Summer 2024 - GREY & BRUCE COUNTIES

EAGLE HARBOUR magic

RENOVATING

CREATE A POLLINATOR PARADISE MAKE SOME KEY LIME BARS plus

“ W h y Ro y al?

r

’s

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beautiful kitchens & baths endless possibilities

is your local source for custom Granite, Marble and Quartz countertops. As a family owned and operated business, we are committed to providing quality workmanship and customer satisfaction. Bring us your ideas and our friendly staff will help make your vision happen. Natural stone is a beautiful and durable way to personalize your dream kitchen or bathroom.

Colour and material selection can be done on-site from our stock of 40 Granite colours. We also offer our customers a wide selection of Quartz surfacing including Hanstone, Caeserstone and Silestone. Or choose from a large selection of Granite remnants that can be used for vanities, fireplace surrounds, accent pieces or just about anything else you can imagine.

To help make The Old Barn a one stop shop, we offer a full line of stainless steel kitchen sinks, porcelain vanity sinks and faucets from Bristol Sinks.

Designer Inspired w Customizable w Fine Furniture w Locally Crafted in Ontario w Solid Wood

Welcome to EAST RIDGE

eXPeRience uPscale liVing

in the picturesque Bruce County, with premier rental options on the horizon! Indulge a hasslefree lifestyle enriched by high-end amenities. Choose from thoughtfully designed 1 & 2 bedroom suites boasting both functionality and elegance, complete premium finishes and private balconies to savour breathtaking views.

enHance youR eVeRyday liVing

with our maintenance-free rental community, where comfort and convenience converge seamlessly. Our thoughtfully designed suites offer a hassle-free lifestyle, freeing you from the burdens of upkeep and repairs. Enjoy modern amenities, beautifully landscaped surroundings, and a vibrant community atmosphere, all tailored to provide a superior living experience. With our dedicated management team handling all maintenance needs, you can focus on what truly matters – enjoying life to the fullest in a space that feels like home.

Welcome to tHe club

Welcome to the heartbeat of East Ridge – The Ridge Club. Get your game on with epic pickleball showdowns, break a sweat in the fitness centre and enjoy casual gatherings at the Ridge Club’s fully equipped kitchen…all conveniently located steps from your door.

Achieve Fitness with our quality TRUE cardiovascular products including Treadmills, Ellipticals, Bikes and Rowers. As well, we offer BODYCRAFT Strength Systems, Functional Trainers, and Free Weight Equipment. Fitness benefits include improving heart and lung health, burning calories, building muscle and skeletal strength and boosting mood!

Boost Youthfulness with a wonderful deep muscle Massage Chair and the famous Softub Therapy Spas handmade in Sudbury, Ontario. Melt away tension and stress naturally, boost feel good hormones, reduce pain and decompress and stretch.

Create Wellness with the benefits of total body detox, increase flexibility and naturally lower pain in one of our Canadian Made Saunas. To help people with healthy nutrition we carry the Solexx Infrared Greenhouses, so that you can extend your growing season. We are also a dealer for Pfenning’s Organic Farms from New Hamburg, Ontario and we receive fresh weekly shipments. Remember, what we eat either contributes to illness or promotes wellness!

TRUE® Cardiovascular LURACO, HUMAN TOUCH, INADA and PANASONIC Massage Chairs

LEGGE Sauna Cleanse

OUR HOMES is a registered trademark of OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC. OUR HOMES Grey & Bruce Counties is published four times a year.

Copies of OUR HOMES are available for free pick up at high-traffic locations throughout the region. OUR HOMES is sent to select business leaders via direct mail.

OUR HOMES Media Group Inc. is a proud member of the Owen Sound and District Chamber of Commerce.

Please send all letters and/or feedback to OUR HOMES Magazine, 25 Elgin St., Collingwood, ON Canada L9Y 3L6. Or email us at editor@ourhomes.ca. All letters received are subject to editing for grammar and length.

OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC:

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Georgette McCulloch

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Heather Wright

DIGITAL EDITOR Tracey Paul

MANAGING EDITORS Walter Franczyk, Donna Luangmany, Sara Martin, Drew Beth Noble, Brianne Smith, Megan Smith-Harris, Gabrielle Tieman-Lee, Janet White Bardwell, Gisele Winton Sarvis

ART

ART DIRECTOR

Tara Chattell

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORS

Sheila Britton, Robynne Sangiuliano

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY

Jason Hartog

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Lynn Derrick

PRODUCTION MANAGERS

Julia Dempsey, Kelly Donaldson, Tracy Shuttleworth

OPERATIONS

MANAGING DIRECTOR, SALES & MARKETING Jamie Jefferson jamie.jefferson@ourhomes.ca

MANAGING DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS

Georgette McCulloch

ACCOUNT

EXECUTIVE & DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Lisa Ormsby

ACCOUNTING Tyler Annette

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Darren Foley

CONTRIBUTORS

Sheila Britton, Mike Chajecki, Lori Davis, Bailey Franklyn, Sabrina Groomes, Andrew Hind, Nicole Hilton, Maddie Johnson, Vlada Karpovich, Brandon Lange, Shaunn Lipsey, Sandy MacKay, Sara Martin, Teresa Matamoros, Caeli Mazara, Jenelle McCulloch, Tamarisk McNalty Stephens, Merri-Lee Metzger, Roman Odintsov, Devon Pastorius, Kiely Ramos, Lynne Richardson, Erin Rochon, Kianna Sunshine, Sarah Tacoma

and the content, including photos, of advertisements published within

HOMES magazine are supplied solely by the advertiser and neither the publisher nor

HOMES Media Group Inc. accept responsibility for opinions expressed in advertisements or for

issues with

to

and advertisements, nor shall they be held liable

By act of reading this publication, all advertisers and readers agree to indemnify and hold harmless both OUR HOMES Media Group Inc., and the publisher thereby. Copyright ©2024 OUR HOMES Media Group Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. OUR HOMES CAN BE FOUND IN THE FOLLOWING MARKETS: • Barrie/Orillia/Midland • The Golden Horseshoe • Grey Bruce • London • Muskoka • Ottawa • Peterborough • Southern Georgian Bay • Toronto & York Region • Wellington County/Orangeville/Caledon/Waterloo Region • Windsor

wWHENEVER I VISIT WIARTON, a stop at Bluewater Park is a must. With plenty of parking, a beach area and a breathtaking view of the escarpment, this rest stop is perfect for a visit or a picnic. But really, the best reason is to admire the Wiarton Willie statue that presides over this scenic spot. What started as a bit of a lark has grown in stature and lore and whether you are a believer in Willie’s prognostications or not, it truly is worth the drive for a fun photo op! While you are there, check out LakeHouse Bath + Kitchen, a stunning showroom that offers help and advice for choosing fixtures from the superior lineup of well-known suppliers of faucets, tubs, sinks, toilets and showers. This local business is one of the People & Places featured in this issue and they are very happy to help make your bathroom or kitchen a sanctuary that reflects your design directive.

Putting a personal touch on a home takes many forms, from small décor additions or replacing an outdated faucet to full-scale renovations, or building a custom home. We all strive to make our homes a reflection of our style and ensure they function for our families. The homes featured in this issue track each owner’s journey toward creating a home they love. Each story reveals the evolution, history, legacy, necessity and hope, culminating in stunning, individual and unique dwellings.

I hope everyone enjoys the lazy, long, hot summer ahead!

Sara Martin, Managing Editor sara.martin@ourhomes.ca

Material: Dekton Rem

CONTENTS SUMMER 2024

ON THE COVER

Ric Swigger and Alison Donivan have a passion for creating beautiful items for the inside and outside of their cottage. Story, page 110. Photography by Sandy MacKay.

LOCAL FEATURES

28 Style Picks Adding these products will make your home brighter, and marvellous.

44 Home & Builder A builder becomes the client during another successful home build for his family.

64 Spotlight Whether you live near or far from the water, Unique Pieces will help bring a seaside spirit to your home.

68 Home & Designer A farmhouse in Paisley built in 1895 is re-imagined and updated with assistance from a local design firm.

90 People & Places These local experts know how to make a house a home.

110 Feature Home Homeowners step up and complete their lakeside retreat, adding a healthy dose of love into every detail.

DEPARTMENTS

20 Editor’s Note

26 Advice Sense of Purpose

32 Cooking At Home Steak & Veggie Salad

34 Decorating Lasting Style

38 Gardening Pollinator’s Life Cycle

56 Real Estate Adding Value

58 Double Take Outdoor Comforts

60 Entertaining Perfect Picnics

80 In The Kitchen Summer Pie Essentials

84 Design Ideas Room Proportions

102 In The Kitchen Storing Summer’s Bounty

106 Crafty Ideas Citrus-Designed Trays

122 Birding Piping Plover Stories

124 Home Resource Directory 126 Cooking At Home Tangy Lime Bars 128 Finishing Touch Outdoor Materials

A Sense of (Re)PURPOSE

Designer Tamarisk McNalty Stephens shares her ideas.

If you want to create a one-of-a-kind home, incorporate salvaged materials. They add an immediate sense of history and heritage to a renovation or new build, which is nearly impossible to replicate with new materials.

There is also a significant sustainable benefit when you repurpose an item as you eliminate some of the environmental implications associated with purchasing new, including the procurement of raw materials and the consumption associated with the manufacturing process and transportation of goods.

Be mindful that there is a labour cost related to salvaging architectural materials, as it is more time-intensive in demolition to remove items without damage than it is to go in with a sledgehammer. Also, it takes time to prepare items or materials for reuse (such as cleaning, removing nails, sanding, planing, re-enamelling, etc.). However, these costs can generally be offset by saving on disposal fees and the cost of new materials.

Where To Look

If you know at the outset of your project that you’d like to include reclaimed materials, set aside the appropriate time to search before your project begins. You can source items at architectural salvage companies, antique fairs and flea markets, online buy and sells, garage sales, the local landfill (some offer a reuse area, but check with your local municipality for conditions), and local Habitat for Humanity ReStores.

If you have friends, family or neighbours renovating a century home or demolishing an old building, approach them to inquire if any materials are available. Always ask for approval before you help yourself to a bin outside a demolition site.

What To Look For

Depending upon the scope of your project, you may be engaging the services of a design and construction team. Discuss at the outset to make them aware of your intention to integrate reclaimed materials and provide any details on items you have already sourced. This will help ensure your contractor and trades can budget more accurately for material, time and labour costs. It also means that the contractor can place reinforcement where required, plan how to transition from one material height to another and make any recommendations from their experience.

When sourcing goods and materials, thoroughly inspect their condition. Beyond the desired patina and authentic features such as handchiseled details and nail holes, closely examine to see if there are any structural defects or damage that may affect the viability of reusing the item. An example would be reclaimed wainscotting stored in a humid location. The tongue and the groove may no longer fit together, and each piece would need to be remilled, which can add significant time to installation.

When purchasing, ask about the history of the product or material, such as where it originated and why it was part of a demolition. This offers authentication (especially if costly) and provides an interesting point of conversation to your home/project.

Items must also adhere to current building code standards. Items such as salvaged balustrades and spindles may need to be modified, as the height requirements have changed over the years. Vintage light fixtures need to be upgraded by a certified professional to pass electrical safety

standards. Mantels may need to be adjusted to ensure they provide the required clearances of the fireplace unit that will be installed.

How To Incorporate

How repurposed materials can be incorporated into your home is limited only by your imagination, the willingness of trades, and the building code (to ensure the safety and well-being of occupants).

EXAMPLES INCLUDE:

• Installing reclaimed timber as ceiling cladding or beams, floor coverings, wall panelling or wainscotting.

• Repurposing fireplace mantels in an updated design.

• Installing reclaimed windows in interior partitions to create a barrier while still allowing the light and the view beyond to pass through.

• Integrating a cast iron or concrete sink in the laundry room.

• Creating a focal point with a unique, handcarved interior door.

• Hanging a collection of vintage lights.

• Installing reclaimed brick or stone as a floor, feature wall or fireplace surround.

Whether you use a little or a lot, repurposing is a guaranteed way for your home to evoke the character and charm inherent in the materials. OH

PHOTO: SABRINA GROOMES

Ray Winterstein, of Winterstein General Contracting, used logs from three century-old cabins in the Collingwood area to assemble this log home.

1 BUDGET BLINDS OF OWEN SOUND

Shutters

Beautiful polyresin shutters are as durable as they are fashionable. They won’t warp, shrink, chip, peel or fade, even in high-humidity locations. They offer long-lasting quality that never needs repainting!

519.793.3921 | budgetblinds.com

2 MARKDALE FLOWERS

Coco Mat

Don’t let a tired, dirty entrance mat greet your guests. A selection of fresh, scintillating designs and sizes will add that wow factor to your front porch and gently remove dirt from the bottom of visitors’ footwear.

56 Main St. W., Markdale 519.986.2721 | markdaleflorist.ca

3 HOUSE RULES DESIGN SHOP

Pendant Light

The transitional Maren pendant from Capital Lighting offers a finish in flat white and matte brass that gives the open-cage design fresh glamour. It’s a head-turning addition to your home.

SEASONAL Delights

Shiny, bright, perfect pieces for the inside and outside of your abode. 1 2

341152 Grey Rd. 28, Hanover 226.434.1234 | houserulesdesign.com

4 THE COOK’S CUPBOARD

Outdoor Tableware

Make your outdoor party chic, fun and safe with unbreakable tableware from Tag Living. It comes in many stunning patterns and brilliant colours for entertaining on the patio or poolside.

183 Goderich St., Port Elgin 226.453.2225 | cookscupboard.ca

5 HANDSTONE CRAFTED FOR LIFE

Chair

The Electra Collection offers clean lines and a modern design that incorporates handcrafted metal work. It includes a selection of sizes in coffee tables, side tables and consoles in a minimalist style that fits with any aesthetic. Through local fine furniture locations | handstone.ca

6 COLLECTIVE HOUSE DESIGN INC.

Room Designs

Let the team of designers handle all elements of a room refresh or a total home makeover starting with a mood board that reflects a curated elegance. Incorporating a client’s dreams, they will design a timeless look using a neutral palette that will offer many years of stylish delight.

By Appointment. 366 9th St. E., Owen Sound 226.256.8280 | collectivehousedesign.com

7 BUILT WRIGHT FENCING

Fence and Planters

Eternity vinyl fencing is maintenance-free, comes in three colour options, has a lifetime guarantee and offers privacy for your outdoor space. The Eternity vinyl planters come in one size and three colours and are accented with a black aluminum frame to coordinate perfectly with your new fence!

519.387.5022 | builtwrightfencing.ca

8 SMITTY’S FURNITURE

Broil King Barbecue

Featuring four stainless-steel burners, an infrared side burner, rotisserie kit and 50,000 BTUs of grilling power, the Broil King Regal S490 Pro IR is built to last with a 15-year, top-to-bottom warranty and a lifetime warranty on the cooking box. Make this barbecue the shining star at the centre of every outdoor gathering.

170 3rd St., Hanover 519.364.3800 | smittysfurniture.com

9 COUNTRY CHARM MENNONITE FURNITURE

Outdoor Chair

The Modern is made with recycled milk jugs and the dense material resists fading, won’t rust and is UV protected. Its solid construction stops the wind from blowing it over. Its glider, swivel base and generous seat provides superb comfort for as long as you want to sit and enjoy summer.

317680 Hwy. 6 & 10, Owen Sound 519.376.4434 | ccharm.com OH

cooking at home

Grilled Steak

AND VEGETABLE SALAD

This salad is as fun to make as it is to eat. Fire up the grill and enjoy tender steak slices on a bed of mixed greens, grilled veggies, and tossed with a zesty vinaigrette.

INGREDIENTS

Makes 4-6 Servings

STEAK & MARINADE

1 - 1 ½ lbs flank steak

½ cup olive oil

¼ cup red wine vinegar

¼ cup soy sauce

¼ cup honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

½ tsp black pepper

SALAD

Vegetables of choice, such as corn on the cob, asparagus, tomatoes

1 Tbsp olive oil

Mixed greens (such as arugula and watercress)

¼ cup blue cheese

DRESSING

2 Tbsp Dijon mustard

1 Tbsp honey

1 garlic clove, minced

2 Tbsp red

wine vinegar or lemon juice

¼ tsp sea salt

¼ tsp

black pepper

2 Tbsp olive oil

DIRECTIONS

Before you begin: The steak will require 12-24 hours to marinate. It’s best to marinate the steak the night before.

In a Ziploc bag or bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Place flank steak in marinade and coat. Let the steak marinate for 12-24 hours in the fridge.

Prepare vegetables for grilling by cutting them into appropriate sizes and brush lightly with olive oil. Remove the flank steak from the marinade. Grill veggies until charred. Cook the flank steak to your liking; for medium-rare, cook the steak for 9-12 minutes, flipping halfway through over medium-high heat. After grilling, allow veggies and steak to rest. Slice steak thinly across the grain.

Prepare the dressing by combining all dressing ingredients and whisking until combined. To assemble the salad, layer the vegetables and steak over a bed of mixed greens. Top with blue cheese crumbles and drizzle the dressing. OH

FOUNDATIONS of Enduring Style

Creating a home that reflects its owner’s personality and lifestyle, and stands the test of time, is similar to building a wardrobe. Just as we invest in classic, well-made and tailored pieces that endure through seasons, our homes demand foundational elements that serve as the backbone of enduring interiors. These are the must-have basics that make up every well-designed home, and the qualities to look for as you shop.

THE SOFA A Centrepiece of Comfort and Style

The sofa is undeniably the heart of any living room – a functional element and an aesthetic focal point –making it an indispensable investment. When choosing a sofa with staying power, prioritize classic lines and neutral colours. Choose materials such as leather or high-quality fabric that not only exude sophistication, but also promise durability. A well-constructed sofa with a sturdy frame and timeless design ensures that it seamlessly integrates into various design styles, which will change through the years.

ACCENT CHAIRS with Lasting Appeal

Complementing the sofa, chairs play a crucial role in providing additional seating and contributing to the overall aesthetic of the room. Look for chairs with clean lines and versatile designs that can adapt to changing trends. Materials such as solid wood or metal frames paired with quality upholstery contribute to the longevity of these pieces. Remember, accent chairs can be reupholstered or refinished, making them a flexible investment that evolves with your changing taste.

Of course, comfort comes first. To that end, here are some things to consider: Your hips should be positioned slightly higher than your knees to facilitate easy standing. Your feet should comfortably touch the floor when you’re sitting deep in the chair. Test the armrests and make sure you can comfortably rest your arms. Continued on page 36

DINING ROOMS

Where Memories and Meals Unfold

Your dining area will host countless gatherings, family meals, important milestones and memories that will last a lifetime. Ensure they’re memorable for all the right reasons, including comfort and style. Choose a dining table with a sturdy construction and a design that transcends passing fads. Wooden tables, whether in classic oak or rich mahogany, have proven to be enduring. Complement the table with chairs that mirror its timeless qualities. Similar to your accent seating, dining chairs can be reupholstered or even repainted to adapt to your style preferences.

BEDFRAME AND MATTRESS

Where Comfort Meets Elegance

The bedroom, a sanctuary for rest and rejuvenation, demands a bedframe and mattress that stand the test of time. Classic wooden bedframes, whether in sleigh or platform styles, exude timeless elegance. Pair it with a high-quality mattress for a perfect blend of comfort and sophistication. Investing in a well-made bed ensures a focal point for the bedroom that will make every night a dream come true.

STORAGE SOLUTIONS

The Unsung Heroes

Functional and stylish storage solutions sometimes take a back seat, but they’re arguably the most important piece of all. Timeless additions such as bookshelves, dressers and sideboards not only keep clutter at bay but also contribute to the overall aesthetic of the space. When selecting storage furniture, consider well-crafted pieces with clean lines. Wood, especially in natural finishes, proves to be a versatile and enduring choice for these essential elements.

In the pursuit of timeless interior design, the key lies in investing wisely in foundational furnishings. Emphasize classic materials, enduring silhouettes and superior craftsmanship to ensure that your home remains a haven of style and comfort for years to come. By making thoughtful choices in these key pieces, you not only build a beautiful living space but also create a home that evolves with you and is a testament to the art of timeless design. OH

Brandon Lange is the principal designer and founder of BZ Interiors in Toronto

FEED YOUR

Caterpillars

There has been a lot of news recently about planting gardens that attract adult pollinators such as birds, bees, butterflies and flies. By cultivating gardens rich in flowers, shrubs and trees – preferably native species – we contribute to environmental well-being, support our food sources and create habitats for local flora and fauna. This effort helps maintain balance and biodiversity in our own little pieces of paradise.

However, to truly support pollinators, we must go beyond attracting adults and consider the entire life cycle, from egg to larvae to butterfly or moth. Creating habitats conducive to the metamorphosis process is essential with specific plants that serve as egg-laying sites, larval food sources and pupation sites.

What can we do? Firstly, we need to shift our attitude towards having caterpillars in the garden. Caterpillars are the main source of food for many birds. The loss of natural habitats poses a genuine threat to pollinator survival, making the creation of pollinator-friendly environments crucial.

STORY TERESA MATAMOROS

Here are some features that can enhance pollinator habitat:

1 2

ALLOWING A WILD CORNER

Dedicate a small corner of your garden to go “wild.” This will provide a starting point for pollinators to enter and thrive. Another word for this is naturalization – when you take up part of your lawn to grow native plants. To be clear, this isn’t abandonment. Some caretaking is still needed.

DIVERSE NATIVE PLANTS

Incorporate diverse collections of native flowering plants – trees, shrubs and perennials – to ensure a continuous supply of nectar and pollen throughout the growing season.

Monarch Caterpillar on Milkweed

Stone & Brick for New Homes & Renovations

Stone & Brick for New Homes & Renovations

Stone & Brick for New Homes & Renovations

Thin Stone Veneers • Mulch (bulk & bagged)

Thin Stone Veneers | Mulch (bulk & bagged)

Topsoil/Aggregates | Steps/Flagstones/Rockery

Thin Stone Veneers • Mulch (bulk & bagged)

Topsoil/Aggregates • Steps/Flagstone/Rocker y Fire Pit K its • Paving & Patio Stones

Fire Pit Kits | Paving & Patio Stones

Topsoil/Aggregates •

Landscape & Masonry Products

Landscape & Masonr y Produc

3

NESTING OPPORTUNITIES

Create diverse locations for ground-nesting and wood-nesting pollinators, including areas with discarded vegetation and rotting logs for constructing nests. A lot of caterpillars pupate in the ground, so keep areas under trees open with groundcovers so soils are not compacted. Leaf litter left over the winter is gold for caterpillars and garden beds.

4

PROMINENT PLANTS FOR POLLINATOR LARVAE

Milkweed for Monarchs.

Columbine (Aquilegia canadensis) is a larval host for the Columbine Dusky Wing butterfly.

New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae) is a larval host for the Silvery Checkerspot butterfly.

Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea) is a larval host for the Painted Lady butterfly.

Golden Alexanders (Zizia aurea) and parsley are larval hosts for the Black Swallow Tail butterfly.

Big Bluestem (Andropogon gerardii) and Little Bluestem (Schizachyrium) is a larval host for the Arctic Skipper and the Little Wood Satyr butterflies.

Hackberry Tree (Celtis occidentalis) is a larval host for the Snout Butterfly and the Question Mark butterfly.

Oaks (Quercus). This genus of tree is home to hundreds of different types of caterpillars. It’s a major player for food for the pollinators. Everyone needs an oak on their property!

5

Now that you have all these amazing caterpillars feeding in your garden, I think it goes without saying – make sure you don’t use any kind of chemical pesticides.

6

PLANT CLUSTERS AND AVOID OVER-CLEANING

Plant the pollinator-friendly plants in clusters rather than singly and avoid excessive garden cleanup to provide suitable overwintering spots for pupae.

7 AVOID CHEMICAL PESTICIDES

ATTRACTING OTHER BENEFICIAL INSECTS

A pollinator-friendly garden may attract additional beneficial insects that don’t have caterpillars as a larval stage, including ladybird beetles, dragonflies, sweat bees and honeybees. Moths do have caterpillars and remember to keep outdoor lights off at night to avoid harming nocturnal moths.

Supporting the larvae of pollinators is a collective responsibility that significantly impacts ecosystems and agricultural landscapes. Nurturing these essential life stages ensures the continued success of pollinators, benefiting the environment, agriculture and the overall well-being of all living organisms, including humans. OH

Matamoros has a Bachelor of Science degree, an Ontario Diploma in Horticulture and is an ISA Certified Arborist.

Teresa

New England Aster

Purple Coneflower

Columbine

Ladybug Larvae

Luna Moth Caterpillar

Black Swallowtail Butterfly Caterpillar

PHOTO: CATHY KEIFER

Blank CANVAS

PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY STORY CAELI

MAZARA

Courtney and Eric Hopkins

THIS TIMELESS BUNGALOW SITS A SHORT DISTANCE FROM HANOVER ON MORE THAN SIX ACRES. THE PROPERTY – A DIAMOND IN THE ROUGH – WAS TRANSFORMED INTO A COUNTRYSIDE OASIS THAT INCLUDES A BEAUTIFUL POOL AREA AND A PUTTING GREEN FOR FRIENDS AND FAMILY TO ENJOY. Continued on page 46

Oak flooring from Cuneo’s Carpet

One Floor & Home is the base of the neutral colour scheme throughout the home, including the main-floor living room. Natural light floods the room from doors that lead to the covered rear porch. Three sofas offer comfortable seating. The accent rug is from Temptations Gifts and Home Decor. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT & BOTTOM: With help from Watson Designs, Courtney and Eric were able to include all their ideas into the final design. The exterior includes stone installed by Bross Masonry using material from Shouldice Stone, black-framed windows from Golden Windows Limited, a black shingled roof installed by Reilly’s Roofing Ltd. and soffit and fascia finished by Chalmers Aluminum Ltd.

home & builder

Eric and Courtney Hopkins are no strangers to the building industry. This is the fourth home they have built for their family and one of many homes they have built for clients. The couple own and operate Stay Awhile Homes, a custom homebuilding company that also offers residential trim installation and framing services. They also own Temptations Gifts and Home Decor in downtown Hanover, giving their clients the best of both worlds in building and design.

They settled on their current property as it was the perfect compromise for the couple, as Courtney was raised in the area and Eric in the country on a dairy farm. “We always wanted to give our three children the chance to experience the freedom of country life, but we are still close to town for extracurricular activities,” says Courtney. The property offered a blank canvas, which allowed them to bring their years of experience and creativity to the forefront without limitations. “We have been involved in so many builds throughout the years and we were very excited to bring all of our ideas to this open space,” says Eric.

The 10-foot island offers a seat for everyone at casual family meals. Plumbing for the project was completed by Green Plumbing, which also supplied the bath and kitchen fixtures. Cabinets are painted Benjamin Moore Simply White. BELOW LEFT: A large pantry offers extra storage, a bar and french-door refrigerator with cabinetry and quartz counters that match the main kitchen. Appliances for the home were purchased from Macdonald’s Brandsource Furniture and Appliances.

1 & 2) The solid quartz counters and backsplash in the kitchen were supplied and installed by The Old Barn. For family meals, an alcove steps from the kitchen is surrounded by windows that offer views of the rear garden. 3 & 4) Fresh green beans are rinsed and ready to be topped and tailed. Accessories for the home were sourced at Temptations Gifts and Home Decor. 5) The kitchen custom cabinetry was supplied and installed by Barzotti Woodworking and includes furniture-style cabinets with glass upper doors for display. For visual interest, cabinets have different depths. Gold hardware and pendant lighting from House Rules Design Shop add warmth.

home & builder

They broke ground in September 2021 and settled in during the spring of 2022. With assistance from Neil Watson of Watson Designs, the 3,400 sq. ft. bungalow has an additional 2,800 square feet on the lower level, which houses a large rec room, theatre room and a dedicated hockey area for mini sticks.

The balanced exterior of the home includes stucco and stone from Shouldice Stone set by Bross Masonry and accented with black framed windows from Golden Windows Limited Chalmers Aluminum Ltd. added the black soffit and fascia. The welcoming front entrance is accented with wood features that bring all the separate elements together.

The backyard is where the family spends most of their time in the warmer months and where they love to entertain. “It gives us a place to escape our busy work lives and just enjoy time with family to reset,” says Eric. The resort-style space includes a fibreglass pool surrounded by appealing stone walkways, all installed by Ground Effects Landscapes, a pool house with a full kitchen, seating area and fireplace, and a one-of-a-kind putting

ABOVE: The open-cage chandelier in the front foyer from House Rules Design Shop presides over this spacious area. Electrical for the home was installed by Dingwall Electric.

BELOW: The formal dining room is open to the front foyer and has another access that joins a hallway to the kitchen. The coffered ceiling is an elegant addition.

ABOVE: The fibreglass pool was installed by and is maintained by Ground Effects Landscapes and is the centre of the family’s summer fun. Wrought-iron fencing was supplied and installed by Built Wright Fencing.

BELOW: The interior of the pool house has a kitchen for preparing snacks and drinks and a casual seating area. All building materials for the home and pool house were sourced through Home Hardware Hanover. OPPOSITE, TOP RIGHT: The rear covered porch overlooks the pool area. Hydroseeding was handled by KNK Lawn Care, which also maintains the gardens and lawn. Landscaping was completed by River’s Edge Garden Centre And Landscaping. Outdoor furniture was sourced through Canadian Tire and Hanover Home Hardware Building Centre. BOTTOM RIGHT: A high-top table and stools as well as the hot tub are placed to watch the action on the putting green, laid by The Grounds Guys.

“BUILDING A HOME IS NOT AS SCARY AS PEOPLE THINK… BUT THE BEST ADVICE I HAVE IS USE AN EXPERIENCED BUILDER” ~Eric Hopkins

green supplied by The Ground Guys, all surrounded by wrought- iron and privacy fencing from Built Wright Fencing. The fully-screened back porch by Wilson Solutions offers another tranquil space to catch the spectacular sunsets at day’s end.

The style of the interior of the home is clean, neutral and timeless, pulling classic features like the coffered ceiling in the formal living room.

“The home is very calm,” says Eric. “It flows seamlessly. Courtney has done a great job with selections for the overall design.” Details including crown moulding, shiplap, trim accents, and the eight-foot, solid-wood doors from North Pole Trim & Supplies Ltd. and oak hardwood floors from Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home carry throughout the home.

Continued on page 52

LEFT: The bar on the 2,800 sq. ft. lower level has counters from The Old Barn and pendant lights from House Rules Design Shop. Walls throughout the home are painted Benjamin Moore White Dove. BELOW: Stairs to the main level are from Century Stair Systems Inc. Furniture for the home was sourced by Courtney through Temptations. Heating and cooling for the home were completed by Hy-Mark.

Leather and fabric furnishings surround a linear fireplace, from Hy-Mark. Audio and video was handled by HDTV and Electronics. BELOW: The theatre room’s tray ceiling is accented by LED lighting, adding ambience on movie night.

home & builder

Custom cabinetry in the kitchen from Barzotti Woodworking is warmed by gold hardware and well-placed lighting from House Rules Design Shop. A 10-foot island, topped with elegant quartz supplied by The Old Barn is where the family gathers for casual meals. From the kitchen and formal living area to the bedrooms and spa bathrooms, every inch of this home has been touched by the expert craftsmanship of the Stay Awhile Homes team and local trades that Courtney and Eric trust to deliver incredible results.

LEFT: The primary bedroom has an electric fireplace for cool summer evenings, supplied by Hy-Mark and installed by Stay Awhile Homes. BELOW LEFT, MIDDLE & RIGHT: The primary en suite has a custom double vanity from Barzotti Woodworking, with counters from The Old Barn. A large glass shower and deep vessel tub bring a spa feel. Solid interior doors were supplied by North Pole Trim & Supplies Ltd. Window coverings were sourced and installed by Wilson Solutions.

home & builder

The home is a testament of the love Courtney and Eric have for building custom homes; having a vision and bringing it to life. “Building a home is not as scary as people think,” Eric says. “Once the pieces of the building puzzle start to come together, it’s amazing to see how quickly everything falls into place, but the best advice I have is use an experienced builder,” he adds, laughing.

The growth that Stay Awhile Homes has experienced is a reflection of both the quality of their builds and the infectious enthusiasm the couple have for their work. For now, they plan to stay awhile and spend many years enjoying and relaxing in their perfect family home. OH

TOP LEFT: In the youngest son’s bedroom, a feature wall helps highlight the gentle curves of the iron bedframe. The sign Create over the desk is inspiration for every day. Trim, mouldings and shiplap were installed by Stay Awhile Homes. TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT: The family bathroom has tile from Crawford Flooring, a large double vanity from Barzotti and counters from The Old Barn.

Resale VALUE

You hear it all the time in home build and renovation literature: the terms “resale value” and “return on investment” (ROI). There is an endless array of articles and experts touting which features and amenities yield the highest return when it comes time to sell your property.

Homes and cottages are seemingly being treated as commodities, and that resale value is more important than personal comfort and preference. Consequently, the perception among many is that homes are losing their personality – that they are becoming plain, boring even, to make them appealing to the greatest potential audience should the property ever be put on the market. Is there truth to this widespread perception? And if so, what is the motivation driving this trend?

Terri Lynn Gibson is a broker specializing

in the Parry Sound District. In her experience, the commoditization of properties is a very real thing, certainly when it comes to cottages.

“There is no doubt that resale value and return on investment are part of the calculus when people build or renovate seasonal properties,” she says.

Terri Lynn believes that it’s part and parcel with trends that are shaping the nature of cottages. “It used to be that cottages were two-season properties and there wasn’t great value placed on them,” she says. “They were gathering places for extended families and

would often be passed down from generation to generation, so they tended to be heavily personalized. That’s no longer the case.”

What were once rather basic, two-season cottages have been replaced by four-season, luxury homes. The trend, already well underway a decade ago, sped up during the COVID pandemic. Because of the expenses involved, and because government regulations now make it costlier to pass down cottage properties to successive generations, cottage properties must be viewed as commodities that will one day be sold.

“Some of the trends we see in cottage design are being shaped by architects and contractors,” Terri Lynn adds. “In the past, people would often do renovations themselves based on plans they jotted down on a piece of paper. Those days are gone. Renovations now require experienced, licensed professionals who are influenced by efficiency, trends, cost, legalities and bylaws, hidden infrastructure, and a range of other factors. The quirkiness of the past is gone.”

The view when it comes to residential properties seems to be different. “I find that people are building or renovating their homes for their own purposes,” says Sherry Rioux, broker and team lead with The Rioux Baker Team who serves the Collingwood-Blue Mountain region. “They love the neighbourhood they are in and don’t want to move. Many people who call me to inquire about doing renovations want to know what will benefit them the most when they sell, but for the most part they are designing to meet the needs of their lifestyle or current family demands.”

As such, people are increasingly investing in improvements that elevate their lifestyle – decks and outdoor spaces, fire pits, garages with optional living space above, and pools. Kitchens and bathrooms, historically the main renovation projects, remain popular as well.

“The biggest mistake people make is to over-invest for their area,” Sherry asserts. “You have to balance what you put into your renovation so you get your money back on that investment.”

Nonetheless, while most of the new builds and renos that Sherry observes in her area are done with personal taste front of mind, she stresses that it is always important to consider those homeowners that will follow. Because at some point you will almost certainly sell.

“Trends come and go,” she says, “so like that ‘little black dress’ be sure to choose finishings that have staying power.” OH

1. UTTERMOST:

6. HAUSER: Nova Sofa

PHOTO: DEVON PASTORIUS

STAND THE TEST OF TIME.

WE DESIGN AND BUILD LANDSCAPES THAT FEEL LIKE A NATURAL EXTENSION OF THE OUTDOORS.

Take a look at what’s in my PICNIC BASKET!

YOUR ULTIMATE GUIDE TO SUMMER SNACKING ON A BLANKET

STORY NICOLE HILTON

1. PICNIC BASKET

A good basket will be well made with a sturdy handle, lined, and include an insulated compartment that provides temperature control for your food. I prefer to select a basket that comes with useful accessories like cutlery, plates and a corkscrew, so I don’t have to remember to pack those separately.

2. TOTE BAG

It’s a given that not everything you want to bring will fit in your basket. Think about how you will transport your picnic blanket, serving pieces, an instant camera and a baguette. I opt for a hands-free backpack that aesthetically reflects the picnic theme since I’ll already be carrying my basket.

Sunny days mean spending as much time as possible outside. If you’re like me, the idea of packing up all the necessities and heading to your local beach or park for lunch, happy hour or a sunset snack sounds like the best way to embrace summer. With the right items, it can be just as special to arrange a picnic in your backyard (or dining room if it’s inclement weather). Here’s a collection of my favourite picnic basics that you can keep on hand for when the mood for finger food strikes!

3. PICNIC BLANKET

Select a blanket that’s versatile enough to use as a tablecloth or ground cover and substantial enough that it won’t fly away in the wind. You’ll want it to be waterproof in case the grass is damp, quick-drying, machine washable, easily portable and cute because it’s the anchor to your entire setup.

PICNIC TIME: Belmont Picnic Basket

BACON BASKETWARE LIMITED: Moroccan Market Backpack

DOCK & BAY: Picnic Blanket in Strawberries & Cream

PHOTO: VLADA KARPOVICH

4. GLASSWARE

Many picnic baskets include wine glasses, but I think it’s important to use unbreakable drinkware as a safety precaution. Stylish and sophisticated glasses that are not actually made of glass won’t cause any trouble if one slips out of your hand while you’re dishing out the potato salad.

5. NAPKINS

This is your chance to add some personality to your picnic! Go bright, go bold, go patterned, go with a funny saying, go themed, go with what you like.

6. SERVING TRAY

A bamboo or melamine tray is light to pack and provides you with stability when you’re dining on uneven ground. Alternatively, you can use it to carry food from your kitchen to your backyard. Set drinks on the tray or pile up the watermelon slices!

9. FOOD WRAPS AND REUSABLE CONTAINERS

When you’re preparing your food, think about how you’re going to get it from point A to point B. Keeping a reliable set of reusable containers with lids and beeswax food wraps in various sizes in your pantry will allow you to quickly assemble your picnic when the forecast is sunny.

7. CHEESE TRAY WITH KNIVES

I’m a big fan of multi-purpose products like a cheese board that also houses all the tools you need. Look for a set that includes at least three styles of knives so you can easily cut, spread or fork your assortment.

8. MELAMINE SNACK DISHES

10. BEST FOODS

Bringing along a few exceptional-quality melamine serving pieces will elevate your picnic and help you avoid snacking out of unsightly sandwich bags. When you’re not picnicking, you can use them poolside or dockside too.

Include a selection of meats and cheeses, olives, crackers, baguettes, dips, sandwiches, prepared salads, smoked fish, fruits, lemon bars, cookies, champagne, wine, sparkling water, lemonade, anything you can eat with your fingers and anything you can elegantly eat on a stick. I enjoy adding food that no one will expect like flower croissants. Press edible flowers into crescent dough, roll into the shape of croissants, and bake for the prettiest pastry. OH

KOZIOL: CLUB No. 14 Superglas Set of 2

NOW DESIGNS BY DANICA: Watermelon Planta Platter

PICNIC TIME: Swiss Cheese Cutting Board & Tools Set

GOLDILOCKS: Beeswax Food Wraps Pollinators Set of 3

Nicole Hilton’s Edible Flower Croissants

PAPERPRODUCTS DESIGN: Strawberry Collage Beverage Napkins

DAVID SHAW DESIGNS: Pampa Bay Melamine Chip and Dip Tray

BEACH vibes

COMING HOME

Throughout their years together, Leah Sargant and Mitch Grant have travelled to and lived in many countries around the world. When it was time to settle back in Canada, they chose Sauble Beach as their permanent home. Leah’s family has ties to the town on the shores of Lake Huron. Their families are close by and her brother was the events coordinator for the Chamber of Commerce. While living abroad, they would return each summer, enjoying the atmosphere, the beach and making friends through volunteering at local events. Once settled in their new base, they started Sauble Cottage Rentals, offering carefree summer vacations steps from Lake Huron. When they started renovating the cottages, Leah was adamant that the interiors should reinforce the proximity to Sauble’s 11 kilometres of white sandy beach. Finding small furniture and décor with a beachy vibe locally proved to be a challenge and there were many long trips to Toronto. On one of those trips, it crossed their minds that they couldn’t be the only people looking for quality lakeside nautical items, and with that, Unique Pieces was born.

Leah Sargant and Mitch Grant sit by the store’s signature camper trailer.

PHOTOGRAPHY KIANNA SUNSHINE

WORTH THE DRIVE

The store, with its wraparound porch and camper trailer parked out front, is located three blocks from the water’s edge and is the perfect backdrop for customers to immerse themselves into a lakeside vacation state of mind. Leah and Mitch have sourced a comprehensive inventory of small wares, lighting, artwork and indoor and outdoor furniture that celebrates beach style with a rich and subtle look. Leah is the passion behind the products and displays. Mitch does the heavy lifting. With more than 80 suppliers, many Canadian, Leah and Mitch have sourced prestigious trade shows, including Highpoint in North Carolina, for distinctive products. Dotted throughout is local artisan furniture and vintage pieces that Mitch and Leah have colourfully refinished to suit the lakeside theme.

Pieces now has outdoor chairs with interchangeable cushions that celebrate fun and colour along with outdoor dining sets and custom wicker and bamboo interior furniture. OH

Restoring the FAMILY FARM

A SIMPLE SLOGAN INSPIRED RON AND CATHY BROWN’S AMAZING 18-MONTH JOURNEY TO PRESERVE A PRECIOUS FAMILY LEGACY. “I SAW A SERVING TRAY INSCRIBED WITH ‘TOGETHER, THEY BUILT A LIFE THEY LOVED,’ AND I KNEW IT WAS THE PERFECT INSPIRATION FOR THE PROJECT WE WERE PLANNING,” SAYS CATHY.

STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

Ron and Cathy Brown with Max

The tray that inspired the renovation of this century brick home is displayed on the antique mantel, refinished by CJW Custom Woodworking. The electric fireplace was installed by Ashpark Electric, which also completed the electrical for the project. Trim and mouldings were supplied by South Bruce Flooring and installed by James Moyse Contracting. OPPOSITE: Built in 1895, this three-generation farmhouse needed updating and new insulation installed by Martin’s Insulation. A new metal roof was installed by North Star Carpentry, which also built three porches. The windows are original but a new front door, painted Windswept Smoke, was supplied and installed by Georgian Bay Window & Door. The 1979 John Deere Tractor was the first tractor Ron’s father bought new.

home & designer

RRon recently inherited his parents’ 50-acre farm with a charming, four-bedroom house in Paisley. For more than 60 years, Ron’s parents Gordon and Eileen Brown farmed the land, tended cattle and raised three sons. “They were very special people,” says Cathy. “This farmhouse stands as a testament to them and the life they built here.” “It was an amazing place to grow up,” recalls Ron, who worked the farm with his brothers.

Originally built in 1895, this three-generation farmhouse had to be completely gutted from the original seven bedrooms and one bathroom to the home it is today. Cathy and Ron wanted renovations to reflect Gordon and Eileen’s remarkable heritage. They enlisted designers Courtney Mahon and Donna Hall, owners of Blended Interiors, to help them fuse a classic farmhouse vibe with some modern, updated aesthetics. “Ron and Cathy’s love for the family farm inspired this project,” says Courtney. “There are unique features and pieces collected over the years and we knew the goal was to save and reuse them where we could.”

Donna and Courtney skillfully wove classic touches with modern conveniences. “They were absolutely amazing,” says Cathy. “What began as a business relationship quickly turned into friendships that we will treasure forever.”

Continued on page 73

Courtney Mahon and Donna Hall of Blended Interiors helped the Browns create a farmhouse vibe with updated, modern details. Custom cabinetry was supplied and installed by Luxury Woodworking.

The dining table from Country Charm Mennonite Furniture sits in the enlarged kitchen. The restored original front door of the home is painted Benjamin Moore Pomegranate and now leads to a closet. The hemlock boards for the flooring were found, installed and finished by Glen Leslie’s Hardwood Flooring. Lighting for the home was sourced by Blended Interiors and installed by Ashpark Electric. The photo of the barn is by Jamie Smith.

OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: By removing part of a wall, Donna and Courtney made the front foyer brighter and larger. Transom windows were added over the entrance to the TV/media room. BOTTOM LEFT: The vanity in the powder room was sourced at Smith & Hladil Home Hardware Building Centre and installed by James Moyse Contracting. Black accent details are found in the sconce lighting, hardware, mirror and the towel rack. Tile for the floor was supplied and installed by Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home.

home & designer

Ron and Cathy worked for a week removing the plaster from the bricks and Bluewater Sandblasting brought back the original colour. The custom cabinetry was supplied and installed by Luxury Woodworking. Blended Interiors sourced the LG Viatera White Solace counters installed by Latitude. Trim throughout the home is painted Benjamin Moore White Dove supplied by Grey Bruce Paint & Décor.

The original hemlock wallboards were repurposed and used throughout the home while exterior gingerbread trim was repurposed as décor in the upstairs reading nook. The original front door, complete with doorbell and decorative scrolling, was salvaged from the rafters of the driving shed and reinstalled as an interior door leading to a new closet in the dining room. CJW Custom Woodworking restored the door’s original hardware, replaced glass panels with seeded glass and painted it bright pomegranate. “When I was a kid, I remember mom wanted to change the front door and stuck this one in the shed,” Ron recalls. They incorporated their Scottish and Canadian heritage into the design by using family heirlooms and antiques as décor. “We tried to combine both heritages to make this ‘our’ home. Some antique items came from my two grandmothers and some prints came from Scotland,” she says.

The Browns used local trades including James Moyse Contracting to handle the renovation while North Star Carpentry built three new porches and installed the steel roof. The Water Store supplied the reverse osmosis system. “We were very fortunate that almost every single trade that came into our home saw our vision and treated it with the utmost respect,” says Ron. Cathy loves baking and entertaining, so updating and enlarging the kitchen, added in 1910, was a must. Courtney and Donna reclaimed space from an unfinished mud/laundry room and incorporated an unused “butler” staircase as auxiliary access to the second-floor primary suite. “By doing this, we were able to add a dining room and create a U-shaped kitchen with a huge island,” says Donna. Luxury Woodworking and Cabinets Ltd. supplied custom, softclose cabinets that contrast beautifully with an original, red brick wall. “We spent an entire week chiseling the plaster off that wall,” says Ron. “It was a lot of work but totally worth it when we saw the result.” A hen-shaped egg jar that belonged to Cathy’s Scottish grandmother roosts on open shelving while Gordon’s CN Rail clock has kept time in the kitchen for six decades.

TOP RIGHT: Eileen’s prized roasting pan that cooked many meals in Ron’s childhood, is still used by Cathy. Appliances were sourced at Leon’s Owen Sound. RIGHT: The subway tile backsplash is a modern addition that highlights the brick wall. The Bristol sink has been matched with a Moen faucet, both chosen by Blended Interiors. Cathy’s grandmother’s hen-shaped egg dish sits at the top of the open shelving.

home & designer

THIS PAGE: Wallpaper in the primary bedroom was sourced at Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home. The side table and the clothes hook were built and refinished by Ron. The original flooring was sanded and stained using Early American by Minwax. Mementos from Ron and Cathy’s families are displayed throughout the home. Another nod to the history of the home are the interior doors that display the old lock covers.

Donna and Courtney created light and space in the entranceway by revamping the home’s foyer. They removed part of a wall, creating a TV/media room, allowing more natural light to filter into the foyer. “The original staircase was very dark so we opted to run with a softer, lighter colour palette throughout the main and second floor,” Donna adds. All trim and mouldings for the project came from South Bruce Flooring

In the sitting room, an electric fireplace, installed by Ashpark Electric, sports an antique mantel, salvaged from a century-old barn. Family artifacts as well as barn doors Ron made from reclaimed wood flavour the room with nostalgia. The piano in the room has been in the family for generations. An antique trunk serves as a coffee table while Ron’s grandpa’s chair provides a cosy place to relax.

The second floor underwent a metamorphosis that included creation of a primary suite, new bathroom, walk-in closet and laundry room. “Everything on the second floor was a massive transformation,” says Courtney. They also refashioned the somewhat spooky service stairs off the kitchen into a beautiful transition to the primary suite, making it private and separate from the three guest bedrooms.

Continued on page 76

“OUR HOPE IS TO CONTINUE TO SHARE OUR HOME AND MAKE MEMORIES WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS FOR MANY GENERATIONS TO ENJOY.” ~Ron Brown

LEFT: The newly-created primary en suite has a glass shower, with tile sourced and installed by Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home and glass from Owen Sound Glass Service. Plumbing for the home was completed by Go Plumbing. BELOW: The vanity was sourced through Smith & Hladil Home Hardware Building Centre. Window coverings for the home were supplied and installed by Wilson Solutions.

home & designer

The guest rooms brim with memories of Gordon and Eileen’s history. A wooden ladder, reclaimed from the driving shed, displays Eileen’s award-winning quilts while her glasses, old books and a rotary dial telephone grace a night table. In the Petunia room, a colourful painting of a cow hangs over the bed. “Eileen and Gordon were compassionate toward their cows and every single one had a name. Petunia was one of their favourites,” Cathy says.

Continued on page 78

ABOVE: In the reading nook, gingerbread from the exterior of the home was repurposed. The wall colour throughout is Benjamin Moore Pale Oak and painting was completed by John Price and James Moyse Contracting. Metal grates located in the home before the renovation have been incorporated into the new design. TOP

RIGHT: In the primary suite, the laundry room is located opposite to the walk-in closet. Ron made the shelf using boards removed from the home during the renovation.

RIGHT: Eileen’s prize-winning quilts hang on a wooden ladder found in the driving shed.

FAR RIGHT: Refashioned service stairs join the primary suite with the kitchen area and give Cathy and Ron a private getaway when family and friends stay overnight.

home & designer

Wilson Solutions provided and installed all window coverings for the home.

Now that the renovation is completed, Cathy and Ron, who currently reside in Owen Sound, look forward to living at the farm full time. “Because of Mom and Dad, we are here today. Our hope is to continue to share our home and make memories with family and friends for many generations to enjoy,” says Ron. Donna and Courtney are thrilled with the results of their collaboration with the Browns. “We wanted to create a home that would last for another 100 years, where new generations could add to those memories and enjoy spaces that functioned well,” says Courtney. OH

A panelled feature wall in a guest bedroom is painted Benjamin Moore Pilgrim Haze. Bedding and pillows follow a similar colour palette. BELOW LEFT: Tucked under the sloping ceiling, an iron bed is dressed with crisp, cotton floral patterned sheets for a deep, restful night’s sleep. BELOW: The guest bathroom has a chest of drawers that belong to Ron’s parents. It is a useful addition, giving extra storage for towels and toiletries.

LEFT:

Essential Kitchen Items for Baking the PERFECT SUMMER PIE

You can turn baking into an interactive endeavour with your partner, kids and friends, or save it for a day when you’d like some solo time to get creative in the kitchen. Either way, you’ll want to make sure you have all the things you need to whip up a delicious dessert that’s good enough to win top prize at the local fair!

Start with an apron.

Chances are you’re going to get flour and a few squished blueberries on your shirt. Select an apron that has utility pockets for your kitchen accessories, like a handy dishtowel for quick cleanups and a whisk, spatula or wooden spoon. Take your favourite family recipe out of your card box, consult a cookbook, search online, poll the audience, phone a friend – basically ensure you have a plan ready for your pie.

Let’s be honest, pies are always a good idea! With a variety of homegrown fruits like strawberries, cherries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches and early apples available throughout the summer months, fruit pies are truly a seasonal luxury in Ontario.

STORY NICOLE HILTON

DANICA: Now Designs Belle Plaid Classic Apron

DANICA: Now Designs Butcher Stripe Chef’s Apron

PHOTO: ROMAN ODINTSOV

in the kitchen

Next, account for all the tools you’ll use throughout the baking process.

Essential kitchen items to keep in your pantry include a good set of stainless steel mixing bowls for combining pie crust and filling ingredients, a stand mixer for effortlessly creating the perfect crust, measuring cups and spoons, a colander for washing your fruit and a reliable rolling pin to smooth out your pastry dough.

Once you’re ready to assemble the pie, choose a dish to bake

it in.

With so many interesting options on the market now, you can use a traditional white ceramic dish, a glass dish or even one with a pop of colour and a matching bird that’s used to let the steam out while your pie is baking. If you’re testing a new recipe for something like key lime pie bars, opt for a non-stick pan that will easily release your treat! When the dish is lined with crust, the filling is poured and you’re ready to secure the top, try using a pastry crimper and cookie cutters to design the aesthetic. There are lots of tutorials online that show how to make lattice tops and custom cutouts that will transform your pie into a work of art. A sharp knife and pastry brush will prove beneficial to have on hand too. Many seasoned pastry chefs also recommend using a pie shield for baking, which is a thin ring placed around the edges that prevents the pastry from browning too fast.

Lastly, set your kitchen timer to pie o’clock, Remove your pie from the oven safely using an appropriately themed oven mitt, and get ready to enjoy the fruits of your labour! OH

DANICA: Now Designs Sweet as Pie Printed Cotton Dishtowel

DAVID SHAW DESIGNS: Costa Nova Stacked Organic Sky Pie Dish

DAVID SHAW DESIGNS: Costa Nova Stacked Organic Sky Bird

KITCHENAID: Blossom Stand Mixer

DAVID SHAW DESIGNS: Fluted Deep Pie Dish 2L

CANFLOYD: Maxwell & Williams Epicurious Quiche Dish White 25x5

DANICA: Now Designs Sweet as Pie Recipe Card Box

DANICA: Now Designs Ivory Stoneware Measuring Cups

DANICA: Now Designs Matte Steel Robins Egg Blue Mixing Bowls

DANESCO: Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin

CANDYM: Primitives By Kathy Berry Bowl – Farmhouse

CANDYM: Primitives By Kathy Spatula – Strawberries

CANDYM: Primitives By Kathy – Kitchen Set

DANICA: Heirloom Gold Measuring Spoons

design ideas

SIZING UP YOUR SPACE

STORY SHAUNN LIPSEY | PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE CHAJECKI

Whoever told you size doesn’t matter, was likely not a designer. In fact, the ultimate goal of balance and harmony begins with finding the right “fit” for everything in a room –within the context of the space and everything in it.

To arrive at these perfect numbers, there are some no-fail formulas to keep in your back pocket. But before getting into some calculations, it’s crucial to understand the basics of scale and measurement in design. Scale refers to the size of an object in relation to the space it occupies, while measurement involves the accurate sizing and placement of furniture and décor elements within a room. Striking the right balance between the two is fundamental to achieving harmony.

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

Start your design journey by measuring the dimensions of the rooms you plan to decorate. Accurate measurements serve as the foundation to select appropriatelyscaled furniture and arranging it in a way that optimizes the available space. Pay attention to the width, length and height of the rooms, the position of doors and windows, and the scale of any large items that must be included.

CHOOSE FURNITURE WISELY

When selecting furniture, consider the scale of the room and the proportions of existing pieces. Oversize furniture in a small space can make the room feel cramped, while undersize pieces in a large room may look lost and insignificant. Choose furniture that complements the scale of your space.

design ideas

EMBRACE NEGATIVE SPACE

Negative space refers to the empty areas around furniture, and it is as important to a room as the furniture itself. Negative space gives the eye a chance to rest and creates space for people to pass through or sit and breathe freely, without being crowded. In a living room, for example, the goal is to encourage intimacy and conversation, while leaving enough breathing room. To help you achieve both, here are some loose guidelines:

30-to-36 inches between large furniture pieces for pathways.

Three-to-five feet between armchairs. 14-to-18 inches between the sofa and coffee table.

About seven feet between seating and the television, depending on the overall size of the space.

Underestimating or eliminating these gaps will make the space feel cramped, not cosy.

CREATE VISUAL BALANCE

Achieving visual balance is essential in interior design. A well-balanced room feels comfortable and inviting. Balance can be symmetrical, where identical elements are evenly distributed, or asymmetrical, where different elements are used but still achieve equilibrium. Experiment with the placement of furniture and décor to find the most visually pleasing arrangement. Varying proportions can create balance, while adding interest to a room and preventing monotony. Combine furniture of different heights, shapes and sizes to create a dynamic and visually appealing space.

THE RULE OF ODDS: There’s a certain appeal to odd numbers, which allow for symmetrical, balanced arrangements. The next time you’re arranging a shelf collection or tabletop display, choose a grouping of three, five or seven, with the tallest at the centre.

CONSIDER CEILING HEIGHT

The height of your ceilings also plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate scale for your décor. High ceilings can accommodate taller furniture and larger artwork, while lower ceilings may benefit from lower-profile furniture and more compact design elements. Keep this in mind to ensure a cohesive look throughout your home.

THE RIGHT HEIGHT: The rule of thumb when hanging lighting is the bottom of your fixture should hang 30-to-36 inches up from countertops and tabletops, or seven feet from the floor.

A little scale goes a long way. Choosing a piece of furniture that fits into the bigger picture of the room, with all the other furnishings around it, and even the air that surrounds it, gives that piece greater meaning than it would ever have on its own. OH

Shaunn Lipsey is the principal and creative director for Shaunn Lipsey + Co, a Toronto-based design-and-build team.

Indigenous People in Skilled Trades

Bridging Tradition and Innovation

Indigenous people play a crucial role in the skilled trades, merging traditional knowledge with contemporary methods. Their deep-rooted craftsmanship and sustainable practices enrich the industry; promoting cultural diversity and environmental awareness.

With skills passed down through generations, Indigenous tradespeople maintain a profound connection to their cultural heritage. By blending traditional techniques with modern practices, they produce remarkable works of art and architectural marvels while preserving ancestral wisdom. This was captured in our photo featuring the Waabino Kwe singers (representatives of the Saugeen First Nations) as they concluded our Tools In the Trades event in partnership with the Saugeen Sparks Training Centre.

Recognizing and celebrating Indigenous contributions in the skilled trades not only honors their legacy but also inspires a new wave of tradespeople. Embracing their cultural diversity and expertise can lead to a more inclusive and sustainable industry that benefits everyone.

OYAP is a School to Work program that opens the door for students to explore and work in apprenticeship occupations starting in Grade 11 or Grade 12 through the Cooperative Education program. The program is funded by the Government of Ontario. The goals of OYAP are:

• To provide students with the opportunity to start training in a skilled trade while completing the requirements for an Ontario Secondary School Diploma.

• To enable students to make the school to work transition by direct entry into apprenticeship training.

• To provide employers with the opportunity to train the skilled workers they require.

• To provide a viable solution to address the problem of skilled tradespeople shortages in general, and specifically the lack of young people joining the trades.

Qualified RESOURCES

Make all your home wishes come true with the services and expertise of these local professionals.

LAKEHOUSE BATH + KITCHEN

We provide a curated selection of high-quality plumbing fixtures. With more than 20 years of experience in the industry, our team brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every project. Our commitment to quality extends beyond recommendations as we ensure that we have worked with every product we offer.

EXPERIENCE

Step into our designer-curated showroom where every piece has been handpicked for its unique style and quality. Our uncluttered space offers a serene backdrop, allowing you to focus on each carefully-selected item

SUPERIOR PRODUCTS

We pride ourselves on offering top-quality products with industryleading warranties, ensuring that our customers receive durable and reliable solutions for their needs. We proudly feature Canadian brands in our selection, like Baril, Riobel, Maax, ICO and more.

“Create your bath + kitchen retreat.”

Nathan & Rebecca Vascotto, Owners

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

people & places

AND-ROD CONSTRUCTION

AND-ROD Construction was founded on a collection of core values handed down from one generation to the next. For this construction company, hard work is a given, but the principles we uphold are so much more than that. Through the maintenance of important human characteristics such as honesty, communication and drive, we are able to foster a healthy working environment where the service and the final product are as important as the process.

Jose and Amanda Adino Rodriguez, Owners with Maggie

“We are committed to accomplishing the highest tier of design, construction and landscaping, exceeding clients’ goals and taking pride in our work.”

SKILL

We employ uniquely qualified and skilled engineers, construction professionals with industry experience and trustworthy carpenters, contractors and landscapers to provide you with reliable, respectful on-time service.

EXPERIENCE

Our experienced team of professional design specialists, planners and building experts is equipped to assist you with the planning, design and completion of your new building project. Beginning with the initial phone call or email to assess your goals and aspirations for your project, and ending with the implementation of final construction steps and landscaping, our team is with you throughout the process.

Bernie McGlynn, Owner & Sherena McGlynn, Sales Manager

LUMBER

We collaborate with our brother company, Bernie McGlynn Lumber Ltd., to offer customers 100 per cent Ontario wood products. Our logging crew delivers approximately two truckloads of logs per day that feed the sawmill, which in turn works its way through the kilns and production line to offer our customers beautiful wood products manufactured in Bruce County.

SOUTH BRUCE FLOORING

South Bruce Flooring has carried on the tradition of providing quality wood products for 20 years to our satisfied customers. Over that time, we have offered prefinished hardwood flooring, trim, stairs and doors. To keep up with new design trends, we have added a primed-trim product line, live-edge slabs and pre-finished engineered flooring.

PHOTO: SARAH TACOMA

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

Chris Johnson, Owner

SAVINGS

Although lumber prices have stabilized, ICF still offers substantial savings, energy efficiency and a fast and accurate building process. ICF can also be used for the floors and the roof of a building for greater heating and cooling cost savings.

HIGH-R CONSTRUCTION

Insulated concrete form construction is our specialty. With more than 10 years of experience working with ICF, we are the experts on completing new builds, additions and apartment complexes that have an insulation value of R22 or higher. Our team can professionally excavate for a foundation and install septic systems as well.

ADVANTAGES

ICF offers long-lasting insulation values, through unlimited wall widths that will keep your home warm in the cold months and cool in the warm months. Unlike batt insulation that can sag or be eaten by rodents, the insulation values of ICF are maintained for the life of a building.

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

people & places

MILLER’S HOME HARDWARE BUILDING CENTRE

Building your dream home can be overwhelming, but we are here to walk you through the entire process with everything under one roof. From picking a design in the Beaver Homes and Cottages catalogue to flooring, kitchens, final paint, window coverings and everything in between, we can help you shop for your entire house in one place.

WHY MILLER’S?

Ryan Greig, Beaver Homes and Cottages Design Consultant

Miller’s offers flexibility and guarantees. Flexibility in design, materials, customer involvement, project scheduling, plus all the benefits of using the Beaver Homes and Cottages program and our exceptional customer service and superior quality products. Once the final design is chosen, your price and quantities are guaranteed. No surprise added costs and no shortage of materials you need to build your dream.

DESIGN PERFECTION

Flexibility in design is another great feature of the program. Pick a model from the catalogue and we begin modifying to suit your needs. We make as many revisions as it takes to get the design perfectly suited for you. Changes along the way are well communicated so there are no surprise costs at the end of the build.

PHOTOS: CRYSTAL GUNSON

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

people & places

RM KNAPP CONSTRUCTION

Let our talented team handle any structural repairs, restoration, excavation or demolition. Whether a ground-up restoration of a historical building, work on a newer residential or commercial building or an addition, we have the experience to seamlessly complete large or small projects to our clients’ complete satisfaction.

Rick

Knapp, Owner

RECENT PROJECT

With ancient, massive square-cut logs, this historical log home was moved to the shore of Lake Huron many years ago. It is undergoing a complete renovation that includes a new foundation and twostorey addition, which will return it to its former glory as well as providing more space for the homeowners.

BRUSH CLEARING

With our specialized equipment, we can create trails through your property, clean-up fence rows or the overgrown land lining a driveway. We quickly clear brush, weeds and trees up to four inches in diameter, leaving behind a mulched trail that requires very little maintenance, adding enjoyment and value to your property. OH

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

How to Properly Store FRUITS, VEGETABLES & HERBS

STORY BAILEY FRANKLYN | ILLUSTRATIONS SHEILA BRITTON

With rising food costs, finding ways to make food last longer and reduce food waste is a hot topic. Proper storage of fruits, vegetables and herbs is one of the most effective ways to maintain quality and freshness, and impacts how long your food will last.

Fruits & Vegetables

You might think all fresh produce belongs in the fridge, but this isn’t the case. Some items do better at room temperature, at least until they’re ripe, and some prefer a cool, dark place. And some have even more specific storage tips to keep them fresh longer.

BEST STORED IN THE FRIDGE

Apples, asparagus, green beans, berries, broccoli, carrots, cauliflower, celery, citrus, grapes, lettuce/leafy greens, mushrooms, peppers and zucchini.

SPECIAL STORAGE TIPS

Asparagus: Fill a mason jar or container with water, place the asparagus in with the stems down, and cover loosely with a plastic bag.

Berries: Wash, dry and remove any mouldy or soft berries before placing in a plastic container lined with paper towel or a clean towel. Leave the lid cracked.

Lettuce and leafy greens: There are two recommended methods for storage of greens. Either store them unwashed in the original container topped with a paper towel or a clean tea towel to absorb any excess moisture, or store in a salad spinner after it’s been washed and spun. Discard the excess water and cover with the lid.

Mushrooms: Store them in the packaging they came in, or in a paper bag.

BEST STORED ON THE COUNTER TO RIPEN, AND THEN MOVED TO THE FRIDGE FOR LONGER STORAGE

Avocado, bananas, kiwi, mango, melons, nectarines, peaches, pears, plums and tomatoes.

BEST STORED IN A COOL, DARK, DRY PLACE

Garlic, onions, potatoes, squash and sweet potatoes.

SPECIAL STORAGE TIPS

Don’t store your onions (or bananas) near your potatoes and sweet potatoes. Onions and bananas release a gas called ethylene, which can cause potatoes to spoil quickly, since they’re sensitive to ethylene.

Herbs

Similar to fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs will last longer if they’re stored properly.

BEST STORED IN THE FRIDGE

Cilantro, dill, mint, oregano, parsley and rosemary.

SPECIAL STORAGE TIPS

There are two suggested methods to store herbs. With both methods, wash, dry and trim a bit of the stems first. Then you can either store them like asparagus, in a jar or container with water, and cover loosely with a plastic bag, or wrap them in a damp paper towel and store in a plastic bag. OH

CITRUS Tray

MATERIALS

15-inch round piece of wood 2 paintbrushes

Lime green and white acrylic paint

Hardware

Topcoat

HOW-TO

STEP ONE

Start by painting a coat of the lime green paint approximately ½ to ¾-inch around the edge of the round wood.

STEP TWO

Mix one part of lime green paint to five parts white paint to achieve a pastel green shade. Apply this mixture along the edge of the bright green paint, extending approximately one inch.

STEP THREE

To create the citrus sections, find the centre of the round and paint a circle using the pastel green paint. Then, use a pencil to sketch eight sections around the circle, using the centre as your guide. Keep in mind, sections do not need to be perfect – real citrus fruits are naturally imperfect.

STEP FOUR

Next, mix approximately three parts white paint to one part green paint. Paint rounded triangle shapes within each section to create the citrus segments. Fill in each segment with the pastel green colour. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly.

STEP FIVE

Apply two coats of topcoat to the tray for durability. Allow each coat to dry completely. Add hardware.

Use your citrus tray to add a refreshing touch to your next gathering. OH

AND-ROD LANDSCAPING

Let AND-ROD Landscaping offer you peace of mind when it comes to your gardens.

We specialize in garden care and regular maintenance, spring and fall clean-ups, new garden design and installs, naturalized landscapes, native and ornamental plantings, mulching, cultivating, weeding, fertilizing, grass repairs and cutting, planters and more!

We offer 4 Seasons Maintenance for your Gardens:

• Keep your yard and gardens looking top-notch throughout the seasons

• Weekly, Bi-weekly or Monthly Plans

• Spring and Fall Bulb Planting and New Garden Installs

• Upkeep and Fertilization

• Lawn Mowing and Fertilization with a Maintenance Program

• Winterizing your Gardens and Shrubs

We know what plants best suit the area to create your outdoor oasis. We offer weekly, bi-weekly and monthly maintenance. If your property requires a little or a lot of care, we have the solution for you. Our knowledgeable and educated landscape team can build a low maintenance, yet beautiful garden space, so you can spend your time relaxing and enjoying your gardens instead of weeding.

We are happy to offer the same professional approach as AND-ROD Construction Ltd Drop us a line today to book your Spring/Fall Clean Up, Garden Maintenance Consultation or New Garden Discovery Meeting with Cheri today! and-rodcontracting.com 226.459.0141

(Please see ad on pg 9)

BUILT WRIGHT FENCING

Our primary focus is on what you want and envision when it comes to “changing the look of your property”. Whether your project is for your residence or business, our experienced staff will help you design and recommend the best solutions for your fencing needs. Our expertise in chain link, wood privacy, ornamental wrought iron and Eternity vinyl fence allows us to build whatever you can imagine, giving you that one-of-a-kind look for your property.

Whether your project is for curb appeal, privacy or security reasons, we will build you a fence to suit your needs and lifestyle. Built Wright Fencing is the best choice when it comes to ensuring that every detail is exactly what you want and expect when making that final decision.

We know exactly what it takes to deliver a quality job at competitive prices with the best customer service in the business.

This family-owned and operated team will stand behind our promise to you that we will deliver the products and services you want with the integrity and courtesy you expect.

Give us a call today – we are committed to making your dreams and ideas a reality with free on-site consultation and quote.

Doug Wright 519.387.5022 builtwrightfencing.ca (Please see ad on pg 6)

HANDSTONE FURNITURE

In this day and age, not many things are built to last. But Handstone Furniture isn’t one of them. We refuse to compromise. It’s been that way since we started in 1999 as a one-man woodworking shop. Today we remain a familyowned Canadian manufacturer of custom-made, solid wood furniture. We still hand-select the kiln-dried walnut, cherry, maple and red oak hardwoods we work with. We continually invest in adding state-of-the-art manufacturing equipment to our facilities. And we never forget that the only thing equal to the precision and accuracy of modern manufacturing process is the technique and attention to detail that comes from having a reverence for old world craftsmanship. We practice lean manufacturing methods and each piece is built-to-order. Handstone Furniture is different. It takes a little longer to build. You’ll wait a little longer to get it delivered. But we think you’ll agree...its lasting beauty is worth it.

To explore our designer collections and vast customizable options visit handstone.ca

(Please see ad on pg 12)

BUCKLEY MORTGAGE BROKER – MORTGAGE WELLNESS

Gerard Buckley, a well-known community leader in Ontario, has demonstrated remarkable support for the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation through his numerous philanthropic efforts. As the head of Buckley Mortgage Broker – Mortgage Wellness, Buckley has utilized his position to foster significant community engagement and support for healthcare initiatives.

Under Buckley’s leadership, his firm has contributed generously to the foundation, aiding in the enhancement of local healthcare services. These contributions have been pivotal in upgrading medical equipment and facilities, ensuring that the community receives high-quality medical care. As a sponsor of Huron Shores Gran Fondo and the foundation’s Annual Telethon, Buckley’s involvement goes beyond financial support; he actively participates in foundation events and campaigns, raising awareness about the importance of community health and well-being.

His commitment to the Saugeen Memorial Hospital Foundation is a testament to his dedication to corporate social responsibility and his belief in giving back to the community. Through his efforts, Buckley has not only impacted the foundation positively but has also set a high standard for other corporate leaders in the region to follow. His work with the foundation is an inspiring example of how leadership and resources can be leveraged for the greater good, making a lasting difference in the health sector.

866.496.4028

buckleymortgagebroker.ca

(Please see ad on pg 87)

TOP O’ THE ROCK

Top O’ The Rock is a family run business located in Eugenia (the heart of Beaver Valley).

We have been serving Eugenia and surrounding area for 34 years.

We offer our customers virtually everything they need. Our Deli/Bakery is serving up custom-made subs and sandwiches, sliced meats and cheeses and fresh baked goods daily. You really must try our croissants!

We stock a vast selection of grocery products and healthy “to go” meals.

Select from over 20 flavours at our Ice Cream Station. Be sure to try our chocolate dipped waffle cones.

Our business is built through the support of our many loyal customers. Our mandate is to serve the needs of our community by providing the highest quality in products and services.

We strongly believe in supporting our local suppliers and growers. You will find many of their products in store.

Our mission is to simplify your life by providing you with a memorable, quick and easy shopping experience.

We are always ready to listen to your needs and suggestions. Please stop in, say hello to our friendly staff and let us know how we can better serve you.

194424 Grey Road 13, Eugenia | 519.924.3244 topotherock.com

(Please see ad on pg 125)

RIDGEWAY METAL FORMING

Ridgeway Metal Forming is a family-owned business located in Bruce County.

We specialize in manufacturing metal roofing, siding and trim packages for residential, commercial and agricultural applications. In addition to this, we sell the components needed to install your roofing or siding.

A 40-year paint warranty covers all of our metal and is available in multiple colours and designs.

Our “Classic Series” line is the traditional exposed fastener panels for roofing and siding panels which we manufacture in-house and deliver to your job site.

Our “Premier Series” line is hidden fastener panels for roofing and siding and can be made at your job site with our portable machines. This helps eliminate shipping damage on these specialty panels.

We manufacture all the regular and custom trims in-house to ensure consistent quality standards with shorter lead times.

Whether your project is large or small, new build or renovation, the team at Ridgeway is here to help ensure that your buildings are protected with the best metal products available in the industry. Call today to learn more about our products or to place your order.

We look forward to having the opportunity to serve you.

519.363.3757

(Please see ad on pg 93)

SAUBLE COTTAGE RENTALS

Sauble Cottage Rentals has been providing quality vacation cottages throughout Sauble Beach Since 2010. Our cottages are privately owned and provide comfort and style for your family/ friends to enjoy while creating lifetime memories.

Lakes, rivers, waterfalls and beaches…there are many to explore nearby. The 11km long Sauble Beach is a short stroll from all our cottages. Some of our cottages are less than a five-minute walk to the sand and the sun setting onto Lake Huron. When the day is done, kick back, relax and enjoy your private backyard, the star-filled sky and a campfire.

Sauble offers many activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Hike/bike the nearby trails or paddle your way up the Sauble River. Downtown has many shops to browse and great patios for a delicious meal. Explore The Bruce Peninsula! Tobermory is a 1.25 hr drive with many communities close by to explore. Take in a stock car race, shoot a round of golf or play some pickleball when not on the beach!

Leah and Mitch are always available to assist you and can be found daily at Unique Pieces on Main Street in Sauble Beach. Follow Sauble Cottage Rentals on Facebook/Instagram and visit our website at rentsaublecottages.com (Please see ad on pg 61)

WILLIAMS’ PAINTING & FINISHING

Founded in 2007 by owner and operator, Chris Williams, Williams’ Painting & Finishing is a fully-insured, family-owned and operated business, proudly delivering professional and efficient painting and finishing services to residential and commercial clients across Grey and Bruce counties.

Williams’ Painting & Finishing takes great pride in our workmanship and reputation in the finishing and refinishing industry. Our versatile services and extensive client list are a direct result of our strive for excellence.

At our professional finishing facility, we work together with contractors, cabinetmakers and millwork carpenters to finish their client’s projects to total perfection. From colored lacquers to custom-matched stain and clear-coated projects, we can assist you in exceeding your customers’ expectations.

For homeowners, we can refinish your kitchen cabinetry professionally with up-to-date industry-leading and long-lasting coatings that are specifically developed for wood refinishing purposes…and keep you on budget. We can even transform that quality piece of family heirloom furniture into a modern-looking piece so that it can, once again, shine with pride of ownership.

Whether the project is big or small, we focus on making sure your furniture, home or business looks its best. Our experience shows from the very beginning where we ensure each project is prepared properly by using the right products and equipment for each job.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram | 519.379.6060 williamspainting.ca

(Please see ad on pg 105)

Fiddler’s Green US ON

STORY MADDIE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

Picture this: a cosy cottage tucked away on the shores of Lake Huron with a breathtaking view from a large window overlooking the tranquil waters. This is Fiddler’s Green – a slice of heaven crafted with love and creativity.

Continued on page 113

LEFT: Homeowners Ric Swigger and Alison Donivan are ready for an afternoon of summer fun at the outdoor bar with a walnut live-edge counter supplied by TimberFrame Sheds and Gazebos. ABOVE: Ric constructed the pathways throughout the two-acre property, with one that leads to seating around a fire pit, steps from Lake Huron. OPPOSITE,

TOP: Ric’s business, Bruce County Barn Board and Rustic Wood Designs, built the pergola over the barbecue and the cedar dining table from wood milled from the property. Dan Hollis Contracting Ltd. enclosed the porch with vertical sliding windows and doors from Sunroom Solutions. Fusion Stone skirting in Raven was installed by Dan Hollis Contracting and supplied by Port Elgin Home Hardware Building Centre. 1) The house design is the Dorset II from Beaver Homes and Cottages. The roof is covered in Driftwood shingles installed By Dan Hollis Contracting. 2) Whimsical additions surprise visitors on their way to the bunkie. 3) The bunkie was created from an existing garage on the property. Ric added the outdoor shower. 4) Ric built a rack for kayaks located steps from the water.

The Kohltech windows from Port Elgin Home Hardware Building Centre flood the living area with light and a view of the water. The paint colour is Behr Urban Raincoat. Ric built the coffee table, which bares the initials of his business, Bruce County Barn Board. OPPOSITE, BOTTOM LEFT: Ric installed Golden Select Laminate flooring in Sandstone. BOTTOM RIGHT: Seating in the living room area surrounds a Dimplex Electric fireplace finished with stone, shiplap and a rustic wood mantel. The area rug was sourced through The Modern Farmhouse.

NNestled on Lake Huron in Eagle Harbour, Fiddler’s Green is not just a cottage, it’s a testament to the passion and dedication of its owners, Ric Swigger and Alison Donivan. Their journey began in teachers’ college, where they bonded over a love for The Tragically Hip and their shared career aspirations.

“I am very proud of what we’ve built,” says Ric. “I think it’s very inspiring.”

“It’s a blend of all the things we really love,” adds Alison. Let’s rewind a bit.

The roots of Fiddler’s Green trace back to Ric and Alison’s friendship with Ross and Dianne King. Ross, Ric’s former high school teacher and mentor, inspired Ric’s passion for English. When Ross retired, Ric stepped into his shoes at Chesley District High School.

Their summers spent visiting the Kings ignited a desire in Ric and Alison to put down roots in the area. Their initial search led them to purchase an income property in Port Elgin. During renovations, they tore down an old garage and discovered beautiful barnboard hidden beneath layers of shingles.

Alison saw the potential in salvaging the wood, which marked the beginning of their business, Bruce County Barn Board and Rustic Wood Designs. Their daughter Hayley joined in on the fun, adding her artistic flair with handcrafted signs framed in century-old barnboard. Continued on page 115

The Craftsman-style front door in Chestnut was sourced through Port Elgin Home Hardware Building Centre. The bench does double duty either as a spot in the shade for contemplation or for removing footwear.

In the dining niche, a blueprint of a masted sailing ship becomes a feature wall. Many furniture pieces in the cottage have been refinished after being discovered by Alison and Ric. Electrical for the cottage, including the bar shed, was completed by Rob Kaufman Electrical.

“Salvaging old barnboard was just the beginning,” Ric recalls. “Before we knew it, we were crafting furniture, making signs – the whole gamut!”

In 2018, opportunity knocked when the lot next to the Kings in Eagle Harbour became available. With dreams of building their own lakeside retreat, Ric and Alison seized the chance to turn their vision into reality.

“It was one of those serendipitous moments,” Alison says. “We knew we had to seize the opportunity.”

Armed with a Beaver Homes and Cottage package and the help of Dan Hollis Contracting Ltd., they set out to bring their vision to life. Alison took charge of designing and compiling a project list, while Ric began crafting furniture for the upcoming construction of the cottage.

In 2020, when schools closed, Ric and Alison turned their almost completed cottage into both a refuge and a classroom. Alison taught from the kitchen, dubbed “the elementary wing,” while Ric taught high school from one of the bedrooms, jokingly called “the secondary wing.”

ABOVE: The couple are avid readers and in the living room a cupboard is filled with books offering a transportive summertime read. TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT: The kitchen cabinets are Matte White Sektion from Ikea with laminate counters that resemble grey concrete, all installed by Ric. The dark grey island is topped with Karlby oak veneer butcher block with bronze pendants above from The Modern Farmhouse and installed by Rob Kaufman Electrical. Appliances are Whirlpool from Leon’s Owen Sound.

At the same time, several tradespeople they had arranged to complete interior projects were affected by supply chain issues and COVID restrictions that resulted in Ric and Alison taking on more tasks using their creative ideas.

“Building during those challenging times meant we had to do more ourselves.” says Alison. “So we essentially had to do it all.”

Surprisingly, amidst the chaos, their ongoing cottage construction provided a welcome distraction.

“We work really well as a team,” says Ric. Together, they poured their hearts into every detail, infusing Fiddler’s Green with warmth and character.

They created an outdoor bar and cabana in a shed supplied by TimberFrame Sheds and Gazebos. The barbecue pergola, both fireplace build-outs, all beds, the coffee table, foyer woodwork, large kayak rack, benches, the outdoor cedar shower, and so much more, were designed and handcrafted by the couple.

“The property is filled with evidence of our passions,” says Alison. “It’s very ‘us.’ ”

The name itself emerged one night around a campfire, a nod to their love for The Hip and the mythical allure of life by the water.

LEFT: In the front foyer, Ric has created an organized area for outdoor necessities. The shelving and the bench are topped with ash finished with a stain called Early American. BELOW: The reality of blackflies and mosquitoes makes the screened porch a comfortable retreat for an afternoon nap or read. The sign over the window was made by their daughter, Hayley. OPPOSITE: 1) The fiddle belonged to Ric’s grandfather and is displayed in the living room. 2) A glass bowl of shells is a nod to the location of the cottage. 3) Signs in their son’s room have lighthearted messages aimed at fishermen. 4) For two teachers, having a map that might have hung in a classroom years ago is a thoughtful addition to the home. 5) This is the music that inspired the name of the cottage and the start of Ric and Alison’s journey together.

“Their music became a soundtrack of the life we built together with family and close friends,” says Ric. “We wanted the cottage to be a reflection of that – our love of all things Canadian, The Hip, our family and our passion for creating beautiful things together.”

Every nook and cranny of Fiddler’s Green tells a story, from the trestle-style outdoor dining table crafted from cedar off the property to the cherished fiddle of Ric’s grandfather proudly displayed in the living room. Continued on page 120

LEFT: A door in the primary bedroom leads to the deck that runs the width of the cottage. Interior solid core doors are Birkdale by Jeld-Wen and were installed by Dan Hollis Contracting Ltd. Ric built the bed and side tables. The bamboo blinds are from blinds. ca. BELOW: The Odensvik double-bowl vanity is from Ikea. The accent wall is painted Behr Grey Shimmer. Black accessories make a graphic statement against the white shiplap. Plumbing was completed by Dan Hollis Contracting Ltd.

ABOVE: Built-in cabinetry by the electric fireplace in the primary bedroom provides storage and a surface to display mementoes.

“Just about everything has a meaning. Everything in here is tied to a story of us,” says Ric.

As the sun sets over the waters of Lake Huron, casting a golden glow upon Fiddler’s Green, one can’t help but feel the magic that permeates this lakeside haven. OH

ABOVE LEFT & RIGHT: Behr Infinite Deep Sea cocoons Hayley’s bedroom. The bed was built by Ric and Haley made the sign. Radiant in-floor heat keeps the cottage toasty on cool evenings and was installed by Dan Hollis Contracting. LEFT: In the bunkie, guests have a choice of sleeping options, a living room area and a spot to prepare coffee in the morning.

Plovers IN A DANGEROUS TIME

STORY LYNNE RICHARDSON

Generalists and Specialists

Many bird species thrive in Ontario despite the ongoing pressures of habitat loss and degradation, climate change and urbanization. These species are known as the Generalists. They’re not overly fussy about their diet, they are equally at home in rural or urban niches, and they readily adapt to any available nest site. Think robins, starlings, doves, grackles and crows, among others. They’re doing ok!

But many of our birds are not doing ok. These species are often the Specialists – birds that have evolved to be totally reliant on very specific habitat, nesting and food requirements. Without precisely the right conditions, they simply cannot thrive, or even survive.

ADVICE FROM A PIPING PLOVER

Take long walks on the beach. Feel the sand between your toes.

Find your place in the sun. Pipe up! Explore the shore. Share the shore! Watch chicks on the beach.

Just coast for a while.

Be a plover lover. It’s a shore thing.

The Piping Plover

One such specialist species is the Piping Plover, a handsome, charismatic wee shorebird that nests in very small numbers (only 70 pairs, five pairs in Ontario) exclusively on extensive, wide, sandy beaches (no other beaches will do) on the shores of the Great Lakes. These beaches beckon throngs of beachgoers, and the plovers historically had to share the shore with many hundreds of humans throughout their breeding seasons. Piping Plovers nested in Ontario up to 1977, but for 30 years after they were extirpated from Ontario due to competition from intensive human use of beaches, encroaching beach-side development, and general habitat degradation. Consequently, the species was listed as endangered in 1985. But thanks to a combination of intensive site protection, predator control and some captive rearing of abandoned eggs in the U.S., around 25-plus years ago the birds began a bit of a comeback. In 2007, two young Piping Plovers found Sauble Beach (how did they do that!) and each other, and nested!

Because of their status as an endangered species, Piping Plovers are protected when they land on one of our beaches. Being a specialist, the birds will only nest on the sand on the open beach; although in a vulnerable location, that’s just how they’ve evolved, relying on their sandy colouration for camouflage. So, when a nest is found, a predator exclosure cage is set up over the nest, a foraging area is roped off, a shorebird biologist and a group of volunteers monitor the nesting and the chicks and educate beachgoers on the need to share the shore with the vulnerable baby birds and their protective parents. Even so, odds are against a nest surviving the 28 days of incubation, or for the four eggs to hatch, or for all four of the adorable, fuzzy, precocious little chicks to survive to fledge.

But they persist! Should the nest be successful, each chick is leg-banded with multi-coloured bands. These blingy bands allow researchers to track the birds after they leave their natal beach, and from season to season thereafter, should they survive the rigours of being a very tiny bird in a very big world. Occasionally we are lucky enough to track a few over a number of seasons. This was the case with one plucky little plover identified by her bands as Ms. Green Dots.

The Story of Green Dots

Green Dots, named for the green dots on her leg bands, hatched on a Lake Michigan beach in 2015. In 2016, she came to Sauble Beach and pair-bonded with Mr. Lonely. He spent the whole summer of 2015 at Sauble without finding a female friend, hence the nickname. Green Dots and Lonely-no-more soon had four eggs on the go, but partway through the incubation he fell victim to a predator! Green Dots had to abandon their nest as plovers share incubating duties and one parent simply can’t manage alone.

However, the season was still young, the nesting instinct prevailed, and Green Dots soon hooked up with Port Boy, a single bird that fortuitously came late to Sauble looking for love. They nested, but Port Boy was also predated! So Green Dots, at only one year old, had already lost two mates, two nests, eight eggs and eight potential chicks. Such is the life of a Piping Plover.

Mr. Blue Bands

In 2017, Green Dots returned to Sauble Beach and found herself a third new beau, Mr. Blue Bands. They scraped out their nest in the sand and filled it with four big eggs. But there was trouble. Blue Bands was a deadbeat dad. He did not like incubating. Male and female plovers take very equal turns at incubation; Blue Bands however would show up late for his shift. He didn’t like to settle down to business. He would get off the eggs and run about picking up small shells or pebbles, and toss them around! He would stand on the eggs! Once, monitors saw that he had somehow knocked an egg right out of the nest during these antics. However, he bumped it back into place before Green Dots was any the wiser. Despite all this, the four eggs hatched and all four wee, incredibly cute chicks fledged – quite a rare ploverly accomplishment!

A Plover Love Story

In 2018 their love story continued. Green Dots and Blue Bands arrived back at Sauble, on different dates, but after a bit of beachcombing found each other, reunited and renested. Blue Bands had now become a very attentive dad, which is a good thing as plover chicks are a handful! They hatch out and hit the ground running in all directions, often right into paths of trouble. Gulls, Merlins, foxes, dogs, raccoons, and boisterous beachgoers are a daily danger on the beach. Green Dots and Blue Bands had their work cut out for them. Nevertheless, this pair repeated their bond at Sauble again in the summer of 2019.

In 2020, the global pandemic closed the beach for much of the breeding season. When it opened for a few days in June, three plovers were found. Blue Bands was one of them, but Green Dots was not. Perhaps she arrived at Sauble only to find Blue Bands with another plover lover. We’ll never know. However, she was soon relocated on a big beach in Michigan where she found an older male friend. They both returned there the following summer as well. But this pair-bond didn’t last a third year.

In the summer of 2022, Green Dots

decided, for whatever reason, to check out a beach in Pennsylvania and remained there with another new suitor. They fledged three chicks. In 2023, she returned to the same beach and to the same suitor, but he was predated shortly after their nesting began. The resilient Green Dots again carried on and found yet another new mate, but sadly, after a relatively long lifetime of dodging all manner of dangers, she too finally met her own demise.

Plover Lovers

Over the course of her eight years, Green Dots had no fewer than six different ploverly lovers. Perhaps Blue Bands was her favourite, or perhaps he was the only plover she could find in the tiny plover gene pool for those three years. While we’re not sure how much true love is involved on the part of the plovers, we know there is plenty on the part of the volunteers and beachgoers who become plover lovers. Stories such as this may be somewhat anthropomorphised, but nevertheless, they are both science-based and melt your heart at the same time. And we only hope that more of these fascinating life histories will be documented for years to come.

Wouldn’t it be ploverly? OH

Sharing the Shore

Predator and Prey

Chick on the Beach

Releasing newly banded chicks on the beach

Exclosure, nest, egg and two chicks

PHOTO: MERRI-LEE METZGER

PHOTOS: PLOVER LOVERS

OUR HOMES attracts the area’s finest businesses to advertise in our pages, and utilize our unparalleled distribution and coffee-table appeal to market their products and services. We’re making it easier for you, our readers, to become educated as you plan your home- and real estaterelated purchasing decisions. View these business ads online at ourhomes.ca. The listings below are organized alphabetically by industry.

ACCOMMODATIONS/LODGING/ RENTALS

Sauble Cottage Rentals, 61, 109

ANTIQUES/REPRODUCTIONS

Aberfoyle Antique Market, 105

APPLIANCES

Square Deal Neil’s TV & Appliances, 81

ARCHITECTS/ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/ ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS/ DRAFTSMEN & DESIGN

Alora Designs Inc., 95 Watson Designs, 53

BUILDERS

A.M. Contracting, 21

Alair Homes, 23

AND-ROD Contracting, 9, 108

Good Little Builders Inc., 18

Great Lakes Custom Homes, 97

Grey Bruce Builders Ltd., 61

HighR Construction, 83, 105

Miller’s Home Hardware Building Centre/Beaver Homes, 33

North Star Carpentry, 77

Pineridge Log & Timber Frame, 13

Royal Homes Ltd., 3

Sinclair Homes, 99

Stay Awhile Homes, 55

The Great Lakes Frame Company, 132

Universal Builders, 57

Valley Home Improvements, 103

Wiarton Design Centre div of Wiarton Home Building Centre, 87

BUILDING/LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

Centre Grey Building Supplies, 125

Flesherton/Markdale Home Hardware, 125

Miller’s Home Hardware Building Centre/Beaver Homes, 33

Moggie Valley Timber Inc., 83

Wiarton Design Centre div of Wiarton Home Building Centre, 87

CABINETS & MILLWORK/ CARPENTRY/FINE WOODWORKING/ CUSTOM FURNITURE

DJ’s Furniture, 35

Great Lakes Woodworking Elmwood, 99

Luxury Woodworking, 66&67

Topnotch Furniture, 10&11

COUNTERTOPS

City Stone, 21

The Old Barn, 4&5

EDUCATION

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), 88&89

Simcoe County District School Board, 88&89

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, 88&89

EXCAVATING/SITE PREP/SEPTIC

HighR Construction, 83, 105

Hopkins Unlimited Inc., 31

FENCING/DECKS/GATES

Built Wright Fencing, 6, 108

Postech Grey Bruce, 103

Precision Deck and Fence, 42&43

FINANCIAL/INSURANCE/MORTGAGE/ INVESTING

Buckley Mortgage, 87, 108

Co-operators, 121

FIREPLACES & STOVES/ACCESSORIES

Chantico Fireplace Gallery, 25

Pratt Plumbing and Heating, 18

FITNESS/WELLNESS

Legge Fitness, 16

FLOORING

Conway Furniture, 63

Cuneo Interiors Carpet One Floor & Home, 8, 37

Moggie Valley Timber Inc., 83

South Bruce Flooring, 79

FLORAL DESIGN/FLORISTS

Markdale Flowers, 121

FOOD & DRINK/RESTAURANTS/ CATERING/DELI

Top of the Rock, 109, 125

FOUNDATIONS

Cook Concrete, 53

Postech Grey Bruce, 103

FRAMING/SIDING/MILLWORK

Grey Bruce Builders Ltd., 61

FURNITURE & HOME DECOR/ ACCENTS/GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES

Bruce County Barnboard and Rustic Wood Designs, 119

Conway Furniture, 63

Country Charm Mennonite Furniture, 129

DJ’s Furniture, 35

Handstone Furniture, 12, 108

House Rules Design Shop, 55

Smitty’s Fine Furniture, 131

The Cook’s Cupboard, 81

Topnotch Furniture, 10&11

Unique Pieces, 61

Wiarton Design Centre div of Wiarton Home Building Centre, 87

GARAGE DOORS

Peninsula Overhead Doors, 2

GARDEN CENTRES/GREENHOUSES/ NURSERIES

Maxwell Garden Center, 41

Pine Valley GreenHouse, 18

GEOTHERMAL

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating Inc., 95

HEATING & COOLING

Ken Philp ClimateCare, 101

Pratt Plumbing and Heating, 18

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating Inc., 95

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/ RENOVATIONS

A.M. Contracting, 21

Good Little Builders Inc., 18

Great Lakes Custom Homes, 97

Spring Ridge Contracting & Design, 27

Valley Home Improvements, 103

INSULATION

Airtight Insulation Solutions, 55

HighR Construction, 83, 105

INTERIOR DESIGN/HOME STAGING

Blended Interiors, 77

Collective House Design Inc., 27

Cuneo Interiors Carpet One Floor & Home, 8, 37

House Rules Design Shop, 55

KITCHEN & BATH

Great Lakes Woodworking Elmwood, 99

House Rules Design Shop, 55

LakeHouse Bath + Kitchen, 31

Luxury Woodworking, 66&67

The Cook’s Cupboard, 81

Wiarton Design Centre div of Wiarton Home Building Centre, 87

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE/ LANDSCAPING/LAWN & GARDEN

Beaver Valley Rock Solid Landscapes, 59

Clarke’s Tree Spade Service, 41 Hutten & Co. Land and Shore, 7

MACHINERY/SMALL EQUIPMENT/ FARM SUPPLIES

Equipment Ontario, 107

Maple Lane Farm Service, 97

MOVING & STORAGE

John Thompson Movers, 20

NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

Baybounds – Sinclair Homes, 99

East Ridge – WT Living, 14&15

ORGANIZATION/STORAGE

Blended Interiors, 77

Wilson Solutions, 85

OUTDOOR FURNITURE/STRUCTURES

Maxwell Garden Center, 41

Spring Ridge Contracting & Design, 27

TimberFrame Sheds & Gazebos, 121

PAINTING & DECORATING

Allen’s Home Hardware Building Centre, 8

Benjamin Moore, 8

Cuneo Interiors Carpet One Floor & Home, 8, 37

Grey Bruce Paint and Decor, 8

House Rules Design Shop, 55

Lockwood Painting, 99

Southhampton Home Hardware, 8

The Cook’s Cupboard, 81

Willam’s Painting and Finishing, 105, 109

PAINTING, PRIMING, BLASTING & STAINING

Premier Industrial Painting, 107

PAVING/CEMENT/CONCRETE/ INTERLOCK

Cook Concrete, 53

PLUMBING

Ken Philp ClimateCare, 101

Pratt Plumbing and Heating, 18

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating Inc., 95

POOLS/HOT TUBS/SAUNAS/SPAS

Immerspa, 17

REAL ESTATE

Chestnut Park Corporate, 19

RETIREMENT CENTRES & COMMUNITIES/SENIOR CARE

Elgin Lodge Retirement Residence, 31

ROOFING

North Star Carpentry, 77

Ridgeway Metal Forming Inc., 93, 109

SOLARIUMS & SUNROOMS

Grey Bruce Patio Enclosures, 119

STONE PRODUCTS/VENEER

West Shore Stone and Brick Inc., 39

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Ashtons Blinds.Draperies.Shutters, 20

Budget Blinds of Owen Sound, 27

Cuneo Interiors Carpet One Floor & Home, 8, 37

Sunset Blinds, 53

Wilson Solutions, 85

WINDOWS & DOORS

Desboro Doors, 35

Home & Cottage Windows & Doors Inc., 95

North Star Carpentry, 77

WOOD REFINISHING/RESTORATION

Bruce County Barnboard and Rustic Wood Designs, 119 Willam’s Painting and Finishing, 105, 109

cooking at home

Get more recipes at ourhomes.ca/blogrecipes

key limePIE BARS

You’ve got to try these creamy, tart and sweet bars, and celebrate a bite-size taste of summer. These bars have a buttery graham-cracker crust layered with creamy key lime filling and topped with zesty whipped cream!

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JENELLE MCCULLOCH

BEFORE YOU BEGIN: The bars will require four hours of cooling time and are best if given time to firm up in the fridge after assembling. This is a great makeahead dessert option!

Ingredients

CRUST

1 ½ cups graham cracker crumbs

6 Tbsp butter, unsalted and melted

FILLING

5 large egg yolks

2 tsp key lime zest

²/³ cup key lime juice

1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk

WHIPPED CREAM TOPPING

1 ½ cups heavy cream

¼ cup powdered sugar

1 tsp vanilla extract

Lime zest

Directions

Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line an 8-by-8-inch baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some to hang over the sides. This will make it easy to take the bars out of the pan. In a bowl, mix graham cracker crumbs and butter until combined. Press mixture into the prepared baking pan and bake for 10 minutes in the oven, or until slightly golden.

Prepare the filling by mixing the egg yolks, lime zest, lime juice and sweetened condensed milk.

Pour the filling onto the crust and smooth the top. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until the filling is mostly set. The centre will be a little wobbly. Let cool at room temperature, then move to the fridge to set for four hours.

Once the bars are cooled, whip the heavy cream with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add powdered sugar and vanilla. Whip until combined and medium peaks form. Spread the whipped cream on top of the key lime bars. Top with lime zest. Place back in the fridge to set for another 30 minutes. Slice into bars and enjoy! OH

OUTDOOR inspiration

17. CRATE & BARREL: Pinwheel 20x20 Black Butterfly Outdoor Throw Pillow by Lucia Eames 18. RENWIL: Rockhill Indoor/Outdoor Pillow 19. CB2: Silves Black Boucle Outdoor Throw Pillow 20x12 20. RENWIL: Halford Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

21. CB2: Silves Black Boucle Sphere Outdoor Pillow 22. SURYA: Barbados BBD-2315 Outdoor Safe Rug 23. CB2: Diver Handwoven Black Indoor/Outdoor Performance Doormat 2x3 by Ross Cassidy 24. SURYA: Charmaine NEPF-001 Outdoor Safe Pouf

25. CB2: Sorena Black And Warm White Indoor/Outdoor Reversible Performance 8x10 Area Rug

26. CRATE & BARREL: Monstera Jacquard 20x20 Loggia Tan Outdoor Throw Pillow 27. JAIPUR LIVING: Armour ARM02 Indoor/Outdoor Lumbar 13x21 Pillow

28. CB2: Silves Light Brown Boucle Outdoor Throw Pillow 20x12 29. CRATE & BARREL: Natural Tan Brown 20x20 Textured Triangle Outdoor Throw Pillow 30. ANNIE SELKE: Zhara Stripe Ivory Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Pillow 31. CB2: Faro Handwoven Performance White and Natural Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug 32. POTTERY BARN: Three Stripe Jute Doormat 33. JAIPUR LIVING: Skandi SKA03 Indoor/Outdoor Pouf 34. JAIPUR LIVING: Villa VIL02 Indoor/Outdoor Rug OH

COMRAD SHADOW Grade. 4