Mid-Summer 2024 - SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY

Breaking News!

Rebranding to North Shore Ltd in January 2024, is the amalgamation of The Flooring Place Inc. and Lawrence Glass & Mirror Ltd. O/A The Glass Place. What does this mean to a customer?

• No change of ownership and any warranty or service is continued.

• The companies have been combined to o er more services under a single banner and to improve the e ciency in the delivery of goods and services.

• The location of The Glass Place at 14 Balsam St. has been closed and sta have been relocated to 25 Sandford Fleming Drive, where The Flooring Place has been since the mid-1990’s.

• You can expect to nd the same exceptional sta and service at North Shore Ltd!

Meaford Interiors Acquisition. This expands our market reach and serves customers in the Blue Mountains, Meaford and Owen Sound areas. Visit www.meafordinteriors.com.

Launched North Shore Architectural Solutions which provides custom window solutions featuring low-pro le thermally e cient aluminum windows and doors.

New warehouse facility (10,000 sq.ft.) located at 91 Sandford Fleming Dr. Unit #7, directly behind the Collingwood Showroom. This location is also home to Black Spruce Designs, which is a custom metal fabrication business. Visit www.blacksprucedesigns.ca.

Thank you for supporting a local business that employs local families who care about our community.

Collingwood Showroom

25 Sandford Fleming Dr.

Meaford Showroom

278 Cook St. Unit #4

Flooring & Specialty

Tile, hardwood, LVP, waterproof vinyl decking, micro cement, cladding panels

Glass

Railings, shower enclosures, mirrors, window pane replacement, screen repair, commercial storefront

Kitchen & Bath

Custom kitchens, vanities, countertops (available at our Meaford location)

High Performance Aluminum Windows & Doors

Metal Fabrication

Stairs, railings, custom fabrication

Design & Other Services

AutoCAD, Sketch-Up, Canva and 3D Laser scanning/measuring

North Shore Ltd

The Place for Flooring, Glass and More Since 1994

We design for how people

and

All our window and door products are made-to-order with premium materials that range from wood, wood-clad to fiberglass. Depending on the age and style of your home, we can customize the design, the finish, and the hardware to make sure it reflects your vision. Crafted with exceptional skill, our products deliver quality you can see, touch, and feel, beauty that brings joy, and performance that stands the test of time.

Photo Credit: Nat Kay

Stone work supplied & installed by Steve’s Masonry using locally sourced stone.

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

www.ThePicotTeam.com picot@rogers.com | C: 705.444.3452 *REALTORS®

Barb Picot*

Ron Picot*

MLS®

Admirals Trail, The Blue Mountains

Johnston Park Avenue, Collingwood

Deer Lane, The Blue Mountains

Aberdeen Court, The Blue Mountains

Why choose Ontario Tar & Chip?

Tar & Chip road surfacing is an excellent solution to road and driveway surfacing that is both attractive and economical. It provides a beautiful rustic country appearance and a solid, long lasting surface. Tar & Chip is also an effective solution for ruts, washout and potholes.

Tar & Chip Road Surfacing is most often used on country (rural) properties with larger driveways and homeowners looking for that “country feel”. Tar & Chip Driveways provide a beautiful look and are the perfect choice for rural properties.

We provide Tar and Chip paving to parking lots, driveways, golf cart paths, wineries and roads.

As a residential product the benefits of this product are:

• A nice, natural rustic appearance.

• Much more economical than asphalt paving.

• Is a solution for ruts, washout and potholes.

• We believe the client is the boss.

• Safety is always key and we take all necessary precautions.

• We are fully insured and WSIB accredited.

LUXURY, AFFORDABLY EXECUTED.

Custom-built, over 5,000 sqft, 5-acre country estate with stunning escarpment views perched above the Beaver River. MLS# 40600424

modern open-concept bungalow showcases a remarkable family-oriented layout and elegant finishes. MLS# 40596732

Extensively renovated and conveniently located steps to downtown Collingwood, this property offers easy access to restaurants, shops, groceries and the waterfront. MLS# 40577114 This is one of Thornbury’s original farmhouses and has been lovingly restored with all the modern conveniences, while maintaining its historic appeal. MLS# 40612627

tTHROUGH

THE YEARS and at many, many home shoots, I’ve heard the same refrains over and over from photographer Sandy MacKay, who shoots all the stunning interiors for OUR HOMES. He’ll say, “If you can see the camera, it can probably see you,” or simply, “smile.” When I hear either, I know to hide behind a kitchen island, plant or wall as some part of my body is in frame.

Sandy picked

up a camera many years ago. He attended the Photo Arts program at Ryerson, now Toronto Metropolitan University, in the late 1960s. He started his photography career at an audio-visual production company in Toronto. Once he gained experience, he opened his own studio and had the pleasure of using his camera to capture images for Harry Rosen menswear, Bell Canada, Nine West shoes, The Toronto Blue Jays and Toyota, to name a few.

In 1999, with retirement looming, Sandy and his partner Donna moved from the hustle and bustle of Toronto to the GFA (another Sandyism) – the Greater Flesherton Area. A chance meeting opened the door to an opportunity at the newly established OUR HOMES magazine in 2008, where Sandy used his talented eye to capture the beautiful homes that grace our pages. His professionalism, humour and engaging personality make a three-hour photo shoot fly by. His ability to connect with homeowners through a shared interest, world travels or just funny stories immediately puts them at ease.

For more than 15 years, Sandy and his camera have been finding the perfect angle of a room. He continues to find pleasure in every home he is invited to photograph, and he loves to say, “I enjoy meeting the homeowners who turn a house into their home,” which sums up how everyone at OUR HOMES feels!

Have a wonderful, HOT, summer.

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

Opening soon! - Gillian & Co. Boutique - Spring/Summer 2024!

REGIONAL PUBLISHERS Jamie Jefferson Georgette McCulloch

REGIONAL ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER Simone Sterio-Risk

REGIONAL MANAGING EDITOR Sara Martin

REGIONAL PRODUCTION MANAGER Kelly Donaldson

MARKETING & ADVERTISING Simone Sterio-Risk, 705.888.1959 simone.steriorisk@ourhomes.ca

MARKETING & ADVERTISING GREY/BRUCE COUNTIES Betty Ann Fawcett, 519.372.6338 bettyann.fawcett@ourhomes.ca

REACH US EASILY: firstname.lastname@ourhomes.ca

OUR HOMES is a registered trademark of OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC. OUR HOMES SGB is published four times a year (January, April, July and October).

OUR HOMES is distributed free to residents in Southern Georgian Bay via precision targeted neighbourhood mail, direct home delivery and via addressed mail to the GTA addresses of those who own recreational property in Southern Georgian Bay, yet live primarily in the GTA. OUR HOMES is also available for free pickup throughout Collingwood, Blue Mountain, Wasaga Beach, Clearview Township, Thornbury and Meaford. OUR HOMES is also distributed at grocery retailers, throughout Blue Mountain Village and at the area’s private ski and golf clubs.

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

OUR HOMES MEDIA GROUP INC:

EDITORIAL

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Georgette McCulloch

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Heather Wright

DIGITAL EDITOR Tracey Paul

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

ART

ART DIRECTOR

Tara Chattell

ASSOCIATE ART DIRECTORS Sheila Britton, Robynne Sangiuliano

DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY Jason Hartog

PRODUCTION

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Lynn Derrick

PRODUCTION MANAGERS

Julia Dempsey, Kelly Donaldson, Tracy Shuttleworth

OPERATIONS

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

MANAGING DIRECTOR, OPERATIONS Georgette McCulloch

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE & DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Lisa Ormsby

ACCOUNTING Tyler Annette

ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE Darren Foley

CONTRIBUTORS

Emma Bauso, Rod Brebner, Sheila Britton, Mike Chajecki, Lori Davis, Bailey Franklyn, Donna Griffith, Sabrina Groomes, Nicole Hilton, Andrew Hind, Maddie Johnson, Vlada Karpovich, Brandon Lange, Shaunn Lipsey, Sandy MacKay, Rachael Magill, Sara Martin, Teresa Matamoros, Georgette McCulloch, Jenelle McCulloch, Tamarisk McNalty Stephens, Merri-Lee Metzger, Roman Odintsov, Devon Pastorius, Kiely Ramos, Lynne Richardson, Ric Riordon, Erin Rochon, Jessica Russell, Kianna Sunshine

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

CONTENTS MID-SUMMER 2024

ON THE COVER

LOCAL FEATURES

40 Style Picks Design wishes for your home can come true somewhere over the rainbow.

54 Feature Home Fundamental principles of design are used to create a beautiful home and garden at Georgian Bay Club.

70 Home & Builder Pride, experience and quality craftsmanship come together to build a modern sanctuary in the heart of Collingwood.

88 Spotlight Let JAM tempt you with colourful home décor and furniture to brighten every corner of your home.

96 People & Places Local specialists help make summer projects easy.

116 Home & Designer A designer helps a Trailwoods couple turn their home into an inviting and streamlined retreat.

132 Spotlight Le Pooch Boutique offers lifestyle accessories to keep your dog happy, healthy and safe.

146 Feature Home A new home and business open a fresh chapter for a dynamic young woman.

166 At Home With Chef Caesar Guinto and Samuel Holwell, owners of Nicky’s Doughnuts & Ice Cream. Every area of this home, inside and out, is elegant, comfortable and stunning. Story, page 54. Photography

by Donna Griffith.

CONTENTS MID-SUMMER 2024

DEPARTMENTS

Advice Upcycling Goals

Good Taste Refreshing Cherry Spritz

Decorating Style That Lasts

Gardening Feed the Caterpillars 82 Double Take Poolside Style

Real Estate Resale Investments

Design Ideas Making It Fit

Cooking At Home Grilled Steak & Veggies 110 Entertaining Bar Cart Essentials 114 Crafty Ideas Citrus Serving Tray

Entertaining Picnic Basket

In The Kitchen Food That Lasts

Birding Plover Lovers

In The Kitchen Making A Pie

Home Resource Directory

Cooking At Home Zingy Key Lime Bars

Finishing Touch Outdoor Inspo

II WAS THE LUCKY WINNER of a planter from gardening expert Frank Farragine, known to everyone as Frankie Flowers. He was a much-loved speaker at the recent first annual Southern Georgian Bay Home & Lifestyle Show.

If you've been following along, you might remember that I am no green thumb. Frankie’s instructions? “Just put it outside and for months you'll have fresh salad greens!” I watered it, but not too much. I turned it towards sunshine, but not too much and nurtured it indoors when we had late frost warnings. In less than a month, it began to wilt, turned brown and died. I chucked it into the bush for some lucky bunnies!

From early spring until now, I've watched with delight the variety of bushes and flowers that have popped up at our new little home.

Forsythia, lilacs, allium, peonies, roses and tiger lilies – how am I going to care for these? Guess I'll just enjoy observing for this summer, and then ask a few master gardeners I know for a little advice.

If you're looking for advice, and spectacular gardens on the escarpment, look no further than our cover feature on page 54.

With pool weather here, check out two lovely homes complete with inviting swimming pools in Thornbury and Collingwood. One has something I really love – an outdoor shower!

And finally, we visit a new young resident's Pinterest-perfect home at Windfall.

Enjoy this issue and the great recipes, drinks, design and DIYs, and of course, gardening advice to keep you happy all summer!

Whether you are planning to renovate a space, upgrade your flooring, change a light or a plumbing fixture, or a unique furniture piece and more, you’ll find all the inspiration you need at Georgian Design Centre.

A Sense of )PURPOSE

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

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 hand-chiseled details and nail holes, closely examine to see if there are any structural

SABRINA GROOMES

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, hand-carved 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:

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

DESIGN DREAMS really do come true

1 LAGOM 172

Bean Bag Chairs

In a range of rainbow colours, these outdoor bean bag chairs are an invitation to get comfortable on the patio, deck, around the pool or waterside on the dock. Fun for the whole family and easy to maintain.

172 Mill St., Creemore 705.520.2172 | lagom142.com

2 MARIGOLDEN

Prints

These lively and colourful prints by Lizz Miles, an artist based in Nova Scotia, are printed on archivalquality paper. The transformative images, inspired by the feeling of home, come unframed and ready to be enjoyed.

46 Sykes St. N., Meaford 519.538.5496 | marigoldenshop.com

3 LOVED YOU MADLY

Vintage Jugs

Sourced at Brimfield Antique Show, these enamel jugs are available in three vibrant colours. The size and shape of these vessels lend themselves to many uses, including wildflower arrangements, cold lemonade or a party amount of Tart Cherry Spritz.

16 Bruce St., Unit 1, Thornbury 226.665.3533 | @lovedyoumadly

4 GILLIAN & CO.

Chandelier

The Cynara chandelier was designed by Chapman & Myers for Visual Comfort Lighting. It is available in three sizes and three finishes. Shown in plaster white with gilded gold, it can be a single focal point or a dramatic cluster under a soaring ceiling.

10 Keith Ave. Unit 201, Collingwood 705.536.4441 | gillianco.com

5 CHATTERSON’S FURNITURE & APPLIANCES

Leather Chair

Available in Saddlebag Coin or Sedona Charcoal leather, the Sola tub chair has a swivel base, deep, comfortable seat and soft, padded back. Its contemporary design is a great addition to any style.

101 Pretty River Pkwy., Collingwood 705.446.3456 | chattersons.com

6 C&G SOLID WOOD FURNITURE CO.

Pouf

This perfect seat or footrest is available in 10-plus custom fabric choices. Pair it with a Brunelli cotton throw for when the air conditioning is too cold.

59 Arthur St. W., Thornbury 226.665.8000 | cgsolidwoodfurniture.com

Continued on page 42

7 AEON KITCHENS & DESIGN

Cambria Quartz

A Cambria quartz surface combines durability and unique designs with exceptional quality backed by a full lifetime warranty. A 3D program shows how a design will appear in a kitchen or bathroom, making the decision easier.

1 First St. Unit 104, Collingwood 705.607.7677 | aeonkitchens.com

8 GREY BRUCE DESIGN SHOP Tea

This women-owned business located in New Zealand only uses ingredients that come straight from nature, starting with hand-picked black tea and organicallygrown spices. GBDS is the only retailer in North America to sell these soothing blends that make a cup of tea taste like something from over the rainbow.

11 Main St. W., Markdale 519.369.0386 | gbdshop.ca

9 JS DESIGN HOUSE Plate

Designed by Christian LaCroix and made in Portugal, this series titled Love Who You Want, offers a peek into the designer’s ethereal mind. The exuberant use of colour will have guests checking under the plate for a pot of gold.

27 Simcoe St., Collingwood 705.446.6953 | jsdesignhouse.com

Continued on page 44

10 HUNSON HOMES

Golden Duck

Tuck this small, gleaming golden duck into a curated shelving display, beside a bed or on the coffee table where it will add a touch of whimsy and humour.

164 Clark St., Clarksburg 705.532.9806 | hunsonhomes.com

11 KATHERINE’S CHÂTEAU

Umbrella Stand

To witness a rainbow, a little summer rain must fall. An umbrella is a staple for this time of year. Keep it handy and easy to grab in this elegant porcelain stand. The gold detail will sparkle on an overcast day

243 Sainte Marie St., Collingwood 249.882.0159 | katherineschateau.com

12 PEALAC RUG

Area Carpet

European tapestries influenced the design of this flat-woven carpet. From the Azari region in northwest Iran, this naturally-dyed gem is 100 per cent wool and is a fascinating example of the skill of the weaver.

368 Hurontario St., Collingwood 416.726.0412 | @pealacrug 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

REAL ESTATE MARKET SNAPSHOT

THE BLUE MOUNTAINS:

Fewer condo sales but values up, detached home sales up by a third but values down, and longer sale times for condos.

• The high sale was a 5-bedroom ‘turnkey’ home in The Orchard in March for $2,899,000.

• The low sales were 3 one-bedroom condo units in the hotels at The Village at Blue, selling in Q1 from $230,000 to $356,000.

• 36 (43) condo sales; avg of 95 (74) DOM; avg sale-to-list price ratio of 96.7% (96.9%); avg sale price of $726,069 ($651,693), up 11%.

• 85 (64) single-family home sales; avg DOM of 97 (100); avg saleto-list-price ratio of 95.5% (95%); avg sale price of $1,336,512 ($1,493,547), down 10.5%.

CLEARVIEW:

More sales, sale times about the same, and home values are up about 4%.

It is no secret that real estate markets have slowed considerably with the advent of high interest rates and the sluggish economy. Three-month reviews don’t provide enough sales statistics to give an accurate picture, so I am looking back on six-month periods. In the interest of brevity, my focus for this report will be the three key trading areas and home types with which I have the most expertise: sales of residential condominiums and detached homes in The Blue Mountains, Collingwood and Clearview areas. I also serve Wasaga Beach and Meaford and would be pleased to provide an analysis for those areas for you upon request.

Weighing on all of us is whether or not the June 5th interest rate drop will create more buying activity. It’s early days but, so far, the answer is no. In the areas I serve most, there were 14 fewer sales of condos and detached homes from May to June, and the overall average sale price decreased by 16%.

It is still taking a long time on average to sell a property. Three months to be exact. There were a total of 416 sales, with May being the winner in that regard at 81 sales, but we are averaging 554 listings per month! As of this writing, if no new listings entered the market, it would take about 11 months for all current inventory to sell. Our list-to-sale price ratio has only improved by a tenth of a percent from the 2nd half of last year, now at 96.5%, and the average sale price is up about 2.7%, but both are good trends at least. We remain firmly in Buyers’ market territory.

HIGHS, LOWS & SPECIFICS

COLLINGWOOD:

(brackets show Q3 / Q4 2023 values)

Fewer condo sales, longer sale times, detached homes’ values up, condos’ values down.

• The high sale was a 6-bedroom home on .8 acre in Evergreen Estates in April for $2,330,000.

• The low sale was a 407 SF apartment on Ontario St. in March for $225,000.

• 75 (87) condo sales; avg of 109 (81) days on market (DOM), avg saleto-list- price ratio of 96.8% (=); avg sale price of $655,377 ($713,516), down 8%.

• 144 (143) single-family home sales; avg DOM of 82 (63); avg saleto-list-price ratio of 96.3% (98.8%); avg sale price of $935,812 ($888,936), up 5%.

• The high sale was a 6-bedroom new home on 1.16 acres in Windrose Estates in March for $3,995,000.

• The low sale was a ‘seasonal use only’ property on 1 acre on Mad River in April for $226,026.

• 75 (68) single-family home sales; avg of 80 (76) DOM; avg sale-to-listprice ratio of 97.3% (96.5%); avg sale price of $987,726 ($948,585), up 4%.

For a detailed analysis of the property you wish to sell or buy, please contact me at your convenience. I’m here to help you make an informed decision and to SAVE YOU TIME!

FEATURED

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 50

orla@beyondframing.ca beyondframing.ca

decorating

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

MODERN LODGE on the hill

PHOTOGRAPHY DONNA GRIFFITH & RIC RIORDON

Ric and Shirley Riordon call themselves junkies for beauty – for beautiful music, art, film, places and spaces – especially, beautiful architecture and gardens. As principal owners of Fussy Gardener, Home and Garden Design, they put their love of beauty to work through design for a growing network of like-minded clients. Continued on page 56

ABOVE: Black umbrellas shelter lounge seating, where one can relax with a cold drink and enjoy the view of the escarpment. BELOW, LEFT: The threespigot fountain adds another layer of relaxing sound to the outdoor space designed by Fussy Gardener. MIDDLE: Sedum grows between the gaps in the patio stone, creating a living carpet. Varying heights of evergreens offer visual interest and privacy. RIGHT: Limestone steps follow a gentle curve, guiding garden visitors to an upper level where lush hydrangeas are a voluptuous enticement.

tThey met in art college, initially graduating with fine art degrees and then pursuing further education in graphic and architectural design. Fast forward, after 35 years in corporate branding, to now, their creative focus has shifted to designing structure and spaces – indoors and out. Partnering on various projects, they bring the fundamental principles of design to home and landscape.

The Riordons’ elementary approach to home and garden is to consider the visual flow between the interior of the home and the exterior surrounding spaces, each reflecting the other and offering a cohesive transition between the two.

“I really love the Japanese idea of shakkei, which translates to ‘borrowed scenery,’ ” says Ric. “It’s an ancient Asian garden-design technique leveraging the distant view and incorporating it into your own space. An architect friend first introduced me to this idea, referring to it as the borrowed view. This may include a dramatic backdrop such as Georgian Bay, the Blue Mountains, or simply a spectacular tree on a neighbouring property, which can be framed into the design of your own space. It introduces the importance of not only designing for personal pleasure, but also considering the good neighbour principle of creating spaces that can be enjoyed by others and synergistic to those around you.”

Continued on page 58

Shirley and Ric Riordon

ABOVE LEFT: Orangerie planters flank the stairs leading to the front door, where clear sight-lines through the home draw attention to the tranquil gardens. ABOVE MIDDLE & RIGHT: The bold veining on a console table is balanced by the streamlined matching lamps and the stone horse head. Details on the substantial black barn door elevate this functional item. BELOW LEFT & RIGHT: The doorway into the office is aligned with windows to the rear garden,

where the trees and shrubs appear to become part of the interior space. Many furniture pieces for the home were sourced through Van Allan Design Centre. OPPOSITE: Mature trees were placed with precision and with the knowledge of their future size. Casual and comfortable outdoor seating invites luxuriating. Varieties of sedum have found an ideal home in the spaces between patio stones.

BELOW: The trestle dining table’s ornate base is counter-balanced by the restraint in design of the upholstered side chairs and the wagon wheel-style chandelier. RIGHT: The bar area is a transition from the kitchen to the living room. OPPOSITE: Intricate millwork and the bold use of black and white make a cohesive statement in the kitchen. Paint was supplied by Birch & Benjamin. Paint colours throughout include Benjamin Moore Decorator White, Snowfall White and Revere

Shirley primarily focuses on the interior design, collaborating with Ric on spacial planning, millwork and cabinetry, as well as assisting clients with style curation, finishing details and furniture layouts. This is where her skill in graphic design comes into play. “I like to comp up visuals and create story boards for layout of furnishings and fixtures,” Shirley explains. “I find this provides a clearer understanding of room composition, scale and proportion. Seeing how elements can work together is often so helpful in the decision-making process.”

Their long-standing background experience has honed skills in creating road maps for each design initiative. Ric utilizes his drawing skills to render visionary elevations and blueprint layouts of proposed gardens and features, which offer consideration for content, configuration, symmetry and growing zones.

“Our company tagline, ‘Dream it. Plan it. Create it,’ distills the three essential steps to manifesting the desired outcome,” says Ric. “We’re detail people, often wrestling through the minutiae of options, logistics and necessary edits to come to consensus.”

Continued on page 61

Pewter.

“OUR PERSONAL STYLE MIGHT BE DESCRIBED AS APPROACHABLE ELEGANCE, DESIGNED TO BE VISUALLY PLEASING AND COMFORTABLE.”

~SHIRLEY RIORDON

The Riordons embrace taking something from concept to completion and that is how they approached their latest project perched on the escarpment at Georgian Bay Club. The intrigue with this house was about envisioning the greater potential beyond its existing state of completion. Purchasing new was a unique experience for Ric and Shirley but they appreciated the value of the home’s elemental design feature – credited to designer Jo Redman, who worked on the original planning during construction.

“The goal was to enhance the existing aesthetic of the home with added detailing and customization,” says Shirley. “Our personal style might be described as approachable elegance, designed to be visually pleasing and comfortable – spaces that feel homey and good to be in.” The process involved several challenges that needed to be addressed. In particular, the lower level required significant renovation to elevate the quality of finishings equal to the main floor.

Both Ric and Shirley would agree the balance – and sometimes tension – between form and function must be worked through – ensuring the practical day-to-day use of space works in concert with aesthetic objectives. They obviously found a way with this spectacular property to negotiate that tension.

Continued on page 62

ABOVE & RIGHT: The unadorned lines of the metal four-poster bed in the primary bedroom enhance the layered linen bedding topped with pillows in muted tones. OPPOSITE:

A stone fireplace is at the centre of the living room. Seating allows for watching the frame TV or the view of wildlife walking through the gardens.

“The process of editing or filtering down the numerous possibilities and options is part of curating good decisions,” says Shirley. “Ric and I have collected furniture, art and accessories over the years that didn’t quite suit the architectural style or scale of this home. We saw this as an opportunity to refresh – to reset personal preferences. Venturing beyond the familiar –moving forward past safe and predictable choices – is a necessary practice for me as a designer. I love learning and being open to fresh inspiration and influences. For this home, there are large wall spaces that require correctly scaled art pieces. The Georgian Bay area is rich with local galleries, and we also sourced from our network of creative colleagues to find pieces that we love and that suit the setting and nuance of our modern lodge home.

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE

• At Home Interiors • Baymount Plumbing • Birch

& Benjamin • Brycon Wood Products • Clarke’s

Tree Spade Services • Connon Nurseries • Fortune

Hardwood Flooring • Fussy Gardener • Georgian

Audio Video • Georgian Design Centre • Glen

Echo Nurseries • Maxwell Stone • Naturally Green

Landscaping • Northern Wide Plank • Nottawasaga

Mechanical • Riverside Millwork Group • Robinson’s

Paint & Wallpaper • RYSA Electrical • Salnek’s

Custom Window Treatments • Saugeen Sprinklers

• Squire John’s • The Nest • Thornbury Home

Hardware Building Centre • Van Allan Design Centre

• Zwart’s Topsoil + Landscape Supplies

In the guest bedroom with en suite, the bed is positioned to enjoy the views outside. Some visitors take special pleasure in the feel of their toes on the sheepskin rugs on each side of the bed.

LEFT: The well-organized mudroom has many cabinet configurations that maximize the space as well as integrated seating.

RIGHT: A deep sink in the laundry room is ideal for soaking flowers before arranging them. Cabinets reach to the ceiling and offer plenty of space for vases, cleaning supplies and clean, fluffy towels. BELOW: The lower level is meticulously designed and furnished and offers additional space for entertaining.

Curation is the right word to describe how they approached this home. With Ric’s flowing landscape and hardscape features, and Shirley’s exquisite interior choices for fabrics, tones and perfectly-scaled furnishings, it’s truly a home in harmony. “Open spaces are what we love most about where we find ourselves, especially after so many years of living in the city,” says Ric. “We are blessed to enjoy the stunning beauty of Georgian Bay and

all it has to offer in outdoor lifestyle, along with our wonderful new residence.”

Many homes, as beautiful as they may be architecturally, do not necessarily sit down on the land they occupy. However, this tasteful and thoughtfully-executed modern lodge on the hill most certainly does. 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

Create a beautiful, custom, outdoor space of your own. Start your 2025 planning session now!

COLLINGWOOD Oasis

STORY MADDIE JOHNSON PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

TOM AND LORI Mc CRAE’S HOME, NESTLED IN THE HEART OF COLLINGWOOD, IS A SERENE, MODERN LIVING SPACE THAT PERFECTLY HARMONIZES WITH ITS NATURAL SURROUNDINGS. THE RECENTLY COMPLETED HOUSE IS A SANCTUARY WHERE FAMILY, CREATIVITY AND QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP ALL COME TOGETHER.

Tom, who founded Peak Living in 2016, has a passion for building, home renovations and commercial projects. His journey in Collingwood began with buying, renovating and re-selling improved homes, which quickly evolved into a successful business.

RIGHT: Lori and Tom McCrae relax with their grandson Rory under the porch of the pool house that contains the pool mechanics, a change room and bar. BELOW: With assistance from Westsmith Design, Lori and Tom have created a home that blends rustic elements with modern design. Eastern Pine Timbers are from Trans Canada Wood Products. OPPOSITE: The insulated concrete form pool and waterfall were installed by Peak Living and Pool Products Canada. The pool maintenance is handled by Thornbury Clear Choice Pool & Spa. Peak Living installed the stone pavers.

w“When I first moved here, I just started buying, renovating and re-selling updated houses,” Tom says. This hands-on experience laid the foundation for Peak Living, which has grown to include both commercial and residential projects throughout the area.

Their latest home, completed in 2022, is the second house they’ve built together. Starting in 2020 during the pandemic, Tom and Lori meticulously planned and executed the build, ensuring every detail met their high standards.

The home now stands out for its modern aesthetics and the personal touch Tom’s expertise brings. Every corner of the house reflects careful planning and quality craftsmanship. Continued on page 74

“WE REALLY DO LIKE THE OUTDOOR OASIS WE CREATED. IT’S VERY RELAXING.” ~TOM Mc CRAE

RIGHT & FAR RIGHT:

Abundant planters overflow with lush summer flowers and foliage. The fibreglass front door was installed by Peak Living. The entrance to the selfcontained two-bedroom apartment is beside the double-car garage.

OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT & RIGHT: There’s a convenient outdoor shower beside the pool house where a planter displays flourishing canna lilies. The bar in the pool house has the necessities for mixing a cold drink while watching the flat screen TV. BOTTOM RIGHT: The change room has shiplap walls and a pine tongue-and-groove ceiling. Artwork puts swimmers in a beachy state of mind.

The front elevation of the home is accented with stone veneer. The sheltered front porch has comfortable seating where the McCraes can relax and enjoy the neighbourhood.

home & builder

“There’s a lot of pride that comes with building your own home,” Tom says. “We do things right, making sure everything flows comfortably throughout the house.”

The interior of the McCraes’ home is a masterclass in blending rustic elements with modern design. The use of natural materials, colours and textures creates a modern mountain aesthetic. Tall windows flood the space with natural light, enhancing the spacious feel of the home.

“With all of the large open windows, tall ceilings and natural tones, our home is a really calming environment,” says Lori.

More than anything, it’s family that lies at the heart of the McCraes’ design.

LEFT: Lori worked with Helen Labelle of Georgian Design Centre to decorate the home. ABOVE: The main-level powder room, with a wallpaper accent wall, has a stone vessel sink that sits on a live-edge base. BELOW: Engineered eight-inch wide, white oak flooring from Georgian Design Centre was used throughout the home and offers a neutral and natural element that adds a soothing feel. The sconces on either side of the entrance hall mirror and the chandelier were purchased from Georgian Design Centre and installed by Peak Living.

The wall of triple pane vinyl windows provides a pool-and-garden view. Walls in the home are painted Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace, with paint sourced from Robinson’s Paint and Wallpaper.

home & builder

The sophisticated kitchen has a coffered ceiling, panel-ready refrigerator, freezer drawers and organized storage. Premier Kitchens designed, suppled and installed the cabinetry. Appliances were sourced through Chatterson’s Furniture & Appliances. Lighting and the kitchen faucet are from Georgian Design Centre.

With two upstairs bedrooms, each with its own en suite, a primary bedroom on the main floor, another bedroom on the lower level, and a legal two-bedroom basement apartment, their home is perfectly suited for hosting their children and grandchildren.

“It’s always been that way,” Lori says. “Our space is conducive for all the family to come to Collingwood, because the area is such an attraction.” Their outdoor space, which includes a Muskoka room overlooking an inground swimming pool with waterfall, is designed for relaxation and family gatherings.

“We really do like the outdoor oasis we created,” Tom notes. “It’s very relaxing.”

Tom’s company, Peak Living, mirrors the meticulous approach seen in his own home. From commercial projects like Gordon’s Market Café, Thonburi Thai restaurant, several retail spaces in Blue Mountain Village and extensive local residential renovations, Tom’s passion for quality and creativity shines through.

Continued on page 78

Watermelon slices ready to be taken outside sit on the kitchen waterfall quartz island by Premier Kitchens. Stools offer overflow seating for large family gatherings or for casual meals. ABOVE LEFT: The mudroom by the entrance to the garage offers seating, a place to tuck sandals, plenty of hooks to hang bags, and baskets for smaller items. ABOVE RIGHT: The laundry room has cabinetry that matches the kitchen cabinets and was designed, supplied and installed by Premier Kitchens. The quartz countertop is ideal for folding clean laundry.

“I really enjoy the creative side of the business,” he says. “We’re always collaborating ideas together with our clients and it’s very rewarding to see our vision come to life”.

Peak Living’s projects are diverse and dynamic, ranging from total renovations to new builds and commercial spaces. The team’s ability to transform outdated buildings into beautifully updated and functional spaces is a testament to their skill and dedication.

Continued on page 80

LEFT & ABOVE: An intimate seating area on the second level sits between two guest bedrooms and offers a quiet place to read or watch a movie. It overlooks the living area through glass railings. BOTTOM LEFT: The peaked ceiling of the primary bedroom offers an expansive feeling of openness. Muted tones of grey in the bedding and area rugs complement the queen-size bed. Window coverings are motorized Serenity Sheer Shades installed by Peak Living. BOTTOM MIDDLE & RIGHT: The luxurious en suite has a floating double vanity with quartz counter from Premier Kitchens. With a large shower and vessel tub, this spa retreat lets Lori and Tom unwind after a busy day. Tile was sourced through Georgian Design Centre and installed by Peak Living.

home & builder

Tom and Lori love living in their beautifully-crafted home, focusing on family, their business and enjoying the fruits of their labour.

Their home is more than just a residence, it’s a reflection of their commitment to quality and their love for family and community. As they continue to create stunning new spaces through Peak Living, the McCraes remain a cornerstone of Collingwood’s vibrant, welcoming spirit. OH

BELOW: In the living room of the self-contained apartment, the built-in wall unit offers display opportunities on either side of the television. RIGHT: The bar is located in a separate room beside the kitchen. Cabinetry by Premier Kitchens follows the design directive of the kitchen and offers lots of storage. BOTTOM RIGHT: Lori and Tom keep fit in the home gym, which has an accent wall of reclaimed wood and is located on the lower level.

1. UTTERMOST:

6. HAUSER: Nova Sofa

PHOTO: DEVON PASTORIUS

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

COLOURFUL

world market

THE PLACE

For Suzanne Steeves and Andrea Rinaldo, operating the successful Collingwood business, Butter Gallery, has kept them busy for the past eight years. They began having conversations about starting a new retail adventure, one that would give them the same passion they have for the gallery. One idea kept coming to the forefront – home décor and home-themed items that could infuse a house with colour and happiness. That idea is now JAM, located across the road from Butter Gallery in the Arlington Shoppes & Offices.

COLOUR, FORM & FUNCTION

JAM is located at the Ste. Marie Street entrance to the mall, where a municipal parking area helps make visiting the store a breeze. With its vibrant neon pink sign, JAM highlights Andrea and Suzanne’s keen eyes for colour, form and function in all the merchandise they have personally sourced. At Butter Gallery, colour jumps from the artwork hanging on the walls while JAM offers an infusion of colour in the tactile décor selections.

PHOTOGRAPHY KIANNA SUNSHINE

VIM & VIGOUR

Some design trends lean towards a monotone palette but homeowners will enjoy introducing a touch of colourful vibrancy from the offerings, or, if they are adventurous, a big touch of colour into their home. The store is filled with curated products collected from around the world that are unique to JAM. The ladies wanted items that customers wouldn’t see everywhere, items they both love and would be happy to have in their homes.

THE RANGE OF GOODS

Discover 3D printed vases from France, Australian three-level scent soya candles, bamboo salad bowls from Vietnam, a stunning wall of accent pillows sourced from Morocco, Istanbul, South Africa and Vancouver, and pottery from Stratford. The selection also includes furniture, rugs and lighting. JAM is happy to carry products made from recycled and waste materials, including teak cutting boards made from the cast-offs produced in the furniture industry, dog beds made from a plastic bottle fibre and recycled polyester dish towels that are soft and absorbent from California. Many of the products are one-offs, which keeps the offerings fresh and interesting. Suzanne and Andrea are always on the lookout for new and exciting additions!

HOT ITEMS

These rechargeable LED lamps offer light in locations where an electrical outlet isn’t available and are great if there is a power outage. Some styles have built-in cellphone charging stations. OH

Sales associate Patti Clipperton with owners Suzanne Steeves & Andrea Rinaldo

design ideas

SIZING UP YOUR SPACE

STORY SHAUNN LIPSEY | PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE CHAJECKI

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

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

TAKE MEASUREMENTS

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

CHOOSE FURNITURE WISELY

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

design ideas

EMBRACE NEGATIVE SPACE

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

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

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

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

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

CREATE VISUAL BALANCE

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

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

CONSIDER CEILING HEIGHT

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

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

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

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

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

BUSINESS Attraction

These products and services will elevate your home and make life so much easier.

Emily Rand, Owner

JOYFUL HOMES

As a professional organizer, I provide organizing services to people of all ages and life stages. Understanding how overwhelming it can be to live with clutter and to let go of items, I work with you in a way that is efficient, effective and encouraging. This hands-on approach will help you get organized so you can create space, time and energy for what you enjoy.

WHOLE-HOME HELP

The signature service is helping people declutter and organize their entire home, which leads to long-lasting, impactful change. Following the KonMari Method, I will help you decide what items you love, need and use, and take the discard pile to appropriate donation sites after each session. Every item you keep will have a designated home, with systems and storage solutions to make your items accessible and space functional.

Organize your home, transform your life.

THE RIGHT DIRECTION

I also offer a one-hour consultation call, which is perfect for someone who wants to organize on their own but would like a roadmap for how and where to start and finish. By the end of the consultation, you will have a plan of action and all of your organizing questions answered.

people & places

Laura Stubbs, Manager

CHOOSING A COLOUR

We can make the colour process easier with Virtual Colour Consults, our ColorSnap app and the new Peel & Stick samples. The new Peel & Sticks are a great way to see how your colour will look in each room with each type of lighting – just stick them on your wall and peel them off with no residue or clean up.

FINISHES

The world is always changing, and we are always improving all our products and supplies to keep up with trends and new advances. Try the new, better coverage, brighter than ever, deadflat Premium Ceiling Paint.

SHERWIN-WILLIAMS PAINT

Sherwin-Williams is a premium coatings company dedicated to helping our customers with expert product advice, virtual colour consults and outstanding customer service. We have everything you need for all your painting projects, from your whole home to your front door. Our team will work with you to make your dream home a reality.

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

MID-ONTARIO APPLIANCE INSTALLATIONS

Our team of professional installers transform the daunting task of appliance installation into a breeze, and we service the Southern Georgian Bay region, as well as Owen Sound to Muskoka. With precision and reliability, our team ensures your kitchen and laundry room upgrades are a delightful addition, making your home shine and run smoothly. Trust us to handle your appliances with care and expertise as we have years of experience installing all makes and models.

RANGE & HOODS

With two professional installers, we efficiently handle the installation of large range hoods, ensuring precise alignment and placement, secure mounting and seamless integration with ducting and electrical. For large ranges, our team deploys an Air Sled, which uses inflated air cushions to slightly elevate the appliance and then guide it into position without damaging the floor.

Ryan Hindmarsh, President

SPECIALIZED BRANDS

Our expertise extends to the installation of built-in refrigerators, ensuring a seamless integration, precise alignment and optimal performance that will enhance your kitchen’s functionality and aesthetic appeal. Our team is factory trained and certified for refrigerators, freezers and wine fridges by Sub-Zero, JennAir, Thermador, Fisher & Paykel, plus others.

PHOTOS: KIANNA SUNSHINE

& places

PREMIER KITCHENS

You want your new kitchen to reflect your personal style and enhance your home. The Premier Kitchens team is dedicated to creating spaces that you will love and enjoy for years to come. Working with large or small projects, our designers are passionate about bringing your vision to life.

EXPERT ASSISTANCE

Heather and Lida are committed to guiding clients through every stage of the design process. They collaborate closely with homeowners, contractors and interior decorators to achieve exceptional results.

NOT JUST KITCHENS

While specializing in kitchens and bathrooms, we also have extensive experience at crafting custom solutions for closets, workspaces, built-ins and more.

“We Love Kitchens. Our Passion is People.”

Heather Kells & Lida Sobhani, Designers

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

Nestled in the heart of Collingwood’s storied streets, Victoria Annex bridges the past and present with just nineteen exclusive residences. Victoria Annex offers an unmatched blend of cultural richness, recreational delights, and contemporary elegance. Embrace the tranquility of nature, the excitement of downtown festivities, and the distinction of luxury.

contact us today at info@victoriaannex.ca or 705.416.2000

people & places

TOM THE DREAMER

We have the knowledge, experience and resources to help clients find their dream appliances from manufacturers all over the world. With free delivery, installation, coordination, testing and cleaning, we make adding any appliance to your new build or home a pleasure with a 100 per cent satisfaction guarantee. Test out the full line of made-in-Canada mattresses that are sure to offer a dream sleep, especially when clients know we donate one mattress to local charities for every five that are sold.

AGA RANGES

Treat yourself to an AGA – the king of all the ranges that will be your forever partner in cooking crime. Let it elevate every cooking experience with options in gas or induction. Make it work for your home’s design with custom colour choices and custom accent finishes.

WELCOME MARC

Marc is the business and showroom manager, helping clients look for that ideal appliance or mattress. Marc’s years of experience in management and sales translate into exemplary customer service.

Tom MacDonald

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

people & places

Robert Cikoja, Chief Executive Officer

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY

Merging the Huronia and Southern Georgian Bay regions into one entity offers more opportunities to build homes efficiently and in a cost-effective manner, while opening the door to more land opportunities. The merger also allows for a stronger presence in the community while meeting the mission to help defeat the affordable housing crisis. We help create financial stability for homeowners through geared-to-income mortgages, with no down payment or interest charges, and instill community support through donations and gifts in kind.

RESTORE

This social enterprise covers the overhead needed to manage our programs while all cash donations and gifts in kind are 100 per cent allocated to home builds. Without ReStore, not only would affordable homes not be built, but merchandise sold in the stores, such as kitchen and stone counter donations, would otherwise end up in landfills. The store has a dedicated truck to pick up larger items or use the convenient drive-through drop-off at the Collingwood store to make donating easy.

HOMES FOR THIS AREA

A home in Stayner is to be built this summer and plans for homes in Angus, Barrie and Beaton are moving forward. We are also engaging Wasaga Beach and The Town of the Blue Mountains to join the affordable housing train.

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

STAND THE TEST OF TIME.

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

Hooley Humberstone, CEO

ONTARIO TAR & CHIP

We believe that functionality, durability and aesthetics are of equal importance. Every day, our professional and experienced team strives to provide clients with driveways that their beautiful country properties deserve. Our old-school values, hard work, integrity and attention to detail are the reason why we have excellent references from satisfied clients from across the Southern Georgian Bay region.

GREAT OPTION

Tar-and-chip is a very attractive and economical option for those seeking a charming, rustic, country driveway without the problems and hassles of gravel or the harsh appearance and expense of asphalt paving. Tar-and-chip is also a solution for washout, potholes, dust and provides excellent traction on inclines. Also, snow removal is much easier and more efficient.

We are happy to offer no cost and no obligation quotes.

SEE OUR DIRECTORY FOR ALL CONTACT INFORMATION.

“Janet did an outstanding job helping us find a home to buy in Thornbury and in selling our Collingwood townhouse. She is very thorough and always follows up quickly and accurately to any request. Her understanding of the local market is second to none. The job she did marketing our home allowed us to sell it at the right price in record time. We have bought and sold many homes over the years and can truly say that Janet is one of the best realtors we have ever dealt with!

Thanks Janet!”

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

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

BAY Seize the

STORY LORI DAVIS PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

Like an artist transforms a blank slate into a beautiful painting, Tom and Janice Medland have infused their new, four-bedroom home with style and personality. “We’ve owned three houses that we enjoyed renovating and decorating,” recalls Janice. “This time it was a thrill to start with a fresh canvas and create a consistent look throughout the whole home.”

The couple, now retired, moved to Thornbury in 2018. It was the logical choice as they had spent many years skiing, boating and visiting family in the area. “Tom’s mother lived in a chalet in Craigleith and Thornbury is close to the ski hills, Georgian Bay and hiking trails,” says Janice.

After an extensive search, they settled in the Trailwoods development, built by Reid’s Heritage Homes. “We wanted a small community that would be kept as natural as possible,” Tom says. They worked with Reid’s to modify the floor plan, adding a third garage, a side window in the dining room alcove and expanding the great room by six feet. “Reid’s was great to work with,” says Tom. After they moved in, the couple installed new light fixtures and selected furniture. “We are still adding things and continuing to paint the canvas,” says Janice.

Continued on page 119

OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT & RIGHT: The front porch is all the more welcoming with a bold red front door and a mat that says “Seize The Bay.” Interspaced with containers of bright annuals, the seating area has a fan for hot, humid days.

BOTTOM: Little tweaks to the Reid’s Heritage Homes’ floor plan gave the Medlands a third garage and six more feet in the great room. The home is painted Benjamin Moore Raccoon Fur with Dover Gray for the trim.

Janice and Tom Medland

home & designer

The open-concept floor plan gives clear sight-lines on the main floor. Designer

to achieve a calm, neutral palette, which includes

Carolyn McManus worked with the Medlands

Benjamin Moore Pale Oak on the walls.

The Medlands enlisted designer Carolyn McManus, owner of Vaillancourt Design to help create a restful, inviting and streamlined space. Originally, Carolyn operated in the GTA but moved to Collingwood seven years ago. “I focus on the Georgian Bay area, although I still work with a few clients in the city,” she says.

Carolyn has always had a keen interest in home-oriented design, construction and renovations. “The home is where we spend most of our time and should be a reflection of the lifestyle and interests of the homeowners,” she says. Her goal is to help clients navigate the design and renovation process and bring to life their vision of a perfect home.

Must-haves for Janice and Tom included an open-concept floor plan, easily maintained finishes and a main-floor primary suite. “The house was a builder grade home that we upgraded to some extent but they have slowly added personal touches to make it more their own,” says Carolyn. “The property/yard was a huge draw as they are very outdoors oriented and wanted a pool-size yard with privacy.”

Continued on page 120

RIGHT: A distressed leather club chair sits in the corner of the home office with a photo of an alert bear. BELOW: The stone fireplace with a gas insert takes advantage of the soaring ceiling height. The custom artwork on the mantel was designed specifically for its position and was purchased at Shan Home & Gift. The bank of large windows bathes the room with sunlight.

Carolyn McManus

home & designer

The Medlands wanted a neutral palette inspired by the home’s natural surroundings and accented with bursts of colour, and say Carolyn accomplished a quiet look and feel. “Carolyn was so helpful,” says Janice. “There were so many decisions to make but she kept us calm, knew the look we wanted and had good ideas on products and modifications.”

The main floor is bright and airy, bathed in natural light by an expanse of windows in the great room overlooking the patio and pool area. Vaulted ceilings disperse the light evenly, creating a soft, ambient glow throughout the space. The floor-to-ceiling gas fireplace gently warms the room on cool evenings. Resting on the mantel is a trendy, abstract iron sculpture.

A spacious island topped with Caesarstone quartz is a popular gathering place in the beautifully-appointed kitchen. Janice and Tom enjoy entertaining family and friends whether chatting around the island or relaxing on the patio. In the kitchen, the elegant birch cabinets complement KitchenAid and GE appliances. Continued on page 122

“CAROLYN WAS SO HELPFUL. THERE WERE SO MANY DECISIONS TO MAKE BUT SHE KEPT US CALM, KNEW THE LOOK WE WANTED AND HAD GOOD IDEAS ON PRODUCTS AND MODIFICATIONS.” ~JANICE MEDLAND

LEFT & BELOW: The slim-Shaker birch custom cabinets in the kitchen extend to the ceiling and are finished with crown moulding. The angled island offers plenty of seating when Janice and Tom entertain and is topped with Ceasarstone Clamshell quartz for easy clean-up. Engineered Mirage plank flooring in Old Hickory flows throughout the main level. OPPOSITE, LEFT: Cabinetry in the main-floor laundry room was completed by JD Medland Cabinet Makers Inc., owned by Tom’s brother. Wallpaper adds a touch of bling requested by Janice. TOP & BOTTOM RIGHT: The painting beside the door by Janice and Tom’s daughter Kirby is a transportive image enjoyed by dinner guests. A bronze sculpture on a metal console table shines against the windows that overlook the rear garden and pool.

home & designer

Reminders of family beautifully personalize the home. A colourful acrylic painting by daughter Kirby brightens the dining area while Tom’s brother, JD Medland Cabinet Makers Inc., crafted the cabinets in the main-floor laundry room. Tom added his expert touch to many areas of the home, especially the lower level. What started as a COVID/winter project culminated in a skillfully-finished basement with a games room, living area, fourth bedroom and threepiece bathroom. “My husband is extremely talented when it comes to building and fixing so we didn’t have Reid’s finish the basement,” Janice says. They plan to add furnishings and a fireplace.

The pool was installed by Thornbury Clear Choice Pools & Spas. Janice and Tom did most of the landscaping themselves. The deck furniture is from Design Outdoors Canada. Tom built the pool cabana to align with the design of the house. “Our gardens have been another first for us,” says Janice. “We’ve never started a garden from scratch before and had a few hits and misses.” Garden savvy friends helped the Medlands choose the correct materials and foliage. Continued on page 124

LEFT: The size of the lot and the trees that bordered it were a big draw, giving Janice and Tom privacy and the space for a pool that was installed by Thornbury Clear Choice Pools & Spas. ABOVE: Tom built the pool cabana, which offers a cedar-lined changing room plus storage for pool toys. OPPOSITE: Part of the rear deck is covered to offer a shady spot overlooking the pool through the glass railings. Furniture was sourced through Design Outdoors Canada. Colourful accent cushions and overflowing planters add a tropical vibe. Janice and Tom had little experience with gardens, but through helpful friends and local garden centres, their efforts and results deserve an ice cold drink!

home & designer

In the primary bedroom, elegant french doors open onto a deck while windows over the bed further brighten this cheery space. A roomy, walk-in rain shower in the adjoining en suite ensures easy access as the couple age. A soaker tub, water closet and double sinks provide extra comfort and convenience.

Continued on page 126

ABOVE: The soothing palette continues in the primary bedroom, giving Janice and Tom an elegant retreat to retire to at the end of the day. A walkin closet sits behind the pocket door in the hallway to the primary en suite. Window coverings were supplied by Ashtons Blinds Draperies Shutters. BELOW: A large shower in the en suite has a built-in seat, pebble tile floor and matching accent wall in the niche. Carolyn chose the same tile for the floor and the shower, but used two different sizes.

home & designer

A loft overlooking the great room allows light to filter throughout the second level. Guests can relax in two large guest bedrooms, equipped with spacious closets and storage. Colourful accent pillows and a mosaic of brightly-coloured flowers by a Montreal artist infuse a touch of sparkle in one of the guest rooms.

As summer gently warms the indigo waters of Georgian Bay, Tom and Janice look forward to enjoying their exquisite yard and pool. “We are still adding things but it has been pretty cool making this fresh, new place our own,” says Janice. OH

LEFT & ABOVE: On the upper level, a lively painting by Montreal artist Elias Artista hangs above a chest of drawers. Two guest bedrooms are located on either side of the loft and have bold accent furnishings, cushions and artwork that give each room individuality. BELOW: The lower level, completed by Tom with input from Carolyn, has one bathroom as well as a family games room and living area.

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

It’s a DOG’S LIFE

THE PLACE

One day, Archie, the miniature poodle, found himself alone in north Muskoka. He didn’t know why or how it happened, but he was suddenly without a home or someone to love. Luckily, he found his way to the Ontario SPCA in Stouffville, and once it was determined there was no one looking for him, he was put up for adoption. After settling in, Archie had a visit from Stefanie Peel and her partner Patrick. They were charmed by his good looks and sweet disposition and knew he would be a perfect addition to their lives and family, and they brought him home to Meaford. Archie quickly became a beloved companion, always by Stefanie’s side with his wagging tail, goofy antics and unconditional love. To celebrate that relationship and to acknowledge all the dogs of Southern Georgian Bay that make us smile and fill our hearts with love, Stefanie opened Le Pooch Boutique in downtown Meaford. It celebrates the fun side of having a dog with lifestyle accessories that go beyond the essentials of food.

PHOTOGRAPHY KIANNA SUNSHINE

Stefanie Peel with Archie

CANADIAN CENTRIC

Not only was it important to Stefanie to contribute to the retail landscape in Meaford’s downtown, but it was an opportunity to highlight an extensive and exclusive selection of more than 50 Canadian vendors with 90 per cent Canadianmade products, all sharing an infatuation for dogs. Many are small businesses, with a deep appreciation for the bond dogs bring to our lives. Items cover all life stages – from a puppy’s first collar and leash, through to senior years with memorial items to honour a life that has brought much happiness.

WARES

The boutique also carries safety products like seat belts, paw balms and natural tick repellants. You’ll discover stylish coats with matching leashes and snuggly hooded robes for post-bath warmth. There’s a curated selection of grooming products, all tested and approved by Archie and the team of canine aestheticians who pamper him next door at the holistic salon, The Meaford Groomery. You’ll love the people clothing printed with dogcentric messages and wool tartan scarfs that match washable dog blankets. Stefanie has found cards and books that all share in the theme and it will be hard to choose just one leash from the practical and colourful display. Lampe Berger is Stefanie’s approved pet-safe method of eliminating household pet smells and there are many beautiful lamp options and a full range of fragrances. OH

How to Properly Store FRUITS, VEGETABLES & HERBS

STORY BAILEY FRANKLYN | ILLUSTRATIONS SHEILA BRITTON

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

Fruits & Vegetables

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

BEST STORED IN THE FRIDGE

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

SPECIAL STORAGE TIPS

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

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

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

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

Herbs

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

BEST STORED IN THE FRIDGE

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

SPECIAL STORAGE TIPS

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

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

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

BEST STORED IN A COOL, DARK, DRY PLACE

Garlic, onions, potatoes, squash and sweet potatoes.

SPECIAL STORAGE TIPS

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

From your front gate to the back forty, we are here to assist you so that your property thrives in the manner you see best. Your land is valuable. Your time is valuable. Let us help you create spaces that are simply yours to explore.

I FORESTRY MULCHING / TRAIL CREATION I BUCKTHORN & DEAD ASH REMOVAL I FENCING I EN TRANCE GATES & OUTDOOR STRUC TURES

BEYOND FRAMING

Beyond Framing is located on the main street in Clarksburg behind a hot pink door. Inside, you’ll find walls full of stunning art, an array of frames to bring out the beauty in any piece, and founder Orla May probably boiling a fresh pot of tea. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, Orla has a wealth of design knowledge. She’s well-versed in helping people frame their art, discover their new favourite pieces and aid designers with their projects. Coming from Toronto, Orla is excited to bring this new offering to “Artsburg” and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s choosing new art or framing an old piece to give it new life, the Beyond Framing team is ready to help you revitalize your space - no matter what that space may be. Pop by or book a private consultation to get started. The gallery will be hosting some exciting events so be sure to follow them on Instagram@beyondframing to stay in the know.

200 Marsh Street, Clarksburg orla@beyondframing.ca

416.828.0976

beyondframing.ca

(Please see ad on pg 49)

TWO CROWS: FINDS OF ALL KINDS, A CURATOR’S PARADISE IN CLARKSBURG VILLAGE

Uncover a world of wonder at Two Crows: Finds of All Kinds, nestled at 158 Clark St. in vibrant Clarksburg Village. Here, a captivating blend of vintage and modern awaits the discerning explorer. Immerse yourself in the elegance of luxurious linen clothing, perfect for effortless style. Breathe in the captivating scents of our international candle collection.

Two Crows is far more than just apparel and fragrance. Discover unique vintage finds that whisper of bygone eras or find handcrafted art pieces that capture the essence of local and international talent. Elevate your living space with beautiful housewares, curate a unique gift with handcrafted jewelry and one-of-a-kind giftware or find the perfect finishing touch for your style with stylish handbags and hats.

Two Crows shares its welcoming space with Sue Tupy’s renowned gallery, The Clark. This unique partnership allows you to seamlessly transition from the curated finds at Two Crows to the captivating exhibitions at The Clark, creating a truly immersive experience. Discover the magic of Clarksburg Village – visit Two Crows: Finds of All Kinds and embark on a personal journey of discovery. 158 Clark St, Clarksburg Follow us on Instagram @twocrowsfindsofallkinds

(Please see ad on pg 49)

WILD BABY

Welcome to Wild Baby. The sweetest place for everything baby, kids and clean living. We are proud to carry some of the best children’s brands like Rylee & Cru, Quincy Mae, Cuddle + Kind, Petit Lem, Pehr, Rise Little Earthlings…and so many more. Our carefully curated clothing ranges from size newborn up to seven years.

We value quality, sustainability and ethics. This can be seen and felt in our product selection. Each brand we house is researched and tried before it is invited into the shop. We want parents, family and friends to be comforted by the products they choose.

On top of the beautiful selection of baby and children’s clothing, we offer books and toys, products for pregnancy and postpartum, skincare for mom and baby, wellness products and a wonderful line of cleaning products for a toxic-free home. If you haven’t tried Mint Cleaning yet you’re missing out!

Our knowledgeable staff is ready to help you find the perfect gift, outfit or product for your pregnancy journey. Gift cards and baby registries are also available.

Visit us in store at 143 Hurontario St, Collingwood or online at wildbaby.ca 705.443.8877 @wildbaby.ca

(Please see ad on pg 45)

KENNEDY ILLUMINATED LEARNING

The Old Clarksburg Schoolhouse is a historically nurturing environment and home to Lib and Ali Kennedy’s Illuminated Learning. The specialized educators apply their expertise in learning, and learning difficulties for children as young as five, teenagers, and adults of all ages. Reading difficulties often impact an individual’s self-esteem and mental health. Early intervention is key! Bridging the gap between current performance and individual potential begins with a Learning Evaluation Assessment to help identify academic strengths and weaknesses while better understanding why someone is struggling with the learning process. From there, a program is designed for individual needs and challenges. Supportive learning journeys are an investment with a lifetime of returns and benefits.

Illuminated Learning offers year-round, one-on-one instruction in reading, spelling, writing, comprehension, and math. The evidence-based programs teach students how to learn in a way that meets their needs, and because these needs extend beyond the academic setting, they provide mindfulness and meditative techniques – something unique to the area, and valuable tools for all ages. This is not tutoring. They don’t implement a curriculum, stick to assigned homework, or place students on a predetermined path. Instead, Illuminated Learning teaches strategies for processing information and managing stress – helping people become more confident and independent. Let’s glow! For questions or to book a consultation, 226.665.8880 or office@illuminatedlearning.ca

(Please see ad on pg 49)

SHERWIN WILLIAMS

At Sherwin Williams in Collingwood, our team is passionate about helping you complete the project of your dreams with personal trademark customer service and expert advice! We offer innovative colour selection tools, exceptional paints and stains and a wide selection of brandname painting supplies to both homeowners and professionals. Need help choosing the right colours for your space? Book an appointment for one of our FREE 30-minute virtual colour consultations to help you feel confident in your choices. Our certified colour consultants will provide you with colour recommendations and send colour samples directly to your door!

Are you a contractor? Sign up for a Pro + account and start enjoying the benefits right away! We offer FREE delivery directly to the job site! Other benefits include customized business tools, everyday savings and preferred pricing. Expand your purchasing power today so you can say yes to more jobs! Enjoy 0% interest – always.

With more than one hundred stores in Canada, SherwinWilliams is the one-stop shop for all your painting and staining needs. For your next painting project, ask Sherwin-Williams Collingwood. We are here to help you succeed. Follow us on Instagram

@sherwin_williams_collingwood

705.443.8146

65 First St Unit 2, Collingwood (Please see ad on pg 143)

SEASONAL PROPERTIES

Seasonal Properties in the Blue Mountains offers an ideal solution for winter ski rentals, both monthly and seasonal options to suit all needs. Planning a short-term stay or extended winter season, well-appointed accommodations with a blend of comfort and convenience. Each property is designed to be the perfect winter retreat, featuring modern amenities and cosy furnishings to enhance your stay.

Seasonal Properties ensures exceptional value for your money. Competitive pricing, exclusive deals, and promotions allowing you to enjoy a winter chalet without breaking the bank. You can experience the thrill of skiing in the Blue Mountains while knowing you’ve made a smart financial choice.

Renowned for its best-in class representatives who are committed to providing exceptional service. From booking to check-out, the Seasonal Properties team is dedicated to ensuring your stay is seamless and enjoyable. Seasonal Properties pride themselves on transparent policies, with clear pricing and straightforward terms that give you peace of mind throughout the booking process.

Seasonal Properties believes in making your winter ski experience in the Blue Mountains unforgettable.

Whether it be weekly cleans, linen services, private chef and/ or pre-made meals, the team at Seasonal Properties will ensure you enjoy your seasonal stay at their properties. seasonalproperties.ca/city/ blue-mountains/ info@seasonalproperties.ca

JUSTIN BOCK OF BOSLEY REAL ESTATE

Ever dream of living the carefree lifestyle on South Georgian Bay? Imagine summers on the beach swimming and winters on the ski hills. The Blue Mountains is the perfect destination for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. With the shift towards fully remote or hybrid work, now is the time to relocate. Transition from being a weekender to making South Georgian Bay your full-time home.

Justin Bock, having moved from Oakville, since 2017 has been a resident in the area and brings 12 years of real estate experience to the table. Whether you’re seeking a cosy cottage or a luxurious chalet, Justin can help you find the perfect property. By dedicating three to four hours of your time, you can narrow down listings and find your dream home using Justin’s unique Blue Life Method. This four-step approach ensures that you will find not just a house, but a lifestyle, and most importantly, a home.

Let’s chat about your vision for your new place and start the journey towards living the Blue Life. With Justin’s expertise and the beauty of South Georgian Bay, your dream home is closer than you think.

905.399.3963

(Please see ad on pg 85)

KIDD FAMILY AUCTIONS INC

Kidd Family Auctions Inc is a business with a down-home family feel. In 2015 Dennis Kidd formed the auction house and opened his auction barn in Melancthon. The original staff team consisted of three generations of Kidds and handpicked, capable staff members. Ten years later and the current team is three times larger. Growth doesn’t mean the downhome feel has disappeared. Our expertise stems from a farming background but because Dennis has had the opportunity to work with a wide variety of auction companies and he has chanted out thousands of sales, we can say without a doubt, there isn’t much we haven’t handled –teacups to tractors, vacuums to vehicles.

Auctions are meant to be fun, exciting and entertaining. The sales happen online but we invite you to come out to the auction barn at any time. Come have a coffee, share a laugh and let us show you how to bid, bid, bid! You can have confidence in our focus on honesty and our desire to understand your specific situation as a bidder or a consignor. Dennis’ auction family is always growing. Let us “treat you like family too”.

519.288.2228

kiddfamilyauctions.com

(Please see ad on pg 141)

DOMINION DOORS & WINDOWS LTD.

Prioritizing quality products and the customer experience, Dominion Doors & Windows has remained the one to beat since its foundation over 30 years ago.

Dominion Doors & Windows is one of Canada’s leading manufacturers and distributors of high-quality vinyl windows and door systems with a range of residential and commercial clients from coast to coast. We operate out of a 15,000 square foot modern manufacturing facility that is capable of producing products for a wide variety of custom sizes and applications.

The only thing that matches the quality of a Dominion door or window is our exemplary customer service. Our product specialists work side-by-side with architects, engineers and building owners to design and manufacture doors and windows to exacting standards. We believe in a hands-on approach, a customer-first service model and understand that one-size-fits-all solutions simply don’t work for our discerning clients. Dominion works directly with homeowners, general contractors, designers and architects, and its varied market includes custom homes, condominiums, commercial buildings and the renovation market in replacing windows and doors in older buildings. Its reputation has been built on not only the quality of its product and manufacturing, but also on its customer relationships. Get in touch with us today!

130 Pennsylvania Ave, Unit 8, Concord 905.761.9722

dominiondw.com

(Please see ads on pg 20&21, 125)

STEVE’S MASONRY

For as long as he could remember, Stephen Wall, owner of Steve’s Masonry, has been fascinated by the art and skill involved in the stone masonry trade. So, in 2003 he set out on a mission, to showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of a somewhat forgotten trade. Joining him on this journey was lifelong friend Erik Wood. For the last 20 years, side by side, Steve and Erik have enjoyed sharing their mutual passion for creating beautiful stonework together. As their reputation for stunning, unique stone craftsmanship grew, so did the list of clientele. It was only natural then that owner Steve Wall recently invited Erik to be his business partner. Erik’s creativity and attention to detail amassed over 20 years in the trade have given him the skills to execute projects of all sizes. Erik and Steve along with the rest of the amazing crew, consisting of Steve’s son Tristin who himself now has eight years of experience, Andrew McArthur, Chase McCue-King and Kael Charette, the other three solid members, make a formidable team of stone craftsmen.

“With all the experience in the trade and working with the same guys for all these years has brought us into a sweet spot in our careers,” says Steve. “We work as one, unified by the same passion for the timeless beauty of stone.”

705.441.6803

stevewallmasonry.com

(Please see ad on pg 12)

SAUBLE COTTAGE RENTALS

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

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

Sauble offers many activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Hike/bike the nearby trails or paddle your way up the Sauble River. Downtown has many shops to browse and great patios for a delicious meal.

Explore The Bruce Peninsula! Tobermory is a 1.25 hour drive with many communities close by to explore. Take in a stock car race, shoot a round of golf or play some pickleball when not on the beach!

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

(Please see ad on pg 85)

RIDGEWAY METAL FORMING

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

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

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

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

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

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

Whether your project is large or small, new build or renovation, the team at Ridgeway is here to help ensure that your buildings are protected with the best metal products available in the industry.

Call today to learn more about our products or to place your order.

We look forward to having the opportunity to serve you.

519.363.3757

(Please see ad on pg 145)

Rochester Psychological Services

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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

PHOTO: PLOVER LOVERS

PHOTO: PLOVER LOVERS

finally HOME

JESS ANNAND RECREATED HER LIFE FIVE YEARS AGO. AFTER VISITING SOUTHERN GEORGIAN BAY FOR YEARS AS A SKIER AT CRAIGLEITH SKI CLUB, IT WAS TIME TO CALL IT HOME. “I’VE ALWAYS WANTED TO LIVE HERE,” JESS SHARES, “AND ALWAYS AT WINDFALL FROM THE SECOND I SAW IT. THERE WAS NO OTHER OPTION FOR ME. I MANIFESTED IT AND HERE I AM.”

Continued on page 148

STORY RACHAEL MAGILL | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

LEFT: Borrowing details from historical homes in the area, Windfall is a collection of charming homes with a view of Blue Mountain. BELOW: Light maple laminate flooring, thin metal balustrades and a large window keep the stairway to the second level light and airy. OPPOSITE: Jess flipped the original dining room and living room spaces to better enjoy the view of the rear outdoor green space while relaxing on the sofa. Walls in the home are painted Benjamin Moore Simply White.

Jess Annand

pPacking her bags in Toronto in May 2019, Jess temporarily touched down at her family chalet before moving into her new home the following summer.

After several years working on public relations for a local retailer, Jess launched her own company earlier this year. Named after her Cockapoo puppy, who is also the face of the company, Maeve + Co. offers brand consulting, mentorship for entrepreneurs and public relations.

When she’s not working, there is no place Jess would rather be than home. “Our homes are our most important spaces, so I’ve tried to make it as livable, functional and enjoyable for anyone who comes through the door,” Jess says. “I’m a homebody so I made it my favourite place in the world.”

Maeve the Cockapoo inspired the name of Jess’s business, Maeve + Co.

“I’M A HOMEBODY SO I MADE IT MY FAVOURITE PLACE IN THE WORLD.” ~JESS ANNAND

A blanket box from Jess’s grandmother serves as a coffee table. It is one of many heirloom pieces she is privileged to have in her home. The wooden bowl was sourced at Haven Home & Gift, and the tableside lamp was found at Van Allan Design Centre. OPPOSITE, TOP LEFT: Fresh hydrangeas closely resemble the wallpaper in the main-floor powder room. BOTTOM RIGHT: The wooden bowl and cabinet are from Van Allan Design Centre. The old apple ladder keeps blankets for movie nights close by. BOTTOM LEFT: In the dining area, the moose photo from Collingwood Flowers & Home Décor complements the white table and black metal chairs.

The bright kitchen with flat-panelled cabinets is a wellequipped, compact space that has clear sight-lines to the dining and living room areas.

The result is a space that is light and airy, with an emphasis on neutrals and pops of gold. “My house is very casual, but I have things that make it dressy, too,” Jess describes. “I designed it for my friends and family as well. Everybody is always welcome. I love to curl up with a blanket and watch a movie with friends. They all know they’re welcome to go into the fridge and pour another glass of wine anytime.”

To create an easy flow to the home, Jess switched the original dining room and living room spaces. She has also designed each space to make the most of the views. Since the house backs onto a lot where nothing will ever be built, there is nothing but greenery. From the primary bedroom and en suite, there is a view of the hills. “It’s a peaceful place to be,” Jess reveals.

Continued on page 152

ABOVE: An antique chair adds a rustic touch next to the china cabinet. Open shelving over the television displays woven objects and wooden décor. TOP RIGHT: Hydrangeas and wild flowers fill a clear pitcher that sits on a wooden cutting board on the kitchen island. RIGHT: An Art Deco-style bar cart has been put to new use as helpful storage in the kitchen.

Asked what advice she would give to someone designing their own home, Jess is quick to say “go with your personal style. It’s easy to go buy a piece of art and hang it on the wall, but if you don’t love it, it will feel staged. If you can figure out your own style, it’s so much fun.”

Furniture, décor and art throughout her home were largely bought locally from stores such as JAM, Van Allan Design Centre, Haven Home & Gift and JS Design House. Supporting these businesses became particularly important to Jess during the pandemic. “I wanted to support local because I worked for a local business and I saw the struggles. I wanted to give back to the community that I was now a part of,” she explains. “Now, looking around my home, the really important pieces for me are what came from town.”

Continued on page 156

ABOVE & LEFT: The primary bed’s neutral upholstered headboard is the backdrop for a colourful selection of cushions. From the bed, a view of Blue Mountain is motivation to get up and go hiking with Maeve. Linen dresses the bed and is an ideal choice for hot summer nights. OPPOSITE: 1) A peek into the primary en suite, where mats at the double vanity offer a sweet message. 2) The heart-shaped stone bowl on the quartz-topped vanity corrals hand soap and lotion. 3) Water runs into the deep, deck-mounted tub, which has a view over the rooftops to the ski runs at Blue Mountain. 4) Sourced from JS Design House, the sherpa accent chair in the primary bedroom sits next to a vintage cabinet.

FAR LEFT & LEFT: Jess has created a soothing retreat for overnight guests with accents such as the Juju hat, beaded chandelier and accent pillows from Haven Home & Gift that add individuality to the space. BELOW LEFT & RIGHT: A dedicated work zone and sofa for relaxed meetings in the office on the second level.

“THERE ISN’T ONE THING IN THIS HOME THAT ISN’T ME IN SOME WAY.”

The newer pieces are paired with special finds from the Thornbury Antique Market and treasured family heirlooms. “I’ve collected everything in my home over about 10 years and it makes me so happy. There isn’t one thing in this home that isn’t me in some way,” Jess shares. Particularly special are the pieces from her Nana, from a blanket box used as a coffee table to a set of china to a chair from the 1950s. “My grandmother was very into design, that’s where I started to really learn about décor and a sense of style. She was a very stylish woman.”

Following in her Nana’s footsteps, Jess is proud of what she has created, not just with her home, but with her life here. “It’s such a beautiful community and I’ve met so many lifelong friends. I love being at home because I did it on my own and every piece of this home is me.” OH

ABOVE: A birdhouse clock from JAM is a whimsical addition to the front hall. TOP LEFT: A ledge on the landing of the stairs to the lower level becomes an opportunity to display family photos and décor. TOP RIGHT: As Jess pedals her Peloton bike, she can dream she is in Milan, Italy heading to Galleria Vittorio for some shopping. RIGHT: The lower-level family room is a casual gathering spot for friends that drop by for a visit. Much of Jess’s furniture and décor has been collected over a 10-year period with each piece defining Jess’s personal style.

Essential Kitchen Items for Baking the PERFECT SUMMER PIE

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

Start with an apron.

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

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

STORY NICOLE HILTON

DANICA: Now Designs Belle Plaid Classic Apron

DANICA: Now Designs Butcher Stripe Chef’s Apron

PHOTO: ROMAN ODINTSOV

in the kitchen

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

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

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

it in.

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

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

DANICA: Now Designs Sweet as Pie Printed Cotton Dishtowel

DAVID SHAW DESIGNS: Costa Nova Stacked Organic Sky Pie Dish

DAVID SHAW DESIGNS: Costa Nova Stacked Organic Sky Bird

KITCHENAID: Blossom Stand Mixer

DAVID SHAW DESIGNS: Fluted Deep Pie Dish 2L

CANFLOYD: Maxwell & Williams Epicurious Quiche Dish White 25x5

DANICA: Now Designs Sweet as Pie Recipe Card Box

DANICA: Now Designs Ivory Stoneware Measuring Cups

DANICA: Now Designs Matte Steel Robins Egg Blue Mixing Bowls

DANESCO: Joseph Joseph Adjustable Rolling Pin

CANDYM: Primitives By Kathy Berry Bowl – Farmhouse

CANDYM: Primitives By Kathy Spatula – Strawberries

CANDYM: Primitives By Kathy – Kitchen Set

DANICA: Heirloom Gold Measuring Spoons

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

ACCOMMODATIONS/LODGING/ RENTALS

Sauble Cottage Rentals, 85, 140 Seasonal Properties, 138

APPLIANCES

Chatterson’s Home Furniture & Appliances, 5 Macdonald’s Brandsource, 65 Mid-Ontario Appliance Installations (MOAI), 53

Tom The Dreamer Mattresses & Appliances, 18

ARCHITECTS/ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/ ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS/ DRAFTSMEN & DESIGN

Abbott Design, 91

ART/ARTISANS/ART GALLERIES/ STUDIOS/WORKSHOPS

Beyond Framing, 49, 136

Two Crows, 49, 136

AUCTION SERVICES

Kidd Family Auction, 138, 141

AUDIO VIDEO/HOME AUTOMATION/ ELECTRONICS/SMART HOME TECHNOLOGY

Red Brick Group, 91

BABY/TODDLER ACCESSORIES/TOYS

Wild Baby, 45, 136

BEDS & BEDDING/MATTRESSES/ SLEEP PRODUCTS

Tom The Dreamer Mattresses & Appliances, 18

BUILDERS

Absolute Craftsmen Ltd., 15 Alair Homes, 111

Baywood Builders, 131

Blake Farrow Group, 3

Bob Armstrong Construction, 35

Coulter Dawe and Asssociates, 16

Dutch Quality Contracting, 127

Evolution Custom Building, 85

Georgian Ridge Homes Ltd., 115

Great Lakes Custom Homes, 143

L. Patten & Sons Ltd., 28

Legendary Group, 39

Mazenga Building Group Ltd., 101

McLean Contracting, 31

Peak Living, 81

Pineridge Log & Timber Frame, 33

Rycon, 87

Scot-Build, 25

Sunvale Homes, 43

Valleyview Construction, 83

BUILDING/LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

13forty Landscape Supplies, 169 Knights’ Home Building Centre, 139 Moggie Valley Timber Inc., 141

CABINETS & MILLWORK/CARPENTRY/ FINE WOODWORKING/CUSTOM FURNITURE

Corinthian Kitchen & Bath Studio, 79 Great Lakes Woodworking Elmwood, 129 Log Furniture & More, 127

CARPET/TILE/RUG/UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Pealac Rug, 26

CLEANING

Lighthouse Group, 127 Molly Maid, 141

Mountain Cleaning Corporation, 129

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

Two Crows, 49, 136

Wild Baby, 45, 136

CONSIGNMENT

Loved You Madly, 43

COUNTERTOPS

City Stone, 51

CUSTOM FRAMING

Beyond Framing, 49, 136 Georgian Frame Gallery, 143

EDUCATION

Kennedy Illuminated Learning, 49, 136

ELECTRICAL

Clearlite Electrical, 95

EXCAVATING/SITE PREP/SEPTIC

Clearlite Excavating & Haulage, 129 Mulch-It / Silo Outdoor Products, 135

EXTERIOR FINISHES/IMPROVEMENTS

Ceci Siding and Exterior Renovations, 161

FENCING/DECKS/GATES

Advanced Door Systems, 165

Amazing Gates of Canada, 137

FINANCIAL/INSURANCE/MORTGAGE/ INVESTING

C.E. McMahon Professional Corporation, 139

FIREPLACES & STOVES/ACCESSORIES

BakWoods Fireplaces & Heating, 37

Chantico Fireplace Gallery, 22

FLOORING

Deans Carpet One Floor & Home, 18

Georgian Design Centre, 36

Knights’ Home Building Centre, 139

Moggie Valley Timber Inc., 141

North Shore Ltd., 6&7

Pealac Rug, 26

FLORAL DESIGN/FLORISTS

Marigolden, 34

FOOD & DRINK/RESTAURANTS/ CATERING/DELI

Katherine’s Château, 51

FURNITURE & HOME DÉCOR/ ACCENTS/GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES

Abacus Furniture, 86

C & G Solid Wood Furniture, 51

Chatterson’s Home Furniture & Appliances, 5

Clerkson’s Home Store, 93

FAD Inc. (Farrow Arcaro Design), 105

Handstone Furniture, 13

Hunson Homes, 34 JAM, 28

JS Design House, 111

Katherine’s Château, 51 Lagom172, 79

Le Pooch Boutique, 45

Loved You Madly, 43

Macdonald’s Brandsource, 65

Maggie + Dix, 49

Marigolden, 34

The Chesterfield Shop, 8 Two Crows, 49, 136

Van Allan Design Centre, 83

GARDEN CENTRES/GREENHOUSES/ NURSERIES

Maxwell Garden Center, 159

GEOTHERMAL

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating, 131

GLASS/MIRROR & DESIGN/GLASS WALLS

North Shore Ltd., 6&7

HEATING & COOLING

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating, 131

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/RENOVATIONS

Ceci Siding and Exterior Renovations, 161

Dutch Quality Contracting, 127

Georgian Ridge Homes Ltd., 115

Great Lakes Custom Homes, 143

Johnson Log Home Restorations, 141

Oppland Remodels, 95

Peak Living, 81

OUR HOMES is committed to ensuring the businesses below appear under the correct headings. To make a correction, or to have your business listed under more than one heading, please email simone.steriorisk@ourhomes.ca. To have your business listed in our Home Resource Directory, call us to advertise at 705.888.1959.

Ready Pine, 53

Renovate Inc., 93

Rycon, 87

Scot-Build, 25

HOME SECURITY

Red Brick Group, 91

INTERIOR DECORATING/INTERIOR DESIGN/HOME STAGING

FAD Inc. (Farrow Arcaro Design), 105

Fussy Gardener – Home & Garden Design, 63

Gillian & Co. Interior Design Inc., 27

Homemate, 26

Hunson Homes, 34

Joyful Homes, 45

JS Design House, 111 Lagom172, 79

Vaillancourt Design, 131

Van Allan Design Centre, 83

KITCHEN & BATH

Aeon Kitchens & Design, 113

Corinthian Kitchen & Bath Studio, 79

Georgian Design Centre, 36

Great Lakes Woodworking Elmwood, 129

Knights’ Home Building Centre, 139

Premier Kitchens Inc., 155

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE/ LANDSCAPING/LAWN & GARDEN

Beaver Valley Rocksolid Landscapes, 107

Clarke’s Tree Spade Services, 53

Eagles Weed Control & Lawn Service, 139

Fussy Gardener – Home & Garden Design, 63

Oasis North Landscapes, 16

Outdoor Reflections, 69

Pines Landscaping, 109

Retreat Landscape Design, 67

The Landmark Group, 2

Williams Outdoors Inc., 25

Zeng Landscaping, 38

LIGHTING

Georgian Design Centre, 36

Van Allan Design Centre, 83

MACHINERY/SMALL EQUIPMENT/ FARM SUPPLIES

Maple Lane Farm Service, 159

MASONRY/STONEWORK

Steve’s Masonry, 12, 140

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Rochester Psychological Services, 141

MOVING & STORAGE

John Thompson Movers, 127

NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

Sunvale Homes, 43

Victoria Annex, 103

Windfall, 157

ORGANIZATION/STORAGE

Homemate, 26

Joyful Homes, 45

OUTDOOR FURNITURE/STRUCTURES

Maxwell Garden Center, 159

Mulch-It / Silo Outdoor Products, 135

OVERHEAD/GARAGE DOORS

Advanced Door Systems, 165

PAINTING & DECORATING

Beach Houze Paint & Design Studio, 24

Benjamin Moore, 24

Birch & Benjamin, 24

Knights’ Home Building Centre, 139

Robinson’s Paint & Wallpaper, 24

Sherwin Williams, 138, 143

Stayner Home Hardware, 24

PAVING/CEMENT/CONCRETE/ INTERLOCK

Força, 101

Grexton Custom Concrete, 99

Ontario Tar & Chip, 19

Road Readie Paving, 155

PET SERVICES/FOOD & SUPPLIES/ TRAINING

Le Pooch Boutique, 45

PLUMBING

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating, 131

POOLS/HOT TUBS/SAUNAS/SPAS

Grexton Custom Concrete, 99 Immerspa, 17

Thornbury Clear Choice Pools & Spas, 161

PROPERTY MANAGEMENT/ MAINTENANCE

Lighthouse Group, 127

REAL ESTATE

Bosley Real Estate – Justin Bock, 85, 138 Chestnut Park, 29

Chestnut Park – The Picot Team, 14

KW Collaborative Real Estate/Royal Lepage Locations North – Karen Willison, 95

Lifestyles North – Steve Simon, Marla Simon, 172

Nic Gallo, 135

RE/MAX Four Seasons Realty Limited –Darice Lush, 87

RE/MAX Four Seasons Realty Limited –Riopelle-Veer Group, 171

Royal LePage Locations North Realty, 10

Royal LePage Locations North Realty –Jane Moysey, 47

Royal LePage Locations North Realty –Janet Piotrowski, 109

Sotheby’s Realty – Meredith Cudney, 113

The Kearns Group – Royal LePage Signature Realty, 23

ROOFING

Ridgeway Metal Forming Inc., 140, 145

SPECIAL EVENTS

Royal LePage Locations North Realty/ OUR HOMES Christmas Market, 52

STAIRS/RAILINGS; TRIM/MOULDING/ CASING; WINDOWS & DOORS

Barrie Trim & Mouldings, 11

TRAIL BUILDING

Mulch-It / Silo Outdoor Products, 135

TRIM/MOULDING/CASING

Barrie Trim & Mouldings, 11

WATER TREATMENT/FILTRATION

The Water Store, 169

WINDOW CLEANING

Lighthouse Group, 127

Millennium Window Cleaning, 99

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Ashtons Blinds.Draperies.Shutters, 45 Deans Carpet One Floor & Home, 18

Shades at Blue, 131

WINDOWS & DOORS

Barrie Trim & Mouldings, 11

Cedarport Window & Door Centre Inc., 4

Dominion Doors & Windows Ltd., 20&21, 125

Home & Cottage Windows & Doors Inc., 129

Knights’ Home Building Centre, 139

Marvin Windows & Doors Canada, 9 North Shore Ltd., 6&7

WOOD REFINISHING/RESTORATION

Johnson Log Home Restorations, 141

cooking at home

Get more recipes at ourhomes.ca/blogrecipes

key limePIE BARS

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

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 make-ahead 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

At home with CHEF CAESAR GUINTO & SAMUEL HOLWELL

Nick, tail wagging, greets us at the home of Chef Caesar Guinto and Samuel Holwell, the owners of downtown Collingwood’s Nicky’s Doughnuts & Ice Cream. The couple, who live four blocks from their beloved shop, adopted Nick, a Great Dane mix, 11 years ago. The bakery’s name doesn’t come from their dog, rather Nicky’s comes from Chef Caesar’s middle name Dominic. OUR HOMES sat down with Samuel and Caesar over a cup of freshly brewed Balzac’s coffee in their stylish, art-filled and uber-organized home to chat about restaurants, hospitality, downsizing, their Monday passions and the discipline required to run a small business, especially when the alarm clock rings at 1 a.m., and it’s time to make their decadent doughnuts and hand-churned ice cream.

OUR HOMES: How did you meet?

Samuel: Caesar was executive chef at the Royal Ontario Museum, and I was working an event there one evening, so basically we met through the industry. We’ve pretty much been together since that fateful night 18 years ago. Time flies.

OH: You moved to Collingwood from Dunedin after winding down Creemore Kitchen. Why did you buy this house?

Samuel: We moved here for work. We moved from a 3,000 sq. ft. home and we bought this smaller home with plans to renovate. But COVID hit, our work lives changed and we decided to open Nicky’s, putting our reno plans on hold. We were really lucky to find this house in 2020 because it was in great shape. Luckily the buyer of our Dunedin house bought all our furniture and we kept only what we needed. We don’t like clutter. Chef Caesar: I have a lot of kitchen tools and I’m a great organizer. I learned it from my mother and father, who were very particular. I’ll organize things knowing that Sam will put his look and style to it. We both love design and fashion. So, when we’re putting things together we accept each other’s opinions.

OH: Why doughnuts?

Chef Caesar: I started my career as a pastry chef. My college instructor noticed I had a flair for pastry and dough and so he entered me in competitions, and I won gold in all three. So, when I started my career, I was pegged as a pastry chef. My first job as a pastry chef was at Deerhurst Resort and I worked my way up and became a sous chef and executive chef for different establishments. Pastry has always been a passion of mine; it doesn’t define me as a chef, but it’s something I know like the back of my hand.

OH: Why are your doughnuts and ice cream so revered?

Samuel: We pride ourselves on the quality of the product. We make everything from scratch. The only thing we don’t make are the sprinkles. Chef Caesar: Whenever I create the next line of doughnuts I think of things that people like to treat themselves with and turn it into doughnuts and ice cream. We’re proud of what we make and we know that people see a difference in our product. It’s affirmation for us when we hear people say, “that’s the best doughnut that I’ve ever had.”

OH: Tell us about your original products.

Chef Caesar: We change flavours every eight weeks. Our new line includes Millionaire Shortbread, a raspberry bar, a lime and coconut doughnut, and a cookies-and-cream crueller. We’re keeping the classics, including the apple fritter – our best seller – and The Homer, which kids love. For ice cream, I’m always changing things, but Sweet Corn Blueberry Cream Cheese is something people always come back for.

OH: What are your hobbies or passions outside of work?

Samuel: I went to OCA and still produce my own artwork and right now I’m doing pastels. I love interiors and spend too much

time on realtor.ca using Pinterest boards to rework homes that inspire me. Chef Caesar: I used to live in Ireland for five years, and I sang in Contando, a highly accomplished Dublin choir. I now sing with the Lyrica Chamber Choir, a choral ensemble in Barrie. We do three concerts a year.

OH: Next home project?

Samuel: We just sprayed that coffee table. We knew that you were coming so we got it done. Chef Caesar: We plan to turn what we call the snug (the library/ television room) into our primary bedroom. We’ll keep the bedroom upstairs for family and friends when they come to visit. We are both very close with our families. We also use the second bedroom upstairs as a dressing room.

OH: Next vacation?

Caesar: Because of work, we haven’t been on vacation in 17 years. Our vacation right now is being at home and spending time with each other, or we’ll head to, say, YF Patisserie in Creemore and grab a treat. To us that’s like a little vacation. Samuel: We both travelled a lot before we met. We’d love to go to Paris together, or anywhere in Europe. Caesar: I would like to take Sam to Spain. We’d both like to go to Scotland and New Zealand, and I’d love to live in Europe again, either in England or France. Samuel: I’d like to go to The Philippines (where Caesar was born). Right now, we’re enjoying home and where we live.

OH: Meals at home?

Chef Caesar: I batch cook. I’ll do a big cook one day of the week and that’s what we’ll eat. I do a lot of Filipino food because that tends to hold better for batch cooking. I make pork adobo or mung bean stew. I use a lot of fermented fish paste, bagoong alamang, in pastas and stew. It’s similar to anchovy. Sometimes I’ll do a noodle dish. We’ll barbecue burgers in the summer, because Sam loves a burger. I blend pork and beef for my burgers.

OH: Shows you're bingeing?

Samuel: We love the reality series The Agency about the Kretz family. They buy and sell luxury homes in Europe.

OH: Favourite local shops and restaurants?

Chef Caesar & Samuel: Caesar is always at the Collingwood farmer’s market, and we go to Currie’s and Maxwell Acres. For meat, we’ll go to Hoffman’s or Stayner Meat Packers. We don’t eat out very often as dinner service starts when we’ve already gone to bed. We had a nice meal at Bello Pizza, and we can’t wait for Later to re-open. For a quick meal we like Baked and Pickled. We also love the sandwiches at Che Roba in Wasaga Beach. OH

OUTDOOR inspiration

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

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

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

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

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