Winnipeg Home Decor + Renovations – June 5, 2020

Manitoba June-July, 2020 Volume 22, Issue 3, FREE

ARE YOU READY FOR A SMART HOME?

Advice

FROM RENOVATORS

2020 INTERIOR DESIGN TRENDS: focus on health and wellness

MANITOBA HOME BUILDERS’ ASSOCIATION » PROFESSIONAL RENOVATORS

DO IT RIGHT… HIRE A PROFESSIONAL RENOVATOR.

PHOTO COURTESY OF: MARIC HOMES

CHOOSING A PROFESSIONAL RENOVATOR It’s the best renovation decision you can make. For over 70 years, members of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association have upheld their commitment to quality, service and professionalism, keeping Manitobans among the best-housed people in the world. For your peace of mind, make the smart move – contact a MHBA RENOVATORS’ COUNCIL member for your next renovation. The MHBA RENOVATORS’ COUNCIL is affiliated with the Canadian Renovators’ Council of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association.

THIS ISSUE’S PARTICIPATING MEMBERS:

CERTIFIED MASTER RENOVATOR

Ph. (204) 779-6900 www.allcanadianrenovations.ca

Ph. (204) 233-8687 www.starbuildingmaterials.ca

Ph. (204) 293-3151

Ph. (204) 793-0500 www.hammerdown.ca

Sakiyama Construction Ltd. Ph. (204) 237-4294 Fax. (204) 235-1120

Ph. (204) 227-4662 www.rempelbuilders.com

Ph. (204) 474-2334 Fax. (204) 453-0639

Ph. (204) 228-3303 www.sakcon.ca

Make it BetterTM

Ph. (204) 940-4040 www.mcmunnandyates.com

Ph. (204) 894-1446 www.grindstonerenovations.com

204-339-2035 info@marichomes.com www.marichomes.com

Ph. (204) 895-0265 Fax. (204) 832-6335 www.oswaldconstruction.ca

Inc.

Ph. (204) 799-5029 www.ican-construction.com

Ph. (204) 792-0188 www.parkhillhomes.ca

Ph. (204) 977-6604 info@macanta.ca www.macanta.ca

Ph. (204) 781-9383 Fax. (204) 253-4091

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF MEMBER CONTRACTORS CALL (204) 925-2560 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT WWW.HOMEBUILDERS.MB.CA Canadian Home Builders’ Association

Secter Architecture + Design Harris Builders

U

Great design inside and out 45 Higgins Ave. Winnipeg, MB

204.339.6456

Any colour inside and out U High performance triple pane argon U low-e glass U Any colour inside and out Find us at the Winnipeg Renovation Show, U High performance triple pane argon January 10–12, 2020, Booth #449, and low-e glass the Winnipeg Home + Garden Show, U

April 16–19, 2020, Booth #1323

duxtonwindows.com

AWARD WINNING KITCHEN, BATHROOM AND WHOLE HOME RENOVATIONS FROM CONCEPT TO COMPLETION MANITOBA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION | RENOVATION OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD WINNER KITCHENS: 3 YEARS IN A ROW | MANITOBA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION RENOVATION OF THE YEAR GOLD AWARD WINNER | BATHROOMS: 2 YEARS IN A ROW MANITOBA HOME BUILDERS ASSOCIATION | CONSUMER’S CHOICE AWARD WINNER

893B Redonda St.

MOBILITY & ACCESSIBILITY DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION EXPERTS

|

www.hammerdown.ca

|

204-793-0500

INTEGRITY & QUALITY ARE BUILT IN

contents

JUNE/JULY 2020

16

51

32 FEATURES

INSPIRATION

ADVICE

16 The best of yesterday

12 2020 Design Trends

10 Committed to safety

14 Are you ready for

26 What’s going

ER COV RY STO

and tomorrow

Renovation achieves show home ambience

BY MARGARET ANNE FEHR

40 Glastar debuts new

products for capturing the sun

BY MARGARET ANNE FEHR

44 Stunning remodel with big windows

BY AYNSLEY DUECK

46 Renovation was the right move

BY MARGARET ANNE FEHR

BY SARA DUCK

a smart home?

BY LANNY MCINNES

on out there?

BY MICHELLE HOPKINS

22 Design in detail

BY KIM SCHROEDER

BY WAYNE SAGE

36 Nine ways to liven up your basement

BY CURTIS BRESLAW

28 Kitchen 2020

BY LYNN FENWICK

34 Take time for yourself

BY HELLEN BUTTIGIEG

51 Jennifer Lawrence’s

Manhattan penthouse

TIPS

24 Learning from others 31 I want to do

the work myself

32 Design meets function 35 Sweet dreams 38 Egg recipes 42 Advice from renovators

6

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

Your Project, our Passion, your Satisfaction TM

*2/' $:$5' :,11,1* &2175$&725

.LWFKHQV %DWKURRPV 5HF 5RRPV $GGLWLRQV

980 Elgin Avenue p.(204) 779-6900 f.(204) 779-6969 www.acrltd.ca

editor’s notebook

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Susan Legge susan.legge@nexthome.ca EDITOR/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE

Merlyn Minty 204.782.8692 merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Marlene Eisner SALES & MARKETING COORDINATORS

Gary Chilvers Vi Nguyen DISTRIBUTION

distributionteam@nexthome.ca ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES

Sanctuary

C

accountingteam@nexthome.ca GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony

OVID-19 has certainly presented us with a long list of challenges and concerns. Most of us are now spending much more time at home. Perhaps our commute to the office has been replaced with a home office. The prospect of summer travel has largely been replaced with spending more time in the backyard.

This increased time spent in our homes is causing many to reevaluate their space. Is it time to increase square footage by developing the basement or building an addition? Replacing an outdated kitchen or bathroom can do much to increase functionality and improve our well-being.

If there are areas of your home that have been needing some attention, now is an excellent time to address these items with repairs and upgrades.

Developing your yard into a park-like setting can help to make your time at home much more enjoyable. You will be taking a mini vacation every time you walk out your door and enter your private oasis. Think various zones, outdoor rooms, hardscaping and beautiful landscaping.

Imagine sitting around a fire pit in the tranquil setting of your wellplanned backyard.

Implementing such changes can turn your home into a true sanctuary.

A place to escape, unwind and relax. The good news is that the professional renovation industry is fully operational here in Manitoba.

You can expect professional renovators, designers and their suppliers to be following all of the health and safety guidelines, as set out by the Province of Manitoba.

Go ahead... look around your property and start planning. Then, reach out to professionals who can make your dreams a reality!

Enjoy your summer and happy renovating!

MERLYN MINTY Editor merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca

8

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

Notice: The RenoMark Renovation of the Year Awards feature, which will announce the winners, has been postponed to the October/ November 2020 issue.

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Sandra Hanak–Vujnovic Mike Terentiev CONTRIBUTORS

Curtis Breslaw, Brennen Bilyk Photography, Hellen Buttigieg, Duality Photographic, Aynsley Dueck, Sara Duck, Margaret Anne Fehr, Lynn Fenwick, Michelle Hopkins, Lanny McInnes, Ronald Richter Photography, Kim Schroeder, Wayne Sage, The Canadian Home Builders’ Association Published by

nexthome.ca INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING? Please direct all sales or distribution inquiries to Merlyn Minty at 204.782.8692 or via e-mail at: Merlyn.Minty@nexthome.ca Advertising Call 1.866.532.2588 for rates and information. Fax: 1.888.861.5038 Circulation Highly targeted, free distribution system aimed at homeowners looking to renovate using street level boxes and racking, plus door-to-door insertions in key audience segments. Call 1.866.532.2588 to discuss distribution opportunities.

Copyright Notice All copyright and other intellectual property rights in the contents hereof are the property of NextHome, and not that of the individual client. The customer has purchased the right of reproduction in NextHome and does not have the right to reproduce the ad or photo in any other place or publication without the previous written consent of NextHome. Contents of this publication, in hard copy format as well as online, are covered by copyright law, and offenders will be prosecuted.

Copyright 2020 All rights reserved.

Reproduction, storage in a retrieval system or transmission, in any form or by any means, whether electronic, mechanical or otherwise, in whole or in part, without prior written permission of NextHome is strictly prohibited.

Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor by email to editorial@nexthome.ca. The views and data expressed by columnists do not

industry voice

Committed to safety

S

LANNY MCINNES

10

taying safe and secure has been on the top of everyone’s mind as we’ve all collectively dealt with COVID-19 and its impact on our day to day life. This focus extends not just to our homes, but also our workplaces as well. We all want to make sure we take the proper preventative measures to keep ourselves, our families, and our co-workers safe.

Most people, however, aren’t aware that when a renovation project begins in their home, it technically becomes a construction site and workplace for those who are doing the renovation work in your home. Manitoba Home Builders’ Association renovator members take this very seriously. Ensuring proper social distancing measures, proper sanitation measures, and other preventative measures are being enforced on renovation worksites is something our members take extremely seriously.

MHBA renovator members also take the safety of their workers very seriously as well. In order to promote and achieve greater safety results for renovators, the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba (CSAM) partnered with the MHBA to develop a specific safety training program for home renovators. This safety program has been available for renovators and their employees to take since 2017.

The MHBA is excited to provide this training tool to our members to help ensure that they are working in a safe work environment. The training program provided by CSAM outlines health and safety roles and responsibilities, how to do proper hazard assessments, and implement proper safety practices and procedures while working on renovation projects. The goal of this program is to help MHBA renovators improve safety on their worksites and keep them up to date on the latest in safety procedures and best practices.

Following the launch of the new Renovator Safety Program, the MHBA’s Renovator Council recommended that this new program be a requirement for all existing and new MHBA renovator members. The MHBA Board of Directors

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

agreed and approved making the completion of the Renovator Safety Program a new requirement for all renovator members in the fall of 2018.

Ensuring all MHBA renovator members have completed the Renovator Safety Program is a clear demonstration from the MHBA that workplace safety is a priority for our members.

MHBA renovator members always provide a written contract and offer a minimum two-year warranty on all of their work, MHBA RenoMark renovators will take out all the appropriate permits and license required for the project. This is your best insurance to ensure that your renovator, rather than you, is responsible for any problems that are encountered during or after the work is completed.

Homeowners that don’t ensure the renovator takes out the appropriate permits take on all liability regarding the project. If the permit is in your name, or you don’t have one, you become the prime contractor by default. If someone gets hurt as a result of working on your property, you – not the contractor you hired - are responsible. This is a significant risk many homeowners are unaware of.

Through the “Get it in Writing!” national public awareness campaign, MHBA renovators continue to help inform consumers on how to best protect themselves when hiring a contractor for renovations. Part of that greater awareness is for home owners to know to ask a potential renovator contractor how they will do the job safely.

When looking for the right renovator for your home renovation project, be sure to ask them about their safety procedures. It is very important that you know your renovator and their staff will be working in a safe way when they are in your home or on your property.

Protect yourself, your family, and your investment by asking the right questions ahead of time and hiring a contractor that will do the job professionally and safely.

Lanny McInnes is president of the Manitoba Home Builders’ Association.

Best of

design file

2020 DesignTrends

We catch up with Karen Kang, to find out the latest trends that will be inspiring your design choices for 2020.

BY SARA DUCK

Freshwater prefab Muskoka cottage

Yellow Goat Design custom fixture

TREND: Home and wellness CONCEPT: It’s about rethinking the future of your home, where wellness is the main focus of your living spaces. From the use of natural light and natural materials to green areas within, the future of home is about creating spaces where you can thrive.

TREND: Sophisticated yet playful lighting CONCEPT: One of the main trends in lighting design is to work with essential forms, to create lamps that can easily adapt to any space, lasting over the changes of different styles and trends. Shapes are inspired by geometry, especially by the circle, which was one of the key shapes of last year.

12

TREND: Modern and natural kitchens CONCEPT: The new kitchen is still modern, but looking at natural materials and finishes to bring some organic and warm touches into your space. Blanco Quatrus R15 U super single, stainless-steel sink

Frovi relic table with benches

TREND: Rise of res-imercial

Frovi relic cloud multi-purpose table

CONCEPT: Commercial applications are influencing residential design and vice versa. Commercial furniture is taking on the softness of residential furniture as people desire to work in comfort.

TREND: Work-life balance CONCEPT: Wellness continues to dominate the trends both at home and in commercial and workspace applications. Incorporating comfortable furniture, indoor greenery and open spaces ensure that needs (multi-generational, abilities) of coworkers are met.

13

trending

ARE YOU READY FOR A

SMART HOME? New tech innovations dominate new-home scene

by MICHELLE HOPKINS Tired of driving up late at night to a dark house and wishing the lights would turn on when you’re a few minutes away? Done. Want to increase your home’s heat on a late winter’s day without having to leave the office? Done. Voice-activated digital assistants and smart devices are as predictable in new-home builds as garages. So says Gary Tiwana, principal, Paramax Homes.

“We install a smart-home automation system in 95 per cent of the homes we build,” says the luxury North Vancouver builder. “Today’s systems are user-friendly and capable of doing so much more. Every year, there are new advances in these systems.”

14

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

THE NEXT GENERATION OF DIGITAL HOME “BUTLERS” ARE ALREADY HERE

Today’s voice-activated digital assistants, such as Google Assistant, Apple’s Siri, Microsoft’s Cortana and Amazon’s Alexa and Echo, are redefining how we use and interact with our smart phones, as well as technology as a whole.

These virtual helpers have moved into our homes in a big way, understanding more voice commands and helping us control our surroundings by merely lifting a finger (or just using our voice).

Besides monitoring lights or lowering blinds, these butlers can track parcel deliveries, order dinner,

open garage doors and turn on air conditioners. As more homes are equipped with digital helpers, manufacturers are hard at work to be the first to bring to market the latest evolutions.

“Better voice control will continue to dominate in-home automation,” says Walt Zerbe, senior director of technology and standards, CEDIA (a leading global authority in home technology). “In the near future, home automation will recognize a host of commands it can’t understand yet.

For example, if you are in your kitchen and wanted the system to turn off the chandelier in the dining room, it wouldn’t execute that command because it doesn’t recognize it.”

When it comes to intelligent security cameras, many now offer facial recognition. “When someone from your list of friends and family members comes to your front door, you will get notification on your smart watch or phone,” adds Zerbe. “For security reasons, these cameras are very hot right now.”

The Nest thermostat is the easiest and one of the most useful products for those who want to find ways to save money on hydro bills. With a WiFi smart thermostat, you can remotely change the temperature, set schedules and save energy.

Better yet, the Nest thermostat can communicate with the Nest Protect smoke alarm to alert homeowners to issues like heating failures, cooling lapses, or indoor pollutants.

“A Nest Protect can detect smoke and carbon monoxide and relay that information to your Nest thermostat,

which will automatically shut off your system to stop the spread of dangerous fumes,” Zerbe notes. “This is a life saver.”

Another fairly recent innovation is the smart watermain shut-off valve.

“The Dome Z-Wave Plus Smart Water Main Shut-Off Valve can be controlled wirelessly and detect a water leak,” adds Zerbe. “It will automatically shut off the water and send a message to your phone, mitigating water damage before it has a chance to really cause costly destruction to your home.”

A LIGHT ON WELLNESS

Anyone who remembers fluorescent lighting of the past knows the health implications, like migraines, eye strain, and dizziness. Today’s intelligent lighting system is creating healthier homes.

“Using voice control, Philips Hue can change the colour of your lighting,

like a blue white for alertness,” says Zerbe. “Right now, lighting companies are working on non-white lights and colour-changing illumination to help with sleep, moods and more.”

As more of us age in our homes, Zerbe predicts wellness will be the next hot frontier.

“We need to make our homes safer… technology will help us achieve that,” Zerbe notes.

Even though these voice-controlled smart speakers are capable of doing a lot, they aren’t quite ready to accomplish all our commands just yet.

However, that will soon change, as WiFi-connected devices in our homes get smarter in their own right.

“Moving forward, security and privacy will improve, we will see more integration between our devices and we will be able to control our kitchen appliances using an app,” says Zerbe. nexthome.ca 15

feature

The best of

yesterday & tomorrow

by MARGARET ANNE FEHR photos by DUALITY PHOTOGRAPHIC

MAKE IT HOME ACHIEVES SHOW HOME AMBIENCE

It was 1987 when Suzanne and family bought their St. James bungalow, a fashionable show home that served the family well for over 30 years. Life unfolded, their child grew up, but sadly Suzanne’s husband recently passed leaving her to contemplate her ‘what’s next’ situation and how to move on while honouring the past.

“I thought about moving, but looking around I realized that the features I wanted were pretty much what I already had. It’s a single level with an attached garage so that was a major advantage,” says Suzanne.

There were many features in the 1250 square foot bungalow that boded well for creating an accessible floor plan that would allow Suzanne to age in place for years to come. “There wasn’t anything in the market that would be any better than my present situation so I decided to go ahead with a full-scale renovation to create that show home feeling of 30 years ago.”

Suzanne sourced Doreen Gauthier, President of Make it Home LTD, to navigate the renovation and the process was officially underway!

“When I hooked up with Doreen, I had a good sense of what I wanted 16

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

but working with her, everything just became more elevated!”

The first step of the renovation was to remove the non-supporting wall between the kitchen and living room/ dining room that allowed natural light to infuse the space. “It was always so dark before,” recalls Suzanne, “but now it just glows with light!”

The new kitchen configuration and the centrepiece island have created lots more surface space for prepping, cooking and congregating.

The island houses a sink, dishwasher, multiple storage drawers and a pair of cupboards on the opposite side. The island is topped with a 9 foot quartz counter that is a sparkling melange of taupes and browns and the overhang provides ample seating for three. The island is defined with a Taupe Fedora hue that provides subtle contrast with the Soft Chamois of the painted maple cabinetry on the perimeter. The textured 3” by 12” Marlow subway tile called Desert defines the backsplash.

The rear kitchen window was replaced with a sliding patio door to the deck while the standard back door became a window, both contributing to an enhanced backyard view and

AFTER

The first step of the renovation was to remove the nonsupporting wall between the kitchen and living room/dining room that allowed natural light to infuse the space.

BEFORE

nexthome.ca 17

‘‘

There wasn’t anything in the market that would be any better than my present situation so I decided to go ahead with a full-scale renovation to create that show home feeling of 30 years ago.”

The island houses a sink, dishwasher, multiple storage drawers and a pair of cupboards on the opposite side. The island is topped with a 9 foot quartz counter that is a sparkling melange of taupes and browns and the overhang provides ample seating for three.

increased illumination. “To do this we needed to square off angled exterior walls,” says Doreen. “The new walls were under the existing roof overhang, so it was fairly simple.”

A nondescript interior wall was transformed with the addition of a Dimplex 50” electric fireplace with Splitface Marble stone surround that exudes a sophisticated blend of stone, wood and flame.

A secretive alcove reveals space for a stacked washer and dryer at one end of the wall eliminating the need for hauling laundry to the basement.

A nondescript interior wall was transformed with the addition of a Dimplex 50” electric fireplace with Splitface Marble stone surround that exudes a sophisticated blend of stone, wood and flame.

A secretive alcove reveals space for a stacked washer and dryer at one end of the wall eliminating the need for hauling laundry to the basement.

18

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

The textured 3” by 12” Marlow subway tile called Desert defines the backsplash.

nexthome.ca 19

‘‘

It was always so dark before,” recalls Suzanne, “but now it just glows with light!

Bathrooms were reconfigured.

“Suzanne wanted grab bars installed, so we added framing to allow for their installation. We thought that would work best should she ever require assistance to use the shower in future years. The space was small, so we opted out of a bench to allow for that flexibility down the road.”

The main bedroom got a full up-grade with new flooring, paint, lighting, as well as new doors, frames and trims.

“Everything that was done was designed with the idea of me being here for a long time,” says Suzanne.

“Working with Doreen was awesome.

She kept track of the whole process and she was meticulous when it came to making sure everything was done to quality standards.”

“Construction started at end of October last year and finished this April, but then the Co-vid 19 pandemic hit, so most of my family has not seen yet because we’re all self-isolating.

Everyone’s eager to see the new look when the time is right!”

Suzanne wanted that show home feeling from when she first bought the house all those years ago. “I’m thinking she is pleased because we’re now working on a design for the exterior with our new Make It Home Outdoor services. Making our client happy is what it’s all about – indoors and now outdoors too!

For more details on Make it Home, visit makeithome.ca or phone 204.290.8113.

20

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

“Suzanne wanted grab bars installed, so we added framing to allow for their installation.

We thought that would work best should she ever require assistance to use the shower in future years. The space was small, so we opted out of a bench to allow for that flexibility down the road.”

4 TIME FINALIST IN THE CHBA NATIONAL AWARDS FOR HOUSING EXCELLENCE

-h; | ol; 7o;v hb|1_;m -m7 0-|_uool u;moˆ-࢟ omvÄś ‰_oѲ; _ol; u;moˆ-࢟ omvÄś 0-v;l;m| u;moˆ-࢟ omv -m7 7;ˆ;Ѳorl;m|vÄś -m7 -77b࢟ omvĸ ); ruoˆb7; -vvbv|-m1; ‰b|_ 1om1;r| 7;vb]mÄś 7;vb]m 7u-‰bm]vÄś 0†7];| ru;r-u-࢟ omÄś -m7 1olrѲ;|; bmv|-ѲѲ-࢟ om v;uˆb1;v o= |_; ;m࢟ u; ruof;1|ĸ Ѳ;-v; 1om|-1| ou;;m -†|_b;u Ć?Ć?ƑĸĆ?Ć”Ć?ĸѴƎƎĆ? Ĺ… 7]-†|_b;uĹžl-h;b|_ol;ĸ1-

b7 ‹o† hmo‰ ‰; 1-m |-h; 1-u; o= ‹o†u o†|7oou vr-1;v |_; v-l; ‰-‹ ‰; 7o bm7oou vr-1;vÄ´ -h; | ol; †|7oou 1-m 7;vb]m -m7 0†bѲ7 o†|7oou v|u†1|†u;vÄś r;u]oѲ-vÄś 1olrovb|; -m7 v|om; 7;1hvÄś vo[ -m7 _-u7v1-r;v -m7 bmv|-ѲѲ Ѳ-m7v1-r; Ѳb]_࢟ m]ĸ Ѳ;-v; 1om|-1| o; &ulov Ć‘ĆŽĆ?ĸƔƔѴĸƔѳƑƑ Ĺ… fo;Ĺžl-h;b|_ol;ĸ1-

An award winning, full service design build renovation company 678 Tache Ave., Winnipeg Buy a house. Live a dream. Make it home.

makeithome.ca

FOLLOW US

14 time RenoMark Award Winner

living space

design

1

in detail

story by KIM SCHROEDER,

B.I.D.

PROJECT: THE MASTER BEDROOM Instead of just automatically

using the headboard that matches your bedroom set, why not create a feature wall over your bed. It can be a simple as a panel of accent paint #4 or as custom as #9 or #10 or somewhere in the middle with readymade panels #2

2

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Padded fabric wall panels are paired with drapery side panels Stained slat wood wall framed by floor to ceiling drapery side panels.

Digital print on canvas glued to the wall paired with custom wood panels.

Colour blocking with accent paint colour.

2 art niches and 3 cut-outs with custom glass panels.

Custom fabricated dimensional vinyl panels.

Limestone panels with accent strips, frame the recessed accent painted wall.

Dimensional mdf painted in a metallic paint is finished with wood valance, wall panels and built in nite tables.

3 small windows, accented with art glass panels are surrounded by wood wall panels and mother of pearl tiles.

A series of unique light fixtures which create this light pattern compliment the wood wall, valance and nite tables.

Kim Schroeder Charisma, The Design Experience 388 Academy Road, Winnipeg, MB tel: 204.487.6994 www.charismadesign.ca

22

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

nexthome.ca 23

Tips & Tricks

Learning from others Homeowners who have completed major renovation projects, including bathroom and kitchen upgrades, additions and whole-house renovations, are a great source of advice. Over the years, CHBA has heard from many such satisfied customers, and here’s the type of advice they offer:

1

7

Courtesy of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association

1. Find a renovator you can trust and are comfortable with. This is crucial to a good renovation experience. You need to check out the renovator thoroughly. Ask lots of questions when you meet. Talk with previous customers. Visit past or current projects. You also need to be confident that the company is financially stable and has a solid history. Many experienced homeowners also comment on the importance a comfortable personal fit is with the people they hire, that they are easy to talk with and responsive.

2. Find out what services the renovator offers. Homeowners often don’t realize that many professional renovation contractors also provide design and planning services. Even if you want to work with a designer or architect of your own choosing, a contractor can add a lot of value to the process. “Our renovator saw opportunities for improving our design and offered alternative solutions to structural challenges, saving us money in the process.”

24

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

6 3. Make sure you have a detailed written contract. “We chose the renovator who had it all written out. We knew what we were in for and didn’t have to lie awake at night worrying what the final costs would be.”

4. Know the facts before the work begins. Ask a lot of questions of your renovator or contractor. What does the work entail? How will it be done and by whom? How will it affect your day-to-day living? Should you consider moving out during any portion of the construction process? What if you want to make changes? The more you know upfront about the whole process, the less anxious you’ll feel.

5. Take an active role throughout the project. It’s your investment and your home, so you want to follow things closely and know what’s going on at all times. The best results come from

good communication and a good working relationship between you and your renovator. Ask for and expect regular, if not daily, updates. Know how to get hold of the renovator if you have questions or concerns. Be prepared to spend time going over drawings, monitoring the progress of your project, and discussing decisions with your renovator.

6. Don’t expect a problem-free renovation. The bigger the project, the more likely you will run into the unexpected, such as existing deficiencies hidden in the walls, delays in special orders or bad weather. Be flexible and understand that some things are beyond the renovator’s or your control. “If there is good rapport and trust between you and your renovator, it is usually easy to find a solution and move beyond the problem.”

5

4

7. Plan ahead for your finishes.

Typically, homeowners are responsible for choosing cabinets, flooring, tiles, fixtures and the many other finishes that will complete the job. This can be time-consuming. “My afternoon at the bath showroom turned into two full days.” Set aside plenty of time and begin early – in some markets, there may be a significant delay for special orders. And take full advantage of your renovator’s experience to help you find the best options.

8. Keep money in reserve for extras.

Once the work begins, it is not uncommon for homeowners to want

8

to go an extra step – a better quality tile, brand-new appliances and so on.

“Once you are into it, you realize that

just so-so is not good enough and that now is the best time to get those extra little touches of style or luxury.”

From Concept to Completion From space planning to a fully provisioned interior, our architectural interior designers will make your dream home a reality.

388 Academy Road, Winnipeg Ph: (204) 487-6994 www.charismadesign.ca

the design experience nexthome.ca 25

getting started

What’s going on out there?

A WAYNE SAGE

26

t the time I wrote my last column, we were getting an idea of what was to come. Fast forward to today, where we are well aware of the changes in our world and so much else in our lives. ‘The new normal’ is a term we are all getting used to hearing.

So then, how does ‘the new normal’ affect the building and renovation world? It’s likely that since you’ve been spending all this time at home, you have noticed some things you would like to change or remodel. It could be that working from home and the efficiencies of that condition has you looking at repurposing some areas of your home or building an addition for a more private home office space. Perhaps it just became more evident that additional space was needed for your family and lifestyle or maybe a suite addition for elderly parents to live with you, but privately. That particular project has really grown in popularity over the last few years.

Your next questions would be, ‘how can I get that done?

Are the good qualified professional renovators and builders out there working and able to operate?’ The good news for you is, ‘yes, we are!’ We were fortunate in Manitoba that construction was able to continue, albeit under a complete new set of standards and protocols, but for the most part have been able to continue to plan projects and start new builds and renovations. Material supply chains have also not presented much of a problem either, keeping projects on schedule as much as possible. For a time, permits and inspections looked problematic and inspections could only be carried out in new builds or unoccupied homes where renovations were taking place. However, the City

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

of Winnipeg has done a fantastic job developing a system where we can work with them by using video inspections. I have to say, I am really impressed by this initiative and the city for doing its best to help us operate so that your projects can continue.

So then, do not fear initiating your project. Most of us are operating but down in volume as scheduled projects were put on hold. That means that this is a great time to get in the queue for design work and on the schedule for builds.

I want to close by saying how through a once in a generation worldwide pandemic, the humanity and sense of community we are experiencing in Winnipeg and across the country makes me so proud to be Canadian. And, my hope is that we can continue this on the other side as it’s apparent it’s all within us.

Stay well.

Wayne Sage is the owner and President of Harwood Design Builders, a multi National and Provincial award winning Winnipeg Design - Build contracting firm and a certified Master Renovator.

SERVING MANITOBA FOR

74 YEARS

you deserve a beautiful kitchen Ř )UHH LQ KRPH consultations & quotes Ř &XVWRP &DELQHWU\ Ř WK *HQHUDWLRQ IDPLO\ EXVLQHVV Ř 3URMHFW management

Custom Amisco Bar Stools

Ph:

204-663-5022 I

465 Edison Ave. I www.hawthornekitchenscanada.com I info@hawthornewpg.com

show home

Kitchen

2020

by LYNN FENWICK, B.I.D.

photography by DUALITY PHOTOGRAPHIC courtesy of A&S HOMES

We had the privilege of designing the Design Boutique for A&S Homes. it is an incredible space that highlights the diversity of this builder. We developed the Design Boutique for A&S clients to be able to see all the choices they have available to them.

The design and selections Fenwick & Company made are defined by our market in Winnipeg, but heavily influenced by what trends we see developing over the next few years.

We thought we would give you some insight into the thought process behind our designs.

28

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

COLOUR IN THE KITCHEN

According to the latest research, total white kitchens are still very popular, but it looks like we designers are getting tired of white and moving towards stronger colors.

My colleagues and I are not afraid to experiment with moody or dramatic darkness in the kitchen area, especially when paired up with organic materials.

Embrace the darker color palette, instead of a black accent use it for your entire kitchen, or for a slightly softer look use a rich coffee black, woods, shades of grey, taupe or biscuit beige, and you will have trendy, warm

and welcoming kitchen ambiance.

Natural wood tones, slate and concrete harmonize well with the darker tones.

TWO TONE

A popular option continuing for the next year will be the two-toned kitchen, where the kitchen is designed around two main colors/finishes.

These can either be incorporated as shown by pairing a very tactile finish, such as wood in contrast to the warm grey cabinets or using one colour/ finish for the upper cabinets, one for the lower ones. Another option is, one finish for the low cabinets, a different

one for the floor-to-ceiling ones.

A white kitchen, when paired with a wood for a two-tone effect is hitting the trend.

KITCHEN MATERIALS

We are seeing stronger graining like oak in wood cabinets, along with stains in black, charcoal and other muted colourings. Light woods are also making a comeback, like Maple and Rift Oak are in demand for kitchen fronts.

We are also experiencing a wave of painted cabinets in the dusty tones and using wood in accents instead of

the main material. The finishes tend to be more matte. Black cabinets in matte finish and a handle-free look are at the top of the trend.

The shimmering metallic tones are used in all kitchen elements.

The new metallics for kitchen fronts are popular, but they are also found in handles, fittings, worktop edges and baseboards. The combination options of Metallic are numerous: a mix of gold with black and white transports a kitchen design from elegant to luxurious. The use of bronze and copper together with wood tones

look warm and homely. Stainless steel surfaces add a modern look to even a traditional kitchen.

COUNTERTOPS

Marble, marble everywhere. Whether it is the real thing or man-made, in white gray or tones the marble look is still very popular. The trend direction of countertop in a stone look includes matte and slightly textured quartz-based counters representational of travertine, slate and concrete. We are seeing a trend to tile countertops. I am not talking about regular sized tiles. nexthome.ca 29

“

Whatever your style, whatever your design needs, we are here to help!

…continued from page 29

The slabs are so large, they can be used in one piece on a good sized island.

INTEGRATE EVERYTHING!

The principle, hide it if you can – is extremely on trend. I am talking about induction cooktops with integrated hoods, hidden dishwashers, microwaves, or builtin ovens at waist height perfectly integrated in walls of storage.

SMART KITCHENS

Not just lighting but your oven, can be controlled at the touch of your phone. Motion sense-equipped kitchen faucets, refrigerators that can alert you when your groceries items are running low, leave memos for the

family or give you reminders on your appointments! Today, you can have a kitchen with technology integrated into every function and appliance!

The interesting fact about the trends of today is that they don’t just apply to new construction. They relate very easily to renovation. You may not have to take out the cabinets in the kitchen if they can be stained or painted in a more current colour.

Add a new countertop and hardware and Voila! A small change can take a house from dated to trending!

Sometimes you just want a whole new look and having a bit of insight into what an interior designer sees for the future in kitchen design helps with making those tough decisions.

Whatever your style, whatever your design needs, we are here to help!

Lynn Fenwick Fenwick and Company Interior Design, Tel 204.489.5151 E-mail lynnfenwick@shaw.ca, Web www.fenwickinteriordesign.ca, Blog: fenwickinteriordesign.blogspot.com, Facebook: www.facebook.com/FenwickCompany 30

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

tips & tricks

I WANT TO DO THE WORK MYSELF For many homeowners, do-it-yourself home renovation and repair projects are a source of considerable enjoyment and pride. The best advice we can offer is to consider your own skills and abilities carefully when planning your projects. Getting in “over your head” can end up costing more money than hiring professional help in the first place. » Do you have any knowledge of building codes and good building practices which is essential for many projects? » Do you have the time to research, plan and do the work properly? » If required, do you know trade contractors and subtrades that will do a good job on your home? And will you be able to schedule their work without overlaps or lengthy delays?

» If you act as your own contractor and hire someone to work for you, do you know how to protect yourself against liabilities in case of accidents or mistakes? Or against damage to your home in the course of the work? » Do you have the proper tools to do a good and attractive job?

If your primary reason to do the work yourself is to save money, talk to one or several renovators before you make a final decision. An experienced renovator may be able to suggest ways of reducing the cost of your project while still using professional services, such as modifying the design or substituting products. You can also save by doing the finishing work yourself, such as painting or wallpapering.

Courtesy of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association

Let’s build your business Home Decor & Renovations reaches more qualified readers than any other home improvement publication.

Our readers are looking for project ideas and connections to professionals that specialize in home improvement, design and construction. Within our colourful, informative format, we can highlight your business, product or service in the best possible way: with creative advertising and/or informative articles and profiles. It’s the best way to get your business the valuable exposure it needs!

Next issue ad deadline Ì JULY 15, 2020 Call today to be part of our exciting next issue!

Distribution starts Ì JULY 31, 2020

204.782.8692 1 2 0 1 – A M a n a h a n A v e . T E L : 2 0 4 - 4 8 9 - 5 1 5 1 www.fenwickinteriordesign.ca nexthome.ca 31

COURTESY OF RONALD RICHTER PHOTOGRAPHY

organized living

design MEETS FUNCTION

A PLACE FOR EVERYHING‌ except stress. We love

to work with our clients to help them achieve a more organized lifestyle, beginning with creating spaces that can help you breathe! Summer is here and many of us staying at home, which makes it more important than ever to have surroundings that reflect peace and serenity. Let us help you.

We can do this together!

32

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

YOUR SHOE COLLECTION Do you have a shoe collection you are proud of? Show it off!

This client had a vision and we were excited to make her dreams come true. Imagine getting ready every day in this beautiful dressing room, or simply sitting down with a glass of wine and admiring your shoe collection!

Book your free in-home estimate online at forspacesake.com or call 204-488-2633 and you are on your way to making your organizational dreams come true! now and install at a later date.

TRANSFORMABLE FURNITURE Working from home? Consider turning an ordinary space into one that incorporates a sofa, bed, entertainment unit, and a desk. This is the time to invest in transformable furniture.

Your home or condo will thank you!

THE PERFECT MAT Everyone’s favorite indoor/outdoor mat

by Chilewich. Resistant to mold, mildew, and chlorine, mat is vinyl backed and slip resistant. A wide range of colors are available. nexthome.ca 33

organized living

Take time for yourself

S

HELLEN BUTTIGIEG

34

ometimes, we get so bogged down with all the things on our “to-do” list that we forget to take time for ourselves. Here are some tips to help simplify your life.

Live in the moment. We have become a society of multi-taskers, but in an effort to be more efficient, we have robbed ourselves of the pure pleasure that comes from performing simple tasks. Next time you wash dishes, fold laundry or set the table, focus only on the task at hand. Engage your senses. Notice the fresh smell of clean laundry, the rainbow colours in the soap bubbles, the beauty of a table set with care (candles, flowers and cloth napkins). You’ll feel less frazzled and more peaceful.

Let go of the “shoulds.” Next time you catch yourself thinking guilt-inducing thoughts like, “I should go to the gym” or “I have to wash the windows,” shift your perspective. Find a way to make the task more enjoyable so you can replace the “should” and “have to” with “like to,” “want to” or “could.” Re-framing your thoughts in this manner puts you in control because you are deciding to do the task out of desire, not criticism. Another option is to reevaluate the task to see if it really is a necessity or if you can drop it from your “to-do” list altogether.

Put yourself out there. Life has a way of flowing effortlessly when we put ourselves out there. If there’s something you’ve been wanting in your life, take one small action toward it and notice how other things fall into place.

It could be a simple phone call you’ve been putting off, a book you’ve been meaning to read or a website you’ve

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

wanted to visit. Do it now and have faith in the power of taking that first step.

Tie up loose ends. Regularly schedule one hour a week to devote to tying up loose ends. These little “to-dos” take less time to complete than you think and yet, left undone, eat away at you, draining your energy and clouding your mind. If you finish in less than an hour, use the extra time to reward yourself with a special indulgence.

Eliminate catalogue clutter and enjoy mental freedom. Are catalogues piling up on every flat surface in your office? If you’ve had them for more than three months and still haven’t read them, it’s time to take an honest look at whether they are adding value or complicating your life. Go online and remove your name from catalogues you don’t read, and cancel magazine subscriptions that clutter your life, drain your energy and rob you of peace of mind. You can always purchase the odd magazine or two when you have some extra time to devote to reading.

Make bill paying easier by synchronizing due dates. Paying bills can be time consuming and difficult to keep track of, especially if they are due at various times throughout the month. Consider calling all your creditors and having the due dates on your monthly bills changed to either the 1st or the 15th of the month.

Put a reminder on your calendar to ensure that they’re paid on time.

Consolidating tasks saves time and mental energy.

Create kits to make life easier. Items that are used together should be stored together to make tasks easier and save you time. Store all your car-wash supplies in one bin; your gardening supplies in another. Imagine how much easier it will be to wrap gifts when your gift bags, cards, scissors, bows, tape and pen are all stored together.

Hellen Buttigieg is a certified professional organizer, life coach, TV host, owner of We Organize U and author of the best-seller, Organizing Outside The Box. For tips on getting organized, visit weorganizeu.com and sign up for the free newsletter.

bedroom essentials

dreams SWEET

A clean bedroom can help you sleep better and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Pam Helms, co-founder of the plant-derived cleaning brand Mrs. Meyer’s, offers tips for cleaning your bedroom essentials

BLANKETS

QUILTS

Machine wash cotton blankets in warm water. Wash wool with laundry detergent on the gentle cycle in cold water. Spin blankets in the washer until all excess moisture is gone. Gently stretch them back to their original size before air drying.

Wash on the gentle cycle, but make sure to use cold water and laundry detergent. For a homemade quilt, don’t wash it too often, or it’ll show its wear. If your quilt is an heirloom, have it professionally cleaned.

SHEETS + PILLOW CASES

MATTRESS PADS

Wash once a week – or more frequently if someone has been sick.

Wash cotton, cotton blends, flannel, synthetics or bamboo in hot water; dry on low. Fold sheets right away so wrinkles won’t set in.

Wash once a month in hot water and air dry. (If soiled, wash right away!)

COMFORTERS Place them in the dryer for just a few minutes to fluff up, and then hang heavy comforters, quilts and wool blankets on several clotheslines to balance out the weight so they won’t stretch.

RUGS Wash small cotton or synthetic rugs and bath mats (even those with rubber or latex backings) i n cold water on the gentle cycle. Air dry.

CURTAINS Wash cotton curtains in cold water. Air dry, then iron while slightly damp to get out wrinkles.

Custom Closets by The Beauty is in the Details

The ultimate closet experience

FREE IN-HOME ESTIMATE

Call 204-488-2633 or visit us online at forspacesake.com

Begin and End your Day Beautifully Organized

AUTHORIZED DEALER

@forspacesake nexthome.ca 35

home renovation

ADD A BAR

A stiff drink is enjoyable now and then, and one great way to liven up a basement is to add a bar. A basement is a great place to add a bar, complete with marble bar top and cushy stools.

Add your favourite drinks, have beer on tap and a refrigerator to store snacks for a perfect evening in!

LIGHTEN THE COLOR

If your basement seems dark and dreary, consider lightening up the space with colour. Choose a bright blue or creamy yellow to give the space a bright and cheerful feel.

9 ways to liven up your basement

A

CURTIS BRESLAW

basement is a great additional space for any home. When you purchase a house that has a basement, you have extra space that can be used in a variety of ways. If you have a basement that is currently being unused, it is time to figure out what you want to do to liven it up and make it usable space. Whether your basement is unfinished or just lacking a purpose, there are many ideas to choose from below to bring life to this area of your home.

CHANGE UP YOUR FURNISHINGS

One of the least expensive ways to revamp your basement is to change up your furnishings. Consider removing a loveseat and sofa and changing to an oversized sectional. Add a new television or more luxurious recliners to enjoy the space differently.

EXERCISE/SPORTS SPACE

If you like to work out or enjoy sports, you can make your basement an exercise or sports space. Add a dart board, pool table, weight bench or cardio machine. Add whatever you like to stay fit or to have fun.

CREATE SEVERAL SPACES

An excellent option for a basement redesign is to create several spaces out of one big room. If your basement is a big space, you can add walls to create different areas. Think of how your family would benefit from more than one area. If you have children, you could create a family room for adults to watch television with another place for the children to play in. Making several spaces can add value to the home as well as areas to enjoy.

FLOORING

Many basements are constructed with hard floorings such as vinyl or concrete.

Add a new flooring such as hardwood or carpeting for a unique look. New flooring will transform the space and can make it quite comfortable.

SIMPLE REDESIGN

MOVIE ROOM

Who doesn’t love a night at the movies? Creating a movie room in your own home will allow you to enjoy a movie every night of the week. Make your basement a dark space with a large movie screen, with cushy seating for family movie night whenever you like!

ADDING BEDROOMS

A basement is also a great area to create bedroom space. As your family grows, you can section off your basement to be one, two even three bedrooms depending on the space you have in the home. A basement with ample square footage can easily be converted to bedrooms, providing a private space for every adult and child in the household.

36

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

Sometimes all it takes to liven up a space is to redesign it. You may be tired of looking at the same paint color, window treatments, furnishings and décor. When you have had enough of your design, perhaps it’s time to rely on someone else. An interior designer can help you to enjoy a new look in the basement of your home. Basement renovation experts can help you make your home look its very best!

Curtis Breslaw is the President of All Canadian Renovations Ltd.

CRACK ‘EM OPEN ANYTIME

recipes

Crustless TexMex Quiche MAKES 8 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS 1 lime, juice and grated zest 2 tsp (10 mL) brown sugar 1 tsp (5 mL) ground coriander 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cumin 1 tsp (5 mL) chipotle powder ½ tsp (2 mL) garlic powder ¼ tsp (1 mL) salt 2 tbsp (25 mL) olive oil 3 ½ cups (875 mL) butternut squash, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice 1-19 oz./540 mL can low-sodium black beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups (500 mL) old cheddar, grated 1 ½ cups (375 mL) milk 4 eggs 2 green onions, thinly sliced

1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

Spray a deep 10-inch pie plate with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, combine the lime juice, lime zest, brown sugar, coriander, cumin, chipotle powder, garlic powder, salt and oil. Add Squash and toss. Transfer to a cookie sheet and roast until just tender, about 20 minutes.

Remove from oven and lower oven temp to 350°F (175°C).

Transfer squash to pie plate.

3. Sprinkle beans over squash; sprinkle cheese over beans.

In a large bowl, whisk milk and eggs. Pour over squash, beans and cheese, and top with the onions. Bake until top is browned, about 35-40 minutes.

38

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

trient For nu is visit analys mb.ca eggs.

Raspberry Meringue Bars INGREDIENTS

MAKES 25 BARS

1 ½ cups (375 mL) all-purpose flour 2 tsp (10 mL) baking powder ½ cup (125 mL) butter 2 egg yolks 1 cup (250 mL) raspberry jam 2 egg whites ¾ cup (175 mL) brown sugar 1 cup (250 mL) unsweetened coconut

1. For the base, mix flour and baking powder together in medium bowl.

Add butter and mix to form pea size particles. Stir in egg yolks.

Mix well. Transfer to an ungreased 9 X 9-inch (23 X 23 cm) pan.

2. Drop spoonfuls of raspberry jam over base and then carefully spread jam over the base. In a large bowl, beat egg whites

until foamy. Gradually add brown sugar while beating on high. Continue beating until mixture is stiff and glossy. Stir in coconut. Spread egg white mixture over jam layer. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for approximately 30 - 35 minutes. Cool on a wire rack and then cut into squares.

Keep covered and refrigerated.

nexthome.ca 39

feature

GLASTAR

debuts new products for capturing the sun!

by MARGARET ANNE FEHR

Glastar Sunrooms by Sunshade has been a Manitoba mainstay for sunroom design, manufacturing and installation for over 40 years and has built the family-owned business’ reputation as a trustworthy and knowledgeable company.

Now, Glastar is adding to their portfolio by introducing products that Steve Sarens, owner and client consultant, says will offer more options for those who are seeking alternatives to full-scale attached sunrooms.

That product is the stand-alone sunroom built to a 12’ by 9’ standard size and offering the same top- notch quality as the full-version attached sunrooms. Using the same design of ventilators on all sides along with a sliding door, the unit provides total comfort control.

The installation of a stand-alone does not require a building permit, so there are immediate cost and time efficiencies.

There are a range of situations where stand-alones offer benefits.

New homes with unique roof styles may 40

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

not accommodate an attached sunroom, so a stand-alone offers an easy alternative.

For cottage owners, a stand-alone is a perfect solution for being closer to the lake and enjoying the view.

The stand-alone can be placed on existing decks or moved into the yard and regardless of what direction the yard faces, the stand-alone will capture the arch of the sun’s movement throughout the seasons.

Steve explains that the stand-alone qualifies as a true 3-season structure. “In fact, when you get the sun on the glass with all the windows closed, you can use that structure up to -10 to -15 Celsius without the use of additional heat. There may even be a few winter days to be enjoyed when the sun makes its appearance.”

“It’s an easy install,” adds Steve. “The customer can pick up the parts and erect the

‘‘

The installation of a stand-alone does not require a building permit nor does it affect property tax assessment so there are immediate cost efficiencies.

structure on their own or it can be done as a combination where the owner builds a platform and a short stub wall and we can finish the installation according to their preference. The Glastar guarantee applies offering 10 years on materials and 5 years on labour.”

The other product making its debut is the Atlas all-purpose structure, another made-in-Manitoba product to roll off the factory floor.

The structure is available in 3 stock sizes including 80”x80”, 90”x90’ and 120”x120”. Custom sizes are an option as well.

“These structures far exceed the building codes in terms of strength,” says Steve. “They are made of pre-

painted, interlocking steel panels and the larger size has a full height door opening to accommodate the bulkiest of contents. Another benefit is that you can configure your own shelving according to your needs. Overhead space also provides a second tier of storage. Roofs are available in slopestyle roof or cathedral-style roof which means no trusses. The units can be insulated as well and windows can be easily popped in.”

“These all-purpose structures can be used for diverse needs including ATV and motorcycle storage, ‘Man-caves’ or ‘Shesheds’; when winter comes, it could even be put on skids and towed to the lake for an ice-

fishing shack,” says Steve. “It’s only limited by your needs and your imagination!”

Prices start at $1999.00 and up according to size.

“People are nesting at home right now and they are considering what they can do to improve their home due to the effects of the pandemic. They’re telling us that they probably won’t be traveling this year or next so they’re looking to spend their money on home improvement amenities that are going to be used for a long time. It’s represents a major change in priorities.”

Visit Glastar Sunrooms online at www.sunshadeltd.com or call them at 204.940.3030. nexthome.ca 41

tips & tricks

ADVICE FROM

RENOVATORS When a group of professional renovators were asked what design and planning advice they most often give to their customers, here is what they said.

42

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

Know why you want to renovate.

What problems are you trying to solve?

Most renovations begin with practical issues. For instance, your bathroom may be cramped, you need more storage space in the kitchen, or there is nowhere for the children to play or do homework under your supervision.

Evaluate the structure, systems and general condition of your house.

With your renovator, list the repairs and replacements likely to be required over the next two, five and 10 years. If necessary, be prepared to make tradeoffs between lifestyle improvements and work needed to keep your home in good shape.

Work with the strengths of your home.

And save money at the same time.

Check under existing carpeting and sheet flooring for old hardwood flooring. Refinish old trim and moulding rather than replace it.

Resurface cabinets rather than install new ones. Turn a large landing into a child’s play area, a quiet reading area or a small home office.

Keep it simple.

A complex design can result in complicated and expensive construction. Whether you want to build on to your home, change roof lines or reconfigure interior

space, consult with a professional renovator on the impact of design on construction and budget. Less complex designs will often let you achieve the same goals.

substantially altering your home, you or your renovator need to know the local regulations — for instance, lot-line setbacks or septic tank requirements.

Don’t just focus on the upfront cost.

Look at your neighbourhood.

Renovation is a further investment in your home. Consider the time, energy and cost required for ongoing maintenance and possible replacement down the road. A wellplanned renovation can reduce these future costs.

Exterior changes or additions that blend with the existing streetscape will probably add the most value to your home, and they will usually be appreciated the most by your neighbours. If you do want a design with a difference, think about ways of complementing neighbouring homes.

Don’t cut corners to save a few dollars, or you may not

Don’t worry about trends.

get the results you want.

Design trends come and go. First and foremost, plan for comfort, ease of living and personal satisfaction.

Enjoy exploring options and possibilities — then design the renovation that is uniquely right for you and your family.

There may be ways to stretch a limited budget or you may be able to scale down your project or alternatively, do it in phases over time. But don’t compromise on quality — it’s always better to do less and do it well.

Check local bylaws.

Before you get too involved in a particular design for adding to or

Courtesy of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association

nexthome.ca 43

feature

The 14’ x 6’ stretch of windows in the living room truly accomplishes bringing the outside in.

Stunning remodel with

BIG WINDOWS

by AYNSLEY DUECK, DUXTON WINDOWS & DOORS

Homeowners Damaris and Greg wanted to move into their “forever home.” They were searching Lindenwoods, Tuxedo, and Charleswood for the right home.

Although they were ready to invest in a high-quality home, they found that the homes on the market all needed substantial renovations to achieve the look they wanted. Most of the homes, built in the 1980s, had smaller, darker rooms, smaller windows and more traditional finishes.

In the end, they decided to stay in their current home and invest in a complete makeover. They hired interior designers, Everitt Design, to help them achieve this goal.

44

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

Everything was redone: interior walls were removed for an open concept living space; two bedrooms were combined into one master bedroom; the ensuite was relocated and enlarged; the roof was reinsulated; the basement stairway was reversed; window openings were enlarged; and every finish was replaced, including flooring, drywall, cabinets, and fixtures.

The vision began with a picture that Damaris found on Instagram. She loved white and black: white walls, black interior windows, concrete-look floor tiles, and hardwood floors. The gold faucet is striking and stands out against the black window frames,

while the beautiful light fixtures complement the look, without blocking the view.

The large format window over the sink, at 9’ wide, makes the kitchen feel even more special and unique.

Interior designer Rob Everitt, of Everitt Design, notes the benefits of fiberglass windows for the energy efficiency and ability to manufacture these big sizes.

“Bringing the window sill all the way down to the counter has a major impact, instead of having it 6 to 18 inches above,” comments Everitt. “You feel like there is less of a distinction between indoors and outdoors; plus, if you’re shorter, you can see out the window much better.”

The main goal was to have everything as bright as possible. Huge windows, and the ability to see through to the yard all the way from the entrance. To achieve the look while maintaining energy efficiency, they selected fiberglass triple pane with two Low-Es and argon gas fill.

“People are wowed when they see the big windows,” notes Damaris. “It is such a dramatic change, because it was so dark before and now there is so much natural light.”

The 14’ x 6’ stretch of windows in the living room truly accomplishes bringing the outside in. The window frames are very slim and modern in design, which keep the focus on the view outside.

In the yard, they have plans to create a Zen space, with a new deck, fireplace, and hot tub. With no cottage, and recent Covid-19 travel restrictions, their home is where they want to enjoy their time. To live and to entertain, in a really beautiful and relaxing space.

Another feature of note is their use of a disappearing screen on their deck door. This allows them to fully open the door, and let in lots of fresh air. But when the screen is not in use, it rolls away out of sight.

From street view, the home also underwent a transformation, although more subtle. Designer Rob Everitt was able to tie in the beautiful Tyndall stone into a more contemporary look, with new large house numbers, wood paneling, a sleek exterior light and streamlined windows.

“The three windows were not doing anything for the design. When we removed those and combined them into one really big window, it had a huge impact,” says Everitt. “With a great tradesperson redoing the Tyndall, you can’t even tell where the changes took place.”

For the front door, Damaris again took inspiration from Instagram. She selected a contemporary black entry door, with frosted glass that matched their interior doors and closet doors. For the front windows, they selected blinds that easily switch between transparent and opaque, for the option of privacy.

The results are absolutely stunning. And encouraging. All of these older homes have so much potential with the right

Designer Rob Everitt was able to tie in the beautiful Tyndall stone into a more contemporary look, with new large house numbers, wood paneling, a sleek exterior light and streamlined windows.

BEFORE

The large format window over the sink, at 9’ wide, makes the kitchen feel even more special and unique.

vision and design professional. You can stay in your current home AND live in your dream home.

You can have your cake and eat it too!

Project credits: RE/MAX Performance Realty, Everitt Design, Darrin Hopkins Contracting and Brak Impex Ltd. (Concrete). For more information, visit: www.duxtonwindows.com and www.prairiewindows.com nexthome.ca 45

feature

Before

re Befo

Renovation was the right move Oswald Construction

perfect choice for Charleswood couple

by MARGARET ANNE FEHR photos by DUALITY PHOTOGRAPHIC

HOGAN AND MEGHAN can hardly

believe how close they came to moving from the neighbourhood in Charleswood that they clearly loved, to building a new house on an infill lot a few blocks away.

“We had moved pretty far along with plans for the new house,” says Hogan, “and then we had a moment of re-evaluation. The reality was that we had an A plus location backing onto the Assiniboine Forest but a C minus house. We questioned whether we were set to trade all the comforts of our location for the pristine idea of a new house. That’s when we had a major change of heart and decided to go all in on the renovation process.”

The couple’s house was built in the ‘80s and they were both up for making some dramatic changes to

46

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

the floor plan enlisting the help of local designers to put their ideas on paper. The next process turned out to be easier than expected and that was finding a contractor who could handle the scope of their renovation.

“We were all set to go through a competitive process but that all changed when we sat down with Ralph Oswald of Oswald Construction.

I said to my wife, ‘this feels right.’

Ralph got involved with the architect, designer, and engineer early on which really streamlined the process.”

“Our first priority was to increase the square footage of the front entrance and to install a series of built-in storage compartments as well as a row of coat hooks. We have 3 kids, so it works well. It’s both elegant and casual at the same time.

TOP

Another must-have was to create a large dining room so the couple decided to give up their living room space to convert into a very big dining room with a table that could seat up to 14 guests.

LEFT

The built-in buffet with quartz top and walnut finish is multifunctional serving as a physical separation between dining room and foyer as well as providing room for serving dishes while entertaining.

RIGHT

“Our first priority was to increase the square footage of the front entrance and to install a series of built-in storage compartments as well as a row of coat hooks.�

nexthome.ca 47

TOP RIGHT

The white kitchen cabinets wrap around the enlarged space and subway glass tiles extend up to the ceiling on the window wall framing the forest view from the kitchen sink.

RIGHT

The kitchen features two contrasting islands. The smaller island, finished in walnut, has a furniture look and is used primarily as a prep centre and equipped with a sink and assorted baskets for storage. The larger island is where the family congregates to eat and multiple drawers house dishes, plates and myriad utensils in one efficient location while an adjacent full pantry wall provides an abundance of storage options.

BELOW

The back of the house was re-configured as an open concept kitchen and great room.

BOTTOM

The home’s exterior also received a much needed face lift.

Ralph also added a small south facing window that really floods the entrance with light, so it’s a very welcoming space,” says Hogan.

Another must-have was to create a large dining room so the couple decided to give up their living room space to convert into a very big dining room with a table that could seat up to 14 guests. The built-in buffet with quartz top and walnut finish is multi-functional serving as a physical separation between dining room and foyer as well as providing room for serving dishes while entertaining.

The back of the house was reconfigured as an open concept kitchen and great room. The kitchen was expanded with the extension of a 2 foot cantilever that eliminated the need for extra foundation work.

The kitchen features two contrasting islands. The smaller island, finished in walnut, has a furniture look and is used primarily as a prep centre and equipped with a sink and assorted baskets for storage. The larger island is where the family congregates to eat and multiple drawers house dishes, plates and myriad utensils in one efficient location while an adjacent full pantry wall provides an abundance of storage options.

48

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

Before

The white kitchen cabinets wrap around the enlarged space and subway glass tiles extend up to the ceiling on the window wall framing the forest view from the kitchen sink. Around the corner is the bar area and fridge.

“The end product really exceeded our expectations,” says Hogan. “We feel very fortunate that we forged this

relationship with Ralph and it felt very much like a collaboration.”

From Ralph’s perspective, the entire job went smoothly. “There were some structural changes involved with the cantilever that we addressed during the construction process that required some creative solutions but in the end, everything worked out fine.”

“Hogan and Meghan were great clients and we enjoyed working with them to achieve their dream home.”

For more details on Oswald Construction Ltd., visit oswaldconstruction.ca or phone (204) 895-0265. nexthome.ca 49

OSWALD CONSTRUCTION LTD.

(204) 895-0265

www.oswaldconstruction.ca

Total Home Renovations Ý $GGLWLRQV Ý :KROH +RXVH 5HPRGHOV Ý ,QWHULRU ([WHULRU $OWHUDWLRQV 'HVLJQ 6HUYLFH $YDLODEOH Ý 4XDOLW\ :RUNPDQVKLS

Distribution in the next issue will include:

Ì Winnipeg home delivery Ì Over 200 magazine stands across Winnipeg (100% pick up rate) Ì Copies available at over 300 spas, salons, lawyers’ offices, dentist offices, and doctors’ offices Ì The digital version of the magazine will be made available to homeowners throughout Winnipeg

50

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

Next issue ad deadline Ì JULY 15, 2020

Distribution starts Ì JULY 31, 2020

For more info or to reserve your ad space call 204.782.8692 or merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca

celebrity homes

Jennifer LAWRENCE’S

MANHATTAN PENTHOUSE

J

ennifer Lawrence, the Academy Award-winning star of Silver Linings Playbook, The Hunger Games, and American Hustle put her stunning New York penthouse in The Laurel up for sale last July and, with a downturn in the Manhattan luxury-condo market, has lowered the original price of $15.45 million to $14.25 million (all U.S. dollars) — now down to $12 million. Purchased in 2016 for $15.6 million, taking a loss on the property might not faze one of the highest-paid actresses in Hollywood. Though Lawrence got her big break in New York, she now spends her time in Los Angeles close to the studios.

nexthome.ca 51

celebrity homes

The 4,073-square-foot apartment has three bedrooms, five baths and is filled with light through walls of glass.

52

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

Lawrence lived the fairy tale that so many people fantasize about. As a teenager who was born and raised in Kentucky and acting in plays put on by her church group. It was a matter of being in the right place at the right time when on a 2006 vacation trip to New York with her parents at age 14, she was discovered by a talent scout who arranged an audition. The audition went so well, they convinced her parents to let her audition in Los Angeles and her star was on the fast track leading quickly to television and film roles. Fast forward to today at age 29, she has won an Academy Award for Best Actress in Silver Linings Playbook and three

Golden Globes, a BAFTA award, seven MTV Movie Awards and six People’s Choice Awards.

Her unassuming, down-to-earth personality and ability to keep life’s priorities straight in the face of fame, fortune and continuous media attention has made her America’s girl next door — and it doesn’t hurt that her acting roles have been some of the best in Hollywood.

By 2016, Lawrence could afford any living accommodations that suited her fancy and she picked a glamorous duplex penthouse on New York’s Upper East Side at the top of The Laurel, a 30-storey condominium.

nexthome.ca 53

celebrity homes

Aside from its stunning interior and views to die for, its 3,000-sq.-ft., two-floor outdoor terraces encompass all one could ask for gracious entertaining including an outdoor kitchen, fireplace with pergola, built-in ping-pong table and amazing views of the city and Hudson River. The 4,073-sq.ft. apartment has three bedrooms, five baths and is filled with light through walls of glass. The formal living and dining room is surrounded by stunning city views and the eat-in chef’s kitchen has everything for the serious cook. The master suite is unusually large and the game room opens to yet another spectacular view. The building’s amenities include a concierge, full-time doorman, gym, pool, sauna, screening room and private storage.

Listed in July 2019 for $15.45 million, the penthouse has gone through two price cuts. Now priced at $12 million, the listing agent is Pamela D’Arc of Compass, New York City.

Visit TopTenRealEstateDeals.com for more historic, spectacular and celebrity homes.

54

Home Decor & Renovations | June–July, 2020

CUSTOM HOMES | ADDITIONS | KITCHENS | BATHROOMS | BASEMENTS

YOUR VISION YOUR BUDGET OUR EXPERTISE WHO ARE WE? Richter Construction Ltd. is a full service Design-Build contractor. A business built on referrals, we understand the level of importance your individual project deserves. Each year, we only take on a handful of custom home and renovation projects, as it is essential for us to be able to provide a measure of quality that exceeds the typical.

Over 30 years later and as one of the early innovators in the Design-Build construction process, our mission is to meet or surpass your goals.

204-654-3810 | www.richterco.ca