SPRING 2026 - GREY & BRUCE COUNTIES

CUSTOM BUILDER

Endless Possibilities

LOTUS COLLECTION

Classic Style with a Contemporary Design

Handstone furniture, bringing more options to the table!

At a time when most consumer goods are mass produced in factories half way round the world, every piece of Handstone furniture is designed and handcrafted in Ontario Canada. Not only does this allow the flexibility in manufacturing to offer vast custom choices, you can rest assured that your new purchase is produced with minimal impact on the environment.

Dining

Living

Offering compassionate care, funeral services, memorial services, burials, cremation, monuments and pre-need funeral arranging.

Serving families in Canada since 1914, family-owned in Flesherton since 1958.

Providing care to families all over Grey County. Available 24/7

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ART

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OPERATIONS

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CONTRIBUTORS

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IN EVERY HOME, the day usually starts in the kitchen – a cup of freshly brewed coffee, a pot of tea, a bowl of cereal or a couple slices of toast with butter and jam. A well-loved routine brings the kitchen to life. From morning to night, the kitchen handles the comings and goings of a household. The fridge door opens and shuts hundreds of times, the dishwasher is loaded and unloaded over and over, the range boils, roasts, fries and reheats, cabinet doors and drawers open and shut and water runs constantly from the faucet, filling pots and cleaning produce.

The kitchen brings families together to cook, eat, connect and gather. The design evolution taking place right now offers more choices than ever to make this room deeply personal. From appliances and cabinetry to counters and other key pieces, design elements reflect a family’s lifestyle.

In this issue, our People & Places highlight exceptional designers and custom cabinetry crafters who will work with your ideas and create your dream space. Our Style Picks offer beautiful essentials that make getting a meal on the table fun and easy. For more kitchen ideas, this issue reveals three stunning homes, each with a diverse design sure to inspire. For more design ideas, visit ourhomes.ca to review past issues that showcase other kitchens from all 11 regional magazines published by OUR HOMES

With so many ideas, the perfect kitchen is on the horizon, so let the longer days and sunshine fire your imagination!

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

CONTENTS SPRING 2026

Proximity to family and Lake Huron made the Crimson Oak Valley subdivision near Kincardine the ideal place for Angela and Paul Kensit to build. Story, page 48. Photography by Sandy MacKay. ON THE COVER

LOCAL FEATURES

32 Style Picks Add some spice to your kitchen with these delicious finds.

48 Home & Builder Bogdanovic Homes conceives and builds a home near Kincardine.

68 Spotlight Jamie Lewis Trucking & Armour Stone Sales offers stone in every shape and size and does the heavy lifting.

74 Feature A successful renovation near Kincardine began with careful planning.

92 People & Places Local pros make the heart of the home a special place to gather.

112 Home & Builder A custom build in Durham by Candue Homes keeps a young family in the community they love.

DEPARTMENTS

Around The House Puppy Love

Design Ideas Luxe Cabinetry

Real Estate ROI Decisions

In The Kitchen Streamline Meal Prep

Projects DIY Planters

Low-Maintenance BATHROOMS

A spa-like bathroom is often at the top of the priority list during home builds and renovations. In the planning stage, the focus is typically on preferred aesthetics, with limited attention devoted to the cleaning that accompanies the selected design, materials and finishes. Here are some practical tips for creating a space that is hardworking, beautiful and low maintenance, so the spa aesthetic you worked hard to achieve isn’t eclipsed by tedious housework.

SPACE PLAN

The elements should be arranged to provide sufficient space for easily maneuvering cleaning tools around all items (behind, beside and possibly beneath). A curbless shower is easier to clean than one with a curb, since there are fewer corners and surfaces. However, the construction is more complex and not attainable in every application. Ask your contractor.

Weigh the pros and cons to determine whether a double-sink vanity is truly a top priority. It may make for more civil affairs if one party is tidier than the other, or if schedules align and the sink is often needed at the same time. Two sinks double the cleaning required. Incorporating sufficient storage and hooks

for hanging towels and clothes keeps items off the floor and the countertops clear, so less time is spent moving items when dusting and cleaning.

SHELL

The appropriate wallboard must be securely waterproofed before any tile or finish is applied. This is a vital step to prevent leaks, which could lead to mould or more serious water damage. It is important to hire a professional (or potentially face a costly maintenance bill). Your contractor will ensure that a proper slope is installed in shower pans, niches, shelves and benches, to drain water as intended. To avoid unnecessary future repairs, blocking should be installed during construction to securely fasten towel bars, mirrors and hooks. Install an appropriately sized exhaust fan to remove moisture and humidity as quickly as possible, reducing mildew buildup.

MATERIALS & FINISHES

Porcelain is a low-maintenance finish for floors, shower walls and even countertops. Choose a tile with a subtle pattern to conceal watermarks, soap scum and hair. Quartz can be used for countertops, shower sills and jambs, niche frames, etc. It is a low-maintenance, hygienic and easy-to-clean option. When ease is the priority, natural stones should be avoided, as they require sealing and upkeep – and some, such as marble, can stain and etch easily. For tiles on shower floors and walls, choose a fairly smooth texture (but not slippery) so soap scum has minimal surface area to adhere to. A matte finish typically shows fewer watermarks than a polished finish. Most grout used today is stain-resistant and does not require sealing; however, fewer grout lines make cleaning easier.

A full shower tray is an upgrade from a traditional

For shower walls, consider porcelain slabs (such as Dekton) or large-format tiles in 24-by-24-inch or 24-by-48-inch sizes.

Avoid MDF baseboards in the bathroom, as exposure to water will cause irreparable damage. Wood is more durable but does contract and expand as humidity varies, so be mindful of where and how it is used in the space. Bathroom paint is specially formulated to withstand moisture and is easy to wipe clean.

Select a vanity door profile that doesn’t collect dust. Incorporating smart storage into the vanity, such as a pull-out with a spot for a laundry basket, keeps dirty clothes off the floor. A medicine cabinet or devoted drawer for small supplies keeps the countertop clutter-free.

FIXTURES

Toilets with a concealed trapway are preferred because the skirting does not provide a surface for dust to accumulate. If your design aesthetic is more modern and your plumber is on board, a wall-hung toilet might be an option, as it allows for easy cleaning (as does a wall-mounted vanity). An undermount or integrated sink is easier to clean around than a drop-in sink with a fluted lip/edge. Faucets and tub/shower fixtures with a brushed finish show fewer water spots than polished chrome. A single-hole sink faucet with a side lever is simpler to clean around than a widespread or centre-set faucet. Select a tub with a simple shape and without jets. A handheld shower in tubs and showers makes cleaning much easier, as you can direct water to areas that may be difficult to reach. Install recessed pot lights for general lighting, and carefully consider vanity lighting to avoid dust traps (clear glass shows it all). OH

Designer Tamarisk McNalty Stephens shares her ideas.

acrylic base.

COSENTINO: Dekton Vicenza Kode VKO3 Grigio

COSENTINO: Dekton Kretäl Shower Tray in Kreta

BRIZO: Allaria SingleHandle Lavatory Faucet in Brilliance Luxe Nickel

AMERICAN STANDARD: Boulevard One-Piece Toilet

KOHLER: Veil Wall-Hung Toilet

LET IT SHINE

Add style and efficiency to your kitchen with curated finds.

1 NORTH SHORE LTD.

Island Lighting

Inspired by the beauty of the mountains, the Himalayas LED fixture provides beautiful and practical lighting for food preparation and casual meals at a kitchen island. Looking for a different style or size? The North Shore sales team can help source the ideal fixture.

278 Cook St., Meaford | 519.538.4303

25 Sandford Fleming Dr., Collingwood 705.445.7259 | northshore.ltd

2 LAKEHOUSE BATH + KITCHEN

BARIL Faucet

Created by fashion designer Marie Saint Pierre and BARIL president Marie-Ève Baril, this faucet balances contemporary design and stylish function. The Marie Kitchen Collection is fully customizable, offering six finishes that can be interchanged for each component. Available in April.

603 Berford St., Wiarton 519.477.1900 | lakehousebath.ca

3 SQUARE DEAL NEIL’S TV & APPLIANCES

Whirlpool Range

The Whirlpool 30-inch range has an induction cooktop, which heats quickly while keeping surrounding elements cool. That means fast cleanup with no baked-on spills. The oven offers no-preheat air frying, baking, roasting and broiling, and gets dinner on the table, before hearing “I’m hungry.”

240 Railway St., Southampton 519.797.3905 | squaredealneils.com

4 THE OLD BARN

HanStone Quartz

Achieve the look of marble without the upkeep with HanStone’s Matterhorn quartz. Its warm white background crisscrossed with brown and grey veins adds an earthy touch to natural wood cabinety or a bold contrast to a white kitchen.

173480 Mulock Rd., Hanover 519.369.1710 | theoldbarngranite.ca

5 SMITTY’S FURNITURE

Seating

Made in Canada, the Clarissa bar stool by Amisco offers comfort and elegance with a backrest that flows into armrests, providing exacting comfort. Its sophisticated design includes a sturdy metal base and deeply padded seat. Customize with the fabric of your choice.

170 3rd St., Hanover | 519.364.3800

491 Bryne Dr. Unit 1, Barrie | 705.481.1662

170 Gateway Park Dr., Kitchener | 519.658.9313 smittysfurniture.com

6 THE COOK’S CUPBOARD

FinaMill

Meet the FinaMill – the safest way to grate hard ingredients. Just fill a pod and grind whole spices, chocolate and nuts. It’s rechargeable and you can adjust the grind. Comes in several colours.

7 WILSON SOLUTIONS

Pantry Organization

Transform a pantry into an organized space that maximizes storage. The right configuration makes finding and putting away items a breeze. Start the process with a free consultation followed by a 3D plan that brings the project to life.

401690 Grey County Rd. 4, Hanover 519.369.8225 | wilsonsolutions.ca

8 LAKE HURON HOME

KitchenAid Fridge

Curate your kitchen with the KitchenAid french-door refrigerator in Juniper. Pick from four handle options, including brass. The interior doesn’t disappoint with a wood-look storage tray that stores platters of food, ready for guests. Adjustable shelving makes it easy to grab and go.

665 Philip Place, Kincardine 519.396.8513 | lakehuronhome.com

9 SOUTH BRUCE FLOORING

Engineered Hardwood

Canadian-made in different widths and wood species, engineered hardwood flooring is unique, easy to clean, quick to install and environmentally friendly. It also creates a warm atmosphere.

1563 Hwy. 9, Mildmay 519.367.3215 | southbruceflooring.com OH

Cold Vermicelli Noodle Salad WITH

LEMONGRASS CHICKEN

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

JENELLE MCCULLOCH

A refreshing Vietnamese-inspired noodle salad with tender, fragrant lemongrass chicken. Crisp vegetables and a bright dressing keep this weeknight meal light and satisfying.

INGREDIENTS

(Serves 4)

CHICKEN

4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1 stalk lemongrass, bruised and roughly chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

2 Tbsp lime juice

2 Tbsp fish sauce

1 Tbsp soy sauce

2 Tbsp brown sugar

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

SALAD

4 oz dried vermicelli noodles

1 ½ cups shredded carrot

1 cucumber, sliced

2 green onions, finely sliced ½ cup cilantro leaves

Peanuts (optional)

DRESSING

2 Tbsp soy sauce

1 ½ tsp sugar

1 ½ Tbsp neutral oil

1 garlic clove, minced

INSTRUCTIONS

In a bowl, combine chicken with marinade ingredients. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Preheat oven to 375°F. Remove chicken from the marinade, shaking off any large lemongrass pieces, and transfer to a baking sheet. Bake 35-45 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 175°F. Place all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake well. Let stand for 5 minutes to allow flavours to develop. Cook vermicelli according to package directions. Drain well and rest for 10 minutes so excess water runs off.

In a large bowl, combine sliced lemongrass chicken with noodles, carrot, cucumber, green onion, cilantro and peanuts (if using). Drizzle with dressing and toss. OH

Get more recipes at ourhomes.ca/blogrecipes

Down the GARDEN PATH

STORY TERESA MATAMOROS

Walkways and paths are more than just practical features in a landscape. They guide movement, create flow, frame focal points and add structure to a garden.

Walkways also serve a functional purpose by making outdoor spaces usable in all seasons. At the same time, they should be in alignment with the landscape, enhancing the beauty and character of a property. Designing a walkway or path requires careful thought about function, form and materials that suit both the people living on the property, the site and varying climatic conditions.

The primary role of a walkway is to provide safe, comfortable movement through a garden or yard. Our walkways must account for snow, ice and heavy rain. A path that connects a driveway to a front door, for instance, should be wide enough (at least four feet) to accommodate shovelling and safe passage in winter. Gentle curves can add interest, but functionality and safety come first.

Paths also help define different zones within a landscape. A winding walkway might lead guests through a flower border and will often slow the pace of the visitor (and the gardener). A direct, straight path might connect practical areas such as the vegetable garden, patio or shed. In larger gardens, secondary paths encourage exploration and help prevent soil compaction by directing foot traffic away from delicate plantings.

Walkways set the tone of a landscape. A formal garden often benefits from straight, symmetrical paths made from materials like brick or square-cut stone, creating a sense of order. Informal or naturalized gardens are better suited to gently curving paths that mimic the lines of nature, perhaps using pea gravel, wood chips or irregular flagstones.

The scale of the path should also fit the property. Narrow paths feel intimate and encourage a slower pace, perfect for strolling through a woodland or perennial border. Broader walkways make an entrance feel grand and are more practical for high-traffic areas. Lighting, edging and plantings along the path can further enhance both form and safety.

The geography, climate and context strongly influence walkway design. Freezethaw cycles can heave and crack poorly

installed materials, so choosing durable, weather-resistant products and proper installation techniques are essential. Here are some options to choose from.

NATURAL STONE: Pea gravel, flagstone or granite are classic choices that withstand our winters. When set on a solid base, they provide longevity and a timeless aesthetic. Their organic look suits cottage, woodland or perennial gardens.

INTERLOCKING PAVERS: Popular in residential landscapes, pavers offer durability, easy replacement, generally smooth surfaces and countless design options. Permeable varieties also reduce runoff, an important feature for sustainability.

GRAVEL OR CRUSHED STONE: Cost-effective and informal, gravel paths work well in low-traffic areas. They drain easily but require edging to keep the stones contained and occasional top ups.

WOOD CHIPS OR MULCH: Ideal for woodland trails, these materials blend naturally into the environment. However, they break down over time and need regular refreshing.

CONCRETE: Simple and durable, poured concrete can be dressed up with scoring, stains or exposed aggregate finishes.

Also consider accessibility and maintenance. Surfaces should be slipresistant, especially in winter. Heated walkways are becoming a popular option for driveways or front entrances to reduce snow and ice buildup. Gentle slopes rather than steps are preferable for ease of movement.

The ideal walkway or path in a landscape will successfully balance practicality with artistry. They provide safe, direct access where needed while inviting discovery and delight elsewhere in the garden. A front path might be wide, straight and dignified, while a side path could curve playfully through a shady border. Materials, width and layout all play a role in how the path feels to the person walking it. Even mixing the materials in the walkway encourages people to slow down and take their time.

Ultimately, walkways are about connection: connecting one space to another, connecting people with nature and connecting a garden’s design with the rhythms of daily life. OH

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

PICK A COLOUR

The year is 2026, and paint brands are responding to homeowners who want to colour their homes with personality and luxury. That means turning away from all-white walls and toward darker hues that create a luxe, calm, personal escape from the world outside.

Here are notable colours of the year:

Benjamin Moore

Silhouette AF-655 – a mix of rich espresso with notes of charcoal. Benjamin Moore channels the enduring style and grace of a man’s classic suit, connecting fashion with interiors.

BeautiTone

Muse (TR26-4-3) – a refined, earthy green hue that brings a sense of grounded elegance to interior spaces. BeautiTone, the number-one Canadianowned retail paint brand, says Muse is drawn from the depths of classical art.

Dutch Boy

Behr

Hidden Gem (N430-6A) – a smoky jade that blends blue and green. Behr says the colour captures understated elegance and timeless sophistication, creating rooms that are grounded and alive.

Melodious Ivory (313-2DB) – a creamy shade that brings a nostalgic, elevated vibe. Dutch Boy says Melodious Ivory is perfect for showcasing handmade pieces and bold layers and makes your space feel effortlessly you.

decorating

Minwax

Special Walnut – a favourite wood stain shade that offers a timeless aesthetic and broad design appeal. Minwax says Special Walnut delivers a classic, dimensional hue that feels familiar and fresh.

Valspar

Warm Eucalyptus (8004-28F) – a naturally restorative and serene green. Valspar says its colour of the year gives you a warm feeling inside.

Glidden

Warm Mahogany (PPG1060-7) – a rich, grounded red that’s bold enough to draw immediate attention and reserved enough to make a timeless statement. Glidden says this colour can be used in any style, any space, any mood.

Krylon

Matte Coffee Bean – an unpretentious shade that brings timeless luxury and modern sophistication to everything it touches. Krylon says it creates a sense of calm and connection to nature. The spray paint bonds to difficult surfaces like plastic and metal.

Sherwin-Williams

Universal Khaki (SW 6150) – an earthy and classic mid-tone tan with a slight yellow undertone. Sherwin-Williams calls it functional, practical and timeless. OH

It does make a certain amount of sense. There is a powerful “coming alive” feeling one gets from seeing so much of life starting over again. Not to mention the relief of winter being over. I can understand why almost every civilization has some sort of vernal celebration, with flowers blooming and birds chirping. The season has a lot going for it, yes, but is it overrated? Gasp.

It’s hard to make the argument in favour of slush, mud, blackflies and seasonal allergies, yet they come along with this season just as much as the longer days and the warm breezes do. Animals waking up from hibernation is a beautiful aspect of nature, but one year, the bears were so hungry that the crab apple tree in front of our local hospital had to be cut down – they simply wouldn’t take no for an answer. Bears are famously stubborn.

Spring is complicated. Some of my type-A friends and family love the idea of spring cleaning, but then again, some of them (me) don’t eagerly await all of the reorganizing that might accompany this process. Have you tried complaining about the springtime to anyone? They’ll dismiss you right after they remind you

STORY PHIL MATHIES

Pooched this Spring

Spring has exceptional public relations, don’t you think? In literature, art, music –basically the drivers of culture – it gets a ringing endorsement. The virtues of spring, the symbolic importance even, get so much airtime that winter might consider filing a grievance with the CRTC. Good luck with that, winter.

of winter. Don’t you remember winter?

What should you do if you’re like me and have a more nuanced view of the season? My family figured it out, so I’ll share. You see, we got a puppy. We got a wiggly, happy rascal of a hound puppy with long, droopy ears and a wrinkly forehead. My daughter says she’s the cutest puppy alive. I told her about this thing called bias, but she wasn’t having it.

Yes, the puppy is making every season seem like a lot more fun. Everything’s a new adventure. In the autumn, we got family photos taken with our newest member, and even though there are five human beings in these photos, most people notice that rascal of a hound first. It may as well be a picture of the dog with a human background. In winter, we ran around the yard, chasing her, being chased, and throwing snow in the air to see if she could catch it. She was zooming in circles – learning to love the snow, her tail wagging the entire time.

Now the equinox is here, and the snow has begun to melt, and I find myself eager to take the dog out to smell the lilies of the valley, run in the slush and roll in the mud. Well, maybe

not that last one. Darn it, it isn’t just the snow that’s melting!

The plan is to take her out into the woods as often as we can, where she can run and grow strong as she matures into doggy adulthood. We’re going to see if she’ll sit in a canoe without dumping us. We’re going to see if she likes swimming and whether we can train her to fetch. We’re going to see if she can be trusted at a family picnic. Probably not, but luckily she’s adorable. I bet she won’t like the blackflies, but that just makes her similar to the rest of us.

It’s all part of an important discovery that I’ve made: puppies make things better. I know, I know, it’s a revelation, and you can’t believe someone didn’t figure it out before I did. Don’t worry, though, I’m sharing these discoveries with the world. I might even open up about the research I’ve done on freshly-baked bread served with butter. This also improves many situations.

In fact, this spring I highly recommend getting a bit of bread and butter, some puppy cuddles, and perhaps even pausing to notice that the world is just awesome and absolutely bursting with life. OH

Annie the Redbone Coonhound

STORY CAELI MAZARA

SANDY MACKAY

Custom Comfort

IN A GROWING COMMUNITY

Set in the Crimson Oak Valley subdivision near Kincardine, Angela and Paul Kensit’s custom home represents one of the earliest builds in what will be a 77-lot development by Bogdanovic Homes – a family-run builder and developer that has shaped the region’s residential landscape since 1998. Continued on page 50

PHOTOGRAPHY

TOP RIGHT: Olivera Bogdanovic and her brother Aleks stand under the timber frame detail on the front porch.

RIGHT: The exterior is clad in stone from West Shore Stone and Brick Inc. with midnight black HardiePlank Lap siding. Kincardine Rona supplied the roofing materials, installed by Elite Roofing. The concrete driveway was finished by Sons of Concrete and the garage doors were supplied and installed by Peninsula Garage Doors. Landscaping by Wavescapes Design.

A wall of windows supplied by Golden Windows Limited reveals a vista of trees and green space at the rear of the home. Curvy black wishbone dining chairs add an organic element. Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace adds a crisp finish to the walls painted by Lockwood Painting. John Nold Drywall installed and finished the walls and ceilings.

P“PAUL AND I DECIDED TO build a new home in the Kincardine area to be closer to family,” Angela says. “I grew up on a farm minutes away from our new house and my parents and three brothers all have homes and properties in the same area. The new Bogdanovic subdivision seemed to fit all the criteria we were looking for.”

The lot measures roughly 80-by-135 feet and now hosts a two-storey home with an attached two-car garage (Peninsula Garage Doors) and finished basement. The house spans approximately 2,750 square feet above grade, with another 1,085 square feet on the lower level.

Angela and her family moved in during March 2022, when the subdivision was still in its earliest stages.

“We were about the eighth house that was built in this subdivision,” she says.

The lot itself was a major draw. “It has a really nice backyard,” says Angela. “It backs onto a lot of trees and green space. We really liked that aspect of it. And we are really close to Lake Huron – you can often hear it.”

For Bogdanovic Homes, Crimson Oak Valley represents more than a single project. It reflects the company’s evolution from builder to builder and developer. Founded in 1998, Bogdanovic Homes remains a tightly run family operation.

ABOVE: The front door was supplied by Golden Windows Limited and finished in Benjamin Moore Onyx to match the delicate console table. French doors to the office are painted Benjamin Moore Cape May Cobblestone. RIGHT: The white oak stairs create an architectural feature in the living room area. The built-ins that flank the fireplace were supplied and installed by Johnson Woodworks. FAR RIGHT: The home office off the front foyer features a wall painted Benjamin Moore Caldwell Green.

A seating area features leather sofas and a gas fireplace with a shiplap surround and floating mantel. Window coverings throughout the home were supplied by Wilson Solutions.

home & builder

“The core four,” Olivera Bogdanovic says, laughing, “is my father, mother, my brother and myself.”

She explains how responsibilities are divided: “My mother Biljana and I run management. My brother Aleks completes estimations, and he and my father Steve are the site supervisors.”

That integrated structure allows the company to guide clients from lot selection through final finishes, a process Olivera says is especially important for first-time custom-home clients.

“They pick the lot, then we work together to pick a house plan,” she says. “After that, we figure out the materials so that we can come to an overall price.” Material selections are phased to prevent decision overload.

“At certain phases, the client will go to our suppliers and start making selections,” she says. “For flooring and cabinetry, Angela picked out her flooring and was able to take the flooring to the cabinetry suppliers.”

Angela credits that structured process with making what could have been an overwhelming experience feel manageable.

“We hadn’t built a house before,” she says. “I had lots of ideas and things I knew I wanted to do, but Olivera’s really organized and quick to respond. She knew all the things we needed to decide, from first things and then the next step, and the next step.”

LEFT: Gold hardware complements the custom cabinetry from Johnson Woodworks. White quartz counters and a solid backsplash were supplied and installed by KW Granite Countertops. BELOW LEFT: A statement beaded chandelier hangs in the stairwell to the upper level. BELOW: A second sink in the island is a practical addition and the dark faucet from Watermarks Kitchen & Bath Boutique complements the waterfall quartz from KW Granite Countertops.

Bogdanovic Homes controls both the building and development sides of Crimson Oak Valley – which Olivera says allows for stronger design consistency without sacrificing individuality.

Angela and Paul’s home reflects that balance between cohesion and customization. Inside, the main floor is organized around an openconcept kitchen, dining area and family room. A wall of north-facing windows, supplied by Golden Windows Limited, floods the living space with natural light, while the kitchen features a large island with stone sourced and installed by KW Granite Countertops, custom cabinetry from Johnson Woodworks and a walk-in pantry. All window coverings were sourced through Wilson Solutions

TOP LEFT: Angela Kensit stands beside the cabinet from her great-greatgrandfather. ABOVE: Sight-lines from the dining table to the living room stay clear to welcome conversation across all areas. LEFT: The pantry’s arched doorframe is a timeless architectural feature. Custom cabinetry extends from the kitchen. Open oak shelves display frequently used staples.

home & builder

The family room centres on a gas fireplace with a sleek black shiplap surround, topped with a floating timber mantel and framed by built-in shelving. Engineered white oak flooring runs throughout the main living areas. Lockwood Painting completed the interior paint palette using Benjamin Moore paint to blend modern finishes with warmer, traditional elements. while Fairbro Electrical Services installed the electrical for the home.

“I love the clean lines of the new build but like the softness of adding vintage pieces,” Angela says. “The combination of old with new creates my desired sense of an inviting and comfortable family home.”

An antique wooden cabinet from her great-great-grandfather anchors part of the living space, while deeper accent tones throughout the home – such as the deep muted green Shaker-style wall in Paul’s office – add contrast to the otherwise neutral base.

The mudroom and laundry area reflect Bogdanovic Homes’ emphasis on functional family design. Finished in white hexagonal tile with light cabinetry and extensive built-in storage, the space connects directly to the garage.

There are four bedrooms upstairs, while the finished basement houses a fifth bedroom, a full bathroom, gym and media room with a built-in bar and more storage.

On the exterior, the home’s facade combines stone, from West Shore Stone & Brick Inc., midnight black HardiePlank Lap siding

ABOVE: A wooden bed and rattan ceiling fixture add softness to the Benjamin Moore White Dove walls and ceiling. A collection of pillows and layered bedding invite rest. ABOVE RIGHT: Angela and Paul’s daughter decided to turn the walk-in closet space in her bedroom into an organized and functional office. RIGHT: The wallmounted faucet and taps in the powder room allow for more space on the quartz counter from KW Granite Countertops. The custom vanity was made by Johnson Woodworks. Plumbing for the home was completed by Carter Plumbing & Heating.

and warm custom-stained timbers, a look that aligns with the broader architectural tone Bogdanovic Homes cultivates across Crimson Oak Valley. The subdivision includes twostorey homes, bungalows and one-and-a-halfstorey designs. One of Olivera’s goals is to create aesthetic diversity within the subdivision while still aiming for cohesion.

“The exterior turned out even better than I thought,” Angela says, and in fact it’s one of her favourite aspects of the house.

From a builder’s perspective, Olivera describes the Kensits as ideal custom clients.

“Honestly, Angela took the lead on this,” she says. “She not only had all of her selections made in advance but was also confident in making them. I was there to takes notes, answer questions and ensure that all the orders were put through.”

It’s hardly surprising, since Angela works as a home stager, offering design and sourcing through her business Angela Kensit Home Staging Co. Continued on page 56

TOP LEFT: The custom double vanity in the primary en suite offers an abundance of counter space and closed storage. Black hexagon floor tile complements the hardware, faucets and mirrors. ABOVE: The glass shower has an inset shelf, bench and linear drain. LEFT: The serene atmosphere in the primary bedroom has been achieved with natural tones and minimal artwork.

home & builder

“I LOVE THE CLEAN LINES OF THE NEW BUILD BUT LIKE THE SOFTNESS OF ADDING VINTAGE PIECES. THE COMBINATION OF OLD WITH NEW CREATES MY DESIRED SENSE OF AN INVITING AND COMFORTABLE FAMILY HOME.”

Continued on page 58

RIGHT AND BELOW: The combined laundry and mudroom has white hexagon floor tiles and custom cabinetry from Johnson Woodworks with counters supplied by KW Granite Countertops. Open storage, a bench, hooks and open shelving offer convenience when coming through the door from the attached garage.

home & builder

Four years after moving in, Angela says she remains happy with the design decisions.

“We’re still thrilled this many years later,” she says.

For Olivera, the home stands as a model of what Bogdanovic Homes aims to deliver in Crimson Oak Valley.

As the subdivision continues to grow, that same balance, between individuality, livability and cohesive design, remains central to the builder’s vision. The Kensit home is a shining example of Bogdanovic’s commitment to that vision. OH

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE

• Angela Kensit Home Staging Co. • Arndt Masonry • Benjamin Moore • Bogdanovic Homes • Carter

Plumbing & Heating • Elite Roofing Ltd. • Eybergen Landscaping+

• Fairbro Electrical Services • Grey

Bruce Sod Supply Limited • Golden

Windows Limited • John Nold

Drywall • Johnson Woodworks

• Kempton Construction • Kincardine Rona • KW Granite Countertops

• LD Shoppe • Lineworks Design

Group • Lockwood Painting • MKD

Concrete Ltd. • Peninsula Garage

Doors • Sons of Concrete • Teeswater Concrete • Watermarks Kitchen & Bath Boutique • Wavescapes

Design • WestShore Stone & Brick Inc. • Wilson Solutions • Wylds K&M Services

TOP LEFT: The composite decking was installed by Eybergen Landscaping+. The excavation and septic system for the home was completed by Kempton Construction. Sod was sourced through Grey Bruce Sod Supply Limited and installed by Wylds K&M Services. TOP RIGHT: A wicker egg chair is an ideal spot to listen to the sounds of nature. A bar fridge is conveniently located for cold drinks on a warm spring day. The timber frame detail adds continuity to the overall design of the home. ABOVE: A built-in bar in the lower level is located beside the seating area. There’s a fifth bedroom, full bathroom and a gym on this level. Fairbro Electrical Services wired the home and installed all light fixtures.

The Rise of

BEYOND STORAGE ARCHITECTURAL CABINETRY

Spring signals a fresh start at home, whether subtle refinements or completely rethinking how we live. This year, there’s a renewed appreciation for craftsmanship, personalization and what is considered one of the most powerful elements in the modern home – custom cabinetry.

More than a fleeting trend, bespoke millwork elevates functionality and secures value in a home. It reshapes every room, from kitchens and bathrooms to mudrooms and multifunctional family hubs. Custom cabinetry has become a structural anchor, guiding the eye, setting the tone and determining the rhythm of a room. Its architectural appeal influences the flow of a room, defines the scale of a wall and commands attention with the same weight and intention as a window or a doorway. Cabinetry can anchor a space as profoundly as structural beams – only with far more flexibility, creativity and functionality.

Cabinetry can dictate the layout, the symmetry and even the lighting plan of a room. Tailored millwork has an extraordinary ability to bring cohesion to a home; everything feels more intentional when cabinetry is carefully designed and scaled to its environment. Without adding square footage, it’s possible to create the feeling of a more expansive, purposeful space simply through architectural millwork.

STORY GOLARA GHASEMI

PHOTOGRAPHY MIKE CHAJEKI

PICTURED: In this vignette, the goal was to create a moment that feels refined and relaxed. The matte grey-blue cabinetry grounds the space with a sense of tailored sophistication, while the brass hardware introduces a warm, classic contrast. Above, the floating oak shelves echo the tone of the full-height wood panelling, reinforcing a continuous, organic texture that brings softness to the room. The shelves are styled with sculptural ceramics and understated artwork to add visual rhythm without overwhelming the composition. The textured tile backsplash provides a crisp, quiet backdrop that balances the natural warmth of the wood.

design ideas

Personalized cabinetry has emerged in design culture. Homeowners want spaces that reflect who they are, not necessarily what’s trending. Think: drawer layouts customized to the homeowner’s unique cooking habits, bathroom vanities tailored to morning routines and mudroom storage that meets the needs of pets, sports equipment and family life. Cabinetry does not just tidy the space – it solves daily stress points, and when custom millwork steps in as the problem-solver, the entire home becomes calmer and more intuitive.

True personalization relies on true craftsmanship. There’s a growing desire and collective craving for pieces that feel made, not manufactured. Homeowners are gravitating toward local millworkers and cabinetmakers not only to support local, but also because the quality is unmatched. Local artisans understand the climate, the materials, and how homes in a particular area move and breathe. They can produce cabinetry calibrated with precision, from the joinery to the finishing techniques. When you invest in well-made millwork, you’re investing in durability, longevity and sustainability.

There is a growing preference for natural materials – responsibly sourced wood, hand-applied finishes and low-VOC coatings that aren’t just beautiful; they’re healthier and more enduring. Custom cabinetry crafted with intention and skill can easily last decades, aging gracefully rather than degrading with use.

In stylistic terms, 2026 is ushering in a refreshing blend of sophistication and liveability. Organic textures soften clean lines, and minimalist silhouettes are enriched with warm woods, matte finishes, subtle textures and soft colour palettes that feel calm and collected.

Colour is becoming a more expressive tool within this cabinetry movement. While neutrals remain popular, there’s a growing appetite for soft greens, muted blues, clay tones and deep, earthy hues. These colours add depth and warmth without overwhelming the cabinetry’s architecture.

Considering neutrals, mixed wood species and finishes are a great way to create layered, tactile compositions that feel curated rather than coordinated. The key to successful colour in millwork is restraint, knowing when to introduce contrast and when to let the material, whether it’s walnut, oak or a charming painted finish, speak for itself.

PRO TIP: When exploring colour, choose tones that complement the desired mood. A soft green can calm, a deep blue can ground, and a warm neutral can elevate without overpowering. Let colour support the cabinetry’s architecture rather than compete with it.

There’s renewed interest in architectural details such as tambour panelling, inset doors and sculptural hardware. Homeowners are embracing cabinetry as an opportunity to establish tone – whether that’s through a bold colour moment at the kitchen island, a moody built-in bar with fluted wood detailing, or ultra-streamlined bathroom cabinetry that feels like it belongs in a boutique spa.

As custom cabinetry continues to evolve, its purpose remains clear –to create homes that feel more intentional, more functional and designed for real life. It transforms rooms into cohesive, architectural experiences and provides homeowners with spaces that respond to their daily rhythms. One thing is clear: cabinetry is far more than just storage. OH

Golara Ghasemi is the creative director and principal designer of Toronto-based Studio Golara Design.

PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR SALE

The Dos and Don’ts of Upgrades

Preparing a home with resale value in mind, even if you have no immediate plans to sell, can help it stand out in a competitive housing market and bring you a higher sale price. In a recent RE/MAX Renovation Investment Report, nearly 60 per cent of respondents said they considered what renovations would most increase the value of their home.

STORY ANDREW HIND

The trick is knowing which renovations are best.

“Talking to contactors and being honest with your budget can help you determine which projects will provide the best return on investment (ROI) and have the greatest impact,” says David Mayer, owner of Lohrer Contracting Ltd. “It’s important that you recognize the difference between a project you personally would like and those that will provide resale value to your home.”

Another important step before jumping into renovations is to get a professional appraisal to gauge your home’s value relative to others in your area. This will help you set realistic goals for improvements.

David cautions against overrenovating. “It’s certainly possible to sink too much money into your home, leading to less return on your investment.”

Mark Eugeni, realtor with the Legal Edge Team in Windsor, agrees. “If your home’s value greatly exceeds others in your neighbourhood, it acts as a deterrent,” he explains. “If your home is worth $1 million but others are worth $750,000, those who might be in the market for a $1 million home will be searching in higher-income neighbourhoods.”

So, with that in mind, what are some of the best ROI projects you can undertake to increase the value of your home? And, while we are at it, what are some of the worst?

PHOTO: JASON HARTOG | AS SEEN IN OUR HOMES WELLINGTON/WATERLOO SUMMER 2025

NORTH SHORE LTD

Full-service renovations, cabinetry and quartz, porcelain & granite countertops across Grey & Bruce. From concept to completion.

real estate

BEST ROI

Interior Painting

Simply put, you can’t go wrong with a new coat of paint. Realtors will all tell you that painting is the most underappreciated and most cost-effective home improvement. New paint freshens up the home, covers blemishes, can make rooms appear larger and can be used to highlight specific features.

Kitchens

“Kitchens are real selling features,” says Mark. “They are the heart of the home, and for that reason, buyers often look at kitchens first. Kitchens top the list of renovations for return on investment. You typically recover your investment and more.”

Mark cautions that it’s generally not necessary to complete a costly full kitchen makeover. Instead, installing new countertops and backsplashes, refacing cabinets, changing hardware and updating appliances can often be enough to make a difference.

Bathrooms

Bathroom remodels almost always offer a high return on investment. A recent RE/ MAX study found it ranked among the top renovations for return on investment in 17 housing markets, including Toronto. Replace outdated fixtures, update the lighting, add new hardware and freshen the paint – all are relatively inexpensive and will pay dividends.

“It’s not usually a great idea to add an additional bathroom or completely rebuild an existing one unless the home truly needs it,” says Mark, “because that can get expensive and then you no longer get significant returns.”

Exterior Curb Appeal

“First impressions matter, and so anything that adds curb appeal to your home will get attention and improve the value of your home,” asserts David.

So, what enhances curb appeal? Installing a new front door and garage door helps immensely. Landscaping and hardscaping –such as an attractive walkway leading to the entrance, a well-maintained lawn (you may consider hiring a lawn-care specialist a year before selling), and fresh paint – can also add value at a relatively low cost.

THINK TWICE

Carpeting

Replacing carpeting is rarely a good idea when you’re planning to sell. While some owners love the warmth and feel of carpeting in a bedroom or basement, buyers will likely have the opposite experience, knowing that carpets tend to hold on to pet smells, stains from drink and food spills and all manner of dirt and dust.

Energy Efficient Installs

Energy-efficient HVAC systems, upgraded windows, new roofing and higher R-value insulation can enhance a home’s efficiency and comfort, but they don’t move the needle significantly on resale value. Worse, they tend to be expensive renovations.

“People fall in love with a home, not a roof or furnace,” Mark cautions.

Pools

“Buyers are divided into two categories: those who want a pool and those who do not,” explains Mark. Those who want a pool are typically families who envision carefree summer days. Others might be turned off by the fact that pools require ongoing maintenance and expense or simply envision other uses for their backyards.

Keep in mind that inground pools cost $50,000 – $100,000 to install, yet typically recoup much less than that.

“So, while pools can be a feature that helps attract a certain segment of the population,” Mark says, “installing a pool with the intent to sell is probably not a wise use of money.”

Outdoor

Lifestyle Features

The same applies to outdoor kitchens, water features, built-in fire features, gazebos and other backyard lifestyle features. They are wonderful to have and may help appeal to a certain segment of the market. However, they are expensive to install and are often highly personalized – not everyone wants to sit by a fire under the stars or cook on the patio, after all. For these reasons, they don’t represent sound ROI projects. OH

PHOTO: COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE

PHOTO: LARRY ARNAL AS SEEN IN OUR HOMES BEST OF ONTARIO LATE-SUMMER/FALL 2024

Benjamin Moore Louisburg Green HC-113

Benjamin Moore Smoke 2122-40

Benjamin Moore Swiss Coffee OC-45

Benjamin Moore Edgecomb Gray HC-173

Jamie Lewis, owner of Jamie Lewis

Trucking & Armour Stone Sales, knows stone – and for good reason. For many years, he has been trucking and supplying landscapers, builders and homeowners with armour stone for projects of all sizes.

Armour stone is a quarried material prized for its durability and resistance to wear and erosion. Long-lasting and low-maintenance, it offers a wide range of applications, from retaining walls and erosion control to flagstone patios, walkways and fieldstone fireplaces. Its natural beauty makes each piece unique, and its rugged yet elegant appearance complements both modern and traditional architecture. Armour stone is also commonly used for shoreline protection. “Armour stone comes in various colour tones, which allows for even greater design flexibility,” Jamie notes.

FROM QUARRY to landscape

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

Jamie Lewis

STATEMENT STONE

Jamie acknowledges that many customers are searching for a single statement piece or a few distinctive stones for smaller projects. These customers are welcome to visit the yard by appointment to view overflow pieces and select their ideal stones, transporting them independently. The yard’s selection can include oversize flagstone, path-size pieces, natural armour stone for retaining walls and stone steps ranging from three to 12 feet in length. For homeowners who need assistance with stone placement, Jamie can recommend trusted professionals he has worked with. For larger projects, the yard also offers landscapers the opportunity to view a variety of sizes and shapes, making it easier to find the perfect fit for any landscape design.

GET A QUOTE

When requesting pricing, Jamie recommends that customers have an idea of the square footage, height and shape of the stone they require. Delivery is available throughout Ontario using a truck with dual flatbed trailers capable of transporting up to 44 tons of quarry-direct stone. “The stone is loaded at the quarry and delivered directly to the customer, where we unload it,” says Jamie. “This streamlined process results in significant cost savings.” OH

How To Be A More EFFICIENT HOME COOK

HERE ARE 10 EASY TIPS TO BECOMING A MORE EFFICIENT HOME COOK:

1

CLEAN AS YOU GO

Wash dishes, load the dishwasher and clean your mess as you go. While things are simmering or baking, use that downtime to clean.

2

If you love spending time in the kitchen, you know how important it is to have a system while cooking. Having a workflow that suits your cooking style helps the whole process move smoothly. If you don’t enjoy cooking and want it to be as quick as possible, or maybe you’re short on time, efficiency is the key ingredient.

PREP YOUR PRODUCE

When you get home from shopping, wash, dry and chop your produce. Not only does this increase the likelihood of it actually getting eaten, but it also saves a couple of steps when you go to prepare it.

3

PREHEAT YOUR OVEN

This is usually the first step in a recipe for a reason. There’s nothing worse than having your food ready to hit the oven, and you realize it’s not on. It saves so much time having your oven preheat while you’re working on something else.

4

ZONE YOUR KITCHEN

Have similar things in the same space. Keep your spices together, your knives together, your grains together etc. It keeps your kitchen organized, but also prevents you from running all over the place looking for things.

STORY BAILEY FRANKLYN

WORK BACKWARDS

Start with the ingredient that is going to take the longest to cook. If something needs time to bake, rise or chill, get it started first, so that all the other components of a meal will be finished at the same time. This is especially helpful if you’re serving a meal for guests.

MISE EN PLACE

Mise en place is a French culinary term for “everything in its place.” Have all your ingredients prepped before you start cooking – your garlic minced, your onion diced, your spices pre-measured etc. This simple method really speeds up the cooking process.

DECLUTTER YOUR SPACE

Get rid of kitchen clutter. Whether it’s on your countertop or in a drawer, having a clean, organized and clutter-free kitchen will make cooking quicker and more enjoyable.

TIME-SAVING FOODS

No need to shy away from frozen vegetables, canned beans or bagged lettuce. If you’re low on time and want a nutritious but low-energy meal, there’s no shame in the convenience game.

TIME-SAVING APPLIANCES

Slow cookers, air fryers and instant pots can drastically speed up the cooking process and reduce the amount of hands-on time. They’re a great tool to have if you want to make weeknight dinners more efficient.

FREEZE STRATEGICALLY

10

Stock your freezer with broth or frozen herbs in oil. It means you always have some on hand.

Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting your feet wet, working efficiently can make time in the kitchen much more enjoyable. OH

Bailey Franklyn is a Registered Dietitian living in Meaford.

Vida by PADERNO Colour Series Trizone Air Fryer, Shortbread Colour, 9-qt

Engineered white oak flooring flows throughout the main-floor living space. A feature wall in the dining area adds a nostalgic feel with floral wallpaper. Comfortable seating surrounds the two-tone pedestal base table.

Renovation GOALS

STORY LORI DAVIS | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

A modest renovation sparked a full-scale transformation of this charming three-bedroom bungalow. After years of wrestling laundry into an impossibly small space, Susan and Cole decided it was time for an update. “We couldn’t move clothes from the washer to the dryer without doing a side shuffle,” quips Susan.

The reinvented laundry room is both practical and polished. Ample space allows for easy movement, while generous cabinetry keeps everyday essentials neatly tucked away. “We started planning in 2018, and then COVID hit, giving us lots of time to figure out what we wanted,” Susan says. “We also needed new windows and everything snowballed from there.”

Susan experimented with digital floor plans for six years. “We didn’t want to renovate room by room. If we were going to do this, then we wanted to do it all at once,” she recalls. “I took my time and kept playing with the space and tweaking it until it was just right.” Susan envisioned a modern design that was welcoming and comfortable. “I want people to feel they can relax and feel at home,” she explains. Continued on page 76

ABOVE: The exterior of the home was transformed when arched windows were replaced with contemporary square units and openings. The new roof and

and

siding were supplied by Ridgeway Metal Forming Inc.

installed by Bluewater Construction. Hardscape material was sourced through West Shore Stone & Brick. RIGHT: The separate garage follows the home’s exterior design. An open covered porch offers shelter to eat or play.

The couple purchased the house near Kincardine in 2007. They began renovations in the spring of 2024, with Susan serving as project manager. Her organizational skills kept the renovation on track, from booking trades to managing the construction schedule. “I booked them six months in advance and gave everyone the timetable. I even worked around the framers’ hunting season,” she recalls.

The initial renovations focused on the home’s exterior, including a new roof, windows and siding. Ridgeway Metal Roofing supplied and installed the roof and siding. Westshore Stone & Brick provided the hardscaping outside. The original arched windows were replaced with contemporary square openings. Susan worked with designer Heather Smillie on the exterior and interior décor. “For the exterior, we used wood-toned siding, which completely changed the style of the home,” says Heather. “We covered the keystone and cornerstone details, which eliminated a decidedly traditional style.”

Heather owns House Rules Design Shop, a one-stop firm offering a variety of design services. “Susan drove this project and deserves full credit,” says Heather.  “She had a vision, and I was there to support, guide and offer ideas and suggestions to help her realize her dream.” Managing the many design choices during a renovation can be challenging. “I felt overwhelmed with choice and couldn’t see the big picture,” Susan says. “Heather helped me coordinate everything from paint and furniture to choosing tradespeople.”

Removing interior walls created the open-plan space that Susan and Cole wanted and resulted in a complete kitchen redesign with custom cabinetry by Exquisite Wood Designs. Flat-panel doors are painted Benjamin Moore Calm. ABOVE: A pantry is hidden behind doors designed to appear as cabinet fronts.

The Nuevo Gris quartz waterfall island, counters and solid backsplash make a striking statement, while the fluid movement of the matching LED ceiling fixtures follows the marbled white veining. With seating for seven, the island provides additional space when Cole and Susan entertain.

A water vapour fireplace offers a realistic flame without heat and is built into custom cabinetry from Exquisite Wood Designs.

The design of the coffee table lets a large ottoman slide away when not in use.

OPPOSITE TOP LEFT:

The tray ceiling in the living area adds depth and frames the LED ceiling fixture. The door leads to a covered rear porch.

As the renovation gained momentum, additional updates were added. The garage was converted into a mudroom with heated floors and built-in closets. “In our old layout, we had one small closet with very limited storage space,” says Susan. Interior walls were removed to create an open floor plan, facilitating a complete kitchen redesign. “We started with the kitchen, the heart of the home. Susan had visuals, and we helped her find Exquisite Wood Designs to execute her design,” Heather recalls.

Integrated quartz countertops and backsplash pair with a waterfall island, creating visual continuity throughout the space. Grey quartz, marbled with white veining, provides a crisp counterpoint to the pale cabinetry and walls. “The quartz slab is fabulous and so unusual,” says Susan. Panelled appliances, supplied by TA Appliances & Barbecues, blend with the surrounding cabinetry. The nearby butler’s pantry provides additional prep and storage space and conceals a hidden gem. A pass-through, connected to the mudroom, allows Susan to slide her groceries directly into the pantry.

Continued on page 81

BELOW: 1) Ample space is reimaged as a laundry room with custom cabinetry from Exquisite Wood Designs and direct access to the pool. 2) The garage was converted into a mudroom that offers plenty of open and closed storage for the family. 3) Ivy waits for groceries to be passed from the mudroom to the pantry, saving many steps.

ABOVE: Zane, Susan and Ivy on the covered rear deck by the pool. RIGHT: The home office off the front entrance doubles as a space for the family to play video games. Current Electric assisted with electrical changes. FAR

RIGHT: Open shelving in the office displays the family’s completed Lego projects.

The renovated living room balances clean lines with a sense of ease. A water vapour fireplace anchors the space, delivering realistic flames without heat or combustion. “It’s really safe for the kids and has a beautiful ambience,” says Susan. The fireplace is inset in a warm, woodsy cabinet that doubles as a bench and storage. Above, a tray ceiling adds architectural interest and subtle depth, while additional windows draw in natural light. Finished in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace – a light, neutral palette – the room feels open, cheery and well-suited to everyday living and entertaining. The home has engineered white oak floors throughout.

The primary bedroom features a spacious walk-in closet created by expanding into the former laundry room. At the back of the closet, Susan incorporated another practical pass-through to the mudroom, near the laundry area. The en suite was reimagined with a more efficient layout and clearly defined zones. A large walk-in shower maximizes the space, while a double vanity and floor-to-ceiling cabinetry provide ample surface and storage for daily routines. “We removed a tub we never used and added a new window,” says Susan. A herringbone-tiled half-height accent wall separates the shower from the vanity, adding subtle texture and visual interest.

Continued on page 84

ABOVE AND RIGHT: The fibreglass pool was supplied by Water & Wellness and overlooks a rural vista. The low stone wall supports the waterfall feature and serves as a diving board. Stone was supplied by West Shore Stone & Brick Inc.

“I FELT OVERWHELMED WITH CHOICE AND COULDN’T SEE THE BIG PICTURE. HEATHER HELPED ME COORDINATE EVERYTHING FROM PAINT AND FURNITURE TO CHOOSING THE TRADESPEOPLE.”

–HOMEOWNER, SUSAN

ABOVE: The herringbone tile on the wall that divides the shower from the vanity introduces an intriguing design feature. TOP RIGHT: Water controls for the large shower in the primary en suite are placed conveniently at the entrance. RIGHT: The custom double vanity from Exquisite Wood Designs has a radiant white quartz counter. Plumbing for the project was completed by Current Electric.

Launch Custom Homes builds custom, distinctive, energy-efficient homes across Saugeen Shores, transforming visions into exceptional living spaces. Specializing in teardowns and rebuilds, we guide clients through every stage — from conservation authority permitting and site engineering to architectural design and final finishes. Our small, dedicated team completes only a handful of homes each year, ensuring superior quality and craftsmanship in every detail. Our clients are assigned a personal designer to simplify every interior and exterior selection, creating a seamless, collaborative experience. At Launch Custom Homes, we don’t just build houses — we craft your next chapter by the lake.

ABOVE: Each child was given a budget to decorate their bedroom. Ivy worked with Heather, who offered ideas Ivy incorporated into the final plan. RIGHT: Zane bought his furnishings online and used the remainder of his budget to buy a gaming computer. FAR RIGHT: In the primary bedroom, the dark finish on the solid wood suite complements the walls and ceiling painted Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace. All painting for the project was completed by Tom Soers Painting & Decorating. Mr. Heat n’ Cool installed heating and cooling.

The couple used their children’s bedroom makeovers as a practical way to introduce budgeting and decisionmaking. “We gave Ivy and Zane a budget so they could choose their own furniture, linens, accessories and any extras,” says Susan. Heather’s favourite part of the project was helping Ivy with her bedroom décor. “Great parenting! We spent an hour reviewing Ivy’s selections, and I offered some ideas I thought she might like,” recalls Heather. Zane purchased all his furniture on Amazon and used the rest of his budget to buy a gaming computer.

The completed renovation strikes the ideal balance between polished design and everyday comfort. “I feel like I’m walking into a magazine, but it still feels homey and lived-in – and that was my goal,” says Susan. OH

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE

• Bluewater Construction • Current Electric

• Exquisite Wood Designs • House Rules Design Shop • Huron Fireplaces • JS Flooring

• Mid-Ontario Appliance Installations • Mr. Heat n’ Cool • Natural Stone City Inc. • Ridgeway

Metal Forming Inc. • Rona Kincardine • TA Appliances & Barbecues • Tom Soers Painting & Decorating • Water & Wellness • West Shore Stone & Brick Inc.

Gardening Gear

Open almost any garage, and you’re bound to find the usual suspects: a plastic, green watering can, a pair of pruning shears, a dirt-encrusted trowel and a well-worn, trusty pair of work gloves. Dusting off last year’s planters is a practical way to start your garden prep. But gardens are as much about joy as they are about growth. Why shouldn’t your essential gear spark a little happiness, too? Consider this your guide to the completely irresistible accessories you’ll reach for all season.

Dress The Part

Find yourself an all-purpose utility apron that reflects your personality. Go understated with clean, classic lines or choose something colourful that matches your budding garden. If you can find a coordinating hat, even better! You won’t want to forget about sun protection as the season goes on and the rays get stronger. Bonus points if your apron, hat and garden tote match for a complete look. Even things with a practical purpose can be stylish and fun. Grab a pair of gardening gloves in a playful pattern, bold colours or bright trim. Whimsical prints and unexpected combinations make the gloves unmistakably yours and make the toughest tasks, like pulling weeds, feel more charming.

STORY NICOLE HILTON

You Don’t Need (BUT JUST CAN’T RESIST!)

DESIGN HOME GIFT & PAPER INC: Tag, Garden Path Apron

ABBOTT: All Purpose Apron with Pocket, Tan

SPLASH INTERNATIONAL MARKETING: Garden Gloves and Knee Pad Set

ABBOTT: Plant Signs

THE HOME DEPOT CANADA: Watson Gloves, Homegrown “You Grow Girl” Garden Gloves

Stack Your Toolbelt

Take your tools from gritty to pretty! Sure, pruning shears and spades are practical, but floral-patterned versions will have you smiling through the digging. Level up your watering gear with an elegant can and mister. While you’re at it, grab a hand rake or two. This small but mighty tool can go where full-sized rakes can’t, giving you more control for cleaning up flower beds, around shrubs and smoothing soil in small containers.

If you’re committed to making your gardening gear as cheerful as your garden, go all in: toss your tools into a handy little wagon and cruise across your lawn in style.

Style Your Space

Elevate your garden with an adorable surprise at every turn. Think bronze turtles and snails tucked around your plants, pots and planters. Add colourful garden stakes that catch your eye. Small treasures from miniature sculptures to solar-powered lights keep the magic going after sunset. These interesting accents turn plant care into an adventure, making every stroll through your garden a chance to discover something imaginative.

Create An Urban Oasis

Small spaces such as front porches, balconies or windowsills are perfect for cultivating pocket gardens, proving you don’t need a sprawling yard to enjoy garden glam. Use the same fun planters, gloves and trowels to bring personality to your pots. Add a touch of humour with durable, water-resistant plant signs featuring witty garden-related sayings, and consider cultivating a herb garden. Fresh basil, chives and mint are easy additions to small spaces, providing both fragrance and flavour. For that extra indulgence, splurge on a specialized garden bench to display your herbs – an item you don’t need, but one that turns your small garden space into an urban oasis you’ll want to spend more “thyme” in! OH

POST-GARDENING GLOW

Treat hardworking hands to well-deserved care using a nourishing cream and a gardener’s set that’s as rewarding as it is restorative.

ABBOTT: Assorted Plant Misters

SPLASH

MARKETING: Watering Cans

SPLASH INTERNATIONAL MARKETING: Herbs Bench Planter ABBOTT: Dotted Mushroom Planter

ABBOTT: Plant Signs

DESIGN

& PAPER INC: Raz, Floral Bird Garden Stake

THE

DEPOT CANADA: Gardenised Pair of Leaf Scoops

1. RENWIL: Alegre Mirror 2. SANDERSON: Orange Tree Wallpaper in Willow 3. Z-LITE: Harper Wall Sconce in Rubbed Brass 4. MODA AT HOME: Lotion Dispenser in Blue and Gold 5. KOHLER: Tone Wall-Mount Bathroom Sink Faucet in Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass 6. WHITE SQUIRREL CANDLE CO.: Santal and Coconut Candle

7. KOHLER: Tone Towel Ring in Vibrant Brushed Moderne Brass 8. WORLDS AWAY: Cutler 48 LB Bath Vanity in Matte Light Blue OH

PHOTO: JASON HARTOG | AS SEEN IN OUR HOMES WELLINGTON/WATERLOO HOLIDAY/WINTER 2024/25

delicious DESIGN

Design experts create beautiful spaces that nourish life at home.

ACACIA FINE CABINETRY

The focus at Acacia Fine Cabinetry is smart design, expert craftsmanship and creating spaces that feel made just for you. Visit our Ripley showroom, where our team will help you navigate cabinetry, counters, hardware, sinks, faucets, tile and all the little details that turn a room from ordinary to extraordinary. We deliver quality construction, timeless designs and the kind of cabinetry that makes you want to show off your kitchen.

RICHLY WARM

Richly stained oak cabinets set a warm, grounded tone, balanced by a bold Cambria quartz-topped island that adds a clean, modern contrast. A herringbone backsplash ties everything together, giving the space an easy sense of depth, comfort and understated polish.

GROUNDED AND REFINED

This kitchen pairs soft, natural wood tones with bold, dark mocha accents for a look that feels both grounded and refined. Sculptural details, like the arched glass cabinet, full-height backsplash and dramatic ceiling beam add just enough drama without trying too hard.

PHOTO: KIANNA

SUNSHINE

Dan Kelley, owner

people & places

Erin Hall, general manager Alyssa Staples, designer

EXQUISITE WOOD DESIGNS

At Exquisite Wood Designs, we take a design-focused approach to transforming your home with our award-winning team. Everything is custom-made in-house, giving you endless possibilities with highquality Canadian products. Whether you’re building a new home or planning a renovation, we are passionate about bringing your design ideas to life!

TIMELESS APPEAL

A quartz apron-front sink serves as a striking centrepiece in this kitchen, while the custom-designed Shaker-style doors and turnstile latches highlight the craftsmanship and timeless appeal of the design. The rich sage green cabinetry, paired with natural white-oak accents, brings warmth, character and a natureinspired calm to the space.

ELEGANTLY ELEVATED

This kitchen features a sophisticated design with custom curved doors and fluted glass detailing, adding a textured accent. The cabinetry is inspired by cream tones, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. The rich walnut island, which harmonizes with the hood’s detailing, contributes to a cohesive and balanced space, resulting in an elegantly elevated design.

people & places

LUXURY WOODWORKING

Our Luxury Woodworking design team combines years of experience with a passion for innovation and quality. We work closely with you to understand your needs, preferences and lifestyle, ensuring that every detail is tailored to your satisfaction. From initial concept to final installation, we are committed to delivering exceptional craftsmanship and unparalleled service.

BEAUTY & PURPOSE

Designed to blend beauty and purpose, this bar space combines warm beige cabinets with a rich black porcelain counter and backsplash. It’s proof that even the smallest spaces can make a big design statement.

CALM & COHESIVE

A vintage-style farmhouse sink sets the stage in this calm and cohesive mudroom display. Soft blue cabinetry, warm wood tones and light quartz counters combine modern lines and timeless character.

Melinda Allen, designer Stefanie Stroeder, principal designer

PHOTO: KIANNA SUNSHINE

people & places

Ange Torrie and Kate Robinson, co-founders & principal designers

COLLECTIVE HOUSE DESIGN INC.

Our interior design firm, Collective House Design Inc., specializes in projects of all sizes, from room redecorating to custom new builds, large-scale renovations and bespoke refurnishing. Based in Grey Bruce, the firm is known for creating highly tailored interiors that balance refined aesthetics with functional, thoughtful living.

UNDERSTATED BEAUTY

Grounded in deep green tones, this farmhouse kitchen balances everyday family life with understated beauty and is built to handle kids, pets and constant activity. Functional choices take priority, accented by subtle design moments and meaningful vintage pieces.

CHARACTER

Our clients loved the old character of the farmhouse, but wanted more storage and cooking space. The challenge was to open the kitchen and add a generous island without losing the home’s original charm.

PHOTOS: MADELINE KIMBERLEY

people & places

WIARTON HOME DESIGN CENTRE

The experienced team at Wiarton Home Design Centre is dedicated to building dream kitchens for our clients, whether for a renovation, new build or plan from the Beaver Homes & Cottages catalogue. Together with Wiarton Home Building Centre, we provide quality service and products, bringing dreams to life.

SOPHISTICATED STYLE

The custom exhaust hood sets a sophisticated tone for this kitchen design. As the heart of the home, the client wanted a functional space without compromising style. This was achieved through the thoughtful selection of the quartz counter, black hardware and faucet and the design of the island. Smart design choices resulted in a stunning finished project.

NEEDS AND WANTS

Every project begins with a conversation that pinpoints a client’s needs and wants. This client wanted a kitchen that made cooking and gathering easy, comfortable and enjoyable. Every aspect of the finished space exceeded expectations. OH

Pauline Redmond, kitchen consultant

PHOTO: SARAH TACOMA

The Grey Bruce Home Builders & Trades Association (GBHBTA) proudly announced the winners of the highly anticipated 2025 Awards of Distinction at a gala event celebrating excellence in the home building and renovation industry. This year’s awards recognize outstanding achievements across 23 categories, showcasing the dedication and innovation of GBHBTA members. The 2025 Awards of Distinction shine a spotlight on the exceptional skill, innovation and dedication of GBHBTA members, from stunning renovations to innovative multi-unit developments. The evening honourees exemplify the very best of Grey-Bruce’s home building and design community.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

TITLE EVENT SPONSOR

HONOURS

Outstanding Electrical Apprentice

Dunne Power Inc.

Sub-Trade of the Year

Lockwood Painting

Supplier of the Year

Shouldice Stone

Outstanding Design Professional Collective House Design

Professional of the Year

SV Law

Outstanding Digital Presence (Builder or Renovator)

Sunvale Homes

Outstanding Digital Presence (Supplier or Sub-Trade)

John Brooks

Outstanding Show Room, Design Centre or Sales Office

Seaman and Sons Builders

Outstanding Model Home Décor

Sunvale Homes

Outstanding Landscape Design Hutten & Co. Land and Shore

Outstanding New Home

Bathroom or Ensuite (New Home)

Exquisite Wood Designs Inc.

Outstanding New Home Kitchen

Sunvale Homes

Outstanding New Home Construction under 1,700 sq.ft. - finished space

Exquisite Wood Designs Inc.

Outstanding New Home Construction

1,701-3,000 sq. ft. - finished space

Seaman and Sons Builders

Outstanding New Home Construction over 3,001 sq.ft. - finished space

Sunvale Homes

Outstanding New Bathroom or Ensuite Renovation

Valley Home Improvements

Outstanding Kitchen Renovation

Exquisite Wood Designs Inc

Outstanding Renovation over $151,000

Valley Home Improvements

Outstanding Customer Service / Sales Achievements

Donna Brubacher, Sunvale Homes

Energy Efficiency Award

Seaman and Sons Builders

Builder of the Year

Valley Home Improvements

Member of the Year

Doug Sowerby

SDBI Complete Property Maintenance

Lifetime Achievement Award

Tom Clancy

GBHBTA Lifetime Achievement Award

Tom Clancy

GBHBTA Builder of the Year

Valley Home Improvements

SOLAR POWER

Sometimes Graham Keene feels like an evangelist when extolling the benefits of solar energy. But unlike the prophet Moses, who descended Mount Sinai carrying stone tablets, Graham grasps solar panels, and he eagerly spreads the word about their efficacy in powering cottages unconnected to the country’s long-established electrical systems.

Historically, solar power has been an expensive option for cottage owners who don’t have the luxury of being on the grid, says Graham, a retired aerospace engineer. “Times have changed, and the cost of solar power has come down dramatically,” he says. Many people, he says, aren’t aware of the many advances in solar energy. “They now print solar panels like they print newspapers.” Combined with an inverter that converts solar energy into electrical current and a battery that stores electricity, the systems are reliable and less expensive than overland power lines that are costly to build and maintain, he explains.

Graham and his wife, Marie, have an island cottage connected via a submarine cable to Ontario Hydro’s power grid. He’s now building a new 2,400 sq. ft. cottage, accessible only by water or air, on a northern lake far from a power line. The solar energy system he

STORY WALTER FRANCZYK

ILLUSTRATION: DUSAN STANKOVIC

Graham Keene

EXCAVATION | SEPTICS FOUNDATIONS | RENTALS

SEPTIC DESIGN & INSTALLATION

Excavation | Foundations

Driveways: Construction/Reconstruction

Trenching:

Water/Sewer/Hydro & Gas Lines

Excavator/Operator rentals:

Full Size & Mini - Skidsteer

230 HP Tractor & Trailer

has planned with heat pump technology will power lights, two refrigerators, a dishwasher, a washer, dryer and water pump. “All the goodies,” he says. “My expectation is, when I flick the switch, there will be no awareness that we’re off the grid.”

His batteries will store 45 kilowatt-hours of power, enough electricity to power an average Toronto home for nearly two days. His system will free him from delivery costs and regulatory charges imposed by the grid. Those fees can amount to one-third of a total hydro bill, charges levied even when little or no electricity is being used. “With solar, you don’t have that,” says Graham. “The systems are so reliable, so dependable now that you are in charge of your own destiny. There’s no transportation charge, no power outages.”

What he describes as a minor investment will pay off in terms of the value of any cottage property, he predicts. “If you put your money into solar, you’re going to get 25 years out of it. You’re going to get to enjoy your cottage to a degree you’ve never had before, and you’ve added two or three times the value of what you’ve spent on your system, in terms of the value of your cottage.”

Ten to 15 years ago, solar was considered a luxury add-on, says Jack Abrams, owner of TRU Off Grid, a company that’s installed hundreds of solar power systems across Ontario. “Today, panels are more efficient, batteries are longer lasting, and the costs have come down dramatically. Combine that with rising electricity prices, and you’ve got a technology that’s no longer niche, it’s more practical and cost-effective.”

More cottagers are turning to solar every year, Jack says, partly because they like the idea of reducing their environmental footprint. “More than that, it’s about independence. When you’re at the cottage, you don’t want to be worrying about fuel deliveries, noisy generators, or blackouts. Solar offers quiet, reliable power that works effectively.”

Anyone considering a solar-powered system should consider their lifestyle, energy consumption, and how they use their cottage – whether weekends, summers or year-round – Jack advises. They should look at their essential needs – a refrigerator, well pump, lights and maybe WiFi and television. “Once we know how much power you really need, we can design a system that matches your

habits to run energy demands comfortably.”

TRU Off Grid is hands-on from day one, he says. “We do the design, handle permitting, supply the equipment and manage the installation. That means our clients don’t have to juggle multiple contractors. We bring it all together. We also prioritize systems that are simple to use. When you’re at the cottage, you want to relax and not rely on troubleshooting the system.”

His company’s projects have ranged from small seasonal cottages to large, off-grid homes and solar/battery backup systems. “Our goal is simple: make it easy for people to enjoy their cottage with reliable, sustainable power without the noise and stress of traditional emergency power solutions.”

Graham’s new cottage is a quantum leap above the family cottage of his childhood memories. His parents’ island cottage had no power, no water and no refrigeration. It took an extreme amount of work to sustain day-to-day living. While he remains cognisant and vigilant about energy consumption at his new solar-powered retreat, he feels good having ownership over how he runs life at the cottage. OH

Solar panels on the roof of the new Keene cottage will reliably power all the comforts of home.

BEITZ SIDING AND EAVESTROUGH

We offer a wide range of exterior home products to suit all needs. Whether it’s a small exterior repair or brand new windows, doors, siding, soffit, fascia and new seamless 5” eavestrough, we are here to help! Beitz has expert installers and top-ofthe-line materials we know we can trust and stand behind. We make each interaction as smooth as possible. We offer a lifetime installation warranty on all products, and we won’t put anything on your home that we wouldn’t install on our own!

NEW BUILD?

When choosing new products for your new home or cottage, we can help you wade through the many amazing options and style combinations, making the process a stress-free transition from idea to reality.

REMODEL?

The experts at Beitz Siding and Eavestrough can give your older home the facelift it needs and deserves! We know the importance of coming home to a house you love to live in and we want to make that a reality for everyone. This is why we have affordable options to suit all plans and budgets.

Proudly serving Grey Bruce and North Bruce Peninsula! Call or text 519.217.8778, email us at beitzsiding@ gmail.com, or visit us online at beitzsiding.ca for more information! Visit us on Facebook to see what we’ve been up to!

(Please see ad on pg 63)

GOOD LITTLE BUILDERS INC.

Based in Markdale, Good Little Builders specializes in residential construction and renovation in Grey-Bruce, Southern Georgian Bay and surrounding area. We take great pride in our work and in meeting your goals for your home or cottage. Sharing our expertise to help make your future home healthier, more energy efficient, and more environmentally sustainable through thoughtful design, material selections and construction methods. We are certified PHIUS Passive House Builders.

Our process typically starts with a consultation meeting to identify the key objectives and deliverables of your project. We work with you to clarify and document the scope of your project which is then utilized to develop a realistic and achievable cost estimate and construction schedule for completing your project.

We have roots in Grey County and have been working in the building construction industry with over 20 years of experience. We offer General Contracting, Pre-Construction Planning, Project Management and custom carpentry services. We look forward to speaking with you about your future home, cottage, garage, bunkie, addition or renovation needs. For more info, please contact us by email at hello@goodlittlebuilders.ca, phone 548.363.2208, or visit goodlittlebuilders.ca

(Please see ad on pg 87)

HANOVER HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW

The Hanover Home & Lifestyle Show brings the very best businesses to the P&H Centre on May 23-24. This popular event showcases a wide variety of exhibitors, featuring everything home and lifestyle related and businesses of all sizes – from local family-owned companies to well-known larger brands and everything in between – all dedicated to helping make our area a wonderful place to live. Visitors can explore products and services focused on home improvement, décor, design, outdoor living, health, wellness and more. Whether you’re planning a renovation, searching for inspiration, or simply looking to connect with local businesses, there is something for everyone to enjoy.

We proudly welcome the 812 Squadron Royal Canadian Air Cadets BBQ fundraiser. We’ve also partnered with Habitat for Humanity Grey Bruce to host a Silent Auction, with all proceeds to their organization. We are happy to accept any donated items for this auction.

Gold Sponsors: Eastern Overhead Doors (Grey Bruce 2021) Ltd., Moffatt & Powell RONA–Hanover, Built Wright Fencing, First Choice Property Maintenance, Cover-Ups Flooring & Bath, and HDTV & Electronics.. Join us for the Hanover Home & Lifestyle Show May 23rd and 24th from 10-4. Pick up your admission discount coupon from any Exhibitor. For a full list of Exhibitors, to register your company or for more information, visit hanoverhomelifestyle.com (Please see ad on pg 13)

DISCOVER HURONKINLOSS – WHERE OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

Set along the stunning shores of Lake Huron and positioned in the heart of Ontario’s clean energy frontier, the Township of Huron-Kinloss is the perfect place to build a life and grow a business.

Between our three distinct communities – Lucknow, Ripley, and Point Clark – you’ll find a serviced industrial park, flexible commercial spaces, and development-ready lots to suit your needs and let your imagination take off. Our dedicated Economic Development and Building teams offer hands-on support, from navigating grants and funding, to planning and zoning guidance, ensuring you have the tools to succeed.

From food producers and boutique retailers to tourism operators and nuclear supply chain leaders, businesses of all sizes thrive here, supported by loyal locals, multi-generational families, seasonal residents, and visitors alike.

Whether you are an entrepreneur looking to start a new venture, an established business looking to grow or an investor looking for a new opportunity, Huron-Kinloss is poised for growth and ready to support your business. Bring your vision to life in Huron-Kinloss.

Start today by visiting huronkinloss.com, or connect with us at 519.395.3735, or airwin@huronkinloss.com (Please see ad on pg 63)

JEN’S GARDEN SOLUTIONS

Jen’s Garden Solutions is a professional gardening service dedicated to creating and maintaining beautiful and sustainable outdoor spaces. Founded with a passion for plants and a commitment to high standards, Jen’s Garden Solutions offers reliable, customized garden care.

With 10 plus years of experience across a wide range of garden styles, Jen’s team practices green gardening techniques utilizing eco-friendly tools and plant care products. Jen tailors services to include garden coaching, design, plant selection and planting, ongoing maintenance schedules, pruning, and revitalization.

As a horticulturist and a member of the International Society of Arboriculture and its Ontario Chapter, Jen takes pride in working with clients to understand their vision, deliver practical advice and create lasting results. A strong focus on tree health sets Jen’s Garden Solutions apart with enhanced services including tree assessments for safety, early identification of disease or stress, and guidance on selecting and maintaining resilient trees that complement the landscape.

Jen and her team bring a level of professionalism to your garden where you can expect dependable service, honest advice and a genuine love for gardening. Trust Jen’s Garden Solutions to treat your garden as if it were their own, leaving it healthier and ready to enjoy…naturally.

To book your consultation… jensgardensolutions@gmail.com 226 432 2112

jensgardensolutions.com

(Please see ad on pg 87)

CRIMINAL & CIVIL LITIGATION LAWYERS –A BOUTIQUE LITIGATION FIRM IN RURAL ONTARIO DELIVERING CITY-LEVEL EXPERTISE.

Serving Grey, Bruce, Huron, Perth, Simcoe Counties and beyond.

Being pulled into the criminal justice system or a serious civil dispute is lifealtering. Fear, uncertainty and loss of control are commonand, too often, people in rural Ontario are told they need a “big city lawyer” to be properly defended.

We started LANDRY/S to change that.

We believe clients in rural Ontario deserve the same level of meticulous preparation, strategic thinking, and courtroom strength as any major urban centredelivered with local credibility, accessibility and humanity. We combine sophisticated legal strategy with local insight, ensuring clients receive thorough, practical and results-driven advocacy close to home.

We defend people, not cases. And we take that responsibility seriously. To contact us, please call 519.521.6220, email criminal@landrys.co, or visit us at landrys.co (Please see ad on pg 65)

LOCKWOOD PAINTING

A perfect painting job can make any newly constructed home stand out from the rest of the crowd. A beautiful paint job makes for an unforgettable first impression and can inspire complete confidence in the overall building quality and value of a new home. Jeff Lockwood Painting Services has over a decade of experience with new home building projects. Jeff and his staff currently are providing priming, painting and staining services for upwards of forty newly constructed homes and renovation projects each and every year.

From spraying on the first coat of primer to applying the finish coat to the baseboards, Lockwood Painting can quickly finish a newly constructed home to completed perfection –always on schedule and always on budget. Their seasoned team of professional painters can completely finish upwards of over 1,000 square feet per day. They stand behind their workmanship and quality with a full satisfaction guarantee. They are available “on call” and at a “moment’s notice” for those important touch-ups for any warranty service calls. They have a large staff available to always provide a quick, high standard of service for all of their Home Builders and Renovator clients. Our pro painters are always ready to help you with all your painting needs. For more information contact Jeff Lockwood Painting Services at 519.372.3008 or visit our website at lockwoodpainting.ca (Please see ad on pg 57)

LC DEVELOPMENT GROUP

LC Development Group is an Impact builder and developer that focusses on providing attainable ownership homes in rural/recreational communities. Our goal has been developed over the past 15 years as the CEO, Suresh Singh refocused efforts in this direction. His passion for this type of housing grew through his own experience living in government rental housing for most of his youth. He saw how most families that never owned a home stagnated economically for generations while most of those who were given ownership opportunity thrived. Our developments have consistently created equity for families that live and work in these broader communities, but we are now faced with new challenges, Covid19 related construction inflation and supply chain challenges as well as investors seeking to purchase our homes. We must endure the Covid19 challenges but we implement strict measures that dissuade or prevent investor buyers so we can serve the community in need of our homes. We firmly believe in being a for profit market driven business that can make a huge social impact through the development of home ownership for those left out of the housing market.

Matthew Lidbetter Broker

Senior Vice PresidentSotheby’s International Realty

President Southern Georgian Bay Association of Realtors® 705.443.7250

mlidbetter@sothebysrealty.ca

(Please see ad on pg 15)

MCNAIR CONSTRUCTION

McNair Construction is built on the foundation of quality, integrity and craftsmanship you can trust. With 20 years of hands-on experience delivering custom homes, cottages and renovations in all sizes and design styles throughout the Bruce Peninsula.

Led by Jim McNair, every one of our projects is approached with precision, professionalism and a commitment to excellence. We listen to our clients and value their input whether they are expanding their home or starting fresh with a new build – this is their dream, and we are here to bring it to life.

Our attention to detail and clear communication throughout a project brings peace of mind. Clients’ satisfaction is a top priority from the first consultation to handing over the keys to their new front door.

By choosing McNair Construction, you are choosing a team that stands behind its work and values long-term relationships. We know the Bruce and know what will stand the test of time and work in this climate, which gives clients the use of our extensive experience in making a home or cottage – one that will protect their families for many years.

226.668.2115

sales@mcnairconstruction.ca

mcnairconstruction.ca

(Please see ad on pg 89)

Neu

NEU HOME DECOR & LIFESTYLE

Housed in the beautiful 1904 Bank of Hamilton building on Mill Street in Neustadt, ON, Neu Home Decor & Lifestyle is the newest addition to Main Street Neustadt, opening in late April 2026. Rich in character and history, the space retains its original architectural charm –including the bank’s original vault, now thoughtfully incorporated into the shopping experience. Blending heritage with modern elegance, owner and interior decorator Candice Lahn has transformed the historic building into a warm, inspiring destination that reflects her refined yet approachable design philosophy.

The shop features a carefully curated collection of home décor, textiles, artisan goods, and lifestyle pieces that celebrate comfort and timeless style. Each item is intentionally selected to help customers create spaces that feel both beautiful and personal – with many affordable options alongside premium pieces, so great style is accessible for every budget. Neu Home Decor & Lifestyle is also a proud supplier of Fusion™ Mineral Paint, and Candice welcomes conversations about your refinishing projects.

With her trained eye and passion for thoughtful interiors, Candice has created more than a retail store – Neu Home Decor & Lifestyle is a décor-driven gathering place where history, community and inspired living come together. Can’t wait for us to open? Follow our progress on Facebook and Instagram. Great things are happening in Neustadt! 519.369.8628 | neuhomedecor.ca neu.neustadt@gmail.com

(Please see ad on pg 35)

ROBERT’S EQUIPMENT

For almost sixty years, Robert’s Equipment has shown up for the people who do the work. Because when the stakes are high, what matters most are the parts that are there, the service you can trust, and a team that always follows through. From Chesley to Owen Sound, Walton to Meaford, and Lucknow to Mount Forest, our locations are ready to serve you with the same dedication our customers have relied on for generations. Whether it’s keeping a farm running, maintaining a property, or powering a construction project, we provide the tools, equipment and solutions that help get the work done right. At Robert’s Equipment, we’ve built our reputation by doing things the right way, offering dependable service, expert advice and equipment you can count on. With trusted brands like New Holland, Kubota and many more, our team is committed to helping you tackle every project with confidence. Robert’s Equipment. Reputable. Reliable. Resourceful. Stop by any of our locations and let us show you how we make getting the job done easier, smarter and more dependable – just the way it should be.

1.800.265.4773

robertsequipment.com

(Please see ad on pg 103)

UPSTAGED DESIGN

At first glance, UpStaged Design is an interior design studio. Look a little closer, and it becomes clear they’re doing something much more meaningful.

Founded on the belief that your home can set you up for success, UpStaged Design approaches every project with a people-first mindset. Their guiding philosophy – updating homes, uplifting people – shapes everything from the way spaces are planned to how clients feel throughout the process.

UpStaged works with homeowners who are ready to level up – people who understand that you aren’t just building a home, you’re building a life. Through thoughtful space planning, renovation and styling, the team helps clients create environments that support who they’re becoming, not just where they’ve been.

The studio offers a wide range of services, including design consultations, space planning, full-service renovations, furnishing and styling, and strategic home staging for resale. Whether clients need clarity at the outset or hands-on guidance from concept to completion, each approach is tailored to fit both lifestyle and life stage.

At its core, UpStaged Design believes that every home holds a story that is still being written, and they see their role as a trusted partner in shaping the spaces where life happens next. 30 Airport Rd, Walkerton 519.889.2430

angela@upstageddesign.ca upstageddesign.ca @upstageddesign

(Please see ad on pg 91)

TOOLS & MATERIALS

PORCH PLANTERS

PROJECT SARA MARTIN

PHOTOGRAPHY TARA CHATTELL & SARA MARTIN CREATE A CONTEMPORARY PLANTER BASE THAT

BUCKETS

OF

AND FLOWERS. DISPLAY YOUR PLANTERS AT THE FRONT ENTRANCE OR ON THE PATIO.

1 sheet 4-by-8-foot, ¾-inch construction plywood.

2 galvanized buckets

Tape measure

Pencil

Circular or table saw

Exterior-rated glue

½-inch deck screws

Drill

Wood filler

Sandpaper

Solid stain

Stain brush Rocks

Soil

Jigsaw Hammer Robertson screwdriver

Plants

TALL PLANTER

With a circular or table saw, cut two 17-inch squares and two 32-by-17-inch pieces from the sheet of plywood. You will make a box that’s open on two sides.

To assemble, apply a bead of exterior glue along the narrow edge of the 32-by-17-inch section, then place a 17-inch square on top, ensuring the edges of the two pieces align. Drive and countersink three screws – one on each corner and one in the middle. If doing by hand, set the screws with a hammer before sinking with a screwdriver. Repeat this process for the second 32-by-17-inch piece, then for the second 17-inch square, which forms the planter’s bottom.

SMALL PLANTER

With a circular or table saw, cut four 22-inch squares from the sheet of plywood.

To assemble, glue two pieces of wood together and then drive and countersink three screws. If doing by hand, set the screws with a hammer before sinking with a screwdriver. Repeat the process to complete a square box with two open sides.

BOTH PLANTERS

Place the galvanized bucket on top of each planter and trace around the base with a pencil. Use the drill to make a small hole for the jigsaw blade. Use the jigsaw to cut a circle ¾-inch larger than your pencil circle, creating a hole for your bucket.

Fill the screw holes with wood filler. Sand when dry. Paint all sides of the planter, inside and out, with the solid stain. It will require at least two coats of stain.

Place a layer of rocks or gravel in the bottom of each galvanized bucket for drainage. Add dirt and your choice of plant. You can add a potted plant directly into the bucket. Place the planters in the hole of each stand.

Enjoy!

OH

A HOME worth WAITING FOR

STORY CLAUDIA FERRARO | PHOTOGRAPHY SANDY MACKAY

T“There’s honestly nothing we would change,” says homeowner and

project manager Alex Neuman. With this thoughtful build, Candue Homes gives a growing Durham family something personal, peaceful and deeply in tune with how they live.

On a quiet street in Durham, Alex and Hannah Neuman are settling into a season of change. With a young son and baby girl, the couple knew their next move needed to be more than a new address – it needed to be a home that could grow with them. More than a build, the project became an exercise in patience, planning and trust.

“We wanted to wait until we had the right house before growing our family,” Hannah says.

Continued on page 114

RIGHT: The board-and-batten wainscotting in the front foyer adds architectural detail. The door was supplied by Golden Windows Limited. The oak console table, made by Hannah’s grandfather Rob Zabel, highlights tones in the Twelve Oaks vinyl plank flooring in Toasted Almond. BELOW: Aitken Custom Framing Limited brought the home to life. The standing seam steel roof was supplied by Ridgeway Metal Forming Inc. Shingles are GAF Timberline HDZ. BELOW RIGHT: Don Tremble of Candue Homes. OPPOSITE: The open-concept kitchen embraces soft neutrals and natural wood tones offset by crisp white custom cabinetry, quartz counters from The Old Barn and an artisan tile backsplash installed by Kuglin Contracting.

home & builder

Having built before, they understood both the excitement and pressure that come with a custom home. This time, rather than rushing into their next chapter, Alex and Hannah allowed it to unfold slowly –waiting for the right lot, layout and moment to begin.

For Alex, the experience carried a deeper layer. As a project manager with custom homebuilder Candue Homes since 2016, he spends his days overseeing builds for others, but building his own family home placed him squarely on the other side of the process.

This experience gave Alex a new appreciation for the emotional weight behind every decision. He found himself standing where his clients often do – weighing options, second-guessing finishes and hoping the choices would still feel right years down the road.

“I was still the project manager,” he says, “but Hannah was definitely the client. That helped keep things balanced.”

The biggest challenge was finding the land.

After selling their previous home during the pandemic, the couple hoped to rebuild in town, close to family, friends and the community they loved. But suitable lots were hard to come by.

Candue Homes owner Don Tremble stepped in to help make their vision possible. Continued on page 116

ABOVE: Caprese salad and crusty bread are ready for guests. The Frigidaire Gallery refrigerator and dishwasher were sourced through Square Deal Neil’s TV & Appliances. ABOVE RIGHT: The concrete walkway was installed by Saugeen Concrete Finishing, with landscaping completed by Piel Excavating. Flowers and grasses were supplied by Natasha King of Dreamscapes. RIGHT: A Frigidaire Gallery gas range from Square Deal Neil’s TV & Appliances is surrounded by an abundance of quartz counter space. Interior paint was supplied by Farlow’s Home Hardware and applied by Clayton Brophy Painting.

The island’s wood finish brings another level of warmth to the functional kitchen space. Upholstered stools add comfort for conversation or meals. Lighting for the home was installed by

Dingwall Electric.

home & builder

“Alex had a very clear idea of where he wanted to be,” Don says. “There was a property up on the hill that could be severed, so I bought it, split the lot and resold the house so he could build exactly where he wanted.” The result is a quiet in-town property tucked along a dead-end street, bordered by a tree line.

“That meant a lot to us,” Alex says. “We’re close to family and friends and that was something we didn’t want to give up.”

From the earliest planning stages, Alex kept a handwritten checklist – not of trends, but of how the home needed to function for their family. Hannah’s thoughtfully curated Pinterest board helped shape it, and the list guided the build room by room.

The design began with a Beaver Homes plan, later reworked and refined with D&R Built. Aitken Custom Framing Limited aced the complex roof design, taking the home from paper to exactly how Alex and Hannah

RIGHT: Under the vaulted ceiling of the great room, the dining table handcrafted by Hannah’s grandfather shines with streaks of sunlight. Light from the double-tier chandelier creates a cosy atmosphere in the evenings. BELOW: A watercolour of the home and thoughtful décor are displayed on the built-ins that flank the fireplace. BOTTOM: An arched doorway forges a transition from the great room to the children’s bedroom wing.

envisioned. The standing seam steel roof was supplied by Ridgeway Metal Forming Inc. From there, the home became deeply personal.

The bungalow layout places the primary suite on one side of the home with children’s bedrooms on the other, allowing both connection and privacy. Above it all, vaulted ceilings rise through the great room, drawing natural light through expansive windows from Golden Windows Limited Wilson Solutions provided and installed all window coverings.

“That ceiling was a non-negotiable,” Alex says. “We wanted that grand feeling the moment you walk in.”

Where their previous home leaned into cool greys, this build embraces warmth – soft neutrals, natural wood tones, lightfilled spaces and arched doorways that feel calmer and more enduring. Twelve Oaks luxury vinyl plank flooring in Toasted Almond grounds the main floor, while Linden Wood continues through the basement, offering durability without sacrificing warmth.

At the heart of the home sits an openconcept kitchen designed for daily life and lingering conversations.

Continued on page 119

LEFT: An arched opening between the front foyer and great room displays the drama of the vaulted ceiling. Window coverings were supplied and installed by Wilson Solutions. Heating and cooling for the home was entrusted to Pratt Plumbing and Heating. ABOVE: The fireplace stone was installed by Hannah’s brother Riley Herman, with stone supplied by I-XL Building Products. The Continental gas fireplace was installed by Pratt Plumbing and Heating. The sectional sofa was sourced through Connell’s Furniture and Decor.

Beau, Alex, Bella and Hannah.

home & builder

Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home helped with some of the tile selections for the home, while Kuglin Contracting completed the installation, including the bold checkerboard pattern in the laundry and mudroom. The bench was installed by Hay Finish Carpentry.

Custom cabinetry by Barzotti Woodworking Ltd. extends through the kitchen, laundry and bathrooms, paired with quartz countertops sourced from The Old Barn. Delta fixtures add a refined finish, while Frigidaire Gallery appliances from Square Deal Neil’s TV & Appliances support a space meant to be used often and comfortably.

“It’s a really functional kitchen,” Alex says, pointing to the walk-in pantry and clerestory windows as personal favourites. Plumbing throughout the home was installed by Green Plumbing & Heating

Tile selections from Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home introduce texture throughout. In the mudroom, a bold checkerboard tile installed by Kuglin Contracting adds personality while remaining practical, tucked neatly behind a pocket door. Continued on page 120

ABOVE LEFT: The bold, bright green finish on the cabinetry in the laundry room brings a sense of joy to this space. Quartz counters were supplied by The Old Barn. Plumbing for the project was completed by Green Plumbing & Heating. ABOVE: Décor, lighting, fixtures and the quartz counter from The Old Barn unite in the family bathroom. LEFT: The covered back deck offers seating and dining options against a backdrop of lush grass and a cedar hedge that borders the property.

home & builder

Trim and mouldings bring subtle architectural detail, complemented by custom built-ins completed by Alex himself. Board-and-batten accent walls add depth without cluttering the home. Paint for the home was purchased at Farlow’s Home Hardware

Many of the trades involved have worked alongside Candue Homes for years, creating an important level of trust.

“Alex had strong relationships with a lot of our original trades,” Don says. “They made sure we were able to check off pretty much every item on his checklist. That doesn’t always happen.”

Throughout the home, craftsmanship carries personal meaning. A stone fireplace clad in Eldorado Casa Blanca RoughCut stone sourced from I-XL Building Products anchors the great room, installed by Hannah’s brother Riley Herman. The Continental gas fireplace and heating and cooling for the home were installed by Pratt Plumbing and Heating. Nearby, a dining table handcrafted by her grandfather brings generations together beneath one roof.

Additional masonry and exterior siding complete the exterior, giving the home a cohesive, timeless presence.

Lighting by Dingwall Electric runs throughout, with select Kichler fixtures adding warmth indoors. Permanent exterior lighting by Celebright offers year-round ambience. Continued on page 122

ABOVE: Tile in the primary en suite features caramel veining that complements the wood vanity and the shower’s wall tile. A glass section above the shower door pivots to release steam.

TOP RIGHT: The primary bedroom has a vaulted ceiling and a panelled feature wall. The sliding barn door leads to the walk-in closet. RIGHT: Sunlight from the windows shines onto the vessel tub. The gold faucet and chandelier add luxe details.

home & builder

LOCAL SOURCE GUIDE

• Aaron Eurig Stone Mason • Aitken Custom Framing Limited • Andy’s Billiards • Barzotti Woodworking • Candue Homes • Century Stairs • Chalmers Aluminum • Clayton Brophy Painting • Connell’s Furniture and Decor • Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home • Desco

• Dingwall Electric • D&R Built • Dreamscapes Landscaping • Eric Hopkins Ltd. Trim & Door

• Farlow’s Home Hardware • Golden Windows Limited

• Green Plumbing & Heating

• Hay’s Woodworking Group Inc. • House Rules Design Shop • Jason Etherton • Kuglin Contracting

• l-XL Building Products • North Pole Trim • Piel Excavating • Pratt Plumbing and Heating

• Reilly’s Roofing • Ridgeway Metal Forming Inc. • Riley Herman • Saugeen Concrete Finishing • Shouldice Stone • Square Deal Neil’s TV & Appliances • Steven Streicher Steel Roof Installation

• The Old Barn

• The Source Flooring

• Wilson Solutions

• Young’s Home Hardware Building Centre

The fully finished basement includes guest bedrooms, a play area and a games room centred around a pool table re-covered by Andy’s Billiards. A future bar is already planned, reinforcing the home’s role as a gathering place.

For Don, too, the project stands out. “It’s an in-town house,” he says,

“but they turned it into a fully custom home. I like it so much that I’m planning to build the same design myself, with just a few changes.”

It’s a home built with intention and one meant to last. Today, the Neumans feel rooted and grateful as they watch their home fill with the everyday moments they planned for from the very beginning. OH

The fully finished lower-level offers guest bedrooms, a play area and an entertaining space devoted to hockey and pool. The pool table sports new sky blue felt installed by Andy’s Billiards. ABOVE: Hannah’s successful hockey career is celebrated with her framed jersey and awards.

SET IN STONE

The soul of a kitchen and bathroom is found in its stone. Stone sets the tone –visually, emotionally and functionally. It’s the surface you interact with every day, the backdrop to your rituals and the anchor for the home’s aesthetic. In design, stone plays the starring role, and selecting the right material is part technical knowledge, part intuition and part understanding how clients truly live in their spaces.

In bathrooms, stone has a unique opportunity to become almost artful, because it occupies such a contained, immersive environment. This recent shower project (pictured) is a favourite. The dramatic stone slab, with its marbled swirls of blush, terracotta, charcoal and soft cream, was chosen specifically to bring a sense of organic movement to an otherwise streamlined space. Against the crisp white porcelain floor tile and frameless glass, the stone becomes a focal point – bold yet refined. The gold fixtures complement the warm undertones of the slab, giving the entire enclosure a sense of elevated luxury without feeling ornate.

When selecting stone for bathrooms, focus on balance. If the stone is expressive and has a heavy visual presence, everything around it should feel quieter – sleek fixtures, minimal grout lines and simple accessories. Conversely, if the stone is subtle or softly marbled, layer in more texture through lighting, hardware or cabinetry.

DESIGNER TIP: Use large-format stone pieces in bathrooms whenever possible. Fewer seams mean less visual interruption and easier maintenance. If you love the look of natural stone but worry about upkeep, a high-quality porcelain slab can emulate veining beautifully while remaining durable and stain-resistant.

STORY OLIVIA BAILEY | PHOTOGRAPHY VALERIE WILCOX

design ideas

In kitchens, the conversation shifts slightly. Functionality is still paramount, but durability becomes the deciding factor. In this kitchen project, the goal was to create a luminous, clean-lined space that blends warmth with modernity. This crisp, white stone with elegant grey veining provides a surface that feels bright and timeless, but has personality. Paired with light-oak cabinetry and bold hardware, the stone serves as both a neutral foundation and a subtle statement piece.

DESIGNER TIP: Hold samples up vertically in natural light. Stone reads very differently on a countertop than it does in a slab yard. Viewing it the way you’ll see it once installed, especially as a backsplash, helps ensure you love it from every angle.

One of the most common questions is whether to choose natural stone like marble or engineered materials such as quartz or porcelain. The answer depends on lifestyle and expectations. Marble is unmatched in elegance; its veining has a depth and softness that man-made surfaces can only approximate. But marble is porous and prone to etching from acidic ingredients like lemon juice or vinegar. For some, that patina is part of the charm. For others, it’s a source of daily stress.

For those who want that refined look without compromising on durability, quartz and porcelain are good solutions, offering remarkable durability with far less maintenance. They are stain-resistant, don’t require sealing, and hold up well under the pressure of daily use.

Stone selection also involves thoughtful coordination with surrounding materials. Wood tones, metal finishes and paint colours can dramatically affect the stone’s appearance.

When choosing your stone, always consider its undertone. A white stone may lean blue, grey, cream or blush. Matching undertones across cabinetry, fixtures and tile creates that seamless, high-end feel.

Lighting also plays a critical role in the stone’s appearance. For example, LED strips beneath upper cabinets illuminate a kitchen countertop beautifully, while in the bathroom, overhead lighting enhances the depth and movement of the shower stone, almost like a spotlight on art. Proper lighting doesn’t change the stone, but it reveals its full beauty.

Ultimately, the perfect stone is the one that aligns with how you want to feel in your space. Whether serene, dramatic, modern or classic, there is a stone that can evoke that emotion. The role of a designer is to interpret those desires, refine the options, and ensure the final selection is both breathtaking and practical. OH

Olivia Bailey is the creative director and principal of Olivia Bailey Interiors, a Toronto-based design studio celebrated for its refined, contemporary aesthetic.

STORY JULES TORTI

My Mother’s CUPBOARDS

I recently sent my mother a link to a drop-dead gorgeous house listing in Burden’s Point, Salvage, Newfoundland. The description conveyed the designer’s “exercised restraint, avoidance of conspicuous design gestures” and representation of “vernacular Newfoundland architecture at its best.”

My mom replied immediately, “If I were taken there to live my days out in exile, I would go insane. That starkness would drive me over the edge. There’s nothing to distract or make one feel cosy. I can’t imagine not being surrounded by pieces that tell you a story by holding them.”

On the flip side, I was magnetically drawn to the moody remoteness of the seaside property, which could only be accessed on foot or by boat. I loved the minimalism, simple shiplap and 360-degree Liquid Paper palette. However, I collect two things: passport stamps and (occasionally) my thoughts. My mother’s DNA is hardwired for constant curation, random thrift-store foraging and online auction-lot scouring. Her design mantra suggests that one shouldn’t see a wall. Is it a generational pattern that I’ve interrupted? My great-grandmother adored her hutch of salt and pepper shakers (she had over 100), ceramic stalking black panthers, doilies (that she crocheted) and cacti. My grandmother’s collection was just as eclectic, though she favoured African violets, encyclopedia sets (she had 33 sets), National Geographics, souvenir spoons and Red Rose Tea figurines.

My mother? She’s open to any plant that needs rescuing, especially end-ofseason ferns and succulents suffering root rot, abandoned at the curbside. She has century-old school readers, trippy uranium glass, moustache mugs, cattle and collie prints, a dozen Eiffel towers, Malaysian spears, carved shorebirds, Japanese tea and calligraphy sets, taxidermy, Beswick horses, horse stanchions, Louis XIV silver-plated cutlery, miniature chairs, a pewter platypus

and Blackfoot art. When I asked what her favourites were, she disappeared into a rabbit hole of antiques for two weeks before answering. She thoughtfully revisited her collections, and – in no particular order, because she hates to play favourites – it’s the precious fox who sits like a sentinel at the top of the stairs, the sepia print of wild ponies, their Victorian bedroom set and the first inkwell she purchased in Vermont that bring the most joy. Admittedly, my

most coveted pieces were poached from my mom. After persistent begging, she finally parted with her prized water buffalo horns, a greyhound wall mount, carved puffin and brass armadillo. For my birthday this year, she bravely allowed me to choose any item from her collection (and held her breath until I did). I zeroed in on a silver ostrich. “That’s it?” She was quietly relieved.

My parents’ Walkerton home is the equivalent of a gallery tour, a fantastical bookstore browse and quirky museum (complete with two yawning Himalayanpoint cats). It’s the sharpest opposite of stark.

My mother’s cupboards are an open book to a lifetime spent in hot pursuit of the frisson found in the unexpected, and that chase is a shared one. And I’ve put that pewter platypus on my wish list! OH

Jules’s Mom with her rescued plants.

“Hummingbirds remind us that even the smallest beings can travel the greatest distances.” – ANONYMOUS

STORY LYNNE RICHARDSON PHOTOGRAPHY ELOISE JUTZI

RARE BIRD ALERT!

On a crisp fall day last November, my phone pinged with a message about a bird. A frequent occurrence for a birder, of course, but this one was different. It was from the Ontario Rare Bird Alert listserv moderator about a sighting not too far from me. A special bird was coming to a feeder, and the homeowner had agreed to have birders come for a look. It was a bird from the west coast of Canada, way off course from its migratory route to Mexico for the winter. Such occurrences cause quite a stir in the birding world as they provide an opportunity to see a species in Ontario that you may never otherwise have a chance to see. Birders would “flock” to see such a bird (to use the usual pun).

RARE BIRD AMBASSADOR

So this is where I became involved under the auspices of the Ontario Field Ornithologists (OFO) Rare Bird Ambassador program. This initiative involves working with the property owner hosting a rare bird to establish viewing parameters – where to park, when to visit, where to watch from, how many people can be accommodated at a time, and any other requirements – all to the host’s satisfaction. We also advise what to expect when we put the word out on the listserv about a rare bird. It often means many people will be standing quietly in their backyard at the crack of dawn the next morning, with many more coming and going throughout the days the bird remains. This homeowner was very amenable to a few simple guidelines. Once these ground rules were established, the word was put out to the birding community – and the fun began. Over the few short days that the bird lingered, over 100 people from all over southern Ontario had the opportunity to see a rare and wonderful little species.

HUMDINGER!

So, what was this special bird you ask? Well, it was a bird that defied the odds of probability by surviving what would have been a 3,000-plus kilometre journey. It was a wee wisp of a thing, and it was a beauty. It was a brilliant rufous hummingbird, far from home.

This homeowner had left her hummingbird feeder hanging, even though her summer hummers had departed in August. However, just the day before, she had taken the feeder off its hanger and placed it on the deck, en route to storing it for the winter. Lucky for this little bird, the feeder hadn’t made it there yet. The next morning, to her surprise, a hummingbird was hovering around the feeder. A second surprise was this hummer’s colouration – a striking, rich rufous with a white throat band and a gorget that shines gloriously orangey-red in the sunlight. Definitely not our common, local rubythroated hummingbird.

MIGRATION MIX-UP

So how did this hummer manage to get itself to the middle of the fields and forests of rural Grey County – so far from the feeders and flowers of British Columbia? Rufous hummers have a famously long migration from their BC summer nesting grounds to their Mexico over-wintering locales, so they’re no stranger to long-haul flights. But due to a migration mix-up, severe weather, or a loss of its internal compass, it somehow ended up winging its way straight east instead of due south.

SERENDIPITY

How any bird can end up thousands of miles from their home base is a puzzle that fascinates birders and adds a sense of mystery to the whole “rare bird” watching experience. Many stars had to align for this minuscule mite of a bird to be buzzing by the very spot where a forgotten feeder was still outside in November. Next, the homeowner had to be home, and, second, glance outside at exactly the moment the bird chanced by and stopped for a quick hovering pit stop to check out the forlorn feeder. The story could have stopped there, but for the caring homeowner who immediately boiled some sugar water, filled two feeders, and re-hung them on the slim chance the bird would linger long enough to return. And when the hummer, amazingly, did in fact do just that, the homeowner decided to find a random site on

Facebook that might help her get information and an ID on this wee waif. Then, of course, an experienced birder familiar with a non-endemic species would have to come across the post while it was still live, quickly and correctly identify it, and contact the poster for further info. This person would also need to be aware of the significance of this sighting to the birding community, understand that other birders would give anything to see it, and know how to get the word out appropriately through the OFO Rare Bird Ambassador program and its listserv. And that is exactly what happened – all these crazy “coinkydinks” happened rather licketysplit, and finally, many lucky birders got to see him in all his shimmery glory.

ANY TIME, ANY PLACE

For a birder, almost nothing tops getting a crack at seeing a new bird species – a lifer, a bird never before seen by that person. Birders travel to exotic destinations – other countries, other continents even – to add new birds to their Life List. But having a rarity show up in a doable driving distance from your own locale adds another element of excitement to the birding game. A rare bird can show up anytime, anywhere, in the least expected places. You never know where, and you just never know when. On any given day when you’re simply going about your business, you’re not expecting to hear about a rare bird. You’re certainly not prepared to drop everything and go after a bird at a moment’s notice, but that is exactly what’s required. A delay could mean the bird disappears as mysteriously as it appeared. It may be years (or never) before you have a chance to see the species. So that’s what you do… get going as soon as you can. Adding to the excitement of the scenario is the chance that you won’t be successful. Should you really go? The bird may have flown by the time you get there. What other pastime carries with it such intense intrigue?

BON VOYAGE

All in all, this was a very successful rare bird alert. The homeowner was amused and entertained, and remained graciously accommodating even as many observers continuously occupied her backyard. Birders signed a guest book, left donations to a cause of her choice, the odd bag of sugar, and many, many thanks! The hummer cooperated for a few days before realizing it wasn’t in Mexico and, hopefully, headed on its way. It was a bright and beautiful sight and an unexpected experience for everyone over a few grey November days. OH

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

ANTIQUES/REPRODUCTIONS

Aberfoyle Antique Market, 22

APPLIANCES

Lake Huron Home/Sleepers Bed Gallery, 125

Square Deal Neil’s TV & Appliances, 23

ARCHITECTS/ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN/ ARCHITECTURAL TECHNOLOGISTS/ DRAFTSMEN & DESIGN

Alora Designs Inc., 18 Klingenberg Design, 89

BEDS & BEDDING/MATTRESSES/ SLEEP PRODUCTS

Lake Huron Home/Sleepers Bed Gallery, 125

BUILDERS

A.M. Contracting, 25 AND-ROD Contracting, 4 Bogdanovic Homes, 11

Candue Homes 2020 Ltd., 123

Good Little Builders Inc., 87, 106

Great Lakes Custom Homes, 105

HighR Construction, 103, 111

JH Carpentry, 18

Lakeside Construction Inc., 111 Launch Custom Homes, 83 Legendary Group, 20

McNair Construction, 89, 108 PR Custom Homes & Reclaimed Wood Products, 39

Taylor Contracting Services, 65

The Great Lakes Frame Company, 140 Valley Home Improvements, 125 Wiarton Design Centre div of Wiarton Home Building Centre, 47

BUILDING/LANDSCAPE SUPPLIES

Centre Grey Building Supplies, 105 Farlow’s Home Hardware, 121 Flesherton/Markdale Home Hardware, 105 Wiarton Design Centre div of Wiarton Home Building Centre, 47

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Township of Huron-Kinloss, 63, 106

CABINETS & MILLWORK/ CARPENTRY/FINE WOODWORKING/ CUSTOM FURNITURE

Acacia Fine Cabinetry, 2&3

DJ’s Furniture, 127

Exquisite Wood Designs, 83

Great Lakes Woodworking Elmwood, 89

Johnson Woodworks, 59

Luxury Woodworking, 70&71

Topnotch Furniture, 21

COUNTERTOPS

City Stone, 25

KW Granite Countertops, 57

The Old Barn, 8&9

EAVESTROUGHS/SOFFIT/FASCIA

Beitz Siding and Eavestrough, 63, 106

EDUCATION

Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (OYAP), 95

Simcoe County District School Board, 95

Simcoe Muskoka Catholic District School Board, 95

ELECTRICAL

Dingwall Electric, 121

Fairbro Electrical Services, 57

EXCAVATING/SITE PREP/SEPTIC

HighR Construction, 103, 111

EXTERIOR FINISHES/IMPROVEMENTS

Supreme Floor Coatings, 19

FENCING/DECKS/GATES

Built Wright Fencing, 12

Postech Grey Bruce, 47

FIREPLACES & STOVES/ACCESSORIES

Chantico Fireplace Gallery, 27

Pratt Plumbing and Heating, 121

FLOOR/SURFACE COATINGS

Supreme Floor Coatings, 19

FLOORING

Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home, 14, 45

North Shore Ltd., 65

South Bruce Flooring, 67

FLORAL DESIGN/FLORISTS

Markdale Flowers, 35

FOOD & DRINK/RESTAURANTS/ CATERING/DELI

Top O' The Rock, 105

FOUNDATIONS

Postech Grey Bruce, 47

FUNERAL HOMES/CREMATION

Fawcett Funeral Cremation Reception Ltd., 22

FURNITURE & HOME DECOR/ ACCENTS/GIFTS/COLLECTIBLES

Bath Centre by Fulfords, 23

Country Charm Mennonite Furniture, 137

DJ’s Furniture, 127

Handstone Furniture, 10

Lake Huron Home/Sleepers Bed Gallery, 125

Neu Home Decor & Lifestyle, 35, 108

Orangeville Furniture, 17

Smitty’s Fine Furniture, 139

Topnotch Furniture, 21

Wiarton Design Centre div of Wiarton Home Building Centre, 47

GARAGE DOORS

Peninsula Overhead Doors, 6

GARDEN CENTRES/GREENHOUSES/ NURSERIES

Maxwell Garden Center, 39

Riverside Greenhouses, 87

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 bettyann.fawcett@ourhomes.ca. To have your business listed in our Home Resource Directory, call us to advertise at 519.372.6338.

GEOTHERMAL

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating Inc., 111

GLASS/MIRROR & DESIGN/GLASS WALLS

North Shore Ltd., 65

HEATING & COOLING

Green Plumbing & Heating, 121

Ken Philp ClimateCare, 16

Pratt Plumbing and Heating, 121

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating Inc., 111

HOME IMPROVEMENTS/ RENOVATIONS

A.M. Contracting, 25

Artery Plumbing & Renovations, 24

Good Little Builders Inc., 87, 106

Great Lakes Custom Homes, 105 JH Carpentry, 18

Lakeside Construction Inc., 111

McNair Construction, 89, 108

PR Custom Homes & Reclaimed Wood Products, 39

Taylor Contracting Services, 65

Upstaged Design, 91, 108

Valley Home Improvements, 125

INSULATION

Airtight Insulation Solutions, 97

HighR Construction, 103, 111

Just Foam It, 73

INTERIOR DESIGN/HOME STAGING

Collective House Design Inc., 35

Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home, 14, 45

Shoreline Designs, 121

Upstaged Design, 91, 108

KITCHEN & BATH

Acacia Fine Cabinetry, 2&3

Bath Centre by Fulfords, 23

Exquisite Wood Designs, 83

Farlow’s Home Hardware, 121

Great Lakes Woodworking Elmwood, 89

Hanover Kitchen & Bath, 91

Johnson Woodworks, 59

LakeHouse Bath + Kitchen, 20

Luxury Woodworking, 70&71

Wiarton Design Centre div of Wiarton Home Building Centre, 47

LANDSCAPE DESIGN & ARCHITECTURE/ LANDSCAPING/LAWN & GARDEN AND-ROD Contracting, 4

Beaver Valley Rock Solid Landscapes, 41

Hutten & Co. Land and Shore, 7

Jen’s Garden Solutions, 87, 107

LEGAL SERVICES

LANDRY/S, 65, 107

MACHINERY/SMALL EQUIPMENT/ FARM SUPPLIES

Equipment Ontario, 97 Robert’s Equipment, 103, 108

NEW HOME COMMUNITIES

Launch Custom Homes, 83 Markdale Meadows, 15, 107

ORGANIZATION/STORAGE

Wilson Solutions, 61

OUTDOOR FURNITURE/STRUCTURES

Maxwell Garden Center, 39

PAINTING & DECORATING

Bath Centre by Fulfords, 23

Benjamin Moore, 14

Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home, 14, 45

Farlow’s Home Hardware, 121

Lockwood Painting, 57, 107

PLUMBING

Artery Plumbing & Renovations, 24

Dingwall Electric, 121

Green Plumbing & Heating, 121

Ken Philp ClimateCare, 16

Pratt Plumbing and Heating, 121

Sandy Hamilton Plumbing & Heating Inc., 111

RESTORATION SPECIALISTS

Paul Davis Restoration – Grey Bruce, 37

ROOFING

All-Pro Roofing, 99

Ridgeway Metal Forming Inc., 29

SOLARIUMS & SUNROOMS

Grey Bruce Patio Enclosures, 5

SPECIAL ASSOCIATIONS

Grey-Bruce Home Builders & Trades Association, 101

SPECIAL EVENTS

Blue Mountain Film + Media Festival, 109

Grey Bruce Home & Lifestyle Show, 31 Hanover Home & Lifestyle Show, 13, 106

STONE PRODUCTS/VENEER

Jamie Lewis Trucking & Armour Stone Sales, 39

West Shore Stone and Brick Inc., 85

TRANSPORTATION

Jamie Lewis Trucking & Armour Stone Sales, 39

WINDOW TREATMENTS

Ashtons Blinds.Draperies.Shutters, 43

Budget Blinds of Owen Sound, 31

Cuneo’s Carpet One Floor & Home, 14, 45

Sunset Blinds, 35

Wilson Solutions, 61

WINDOWS & DOORS

Desboro Doors, 127 North Shore Ltd., 65

LEMON BLACKBERRY Scones

RECIPE AND PHOTOGRAPHY JENELLE MCCULLOCH

These buttery scones are studded with juicy blackberries – perfect for breakfast or a cosy afternoon treat!

INGREDIENTS

Makes 6-8 scones

½ cup heavy cream, plus more for brushing

1 large egg

2 cups all-purpose flour

¼ cup sugar

2 tsp baking powder

½ tsp salt

8 Tbsp unsalted butter

½ cup fresh blackberries

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

In a small bowl, whisk together heavy cream and egg.

In a large bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

Add the butter and cut it into the dry mixture using a pastry cutter or your hands until small flakes form. Gently fold in the blackberries.

Pour in the cream mixture and mix just until a shaggy dough forms. The berries will crush slightly, and that’s okay.

Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and pat into a rectangle, 1 to 1-1/2 inches thick. Cut into 6-8 pieces.

Arrange scones on the baking sheet about 1 inch apart. For fluffier scones, refrigerate for 20-30 minutes before baking.

Brush tops with a little extra cream. Bake 25-30 minutes, or until golden brown.

ICING (optional)

1 cup powered sugar

2-3 Tbsp heavy cream

½ tsp vanilla

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth. Start with 2 Tbsp of cream and add more if needed to reach the desired consistency. OH

Timeless by nature. Designed for living.

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