Issuu

Ottawa Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

The ﬁrst and only complete guide to pre-construction homes and condos

4 mistakes not to make when buying pre-construction

INSIDE:

DESIGN IDEAS AND TRENDS FOR 2022

FINANCING TIPS FOR EVERYONE

EDITOR’S NOTE

EDGING UP

SUSAN LEGGE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF New Home + Condo Guide EMAIL: susan.legge@nexthome.ca TWITTER: @SusanLegge

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With 2022 off to a flying start in terms of housing sales in the Ottawa area, this may also be the year of the rising mortgage rate. James Laird, the co-founder of Ratehub.ca and president of CanWise Financial mortgage brokerage, predicts that the Bank of Canada will increase the overnight rate by 0.5 to 1 per cent in the second quarter of 2022, and that this would be “followed by one to three more rate increases by the end of year.” Predicting that fixed rates will finish the year higher than what they were before the COVID-19 pandemic, Laird believes that increases to bond yields will push fixed rates higher than what they were in February 2020. In terms of real estate prices, look for housing to appreciate between 3 to 7 per cent, he said, as immigration and inflation drive up prices. Laird’s range is in line with RBC’s conservative forecast of a 3.3 per cent increase nationally, on the low end, and the Canadian Real Estate Association’s prediction of a 7.6 per cent increase on the high side. As housing costs continue to rise, it’s important to be one step ahead of the pack if you’re ready to buy, which is where we come in. Check out our cover story by broker Irina Popova. She’s got the goods on what NOT to do when it comes to buying a preconstruction home. Be sure to review our legal column by lawyer Jayson Schwarz, too. He outlines the ins and outs of taking possession of a new condominium, while Jesse Abrams, our finance expert, offers stepby-step advice if buying a home happens to be on your New Year’s resolution list. Happy new year, and I hope you enjoy this issue.

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New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

JAN. 15–FEB. 12, 2022 | VOLUME 22, ISSUE 1

CONTENTS

CHIEF REVENUE OFFICER

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

Susan Legge Susan.Legge@nexthome.ca CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

COVER STORY

Sara Duck MEDIA CONSULTANT

Julie DeBoer 613.875.6673 julie.deboer@nexthome.ca SALES & MARKETING CO-ORDINATORS

Gary Chilvers Vi Nguyen DISTRIBUTION

distributionteam@nexthome.ca ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES

accountingteam@nexthome.ca DIRECTOR OF PRINT MEDIA

Lauren Reid–Sachs

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ASSISTANT MANAGER

Alicesa Pullan GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Avoiding mistakes WHEN BUYING NEW CONSTRUCTION

Johannah Lorenzo, Mike Terentiev

Published by

nexthome.ca

NEWS + ADVICE

INSPIRATION

Legally Speaking Tips for taking possession of new condominium

Trend Expert Design ideas for 2022 BY BILHA KANGETHE

BY JAYSON SCHWARZ

18 8

Condo Pro

Decor Classic black and white: 4 tips to perfect this combination

What we learned about the real estate market last year

BY LINDA MAZUR

BY BARBARA LAWLOR

20 Style File 10

Industry Insider

7 cosy living ideas

Avoiding mistakes when buying pre-construction

BY SARA DUCK

BY IRINA POPOVA

Green Thumb Tropical plants for the win!

Trending Enerquality confers 2020 EQ awards

BY MARK & BEN CULLEN

Design File Swish chalet

Personal Finance 4 important steps if buying a home is your New Year’s resolution BY JESSE ABRAMS

BY LAURA HAY

IN EVERY ISSUE

30 New Home & Condo Developments 34 What’s Online

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

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Advertising Call 1.866.532.2588 ext. 1 for advertising rates and information. Fax: 1.888.861.5038 Circulation Highly targeted, free distribution system aimed at real estate buyers using street level boxes and racking. 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 2022 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. Terms Advertisers, Editorial content are not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All prices are correct as of press time. Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor at editorial@nexthome.ca.

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ADVICE | LEGALLY SPEAKING

TAKING POSSESSION OF YOUR CONDOMINIUM BY JACQUELINE MONETA, J.D. AND JAYSON SCHWARZ, LL.M.

Despite the excitement of getting handed the keys to your new condominium, many new purchasers of new development condominiums are surprised to find out that title to their property may not be transferred at the same time. New construction condominiums in Ontario have two closings: The interim occupancy closing, and the final closing. INTERIM OCCUPANCY CLOSING

When you buy a new development condominium, you may be required to take possession before 6

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

construction is complete on some of the units or after completion but before registration. This is called interim occupancy and it is governed by the Condominium Act (the “Act”). As buildings are ready for occupancy, the builder will advise you of your interim occupancy date. Once the interim occupancy date arrives, you must take occupancy. However, it is important to understand that you don’t own the unit until final closing; you are in effect a tenant in your soon-to-be-owned unit.

Ownership can only be transferred if the condominium has been registered on title, which occurs once the majority of units are occupied. Interim occupancy periods can be a few weeks or a month, or up to years. All is dependent on the completion of construction, and occupancy depends on how quickly construction is complete on all units. INTERIM OCCUPANCY FEES

During the interim occupancy period, you must pay your builder

or seller an interim occupancy fee, whether you move into the unit or not. The monthly interim occupancy fee is based on: The interest (calculated on a monthly basis) on the unpaid balance of the purchase price at the prescribed interest rate (set out in the Act and Regulations thereto); estimated monthly municipal taxes for the unit; projected common expense fees for the unit. DELAYED OCCUPANCY

Construction can sometimes be unpredictable and this could result in delays in condominium development projects, and you may be unable to move into your unit as expected or close within the time frames set forth in the Agreement of Purchase and Sale (“APS”). Your APS must include a Tarion Addendum that

sets out important dates for your agreement, including your occupancy date. These are set out in the statement of critical dates. You need to determine when you are buying whether you are buying with a Firm or a Tentative Closing Date. There are two addendums available from Tarion: READ THEM CAREFULLY, as they set forth exactly what can happen and what delays can accrue if any. Delays can affect financing, accommodation notices, budget, etc. In this market, you need to be prepared to deal with the results if an extension occurs. If the builder complies with Tarion, you will have no remedy to compensate yourself for the inconvenience or the additional expense. The consequence of these delays can be quite upsetting. I recommend that everyone buying a new home prepare himself or herself

when they make the original offer and continuously thereafter, for extensive delays and that way, you face no surprises. Remember, most builders want to give you what you contracted for and will work with you to achieve mutual satisfaction. In closing, please use your lawyer to the fullest extent, and remember, only your lawyer can give you legal advice.

Jayson Schwarz LL.M. is a Toronto real estate lawyer and partner in the law firm Schwarz Law LLP. Visit online at schwarzlaw.ca or email info@schwarzlaw.ca with your questions, concerns, critiques and quandaries.

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ADVICE | CONDO PRO

WHAT THE HOMEBUILDING INDUSTRY

LEARNED IN 2021 BARBARA LAWLOR

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

As we come to the end of 2021 and look back on the year, we can be proud of what we have achieved in the new home and condominium industry. The biggest lesson is that, apparently, nothing can keep us down. New condo sales, in particular, were phenomenal in 2020, when the pandemic reared its ugly head, and

they have continued to impress throughout this year. Condo sales reflect the extreme shortage of available new lowrise homes, which are equally in demand. For many years, condos have provided more available and financially attainable choices, although those very prices continue to rise. As I continually remind readers,

“

Condo sales reflect the extreme shortage of available new lowrise homes, which are equally in demand.

”

whichever type of new home you want, buy sooner rather than later. If you consider immigration and the plethora of red tape involved in transforming land into residential communities, the challenge with lack of supply is bound to be around for a while. The statistics are staggering. In October 2020, the government of Canada tabled the 2021-23 Immigration Levels Plan, which welcomes 401,000 new permanent residents in 2021; 411,000 in 2022; and 421,000 in 2023. The plan was designed to support our country’s economic recovery from COVID-19, fuel future growth, create jobs for middle-class Canadians and help fill critical labour market gaps. As a result, we are experiencing an increased demand for accommodations across the country.

This is great news in many ways, as throughout history, we have relied on immigrants to enrich the cultural tapestry that makes up our country. Since the pandemic began and new immigration was put on hold, those immigrants who were here already have helped our economy recovery. We need all the skilled and talented workers we can get, especially in our construction industry and health-care system. What’s the solution? We need governments to step in and do something about this situation, because they can. They can keep an open mind to what land can be developed and ease approval processes to make that happen. This year showed us that the new home industry has finally risen to the top of political priorities at the federal level, as it was part of the political platforms for the parties. This bodes well for the future of the new home industry. Yes, change takes time, but it must start somewhere. I like to think we have a good start on positive change. Despite the naysayers in the past who predicted that our interest rates would remain in the double digits forever, that we wouldn’t survive the recession of 2008, that the housing market would go bust from effects of the pandemic and rising prices… and so on, we are doing great, thank you very much. As an industry, we are resilient, resourceful, innovative and optimistic. The pandemic is on the wane; the government has taken notice; and we look forward to another successful year in 2022. Barbara Lawlor is CEO of Baker Real Estate Inc. A member of the Baker team since 1993, she oversees the marketing and sales of condominium developments in the GTA, Vancouver, Calgary and Montreal, and internationally in Shanghai. baker-re.com

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COVER STORY

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

The

biggest mistakes homebuyers make when purchasing pre-construction

IRINA POPOVA

Through my years of representing both developers and consumers, I’ve seen my share of buyer mistakes. Don’t rush into a purchase just because you don’t want to miss out on the increasing real estate prices. Dot your i’s and cross your t’s before committing to a property. Here are a few of the biggest mistakes I want you to avoid when shopping for a new home or condo. NOT RESEARCHING THE DEVELOPER

This is an easy one—before committing to a purchase, know who you’re dealing with. Has this developer successfully completed other projects in the area? If so, whether the project was completed on time and what the consumer experience like along the way are important pieces of information that are not hard to find. There are online

resources that allow homeowners to share their experiences, and the developer can often provide references from previous buyers that you could call. The website Tarion.com is one such resource. If you’re working with an agent, ask them to show you the projects the developer has completed. It’s likely that there will be some resale inventory that you could visit to get a good idea of the final quality. If this developer is new, it doesn’t necessarily mean that they are not to be trusted, but you need to ask more questions. Particularly about what builder they plan on contracting, who are the investors supporting this developer, and whether they have hired a local consulting firm to help navigate the municipal rules and hurdles. NOT NEGOTIATING BETTER TERMS

I’ve seen too many buyers simply signing on the dotted line without even trying to negotiate with the developer. It can be intimidating for sure, but it’s always worth a shot! Negotiating is not just about the price; you could also try to get an upgrade credit which would

come in very handy when time comes to choose your finishes. Or, you could request to have some of the closing costs capped or waived, like the development charges or the Tarion enrollment fee—this could save you a couple of thousand dollars on closing date. Again, it is always worth a shot. In a competitive market, it’s not always feasible however. Amending some of the restrictions that are built into the sales contract could also bring you a lot of value. This is something that you could ask your agent’s or lawyer’s help with during the conditional period. For example you could request permission to assign your contract prior to the completion date, which would give you some flexibility in the event that you no longer want to proceed with the purchase or just want to capitalize on the growing real estate prices. NOT THINKING AHEAD

In order to avoid unpleasant surprises in the future, it’s important to think ahead. Add up all of the closing costs ahead of time. New construction often nexthome.ca 11

has higher closing costs than buying resale. Read through the purchase agreement in detail and ask your lawyer questions. I know this seems like a no-brainer, but I’ve come across many buyers that were surprised to be charged taxes on closing, not realizing that this is a part of the deal if you’re not purchasing the property to live in yourself. This is of course a large amount of money to have to come up with on the closing day and can cause a lot of stress. Research the area around your new home and know what’s coming up. Does the same developer own the land around you? What is the zoning of the lot across from you and the timeline of the potential construction that may take place? Future development may affect the value of your property in a positive way but do you personally want to deal with construction noise and dust? What if you plan to 12

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

resell the property while there is construction taking place? This may affect your resale value.

“

I’ve seen too many buyers simply signing on the dotted line without even trying to negotiate with the developer.

”

NOT USING A REALTOR

Speaking of resale value, make sure to hire an agent to represent you in your transaction. The right agent will help you choose the best lot, floorplan and

finishes to maximize your resale potential and future returns on investment. There is nothing worse than investing your hardearned cash into a property that is then impossible to resell! They will also negotiate on your behalf with the developer and help you navigate through the sales contract. Having a third party representing you takes away the awkwardness you may feel to negotiate for yourself. Most developers will co-operate with agents without hesitation, so don’t feel like you have to do this alone. Happy shopping!

Irina Popova is a real estate agent and co-owner of Blue Panda Realty. She has been specializing in the central Ottawa market since 2013.

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TRENDING

ENERQUALITY CONFERS 2020 EQ AWARDS After another year of growth and innovation, last month leaders in the Ontario building industry celebrated and recognized their collective successes, achievements of their peers, and special projects demonstrating the best of homebuilding. The year 2020 was a record one for certifying energy efficient homes, with this year’s additions reaching a total of more than 100,000 homes certified to date as delivering the benefits of the Energy Star label – built more than 15 per cent better than code. Net Zero and Net Zero Ready homes are also contributing to steady growth in energy efficient buildings. In building energy efficient homes to established certifications – including Energy Star, EnerGuide and Net Zero – EnerQuality’s community of builders has helped Ontario homeowners save $258 million in lifetime energy costs, reduce more than one million tonnes of C02e, and shrink greenhouse gas emissions and overall environmental footprint. “Ontario builders are committed to building better and hiring job seekers with transferable skills who are eager to learn on the job is also part of building better,” says Monica Curtis, EnerQuality president and CEO. “By building more efficient homes and hiring a more representative workforce, the province’s construction industry is meeting the twin challenges of environmental sustainability and diversity and inclusion.” In its second year as a virtual event, more than 200 building professionals joined the event online, representing HBAs,

municipalities, and more than 100 companies, including homebuilders, architects, engineers, energy advisors, building officials, tradespeople, manufacturers, and product and service providers. This year’s event featured the Innovation Gauntlet – an exciting pitch session where manufacturers present their new solutions to optimize the high-performance new construction and renovation industry – and attendees voted on the most innovative new solution. “Increasingly, homeowners’ consciousness about their environmental footprint shapes their housing priorities,” says Curtis. “The EQ Awards showcase how the industry is building homes that use less energy, are more comfortable, with better indoor air quality and lower emissions overall. As the market shifts to focus on carbon, we expect to see even more builders certifying their homes and building better than code.” 2020 WINNERS INCLUDE:

• Champion Of the Year: Marc Huminilowycz, Sideroad Communications • Enbridge – Optimum Home: Mattamy Homes • Enbridge – Savings by Design (Affordable): Spotlight Developments Inc.

• Enbridge – Savings by Design (Commercial): Drewlo Holdings • Enbridge – Savings by Design (Residential): Dietrich Homes • Energy Advisor of The Year: Huso Ashimi, Building Knowledge Canada • EnerQuality’s Energy Star For New Homes – Large Volume Builder: Activa • EnerQuality’s Energy Star For New Homes – Mid Volume Builder: Huron Creek Developments • HBA of the Year: Durham Region Home Builders’ Association • Impact Award: Tamarack Homes • Leader of the Year: Susan Cudahy, Enbridge Gas Inc. • Licensed Professional of The Year: Wil Beardmore, Bluewater Energy • Net Zero Builder: Terra View Homes, Hart Village • Ontario Green Builder of The Year – Lowrise: Minto Communities • Ontario Green Builder of The Year – Mid/Highrise: Doug Tarry Ltd. • Product Innovation – Highrise (OBC Part 3): Sageglass, Sageglass Harmony • Rising Star Award: Austin Todd, Evergreen Building Science For a complete list of winners, visit enerquality.ca nexthome.ca 13

ADVICE | PERSONAL FINANCE

4 IMPORTANT STEPS IF BUYING A HOME IS YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION

JESSE ABRAMS

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

With 2022 just around the corner, you’re probably listing all of the resolutions you want to make for the new year ahead. If buying a new home happens to be on this list, there are many factors to consider, especially with rates expected to increase over the next two years. To ensure you’re prepared, here are four key steps

to navigate the homebuying process with ease. GET PRE-APPROVED FOR A MORTGAGE

Mortgage pre-approval is a great first step for any homebuyer, as it helps you understand what you can afford right from the start. It gives you a clear budget to work

good way to lock in a lower rate while you can. Here at Homewise, we’ve been seeing many prospective buyers moving quickly to get pre-approved to lock in low rates before they increase. UNDERSTAND ALL THE COSTS INVOLVED

Homebuyers often get so caught up with saving for their down payment that they forget about the other costs associated with their home purchase. Closing costs, such as home inspection, appraisal fees and land transfer tax can add up and may impact overall affordability. Not to mention, once you own the home, you’ll be responsible for paying carrying costs, including property taxes and home insurance. With all of this in mind, it’s important to consider these expenses ahead of time so you can create a realistic budget and step into homeownership without any financial stress. KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR CREDIT

with, as it gives you the best idea of your affordability and simplifies the home search by narrowing the neighbourhoods you’re able to buy in. Also, once you know how much you qualify for, you can begin planning out what your monthly payments will be, along with other household expenses. A pre-approval is essentially a commitment from your lender to hold a rate and mortgage for you, for up to four months. If you buy a home within that four-month period, this pre-approval can turn into a mortgage approval if you continue to meet the lender’s requirements. With rates expected to rise, getting pre-approved is a

The holidays can bring out the big spender in all of us, but if you’re planning to buy a home soon, it’s important to spend wisely – even after you’ve been pre-approved. Make an effort to limit your credit card usage to ensure your credit score isn’t negatively impacted until you’ve been given the full stamp of mortgage approval. Your credit score is a key factor that lenders use to measure risk on your mortgage application, so having high levels of debt can significantly impact your chances of locking in a mortgage. SHOP AROUND

When it comes to buying anything, it’s always a good idea to shop

around to find the best option; that goes for your mortgage, too. It’s very common for most Canadians to run straight to their bank to secure a mortgage without considering any other avenues. Fortunately, there are other options beyond the bank, such as credit unions and monoline lenders that have grown in popularity because they offer competitive products, as well as lower rates and penalties. At the end of the day, you’ll want to find a mortgage that best suits your needs over the long term. That’s why having a good understanding of what’s available in the marketplace is essential to help you make the right decision. At Homewise, we are always surprised how many clients come to us with offers from their bank that we are not only able to beat, but we also provide a lot of transparency into what the mortgage options mean, both in the short- and long-term, based on key features. The start to a new year is always an exciting time – mix in a new home purchase and it’s one you’ll remember forever. To make the most of this experience, be diligent from the very beginning by educating yourself on the homebuying process and understanding what’s involved before you take the plunge. Your future self will thank you for it. Jesse Abrams is Co-Founder at Homewise, a mortgage advisory and brokerage firm. thinkhomewise.com

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INSPIRATION |

trend expert

Design

PHOTO: Vasil Chapesh

IDEAS 2022 The new year is all about decorating with personality, and designer Bilha Kangethe breaks down what we can expect

he year 2021 was certainly an interesting one in interior design. I saw a focus on balance and functionality, as we spent more time in our homes. In 2022, things are going to change. Off the heels of Milan Design Week, exhibitions showcased refined spaces that were skillfully combined with bold colours and geometric forms. In effect, we anticipate 2022 trends to dial into personality and expect to see inspiring spaces that honor the fullness of living, telling a story of sustainability and nostalgia, mixed with an artful blend of colour choices and positivity about the future. Here are my top four trends for the new year.

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

2 SCULPTURAL SILHOUETTES This influence began in 2020 and is not slowing. Furniture with curvy rounded silhouettes, slender frames and chunky profiles will continue to be popular through this year. 1. Abel Brass MIRROR by Cb2 | 2. Quincey SOFA by Elte Market | 3. Meadow COCKTAIL TABLE by Arteriors | 4. Arcade CONSOLE TABLE by Elte

PHOTO: Vasil Chapesh

MATERIAL MANIA Natural materials, organic textures, and a blend of rich wood, marble, glass and metal combinations are taking centre stage in furniture and decor collections. Rattan and wicker trends continue to thrive, giving a more relaxed and airy feel in our interiors.

POST MODERN DESIGN Reminiscent of the 1970s-90s post-modern design, is a revival of the original style. The bold shapes, colours and pop art that were favoured then have now become muted and softer. Materials such as travertine, terrazzo, velvet, boucle and coloured glass and plastics, instantly transport us to these past eras with one goal in mind – to provide comfort and cosiness, all the while making a statement in our interiors.

NOT SO NEUTRAL We are seeing a shift in colour in our interiors, saying goodbye to grey and white neutrals and adding colour in a fresh and exciting way. Grounded in natures deep earth tones, paired with rich jewel tones, this colour palette will inspire you throughout 2022. PHOTO: Vasil Chapesh

Bilha Kangethe is Founder and Creative Director of The Lifestyle Loft. As a certified designer and interior decorator, she has created a company that focuses on the needs of each client and customer and helps them curate a lifestyle that is comfortable and economical. thelifestyleloft.com

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INSPIRATION |

decor

CLASSIC BLACK AND WHITE FOUR TIPS TO PERFECT THIS COMBINATION IN YOUR SPACE

While colour trends for interiors fade in and out of style, there is nothing more classic and timeless than a black and white interior. This high-contrast combination can be effortlessly elegant, yet equally comfortable and casual. Endlessly versatile, this duo can dominate or punctuate a space, or take a back 18

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

seat and become complementary to almost every other colour you could dream of decorating your home with. Balance is key when working with these two hues, and a good rule of thumb is to use an approximate 70/30 ratio; meaning one is your

PHOTOS: MARBLE TREND. MARBLETREND.COM

by LINDA MAZUR

primary hue, and one your secondary, offering you a comfortable blending of the two. You can layer in other shades of black and whites, or introduce other accent colours, wood tones and metallics to create a well-balanced room. One thing to remember when decorating with black and white is how lighting will affect the colours, especially cooler LED lights. Blacks and whites can vary greatly in both natural and artificial light; make sure you are not selecting a black and white that will appear harsh or cold. Sometimes, working with softer blacks and warmer whites will help to create a more welcoming and cosy space in all types of lighting. From timeless black and white checkerboard tiles to classic marble, bold black and white wallpapers, to stunning high-gloss millwork, there are endless ways to make a statement in your home with a black and white combo. However, to create a well curated, well-designed space that feels welcoming, stylish and effortlessly chic, you need to create visual interest by introducing pattern and texture to help add character, while keeping your space from appearing flat, stark or unimaginative. Whether you are looking for a bold new look, or a simple update to your space, this duo is sure to provide endless design inspiration that will never fall out of favour. They are classic, luxurious and glamourous, while still being relaxed, fun and comfortable. Whatever your style, you simply cannot go wrong with this perfect combination. Try these four tips for working with black and white: 1. Create some drama in your home by using a great shade of

warm black on your walls. A powder room is a fantastic place to have fun with black as a wall colour, and make it even more exciting by adding a pattern to your walls with mouldings. 2. Matte black faucets and hardware have been on trend for a few years, and are always a great way to punctuate your bathroom or kitchen. However, a glossy white faucet on a black counter can be an exciting new way to play with these contrasting hues. 3. Recycle vintage pieces by painting them a great shade of black or white. Not only will these pieces have new life, they will also add visual interest to your space. 4. When playing with pattern in your black and white space, remember to vary the scale of your patterns, as well as types of patterns such as geometric, stripe and floral. But be careful not to overdo it, as your room can appear chaotic. Linda Mazur is an award-winning, nationally publicized designer and Principal of Linda Mazur Design Group. With almost two decades of experience this in demand multi-disciplinary design firm is known for creating relaxed, stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada. lindamazurdesign.com @LindaMazurGroup nexthome.ca 19

Cosy living ideas INSPIRATION |

-.3& 5 &

by SARA DUCK

The cold weather is upon us and it’s time to hunker down and make our home a cocoon of

comfort

Candles

“Just like you can bring in a cosy feeling with a hint of natural wood or greenery, candlelight is the most organic element in the lighting world.” – Designer Louis Duncan-He High Park, white tea, mandarin and thyme scented CANDLE. $24. vancouvercandle. co.com | SCENTED CANDLE in glass holder. $20. hm.com | BEHJÄRTAD scented CANDLE in pot. From $7. Ikea.ca

Dark coloured accent wall “We chose Benjamin Moore’s Deep Royal 2061-10 for a bold accent in this otherwise light and airy living room. The deep blue wall provides a perfect cosy and contemporary backdrop for our client.” – Designers Renée Frostick and Andi Wheelband, Two Birds Design PHOTO: Stephani Buchman 20

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

Wood elements

“It was important for my clients to have a cosy, inviting space to come home to every day. I wanted them to feel as though they escaped to a weekend cottage. Throughout the home, I introduced wood, to give the spaces that extra layer of warmth.” – Designer Jessica Cinnamon, Jessica Cinnamon Design PHOTO: Stephani Buchman Two-tone hazelnut hanging LAMP by Atelier Cocotte. $210. simons.ca. Teak and rattan ARMCHAIR. $500. zarahome.ca

Electric fireplace “Electric fireplaces now offer tons of benefits, such as low maintenance and lower cost, yet provide the same level of comfort as other styles. Most electric fireplaces come with a vent that faces the front, so it does provide heat.” – Designer Diana Rose, Diana Rose Design PHOTO: Mike Chajecki

Rich textiles “I love using velvet fabric to elevate a space and set the mood. It’s so tactile and soft, it helps create a welcoming, cosy atmosphere. It can be used on anything from seating to pillows.” – Designer Stephanie Brown, Stephanie Brown Inc. PHOTO: Janis Nicolay Cotton velvet CUSHION COVERS in grey and beige. $30. hm.com

Luxe curtains TIP! Choosing thick curtains in heavyweight, tightly woven fabric (or material) can provide a good barrier against the chilly outdoors. Luxurious velvet CURTAIN in dark grey, 52-in by 86-in. $45. simons.ca

Neutral hues “Create a cosy living space with calm and subdued earth tones and inject hints of natural, organic textures such as wood and stone. Layered rugs are a simple and effective way to amp up the cosiness factor in your living room.” – Designer Sascha Lafleur, West of Main

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INSPIRATION |

green thumb

Tropical plants in a Canadian winter by MARK & BEN CULLEN

ere in Canada, we endure a long, cold winter that encourages us to reach for tropical plants for good reason. There is literally no better way to introduce humidity and oxygen into our indoor environment. To garden indoors successfully, especially this time of year, it’s important to provide the best possible growing conditions. With the right care and location, your indoor plants will live a good long life and you will reap many benefits from them.

Light requirements Observing the growth and changes in your tropical plants allows you to determine if they are receiving enough light. Plants that don’t get enough light will usually look pale, have longer than normal stems, and smaller than normal leaves. Sometimes, a plant will look as if it’s reaching for light, stretching its leaves and lengthening the distance between growth nodes toward the nearest window – a sure sign that it needs either to be placed in a sunnier window or the natural light augmented with artificial light. Plants with colourful foliage will often lose colour when they don’t get enough light, and revert to green leaves. It is natural for most flowering plants to stop flowering through the winter months.

Fertilizer Fertilizing indoor plants in winter is necessary only when you see new growth developing or the plant is in bloom. Otherwise, your tropical plants are “resting” this time of year and will not benefit from a fertilizer application. It’s best to err on the side of caution and give plants a little less than the amount the instructions call for. There are several forms of fertilizer available: Granular, slow-release granules, spikes and water soluble. These can be organic or inorganic chemical combinations. In our opinion, the best choice for houseplants is an inorganic, water soluble formula.

The elements in it are readily available for the plant’s use and you will be able to see the effect right away. The final step in choosing your houseplant fertilizer is determined by the plants you have. Some, such as African violets and geraniums, have fertilizers formulated specifically for them. African violet fertilizer, for instance, often is a 10-30-30 ratio with traces of boron, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum and zinc. If there is no specific formula for your houseplant, a 20-20-20 ratio with trace elements is best.

Rules of fertilizing We follow three rules for successful fertilizing: Do not fertilize plants when: They are wilted, dry or dormant. Plants need nutrients only when they are actively growing or flowering. Fertilizing at other times could cause a build-up of insoluble salts in the soil, which can damage the roots. If white salts build up on the pot rim or soil surface, stop fertilizing and drench the soil a couple of times with generous doses of water (putting them in the shower works!) then, if growth continues, resume feeding in a month or so, using less fertilizer. If the plant stops growing or wilts, despite the proper watering schedule, stop fertilizing, and drench again. Then wait until growth resumes before starting up the fertilizing and use a weaker solution than before.

Maintenance In the winter months, the air in most Canadian homes is dry and conditions are perfect for insects to thrive. To raise the humidity around your plants, place a tray filled with pebbles and water under them. The water should not touch the bottom of the pots. This will create a cooler, humid atmosphere due to evaporation. Routinely inspecting houseplants enables you to observe and correct most problems before they get out of control.

Mark Cullen is a Member of the Order of Canada. He reaches more than two million Canadians with his gardening/environment messages every week. Ben Cullen is a professional gardener with a keen interest in food gardening and the environment. You can follow both Mark and Ben on Twitter (@MarkCullen4), Facebook (facebook.com/MarkCullenGardening) and Instagram (instagram.com/markcullengardening). Receive their free monthly newsletter at markcullen.com. 22

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

-#!( 5&

SwishChalet INSPIRATION |

by LAURA HAY • photos GILLIAN JACKSON

Modern elements and cosy details turn this cabin into a special retreat

his cosy yet contemporary chalet in Blue Mountain, Collingwood, serves as a recreational retreat for its owners, a haven to enjoy the great outdoors and host family and friends. To match the homeowners’ chic, laid-back lifestyle, I chose a modern farmhouse aesthetic that embraces the mountain vibe, the home’s architectural attributes and its structural limitations. Despite its many transformative elements (new floors, a fireplace, mudroom, updated entrance, new

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

panelling, staircase, interior doors, and a lot of paint), the home maintains a distinctive cabin feel highlighted by a central fireplace. On approaching this project, my original inclination was to move the fireplace. However, on discovering the home’s structural limitations, I opted to keep it in its original position, streamlining and modernizing the existing traditional wood-burning stove with a sleek, four-sided gas unit. What started as a design challenge became a new focal point to be enjoyed from every angle in the vast space, which

was now perfectly divided, yet connected. The dining area proved to be a fun collaboration with my clients, who chose to feature a Twiggy painting that adds a pop of colour and contemporary flair to the other side of the fireplace. To bring drama and dimension to this open-concept area, I painted the east and west gable ends in a dark, warm grey colour. I repeated this same contrasting hue on all interior doors to perfectly match the smoky, stained hardwood floors and complement the pickled pine ceilings.

nexthome.ca 25

A mudroom finishes off the main level and adds a practical addition to the space – complete with a boot dryer closet for winter recreation and organized cubbies for stylish storage. The upper landing area houses a small office and sitting area, with a hallway leading to the principal sleeping area. The main bedroom features a wood slab headboard from CB2

– an instant focal point of the space. On the main floor, the guest bedrooms were designed to maximize sleeping. Twinover-queen bunk beds were placed against the wall and a few windows, featuring light and airy metal frames that don’t feel visually heavy in the space. The other bedroom boasts a wall-to-wall headboard that allows the twin beds to be

pushed together to create a king-sized bed, if and when desired. In the end, the variations of warm greys and contrasting colours throughout the chalet, plus the addition of cosy furniture pieces, work well to create a warm and welcoming space everywhere you go. And the perfect place to entertain friends and family.

International Designer Laura Hay, Principal of LH Decor & Design Inc., brings more than a decade of experience to her work in residential interiors. The boutique design firm is known for creating stylish, harmonious, livable environments and vacation homes in the GTA, Canada, the U.S. and Bahamas. decoranddesign.ca @laurahay

nexthome.ca 27

Your new home… DELIVERED

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TWO BEDROOM

PENTHOUSE

NEW HOME & CONDO DEVELOPMENTS

FIND YOUR NEXT HOME These listings offer a comprehensive overview of new-home and condo developments currently available throughout the Greater Ottawa Area and the Gatineau.

Legend: D = Detached SD = Semi–Detached B = Bungalow TH = Townhome TR = Terrace C = Condo = Highlighted listings are advertised in this issue of New Home + Condo Guide. Please refer to page number for more information.

LOCATION

BUILDER

SITE NAME

PROPERTY TYPE

FROM

Almonte

Phoenix Homes

White Tail Ridge 44 Sopwith Pvt, Ottawa

Almonte

Neilcorp

Mill Run, Marshall’s Bay Meadows

Arnprior

Campanale

Callahan Estates

Arnprior

Cedarstone Homes

The Fairgrounds

–

Arnprior

Mackie Homes

The Fairgrounds

–

Carleton Place

Cardel

Miller’s Crossing 2 Flegg Way

–

Inquire

Carleton Place

Longwood Builders

Coleman Central

–

Carp

Phoenix Homes

Diamondview Estate 44 Sopwith Pvt, Ottawa

–

$534’s

Carp

Mattino Developments

Diamondview Estates

–

Kanata

Cardel

Blackstone 106 Westphalian

–

Kanata

Claridge

Bridlewood Trails

–

Kanata

Mattamy

Blackstone South

–

Kanata

Mattamy

Connections in Kanata

–

Kanata

Minto

Arcadia, Morgan’s Creek

–

Kanata

Metric Homes

Trail View

–

Kanata

Richcraft

Bradley Commons

–

Kanata

Uniform

Richardson Ridge

–

Kanata

Urbandale

Bradley Commons

–

Richmond

Caivan

Fox Run 302 Meynell Road

–

Richmond

Cardel

Creekside 764 Kirkham Crescent

–

Richmond

Cedarstone

Kings Creek, Richmond Oaks

–

Richmond

Mattamy Homes

Richmond Meadows

–

Richmond

Metric Homes

Fox Run

–

Richmond

Talos Homes

Richmond Square

–

CONTACT

PG.

West

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

–

$544’s

613-470-1336 phoenix.ca

–

neilcorphomes.com

–

campanale.com

–

Coming Soon

–

Coming Soon

–

613-253-1959 cardelhomes.com

longwoodbuilders.com

–

613-470-1336 phoenix.ca

–

mattino.ca

–

Inquire

613-836-9521 cardelhomes.com

$362’s

claridgehomes.com

–

$385’s

mattamyhomes.com

–

$704’s

mattamyhomes.com

–

Inquire

–

$596’s

–

minto.com

–

metrichomes.com

–

richcraft.com

–

uniformdevelopments.com

–

urbandaleconstruction.com

–

Inquire

613-518-2364 caivan.com

–

Inquire

613-444-0440 cardelhomes.com

–

cedarstonehomes.com

–

Coming Soon

–

metrichomes.com

–

Coming Soon

–

BUILDER

SITE NAME

PROPERTY TYPE

Richmond

Mattamy Homes

Richmond Meadows

–

Stittsville

Cardel

EdenWylde 106 Westphalian

–

Inquire

Stittsville

Claridge

Westwood

–

Stittsville

eQ Homes

Fernbank Crossing 632 Cope Drive

Stittsville

Patten Homes

Stittsville

Richcraft

Stittsville Stittsville

–

Shea Village

–

Fernbank Crossing, Westwood

–

Tartan

EdenWylde

Tamarack

Westwood, Edenwylde

Nepean

Maple Leaf

West Centretown

FROM

CONTACT

PG.

Coming Soon

–

613-435-5704 cardelhomes.com

$499’s

claridgehomes.com

–

$566’s

613-404-8075 eqhomes.ca

–

Coming Soond

–

$465’s

richcraft.com

–

tartanhomes.com

–

tamarackhomes.com

–

The Village at the Schoolyard

–

mapleleafcustomhomes.ca

–

Claridge

Icon

–

$421

claridgehomes.com

–

Centretown

Ashcroft

reResidences

–

ashcrofthomes.ca

–

Centretown

Brad Lamb Realty

SoBa

–

sobaottawa.com

–

Centretown

Claridge

101 on the River

–

claridgehomes.com

–

613-218-8536 claridgehomes.com

–

Central

Centretown

Claridge

Claridge Moon

–

Inquire

Centretown

Claridge

Claridge Royale

–

$319

claridgehomes.com

–

Centretown

Richcraft

The Bowery

–

346

richcraft.com

–

Centretown

Richcraft

The Charlotte

–

Inquire

thecharlottecondos.com

–

Centretown

Dream Investment

Zibi

–

zibi.ca

–

Lowertown

claridgehomes.com

–

613-569-3043

uniformdevelopments.com

–

613-518-2364 caivan.com

–

Claridge

Waterstreet

–

$461

Old Ottawa East

eQ Homes

Greystone Village II 175A Main Street

–

Inquire

Old Ottawa East

Uniform

The Avenues

–

Barrhaven

Caivan

The Conservancy , The Ridge #115-4100 Strandherd Drive

–

Inquire

Barrhaven

Mattamy

Half Moon Bay

–

$462’s

mattamyhomes.com

–

Barrhaven

Mattamy

Promenade

–

$389’s

mattamyhomes.com

–

Barrhaven

Phoenix

Junction

–

Coming Soon

–

Barrhaven

Uniform

Grandview Court

–

uniformdevelopments.com

–

Barrhaven

Minto

Harmony, Quinn’s Pointe

–

Inquire

minto.com

–

Barrhaven

Glenview Homes

Flagstaff

–

glenviewhomes.com

–

Findlay Creek

Claridge

Sundance

–

$516’s

claridgehomes.com

–

Findlay Creek

Claridge

Lilythorne

–

$506

claridgehomes.com

–

Findlay Creek

eQ Homes

Pathways at Findlay Creek 122 Dun Skipper Road

–

$400’s

613-822-7247 eqhomes.ca

Findlay Creek

Phoenix

Pathways at Findlay Creek 114 Dun Skipper Road

–

$400’s

613-219-6862 phoenixhomes.ca

–

Findlay Creek

Richcraft

Pathways at Findlay Creek

–

$412’s

richcraft.com

–

South

nexthome.ca 31

BUILDER

SITE NAME

PROPERTY TYPE

Findlay Creek

FROM

CONTACT

PG.

Tartan

Findlay Creek Village

–

tartanhomes.com

–

Findlay Creek

Tamarack

Findlay Creek Village

–

tamarackhomes.com

–

Findlay Creek

HN Homes

Cowan’s Grove

–

hnhomes.com

–

Findlay Creek

Urbandale

Cowan’s Grove

–

urbandaleconstruction.com

–

Greely

Phoenix

Shadow Ridge

–

Inquire

613-823-9227 phoenixhomes.ca

–

Greely

Parkview Homes

Lakeland Meadows

–

parkviewhomes.info

–

Kemptville

eQ Homes

Equinelle 74 eQuinelle Drive

–

$300’s

613-258-6488 eqhomes.ca

Manotick

eQ Homes

Riverwalk

–

Inquire

613-618-3204 eqhomes.ca

Manotick

Minto

Mahogany

–

Inquire

minto.com

–

Manotick

Uniform

Maple Creek Estates

–

Coming Soon

–

Ottawa South

Valecraft

Deerfield Village 2

–

Inquire

valecraft.com

–

Riverside South

Claridge

River’s Edge

–

$516’s

claridghomes.com

–

Riverside South

Richcraft

Riverside South

–

$494’s

richcraft.com

–

Riverside South

HN Homes

Riverside South

–

hnhomes.com

–

Riverside South

Urbandale

Riverside South

–

urbandaleconstruction.com

–

Riverside South

Urbandale

Jazz Condos, Allora Condos

–

urbandaleconstruction.com

–

ClarenceRockland

eQ Homes

Clarence Crossing 235 L’etang Street

–

$385’s

613-862-0167 eqhomes.com

ClarenceRockland

Longwood Builders

Morris Village

–

longwoodbuilders.com

–

ClarenceRockland

CH Clement Construction

Morris Village

–

chclementconstruction.ca

–

Embrun

Devcore

Fauberge Ste–Marie

–

devcore.ca

–

Embrun

Melanie Construction

Ste–Marie Hamlet

–

melanieconstruction.com

–

Embrun

SACA Homes

Place St. Thomas

–

sacahomes.ca

–

Embrun

Valecraft

Place St. Thomas

–

Inquire

valecraft.com

–

Orleans

Ashcroft

Eastboro

–

ashcrofthomes.ca

–

Orleans

Brigil

Petrie’s Landing 8865 Jean d’Arc Blvd.

–

Inquire

613-706-4262 brigil.com

–

Orleans

Caivan

Orleans Village 806 Croissant de Mercier

–

Inquire

613-518-2364 caivan.com

–

Orleans

Claridge

Spring Valley Trails

–

$300’s

claridgehomes.com

–

Orleans

eQ Homes

Provence 1375 Trim Road

–

$450’s

613-355-7863 eqhomes.ca

Orleans

Minto

Avalon Encore

–

Inquire

minto.com

–

Orleans

Richcraft

Trails Edge, Axis Court

–

$355’s

richcraft.com

–

Orleans

Mattamy

Jardin Crossing

–

Coming Soon

–

Orleans

Tamarack

Cardinal Creek

–

tamarackhomes.com

–

East

New Home + Condo Guide | Jan. 15–Feb. 12, 2022

–

BUILDER Mattamy

SITE NAME Wateridge Village at Rockliffe

PROPERTY TYPE – – – TH

–

FROM $429’s

CONTACT mattamy.com

PG. –

Ottawa East

Mattamy

360 Condos By Mattamy

–

Coming Soon

–

Russell

Corvinelli Homes

Russell Trails

–

corvinellihomes.ca

–

Russell

Melanie Construction

Sunset Flats

–

melanieconstruction.com

–

Russell

Tartan Homes

Russell Trails

–

tartanhomes.com

–

Gatineau

Brigil

Plateau du Parc 534 boul. Des Grives

–

Inquire

819-776-4663 brigil.com

–

Gatineau

Brigil

Plateau Symmes 895-3 boul. Du Plateau

–

Inquire

819-571-4663 brigil.com

–

Gatineau

Brigil

Domaine du Vieux–Port 1400 St-Joseph Blvd

–

Inquire

819-777-4663 brigil.com

–

Gatineau

Brigil

Le Columbia 376 St. Joseph Blvd.

–

Inquire

613-454-1578 brigil.com

–

Chelsea

Hendrick

Hendrick Farm

–

hendrickfarm.ca

–

North

Start your search Your trusted authority for the latest new home and condo developments. Visit nexthome.ca to get started.

nexthome.ca 33

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