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$10 INSIDE: PRIZE WINNER WASHERDRYER COMBOS DECLUTTERING STARRY SIGHTS A VAN GOGHINSPIRED MAKEOVER FEBRUARY HOME MAKEOVER DISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA Cornered: A linear look creates the hippest bathroom Bright ideas: Learn how to select bathroom lighting Back to the future: A second look at inspired design Timber treasure: Fabulous furniture with a green hue PM40069240

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Page 1: Home Makeover February, 2011

$10 INSIDE: PRIZE WINNER WASHERDRYER COMBOS DECLUTTERING

STARRY SIGHTS A VAN GOGHINSPIRED MAKEOVER ▼

FEBRUARY

HOME MAKEOVERDISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED

HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA

Cornered: A linear look creates the hippest bathroom

Bright ideas: Learn how to select bathroom lighting

Back to the future: A second look at inspired design

Timber treasure: Fabulous furniture with a green hue

PM

4006

9240

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Page 2: Home Makeover February, 2011

Congratulations My House Design/Build Team! BEFORE

AFTER

renovations & custom homes

Serving the Lower MainlandCall or visit us online today!phone: [email protected]

7 Time Georgie Award Finalist for 2010

3 Time SAM Award Finalist for 2010

www.myhousedesignbuild.com

7664

B

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Page 3: Home Makeover February, 2011

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Page 4: Home Makeover February, 2011

8

21

18

26DEPARTMENTS

6 Editor’s note

7 Prize winner

21 Green Change

26 New & Now

28 Professional insights

FEATURES

8 On the cover: A star is born Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night inspires a Fort Langley kitchen makeover

14 It’s hip to be square When it comes to making a small space work, it’s all in the details

16 Turned on Bathroom lighting done right

18 Second helpings In this followup to our coverage of the IDSwest show, we take a look at a few more of the local designers that made our heads turn

21 Diving for timber treasure A local company takes wood salvage to new depths

24 Polished pairs The best washer and dryer sets get the laundry done in style.

Cover: A kitchen

renovation inspired

by a painting.

Keith Henderson

Photography.

See story page 8.

CONTENTS

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Page 5: Home Makeover February, 2011

ECO stands for the balance between ecology and economy, achieved through the performance of WALLTITEECOTM.

Major prerequisites for renewable raw materials to become an alternative to fossil resources are their availability at competitive prices for industrial applications, without compromising food production and depleting the natural wealth. For its insulation material: WALLTITEECO™, BASF Canada has chosen to use renewable content from non-edible crops that do not jeopardize global food production.

WALLTITEECO™ and foammastersTM are trademarks of BASF Canada. MAKE IT RIGHTTM is a trademark of Mike Holmes. EcoLogoTM is a registered trademark of Environment Canada. Now HouseTM is a trademark of the Now House Project Inc. ÉcoTerraTM is a trademark of Les Maisons Alouette. EQuilibriumTM is a trademark of CMHC. The GREENGUARD Certifi cation ProgramSM and GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM are trademarks of the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.

WALLTITEECO is a medium-density polyurethane foam insulation/air barrier system designed to improve the energy effi ciency of any type of building. Its formulation includes recycled plastic, renewable content and a zero ozone-depleting blowing agent. WALLTITEECO’s industry-leading performance results in substantial energy savings by maximizing the effectiveness of the building envelope, thus reducing energy costs.

WALLTITEECO meets the stringent requirements of the GREENGUARD Certifi cation ProgramSM and GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM certifi cation, thus ensuring optimal occupant comfort and safety.

Optimised through BASF’s life-cycle analysis tool, WALLTITEECO is the fi rst closed-cell spray polyurethane insulation to obtain the EcoLogoTM, North America’s most widely recognized environmental certifi cation.

With the goal of promoting energy effi cient homes, WALLTITEECO has been used to meet the stringent energy performance requirements for the following homes participating in Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation’s EQuilibriumTM (Net Zero Energy) Sustainable Housing Demonstration Initiative: ÉcoTerraTM, Now HouseTM, and the Alstonvale Net Zero House.

For more information:Eastern region: 1-866-474-3538 l Western region: 1-800-891-0671walltite.com l foammasters.ca l walltiteeco.com

When you’re choosing insulation, make the right choice: WALLTITEECO, the purple insulation by BASF, The Chemical Company.

MAKE IT RIGHT

TM

MAKE IT WALLTITEECO

TM

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Page 6: Home Makeover February, 2011

EDITOR’S NOTE

So long, it’s been good to reno ya

Two and a half years ago I took on the editorial role at Home Makeover magazine with the goal of introducing readers to fantastic renovations, great

decor tips and advice on everything from architecture to zebra wood. This is now my last issue as I turn my

sights to other adventures.Through 15 issues, I have delved into drywall and waxed on

about woodwork, often stepping over the thresholds into homes, stores and show rooms where no other decor magazine has gone.

Often, when introducing myself as editor of Home Makeover, at a store opening, home show or even to a random real estate agent or designer, I would invariably get the response, “Oh, I love that magazine. I read it cover to cover.”

It’s that kind of fan reaction that has made the job so rewarding, as well as the fact that all our sources are local, so we are doing our part to promote the work of local designers, trades-people and retailers.

I have enjoyed working with our retail supporters to bring knowlege to our readers while bringing clients to their stores; with our contributors, who scoured backyards and back alleys to find stories of interest; and our design team who consistenly went the extra distance to create a beautiful-looking publication that is a source of pride for everyone.

We started several new ventures in the past two years, including a new magazine (re-style), reno workshops, booth makeovers at the Vancouver Home Show and a prize every issue for new or renewing subscribers. As the magazine moves forward, there are even more initiatives in the works that will keep the pages engaging, contemporary and thought-provoking.

The new editor, Noa Glouberman, will be familiar to readers as the name behind the kitchen and bathroom renovation features, as well as numerous other articles ranging from green walls to paving stones. She brings to the table solid writing experience and a fresh view.

I’m still floating around the BIV Media Group offices, but I’ve taken off the HM hat as I build my other passion - a business as a life coach. I hope you enjoy the new names, the new look and the new content and may all your renos be a breeze.

Baila Lazarus, outgoing editor,

[email protected]

Publisher: Doug Holt

Editor in chief: Baila Lazarus

Design director: Randy Pearsall

Copy editor: Renate Preuss

Contributers: Linda Chu, Noa Glouberman, Heather Kleim, Renu Singh, Grant Wing

Production manager: Don Schuetze

Advertising sales: Art Pouchet, Brett Stenner

Administrator: Katherine Butler

Marketing & events co-ordinator: Paige Millar, Aly-Khan Virani

System administrator: Les Valan

Subscription manager: Veera Irani

Controller: Marlita Hodgens

Office manager: Dennis LeBlanc

President, BIV Media Group: Paul Harris

Home Makeover is published six times each year (February, April, June, August, October, December) by BIV Magazines, a division of BIV Media LP, 102 Fourth Avenue East, Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1G2, 604-688-2398, Fax 604-688-1963, www.businessinvancouver.com.

Copyright 2011 Home Makeover. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or incorporated into any information retrieval system without permission of BIV Magazines. The list of services provided in this publication is not necessarily a complete list of all such services available in Vancouver, B.C. The publishers are not responsible in whole or in part for any errors or omissions in this publication.

ISSN 1719-8712 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO: 40069240. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Department: 102 Fourth Avenue East, Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1G2. E-mail: [email protected].

Next Makeover In April, we

feature all-

new kitchen

and bathroom

makeovers; a

small-space patio

reno; dishwashers;

and tips on

refurbishing

furniture from

local designer

and former

Bachelorette

Jillian Harris

DISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED WWW.HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA

FEBRUARY HOME MAKEOVER

Photo: Deo Cruz/DC Photography6 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 7: Home Makeover February, 2011

Aesthetics are an important component of any interior design project, but a

professional interior designer focuses on much more than appearance.

Designing, redesigning, or renovating an interior space involves a significant investment of time,

money, and effort. Hiring a professional interior designer is the best way to ensure you get value

for your investment.

■ Balance functionality with aesthetic considerations

■ Help you define your needs and project goals and deliver engineered design solutions and

specifications catered to your needs

■ Get the most from your available space

To find out more about the IDI and for a list of your local registered professional interior

designers (RID’s) please visit our web site at idibc.org

WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER?

www. IDIBC.org

REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN (RID) PRACTITIONERS SHARE THE BELIEF THAT DESIGN ENHANCES OUR ENVIRONMENTS AND MAKES A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR LIVES.

Following on the subscriber lunch where Donna Sylvester gra-

ciously accepted the subscription prize of the table setting

as displayed on the cover of HM magazine’s October issue,

Donna and her husband Brian invited my wife Tara and me for a

wonderful dinner at their beautiful North Shore home over the holi-

days. Fine food was served as Tara and I enjoyed the spectacular

view of Vancouver Harbour, Stanley Park and the city from their well-

appointed renovated dining room. Tara and I thank Brian and Donna

for inviting us into their home, and I welcome and thank Donna for

subscribing to HM magazine. 2011 promises to be an exciting year for

HM magazine, and I wish Donna inspired reading!

—Doug Holt, publisher

Next issue, we’ll feature the winner of our December give-away: an

Alessi silver bowl, as well as a set of Peugot salt and pepper grinders,

shown on our previous cover. ∞

PRIZE WINNER

Setting a trendSecond winner of HM’s subscriber award

This month, our draw prize is the glass table shown on the cover

Visit www.homemakeovermagazine.ca for entry details.

Publisher Doug

Holt with Donna

Sylvester, winner

of October’s

subscriber prize.

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 7

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Page 8: Home Makeover February, 2011

KITCHEN MAKEOVER

Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night inspires

a Fort Langley kitchen makeover

Faced with the task of redesigning a Fort Langley

kitchen to facilitate the homeowner’s passion for

gourmet cooking and casual entertaining, Linda

Jones of Vancouver’s My House Design/Build Team turned

to a post-impressionist Dutch painter for inspiration.

“When we met to discuss the project, the homeowner

brought out some of her daughter’s artwork,” explained

the registered interior designer. “She had done this little

copy of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night and I said, ‘That’s

what we should use for our design concept.’ We wanted

to add some sparkle and interest to the kitchen, and the

painting reflected that perfectly. ”

With van Gogh’s celestial swirls in mind, she and the

My House team, which included a second

designer – Jeffrey Rebiffe, who is no longer

with the firm – and builder Bruno Hoglund,

set out to make over the space, which Jones

described as “poorly laid out and not very

functional.”

Their first order of business was to

remove a wall that separated the kitchen

from a small, adjacent sitting room. With more square

footage to work with, the team was able to add such fea-

tures as a walk-in pantry, coffee bar and larger island to

the kitchen.

“The old island was too small,” Jones noted. “We

installed an eight-foot island with seating for four, so

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

star is born

A

Vincent van

Gogh’s Starry

Night.

Left image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vincent_van_Gogh_Starry_Night.jpg

Before

8 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 9: Home Makeover February, 2011

After photos: Keith Henderson Photography

The eight-foot

island by Columbia

Kitchen Cabinets

includes seating for

four and is topped

with a maple

butcher block from

Richelieu Hardware.

The kitchen’s new

coffee bar includes a

Franke Kindred sink

with a Hansgrohe

Talis S faucet, a

built-in beverage

cooler and cabinetry

by Columbia

Kitchen Cabinets.

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 9

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Page 10: Home Makeover February, 2011

people can eat there or gather around the

cook. It’s topped with an eight-foot maple

butcher block for chopping vegetables and

doing prep work, and includes a built-in

microwave so the children can warm their

own snacks.”

To further indulge the client’s cooking

capacities, top of the line appliances –

including a 48-inch, eight-burner Viking

gas range with double ovens, a Sub-Zero

Preservation refrigerator and an extra-large

stainless-steel Franke Kindred sink with

industrial-style Hansgrohe Axor Citterio

faucet – were selected and arranged in an

efficient work triangle.

Focus was also placed on increasing the

amount of storage space in the kitchen. A

pull-out spice cabinet to the left of the gas

range and a pull-out knife rack to the right,

for example, create hidden places to tuck

everyday items neatly away. And the new

pantry, says Jones, is perfect for storing bulk

items.

The independent coffee bar adds further

storage with a wet bar, built-in beverage

cooler and shelving for stemware. It also

allows for hot and cold beverage service

with a round prep sink and Cosmic Black granite counter-

tops, as well as a backsplash of multicoloured, recycled

glass tiles.

“The backsplash and granite counters run throughout

the kitchen, tying the bar to the main cooking area and

creating a sense of continuity,” Jones added. “We also

included custom-painted maple cabinets up to the

To indulge the

homeowner’s

passion for

gourmet cooking,

a 48-inch Viking

range complete

with double overns

and eight burners

and a Sub-Zero

Preservation

Energy Star-rated

refrigerator were

installed.

A pull-out spice

cabinet to the left

of the gas range

and a pull-out knife

rack to the right

create extra pockets

of storage space

throughout the

kitchen.

A stainless steel

Franke Kindred sink

with an extra large

capacity is “great

for filling big pots”

and features a solid

brass Hansgrohe

Axor Citterio semi-

pro faucet.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER

10 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 11: Home Makeover February, 2011

Freedom 95®

Gas Furnace

AccuCleanTM Whole House Air Cleaner

Heritage®

Heat Pump

ACONT Comfort Control

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder.American Standard Heritage Hybrid™ Heat Pump...a masterpiece in uncompromising

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The American Standard Hybrid™ heat pump system offers an energy efficient and flexible comfort system which could save money on your utility bills while providing incredible comfort in your home. But we all know beauty is only skin deep and it is what is inside every product that makes the system truly special because every American Standard product is designed with features that ensure you enjoy the most reliable, quiet, and comfortable operation for many years.

Combine this with a quality installation by an American Standard independent dealer and we believe you will agree it is an uncompromising comfort masterpiece. For more information, or to find a dealer near you visit AmericanStandardAir.com or call 1-888-225-3626.

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Page 12: Home Makeover February, 2011

ceiling and task lighting all around to provide the right

amount of light for working at the counters.”

The under-cabinet lighting also works to bring the

backsplash to life; like van Gogh’s stars, the glass tiles

sparkle when illuminated. “You can really see how

the palette we chose for the backsplash ties in to the

countertops, walls and StoneCraft floors,” she said. “It all

flows together.”

Further influence from van Gogh’s masterpiece can

be seen in the ceiling, where glass cubed pendant lights

over the island and kitchen sink provide more sparkle,

not to mention ambient lighting in task areas. As well, a

circular drop over the dining

table mimics the circular pat-

terns in the painting.

“I wanted to provide a dedi-

cated space for lighting and

we accomplished that with this

unique architectural drop,” Jones

explained. “There is direct lighting

shining down from it as well as

indirect lighting coming from up

above, which gives the room a

glow and reflects our overall Starry Night design concept.”

Not only was the client “over the moon” about the

completed renovation, the kitchen has since earned My

House a spot as a finalist in the 2010 Canadian Home

Builders’ Association National SAM Awards.

“This was a very rewarding project to work on,” Jones

said. “We felt really inspired from the beginning and,

of course, to be recognized for your work is also very

exciting.” ∞

ResourcesBenjamin Moore & Co., www.benjaminmoore.comColumbia Kitchen Cabinets Ltd.,

www.columbiacabinets.com, 604-850-3538ET2 Contemporary Lighting, www.et2online.com,

800-486-2946Franke Kindred Canada Ltd.,

www.frankecanada.com, 866-687-7465Hansgrohe Group, www.hansgrohe.comMy House Design/Build Team Ltd.,

www.myhousedesignbuild.com, 604-694-6873Panasonic Canada Inc., www.panasonic.ca,

800-561-5505Philips Lightolier, www.lightolier.com, 800-215-1068Richelieu Hardware, www.richelieu.com,

800-361-6000StoneCraft, www.stonecraft.ca, 604-532-8001Sub-Zero Preservation, www.subzero.com,

800-222-7820Tech Lighting, www.techlighting.com, 800-522-5315Viking Range Corp., www.vikingrange.com,

888-VIKING1World Mosaic (BC) Ltd., www.worldmosaictile.com,

604-736-8158

Above: A circular

drop over the dining

table mimics the

circular patterns in

van Gogh’s Starry

Night painting and

adds a warm glow

to the room. Below:

the red carpet colour

is picked up in by

vase and other

decor objects.

KITCHEN MAKEOVER

Before

12 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 13: Home Makeover February, 2011

La Scala is all about the Art. You want simplehigh impact systems which deliver the best music,home cinema and home control systems. We bringyou complete in-house design and engineering servicesalong with the best trained experts to create alifestyle system that delivers the Art right to yourfingertips.

Call us 604-606-1888 or check outour website www.lascala.ca

Collect Art Not Remotes.

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Page 14: Home Makeover February, 2011

BATHROOM MAKEOVER

It’s hip to be When it comes to making a small space work, it’s all in the details

When Teresa Cain, principal of Interior Solutions

Design Group, decided that the time had

come to update the guest bathroom in her

home, she had just one item on her wish list: metallic-

brown porcelain floor tiles.

“They’re glamorous, with a bit of a sparkle through

them,” said Cain, who asked a consultant within her own

West Vancouver firm, Tiffany Karlson, to help complete

the transformation. “Other than that, I wasn’t tied to a

particular vision for the room, other than to make sure it

had lots of storage and a unique, modern look.”

First, she and Karlson opted to reposition the door

and shower and widen the existing window. Then they

painted the ceiling, covered the walls with light-coloured,

easy-to-clean porcelain and laid Cain’s 12-by-24-inch

square tiles across the heated floor.

In fact, square and rectangular shapes can be found

throughout the bathroom – from the crystal Schonbek

pendant lights hanging above the vanity to the unique

Kohler WaterTile square 54-nozzle showerhead. Karlson

says that this linear look makes the space feel more con-

temporary and organized.

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

After photos: Randal Kurt Photography

Four-sided shapes

can be found

throughout the

bathroom –

from the custom

Interior Solutions

cabinetry to the

Kohler WaterTile

square 54-nozzle

showerhead. The

linear look makes

the space feel

contemporary

and organized.

square

14 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 15: Home Makeover February, 2011

“The white shower tiles even have hori-

zontal lines running through them, like

Japanese tatami mats, as does the grain in the

natural maple wood cabinets,” she explained.

“It’s the subtle nuances that you don’t recog-

nize right away that set a certain mood.”

The same sort of attention to detail helped

the two designers squeeze as much use as

possible from the small, five-by-eight-foot

space. For example, they replaced the toilet

with a compact, rectangular “hatbox” model

from Kohler (which, besides being comfort-

able, “makes a great conversation piece”) and

carefully chose and installed open shelving

next to it for paper and towels.

“Had we not gone with the shelves this

would have been wasted space, since it is too

close to the toilet for traditional under-counter cabinets

with doors that need room to swing open and shut,” said

Karlson. “Instead of a tiny vanity that didn’t extend to the

wall, we came up with this solution, which gives us more

storage but is pretty to look at as well.”

The remainder of the custom-made Interior Solutions

vanity includes a Kohler sink and faucet, with ample

drawers below, a granite countertop and a ceramic back-

splash that picks up the metallic in the floor tiles. An upper

cabinet on the wall adjacent to the frameless, polished-

edge mirror is, according to Cain, “unusual for a bathroom,

but perfect for hiding nail polish, extra bars of soap, tooth-

brushes and toothpaste – all the things you need to reach

for daily but don’t want cluttering your counter.”

Another unusual concept that helps maximize the

space: a door-less shower. “Some people really splash

around in the shower, but [a door] is not an absolute must,”

Cain explained, adding that the stall’s frameless glass wall

ends where the water hits your

body, eliminating the need for

a swinging door. “Showering

without getting the room soaked

is a learned behaviour; it’s really

not a problem at all.”

The shower floor has smaller,

square versions of Cain’s metallic-

brown tiles, and its step is a

solid extension of the vanity’s

countertop. Both details create

the illusion of a larger space.

And though it includes a

bench for seating, the shower

is purposely void of storage. “I

didn’t want any of the shelves or

soap dishes you normally see in

showers, which tend to get very cluttered and somewhat

messy looking,” said Cain. “I just wanted to keep it really

clean and open.”

Rather, she and Karlson ensured that there was plenty

of room to store things in other areas of the bathroom.

“It’s a small bathroom but it has everything in it:

adequate storage with lots of leftover space, plus every-

thing is clean, contemporary and luxurious,” said Cain. “It

looks and functions exactly the way I wanted it to.” ∞

ResourcesBenjamin Moore & Co., www.benjaminmoore.comInterior Solutions Design Group,

www.interiorsolutionsdesigngroup.com, 604-922-8311

Kohler Canada, www.kohler.ca, 800-4KOHLERSchonbek Worldwide Lighting Inc.,

www.schonbek.com

Far left: The

crystal Schonbek

pendant lights

above the vanity

pick up the sparkle

in the metallic-

brown floor tile.

Left: The designers

chose a shallow-

depth “hatbox”

toilet from Kohler

to save space and

keep with the

room’s square-

shaped theme.

Below: The

bathroom, before,

was tired, dated

and needed a

makeover.

Before

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 15

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Page 16: Home Makeover February, 2011

ResourcesAlico Industries Inc.,

www.alicoindustries.com, 866-662-5426

Turned onBathroom lighting done right

In a bathroom that

includes his-and-her

vanities, each must

be lit adequately

and independently.

In this case a pair

of cylindrical, white

pendant lights

were hung above

each sink to ensure

enough brightness

for shaving or

makeup application.

BATH LIGHTING

In most cases, a

master bathrom

would require

more lighting than

halogen pendants –

like these glowing

bells from Alico

Industries – could

provide, but they

create a warm, soft

effect in a powder

room.

The trick to making

elegant pendant

lighting work in

a bathroom is

layering. These

fiery pendants from

Alico Industries

are supplemented

with pot lights in

the ceiling. Put

pendants on a

dimmer to control

the level of light

they emit.

Building a mirror

out with plywood

framing and tucking

a fluorescent tube

light behind it is

easy, economical

and gives a modern

effect. This example

only shines from the

top and bottom, but

you can customize

your own mirror to

light up around all

four sides.

BY NOA GLOUBERMAN

16 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 17: Home Makeover February, 2011

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Page 18: Home Makeover February, 2011

INTERIOR DESIGN

Living on the edgeLive Edge furniture is made of Canadian western maple

brought down by storms or left behind by forest com-

panies and construction companies. Everything – the

milling, drying, design and product creation – is done

on Vancouver Island. The pieces show off the beauty

of this type of wood, finished to a “satin-smooth touch,”

according to marketing director Donna Roxburgh.

“Our favourite is the western big leaf maple,” said

president John Lore. “It’s sought after by luthiers, wood

turners and carvers for its exceptional colour and figure.

Tree growth takes place just beneath the bark. The rich

contours of this live edge give a sculptural quality to our

furniture.”

On its journey to become custom-made furniture, the

tree is milled into massive slabs, dried, designed, expertly

crafted and finely finished – all at the Live Edge studio on

Vancouver Island.

The result is beautiful West Coast Natural furniture

built to last for generations.

“The unique pieces command attention and conver-

sation,” said Lore. “Your guests will love the story of the

tree that became your treasure.”

Accompanying story books are available on request.

Second

In this followup to our coverage of the IDSwest show, we take a look

at a few more of the local designers that made our heads turn

BY BAILA LAZARUS

helpings

18 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 19: Home Makeover February, 2011

Studio sensationsIf you didn’t know the Olympic cauldron in Coal Harbour

is actually made of glass, take a second look. The

colourful structure, which changes colour at night, was

partly formed with glass designed by Studio G3.

The company, founded in 1996 by Naser Niki and

Johnny Tse, uses sandblasting, etching and airbrushing

to take coloured glass into a new realm of beauty. Its

stunning work has made it one of the world leaders in

architectural glass technology. Whether creating a floor-

to-ceiling wall or a kitchen counter, Studio G3 has estab-

lished itself in the local and international markets.

It now uses a variety of standard or custom textures,

patterns, designs, shapes, sizes, colours and finishes.

Today, thousands of Studio G3’s projects can be found

in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, casinos, spas, institutes,

restaurants, corporate offices and up-scale residences all

around the world.

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 19

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Sleek and simpleKlein Furniture Studio, founded by Robert and Naomi

Klein, started as a supplier of interior yacht furnishings

and moved to custom residential doors and built-in

cabinetry. The simplicity of the designs, with just a hint

of special detailing (such as a curved backboard on the

stacking cabinet) means they’ll fit well in any room.

“Most of my own furniture designs are simple shapes

that make the most of carefully selected and matched hard-

woods, and the profoundly natural and organic feelings

that natural hardwoods illicit,” said Robert Klein. “I find that

combining traditional joinery with contemporary furniture

shapes not only illustrates clearly that the piece is made out

of solid wood, but it adds warmth and a sense of craft.”

Wherever possible, Klein makes each piece of furniture

out of a single board. “This way, all the lumber is consistent

in colour and character, and I don’t have to use a uniforming

wood stain, which would obscure the natural colour.”

His Modernist cabinet is a good example, as is the

Organic line of case goods.

“Developing the skills of a furniture-maker is a long

process,” said Klein. “Building a beautiful piece of furni-

ture is a unique joy.”

INTERIOR DESIGN

Natural formationsAt Sticks and Stones Furniture, signature designs blend

wood and concrete “showcasing the tensile beauty,

strength and motion latent in the two materials,”

according to communications director Kaila Jarvis.

“Working with reclaimed wood products and recycled

materials, Sticks and Stones products convey a modernity

that appeals to the lifestyle and design of West Coast

living.”

The hand-crafted, polished-concrete Fire Bench

can be used both inside and out. “The eco-burner uses

ethanol fuel and does not need to be vented, providing

warmth and comfort while creating a beautiful ambi-

ence, perfect for West Coast living,” said Jarvis. “Each

Sticks and Stones piece is created to custom fit your living

and work spaces.”

Along with beautiful movable furniture, Sticks and

Stones also creates built-ins for kitchens, bathrooms

and fireplaces. The zebra wood island is one such extra-

ordinary example.

“Created in collaboration with our clients, this pol-

ished concrete and zebra wood island epitomizes the

essence of a Sticks and Stones signature piece – func-

tional, yet beyond,” Jarvis explained. “Breaking up the

surface by using a different colour and thickness of con-

crete highlights the social area while framing the unique

beauty of the zebra wood.”

20 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 21: Home Makeover February, 2011

GREEN CHANGE

Diving for

A local company takes wood salvage to new depths

From the shores, cities and forests of British

Columbia to the underwater jungle below the

Panama Canal, Coast EcoTimber is making ground-

breaking strides in the forestry sector.

Its president, Alana Husby, comes from five genera-

tions of B.C. loggers and is committed to sustainable

forestry through local and international sourcing of sal-

vaged wood, including rescued city trees, wood from old

logging sites, driftwood from local beaches, beams and

timber from old buildings and underwater hardwoods.

“The Earth is calling for it – it’s a new revelation. When I

started this company, it was based on reclaimed, rescued

and rediscovered woods,” said Husby with a

smile. “I feel good, but more importantly, the

story is just remarkable with these woods.”

Remarkable, indeed – this Vancouver

entrepreneur is making history, as her com-

pany has secured the rights to harvest unique

and valuable tropical hardwoods submersed

80 feet in the underwater jungle of the

Panama Canal.

During the construction of the canal

in the early 20th century, then president

Theodore Roosevelt authorized the damming

of the Chagres River, creating Gatun Lake, the

world’s largest man-made lake at that time.

In doing so, an old-growth jungle the size of

Montreal was flooded and the hardwood species lost

beneath the water.

Almost a century later, Husby and international oper-

ations partner Arnie Dewitt have launched a salvaging

project in the Panama Canal in which loggers dive down

and cut the trees using submersible hydraulic chainsaws,

lubricated by vegetable oil, to reclaim the perfectly pre-

served wood.

As the log is released from tremendous underwater

BY RENU SINGH

At the Rocky

Mountaineer Station

in December, Coast

EcoTimber’s core

team – (l-r) Carole

Schwab, Sarah

Jane Hilton, Alana

Husby (president),

Challa Reisner

and Arnie Dewitt

– stands in front

of slabs of wood,

which can be used

to create customized

furniture.

The Patchwork

Table features

patches of end-

cuts rescued from

woodwork shops,

where they are

normally found

in the waste pile.

This mixed species

table will surely

be the centre of

conversation for

dinner guests, as

they touch and

feel the smooth

surface and ponder

the history of

the various trees

displayed in the

patches. Includes a

leaf and sits six to

10 people. $6,700

Photos: Paul Joseph

timber treasure

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 21

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Page 22: Home Makeover February, 2011

Registered Interior Designers are trained to listen to and understand your

aspirations and help you design effective solutions to achieve your goals.

Selecting a qualified Interior Designer is one of the most significant decisions

you can make.

HOW TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER

www. IDIBC.org

REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN (RID) PRACTITIONERS SHARE THE BELIEF THAT DESIGN ENHANCES OUR ENVIRONMENTS AND MAKES A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR LIVES.

Take time to interview interior designers and check their references. Each designer should

explain their design process, how they work, and what they charge for their services.

They should also ask you about your needs, timeline, and expectations. It’s important that both

parties feel comfortable with the relationship before a contract is signed and work begins.

For the list of local registered profession designers (RID’s), please go to our member directory

at http://www.idibc.org/find/ , or on our web site you can find our member directory by clicking

on “FIND A DESIGNER” at the top of the page in the navigation bar.

GREEN CHANGE

pressure, it pops up to the surface. Before it sinks, as hard-

woods are quite heavy, the log is linked with a chain to a

barge.

Coast EcoTimber has been working with a local

Panamanian company, and the government has been

receptive, as their project has created employment and

raised awareness of sustainable foresting practices.

“We are really enjoying working with the people of

Panama and helping to facilitate an eco-forestry industry

there. The wood is stunning and the story is unbeliev-

able,” said Husby.

“I think getting a small section of the lake FSC [Forest

Stewardship Council]-certified was our first step to

having a world class eco-project on the canal. We look

forward to growing substantially in the next year and

training Panamanians in B.C. logging and lumber prac-

tices and supplying the world with our gorgeous, exotic

hardwood products.”

The canal hardwood species (Cumaru, IPE, Espave,

Zapatero and Cedro Espino) are not only extremely

strong, durable and rich in appearance, but auditors

These striking

tables feature

black walnut from

Courtenay, B.C.,

that originated from

fallen trees planted

by homesteaders

in the late 1800s.

The Waterfall Table

retails for $3,400,

while the Floating

Waterfall Table

with glass insert is

$5,400.

Constructed from

yellow cedar,

reclaimed from a

1940s logging site

on the Sunshine

Coast, the Sexy

Beast Bench is not

only insect resistant

but its tough wood

will withstand the

elements and be a

long-lasting piece

for both indoor and

outdoor spaces.

$3,2000

22 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Natural Stone At your fi ngertips

With over 600 colors and styles of granite:

vision into reality.

A worldselection of

13042 84 AvenueSurrey, BCV3W 1L2

604.599.4274 (HARI)TF: 1.877.599.4274 (HARI)FAX: 604.502.8478

and consultants

from the Forest

Stewardship Council

have also deemed

the hardwoods FSC-

certified (products

that are responsibly

harvested and/or

derived from verified

recycled sources).

Coast EcoTimber

has received local

and international

attention from architects, designers and furniture-makers

who are interested in incorporating the FSC-certified

Panama hardwoods in their work.

The company offers a range of services, including

sourcing and providing eco-friendly wood from B.C. and

Panama; designing furniture from rescued, rediscovered

or reclaimed wood; and sourcing and providing archi-

tectural wood products, such as decking, siding, mantles,

flooring, beams and character pieces.

As a child, Husby grew up in the Haida Gwaii (Queen

Charlotte Islands) and was adopted into the Haida Nation

as a honorary member of the Raven Clan, from which she

gained knowledge of traditional foresting techniques.

Encouraged by her father to pursue a career in for-

estry, Husby’s goal was to create a unique logging busi-

ness that used wood traditionally left behind.

At 35, she is a BCIT-trained forester, has earned the

Lumber Grading Ticket, which is a difficult accreditation to

obtain, and has studied with the very best in the industry,

including Glenn Fox and John Okamoto of J&G Log Works.

Now, Husby has added furniture design to her skill

list. She launched her inaugural collection in 2010 show-

casing stunning furniture pieces that illustrate the beauty

of salvaged wood and live edge. She hopes clients will

continue to tell the story of the wood for generations to

come, as the pieces are keepsakes and truly one-of-a-

kind. ∞

Spice up your indoor

or outdoor spaces with

the Daydream Bed,

made from reclaimed

Douglas fir, and the

Tatami Coffee Table,

constructed from

reclaimed western

red cedar from the

Sunshine Coast.

$2,300 for each piece

Made from

reclaimed Douglas

fir collected from

an old school on the

North Shore and

pieced together with

glulam for incredible

strength, the Love

Me, Love Me Not

hearts can be used

as one piece or split

apart into two side

tables or footrests.

This image shows

four individual units.

$1,200 for one unit

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 23

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Page 24: Home Makeover February, 2011

QUARTZ CORIAN SOAPSTONE GRANITE

WASHERS & DRYERS

Stylishly efficient, the latest models of washers and

dryers get your laundry spotless while adding

panache to your laundry room.

The newest laundry machines boast new features that

get your clothes cleaner and help them last longer while

being thrifty with energy and water consumption. Plus,

noise- and vibration-reduction technology are

allowing homeowners to install them prac-

tically anywhere.

On the washer side, front-loading models

are popular for their gentler washing, energy

efficiency and lower water use. The latest have

multi-directional wash actions for specific fab-

rics and energy-saving cold-water cycles. Steam

injection to deal with stains and odours is also

becoming available on more washers. And

new balancing technology to reduce noise and

vibration are available on high-end models.

In dryers, steam is being introduced

to eliminate wrinkles and refresh clothes

between dry cleanings.

The latest laundry sets also flaunt slick

designs, colours and finishes allowing home-

owners to add pizzazz to bland laundry rooms.

Here are just a few to ponder.

SamsungSamsung’s newly launched 520 laundry set, at five cubic

feet, is the largest-capacity front-loading washer and

dryer available. This model has a new foam technology

Polished The best washer and dryer sets get the laundry done in style

pairs

Samsung’s 520

steam washer and

dryer.

BY GRANT WING

24 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 25: Home Makeover February, 2011

Celebrating 25 years in business!

Art Works offers:

* the largest selection of original art in BC

* 5000 moulding samples for custom framing and framed mirrors

Explore the possibilities Open daily. Parking available.

225 Smithe Street Vancouver BC (604) 688-3301www.artworksbc.comWOLCOSKI sturdies bay 60 x 96 inches (diptych)

LGLG’s flagship model WM3875HVCA steam washer uses

steam to boost cleaning and features six-motion washing

and a high performance cold-wash cycle. This model has

a special high-temperature cycle that removes 95 per

cent of common household allergens, said Darren Widas,

a sales consultant at Trail Appliances.

“Right now, LG is the only one I can see that is doing it

properly, that can add this allergen cycle and can claim

to kill dust mites and allergens,” he said.

The matching dryer also uses steam to freshen and to

reduce wrinkles and static and has a steam cycle to sani-

tize delicates and non-washables like pillows.

LG’s vibration- and noise-reduction system also allows

the machines to be installed on second floors.

The sleek, stackable set has colour LCD control screen

and comes in a popular graphite finish

At time of writing, LG’s WM3875 model was on sale for

1,450. Matching dryer was 1,150 at Trail Appliances. ∞

that injects bubbled detergent into laundry for deeper

cleaning and less residue, said Chelsea Naylor, merchan-

dise manager of appliances at Future Shop. The washer

features 13 washing cycles, an energy-saving cold-water

sanitizing wash and a deep-steam cycle.

The matching large-capacity steam dryer has 13

drying levels to economically and efficiently dry a wide

variety of fabrics, including woolens.

The set is stackable and comes in a chic platinum

stainless finish.

Quiet, low-vibration machines like Samsung’s can be

installed practically anywhere, said Naylor.

“One of our co-workers put hers in her walk-in closet,”

he said. “Why go three levels down to your basement to

do laundry when you can do it right in your bedroom.”

The 520 laundry set sells for 3,199 at Future Shop.

Huebsch Huebsch, known as Speed Queen in the U.S., has

been known for the dependability and durability of its

washers and dryers for 100 years. Its Model LTZA7 is a

space-saving, stacking washer and dryer set with extra-

large capacity. Built with more metal parts than most

makes, the front-load washer has a stainless steel wash

tub, seven wash cycles and four wash temperatures. It’s

matched with an electric dryer on top featuring three

drying cycles. Both are Energy Star qualified.

Huebsch’s domestic washers and dryers are commer-

cial grade and designed to run continuously, said Jack

McIver, owner of McIver’s Appliance Sales and Service.

Huebsch machines have excellent washing ability and

are very quiet. With proper maintenance, the front-load

washers can last up to 20 years, he said. “We’ve been

selling them since 1965 when they were built here, so the

track record on them is good.”

Huebsch’s stacking washer and dryer set sells for

2,995 at McIver’s Appliances.

LG3875.

Huebsch stacked

washer and dryer.

ResourcesFuture Shop, www.futureshop.caHuebsch Canada Home Laundry,

home.huebsch.com, 800-898-1879LG Canada, www.lg.com/ca_en, 888-542-2623McIver’s Appliance Sales and Service,

www.mcivers.biz, 604-879-5222Samsung Canada, www.samsung.com,

800-726-7864Trail Appliances, www.trailappliances.com,

604-278-6133

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 25

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Page 26: Home Makeover February, 2011

NEW & NOW

HERE’S WHAT’S COOKIN’Are you tired of all the utensils, dishes, pots,

pans and cutting boards needed to make just

one meal? New in Canada, the Thermomix

combines the functions of a stove with

that of a stand mixer and blender, saving

time and space. It’s a kitchen assistant that

will be making pasta sauce, soup, home-

made jam, stir fry, even ice cream in no

time. The Thermomix has been a staple

in European home kitchens for almost 40

years, the best of German engineering and

French manufacturing. Price starts at 1,599

including a Thermomix recipe book of your choice.

www.easycooking.ca

DOGGY NIGHT CAREWell-known for a variety of bedding prod-

ucts and styles, the Company Store has come

out with some great winter designs in sev-

eral products. Two of my favourites are the

Dog Days motif (left) and La Crosse colours

(right). Some options are all-cotton five-

ounce flannel, perfect for chilly nights, gently

napped for extra softness and machine-

washable. There are also 250-thread-count

cotton covers with 12-inch sewn-through

box construction that prevents the down

from shifting and with down non-allergenic

Primaloft Deluxe polyester microfibre fill.

Complete the look with appliquéd pillows in 100 per cent

cotton canvas. Dog patterns come in pug, chihuahua,

poodle and achshund. Prices start at 19 to 39 for flat or

fitted sheets, 24 for a pair of standard-size pillowcases

and 59 for comforter covers. www.thecompanystore.com

JAVA APPLICATIONBrand new for 2011, Breville’s Barista Express will have

you drinking latté art in no time. It’s got plenty of dials

and doodads to impress the finickiest of espresso-lovers,

and even if you are a latté learner, once the simple steps

are covered, you’ll never want to do without it. Separate

knobs adjust grind size, amount of coffee and use of dual

or single filter (dual for beginners, single for the more

experienced); its conical burr grinder helps keep the

flavour of the bean; grinding is one-touch with an auto-

matic stop; and it has an integrated magnetic tamper

that’s always right at hand when you need it. This time, it

seems, Breville has thought of everything. www.breville.ca

26 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 27: Home Makeover February, 2011

Install a complete bathroom anywhere you need!

1-800-363-5874 | www.saniflo.caThe original plumbing solution since 1958

Easy and mess-free above oor

installation

Pre-assembled unit with check

valves included

SANITOP model also available for

half bathrooms

CabanasUnder the stairsBasementsGarages

NEW & NOW

BEAUTY ETCHED IN STONECombining the natural beauty of stone with exceptional

design concepts, Selezioni Innovative Stone Design has

created a line of product rich in splendour. Their recently

launched artistic stone panels come pre-assembled,

framed and backlit with LEDs and are easily installed

on any wall space as you would a painting. As well, the

company is developing a modular one-centimetre-thick

tile, infusing the stone with a metallic guild. The tiles are

manufactured on its premises and are suitable for any

wall application. Prices vary according to size, style and

application. www.selezioni.ca

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 27

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Page 28: Home Makeover February, 2011

A messy desk,

dining table or

dresser can look like

an insurmountable

challenge, but

following a step-

by-step process will

clear it in no time.

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS

BY LINDA CHU

How to get organized, be more productive and do what you want

Being disorganized is tough. It’s stressful. Maybe

your home or office is full of clutter. Or the elec-

tronic clutter that fills your email inbox seems

unmanageable. You’re interrupted. You miss appoint-

ments. You don’t accomplish your goals.

You’re not alone.

Eight out of 10 Canadians classify themselves as disor-

ganized, according to a Leger poll for professional organ-

izers in Canada. Among this group:

91 per cent feel that disorganization negatively

impacts their lives;

70 per cent who work say their workplace is

disorganized;

43 per cent report feeling stressed; and

39 per cent feel frustrated.

So how do ou get organized?

Time management and prioritizationUse a calendar and a single checklist to focus on what

matters most at any given moment. Know what your

high-priority tasks are and make sure you schedule time

for them or they won’t get done.

Vision and goalsFigure out what you want to achieve in your organiza-

tion, business, work, personal life. Do you know what

your company vision is? What are the goals you need to

accomplish to meet this vision? What are your short-term

and long-term goals? How do your personal goals fit into

your day?

Information managementTake an inventory of every item in your office and

understand how you access each item. Next, purge the

documents that are no longer required by business

need or regulation and organize them according to a

consistent process. Divide your paper files into active

information requiring action, reference materials not

requiring immediate action and archival materials. Make

the high-priority files easily accessible, move reference

materials away from your immediate workspace and

consider storing other materials offsite.

Managing emailProcess your email in batches and schedule dedicated

time to do so. Turn off your email notifications.

Work-life balanceTake back your time starting at 15 minutes per day. Ask

for assistance. Consider leveraging your routine admin-

istrative tasks to an assistant (virtual or otherwise). Also,

do not make yourself available 24 hours a day, seven

days a week. It is up to you to educate your clients and

colleagues. And turn off your cellphone and email after

hours. If you respect your time, others will as well.

The decide-in-five model of decision making1. Delete: Delete messages that are not required, like

you would junk mail inside an envelope.

2. Do: If you can complete a task in two minutes or less,

then do it.

3. Delegate: Even if you are ultimately responsible for a

task, you may be able to delegate part of it.

4. Document (in your reference library): We often

receive emails with information attached with no

action required. Save the attachment.

5. Defer: While processing your email, if you cannot do

any of the above, defer this action to you to-do list.

Tech savvy organizingEmail programs often have an electronic to-do list that

can be used to manage all your to-do actions. They can

often defer your emails by creating an action-to-do item

on your task list.

Just say no. Then say yesSaying no to one thing means you are saying yes to

something else. If you have already made a list of your

priorities, you’ll feel better about turning down tasks (or

requests) since you’re working towards your goals in an

organized way. ∞

Linda Chu is an organizing consultant and the founder of

Out of Chaos. For more information on her in-house presen-

tations or to sign up for her monthly newsletter, visit www.

outofchaos.ca.

28 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Top 10 do-it-yourself home staging tips

Thinking of selling your home? As we head into spring,

Metro Vancouver’s real estate market is gearing up

for an exciting season, and so are the home sellers.

Competition is usually pretty fierce out there, however

there are many things you can do to ensure your home

is showing in its best light. Homes that photograph well

and show beautifully sell quickly, not to mention for

better prices. With over 90 per cent of potential buyers

beginning their search online, it is imperative that your

home capture their attention. By following some basic

guidelines, you can prevent a prolonged listing or the

dreaded price reduction.

The way you live in your home and the way you sell

your home are completely different. If you were going

to sell your car, you would have it detailed and washed

before you advertised it, right? Home staging is the

equivalent of detailing your car. It is also one of the most

effective marketing tools you can implement when

selling your home.

I provide the following guidelines to all of my clients

who are getting ready to sell. Don’t forget to take “before”

pictures for your own reference; you’ll be shocked at the

transformation!

1. De-clutter. This is by far one of the most powerful

home staging tools you can use. Too much stuff

(books, knick-knacks, collectibles) is very distracting

for buyers and it takes the attention away from your

home. Pack and store one-third of your stuff; it will

have to be packed when you move so why not get

a head start? [For suggestions on de-cluttering, see

Linda Chu’s article on opposite page.]

2. De-personalize. This means removing family

photos, trophies, awards, religious items and any other

personal objects. People are nosy by nature; don’t

distract buyers with the photo of your family in Rome

or your collection of golf trophies. Buyers will switch

from imagining themselves living in your home to

reliving their Italian vacation or their last golf game.

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTSBY HEATHER KLEIM

Neutral furniture,

paint and art,

de-cluttered spaces,

tasteful accents

and a squeaky-

clean space all

serve to attract

buyers and garner

a higher sale price.

HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 29

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Page 30: Home Makeover February, 2011

604-209-3285 www.powerhousetile.com

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With Smart Screen™ Leaf Protectionyou’ll never have to

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Keep them focussed on your home!

Trick of the trade: If you have a gallery of family

photos on a wall and don’t have anything to replace

them with, try this: Buy sheets of co-ordinating decora-

tive paper from your favourite gift store that match the

colours in the room. Trace the outline of each photo on

the back of the paper, cut it out and place in front of

the photo in the frame. This is a great way to deperson-

alize AND incorporate a nice splash of colour.

3. Arrange furniture. The way your furniture is

arranged can have a huge impact of how the room

feels and shows. It is important that buyers can walk

around each room freely when viewing your home

without facing obstacles of furniture. Ensure that each

room of your home is shown as its intended use: bed-

rooms should show as bedrooms, not offices, etc.

4. Accessorize. To really get that show home feel,

experiment with the placement of your stuff that

is being kept on display. Display vases of similar

shapes in groups of three, buy some throw pillows

that match your artwork and try to keep the colour

scheme of each room consistent.

5. Add art. Art can dramatically affect the feel of a

room by evoking strong emotions. Peoples’ taste in

art varies drastically; it is important that the art you

have on display does not contain any nudity or reli-

gious or political themes. Decorative paper or fabric in

frames is a great way to prevent offending a potential

buyer.

6. Clean. When your home is on the market, it should

be so clean it sparkles. I suggest you hire professional

cleaners to give your home a good, thorough, top-

to-bottom swipe. After that, maintaining it just takes

a little effort each day. When a home is not clean,

buyers can be left with the impression that it’s not well

maintained, which can result in either a low-ball offer or

no offer at all.

7. Repair. Before listing your home, it is important that

all required repairs are addressed. Common repairs

include leaky taps, toilets that run, doors that don’t

close properly, loose tiles, chipped paint, holes in walls

and outdated hardware and fixtures. If you have brass

doorknobs, cabinet handles or light fixtures, they

should be replaced with silver-coloured hardware.

This is one of the most inexpensive ways to update

the look of a home!

8. Increase curb appeal. The exterior of your house

is the first impression buyers will have of your home.

Walkways should be swept and clear of all debris,

gardens should be weeded, lawns should be cut

and there should always be some sort of seasonal

greenery at your front door. If you live in a condo,

ensure your patio has been swept and has some

greenery present.

9. Paint. If you have lime green walls in your living room,

or your daughter’s room is bright pink, paint them

with more neutral colours. Painting has the highest

return on investment of all home improvements. It

also creates that move-in-ready feel that buyers covet.

10. Finalize open-house details. Here are a few tips

to ensure your open house goes as smoothly as pos-

sible: homeowners and pets are not present, garbage

is taken out, toilet lids are down, toiletries in bath-

rooms are stored out of sight, beds are made, curtains

are open and lights are on. ∞

Heather Kleim is the owner of Epic Empire Designs Home

Staging, 778-232-1864, www.epicempiredesigns.ca.

Décor items for kitchen staging provided by Fluff Rentals,

www.rentfluff.com.

MARKETPLACE

A simple table

setting keeps

the look of a

room clean but is

inviting enough so

prospective buyers

can see themselves

living in the space.

PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS

Photo: Melanie Kelly Photogrphy30 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011

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Page 31: Home Makeover February, 2011

604-261-8875www.westsidewindows.ca

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Page 32: Home Makeover February, 2011

At Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Hardware stores we listen to make surewhatever we do reflects your preferances, your style, your sense of personal comfort.From the planning stage to the last finishing touches, everything will be just as you imagined.

Come in and let us help you turn any plain area in your bathroom into a unique showpiece.A simple phone call or visit to your local Home Hardware Building Centre orHome Hardware store can start things rolling. www.homehardware.ca

At Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Hardware stores we listen to make surewhatever we do reflects your preferances, your style, your sense of personal comfort.From the planning stage to the last finishing touches, everything will be just as you imagined.

Come in and let us help you turn any plain area in your bathroom into a unique showpiece.A simple phone call or visit to your local Home Hardware Building Centre orHome Hardware store can start things rolling. www.homehardware.ca

0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 32 1/25/11 2:07:13 PM