Early Summer 2024 - PETERBOROUGH, KAWARTHA LAKES, COBOURG, DURHAM REGION, PORT HOPE AREAS

timeless TOWNHOUSE DESIGN

VIEWS OF CHEMONG LAKE

QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP — MANUFACTURED IN PETERBOROUGH

For 34 years we have proudly been Peterborough and the Kawartha Lakes leading cabinet manufacturer. We design cabinetry to suit your needs, whether it is a renovation, new build, hospitality or commercial space. Reach out to learn more about the Cabinetree process.

In addition to our florals for every occasion, we offer a wide selection of home accents.

If you ever need help making your home into your dream, our knowledgeable staff can help with any of your decorating needs.

1: Ann Scarlett and Bethany Rescorl: Owner Mom and Floral Designer Daughter

2: On trend candle holders and unique candles to choose from 3: Fun fish planter with sunny summer floral vibes

Shop these great finds and more in store. Be sure to stop by regularly for the best selection of seasonal decor!

Photography by Morgan Bress

Weatherdek has been the trusted source for Outdoor Waterproof Flooring Products for over 35 years. Our walkable PVC Deck Membrane System is an attractive, dependable, low maintenance, waterproofing solution that has proven popular with design professionals, builders, and homeowners in virtually every climate worldwide.

Industry leading warranty of up to 5 Years Appearance & 15 Years Waterproofing The attractive, maintenance-free Weatherdek

Whether it’s a maintenance-free finish for a lake view patio or a problematic leaking roof-deck, we have the right solution to make your project a success.

We offer the largest range of colors and patterns available, and have the right finish to enhance your home’s outdoor décor.

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

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COTTAGE COUNTRY

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REGIONAL PUBLISHERS Jamie Jefferson Georgette McCulloch

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REACH US EASILY: firstname.lastname@ourhomes.ca

OUR HOMES is a registered trademark of OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC. OUR HOMES Peterborough Region is published four times a year.

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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

Stephani Buchman, Philip Castleton, Lori Davis, Dorathy Gass, Alexandra Gorn, Sabrina Groomes, Toa Heftiba, Roman Kraft, Sandy MacKay, Teresa Matamoros, Jenelle McCulloch, Tamarisk McNalty Stephens, Merri-Lee Metzger, Drew Beth Noble, Lynne Richardson, Jessica Russell, Catherina Schurmann, T. Susen, Britney Townsend

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

Early summer is special.

Perhaps it’s feeling the warm sun after a grey start to the year. Or maybe it’s the landscape changing back to its lush, vibrant self. Family and friends gather to embrace some fun in the sun at home, at the cottage or on a patio during this wonderful time of year.

The days tend to fly by all too fast in the summer. Knowing how summer can pass in the blink of an eye, I make sure to relish each moment, making the most of each day. You can often find me bopping away to music in my workshop where I refinish vintage and antique furniture. Summer is so inspiring and it’s a great day when I can work outside. When I’m not in my workshop or working on this magazine, you will find me out adventuring with my dog, discovering local businesses or planting my backyard garden.

Throughout this edition of OUR HOMES, you’ll find all kinds of inspiration for your home and cottage. Our Style Picks have great local finds to help get you ready for any summer project. Looking for advice from experts? This edition is jam packed with expert advice from cover to cover. There are three magnificent homes, each beautifully designed to inspire. No matter the occasion, let OUR HOMES help you achieve the summer of your dreams. This magazine is your guide to finding products and services locally.

May your wishes for a wonderful summer season come true.

Drew Beth Noble, Managing Editor drew.noble@ourhomes.ca

EARLY SUMMER 2024

Birchview Design worked closely with the homeowners to design a dream kitchen in their newly-renovated townhouse. Story, page 36. Photography by Stephani Buchman.

LOCAL FEATURES

30 Style Picks Create a new and improved home this summer with these stylish local finds.

36 Home & Designer Peak inside and see the beauty of this renovated Peterborough townhouse.

52 Spotlight Check out the newly-enhanced showroom at Dickson Carpet One Floor & Home.

58 Home & Builder Winning this lottery dream home could change your life. Just imagine!

68 People & Places Let us help you find the right professional.

82 Feature Home Take in the sparkling views of Chemong Lake at this immaculate custom home.

DEPARTMENTS

22 Editor’s Note

28 Advice Recycled Elements

34 Good Taste Cherry Spritz

46 Gardening Water in the Garden

54 Birding Plover Lovers

76 Decorating Vintage Furniture

92 Home Resource Directory

94 Cooking At Home Ricotta Pancakes

96 Finishing Touch Packing Picnics

Confederation Log & Timber Frame has been delivering award-winning homes all around the world for nearly 45 years. Whether you are dreaming of a modern timber frame, a classic log home, or something in between, we invite you to experience the Confederation difference. Always custom. Amazing support. The total package.

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.

NEW & Improved

Enjoy a selection of products to add style to your home.

1 SOUTHERN COMFORT HEARTH & HOME

Jøtul Fireplace

The modern elegance of this Jøtul gas stove can be found at Southern Comfort Hearth & Home. With no electricity required and a modern three-sided fire view, the Jøtul GF 370 DV is the perfect blend of form and functionality.

8 Callaghans Rd., Lindsay 705.324.2555 | southerncomfort.ca

2 FLOORTRENDS

Oceano Volta Wall Tile

Oceano Volta is a lovely wall tile available at Floortrends. The classic arched shape is showing up in architectural design and in decorative features, making this a popular tile choice. See it in person installed in their Lindsay showroom or visit other locations.

700 Clonsilla Ave. Unit 100B, Peterborough 705.742.0491 | floortrends.ca

3 BENNETT’S FURNITURE AND MATTRESSES

Sectional Sofa

Add style to your home without sacrificing comfort with this beautiful, modern sectional sofa from Bennett’s. Perfect for gathering with friends or family, you can choose this stunning blue, or a soft, neutral beige. This piece is also available as a sofa and chair.

105 Park St. S., Peterborough 705.749.9273 | bennetts.ca

4 EMBELLISH

Pull-Down Blind

This unique cellular blind from MHZ offers an innovative way to fit hardto-cover windows, like sidelights and glass inserts in doors. The blind is adhered directly to the glass, avoiding having to screw into doors or frames, allowing for a modern topdown, bottom-up look. Available in a range of colours and patterns.

975 Elgin St. W., Cobourg 905.373.0983 | embellish.ca

5

LUKE’S FOR HOME

Home Décor

Step inside and wander through the many spectacular finds that fill Luke’s Country Store, including this gorgeous white decorative bowl and greenery. Home décor, furniture, gift items and artwork, there’s truly something for everyone at this Port Perry store.

207 Queen St., Port Perry 905.985.3011

6 HANDSTONE CRAFTED FOR LIFE

Condo Bed

Complete with attached nightstands, this bed features 14 drawers. The AlaCarte Lisbon Condo Bed provides an abundance of storage in a small space. This quality, Canadian handcrafted bed is available in many woods and stains. The headboard is customizable with wood or fabric.

See your local dealer | handstone.ca

7 LANGMAID CABINETS

Custom Cabinetry

Langmaid Cabinets offers installation for premade cabinetry. Whether you’ve purchased your cabinetry through them or elsewhere, they are happy to help. Langmaid Cabinetry can complete your next dream space with built-in entertainment units, custom closets, entryways, storage, custom kitchens, pantries and kitchen refacing.

7262 Langmaid Rd., Hampton 905.259.4216 | langmaidcabinets.ca

8 VINTAGE INSPIRED

New and Vintage Home Décor

Come and wander through Norwood’s newest boutique store. Vintage Inspired is filled with gorgeous and charming finds, as well as trendy new items sourced from Canadian businesses. With a little something for everyone, they are excited to welcome you to their delightful new location!

2351 County Rd. 45, Norwood 705.837.2012 | vintageinspired.ca

9 ONE FINE FOOD

Freshly Baked Goods

Step inside One Fine Food and experience the tantalizing aroma of their bakery and café. Stocked daily with a selection of delicious rustic breads, the bakery also makes traditional pastries and desserts. All these irresistible pastries are handcrafted with quality ingredients and made with love.

800 Erskine Ave., Peterborough 705.742.6200 | onefinefood.com OH

TART CHERRY Spritz

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

JENELLE MCCULLOCH

A perfect evening mocktail for winding down on a long summer day! This mocktail is not only tangy and delicious, but good for you.

Ingredients

Makes 2 mocktails

4-6 cherries, pitted ½ to 1 oz maple syrup, depending on preference

1 oz lime juice

8 oz tart cherry juice

Soda water

Fresh herbs, mint or rosemary, for garnish

Directions

In a cocktail shaker, muddle cherries until juices are released. Add all ingredients except the soda water into a shaker. Shake or stir to combine. Split into two glasses, add ice, and top with soda water. Garnish with fresh mint or rosemary. OH

• Cabinets • Countertops • Wall & Floor Tile • Vanities • Sinks • Faucets • Showers • Bathtubs • Tub Fillers • Toilets • Accessories • and more!

Whether you are looking for a traditional or a contemporary feel, our licensed and insured team of professionals will work with you to create a stylish room.

home & designer

Coming

HOME

The kitchen’s design is elegant and timeless, featuring a soft colour palette with hints of warm wood and brass hardware.

STORY LORI DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHANI BUCHMAN

WWhen Mike and Connie first saw their newly renovated townhome, they thought they were dreaming. “I was blown away,” recalls Connie.

“It was overwhelming and amazing to see all our discussions come to fruition.” She couldn’t believe they actually owned this stunning residence.

“It was like I walked into a magazine, but this was actually my home. We dared to dream and we dreamed extremely big.”

TOP LEFT: The décor and furniture chosen for the home’s front entry fits the space with subtle hints of black. TOP RIGHT: Brass hardware beautifully complements the kitchen cabinetry. BOTTOM: Simple seasonal décor on the kitchen countertop adds character and makes the room inviting.

home & designer

High-end appliances, stone pendant lighting and richcoloured leather seating are some of the beautiful finishes that blend together to create a timeless kitchen design. BELOW: The kitchen flows effortlessly into the living room, making this main level a great area for entertaining.

“A WELL-DESIGNED HOME MAKES YOU FEEL AMAZING AND IS AN IMPORTANT ASPECT OF LIFE. ~Sonja Sanderson

ABOVE: The powder room may be smaller, but it’s filled with plenty of design character. RIGHT: The living space feels bright and airy with plenty of natural light pouring in through large patio doors. BELOW: Working closely with the homeowners and builders, the team at Birchview Design helps from start to finish.

The couple returned to Ontario and settled in Peterborough after working in the Maritimes for 23 years. They owned six McDonald’s restaurants in Saint John, N.B. and employed close to 500 people. “We recently retired and knew we didn’t want to live in Toronto. We wanted a quieter, less hectic lifestyle,” says Mike. They chose a two-bedroom home in the Westview Village condominium community. Although the condo was dark and outdated, they immediately saw the potential. “It gave us a blank slate to work with,” says Mike. The couple engaged Birchview Design Inc. to handle the extensive renovation. “We had a great experience working with the whole team, including Rachel, our project manager, and Nancy and Sonja,” says Connie. “They listened to our needs,

explained everything thoroughly and communicated regularly.”

Birchview’s owner, designer Sonja Sanderson, grew up in a home filled with creativity. Her grandmother is a watercolour artist, while her mother sings and plays the viola. “My passion for design started at an early age,” Sonja says. “Art and music have always been a part of my life.” Sonja and the team at Birchview Design love to create beautiful, functional spaces. They also have a passion for helping people. “A well-designed home makes you feel amazing and is an important aspect of life. It’s a great responsibility and honour to provide this experience to our clients,” she says.

After Birchview’s founder Nancy Nickle retired, Sonja took over and fine-tuned a diverse team from different

Sonja Sanderson

home & designer

“WE LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT OUR HOME AND CAN’T SAY ENOUGH ABOUT BIRCHVIEW AND THE JOB THEY DID.” ~Mike

TOP: An alternative to the usual bedside lamp, these ceilingmount sconces add a unique and stylish design to the bedroom. LEFT: The warm hints of brass are continued throughout the home’s interior. Brass elements enhance the luxurious feel of the spa-like en suite. RIGHT: The focal point in the living room is a boldly-designed fireplace clad in a striking large-scale dark quartz with a textured finish.

areas of design. “We are continuing Nancy’s legacy and commitment to client service. Collectively, our team is an absolute powerhouse, and I am so proud of them,” says Sonja.

Connie and Mike envisioned their home as a tranquil, personal oasis away from the chaos of daily life. The Birchview design team juxtaposed polished and elevated elements with materials that were organic yet easily maintained. “They can flop down on the couch or spill a glass of wine and it still looks great,”

Sonja says. “The quartz countertops, fabrics and flooring are gorgeous but durable.”

The low maintenance kitchen sets the stage for traditional Maritime kitchen parties. “We didn’t want a formal dining table because everyone always gathers in the kitchen,”

Connie says. From the oversize island, full slab quartz backsplash and hidden electrical outlets to the integrated high-end appliances, this room is elegant and practical. Timeless, grey-toned cabinets complement the neutral palette. “Cabinetree did an amazing job with

the installation and ensuring everything fit as planned,” says Mike. Dual, stone pendant lamps gently brighten the island, skirted by rich leather counter stools.

The focal point of the living room is the fireplace, clad in a striking large-scale quartz from Delray Granite and highlighted by a Samsung frame television. Anchoring the space is a glowing, linear fireplace by Friendly Fires. “It has a sleek, textured finish with a subtle pattern and luxurious vibe, very durable and versatile,” says Sonja.

home & designer

Subdued lighting from Lighting Interiors and More kindles a spa-like atmosphere in the primary en suite. A luxurious soaker tub, gold accents, a walk-in, curbless shower and floating oak vanity add to the relaxed vibe.

Connie converted the second bedroom into a quiet retreat where she can work at her writing table or relax on the comfy convertible sofa bed. Frosted french doors enhance the peaceful, private aura of this room. An organic cotton rug and matching burlap ottomans add warmth and comfort.

A pale oak staircase descends to the crowning jewel of this magnificent home. “The lower level is quite spectacular,” says Sonja. Although the entertainment area is eye-catching, Connie’s customdesigned library steals the show. Deep, rich, custom-milled shelves and cabinets skirt the room, brimming with books and precious memories. “I have always wanted my own library,” she says. The adjacent sitting area is the ideal place to curl up with a book in front of the fireplace on a rainy day. “The deep blue palette with rich wood tones, leather and brass creates a moody and mysterious ambience but also brings beautiful warmth to the space,” says Sonja.

and

LEFT: The home’s lower level is magnificent! This custom-designed library was a dream of the homeowners, and it turned out perfectly. ABOVE: This cosy seating area is the ideal spot to curl up with a good book. BELOW: Deep, rich, custom-milled shelves and cabinets line the room and are filled with books, décor

precious mementos.

home & designer

A large island, topped with unpolished black quartz makes the bar area a convenient place to visit and socialize. Matching counters contrast dramatically with a glossy tiled backsplash supplied by Whelan’s Flooring Centre, while flanking glass cabinets and open shelving provide ample storage for stemware and dishes. In the sitting area, an asymmetrical electric fireplace is bordered by open shelving. After moving in, the couple personalized this area by displaying Connie’s pottery and art.

Another hidden treasure on this extraordinary lower level is the guest bathroom. A custom-designed floating quartz vanity imported from Spain beautifully complements the black fixtures and modern globe lighting.

“It’s the most unique vanity I’ve ever seen, “Sonja says.

Connie and Mike’s joy and pleasure in their home is evident as they describe their experience. Everything from Birchview’s amazing design and client service to the outstanding work done by the trades exceeded their expectations.

“We love everything about our home and can’t say enough about Birchview and the job they did,” says Mike. OH

The home’s lower level has a sleek, custom-designed bar area. Cabinetry and shelving add ample storage, while a glossy tile backsplash adds a fun pop of character. BOTTOM LEFT: The guest bathroom features a custom-designed floating quartz vanity imported from Spain.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Welcome to the guest bedroom, where family and friends are lucky to enjoy an inviting and peaceful space.

Water IN THE GARDEN

STORY TERESA MATAMOROS

Water fosters biodiversity, contributing to a healthier and more balanced garden environment. If you want birds or butterflies in your garden, water is a must.

Frogs will come if you have a pond. Some fish can help with the algae and pond waste and can eat insects and mosquito larvae. However, fish may attract raccoons and herons. A great blue heron visited my small pond many years ago and had a wonderful

meal of all my goldfish! I made sure my next pond had some strategically placed rocks for the fish to hide.

For the winter, a small heater for a birdbath or a larger one for a pond is a great way to keep a small area of water from freezing, so birds can visit all year long. This also allows for gases from decaying organic matter to escape, which is very important for overwintering fish and frogs.

Water is the source of life and has been an essential design element in the garden for many millennia. Water in the garden is about abundance and flow. It can be a source of fun, serenity, relaxation, joy, curiosity, mystery and magic.

The sound of water contributes to the sensory experience, providing a calming backdrop that drowns out the hustle and bustle of everyday life. If you live by a busy street or beside a noisy neighbour, a waterfall from a pond or splashes from a single fountain are wonderful ways to distract from those noises.

It really doesn’t matter how small your space is – there is a water feature for you.

For Those Who Love Undisturbed Natural Beauty.

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Undisturbed. Natural. Beautiful. www.clearrail.ca • 1-705-835-3450 • Orillia

*Please visit www.clearrail.ca/warranty for more information.

Options

TABLETOP

There are tabletop water features that fit on a small table in a small space, like a balcony. Smaller homes with small gardens could add a birdbath or a stand-alone fountain that sits in a dish with a small recirculating pump. You could even use a half-barrel or water trough. All it takes is a few water plants like water lilies and marginal plants like irises and voilà, you have a miniature water garden. Adding a little spitter (small fountain) will oxygenate the water so you will have success with fish in your little water feature.

INGROUND

If you have a larger garden, an inground pond might be the thing. You can purchase preformed liners for a pond, or you can dig one in the ground in whatever shape you want or need. I would recommend that whichever you choose, go a little bigger than you think you want. Ponds somehow look smaller once they are in the ground.

WATERFALLS

Pondless waterfalls are the way to go if you just want to have the therapeutic qualities of water without the maintenance of a pond.

Space, budget and style will help determine what kind of water feature to incorporate into your garden. A townhouse might call for a small wall fountain spilling into a basin and a reflecting pool would match a modern house in the city. Ponds with waterfalls should look natural, or as natural as possible, in their environment. The environment of where you live will help make your choices.

Regardless of the type of water feature you decide on, make sure it is situated close to the house with good views from the windows and/or seating areas or patios. Ponds should have some sun but keep in mind two-thirds of the surface should be covered with plants to reduce the amount of algae that can grow.

The integration of water features in a garden transcends mere aesthetics, offering a plethora of benefits for both the environment and the well-being of its inhabitants. Embracing the allure of water in the garden is not just an aesthetic choice but a transformative journey toward cultivating a space that nurtures and rejuvenates the soul. OH

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

This kitchen started with such an interesting space: Stacked platform bulkheads, some interior walls that didn’t extend to the cathedral ceiling and an entire wall of windows. The defining feature though, was the elongated backsplash window. The client’s request – warm neutral tones and texture. Let’s start with building in equally around the window with appliances. Then centre the cooktop on the window and centre the sink on the cooktop in the island. We’ve just created order (always a comfort). The wall over the cooktop was pretty large and open. Adding texture with stone tile and a couple of floating shelves made it interesting and balanced it out with the rest of the

space. The pantry wall on the right is covered with dark slate-looking tiles, a great secondary texture to the cooktop wall tile. The cabinet pantry is painted out to blend with the slate. The coffee bar opposite is a repeat of the cooktop wall. The window shape is repeated in open wood shelving in both the tall cabinet pantry and the coffee bar (see instagram photo). Double waterfall tops overlap on the island, the wood is warm and inviting for diners and the dark stain balances off the dark pantry wall. Strong straight lines repeat throughout. Every detail was carefully considered in this beautiful waterfront home renovation.

WALK THIS WAY

THE PLACE

Dickson Carpet One Floor & Home is an independently-owned-and-operated business that’s been serving the Cobourg and surrounding community for the past 60 years. Dickson’s is part of a worldwide cooperative with more than 1,000 stores. “Our customers get the best of both worlds, the service of a local business with the savings and selection of a national chain,” says owner Cindy Dickson. Visit Dickson‘s newly renovated showroom in Cobourg’s west end.

SERVICES

At Dickson Carpet One Floor & Home, the passionate sales-team members are experts in all types of flooring and are eager to help clients find the perfect fit for home or office. “We offer sales and installation of all floor coverings, as well as window coverings,” says Cindy. “We strive to ensure the floor we’ve created together is as beautiful as the one in your dreams. If not, we’ll replace it for free.” Picturing new flooring in your home is quick and easy with the “room visualizer,” available in the showroom or online. Using this tool, clients are able to see new flooring in an instant with the swipe of a finger! Dickson’s is also a large stocking dealer of various types of area rugs and runners, as well as other decorating accessories, including mirrors, prints and some furniture.

WHAT’S TRENDING

Hard surface flooring, including luxury vinyl plank or tile, plus hardwood, are still popular in the current market for interior flooring. “We are still seeing textured carpets for bedrooms, family rooms and some basements,” says Cindy. Area rugs and custom rugs are often being used in areas with hard surface flooring to help cosy up a space.

ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE

When selecting new flooring options with clients, Dickson’s listens to each client’s needs, ideas and asks about what they already have. They show different options of flooring, based on clients’ ideas, as well as showing them what is available in the market, and what might be the best flooring choice for their particular job or project. “We are focused on giving our customers a positive shopping experience,” says Cindy. “It’s important to us that we operate with integrity. As an independent family business supported by our membership in a cooperative, we are dedicated to giving back to our communities and helping others. We live, work and play in this community, just like our clients.” Dickson’s offers an in-store shopping experience, as well as “shop at home.”

“If our client is unable to come to our location, we will take samples to them,” Cindy says. OH

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.

Creating wonderful designs for your residential or commercial space.

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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

PHOTO: PLOVER LOVERS

PHOTO: PLOVER LOVERS

home & builder

STORY DREW BETH NOBLE

PHOTOGRAPHY BRITNEY TOWNSEND AND PHILIP CASTLETON PHOTOGRAPHY

The house is yours to make your own. The lucky winner can add their own charm and character to this Prince Edward County home.

imagine JUST

Imagine receiving a call from The Princess Margaret Home Lottery with news you’ve won a spectacular custom lakefront home. That could happen if you bought a lottery ticket for the spring draw in support of life-saving cancer research. The home comes with $100,000 in cash. Continued on page 60

FFOR MORE THAN 25 YEARS, THE PRINCESS MARGARET

LOTTERY has given away millions of dollars in cash, cottages and dream home prizes with the goal of conquering cancer in our lifetime. Each home’s desirable location, custom design and support for a worthy cause makes this a wonderful experience for everyone involved.

This newly-built country home in Prince Edward County, worth $2.2-million, is one of three spring lottery grand prizes. Prince Edward County is known for its world class wineries, white sandy beaches, as well as boutique shopping, dining and accommodations. In-between Presqu’ile and Sandbanks provincial parks, this cottage is located on a large property filled with mature trees overlooking the calm waters of Consecon Lake. Linwood Custom Homes designed and built this incredible home.

This 2,515 sq. ft. home has a contemporary design and modern finishes. The exterior’s dark siding choices are softened by natural

ABOVE: The kitchen features black quartz counters and black accent cabinetry, which complements the white cabinetry and walls. BELOW: Large patio doors bring in bright light and open the living room to the outdoor deck and patio.

wood timbers. Capital Construction Services landscaped the property so the owners can enjoy their first summer in their new oasis.

The interior has an open-concept floor plan and luxurious finishes. Once the home’s design and location were determined, Lakeshore Designs stepped in to help Linwood complete the home. The interior design is modern, yet timeless. “It really blends comfortable and cosy, but keeps some modernity to it,” says Angela Jones, owner and principal designer at Lakeshore Designs. The spacious front entry has a large closet for storage and opens into the kitchen, which flows into the dining room. “One of the things I love most about this home is the kitchen,” says Angela. Complete with new appliances from Peterborough Appliances, this kitchen is perfect for a homeowner who loves to cook or entertain. The kitchen is centred around

Continued

TOP: A conveniently placed mud and laundry room makes it easy for homeowners to keep the mess limited to one space. MIDDLE: The home’s design is contemporary with modern touches. BELOW: Wood accents were used throughout the architectural and interior designs. A large wooden beam draws the eyes upward, while wood furniture and flooring add warmth to the open-concept space.

a large multifunctional island, providing extra storage and seating. The dark waterfall island, finished with Empira Black Caesarstone, adds contrast to the otherwise bright white kitchen. Sleek custom cabinetry and hardware from Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre maintains the black-and-white colour scheme used throughout the house. Different levels of lighting, accents of greenery and wood tones add warmth to the kitchen.

The dining and living rooms open to the sundeck, the perfect spot for relaxing or hosting. “Linwood Custom Homes built this gorgeous vaulted living room, which gives it a great openness and I just love how it came together,” says Angela. Simple lines and beautiful décor flow throughout the home. The walls are white and the accents throughout are black. Shiplap from Kerr’s Home Products surrounds the fireplace and is also found in the kitchen and primary bedroom. Also on the main floor

ABOVE: The home’s main living space has vaulted ceilings, a stunning floor-to-ceiling fireplace and large windows. TOP RIGHT: It’s easy to see how spacious the living room is when looking down from the loft space. BOTTOM RIGHT: The upstairs loft is the perfect spot for a reading nook or small home office. OPPOSITE: This home comes fully furnished, with designer-selected quality furniture and décor.

“LINWOOD CUSTOM HOMES BUILT THIS GORGEOUS, VAULTED LIVING ROOM, WHICH GIVES IT A GREAT OPENNESS AND I JUST LOVE HOW IT CAME TOGETHER.”

~Angela

home & builder

for convenience is an additional side entrance to a mudroom with laundry and access to the heated garage, as well as a twopiece powder room.

A second-floor loft is perched in the vaulted ceiling, overlooking the living room. “It was the perfect area to make a sitting room,” says Angela. This bright nook has a small desk, as well as accent chairs for cosy reading. Also on this level of the home is the large primary bedroom and en suite. Using the home’s architectural design to create a focal point, the queen-size bed from Universal Furniture sits against the black shiplap accent wall. Soft linens, décor and country-inspired furniture maintain the aesthetic.

TOP: The primary bedroom offers homeowners a peaceful getaway. Using the architectural design to create a focal point, the dark finishes make the space cosy. LEFT: Sliding barn doors into the en suite and closet save space in the primary room. TOP RIGHT: The spacious primary en suite offers luxurious finishes, such as the glass-enclosed shower and floating vanity. BOTTOM RIGHT: Homeowners can enjoy the large vessel tub.

home & builder

RIGHT: The lower level is bright thanks to the walkout design and big windows. BOTTOM

LEFT: The guest bedrooms are located on the lower level of the home, each one designed to offer guests a peaceful place to enjoy their stay. BOTTOM

RIGHT: Designed for the wonderous imaginations of children, this room features the most adorable bunkbed.

The primary bedroom and en suite are placed away from the other bedrooms, making it more private. The large freestanding bathtub from Bathworks and glass-enclosed shower make the en suite perfect for this peaceful retreat.

Large windows on the lower level make it bright and inviting. “This area is very cosy, and I love the detail we added to the ceiling,” says Angela. “It really gives a lot of depth and keeps it feeling quite moody.” A full bathroom and two bedrooms are located on this floor, all beautifully decorated and ready for guests or family to enjoy. This level has a walkout to the rear of the property.

This home was built and designed by local professionals in support of an amazing cause. It comes fully furnished, professionally decorated and landscaped. All that’s left to do is unpack your bags and embrace your new Prince Edward County oasis. To learn more about the Princess Margaret Lottery visit PrincessMargaretLotto.com. OH

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE

• Alota Tile • Bathworks • Caesarstone • Canadian

Shield Construction • Capital Construction Services

• Centura • Chemong Home Hardware Building

Centre • Dafoe Roofing Ltd. • Kawartha TV & Stereo

• Kerr’s Home Products • Lakeshore Designs • Linwood

Custom Homes • Ontario Carpet Supermart • Quinte

Paint & Wallpaper Inc. • Peterborough Appliances

• Premier Stairs & Railings • SCF Countertops

IN YOUR neighbourhood

Meet local professionals ready to build, renovate and decorate to make home your happy place.

STORY AND PHOTOS DREW BETH NOBLE

39 MAIN STREET MERCANTILE

39 Main Street is a beautifully-decorated mercantile in the charming village of Warkworth. It’s overflowing with a thoughtful collection of merchandise, including home and cottage décor, lifestyle and personal care items, and antiques. Each item in the shop is intentionally selected to evoke feelings of comfort, relaxation and contentment.

COME SHOP

The shop is stocked with linens, cushions, baskets, tableware, glassware, antiques, folk art, personal care items, art supplies, jigsaw puzzles and Peepers eyewear. “We offer a curated selection of goods that fit the natural, relaxed style of our shop,” says Lana Taylor, the owner and member of the Canadian Antique Dealers Association. This includes authentic antique pieces handselected by Lana, locally-produced items and art, plus carefully selected, high-quality, often artisan produced, imported items.

Vera Litynsky, Retail Associate

A UNIQUE STOP

The shop is a model of how combining well-worn antique treasures with new elements and essentials creates a warm, timeless, comfortable style for everyday living. This combination of old and new creates an inspiring experience for visitors. Lana is a respected antiques dealer known for her exquisite eye and her well-chosen collection of antique items.

de BLOIS BUILT

For the past 15 years, de Blois Built has specialized in fullscope renovations and one-of-a-kind new builds in Toronto, Northumberland and Prince Edward counties. Collaborating closely with clients, architects and designers, de Blois Built builds beautiful, functional and truly custom homes. Their team is passionate about providing quality workmanship, exceptional service and making meaningful connections with clients and trade partners.

BUILDING MORE THAN HOMES

From concept to completion, de Blois Built clients have the full support of a highly-skilled, creative and committed team. Their project managers, site supervisors, in-house carpentry crews and operations staff are there every step of the way, making sure project plans match client vision and budgets, that pricing is clear and transparent, and every detail is just right.

SERVICES

Customer service is the top priority for Kitchens Depot. Their team is there to help from start to finish at each project. Offering services to Peterborough and the surrounding areas, Kitchens Depot offers fast and free kitchen designs and quotes. They offer professional installation of all levels of cabinetry, countertops, shower walls, fireplace cladding and flooring.

KITCHENS DEPOT

Kitchens Depot is a top-rated kitchen and bath dealer located in Peterborough, specializing in quality products, including stock, semi-custom and complete custom kitchen and bath cabinetry, quartz countertops, sinks, flooring, fireplace cladding and shower walls, faucets, hardware and accessories. They also offer weatherproof outdoor kitchens and countertops. Their highlyskilled staff is well experienced, with most of the team in the industry for more than 30 years.

COMING SOON

It’s a big and exciting year at the Kitchens Depot showroom! Kitchens Depot and The Original Flame are ready to unveil their brand-new Elevate luxury brand collection showroom. This showroom will offer clients an experience like no other with beautiful custom vignettes, luxurious solid surfaces from Dekton and Cambria, Dacor high-end appliances, working displays and more.

Asphalt Paving

If you’re looking for reliable asphalt paving services, you’ve come to the right place. Not only do we work within council regulations, but we also hold the certification and knowledge required to ensure that we stay within these regulations.

With almost fifty years of experience, we’ve seen it all. That means that whether you need your driveway resurfaced or repaired, or a new asphalt & concrete driveway installed, we’re the people you need. We have the necessary knowledge, expertise and equipment required to get the job done to a high standard and in good timing.

people & places

ANDEN KITCHEN & BATH CENTRE

Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre is your one-stop shop for everything you need when it comes to kitchens and bathrooms. After 31 years in business, their beliefs remain the same –outstanding workmanship and great individuals lead to happy customers.

PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

Visit the Peterborough showroom to meet Anden’s knowledgeable sales staff and experienced designers. Their skilled team is ready to help with managing everything from full kitchen makeovers to kitchen resurfacing, full bathroom renos, and everything in between. Their fantastic installation crew will make sure each job looks flawless and that clients are left amazed! The overall core focus is to bring customers’ dreams to light and give them a space they can enjoy for years to come! OH

WHAT MAKES ANDEN STAND OUT

Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre is a recognized leader in the kitchen and bath industry, offering innovative design, quality products and unparalleled workmanship. They offer honest and courteous customer service. Their complete attention to detail makes them the perfect team to help with your next home project.

SEE OUR DIRECTORY FOR ALL CONTACT INFORMATION.

VINTAGE FURNITURE WHAT NOT TO DO

With vintage furniture now a stealth competitor in home furnishing options, procurement has become game-like, achieved by scavenger hunt and bound only by the kilometres you’re willing to clock.

Whether you’re shopping for a client, are in pursuit of a particular piece for your own space or you’re just out on a weekend jaunt armed with impulse, here are five things NOT to do when sourcing vintage furniture.

DON’T LET IMPERFECTIONS WIN

The term vintage is qualified when a piece of furniture is more than 40 years old. Having survived several decades in family homes already, wear and tear is to be expected. Imperfections such as scratches are cosmetic and can most often be corrected with easy-to-use products available at any home improvement store. Surface damage such as water rings or ink stains can be forgotten with purposefully placed décor such as plants or catchalls. Minor damage comes with the territory of older pieces but it’s important to consider the rarity and uniqueness of the piece itself against this smaller setback.

DON’T SLEEP IN

Markets of any kind are synonymous with early mornings and those hosting furniture vendors are no exception. While many companies offer inventory available for purchase online, they often showcase their latest offerings at in-person events where they can be purchased first. Markets are not the type of shopping event to hit hours after doors open. If you want your pick of the haul, set your alarm.

STORY JESSICA RUSSELL

PHOTO: TOA HEFTIBA

PHOTO: ROMAN KRAFT

DON’T SKIP THE MATH

Math is definitive and though you may think there’s a way to change a formula for fit, there seldom is. If you’re shopping for a particular space, come armed with the measurements. The last thing you want is to find the perfect piece, size it up by eye only and face major disappointment when it’s simply too big to fit the vision. Before setting out, ensure you have any applicable measurements written down (please don’t rely on memory for this one!) and bring with you a measuring tape of your own just to be safe.

DON’T ASSUME THE PRICE IS FIRM

In some cases, prices on vintage furniture pieces can be negotiated. If you’re speaking directly with the owner of the shop and you’re getting a sense of leniency, ask if they’re open to a discount. Read the room before pursuing this tactic as you always want to maintain respect for shop owners and the work they put into curating their collections.

DON’T IGNORE SCENT

Even those most experienced in furniture restoration will only purchase from smokefree environments. Over time, furniture subjected to consistent tobacco use will develop irreversible effects such as yellowing and scent absorbency. While paint can cover discolouration and there are odour neutralizing products intended for furniture, it’s important to recognize these as only reducers and not eliminators. If you can smell smoke in a piece of furniture, skip it.

While serendipitous finds are known to make cameos throughout one’s hunt for vintage furniture, it’s a gift that knows no regularity. Keep these tips and tricks in mind when you next set out, and remember that if it’s meant to be, it’ll be (an awesome new addition to your space!) OH

PHOTO: T. SUSEN

RIVERVIEW FURNITURE & FLOORING

Brothers Craig and Derrick Box have been in business together for 45 years. Riverview Furniture & Flooring was established in 1979. We started working out of a tiny 400 sq. ft. building that over the past 45 years has grown into over 7000 sq. ft.

Our main store has three levels featuring handcrafted custom wood, leather and upholstered furniture as well as blinds, appliances, and flooring. Our Cabin Country store, located next door, is dedicated to custom bedroom suites, bunk beds and mattresses.

Riverview Furniture is known first and foremost for our custom wood products. The wood is sourced right here in Ontario. Our staple slogan “Built for a Lifetime of Memories” has helped thousands of clients design and build custom pieces for their homes and cottages that will last for generations.

At Riverview, we pride ourselves in selling over 90% all Canadian-made product.

Riverview carries all types of flooring and we have on-staff installers. We offer free, no-obligation, in-home measurements/estimates.

Riverview also offers reupholstery services. We and our dedicated team pride ourselves in putting our customers first and make it a top priority that our customers are happy with both the product and service they have received.

Open 7 days a week. 94 Bobcaygeon Rd, Minden riverview-furniture.com

705.286.3167

info@riverview-furniture.com

(Please see ad on pg 57)

PETERBOROUGH BATH RENOVATORS

At Peterborough Bath Renovators we take pride in installing everything inside our customers’ bathroom doors!

Since 2006 we have proudly used some of the finest local trades and suppliers and are proud to be Peterborough born and raised!

Serving Peterborough, the Kawarthas and surrounding areas too, we are your bathroom renovation and remodeling experts.

We offer everything including full renovations to tub replacements, custom acrylic bathwalls, shower conversions, walk-in tubs and more…

Our skilled installers can transform your space in as little as one day and even small changes can make a BIG difference!

From flooring to vanities, grab bars, mirrors, toilet toppers and more, we do it all.

With life being just so busy outside the home, being happy inside your home is more important than ever.

So get those ideas flowing and book your in-home estimate today!

BATHROOMS…IT’S WHAT AND ALL WE DO!

Please stop by our showroom located at 637 The Queensway, Unit #8, Peterborough, Monday thru Friday from 9 am to 4:30 pm (Saturdays by appointment only), visit our website at peterboroughbathrenovators.com or give us a call at 705.745.7694. (Please see ad on pg 77)

BLUE SKY REAL ESTATE PHOTO

Having helped hundreds of real estate agents sell thousands of properties, Blue Sky Real Estate Photo also offers new homebuilders, designers and contractors services to help with their marketing needs.

Photographer Steven Frank brings his artistic eye and decades of experience to every project, tailoring the right media necessary for the job.

When it comes to real estate, Steven knows there are lots of good photographers but believes his many years of marketing give him the edge by knowing how to choose the right media for each situation. Whether augmenting photography with virtual staging, video, Matterport 3D or drone, he will work with you to help achieve a successful outcome.

As lighting is the secret to great photography, Steven is constantly checking the weather and cloud positions to deliver on the Blue Sky Promise and when Mother Nature and luck are not aligned, there is always postproduction!

Servicing the Kawartha Lakes, Northumberland, Quinte West, Durham Region and the GTA, Steven has built his business word-of-mouth, one job at a time.

905.926.1171 blueskyphoto.com

(Please see ad on pg 89)

BRITISH EMPIRE FUELS

Join us in celebrating 60 years of British Empire Fuels ! What was once only a fuel company has grown into the largest HVAC company in Kawartha Lakes and Trent Lakes. Whether it is air conditioner or furnace installation and services, duct cleaning, fuel, or heat pumps –we are here for you.

Locally owned and operated, you can trust our team of over 40 HVAC experts to keep you comfortable year round.

Have a question for us? Want to book fuel delivery? Need to upgrade your air conditioner or furnace? Have a fuel or HVAC emergency? Contact British Empire Fuels today by giving us a call at 705.738.2121 or sending us an email at info@britishempirefuels.com britishempirefuels.com (Please see ad on pg 55)

WEATHERDEK/ LEGENDARY LOG HOMES

Weatherdek/Legendary

Log Homes Inc. is a family owned and operated business since 1983 in the heart of the Kawarthas.

Family, home, and leisure time have been a big part of our mission statement, and protecting, maintaining, and enjoying the value of these things has always been a goal of ours.

After many years of knowing the value of time and money, preserving a deck has always been a chore – not anymore! Weatherdek membrane is not only the answer to repairing your distressed/damaged deck, it also gives you a waterproof living space or storage area below the deck.

Do you have a flat boathouse roof? Flat roofs can always be a concern for water leaks. Our waterproof membrane can transform that roof into a useable deck space while protecting your investments below.

As every installation is different, we will come and do a thorough inspection of your project. Whether it’s a repair or a new build, we work together with you, the homeowner and the builder, making sure the necessary steps are taken to make your installation perfect.

With our 15-year warranty you will have peace of mind that you are “covered” for years to come.

Len Heise

705.738.5116

705.738.7691

1.877.746.4348

weatherdekontario.com

(Please see ad on pg 8)

CLARK PROPERTY MAINTENANCE AND LANDSCAPING

Clark Property Maintenance and Landscaping have been making landscape dreams come true since 1983.

We are a full-service property maintenance and landscape company in Durham Region. We will complete your project from initial consultation to landscape construction to full property and lawn maintenance if needed. If you are looking for landscapers in Durham Region and the surrounding area, we are available to provide you with the best service possible.

We love what we do and it shows in our end results. We will be there every step of the way from when the first shovel hits the turf until the last brick is laid down or the last plant is in the ground.

Let us care for and maintain your landscape design Spring, Fall, Winter and all through the year including:

• Aerating, Cultivating and Edging of Gardens;

• Dethatching, Fertilizing, Lawn Rolling, Power Sweeping;

• Lawn Raking, Top Dressing and Seeding;

• Snow Clearing, Shovelling, Salting and Snow Removal.

Pass your outdoor chores onto us and enjoy the spoils!

Call for a free estimate 905.985.4979

info@goclark.ca goclark.ca

(Please see ad on pg 49)

STONY LAKE FURNITURE

Stony Lake Furniture Co. has been in operation since 2006, serving as both a retail space and an interior design studio.

In store you’ll discover a variety of home décor items and locally crafted case goods paired with plush seating from Canada and the US. We believe in the value of investing in furniture that is not only beautiful, but also provides enduring comfort and functionality.

We take pride in offering Farrow and Ball paint and wallpaper, available in 132 colours and a range of finishes for any painting project. Farrow and Ball is a favourite among designers and homeowners for its deep hues and classic shades.

While we are always happy to assist with paint and fabric selections in-store, certain projects require more attention to detail. This is where owner and designer Lisa Besseling excels, bringing a wealth of expertise and creativity to every project.

Lisa collaborates closely with each client to bring their vision to fruition. Whether you’re seeking to revitalize a single room or embark on a large-scale renovation, Lisa’s interior design services are customized to match your individual needs and style preferences. From choosing the perfect fabric and furniture to custom designing your dream kitchen, Lisa’s design solutions are guaranteed to elevate your space.

1 Stanley St, Lakefield 705.652.7444

stonylakefurniture.ca

(Please see ad on pg 75)

NORTHVUE FRAMELESS GLASS RAILINGS

Choose NorthVue Frameless Glass Railings for crystal clear views. We are dedicated to making your view as enjoyable as possible.

Our frameless product can open up any space, interior or exterior. Its simple yet elegant system requires minimal lead time and is easy to install.

We have a variety of mounting options and finishes that you can view at our showroom located in Orillia. We also offer site visits, installation, delivery and warehouse pickups.

We want NorthVue to be the right product for you. Send us an email or give us a call, and upgrade your view today! 525 West St S, Unit #8, Orillia info@northvueglass.com

705.327.0500

northvueglass.com

(Please see ad on pg 55)

SOURCE IT

GLIDING SHELF SOLUTIONS

Double the storage space in your kitchen for a fraction of the cost of a renovation with Gliding Shelf Solutions

We offer inventive and creative solutions to your storage problems with affordable pull-out shelves which come with a lifetime guarantee. Easier access to hard-to-reach areas of your cupboards and greater organization will bring order and joy to the most used room of your home.

Sturdy construction allows our gliding shelves to hold over 100 lbs and move with the touch of a finger.

Bathroom vanities and under-sink spaces are a common problem area to access, and often have a large space around the pipes that are left underutilized.

By creating a second tier between the pipe and the cabinet wall, we can utilize the space you already have for a two-tier pull-out shelf unit that will keep you better organized, with all the space configured to give you better accessibility, and keep your countertops uncluttered.

Whether your cabinets are standard or custom, new or old, our team at Gliding Shelf can help.

Canadian made to the most demanding specifications, with expert consultation, measuring and installation included. Contact Tyler for your FREE consultation:

1.877.895.9766

705.313.5761

tyler@glidingshelf.ca

glidingshelf.ca

(Please see ad on pg 57)

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 10)

Keeping it Simple ON CHEMONG LAKE

Hidden from the hustle and bustle of the city lays a beautiful 3,000 sq. ft. new bungalow overlooking the stunning views of Chemong Lake. Things can get a little busy on the inside of this modern farmhouse-style home, as the owners experience all the fun (and chaos) that comes with raising two young children. Despite this, they always try their best to slow down and embrace the simpler things in life.

STORY DORATHY GASS | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

The floor-to-ceiling wooden fireplace is the focus of the room, with soft textiles and warm hints of wood adding to the cosy feel. OPPOSITE: The picturesque views from the living room are unbeatable. The homeowners enjoy the sights of sparkling water from the comfort of their new home all year long.

“ULTIMATELY, WE HELPED THE OWNERS FIND PIECES THAT COMPLEMENTED THEIR STYLE AND EXISTING COLOUR SCHEME.” ~Heather Twohey

The open-concept design between the living room, kitchen and dining space makes it easy to enjoy time with family and friends. Large floor-to-ceiling windows ensure views from every seat in the house.

TOP LEFT: A large kitchen island provides plenty of seating, making it a great space for homework or enjoying a quick bite to eat.

TOP RIGHT: A baker’s dream, this hidden pantry provides extra kitchen storage and helps hide mess.

BOTTOM: The family dog lives in paradise, surrounded by a loving family and beautiful home.

Inspired to move to the outskirts of Peterborough to be closer to work, the couple built this three-year-old house from the ground up, with the help of a local contractor. The two wanted their next home to be a bungalow for so many reasons, from resale appeal to avoiding the uphill climb that dozens of stairs can bring, and more. The best part is it was designed entirely by the wife – perfectly crafting the layout based on the needs of her family of four. With a background in real estate, she knew the features she wanted but couldn’t find “everything” from the plans she was presented with.

“I know what I like, and I know what things people are looking for when buying a home,” she explains. “After looking at about a billion layouts, I couldn’t decide on one to move forward with. They all had a little bit of what I wanted, but didn’t quite have everything I was hoping for. After some thought, I realized that I could design the layout on my own! I was like, ‘Wait, I can do this.’ and so, I began drafting up a plan.” Through a labour of love, she created her family’s dream home. The bungalow showcases a split-level bedroom floor plan with three bedrooms upstairs, and two in the downstairs area, which is great for housing overnight, out-of-town visitors. With the help of

No matter the time of day or the kind of weather, enjoying a warm

or good

“MY FAVOURITE TIME OF THE DAY IS WAKING UP WITH A COFFEE TO WATCH THE SUNRISE FROM MY BEDROOM.”

~Homeowners

local design experts at Twohey Home, the interior furnishings and lighting come together to perfectly complement the home’s peaceful aesthetic.

Heather Twohey met the homeowners when they visited the store and was then invited to their house. “Ultimately, we helped the owners find pieces that complemented their style and existing colour scheme,” Heather says. The majority of the furnishings are Canadian-made with custom finishes, including the coffee table, vegan leather furniture, chairs and commercial-grade kitchen barstools.

Guests are welcomed into the home through the grand entrance overhang with hand-made copper gas lanterns from Bevolo, stepping into breathtaking, panoramic views of the lake through floor-to-ceiling window walls, sourced from Lifestyle Home Products

Still, the family can also sneak into the house via the garage, entering the mud and laundry room, where everyone has their very own cubby designed by CRS Woodwork to keep gloves, shoes, jackets, and school bags organized. Tucked away on one side of the house are the two girls’ bedrooms, a play area, dual bathroom, and an office nook for homework. The house also features a customized home gym and a 900 sq. ft. office loft.

“The office loft above the garage is great for when I work remotely and where a lot of my meetings take place,” she states. “Although I’m not misguided in the thought that some day my kids will likely take over this space when they hit their teen years.”

The hub of the house is the open-concept kitchen (CRS Woodwork) with an oversize island and appliances perfect for entertaining. The hidden pantry doubles as a baker’s

drink

book in this primary bedroom with this view is like slipping away to a slice of heaven. BOTTOM: The spacious en suite features a custom double vanity from CRS Woodwork.

ABOVE: Laundry is located on the main floor, perfectly tucked away in the mudroom. TOP RIGHT: Mudroom cubbies help keep the outdoor accessories organized. BOTTOM LEFT: The upstairs loft is spacious and multifunctional. It provides additional living space and with two desks, it also works as an office. BOTTOM RIGHT: The desks overlook the outdoors, so the homeowners can work from home and take in the serene sights.

paradise, keeping all ingredients at hand, as well as space to bake and a place to stow away the mess when unexpected company pops in.

“Everyone always talks about how amazing the house looks, little do they know that things are often placed in that hidden pantry during a fast tidy-up,” the homeowner jokingly states.

Still, it’s not only the inside of the house that delights, but the outside, too. With approximately one acre of land surrounding the home, there’s plenty of room for the couple’s two kids to play. In addition, their backyard oasis, mere stone steps to Chemong Lake, features a modern in-ground pool from Waterworld Pools with a sun lounge, hot tub, outdoor shower, dining space, garden, a small three-hole mini putt, and boat dock. In addition, the couple can gain access to the back area from the main level of their home, as well as an added entrance that also leads out from the basement.

Continued on page 90

TOP: The children’s bedrooms are located on one end of the house. Joined by a shared bathroom, each bedroom is playfully designed with bright colours and full of fun character. FAR LEFT: Black accents and greenery stand out against the soft white and warm wood finishes. LEFT: Having a gym at home to incorporate into their morning routine was a must-have for the homeowners when designing the home.

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE

• Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre

• CRS Woodwork • Drain Electric Ltd. • Durham

Artificial Grass • Edgar Simmons Heating • EMCO

Peterborough • Lifestyle Home Products • Mel

Davis Masonry • SCF Countertops • Twohey Home

• Waterworld Pools • Whelan’s Flooring Centre

“The back entrance comes in handy for overnight guests or when my parents come to stay, allowing them to enjoy the outdoors whenever they want, without the need to come upstairs,” she says.

At the end of the day, the bedroom is where homeowners spend most of their time and the couple falls asleep while looking at the moon cast over the water and wakes up to incredible lake views every morning, thanks to the window walls with cathedral ceilings in their room. The primary bedroom also showcases two walk-in closets, an en suite with an oversize rain shower and body jets, as well as a walkout balcony.

“My favourite time of the day is waking up with a coffee to watch the sunrise from my bedroom,” the homeowner says. “I’m a morning person. While it is amazing to stare up at the clear skies and look at the stars at night, there’s nothing like watching the sun come up from over the lake, while hearing the birds chirp.” OH

TOP LEFT: Mini putt anyone? The perfect spot to practise your putting. TOP RIGHT: The exterior of the home complements the natural surroundings. BOTTOM RIGHT: Welcome to the backyard oasis! Beautiful landscaping, an inground pool and hot tub make this backyard the perfect space for summer entertaining. LEFT: The design of the home’s exterior and the placement of windows are symmetrical.

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.

ANTIQUES/REPRODUCTIONS

39 Main Street Mercantile, 22 Vintage Inspired, 77

APPLIANCES

Kennedy’s Appliances & Electronics, 6 Peterborough Appliances, 100

ARCHITECTS/ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/ ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS/ DRAFTSMEN & DESIGN

MaryAnne Noffke Design & Drafting, 22 StudioPK, 89

ART SUPPLIES

META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery, 43

ART/ARTISANS/ART GALLERIES/ STUDIOS/WORKSHOPS

META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery, 43

BBQS/GRILLS

Kawartha Clean Air & Burning Sensations, 20

BEDS & BEDDING/MATTRESSES/ SLEEP PRODUCTS

Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses, 3

Manderley Fine Furniture, 99

BUILDERS

1867 Confederation Log Homes, 26&27

Cedarwylde Homes Inc., 33

Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre, 12, 16

de Blois Built, 11

Discovery Dream Homes, 4

Linwood Custom Homes, 67

Royal Homes Ltd., 17

RWH Construction, 2

Steve Snider Construction Inc., 93

Waddell Custom Homes, 75

Watercolour Westport, 19

Weatherdek/Legendary Log Homes, 8, 80

BUILDING/LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre, 12, 16

Kawartha Capital Corp., 49

Lindsay Design Centre, 81

Monaghan Lumber Specialties, 13

CABINETS & MILLWORK/ CARPENTRY/FINE WOODWORKING/ CUSTOM FURNITURE

Cabinetree, 5 Log Furniture & More, 49

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

Boathouse Boutique / Bikini Beans Café, 65

COUNTERTOPS

Delray Granite, 45

DEMOLITION SERVICES

ground worx, 33

DOCKS

Shop The Lake, 33

EAVESTROUGHS/SOFFIT/FASCIA

LeafFilter, 18

EXCAVATING/SITE PREP/SEPTIC ground worx, 33

FABRIC/UPHOLSTERY/CANVAS

Innovative Interiors, 55

FENCING/DECKS/GATES

Weatherdek/Legendary Log Homes, 8, 80

FIREPLACES & STOVES/ACCESSORIES

Kawartha Clean Air & Burning Sensations, 20

Southern Comfort Hearth & Home, 14

FLOORING

Dickson Carpet One Floor & Home, 43

Floortrends, 21

Monaghan Lumber Specialties, 13

Riverview Furniture & Flooring, 57, 79

Sine’s Flooring, 95

FLORAL DESIGN/FLORISTS

Kent Florist, 7

FOOD & DRINK/RESTAURANTS/ CATERING/DELI

Boathouse Boutique / Bikini Beans Café, 65 One Fine Food, 97

FURNITURE & HOME DECOR/ ACCENTS/GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES

39 Main Street Mercantile, 22

Bennett’s Furniture and Mattresses, 3

Boathouse Boutique / Bikini Beans Café, 65

Habitat Decor, 25

Handstone Furniture, 10, 81

Kent Florist, 7

Lakeshore Designs, 65

Luke’s for Home, 71

Manderley Fine Furniture, 99

Oak Unlimited, 43

Riverview Furniture & Flooring, 57, 79

Shop The Lake, 33

Southern Comfort Hearth & Home, 14

Stony Lake Furniture, 75, 80

Twohey Home, 91

Vintage Inspired, 77

GLASS/MIRROR & DESIGN/GLASS WALLS

Glass Express Manufacturing Inc., 9

HEATING & COOLING

British Empire Fuels, 55, 79

Kawartha Clean Air & Burning Sensations, 20

HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Kennedy’s Appliances & Electronics, 6

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/ RENOVATIONS

de Blois Built, 11

Johnson Log Home Restorations, 33, 77

Ready Pine, 77

Waddell Custom Homes, 75

INTERIOR DECORATING/ INTERIOR DESIGN/HOME STAGING

INDA Interiors, 23

Innovative Interiors, 55

Lakeshore Designs, 65

Stony Lake Furniture, 75, 80

Twohey Home, 91

KITCHEN & BATH

Anden Kitchen & Bath Centre, 71 Cabinetree, 5

Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre, 12, 16

Crystal Bath & Plumbing, 35

Hickory Lane Kitchens, 50&51

Kitchen Cabinet Solutions, 29

Lindsay Design Centre, 81

Peterborough Bath Renovators, 77, 79

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE/ LANDSCAPING/LAWN & GARDEN

Clark Property Maintenance & Landscaping, 49, 80

CLEARRAIL, Frameless Glass Systems Inc., 47

ground worx, 33

LIGHTING

de.Kor Lighting, 77

MANTELS/MOULDINGS

Kerr’s Home Products Ltd., 65

OUR HOMES is committed to ensuring the

heading, please email dave.reddish@ourhomes.ca.

NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

Watercolour Westport, 19

ORGANIZATION/STORAGE

Gliding Shelf Solutions, 57, 81

OUTDOOR FURNITURE/STRUCTURES

Shop The Lake, 33

The Nest, 9

OVERHEAD/GARAGE DOORS

Overhead Door, 89

PAINTING & DECORATING

Ashburnham Paint & Wallpaper, 12

Benjamin Moore, 12

Charlotte Paint & Wallpaper, 12

Chemong Home Hardware Building Centre, 12, 16

Cobourg Paint & Wallpaper, 12

Colour Concepts, 12

Newcastle Home Décor & Design, 12

Stony Lake Furniture, 75, 80

Village Paint & Paper, 12

PAVING/CEMENT/CONCRETE/ INTERLOCK

C. Aurora Paving Ltd., 73

PHOTOGRAPHY

Blue Sky Real Estate Photo – a division of Blum Media, 79, 89

PLUMBING

Crystal Bath & Plumbing, 35

POOLS/HOT TUBS/SAUNAS/SPAS

CLEARRAIL, Frameless Glass Systems Inc., 47

Immerspa, 15

WaterWorld Leisure Scapes, 89

REAL ESTATE

Royal LePage Frank Real Estate –Jo Pillon, 57

SOLARIUMS & SUNROOMS

Lifestyle Home Products, 89

CONSTRUCTION INC.

STAIRS/RAILINGS

Glass Express Manufacturing Inc., 9

Kerr’s Home Products Ltd., 65

NorthVue Frameless Glass Railings, 55, 80

TILE

Quality Tile Centre, 65

TRIM/MOULDING/CASING

Kerr’s Home Products Ltd., 65

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Cobourg Paint & Wallpaper, 12

Dickson Carpet One Floor & Home, 43

Embellish, 20

Howie’s Blinds, 89

Innovative Interiors, 55

Sine’s Flooring, 95

WINDOWS & DOORS

Lifestyle Home Products, 89

The Nest, 9

WOOD REFINISHING/RESTORATION

Johnson Log Home Restorations, 33, 77

RICOTTA PANCAKES

I PROMISE YOU WILL NEVER MAKE PANCAKES ANOTHER WAY AGAIN! THESE RICOTTA PANCAKES ARE FLUFFY, MOIST AND HAVE A HINT OF FRESH CITRUS.

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JENELLE MCCULLOCH

INGREDIENTS

(Makes 12 pancakes)

1-½ cups all-purpose flour (scoop and level to measure)

3-½ Tbsp granulated sugar

2 tsp baking powder

¼ tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

1 cup milk

¾ cup ricotta cheese (low-fat or whole)

3 large eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1-2 Tbsp lemon zest (depending on how lemony you want them)

¼ cup fresh lemon juice

1 Tbsp butter, melted

Maple syrup for serving

DIRECTIONS

In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In a medium bowl combine milk, ricotta cheese, eggs, vanilla, lemon zest, lemon juice and butter. Mix well to combine and then fold into the dry ingredients. Do not overmix the batter.

Heat a lightly oiled griddle or pan over medium-high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry, about 2 to 3 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter. Serve with maple syrup. OH

NEW SHOWROOM A NEW FLOORING PRODUCTS AMAZING SELECTION OF AREA RUGS A HUNTER DOUGLAS WINDOW COVERINGS

From hardwood to laminate, vinyl, ceramic, natural stone, carpet and window coverings, we have a large selection that will help you create that traditional, contemporary or modern space that you have always wanted.

©2023 Hunter Douglas. All rights reserved. All trademarks used herein are the property of Hunter Douglas or their respective owners.

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

finishing touch

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