉCOR SOURCES THE WALL SHOWER: MOSAIC TILES, 12” × 12” RUNWAY SALT MIX BY MUDTILE FROM MUDMOSAIC, MONTREAL. SHOWER WALL AND BASE, STATUARIO REX CLASSICO CALACATTA BY FLORIM FROM EURO TILE & STONE. SHOWER HEADS BY HANSGROHE. STARFIRE CLEAR GLASS PANEL FROM OTTAWA SHOWER GLASS. DOUBLE SINK VANITY: VANITY FROM DOWNSVIEW KITCHENS IN TORONTO WITH R.W. ATLAS HARDWARE FROM WATERWORKS. FANTINI SINK FAUCETS FROM ITALY. RESIN BOWL BY MARTHA STURDY FROM CADIEUX INTERIORS. CAESARSTONE COUNTERTOP IN CALACATTA NUVO AND HIGH 8” BACKSPLASH DONE BY STONE DESIGN CONCEPTS. FLOORING IN LARGE 24” × 48” CEMENT TILES FROM EURO TILE. SCONCES FROM RESTORATION HARDWARE. METRIE DOUBLE-ENTRY DOORS WITH CIRCULAR MOTIF FROM LOWE’S; HANDLES FROM PRESTON HARDWARE. HAND STOOL IN MATTE WHITE; AN ICONIC DESIGN MADE IN PORTUGAL FROM CADIEUX INTERIORS.

SUSAN BRYSON

66 Iber Rd., Stittsville, ON

34 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

info@logsend.com

613-831-9333

DESIGN DETAILS The 100 square-foot bathroom was opened up from the master bedroom by enlarging the entry to a doubledoor design. This enhances the impressive impact of the floor-to-ceiling shower that stretches ten feet along the end wall. Designed as the dramatic focal point of the bathroom, the shower features a panel of mosaic tiles in natural stone centred on a white marble-effect wall of large-format porcelain tiles.

“Scale and proportion were key elements of the design,” says Susan. “Set out from the main wall, the shower was installed on a vertical plane to mimic the pattern of falling rain. For added dimension we raised the shower floor and dropped the ceiling to create a framing effect round the shower.”

The glass front was upgraded to a panel of clear glass for its reflective quality so that the sightlines are not obstructed from inside or out. With a rain-shower head and a soft Joyo light that washes down onto the mosaic tile, plus incredible views of the large treed backyard through a wall of windows, Susan describes the shower experience as, “The feeling of being outdoors or standing on the sidewalk in the rain.”

A luxurious double vanity with an oversized mirror and hand-polished, richly-plated faucets from Italy contribute to the elevated pampering element of the space. While Susan initially planned for an all-marble style bathroom, she changed the flooring to large format, grey-cement tiles. “My husband wanted a bit more of an edgy, industrial element—so it wasn’t all pretty and feminine,” laughs the designer, who notes that it added a grounding feature to the bathroom.

Susan applauds the outstanding work of her contractor, Thomas Ziolkowski of A-Z Renovations, who also did some beautiful panelling on the bathroom walls for extra architectural detail. The designer sourced nearly everything through Astro Design, and she catalogued the following major products and décor touches that went into the creation of this spectacular sanctuary.

logsend.com

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 35

HOME G alley Kitchen Renovation

HOME Galley Kitchen Renovation

ship shape

BY MARY TAGGART PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG

Celebrity designer and HGTV design personality Jo Alcorn tackled a renovation in her own home with an inspiring approach to making the most of a galley kitchen.

OPEN AIR The galley kitchen takes its name from a ship’s galley, which often packs as much as possible into a small, confined space. Known for being narrow and often closed in, the galley kitchen is efficient, but isn’t conducive to entertaining or accommodating multiple cooks.

Jo opened her kitchen to create a more efficient layout and larger floorplan. “It made the entire main floor seem bigger as we now use the wasted hall space, which lets the natural light pour in. This new layout makes entertaining much more efficient and enjoyable,” claims the respected designer.

LEFT THE OPEN SHELVING MIMICS THE AIRY FEELING FELT THROUGHOUT RIGHT THE WHIRLPOOL SUNSET BRONZE FRIDGE DICTATED THE COLOUR SCHEME 36 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 37

HOME G alley Kitchen Renovation

HOME Galley Kitchen Renovation

This new layout makes entertaining much more efficient and enjoyable” —JO ALCORN

COLOUR INFLUENCE The predominantly white colour scheme is injected with soft greys as well as pink and bronze tones, which stem from the Whirlpool Sunset Bronze Suite appliances.

In fact, the appliances dictated the colour scheme.

“I designed my entire kitchen around the colour tone, which screamed to me to have a fresh white kitchen!” proclaimed Jo. Working with a consistent, light and airy colour scheme and avoiding the use of too many materials the new kitchen gives the illusion of a larger space.

will be timeless and unique. The unexpected colour tone of the Whirlpool appliances really made a modest statement while creating a fresh wow factor.”

While she acknowledges that it would have been nice to have a larger footprint to work with, Jo is delighted with the results. She made excellent use of the existing space and created a layout that not only functions efficiently, but offers a stylish approach to working with the challenging limitations of a galley kitchen.

“You have to be very smart with small spaces when it comes to using every inch, while also thinking of how to minimize visual clutter,” advises Jo. The designer’s home is now a show piece for her winning style. It not only meets with Jo’s high standards, but the space also has a stamp of approval from her two rescued Jack Russell Terriers, Lucy and Ricky!

CLASSIC ON TREND While some of the selections are right on trend, the overall look is timeless. The use of a classic marble subway tile, laid out in a herringbone pattern, is an example of combining traditional and trendy to create an up-to-date look that will stand the test of time.

Jo offers that, “Any time you can mix classic materials or lines with a bit of trendy patterns or finishes, the space

THIS PAGE (LEFT) BRONZE AND BRASS MIX AND MATCH THROUGHOUT THE SPACE (RIGHT) JO ALCORN HAS CREATED THE IDEAL ENTERTAINING SPACE WITH HER MAIN FLOOR REDESIGN FACING PAGE CHIC, COMPACT FURNISHINGS ARE THE FINISHING TOUCH TO THE STYLISH RENOVATION 38 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 39

WHERE

BEDROOMS BECOME AMAZING

CADIEUX INTERIORS.ca

1280 OLD INNES RD., 613-745-1230

IMAGE COURTESY: ORIGINAL STYLE

HOME Capital Colours

NOW AVAILABLE AT:

GROUT M –done– RIGHT

BY MARY TAGGART @maryktaggart @ottawaathomemag

hubertsfireplaces.com | hubertsfireplaces@outlook.com | 613-728-3786

ood boards set the tone for a design project. Fabrics, accessories, paint colours and tile samples all come together to establish the visual feeling of a project before the renovation is started. But too often those boards don’t include grout suggestions.

Grout is the paste-like substance that fills the space between tiles. While grout selection may seem insignificant in the grand scheme of a design project—and is usually selected at the last minute with little thought to the effect this choice will have on the entire space—the right grout selection can make or break a room.

Consider whether you want the grout to blend in or stand out. The darker the colour the more it will stand out and pop the look of the tiles. Dark grout can make smaller tiles look busier. When working with mosaics it’s best to choose a lighter grout colour stemming from the tile.

Blending tile with a similar toned grout creates a more unified look. I always suggest going with one shade darker than

the tile. Lighter colours will show dirt more easily, but will also make the space seem larger. Dark grout is right on trend and makes tile stand out, but it will close in the space.

Paul Gratton from Fresh Reno recently completed a renovation project in his own kitchen. He avoided the costly mistake of choosing the wrong grout colour for the 1 × 3 inch-stacked tiles by buying $20 bags of colour choices and creating sample boards for each one.

“It was well worth it to test various grouts to find the right one,” says Paul.

“Twenty dollars is a tiny fraction of the kitchen cost and saved us from making a colossal mistake. We eventually mixed two colours together to create the right shade.”

Current trends place high value on tile.

There are intriguing patterns and colours for just about every room in the house. Be sure to finish a tile project off with a grout that coordinates with and enhances the overall look and feeling of the space.

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 43

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HOME Inspiring Projects

WINNING STYLE

BY MARY TAGGART

CO N T W I N N E ST ER

*It’s not tile. It’s Utile.

PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

V

ictoria Adams bought her home in Kanata Lakes sixteen years ago, and it has been a work in progress for the vibrant and creative marketing specialist.

She has worked diligently with projects, both inside and out, upgrading from original builder options to incorporate upto-date stylish finishes and fixtures.

On the main floor, a bright partiallyopen plan has a modern feeling to it. The original staircase with a traditional maple banister didn’t suit Victoria’s vision, so down it came.

The result showcases a winning combination of stone, glass and metal in a contemporary style that is far more suited to the furniture and aesthetic that Victoria is working to create. In fact, it’s such a showstopper that it was the winning submission in our Get Stoned contest.

Victoria says that, “Each time we tackle a renovation project, the goal is to create a work of art.”

The stunning staircase functions as a showpiece. It’s the first thing you see upon entering the home and is visible throughout most of the main floor. The glass banister with metal railings and posts not only complements the look, but helps to lighten the effect of the dark stone.

Updated lighting, including an overhead chandelier and spotlights, enhances the artistic feeling within the space.

PROJECT DETAILS Realstone Systems Thinstone was purchased through Merkley Supply and installed by Integrity Masonry. The project designer was Josee Van Dromme.

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 49

LIVING S tep Inside

LIVING Step Inside

BY VERA CODY PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

F

ate has always played a major role in Zoe Shelley’s interesting life. Born in London thirty years ago, her loving Tiger Mom had high expectations for her to excel academically, as well as in sports and music, and always pushed her to practice the cello.

Later, as a young cellist in the National Youth Orchestra in London, she met Alexander Shelley who was the assistant conductor. They married when Zoe was 22. In 2015, he was hired to be the Music Director of the National Arts Centre Orchestra in Ottawa, in addition to being the Principal Associate Conductor of London’s Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.

During this time, Zoe worked for IBM in sales and IT in London, after obtaining a joint honours BSc in Chemistry and Management. But she was miserable in her job and turned to fitness training to change her life. Due to the difficulties of married life with her husband’s all-consuming work and travel schedule, Zoe and Alexander separated for two years and she started her own personal training business.

In 2017, a trainer colleague encouraged Zoe to audition for a Hollywood movie and she was hired as an Amazon warrior in the billion-dollar blockbuster Wonder Woman.

Fate intervened again with an injury that led to an even more amazing opportunity.

Meanwhile, their separation ended with a happy reconciliation and in 2018 Zoe and Alexander welcomed baby Sasha to join their wonderful life in Ottawa.

50 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

Did you almost turn down auditioning for Wonder Woman? I was conflicted as I knew it would be a seven-month commitment. I had started building my personal training business and knew my clients relied on me. A friend encouraged me as it was a once in a lifetime opportunity to be in a Hollywood movie.

When I was injured and could no longer be a warrior, I was fortunate to be re-cast as Gal Gadot’s body replica stand-in. The whole experience was an epic adventure and one of the best things I have ever done. When they started casting Wonder Woman 2, I was called in by the stunts team to audition but I was pregnant at the time. I am hopeful that if there is a Wonder Woman 3, they will contact me again and I would do it in a heartbeat.

Why choose being a personal trainer?

I was unhappy in the corporate world and I needed to do something about it.

Attending fitness classes I met trainers and lost weight, but this became less important the more I trained. It wasn’t about trying to achieve a certain look but getting stronger and pushing my body.

For me cross-fit training is as much a mental exercise as physical. I find that the way people train is indicative of their personality outside the gym; many possess determination, discipline and self belief.

Why are you writing a training guide for pregnant women? Even though I was healthy I did not love being pregnant— my training did not prepare me for the

hijacking of my body! I posted my exercise experiences online and was surprised at the negativity. I wanted to show that even though I was pregnant, I was training and healthy.

I realized there was not much accessible information about training during pregnancy, so I have decided to write a guide on what is and isn’t safe based on my first-hand experiences. Being active is beneficial for you, your baby, and helps you feel better post partum.

How is your new life here in Ottawa? It is constantly evolving, incredibly exciting and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

We get to travel the world together as a family. I get to be hands-on with Sasha, and Alexander is a wonderful father.

Motherhood is surreal and something you can never be prepared for until it happens to you—the chaos, the frustration, the joy.

I increasingly want to be the best mother and person as I am living my life in the eyes of someone brand new.

What is next for you? I have never really been one to plan that far ahead as things just kind of happen. Doors open that I might not have expected, and some I take and some I don’t. Alex’s contract runs for another five years with the NAC Orchestra with a possible extension. We love living in Ottawa and cannot imagine not having a home here. Everyone has been so generous and welcoming, and we feel cared for and loved here.

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 51

LIVING S pring Fashion

LIVING Spring Fashion

SUIT UP Paired with wide-leg trousers, a paperbag waist and even shorts, a colourful pant suit is the new power outfit.

BRIGHT, BOLD & BREEZY

PANT SUIT: ZARA

TRENDY TRENCH

BY MARY CIANCIBELLO @maryciancibellostyle PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIA MACPHERSON

This spring, indulge in a pretty pink trench, or one that is less structured and airy (bonus—some of this season’s trench coats can double as a dress).

S

pring has burst onto the scene with every shade of the colour wheel. And, although beige tones will be a big trend this season, the bright shades of colour, pastels and prints will be oh so tempting!

UNSTRUCTURED TRENCH COAT/DRESS: LE CHÂTEAU, ST. LAURENT SHOPPING CENTRE PINK TRENCH: RW & CO

SLITHER INTO SNAKESKIN Yellow in every hue will deliver the sunshine our wardrobe needs, either with a bold solid or simply within a print pattern.

DRESS: MARC CAIN FLORALS: TERRA PLANTS AND FLOWERS

Pair the popular snakeskin print with white for a fresh look, or a pop of colour for a bold statement.

WIDE-LEG PANTS: NORDSTROM.COM SHOES: ALDO

PEEK-A-BOO! The see-through trend is a fun way to add a modern twist to your accessories.

OVERGROWN GARDEN

BACKPACK: MARC CAIN SHOES: ALDO

Florals are nothing new for spring, but this season’s flowers are wild and unruly.

PANTS: UP! PANTS EARRINGS: MULBERRY AND GRAND

SHIMMER AND SHINE Matte lipsticks have taken a back seat to lip lacquers and gloss.

GREEN WITH ENVY Bold shades of green are perfect against nature’s backdrop. Choose a shade that’s right for your skin tone, or make a statement in neon green.

JUMPSUIT: ZARA SKIRT: MARC CAIN

LIP PRODUCTS: REBECCAROSEBEAUTY.COM 52 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 53

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LIVING F it At Home

LIVING Fit At Home

STRONG ARM

BY LIANNE LAING @liannelaing PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

Ditch the winter sweaters and embrace the summer tanks with a little help from bands! Here are a few easy exercises to help shape, tone and boost your arm strength this spring.

RESISTANCE BAND LAT PULLDOWN: With knees slightly bent, abs engaged and spine neutral, pull your hands down to shoulder height by pulling the band outward. I like to almost feel a flex at the bottom of the exercise before bringing the arms back overhead.

Aim for 3 sets of 10–15 reps

THE UPRIGHT ROW: Targets the shoulders when you pull vertically to shoulder height in front of your body. I cross the band to allow for flow and positioning.

Aim for 3 sets of 10–15 reps

LATERAL BAND RAISE:

THE BICEP CURL: The bicep curl is a very efficient exercise, it not only works your biceps and forearms but also helps train your shoulders and back muscles.

Aim for 3 sets of 12–15 reps per arm 56 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

Stand on the band with feet hip-width apart.

Start with your arms slightly bent and palms facing inwards, at your sides.

Raise your arms straight out to the sides, until your elbows are at shoulder height.

Return to the starting position.

Aim for 3 sets of 10–12 reps

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 57

LIVING N eighbourhood on the Move

LIVING Neighbourhood on the Move

THE

GOLDEN TRIANGLE

58 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

together to promote the neighbourhood throughout the construction project.

They’re keeping the vibes positive with great, tongue-in-cheek humour that extends through their social media campaigns and a popular series of road signs carrying fun slogans like, “Drills just wanna have fun,” and “We like big trucks and we cannot lie.”

Dawn Maxwell, co-owner of Eyemaxx on Elgin, admits to feeling some fear and panic when the heavy construction began in January, but with strong communication from the city and steady progress, the experience has been good.

WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY

BY TED SIMPSON

THEN

NOW

Ottawa’s Golden Triangle was not always so golden or even a triangle. The unique shape of this neighbourhood was created during the building of the Rideau Canal in the mid-1800s. To create the “point” of land, the canal makes a 90-degree turn, which is the only such sharp turn in the whole length of the waterway.

The abrupt angle was made to take advantage of a natural stream course that drained into the Rideau River, which made the excavation much easier. In contrast, digging the first length of canal from the Ottawa River to the stream was extremely hard going due to a high volume of wet clay that had to be removed before they found solid ground. This excessive excavation led to the very steep banks of the canal that remain today, with this stretch being nicknamed the “Deep Cut.” The name carried over to the community that was built along the west shore of the Rideau Canal in the early 1900s. The long side of the triangle was formed by the construction of Biddy’s Lane, fortunately soon renamed after the infamous Lord Elgin. The surrounding canal areas were an industrial wasteland until 1899, when the Ottawa Improvement Commission (now the NCC) was formed.

The OIC filled the land with trees and shrubbery that over time became the established green spaces that we know and love today.

The name Deep Cut stuck with the area for nearly a century, and it wasn’t until the early 1970s that the community began to be called the Golden Triangle. The triangle stretches from City Hall to the Elgin Street Police station, and encompasses all the land between Elgin Street and the Rideau Canal.

One of the city’s first main streets and the real star of this ‘hood is Elgin Street—a dense and vibrant district with no shortage of retail, food and nightlife.

However, the street is currently going through a rough patch after the city started tearing up the street between Gloucester and Isabella, and construction is expected to last until fall 2020. Budgeted at over 36 million dollars, the project involves a complete overhaul of the aging main street, including new sewer systems, wider sidewalks, buried power lines and flexible parking spaces that can also be used for street-side restaurant patios.

To achieve these improvements, business owners have to endure a road closed to traffic, no parking and buses rerouted away from the street. But in the face of adversity can come greatness, and the merchants of Elgin are making the best of a bad situation.

The I Dig Elgin campaign, an idea spearheaded by Charlene and Christa Blaszczyk, owners of The Gifted Type, is a coalition of businesses that have banded

“Yes, the street is all torn up, but each business is making real strides to continue to be successful with support for one another and offering a special experience inside each store,” says Maxwell. “When all is done, the street will be incredible. We are looking forward to the wide and even sidewalks, the power lines gone and the chance to continue the momentum that has been generated amongst the businesses on Elgin Street.

More street events and building an even greater community!”

HOUSING The housing market in the Golden Triangle has had a strange and controversial history. Originally constructed in the early 1900s as a tightly arranged group of small frame houses with an abundance of greenery, the community would have been very beautiful at its inception. But unfortunately the state of the Golden Triangle degraded very rapidly, and by around 1960 the city considered much of the neighbourhood to be a slum.

The state of urban blight was perceived as being so bad, that the city began an urban renewal project for the area. Through the 60s and 70s, the city demolished huge swaths of ramshackle housing, and planned to clear the land to construct high-rise towers and a new highway to run beside Somerset Street with a huge bridge over the canal. But support for the project dwindled, with the majority of residents opposing the demolition and renewal strategy.

By 1976, the Centretown Citizens Community Association brought the Centretown Plan, which discouraged further block-busting and high-rise development, to city council and won approval. The neighbourhood underwent a revival and what was previously deemed unsalvageable became desirable. Old houses have now been beautifully restored to become million-dollar homes, alongside modern infill. There is also a vast rental market of apartment buildings and a thriving condo scene with an average selling price of around $400,000.

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 59

LIVING Giving Back

celebratory

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here are many ways to celebrate a milestone birthday, and when considering what to do for her 80th this year, Ottawa philanthropist Betty Hope Gittens decided to forge a new path entirely. It’s a path that will see Betty spending five weeks walking the Camino de Santiago—a 800 km pilgrim’s route through Spain that dates from medieval times—and she’s doing it all for charity.

Betty has been giving back to the Ottawa community for the past 35 years, and when she is not volunteering her time with Ottawa’s Eldercare Foundation, which enhances the lives of seniors living in notfor-profit long-term care, she can be found putting her Fitbit tracker to the test.

“I am a walker, and have been walking for the last 45 years,” notes Betty. “I walk six days a week, except Sundays, and I always do more than ten thousand steps because these boots are made for walking,” she says with a laugh.

It was on one of those Sundays off that Betty realized she could combine her two loves—walking and charity—to help change lives for the better.

“I had never heard of the Camino de Santiago until I sat in church listening to my minister, The Reverend Dr. Anthony Bailey, speaking about his own decision to walk the Camino,” says Betty. “I thought I can’t do a lot of things, but I can walk, and maybe people will sponsor me per kilometre so that I can help seniors in need.”

When Betty announced her decision to walk the Camino, she told friends and family that she intended to raise $130,000.

This would allow her to give $10,000 to each of the thirteen non-profit long-term

care homes supported by the Eldercare Foundation in the Ottawa area. Since that time, she has added one more facility— this one in her native Barbados—and she has already raised almost $95,000 towards her intended target.

“So many older people fall through the cracks, and I am just grateful that I can do something to help those who are less fortunate,” she says.

“My family thinks I’m crazy, but I have a calling and I’m forging ahead,” Betty concludes cheerfully. “God has given me the direction and the strength, and I am not afraid—age has nothing to do with it. I’ll just be thinking of how much money I can raise for seniors, how much more I can do.”

For more information, please visit: eldercarefoundation.ca/bettys-walk

PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

BY CATHERINE CLARK @catherinejclark

PATH

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SPONSORED CONTENT

LIVING New & Notable

THE BENEFITS OF WORKING WITH A CERTIFIED KITCHEN AND BATH DESIGNER When it comes to new construction, renovations or upgrades, kitchens and bathrooms are the two areas of the home that bring the most enjoyment and best return on investment. But how can you make sure that your money is well spent? The answer is simple: hire a certified kitchen or bath designer.

BY SANDY CONNELL IMAGES SUPPLIED

innovation

in the capital

The National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA) offers certification for design professionals which is considered the gold standard in the industry. These globally-recognized professional credentials instill deeper trust between designers and clients.

PROFESSIONAL OPINION Anne-Marie Brunet, a Certified Kitchen and Bath designer with Sheridan Interiors Inc., has been working in the industry for over 20 years. “I chose to pursue certification after having a really bad experience with a renovation in my own home. I didn’t want that to happen to any of my clients,” she explains. “Working with a certified professional can greatly affect the outcome of a project.

I can clearly articulate why things need to be done a certain way and what the impacts are on functionality and safety.”

Wael’s clients benefit because he works with both elements of design and ever-changing building codes in mind. “I find that with certification I am better prepared to achieve the customization that will best make their home work well for them and suit their lifestyle.”

Anne-Marie notes that the popularity of home renovation television shows can mislead people into thinking remodeling is easy. “I explain how everything works and what the true costs are. If you really want to go the DIY route, it’s worthwhile to pay for a consultation to make sure you are on the right track, keeping in mind that if things are not done properly the repercussions can be long-lasting and expensive.”

“A certified designer brings so much knowledge to each project; clients get a more efficient process and there is less time and money spent due to error or misunderstanding. A certified designer can also liaise effectively with contractors, structural engineers, tradespeople and building inspectors.”

Wael Bakr agrees. An experienced professional with over 20 years’ experience, he is a Certified Kitchen Designer with Laurysen Kitchens. To him, certification is so much more than just a credential on paper. “It’s a rigorous program of study whereby you learn all about every aspect of house building including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, ducting and appliances.”

Anne-Marie Brunet CKBD, CAPS

Natalia Pierce is an Associate Kitchen and Bath Designer with Detail by Design; she’s been in the industry for almost 15 years. “Certification is a significant commitment but very worthwhile.”

“People sometimes underestimate the value of working with a certified design professional and question the extra expense. I believe that one can’t afford NOT to work with a certified designer.”

BEFORE YOU START ANY KITCHEN OR BATH PROJECT LOOK FOR AN NKBA MEMBER COMPANY OR NKBA CERTIFIED DESIGNER. CONTACT NKBA.ORG OR 1-800-THE-NKBA

Wael Bakr CKD, CHS

Natalia Pierce AKBD, CLIPP

FIRE UP THE GRILL Ottawa based Oven Brothers has taken a traditional pizza-baking method and merged it with a modern approach. Gord Jones, JP Normand and Gilles Levesque have combined their love of food and their technical expertise to design an outdoor pizza oven from the ground up, based on a unique interlocking system which uses high-quality, laser-cut carbon steel and high-quality fire bricks.

Ovens are shipped “flat boxed” making it simple for customers to assemble with no tools required. Outdoor oven kits come standard with fire bricks for the cooking surface, side walls, back wall and roof, creating an enclosed, high-temperature cavity. Available in two styles (The Original Bro and The Big Bro), they are both offered in a raw steel form to allow the oven patina to develop naturally, or it can be painted with high-heat paint.

Oven Brothers is proud to manufacture 100% Canadian made, outdoor woodburning pizza ovens using locally-sourced materials. Capital BBQ & Appliance is the exclusive distributor in Ottawa.

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 63

LIVING New & Notable

STRIKING CHANGE

Embrace the Natural Beauty Ingrained in Stone

James Rankin made the most of the Algonquin College faculty strike in 2017 by putting his marketing skills to the test and starting his own business. Entrepreneurial by nature, James initially started a lawncare company, but quickly gave it up in favour of coffee.

North Brew Coffee is locally roasted and packaged. Rankin has a distribution deal with three Ottawa locations of Terra 20 and Foodsmiths in Perth. The company motto is “coffee driving change” and as such, North Brew Coffee blends are fair-trade and organic certified originating in Italy, Peru, Mexico and Guadalajara. Rankin was also intent on building an enterprise that would give back to the local community and does so by directing a portion of sales to the Ottawa Mission.

FEEL GOOD WATER

Stone has been used as a building material for thousands of years. It has long been recognized as a material of great durability and superior artistic quality.

Today's designers employ classic materials like stone to create homes and rooms that resonate with rich texture, warmth and natural beauty.

No one understands the benefits of stone and masonry better than Merkley Supply Ltd, Ottawa’s oldest and most respected supplier of building materials. With sixty years of experience, Merkley will ensure you have the right products for your renovation or new home. Consider the natural warmth, timeless beauty and rich textures and colours of stone for your next renovation or your new home design.

Founded in Ottawa in 2018 by a group who have been friends since high school, Stream Water is an envirofriendly company focused on the pristine quality of pure Canadian natural water. Stream Water is harvested at the edge of the Canadian Shield, where the deposition of a unique gravel esker thousands of years ago provides the basis for the filtration of spring water, naturally enhanced with minerals and electrolytes. Analysis of the water source, discovered in the 1990s, has demonstrated impressive clarity and taste.

According to Shawn Maloney, one of the partners, Stream’s motto is “To help people feel better by drinking better water.” Stream Water is marketed as custom labeled and sleeved bottled, or canned water in various formats and volumes, offering customer service from the ground up. Delivered free of charge to local homes, businesses or events, Stream is a healthful and environmental option.

Stream will soon be marketing “functional water-based beverages” becoming a producer of non-psychoactive cannabis (CBD) infused water. Stream prides itself on thinking locally and acting globally.

For more information, visit streamwater.ca.

Please drop by to see our showroom or visit our website to view the latest selection in Stone and Masonry products.

SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 65

FOOD Food Thoughts

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

APRON SINK

RUSTIC RECLAIMED WOOD SHELVES

UNDERCABINET LIGHTING

BY KOREY KEALEY @foodthought

BOOK SHELVES

CUSTOM COLOUR PAINT

THE BENEFITS OF A MUSKOKA KITCHEN

@kitchenkonnected

COBBISH SPRING SALAD Tender greens, creamy avocado, eggs, savoury red onion and protein-packed edamame make for a visually dynamic lunch or Sunday brunch item that resembles the classic Cobb salad.

RECIPE 16 leaves Boston Bibb lettuce 2 cups (500 mL) baby arugula 6 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and quartered ½ red onion, sliced thinly 2 avocados, sliced 6 slices bacon, cooked & chopped ½ cup (125 mL) edamame beans, shelled and cooked Salt & pepper, to taste 1. On large platter, layer lettuce leaves then top with arugula. Arrange eggs, red onion and avocado slices on top then sprinkle with bacon and edamame.

Refrigerate until ready to serve.

M U S K O K A C A B I N E T R Y I S A V A I L A B L E A T:

CHILE LIME DRESSING: ⅓ cup (90 mL) olive oil ⅓ cup (90 mL) freshly-squeezed lime juice ⅓ cup (90 mL) honey ½ tsp (2.5 mL) Chili powder 1. Shake all ingredients together in tightlysealed glass jar.

2. Serve salad buffet-style with crumbled blue cheese on the side, along with dressing, additional bacon, onions and avocado!

Serves: 6–8 Prep time: 20 minutes

KORE SAUTÉ Y’S TIP RED ON ION IN SOM E OF TH S BACON E AND LIM DRIPPINGS A DELIC E JUICE FOR IOUS AND FL TEXTURE AVOUR .

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FOOD Dining In

FOOD Dining In

ready, set,

E N T E R TA I N SOFIA SANTISO The main floor of this Westboro home is bright and spacious. A sizeable kitchen opens out to family room, living room and dining/bar areas, with only one wall separating the four zones. The kitchen has an understated elegance with loads of features to make it work effectively for a couple who enjoys having large, informal gatherings on a regular basis.

DESIGN & MATERIALS

BY PAULA ROY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARK HOLLERON

For avid, entertaining-loving home cooks, having a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing is essential.

Ottawa At Home spoke with three homeowners who are renowned for their stylish hosting, to find out what choices they made for their favourite workspace.

68 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

Sofia, a graphic designer, wanted a kitchen that spoke to her artistic personality as well as that of her restaurateur husband, John Borsten. “To merge our distinct styles, we knew we wanted something that was industrial and indestructible, but with touches of beauty to soften the overall look,” notes Sofia.

They enlisted the services of C.A. Paradis’ Candace Sutcliffe to pull their ideas together into a workable design. The construction was done by Alex Diaz of Art House Developments, a local custom home builder, with Astro Design Centre participating in the kitchen work.

The kitchen includes a twelve foot island topped with Caesarstone Quartz, as well as a flexible eight-foot stainless steel counter that can be extended or pivoted depending upon the desired configuration. Diamond-shaped pendant lights over the island add contemporary flair. Nearby cupboards above the six-burner gas stove are faced with hammered steel, providing an appealing contrast to the sleek porcelain backsplash.

WISH LIST “John has built so many kitchens that he knows how the space should work,” says Sofia. Their chosen features include a high-tech garbage and recycling station, an advanced central vacuum system and an ultra-efficient dishwasher. More recently, they added a large, dedicated bar area with a second sink beside the dining table, to improve the flow when people come over.

To merge our distinct styles, we knew we wanted something indestructible, but with touches of beauty to soften the overall look” —SOFIA SANTISO

ENTERTAINING STYLE Their parties are a good blend of the couple’s creative and functional personalities. “We usually have signature drinks—often Margaritas because they are our favourites—and we love to serve finger foods and appetizers that facilitate mixing and mingling,” says Sofia who often tries to bring her Guatemalan background into the food they serve. “It’s full of lots of fresh, bright flavours that are really in vogue right now.”

SPRING 2019 o ttawaathome.ca 69

FOOD Dining In

FOOD Dining In

LINDSAY TAUB The moment you open the door of this New Edinburgh home, it’s obvious the owners really enjoy cooking and eating.

Not only is the kitchen right at the front of the house, it’s also a true hub, with dining room, office nook, cooking and serving space all integrated into the same area. Lindsay, best known as the owner of nearby Sundae School ice cream shop and as The Modern Hostess radio presenter, and her husband Harley Finkelstein, COO of Shopify, are indeed are indeed food aficionados who love to entertain.

DESIGN PRINCIPLES Lindsay wanted a relaxed space that would make guests feel as comfortable as they would in their own homes, while enjoying food prepared by Lindsay herself or the guest chefs and food experts that frequently work in her kitchen. “I didn’t

want our entertaining area to be stuffy and formal. The open layout we’ve achieved also means multiple cooks can be working at the same time, and the large island gives us lots of room for plating.”

The home was built 5 years ago by Adam Zlepnig of Aloft Investments Inc., working with Maple Leaf Custom Homes.

Lindsay had a chance to come in and select details and finishes in the kitchen while the home was under construction.

WISH LIST Lindsay knew exactly what she wanted for her kitchen, including an expansive island to serve as a focal point, plus a gas cooktop, tons of storage space and an extra-large, under-mount sink. A dining area that was large enough to add a second table for extra guests as needed was essential, and a little office nook off to the side was a bonus.

“Because I spend so much time in the kitchen, having this space nearby is great for looking up recipes online, watching cooking shows and having my favourite cookbooks close at hand,” says Lindsay.

The thought that went into this kitchen is evident in the details, including the white and chrome kids’ high chair which is a perfect match for the adult-sized bar stools.

ENTERTAINING STYLE

THIS PAGE (ABOVE) A LARGE ISLAND SERVES AS BOTH A PREP AND EATING AREA (RIGHT) THE PAINTING BEHIND LINDSAY WAS CREATED USING SPRAY PAINT BY THE ARTIST OMEN FACING PAGE (LEFT) ARTIST RANDEE CRUDO CREATED THE COLOURFUL PAINTING BEHIND THE DINING TABLE AND CHAIRS, WHICH WERE PURCHASED AT STRUCTUBE (RIGHT) WITH A BRAND NEW BABY THERE IS PLENTY TO CELEBRATE SO HAVING SPACE FOR THE CHAMPAGNE IS ALMOST A NECESSITY!

70 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

“We often host casual dinners to make people feel more relaxed and welcome,” explains Lindsay. “For dinner parties, I typically like to offer light appetizers as shared plates to be enjoyed while standing around the island. We’ll usually follow that up with three seated courses, often served family-style. Harley likes to grill so we’ll often have soup or salad, followed by a meat course with side dishes and then dessert and coffee.” Of course, Lindsay definitely enjoys serving sundaes at home—both her toddler and her husband love them.

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FOOD Dining In

THIS PAGE (ABOVE) AS AN AVID COOK, KOREY ALWAYS HAS HEALTHY MEALS READY TO SERVE (RIGHT) A POT FILLER TAP TOPPED THE WISH LIST FOR KOREY FACING PAGE ANDREA DECARIA, WITH DESLAURIER CUSTOM CABINETS, ENSURED THAT SPACE WAS USED TO ITS FULL POTENTIAL WITH CLEVER, EASY-ACCESS STORAGE

KOREY KEALEY A familiar face on the Ottawa food scene as a television presenter, recipe developer, food stylist and Ottawa At Home food contributor, Korey Kealey’s home kitchen has seen a lot of action over the years.

She’s now working in real estate with her husband, Liam, and the two briefly considered finding a new home for their family, but decided to renovate their kitchen instead.

DESIGN & MATERIALS Korey says their renovation was driven by necessity. “We realized we had a great footprint to work with here as the previous kitchen had served us so well, but things were falling apart, so it was time,” she explains. “With Liam having worked in real estate for so long, he enjoyed being an active part of the design process. I was really focused on how to make it super functional for our needs but he had his eye on making sure it would hold its value from a real estate perspective.”

72 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

With set goals of maximizing, modernizing and refreshing the space, the couple worked with designer Karen Chadwick. Her plans were taken to Andrea DeCaria, an interior designer at Deslaurier Custom Cabinets. “We’re glad they talked us into a few things like a wider peninsula and we’re so pleased with how Andrea successfully translated Karen’s design into the right materials,” notes Korey. These include countertops in matte-white HanStone Chantilly quartz, and a combination of white and rift-cut dark-stained oak cupboard doors.

WISH LIST Enhanced functionality abounds thanks to the wall-mounted Bosch speed oven and Wolf convection oven. A five-burner Wolf gas stove with new pot-filler tap above it sits beside an oversized SubZero refrigerator with two large freezer drawers and an ice maker. Storage has been dramatically increased, with lower

cabinets—containing highly functional drawers rather than shelves—plus an opaque cabinet hanging from the ceiling and loads of hidden cupboards under the island. A spacious recycling and garbage station is a favourite new feature, as are the many additional power outlets all around the island.

ENTERTAINING STYLE “Rarely do we plan a sit-down affair; we prefer informal events, where people can help themselves and grab a seat where they like,” says Korey. The wider peninsula makes a great serving area for buffet-style meals and the raised hanging cabinet helps to open up sightlines between the kitchen and family room. Easier access to extra glassware and serving pieces thanks to the additional storage underneath is another appreciated element that makes this kitchen party ready.

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HELPING FOOD ENTREPRENEURS MAKE OTTAWA MORE DELICIOUS

BY PAULA ROY PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

Sophisticated boutique condominiums on the Rideau Canal COMING SPRING 2019!

REGISTER NOW echocanal.com

An exciting new boutique condominium development by

M

andi Lunan can barely think of a time food hasn’t been important in her life.

Calling it her “first love,” she became well-known in Ottawa for her vegan bakery, Auntie Loo’s Treats, which grew from a part-time operation to a local powerhouse before the emotional and financial toll of expansion led to its closure.

Today, she has renovated her career as This Charming Mandi, offering consulting services intended to help other food entrepreneurs profit from her experience.

Can you tell us briefly about the rise and fall of your bakery? I started humbly in 2003 doing craft shows, running it part time while going to business school at Algonquin before opening my shop in 2009.

It went gangbusters for a while—we were supplying Farm Boy and Whole Foods—but in the process of opening a larger location it all went south. I was hemorrhaging money

and ultimately fell out of love with my business. It closed in 2015.

What kinds of services are you offering today? I help food entrepreneurs at all stages, from mentoring startups to assisting others to wind down their businesses. I’ll help with things like negotiating or terminating a lease, finding insurance, finding or liquidating

FOOD Let’s Dish

equipment, offering social media management services and introducing clients to appropriate contacts.

How have things changed since you started your food business? Home delivery based services like Uber Eats have really changed the game. You can set up what we call a ghost kitchen (a deliveryonly business) anywhere you want in the city, and people can access your food.

What is your perspective on the Ottawa food scene today? It’s very exciting, with lots of people starting up new businesses and doing cool stuff. Each year, there are neat products appearing and restaurants being opened by interesting chefs with diverse backgrounds. Having the City of Ottawa open up the food truck landscape is a game changer as well. We have a lot of people participating in food businesses and the public is equally engaged and excited about food.

What is the best way to discover new, local, artisanal food producers?

I encourage people to get out and explore!

Go to craft shows, pop ups and other food events to find the new players. Things like the vegan night market and the punk Ottawa night market are where you’ll find the brand new producers.

Can you tell us about some of Ottawa’s homegrown food heroes? Pascale’s Ice Cream is a big artisanal success story, especially because of all the great collaborations she is involved with. A new superstar is Adam Bakes, who was a pastry chef at the Fairmont Château Laurier and Rideau Club. Foodworks, the catering operation run by Operation Come Home, is also amazing as it gives youth culinary training and helps them find jobs in the industry.

What’s on the horizon? Edible cannabis products are the next frontier, with implementation later this year. I anticipate we’ll see a lot of incubation happening as producers grapple with the rules and regulations. And based on what I saw at the Restaurants Canada show in Toronto earlier this year, plant-based food is definitely becoming mainstream, which it certainly was not when I started my vegan bakery in 2003.

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FOOD Paula’s Bites

meringue R A S P B E R R Y

BY PAULA ROY Paula’s Bites: @paulajroy

PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON

INGREDIENTS

METHOD

MERINGUES

1. Make meringues first. Start by preheating the oven to 275ºF. With a permanent marker, trace 10 circles, each 2½” (6.5 cm) across and spaced at least 2” (5 cm) apart on a sheet of parchment paper, then flip the paper over onto a baking tray.

4. Place the meringues into the oven and immediately reduce the temperature to 250ºF. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, until meringues seem completely dry. If meringues are starting to brown, open the oven door slightly and continue to bake.

2. Whip the egg whites and cream of tartar on low speed with an electric or stand mixer. Once the whites are foamy, increase speed and slowly pour in the sugar, about 2 tbsp (30 mL) at a time.

Continue to whip on high speed until the whites hold a stiff peak when beaters are lifted.

5. Cool the meringues completely to room temperature on the baking tray, then gently remove from parchment and store in an airtight container until ready to serve.

4 egg whites (save yolks for raspberry curd) 1 tsp (2.5 mL) cream of tartar 1 cup (250 mL) granulated sugar

RASPBERRY CURD ½ cup (125 mL) granulated sugar 2 tsp (10 mL) finely-grated lemon zest 2 tbsp (30 mL) freshly-squeezed lemon juice 4 egg yolks Pinch kosher salt ⅓ cup (90 mL) butter, cut into eight pieces 1 cup (250 mL) fresh or frozen raspberries Handful fresh raspberries, to garnish 76 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

3. Transfer meringue mixture to a piping bag fitted with a large star tip or a large Ziploc bag with one corner snipped. Pipe circles within the lines drawn on the parchment, completely filling the circles.

Pipe a ring of meringue on top of the outside edge to make a nest shape with a rim.

6. Make filling by pureeing raspberries in a blender. Strain into a bowl through a fine-mesh sieve or cheesecloth, discarding solids.

Crisp meringue shells topped with luscious raspberry filling make an easy, yet impressive gluten-free dessert. It’s ideal for dinner parties, bridal or baby showers and tea parties.

Meringue shells and curd can be made ahead of time then assembled shortly before serving.

melted, mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, and small bubbles form around the edge of pan, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat as needed to keep from coming to a boil.

9. Remove pan from heat and whisk in raspberry puree. Transfer curd to a bowl; press plastic wrap against the surface of curd and refrigerate until cool.

10. Assemble desserts by spooning raspberry curd into prepared meringue shells. Garnish with fresh berries and serve within 2 hours.

Serves 10

7. In a medium saucepan, whisk together sugar, lemon zest and juice, egg yolks and salt until smooth.

8. Scatter butter pieces over top and place pan over medium-high heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until butter has SPRING 2019 ottawaathome.ca 77

SPONSORED CONTENT

SPONSORED CONTENT

DYMON’S NEW STORE IS A WELCOME ENHANCEMENT All Dymon facilities now include a significantly expanded retail store. These well-stocked boutiques have a broad range of over 1500 specialty storage and home décor items. “When we realized we had become Ottawa’s largest retailer of moving supplies and boxes, we decided to launch Dymon Stores to provide more solutions to help our Guests get stylishly organized in every area of the home and business,” notes Steve. From bedroom organizational products to kitchen and bath, family rooms, home offices, garages, sheds and more, Dymon now has products that are both highly functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Dymon has also introduced their exclusive Dymon branded products to help tame chaos and create more space everywhere. These premium products include everything from garment racks and hangers to storage baskets and shelving systems. Designed with the end-user in mind, the line also includes beautiful, eco-friendly bamboo products reflective of Dymon’s environmental focus. There’s also a durable Dymonbranded line of shelving, rated as 40% stronger than traditional metal storage racks.

DYMON CONTINUES TO SET AN EXCITING NEW STANDARD IN STORAGE AND ORGANIZATION OTTAWA-BASED INNOVATIVE, EFFECTIVE STORAGE SOLUTIONS

multitude of different purposes for home or business, whether it be for confidential business documents and sales samples, seasonal The continuing success of Ottawa’s Dymon Storage should clothing, outdoor gear or excess furniture and come as no surprise. As a company that has totally reinvented the way we think about storage, it’s shaking up an entire industry. cherished belongings.”

Now, with carefully structured expansion plans in process, Dymon is offering an ever-growing range of products and services to help consumers with all their organization needs.

NEW DYMON LOCATIONS SET TO OPEN On April 18, the newest and ninth Dymon location opens at Lincoln Fields, to be followed in May by the company’s first facility in the GTA. Like all their state-of-the-art and fully secure storage facilities, Dymon’s new locations are strategically situated to offer easy access by car and transit plus the convenience of other shops and services nearby.

“We have over 1100 units of varying sizes at Lincoln Fields, including some the size of a small closet right up to 300 square feet,” explains Steve Creighton, Senior Vice President of the Dymon Group of Companies. “These are best-in-class storage solutions that serve a

Steve notes that Dymon is seeing an increasing diversity of Guests, from business owners to condo dwellers who need additional space to women who appreciate Dymon’s security features. Many are also drawn to the additional elements Dymon offers, such as tech-enabled boardrooms, free WiFi, mailbox and safe deposit boxes rentals, free parcel acceptance, shredding services and more.

“They also appreciate that there is a warm, caring human aspect to our facilities,” adds Steve. “Our Associates are onsite from 8am to 9pm on weekdays and 9am to 6pm on weekends and we offer 24/7 access with security cameras and abundant lighting. Our large drive-in bays mean you can load or unload items regardless of the weather.

Our free truck and driver at move-in is also extremely popular—it’s one of the ways we’ve made the whole process stress-free.”

DYMON CUSTOM CLOSET SOLUTIONS ARE ANOTHER GREAT WAY TO MAXIMIZE STORAGE With all the tools and services needed to bring your dream closet to life, Dymon’s new custom closet solutions will help you make the most of the storage you have. The company can take any existing closet and transform it so it can accommodate up to 40% more items.

Dymon offers free in-store or in-home consultations for its custom closet solutions and, for a limited time, free design and delivery services are also available. As part of the grand opening celebrations for the new Lincoln Fields store, all Dymon locations will also be offering free installation from April 18 to May 19 for a total package savings of $500.

Their expert team can maximize your usable closet space and make it both more functional and stylish, with options to fit every taste, colour and budget range. Dymon also offers speciality items to help create more space if your closet has

structural challenges like ducts, irregular shapes or angled ceilings. “Our designers are excited to create personalized solutions and not just for closets—we have options for kitchen, garage and office storage too,” confirms Steve.

Dymon’s Guest-centric approach is singularly focused on making people’s lives easier and more organized. “We are constantly looking at how we can improve our Guests’ experience. We are very mindful that there are other options, so we work diligently to maintain our industryleading position,” adds Steve. “We are extremely proud of how the Dymon brand is evolving and are grateful for the amazing support our Ottawa neighbours have shown us. Dymon is—and always will be—an Ottawa owned and Ottawa proud company.”

BACK STORY

T I M Eto SHINE WORDS & PHOTO

BY ANDREW KING

@twitandrewking

A

t the corner of Bruyère and Sussex in downtown Ottawa, there is an unassuming marking on a building that was constructed in 1851. It is the second oldest sundial on the continent (one from 1773 in Quebec City is the oldest). Ottawa’s unique vertical sundials were built by Father Jean-François Allard, who had come from France and was assigned as Chaplain to the Mother House of the Sisters of Charity.

Besides being a spiritual advisor to the nuns, he was a professor of geography, geometry and mathematics, with a keen interest in astronomy and the movement of the sun. Allard got to work designing and building the sundials on the southwest corner of the building and completed them on March 29, 1851. The set became the first public timepiece in Ottawa and the first of its kind in Canada.

The two dials, 7 × 8 feet on the west side and approximately 7 × 4 feet on the east side, use black painted iron “gnomons” that capture the shadow of the sun and mark the designated time carefully with Roman numerals. The western dial has hour lines from 10 am to 7 pm, and the eastern dial has hour lines from 7 am to 3 pm. These dials predate the use of time zones and show local solar time—and they have been giving the correct time since 1851!

Celebrating its 168th anniversary this year, this modest and unassuming timepiece sits quietly in downtown Ottawa, continuing to correctly give the time to all citizens who pass by. I think it might be time to dial in some attention to this timepiece, giving it some well-deserved “time in the sun.” North America’s second oldest sundial, and the national capital’s first public timepiece, is certainly a unique element of Ottawa’s—and Canada’s—history.

80 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2019

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