GTA Home Decor and Renovations - Jun 2015

SUMMER 2015 VOLUME 11, ISSUE 3, FREE GTA EDITION

homeanddecor.ca

NEUTRAL DECOR, NATURALLY GET OUT AND RENOVATE!

A TWIST ON DINING with chef

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Life isn’t Black and White. Enjoy Every Colour.

For over 25 years, we’ve provided the entire GTA with colour through wallpaper, fabrics, stains, lacquers, and so much more. Let our decorating consultants help brighten your life with the right colours for you.

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Make your home

“TotallyCool” this summer with Casablanca ceiling fans.

Enjoy Ontario’s best selection of ceiling fans- including the stylish collection of Casablanca ceiling fans.

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contents

V O LU M E 1 1 I S S U E 0 3

SUMMER 2015

Cover Story

Fired up with Chef Roger Mooking pg

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cover photo

by Dave Krovblit

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36

In every issue

8 Editor’s Notebook 10 Contributors HD&R features 13 The Scoop Catch up on decor and reno news, inspiration, style and more

22 Trending The gift

24 Style Inspiration The new neutrals – How to keep neutrals dynamic and exciting

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30 Expert Advice Top five curb appeal updates

34 RenoMark Canadians have renos on their minds

36 Style File Splendid summer patio dining

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Editor’s Notebook

Loving the sunshine Get outside! Summer is meant for outdoor living

PG.

THE SUMMER SUNSHINE ADDS SO MUCH TO OUR LIFESTYLES – we get outside, we find

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more reasons to socialize, and there are so many great things that we can do to transform our homes. Whether it’s a small balcony or a huge yard, if you don’t have a project on the go yet, we’ve got some inspiration for you this issue so that you can seriously indulge in outdoor living.

If you have the yard and you love to entertain, Jo Alcorn sets the scene with some patio updates and furniture fixes that are easy on the eyes – and the budget – on page 36. You’ll have more fun eating and entertaining outdoors when you’ve got the right set-up.

The reusable tote from HomeSense’s Shop for Hope Collection. Proceeds support the Canadian Women’s Foundation $10 homesense.ca

It’s going to be a hot summer – and a hot summer market, so if you’re looking to sell your home you may want to consider sprucing up your curb appeal. We asked Carson Arthur for some insight on how to get the best bang for your buck with outdoor updates. He’s got five great suggestions that are going to give you great returns on your investment on page 30.

Laundry inspiration!

Even if you’re not planning on selling right away, it never hurts to consider, especially if you’ve got an affinity for red mulch – see what he’s got to say about that!

If you’re getting away this summer, you’ll want to stop by Twist – it’s in Terminal 1 at Pearson International Airport. We were there in May to shoot our cover with Roger Mooking, the incredibly talented chef, musician and resident judge on Chopped Canada. After sampling

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a few dishes, it’s clear that he’s given airport food a whole new rep – it’s fresh, it’s flavourful and it’s delicious. But only those with boarding passes can enter, it’s beyond the security checkpoint. It would not be unreasonable of me to recommended you travel just to have the opportunity to dine there. I hope you’ll savour the cover story on page 16, and tune in for Chopped Canada season 2 on Food Network Canada Saturdays at 9pm.

Outdoor renos, decorating with neutrals, picking the right gift for your stellar hosts – we’ve

Lisa Canning shows us how a neutral palette can really make a strong statement!

got some great inspiration for you that will last through the summer.

Enjoy the sunshine!

ELISA KROVBLIT EDITOR, YP NEXTHOME elisa.krovblit@ypnexthome.com Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/elisakrovblit

While frequent flyers can dine in style at Twist, Chef Roger Mooking shares some great recipes for summer entertaining!

PG 16

Like us on Facebook Facebook.com/HomeDecorandReno

Want more news on the home, decor and reno front?

Check out our site: homeanddecor.ca

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Dream. Desire. Succeed.

Beautiful furniture for a lot less than you’d expect!

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Our Insiders

Bryan Tuckey CEO OF BILD Bryan Tuckey is president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association and a land-use planner who has worked for municipal, regional and provincial governments. Follow him on Twitter @bildgta, facebook.com/bildgta, and bildblogs.ca

President, YP NextHome

Jacqueline Hill Editor-In-Chief / Director of Content

Susan Legge Director of Sales, National

Moe Lalani National Sales Manager, Home Decor and Renovations, Sales Manager, Condo Guide and GTA New Homes

Conni Robinson Art Director

Jo Alcorn

Daiana Garay

DESIGNER

Elisa Krovblit

Jo Alcorn is a celebrity designer specializing in small spaces and design solutions for all budgets. She is the interior expert on HGTV’s new show Critical Listing, and shares her expertise regularly on TV and through her monthly column in the Toronto Sun. whitewashco.ca

Senior Editor

Executive Editor

Sara Duck (on leave) Contributing Editors

Wayne Karl, Lydia McNutt Media Consultant

Amanda Bell amanda.bell@ypnexthome.ca Sales Co-Ordinator

Jennifer Bistron jennifer.bistron@ypnexthome.ca

Lisa Canning DESIGNER Lisa Canning is a Toronto based designer who specializes in 2-hour interior design consultations in the GTA and beyond. Learn more about her consulting services at www.lisacanning.ca

Production Manager

Bala Gnanapandithan Graphic Designer

Viosa Barileva Production Co-Ordinator

Greg Van Sluytman

ADVERTISING Call 416.626.4200 for advertising rates and information.

CIRCULATION Available monthly in select high-traffic street boxes, retailers, spas, banks, grocery stores, pharmacies, and selected financial institutions.

Carson Arthur LANDSCAPE DESIGNER 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 acclaimed book Garden Designs for Outdoor Living. Visit carsonarthur.com

COPYRIGHT 2015 All rights reserved by YP NextHome, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Reproduction in any form is prohibited. Contents of this publication are covered

by Copyright and offenders will be prosecuted under the law.

TERMS Advertisers, Editorial Content and Home Decor and Renovations are not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All prices are correct as of press time and are subject to change without notice.

E. & O. E. EDITORIAL Submissions

from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the address below, to the attention of the editor-in-chief.

Stephanie MacDonald EDITOR/WRITER Stephanie MacDonald is a west coast writer, editor and cooking enthusiast who spends much of her spare time experimenting with cheese making, curing and concocting all sorts of fermented spicy things. You can read about these adventures on her tumblr at diydeli.tumblr.com.

#500-401 The West Mall Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J5 T 416.626.4200 F 416.784.5867

Please recycle this magazine! YP NextHome participates in the Partner’s In Growth Reforestation Program through St. Joseph Communications. To date, Partners in Growth has planted over two million trees in parks, recreation and conservation areas, and other public spaces across Canada. Established in 1990, this program was started with Scouts Canada to help replenish the environment.

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Custom Furnishings, Bedrooms, Dining Rooms, Sofas, Dinettes

CREATING CUSTOM MADE FURNITURE SINCE 1978

F U R N I T U R E

T. 416.636.5495 680 Rivermede Road. Vaughan Keele St., North of Highway #7 Open Mon-Sat 9-6, Thurs late till 9pm www.AltaModaFurniture.com Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/altamodafurniture

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@altamodafurn for Instagram

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News Etc.

the

SCOOP catch up on decor & reno news, inspiration, style and more

by Elisa Krovblit

&R

HD loves

the look of reclaimed wood

Martens Double-door Cabinet in Aged Elm $2395 - $2795 restorationhardware.com

NATURAL and NEUTRAL are in!

the

SCOOP LOOK! Ektorp Tullsta Armchair, Natural, Blekinge White. $149. ikea.ca

Moroccan Wool Rug from $199. homesense.ca

Lucia Rectangular Coffee Table. $1,495 elte.com

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A clear view – a dishwasher with a window, it’s an industry first!

KitchenAid’s high performance dishwasher utilizes their new Clean Water Wash System which continuously filters the water to provide the cleanest results. The top controls give the front a nice, neat finish.

The new Steven & Chris rug collection is now available exclusively at Allan Rug Co. The modern design compliments any room or decor. Allan Rug Co. carries a complete selection of carpet and flooring, with a wide selection of styles and colours available.

$2,499. KITCHENAID.CA

ALLANRUG.COM

Elegance meets function in the Setis Coffee Table. It has a dining extension, allowing one to dine while watching TV or working on the computer. Practical, but with a designer edge.

GAUTIER.CA

PSSST! You have to try this! Visit Coco Lezzone for take-out options, private dining and corporate events. Their food is amazing – and we love their new look! Centrally located, this stylish ode to Italy serves pizza straight from a stone oven and features a mouth-watering modern Italian menu.

Buono appettito!

137 Avenue Rd. in Yorkville Cocolezzone.com

You don’t just want window coverings, you want versatility.

Whether it’s privacy, diffused light or total darkness, SunBrite’s dual roller shades give you total control over your windows – all while adding a stylish and sophisticated look to your room.

SUN-BRITE.COM

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PSSST! With all of this lovely weather, we’re pretty excited about sprucing up our outdoor decor – Southport Outdoor Living couldn’t have opened their newest location at a better time!

The showroom offers nearly 5,000 sq. ft., full of the outdoor necessities - barbecues, outdoor kitchens, umbrellas, gazebos and more.

great neutral layers!

1296 Castlefield Ave. (Castlefield Design District) southportoutdoor.com

The Home Office Basso hides unsightly office clutter when guests unexpectedly arrive. Equipped with LED lighting and cable management, this piece transforms from everyday desk to streamlined cabinet in a snap! It pairs perfectly with the modular wall-bed, closet and shelving systems available exclusively at Resource Furniture.

RESOURCEFURNITURE.COM

1

2 Don’t forget the front door! It’s becoming one of the most popular places to make a statement on your home’s exterior. Benjamin Moore’s premium door and trim paint, Aura Grand Entrance, is now making its “grand entrance” into Canada alongside an exclusive new collection of 32 colours, all of which are popular choices for the front door. $47/QUART. BENJAMINMOORE.COM

3 1. Beautiful beige - Tepi Natural Throw $60. crateandbarrel.ca 2. Go for greige - Cashmere Throw $150. homesense.ca 3. A touch of taupe - Stockholm Throw. $40. ikea.ca

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Cover Story

Fired Up with Chef ROGER MOOKING

by Stephanie MacDonald photos of Roger Mooking by Dave Krovblit

H

e can enlighten and entertain you with original music, inspire your appetites with exotic flavours or sit in judgement of your culinary failures on TV. He’s Roger Mooking, and he’s got a lot on his plate.

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“ ...every now and then I’ll build a little fire on some stones in the backyard and cook on that, I’ll have a broiler going…sometimes they’re all going at once. I have a little bit of a fire obsession.”

He has four young kids, a gig as a judge on Canada’s most popular Food Network show, and an ambitious new restaurant venture that aims to make airport food fresh, delicious and fast – Roger Mooking is a very busy man. The Trinidad-born and Edmonton-raised chef has an impressively varied résumé, including roles as MC Mystic in the Juno-winning R&B trio Bass is Base, solo recording artist, cookbook author, third-generation restaurateur, and star of popular Food Network shows such as Everyday Exotic, Heat Seekers, Man Fire Food, and now as a recurring judge on Chopped Canada.

So how does the celebrated chef and television personality deal with the sometimes-questionably-prepared and strangelyflavoured concoctions presented by the contestants of Chopped Canada? “People come into the Chopped Canada kitchen and they think, “Oh I’ve seen a hundred episodes of this show, I know what to do with pop rocks and beef tenderloin… but when they actually get there, they have 20 finite minutes, and everything changes. It is a very hard challenge, and, as a result, we do sometimes have to put some fairly frightening things past our lips.”

Airport food is also a scary thing sometimes, and the task of serving rushed, often stressed out passengers equally so. This daunting challenge has proved no match for Mooking’s latest eatery, Twist, located in Terminal 1 of Pearson International Airport in Toronto.

“I go through a lot of airports, and as someone who loves and works in the food industry, I know the airport presents unique challenges. I also know that it could be better. When the opportunity was given to me, I knew what I would like to see, and I did those things.”

Being located in the airport means serving a broad spectrum of people, from a three-year old to a ninety-three year old, vegans, gluten-intolerant people and so on. This led to the design a kitchen and serving process with significant changes from the typical airport kitchen, allowing Twist to serve fresh, made-to-order meals from an innovative mix-and-match menu, all in a very short amount of time. “Everything from the décor, the suppliers to the pacing of the service was examined to make an experience that I think is really much better, one that matches the standards I have for myself.”

One thing that’s not a challenge for Mooking, putting fire and meat together with delicious results. Though he never cooks the same thing twice, the host of Man, Fire, Food has some good advice on how to put on the perfect patio party this summer.

A self-confessed barbecue addict whose back yard is home to a plethora of fire-cooking contraptions, Mooking explains, “I’ve got a Green Egg, a big steel keg, I have a propane barbecue, every now and then I’ll build a little fire on some stones in the backyard and cook on that, I’ll have a broiler going…sometimes they’re all going

at once. I have a little bit of a fire obsession.”

“I like to cook a variety of things and present it to my guests. I let them serve themselves.” Sometimes this extends to even cooking the food. “One time I threw a pizza party, where I made a lot of dough, fired up the Green Egg outside, and let everyone make their own pizzas. The kids loved it, there were like, 30 different toppings, including spicy béchamel, six different cheeses – everyone gets exactly what they want.”

The theme of the perfect party at the Mooking residence usually revolves around the food itself. “I like to go to the store and see what looks good, and then take it from there.

My perfect party is pretty casual.”

At the home of a professional musician you know the music is going to be good, but Mooking says he just takes care of the delicious food and lets the kids be the DJs. “I have a couple of iPods kicking around, one with kids’ music, as well as good old party classics like Duran Duran and Bob Marley. I put it on shuffle and you often hear Frozen followed

by No Woman No Cry. It’s pretty eclectic.”

With all this much fun and fabulous food going on, how do you ever manage to get anyone to leave? “Well, with our four little kids and all their friends and cousins running around, early bedtimes usually bring the night to a close.

We’re all exhausted.”

Watch Chopped Canada season 2 on Food Network Canada, Saturdays at 9pm JUNE-JULY 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 17

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LIMA ZIMA SCALLOP CEVICHE WITH ZIMA TOMATO PICKLE AND CORN NUTS 4 cup water ¼ cup kosher salt 16 Zima tomatoes 2/3 cup thinly sliced red onion 1 tsp kosher salt ½ cup Freshly shucked corn kernels 2 tbsp chopped cilantro ¼ tsp finely chopped habanero pepper 2 limes, juiced 8 to 10 scallops 1 tbsp roughly cracked corn nuts In a large bowl, stir water and kosher salt together to dissolve.

Submerge scallops in the salt water mixture and add a few ice cubes. Ensure that the scallops are completely submerged in the water, Set aside for 12 minutes In a medium-sized skillet, bring water to a boil, making sure it’s deep enough to cover corn kernels. Add kernels to the simmering water and blanch for three minutes. Drain and discard water and immediately submerge in ice water to stop cooking.

In a shallow dish with a lip, slice Zima tomatoes about ¼-inch thick and arrange in a single layer. Evenly sprinkle red onion on top of tomatoes. Evenly sprinkle kosher salt on top of tomatoes and onions. Set aside for 10 minutes. Pour lime juice evenly over tomato mixture and then sprinkle habanero over top. Add corn kernels and gently stir mixture to combine. Set aside for five minutes.

Meanwhile, drain and discard salt water from scallops and pat dry with paper towel. With a sharp knife, slice each scallop into four thin slices across the grain. Divide the scallops evenly between four service plates with lips and arrange in a single payer of each dish. Evenly distribute the cured onion and tomato mixture on top of each plate of scallops. Sprinkle on chopped cilantro on top and refrigerate for exactly 20 minutes. Remove plates from refrigerator and sprinkle cracked corn nuts on top of the dishes.

Serve immediately.

Lima Zima Scallop Ceviche

SALT SPICED SNACKING MINI CUCUMBERS 2 tbsp Trinidadian hot sauce ½ tsp sea salt ½ tsp finely chopped ginger 1 tsp black sesame seeds 4 mini cucumbers ½ lime Mix hot sauce, sea salt ginger and sesame seeds together.

Slice mini cucumbers lengthwise into batons. Cut lime in half and then into four equally-sized pieces. Serve dipping sauce in a small shallow dish alongside cucumber batons and lime pieces. Enjoy with fresh-squeezed lime juice drizzled over cucumber before dipping and snacking.

Salt Spiced Snacking Mini Cucumbers

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How do you decide what style, pattern or size is right for you?

Follow these two simple steps to choose the best rugs to suit your room.

1. Choosing the right size: when searching for a family room rug, always make sure it is large enough to sit the front legs of your sofa. The width should be the same as the sofa or a little bit wider. In a dining room, always center the table on the rug ensuring the rug is at least one foot around the table so the chairs fit comfortably as well. Always avoid a medallion pattern otherwise the table may hide the pattern.

2. Pattern and color: In a plain room (either by color or style) you are free to select a colourful rug, something to stand out and compliment the room. Don’t be afraid to play with color, texture and pattern. Choose freely and create your masterpiece!

103 Miranda Avenue • 416.787.1707 www.allanrug.com

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LOVE TO SHOP? Our 2015 shopping guide profiles some of the GTA’s top home and décor shops and services.

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2015 HOME DECOR & RENOVATIONS

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Multi-talented designer

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Trending

For the patio party

Wood Tray with Condiment Bowls $65 williams-sonoma.com

For the foodie Tea light lanterns $50-$80 bouclair.com

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GIFT

Summer fun is here! That means invitations for patio parties, barbecues and cocktails under the stars. Don’t go empty-handed, we’ve got trend-setting suggestions so you can bring the perfect host and hostess gifts for any occasion just add a bow and a personal note.

by Elisa Krovblit

For the market

Market Fresh Reusable Tote $13, Glass Water Bottle with Infuser $10 homesense.ca

Joyce Bud Vase $3, Green Allium Stems $5-$8 cb2.ca

For any occasion

Shop for Hope Collection:

HDR loves the Shop for Hope Collection.

100 per cent of net proceeds of this exclusive collection benefit the Canadian Women’s Foundation

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For tea time Dillon’s Rose Gin, 375mL $24.85

For cocktail hour Time for Tea, Set of 4 Teacups & Saucers $35 chapters.indigo.ca

Small Garden Tools, Set of 6 - $10 leevalley.com

Barbecue Lighter $1.50 Cuisinart Wood Chip Box $12, Jack Daniel’s Smoking Wood Chips $9. canadiantire.ca

For the griller

For the gardener

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Style Inspiration

THE NEW

NEUTRALS

how to keep neutrals dynamic and exciting

by Lisa Canning photos by Larry Arnal

N

eutrals are given a bad wrap sometimes – bland and boring, stale and sterile. But when utilized successfully, neutrals can be soothing, serene and sophisticated.

To keep a neutral palette dynamic and exciting, here are my top design strategies:

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GO GRAPHIC

In my recently completed laundry room, I really wanted to achieve something serene – but not boring – so I chose to utilize a graphic treatment on my floor. In this space I wanted to remain really practical with my budget, so I needed to use a material with minimal cuts and at a reasonable price point.

I chose to use simple 12-by-24-inch tile, from Creekside Tile

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Company, in three neutral shades (black, medium grey and a light grey) and lay the tiles in a herringbone pattern on my floor.

This principle could also be applied in a graphic area rug or wall art – think repetitive shapes and contrasting shades for a graphic focal point in your space.

"Vary the use of large graphic patterns, smaller organic patterns and tight repetitive patterns".

2

3

USE PATTERN

Pattern is a really essential way to create visual interest when using a neutral colour palette. For my backsplash, I wanted it to read white, but still wanted it to be bold and have lots of presence. To achieve this, I used a 4-by-16-inch matte white tile and repeated the herringbone pattern I utilized on my floor. To ensure the pattern stood out but didn’t compete with my floors, I chose a light grey grout so the pattern was still obvious, but not over powering. Consider incorporating pattern in textiles like throw pillows or upholstery, and do not be afraid to layer pattern. The key to keeping it looking polished and not too chaotic is to ensure the scale of each pattern employed is different than its neighbour. Vary the use of large graphic patterns, smaller organic patterns and tight repetitive patterns. I argue that pattern is one of the most important design principles – whether using neutrals or not. They always bring life and style to a space.

ENSURE THERE IS CONTRAST

Utilizing the design principle of contrast is another way to ensure a neutral space doesn’t feel boring. In my laundry room, I knew would have to break up the amount of cabinetry I have with some kind of visual contrast, as all of my cabinets from Cutler Modern Living are similar in tone to my floor tiles. I chose to use white in my counters, my Whirlpool appliance set, and backsplash to provide lots of visual contrast to the greys in my cabinets and floors.

Another way think about this approach is my 70-25-5 per cent colour rule, where 70 per cent of the space is done in one colour (in my case grey), 25 per cent is in a secondary colour (white counters and backsplash in my laundry room) and 5 per cent of a surprise pop of colour (I chose yellow).

This colour formula is a tried-and-tested way to achieve a harmonious look to the space. Using enough contrast in the space keeps it from feeling visually boring.

4

GIVE IT A SMALL POP

Adding a little bit of colour will absolutely ensure the space doesn’t feel flat. The wonderful thing about an all over neutral palette is that you can add basically any colour to the space and it will stand out. Repeat this pop of colour at least three times in different applications – in my case we used yellow in a textile in this pillow from Bouclair, in the tulips and with some of the Lemon Aide cleaning supplies I left out as their yellow packaging was too pretty to hide. Think about incorporating a soft textile, a piece of wall art and a shiny or reflective accessory in similar shades of a surprise colour to add another visual layer to a neutral palette.

5

VARY YOUR TEXTURES

When working with a neutral colour palette keep it fun and interesting by ensuring you vary your textures. For example, in a living room think about utilizing fluffy pillows, soft throws, textured woods and sleek ceramics. The mix of textures, even if all in neutral tones, will provide enough variety for the eye to keep the space from feeling flat. In my laundry room, I varied live edge woods, textured melamine, glossy appliances and matte surfaces like my tiles and my black matte Brizo faucet to ensure visual variety.

Lisa Canning is a Toronto based designer who specializes in two-hour interior design consultations in the GTA and beyond. Learn more about her consulting services at www.lisacanning.ca 25

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ADVERTORIAL

How to select the perfect window treatment

IS OUTSIDE NOISE A PROBLEM? If your windows face a crowded street, sound can be a problem, especially at night. It’s good to know that fabric window fashions offer significant sound absorption to create a more serene setting inside.

A SHOPPER’S GUIDE TO THE ART OF WINDOW DRESSING

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electing window fashions is often a complicated decorating decision as there are many practical considerations. Here, are the questions you need to ask, and better yet, the answers to perfect the art of window dressing from Sally Morse, director of creative services for leading window covering manufacturer Hunter Douglas.

IS PRIVACY A KEY FACTOR? A general rule of thumb is that if you can see out through closed window treatments during the day, others can see in at night. Look for window fashion innovations such as Silhouette window shadings, with the Signature S-Vane, from Hunter Douglas that offer a combination of sheer fabric to maintain a view of the outside and rotating fabric vanes for variable light control and privacy both during the day and into the night.

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With the ‘honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb’ construction and DO YOU HAVE TOO MUCH OR TOO LITTLE LIGHT ENTERING ROOM? threeTHE insulating air pockets, Duette Architella honeycomb Light is a great natural resource that can be altered to suit your needs. Window fashions with rotating shades increase energy efficiency. vanes or louvers can be used to direct light where it’s needed most. Newer products like Pirouette

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Remember that while sunlight can beautifully illuminate a space, it also gives off heat and harmful UV rays. Products like Duette Architella honeycomb shades feature a patented honeycomb-within-a-honeycomb design that significantly reduces heat transfer at the window while providing superior UV protection.

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Expert Advice

TOP 5 curb appeal updates

By Carson Arthur

EVERY SINGLE HOMEOWNER SHARES one thing in common: Whether planning to sell your home today, tomorrow or even in five years, we all want to get top dollar for our largest investments. For years, there has been a lot of focus on raising your home’s value by improving the interior, but what about outside of your home? With more studies coming out every day about the value of curb appeal and first impression, renovating the outdoors is paying some huge returns!

Here are the top five ways to make the best first impression.

1» STAGE THE FRONT YARD! Get a bench or some seating into the front yard of your home. Even if it’s under a tree or on the side of your flowerbed, having seating in the front yard is so important to creating an inviting first impression. Buyers describe benches and chairs in the front as being “welcoming.”

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“Get a bench or some seating into the front yard of your home. Even if it’s under a tree or on the side of your flowerbed, having seating in the front yard is so important to creating an inviting first impression.”

2» CLEAN THE OUTSIDE OF YOUR HOUSE.

Buyers will pre-judge the quality of the inside of your home based on what they see outside. It doesn’t matter if you hired a fantastic cleaning crew to overhaul the bathroom and the kitchen, if there are stains and mildew around the front door, buyers will notice. Get out the vinegar and wash the outside windows and for the tough imbedded mold stains try something stronger like scrub-free Concrobium Mold Stain Eraser; it’s perfect for removing the toughest stains without harmful chemicals and it’s bleach-free!

3» ADD A NEW FRONT DOOR. The

front door is the first tangible item that buyers actually touch when coming into your home. A solid front door signals that the home is well built and cared for. This may seem like a big investment, but according to the research, a new front door is the only home renovation that has an ROI of more than 100 per cent. This means that if you spend two thousand on a new front door, you will get more than the full amount back.

4» MULCH THE FRONT FLOWERBEDS. Even

if you only have a few green shrubs growing under the front window, adding a few bags of rich brown mulch makes the gardens look like they are full of promise. Just beware of using red. Red mulch never compliments the home and it always draws the eye, causing a buyer to focus on the empty spaces instead of your great home.

5» ADD STONE VENEERS.

Stone veneers on the foundation of a home have one of the highest ROI’s of all home renovations. Buyers love the look of stone, but more importantly, stone is perceived as being solid and long lasting. According to Rinox.ca, homes with stone on the front are described as being stylish, classic and more durable.

The front yard definitely deserves some of your renovation dollars. Not only is the curb appeal so important at setting the right first impression, it’s also the last thing buyers see when leaving your home.

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 JUNE-JULY 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 31

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ADVERTORIAL

MAKE RENOVATING EASY WITH

Modular Home Additions WHO THEY ARE Modular Home Additions is your one-stop-shop for all your renovation needs. Whether you’re looking for interior or exterior renovations, they can get the job done quickly and easily.

To kick-off your renovation process, Modular Home Additions will provide a free consultation, outlining the tasks and costs. After you choose Modular, their designers will create a 3D-rendering of your home, so you can fully visualize the project. They will also handle all the not-so-fun tasks such as city permits for your new and improved home. The service is impeccable and not limited to the warmer seasons. And best of all – they can install your new home addition in three days.

16 YEARS After 16 years in the business, Modular Home Additions proudly announced a few months ago that they completed their 1,000th renovation project. This was a huge feat for a renovation company, especially one that has been around for only 16 years. And this is not the only ‘modular milestone.’ They were awarded “Best of Toronto 2013” in the home additions category from homestars.com, based solely on customer reviews.

“NO MESS, NO STRESS” The company lives by their “no mess, no stress” motto. Anyone who has ever experienced the trials and tribulations of new home additions or renovations knows that this is a pretty ambitious statement for a renovations company. So, how exactly does Modular Home Additions do this? The answer lies in the fact that the majority of the renovation process is completed off-site in their warehouse. Meaning that any kind of renovation can be completed, even during our harsh winter months.

32 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUNE-JULY 2015

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HABITAT FOR HUMANITY: After all the success Modular has experienced over the years, they decided there was no better way to express their gratitude than to give back to the Toronto community. In 2014, Modular Homes Additions partnered with Habitat for Humanity GTA to construct the largest Habitat Home to date.

The eight-bedroom, two-bathroom house was built for the Costa’s, a 14-person family consisting of 12 children, ranging from preschool to university.

DON’T LET YOUR PROPERTY BECOME A LONG-TERM CONSTRUCTION SITE. CONSULT MODULAR TO SEE HOW YOU CAN RENOVATE OR BUILD YOUR HOME QUICKLY AND EASILY. VISIT THEIR WEBSITE MODULAR.CA/ OR CALL THEM AT 416.759.4663

JUNE-JULY 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 33

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2015-06-09 5:08 5:06 PM

Reno Mark

“A lot of major renovations require you to obtain the proper permit, particularly in big cities like Toronto.”

VE CANADIAthNeiSr mHinA ds Renos on

By Bryan Tuckey

A REPORT PUBLISHED BY CIBC EARLIER THIS YEAR REVEALED THAT NEARLY

half of Canadian homeowners plan to renovate their homes this year – a great way to add value to their existing homes while creating jobs in the industry and boosting our economy.

The poll showed that 42 per cent of Canadians are planning home renovations, and plans to spend an average of $17,000 on sprucing up their homes with some basic maintenance like painting, flooring, general repairs and replacing appliances.

Kitchen and bathroom renovations are still a popular renovation focus, lagging only behind outdoor landscaping this year – and not by much.

These results come as no surprise to some industry professionals, who cite low interest rates and rising house prices as two major factors in the renovation demand. The average price of a low-rise home in the GTA currently exceeds $775,000 while the price of a new condo averages just below $450,000. This leaves many homeowners turning to renovations to get the feeling of a brand new home but with a lighter price tag.

Before you embark on your renovation, be sure to plan ahead. A lot of major renovations require you to obtain the proper permit, particularly in big cities like Toronto. Failure to do so may result in you being asked to restore your home to its original state if the renovation doesn’t conform to the municipality’s bylaws – an expensive process you don’t want to experience.

Please make sure that there is adequate time allotted to getting your permit. BILD is working with our government partners to hasten the approvals process, but in the meantime, waiting times can often take a while.

I recommend working closely with your renovator to ensure that all the paperwork is in order before starting any work. If your contractor pressures you to act otherwise, proceed with caution. A professional renovator will know to play by the rules.

Working with a professional renovator is of utmost importance because you want to be confident that you’re trusting your home to someone with the right knowledge and experience to do the job – and do it right. If you think it’s expensive to hire a professional, wait until you see how much it cost to hire an amateur. You may end up paying thousands to fix substandard work, or risk having no work done at all.

This is where the written contract comes in. Make sure you have all elements of the job, including payment, outlined in a detailed and written agreement. Without one, any legal action will prove challenging should you encounter issues.

There are hundreds of professional renovators and trade contractors available in a fully customizable online database at www.renomark.ca. All companies that you will find on this website have agreed to a renovation-specific Code of Conduct, which includes things like providing a written contract; offering a minimum $2 million in liability insurance; providing two years warranty on all work; and carrying all applicable licenses and permits.

If you are planning a home renovation this summer, make sure you hire a pro. Visit www. renomark.ca to find out if there’s a RenoMark renovator in your area.

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).

34 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS JUNE-JULY 2015

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RENOVATE WITH A RENOMARK CONTRACTOR

AND RENOVATE WITH CONFIDENCE

Modular Home Additions Ltd. Grow Your Home in 3 Days!

416-759-4663 www.modular.ca

Domilya Group Transforming Your Dreams into Reality 647-300-1242 www.domilyagroup.ca

ESTO Construction Co. Ltd. Our Passion is Making Your Dreams Come True 416-752-3702 www.estoconstruction.ca

BRIAN T. FLETCHER CONSTRUCTION (2008) LTD.

5481 Dundas St. W. Toronto, ON M9B 1B5 www.fletcherconstruction.ca Tel: 416-626-7746 Fax: 416-626-6043 eMail: brian@fletcherconstruction.ca

Brian T. Fletcher Construction Ltd. General Contrator 416-626-7746 www.fletcherconstruction.ca

Sosna Inc. Total Contracting Contractor You Can Count On! 416-452-5259 www.sosna.ca

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Participating BILD member contractors agree to RenoMark’s national 10-point renovation specific Code of Conduct that includes providing a written contract and scope of work for all jobs, a twoyear warranty, carrying appropriate licenses and permits and securing a minimum $2 million in liability insurance.

The RenoMark program brings professionalism and integrity to the renovation industry.

For helpful advice and to find the right RenoMark renovator for your project visit www.RenoMark.ca

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Style File

Splendid summer

PATIO DINING

By Jo Alcorn

WHEN THE WARM WEATHER ARRIVES AND YOU MOVE your dinner parties

outside, having an outdoor oasis is every entertainer’s dream. While you might think a successful dinner party requires sophisticated settings and multi-course meals, just the opposite is true. All that’s required to create an enjoyable evening is appealing food, good company and a welcoming setting.

While I leave the recipes and guest list to you, I can certainly help with the hospitable setting. I recently enjoyed working on a client’s

cottage patio, designing the perfect space for a summer full of fun dinner parties.

First thing first – you need a good floor. When we began, my client’s patio was covered in kitchen porcelain tiles, which were slippery, ugly and impractical for our weather. I turned to EON Deck and Patio Tiles from The Home Depot. They are super simple to lay-down and click together easily in a variety of patterns. They are an easy solution to update any space, large or small. They can cover up existing mistakes or be the new ground under your feet. These tiles completely transformed my client’s space and gave it a clean and inviting place to begin the makeover design plan.

Fresh paint works wonders to update any space. The existing paint here was distracting and dated so we applied fresh paint.

Exterior paint from Para has longevity and instantly brightened

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up the area. Go the extra mile and paint all the trim work too – that additional effort will complete the fresh new look and feel.

With your space in good shape, it’s time to add in the key components.

To have a great dinner party, you need a great table to gather around. This table is a find from The Home Depot which seats six, has a sleek design and is comfortable for long conversations. This set has stunning appeal and fits the space perfectly. The chairs even stack for easy winter storage, and have removable bottom cushions.

Every great table needs a great umbrella. An umbrella not only has the obvious task of providing shade, it also helps define your outdoor dining room. I found these colourful lanterns from PC Home at the Real Canadian Superstore; hung on the umbrella pillars, they provide warm mood lighting, and even a touch of romance. Tip: Be sure to add a hook and a stopper to the location of where you want the lanterns to hang under the umbrella, otherwise they will move around as the wind catches them.

JUNE-JULY 2015 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 37

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“These lanterns have the bonus of built-in timers without having to sacrifice style.”

PHOTO CREDIT

hazlewoodimages.com/wordpress/

Adding to the mood lighting, are the batteryoperated lanterns from The Home Depot. These are strategically set around the perimeter of the deck, where no one will trip over them, and they define the patio area. These lanterns have the bonus of built-in timers without having to sacrifice style.

Onto the china…Don’t get overly fussy with china.

An eclectic mix feels more laid-back and it is a great conversational starter. Outdoor dishware has come a long way – you can now find stunning colours and patterns that are as nice, or nicer, than your indoor set. Mixing collections together is a fun and easy way to create interest at any table. And don’t fuss with table clothes or placemats – use chargers instead.

The PC Home collection has a great selection of chargers and outdoor dishware that can either be mixed and match or pieced together for a fun tablescape that will get the dinner conversation flowing.

No outdoor party would be complete with out a barbecue. The homeowners love to cook so we chose this stunning gas grill from Weber, which is ideal for entertaining. It has a multitude of features like Flavourizer bars to eliminate flare-ups, and a fuel gauge so you never run out mid-dinner party.

For all dinner parties, I am a fan of a stocked bar cart. Not only is a cart convenient for holding supplies, it is a splendid accessory in setting the mood for a notable diner party. Pile glasses on your cart, store the plates and silverware, and use it as much needed outdoor counter space and a self serving zone. Wheel it back to the kitchen if you run low on supplies, or, in the case of this cart, carry the top tray into the kitchen to refresh if you don’t need the whole unit. The bar cart is an essential for a good party hostess.

For the finishing touch on your patio oasis, including plants in different elevated planters completes the overall feel and sets the mood for many meals and conversations spent with family and friends during the glorious outdoor season.

Happy patio season everyone!

Jo Alcorn is a celebrity designer specializing in small spaces and design solutions for all budgets. She is the interior expert on HGTV’s new show Critical Listing, and shares her expertise regularly on TV and through her monthly column at the Toronto Sun. Visit whitewashco.ca

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For more information on modern James Hardie design solutions email: jhdesign@jameshardie.com

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