The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, May 21, 2014 www.theprogress.com 13

Decor from the top down

By Kerry Vital

When renovating a home, it’s oft en the fl ooring that gets all the attention. However, the ceiling should be equally important. Boring white is not your only option!

“Th ere are no hard rules in decorating,” says Bev Bell, creative director for the Beauti-Tone Paint and Home Products Division at Home Hardware. “Take a cue from Michelangelo. He saw ceilings as a canvas!”

“ more page. 16

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decorating your ceiling

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By Kerry Vital

Th e Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association cel-ebrated the top companies in the Metro Vancouver residential construction industry at the Ovation Awards, held on April 26 in downtown Vancouver.

“Homeowners in Metro Vancouver demand the very best when it comes to the design and construction of their homes,”

says GVHBA Chief Executive Offi cer Bob de Wit. “Vancouver is a leading-edge city and the design and construction of our homes refl ects this. We are proud to be working with world-class builders, designers and renovators.”

Several companies won multiple awards. Among them was Best Builders, who went home with six awards, including Custom Home Builder of the Year. Th eir other awards were for Best Kitchen and Greatroom Renovation for Reviving the 70s in association with Sarah Gallop Design Inc., Best Accessible Renovation for Th e Homecoming, Best Renovation $300,000 to $499,999 (for Reviving the 70s), Best Custom Home: Over $1.5 Million for Orchard Way and Best Outdoor Living Space: New or Renovated, also for Orchard Way.

Sarah Gallop Design Inc. was honoured with the Best Interior Design Custom Residence: New or Renovated for the

Reviving the 70s home as well. SGDI also took home the Best Kitchen Renovation $50,000 to $99,999 for Green With Envy.

Shakespeare Homes was also the winner of multiple awards, including Renovator of the Year – Large Volume. Th eir Mountain Highway project, in association with Susanne Doise of Sensitive Design, took home awards for Best Addition Renovation and Best Renovation $800,000 and Over, while their Meadfeild project was the winner of Best Renovation: $500,000 to $799,999.

Maison d’être design-build inc. was the winner of Best Renovated Room for their Master Suite Getway, as well as Best Exterior Renovation for 70’s Upgrade and Renovator of the Year – Small Volume.

GVHBA honours the best at Ovation Awards‘We are proud to be working with world-class builders, designers and renovators,” says CEO Bob de Wit.

The Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association celebrated the top companies in the Metro Vancouver residential construction industry at the annual Ovation Awards, which were handed out on April 26 at a gala ceremony in downtown Vancouver.

Myshsael Schlyecher Photography photo

“ more page. 14

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Best Kitchen Renovation: $100,000 and Over was won by Euro Canadian Construction Corp. for their English Bay Condo Renovation. Euro Canadian also took home the award for Best Townhouse/Condominium Renovation.

In the new home categories, Wesgroup won the Best Single-Family Detached Home: 2,000 Square Feet and Over for Bluetree Homes at Citadel Heights as well as Best Single Family Residential Community for the same project. Another Wesgroup property, Bluetree Homes at Mackin Park, won the Best Interior Design Display Suite: Condominium award.

Talisman Homes was a multiple-award winner as well, leaving with awards for Best Single-Family De-tached Home: 2,000 Square Feet and Over for Resort Living I and Resort Living II, as part of a three-way tie with Wesgroup’s Bluetree Homes at Citadel Heights, Best Single-Family Detached Home: Less than 2,000 Square Feet (for Resort Living), and Excellence in Inno-vation and Sustainability in New Residential Construc-tion for Resort Living II.

Single-Family Builder of the Year was awarded to Portrait Homes, while Multi-Family Builder of the Year was given to Kooney Homes.

For the second year, the GVHBA gave people the chance to choose a winner for the People’s Choice Award. Th is year, reVISION Custom Home Renovations was honoured for their Downtown Flow project.

“More than ever people are expecting to buy the best and they want to do it locally,” says de Wit. “Th at’s why GVHBA launched the Ovation Awards: so that homeowners can know who the best of the best builders and renovators are in Metro Vancouver.”

For a full list of Ovation Award winners, visit www.ovationawards.ca.

“ from page. 13

Several Metro Vancouver companies went home with multiple Ovation Awards at gala ceremony

Best Builders and Sarah Gallop Design Inc., left, took home multiple awards for their Reviving the 70s project, while maison d’etre design/build, top right, was honoured for several projects. Shakespeare Homes, right, was the recipient of four awards, in collaboration with Susanne Doise of Sensitive Design.

Myshsael Schlyecher Photography photos

Sales Director: Lisa Farquharson • 604-575-5364 • lisa@blackpress.caEditor and writer: Kerry Vital 604-575-5346 • editor@newlocalhome.comAdvertising • Black Press National Sales • 604-575-5826Contributing photographers • Martin Knowles, www.mkphotomedia.com; Myshsael Schlyecher. www.myshsael.com

RenoNation is published by Black Press Group Ltd., (Suite 309 - 5460 152 Street, Surrey, B.C. V3S 5J9) 350,000 copies are distributed free across Metro Vancouver. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited.

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By Kerry Vital

Nothing feels as relaxing as getting home at the end of a long day and stepping into a deep soaker tub with a glass of wine or a good book. If you’re looking for an extra touch of luxury, consider installing a freestanding bathtub that would look right at home in a high-end spa.

“Freestanding tubs are gaining popularity,” says Mary Jane Holberton, branch manager for Robinson Lighting and Bath in Calgary. “You want to soak your cares away and de-stress.”

“We have seen a move from the more transi-tional bathroom style towards a contemporary esthetic with an ever-increasing desire for spa-like, zen bathrooms that are clean and easy to maintain, as well as accessible by design,” says Paula Coen, director of marketing for Blu Bathworks.

“We don’t see as many tubs set into large decks as we used to,” says Acri-Tec’s Helen Embury.

Th ere are many diff erent styles of tubs, from the classic claw-foot to the modern pedestal.

“People are looking for organic shapes in tubs,” says Julia Ilnitchi of Ambient Bath-rooms, a trend she attributes to an update of the egg-shaped tubs of the past.

“Freestanding tubs used to be geometric, very clean and simple lines,” Ilnitchi says. “Th at seems to have passed.”

Th e tub is usually the star, but it’s equally important to choose the right faucet to fi ll it. And like other elements of the bathroom, tub faucet trends come and go.

“It used to be fashionable to have sharp an-gles, but now they’re more linear but rounded,” says Ilnitchi.

“Digital faucets are growing in popularity in bathroom environments, moving away from mechanical operation to a more innovative,

Getting a spa experience at homeThe classic claw-foot freestanding tub is just one style option for creating a spa-like bathroom in your own home.

Photo submitted by Kohler

Installing a freestanding tub in your ensuite or other bathroom will give you an extra touch of luxury. However, there are still certain things you need to keep in mind when choosing one.

“ more page.17

Wednesday, May 21, 2014 The Chilliwack Progress16 www.theprogress.com

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Paint is one of your many options when it comes to the ceiling. While white is a classic and still the most popular, adding a splash of colour to the ceiling might be just what your room needs. But how do you choose which colour?

“Th ere are a couple of simple colour premises, that when followed, help to create a harmonious look in a room,” says Bell. “Cool and light colours recede, warm and darker colours advance.”

When used on a ceiling, a light colour will make the ceiling appear higher, while a dark colour will make it look lower. Another way to make a ceiling look higher or lower is to paint

the ceiling colour about six inches down the wall.

Something else to keep in mind when choosing a colour for your ceiling is that the lighting will be very diff erent. Th e same colour on a wall and a ceiling will look diff erent as the walls are hit with more light.

“Th e trick to ending up with a ceiling colour true to what you want is to make sure to hold the colour sample over your head,” Bell says. “Th at way the light will hit it the same way it will once the colour is painted on the ceiling.”

Something that you should keep in mind however is that a ceiling is rarely perfect, and thus Bell recommends choosing a fl at paint in order to hide some of the imperfections.

If you’re looking for something a bit diff erent, try putting wallpaper on the ceiling.

“People are learning that wallpaper doesn’t have to be just for walls,” says Anita Modha, owner and CEO at ROLLOUT Custom Wallpaper. “Part of the allure of putting wallpaper on the ceiling is the texture and design.”

Modha notes that bright and bold colours are the most popular for ceilings, but it depends on the room it’s being installed in. For example, a living room might be a better place to do something bold and graphic, while a quieter pattern would be more suited to a bedroom.

“You want to make sure it’s something that you don’t mind looking at every morning,” says Modha. “You don’t want to be startled when you wake up!”

One advantage of putting wallpaper on a ceiling is that it’s not a permanent change.

“It can be a really great way to change a space quite quickly,” Modha says.

However, she also recommends making sure that the work is done by a professional installer, especially when it comes to the ceiling. A very high ceiling would need to involve scaff olding, which is not something that most homeowners will want to deal with on their own.

Tin ceilings are another trend that is coming back. Originally popular in the Victorian era as an inexpensive alternative to plaster, peel-and-stick tin ceiling tiles are now available in a range of intricate designs that still mirror their humble origins.

Wood planks installed on the ceiling might seem like you’re turning the room upside-down, but they’re also great for adding texture to a space. Beadboard can give you a similar look.

“It takes just a few dollars to transform a room from lovely to ‘wow,’” Bell says. “Don’t overlook those ceilings because they really do add a lot to the whole look of your home.”

The sky’s the limit when it comes to ceiling decor

Whether it’s a coat of paint or wallpaper, a pop of colour on the ceiling can make a room much more interesting.

Photos submitted by Beauti-Tone

“ from page.13

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, May 21, 2014 www.theprogress.com 17

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hygienic alternative,” says Coen. “Th e user can even operate their shower or tub faucet with their smart-phone, and in terms of esthetic, aligns perfectly with the modern bathroom design with cool features such as LED lighting to indicate water temperature!”

White is still a mainstay when it comes to tubs, whether they’re freestanding or not, oft en in a matte fi nish, according to Ilnitchi.

“Sometimes we see coloured lights underneath,” she says.

If you’re looking for something a bit more dra-matic, there are freestanding tubs on the market in a variety of colours, including black, blue and red. Your creativity can fl ow freely!

“While there is a tendency towards a minimalist esthetic in modern bathrooms, there are a variety of options available to the homeowner, which can be cleverly built into the design – such as freestanding bathtubs with recessed storage and display compart-

ments!” says Coen.One drawback to a freestanding tub is that it’s

oft en not possible to shower in it because of the lack of walls around it. No one wants to soak their entire bathroom.

“You would probably need a ‘wet room’ to shower in that kind of tub,” says Ilnitchi.

Something else that you need to keep in mind is the heaviness of the material used to construct the tub.

“A stone tub would be very heavy,” says Ilnitchi. “Tubs made of acrylic are hollow and light. Th ere’s also not a special requirement for solid surface tubs.”

She also notes that homeowners need to leave at least four inches around each side of the tub.

However, you don’t have to have a large single-family home to install a freestanding bathtub.

“Increasingly, smaller freestanding bathtubs are becoming available to accommodate condo-sized bathrooms with space limitations,” says Coen.

Soaking your cares away “ from page. 15

Wednesday, May 21, 2014 The Chilliwack Progress18 www.theprogress.com

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By Kerry Vital

Th e Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association is celebrating spring and summer with a variety of events for Metro Vancouver residents.

Th e fi rst will take place on May 24. Th e GVHBA’s annual Spring Home Renovation Show, in partnership with FortisBC, will be held at VanDusen Gardens this year.

“Here at the GVHBA, we know the importance of working with certifi ed professionals,” says CEO Bob de Wit. “Th ere are a lot of fl y-by-night contractors who may appear to be off ering a deal upfront, but working in a cash-only environment can leave homeowners exposed when things go wrong. Working with RenoMark-certifi ed renovators ensures your investment is protected.”

Th e Ask a Pro consultation is back at the event, and will off er homeowners the chance to sign up and meet with a RenoMark renovator to discuss their project. Visitors to the show can also take part in free 20-minute seminars that will take place throughout the day, including Kitchen Design Trends, Designing for Small Spaces, Heritage Renovations and many more.

“Advanced planning and working with experienced professionals will be your best protection,” says de Wit. “Considering you are renovating one of your greatest investments, your home, it makes sense to only work with the pros.”

Entry to the show is free, but pre-registration at www.gvhba.org or via phone at 778-565-4288 is required. You’re also asked to bring a non-perishable item for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank Society.

Th e GVHBA will hold its 21st annual Parade of Renovated Homes on June 8 between 10 a.m and 4 p.m. Th e public is invited to

tour professionally renovated homes in Metro Vancouver, including whole-house transformations, interior upgrades and kitchen makeovers. Th e event is produced by the GVHBA Renovation Council and sponsored by FortisBC.

“Professional RenoMark renovators, many of them award-winners, will be on-site to off er expert advice and discuss their craft smanship,” says de Wit. “Project values range widely, off ering homeowners an abundance of ideas they can incorporate into their own renovations.”

Project descriptions and before-and-aft er photos are available on the GVHBA website. Th e projects are located all over the Lower Mainland.

Admission is by passport, which can be purchased at each home for $10 each, with children 17 and under admitted for free. Purchasing a passport will give you access to all of the homes on the tour.

Part of the proceeds will help fund the purchases of tools, building materials and safety gear for a carpentry training program at Guildford Park and Frank Hurt secondary schools in Surrey.

For more information about these and other upcoming GVHBA events, visit www.gvhba.org.

Greater Vancouver Home Builders’ Association celebrating spring and summer

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, May 21, 2014 www.theprogress.com 19

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By Kerry Vital

Outdoor grilling is a time-honoured tradi-tion. Firing up that barbecue can herald the start of summer and a return to spending a lot of time outside with friends and family. Perhaps you’re in the market for something new this year; happily, you’ll fi nd a lot of choices.

“Many people are now looking at products that make their lives easier, so less work is bet-ter,” says Darren Widas, sales representative at Trail Appliances Vancouver. “Many grills on the market still have cast-iron grates, and although great from a cooking perspective, they can rust over the winter. Stainless-steel grates are much easier to maintain and require very little, if any, maintenance.”

Th e barbecue itself will also be available in a wide variety of sizes.

“It is best to choose something that fi ts your cooking needs as well as the space you are plan-ning on putting it in,” Widas says.

Natural gas has become a popular fuel source for outdoor grills.

“Th e quick-disconnect natural gas connec-tions allow the easy disconnection of your barbecue so it can be moved and/or stored elsewhere as well as provide an endless supply of fuel; no more having to fi ll heavy propane bottles and pack them around,” says Widas.

No matter the fuel source, there are still a few things you need to keep in mind.

“Th ere are many options in outdoor grills these days, but sometimes the physical details can cause issues,” says Widas. For example, “if you have a natural gas connection it is best to make sure that you have enough pressure and an appropriately sized line to supply the grill of your choice; too small a supply will not allow your grill to perform as it was designed to.”

Th ere are several new innovations on the market this year.“Interior lighting allows the use of your grill in the evening

hours without struggling to tell if something is done,” says Wi-

das. “Several grills on the marketplace off er interior halogen lighting. “

Another new trend in outdoor grills is a searing burner.

“A high-end manufacturer named Lynx has recently introduced a variable power infrared searing burner,” Widas says. “Many brands off er searing burners … Most infra-red burners are either on and are very hot or they are off . Lynx’s new design allows you to turn the burner on high to sear that baseball steak or to be set very low to cook a delicate piece of fi sh nicely. Best of both worlds!”

Firing up the barbecue for the summer

Stainless-steel grills, above, are easier to maintain than cast-iron grills. A new innovation on the market is an infrared searing burner, right, which will make cooking various items easier and more convenient.

Photos submitted by Trail Appliances

Wednesday, May 21, 2014 The Chilliwack Progress20 www.theprogress.com

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By Kerry Vital

Imagine being able to turn on your lights before you get home, or checking on your home security system while on vacation. Home automation not only makes everyday tasks easier, it can also make for a simpler life.

“It’s important to determine what you want, based on your end goal,” says Lee Rente, president of Encore Security and Automation. “Do you want it to automate audio? Visual? A security system? Your lights? It’s possible to do all of those things and more.”

Control4 is one of the most popular home automation systems and is able to be installed in both existing and new construction homes.

“It’s a scalable system,” says Rente. “You can start small and expand as you go. Every piece you add can be utilized as you expand the system. Everything works as one to create a larger, stronger system.”

Light switches and dimmers are particularly popular items, and can make a big diff erence. Rente notes that having the lights turn on when you enter your home at night is one of the most-requested options, and can be accomplished with any automated switch or dimmer.

“Any light switch can be swapped out for an automated one,” he says. “Th ere are also a variety of wireless controls and sensors, so your home doesn’t have to be pre-wired.”

Having a good installer when dealing with putting home automation into a renovation project is paramount.

“Your system will be as good as your installer’s vision,” says Rente. “Th at vision is important because the installer needs to have the ability to see what the project can be when dealing with a retrofi t.”

Because home automation can be controlled via wireless devices such as your iPad or smartphone, it is also important to have a good network.

“You will run into a lot more issues with a cheap entry-level router than if you have a quality

router,” says Rente. “You really have to rely on the strength of your wireless network with home automation.”

Th e integral part of a home automation system is the home controller, which Rente calls “the brain.”

“It will tell everything else what to do, how to do it and when to do it,” he says. “Everything else depends on it. You’ll also need an interface, whether it’s an app or a touchscreen.”

A remote control is also a handy addition, allowing you to use a single remote for all of your devices instead of having to keep track of multiple pieces.

Installing home automation into an existing home can be more work and will take longer than it would to install it during construction, but Rente says not to let that deter you.

“If you plan out the project and can use your existing wires and other technology, it doesn’t have to be hard,” he says.

Making life easier with home automation

Home automation can be installed in both new homes and existing homes, and can be controlled via smartphone or a dedicated touchscreen. Many things in your home can be automated, from televisions to light switches to your security system.

Photos courtesy of Control4

The Chilliwack Progress Wednesday, May 21, 2014 www.theprogress.com 21