Winnipeg Renters Guide - March 22, 2024

NORTHWEST

RENTERS GUIDE IS ORGANIZED GEOGRAPHICALLY: NORTHWEST, CENTRAL, NORTHEAST, SOUTHEAST, SOUTHWEST AND SURROUNDING AREA. THE TABS AT THE TOP OF EACH PAGE IDENTIFY THE AREA IN WHICH YOU ARE SEARCHING AND THE TYPE OF ACCOMMODATIONS.

CENTRAL

Downtown West End

West Broadway

North End

PAGE 11

NORTHEAST

East Kildonan

North Kildonan

Elmwood

Transcona

PAGE 25

SOUTHEAST

St. Boniface

St. Vital

Norwood

Windsor Park

Southdale

Sage Creek

PAGE 17

North End

NORTHEAST

CENTRAL

SOUTHEAST

SOUTHWEST

NORTHWEST

West Kildonan

The Maples

Garden City Tyndal Park

St. James Westwood

Crestview

PAGE 29

HOW TO ADVERTISE

BY PHONE: 204.782.8692

BY E-MAIL: merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca

SOUTHWEST

Osborne Village

Charleswood

River Heights

Crescentwood

Ft. Rouge Tuxedo

Ft. Garry

Fort Richmond

St. Norbert

Whyte Ridge Linden Woods

PAGE 32

BY PHONE: 204.333.7183

BY E-MAIL: terry.buhay@mediaclassified.ca

Merlyn Minty

204.782.8692

merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca

Terry Buhay

terry.buhay@mediaclassified.ca 204.333.7183

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Amanda Pereira

CONTRIBUTORS

Jennifer Backstein, Louis Duncan-He, Sara Duck, Louis Duncan-He, Trisha Isabey, Anne Marshall, Linda Mazur, Dawn Peter, Chuck Resnick, Lisa Rogers

MANAGER CUSTOMER SALES & SERVICE

Marilyn Watling

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Gary Chilvers

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

Yvonne Poon, Mike Terentiev

Published by

nexthome.ca | mediaclassified.ca

Circulation Highly targeted, free distribution system aimed at prospective renters 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/ Media Classified Corporation, and not that of the individual client. The customer has purchased the right of reproduction in NextHome/Media Classified 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/Media Classified. Contents of this publication, in hard copy format as well as online, are covered by copyright law, and offenders will be prosecuted.

Copyright 2024 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/Media Classified is strictly prohibited.

Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor by email to merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca. The views and data expressed by columnists do not necessarily represent those of the publication.

ADVICE | MAKE YOUR MOVE

WHEN IT COMES TO MOVING, IT’S

ALL ABOUT TIMING

CHUCK RESNICK

When it comes to ensuring a successful move, timing is everything! So the first question to ask is, are you moving yourself, or will you hire movers? Be sure to book the moving company or truck at least a month ahead, if not more.

Next, are you going to do the packing or let the professionals do the job for you? If you are thinking DIY, start collecting/buying boxes and packing material.

Professional movers usually sell standard-sized boxes that are sturdy and easy to stack, as well as paper that can protect your items without leaving newsprint behind.

Finally, which of your belongings do you want/need to move? Why not purge all of those unnecessary items you don’t need?

The following is a handy reference for what to do when.

A MONTH BEFORE THE MOVE …

• De-clutter, pitch, give away, donate — whatever — but pare down your goods.

• Obtain change-of-address cards from the post office.

• Notify magazines, insurance companies, banks, credit card companies, schools, employers, etc. of your change of address.

• If you are moving to a new home or condo that includes appliances, ask for the owner’s manuals ahead of time.

ONE TO TWO WEEKS IN ADVANCE…

• Make a closet of items you will need to clean the place once furniture is moved (broom, dustpan, cleansers, etc.).

• Either start packing or make sure your mover begins. Label boxes as you pack with the contents and which room each will go into at your new digs. Write the destination room on the top and sides of each box.

• Schedule disconnects for utilities and phone, but make sure you still have the use of your phone line on moving day. Arrange for hook-ups at the other end.

• Cancel newspapers and any companies you use for services.

• Send change-of-address cards.

THE DAY BEFORE THE MOVE…

• Clean out and dry the fridge and freezer.

• Get to a bank or bank machine and take out enough cash to tide you over.

• Pack a last-minute essentials bag/box.

• Arrange for children and pets to be looked after elsewhere on moving day.

ON MOVING DAY…

• Double and triple check all rooms, closets, garage, basement, attic etc., to ensure that you have all of your things and the areas are left clean.

• Carry your own (family’s) valuables to the move and all other important documents.

Chuck Resnick is vice-president, marketing and operations at Two Men and a Truck – Canada. twomen.ca

NEWLY REFURBISHED SUITES

BACHELOR SUITES, 1 BEDROOMS, 1 BEDROOM WITH SUNKEN LIVING ROOM AND 2 BEDROOM APARTMENTS AVAILABLE

LOCATED NEAR MAJOR BUS ROUTES WITH EASY ACCESS TO U OF W AND U OF M

CHATEAU 100

YOUR AMENITIES INCLUDE:

• all utilities included

• security entrance

• air conditioning

• ensuite storage

• on-site management

• window coverings

• 24 hr. emergency number

• games/lounge area

• squash courts / sauna

• exercise room

• indoor & visitor parking

• located at the corner of Broadway & Donald Street

72

Lookup ID: 4R8229 at 4Rent.ca

LOCATED NEAR MAJOR BUS ROUTES AND RAPID TRANSIT WITH EASY ACCESS TO U OF W AND U OF M

1 & 2 BEDROOM SUITES AVAILABLE

RIVERVIEW TOWERS

YOUR AMENITIES INCLUDE :

• all utilities included

• security entrance

• 24 hr. emergency number

• on-site management

• air conditioned suites

• indoor and visitor parking

• exercise facility and sauna

• newly renovated well-equipped gym

• ensuite storage

• window coverings

• new windows

• grassed 2nd oor

• fantastic views

3

Lookup ID: 4R8230/ 4R8231 at 4Rent.ca

•

•

204.783.8537

•

•

•

•

TIPS FOR DECORATING A SMALL SPACE

by LISA ROGERS

Decorating a small space isn’t really that different from decorating a large one – it just requires some ingenuity and understanding what works in the space and what doesn’t. While your focus will be different when you’re working with less square footage, the basic rules of design are very much the same.

Whether you’re looking to update a rental apartment, condominium or small home, give some thought to these eight tips to optimize your space.

FIND THE RIGHT LIGHT

First, if you have plenty of natural light, let it shine through. Keep window treatments airy with sheer fabrics so light can come through easily, and you’re not weighing down your space with heavy curtains or blinds. Add additional lighting throughout your space but avoid any big floor or table lamps – they just add “bulk” – and opt for wall sconces, pendant lights or string lights that don’t take up too much real estate.

MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL

If you aren’t blessed with a lot of natural light in a room, mirrors

can add additional light and the feeling of additional space by reflecting back any natural and non-natural lighting you do have. It will give the illusion of more square footage, so think about using one large mirror in your room or arrange a few smaller ones throughout.

AVOID HEAVY FURNITURE

When dressing a small space, your furniture has to look light. For example, instead of investing in a sturdy, block of a coffee table, opt for a piece that has legs on it. Why? It helps carry the eye in and around your space, which gives the impression of a bigger room.

USE FURNITURE THAT IS MULTI-PURPOSE

I often picked pieces that are multi-purpose, such as a hightop table that I put in the kitchen area that acts as a workstation as well as an eating area. You can get creative with storage options, too: Ottomans that can store your linens, or built-in cabinetry under your bed. Nowadays there are so many chic storage options that work double-duty as a piece of decor.

TRY ‘FLOATING’ PIECES

Shelves and nightstands that are built into the walls keep your floor clear of any obstacles and free up some extra space as well.

THE BIGGER THE RUG, THE BETTER

Believe it or not, you don’t want to skimp on size with your rug. A tiny rug just makes the room feel equally as small, so pick a floor covering that’s large enough so most of the furniture will sit on it or go wall-to-wall.

KEEP COLOURS NEUTRAL

This feels fairly obvious, but lighter walls give the illusion of a bigger space, where darker walls do the opposite. My favourite hues are

from Benjamin Moore: CC40 or Chantilly Lace. I often use them both in design.

ADD SOME COLOUR

Yes, you can. Use colour for your pillows, bedding, artwork or carpets, but I always caution about going too overboard with really bold patterns of palettes. You want to minimize the “noise,” as it were, so my advice is to add your colour, but keep it fresh, light and harmonious.

Lisa Rogers is Executive Vice-President of Design for Dunpar Homes (dunparhomes.com). Lisa has shared her style and design expertise on popular television programs such as Canadian Living TV, House & Home TV and as a regular guest expert for fashion and image, health and wellness and design on CityTV’s Cityline. Follow Lisa’s blog at craftedbylisa.ca

Today’s floor lamps are the perfect fusion of functionality and design

2

ZIGZAG floor lamp. $299. westelm.ca

LAUTERS floor lamp in ash/white. $90. ikea.ca

VENUS arc floor lamp with marble base. $1,499. cb2.ca

MOLLY metal floor lamp in gold satin finish by Globe Electric. $74. walmart.ca

REMI natural linen floor lamp. $599. crateandbarrel.ca

BORI large natural lantern set. $319. article.com

PAVO double floor lamp in champagne brass. $649. cb2.ca

GIRA floor lamp in matte black. $199. article.com

HUDSON steel-shade floor lamp. $599. westelm.ca

ALLEN + ROTH mid-century metal tripod floor lamp in black. $100. rona.ca.

• 100% Handicap accessible building

• Pet friendly with a wash station available on the main floor

• Storage lockers available on each floor

• Bike storage and repair area on main floor

• CCTV (Closed Circuit Security System) Video Surveillance of parking areas, exits, entrances and elevator

• Card Access “FOB” entrance to the building

• Elevator Service from underground parkade to fourth floor

• Extensive Sound proofing throughout

• Heated underground and exterior with visitor parking available

ST. VITAL

BETWEEN TWO RIVERS

St. Vital is a sprawling suburban area in Winnipeg wading far and wide between two rivers. The Red River marks the west boundary and the Seine River marks the east. Carriere Avenue is the northern boundary and the rural municipality of Ritchot is the southern boundary.

Newer, amenity-oriented neighbourhoods dominate the landscape in clusters in smiling St. Vital. The suburban style of family living close to the country gets richer in the south, but all homes and residents seem fairly prosperous and settled. Old St. Vital has some francophone history, yet it’s largely overshadowed by modern cosmopolitan consumers who want to shop and live in luxury by the river.

As the middle child in a French family of three sisters, St. Vital starts out as gregariously urban with long rows of strip malls braided alongside a huge shopping mall and cosy middle-class lots near the river. Furthest south, the landscape suddenly becomes rural, running past shops into pastures of prairie grass and corn mazes.

Professional residents know how to maneouvre around roadblocks from busy Bishop Grandin Boulevard to the farmers’ markets.

Starting out traditionally Francophone, St. Vital has grown and significantly changed over the years. Decades ago, she became

overwhelmingly Anglophone, but now there is a lot of variation between neighbourhoods and more ethnic diversity among new residents. More seniors typically reside along the northwest and residents with higher incomes and education are located further south.

St. Vital offers a lot for middleincome families. A smaller budget might find North St. Vital more central and affordable. Big budgets build in the south.

The growing trend toward diversity and demand for new housing has made St. Vital homeownership-competitive. With Baby Boomers retiring, there is also a growing need for multi-family homes and services. Apartments, condos and townhouses situated close to the malls and main bus

routes have much to offer with balconies, granite counters, large suites with lofts and some with a highrise view.

Traffic is constant east to west and on main cross streets, covering large expanses of land by high-speed roads. Buses are frequent, especially at the northern intersections. Pedestrians and cyclists congregate closer to the south by the mall or on residential streets. A trip to the airport could be half an hour.

Major parks and centres include St. Vital Park near the Red River, Maple Grove at the southern tip, plus Jonathan Toews Community Centre and St. Vital Centennial Arena.

St. Vital is loved by residents and visitors. The shopping is stupendous, but a car is a must. Dawn

Watching the sunset in St. Vital Park.

DAWN PETER

decorating THE ART OF…

by LINDA MAZUR

Art is often thought of as part of the finishing touches of your decor, a last-minute addition to the space. But is this really the case?

Art is more than just a decoration. When it is well curated, it can transform and elevate any room. It can set the tone of the space while also adding to the overall design aesthetic. Art can express your personality, add visual interest, evoke emotion or simply calmly complement the surroundings.

Understanding the role art plays in your space is important. A vibrant abstract can create energy, a subtle landscape can be calm and peaceful. The colours, textures and forms found in your artwork can be complementary to the surroundings of the room, adding not only visual interest but also depth to the design. It can create a focal point in the space, or just add a subtle nuance to a small little corner of a room. It can be the starting point when designing, or it could be that extra layer needed when creating a well-curated room.

Many feel that great artwork should stand alone and really have nothing to do with the finished decor of your space. However, when working with clients, I often find that art always will have a greater impact and look better within the space when the decor supports the pieces in questions.

Whether you are working with original art, prints you fell in love with, photography from your travels or some great vintage pieces you found while thrifting, you need to decide the role these pieces will have within your space. Is art to be used as the inspiration for your designs, a focal point within the space or simply be a piece that accompanies and completes the overall design? However you decide to incorporate these pieces, know that they will certainly add dimension, richness and interest to the area.

So, the question remains: How do you design a space to highlight your art? One of the more classic and easiest ways to coordinate your art selections within your living spaces is drawing on colour. This is not about having your art “match” everything in the space,

but rather developing a palette of colour and texture throughout that will help enhance the pieces. This could be a simple repetition of some of the colours found within the piece through paint, fabric and accessories which will help to strengthen the visual impact of the art. A coordination and balance of colour, pattern and texture within your decor will draw you into the room and visually highlight the art.

For a more modern approach, the design of a room can be a little more restrained, both in colour and composition, allowing the art to become more of an impactful focal point. With the use of strategically placed directional lighting you can add another element to highlighting your art and truly make it the centre of attention.

When working with impactful or large scaled pieces of art, put some thought in to how you’d like to display these pieces and make the design or decor of your space complement them, instead of just making the art exist. If you are selecting fresh pieces of art for your room, select wisely, both in size and composition. Look to creating groupings, or collages,

with some pieces to avoid simply hanging a single piece per wall. While art is subjective and personal, it does need to vibe with the space it will be in to truly shine.

Art can elevate your interior space. But in the end, artwork should simply make you happy. Make a bold statement with your art selections or create a calm and relaxing environment, whichever suits your personality and style best. Be creative with your selections, and don’t be afraid to play with scale as well. A large piece on a smaller wall can really make an impact in a space, and the same goes for the reverse. Your selection of art is a reflection of you, your life, your history, your travels… have fun with it and don’t be shy to show your true self.

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

10 REASONS RENTING IS BETTER

RENTING VS OWNING

ANNE MARSHALL

While many people idealize home ownership and cling to it as a goal, not everyone wants to own their own home. Especially after retirement, the “perks” of homeownership pale in comparison to the benefits of renting. If you’re thinking about making a change to your living situation, here are 10 good reasons why renting may be preferable to owning your home.

1. MOBILITY. If employment or other life circumstances require you to move to a different city (or province), it’s a lot easier to give your landlord notice and hunt for an apartment than it would be to put your home on the market, sell it and buy a new one.

2. PROPERTY MAINTENANCE.

Whether it’s shovelling snow for 90 days straight in winter, raking autumn leaves or mowing the lawn in summer, outdoor tasks are the responsibility of your landlord, superintendent or management company, unless your lease dictates otherwise.

3. FIXTURE REPAIR. When your shower stops running properly, your landlord is the one who has to call and pay for the plumber. If the fridge or stove needs replacing, that’s their financial responsibility.

4. INTEREST RATE INVULNERABILITY. Unlike homeowners, your rent is fixed and can only increase by small increments dictated by law. Not so the financial market, which could see you renegotiating

your mortgage every couple of years as interest rates and property values change.

5. ACCESS TO AMENITIES. Pools, gyms, party rooms and libraries are all fairly common features of upscale modern apartment buildings. In addition, highdensity housing is often situated in the heart of the city, close to entertainment and shopping, which opens up a world of possibilities for your social life.

6. NO DOWN PAYMENT. All you have to come up with to secure your apartment is enough to cover your rent and/or security deposit. Some landlords may ask for a security deposit rather than the last month, but it will usually end up being applied that way – at any rate, deposits aren’t excessive. With the average home price in Canada now well over $400k, even a very small down payment plus legal fees, plus home inspection, plus, plus, plus – it all adds up to a big investment and a lot of money to pay out on key day.

7. SAFETY. Living in a rental unit typically means living near a lot of other people, and while that can occasionally be irksome, those country music fans who hold a stomping hootenanny every Saturday night are also going to hear you scream if you’re in trouble, or notice if your car hasn’t moved or your mail starts piling up.

8. CHEAPER INSURANCE.

Unlike homeowners, renters do not have to insure the property – only the contents. When you get your renters’ insurance, expect to be paying

When your shower stops running properly, your landlord is the one who has to call and pay for the plumber.

approximately half of what you would if you owned your home. Canadian renters’ insurance averages $20 to $30 a month in most parts of the country.

9. NO PROPERTY TAXES. While you can assume that at least some of the rent you pay goes towards covering that cost for your landlord, it isn’t your financial responsibility. Your rent remains stable and increases in a predictable fashion.

10. LOWER UTILITY COSTS. Heating (or cooling) a larger space than that which you actually occupy is one of the downsides of homeownership. Rental units have more compact floorplans, and in the winter, you may even benefit from ambient heat from the building or apartments around you, depending on its layout.

Anne Marshall has lived in New York City, Glasgow (Scotland), Greensboro (NC), Toronto, and somehow ended up back in the fabulous small city of Guelph, where she grew up.

Why size matters: THE IMPORTANCE OF SCALE

by TRISHA ISABEY • photos TREVOR COOPER

In my professional opinion, a well-designed home must meet two key criteria: the home (and everything in it) must be practical and aesthetically pleasing. These are two areas that I focus on when kicking off a new design project for my clients. Now, you might be thinking, “Just two criteria?” Don’t be fooled by your perceived simplicity of a number. A lot of planning goes into achieving fashion and function. One of them is scale.

The rules of scale apply to everything in the space, in relation to the space itself. Furniture, light fixtures, art and accessories all have to work within the proportions of a room to achieve

the perfect fit. When everything is scaled to the space, your home will feel like a well-tailored suit.

Pieces that are too large or too small can create visual awkwardness and physical inefficiencies. Here are three common victims of measuring missteps.

Area rugs

Area rugs don’t get the attention they deserve, and they’re certainly not a first focus for measureminded folks. Big mistake! Area rugs are important because they define “zones” and anchor everything in them.

Oftentimes people will look at their space, complete with

furniture in place, and “estimate” the size of their rug requirements based on the empty area between the furnishings. The result is an ill-fitting rug that floats aimlessly between the sofa and chairs.

When choosing the rightsized rug, the furnishings of your zone–be it a conversation area in the living room or a small reading nook in the bedroom–should be large enough to accommodate at least the front legs of the furniture of that “zone.” For example, in the sitting area this might include a sofa and some chairs, a coffee table, a side table and maybe an ottoman. Ensure the rug isn’t butting up against the walls, leaving a gap or a few inches to create a border.

Have you heard of “tablescaping?” Try arranging accessories and collections in odd numbers–threes, fives or sevens. Place the tallest piece at the centre and work your way out.

Light fixtures

Light fixtures are often measured incorrectly, in more ways than one. When choosing a light fixture, ensure it is not too small. Remember, lighting should be a focal point, so choose something that stands out, both in terms of style and scale. Like area rugs, light fixtures help to define a living area, enhance a room’s function, and highlight its focal points. Choosing an appropriately sized fixture brings balance to the room–and yes, there’s simple a formula for that! Measure the length and width of the room in feet, add the two numbers and the result, expressed in inches, is the ideal size of your light fixture. For example, a room that is 10 ft. wide by 20 ft. long would be best

suited to a fixture that measures 30 inches in diameter. If you’re choosing a fixture to hang over a table, measure the table in inches and subtract 12, which gives you the ideal diameter for your chandelier or pendant.

The second scale slip-up occurs when determining the height of suspension. As a general rule, the fixture should hang three ft. above a tabletop or six ft. from the floor.

Decor

Last but not least, art and accessories are often over- or underestimated, leaving them looking inadequate and ineffectual.

In an effort to achieve a clean and uncluttered space, people often “go small” when it comes to their decor. The result is decor that falls short on size and visual effect. The secret to success is to be selective in your decor. Limit the number of pieces and ensure they’re big enough to make an impression.

Buyer beware

When visiting a furniture showroom, be mindful that these spaces typically have high ceilings and vast floor area can be deceiving, so don’t trust yourself to “just eyeball it.” Advanced planning is essential, and a tape measure your best friend.

Sketch out the room, making note of room dimensions, ceiling height, doorways, windows, focal points, and paths of traffic. While you’re at it, be sure to measure hallways, doorways, and elevators to ensure your furniture will fit through when it is delivered. Then, get some tape and delineate where your furniture will be placed and how big each piece should realistically be. Then, shop with measurements in hand.

Work with a professional designer to ensure all your selections “measure up” in every regard. When it comes to your home, make no compromises.

Trisha Isabey is the Creative Director and Principal Designer for award winning Isabey Interiors. Her much sought-after design team offers a diverse range of design services throughout Western Canada and nationally. Isabeyinteriors.com @isabeyinteriors @furnishbyisabey

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A RENTAL

Whether it’s your first apartment or your 10th, you’re going to want to find the home that best suits your needs. While looking for a new apartment, use this handy checklist to make sure you’ve covered all your bases.

THE RENTAL UNIT

• Is there a storage place for extra belongings such as bikes, luggage, etc.? Who has access to this place?

• Where is the closest bus stop?

• Is the apartment near services that are used regularly? (groceries, bank, fitness)

• Is the rental unit clean? Who shovels the snow and cuts the grass? Who supplies the equipment (shovels, lawn mower)?

• Where can vehicles be parked? Is there good lighting outside and in the parking lot?

• How quiet or noisy is the rental unit during the evening for studying or sleeping?

• Are there laundry facilities? Is there a schedule for use? Is there a cost? Where is the closest laundromat?

• Does the building have Internet service, or can it be installed?

FINANCES

• How much is the rent?

• Is a security deposit required? What is the amount?

• Does the rent include utilities: Heat, water, electricity, cable or Internet?

• Will a utility hook-up charge be extra?

• Will parking cost extra? What is the amount?

• Who has to pay for repairs — big ones and small ones?

AVOID ROOMMATE MISUNDERSTANDINGS

• Who will sign the residential tenancy agreement (lease)? It’s best that all parties be named on it.

• What will happen if one person needs to move out before the end of the lease?

• How will costs be shared and bills paid?

• How will problems be resolved?

QUESTIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

• Is the lease for a fixed amount of time or month-to-month?

• When and where will the rent be paid? What happens if it is late? Ask for receipts for any payments.

• Who do you contact if there is a problem?

• Have you arranged for tenants’ insurance?

• Are sublets okay? What about a roommate?

• Are pets allowed? Is a deposit required?

• Is smoking allowed?

• How long can guests stay?

• Are you able to decorate your unit? What is the policy about push pins and hammering nails in the walls?

• When and where are notices delivered when it’s time to move out?

• When will the inspection report be done.

It’s always a good idea to keep copies of documents related to your rental unit, including the tenancy agreement, inspection report and receipts. Asking the right questions and considering the answers before you sign on the dotted line will help you find a rental unit that best suits your needs and lifestyle.

The best seat

in the house

by Jennifer Backstein • photos stephani Buchman

Agood chair is like a good friend – it’s there to support and embrace you, to bring comfort and colour to your life. Dating back some 5,000 years, this essential piece of furniture has evolved from its predominantly utilitarian origins. Don’t get me wrong, it definitely still serves the very specific purpose of getting us off our feet, whether to rest or to help us focus on tasks. However, the chair has also become an expression of art and personal style, a decorating tool to define areas throughout the house, and how we live in our homes. While there are many different styles and options of chairs on the market, the defining feature of a good chair is one that balances esthetics, comfort and quality. Here are some things to pay attention to.

#1 Function (and style)

Before you can consider a chair’s esthetic attributes, you must first determine its functional requirements. Will you be sitting for short or extended periods of

time? Will you be engaged in any activities while seated? In terms of the space you’re placing it, is it casual or formal in nature? How many people do you need to seat? Is it a high-traffic area, exposed to wear and tear?

Consider the style of seating that will best meet those needs. Your seating options run the gamut from chairs, loveseats, sofas and sectionals, to less conventional pieces such as stools and ottomans. What about upholstery? With a back or armrests? What about the depth and angle of the seat?

TIP: Ottomans and cubes are very versatile and are a great option for extra seating or surfaces in a pinch. Pushed up to a coffee table or beside the fireplace, an ottoman makes a great seat.

#2 Construction (and price)

When shopping for seating, you’ll undoubtedly come across a wide range of products and price points. Generally, you get what you pay for and quality (think comfort and durability) is often reflected in a

higher price. What’s behind that price difference? The joinery; the construction of the seat and whether it’s coil or web, down or foam; the quality of upholstery – these all factor into the price.

#3 Measure (and measure again)

You know what they say – measure twice, buy once. When buying any big-ticket items for your home, don’t rely on the “eyeball” method for measurements. This is especially important given the reality of supply chain issues and the resulting delays on delivery. Ensure the pieces you’re buying will fit your space –and through the doorways, hallways, and if you live in a condo, the elevator!

Having a floorplan in hand can also be extremely helpful when shopping for large-scale seating, such as a sofa or sectional. This will give you a view of the piece, and its scale in relation to the rest of the space, and how it may impact the natural flow of traffic and sight lines to windows and other focal points,

TIP: When planning your space, keep in mind the area required around your furnishings. In the living room, I like to leave 18 inches between the sofa and coffee table, and about 36 inches between armchairs, sofa and loveseat. If your seating is for watching television, I recommend a gap of approximately seven feet.

As you can see, a lot goes into choosing just the right seating for your space and your… rear end. Do your research, make a list, and discuss your options with a qualified designer who knows what works and can bring some new ideas to the table – or in this case, the chair!

Located at the entrance of The University of Manitoba 4Rent.ca For Promotions

See Our Ad On SOUTHWEST March 22–April 5, 2024 | Renters Guide 33

The ARC is perfect for anyone looking for convenient, fully furnished private suites / coliving arrangements with state-of-art amenities such as a resort-style gym, large community kitchen, and an assortment of retailers on the main floor.

thearcwinnipeg.ca | (204) 289-9997

thearcwinnipeg.ca | (204) 289-9997

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

As the weather gets chillier, and the nights get longer, all attention turns to the bedroom. The comfort we can get from a cozy design increase as the temperature dips

Restorative design to soothe the soul

by Louis Duncan-He

We all love looking at a beautifully designed room. The impact of flow, form and function in a space can be transcendent. As we face another New Year – particularly after two years of unique and acute challenges, globally, and often, as a result, individually-the comfort

we get from a well-designed space can be indescribable. You cannot put words to the comfort, warmth, serenity, or restorative quality of a beautiful room. It is just something that you feel.

As designers, we learned the fundamental building

blocks of the art of design.

From scale and proportion, to balance and harmony, to colour theory – these principles highlight that there is indeed a very technical side to the process, which can be acquired through theory and practice.

Finding ways to incorporate natural and organic elements into your home is always soothing to the soul.

Still, the heart and soul of design is not something that can be easily extracted from a book. Great designers not only design with precision, but also with an incredible amount of energy, creativity and spirit. You can feel the difference when you step into a space that was designed with a deeper intention in mind.

As a designer, my mandate is to thoughtfully reveal the authentic aspirations of each client to create spaces that are rich in spirit and restorative to the soul. Although the process and end product may vary for each homeowner, here are my top 5 things to always keep in mind ahead:

1. FOcuS ON A FeelINg

When we start working with clients, this is one of the first and most important exercises we go through. We ask them to come to the design briefing with a variety of inspiration photos that elicit an immediate reaction or feeling. It should be visceral: it either moves you, or it doesn’t. It doesn’t matter if you love a specific sofa or armchair in a living room reference. What’s important is to try and nail down the overall intention and sentiment of the space, because without this key piece of information, it’s hard to actually design with much meaning and purpose.

2. geT PeRSONAl

Whether you’re working on your own or with a designer, get very personal. During the onboarding process, a good designer will ask questions in a variety of different ways, trying to get to the root behind your aspirations. If we aren’t getting anywhere with straightforward questions, we may pivot to exploring areas like art, music, travel. Ultimately, it’s not about trying to identify the exact shade of colour you want. Rather, why are you drawn to the colour in the first place? Because in understanding the underlying desire and reason behind a choice, it becomes much more impactful.

3. FINd bAlANce

Balance and harmony can be brought into a room in so many different ways. It can be as simple as highlighting overall symmetry, or utilizing the principles of Feng Shui, or focusing on harmonizing the five elements (wood, fire, earth, metal, water). The point is, finding a way to create balance and harmony in a way that visually makes sense to you will add calmness and a restorative quality to your home

4. gO NATuRAl

Finding ways to incorporate natural and organic elements into your home is always soothing to the soul. You may want a very rustic looking space containing wood with a live edge. Bring in a soft alpaca throw or add subtle fluted wood detailing accents or piece of furniture.

5. FOllOw yOuR heART

We often intuitively know exactly what we want, so instead of trying to create an endless array of the “why it won’t work”, focus on ways to work with your overall vision and bring it to life. Usually having this sense of direction and conviction is the best way to enter into a partnership with a designer. Because it’s not a designer’s job to think for you. Rather, it’s our job to help edit and bring a certain level of focus to the project, to help bring your ideas to life in the most beautiful and meaningful way possible.

Designer Louis Duncan-He is Creative Director and Principal of Louis Duncan-He Designs. This notable Calgary-and Montreal-based boutique design firm offers complete residential design services throughout Canada. With a distinct timeless perspective, the company creates unified authentic designs. louisdhe.com