Ottawa At Home | Spring 2022

at h o m e HOMES | DESIGN | LIVING | SHOPPING | FOOD

RENOVATION CHURCH TO HOME KITCHEN BATHROOM BASEMENT

COOKBOOK

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AMANDA RHEAUME

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MAS E R AT I O F OTTAW A

at h ome SPRING 2022

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42 14

50 HOME 8

COVER DESIGNER AT HOME Meet the team behind Maison Blonde

14 BATHROOM RENOVATION Thoughtfully designed space 16 RENOVATION/RESTORATION A home in Carp is restored after a devastating fire

24 CHURCH RENOVATION A Wakefield church is transformed into a home 30 BASEMENT RENOVATION One couple’s solution to getting to the bar, when the bar was closed 64 FORWARD THINKING Garden-inspired prints EDITOR’S NOTE A tribute to Ottawa

FOOD

36 NEW & NOTABLE Preserving flowers, growing plants, and shopping in Westboro

50 ON TREND Tapping into the kitchen sink

39 STEP INSIDE In conversation with Nina Lee Aquino, Artistic Director of NAC English Theatre 40 PROFILE Ottawa singer Amanda Rheaume

23 CAPITAL COLOURS Rejoicing with Very Peri

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LIVING

42 GIVING BACK Making yoga accessible

55 FOOD THOUGHTS Rhubarb pudding cake 56 LET’S DISH Making sense of kitchen lighting 58 DINING IN Organizing the spice drawer 60 PAULA’S BITES Ham & cheese puffs

44 FASHION All the colours for spring 47 BEAUTY Natural beauty products 48 DIY Kitchen wall herb garden

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COVER PHOTO BY MARK HOLLERON 2 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Thank You Ottawa

Look at a tree, a flower, a plant. Let your awareness rest upon it. How still they are, how deeply rooted in Being. Allow nature to teach you stillness.”

—ECKHART TO LLE LET’S CONNECT facebook-f @OttawaAtHome

I’ll admit that over the past couple of years writing my Editor’s Note has been daunting. As a lifestyle and décor publication, we strive for Ottawa at Home to reflect all things inspiring on the home front. As the Editor in Chief of a leading magazine in the Nation’s Capital, I hope the pages encourage readers to get out and feel the beauty of the city and its businesses but, of course, that has been challenging recently.

What isn’t challenging is to feel gratitude for living in a city where stepping out our front door offers us a sense of security and, yes, even a renewed feeling of change. Spring has arrived, and with it comes the sound of birds chirping and the sight of flowers starting to make their way through the earth—I’m looking at you, crocuses, daffodils and tulips. These little pieces of life have never looked more beautiful than the spring of 2022.

So, please find inside the pages of our latest issue our greatest efforts to bring you a sense of renewal for businesses popping up around the city and people doing inspiring things in the arts and entertainment industry.

Take time to consider the words that Ottawa singer Amanda Rheaume shares with Ted Simpson in our profile feature on page 40. Amanda has a new album that pays homage to her Métis roots and the power of Métis leader Louis Riel’s message of how it will be the artists who will help to awaken spirits. The deep meaning in this sentiment is a philosophy shared by Nina Lee Aquino, the newly-appointed Artistic Director of the NAC English Theatre who seeks to create space for diverse voices on Canadian stages. Read more about Nina in Vera Cody’s Step Inside feature on page 39.

Being able to showcase Canada’s capital and its commitment to represent all things good about being a Canadian isn’t a privilege I take lightly. Thank you, Ottawa, for always working hard to make my job a little easier, even when it’s a challenge.

With pride,

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at h o m e

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Mary Taggart DESIGN & LAYOUT

AN Design Communications ASSOCIATE & WEB EDITOR

Olivia Taggart PHOTOGRAPHER

Mark Holleron FOOD EDITOR

Paula Roy FOOD CONTRIBUTOR

Korey Kealey STYLE/BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR

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Jordann Brown, Mary Ciancibello, Catherine Clark, Vera Cody, Sandy Connell, Jacquelyn Hoult, Hollie Grace James, Tia Macpherson, Ted Simpson PROOF READER

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OTTAWA AT HOME MEDIA INC. Contents © 2022. 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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8 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

HOME Designer At Home

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 9

HOME Designer At Home

I

t was a natural evolution for Brad and Nicole de Vries to combine their talents and start an interior design business together. Nicole is a fully certified interior designer and Brad is a landscape designer.

Success came quickly for the couple, and they currently have four full-time employees and are booking into late fall 2022. They are the talent behind the popular Maison Blonde and Maison Blonde Gardens—check out @maison.blonde on Instagram and note that over 35,000 followers are enchanted by the aesthetic and eager to purchase through their online shop, maisonblonde.com. Nicole works to bring unique home décor to Ottawa through the shop. “I’m very particular about the products; if I wouldn’t use it in my own house, it doesn’t make the cut,” she states.

10 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

HOME Designer At Home

“I embrace the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, an acceptance of transience and imperfection.”

While Nicole got her start on the commercial side of design, she found her true calling when she took on residential work. Brad’s experience has been on the construction and landscape side which help to round out the couple’s expertise. “Brad has many years of experience in construction and landscape design, so he brings a lot to round out our knowledge and services,” confirms Nicole.

But she’s quick to note that they work together, adding, “behind the scenes, we both have a hand in each other’s work and have always been a great team, so it really was a natural progression.”

Brad lends his skill to the construction side of each project and has a hand in the millwork drawings and 3-D modelling. Nicole relishes a concept to completion project and is excited to share her love of European influences with a clientele that is increasingly more open to moodier looks. Pieces that hold a sense of history along with materials that age with patina, like unlacquered brass, appeal to her taste for the imperfections found in natural materials. “I embrace the Japanese wabi-sabi aesthetic, an acceptance of transience and imperfection,” states Nicole.

Her style leans towards traditional design but she prefers a monochromatic scheme and often injects a beachy boho vibe which she says appeals to her “summertime soul.”

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 11

HOME Designer At Home

Brad’s landscape design work took off when the backyard became an escape from the at-home office. “Yards that went unused in previous years during the summer then became lunch spots, happy hour destinations, and minivacations on the weekend,” Brad reveals. Outdoor space replaced vacationing so clients saw their backyards as a potential resort. Hot tubs, pools, saunas, and outdoor kitchens all became high on wish lists and, given the Canadian winter factor, firepits became essential for year-round gathering. The idea of giving back through nature is something that has increased in popularity where people appreciate their greenspace more than ever and want to do what they can to preserve it. Brad explains the possibilities like this, “there are plenty of ways to do this such as planting pollinator plants that attract bees and other insects, strategically installing birdhouses and feeders to attract native bird species and choosing native plants that are familiar to local wildlife and require less maintenance. The rewards of creating an environmentally-friendly landscape are endless,” he enthuses.

12 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

Brad and Nicole first discovered their strength as a team when they bought and began the renovation process on their current home in 2019. The home needed updating both inside and out. They started by replacing the windows, furnace, and flooring and enhanced the exterior’s curb appeal by painting the brick and, of course, putting Brad’s expertise to use with the landscaping. Given that the kitchen is the heart of the home, when they moved inside to focus on the design aspect, they started there. Nicole sketched the plans while Brad built the kitchen. He used birch plywood for the cabinetry and then applied Benjamin Moore’s Scuff X in Natural Cream. The Hanstone Montauk countertops, supplied through Urban Quarry, are dressed up with brass hardware and faucet which are the perfect complement to the neutral colour scheme.

Next, they’ll re-do their basement and primary bedroom.

But, with four new-builds breaking ground this spring and a client list waiting, they’ll put their own wish list aside and first get to work making clients’ home dreams come true.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 13

RENOVATION B athroom

BY JACQUELYN HOULT PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDANN BROWN

14 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

HOME Bathroom

THINK S PAC E

ALL IN THE DETAILS

and character, but at eight feet long, it provides valuable storage space. A mirror hangs above each sink, framed to match the matte black faucets, flanked by a pair of elegant brushed brass vanity sconces, perfect for small tasks and grooming. The original bathroom provided a window but not enough natural light. Candace chose to remove it and add pot lights for overall lighting.

The walk-in shower was relocated to the opposite wall. It has been designed down to the last detail so that you can create the perfect shower experience. The door is custom glass. The walls are clad in tile reminiscent of traditional handmade zellige (also known as Moroccan tiles or zellige terracotta), an ancestor of the subway tile. The colour of each tile varies slightly, adding a ripple effect to enhance texture and visual interest.

An oval freestanding bathtub with a tub filler in the same matte black as the vanity fixtures sits elegantly in the corner of the room. A stool within arm’s reach is the perfect height for bath salts or a glass of wine.

Minimalist decorative accents elevate the sense of luxury, including earthenware pots, leafy green plants, and vintage-style bath and shower products. The floor completes the look. It is covered with large square porcelain tiles in a neutral colour with a timeless white veining. It’s like stepping into a spa without the inconvenience of leaving your house.

A reeded, white oak double-sink vanity is accented with brass knobs and topped with white quartz. Not only does it add interest

Follow Candace on Instagram @candaceplotzdesign

The ensuite isn’t just a bathroom attached to the primary bedroom, it’s a private sanctuary to primp, relax, and sometimes just think.

THE DESIGNER Candace Plotz, the principal designer and founder of Candace Plotz Design, regards the ensuite as a unique place; the only room in the house where you start the day and unwind at its end. It’s a design challenge that requires creativity to combine style and functionality. Candace was put to the test when she took on the remodel of a bathroom in the home of an Ottawa couple.

The young professionals wanted a retreat with a large shower area. The challenge came with the need to design a bathroom with both a luxurious shower and the illusion of more space. Candace was able to do just that by gutting the bathroom completely.

This allowed her to relocate plumbing and electrical systems to repurpose ‘wasted’ space and remove visual clutter.

Candace describes her style as ‘transitional’—a balance between traditional and contemporary. The lines are clean without being too cold or sleek. The colour palette is neutral and soothing; the walls are painted a fresh white and adorned with minimal artwork. Organic materials inject a modern vibe with an overall feeling of warmth.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 15

HOME Historic Renovation

BY HOLLIE GRACE JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY RANDI LYNNE AND ALEX BRAULT

I t took mere minutes for a lifetime of memories, contained within the historic walls of a home built over 150 years ago, to smoulder and singe. When a fire destroyed the home of beloved Carleton Place residents, Karen and Mark Melville, it not only shattered their family’s lives, but the tragedy rippled outward, rocking the entire community. For the owner of KKI Designs, Kimberly Kostuch, no challenge is too daunting to overcome. She approached this project with an empathetic ear and a delicate touch, explaining that, "they had to rebuild from the ground up. It wasn’t like we could work with part of their home. So, it was really important to all of us.” As the interior designer, Kimberly was responsible for everything from the flooring to the paint color to the custom furniture. “They had to replace everything, they had nothing,” she explains, emphasizing that it was a “complete team effort.” Her flair for décor paired perfectly with a reconstruction of the original floor plan, albeit with the ease and functionality of a modern model, thanks to architectural designer Elise McCurdy Home Designs, after the bones were methodically erected by Ant Construction. Although the finished product isn’t a replica of what once stood, there is certainly the integration of corresponding elements, as the team ensured the presence of historical charm that is often lacking in a new build.

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LIVING Historic Renovation

o t d a h T hey m o r f d l i rebu . p u d n u the gro Kimberly Kostuch

THIS PAGE FRONT ENTRANCE WALLPAPER IS PAINTERLY INDIGO, FROM SARAH RICHARDSON DESIGN

Tailoring every intricate detail to the essence of the clients is often the driving force behind the manifestation of Kimberly’s vision and, because Karen and Mark loved the historical home they once inhabited, Kimberly was tasked with ensuring every room encapsulated this feeling, requiring many layers of textures, fabrics, and furniture. “When you see the foyer, [for example], it instantly tells a story,” exclaims Kimberly of the “hustle and bustle of the home.”

She further explains how the newel post was salvaged from the original ruins to become the current focal piece, which required intricate preparation through sanding, stripping, and custom matching with all the other selections in the space.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 17

HOME Historic Renovation The kitchen is often the heart of the home, but in this case, it also serves as a prime example of where to splurge and where to save, explains Kimberly. Made from walnut, the cabinetry and the island are where the majority of the funds were allocated, but an intricate financial balance was essential after taking into consideration the large space.

The design team thus opted for ready-made stock of ultra-white cabinetry along the perimeter and, since both clients love it and it happened to perfectly match the walnut, Kimberly thought navy blue would make a beautiful addition to the color scheme.

In place of a backsplash, brick tile was installed along the wall from the farmhouse sink to the stove. That gives you the feeling that [the kitchen] is the heart of the house and that a renovation [never actually occurred] when in fact it is brand new.

Kimberly Kostuch

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LIVING Historic Renovation

Drifting upstairs, you’ll find the primary bedroom, complete with a walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom, two children’s bedrooms with a shared bathroom, and a laundry room that doubles as a sewing room.

One of Kimberly’s personal favourites, the main bedroom immediately wraps you in a swathe of coziness by incorporating layers upon layers, including intricate needlepoint drapery, wallpaper, and an upholstered bed frame. “There are all of these soft, beautiful colors—just in different textures,” states Kimberly. There are certainly perks to employing the detailed eyes of a professional interior decorating team and one of these choices are “his and hers” doors adorning the walk-in closet. The solid core doors, made from a mixture of wood and synthetic wood composites, are another addition meant to impart the nostalgia of what once was.

Lingering memories of life before the fire can also be found in the ensuite bathroom, where the light hanging above the tub reflects another original item incorporated by the design team.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 19

HOME Historic Renovation

THIS PAGE (LEFT) LAUNDRY ROOM WALL TILE FROM SALTILLO TILE RIGHT MUDROOM MOULDING IS PAINTED IN BENJAMIN MOORE “MOSSY OAK” BOTTOM FRONT HALL CEILING FIXUTURE IS FROM HINKLEY

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FACING PAGE (TOP) THE TRANSITIONAL STYLE DECOR SUITS THE OVERALL FEELING OF THE HOME BOTTOM THE HARDSCAPE WAS INSTALLED BY AMP CONSTRUCTION; SHELLEY SALMON, “THE GARDEN GAL”, CREATED THE BEDS

HOME Historic Renovation Working within the family’s budget was extremely important, especially given the limited financial reimbursement provided following fire damage and the rapidly rising costs they encountered. “Today’s construction costs are certainly not the same as 50 years ago. In the last 5 years, you’re seeing more like a 400% increase in prices, which is not reflective of anybody’s salary,” laments Kimberly. Since you can’t achieve the same finished product within the same price range that was once attainable, Kimberly explains that the only possible compromise is to seek out similarities. And, in this case, the design team is proud to say that they were able to recreate a new space that is highly reflective of a beloved home ripped from an unassuming family in the middle of a warm, summer night. The result is bittersweet—a re-creation of total loss into a new versatile and functional space, tucked into a neat row of historic homes on high street in Carleton Place. The only evidence of the flames that ripped through this loving family home are a few salvaged remnants, and the sturdy, mature maple trees that bore witness to the devastation and rebirth.

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HOME Capital Colours

Very Peri 17-3938

Rejoice in

It seems that 2022 is the year for tapping into the creative spirit. When Pantone, the benchmark for colour trends, chose Very Peri as its 2022 colour of the year, creative minds rejoiced.

This joyful shade mixes blue and red so that the qualities of both colours come to life in a dynamic presence. Use it freely in all aspects of style to reap the benefits of spreading the message that creative expression is a welcome and encouraged concept.

IMAGE COURTESY KOKET

PURPLE

BY MARY TAGGART instagram twitter @maryktaggart

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 23

HOME Renovation

DIVINE T R A N S F O R M AT I O N

BY HOLLIE GRACE JAMES PHOTOGRAPHY BY JORDANN BROWN

“Fools rush in where angels fear to tread…” was Lynda’s explanation as to why she opted for the purchase of a centuriesold church that required extensive renovations rather than settling for downsizing in a run-of-the-mill condominium that is so often sought in retirement. Lynda’s son, who lives in Masham, north-west of Gatineau, knew she was in the market for a project and thus alerted her to the sale of a dormant Presbyterian church, located directly on the main street in the eclectic Quebec village of Wakefield, about 45 minutes from Ottawa. The buying process wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. It took nine months, along with multiple other failed offers, for her to finally take ownership. Although this was certainly a cause for celebration, it also paralleled the beginning of an extremely time-consuming, stressful, and extensive renovation, which Lynda credits the survival of to her project managers, Denis and Richard Villeneuve, of Villeneuve Interiors.

“It was a steep learning curve,” she explains. “I didn’t know anything from anything! I’ll be the first to admit that. Which is probably just as well, because I might not have gone ahead with it,” she says, laughing good-naturedly.

24 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

HOMES Renovation

ATTENTION TO DETAIL ENSURED THAT THE INTERIOR HONOURED THE HOME’S HERITAGE SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 25

HOME Renovation

“Everything was unique— there was not anything that was not unique.”

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The Villeneuves, on the other hand, had an inkling of what was in store. Explains Denis, “Oddly enough, it was my third church. I don’t know what the good Lord will say when I get to the golden gates…but this was the biggest of the three.”

The only way to forge ahead with such a unique project, he further explains, is to do so one day at a time. It took a lot of planning, and a little bit of luck, to get from a generic gathering place to a comfortable, intimate home that includes two bedrooms and two-and-a-half baths, along with a separate one-bedroom apartment.

The bulk of the first six months was spent completely tearing down the old to build back the new. “When we were done [with the initial destruction], you could see the brick— that’s all that was left. That was the scariest point. There is no framework to the exterior—it’s just three rows of brick.

Mind you that has lasted 100 years, and it will probably last another 100 years or more,” explains Denis. And there was

HOME Renovation

still a plethora of unique challenges to come, working with this sort of structure. Lynda admits that the removal of bat excrement was most certainly the biggest shock, especially after being quoted $80,000 for its removal (her son tackled this successfully instead).

“You just don’t know what you’re going to find behind the walls.” Denis seconds this notion. “Everything was unique—there was not anything that was not unique.”

THIS PAGE (ABOVE LEFT) THE ARCH ABOVE THE FRIDGE TIES THE KITCHEN IN WITH THE REST OF THE HOME (ABOVE RIGHT) ORGINAL FEATURES HAVE BECOME DISTINCTIVE DESIGN DETAILS BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE OF THE HOME. (BELOW) THE WINDOWS DOMINATE THE LOOK IN THE BEDROOM FACING PAGE LIGHT STREAMS IN THROUGH THE WINDOWS FROM THE FRONT TO THE BACK OF THE HOUSE

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 27

ICONIC HOMES & COMMUNITIES

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HOME Renovation

There’s a beauty in the originality and history of a building that has weathered the years and withstood the test of time. As an artist herself, Lynda wanted to commemorate this by incorporating select items from the original building, like a church pew and repurposed stained glass. And, although she wasn’t shy in delegating the intensive hard labor of this project to others, the interior was all her doing. After returning to school for Horticulture & Landscape Design, Lynda and her husband started a company focused on making people’s yards beautiful.

So, she was no stranger to what works from a design perspective, which is reflected in the eclectic array of home furnishings, like the wicker furniture, along with a variety of pieces collected from various world travels.

All of this is adorned daily with natural light that streams in through several gothic-style windows, made possible thanks to Denis’ other son, Andrew. “That is an art in itself,” emphasizes the proud father.

It’s been several years since Lynda became the owner of the historical 3500 sq ft. church in extensive disrepair, and she can now finally breathe a sigh of relief, deeming this project a major success. Especially given that Denis hasn’t stopped taking her calls…yet.

He doesn’t downplay the unique bond that is forged from working so closely together on such an intensive project. “The biggest thing with taking on these projects is that we end up with a customer who is a good friend and [at the end of it] we got through everything together.” For both contractor and client, the result is so much more than the reconstruction of a material structure— it’s also the generation of reciprocal human connection that, for both, has blossomed into a lifelong kinship.

THE HISTORICAL CHURCH WAS IN GRAVE NEED OF RESTORATION WHEN THE HOMEOWNER PURCHASED IT. TODAY IT STANDS STRONG AS A BEAUTIFULLY RENOVATED HOME SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 29

HOME Basement Renovation

Cheers at

home WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY TED SIMPSON

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HOME Basement Renovation

For many, a casual drink at a favourite bar can be one of life’s great pleasures. It’s a simple indulgence that was largely taken for granted in the days before COVID steamrolled our sense of normalcy and relegated the consumption of libations to the confines of our own homes. But one creative couple was determined to have the best of both worlds by enlisting one of Ottawa’s finest makers to bring the bar of their dreams into the comfort of home.

Rob and Allison O’Reilly had been feeling the home improvement itch for some time but had been limited by the usual factors like budget and time. But halfway through 2020, after realizing how much money can be saved by not going anywhere, the couple decided to put their plan in motion for a basement upgrade that would elevate their den from bland to bold. And they knew just the man they wanted for the job, craftsman Rob Reitsma.

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HOME Basement Renovation

Rob Reitsma’s custom fabrication company, Burnt Wood Bent Metal, specializes in a raw, industrial design that brings together the warm, natural tones of lumber with the pale, blue-green of coldrolled steel. It’s a stunning contrast that comes together beautifully in the O’Reilly’s custom bar.

The couple says that they were able to work with Rob Reitsma to find a design that both satisfied their dreams and met their budget.

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HOME Basement Renovation

The real show-stopping feature of this build is the singlepiece, solid bar top. This is likely not something you would ever see at your local pub; Rob Reitsma says it’s special even for his own builds, noting that, “just the width and the length of that bar top is pretty unique. Most tables and bars I build are all laminated, so a couple of boards glued together to make a larger piece, but this is all one plank.”

Burnt Wood Bent Metal was able to locally source an entire tree to make this project come together, and Rob Reitsma was even able to get the backstory on this particular American elm. The O’Reilly’s bar top was a former resident of the Byron Linear Park in Westboro. The tree was cut down as part of the ongoing LRT construction, which involves digging a trench through the existing park that will later be covered back over and reforested. But don’t blame the train for this particular tree’s demise; Rob Reitsma says that he found a city tag still attached to the branches that marked the tree for removal because of disease.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 33

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HOME Basement Renovation

“It’s very rare to be able to pinpoint the location like that, to have the tag on the tree still, and to be able to have the story behind it is very unique,” says Rob Reitsma.

As for the O’Reillys, don’t get to thinking that they’re now running a speakeasy out of their suburban Richmond basement. The bar is serving as a family hub where they can share time together in a beautifully crafted setting that feels like a night out on the town but retains all the comforts of home.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 35

LIVING N ew & Notable

PHOTO FROM MIV PHOTOGRAPHY

BY SANDY CONNELL

WHAT’S NEW? Westboro Village is the place to be this spring with new businesses popping up.

Judy Lincoln, Executive Director at Westboro Village Business Improvement Area (BIA), is excited about the opening of new businesses and retailers. Here’s a list of some of the new businesses which have recently opened or which you can expect to see this spring: Cadena Restaurant & Tapas Bar Alicja Confections Elderast KNIX OMBEL Salon La Muse Repair & Run COBS Bread

36 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

Visit Westboro Village to celebrate everything new and exciting during the three-week Shop the Village event from May 8 to May 23, 2022, with special entertainment planned for Saturdays. Watch for details on social media for a chance to win a gift card to your favourite Westboro Village retailer and for up-to-the-minute info on the 2022 edition of Shop the Village.

Check the website for more information at westborovillage.com/shopthevillage

LIVING New & Notable

SAVE THE DAY Wedding season is just around the corner and the oldfashioned art of floral preservation is enjoying a comeback.

Marisa Bertorelli started MB BloomBox after her daughter got married in 2018 and wanted to commemorate the occasion. An avid gardener, Marisa’s love of flowers meant it was a natural transition to learn to create unique keepsakes by carefully preserving and displaying them in a beautiful frame, dome, or shadow box. Prices range from $180–$460.

For more information and to get ideas about what’s possible, go to MB BloomBox on Facebook and Instagram or email Marisa at mbbloombox@gmail.com

Spring has sprung and so our thoughts turn to the garden. If you’re a novice gardener or short on outdoor space, consider a user-friendly and innovative indoor garden. Rise Gardens are indoor hydroponic gardens that allow everyone to enjoy fresh herbs and vegetables. These gardens are guided by a mobile app every step of the way, notifying even those without a green thumb to add nutrients or water, and letting you know when to harvest. The stylish gardens are wifi connected, with automated lights and a programmable water system. The Family Garden comes in three-level options and can grow up to 108 plants at once, while the Personal Garden is perfect for small spaces and grows up to 12 plants. All are elegantly designed to complement any home décor.

You can choose from over 60 seed options, including beets, eggplant, microgreens, peas, green beans, celery, cucumbers, different variations of peppers, and tomatoes, as well as herbs, tea leaves, rooted plants, and leafy greens. It’s like having your own farm-to-table experience right at home with access to fresh, pesticide-free produce year-round.

Personal Garden starts at $449 and the Family Garden at $900.

Available at ca.risegardens.com

PHOTO FROM MIV PHOTOGRAPHY

GREENING INDOORS

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 37

WHERE BOTH STYLE AND FUNCTIONALITY MEET. BRING YOUR DREAM CUSTOM KITCHEN OR CLOSET OR MORE TO LIFE. OUR PROFESSIONAL TEAM PROVIDES CONSULTATION, DESIGN, DELIVERY, AND QUICK SEAMLESS INSTALLATION SERVICES. IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, WE CAN DESIGN IT.

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STEP INSIDE Nina Lee Aquino

Canada Takes the Stage

BY VERA CODY

Newly appointed Artistic Director of NAC English Theatre, Nina Lee Aquino, knew theatre was her passion from a young age, as a musical performer in the Philippines. Her supportive parents taught her humility and ambition which helped lay the foundation for her current success. Nina’s focus is modern classic Canadian plays, and she strongly advocates for BIPOC voices. She studied theatre at the University of Guelph and the University of Toronto. In 2002 Nina co-founded fu-GEN Asian Canadian Theatre, ran Cahoots Theatre from 2009 to 2013, and joined Factory Theatre in Toronto in 2015 where she is concluding a ten-year run as the first woman of color in the role of Artistic Director. In 2018 Nina was appointed President of the Professional Association of Canadian Theatres. She has taught and directed at various universities as well as the National Theatre School. Nina has earned three Best Director Dora Awards, Canada Council for the Arts John Hirsch Prize, and the Toronto Theatre Critics’ Award. Being at the helm of Canada’s national theatre she hopes her leadership, vision, and imagination will set the stage to showcase even more Canadian stories to a wider audience with her creative and powerful productions.

PHOTO BY DAHLIA KATZ

Are you excited to come to Ottawa with your new position? As a daughter of a diplomat—a diplobrat—change and adventure is something I understand. I don’t think of it as a move from Toronto but what this national institution can do to expand my scope and reach in contributing to making Canada a better place to live in. My daughter told me you are not really leaving Toronto; you are taking a step back so that you can give the theatre community a bigger hug.

That image seared in my mind. It is my goal to make Canadian theatre richer and I think the NAC can provide me with that.

What pressures are you are feeling with this transition? The pressure of perfection.

My colleagues, peers, and the audience must understand that this is a process and like any process, we must value progress over perfection. Things will not change overnight, but once I understand the lay of the land and the strengths and weaknesses, I can more comfortably roll up my sleeves and get to work. We need to look at the big picture and be evaluated for having made a difference

not only in my first year but five to ten years from now.

Why is it important to promote and highlight Canadian theatre? Canadians need to keep exploring and redefining what Canada means to them. I keep coming back to the word National in NAC. Canadian identity is ever shifting and evolving. In presenting our works we are going to be able to track where Canada’s place is in the world, what we think of the world, what the world thinks about us and where is the place of the world in Canada. Theatre is one of the greatest tools for us to check in on each other and ourselves.

What we see on stage are perspectives of what people think, of where humanity and society are at. It is important to feature Canadian works but also have a global point of view by initiating cultural collaborations with other countries. To ask what Canada means to them.

We will learn a lot from that to improve the image we are projecting to the world.

What are the qualities that a theatre director needs to be successful? Swagger or confidence in knowing and in not knowing.

After doing this for twenty years I am only as good as the team I put together. I can only be my best self by believing in myself, being honest and authentic. How you direct is unique to you. That you are not measuring yourself up against other directors and how they do things. A sense of humour, laughter, and knowing not to take myself too seriously is important and gets me through the most stressful of times.

Where do you see yourself in five years?

The NAC was on my vision board and five years from now I hope to still be there making sure Canadian theatre is alive and kicking.

Post-NAC, my end game is to be involved with theatre training institutions across Canada.

I have amassed all this experience and the idea of mentoring, teaching, and giving back is something that I vowed to myself that one day, if I had the power to do so, I would. To talk about the future of Canadian theatre, we need to target the future of Canadian theatre artists, lay the foundation right from the beginning and support and encourage young emerging artists.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 39

LIVING P rofile

PHOTOGRAPHY AND WORDS BY TED SIMPSON

W

ith her latest album, The Spaces In Between, Amanda Rheaume takes the listener on a journey through the depths of personal identity and cultural heritage, as the artist works to find her true self and a unique place within the constructs of a binary world.

In the album’s first single, ‘100 Years’, Amanda refers to a quote from Métis leader Louis Riel, who said, “My people will sleep for one hundred years, but when they awake, it will be the artists who give them their spirit back.”

As a citizen of the Métis Nation, Riel’s words carry heavy meaning for Amanda. But now, more than ever, there is a haunting relevance to this quote for all people living on the land that we call Canada. Not just in the current sense of awakening from another pandemic winter and reconnecting with the arts through a return to live music and theatre. But also in acknowledging a truth that many thought was buried in our past. In the song’s chorus, Amanda asks, “Can you feel the heat underneath your feet?” As First Nations groups across the country discover more and more unmarked graves on the sites of Canada’s residential schools, now reaching over 1,000 in number.

Throughout the album, the artist’s theme of naked introspection forces the listener to reflect on their own relationship with the world and sense of self. The Spaces In Between carries a heavier weight than previous releases in Amanda’s 15-year catalogue. “It's a different theme with this whole record,” says Amanda. “The journey I've been on is about coming to terms with several facets of my identity and learning to love all those parts, just feeling strong on my own, like who I actually am.”

As a queer woman and proud member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community, the search for a place takes Amanda outside of the binary view favoured by Western society. In the compulsion to label everything as either gay or straight, liberal or conservative, black or white… Many people are left on the periphery with no place to call home. Amanda leans heavily on the experience of her Métis people, who have made their home in-between spaces for 200 years.

“There are lots of touches on a lot of different things in these songs, but I'd say that the Métis experience is definitely a constant thing throughout the record,” says Amanda.

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IT’S AN IMPORTANT TIME FOR DIFFERENT VOICES AND DIFFERENT WAYS OF DOING THINGS. AMANDA RHEAUME

The album is being released on Amanda’s own label, a recent project called Ishkodé Records which she founded with a dear friend and Anishinaabekwe artist, Shoshona Kish. The word Ishkodé means fire in the Anishinaabemowin language.

“We started this record label to amplify indigenous voices here on so-called Canada, and to hopefully break glass ceilings,” she explains. “Open up the doors to artists that are telling critical stories and singing such important songs, these artists have been typically kept out of the mainstream, providing them a seat at the table.”

Amanda says that the de facto mission statement for her label would be, ‘songs for the eighth fire,’ which is based on the Anishinaabe story of the seven fires.

“It's been said that we're in the seventh fire right now, which is a time of great destruction and dissonance… no harmony,” notes Amanda. And in light of our recent experience with the pandemic, the truckers, war in Europe, and the general state of our Earth and climate, that’s another hauntingly relevant prophecy.

LIVING Profile

But it’s said that to light the eighth and final fire that brings peace, the people must choose between two roads. “Either we go back to our teachings or we continue on this path of destruction,” she explains. “But if we've returned to our teachings, then they will lead us to light the eighth and final fire of balance and harmony and forever unity as one great nation of all.”

In line with the theme of awakening, Amanda Rheaume and her band will be returning to the stage for a show at the National Arts Centre on May 25th, her first major performance since the onset of the pandemic. While Amanda was able to get in a handful of performances over the past two years, it was nothing like the life that she had lived before. She

went from playing as many as 150 shows in a year in packed venues down to less than 10 gigs with social distancing in full effect.

With this new performance, Amanda can return the spirits not only to the people, her fans, but also to herself and fellow musicians. “I know I've really missed it; I found this time away very difficult, to be honest,” says Amanda.

“I’m especially reminded of that Louis Riel line because the artists are back and we think differently; we see the world in a different way sometimes, and I think it's an important time for different voices and different ways of doing things.”

Pre-order Amanda’s latest album at amandarheaume.com

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 41

Posing for Change

LIVING G iving Back

“We make yoga more accessible for everyone,” says Ali. “It’s some of the most fulfilling work I’ve ever done because there’s something incredibly special about being able to provide safe spaces to people where, when I was growing up and even now, I didn’t feel there was a space for me.”

“The wellness and yoga space is currently very white and affluent, but it was not originally meant to have this big price tag and brand attached to it,” Ali continues. To help make the practice of yoga more inclusive, Ali volunteers as Warrior Yoga’s Spectrum Committee Team Lead and BIPOC Committee Volunteer Coordinator, and she’s proud of the organization’s unique approach.

A

BY CATHERINE CLARK instagram twitter @catherinejclark PHOTOGRAPHY BY TED SIMPSON instagram twitter @ted_613

42 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

li Arbeau has been doing yoga for most of her life.

“It’s such a beautiful way to connect with yourself, disconnect, or work things out,” says Ali. “Being more in tune with the way your body moves, or the way your mind works is so much more important than people think it is.”

However, as much as Ali loves yoga, she did not often see herself reflected in those practicing around her. That was particularly true when she decided to become a yoga trainer.

“I’m a person of colour, someone who is Queer and a bit bigger, and none of those qualities were represented in the industry in 2019 when I did training,” she recalls.

When Ali learned that Warrior Yoga, an organization that helps make yoga more accessible for all people, was looking for volunteers she knew she’d found her calling.

Warrior Yoga is a non profit with a focus on bringing meditation and yoga to vulnerable populations. It helps make the practice more financially attainable and provides a space for people of all shapes, sizes, backgrounds, and abilities to feel safe and welcome.

LIVING Giving Back

The scholarships are a creative way to change the current face of yoga, especially when training costs can be so prohibitive.

“It’s not just the financial cost, it’s the time,” Ali explains. “Basic yoga training is thousands of dollars and approximately 200 hours, so our hope is that by providing the scholarship, we can help people carve out the time and space in their lives to get it done.”

Warrior Yoga raises money through ‘donation classes’, where participants pay a small fee which goes directly to the organization, but they’re also lucky to have generous partners who provide free spaces, and big-hearted local businesses which support them in creative ways. “The feedback we get from scholarship recipients is absolutely incredible,” says Ali. “They are so thankful that somebody was able to see this need and was willing to do something about it.”

Ali is passionate about helping to transform the wellness space into one that helps all people feel nurtured and respected.

“It is not always about the physical practice of yoga itself, but about bringing community together and helping people find support,” she says.

“We focus on offering scholarships to folks from the BIPOC, queer and disabled communities who are looking to do yoga training, and anyone who has financial need or feels that they’ll bring something unique to the yoga community,” Ali explains.

“When we help someone become a teacher, or even just to show up in a class in a traditional studio space, we are empowering them to be seen and heard,” she concludes. “We help them not to be afraid to take up the space that they deserve to take up in the world.”

And that’s how Ali Arbeau is making a difference, one pose, one deep breath at a time.

For up-to-date info follow Ali on Instagram @ali.arbeau

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 43

LIVING F ashion

Anything but Neutrals

it’s time to let your colourful self out!

BY MARY CIANCIBELLO @maryciancibellostyle PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIA MACPHERSON @tiamacpherson35

BE BOLD Dopamine dressing at its finest with bold, colourful accessories.

CLUTCH AND PAPER EARRINGS: STUNNING! FASHION + ACCESSORIES, BYWARD MARKET LIME SLIDES: L’INTERVALLE

MAIN IMAGE: DRESS: TED BAKER, RIDEAU CENTRE SHOES: L’INTERVALLE

LAYER WITH EDGE Finish your look with this colourful moto jacket.

BUBBLE-GUM PINK JACKET: MUST BOUTIQUE WESTBORO 44 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

LIVING Fashion

SEEING GREEN Green is everywhere this spring, incorporate hints of it or make it your outfit.

CROSSBODY BELT BAG: OOOBABY.COM MINI SKIRT: MUST BOUTIQUE WESTBORO GREEN TOP: BANANA REPUBLIC

THE PUFFER THE BETTER The most stylish way to level-up your blouse game is with puff sleeves.

KIKA VARGAS PRINTED BLOUSE: NORDSTROM.CA

MATCHY-MATCHY Put those colourful patterns together and let the fashionista in you blossom.

TROPICAL ATHLETIC SET: STRONGERLABEL.COM

DAINTY DETAILS Bows, pockets, cut-outs—it’s the details that make these dresses fashion standouts.

BRICK FAUX WRAP DRESS: SMASHTESS.CA YELLOW CUT-OUT DRESS: BANANA REPUBLIC SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 45

Unmatched Beauty.

Built for a Lifetime.

As industry specialists, Urban Quarry brings the best Quartz, Natural Stone and Ultra Compact Surfaces, expertly fabricated and installed, to trade partners and an established network of kitchen and bath dealers. We’re here to assist

UrbanQuarry.ca Kitchen by: Deslaurier Custom Cabinets Kitchen Design by: Darien Wilson Photography by: Kevin Belanger

throughout the full process and are committed to excellence in all that we do.

Servicing Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

Spring

BY MELISSA SHABINSKY instagram @melissashabinsky

LIVING B eauty

Greening

This spring’s arsenal of eco-chic skin and hair care products are in full bloom with mother nature’s good-for-you ingredients.

EVERYTHING MASK, NON GENDER SPECIFIC Apricot seed and mineral clay gently exfoliate to brighten skin.

AMIKA JUMBO PERK UP DRY SHAMPOO

$64, NONGENDERSPECIFIC.CA

Formulated with rice starch and organic sea buckthorn to help keep hair nourished while absorbing oil. $38, SEPHORA.COM

ATTITUDE SOLID SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER BARS This solid, plastic-free line of shampoos and conditioners is formulated with plant extracts, clays, oils and luxurious butters. $14.99 EACH, WELL.CA

EMINENCE CITRUS AND KALE POTENT C+E MASQUE A blend of citrus, leafy greens and avocado oil in this award-winning face mask.

JUSU FACIAL CLEANSER WITH OATS & HONEY Hydrate and refresh dry skin with soothing oats and honey. $27.99, ALLECO.CA

$70, ORESTA.CA SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 47

LIVING D IY

Home Grown BY: OLIVIA TAGGART

Create a mini herb garden right in your own kitchen with hose clamps (copper is suggested), mason jars, soil and seeds. Soon you’ll be growing basil, mint or whatever else suits your inner gardener fancy.

48 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

LIVING DIY

Supplies:

1 Trex deck sample board 2 small mason jars 2 hose clamps Potting supplies Sawtooth hook

Instructions:

1. Screw (2) hose clamps to the board. Make them perpendicular or diagonal to fit your space.

2. Fit mason jars into hose clamps and tighten to secure.

3. Flip the board to its backside, attaching a sawtooth hook at its center for an even hang.

4. Plant your favourite herbs in the mason jars with small rocks at the bottom for drainage.

5. Hang in a sunny spot.

6. Start planning fresh from the garden meals.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 49

FOOD On Trend

IMAGES SUPPLIED

Everything Kitchen Sink

50 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

FOOD On Trend

A

lthough the kitchen sink is likely the highest functioning part of the home it can also set the tone for the décor and style. Tapping into trends and checking out global inspiration can help you make the right choice for long-term satisfaction. Lizzie Beesley, Head of Design for the UK-based kitchen retail and design specialists Magnet, highlights what to look for in 2022.

CERAMIC SINKS Want to inject some celebrity style into your kitchen? Go with a ceramic sink like Kendall Jenner and Gordon Ramsay. The farmhouse style has had its time in the spotlight and is here to stay so go ahead and let the deep basin design transform your space to a classic or more traditional look. The leaning towards a more rural aesthetic is the cause for demand for ceramic sinks. They are durable, easy to clean and highly resistant to staining and scratches so work well for a busy family kitchen.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 51

FOOD On Trend

Don’t forget to think about taps, too. The right combination of sink and tap can transform your kitchen into something really special and truly enhance your design. While, on the other hand, an out-of-place sink or a mismatched tap can disrupt your ambiance, tarnishing the overall look and feel of the room.”

LIZZIE BEESLEY, MAGNET

52 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

FOOD On Trend

WORKSTATION OR MULTI-USE SINKS It’s hard to beat the practicality and convenience of ‘workstation sinks’ Despite the sink already being one of the most useful features in the kitchen, a workstation sink advances this.

The innovative design efficiently uses space to allow users to prepare and cut food directly over the sink, also helping to avoid the spread of germs around the rest of the kitchen.

with limited surface area. Having the sink placed in the corner can maximize often-neglected space, helping to make smaller kitchens more efficient and usable.

BLACK SINKS

A larger kitchen can handle the double basin sink but for smaller spaces try the larger and deeper single basin sinks, they have become a more popular alternative.

Another trend becoming more apparent in recent years is the rise in demand for black sinks. Kitchen sinks are often understated in terms of color so the increasing popularity of darker colored sink makes a striking style statement. Glossy or matte, this alternative color can help make your sink a sophisticated focal point. They are particularly a great choice for modern kitchens, as well as industrial-inspired spaces.

UNDERMOUNT SINKS

COPPER OR BRASS SINKS

Undermount sinks are installed under the level of the worktop creating a seamless design. These types of sinks save space and create a clean and sleek look which is great for minimaliststyle kitchens.

While stainless steel sinks are still the most purchased style of sink due to their durability and universal style, there has been an increasing rise in alternative metallic sinks—with copper and brass leading the way. These on-trend colors are a step away from tradition but offer timeless style to both classic and modern spaces.

LARGE SINGLE BASIN SINKS

KITCHEN ISLAND SINKS While many customers design their kitchen with sinks facing a window, there has been a rise in sinks being placed in kitchen islands. This trend is often seen amongst customers who plan to use their kitchen as a hosting space as it allows for easier socializing and makes an ideal location for family-style living.

CORNER SINKS Smaller kitchens have created a rise in demand for corner sinks. Despite being harder to install and dependent on your existing plumbing, corner sinks are a great option for kitchens

UTILITY SINKS Another key trend we will see more of this year is a greater focus on utility room sinks. Stainless steel, ceramic and composite materials are a great choice for these types of sinks as they are hard-wearing and able to withstand day-to-day bumps and scratches that are typical of utility space. We have also seen a rise in requests for utility spaces that incorporate a separate station for dog washing, which requires a larger basin to be able to clean your four-legged friend.

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 53

L I V E LIFE NO W

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:

FOOD Food Thoughts

RHUBARB PUDDING CAKE

INGREDIENTS RHUBARB SAUCE: DIVIDED 4

cups (490 g) chopped rhubarb

⅓ cup (67 g) granulated sugar

PUDDING 1 ¼ cup (250 g) granulated sugar, divided 1

cup (120 g) all-purpose flour

1

tbsp (6 g) finely grated lemon zest

Pinch salt 1 ½ cup (375 mL) milk ¼ cup (56 g) butter, melted 4

eggs, separated

1 ½ cup (360 g) cooled rhubarb sauce (the remainder is for serving) Optional Garnishes: fresh mint leaves, whipped cream, vanilla Greek yogurt, vanilla ice cream

PHOTO BY TED SIMPSON

IP KOREY’S T ” OR D E C FIND “FOR RIETIES A V E S GREENHOU RY LTY GROCE AT SPECIA BLE A IL A V NOT A STORES IF OR R GARDEN FROM YOU S A ROM L T FREEZER F SEASON.

Comforts of

Spring

BY KOREY KEALEY instagram @KoreyKealey twitter @foodthought

METHOD 1. In a large microwaveable bowl, combine rhubarb & granulated sugar. Microwave at High for 5 to 7 minutes, or until rhubarb is tender, stirring occasionally. Stir and let cool.

2. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 cup (200 g) sugar, flour, lemon zest, and salt.

3. In a separate large bowl, whisk milk, butter, and egg yolks. Stir milk mixture into flour mixture. Whisk in 1 ½ cup (360 g) cooled rhubarb sauce. Set aside.

4. In a separate bowl, beat egg whites until soft peaks form.

Add remaining ¼ cup (50 g) sugar, until stiff peaks form.

Fold beaten whites into rhubarb mixture (to ensure the batter stays fluffy, don’t overmix).

5. Scrape mixture into a greased 8-inch (2 L) square glass baking dish. Place glass baking dish in a larger shallow pan. Pour in enough hot water to come halfway up sides of glass baking dish. Bake in 350°F (180°C) oven until the cake is lightly golden, fluffy and springs back when touched lightly in the center, about 30–35 minutes.

6. Remove from water bath and let glass baking dish cool on a rack for 10 minutes.

Spring is in the air when the first stalks of rhubarb peek through the newlythawed ground. This delicious pudding is the perfect bridge between comfort food and the fresh possibilities of warmer weather. The sauce is sweet, tart, and versatile so make plenty and freeze for the future. The pretty pink colour is produced when roots are dug outdoors in the fall and stored in a darkened shed at about 10°C until buds appear to produce an early spring crop.

7. Spoon into serving dishes. Garnish with remaining rhubarb sauce, mint leaves and whipped cream.

Caution: Avoid eating rhubarb leaves. They contain oxalic acid which irritates the inside of the mouth and, in some cases, can be fatal. Source: foodlandontario.ca

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 55

FOOD Let’s Dish

Kitchen Light Dºne Right

BY PAULA ROY

56 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

Proper kitchen lighting isn’t just about creating an Instagram-perfect environment for food photos. Illumination contributes a great deal to the safety and enjoyment of a space but, when it comes to kitchen design, lighting sometimes gets treated as an afterthought. It shouldn’t, according to Gary Pomerantz, a designer with Muskoka Cabinet Company. “As soon as you’ve figured out the layout, you need to focus on lighting, in the context of how you plan to use your kitchen and how task, ambient, and accent lighting can support that. Good lighting makes a space look and function so much better; you’ll appreciate having invested in it,” he explains.

Task lighting is focused on helping you see well in the kitchen’s various work areas, so you can safely chop ingredients, for example.

Ideal for this purpose are puck or strip lights mounted under cabinets, to cast bright, even light over the countertops without creating shadows.

Light emitting diode (LED) bulbs are recommended for task lighting and are available in various shades of white, with warm or soft being the most popular. LEDs provide excellent illumination plus they are long-lasting and extremely energy efficient.

“Make sure you put in enough of them to get the right intensity of light,” Gary advises.

Ambient—also called mood—lighting is intended to brighten the overall room.

Most often this is achieved with pot lights in the ceiling, sometimes supplemented by pendant lights over an island or table.

As with task lighting, make sure they are properly placed and spaced. There is a fine line between too few and too many, so Gary recommends considering the overall visual look as well as the brightness.

Accent lighting, which can overlap with ambient, involves lights placed strategically to highlight a focal point or something of visual interest. An example would be lighting inside a glass-fronted cupboard, or a spotlight directed at a floating shelf holding decorative elements. Accent lighting can be particularly effective in an open plan layout, where the kitchen can be seen from other areas of the house.

Jennifer Cross, Director of Residential Developments with FLUX Lighting, agrees that it is important to budget properly for kitchen lighting. “While decorative lighting is impactful and fun to choose, foundational lighting is of equal importance and deserves just as much focus.” Like Gary, she cautions

FOOD Let’s Dish

that because electrical work happens at the beginning of a kitchen build or rebuild, it’s important to establish a lighting plan early because your options will be logistically limited if you leave it to the end.

She recommends thinking in terms of layers of light to ensure surfaces are thoroughly and evenly illuminated.

“Kitchens have become such multifunctional spaces that it’s important to have the ability

to vary the lighting throughout the day and evening. Figure out your foundational or task lighting first and buy the best quality you can afford—you may need fewer lights this way,” she says. “Then move on to decorative elements like a grouping of three large pendants or even one oversized fixture above the island for that punch of drama.” She adds that statement lighting is like jewellery for the kitchen, adding warmth, softness, and flair

to a space that otherwise contains a lot of hard surfaces.

Jennifer also recommends putting lights on different switches and having everything on dimmers so you can change light levels to adjust the mood of the room. “A well-lit space feels good to be in. Lighting can energize you and having the ability to control it properly can help you transition through different phases of your day.”

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 57

SECTION Title

BY PAULA ROY

W

hether you store them in a drawer or cupboard, spices likely represent one of the bigger investments among your pantry staples. Take an annual inventory of what you’ve got on hand and use them up while they are still fresh.

Spices come from the many parts of plants including roots, rhizomes, stems, leaves, bark, flowers, fruits, and seeds. They’ve been used as flavouring or preservative agents, for medicinal purposes, and in religious ceremonies. For centuries, spices were the source of great wealth, with control of key spice trading routes hotly contested by the Greeks, Romans, and later, several European nations, who fought to retain their powerful positions in the spice trade. Spices are now widely available, often serving as key distinguishing elements of regional cuisine.

SORT IT OUT It pays to be thorough when dealing with your spice stash. Put all your spice containers on the counter and divide them into categories: used often, used occasionally, and used rarely (or never). Starting with the latter two, check for an expiration date on the container. If you can’t find one or aren’t sure how long you’ve had the spices, open the container and see if the spice still has a bright colour and fragrant aroma. Alternatively, try rubbing a little between your fingers or do a taste test to see if it has some potency. If it’s dull or flavourless, it’s not worth keeping.

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Ground spices—up to 2 years Dried herbs (leaves)—up to 3 years Whole spices—up to 4 years

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FOOD Dining In

Get STAYING POWER

Spices last longer when they’re stored in airtight containers, away from damaging heat and light. So not only do you want them in a closed drawer or cupboard, but you also want to choose one that’s not too near the fridge, stove, or dishwasher. A drawer with inserts is a great way to keep them tidy and have all the labels visible for ease of use; alternatively, there are spice shelving units for cupboards, or you can use small Lazy Susans to make spices accessible.

ORGANIZATION As you return the curated spices to their storage space, take a few minutes to think about how you want to organize them, either alphabetically or by cuisine. Spices with high moisture content, such as juniper berries and poppy seeds, are best stored in the freezer.

When it’s time to replenish your spices or add a few new items to your collection, buy them in small quantities, if possible, and place a piece of tape or a label on the airtight container, marked with the date purchased.

SEEK & FIND There are some reliable spice sources in Ottawa; check out places like The Herb and Spice or Natural Food Pantry for a great selection, in bulk. For spices that have a longer shelf life such as peppercorns, dried chili peppers, and whole spices such as star anise, visit the many small Asian markets along Somerset St. West. Quality does matter in the spice world, so your taste buds will be well-rewarded if you take the time to seek out local producers, like garlic powder produced

by Paperboat Farms, located just outside of Ottawa. Wherever you procure your spices, once they’re organized and kept up to date, you’ll always enjoy the subtle or bold pops of flavour they add to the foods you prepare.

ORGANIZING YOUR SPICES

BY COOKING STYLE Baking: cinnamon, allspice, cardamom, ginger, nutmeg, mace, cloves Asian: coriander, curry powder, mustard seed, star anise, garam masala Central/South American: chili powder, dried chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne Middle Eastern: za'atar, saffron, sumac, dukkah, dried mint Mediterranean: basil, oregano, red pepper flakes, thyme, rosemary, sage, garlic powder, tarragon Eastern European: caraway seeds, fennel seeds, paprika, bay leaf, dill, poppy seeds

LEARNING ABOUT SPICES The Spice Companion: A Guide to the World of Spices by Lior Lev Sercarz The Flavor Bible and The Vegetarian Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg The Encyclopedia of Spices and Herbs by Padma Lakshmi, with Judith Sutton and Kalustyan’s

SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 59

FOOD Paula’s Bites

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY

BY PAULA ROY instagram twitter @paulajroy

These tasty little bites are perfect for brunch or as a cocktail snack. They can be assembled and refrigerated for up to 8 hours before baking and can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature.

&

Easy Ham Cheese Puffs 60 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

FOOD Paula’s Bites

Ingredients ¾ cup (115 g) finely chopped cooked ham ⅓ cup (80 g) each grated mozzarella and Swiss cheese 2

tablespoons (12 g) minced chives or green onions

Pinch freshly ground black pepper ¼ cup (57 g) mayonnaise 2

tablespoons (28 g) Dijon

1

sheet puff pastry, thawed but still cold

Flour, for dusting 1

egg yolk, beaten

Fresh herbs or microgreens, to garnish

Method 1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF. 2. In a bowl, combine the ham, cheeses, chives, and pepper. Stir to blend well and set aside.

3. In another bowl, blend the mayonnaise and Dijon.

Add half the mixture to the ham mixture; stir to blend well. Reserve the remaining mayonnaise mixture to use as a dipping sauce.

4. Unroll the puff pastry and place it on a lightly floured piece of parchment paper. Lightly dust the top of the pastry with flour then lay another piece of parchment paper on top. Gently roll the pastry out to a 12 × 12 inch (30 × 30 cm) square. Remove and discard the top sheet of parchment. Trim the edges as needed so you are left with a neat square of pastry.

5. Cut the pastry into 16 squares, each 3 × 3 inches (7.5 × 7.5 cm). Pick up the parchment paper and transfer it and the pastry squares to a large baking tray.

6. Place a tablespoon of the ham mixture in the centre of each pastry square, along the diagonal.

7. With your fingertip, brush a little of the beaten egg on the corner of the pastry facing away from you.

Fold the opposite corner over the filling first, then fold the corner with the egg yolk over it and press gently to seal.

8. Repeat with remaining pastry squares then position about 2 inches apart on the parchment-lined baking tray. Brush the tops with the remaining egg yolk.

9. Bake in preheated oven for 12–14 minutes, until puffed and golden brown. Garnish with herbs or microgreens and serve with dipping sauce.

Make 16 puffs SPRING 2022 ottawaathome.ca 61

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64 ottawaathome.ca SPRING 2022

D

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