Summer 2024 - LONDON & STRATFORD

Beautified BYRON BUNGALOW

Our Turn To Elevate Your Project.

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Maverick by Visual Comfort & Co.

With a sleek modern silhouette, a DC motor, and super energy-efficiency, the Maverick ceiling fan features softly rounded blades, and elegantly simple housing. This advanced LED technology is carefully designed, and selected to have the highest quality LED chipsets for superior performance, and reliability.

REGIONAL PUBLISHERS Jamie Jefferson Georgette McCulloch

REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR Megan Smith-Harris

REGIONAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Julia Dempsey

MARKETING & ADVERTISING Megan Smith-Harris, 519.857.3835 megan.smithharris@ourhomes.ca Jamie Jefferson, 705.730.3827 jamie.jefferson@ourhomes.ca

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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

Emma Bauso, Sheila Britton, Mike Chajecki, Sabrina Groomes, Jason Hartog, Nicole Hilton, Andrew Hind, Vlada Karpovich, Nicole Laidler, Brandon Lange, Shaunn Lipsey, Teresa Matamoros, Kathryn MacDonald, Jenelle McCulloch, Tamarisk McNalty Stephens, Merri-Lee Metzger, Jackie Noble, Devon Pastorius, Kiely Ramos, Lynne Richardson, Erin Rochon, Jessica Russell, Megan Smith-Harris, Valerie Wilcox

Advertisements and the content, including photos, of advertisements published within OUR HOMES magazine are supplied solely by the advertiser and neither the publisher nor OUR HOMES Media Group Inc. accept responsibility for opinions expressed in advertisements or for copyright issues with regards to photos, advertising copy and advertisements, nor shall they be held liable thereby. 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

CHANTELLE

DESIGN

RREMEMBER WHEN YOU WERE A KID AND SUMMER SEEMED TO STRETCH ON FOREVER?

There was no agenda. You’d bike, play in the park, swim and eat ice cream with your friends. Maybe there’d be a backyard camp-out with ghost stories and s’mores. Monopoly and card games on rainy days, hamburgers, hot dogs and Kool-Aid on the sunny ones. At night, you’d collapse into bed, nodding off to the comforting murmur of your parents’ voices drifting up from the patio. You felt safe and loved and excited for the next day.

I miss those times and wonder if there’s a way to recapture them as an adult? For the last several years, my summers have been jam-packed with house-hunting, mortgage calculations, packing, unpacking, getting to know my new community and (happily) reconnecting with old friends. This summer, my goal is to embrace the “less is more” maxim. Less clutter, fewer chores, fewer commitments.

I want to focus on the simplicity of living in the moment and the luxury of being spontaneous. I’d like to get a teensy bit bored to see where that boredom leads me – to a book, a garden project, a new experience or just a hammock under a tree.

Life is about peaks and valleys. Maybe taking a break from the exhilaration of peak experiences and relaxing in the valleys will prove restorative.

The pages of our Summer 2024 issue are bursting with colourful design ideas, new recipes and three very stylish house features. Perhaps you’ll feel inspired to tackle one of our DIY projects, or to refresh your indoor/outdoor living spaces or maybe you’ll just kick back and listen to the epic cicada symphony we’ve been promised this summer. Whatever is in store for you, have fun! Who knows? Maybe I’ll run into you at the ice cream stand.

Megan Smith-Harris, Managing Editor megan.smithharris@ourhomes.ca

MCNEISH

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• Three bedrooms and three full baths in more than 2,250 square feet

• Tilt-and-turn European windows, custom cabinetry,

• Surrounded by rich organic farmland, small-town charm and natural beauty

• minutes away

•

• So much more to come in Phase II — launching in spring 2025

Just two of these award-nominated freehold townhomes remain!

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CONTENTS SUMMER 2024

LOCAL FEATURES

18 Style Picks Elevate your look with these summertime finds.

28 Home & Builder Blue Ash Building transforms a Byron bungalow.

50 Spotlight Enter the stylish world of Wills & Prior at their Stratford store.

56 Home & Builder Sixty trades and suppliers step up for a worthy cause.

66 People & Places Local professionals share their design expertise.

82 Home & Designer A dated Port Stanley cottage gets a vibrant makeover.

DEPARTMENTS

12 Editor’s Note

16 Advice Purposeful Redesign

22 Cooking At Home Steak & Veggies

24 Design Ideas Size Matters

38 Double Take Outdoor Ambitions

40 Birding Plover Life

42 Entertaining Raise The Bar

46 Decorating Timeless Tips

52 Gardening Flowers That Feed

74 Entertaining Picnics With Personality

92 Real Estate Renos & Resale

94 Crafty Ideas Citrus Rules

95 Home Resource Directory

96 Cooking At Home Sweet Lime Treats

98 Finishing Touch The Great Outdoors

A Byron bungalow gets a makeover that embraces summer living. Story, page 28. Photography by Jason Hartog. ON THE COVER

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.

custom home builder + designer

thinking of building?

choose from one of our townhome developments or go completely custom on our country-sized lots let’s get started on something spectacular

INDOORS AND Out

1 RAVEN WINDOWS

Aluminum Curtain Walls

Redefine architectural design with sleek and functional Aluminum Curtain Walls. European-engineered and Canadian-fabricated, Raven Windows’ Curtain Walls feature high-quality materials and advanced glazing for excellent thermal performance and energy efficiency.

1116 Dearness Dr. Unit 21, London 519.601.5544 | ravenwindows.com

2 COVERS DESIGNERS’ EDGE

Roller Shades

Altex roller shades featuring District Newton High Speed Lite Lift are ideal for oversize windows. Manufactured in Canada, they are available in many fabrics and colours, suitable for any décor. The childfriendly dual wands allow the largest shades to open and close with ease.

1950 Hyde Park Rd., London | 519.660.3661

297 Exeter Rd., London | 519.652.0222 coverscanada.ca

3 QUANTUM VERDI

Alexa Daybed

Alexa is a versatile and flexible furniture piece. Positioning the cushions as you like for your day-to-day needs opens a world of potential where Alexa can be used as a daybed, sofa or spare bed.

487 Richmond St, London | 519.438.5944 | quantumverdi.com

4 DYNAMIC KITCHENS

Cabinetry

Enjoy a coastal vibe in your kitchen all year with this ocean-inspired palette of blue, cloud white, sand and gold. Dynamic Kitchens fulfills your cabinetry needs for kitchens, pantries, bathrooms, closets, laundry rooms and more.

4094 Eastgate Cres., London | 519.652.5091 | dynamickitchens.ca

5 PROGRESSIVE

COUNTERTOP

Cambria Quartz

Berkshire Brass Satin Ridge quartz by Cambria has a gleaming brass-look veining and grey accents on a sleek, white background. Slightly raised metal alloy veins provide texture. Perfect for any surface.

3010 Colonel Talbot Rd. Unit 1, London | 519.434.0019

70 Canaan St., Strathroy | 519.245.0019 progressivecountertop.com

6 COPP'S BUILDALL

Outdoor Sectional Set

The Devon Sectional Set has a three-seater sofa, two-seater sofa and a coffee table. A rust-resistant aluminum frame with resin rattan wicker makes this collection perfect for your outdoor porch, deck or patio.

45 York St. | 519.679.9000

1640 Fanshawe Park Rd. W. | 519.472.3648

2090 Dundas St. | 519.659.9989

4333 Colonel Talbot Rd. | 519.652.3575 London | coppsbuildall.com

PHOTO: JACKIE NOBLE

PHOTO: JACKIE NOBLE

7 STRATFORD CHEFS SCHOOL

Cooking Classes

A diverse array of hands-on cooking classes and learning experiences are available until October 1 at the prestigious Stratford Chefs School. Perfect for enthusiastic home cooks and food lovers.

136 Ontario St., Stratford 519.271.1414 | stratfordchef.com

8

DP DESIGN STUDIO + Curved Sofa

The inviting Savelle modern, curved sofa in ginger cider velvet will upgrade your living space. Inspired by the 1950s Avant-Garde movement. Its comfortable, sinuous and enfolding silhouette is perfect for entertaining or relaxing in style.

190 Wortley Rd., Unit LL10, London 226.218.2785 | dpdesignstudioplus.ca

9 WILLOW & LACE

Drink Table

Elevate your cocktail game with this Mid-century Martini Table. A sleek, vintage-inspired piece that adds a touch of class to any living space. Perfect for balancing your drink and conversation.

22478 Adelaide Rd., Mount Brydges 905.870.9368 | willowandlacehome.com

10

DALE + COMPANY

Hygge Hurricane

Hygge means cosy and its strongest symbol is light. Christina Halskov and Hanne Dalsgaard have designed the Hygge Hurricane to elevate the atmosphere inside or out. The lantern runs on vegetable oil with a flame that sits low in the glass to prevent breezes from blowing it out.

17 Market Pl., Stratford 519.305.1133 | daleandcompany.ca OH

Experience THE DYNAMIC DIFFERENCE

Dynamic Kitchens is turning 50 years old in 2025. What has allowed you to be a mainstay in London?

We prioritize product quality and durability. Our philosophy has always been that if you build a product that won’t allow for issues to arise – such as problems with paint or stain finishes where it flakes off near the sink or shows visible signs of wear around the handles – you’ll have the honour of those clients coming back for their next project or referring us to their friends and family.

I understand you now carry multiple cabinet lines. Why has Dynamic Kitchens enhanced their offering to clients with two new suppliers to go along with your house-made custom cabinetry?

I have read a lot about the Dynamic Difference. Can you share what that means?

It really starts with our people; they create everything with great pride and passion. Then it’s about the product. So many things – both big and small – create the Dynamic Difference, far too many to mention here. To learn more, visit www.dynamickitchens.ca and navigate to Dynamic Differences.

Our management team identified it would be better to have a product offering that was well suited to accommodate all budgets. I struggled with it as I feel very strongly about only having top-quality products representing our brand and I wasn’t sure we’d be able to find an outside product that lived up to our standards. Surprisingly, we found two companies that make their cabinetry in a way we could stand behind. We believe in our partners’ products so strongly, we enhanced their warranty to be in line with ours – Lifetime and fully Transferable. When I started in this industry 40 years ago, I worked for the big manufacturers who mass produced their products and who put the bare minimum into them because they compete solely on price. If price is the only advantage, the cabinetry simply won’t last! You only need to have lived with one kitchen like that in your lifetime to know you truly get what you pay for.

How can Dynamic Kitchens offer a Lifetime Transferable Warranty, and is it just on the Dynamic Kitchens cabinetry? Our in-house warranty, to our knowledge, is the only one like it in the industry. We apply this warranty to everything we sell, which means our warranty supersedes those of our suppliers. It doesn’t matter if you’re the original purchaser, or if you bought the home from someone else. At the end of the day, while that kitchen is in your home, it still has our name on it, and we are extremely proud of that. It is a reflection not only of our company but also on me as an owner. When you look after an issue from a decade’s old kitchen, where are the clients going to go for their next kitchen or bathroom? They’re going to go to the people they can trust, and that’s Dynamic Kitchens.

What sets Dynamic Kitchens apart from its competitors?

We are constantly evolving and forward thinking in both the products we use and the technology we utilize. We are a complete custom manufacturer and, as such, are only limited by our imaginations and our clients’ budgets. The possibilities are endless.

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

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.

I G B Y

E S I G N

I n t e r i o r D e s i g n S e r v i c e s

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.

SMALL HOUSE BIG IDEAS

The backyard sealed the deal. Ten years ago, when Emily and Cole Vegso were searching for a home, they discovered a small Byron bungalow with an unexpected perk, a beautifully landscaped yard with a pool. The house itself was well-maintained, if non-descript, but Emily saw past the ho-hum interiors and envisioned a renovation to maximize design potential.

Continued on page 30

STORY MEGAN SMITH-HARRIS PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG

The Yardistry wood and metal gazebo houses a comfortable seating area.

ABOVE: Homeowner Emily Vegso relaxes by the pool. OPPOSITE, TOP: Outdoor dining is relaxed and easy. Stackable, clear acrylic ghost chairs provide style and function. BOTTOM: A tidy shed houses pool mechanicals on one side and a convenient changing area on the other.

home & builder

Emily, a dentist with a passion for design, had big dreams for their small house. A Pinterest and Instagram devotee, she pulled together a digital file bursting with ideas for the redesign. Social media led her to Blue Ash Building, owned by Adam Powell, a Red Seal carpenter, and his wife, Megan Powell, a communications and marketing specialist with expertise in managing large projects.

Blue Ash is a boutique renovation company primarily focused on residential whole-home renovations and builds. “Workmanship is very important to us, as is communication with our clients,” says Adam. “We’re a small company – quality is a top priority.”

Emily had admired the details and aesthetics of their projects and learned the Powells lived in the same neighbourhood. When they met, everyone clicked and Blue Ash signed on to oversee a main-floor reno that evolved into a complete basement redo as well.

The family – including sons Sullivan, 5, and Fletcher, 3 – relocated to Emily’s mother’s basement for the four-month renovation. The goal was to create an open-concept space that clearly defined the function of each area. “We brought in Justine Nigro of Hive Design Co, a Stratfordbased residential designer,” says Megan. “Emily knew exactly what she wanted, so we concentrated on making her vision come to life.”

To transform three diminutive main-floor rooms into one big one, support walls needed to be removed, which necessitated the installation of a massive flush beam in the attic. Next, the team scraped down the ubiquitous popcorn ceilings, added new lighting (Loucks & Sons Electric) and installed a highperformance vinyl flooring in a herringbone pattern throughout the house.

The spacious kitchen is anchored by a large centre island, with integrated GE Café dual refrigerator drawers and seating for four. Counters are black Silestone Charcoal soapstone in Suede from Classic Granite & Marble. A charming breakfast nook is faced with beadboard, which continues across the kitchen backsplash, visually connecting the spaces.

The breakfast nook has a timeless European vibe, combining classic design with modern flair. Bench seating has hidden storage. Windows with shutters overlook the backyard and a contemporary pewter drum pendant light fixture stylishly defines the area.

BOTTOM RIGHT: The custom cooking alcove artfully conceals the range hood and serves as a chic focal point.

Adam and Megan Powell of Blue Ash Building.

home & builder

Floor-to-ceiling cabinetry maximizes storage. A beadboard wall is painted the same colour as the cabinetry and visually unifies the space. Grey velvet cushions tie in with the grey soapstone counters. OPPOSITE: Anchored by a pretty stone fireplace enhanced with built-ins, architectural wall and ceiling moulding and comfortable sectional seating, the living room makes the most of its small square footage.

“I WANTED A SPACE THAT WAS VERY FUNCTIONAL BUT ALSO EARTHY AND WARM.” ~EMILY VEGSO

Emily consulted Adrian Manton at 309 Design about paint and wallpaper choices and opted for a moody, monochromatic palette in neutrals. The floor-to-ceiling cabinetry, built and installed by J. Berry Woodcraft & Design, are all Farrow & Ball’s Mouse’s Back (Kidd Paint Service). The elegant, arched cooking alcove features a matte white and bronze GE Café double oven five-burner range from Arva Appliance Centre. A classic, white enamel apron sink ties the look together. When Emily was puzzling over the finishes and furniture layout, she sought help from designer Jenny Lynn of J. Lynn Studio. “I like

to say that Jenny gave me a map, but I drove there myself.”

When the renos were complete and the family was ready to move back, Emily brought in Chelsie Croxall Butler of Butler & Co., a home staging and design company. “In one caffeine-fuelled night, Chelsie helped me pull my vision together,” says Emily.

The adjacent dining room features a repurposed Parsons table painted a dramatic black with matching black bistro chairs. A feature wall in Benjamin Moore Peppercorn has architectural moulding for visual interest. Continued on page 34

home & builder

The cosy step-down living room is oriented towards the Enviro E33 gas fireplace insert from Safe Home Fireplace flanked by custom cabinetry and a grey stone surround by Naus Masonry. The coffered beadboard ceiling adds structure while a streamlined sectional sofa upholstered in a neutral linen provides ample seating.

Upstairs, a pale palette in calming tones of ivory, oatmeal and warm white prevails and the layered use of linen, bouclé and sheepskin in the bedrooms creates an inviting ambience.

The backyard got a makeover too. The pool liner and surrounding deck were replaced by Bob Nenicka Pool Service & Repair, and the aging wood deck was updated with Trex composite decking from Adams Building Supply and installed by Duncan Gilman

Continued on page 36

LEFT: Mixed wood, rattan, metal and glass elements make the dining room feel layered and homey. Emily transformed her old dining room table by painting it black. Dark espresso café chairs with black cane seats carry on the European aesthetic. BELOW: The dining room feature wall is painted a moody charcoal grey and further defined by two slim-profile upholstered armchairs. BOTTOM: A corner is elevated by a vintage desk, round glass table lamp and a gold wall mirror creating a timeless tableau. Small ottomans provide additional seating for company.

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A stone feature wall with built-in bedside lighting contrasts with the softness of the upholstered headboard and sumptuous bedding. BELOW: The monochromatic children’s rooms are casual and welcoming thanks to soft carpeting, floating shelves and easily accessible floor baskets for toys and books.

Cole, a commercial litigation lawyer, recognized his wife’s creative vision and willingly ceded all design decisions to her. “My husband gave me carte blanche,” says Emily. “I wanted a space that was highly functional but also earthy and warm – somewhere we could all be together cooking, doing homework or eating with everyone in the same place.”

With the help of Blue Ash and Emily’s excellent design resources, that goal was more than achieved.

“Megan, Adam, myself and the other trades involved in this project really worked well as a team,” says Emily. “I jumped in with passion and effort that I didn’t expect and we all collaborated to create something better than my original vision.”

The Vegso family now has a customized haven inside and out. “I don’t want to own a second home,” says Emily. “Here, everything is done and we’re very happy.” OH

1. UTTERMOST:

6. HAUSER: Nova Sofa

PHOTO: DEVON PASTORIUS

Architectural Design Studio

We simplify the design and permit process for your

Our Services Include:

Custom Homes, Renovations & Additions, Secondary Dwellings, Tiny Houses & More. Our goal is to make your dream (project) a reality. Let’s get started today!

519.859.4200 justine@thehivedesignco.com thehivedesignco.com

pool

With

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

Sipping Sun IN THE

TIPS FOR STYLING YOUR PATIO BAR CART

The road to patio cocktails is paved with thrilling anticipation, from shopping for supplies to the art of crafting and ending with the highlight –consumption. Often eclipsed however, is the hub of this pseudo leisure sport, the home bar itself. A patio bar cart is the quintessential example of styled storage and is one of the most purposeful and functional additions to your summer evenings.

Here are our top five tips for styling your outdoor sip station:

ELEVATE WITH GAMES

Elevate your cart’s contents by staggering board games beneath the display. This will allow for each item to take its own centre stage and will introduce dimension to the spread. Bonus: an option for some post dinner fun!

PHOTO: EMMA BAUSO

STORY JESSICA RUSSELL

FINESSE WITH INGREDIENTS

True, the purpose of your minibar is to (cutely) store all your magic potions and their proper vessels, but who said it had to stop there? Add some colour to your surface by including a dish of common garnishes, such as whole lemons or limes. For something especially seasonal, try a fruit spread alongside a DIY sangria bar!

ADD FRESH FLOWERS

Seldom does a space not improve following the addition of vegetation. A bouquet of flowers or a potted plant intermixed with your barscape can satisfy both the nose and the eyes, while adding dimension in its height, too. Trade secret: Mint will deter insects from your sugary spread while also acting as a garnish to many popular drinks. Cheers to double duty!

LEAVE CHEEKY SIGNAGE

Adorn your carafes with mini chalkboard signage or the like to let guests know what’s on the menu. Go punny with a bar joke, or shoutout a guest of honour with their own special tribute concoction.

KEEP THINGS CHILL

The warmer the weather, the more chilled the drinks must be. If a cooler feels too cluttered in your space, relocate bottles and cans to a more attractive bucket with ice option. Your ice supply will need more frequent replenishing, but your offerings will be on display and ready to quench. OH

PHOTO: KATHRYN MACDONALD @HOME_ON_THE_BLUFF

UMBRA: Bellwood Bar Cart

PHOTO: ALEXA SOH

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 48

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

DESIGN INSPIRATION awaits

HISTORY

“Goods for your home. Gifts for your friends.” Those eight words succinctly (and enticingly) sum up what Wills & Prior offers their customers. And there’s a lot to discover at their stunning twostorey flagship store in Stratford. The brainchild of husband-andwife team Sarah Smithers and David Gilhooly, Wills & Prior just celebrated seven years in business. Launched in a small storefront on Wellington Street in 2017, the enterprise has since experienced meteoric growth. “Initially, we got to know our shoppers,” says Sarah. “I worked in the store every day for the first year.” They quickly outgrew the space and expanded to their Ontario Street location, which showcases a variety of must-have home accessories, linens, rugs, textiles, furniture and gifts.

VIBE

“We wanted to design a store that would present customers with inspiration when they walked through the door,” says Sarah. They definitely succeeded. The space is welcoming, stylish and relaxed. “Everyone who works with us has a passion for home decorating,” Sarah continues. “They’re up on the latest trends and very knowledgeable about interior design. Our staff members are incredible – they know customers by their first names and remember the last thing they purchased, so there’s a level of familiarity, comfort and trust.”

PHOTOGRAPHY VALERIE WILCOX

David Gilhooly & Sarah Smithers

TRENDING

“I love finding things I haven’t seen anywhere else on the market,” says Sarah. “For instance, we have a gorgeous new collection of pottery from Shane Norrie, a local painter and a potter. Colourful artwork is also trending and we have striking abstract and vintage-inspired prints. These days, people are being more adventurous about colour and we literally have the rainbow available in our store. There are 30 different shades of fabric for pillows in linen, cotton, velvet and ticking stripe. They come in various sizes and shapes including lumbar, 24-by-24 inches and bolster cushions.”

DID YOU KNOW?

Wills & Prior has a robust website, which is perfect both for customers who live farther afield as well as those closer to home to use as a design resource to select items for home projects before they even visit the store.

CUSTOM WORK

Not only do Wills & Prior offer customized wood furniture such as sofa tables, consoles, end tables, bedside tables and coffee tables (available in four different kinds of wood including walnut, white oak, maple and stained ash), they also offer customized upholstered furniture, all made in British Columbia. Sofas, sleeper sofas, sectionals (available in multiple configurations), armchairs, ottomans and swivel chairs come in a comfy feather/foam fill and are available in an array of more than 300 fabrics. The turnaround time is an impressive four-to-eight weeks. OH

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

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

A house with

HEART

THE LONDON BUILDING COMMUNITY GIVES BACK

Creamy white sofas from Austin & Taylor Home Furnishings offer the perfect combination of comfort and understated elegance, allowing the gas fireplace from Builders Choice Air Systems to take centre stage in the great room. ww OPPOSITE: Towering windows from Centennial Windows & Doors offer stunning views over protected woodland, while custom curtains from Covers by Designers’ Edge give a touch of privacy, without feeling heavy.

IT’S BEEN 10 YEARS SINCE THE LONDON HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION (LHBA) BUILT ITS FIRST GREEN HOME TO RAISE MONEY FOR LONDON’S CANCER SURVIVOR GARDEN LAST SUMMER, THE ASSOCIATION BROKE GROUND ON ITS SECOND GREEN HOME PROJECT. THE HOME WAS LISTED AND SOLD THIS SPRING, WITH PROCEEDS GOING TO SUPPORT KIDS KICKING CANCER CANADA – HEROES CIRCLE AND OTHER LHBA INITIATIVES.

Located in London’s sought-after Warbler Woods West neighbourhood, the house was built through donations from more than 60 LHBA members and suppliers. From framing materials (Copp's Buildall) to finishes, everyone pitched in to help a good cause.

“Without the support of so many from not only the LHBA membership but also the wider home-building community, this project would not have been possible,” says Jared Zaifman, CEO, London Home Builders’ Association. “We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who contributed and gave their time towards this impactful project.”

Kids Kicking Cancer is a Canadian charity that uses non-contact martial arts to help kids with cancer and other chronic health conditions, as well as their otherwise healthy siblings, self-regulate and

better manage pain, stress and trauma.

“We helped 1,000 children in London last year,” says Jill Osborne, National Executive Director, Kids Kicking Cancer Canada (KKCC).

“Martial arts engages their imagination, but the techniques are grounded in science and really do work.” Programs are offered at no cost, she notes. “We rely completely on donors, funders and grants, so this kind of support is integral to what we can offer.”

Toby Stolee, vice-president, construction at Sifton Properties Limited serves as chair of KKCC’s National Board of Directors. He says the partnership between LHBA and KKCC was meaningful for everyone involved. “It allows us to use our abilities and knowledge as home builders to support this important organization and program in London.”

on page 58

STORY NICOLE LAIDLER | PHOTOGRAPHY JASON HARTOG

home & builder

In addition to raising funds for a worthy cause, Toby says that the Green Home build is an opportunity to showcase new technologies.

As a Net-Zero Ready home, the house surpasses Ontario Building Code requirements. Triple-glazed windows (Centennial Windows & Doors), additional insulation (Eco Insulation Canada Inc. and Stoy Partition and Ceiling Systems), and an efficient Enercare HVAC system and Heat Pump (Atchison Plumbing & Heating) are among the many upgrades that could help the homeowner reduce energy costs by up to 20 per cent.

Sifton interior design and décor consultant Gabi Brown says the look and feel of the custom-built home was inspired by the lot, which backs onto historic Warbler Woods. “The windows play a big role in the overall design,” she notes.

A wall of soaring windows takes centre stage in the open-concept living space, offering unobstructed views of the protected woodland. Black window frames, used throughout, add a contemporary touch while wave panel curtains in Toronto Eggshell from Covers Designers’ Edge provide an elegant finish. When it’s time for al fresco dining, double terrace doors lead to a spacious covered deck (Forans Fence, Decks & Spa).

LEFT: The custom staircase from Heritage Stair & Railing Co. Ltd. features rounded corners and white oak handrails. BELOW: A chic powder room has a fluted-wall detail, which is echoed throughout the house. BOTTOM: The den’s deep, dark brown walls provide a dramatic contrast to the rest of the home.

“WE WANTED TO KEEP THE DESIGN DELICATE, BUT IMPACTFUL.”

~ EMILY LEBRUN-ZANDRI

home & builder

FAR LEFT: Designer Gabi Brown, Jill Osborne of Kids Kicking Cancer Canada, and Jared Zaifman and Amanda Moss of the LHBA. LEFT: The dining area features a built-in bar and cabinetry with narrow reeded-glass doors from GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Inc. RIGHT: The spacious walk-in pantry is a chef’s dream, with open shelving and closed drawers (also GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry) offering plenty of room for display and storage. The counters are Charleston Black by Cambria from Progressive Countertop.

An Alora Dahlia Alabaster Chandelier from The Lighting Shoppe adds definition and rustic charm to the dining area. In the kitchen, the Dacor panel-ready french door fridge from London Major Appliances melts into the décor. The island and full-height backsplash are Berkshire Brass Satin Ridge by Cambria from Progressive Countertop.

Earth-toned colours, contrasting textures and curved archways are used throughout the 3,427 sq. ft., five-bedroom home. “We wanted to keep the design delicate, but impactful,” notes Sifton junior designer, Emily Lebrun-Zandri

Walls, trim and ceilings in the main living areas are painted a monochromatic neutral, creating a sense of calm while wide-plank CRAFT UrbanWood Floors installed by Sacwal Flooring offer a stylish and practical solution underfoot. Home security and audio-visual solutions were provided by Alarmtech, making the home as safe, secure and functional as it is beautiful.

In the great room, the Majestic Quartz gas fireplace (Builders Choice Air Systems Limited) is framed by a soft porcelain surround while the two-storey

wall is graced by understated wall mouldings from North Pole Trim & Supplies Stylish accessories are from Wills & Prior. This is balanced by the 10-foot kitchen island covered in Cambria Berkshire Brass Satin Ridge quartz countertops fabricated by Progressive Countertop. The textured stone carries up the kitchen wall and is framed by sleek cabinetry from GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry, which provided cabinetry and built-ins for the entire home. Upper kitchen cabinets have a Soho-style door in Bone. Lower are maple in Eastern Gray. Moen faucets (Paton Bros. Plumbing) and hardware in brushed gold and an oversize custom tambour range hood give the space a charming vintage vibe. “This is a great space to prep for entertaining,” says Gabi.

“EACH AREA OF THE HOUSE CAPTURES YOU IN A DIFFERENT WAY.” ~GABI BROWN

TOP & BOTTOM FAR LEFT: The primary bedroom, staged by Ben + Britt At Home, is an oasis of calm.

TOP & BOTTOM LEFT: The stunning en suite features an arched walk-in shower and Mirolin Alcove tub, as well as dual vanity with Notting Hill by Cambria countertops and a built-in linen closet.

home & builder

ABOVE LEFT: An arched mirror adds an extra touch of elegance to the main bathroom. ABOVE RIGHT: The home’s mudroom combines design and practicality, thanks to a reeded feature wall and built-ins from GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Inc. RIGHT: Conveniently located on the home’s upper level, the laundry room comes complete with a sink, as well as Maytag front-load washer and dryer from London Major Appliances.

TRADES & SUPPLIERS

• Alarmtech • AM Group of Companies • American Standard • Archibald Gray & McKay Ltd.

• Arcon Electric Ltd. • Arriscraft-Canada Brick • Atchison Plumbing & Heating Ltd. • Austin & Taylor Home Furnishings Inc. • Axiom Temporary Surface Protection • Ben + Britt At Home

• Builders Choice Air Systems Ltd. • Cambria • Car-Wal Garage Doors Inc. • Centennial Windows & Doors • Centura • CertaPro Painters • Complete Consultation & Construction

An elegant staircase (Heritage Stair & Railing Co. Ltd.) leads to the upper level. Here, the primary bedroom is a welcoming, hotel-inspired retreat. A row of windows offers glimpses of the woods below without sacrificing privacy. Arched doorways lead to a dream dressing room with custom built-ins designed to keep everything in its place.

Double reeded-glass doors open to a stunning en suite that boasts a Mirolin free-standing bathtub, arched walk-in shower, dual vanity and a generous linen closet.

A laundry room and three spacious bedrooms complete the upstairs level. An additional bedroom is ready to go in the home’s fully-finished basement, which can be accessed through a side-entry.

“Each area of the house captures you in a different way,” says Gabi. OH

• Concrete Forming (1980) • Copp's Buildall • Covers Designers’ Edge • CRAFT UrbanWood Floors • Dion Custom Carpentry • DuPont Performance Building Solutions

• EcoArchitectural Glass Inc.

• Enercare • Forans Fence Decks & Spa

• Eco Insulation

• GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry Inc.

• Heritage Stair & Railing Co. Ltd.

• HomeSense

• J-AAR • Jackie Noble Photography • James Hardie

• London Major Appliance Services Ltd.

• M&T Printing

• Mirolin • Moen • Moniz Ltd. • Nieman Market Design • North Pole Trim & Supplies Ltd. • Patene Building Supplies Ltd. • Patio Palace • Paton Bros. Plumbing • Progressive Countertop • Reliance Home Comfort • Roestenberg Welding Ltd. • SacWal Flooring Centres • Sherwin Williams • Sifton Properties • Steam Force Ltd • Stoy Partition & Ceiling Systems Ltd. • Structube • Sutton Group Pawlowski & Company • The Better Bin Company

• The Lighting Shoppe • Titan Truss • Triple H Paving Stone Inc. • West Blooms Flowers

Trust the EXPERTS

Find a creative force to help create your best life at home.

Victoria Grace, owner and principal designer

ADVICE

The best advice for working with an interior designer is to communicate openly and clearly about your vision, budget and timeline. Trust your designer’s expertise and be open to their suggestions, while also providing feedback along the way. Establishing good communication and realistic expectations will help ensure success.

MOFFATT GRACE DESIGN

We are a full-service interior design and staging team in London. Our extensive experience in large-scale design projects and strong relationships with industry professionals allow us to provide our clients with complete design solutions.

“With more people working from home, multifunctional spaces are in demand, so maximizing functionality is important.”

STRIKING ELEMENTS

The use of natural elements is trending – organic materials such as wood, greenery and heavily-veined marble and stone. I’m also seeing the use of colour drenching with colour on ceilings, trim and doors used to give rooms a feeling of cosiness and continuity. Wallpaper has made a strong comeback. This timeless design element can create texture, a sense of interest and a feeling of elegance, so I often use wallpaper in my designs.

COAST GODERICH

Coast Goderich is a lakeside subdivision offering single detached and townhouse units with freehold ownership, which means there are no condo fees. With 1,371 to 2,574 square feet of luxurious living space, you can design your dream home to fit your lifestyle. Fully-serviced lakeview lots are available, and purchasers have the option of using our builder, Heykoop Construction, or bringing their own on board.

LOCATION

Goderich is both the county seat and the economic hub of the region. With the world's largest salt mine, big-box stores, farmers' markets and many independent businesses, you can both work and play here. Residents enjoy all the amenities of a city with an enviable lifestyle – golfing, boating, walking trails, wineries, breweries, a cidery and a rec centre.

“Coast

offers stunning sunsets and lake views with a relaxed lifestyle in Goderich – named the prettiest town in Canada.”

LAKESIDE LIVING

Coast boasts the beauty of lakeside living with affordable price points. Homes built by Heykoop Construction enjoy a high level of standard finishes, including quartz kitchen countertops, stylish cabinetry, contemporary lighting options and modern flooring. Buyers have the opportunity to collaborate with our in-house interior designer, allowing them to incorporate personal custom touches into their dream home.

Jeff Bauer, Kathy Dawson & Rick Lobb

THE DECORATING DIVA

The Decorating Diva offers a quaint home décor boutique filled with beautifully-curated collections of décor, furnishings and accessories. At The Decorating Diva, you will find a qualified interior decorator who offers in-store and/or in-home personal, professional decorating services.

INSTANT UPDATE

To instantly update your space, try one or more of the following: a fresh coat of paint, a new piece of furniture or wall art, or inject colour with accessories such as a lamp, pillow covers, a throw or an area rug. You can rearrange your furniture layout and move furniture from one room to another. Add plants in coloured pots, change out window treatments, linens and towels and declutter. Less is more, so tidy up! If you’re not sure where to start, call an interior decorator for assistance.

“We

offer professional decorating services as well as affordable, high-quality and timeless products.”

NATURE INSPIRED

Nature's colour palette is trending this year. Indigo, retro mustard and avocado green incorporated with natural woods, whitewashed, distressed finishes and natural elements complete this popular aesthetic. These colours, finishes and textures will infuse a calm, cottage-coastal vibe to your spaces.

Pam Wardell

people & places

“My work focuses on process where often an image begins through language – a theme or a keyword – and in this case, landscape.”

BEN BENEDICT

Artist Ben Benedict has a 30-year exhibition history spanning Ontario and his work is in numerous private collections. He describes himself as a committed London regionalist, philosophically and bricoleur by practice. Ben has been recognized as a Community Trailblazer by Pride London Festival as well as an “Influential Londoner” by the London Community Foundation. He received a prestigious Research & Creation Grant from the Canada Council for the Arts in 2020, is a Business of the Arts consultant, and a decorated veteran, receiving the Canadian Pride Citation in 2023.

NEW WORKS

Featuring more than 30 new works on canvas, board and paper, this exhibit is accompanied by a critical essay that draws a historical line from Homer Watson, through the Group of Seven, to the London Regionalists and finally, to myself. I explore the tools and methodologies within these artists’ work and have moved on to build upon these tools, developing my own form of London Regionalism. The emphasis is on deconstructed language and imagery, materialism and found objects, experience and memory.

CREATING

I find relevance in my introspections and practice and feel driven to create. Beginning with a concept, idea, material and/or found objects, I re-construct them using archival techniques to complete the final narrative. This can include collage, assemblages, or mixed media paintings on paper, canvas or board. Ben Benedict

PHOTOS:

DESIGN HOUSE LONDON

We’re a full-service interior design firm focused on helping you from start to finish. We make sure your renovation or update is as smooth as possible and we are there for our clients throughout the entire process. Whether you're embarking upon a small-scale home renovation or full-blown commercial project, we can do it all. So, sit back, relax and let us handle your reno.

PROJECT PARTNERS

If you're looking for an experienced and personable design team, look no further than Design House London. With qualifications like BCIN and ARIDO, we are able to streamline any project. Partnering with trusted local contractors enables us to maintain high quality standards on all our renovation projects. We are also proud to be members of the London Home Builders' Association.

“Love what surrounds you.”

Tricia Track & Andrea Bursey

TIMELESS STYLE

Staying current with industry trends and relevant certifications allows us to deliver innovative and timeless designs while prioritizing client satisfaction. Design trends come and go, and blindly following them can result in a space that feels dated quickly. That's where we come in. We can mix current trends with our clients' own personal style to create a space they’re comfortable in, that is functional and reflective of who they are. We strive to create a home that will be uniquely timeless for years to come.

people & places

Heloise Campanha, Martin Jesko, Becca Rodriguez, Bruno Campanha, Raquel Chica & André Simões

TRENDING

Currently, pocket door systems are trending as well as beaded/fluted panels and doors, floating shelves with strip lights and stone veneer finishes on doors. Black is always in style but recently, burgundy and cherry reds have made a comeback. Metallic finishes are popular, as are integrated/touch open handles.

ADDED VALUE

We offer consumers a lot of pluses. First, every client is in control of their vision brought to life by our exceptional design services. We offer a huge selection of materials and hardware and our cabinet sizing is fully customizable, made of durable three-quarterinch thick cabinet construction. Additionally, we have a professional project management service and impressive turnover times. OH

“A collaboration of custom designs and well-made local cabinetry.”

OHEN EMERSON MILLWORK

Ohen Emerson Millwork has been producing affordable cabinetry with industry-leading designs that stand apart from a typical cabinetmaker. With a vast selection of products to choose from, we are the go-to cabinetmaker for clients who want a quality-built project that is locally designed and fabricated in-house with exceptional detail.

PHOTO: JACKIE NOBLE

PHOTOS: JASON HARTOG

For Outdoors, Patios, Garden Areas and Sunrooms

35,000 SQ. FT. OF IN-STOCK FURNITURE Hwy. 83 E. – 2km EAST of #21 519-238-2110 Mon-Fri: 10am-5pm • Sat. 10am-4pm www.gocasual.ca

Complete line of casual furniture to compliment all areas of your home

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

CENTRE LINE HOME DESIGN

You’ve already realized that the only way to get exactly what you want in a house is to build it yourself. You’ve purchased the perfect property, your binder of inspirational images looks like a stuffed sausage, and your excitement is overflowing. Now you just need to find someone you can trust to pull your wish list together.

Centre Line Home Design sculpts your house ideas into a functional home soulmate. Our in-depth questioning exposes the needs and wants for your home and influences our advice on which features are desirable and which ones you’ll be cursing about later. We want you to get that giddy smile every time you come home; the one that says “I made this”. Warning: You’ll be inviting the delivery man in just so you can do ‘the tour’ again. To get started designing your home soulmate, please contact us by email: info@clhomedesign.com or phone 519.365.6280 or visit clhomedesign.com

(Please see ad on pg 91)

LIVING LIGHTING LONDON

At LivingLIGHTING London, our philosophy is to provide our customers with “light for living.” This means offering products that are pleasing and practical, to fit each customer’s needs and circumstances. We do this by carrying a wide selection backed by strong value and expert service.

Walk into our store and you’ll find countless options, ranging from the hottest new styles to perennial favorites, in various price ranges, sure to fit your lifestyle and budget. With everything from classic chandeliers to contemporary shades and LED bulbs, we can help you find exactly what you have in mind.

Of course, choosing that perfect “light for living” isn’t always easy. That’s where our experts can help. Store staff is always available to answer questions or provide solutions for your particular needs.

We believe in making good lighting happen, the way you want. We enjoy helping our customers find the perfect lighting inspiration for any space, style and budget.

LivingLIGHTING – Where solutions come to light! 1673 Richmond St N, London 519.667.3022

londonnorth@livinglighting.com livinglightinglondonnorth. xolights.com

(Please see ad on pg 6)

MY FIREPLACE/COAD

My Fireplace/Coad has been providing London, St. Thomas and surrounding areas with heating and cooling needs for 28 years. We are a family owned and operated business. Owner Scott North and his sons, Matt and Nick, are actively involved in the business on a day-to-day basis.

My Fireplace/Coad installs and services all products related to heating and cooling your home. Whether this is a new construction project, renovation, new or replacement equipment in your home, My Fireplace/Coad is here to help with furnace, air conditioning, duct work, water heater, indoor air quality, generators, and fireplaces. We take pride in our service, workmanship and the products we sell and install all backed with 100% guarantee.

We have two “Galleries of Fire” which combined have over 125 fireplaces on display showcasing the latest technology and designs in the hearth industry today. Our dedicated and knowledgeable team will help guide you with fireplace design, and our experts will install and finish around the fireplace resulting in one company to complete the project from start to finish. Call 519.652.0416 or visit one of our locations to find out how My Fireplace/Coad can be of service to you! Showrooms in London and St. Thomas. myfireplace.ca

(Please see ad on pg 45)

BMI GROUP

The BMI Group is a real estate, infrastructure, and business development company invested in building better communities. We believe in collaboration, community, and change through well-considered initiatives. We focus on the potential of people and places and work passionately toward breathing new life into under-utilized land and infrastructure to help regenerate neighbourhoods and communities.

Mindful of the essence of each neighbourhood we inhabit, our approach to new home building is uniquely design-driven, ensuring that every project complements the community’s functional needs and historical landscape.

When you step into a BMI build, you’ll immediately notice the meticulous thought and care that has gone into every aspect of your new home. From the flooring to the cabinetry and every detail in between, the interior design packages will complement your individual style and create spaces that inspire and endure, ensuring a highquality living experience. Our upcoming projects include Hillside Homes, The Bradshaw Towns, the Copperlight (formerly the Knox Church) in Stratford, and Station District in Tillsonburg. To find out more, visit us at bmibuildingforbetter.ca or thebmigroup.ca or contact us at sales@thebmigroup.ca 519.274.4927

(Please see ad on pg 53)

LIFT LIGHTING LONDON

Since 2020, Lift Lighting London has been proudly serving London and the surrounding area as your go-to outdoor lighting specialist. From initial design and planning to flawless installation, our dedication to bringing your vision to light is unparalleled. Specializing in permanent holiday lighting and landscape lighting, we illuminate both residential and commercial spaces with brilliance.

But our services don’t stop at just lighting alone. We also offer maintenance, repair, and concierge services, ensuring your lighting remains top-notch year-round. We prioritize unmatched customer service and top-notch quality, aiming not only to meet, but to surpass expectations in our customer connections.

Navigating the world of outdoor lighting can be daunting, which is why our team of consultants is here to guide you every step of the way. From assessing your needs to providing innovative ideas, we’re committed to making the process seamless. Visit our new showroom to experience the quality of our products firsthand.

Choose Lift Lighting London for all your outdoor lighting needs and let us illuminate your space with brilliance and beauty. 10825 Sunset Rd, St. Thomas info@liftlightinglondon.ca 519.808.4510

liftlightinglondon.ca

(Please see ad on pg 53)

XO HOMES

At XO Homes, we understand how important it is for families to have their dream homes. That’s why since 2016, our mission has been to create high-quality, custom homes to support the growth of Forest City and beyond.

With every project, we prioritize our clients’ satisfaction. Our experienced employees and sub-trades use their expertise and foresight to bring homeowners’ visions to life.

At the core of each relationship is a steadfast dedication to honesty, transparency and responsiveness. As a concierge builder, our specialty is highly customized builds. But, we don’t stop there! We also extend our services to families who have suffered total losses –rebuilding their homes with the same diligence and care.

XO Homes’ co-founders are childhood friends of over 16 years who forged a business based on their mutual passion for design and leading-edge construction. We also have several friends and family members on the team who share the same commitment to quality.

We’d love for you to join our family and experience an XO home – built your way. 21556 Richmond St, Arva @xohomesinc

1.833.XOHOMES (1.833.964.6637) xohomes.ca

(Please see ad on pg 77)

SURROUNDING AREA

DEBRA

RIGBY DESIGN

Welcome to Debra Rigby Design, where luxury interior design meets unparalleled excellence. With a reputation for professionalism, creativity, and thoroughness, our firm transforms spaces into captivating works of art.

Our team is dedicated to crafting exceptional interiors that reflect the unique personality and preferences of each client. Collaborating seamlessly with clients and their architects, we bring visions to life by leveraging our expertise to create stunning designs that surpass expectations.

Clients across the spectrum of design complexity have lauded our services, as evidenced by glowing Google reviews and heartfelt testimonials on our website. Their satisfaction speaks volumes about our commitment to delivering impeccable results.

From conceptualization to execution, we offer a comprehensive range of services. Our experts meticulously design full electrical and lighting layouts, curate millwork, and guide you through an extensive selection process.

Project management is at the heart of what we do. Whether it’s a renovation, décor overhaul, or new construction, we ensure every detail is flawlessly executed. Your project’s success is our priority, and our dedicated approach guarantees a stressfree experience.

At Debra Rigby Design, we don’t just create interiors; we craft experiences that resonate. Elevate your space with us and experience the epitome of luxury design excellence. debrarigbydesign.com 519.589.1926

(Please see ad on pg 25)

MODERN-INTERIORS

For quite some time, my passion has been ignited by the allure of exquisite interiors. I am particularly drawn to the seamless fusion of contemporary elegance and unparalleled comfort. What truly excites me is the prospect of offering not only aesthetically pleasing but also affordable furnishings, catering to a broader audience.

I invite you to explore the carefully curated collection I’ve assembled at Modern-Interiors Within our St. Marys store, you’ll encounter a showcase of chairs, tables, and sofas that evoke a sense of pride in me. Originating mainly from Europe, these furnishings embody the essence of modern design, as Europe stands as the cradle of such artistic innovation. The imported leather and fabrics exude refinement, promising an aesthetic appeal that transcends ordinary expectations.

What sets our furniture apart is not just its visual appeal but also its exceptional quality and durability. The seating comfort of our chairs is unparalleled, and can be customized in many different fabrics (including leather) and leg choices, allowing you to match your personal style.

I warmly extend an invitation for you to visit our store, where I’ll personally guide you through our collection and provide tailored solutions for enhancing your home furnishings.

2160 Perth Rd 118, St. Marys (by appointment) 519.636.3220

info@modern-interiors.ca modern-interiors.ca

(Please see ad on pg 45)

THE HIVE DESIGN CO.

The architectural design studio of The Hive Design Co. specializes in comprehensive design and drafting services tailored to simplify the journey of residential construction projects.

From new custom homes to extensive renovations and additions, including tiny houses and garden suites, we’re here to turn your dreams into reality. Picture your off-grid dreamy cabin in the woods, designed and brought to life by our experienced team.

We believe in building strong teams from the outset, collaborating with your builder, consultants, and industry professionals to ensure a cohesive and seamless experience. Our focus on betterthan-code, high-performance design standards ensures your home exceeds expectations and can grow with you and your family.

From concept to permit phase, we guide you through every step of the process, navigating minor variances and permitting stages on your behalf. All permit drawings are sealed by a licensed BCIN designer, with additional consultant services seamlessly integrated as needed.

With The Hive Design Co., your residential project receives the expertise and attention to detail necessary to ensure a successful realization of your vision, creating the perfect space for your family to grow and thrive for years to come.

519.859.4200

thehivedesignco.com

justine@thehivedesignco.com

(Please see ad on pg 39)

BOUTIQUE FIRENZE

The idea for Boutique Firenze was born when we visited Italy for the first time in 2007; we were awed by such beautiful things, many still made in the artisanal way. Surely Londoners love to see the wonderful products made in Florence, Venice and Naples? With that inspiration, we began selling gloves and scarves part-time, then opened Boutique Firenze as a permanent shop in 2017.

We bring you fine Italian gloves, handmade from lambskin, and colourful scarves in silk, linen, cashmere, wool blends and easy care acrylics. You will find styles for both men and women, to give everyone a touch of affordable and practical elegance.

Boutique Firenze has expanded its Italian products to include jewellery, fine soaps and toiletries, stationery and Murano glass. In addition, we showcase a variety of beautiful Canadian accessories and gifts made by artisans from London and across the country. Our growing selection of products by First Nations designers continues to be very popular.

Please check our Facebook page for product updates, plus stories and photos showcasing Italian travel, art, and recipes. We appreciate our loyal customers – thanks for supporting this local small business. See you soon – a presto!

Bettina Weber, Owner

Boutique Firenze

189 Adelaide St S, London 519.649.4122

boutiquefirenze@gmail.com

boutiquefirenze.ca

(Please see ad on pg 73)

DOUG TARRY HOMES

“From Bleeding Edge to Leading Edge: A Builder’s Guide to Net Zero Homes” by Doug Tarry is a game-changing book that simplifies the path to Net Zero living.

With over 500 Net Zero homes certified, Tarry’s company leads in Canada. This book, filled with humour and storytelling, is essential for builders, architects, officials, and anyone interested in future home building. It helps builders achieve Net Zero faster, cheaper, and with less hassle. Order your copy at friesenpress. com today.

Doug Tarry, President of Doug Tarry Homes Limited, has a diverse background, including stints as a punk rock musician, chef, and manager of the London Knights hockey team. His leadership extends to humanitarian efforts, notably rebuilding Puerto Rico post-Hurricane Maria and constructing a Net Zero Ready home in three days for a family in need, a project that won a 2021 Oniros Film Award.

Doug is also developing tiny home units to combat homelessness with the YWCA. A respected educator and speaker, he follows his father’s principle: “Always leave your campsite better than you found it.” Doug and his wife Carolyne live in St. Thomas, Ontario, focusing on creating a better world for their grandson.

dougtarryhomes.com

519.637.6819

(Please see ad on pg 65)

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 4)

IIn the 90s, James and Katherine Jackson rented a house near the water in the Orchard Beach area of Port Stanley. They enjoyed the tranquil lake views and quiet community for a time until family obligations took them back to Katherine’s 160-year-old family farm in St. Thomas to help care for her sick father. But they knew in their hearts that one day, they’d return to Orchard Beach. In 2020, the couple began house hunting and found a fixerupper, two houses in front of their former rental.

“It was a wreck,” recalls Katherine, “the worst house on the best street, and everyone told us not to buy it.” The flat-faced cottage was dirty and neglected. “There was no insulation and every room had dated yellow pine panelling with cheap dome light fixtures. The backyard was a mess too – crumbling concrete angled toward the house, so there were water issues.”

While others saw a tear-down, Katherine saw potential, and luckily, she possessed the DIY skills to make her vision a reality. “In the past, I had painted carousel horses, worked at a fabric store, a home decorating business, a paint store and a flower shop. I’ve also sewed all my life. Friends and family were always asking for help with colours and fabrics so I launched Sweet William Sewing Company in 2005. Today, I’m a synthesis of all my work experiences.”

In April 2021, the couple moved into the downstairs living area where they stayed throughout the renovation process, capably overseen by Wall to Wall Construction

James and Katherine Jackson

A bold bright green, white, navy and turquoise palette is established in the main living spaces and echoed throughout the Jacksons’ home. Vibrant colours are balanced by the warm wood tones of the original flooring treated with a natural waterbased sealant to prevent the pine from becoming orange over time. TOP LEFT: The front of the house reads upscale cottage thanks to new navy siding and the addition of two decks, an exterior staircase and landscaping. BELOW: Homeowners James and Katherine Jackson relax in the backyard of their Orchard Beach home.

home & designer

Spray foam insulation was added throughout the home, and windows were replaced and enlarged (Stage Windows and Doors). The front of the house was reimagined and now, an exterior staircase leads to the main entrance and a cheerful green door with a cedar pergola overhead. The top floor boasts a larger second deck with custom railings and glass (Ontario Deck Railing Ltd.) to take full advantage of the mesmerizing lake views. House exteriors were refreshed with navy blue siding and crisp white trim by PM Renos Inc.

Original details were preserved wherever possible. Floors were refinished and stained, damaged transoms were replaced, shiplap walls and tongue-and-groove beadboard ceilings were painted white. The

living room got an upgrade with a new gas fireplace insert (Majestic Products), a large pine mantel and built-in bookcases. The fireplace surround is now a shimmery blue mother-of-pearl-mosaic tile. Two comfy cognac leather chairs and a custom-upholstered white sofa with green piping complete the cosy ambience.

Katherine loved the distinctive Kelly green of her Kate Spade handbag and created a custom paint to mimic it for the kitchen cabinetry (all installed by Damascus Kitchen and Bath). Counters form a long U-shape and are topped with white quartz from Sloan Stone Design. A gold apron sink coordinates with a gold faucet and cabinet pulls. The custom white wood range hood hangs above a stainless-steel gas range with bright blue knobs. Continued on page 87

LEFT: Kitchen uppers were nixed, allowing the bright green of the lower cabinetry to stand out. A vintage breakfront was painted white with Tiffany blue interiors to showcase canary yellow Kate Spade dishware. TOP LEFT: A large palm frond painting by artist Heather Brown is a nod to the couple’s love of Hawaii and provides a tranquil focal point above the sink. TOP RIGHT: Custom built-in cabinetry houses an extensive collection of playful Starbucks mugs the couple have collected from around the world. RIGHT: The laundry room with striking blue pantry cupboards and a sporty blue striped wall provides access to the back patio and outdoor dining area.

home & designer

THIS PAGE: This inviting living room is a perfect reflection of everything the homeowners enjoy – travel, comfort, exuberant colour, relaxation and easy entertaining. The décor is an intriguing mix of vintage finds, collectibles and personal mementos.

An adjacent dining area features a white Parsons table and a tubular gold light fixture (The Lighting Shoppe), with white vintage rattan chairs and Katherine’s robin’s egg blue custom cushions. A charming nook has a bar table, vintage rattan stools and a glorious lake view. Thrifted buffets store glassware, outdoor dishes and a wine fridge.

The primary bedroom is small but serene. A headboard purchased for three dollars at auction has cane insert details and was spray-painted white. A white overhead palm leaf light fixture and oversize seagrass lamps add a tropical touch.

The adjoining primary bathroom, painted a pale mint green, has heated floors with Carrara and dolomite marble tiles in a checkerboard pattern. The shower flaunts gold fixtures and pretty marble floral mosaic tiles. A Thomasville Frette dresser was painted Benjamin Moore Downpour Blue, retrofitted with gold hardware and a white vessel sink and repurposed as a bathroom vanity.

Continued on page 88

RIGHT: The primary bath is a calming retreat with heated floors, soft mint green walls and exquisite marble tile work.

BELOW: The all-white primary bedroom with vaulted white tongue-and-groove ceilings provides a neutral backdrop for crisp royal blue curtains, pale turquoise Euro-shams, custom throw cushions and a bench upholstered in pale mint green.

home & designer

Katherine’s sewing skills perhaps shine brightest on the uppermost deck. A white aluminum sectional has custom navy and white polka dot Sunbrella cushions that coordinate with a custom umbrella banded in blue on the outside, and green-and-white stripes on the inside. Blueand-white woven café chairs surround a faux rattan table. The deck has whimsically been covered with recessed green turf banded with grey composite.

Continued on page 90

LEFT: The upper deck with its green turf floor, bistro bar table, custom umbrella and low-slung aluminum sectional has all the feels of a funky Venice Beach rooftop bar. BELOW LEFT & RIGHT: A fun and functional bar area furnished with thrifted vintage finds, houses everything needed for a party – large or small.

home & designer

An office area is elevated from utilitarian to playful with green, blue and white paisley curtains and custom cushions.

The couple, who frequent surf competitions in far-flung locales such as Hawaii, Bora Bora, Tahiti and Thailand, wanted their home to be a reflection of their personalities and the places they’ve travelled.

“THIS HOUSE IS OUR VIBE,” SAYS KATHERINE. “IT’S OUR FOREVER HOME.” OH

ABOVE LEFT: A narrow space is repurposed as a cosy seating area with plants and lake views. The cats like to sun here. ABOVE RIGHT: An office off the living room was prettified with paisley-patterned drapes and custom cushions made by Katherine. An oversize rattan wing chair provides both comfortable seating and style. RIGHT: The same rattan wing chairs provide seating immediately off the top deck. A white shiplap wall unifies the space and adds cottage charm.

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

We work tirelessly to ensure our clients have the best possible experience. Whether you are a BUYER or a SELLER, rest assured, we will represent your interests as we would our own.

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

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.

APPLIANCES

Arva Appliance Centre, 37

ARCHITECTS/ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/ ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS/ DRAFTSMEN & DESIGN

Alora Designs Inc., 77

Centre Line Home Design, 78, 91

The Hive Design Co., 39, 80

ART/ARTISANS/ART GALLERIES/ STUDIOS/WORKSHOPS

Benedict Creative Communications, 12

BEDS & BEDDING/MATTRESSES/ SLEEP PRODUCTS

Covers Canada, 11

BUILDERS

BMI Group, 53, 78

CCR Build + Remodel, 5

Doug Tarry Homes, 65, 80

Domus Developments, 23

Halcyon Homes, 73

Langlois Eco Homes, 13

Legacy Homes of London, 17

Mapleton Homes, 43

Pineridge Log & Timber Frame, 9

Sifton Properties Ltd., 100

The Tricar Group, 3

Vranic Homes Inc., 89

XO Homes, 77, 79

BUILDING/LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

Copp’s Buildall, 27

CABINETS & MILLWORK/CARPENTRY/ FINE WOODWORKING/CUSTOM FURNITURE

Blue Ash Building, 27

J. Berry Woodcraft, 37

Martin Jesko Custom Cabinetry, 81

Ohen Emerson Millwork, 81

CLOTHING/FASHION/FOOTWEAR/ JEWELRY/LUGGAGE & LEATHER GOODS

Boutique Firenze, 73, 80

COUNTERTOPS

Bedrock Kitchen and Bath, 17

Progressive Countertop, 55

Sloan Stone Design, 89

CUSTOM SEWING

Sweet William Sewing Company, 89

FENCING/DECKS/GATES

Copp’s Buildall, 27

Ontario Deck Railing, 91

FIREPLACES & STOVES/ACCESSORIES

My Fireplace/Coad, 45, 78

Safe Home Fireplace, 35

FOOD & DRINK/RESTAURANTS/ CATERING/DELI

Steel Grill Catering, 93

Stratford Chefs School, 23

The Pristine Olive, 23

FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR/ ACCENTS/GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES

Casual Industries Inc., 73

Cottage Culture, 39

Dale + Company, 10

Handstone Furniture, 4, 80

London Fine Furniture, 25

Modern-Interiors, 45, 79

The Decorating Diva, 91

Willow and Lace Home, 27

Wills & Prior, 75

HEATING & COOLING

My Fireplace/Coad, 45, 78

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/ RENOVATIONS

Blue Ash Building, 27

CCR Build + Remodel, 5

Copp’s Buildall, 27

Halcyon Homes, 73

HOME SECURITY

Alarmtech, 65

INSULATION

Eco Insulation Canada Inc., 65

INTERIOR DECORATING/INTERIOR DESIGN/HOME STAGING

Chantelle McNeish Design, 12

Debra Rigby Design, 25, 79

Design House London, 45

dp Design Studio+, 47

Moffatt Grace Design, 93

The Decorating Diva, 91

KITCHEN & BATH

Aqualuxe Bath Showroom, 15

Bedrock Kitchen and Bath, 17

CCR Build + Remodel, 5

Dynamic Kitchens, 21

GCW Custom Kitchens & Cabinetry, 63

London Bath Centre, 49

LANDSCAPE/OUTDOOR LIGHTING

Lift Lighting London, 53, 79

LIGHTING

Living Lighting London, 6, 78

NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

Doug Tarry Homes, 65, 80

Hillside Homes – BMI Group, 53, 78

Landings Port Stanley – Domus Developments, 23

Legacy Homes of London, 17

Mapleton Homes, 43

Riverstone – Sifton Properties Ltd., 100

The Village Farm – Langlois Eco Homes, 13

The Tricar Group, 3

Vranic Homes Inc., 89

XO Homes, 77, 79

OUTDOOR FURNITURE/STRUCTURES

Casual Industries Inc., 73

Cottage Culture, 39

PAINTING & DECORATING

Benjamin Moore, 8

Clancy’s Rainbow, 8, 37

Color Company, 8

Komoka Kilworth Home Hardware Building Centre, 8

POOLS/HOT TUBS/SAUNAS/SPAS

Bob Nenicka Pool Service & Repair, 39 Immerspa, 7

REAL ESTATE

Royal LePage Heartland Realty, 47

YPOP Realty – Liz Schmidt, Sheri McKay, 93

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Covers Canada, 11

Custom Shades Of London, 99

Komoka Kilworth Home Hardware Building Centre, 8

WINDOWS & DOORS

Golden Windows, 11

Raven Windows Inc., 2

OUR HOMES is committed to ensuring the businesses above appear under the correct headings. To make a correction, or to have your business listed under more than one heading, please email megan.smithharris@ourhomes.ca. To have your business listed in our Home Resource Directory, call us to advertise at 519.857.3835.

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JENELLE MCCULLOCH

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

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

1. RENWIL: Telcon Indoor/Outdoor Pillow 2. CRATE & BARREL: Sunbrella Solid Lemon Yellow Textured Outdoor Lumbar Pillow 3. ANNIE SELKE: Scout Embroidered Fuchsia Indoor/Outdoor Decorative Pillow 4. SURYA: Alfresco ALF-9694 Outdoor Safe Rug 5. JAIPUR LIVING: Montauk MOT04 Indoor/Outdoor Pouf

6. SURYA: Emily Jean EMJ-002 Outdoor Safe Pillow 7. JAIPUR LIVING: Liri LIR03 Indoor/Outdoor Lumbar Pillow 8. JAIPUR LIVING: Zion ZON01 Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

9. ANNIE SELKE: Herringbone Light Blue/Ivory Handwoven Indoor/Outdoor Rug

10. JAIPUR LIVING: Saba Solar SAS09 Indoor/Outdoor Pouf

OUTDOOR inspiration

11. CB2: Sorena Black And Warm White Indoor/Outdoor Reversible Performance 8x10 Area Rug 12. SURYA: Charmaine NEPF-001 Outdoor Safe Pouf 13. CRATE & BARREL: Pinwheel 20x20 Black Butterfly Outdoor Throw Pillow by Lucia Eames 14. CB2: Silves Black Boucle Sphere Outdoor Pillow 15. RENWIL: Rockhill Indoor/Outdoor Pillow

16. JAIPUR LIVING: Skandi SKA03 Indoor/Outdoor Pouf 17. CB2: Faro Handwoven Performance White and Natural Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug 18. CB2: Silves Light Brown Boucle Outdoor Throw Pillow 20x12 19. ANNIE SELKE: Zhara Stripe Ivory Indoor/ Outdoor Decorative Pillow 20. CRATE & BARREL: Monstera Jacquard 20x20 Loggia Tan Outdoor Throw Pillow OH

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Hunter Douglas Gallery in London

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Lean on our experts for design direction, product knowledge and seamless installation.

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