Calgary Home Decor & Renovations - Oct/Nov 2015

OCT - NOV 2015 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5, FREE CALGARY EDITION

homeanddecor.ca

More than

SAVE vs.

SPLURGE

JUST A DOOR

Getting into your

OUTDOOR SPACES

Great renovations start with great designs from

TRADEMARK RENOVATIONS

ALL OF THE CREDENTIALS NONE OF THE HEADACHES. wallacefleming.ca

DESIGN & RENOVATE Licensed, bonded, insured — with a reputation of taking care of our clients’ renovation projects from beginning to end.

Call or email today for a free quote.

403.918.2227 info@wallacefleming.ca

IN

• AR

• CALGARY ’S DS R AR

NA NOMI TED 4X

EAR’S SAM IS Y AW H T

TOR OF THE YE OVA EN

For Those Who Value Luxury, Quality And Exceptional Design 403.203.7676 + WWW.ALBIRENOVA.COM

contents

V O LU M E 1 3 I S S U E 5

OCT- NOV 2015

22

33

OCT - NOV 2015 VOLUME 13, ISSUE 5, FREE CALGARY EDITION

homeanddecor.ca

More than

SAVE vs.

SPLURGE

JUST A DOOR

tips & tricks 08 Editor’s notebook 14 Hiring a contractor

BY VANESSA GASH

22 Decoding the code

BY MICHAEL NYIKES

28 The scoop

outdoor spaces 30 Conventions of good garden design

BY STEVE WILLSTEED

33 Connecting courtyards with our outdoor living space

BY JACKIE SWARTZ

BY ELISA KROVBLIT Getting into your

OUTDOOR SPACES

Great renovations start with great designs from

TRADEMARK RENOVATIONS

cover story

Trademark Renovations

pg

10

Cover photo courtesy of Trademark Renovations

4 YPNEXTHOME.CA

51 Have you ever wondered: how does my home’s drainage system work?

business profile 16 Do it yourself- Decorative Concrete Projects

BY SHELL BUSEY

features 18 Restraint

BY MICKEY FOULDS

24 To save or splurge

BY ADENE LUCAS

48 Emotionally separating from your home

BY LAURA LE

renovations 42 More than just a door

BY CARSON ARTHUR

renomark 46 Renovating small spaces

BY BRYAN TUCKEY

Renovations that Inspire A Design/Build Company

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SHOPPING FOR OR DECADENT DEC

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TO BOOK YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE CONTACT: Anita Van Breevoort 403.461.5518 anita.vanbreevoort@ypnexthome.ca Brought to you by the publishers of:

editor’s notebook

OCT-NOV 2015 VOLUME 13 ISSUE 05 PRESIDENT, YELLOW PAGES NEXTHOME

Jacqueline Hill EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

Susan Legge NATIONAL SALES MANAGER HOME, DÉCOR & RENOVATIONS

Moe Lalani SENIOR SALES MANAGER, WESTERN CANADA

Constance Robinson

Getting into your outdoors

ART DIRECTOR

Victoria Cigan SENIOR EDITOR

Your home is always evolving - growing with your needs, changing with your tastes and adjusting to the seasons. While summer always adds so much living space with the weather drawing us onto the porch, into the garden a out to the yard, the fall doesn’t mean we roll up the lawn and shut down the barbecue for the winter.

Elisa Krovblit EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Sara Duck (on leave) MEDIA CONSULTANT

Anita van Breevoort, 403.461.5518

Calgary weather may not allow for year-round outdoor living, but there’s no reason to discount your outdoor space until the spring thaw. In fact, as you use the space less, it’s a great time to start planning for next year.

Jackie Swartz’s article on page 33 will give you all kinds of inspiration for creating a courtyard. You don’t want to lose a good part of the summer to planning and construction, instead, start thinking about it now and get it ready. And for gardeners – it’s not over yet! There is planting to be done and gardens to plan out, read more on page 30 to learn about the conventions of good garden design.

If you’re finding it’s time to add to your decor, you won’t want to miss Adene Lucas’ advice on where to save and where to splurge, on page 24.

While you get what you pay for, some things require better quality for longevity while other items are more temporary and fun. If you’re looking to add a bit of whimsy to that design, I’ve been looking at feature walls – collections of images, mirrors, frames and objects that fill a wall with great character and interest, check out The Scoop on page 28.

This issue has great articles that will help you plan a reno – and live through it, or prep your house for selling, and survive the efforts!

I hope you’ll find some inspiration that will help you enjoy your home!

Thanks for reading,

Anita.VanBreevoort@ypnexthome.ca NATIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER

John Jenkins PRODUCTION MANAGER

Bala Gnanapandithan PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Greg Van Sluytman GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Viosa Barileva, Mike Terentiev, Miguel Cea CONTRIBUTORS

Carson Arthur, Shell Busey, Mickey Foulds, Laura Le, Adene Lucas, Michael Nyikes, Jackie Swartz, Bryan Tuckey, Steve Willsteed Home Décor and Renovations magazine is published six times a year. Home Décor and Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Calgary and Greater Calgary area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Décor and Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.

The advertising herein, including the photographs and all artwork is the property of Home Décor and Renovations magazine and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased the right of reproduction in Home Décor and Renovations magazine only and does not have the right to reproduce the ad in whole or in part in any other place or publication without the consent of the publisher.

The entire contents of this publication are protected by copyright and are intended for the sole use of the public.

ELISA KROVBLIT

WE’RE LISTENING! Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas! home décor and renovations 2891 Sunridge Way NE. Calgary, AB T1Y 7K7

EXECUTIVE EDITOR, YP NEXTHOME Elisa.Krovblit@ypnexthome.ca Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/elisakrovblit

8 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Like us on Facebook (Search: Home and Decor magazine)

T 403.461.5518

COME HOME TO ASTORIA Specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and additions. For a Complimentary in-home consultation contact Garth at 587-349-7568.

Garth McDaniel gmcdaniel@astoriarenovations.ca

WWW.ASTORIARENOVATIONS.CA

Astoria Custom Renovations A NAME YOU CAN TRUST

cover story

Great renovations start with GREAT DESIGNS

by HEATHER RYAN photo courtesy TRADEMARK RENOVATIONS

“A great renovation starts with a great design,” says expert Blair Foisy, owner and president of Trademark Renovations. Foisy has helped hundreds of local homeowners realize their renovation dreams.

“Some people who have never done a renovation before have no idea where to start or what they want,” Foisy says. “When people come to us, we sit down with them and discuss their plans and ideas, make suggestions and talk about budget.”

When it comes to design, Foisy recommends homeowners make timeless selections more so than trendy ones to avoid falling out of trend and having to redo the renovation every few years.

“You want the renovation to be timeless and functional, something that will reflect the way you live and your personality,” he says. An example of a timeless selection would be choosing a smooth, level five painted ceiling instead of a textured ceiling. “Yes, texture styles change and will time date your home, just as an old popcorn stipple is dated now. Smooth ceilings are timeless.”

That doesn’t mean you can’t have trendy elements in the design.

Trademark is known for creating innovative designs that incorporate many of today’s most popular features. For example, Foisy notes the use of reclaimed wood in homes is “really popular right now, and we just finished doing a kitchen in a home in Varsity Estates where we used wood that came from St. Paul’s Church in Wales for the top of the 12-ft. island. The Chapel was built in 1840 and removed in early 2000s; the wood was from the one of the roof trusses of the chapel.

“We also stained the wood with the same colour as the hardwood floors and top railing,” he adds. “It was something very unique, and it’s a conversation piece, but it’s also functional.

“We’re also doing more barn doors out of reclaimed wood. These are sliding doors that people are using instead of the traditional pocket doors, and because they are visible they’ve are a showpiece.”

Foisy has used reclaimed wood or barn wood for fireplace mantles in certain projects over the past few years, but it’s now become a popular material to use for feature walls to pump up the ‘wow’ factor.

One of his clients even wanted it for their floor.

His favourite place to shop for this material? “I don’t want to mention just one because we have various sources, but we do search local antique dealers for reclaimed wood and old doors that we can incorporate into the design, and sometimes our customers find a specific item they want us to use and we’ll make that happen.”

10 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Creating an outdoor living space is another popular design feature being added to renovation projects. “With our short summers people are trying to lengthen their outdoor time, so, in many cases we’re creating an outdoor living space to provide them indoor comfort outdoors from early spring through late fall.”

Trademark just competed an outdoor space for homeowners that included a covered deck with radiant heat to keep them warm, and skylights to let in natural light. “Having the covered space allows them to enjoy the outdoors even if it rains, and it includes an outdoor pizza oven and barbecue area.”

The renovator is also in the middle of crafting a huge outdoor living space that includes a covered deck with barrel-vaulted ceiling, overhead radiant heaters, stone flooring, an outdoor fireplace and an outdoor kitchen.

Foisy says they’re also doing more floating vanities with underside LED lights. They’re also using different woods, such as bamboo and quarter-sawn oak, on cabinets in the powder room to make it unique.

A feature that has grown in popularity and is now being added in many designs where space permits is the mudroom. People are looking for storage and organization so they want custom lockers, big closets, full-height cabinets and built-in benches with storage underneath.

Another priority for homeowners is the master bedroom closet. “People want to take the old style closets right out and put in full-sized walk-in closets with full-height, wall-to-wall custom built-ins,” Foisy explains. “They desire built-in drawers, adjustable shelves and racks and shoe racks to ensure everything has its proper place.”

Of course, the kitchen remains a main focus for renovation projects.

“People want a working, functioning, organized space with plenty of storage and modern touches,” Foisy says. “So pullout shelves, custom full-height cabinets, floor-to-ceiling pull-out pantries and large islands are popular.”

THE KITCHEN REMAINS A MAIN FOCUS FOR RENOVATION PROJECTS.

tips and tricks

HIRING A CONTRACTOR

by VANESSA GASH YOU’VE SPENT MONTHS DREAMING ABOUT MAKING A HOME IMPROVEMENT. You’ve laboured over plans and layouts, debated finishes and paint colours and sourced out financing. You think you’ve considered all the important details, but have you put the same homework into choosing a contractor as you have into planning the rest of your renovation? Choosing the right contractor can mean the difference between a successful project and a costly nightmare. Taking the time to research your contractor as well as the other aspects of your renovation is an important step in protecting your investment.

The City of Calgary website calgary.ca/homerenos is a good starting point for your research. In addition to information on permits, you can access FAQs, contact safety code officers with specific questions and find links to other government and industry websites. The following five steps are recommended to help with finding a contractor:

14 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Check their business licence – All construction in The City of Calgary requires a Building Permit before construction begins. Contractors must have a business licence to be eligible to apply for these permits and operate within Calgary. Always be wary of any contractor who asks you to obtain your own permit for work they will complete.

This may be an indication that they are not licenced. It is easy to check.

Simply type the contractor’s name into the online tool on The City website to confirm if they are licensed, or contact 311. Also, be aware that any contractor who takes pre-payment or progress payments is required to have a provincial business licence in addition to their City licence. You can check provincial licences through Service Canada.

Get it in writing –The first step to ensuring you are getting a proper quote or estimate is to have a clear scope of work. When approaching a contractor, request that they list all items included and not included on their written estimate. Compare quotes side by side and attempt to have at least three separate quotes to ensure you are getting what you want, for the most reasonable price. Remember, timeframes and scheduling can have a large impact on price. Laying out all your expectations at the outset will help protect you from unexpected surprises later.

Once you choose a contractor, a written contract is essential to protecting your investment. For a complete list of items you should include in your contract, refer to The City website or go to www.hiringacontractor.com.

References – Checking a contractors’ references is important to determine if you are making a good choice. Where possible, source out contractors from friends or family who have had positive experiences.

In addition, ask contractors to provide references and follow up by calling the names provided. I also recommend doing an online search. If you cannot verify a contractor’s previous work, it isn’t worth risking your investment.

Verify Insurance – When a contractor is working in your home or on your property they are required to have liability insurance for property damage and injury. Asking your contractor to provide a copy of their insurance certificate and/or confirmation of good standing with the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) can help protect you from contractors who are not working above board.

Home improvements can be a large investment. There are many great contractors in Calgary that will do a great job and provide a beautiful product. By following these tips and doing your research you can help protect yourself against choosing the wrong contractor. If you have specific questions or need additional information please go to calgary.ca/homerenos or contact 311.

Hold back final payment until the job is complete – When your contractor notifies you that all work is complete, it is advisable to confirm a few items before signing that last cheque. When projects are ongoing, contractors often use subcontractors for trade work such as electrical or mechanical, and carry accounts with suppliers. This is normal business practice and reputable contractors pay their workers and their suppliers without incident. However, occasionally contractors do not pay their suppliers. In these cases, individuals owed money can obtain a legal notice, called a builders lien, against the contractor and the subject property. To protect you from problems that could affect your mortgage or impact a potential sale of your property, confirm with Alberta Land Titles that no liens have been registered against your property. As well, if you have found any deficiencies you may consider holding back a percentage of the fees until these are corrected. Once a contractor has all the money included in the contract, there is less incentive to return and finish any incomplete work.

If you have specific questions about building code or permit requirements, visit the City of Calgary website at calgary.ca or call the Planning Services Call Centre at 403.268.5311, Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:15 pm. Safety codes officers with expertise in fields like building, mechanical and electrical are available to answer your questions.

VANESSA GASH, LEED AP SAFETY CODES OFFICER - RESIDENTIAL BUILDING REGULATIONS DIVISION DEVELOPMENT AND BUILDING APPROVALS

Vanessa Gash is a esidential plan examiner with the Building Regulations division at the City of Calgary. She is a graduate in Architectural Engineering Technology from College of the North Atlantic and spent a number of years with various architectural firms and homebuilders in Calgary.

TAY - KY [PICTURE YOUR RENOVATION HERE] CUSTOM HOMES - ADDITIONS - KITCHENS - BASEMENTS TAY-KY DEVELOPMENTS LTD

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OCT - NOV, 2015 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 15

business profile

DO IT YOURSELF HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT BUILDING AN OUTDOOR COOK STATION, making your own custom concrete tile, or even making your very own custom concrete shower panels?

The experts at Hard Rock Developments in Calgary can help.

“Hard Rock is the only decorative concrete supplies store in western Canada, and we can assist you with virtually any project you have in mind,” says President of Hard Rock Developments, Brian Graham.

“We are the exclusive distributor of Surecrete Design products – www.surecretedesign.com.”

Hard Rock has an impressive selection, everything you need to complete your project. “We have products for your walls, your basement floor and even concrete counter tops.

We have concrete sealers to protect and revitalize your concrete walkway, patios and driveways. How about your garage? Would you like an epoxy coating to protect your floor? Basement floors?

How about concrete stain to enhance the look. You will not find a more costeffective system that is very easy to install and maintain.”

Are you a do-it-yourselfer at heart but not sure where to start? Hard Rock offers training classes to ensure you have the proper knowledge so that your project has a greater chance of success.

Decorative Concrete Projects

Hard Rock has been in the industry for 15 years. The sales staff are all very knowledgeable and technically experienced when it comes to virtually any project.

“We do not install, but we can sure teach you how,” explains Graham. “We are here to help you through your entire project from start to finish.”

You can find Hard Rock online at www.hardrockdevelopments.com. Visit the showroom at 422 Manitou Road S.E. or call 403.240.2508 for more info.

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16 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Concrete Counter Tops

BEFOR

E

yo ur

Renovations

Enhancing homes

lives!

feature

RESTRAINT

by MICKEY FOULDS

LESS IS MORE. It is a mantra that we have heard over and over again, and I am pretty sure there isn’t a design magazine anywhere that hasn’t carried it as a headline!

It is a phrase that comes from a Robert Browning poem, “Andrea del Sarto” published in 1855. Mies van der Rohe, one of the founders of modern architecture and a proponent of minimalist design, adopted this phrase, integrating it into the design world’s vernacular in the 1960s.

There is currently a wave of change quietly moving through our society, driven by the millennial generation’s response to the last recession. Affluence is no longer as attractive as people start to look critically at bloated lifestyles – a world of McMansions,

18 YPNEXTHOME.CA

excessive living, unhealthy food, deep debt and people drowning in an ocean of stuff and clutter. Materialism is slowly losing its appeal as we seek cleaner food, organic materials, greener energy and smaller homes. There is a sense of freedom that comes with having only the essentials and travelling lightly on your journey through life.

All of this sounds rather holistic and Zen, and you may ask how this fits into normal life and a cosy home. The answer is actually – and appropriately – quite simple. Live with what you need, and with what you love. That’s it – nothing more, nothing less!

High quality, beautiful furniture and accessories, with only

the necessary pieces being purchased rather than something to fill every corner, form the foundation for a lovely home. With a defined budget, if you have less pieces you can afford better quality which almost always makes for better design.

This concept extends to every corner of your home – the contents of your kitchen cabinets and your closets. We all have “stuff” in the back of those bottom kitchen cabinets that virtually never see the light of day, or those slightly chipped platters, or the ugly thing we received as a gift. Move them along, out of your home.

I do innumerable staging consultations every year, and in the process am privy to all the corners of these homes. I have come to the conclusion that far too often, as we replace things, the original item takes a wrong turn and instead of going out of the front door it heads down into the basement to collect dust until the homeowner eventually moves. Sometimes these unwanted items even follow their owners to the new home to languish in the next basement. Please donate instead, if it is still reasonably functional. Someone else may need it.

During the staging consultations we often remove significant quantities of decor items – after all, we are selling the house and not the decor. We leave only enough to enhance the home and accentuate architectural features. When we are done the end result is usually far more tranquil, spacious and elegant and the homeowners are often delighted by how much better it looks.

The process of streamlining, minimising or decluttering a home can be extremely daunting. There are a number of outstanding blogs and websites giving great advice and inspiration. These include www.theminimalists.com, www. becomingminimalist.com and www.bemorewithless.com.

Life is hectic in the workplace, families are pressured with both parents working and juggling schedules of extra curricular activities, and the majority of people are looking for tranquillity and order. Having less to take care of is a large part of the answer, paired with peaceful colour schemes and unfussy decor. I have been noticing a resurgence of white and lighter shades requested for wall colours by my clients, creating a sense of space and light. Instead of complex window treatments, simple and elegant drapes or streamlined blinds are perfect. Beautiful art responds well to restrained interiors, as it becomes a perfect focal point with little competition.

Minimalism does not need to be stark or cold. Furnish and decorate with restraint.

If executed well, it will be peaceful and inviting and your home will be a soft place to fall at the end of a busy day.

MICKEY FOULDS MSC CID CRSS Metamorphosis Design Ltd. phone 403.651.3462 email metamorphosisdesign@shaw.ca 20 YPNEXTHOME.CA

LIVE WITH WHAT YOU NEED, AND WITH WHAT YOU LOVE. THAT’S IT – NOTHING MORE, NOTHING LESS!

tips and tricks

Decoding

THE CODE

by MICHAEL NYIKES

Q

A reader recently asked whether computer-aided design programs have safety code regulations built into the software so that the drawings produced will automatically meet building and fire code requirements?

A

The short answer is no, but the long answer is “sort of.”

Let me explain.

Computer-aided design (CAD) is the use of computer systems to assist in the creation, modification, analysis, or optimization of a design using a software program. Working in both 2D and 3D formats, the main purpose of CAD programs are to increase the productivity and efficiency of a designer, improve the quality and accuracy of the design, facilitate better communications through documentation, and to create a drawing of something that can be constructed or manufactured.

There are a wide range of CAD programs on the market at different price-points tailored to suit the needs of everyone from kids to seasoned design professionals. The inexpensive CAD programs give limited functionality that allow for basic designing.

The higher priced CAD programs have more “bells and whistles” including elaborate product libraries, options to do material costing, photo-rendering abilities, as well as allowing the user to input specific design parameters to meet safety code requirements in their area.

As an example, if the building code stipulates that all concrete driveway slabs must be four inches thick, or perhaps that all exterior walls must be constructed with two-by-six-inch wood studs, then 22 YPNEXTHOME.CA

“THE HIGHER PRICED CAD PROGRAMS HAVE MORE “BELLS AND WHISTLES”..., AS WELL AS ALLOWING THE USER TO INPUT SPECIFIC DESIGN PARAMETERS TO MEET SAFETY CODE REQUIREMENTS IN THEIR AREA.” those types of parameters can be established within the CAD program by the designer. Therefore every time he uses his “slab tool” in CAD to draw a concrete driveway slab, or his “exterior wall tool” to draw an exterior wood wall, they will automatically be drawn to the correct size in order to meet the code requirements.

It’s important to note that although the options for this type of specification and customization within CAD programs are limitless, its success relies completely on the experience and skill of the designer who is inputting the parameters. With new editions of safety codes being released every five years or so (not to mention numerous interim changes happening regularly throughout), it is crucial for design professionals to remain knowledgable on current code requirements and changes from ongoing training and updates.

Future Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’ questions about how the provincial safety codes affect their projects. Email your questions to me at decodingthecode@gmail.com. Be sure to include which city you live in, as well as your phone number in case I need to follow up with you.

MICHAEL NYIKES Michael is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist, and leading industry expert on building codes, residential construction, building envelope science, and environmental design. He can be reached at decodingthecode@gmail.com

OCT - NOV, 2015 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 23

feature

TO SAVE OR SPLURGE?

by ADENE LUCAS

THE MOST DELICATE QUESTION REGARDING DECOR AND DESIGN IS BUDGET. "What exactly will this cost?" is part of the process, yet its never easy to answer. There are many variables that dictate costs, and once you flesh out the budget its simple to stay on track if you know where to splurge and where to skimp.

A well-made sofa is a great place to start. Typically, it is a piece that gets a lot of use. It is front and centre, and can last longer than some marriages if its made of quality construction.

Wooden frames, made of a kiln-dried hard wood such as ash or oak cost more, but are less likely to warp or get damaged.

24 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Also, look closely at the legs of the piece to ensure they are screwed into the frame and not just glued on. If the legs are simply glued on, you may end up with structural issues down the road.

It’s a good idea to check the springs in the frame, as it adds to the comfort and sturdiness of the sofa. There are two types of springs: sinuous or hand tied. The latter is more costly because it wont damage the framework or sag. Feel the springs thru the upholstery, they should be tight together, but not feel like they are poking through the fabric.

S

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Look for cushions made of down or feather fill, not polyurethane, as it flattens quickly and can get lumpy. Down or feather fill costs more, but will last much longer and maintain its shape over the duration of the life of the sofa, whereas foam will flatten over time. If it's of poor quality it may even come apart.

Another item that you may want to spend money on is a mattress. Since you spend at least a third of your life sleeping, it's an important investment in your health and well-being to own the best mattress and box spring you can afford. Keep in mind to find one that has enough coils to support your spine –and a pillowtop for comfort. Generally speaking, the higher the amount of coils and the thicker the padding, the higher the quality and the more expensive the mattress will be.

Personal preference is key, so it's best to test out a few different styles before committing to a particular brand.

It's also nice to splurge on sheets to complement a great bed.

You can find good quality European linens at reasonable prices – especially online.

Look for at least a

300 thread count, small stitching at the hems and for comfort and softness if sourcing in a store. Nothing beats 100 per cent cotton, the fibre wicks away moisture, it is less likely to stain than polyester and feels soft to the touch.

Now that you have spent on the quality items, where can you cut back? I always find reasonably priced accessories because they are just fun. I think they add to a home, and bring life and personality, but there is no need to buy high end – unless they are there for the life of the home. It's nice to change out seasonally or when you're bored you can edit – add more or remove. If the accessories are high end, there is a commitment to the look, and when styles change its nice revamp the accessories too. I like to mix higher end items with reasonably priced pieces and then everything blends nicely.

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SA VE SAVE Another area I like to save on is pillows, which could fall under the accessory category. Toss cushions can really make a statement. They can be playful, add drama, texture and can strengthen the colour palette. I like to buy down filled, as they are better quality than foam and feel luxurious to the touch. The fabric may be seasonal or unattractive, but that can be modified, and it's still more affordable than buying a costly designer pillow.

When selecting a pillow, think about the application – how will it be used? A square works best for back comfort, whereas a rectangular shape supports the neck and lower back. If it’s a toss cushion for aesthetics, focus on scale and colour. Also, look for a pillow with a zipper so that the insert can be removed and the cover laundered.

Window treatments can cost a small fortune if you don't do your homework. Customizing pre-made panels is an affordable way to create a unique look that fits your style and space. Many decor retailers use work rooms that do the sewing if you buy fabric from the store – or you can bring in your own. There will be an additional charge for that as well as the sewing. If you have an image of exactly what you want, it can be made.

Area rugs can create maximum impact, tie in a colour scheme, absorb sound and create a cohesive look. They can also be very costly depending on how it is made and what it is made of, the size and where it is from. Prices can range from a few hundred to thousands for a hand-knotted, silk rug.

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Not everyone wants to treat a rug as an investment, and you can find quality machine-made rugs for an affordable price. A synthetic rug made of nylon holds colour well, masks dirt and can be changed out easily as they are the most inexpensive.

Natural fibre rugs like, sisal, jute and bamboo have that 'eco' feel and look because they are biodegradable and made from renewable resources. Wool rugs will last for decades, are stain resistant and the fibres come to life after a quick vacuum. But you pay for all those benefits in the price tag. The gold standard in rugs is hand knotted. The patterns are beautifully detailed, the colours hold up and the rug is durable and will last for generations. I have an expensive rug under my dining table that I curse over once in a while, and I have machine made rug in my

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living room. I enjoy them both and the looks mix well as one is high and the other low. If I were to do it again, I wouldn't buy the costly rug because now I have it for life and I worry about stains. Determine what you would like to spend on a rug. Do your research, as prices will vary substantially, and buy from a reputable company.

Any of the items listed here can be saved or splurged on. Budget always dictates – as well as style and value. Your home should reflect your story, be comfortable, and inviting. It doesn’t require a lot of money, however money does provide more options. In the end its a personal choice to spend or save and if done properly a home can have elements of both and look fantastic.

ADENE LUCAS www.accentondesigninc.ca 403.651.7491

SAVE OR SPLURGE

What every What every Woman Wants...

Woman Wants...

Fifty Shades Fifty Shades of Grey of Grey Design, Design, Kon-struxion....

Kon-struxion....

Perfection.

Perfection.

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outdoor spaces

OCTOBER - NOVEMBER 2014

Conventions of GOOD GARDEN DESIGN

CONNECTING COURTYARDS

with our outdoor living space

PHOTO COURTESY OF ESCAPES INC.

outdoor spaces

CONVENTIONS OF GOOD GARDEN DESIGN

by STEVE WILLSTEED drawings courtesy ESCAPES INC. 30窶ズPNEXTHOME.CA

WHILE READING ONE OF MY FAVOURITE GARDEN MAGAZINES RECENTLY, I WAS INTRODUCED TO A NEW WORD. Godwottery, for gardeners means, “an exaggerated, elaborate creation that jumbles together incompatible styles and materials with kitsch decorations.”

The word comes from the first line of a poem called “My Garden,” by Manxman Thomas Brown, and reads, “A garden is a lovesome thing, God wot”, wot meaning knows.

We have all seen – or perhaps created – gardens combining various elements of plants, pathways, gates, and ornaments of various styles or questionable taste. Perhaps it was intentional, or, as is more often the case, these gardens were assembled over several seasons using sale items, or left over plants from another garden.

How do we prevent this? And just what are the secrets of a good garden design?

While there are many approaches used in the creation of a garden, whether it is a small family residential space, or a sweeping public park, both projects use some basic design principles which are scaled to the individual site, taste and budget.

Unifying components used in each garden form a tapestry that transforms the space into a welcoming, beautiful and lush environment.

A garden is a threedimensional space, combining plants, paving, lighting and statuary. As Steve Jobs once said, “Design is how it works.” Good design has to make sense of the space in relation to the building it surrounds and the geographic location it is situated in, it is not just about the plants.

Line is one of the most powerful and useful design elements. Everything created within a garden involves the use of line. Whether you use curved, straight, horizontal or vertical lines, each will create a different outcome. Curved lines create a flow and help shape informal spaces while adding interest to pathways. Straight lines give a sense of formality, sharpness and order. Horizontal lines add stability and help slow your eye movement, while vertical lines provide strength to a space – but will lead your eye upwards.

Texture is an exciting element that brings both tactile and visual responses into play, creating contrast in both plants and architectural elements. Coarse, medium and finely textured leaves, hardscape components and statuary provide endless remedies to help achieve repetition and balance, essential to a successful garden. Grasses and daylilies add smooth flowing stripes and movement, while hostas and shrubs provide stability and structure to a space.

Form in a landscape divides space, encloses areas and creates visual interest. It is determined by the shape and arrangement of branches and stems. Without form, there is no rhythm. Rounded forms are the most common and allow for easy eye movement. Weeping forms lead the eye back to the ground and often are paired with a focal point like a boulder or fountain. Pyramidal forms such as evergreen trees direct the eye upward but, when grouped, help soften the upward influence.

Colour is the most powerful element to some designers. Colour creates the mood and feel of a garden space. Cool colours like green, purple and blue invoke restful, peaceful, calm, and harmonious feelings. These colours are less conspicuous and generally recede into the background, suggesting distance. Warm colours like red, yellow and orange, are cheerful, passionate, powerful and happy. They are very dominating, and push to the foreground. Use foliage, fruit and bark for year round colour.

OCT - NOV, 2015 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 31

In summary, a well designed garden displays features that are consistent with the age and surroundings of the house. Choice of materials is as important as the appropriateness of the object. As a general rule, designs need to have 90 per cent green to set off 10 per cent colour. For simplicity, repeat some plant materials in groups. Crescent-shaped groupings create a natural, flowing design. Group similar plantings in odd numbers, threes or fives work well. For variety, fill in with other plants that add contrast.

With careful planning and adherence to a few simple design principles we can all avoid becoming owners of a godwottery garden. Embrace the journey.

Balance is divided into two parts, formal and informal. Formal balance repeats the same on the left side as the right side. It gives stability, dignity and formality to a garden. Informal balance may show a large plant on the left side that is balanced with a group of small plantings on the right side.

It shows movement and spontaneity. Formal balance does not always suit a home or garden style, exercise caution when applying it.

Scale, or proportion is the relationship in size of one object to another.

If using boulders in a design, make sure they are proportioned properly to both the garden and the structure around it. Massive boulders positioned singly on the corner of a small property look completely out of place.

Consider the ultimate size of a tree before you plant it. The most perfect tree will look out of place if it eventually towers over the house.

Designing & Creating Outdoor Living Spaces...just for you! w

STEVE WILLSTEED is a Master Gardener and landscape designer at Escapes Inc. www.escapesinc.ca

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outdoor spaces

CONNECTING COURTYARDS WITH OUR OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE

by JACKIE SWARTZ

COURTYARDS ARE A FANTASTIC WAY TO DESCRIBE AN OUTDOOR, LIVING SPACE. Courtyards are aesthetically pleasing as well as reflecting the beauty of the surrounding environment. A courtyard can transform the shape of your surroundings and add value to your home. Courtyards can be built directly off of the home structure or be created as an entity unto itself. Courtyards pleasantly connect your home to the natural surroundings, enhancing the everyday enjoyment of relaxation, entertaining or simple solitude. They also give you a sense of privacy and tranquility.

The beauty of this contained space is that is still enables one to enjoy privacy without sacrificing the pleasure of seeing cerulean skies. A courtyard area can be surrounded by natural stone, concrete stone, wrought iron fencing or a combination of these things. Historically, the earliest known courtyards were built in Iran and China and date back as far as 3000 BC. Nowadays, courtyards are becoming trendier, mainly because people want peacefulness and privacy. Courtyards can

serve many purposes including an outdoor cooking area, a fireplace area, an outdoor hot tub area or an area that is used just for relaxing and reading. Many people entertain in their courtyard area and use comfortable outdoor furniture. You can also add outdoor lighting, containers filled with colorful flowers, a water feature or you can add a garden bed to the outside of the courtyard for additional privacy and aesthetics.

To construct a courtyard that expresses your personality – and meets your visual requirements and saves you money – a well thought out design plan is necessary. A good quality design plan will include size and shape and will incorporate features such as entry way, pillars, lighting, seating arrangement, water feature, fire place, plant material, and statuary.

Before building a courtyard, you need to determine what size you will need. For example; if you entertain around four to six people and would also like to have an outdoor fireplace as well, then you would need a minimum area of 10 by 10 feet square or 12 by 12 feet round. Add an extra foot if you are OCT - NOV, 2015 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 33

HOMEANDGARDEN

building a surrounding wall. Pillars are usually a minimum 20 by 20 inches and up to 2 by 2 feet.

When you build your courtyard wall around your patio, take into consideration the size of the block and how much space you will lose on each side of your patio. After your courtyard wall is built, you can also install a wrought iron or wood fencing on top of the wall. Another way to build a wall is to begin with the pillars and build a wood or iron fence in-between the pillars.

This procedure will give you a more airy feeling and not so concrete look.

Courtyards come in all shapes and sizes and they can be formal or informal. A formal courtyard will be symmetrical where an informal courtyard will be asymmetrical.

Once you have decided what the purpose is of your courtyard and how you will be using it, then you will be able to decide the look or theme that you want. Some courtyards will have natural stone flooring while others will have cobblestone.

Just like garden design, courtyards have a design style as well, such as Roman, Islamic, Medieval, Renaissance, Japanese, Colonial, Arts & Crafts, Latin, English, and Contemporary. Among the myriad of styles to choose from, one may discern what genre would be most appropriate by viewing pictures in various magazines, thereby making an aesthetic choice that is most appropriate. A good way to initiate the design would be by obtaining a piece of art work or statuary that inspires and fosters making a choice that will best reflect your space.

After choosing your feature piece you will be ready to 34 YPNEXTHOME.CA

personalize what the courtyard space will actually look like. For example, some courtyards are constructed out of manufactured stone that has an old-world appearance. To soften this look, a garden bed would be installed around the perimeter of the courtyard. There are many types of stone available. For example, Alan Block courtyard stone is really appealing because of its versatility and ease of building. The blocks are manufactured and are made of a high-quality concrete that are easy to assemble and long-lasting. There are several colors available to accent your home. The courtyard collection stone includes two distinctive wall textures. It is available in a classic look (also known as ‘Courtyard’) or an aged, old-word appearance that captures the rustic look of hand-laid stone (also known as ‘Old Country Courtyard’).

The Alan Block courtyard stone can be built surrounding existing brick or concrete patio. Courtyards can be square or round. If you plan to build a square courtyard, you may want to soften lines inside the courtyard by building a circular patio in the centre. Also, you can ad pillars. These can have capstones, low voltage lights or planting containers on top of them.

Another high quality manufactured stone is from Expocrete Concrete Products Ltd. They also sell a courtyard stone, called StackStone, and it is a tapered garden stone that is self-aligning with a structural interlock. Both sides of the stone are rock faced to give freestanding walls an attractive appearance from any angle. This product gives you everything you need to make straight walls, curves and corners. Maximum allowable height is

two feet (0.61 m), however, pillars can go as high as three feet, three inches(1 m). ExpoCrete has another stone for courtyards called RomanStack stone. It has an aged appearance resembling real stone.

RomanStack is manufactured by putting a typical StackStone unit through a specialized process that rounds off the edges and corners, and gouges the face. This gives the wall a worn cobble appearance that looks like real stone, not concrete. Maximum allowable height is two feet (0.61 m), however, pillars can go as high as three feet, three inches(1 m).

Courtyards can be used in the front and back yard of a house. Many homes already have poured concrete patios that are underneath a raised deck in the back yard. You can build a courtyard as an extension off your poured concrete patio. Your new patio inside the courtyard does not have to be poured concrete as well. You can build a brick patio that joins to your existing concrete patio and will look just like an added extension. The courtyard can be round or square. If you have a small back yard and need that space for children, then building a courtyard in the front yard would be more practical.

Courtyards have many benefits. The most notable elements of a courtyard are privacy, relaxation and a

great place for entertaining. Surrounding yourself with traditional stone walls creates a peaceful setting and a place for contemplation. Another great asset is that courtyards inspire one to spend more time outdoors especially if you incorporate gardening in your courtyard. Courtyards add grace and beauty while uniting the sacredness of natural space with our living area adding value to both our home and lives.

JACKIE SWARTZ HAS A BACHELOR OF APPLIED HORTICULTURE DEGREE (BAHT) FROM OLDS COLLEGE. SHE SPECIALIZES IN THE HORTICULTURAL PLANNING, DESIGN, AND ONGOING LIFE OF URBAN AND RESIDENTIAL ENVIRONMENTS. YOU CAN CONTACT JACKIE AT 403.472.5082

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DOOR

LOOKING FOR A CHANGE to the front of your home? Well you are not alone! Curb appeal and first impression has taken the real estate world by storm. According to RealEstate.com, spending as little as $5,000 on landscaping could give you returns of up to 150 per cent. Adding a new front door has the highest ROI of all renovations – including kitchens and baths according to Remodeling Magazines 2015 Cost vs. Value report.

It makes sense; the front door is the first item that potential buyers physically come in contact with. If you have a new or well-cared-for door, buyers assume that the rest of the home will be in the same state of repair. The opposite is also true.

Doors with peeling paint, banged up edges or even loose handles lead buyers to think that the home will also be in poor 42 YPNEXTHOME.CA

condition and require repairs. Adding a brand new front door has an expected ROI of 102 per cent, which means that it is worth more after installation than you paid!

If you don’t want to make a big investment, painting the front is a great alternative. Millennial buyers want homes with character. Adding that pop of colour can set your house apart (but not in a way that will intimidate or eliminate any potential buyers.)

There is no wrong colour. Even shocking shades of pink and purple are effective with the right style of home. The key to going bright is to properly marry the accent colours so that they overall display is cohesive. When choosing the best colour for your front door, here are a few things to consider

Door: Night Train CC-720, Aura Grand Entrance, Satin Trim: Plantation White, Aura Grand Entrance, High Gloss

1. MATCH YOUR DOOR WITH THE RIGHT HARDWARE. A good rule of thumb is to pair cool paint colours like blues and greys with silver or pewter hardware. If you prefer to use a warm tone like a red or brown, select bronze or gold handles and hinges to help your door look its best. When in doubt, black hardware works with every colour (except black of course!)

2. CONSIDER ADDING A KICK PLATE TO THE BOTTOM OF A DOOR. A simple metal trim piece that is six inches tall makes any door look impressive. Easy to install, a kick plate is the perfect way to hide any wear and tear from daily life.

With a price point as low as $24.99, a kick plate adds more value than it costs!

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3. ADD SOME ANNUALS WITH THE EXACT SAME SHADE IN THE PLANTERS AND DÉCOR PIECES AROUND THE DOOR. Now don’t go crazy with purple flowers to match your purple door. Instead, add two small details, one on each side, to ground the vibrant colour in the space. Remember, a bright door will always be the focal point because of its size and function.

Adding the accents links everything together!

We know that a first impression can positively or negatively impact the perceived value of your home. Buyers who often know the asking price of a home will determine if the house is worth it based on curb appeal. According to Century 21 Canada, that first glance is worth 8 per cent of your homes value. So what makes a good first impression? Truth is, the colour of your front door is often the very first thing potential buyers notice when looking at a prospective house. Paint has never been so important.

CARSON ARTHUR Carson Arthur is an international landscape designer with a focus on environmentally friendly design. He is HGTV’s Critical Listing landscape guru and appears regularly on TV, writes for various publications about outdoor design and is the author of the sold out book Garden Designs for Outdoor Living. Visit carsonarthur.com

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BY BRYAN TUCKEY GIVEN THAT MORE AND MORE PEOPLE across Calgary are living in condos, it is not surprising that condo renovations are on the rise.

RenoMark renovator Brendan Charters of Eurodale Developments says that kitchen and bathroom renovations are the most popular, and one of the most common projects is upgrading and customizing finishes like cabinets, backsplashes and countertops.

“Typically, we install new finishes in the same locations as the original, although in some instances we are able to get creative and shift things around – something that is not easy in condos with common elements such as plumbing, gas, phone and cable main lines which can’t be moved,” says Brendan who is also a BILD board member.

Other popular renovations he lists include changing flooring, trims and paint, which allow condo owners to upgrade the aesthetic of their suites and make them uniquely their own.

Design and planning are key to a successful condo renovation. This starts with hiring a renovator who is familiar with the structural and service elements of condos, as well as how to navigate condo board approvals and work around potential challenges.

Working with a condo board ensures that your renovation is not impacting any of the building’s common elements while adhering to any of the board’s renovation specific by-laws. Brendan warns that these bylaws may differ substantially from typical municipal by-laws, such as sound transfer standards or time of work.

While you are unlikely to be moving any structural walls in a condo renovation, you may still need a building permit from your local municipality if you’re changing plumbing locations or working with electrical.

A professional renovator will help you navigate through the permit process if necessary. A great place to find one is www.renomark.ca. The website has a searchable database of professional renovators from across Canada. Make sure you ask lots of questions about the renovators’ past

“DESIGN AND PLANNING ARE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL CONDO RENOVATION.”

BRYAN TUCKEY is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and is a land-use planner who has worked for municipal, regional and provincial governments. He can be found on Twitter (twitter.com/bildgta), Facebook (facebook.com/bildgta) and BILD’s official online blog (bildblogs.ca).

46 YPNEXTHOME.CA

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feature

EMOTIONALLY SEPARATING FROM YOUR HOME

by LAURA LE 48窶ズPNEXTHOME.CA

THE DECISION HAS BEEN MADE, AND YOU ARE GOING TO SELL THE FAMILY HOME. As the largest investment most of us make, there are very important steps to take to prepare the property for the real estate market. Start by looking at your home as the investment it has been and not the place your children took their first steps. Those memories will always be with us.

Emotional separation from the home can be a very difficult process for those of us that are attached to possessions. Staging each room can be very helpful with the process because most personal items need to be removed to neutralize the space.

Begin by removing all family photos throughout the property. The potential buyer need to imagine themselves living in the property, and if there are photos of your family everywhere this is impossible. Also, remove the mat at the front door if it says “Welcome to our home.” This sentiment is lovely if your friends are coming over for a barbecue, but can feel awkward for potential buyers.

Also, any religious items should be packed away. This is a very delicate subject to bring up during a consultation, but it is very necessary. It is, of course, a decision the seller has to make, but it is always ideal if all religious decor can be removed.

Next – and maybe most difficult – is not allowing the children to take over the entire house. I see this a lot. It is perfectly fine for the kids to have their stuff everywhere when you are living in the home, but entirely different if you are selling and want potential buyers to feel comfortable and welcome in your property. Ideally, the kids' belongings should be confined to their rooms and/or maybe the second floor bonus room or basement family room. The main floor is the “first impression” buyers will see, and it needs to be a toy-free zone. I have found that involving the children in the decision of moving the toys is

much less traumatic for them than moving them all when they go to bed and the shock in the morning when they wake up. For the children, it can also help them to emotionally prepare for the move as well. This is a fabulous time to edit and declutter, I suggest three piles. One to donate to other kids if it is no longer played with or they have outgrown, one to keep for the new house and one to toss. Ditto for the yard. Allow the kids to keep a few items, but pack away as much as possible.

Lastly, if you have personalized with paint and have a purple family room, it needs to be painted! Painting is a task that most of us can do ourselves, and if not possible, it is relatively inexpensive to have done by a professional. Colour is something that creates strong emotions and it is a mistake not to paint if the colour is not appropriate. If the potential buyer comes in and dislikes the colour on the walls they will most likely move on to the next property for sale in your neighbourhood. Strong colour is often acceptable in children’s rooms and bathrooms because the task of painting these rooms is minimal and can allow the buyer to have a point of reference as far as remembering your property over another.

As a professional stager I meet many, many sellers that are sad to be leaving the family home. Hopefully these few tips assist with the emotional separation that needs to happen before a property is placed on the real estate market. Good luck!

LAURA LE CREATIVE ENHANCEMENT INC. Laura Le has owned Creative Enhancement for about seven years. Laura completed courses with Accredited Staging Professionals (ASP), Canadian Staging Professionals (CSP) and Canadian ReDesign Association (CRDA). Creative Enhancement has been a member of the BBB since 2005. Phone 403.807.8591 Email laurale@shaw.ca | www. creativeenhancement.ca

LET’S SELL YOUR HOUSE! If you’re having trouble preparing your home for sale, call me… I can help you to make your home more appealing to potential buyers… I work with professional trustworthy contractors…

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FREE HOME EVALUATION! Call Anna Sindrewicz at 403-616-1373 ANNA SINDREWICZ Real Estate Associate Residential/Investment Properties

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tips and tricks

Have you ever wondered: how does my home’s drainage system work?

by SHELL BUSEY WE RECENTLY HELD A SEMINAR THAT WOULD ADDRESS HOW a home’s drainage system works. Despite the fact that this seminar was on the Saturday of a long weekend we had a fully booked room.

I began the seminar with the land your home sits on and how your home was structured. Is it on a full basement, crawl space or slab on grade? And what do each of these terms mean? Does your home sit on a sloping piece of property? If so what can you expect in the future: surface water, roof water, ground water? How can that effect down deep in the ground around your foundation footings – called the perimeter drain system. This may (and did) cause a few glazed open-eyed looks in the audience, because drain tiles typically are out of sight, out of mind.

How would you like to be a new home buyer, tapped out with your new mortgage payments, only to find that you have a musty, damp crawlspace or basement. Then you find that your perimeter drainage requires more than just cleaning, but instead requires digging around your home to replace or repair unserviced drainage tiles,

costing thousands of dollars. When completed, you gain a fresh smelling crawlspace or basement but nothing that is aesthetically pleasing.

Folks, I don’t mean to scare you, but I have your best interests in mind.

Ask yourself whether you had a home inspection done when you bought your last house. Did they address anything to do with drainage, odours, white powder on concrete walls or floors in the crawlspace or basement. This is about as far as home inspectors can go. They do not have x-ray eyes to see into the ground. In fact, they can’t even find the concrete catch basin sump the drainage tiles run into before the water is taken to the city storm sewer system. Please note: not all homes have a catch basin sump; a qualified drainage contractor can advise you on this. Keep in mind, this may not only be a new home buyer scenario as I have found many people – even retirees – who had never thought of the consequences in the event of a concern with water causing smelly crawlspaces, basements and white powder coming though walls and floors.

This is what I would like you to get from this article regarding drainage: It is the feet of your home that we are dealing with and you know how you would function if your feet were wet all the time.

If your home is 10 years of age or older, you know the history of your home and nothing has been done regarding drainage maintenance, your drainage requires an inspection by a qualified drainage contractor. Here are some points that should be addressed: 1. How long have you lived in your home?

2. Where is (if one) is the collector catchment sump?

3. How close are the trees, shrubs, back fill settlement to the home?

4. Level, sloping or swale on the lot?

5. When was the last perimeter (weeping tile) service completed?

6. Any signs of moisture in the crawlspace, basement, around floor on a slab on grade

My last point: Whether you are purchasing or selling a home, this information is as important as any other inspections item. So do not forget in your subject options on an offer of purchase to include “subject to perimeter drainage inspection.”

It’s just that easy!

For more home improvement information and to listen to Ask Shell Podcasts go to www.AskShell.com.

home, damp carpet, white powder, musty odours, wood flooring stains? Note: These could appear on the floor, wall or where concrete floors and wall meet.

7. If you are buying or selling a home be prepared to answer these questions.

8. Any home 10 years or older with no history of drainage maintenance should have one done as soon as possible.

9. After a first initial maintenance cleaning it should be repeated every three to five years thereafter. Your drainage contractor will advise you as to which you should consider. It will be based on their findings when the initial service is completed.

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TERMS & CONDITIONS: This Best Price Guarantee applies to projects based on identical scopes of work, specifications, products, levels of finish, service, and quality. Best Price Guarantee applies to overall total project price and not the individual components contained therein. All recognized competitor quotes are subject to verification by Trademark before honoring this offer. Trademark will not accept screenshots or other purported evidence of a lower price that cannot be independently confirmed by Trademark personnel. Nor will Trademark verify any request that it believes, in its sole discretion, is the result of a printing or other error or is made fraudulently or in bad faith. All original documents from recognized competitor quotes must be presented to Trademark prior to verification, execution of any contract or commencement of work. This Price Guarantee excludes insurance claims, free offers, gifts with purchase, gift cards, gift certificates, rebates, clearance or close-out prices, credit or financing programs, used, damaged, or display merchandise or products.

Discount applied before taxes and environmental stewardship fees or other levies, if applicable. This price guarantee cannot be combined with any other offer. Trademark reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify or discontinue the Best Price Guarantee or to restrict its availability to any person, at any time, for any or no reason, and without prior notice or liability to you. The failure by Trademark to enforce any provision of these Terms & Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.