Calgary Home Decor & Renovations - Jun/Aug 2016

JUN - AUG 2016VOLUME 14, ISSUE 3, FREE

CALGARY EDITION

TRADEMARKReasons to renovate – inside & out

In Tuscany with DEBBIE TRAVIS

Secrets from a STAGER

Perfecting your OUTDOOR LIVING spaces

YOU DESERVE MOREDREAM BIGGER WITH ASTORIA

Building in Luxury Lifestyle community of Watermark at Bearspaw and Acreages surrounding Calgary. Book your new home discovery session today www.AstoriaHomes.ca/discovery

Specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and additions.

For a complimentary in-home consultation, contact Garth

McDaniel at 587-349-7568 or [email protected]

ASTORIA CUSTOM HOMES AWARD WINNING DESIGNS

ASTORIA CUSTOM RENOVATIONSA NAME YOU CAN TRUST

www.AstoriaHomes.ca www.AstoriaRenovations.ca

20 Patterson Drive SW - Premiere Renovation Feature HomeOpen for Viewing Weekends 11:00 am - 4:00 pm

FOR THOSE WHO VALUE LUXURY, QUALITY AND EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN WWW.RENOVALUXURY.COM

403.203.7676


403.203.7676

Calgary’sRenovator of the Year

YOU DESERVE MOREDREAM BIGGER WITH ASTORIA

Building in Luxury Lifestyle community of Watermark at Bearspaw and Acreages surrounding Calgary. Book your new home discovery session today www.AstoriaHomes.ca/discovery

Specializing in kitchens, bathrooms, basements and additions.

For a complimentary in-home consultation, contact Garth

McDaniel at 587-349-7568 or [email protected]

ASTORIA CUSTOM HOMES AWARD WINNING DESIGNS

ASTORIA CUSTOM RENOVATIONSA NAME YOU CAN TRUST

www.AstoriaHomes.ca www.AstoriaRenovations.ca

20 Patterson Drive SW - Premiere Renovation Feature HomeOpen for Viewing Weekends 11:00 am - 4:00 pm


403.203.7676


403.203.7676

Calgary’sRenovator of the Year

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 3

contents

26

JUNE - AUG 2016

40


CALGARY EDITION





in every issue06 Editor’s notebook

features34 Home is where the heart is

40 Do all you can

outdoor spaces12 Creating outdoorliving spaces,

just for you!

16 The scoop: Boho bedroom in white and blue

renomark22 Love thy neighbour

inspiration10 Fun in the Tuscan sun

26 Big cities, tiny houses and

gem-like gardens

30 Add sunshine to your decor

32 Create a cozy bedroom in five easy steps

44 Ten tips for painting great looking walls

tips & tricks24 Does your home have

dangerous levels of radon? Here’s what you need to know

38 Decoding the code

cover story

pg. 18

Trademark talks reasons to renovate - inside and outside

32

VOLUME 14 ISSUE 3

contents

26

JUNE - AUG 2016

40


CALGARY EDITION





in every issue06 Editor’s notebook

features34 Home is where the heart is

40 Do all you can

outdoor spaces12 Creating outdoorliving spaces,

just for you!

16 The scoop: Boho bedroom in white and blue

renomark22 Love thy neighbour

inspiration10 Fun in the Tuscan sun

26 Big cities, tiny houses and

gem-like gardens

30 Add sunshine to your decor

32 Create a cozy bedroom in five easy steps

44 Ten tips for painting great looking walls

tips & tricks24 Does your home have

dangerous levels of radon? Here’s what you need to know

38 Decoding the code

cover story

pg. 18

Trademark talks reasons to renovate - inside and outside

32

6 YPNEXTHOME.CA

JUNE - AUGUST 2016 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 03

home decor and renovations2891 Sunridge Way NE. Calgary, AB T1Y 7K7

T 403.461.5518

PRESIDENT, YELLOW PAGES NEXTHOME Jacqueline Hill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

Susan Legge

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER HOME, DÉCOR & RENOVATIONS

Moe Lalani

SALES MANAGER, ALBERTA

Shelley Balla

ART DIRECTOR

Daiana Garay

SENIOR EDITOR

Elisa Krovblit

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Sara Duck (on leave)

MEDIA CONSULTANT

Anita van Breevoort, 403.461.5518 [email protected]

NATIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER John Jenkins

PRODUCTION MANAGER Helen Pearce

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Greg Van SluytmanGRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mike Terentiev, Miguel Cea

CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Canning, Bonny Dann, Mickey Foulds, Vanessa Gash, Laura Le, Jane Lockhart, Mi-chael Nyikes, Heather Ryan, Jackie Swartz, Bryan Tuckey

Home Decor and Renovations magazine is published six times a year. Home Decor and Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Calgary and Greater Calgary area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Decor and Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.

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

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

WE’RE LISTENING! Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!

Love where you live

Whether you’re buying new, renting for now, renovating because your needs have changed over time or just setting out, your home should look, feel and function exactly as you want it to.

Now that it’s summer, we’re all focused on our outdoor spaces. I had the privilege of speaking with Debbie Travis recently. She spent the last five years renovating a 13th century villa in Tuscany. She’s modernized it and made it into a spectacular retreat, and it boasts the most breathtaking views with fields of olive trees and acres of lavender. While we don’t all have our very own piece of Tuscan heaven, she’s created a line of outdoor furnishings and tableware inspired by her life under the Tuscan sun to indulge you. You can read all about it on page 16.

If your outdoors are in need of a garden, a focal point or some landscaping for curb appeal, Bonny Dann has some suggestions. Check out her insights on creating outdoor living spaces on page 12. If you’ve got a city home with a tiny gem of a garden, Jackie Swartz has some solutions and some tips on page 26. You’ll find good things really do come in small packages.

While many of us spend time outside most summer days, there are still decor challenges inside, too. Try bringing some sunshine in with you. I spent time discovering beautiful and sunny decor pieces – take a look on page 30. Yellow is a fun colour to use, and bright too! If it’s a more tranquil space you’re after, design expert Lisa Canning has some very specific tips on designing a beautiful bedroom on page 32.

Whether it’s inside or out – or maybe a bit of both, I hope we can inspire you to enjoy your home to the fullest, from renovating and updating to getting your garden going. With so many great renovators, designers, trades, decor stores and decorators in this city, you should have no problem finding all the elements you need.

Thanks for reading!

ELISA KROVBLITSENIOR EDITOR, YP NEXTHOME [email protected]

editor’s notebook

+ get social Interact with us on social media: ypnexthome

JUNE - AUGUST 2016 VOLUME 14 ISSUE 03

home decor and renovations2891 Sunridge Way NE. Calgary, AB T1Y 7K7

T 403.461.5518

PRESIDENT, YELLOW PAGES NEXTHOME Jacqueline Hill

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF / DIRECTOR OF CONTENT

Susan Legge

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER HOME, DÉCOR & RENOVATIONS

Moe Lalani

SALES MANAGER, ALBERTA

Shelley Balla

ART DIRECTOR

Daiana Garay

SENIOR EDITOR

Elisa Krovblit

EXECUTIVE EDITOR

Sara Duck (on leave)

MEDIA CONSULTANT

Anita van Breevoort, 403.461.5518 [email protected]

NATIONAL CIRCULATION MANAGER John Jenkins

PRODUCTION MANAGER Helen Pearce

PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR / GRAPHIC DESIGNER Greg Van SluytmanGRAPHIC DESIGNERS Mike Terentiev, Miguel Cea

CONTRIBUTORS Lisa Canning, Bonny Dann, Mickey Foulds, Vanessa Gash, Laura Le, Jane Lockhart, Mi-chael Nyikes, Heather Ryan, Jackie Swartz, Bryan Tuckey

Home Decor and Renovations magazine is published six times a year. Home Decor and Renovations magazine is distributed throughout Calgary and Greater Calgary area. This publication has been designed for the renovation market as a guide. Home Decor and Renovations magazine carefully inspects all ads for accuracy, however, the publisher and the printer shall not be responsible for any mistakes, design errors or incorrect information which is provided by the advertiser or their representative.

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

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

WE’RE LISTENING! Send us your comments, questions, renovation stories, pictures and great ideas!

Love where you live

Whether you’re buying new, renting for now, renovating because your needs have changed over time or just setting out, your home should look, feel and function exactly as you want it to.

Now that it’s summer, we’re all focused on our outdoor spaces. I had the privilege of speaking with Debbie Travis recently. She spent the last five years renovating a 13th century villa in Tuscany. She’s modernized it and made it into a spectacular retreat, and it boasts the most breathtaking views with fields of olive trees and acres of lavender. While we don’t all have our very own piece of Tuscan heaven, she’s created a line of outdoor furnishings and tableware inspired by her life under the Tuscan sun to indulge you. You can read all about it on page 16.

If your outdoors are in need of a garden, a focal point or some landscaping for curb appeal, Bonny Dann has some suggestions. Check out her insights on creating outdoor living spaces on page 12. If you’ve got a city home with a tiny gem of a garden, Jackie Swartz has some solutions and some tips on page 26. You’ll find good things really do come in small packages.

While many of us spend time outside most summer days, there are still decor challenges inside, too. Try bringing some sunshine in with you. I spent time discovering beautiful and sunny decor pieces – take a look on page 30. Yellow is a fun colour to use, and bright too! If it’s a more tranquil space you’re after, design expert Lisa Canning has some very specific tips on designing a beautiful bedroom on page 32.

Whether it’s inside or out – or maybe a bit of both, I hope we can inspire you to enjoy your home to the fullest, from renovating and updating to getting your garden going. With so many great renovators, designers, trades, decor stores and decorators in this city, you should have no problem finding all the elements you need.

Thanks for reading!

ELISA KROVBLITSENIOR EDITOR, YP NEXTHOME [email protected]

editor’s notebook

+ get social Interact with us on social media: ypnexthome

422 Manitou Road SE | Calgary | AB | T2G 4C4844.240.2508 | [email protected]| hardrockdevelopments.com

ConCrete & ConstruCtion tools & supplies

speCializing in DeCorative ConCrete

Driveway & Patio Sealer Exposed Aggregate Sealer Water Base Eco-Stain

Concrete Countertops

Garage Epoxy Flake Metallic Floor Epoxy Tinted Colour Sealer













Driveway & Patio Sealer Water Base Eco-Stain

Tinted Colour Sealer

DECORATIVEDecorative concrete consists of many dif-ferent categories. Following are some of the more widely used applications, all of which are available for viewing in our Calgary Showroom.

StainingStaining, also known as ‘acid staining’ is an application widely used on concrete floors. This treatment has become very popular for home owners, restaurants, shopping malls, and retail stores. The square foot cost is cer-tainly one of the most cost-effective floor coverings available and no two applications are ever alike. The characteristics of staining are so unique, durable and best of all, very easy to maintain.

Vertical Concrete or Wall StampingWall Stamping or Vertical Concrete is a very versatile, cost effective wall covering. This application can be used in wine cellars, fire-place surrounds, cooking stations, or any wall that requires a unique application.

Wall SprayWall Spray is a sprayable vertical application which masterfully simulates stucco. It can be used on Concrete, ICF Foam, wood, plaster, or virtually any vertical surface. Eco-friend-ly and water-repellent, Wall Spray is a single component product that can be colored to suit your décor or desired color palette.

Concrete OverlaysConcrete Overlay is an exceptional means

of converting old concrete into a new and vibrant-looking sidewalk or driveway. This product installs over existing concrete and can be stamped to resemble cobble stone, old brick, or any number of patterns that suit your landscaping style. Concrete Overlays are also freeze and thaw-resistant, making them suitable for our harsh Canadian climate.

Sure SpraySure spray is a cementitious sprayable or squeegee-applied coating for both indoor and outdoor applications. It can be colored and textured to suit your desired look. Sure Spray finishes extremely hard and can be applied over existing driveways and walkways. It fea-tures a slip-resistant finish and is freeze and thaw-resistant, suitable for Canadian winters.

Metallic Floor EpoxyGarage Epoxy Flake

Exposed Aggregate Sealer



















Driveway & Patio Sealer Water Base Eco-Stain

Tinted Colour Sealer

DECORATIVEDecorative concrete consists of many dif-ferent categories. Following are some of the more widely used applications, all of which are available for viewing in our Calgary Showroom.

StainingStaining, also known as ‘acid staining’ is an application widely used on concrete floors. This treatment has become very popular for home owners, restaurants, shopping malls, and retail stores. The square foot cost is cer-tainly one of the most cost-effective floor coverings available and no two applications are ever alike. The characteristics of staining are so unique, durable and best of all, very easy to maintain.

Vertical Concrete or Wall StampingWall Stamping or Vertical Concrete is a very versatile, cost effective wall covering. This application can be used in wine cellars, fire-place surrounds, cooking stations, or any wall that requires a unique application.

Wall SprayWall Spray is a sprayable vertical application which masterfully simulates stucco. It can be used on Concrete, ICF Foam, wood, plaster, or virtually any vertical surface. Eco-friend-ly and water-repellent, Wall Spray is a single component product that can be colored to suit your décor or desired color palette.

Concrete OverlaysConcrete Overlay is an exceptional means

of converting old concrete into a new and vibrant-looking sidewalk or driveway. This product installs over existing concrete and can be stamped to resemble cobble stone, old brick, or any number of patterns that suit your landscaping style. Concrete Overlays are also freeze and thaw-resistant, making them suitable for our harsh Canadian climate.

Sure SpraySure spray is a cementitious sprayable or squeegee-applied coating for both indoor and outdoor applications. It can be colored and textured to suit your desired look. Sure Spray finishes extremely hard and can be applied over existing driveways and walkways. It fea-tures a slip-resistant finish and is freeze and thaw-resistant, suitable for Canadian winters.

Metallic Floor EpoxyGarage Epoxy Flake

Exposed Aggregate Sealer

10 YPNEXTHOME.CA

yourRenovations Enhancing homes lives!

Our main living and working area needs help!!

BEFORE

inspiration

YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE LIFE MAY TAKE YOU. Just ask style maven

Debbie Travis. From a brilliant, decades long career in the decor and design

industry, to a life in Tuscany running a pampering retreat – and everything

in between, Debbie Travis has lived it.

Travis has long been loved for her ability to transform a space into a

beautiful, comfortable and useful room. Her columns always answer great

questions and offer intriguing insights. The shows she’s hosted on HGTV

(hgtv.ca) over the years, Painted House, Facelift, From the Ground Up, All

for One, have had rave reviews and have made her a favourite TV host – in

Canada, and internationally. Her product lines have proven to be great quality

and well designed for modern living.

At the height of it all, Debbie switched gears. A dream of living under the Tuscan sun that

had been sparked 18 years earlier, she explains,

while she was filming for Painted House, led

Debbie to Italy. A lovely piece of land with a

dilapidated 13th century villa would become the

next chapter of her life. La Dolce Debbie – a

documentary chronicling the five-year journey of

permit navigation, design considerations, material

selections and retreat development to realize

the dream, was released this spring. A host of a

different sort, now Debbie thought “What if I share

with other women looking for their next chapter.”

It serves many purposes, ranging from a girls’ get-

away to an opportunity for self discovery. Guests

can come for an olive harvest and stay for an

epiphany about alternate paths that life may offer.

When HDR caught up with Debbie, she was

trying to put into words the scent that filled the

villa as she cooked up a huge batch of Sicilian

orange marmalade with fresh, unwaxed, fresh

Sicilian oranges. It was almost as if she were trying

to translate and searching for the words. We were

both speaking English, but she was explaining the

nuances of the Italian romanticism, of slowing

down and savouring the moment; of living in a

reality where the hectic pace was replaced by the

natural rhythm of life; where happiness replaced

expectation and anticipation was replaced with

satisfaction.

With the villa complete, Debbie recently took

on an exclusive product line for Sears (sears.ca).

Who better to create the perfect outdoor furniture

collection than a woman who embraces the rustic

simplicity of Italian countryside, the traditional

elegance of Italy and the wonderful Tuscan sun!

The collection, she explains, is designed to

be durable without compromising on style and

comfort. The collection takes inspiration from

Tuscan entertaining, where people sit, enjoy each

other’s company as the day turns into night and

as dish after dish, drink after drink is served. Big

tables, with chairs to sink into. Comfort is key.

Whether it’s a traditional feel or a

contemporary look, the collection has, she says,

something for everyone. With a small terrace,

pieces fit together to streamline and save

on space. With a larger yard, bigger sets can

accommodate more people. The tableware and

accessories in this collection bring inspiration from

the Italian countryside to your table and bring a

taste of La Dolce Vita, Debbie-style, to your home.

Visit debbietravis.com for more information, and

tuscangetaway.com to book your own getaway

at Debbie’s Tuscan villa.

FUN IN THE TUSCAN SUN

by ELISA KROVBLIT

yourRenovations Enhancing homes lives!

Our main living and working area needs help!!

BEFORE

inspiration

YOU NEVER KNOW WHERE LIFE MAY TAKE YOU. Just ask style maven

Debbie Travis. From a brilliant, decades long career in the decor and design

industry, to a life in Tuscany running a pampering retreat – and everything

in between, Debbie Travis has lived it.

Travis has long been loved for her ability to transform a space into a

beautiful, comfortable and useful room. Her columns always answer great

questions and offer intriguing insights. The shows she’s hosted on HGTV

(hgtv.ca) over the years, Painted House, Facelift, From the Ground Up, All

for One, have had rave reviews and have made her a favourite TV host – in

Canada, and internationally. Her product lines have proven to be great quality

and well designed for modern living.

At the height of it all, Debbie switched gears. A dream of living under the Tuscan sun that

had been sparked 18 years earlier, she explains,

while she was filming for Painted House, led

Debbie to Italy. A lovely piece of land with a

dilapidated 13th century villa would become the

next chapter of her life. La Dolce Debbie – a

documentary chronicling the five-year journey of

permit navigation, design considerations, material

selections and retreat development to realize

the dream, was released this spring. A host of a

different sort, now Debbie thought “What if I share

with other women looking for their next chapter.”

It serves many purposes, ranging from a girls’ get-

away to an opportunity for self discovery. Guests

can come for an olive harvest and stay for an

epiphany about alternate paths that life may offer.

When HDR caught up with Debbie, she was

trying to put into words the scent that filled the

villa as she cooked up a huge batch of Sicilian

orange marmalade with fresh, unwaxed, fresh

Sicilian oranges. It was almost as if she were trying

to translate and searching for the words. We were

both speaking English, but she was explaining the

nuances of the Italian romanticism, of slowing

down and savouring the moment; of living in a

reality where the hectic pace was replaced by the

natural rhythm of life; where happiness replaced

expectation and anticipation was replaced with

satisfaction.

With the villa complete, Debbie recently took

on an exclusive product line for Sears (sears.ca).

Who better to create the perfect outdoor furniture

collection than a woman who embraces the rustic

simplicity of Italian countryside, the traditional

elegance of Italy and the wonderful Tuscan sun!

The collection, she explains, is designed to

be durable without compromising on style and

comfort. The collection takes inspiration from

Tuscan entertaining, where people sit, enjoy each

other’s company as the day turns into night and

as dish after dish, drink after drink is served. Big

tables, with chairs to sink into. Comfort is key.

Whether it’s a traditional feel or a

contemporary look, the collection has, she says,

something for everyone. With a small terrace,

pieces fit together to streamline and save

on space. With a larger yard, bigger sets can

accommodate more people. The tableware and

accessories in this collection bring inspiration from

the Italian countryside to your table and bring a

taste of La Dolce Vita, Debbie-style, to your home.

Visit debbietravis.com for more information, and

tuscangetaway.com to book your own getaway

at Debbie’s Tuscan villa.

FUN IN THE TUSCAN SUN

by ELISA KROVBLIT

12 YPNEXTHOME.CA

by BONNY DANN/ESCAPES INC.

home and garden

TO CREATE THE PERFECT OUTDOOR living spaces just for you, three

main components are involved: Lifestyle, functionality and design.

The first thing I recommend is to think about your lifestyle and how

you want to use your outdoor living space. Once we have determined

weather you want outdoor entertaining areas for lounging, dining, a

spa area, kitchen or play area for your children, we should head inside.

Creating outdoor living spaces, just for you!

Photos above and opposite page by Barkman

JUN - AUG 2016 | HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS 13

by BONNY DANN/ESCAPES INC.

home and garden

TO CREATE THE PERFECT OUTDOOR living spaces just for you, three

main components are involved: Lifestyle, functionality and design.

The first thing I recommend is to think about your lifestyle and how

you want to use your outdoor living space. Once we have determined

weather you want outdoor entertaining areas for lounging, dining, a

spa area, kitchen or play area for your children, we should head inside.

Creating outdoor living spaces, just for you!

Photos above and opposite page by Barkman

14 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Indoors we can determine which outdoor living space you wish

to view from each window and access from each entrance.

Depending on your lifestyle and family situation, you may wish to

keep an eye on your children while you are in your living room or

kitchen. You may prefer to view a beautiful garden or meditative

area from your home office. These choices are all personal and

the types of outdoor living spaces we can create seem endless:

Outdoor kitchens and dining areas for those that love to cook

and entertain. Outdoor living rooms or family rooms for relaxing

with friends or family around a fire. Outdoor spas with meditative

or relaxation areas for those of us that need to unwind. Play areas

for small children or putting greens and tennis courts for adults

and older children. No matter what your lifestyle entails, we can

create an outdoor living space to fit you perfectly.

When planning where to put whatever type of outdoor

escape you have chosen we have to remember to keep

functionality and flow in mind. We want the gardens or outdoor

rooms to flow from inside out and vice versa. Locating outdoor

kitchens or grilling stations off of the interior kitchen, for

instance, creates ease of flow for the cook, especially if your

outdoor kitchen is not fully equipped – which so many are not

because of our climate. Having an entertaining patio off your

family room or living room allows guests to mingle between the

two areas at larger gatherings. I have a fairly small family room

off of my kitchen, but have double French doors leading to a

good-sized patio with outdoor living room furniture, and the

ease and flow for guests is fantastic. As well, the view from the

French doors is very pretty with gardens and a water feature on

Photo courtesy of Wicker Land Patio

Photo courtesy of Escapes Inc. Photo courtesy of Escapes Inc.

BONNY DANN is owner and expert landscape designer at Escapes Inc. www.escapesinc.ca

material indoors and out. If that is not possible because of our

harsh Canadian winters, you may have to change to a different

product, match the colours as closely as possible. As long as

it is from the same palette, the shade can be slightly darker

or lighter. Remember to check your colours in various light

situations to make sure they complement each other in both

bright sunlight and artificial light.

Lighting adds ambience to your outdoor spaces. Fireplaces

add necessary warmth in the cool Calgary evenings and extend

the seasons for you. Adding water features to your outdoor

spaces creates a serene, peaceful feel and helps to block out

traffic and other noises.

With your dreams, desires and our ideas, whether you do

it all this year or create it over the next few years, you will have

successful outdoor living spaces created, just for you!

the other side of the patio. If you have a home which is narrow,

with only one rear exit, we often place both a deck and patio in

line with the cooking and dining area, kitchen garden in pots on

the deck leading down to the entertaining area. With wider lots

and homes you may have several outdoor living spaces quite far

apart. To create flow we connect them with paths and plantings

areas. Creating the right flow maximizes the beauty of any

outdoor living space.

When designing gardens or outdoor living spaces, I like to

make sure they match the architecture of the home to create

the most aesthetically pleasing look in the back and side areas –

and the most curb appeal in the front. Some styles will overlap,

at least to some degree. For instance, contemporary gardens

and formal gardens share similar elements such as simplicity,

order and less colour. They also use gravels or pea stone, 7mm

preferably, but some people want 14 or even 20mm. Larger

rock is not only harder to walk on but is also makes it more

difficult for plant material to grow. Another important element

in aesthetics and flow as well as design is to use the same

To create the perfect outdoor living spaces just for you, three main components are involved: Lifestyle, functionality and design.

Photo courtesy of Escapes Inc.


w403.803.0773 | www.escapesinc.ca | [email protected]

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

SERVICES WE OFFER• NEW SITE DEVELOPMENT • MAKE-OVERS, partial or complete

• STONEWORK, patios, walls, walks • CUSTOM WOODWORK, pergolas, screens, decks

• MAINTENANCE, flower & shrub beds, lawns • PRUNING, shrubs, hedges • CREATING CURB APPEAL & STAGING • SOD, installed • CONCRETE

Indoors we can determine which outdoor living space you wish

to view from each window and access from each entrance.

Depending on your lifestyle and family situation, you may wish to

keep an eye on your children while you are in your living room or

kitchen. You may prefer to view a beautiful garden or meditative

area from your home office. These choices are all personal and

the types of outdoor living spaces we can create seem endless:

Outdoor kitchens and dining areas for those that love to cook

and entertain. Outdoor living rooms or family rooms for relaxing

with friends or family around a fire. Outdoor spas with meditative

or relaxation areas for those of us that need to unwind. Play areas

for small children or putting greens and tennis courts for adults

and older children. No matter what your lifestyle entails, we can

create an outdoor living space to fit you perfectly.

When planning where to put whatever type of outdoor

escape you have chosen we have to remember to keep

functionality and flow in mind. We want the gardens or outdoor

rooms to flow from inside out and vice versa. Locating outdoor

kitchens or grilling stations off of the interior kitchen, for

instance, creates ease of flow for the cook, especially if your

outdoor kitchen is not fully equipped – which so many are not

because of our climate. Having an entertaining patio off your

family room or living room allows guests to mingle between the

two areas at larger gatherings. I have a fairly small family room

off of my kitchen, but have double French doors leading to a

good-sized patio with outdoor living room furniture, and the

ease and flow for guests is fantastic. As well, the view from the

French doors is very pretty with gardens and a water feature on

Photo courtesy of Wicker Land Patio

Photo courtesy of Escapes Inc. Photo courtesy of Escapes Inc.

BONNY DANN is owner and expert landscape designer at Escapes Inc. www.escapesinc.ca

material indoors and out. If that is not possible because of our

harsh Canadian winters, you may have to change to a different

product, match the colours as closely as possible. As long as

it is from the same palette, the shade can be slightly darker

or lighter. Remember to check your colours in various light

situations to make sure they complement each other in both

bright sunlight and artificial light.

Lighting adds ambience to your outdoor spaces. Fireplaces

add necessary warmth in the cool Calgary evenings and extend

the seasons for you. Adding water features to your outdoor

spaces creates a serene, peaceful feel and helps to block out

traffic and other noises.

With your dreams, desires and our ideas, whether you do

it all this year or create it over the next few years, you will have

successful outdoor living spaces created, just for you!

the other side of the patio. If you have a home which is narrow,

with only one rear exit, we often place both a deck and patio in

line with the cooking and dining area, kitchen garden in pots on

the deck leading down to the entertaining area. With wider lots

and homes you may have several outdoor living spaces quite far

apart. To create flow we connect them with paths and plantings

areas. Creating the right flow maximizes the beauty of any

outdoor living space.

When designing gardens or outdoor living spaces, I like to

make sure they match the architecture of the home to create

the most aesthetically pleasing look in the back and side areas –

and the most curb appeal in the front. Some styles will overlap,

at least to some degree. For instance, contemporary gardens

and formal gardens share similar elements such as simplicity,

order and less colour. They also use gravels or pea stone, 7mm

preferably, but some people want 14 or even 20mm. Larger

rock is not only harder to walk on but is also makes it more

difficult for plant material to grow. Another important element

in aesthetics and flow as well as design is to use the same

To create the perfect outdoor living spaces just for you, three main components are involved: Lifestyle, functionality and design.

Photo courtesy of Escapes Inc.

16 YPNEXTHOME.CA

403.640.1334 www.sisltd.caShowroom * Offices: 3517 64th Ave. S.E., Calgary

EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS SPECIALISTS

✓ Windows & Doors

✓ Siding/Soffit

✓ Stone/Stucco

✓ Free Estimates

S.I.S. is an installer of James Hardie siding products!

Inspiration

the look of the white and blue patterns piled and paired with such ease.

HD&Rloves

BOHO Bedroom

IN white

& BLUE!

By Elisa KrovblitSCOOPthe

Catch up on decor + reno news, inspiration, style + more

Boho bedroom in white & blue homesense.ca

Scoop the look!

Reijay Baskets $100-$110 | crateandbarrel.com

‹

Portofino Bedding, Shams, Pillow, Mat & Rug

$25-$130 | homesense.ca

‹

Loft Pendant Light $229 | cb2.com

‹

403.640.1334 www.sisltd.caShowroom * Offices: 3517 64th Ave. S.E., Calgary

EXTERIOR RENOVATIONS SPECIALISTS

✓ Windows & Doors

✓ Siding/Soffit

✓ Stone/Stucco

✓ Free Estimates

S.I.S. is an installer of James Hardie siding products!

Inspiration

the look of the white and blue patterns piled and paired with such ease.

HD&Rloves

BOHO Bedroom

IN white

& BLUE!

By Elisa KrovblitSCOOPthe

Catch up on decor + reno news, inspiration, style + more

Boho bedroom in white & blue homesense.ca

Scoop the look!

Reijay Baskets $100-$110 | crateandbarrel.com

‹

Portofino Bedding, Shams, Pillow, Mat & Rug

$25-$130 | homesense.ca

‹

Loft Pendant Light $229 | cb2.com

‹

18 YPNEXTHOME.CA

cover story

REASONS WHY HOMEOWNERS are choosing to renovate run

the full gamut from a desire to update their space and create

a more functional design, to adding more square footage,

enhancing the outdoor space and improving energy efficiency,

says expert Blair Foisy, owner and president of Trademark

Renovations.

This time of year seems busier than most, he explains. “We

do renovations year round, but we’re always a little busier when

spring and summer arrive. People have been in their homes all

winter thinking of things they want to do to improve the look

of their homes and they’re eager to get new projects underway

once the warm weather is here.

“Most often the renovations are driven by functionality,”

Blair says. “They want a more open, functioning floorplan where

there’s no wasted space.”

In particular, homeowners desire larger kitchens with bigger

islands and eating bar seating where they can entertain guests;

spa-like ensuites modernized with over-sized walk-in showers

and free-standing tubs; and big mud rooms with built-in lockers

and storage.

Blair adds that homeowners are also looking to update their

tired look and add more space. “We just finished a renovation in

Eau Clair where the home was a ‘pink palace’ – very dated – and

the owners wanted a different modern, trendy style,” he says.

“It now has a high gloss red kitchen, new bathrooms, floors,

paint … we basically gutted it, so they now have not only a more

REASONS TO RENOVATE INSIDE & OUT

RUN THE GAMUTby HEATHER RYAN

functional space, but an updated look.

“We have many projects on the go. One of them is a full

reno plus addition to a home in Mount Royal, basically doubling

the size of the home. We’ve added an under drive garage with

an outdoor patio, all while maintaining the integral heritage that

fits into the community, and it looks phenomenal.”

This is also a busy time of year for exterior renovation

projects, he says. “A lot of people want their exterior freshened

up for a more attractive curb appeal.” For example, Trademark is

doing exterior work to a home in Springbank right now redoing

the entire building envelope, including installing energy-efficient

windows, for a repeat customer.

“But we’re also busy creating fabulous outdoor living spaces,


cover story

REASONS WHY HOMEOWNERS are choosing to renovate run

the full gamut from a desire to update their space and create

a more functional design, to adding more square footage,

enhancing the outdoor space and improving energy efficiency,

says expert Blair Foisy, owner and president of Trademark

Renovations.

This time of year seems busier than most, he explains. “We

do renovations year round, but we’re always a little busier when

spring and summer arrive. People have been in their homes all

winter thinking of things they want to do to improve the look

of their homes and they’re eager to get new projects underway

once the warm weather is here.

“Most often the renovations are driven by functionality,”

Blair says. “They want a more open, functioning floorplan where

there’s no wasted space.”

In particular, homeowners desire larger kitchens with bigger

islands and eating bar seating where they can entertain guests;

spa-like ensuites modernized with over-sized walk-in showers

and free-standing tubs; and big mud rooms with built-in lockers

and storage.

Blair adds that homeowners are also looking to update their

tired look and add more space. “We just finished a renovation in

Eau Clair where the home was a ‘pink palace’ – very dated – and

the owners wanted a different modern, trendy style,” he says.

“It now has a high gloss red kitchen, new bathrooms, floors,

paint … we basically gutted it, so they now have not only a more

REASONS TO RENOVATE INSIDE & OUT

RUN THE GAMUTby HEATHER RYAN

functional space, but an updated look.

“We have many projects on the go. One of them is a full

reno plus addition to a home in Mount Royal, basically doubling

the size of the home. We’ve added an under drive garage with

an outdoor patio, all while maintaining the integral heritage that

fits into the community, and it looks phenomenal.”

This is also a busy time of year for exterior renovation

projects, he says. “A lot of people want their exterior freshened

up for a more attractive curb appeal.” For example, Trademark is

doing exterior work to a home in Springbank right now redoing

the entire building envelope, including installing energy-efficient

windows, for a repeat customer.

“But we’re also busy creating fabulous outdoor living spaces,

20 YPNEXTHOME.CA

which is on trend right now,” Blair says. “We’re doing more

outdoor kitchens and covered decks and patios with heaters so

people can extend their enjoyment of the outdoors from early

spring until late fall.

“Many people are entertaining at home more frequently,

therefore they desire functional and comfortable outdoor living

areas to relax and entertain.”

With that in mind, outdoor living spaces are including

everything from beautiful landscaping with water features,

pergolas and gazebos, to outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens

and built-in barbecues, bigger decks, hot tubs and outdoor

fireplaces.

“We’re seeing people add wall-mounted TVs in their covered

patio or deck so they can watch games outdoors or from their

hot tub,” Blair says. “Really, everything we’re doing is to make the

outdoor living space more fun and usable while extending the

number of outdoor days. When it comes to amenities, the sky is

the limit; people want to create an oasis in their backyard.”

As well, today’s homeowners are also renovating to make

their home more energy efficient.

“During our renos we incorporate energy-efficient materials

and products. We’re also seeing a growing market for people

who aren’t able to – or want to – do an extensive renovation at

this time, they just want their home to be more energy efficient,”

Blair explains.

“Many want to upgrade their windows, furnace, hot water

heater, insulation, overall air tightness, or add

an HRV (heat recovery ventilation system), add

solar systems to name a few, and to do this, often

homeowners basically have to act as their own

contractors – sourcing out products and finding

good reputable trades – but who has the time or

the expertise to manage and do that on their own?”

To help accommodate homeowner demand,

Trademark has launched a new division called

ecoEnergy Retrofitters Ltd. “That essentially fills the

void by providing a one-source for everything in

home energy efficiency.”

The ecoEnergy team can assist to determine

what steps should be taken to improve the energy

efficiency of the home, and prioritize items that can

help the most. This will allow homeowners to do the

most impactful updates within their budget.

“This division was incorporated in 2010 and

our team consists of professionals with decades

of experience and are experts in this field,”

and Blair expects interest will be high “with the

implementation of the upcoming carbon tax and

the global climate change movement, people

want to do their part to help minimize their carbon

footprint and take advantage of the energy savings.”


which is on trend right now,” Blair says. “We’re doing more

outdoor kitchens and covered decks and patios with heaters so

people can extend their enjoyment of the outdoors from early

spring until late fall.

“Many people are entertaining at home more frequently,

therefore they desire functional and comfortable outdoor living

areas to relax and entertain.”

With that in mind, outdoor living spaces are including

everything from beautiful landscaping with water features,

pergolas and gazebos, to outdoor kitchens with pizza ovens

and built-in barbecues, bigger decks, hot tubs and outdoor

fireplaces.

“We’re seeing people add wall-mounted TVs in their covered

patio or deck so they can watch games outdoors or from their

hot tub,” Blair says. “Really, everything we’re doing is to make the

outdoor living space more fun and usable while extending the

number of outdoor days. When it comes to amenities, the sky is

the limit; people want to create an oasis in their backyard.”

As well, today’s homeowners are also renovating to make

their home more energy efficient.

“During our renos we incorporate energy-efficient materials

and products. We’re also seeing a growing market for people

who aren’t able to – or want to – do an extensive renovation at

this time, they just want their home to be more energy efficient,”

Blair explains.

“Many want to upgrade their windows, furnace, hot water

heater, insulation, overall air tightness, or add

an HRV (heat recovery ventilation system), add

solar systems to name a few, and to do this, often

homeowners basically have to act as their own

contractors – sourcing out products and finding

good reputable trades – but who has the time or

the expertise to manage and do that on their own?”

To help accommodate homeowner demand,

Trademark has launched a new division called

ecoEnergy Retrofitters Ltd. “That essentially fills the

void by providing a one-source for everything in

home energy efficiency.”

The ecoEnergy team can assist to determine

what steps should be taken to improve the energy

efficiency of the home, and prioritize items that can

help the most. This will allow homeowners to do the

most impactful updates within their budget.

“This division was incorporated in 2010 and

our team consists of professionals with decades

of experience and are experts in this field,”

and Blair expects interest will be high “with the

implementation of the upcoming carbon tax and

the global climate change movement, people

want to do their part to help minimize their carbon

footprint and take advantage of the energy savings.”

22 YPNEXTHOME.CA

renomark

RENOVATING IS A GREAT WAY to improve your home and your

family’s enjoyment of it, and a refurbished home can enhance

the look of your neighbourhood. However, the process can be

hard on your neighbours.

Major renovations often bring months of dirt, noise

and additional vehicles into the lives of your neighbours. It’s

important to be considerate of the people who live around you

when designing your renovation and discuss your plans with

them long before the hammers start swinging.

The project may affect more than just those next door,

so keep in mind neighbours behind you, across from you and

further down the street.

Whether you are building a deck, adding a second story or

tearing down and rebuilding your home, it is important for you

to inform your neighbours of your building plans.

Spend some time going door to door to discuss your

renovation plans. Let them know what type of renovation you

are taking on, how long construction is expected to take and

who to contact if potential issues arise.

A professional renovator will guide you through working

with neighbours and can accompany you on these visits.

The national RenoMark program is a great resource to find

professional. Visit www.renomark.ca locate a RenoMark

contractor in your area.

LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR by BRYAN TUCKEY

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

All RenoMark renovators agreed to a renovation-specific

Code of Conduct, which includes things like providing a written

contract; offering a minimum $2 million in liability insurance;

providing two years warranty on all work; and having all

applicable licenses and certificates.

With a professional renovator by your side, you’ll be

prepared for any questions your neighbours may have, from

architectural design to zoning bylaw compliance. Keeping your

neighbours fully informed will make them more supportive of

the renovation. It is recommended that you post your building

permit in a prominent area on your property.

Curb appeal is a common concern for people. Bring your

drawings so they can see what the final product will look like. A

good design will put a lot of people at ease.

Noise is another source of distress. Make sure you adhere to

your municipality’s noise bylaws, rules that restrict the hours of

operation for construction equipment or activity.

Your professional renovator will follow a proper waste

removal process and keep the construction site clean to avoid

fines and prevent health and safety hazards.

Some municipalities require you to obtain a Street

Occupation Permit should your dumpsters or construction bins

extend beyond your property line. A professional renovator will

be familiar with all bylaws and requirements.

Safety is an important part of any renovation for you, your

renovator and your neighbours. Every municipality has its own

unique set of Property Standards and Property Maintenance

bylaws. These may include things like putting a fence around the

property, placing portable toilets far away from your neighbours’

homes and ensuring that proper safety equipment is worn by

all workers. Professional renovators know to comply with these

bylaws and avoid potential fines from the municipality.

Whether you are building a deck, adding a second story or tearing down and rebuilding your home, it is important for you to inform your neighbours of your building plans.


COLOUR PALETTE

COLOUR PALETTES / USAGE

The primary corporate colour palette consists of deep purple and gold as used in the full version of the logo.

In most marketing situations, these two colours must take prominence when solid areas of colour are being used.

In applications where it is possible and warranted, metallic versions of the gold may be used.

Both colours can be screened back. Screened back percentages of black can be used for solid areas of grey.

Additional colour can be incorporated as needed through the use of the secondary palette.

PRIMARY PALETTE

Pantone 663

C4 M6 Y0 K1

R224 G220 B227

HTML E0DCE3

Pantone 7519

C24 M42 Y43 K69

R99 G82 B69

HTML 635245

Pantone Black

C0 M0 Y0 K100

R30 G30 B30

HTML 1E1E1E

Pantone 7510

C4 M35 Y65 K10

R200 G143 B66

HTML C88F42

SECONDARY PALETTE

Pantone 518

C0 M0 Y0 K100

R30 G30 B30

HTML 1E1E1E

This row shown as 30% screen (Pantone 663 may not be screened)

CUSTOM HOMES & RENOVATIONS

kurmakbuilders.com I 403-277-5525

Contact us for a complimentary, in-home consultation.

renomark

RENOVATING IS A GREAT WAY to improve your home and your

family’s enjoyment of it, and a refurbished home can enhance

the look of your neighbourhood. However, the process can be

hard on your neighbours.

Major renovations often bring months of dirt, noise

and additional vehicles into the lives of your neighbours. It’s

important to be considerate of the people who live around you

when designing your renovation and discuss your plans with

them long before the hammers start swinging.

The project may affect more than just those next door,

so keep in mind neighbours behind you, across from you and

further down the street.

Whether you are building a deck, adding a second story or

tearing down and rebuilding your home, it is important for you

to inform your neighbours of your building plans.

Spend some time going door to door to discuss your

renovation plans. Let them know what type of renovation you

are taking on, how long construction is expected to take and

who to contact if potential issues arise.

A professional renovator will guide you through working

with neighbours and can accompany you on these visits.

The national RenoMark program is a great resource to find

professional. Visit www.renomark.ca locate a RenoMark

contractor in your area.

LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR by BRYAN TUCKEY

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

All RenoMark renovators agreed to a renovation-specific

Code of Conduct, which includes things like providing a written

contract; offering a minimum $2 million in liability insurance;

providing two years warranty on all work; and having all

applicable licenses and certificates.

With a professional renovator by your side, you’ll be

prepared for any questions your neighbours may have, from

architectural design to zoning bylaw compliance. Keeping your

neighbours fully informed will make them more supportive of

the renovation. It is recommended that you post your building

permit in a prominent area on your property.

Curb appeal is a common concern for people. Bring your

drawings so they can see what the final product will look like. A

good design will put a lot of people at ease.

Noise is another source of distress. Make sure you adhere to

your municipality’s noise bylaws, rules that restrict the hours of

operation for construction equipment or activity.

Your professional renovator will follow a proper waste

removal process and keep the construction site clean to avoid

fines and prevent health and safety hazards.

Some municipalities require you to obtain a Street

Occupation Permit should your dumpsters or construction bins

extend beyond your property line. A professional renovator will

be familiar with all bylaws and requirements.

Safety is an important part of any renovation for you, your

renovator and your neighbours. Every municipality has its own

unique set of Property Standards and Property Maintenance

bylaws. These may include things like putting a fence around the

property, placing portable toilets far away from your neighbours’

homes and ensuring that proper safety equipment is worn by

all workers. Professional renovators know to comply with these

bylaws and avoid potential fines from the municipality.

Whether you are building a deck, adding a second story or tearing down and rebuilding your home, it is important for you to inform your neighbours of your building plans.

24 YPNEXTHOME.CA

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE DANGEROUS LEVELS OF RADON?Here’s what you need to know

by VANESSA GASH

tips and tricks

RADON GAS IN YOUR HOME could be

affecting your health, and you may not

even know it.

The effects of radon gas have been

studied extensively in recent years and

are now definitively linked to lung cancer.

Based on long-term exposure risks, Health

Canada has reduced the safe limit of radon

exposure from 800 Becquerel per metres3

(a Becquerel is a unit of radioactivity) to

200 Bq/m3. Since the only way to know

what levels exist in your home is to

test, you should purchase a test kit and

become informed. These tests come in

several types and can be purchased online

or from your local hardware store. They

are relatively inexpensive and should be

conducted over a period of three months

for most accurate results. If the levels in

your home exceed 200 Bq/m3, Health

Canada recommends you reduce your

radon levels.

So what is radon? Radon occurs naturally in the environment

and is invisible, odourless and tasteless.

It is a radioactive gas produced by the

decay of uranium in soil and rock. When it

escapes the ground into the atmosphere,

it is diluted by the air around us, going

unnoticed. However, when it escapes into

an enclosed space, like a basement, it can

become concentrated and begin to cause

problems.

Based on this potential health risk, the

Alberta Building Code (ABC) requires that

a radon remediation system rough-in be

installed for all new construction projects.

If you are adding to the footprint of your

home, this will affect your renovation

project.

VANESSA GASH, LEED AP SAFETY CODES OFFICER - BUILDING COMMERCIAL PLANS EXAMINER, CALGARY BUILDING SERVICES; PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Vanessa has been a plans examiner with Calgary Building Services at The City of Calgary for five years, and is a graduate in Architectural Engineering Technology from College of the North Atlantic. Prior to working for The City, she spent many years working in the commercial and residential construction industry in Calgary.

Rough-in requirements for new construction in the Alberta Building Code

The reason the ABC requires a rough-in installation on new

construction is to help with future remediation of radon gas

if tested levels are above the recommended concentrations.

It is important to know that the remediation of radon gas is a

homeowner responsibility, and not required by the building

code. Unfortunately, due to the nature of airborne gases, it

is impossible to know if a future remediation system will be

required. Mandating a rough-in at the new construction stage

ensures that the greatest number of Albertans will have the

ability to install a remediation system in the future if they require

it. This is because installing a remediation system without a

rough-in can be costly and difficult to do in an existing home.

When compared to the cost of providing a rough-in prior to

pouring concrete, it makes sense to implement this proactive

approach. The additional costs at this stage are minimal and

require only a few modifications to normal building practice.

If you are planning an addition to your home you will need

to provide a detail of the rough-in and label the rough-in inlet

and outlet locations on your application drawings. The rough-

in detail must include a sealed air barrier, an open end pipe

to collect soil gas, granular material beneath the slab, and a

capped/labelled stub up for future use. If, after the space is built

and occupied, testing shows that the levels of radon are above

the Health Canada threshold, an extraction system will be easy

to install.

Additional information on radon and its mitigation are

available online at Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca. If you have

specific questions regarding installation requirements for your

radon rough-in please visit calgary.ca/additions or contact The

City of Calgary’s Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311.


TAY-KY DEVELOPMENTS LTD532-42 AVE SE

587-355-5509 WWW.TAYKY.CA

Making YourRenovations

A Reality

KITCHENS ~ BATHROOMS BASEMENTS ~ ADDITIONS

CUSTOM HOMES

DOES YOUR HOME HAVE DANGEROUS LEVELS OF RADON?Here’s what you need to know

by VANESSA GASH

tips and tricks

RADON GAS IN YOUR HOME could be

affecting your health, and you may not

even know it.

The effects of radon gas have been

studied extensively in recent years and

are now definitively linked to lung cancer.

Based on long-term exposure risks, Health

Canada has reduced the safe limit of radon

exposure from 800 Becquerel per metres3

(a Becquerel is a unit of radioactivity) to

200 Bq/m3. Since the only way to know

what levels exist in your home is to

test, you should purchase a test kit and

become informed. These tests come in

several types and can be purchased online

or from your local hardware store. They

are relatively inexpensive and should be

conducted over a period of three months

for most accurate results. If the levels in

your home exceed 200 Bq/m3, Health

Canada recommends you reduce your

radon levels.

So what is radon? Radon occurs naturally in the environment

and is invisible, odourless and tasteless.

It is a radioactive gas produced by the

decay of uranium in soil and rock. When it

escapes the ground into the atmosphere,

it is diluted by the air around us, going

unnoticed. However, when it escapes into

an enclosed space, like a basement, it can

become concentrated and begin to cause

problems.

Based on this potential health risk, the

Alberta Building Code (ABC) requires that

a radon remediation system rough-in be

installed for all new construction projects.

If you are adding to the footprint of your

home, this will affect your renovation

project.

VANESSA GASH, LEED AP SAFETY CODES OFFICER - BUILDING COMMERCIAL PLANS EXAMINER, CALGARY BUILDING SERVICES; PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Vanessa has been a plans examiner with Calgary Building Services at The City of Calgary for five years, and is a graduate in Architectural Engineering Technology from College of the North Atlantic. Prior to working for The City, she spent many years working in the commercial and residential construction industry in Calgary.

Rough-in requirements for new construction in the Alberta Building Code

The reason the ABC requires a rough-in installation on new

construction is to help with future remediation of radon gas

if tested levels are above the recommended concentrations.

It is important to know that the remediation of radon gas is a

homeowner responsibility, and not required by the building

code. Unfortunately, due to the nature of airborne gases, it

is impossible to know if a future remediation system will be

required. Mandating a rough-in at the new construction stage

ensures that the greatest number of Albertans will have the

ability to install a remediation system in the future if they require

it. This is because installing a remediation system without a

rough-in can be costly and difficult to do in an existing home.

When compared to the cost of providing a rough-in prior to

pouring concrete, it makes sense to implement this proactive

approach. The additional costs at this stage are minimal and

require only a few modifications to normal building practice.

If you are planning an addition to your home you will need

to provide a detail of the rough-in and label the rough-in inlet

and outlet locations on your application drawings. The rough-

in detail must include a sealed air barrier, an open end pipe

to collect soil gas, granular material beneath the slab, and a

capped/labelled stub up for future use. If, after the space is built

and occupied, testing shows that the levels of radon are above

the Health Canada threshold, an extraction system will be easy

to install.

Additional information on radon and its mitigation are

available online at Health Canada www.hc-sc.gc.ca. If you have

specific questions regarding installation requirements for your

radon rough-in please visit calgary.ca/additions or contact The

City of Calgary’s Planning Services Centre at 403-268-5311.

26 YPNEXTHOME.CA

inspiration

THE RECENT GROWTH OF TINY HOUSES is exciting to witness

as many people are choosing to down size their living spaces.

With this trend, attention to detail is not compromised. Rather

the focus is on maximizing beauty. Living in an urban setting

often means working with small spaces. Our yards and gardens

are no exception. With the passing time, land tracts

are shrinking and becoming compact. The beauty of a small

gem-like garden begins with a well thought out design. Let the

beauty unfold.

A good rule of thumb is that the smaller your yard, the more

vital the landscape design becomes. A small garden can be more

or less absorbed at a glance. Knowing this demonstrates that

smaller yards can easily display a lack of care. Therefore, it is

important to pay attention to the tiniest details when designing.

I affectionately call this “mouse medicine” as it describes the

concept beautifully. Keep in mind not to overstuff your garden,

knowing the limitations due to the available space. Small spaces

teach us to be efficient and hone our eye to seeing the various

possibilities within a smaller area. Remember, beauty comes in

small packets.

The attractiveness of a small yard is found in its simplicity.

Remember the adage of simplicity being the hardest to obtain?

This means culling until the space boasts a few of your favourite

things.

Often I begin my yard dream project by creating a checklist.

List your favourite things and choose the essentials first. For

example: tool shed, arbor, privacy screen, pergola, patio, fire

pit, sundial, bird bath, statue, herb garden, water feature and

hammock – and so on. Be sure to include personalized areas

such as a children’s play area, dog run, compost bin, along with

your flower and vegetable garden. A good design ensures the

inclusion of the latter.

Design styles are available through research and by scouting

out local resources. Of course, for the brave of heart, designing

your own space is usually the most rewarding. There are myriad

ideas and possibilities to be discovered. By exploring you will

be inspired to create maximum usage of your small area. The

following list is a good starter kit in feeding your gardening

imagination while honouring the diversity of those creating with

the canvas of the earth:

BIG CITIES TINY HOUSES AND

GEM-LIKE GARDENSby JACKIE SWARTZ

» Japanese: secluded, foliage interest, textures, stones,

meditating

» English: full, floral, flowing, arbors, stone walls

» Roman: formal, pillars, statues, hard surfaces, containers

» Ranch: lots of lawn, roses along porch, fence

» Traditional: foundation planting of evergreens, shade tree,

geometric

» Eclectic: out-of-the-ordinary items, diagonal shapes

» Natural: curving lines, flowers & foliage balanced and blended

After selecting your garden styles and features, allow some

contemplative time. Spending time to mull the elements over

ensures attaining optimum beauty in your available space. One

may be tempted to simply fill the space up with softscape (plant

material), but keep in mind that the underlying structure must be

addressed first.

The primary question is knowing the main usage of your

limited space. Addressing the vital components such as the

hardscape (patio, walkway, fire pit area, and play area) will enable

you to be successful in customizing your garden plans.

There are a variety of materials available to explore when

you are trying to decide on your hardscape features. This calls

you to think about what material would prove most fruitful

to use. Some choices will be manufactured stone (Pisa stone,

cobblestone), natural stone (iron stone, rundle stone, sand

stone, granite, limestone), poured concrete (stamped or broom

finish), or crushed stone (tan stone, 40 mm rundle, river stone,

rainbow rock). If you are going for that old-world look, I would

recommend using tumbled Roman Pisa stone from Expocrete.

It comes in a wide-range of colours and shapes. Expocrete

products are a Canadian made product and withstand our

freeze-thaw temperatures here in Calgary.

Your yard may have sunny or shady areas or maybe both.

This will narrow your plant material decisions. Engaging

in preparatory work and research enables you to choose

plants that harmonize in the growing condition of our locale.

To facilitate the best growing conditions, I suggest adding

amendments such as compost. Also include perusing our

indigenous plants. Keep in mind that plants come in a variety of

size, shapes and colours to satiate all tastes.


inspiration

THE RECENT GROWTH OF TINY HOUSES is exciting to witness

as many people are choosing to down size their living spaces.

With this trend, attention to detail is not compromised. Rather

the focus is on maximizing beauty. Living in an urban setting

often means working with small spaces. Our yards and gardens

are no exception. With the passing time, land tracts

are shrinking and becoming compact. The beauty of a small

gem-like garden begins with a well thought out design. Let the

beauty unfold.

A good rule of thumb is that the smaller your yard, the more

vital the landscape design becomes. A small garden can be more

or less absorbed at a glance. Knowing this demonstrates that

smaller yards can easily display a lack of care. Therefore, it is

important to pay attention to the tiniest details when designing.

I affectionately call this “mouse medicine” as it describes the

concept beautifully. Keep in mind not to overstuff your garden,

knowing the limitations due to the available space. Small spaces

teach us to be efficient and hone our eye to seeing the various

possibilities within a smaller area. Remember, beauty comes in

small packets.

The attractiveness of a small yard is found in its simplicity.

Remember the adage of simplicity being the hardest to obtain?

This means culling until the space boasts a few of your favourite

things.

Often I begin my yard dream project by creating a checklist.

List your favourite things and choose the essentials first. For

example: tool shed, arbor, privacy screen, pergola, patio, fire

pit, sundial, bird bath, statue, herb garden, water feature and

hammock – and so on. Be sure to include personalized areas

such as a children’s play area, dog run, compost bin, along with

your flower and vegetable garden. A good design ensures the

inclusion of the latter.

Design styles are available through research and by scouting

out local resources. Of course, for the brave of heart, designing

your own space is usually the most rewarding. There are myriad

ideas and possibilities to be discovered. By exploring you will

be inspired to create maximum usage of your small area. The

following list is a good starter kit in feeding your gardening

imagination while honouring the diversity of those creating with

the canvas of the earth:

BIG CITIES TINY HOUSES AND

GEM-LIKE GARDENSby JACKIE SWARTZ

» Japanese: secluded, foliage interest, textures, stones,

meditating

» English: full, floral, flowing, arbors, stone walls

» Roman: formal, pillars, statues, hard surfaces, containers

» Ranch: lots of lawn, roses along porch, fence

» Traditional: foundation planting of evergreens, shade tree,

geometric

» Eclectic: out-of-the-ordinary items, diagonal shapes

» Natural: curving lines, flowers & foliage balanced and blended

After selecting your garden styles and features, allow some

contemplative time. Spending time to mull the elements over

ensures attaining optimum beauty in your available space. One

may be tempted to simply fill the space up with softscape (plant

material), but keep in mind that the underlying structure must be

addressed first.

The primary question is knowing the main usage of your

limited space. Addressing the vital components such as the

hardscape (patio, walkway, fire pit area, and play area) will enable

you to be successful in customizing your garden plans.

There are a variety of materials available to explore when

you are trying to decide on your hardscape features. This calls

you to think about what material would prove most fruitful

to use. Some choices will be manufactured stone (Pisa stone,

cobblestone), natural stone (iron stone, rundle stone, sand

stone, granite, limestone), poured concrete (stamped or broom

finish), or crushed stone (tan stone, 40 mm rundle, river stone,

rainbow rock). If you are going for that old-world look, I would

recommend using tumbled Roman Pisa stone from Expocrete.

It comes in a wide-range of colours and shapes. Expocrete

products are a Canadian made product and withstand our

freeze-thaw temperatures here in Calgary.

Your yard may have sunny or shady areas or maybe both.

This will narrow your plant material decisions. Engaging

in preparatory work and research enables you to choose

plants that harmonize in the growing condition of our locale.

To facilitate the best growing conditions, I suggest adding

amendments such as compost. Also include perusing our

indigenous plants. Keep in mind that plants come in a variety of

size, shapes and colours to satiate all tastes.

28 YPNEXTHOME.CA

(403) 250-9951 | www.ruscoindustries.com

COMPLETE EXTERIOR RENOVATION SERVICESVisit our showroom #3, 1430 40th Ave. NE, Calgary

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATIONShowroom Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm

After hour appointments on request

WINDOWS • DOORS • SIDING • SUN ROOMS • PATIO COVERS • PROFILE CLADDING

*This renovation pkg. Excludes hail claims, existing orders and cannot be combined with any other specials.

WHY MOVE? WHY NOT IMPROVE?

WE DO HAIL

CLAIMS

*UP TO20% OFF

YOUR NEXT RENOVATION

PKG.

BEFORE

Cultured Stone work, advanced decking and railing, and residential roofing

63rd2016195363rd

BEFORE

BEFORE

Awareness of the fact that our urban yards tend to be

smaller presents another element worthy of our attention.

Living in the city and knowing our space is smaller equates to

having less privacy. The answer to this is found in incorporating

a personalized privacy screen. Privacy screens can become a

living wall. A good example would be planting vines or including

tall Swedish aspen trees. Another breach of our privacy is

living beside a two-storey house. Here our overhead privacy is

compromised. Including an overhead screen, such as a pergola,

arbor or gazebo is a wonderful solution, and adds beauty too.

Small gardens can still have full impact on the senses.

Creating the right atmosphere for your small garden depends

on stimulating the senses: smell, sight, sound, taste, and touch.

Lilacs and mock orange shrubs create pleasant scents and

variegated plants create visual enjoyment. A water fountain or

gently cascading rock waterfall can drown out undesired noises.

Planting and harvesting fresh herbs can add zest and enjoyment

when cooking. Including a variety of plant species creates

interesting textures and makes your garden interactive. Together

the combination becomes desirable to the senses. The outcome

is beautiful to other as well.

If you are like me, you will want to include some romance in

your garden. Romance unfolds by designing an intimate space

that includes items such as a courtyard, garden swing on your

patio, or merely adding an arbor (archway) planted with vines or

climbing roses at the base. Creating intimacy in your yard tends

to add a feeling of spaciousness. Hanging a mirror on a fence

behind a feature perennial bed gives the illusion of more space.

Including a personalized item or artifact excites the eye and

JACKIE SWARTZ has a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Olds College. She specializes in the horticultural planning and landscape design of urban and residential environments. You can contact Jackie at 403-472-5082.

becomes a focal point. For example, you can place a statue in

the middle of a perennial garden or use a rose obelisk as a focal

point. A focal point can be a feature plant such as a ‘weeping

caragana’ or a ‘false sunflower’ perennial flower. Other ideas

could be a terra cotta container incorporated in the garden or

a decorative bird bath strategically placed in the garden.

There is always the issue of too much fencing being

exposed. A good way to disguise the unwanted part of your

fence is to plant larger shrubs along the exposed area. Also, tall

perennials will hide the fencing as well. Also, using vines and

trees like Swedish aspens will cover unwanted exposed fencing.

Often a small garden project can be overwhelming,

especially if you have never gardened before; however,

designing your garden in stages allows you to breathe through

each area of your garden project. Staying focused and relaxed

ensures the joyfulness in bringing your garden plans to fruition.

Going in stages keeps the project fun and manageable. For

visions that are beyond your expertise connecting with a

professional landscape designer ensures the completion of

your dreams.

As stated earlier, delightful things really do come in small

packages. How exciting to see each gem-like blossom unfold

under the clarity of sapphire summer skies. Tiny gardens bold

in beauty – happy gardening!

(403) 250-9951 | www.ruscoindustries.com

COMPLETE EXTERIOR RENOVATION SERVICESVisit our showroom #3, 1430 40th Ave. NE, Calgary

CALL FOR A FREE CONSULTATIONShowroom Hours: Monday to Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm

After hour appointments on request

WINDOWS • DOORS • SIDING • SUN ROOMS • PATIO COVERS • PROFILE CLADDING

*This renovation pkg. Excludes hail claims, existing orders and cannot be combined with any other specials.

WHY MOVE? WHY NOT IMPROVE?

WE DO HAIL

CLAIMS

*UP TO20% OFF

YOUR NEXT RENOVATION

PKG.

BEFORE

Cultured Stone work, advanced decking and railing, and residential roofing

63rd2016195363rd

BEFORE

BEFORE

Awareness of the fact that our urban yards tend to be

smaller presents another element worthy of our attention.

Living in the city and knowing our space is smaller equates to

having less privacy. The answer to this is found in incorporating

a personalized privacy screen. Privacy screens can become a

living wall. A good example would be planting vines or including

tall Swedish aspen trees. Another breach of our privacy is

living beside a two-storey house. Here our overhead privacy is

compromised. Including an overhead screen, such as a pergola,

arbor or gazebo is a wonderful solution, and adds beauty too.

Small gardens can still have full impact on the senses.

Creating the right atmosphere for your small garden depends

on stimulating the senses: smell, sight, sound, taste, and touch.

Lilacs and mock orange shrubs create pleasant scents and

variegated plants create visual enjoyment. A water fountain or

gently cascading rock waterfall can drown out undesired noises.

Planting and harvesting fresh herbs can add zest and enjoyment

when cooking. Including a variety of plant species creates

interesting textures and makes your garden interactive. Together

the combination becomes desirable to the senses. The outcome

is beautiful to other as well.

If you are like me, you will want to include some romance in

your garden. Romance unfolds by designing an intimate space

that includes items such as a courtyard, garden swing on your

patio, or merely adding an arbor (archway) planted with vines or

climbing roses at the base. Creating intimacy in your yard tends

to add a feeling of spaciousness. Hanging a mirror on a fence

behind a feature perennial bed gives the illusion of more space.

Including a personalized item or artifact excites the eye and

JACKIE SWARTZ has a Bachelor of Science in Horticulture from Olds College. She specializes in the horticultural planning and landscape design of urban and residential environments. You can contact Jackie at 403-472-5082.

becomes a focal point. For example, you can place a statue in

the middle of a perennial garden or use a rose obelisk as a focal

point. A focal point can be a feature plant such as a ‘weeping

caragana’ or a ‘false sunflower’ perennial flower. Other ideas

could be a terra cotta container incorporated in the garden or

a decorative bird bath strategically placed in the garden.

There is always the issue of too much fencing being

exposed. A good way to disguise the unwanted part of your

fence is to plant larger shrubs along the exposed area. Also, tall

perennials will hide the fencing as well. Also, using vines and

trees like Swedish aspens will cover unwanted exposed fencing.

Often a small garden project can be overwhelming,

especially if you have never gardened before; however,

designing your garden in stages allows you to breathe through

each area of your garden project. Staying focused and relaxed

ensures the joyfulness in bringing your garden plans to fruition.

Going in stages keeps the project fun and manageable. For

visions that are beyond your expertise connecting with a

professional landscape designer ensures the completion of

your dreams.

As stated earlier, delightful things really do come in small

packages. How exciting to see each gem-like blossom unfold

under the clarity of sapphire summer skies. Tiny gardens bold

in beauty – happy gardening!

30 YPNEXTHOME.CA

decor inspiration

to your decorADD SUNSHINE

There’s nothing that says summer like pops of sunny yellow from the wonderfully warm days of June and July. The current decor trend of a neutral or subdued base with strong accents really lends itself to adding some sunshine to your decor.

by ELISA KROVBLIT

Ceramic Pineapple Cookie Jar $25 homesense.ca

Let it Grow Herb Mister

$13.50 chapters.indigo.ca

Set of 2 Yellow Scalloped Mixing Bowls $45 crateandbarrel.com

Lizzy Teapot $20

cb2.com

Yellow Aviva Toss $20 Bumblebee Toss $39 urbanbarn.com

KitchenAid Buttercup Yellow Artisan Stand Mixer $600 canadiantire.ca

Langesund Mirror $40 ikea.ca

Okura Planter $895 jonathanadler.com

Simons Maison Colour Towels$2-$10 simons.ca


decor inspiration

to your decorADD SUNSHINE

There’s nothing that says summer like pops of sunny yellow from the wonderfully warm days of June and July. The current decor trend of a neutral or subdued base with strong accents really lends itself to adding some sunshine to your decor.

by ELISA KROVBLIT

Ceramic Pineapple Cookie Jar $25 homesense.ca

Let it Grow Herb Mister

$13.50 chapters.indigo.ca

Set of 2 Yellow Scalloped Mixing Bowls $45 crateandbarrel.com

Lizzy Teapot $20

cb2.com

Yellow Aviva Toss $20 Bumblebee Toss $39 urbanbarn.com

KitchenAid Buttercup Yellow Artisan Stand Mixer $600 canadiantire.ca

Langesund Mirror $40 ikea.ca

Okura Planter $895 jonathanadler.com

Simons Maison Colour Towels$2-$10 simons.ca

32 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Inspiration | STYLE FILE

BEDROOMS ARE ONE OF my favourite rooms to design as I

argue they have the most impact on our quality of life. So when

a client hired me to consult on her son’s bedroom design, I was

so excited to help her create a space that would be warm and

cozy and conducive to rest and relaxation.

Here my top strategies for creating a cozy bedroom:

1. Paint it deep and darkI am such a fan of painting walls dark in a bedroom. The impact a

dark hue has on a space can be not only visually striking, but also

create a cozy dark space that’s ideal for sleep.

The key in painting a bedroom dark – and not having it feel

like a cavernous dungeon – is to ensure that it is well lit. I always

prefer a layered lighting plan; overhead lighting paired with wall

sconces or lamps for function.

The other key for using dark paint successfully is to ensure

there is an element of contrast. In this client’s son’s room, we

added contrast with the white bedding and textured wall art.

Create a cozy bedroom

in five easy stepsby LISA CANNING

Lisa Canning is an interior stylist who specializes in 2-hour, in-home interior design consultations in the GTA. A mom of five, she shares her tips on making a space beautiful and

functional on her blog Lisa Canning: Blueprints for a Beautiful Life

4. Create a reading nookIf space allows, a comfy chair to curl up in is another cozy

element in a bedroom. Since this room is small, we opted for

a chair on legs with a compact silhouette to balance out the

heavy stature of the wood bed. To keep the space serene, we

kept the chair in a colour close to the wall hue, and kept the

grey theme going dresser from Casalife. The dresser will also

(hopefully) help from allowing the chair to become a catch-all

for laundry.

5. Make it personalTo me, a cozy space is one that also tells a story of the people

that live there. We made sure the client’s son’s story was told

through art on the walls and through displaying many of his

childhood trophies and personal mementos on floating shelves.

These personal artifacts bring life and visual interest to a room’s

design and are integral to creating a space that’s warm and

inviting.

2. Use warm woodsA big feature in this bedroom is the beautiful bed and side tables

we selected from Artemano. There is something about the

natural texture and colour of wood grain that is so warm and

inviting. Paired with matching side tables, these pieces have a

strong masculine presence.

For a lighter/more feminine look, consider pairing a textured

wood bed like this with painted night stands. We continued the

wood trend in custom stained built in shelves above a white and

wood desk, and mid century modern desk chair.

3. Vary your textilesOne of the simplest ways to make a bedroom cozy is through

textiles. Start with the bed. Layer softer fabrics like cottons and

linens with textured furs, chenilles and velvets for variety. Don’t

forget the floor too – a patterned wool rug or fur scatter rug

creates a comfy place for feet to touch down first thing in the

morning. And don’t forget about windows – I love drapes with

black-out lining for uninterrupted sleep. Consider customizing

drapes and using that same fabric in throw pillows on the bed

for a cohesive look.


Inspiration | STYLE FILE

BEDROOMS ARE ONE OF my favourite rooms to design as I

argue they have the most impact on our quality of life. So when

a client hired me to consult on her son’s bedroom design, I was

so excited to help her create a space that would be warm and

cozy and conducive to rest and relaxation.

Here my top strategies for creating a cozy bedroom:

1. Paint it deep and darkI am such a fan of painting walls dark in a bedroom. The impact a

dark hue has on a space can be not only visually striking, but also

create a cozy dark space that’s ideal for sleep.

The key in painting a bedroom dark – and not having it feel

like a cavernous dungeon – is to ensure that it is well lit. I always

prefer a layered lighting plan; overhead lighting paired with wall

sconces or lamps for function.

The other key for using dark paint successfully is to ensure

there is an element of contrast. In this client’s son’s room, we

added contrast with the white bedding and textured wall art.

Create a cozy bedroom

in five easy stepsby LISA CANNING

Lisa Canning is an interior stylist who specializes in 2-hour, in-home interior design consultations in the GTA. A mom of five, she shares her tips on making a space beautiful and

functional on her blog Lisa Canning: Blueprints for a Beautiful Life

4. Create a reading nookIf space allows, a comfy chair to curl up in is another cozy

element in a bedroom. Since this room is small, we opted for

a chair on legs with a compact silhouette to balance out the

heavy stature of the wood bed. To keep the space serene, we

kept the chair in a colour close to the wall hue, and kept the

grey theme going dresser from Casalife. The dresser will also

(hopefully) help from allowing the chair to become a catch-all

for laundry.

5. Make it personalTo me, a cozy space is one that also tells a story of the people

that live there. We made sure the client’s son’s story was told

through art on the walls and through displaying many of his

childhood trophies and personal mementos on floating shelves.

These personal artifacts bring life and visual interest to a room’s

design and are integral to creating a space that’s warm and

inviting.

2. Use warm woodsA big feature in this bedroom is the beautiful bed and side tables

we selected from Artemano. There is something about the

natural texture and colour of wood grain that is so warm and

inviting. Paired with matching side tables, these pieces have a

strong masculine presence.

For a lighter/more feminine look, consider pairing a textured

wood bed like this with painted night stands. We continued the

wood trend in custom stained built in shelves above a white and

wood desk, and mid century modern desk chair.

3. Vary your textilesOne of the simplest ways to make a bedroom cozy is through

textiles. Start with the bed. Layer softer fabrics like cottons and

linens with textured furs, chenilles and velvets for variety. Don’t

forget the floor too – a patterned wool rug or fur scatter rug

creates a comfy place for feet to touch down first thing in the

morning. And don’t forget about windows – I love drapes with

black-out lining for uninterrupted sleep. Consider customizing

drapes and using that same fabric in throw pillows on the bed

for a cohesive look.

34 YPNEXTHOME.CA

feature

by MICKEY FOULDS

HOME IS where the heart is

WHEN DESIGNING indoor or outdoor

spaces, our thoughts and focus

immediately tend to go to furniture, paint

colour and accessories selections, having

been seduced by fabulous photographs

on Houzz.com or in design magazines.

While it is hugely helpful to access these

resources for inspiration and suppliers,

there are a few steps which should be

taken first when refreshing a space.

Over the years it has become very

clear to me while working in my clients’

homes that there are three values that the

majority of us hold dear when it comes

to our personal places of sanctuary at the

end of the day.

1. Peace and tranquillity. Life can be wonderfully rich and full with

work, family and the general flow of

continuous commitments and activity

– but sometimes it gets to the point

where it can become a little too frenetic

and overwhelming. The consequence

of this is often a cluttered home and a

neglected, purely functional backyard.

You basically have everything you

need, but there are no spaces that you

can relax in and look around without

being confronted by things to do, and


feature

by MICKEY FOULDS

HOME IS where the heart is

WHEN DESIGNING indoor or outdoor

spaces, our thoughts and focus

immediately tend to go to furniture, paint

colour and accessories selections, having

been seduced by fabulous photographs

on Houzz.com or in design magazines.

While it is hugely helpful to access these

resources for inspiration and suppliers,

there are a few steps which should be

taken first when refreshing a space.

Over the years it has become very

clear to me while working in my clients’

homes that there are three values that the

majority of us hold dear when it comes

to our personal places of sanctuary at the

end of the day.

1. Peace and tranquillity. Life can be wonderfully rich and full with

work, family and the general flow of

continuous commitments and activity

– but sometimes it gets to the point

where it can become a little too frenetic

and overwhelming. The consequence

of this is often a cluttered home and a

neglected, purely functional backyard.

You basically have everything you

need, but there are no spaces that you

can relax in and look around without

being confronted by things to do, and

36 YPNEXTHOME.CA

unfortunately in the daily rush there is no

time to do them!

Master bedrooms are often the victim

of this, and I frequently see piles of boxes

or clothing lying around waiting to be

sorted out. They are spaces not seen by

visitors so it seems logical to just pile it up

there. The sad thing is that this is the very

space where you start your day, and also

end your day. In other words the first and

last things you are confronted by daily are

issues needing to be dealt with.

Similarly the back deck is frequently

populated by a somewhat rusty, dusty

barbecue and a table and chairs. There is

often no shade nor plants, or alternatively

the well-intended planters are no longer

lush and green, and have joined the list

of things needing attention. The chairs

you initially purchased came with plump

cushions which have weathered, stained

and faded – as you did not consider

the time and effort it would take to

constantly cover them or remove them

when not in use. As you sit there on a

beautiful summer evening it is anything

but a tranquil retreat.

If the amount of excitement and

enthusiasm at starting a new design

project is matched by careful thought

given to the actual use and ongoing

care of the space, the end result has a

far greater likelihood of enhancing the

quality of your life.

There is no need to acquire ugly things, or let your possessions become neglected and unattractive. Buy far less and of much higher quality.

2. Luxury and gourmet lifestyle.Most of us value the finer things in life –

whether it is a fabulous meal, a gorgeous

garden, travel adventures to faraway

places or theatre, art and literature. The

list is endless.

There is no need to acquire ugly

things, or let your possessions become

neglected and unattractive. Buy far less

and of much higher quality. Instead of 10

little mismatching planters on the back

deck have one large luscious one. It

will require less attention and bring you

more joy.

Simplicity is the answer. If you

are not an avid gardener, a healthy

well-tended lawn with crisp edges

and only one tree in your yard can

look a thousand times better than a

complicated series of flower beds,

endless bird feeders and other

decorative garden accessories.

Similarly, have less indoors. Less

clutter, less impulse buys – especially

when things are on sale – and instead be

patient, focus on strategic planning and

the best quality you can afford.

3. Healthy lifestyle.We all feel the need to be more fit, active

and healthy. Create a home environment

which supports giving you the time to

take care of yourself, whether that is

practising yoga in a quiet outdoor space,

a superbly equipped kitchen where you

can indulge in your love of preparing

MICKEY FOULDS MSC CID CRSS Metamorphosis Design Ltd.phone 403.651.3462 email [email protected]

fresh, organic meals, or a luxurious

spa bathroom where you can soak in

a tub to relax and decompress. Create

spaces that encourage and inspire

you to physically and mentally live

your best life.

Your house is there to serve you.

You are not there to serve your house!

Everything should be aligned to address

your values and your desired lifestyle, and

not to look like a generic show home or

a picture in a magazine. It needs to be

authentic.

The place to start with designing

your ideal indoor or outdoor space is to

examine your values and lifestyle, and

then only continue once that has been

defined. If you find this is challenging or

confusing, consider getting the objective

input from a close friend or a design

professional. If you remain consistent

with these values, the end result will

support you and not become a burden,

or an added series of chores needing

your time and attention. You will love and

respect your spaces and not only enjoy

experiencing them but also taking care of

them.


2777 Hopewell Place N.E. Calgary Phone (403) 250-1020

Toll Free 1-800-382-8502

View our website or showroom and

be inspired with the product options

we provide.

www.prestigerailings.comBuilder, Marco Antonio Homes Ltd.

Canadian Home Builders’

Association

Calgary Region

unfortunately in the daily rush there is no

time to do them!

Master bedrooms are often the victim

of this, and I frequently see piles of boxes

or clothing lying around waiting to be

sorted out. They are spaces not seen by

visitors so it seems logical to just pile it up

there. The sad thing is that this is the very

space where you start your day, and also

end your day. In other words the first and

last things you are confronted by daily are

issues needing to be dealt with.

Similarly the back deck is frequently

populated by a somewhat rusty, dusty

barbecue and a table and chairs. There is

often no shade nor plants, or alternatively

the well-intended planters are no longer

lush and green, and have joined the list

of things needing attention. The chairs

you initially purchased came with plump

cushions which have weathered, stained

and faded – as you did not consider

the time and effort it would take to

constantly cover them or remove them

when not in use. As you sit there on a

beautiful summer evening it is anything

but a tranquil retreat.

If the amount of excitement and

enthusiasm at starting a new design

project is matched by careful thought

given to the actual use and ongoing

care of the space, the end result has a

far greater likelihood of enhancing the

quality of your life.

There is no need to acquire ugly things, or let your possessions become neglected and unattractive. Buy far less and of much higher quality.

2. Luxury and gourmet lifestyle.Most of us value the finer things in life –

whether it is a fabulous meal, a gorgeous

garden, travel adventures to faraway

places or theatre, art and literature. The

list is endless.

There is no need to acquire ugly

things, or let your possessions become

neglected and unattractive. Buy far less

and of much higher quality. Instead of 10

little mismatching planters on the back

deck have one large luscious one. It

will require less attention and bring you

more joy.

Simplicity is the answer. If you

are not an avid gardener, a healthy

well-tended lawn with crisp edges

and only one tree in your yard can

look a thousand times better than a

complicated series of flower beds,

endless bird feeders and other

decorative garden accessories.

Similarly, have less indoors. Less

clutter, less impulse buys – especially

when things are on sale – and instead be

patient, focus on strategic planning and

the best quality you can afford.

3. Healthy lifestyle.We all feel the need to be more fit, active

and healthy. Create a home environment

which supports giving you the time to

take care of yourself, whether that is

practising yoga in a quiet outdoor space,

a superbly equipped kitchen where you

can indulge in your love of preparing

MICKEY FOULDS MSC CID CRSS Metamorphosis Design Ltd.phone 403.651.3462 email [email protected]

fresh, organic meals, or a luxurious

spa bathroom where you can soak in

a tub to relax and decompress. Create

spaces that encourage and inspire

you to physically and mentally live

your best life.

Your house is there to serve you.

You are not there to serve your house!

Everything should be aligned to address

your values and your desired lifestyle, and

not to look like a generic show home or

a picture in a magazine. It needs to be

authentic.

The place to start with designing

your ideal indoor or outdoor space is to

examine your values and lifestyle, and

then only continue once that has been

defined. If you find this is challenging or

confusing, consider getting the objective

input from a close friend or a design

professional. If you remain consistent

with these values, the end result will

support you and not become a burden,

or an added series of chores needing

your time and attention. You will love and

respect your spaces and not only enjoy

experiencing them but also taking care of

them.

38 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Decoding THE CODE

tips and tricks

by MICHAEL NYIKES

Q: I had an interesting email from someone who

had a major building envelope energy

efficiency retrofit done to their home, and has

been smelling strange odours in their house ever since.

A:Building envelope energy efficiency retrofits can

have unintended consequences if consideration is

not given to assessing the condition of the house

for pre-existing problems and anticipating the possible effects

of the retrofit work on indoor air quality, building envelope

durability, heating appliance performance or other possible

performance issues.

MICHAEL NYIKES Michael is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist, and leading industry expert on building codes, residential construction, building envelope science, and environmental design. He can be reached at [email protected]

Pre-existing problems should be corrected prior to undertaking

an energy efficiency building envelope retrofit so that the

problems do not worsen. Pre-existing problems could include:

» moisture problems (high humidity, water leaks, dampness,

mould, etc.) in the roof, walls, floors or foundation

» indoor air quality problems (stale air, lingering odours, soil gas,

pollutant emissions from household products, etc.)

» radon or other soil gases

» structural sags, cracks and deflections

» the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead

paint and rodent/bird waste

For more information on retrofit and renovation

considerations, visit Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation’s website at www.cmhc.ca.

Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’

questions about how provincial safety codes affect their

projects. Email your questions to [email protected].

Be sure to include which city you live in, as well as your phone

number in case I need to follow up with you.

A highly energy-efficient building envelope retrofit will

provide a more airtight house, which is important for reducing

energy consumption. However, this will also result in less

incidental ventilation, which would otherwise be provided by a

leaky enclosure. This can cause the air in the retrofitted house

to seem stale, and can also lead to moisture problems. Odours

from previously unnoticed sources (such as pets or stored items)

may become more apparent and more objectionable. Therefore,

energy-efficient mechanical ventilation should also be included

in any house energy retrofit strategy. This can be accomplished

by adding a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or an energy recovery

ventilator (ERV). This ventilation should improve occupant

health and comfort. Consult a qualified mechanical ventilation

contractor and your EnerGuide service provider for more

information.


Decoding THE CODE

tips and tricks

by MICHAEL NYIKES

Q: I had an interesting email from someone who

had a major building envelope energy

efficiency retrofit done to their home, and has

been smelling strange odours in their house ever since.

A:Building envelope energy efficiency retrofits can

have unintended consequences if consideration is

not given to assessing the condition of the house

for pre-existing problems and anticipating the possible effects

of the retrofit work on indoor air quality, building envelope

durability, heating appliance performance or other possible

performance issues.

MICHAEL NYIKES Michael is a nationally recognized speaker, columnist, and leading industry expert on building codes, residential construction, building envelope science, and environmental design. He can be reached at [email protected]

Pre-existing problems should be corrected prior to undertaking

an energy efficiency building envelope retrofit so that the

problems do not worsen. Pre-existing problems could include:

» moisture problems (high humidity, water leaks, dampness,

mould, etc.) in the roof, walls, floors or foundation

» indoor air quality problems (stale air, lingering odours, soil gas,

pollutant emissions from household products, etc.)

» radon or other soil gases

» structural sags, cracks and deflections

» the presence of hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead

paint and rodent/bird waste

For more information on retrofit and renovation

considerations, visit Canada Mortgage and Housing

Corporation’s website at www.cmhc.ca.

Decoding the Code columns will continue to answer readers’

questions about how provincial safety codes affect their

projects. Email your questions to [email protected].

Be sure to include which city you live in, as well as your phone

number in case I need to follow up with you.

A highly energy-efficient building envelope retrofit will

provide a more airtight house, which is important for reducing

energy consumption. However, this will also result in less

incidental ventilation, which would otherwise be provided by a

leaky enclosure. This can cause the air in the retrofitted house

to seem stale, and can also lead to moisture problems. Odours

from previously unnoticed sources (such as pets or stored items)

may become more apparent and more objectionable. Therefore,

energy-efficient mechanical ventilation should also be included

in any house energy retrofit strategy. This can be accomplished

by adding a heat recovery ventilator (HRV) or an energy recovery

ventilator (ERV). This ventilation should improve occupant

health and comfort. Consult a qualified mechanical ventilation

contractor and your EnerGuide service provider for more

information.

40 YPNEXTHOME.CA

feature

SO, THE MEDIA SAYS CALGARY is in a recession. It is

certainly affecting some segments of our economy – but

the real estate market is not as bad as is reported in the

opinion of this particular stager.

From what I have been experiencing, properties are

selling – and many are selling very quickly. As with any

real estate market during a down-turn in economic

conditions, price is the key. While writing this article I

received a message from a real estate agent. The agent

was representing a property I visited and offered staging

advice to the sellers in preparation of putting their

home up for sale. The agent said they did everything I

suggested during the consult, and priced the property

by LAURA LE

DO ALL YOU CAN…

appropriately. They went on the market on a Monday and had a

conditional offer that very same evening.

Another property that was vacant had a similar story. The

sellers had the condo painted, a few minor repairs done, it

was professionally cleaned and they had it fully staged. The

property went on the market and had an offer the same week

it was listed. Sadly, the offer fell through because of financing

on the buyer's part. After being off the market for a week while

conditions were being met it was re-listed and actually went

conditional the day it was re-listed – with competing offers. The

sellers got $6,000 over what they were asking!

Last month we staged two properties for the same real

estate agent in one week. Both properties were owner-

Often, if the furniture is placed properly to highlight architectural features or downplay possible challenges, it does not matter if the sofa is fabulous.

occupied and both needed furniture, artwork and accessories

added to existing furniture. There is a layer of art, cushions and

throws that can add a lot to a property, especially in those very

important photographs that get posted online. These photos get

a potential buyer away from the computer and out to see your

lovely property. Both of these properties sold in that first week

in which they were listed. A third property we added “stuff” to

also had an offer in the first week with a different agent. It is a

beautiful house with an amazing renovation, but it is now a two-

bedroom house where the second bedroom is in the basement.

Some would say it might have been a tough sale, but the right

people came to see it because everything possible was done to

prepare this property for the sale.


feature

SO, THE MEDIA SAYS CALGARY is in a recession. It is

certainly affecting some segments of our economy – but

the real estate market is not as bad as is reported in the

opinion of this particular stager.

From what I have been experiencing, properties are

selling – and many are selling very quickly. As with any

real estate market during a down-turn in economic

conditions, price is the key. While writing this article I

received a message from a real estate agent. The agent

was representing a property I visited and offered staging

advice to the sellers in preparation of putting their

home up for sale. The agent said they did everything I

suggested during the consult, and priced the property

by LAURA LE

DO ALL YOU CAN…

appropriately. They went on the market on a Monday and had a

conditional offer that very same evening.

Another property that was vacant had a similar story. The

sellers had the condo painted, a few minor repairs done, it

was professionally cleaned and they had it fully staged. The

property went on the market and had an offer the same week

it was listed. Sadly, the offer fell through because of financing

on the buyer's part. After being off the market for a week while

conditions were being met it was re-listed and actually went

conditional the day it was re-listed – with competing offers. The

sellers got $6,000 over what they were asking!

Last month we staged two properties for the same real

estate agent in one week. Both properties were owner-

Often, if the furniture is placed properly to highlight architectural features or downplay possible challenges, it does not matter if the sofa is fabulous.

occupied and both needed furniture, artwork and accessories

added to existing furniture. There is a layer of art, cushions and

throws that can add a lot to a property, especially in those very

important photographs that get posted online. These photos get

a potential buyer away from the computer and out to see your

lovely property. Both of these properties sold in that first week

in which they were listed. A third property we added “stuff” to

also had an offer in the first week with a different agent. It is a

beautiful house with an amazing renovation, but it is now a two-

bedroom house where the second bedroom is in the basement.

Some would say it might have been a tough sale, but the right

people came to see it because everything possible was done to

prepare this property for the sale.

42 YPNEXTHOME.CA

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

The common denominator with all of these scenarios is

that every single one of them was willing to do the “homework”

necessary to sell their most valuable asset. They all hired agents

they trusted to assist them in selling their properties. They

ensured homes were spotlessly clean, de-cluttered and staged. It

is absolutely possible to stage using the sellers existing furniture…

almost always. Often, if the furniture is placed properly to

highlight architectural features or downplay possible challenges, it

does not matter if the sofa is fabulous. Adding a few toss cushions

and a throw can work wonders. Sometimes it is necessary to edit

some of the small pieces of furniture that are not essential to the

space. Removing large china cabinets and sideboards from the

dining room is suggested if there is somewhere to store these

large pieces, they usually overwhelm the space and if the doors

are glass they almost always look cluttered.

All any of us can do is our best in these challenging

economic times. If your home is on the market I wish you the

best possible results.

A Brand New Magazine Dedicated to High-End Properties in Calgary and Area

LUXURYThe only magazine of its kind in Calgary, Luxury Living

showcases high-end homes, condos and properties. This is your exclusive opportunity to establish your

property as the pinnacle of affluent living.

PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY*.

*In select areas

Brought to you by the publishers of

WICKER & WOVEN

SAM AWARD WINNERS ARE

THE BEST OF THE BESTDEVELOP SOMECURB APPEAL

SUMMER 2016 | CALGARY EDITION

PYNNSamanthaFRESH STYLE

WITH

LLCL_May_2016.indd 1

5/12/16 2:30 PM

The Pinnacle of

TO BOOK YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE CONTACT:Anita Van Breevoort 403.461.5518

[email protected]


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

The common denominator with all of these scenarios is

that every single one of them was willing to do the “homework”

necessary to sell their most valuable asset. They all hired agents

they trusted to assist them in selling their properties. They

ensured homes were spotlessly clean, de-cluttered and staged. It

is absolutely possible to stage using the sellers existing furniture…

almost always. Often, if the furniture is placed properly to

highlight architectural features or downplay possible challenges, it

does not matter if the sofa is fabulous. Adding a few toss cushions

and a throw can work wonders. Sometimes it is necessary to edit

some of the small pieces of furniture that are not essential to the

space. Removing large china cabinets and sideboards from the

dining room is suggested if there is somewhere to store these

large pieces, they usually overwhelm the space and if the doors

are glass they almost always look cluttered.

All any of us can do is our best in these challenging

economic times. If your home is on the market I wish you the

best possible results.

A Brand New Magazine Dedicated to High-End Properties in Calgary and Area

LUXURYThe only magazine of its kind in Calgary, Luxury Living

showcases high-end homes, condos and properties. This is your exclusive opportunity to establish your

property as the pinnacle of affluent living.

PICK UP YOUR FREE COPY*.

*In select areas

Brought to you by the publishers of

WICKER & WOVEN

SAM AWARD WINNERS ARE

THE BEST OF THE BESTDEVELOP SOMECURB APPEAL

SUMMER 2016 | CALGARY EDITION

PYNNSamanthaFRESH STYLE

WITH

LLCL_May_2016.indd 1

5/12/16 2:30 PM

The Pinnacle of

TO BOOK YOUR ADVERTISING SPACE CONTACT:Anita Van Breevoort 403.461.5518

[email protected]

44 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Alberta Hardwood Flooring ____________________________ 5

Astoria Custom Renovations __________________________IFC

Blue West Construction _______________________________ 45

Cabinet Solutions _____________________________________ 9

Enhance Your Home ___________________________________11

Escapes Inc. _________________________________________ 15

Hard Rock Developments ______________________________ 8

Kurmak Builders _____________________________________ 23

Prestige Railings & Stairs _____________________________ 37

Remodel by Jayman ________________________________ IBC

Renova Luxury Renovations ___________________________ 3

Rusco Industries _____________________________________ 29

SIS Supply Install Services ___________________________ 17

Tay-Ky Developments ________________________________ 25

Trademark Renovations ____________________________ OBC

Ultimate Renovations _________________________________ 7

ADVERTISERS DIRECTORY

To reserve space please call 403.461.5518MARKETPLACE

to reserve space please call 403.461.5518


BLUEWESTCONSTRUCTION

WE REMOVE SIDING, OLD STUCCO, WOOD FINISH, AND INSTALL BRAND NEW ACRYLIC STUCCO WITH INSULATION.

STUCCOACRYLIC = FULL SYSTEM

Complete Exterior Renovation and Design by the Company You Can Trust

Phone: 403.470.3200 Email: [email protected]

Alberta Hardwood Flooring ___________________________ 21

Albi Renova __________________________________________ 3

Anna Sindrewicz (Cir Realty) __________________________ 42

Artisan Kitichens & Renovations ______________________ 13

Astoria Custom Renovations __________________________ 33


Calgary Home+Design Show _________________________ 17

Dowden Floors & Interiors ____________________________ 10

Drawings 4 Everyone ________________________________ 13

Enhance Your Home ___________________________________ 9

Escape Inc. __________________________________________ 37

Four Seasons Sunrooms _____________________________ 36

Hard Rock Developments _____________________________ 38

Interiors With Elegance ________________________________ 5

Kon-Strux Developments _____________________________ 43

Kurmak Builders _____________________________________ 21

Litwiller Renovations & Custom Homes ______________ IBC

Mountview Renovations Inc. __________________________ 45

Prestige Rialings & Stairs _____________________________ 39

Renoback ___________________________________________ 51

RGO Window Coverings _______________________________ 7

Rock Solid Renovations ______________________________ 47

Rossini Furniture ____________________________________ 32


Sheila’s Window Toppers & More Ltd. _________________ 26

ShelfGenie __________________________________________ 19

Shell Busey _________________________________________ 53



The Design Studio Inc ________________________________ 39


Ultimate Renovations ________________________________ 27

Wallace Fleming Design & Renovate ___________________ 2

Wolseley Studio _____________________________________ 25


I WAS TRAINED to paint

properly way back when I

started my design career

more than 20 years ago.

Some of you may know that

I began as a junior designer

at Benjamin Moore Paints.

I never dreamed that I

would learn so much useful

information about colour

and paint.

So before you tackle any

painting job, big or small,

follow these simple rules for

a seamless finish.

Inspiration | DESIGN SECRETS

As a new-condo owner, you have two choices: you can either stick with the standard “builder beige” or you can refine your painting skills, put on a pair of coveralls and give it a shot. This is not to say that all new homes and condos are adorned with builder beige, but unless you were able to pick multiple colours in the paint and finishes of your space, chances are your walls could probably use a new coat.

10 TIPS FOR PAINTING

GREAT LOOKING WALLS by JANE LOCKHART

…continued on page 46


Alberta Hardwood Flooring ____________________________ 5

Astoria Custom Renovations __________________________IFC


Cabinet Solutions _____________________________________ 9

Enhance Your Home ___________________________________11

Escapes Inc. _________________________________________ 15

Hard Rock Developments ______________________________ 8

Kurmak Builders _____________________________________ 23

Prestige Railings & Stairs _____________________________ 37

Remodel by Jayman ________________________________ IBC

Renova Luxury Renovations ___________________________ 3





Ultimate Renovations _________________________________ 7


To reserve space please call 403.461.5518MARKETPLACE



BLUEWESTCONSTRUCTION

WE REMOVE SIDING, OLD STUCCO, WOOD FINISH, AND INSTALL BRAND NEW ACRYLIC STUCCO WITH INSULATION.

STUCCOACRYLIC = FULL SYSTEM

Complete Exterior Renovation and Design by the Company You Can Trust

Phone: 403.470.3200 Email: [email protected]

Alberta Hardwood Flooring ___________________________ 21

Albi Renova __________________________________________ 3

Anna Sindrewicz (Cir Realty) __________________________ 42

Artisan Kitichens & Renovations ______________________ 13

Astoria Custom Renovations __________________________ 33


Calgary Home+Design Show _________________________ 17

Dowden Floors & Interiors ____________________________ 10

Drawings 4 Everyone ________________________________ 13

Enhance Your Home ___________________________________ 9

Escape Inc. __________________________________________ 37

Four Seasons Sunrooms _____________________________ 36

Hard Rock Developments _____________________________ 38

Interiors With Elegance ________________________________ 5

Kon-Strux Developments _____________________________ 43

Kurmak Builders _____________________________________ 21

Litwiller Renovations & Custom Homes ______________ IBC

Mountview Renovations Inc. __________________________ 45

Prestige Rialings & Stairs _____________________________ 39

Renoback ___________________________________________ 51

RGO Window Coverings _______________________________ 7

Rock Solid Renovations ______________________________ 47

Rossini Furniture ____________________________________ 32


Sheila’s Window Toppers & More Ltd. _________________ 26

ShelfGenie __________________________________________ 19

Shell Busey _________________________________________ 53



The Design Studio Inc ________________________________ 39


Ultimate Renovations ________________________________ 27

Wallace Fleming Design & Renovate ___________________ 2

Wolseley Studio _____________________________________ 25


I WAS TRAINED to paint

properly way back when I

started my design career

more than 20 years ago.

Some of you may know that

I began as a junior designer

at Benjamin Moore Paints.

I never dreamed that I

would learn so much useful

information about colour

and paint.

So before you tackle any

painting job, big or small,

follow these simple rules for

a seamless finish.

Inspiration | DESIGN SECRETS

As a new-condo owner, you have two choices: you can either stick with the standard “builder beige” or you can refine your painting skills, put on a pair of coveralls and give it a shot. This is not to say that all new homes and condos are adorned with builder beige, but unless you were able to pick multiple colours in the paint and finishes of your space, chances are your walls could probably use a new coat.

10 TIPS FOR PAINTING

GREAT LOOKING WALLS by JANE LOCKHART

…continued on page 46

46 YPNEXTHOME.CA

Remodel Ad - July - Home Decor and Renovations Magazine.indd 1 6/13/2016 11:45:32 AM

JANE LOCKHART is founder and principal designer of Jane Lockhart Interior Design. She was creative director and host of W Network’s top-ranked show, Colour Confidential, and has a Canadian-built furniture collection, Jane by Jane Lockhart, by Statum Designs. Visit online at janelockhart.com.

1 | Buy a metal cageThe cage is the metal handle that holds the actual roller or

sleeve. The better this is, the longer it will last. It won’t squeak

when rolling or rust when washed.

2 | Buy a sleeve with a plastic centreThe sleeve is the furry cylinder that you put on the metal cage

or handle. If you buy a cheap sleeve with a cardboard interior,

it will start to fall apart when it gets wet in the paint. Then it will

leave small fluffs on your wall and all your hard work ends up

looking poor.

3 | Buy a large paint trayThis is so much easier, as you can pour almost a full can of

paint into the tray which means less pouring of paint and

hopefully less mess. This also means less stopping of the job to

pour paint into the tray.

4 | Really coat the roller sleeveWhen putting paint on the roller, really coat the roller sleeve. It

is designed to hold paint! Fluffier roller sleeves hold more paint,

which means you go to the tray less often and this will speed up

the job. Really soak the roller in the tray so it absorbs the paint.

5 | Avoid tiny strokes in a small areaWhen applying the paint to the wall, do not roll it in tiny strokes

back and forth in one small area. Begin by rolling a large “W” on

the wall with the roller and then roll the wall fully from top to

bottom. This will lay out the paint better and faster.

6 | Apply the recommended amount of paintApply the recommended amount of paint to the wall. People

often try to stretch their can of paint a little further by not

applying as much as suggested by the manufacturer. There is

no value in this as the paint is meant to be applied to a certain

thickness to give you the right colour and durability. Too little

paint compromises this.

7 | Don’t brush all the edges firstAlthough it is tempting to cut-in or brush all the edges of the walls

before rolling the paint on, you are less likely to get a good finish. It

is best to brush a little of the edges then roll into that wet paint, and

continue this process down the wall. It takes longer but you will

find the coverage of the colour more even.

8 | Always use two coats of paintYes, you usually need two coats of paint to develop the colour

well or to ensure you don’t miss any spots. There are some

brands of paint that suggest you only need one coat, but I have

found this to work only with a light colour over another light

colour, and when I take my time applying the paint.

9 | Store your paint cans upside downPaint does not “go bad” as long as it’s not kept in extremely cold

conditions. Seal the lid very well (place the lid on the can, cover

with paper, and hammer the lid in place, remove paper) and

turn the can upside down in a cool, dry area for storage. When

the can is turned right side up again, it mixes before you dip

your brush in.

10 | Buy a good paintbrushBuy one good paintbrush. Cost can be an issue, but a good

brush means you will only buy it once – if you clean it after

you have done the job. A good brush has “flagged” ends and is

angled. Flagged ends look like the bristles are uneven and with

split ends. This lays out the paint in a much smoother fashion.

And once you do clean your brush, use the hole in its handle to

hang it up to dry. Never leave a paintbrush sitting in a pot. I use

a wire coat hanger turned upside down to dry my brush. (Hook

the brush’s handle on the “J” shaped end of the hanger and

hook the triangular part of the hanger over a doorknob.)

BONUS TIP

Can’t find an opener for your paint can? A screwdriver or keys

will work, but if you are Canadian the best thing ever is a loonie

or toonie to open the lid of a paint can. It’s always available and

super strong for this type of job. Thanks Royal Canadian Mint

for the convenient opener!

Even if you are not the best painter and not using the best paint,

great tools will make the job easier, faster and it will look better. If

you follow these simple rules, your newly built house or condo will

turn into your home in no time.

PHO

TOG

RAPH

Y BY

BRA

ND

ON

BAR

RE, B

RAN

DO

NBA

RRE.

COM

…continued from page 44

Remodel Ad - July - Home Decor and Renovations Magazine.indd 1 6/13/2016 11:45:32 AM

JANE LOCKHART is founder and principal designer of Jane Lockhart Interior Design. She was creative director and host of W Network’s top-ranked show, Colour Confidential, and has a Canadian-built furniture collection, Jane by Jane Lockhart, by Statum Designs. Visit online at janelockhart.com.

1 | Buy a metal cageThe cage is the metal handle that holds the actual roller or

sleeve. The better this is, the longer it will last. It won’t squeak

when rolling or rust when washed.

2 | Buy a sleeve with a plastic centreThe sleeve is the furry cylinder that you put on the metal cage

or handle. If you buy a cheap sleeve with a cardboard interior,

it will start to fall apart when it gets wet in the paint. Then it will

leave small fluffs on your wall and all your hard work ends up

looking poor.

3 | Buy a large paint trayThis is so much easier, as you can pour almost a full can of

paint into the tray which means less pouring of paint and

hopefully less mess. This also means less stopping of the job to

pour paint into the tray.

4 | Really coat the roller sleeveWhen putting paint on the roller, really coat the roller sleeve. It

is designed to hold paint! Fluffier roller sleeves hold more paint,

which means you go to the tray less often and this will speed up

the job. Really soak the roller in the tray so it absorbs the paint.

5 | Avoid tiny strokes in a small areaWhen applying the paint to the wall, do not roll it in tiny strokes

back and forth in one small area. Begin by rolling a large “W” on

the wall with the roller and then roll the wall fully from top to

bottom. This will lay out the paint better and faster.

6 | Apply the recommended amount of paintApply the recommended amount of paint to the wall. People

often try to stretch their can of paint a little further by not

applying as much as suggested by the manufacturer. There is

no value in this as the paint is meant to be applied to a certain

thickness to give you the right colour and durability. Too little

paint compromises this.

7 | Don’t brush all the edges firstAlthough it is tempting to cut-in or brush all the edges of the walls

before rolling the paint on, you are less likely to get a good finish. It

is best to brush a little of the edges then roll into that wet paint, and

continue this process down the wall. It takes longer but you will

find the coverage of the colour more even.

8 | Always use two coats of paintYes, you usually need two coats of paint to develop the colour

well or to ensure you don’t miss any spots. There are some

brands of paint that suggest you only need one coat, but I have

found this to work only with a light colour over another light

colour, and when I take my time applying the paint.

9 | Store your paint cans upside downPaint does not “go bad” as long as it’s not kept in extremely cold

conditions. Seal the lid very well (place the lid on the can, cover

with paper, and hammer the lid in place, remove paper) and

turn the can upside down in a cool, dry area for storage. When

the can is turned right side up again, it mixes before you dip

your brush in.

10 | Buy a good paintbrushBuy one good paintbrush. Cost can be an issue, but a good

brush means you will only buy it once – if you clean it after

you have done the job. A good brush has “flagged” ends and is

angled. Flagged ends look like the bristles are uneven and with

split ends. This lays out the paint in a much smoother fashion.

And once you do clean your brush, use the hole in its handle to

hang it up to dry. Never leave a paintbrush sitting in a pot. I use

a wire coat hanger turned upside down to dry my brush. (Hook

the brush’s handle on the “J” shaped end of the hanger and

hook the triangular part of the hanger over a doorknob.)

BONUS TIP

Can’t find an opener for your paint can? A screwdriver or keys

will work, but if you are Canadian the best thing ever is a loonie

or toonie to open the lid of a paint can. It’s always available and

super strong for this type of job. Thanks Royal Canadian Mint

for the convenient opener!

Even if you are not the best painter and not using the best paint,

great tools will make the job easier, faster and it will look better. If

you follow these simple rules, your newly built house or condo will

turn into your home in no time.

PHO

TOG

RAPH

Y BY

BRA

ND

ON

BAR

RE, B

RAN

DO

NBA

RRE.

COM

…continued from page 44

OUR BEST PRICE GUARANTEE*On renovation projects $100,000 and up, we will match and better a recognized competitor’s quote by 10%. At Trademark Renovations, we are constantly reviewing and negotiating preferred pricing arrangements with our supplier & trade partners to get you the best value for your money. We are so confident about our pricing that we guarantee you the lowest price for your overall renovation project while delivering our unsurpassed level of quality, service and transparency.

Make no compromises…Quality, Transparency, Value

TERMS & CONDITIONS: This Best Price Guarantee applies to projects based on identical scopes of work, specifications, products, levels of finish, service, and quality. Best Price Guarantee applies to overall total project price and not the individual components contained therein. All recognized competitor quotes are subject to verification by Trademark before honoring this offer. Trademark will not accept screenshots or other purported evidence of a lower price that cannot be independently confirmed by Trademark personnel. Nor will Trademark verify any request that it believes, in its sole discretion, is the result of a printing or other error or is made fraudulently or in bad faith. All original documents from recognized competitor quotes must be presented to Trademark prior to verification, execution of any contract or commencement of work. This Price Guarantee excludes insurance claims, free offers, gifts with purchase, gift cards, gift certificates, rebates, clearance or close-out prices, credit or financing programs, used, damaged, or display merchandise or products. Discount applied before taxes and environmental stewardship fees or other levies, if applicable. This price guarantee cannot be combined with any other offer. Trademark reserves the right in its sole discretion to modify or discontinue the Best Price Guarantee or to restrict its availability to any person, at any time, for any or no reason, and without prior notice or liability to you. The failure by Trademark to enforce any provision of these Terms & Conditions shall not constitute a waiver of that provision.

(403) 277-5600www.trademarkrenovations.com

Documents

Calgary Home Decor & Renovations - Jun/Aug 2016