reno & decor magazine feb/mar 2016

PRODUCT SHOWCASES: Home Furnishings, Small-Space Storage, Windows and Doors

renoanddecor.com

CLUTTER CURES for EVERY ROOM in the home

A VANCOUVER TOWNHOUSE gets a MODERN RUSTIC MAKEOVER

EXPERT DESIGN TIPS andclever pieces go a long way

SMART SPACESmall space

PANTONE 2016

plunge into pastels

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Spots are great,just not on your faucet.Spot Resist finish, only from Moen. Because you have better things todo than clean your faucet.

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an everyday masterpiecethe beauty of art; the quality of caesarstone new 5111 statuario nuvo caesarstone.ca

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renoanddecor.com February/March 2016 :: 5

CONTENTS

{february/march 2016}

Everything for your home under our roof!

FEATURES

28 COVER STORY A look inside designer Melissa Daviss west-end Toronto condo

35 DESIGN GUIDE Design essentials that maximize resale value

36 DECORATING TIPS How a Toronto artist incorporates a high-low mix in her home

44 WEST COAST RENOVATION A Vancouver townhouse cooks up more than a beautiful view

48 DESIGN DUO Glen & Jamie take on a tight space on a small budget

52 AROUND THE HOUSE Organization starts in the mudroom

DEPARTMENTS

8 FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Happy at home

10 STAY IN TOUCH Giveaway: cobistyle salad servers

12 NEWSWORTHY Industry news and events17 HOME FINDS Clever clutter cures and

space-saving pieces

24 DESIGN DESTINATION A decor hotspot in an unassuming hood

44

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6 :: February/March 2016 renoanddecor.com

66 DESIGN/BUILD EXPERT Updating aging two- storey homes in the GTA

SPECIAL FEATURES

54 GTA HOME & RENO SHOW PREVIEW Preview of designers and sponsors at our Design Intervention booth

WHERE TO FIND IT

80 PRODUCT SHOWCASES

84 RENOMARK DIRECTORY

88 ADVERTISER INDEX

36

DESIGN BY MELISSA DAVIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

STEPHANI BUCHMAN

17

40 INSIDE DESIGN A kitchen reno doubles up on space and storage capacity

64 GREEN THUMB Garden lovers: get the scoop on seed-starting season

90 TREND WATCH A tale of two PantonesHOME IMPROVEMENTS

56 FROM THE RENO EXPERT Crucial stages of building

58 BUILDING TREND Tiny houses that go the distance

60 BILD Inspiration is every-where at the GTA Home and Reno Show

Its Showtime!GTA HOME & RENO SHOWFebruary 12 15

International Centre in Mississauga

gtahomeandrenoshow.com

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Smart shades for smart homes

Did it just get smarter in here?

Now you can control your window treatments, including blinds, shades, drapes and even your lights from your smartphone or tablet.

To order your Elite Smart Shades visit www.elitewf.com or call 1-800-387-3566 to find a dealer near you.

Download the Somfy myLink app today

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We look forward to hearing from you and welcome your feedback. Do you have a reno or decor question for our team of experts? Email [email protected]

COBI LADNER EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Feel free to write to me about your thoughts of home: [email protected]

FROM THE EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Did you know RENO & DECOR is

offered free online? renoanddecor.com

when ENOUGH s enoughT hrough our lifetime, our needs and wants for space change. Young singles just want a place to hang their hat in a great locationthe less space to clean, the better. Young marrieds crave nothing more than

a house with a finished basement once the babies and all

of their accoutrements arrive.

Boomers look to purge and downsize when theyre tired of

the upkeep of a large home, and many in middle-age dream

of moving up or additions, renovations, and carving out new

and more beautiful spaces in their existing home.

Very seldom are people fully satisfied in the place where

they currently live. In fact, not long ago I was talking with

one of my aunts about houses and she said something I

simply found quite alarming. She told me she loves their

home, Its perfect for us.

Why did I find that so alarming? Well, because no one

ever says it! When was the last time you heard someone

say they love their home and that its perfect for them?

In my experience, very seldom. Homeowners are usually

on the lookout for something better, or cursing, changing

or fixing what they have.

My aunt and uncle live in a modest bungalow in the

suburbs and have updated and tinkered away with it over

the years (and still do); plus, theyve done a few large

renosnew kitchen and baths and a great room added to

the back. Everything they needed to make it just how they

like, but basically the same house. In other words, they didnt

blow their brains out.

As I look at the monster homes going up in the suburbs

and people bending themselves out of shape financially for

extreme makeovers in the city, I have to question our goals.

Over-extending ourselves financially (and sometimes our

relationship) for the fanciest new bathtub or building

unnecessary voluminous space to ramble around in as

electricity bills rise, only to find that once the kids leave, the

house feels way too big and its time to movewhats the point?

I think theres a big difference between asking ourselves,

What do I need/want to feel sufficiently suffonsified with

my home, rather than asking, What would I do with my

home if I won the lottery? which is often the way we enter

into highly emotional renos and new builds. The fact is, few

of us win the lottery and, even if we do, just like eating a

wonderful meal, its so much more enjoyable to feel pleas-

antly satisfied than uncomfortably stuffed.

I find my aunts view of her home inspiring. Thats the goal

Im going to keep in my mind as I measure our happiness and

need for more in this time in our life: to love our home and feel

like its just perfect (for us). Nothing more, nothing less.

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GIVEAWAY

SUBSCRIBE!

STAY IN TOUCH

FEBRUARY/MARCH 2016

PUBLISHER Michael RossetBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Ani Bogovic

EDITORIALEDITORIAL DIRECTOR Cobi Ladner

ART DIRECTOR Emilie Simpson MANAGING EDITOR Silvana Longo SENIOR EDITOR Katherine Moore

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Rise Levy

RENOVATION EDITOR Jim CarukARCHITECTURE Samantha SannellaSHOPPING EXPERT Vicky Sanderson

GARDEN EDITOR Mark Cullen

CONTRIBUTORSJamie Alexander, Larry Arnal, Stephani Buchman, Brendan Charters, Kate Davidson, Melissa Davis,

W.J. Muniak, Glen Peloso, Colin Perry, Kimberley Seldon, Peter Sellar, Claire Taylor, Bryan Tuckey, Brooke Wedlock

PRODUCTIONVP PRODUCTION Lisa Kelly

TECHNICAL PRODUCTION MANAGER David KucharskiPRODUCTION ASSOCIATE Yvonne Poon

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT Mary Armitage

ADMINISTRATIONVICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS Bernard Shankman

VICE PRESIDENT OPERATIONS Stacey AllenADMINISTRATIVE DIRECTOR Cynthia Leo

CREDIT MANAGER Frances MangosVICE PRESIDENT BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Josh Rosset

DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION Nancy FrankelWEB MANAGER Regina Gadacz DIGITAL MANAGER Dave Gray

ADVERTISING & MARKETINGSENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, SALES Hope McLarnon

VICE PRESIDENT SALES, BUILDER DIVISION Leslie Rubin-Orlinski

DIRECTOR OF SALES, BUILDER DIVISION Heidi LobelRETAIL SALES MANAGER Fay Splett

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER Trish SuttonSENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER Tony Loria

ACCOUNT MANAGERS Kim Barton, Jessica MacInnisVP MARKETING/MEDIA/PROMOTION Leanne Speers

CLIENT SERVICES MANAGER Sonia PresottoSITE SERVICES MANAGERS Paul Mogavero,

Amanda Rogers & Renee Solowoniuk

RENO & DECOR magazine is published by Homes For Sale Magazine Ltd. six times a year: February/March, April/May, June/July, August/ September, October/November, December/January. RENO & DECOR is delivered with the Toronto Star and The Globe and Mail to homeowners in selected areas. Also available at designated bank and real estate branch-es, and from the BILD Renovator and Custom Builder Council members. Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement 40065416. Copyright 2016. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reprinted without the written consent of the publisher. The publication accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts or photographs. Single copy price, $4.95 (plus HST). Subscription in Canada: 1 year, 6 issues, $18.00 (incl. HST); 2 years, 12 issues, $30.00 (incl. HST).

Editorial, advertising and subscription inquiries: 37 Sandiford Drive, Ste. 404

Stouffville, ON L4A 7X5 PHONE: 905.479.HOME TOLL FREE: 1.800.363.HOME

FAX: 905.591.8709 EMAIL: [email protected]

HOMES Publishing Group publishes HOMES Magazine, Condo Life, RENO & DECOR, ACTIVE LIFE, Ontario Design,

BILD Contact Directory, National, Fall & GTA Home Show Guides, Renovation Contractor. RENO & DECOR is endorsed

by the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD).

For GENERAL FEEDBACK, send snail mail to: Silvana Longo, Managing Editor, RENO & DECOR, 37 Sandiford Drive, Ste. 404, Stouffville, ON L4A 7X5. Or email [email protected]

JOIN THE CONVERSATION!Like us on facebook.com/pages/HOMES-Publishing-Group

Follow us on twitter.com/#/HOMESPublishing

Pin it on pinterest.com/homespg/reno-decor

31

STYLISH SALAD SERVERS

WIN THIS

After the excess of the holidays, it is time to go easy on the carbs and bulk up on your leafy greens. Why not toss up a healthy salad with these gorgeous gold-finished stainless steel salad servers from cobistyle? This issue's giveaway comes as a set of two, and giftboxed. Retails at $40. cobistyle.com

To enter, email [email protected] by March 31, 2016, and your name will be entered for a chance to win these gold salad servers from cobistyle, approximately $40. One entry per person, per issue.

Include your full name, address and daytime phone number to be eligible to win. Open to Canadian residents only, aged 18 and over. No purchase necessary. Winner agrees to have their name published in an upcoming issue.

The winner of the Aug/Sept giveaway,

a decorative paint package by Annie Sloan, is Tammi S.

from Uxbridge.

Congratulations Tammi!

Go to renoanddecor.com to submit your email address at top right of the home page.

You can subscribe to RENO & DECOR by going to our website, renoanddecor.com, click on Contact, and then go to subscribe. You can purchase one- or two-year subscriptions online for all of our HOMES publications. Or if you prefer, send an email to [email protected], and we will contact you directly to handle your subscription request.

Sign up for our FREE

e-newsletter today!

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Microwave Drawer The Ultimate Space Saver

www.sharp.ca/NoClutter

The all new Sharp Microwave Drawer, available in 24 and 30 widths, adds a touch of modern luxury, revolutionizes kitchen

design and workflow, and improves the cooking experience by expanding the options for microwave placement that

works for your lifestyle, in any kitchen.

With a low profile stainless steel design and concealed display, this premium Sharp Microwave Drawer Oven complements

any kitchen and a wide range of kitchen appliances brilliantly, while the 45-degree angled control panel opens when

needed and seamlessly blends into any kitchen design when not in use.

The all new Microwave Drawer offers advanced cooking performance including even cook technology, auto defrost

and sensor cook options, and brings even greater convenience to the kitchen when installed adjacent to your food

preparation area, under the counter, in islands or peninsulas, or below your wall oven making cooking easier and faster.

Available at: APPLIANCE CANADA | COAST WHOLESALE APPLIANCES | CREATIVE APPLIANCE GALLERY | GERMAIN LARIVIERE CAPLANS APPLIANCES | JEROMES APPLIANCE GALLERY INC | JC PERREAULT | MIDLAND APPLIANCES | TA APPLIANCE INC. TASCO APPLIANCES | GOEMANS APPLIANCES | TRAIL APPLIANCES | and other Sharp Authorized specialty appliance dealers.

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NEWSWORTHY

In 2010, Caesarstone Canada became the sole distributor of Caesarstone quartz slabs in the Canadian market, providing sales and distribution points across all provinces from coast to coast.

Since then, the company has launched dozens of unique and innovative designs, collaborating with world-renowned designers like Nendo, Philippe Malouin and Tom Dixon.

This milestone is a testament to Caesarstones commitment to providing both consumers and trade partners with the most innovative surface products, backed by the best service in the

industry. says Dan Clifford, president of Caesarstone Canada.

This year, Caesarstone will unveil their Tom Dixon design collaboration at the Interior Design Show in Toronto. The Toronto Ice Kitchen will be the first of four semi-professional kitchens inspired by the elements of Ice, Fire, Earth and Air.

We have ambitious growth targets set for the years ahead, says Clifford. Caesarstone will continue to raise the bar on surface industry standards, driving more and more consumers to purchase Caesarstone over any other surface brand.

For more information, visit caesarstone.ca

December 11 marked one of the industrys highlights of the holiday season with the annual Sun-Brite Drapery Christmas Lunch.

Sun-Brite Drapery holds this much-anticipated full-blown Italian feast every year as a way to thank their customers and friends by giving everyone an enjoyable afternoon of mixing and mingling before the holidays.

Discover Sun-Brite Drapery products at sunbritedrapery.com

SUN-BRITE DRAPERY CHRISTMAS APPRECIATION LUNCH 2015

SAMANTHA PYNN AND QUEBEC FASHION BRAND TEAM UP Decorator, stylist and TV host Samantha Pynn is launching an exclusive home decor linea capsule collection of her signature stylefor Quebec-based, fashion-forward retailer Simons this February.

The Samantha Pynn collection includes bedding, bath and kitchen textiles and is essentially a short list of things Sam love. I designed each item for super-easy layering so youll feel like a decor expert and your home will feel stylish in a snap, says Pynn. Its all about express-ing your design personality with minimum effort for maximum style.

The patterns in the collection are rooted in classics with an updated feel. If youre in la belle province this winter, check out Pynns collection at Simons stores or online at simons.ca

Steve Scaini and Benny Caringi

Quartex launches with styleQuartex Surfaces, a new innovative player on the scene of quartz surfaces, held their Launch Party on November 19 at their showroom in Concord. Clients and friends enjoyed gourmet food and drinks during this highly anticipated social evening.Their stylish showroom showcases the innovative designs, patterns and colours of their product line.Quartex products are available through designers and fabricators. quartex.com

5-YEAR ANNIVERSARY for CAESARSTONE CANADA

ICE, an ice-inspired kitchen installation designed by Tom Dixon will be unveiled at the Interior Design Show in Toronto (January 21-24)

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HOME FINDS

Its a SmallWorld

BY SILVANA LONGO

Maximize square footage with versatile pieces and clutter cures

Inspired by

Scandinavian modernism, the West Elm Modern Collection

pairs sleek silhouettes with beautifully angled legs. Engineered of

white lacquer with pecan-finished wood legs and metal hardware in a gunmetal finish.Modern Narrow Tower $839 Color Wash

Wood Mirrors in assorted shapes, including triangle, hexagon, diamond $84-$85 Bentwood

Office Chair with Lumbar in Ash Grey Marbled $419 Art Wool Kilim Rug,

$30; westelm.com

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HOME FINDS ROUND TABLEThis mid-century modern design creates an informal, relaxed atmosphere thats perfectly scaled for small spaces. The Splayed Legs made of solid rubberwood in walnut colour finish sit below the round tabletop in a matte black finish with wood grain. This table is both durable and stylish and is a complementary match to the Midtown Dining Chair. Grapeland Heights Dining Table, $999; thebay.com

Clutter BustersThe Jane Ladder collection is a customized storage system that adds extra storage components onto wall-leaning ladders. Ideal for bedrooms or entryway storage solutions, it offers maximum storage potential with a minimum footprint. The foundation of the collection is built around two laddersa Simple Storage Ladder and a Coat Storage Ladder, better for hanging apparel items. From that foundation one can add a tray, hook, bench or shoe storage component, tocustomize your idealconfiguration. Jane Storage Ladder, $369; eq3.com

DOUBLE-DUTYBumper can be used as a coat rack and as a shelf at the same time; its curved metal structure conceals four hooks in the lower part and a shelf on the top where it can hold small objects. A perfect idea for your entryway or any other corner of the home: living areas, bedrooms and even kitchens or bathrooms. Bumper, $217; calligaristoronto.ca

Hang your hatPainted rubber wood wall knobs are perfect for an entryway, bedroom or wherever you choose to hang your hat.Spot Wall Knob in Coral, Blue and Light Green, $9.99 each; eq3.com

ALL TUCKED IN

Ideal for smaller spaces, the storage platform makes this bed ideal withtwo storage drawers

located on each side. Crafted of rubberwood and hardwood, the nailhead

trim creates a handsome decorative element on this headboard accentuating

its elegant silhouette. Tamsen Bed: Full & Queen- $3,874

King - Cal King - $4,144; potterybarn.com

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BLANCO URBENATM BLANCO presents our 2016 new kitchen faucets. A winner of 2015 Red Dot Design Award, BLANCO URBENATM represents the ultimate choice in design, function and beauty. This collection is available in nine colour choices including Chrome, Stainless Finish and seven dual nishes perfectly matching BLANCO SILGRANIT kitchen sinks. BLANCO URBENATM s slim body, unique handle design and hidden dual spray pull-down spout offer the perfect form and function for urban kitchen needs. BLANCO URBENATM another innovation from BLANCO.

www.blancocanada.com

Urban Flare and Function. European Design.BLANCO URBENATM Kitchen Faucets

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HOME FINDS

Faux leather Small and Large, $140; cobistyle.com

Primping stationMake room for preening with this built-in mirror with hidden storage space that helps you organize your jewelry and makeup. Brimnes Dressing Table, $109; ikea.com

BASKETS GALORE

Dorian, $153.50; calligaristoronto.ca

Hub, $350; calligaristoronto.ca

Reijay Basket, Large $89.95, Small $69.95; crateandbarrel.ca

Tahoe Medium Basket gray, $49.95; pier1.com

BRIGHT IDEAInstead of table or floor lamps taking up floor or surface space, add a light, airy sconce to shed some light in a room. This shade has a rippled effect; texture is on the inside, outside is smooth. Blown Glass Sconce, $479; westelm.com

SILS PICK

SILVANA LONGOMANAGING EDITORNo end to Zen

Zen asks you to look closertheres more to this simple design than meets the eye. This end tables smooth lacquer finish gives way to an industrial iron base buffered by felt pads underneath. Zen belongs beside a bed, sofa or favourite reading chair. Zen End Table, $279; structube.com

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HOME FINDS

KITCHEN- READYNest 100 is the ultimate collection of practical, space-saving kitchenware comprising a unique range of food preparation sets. The innovative design allows the individual elements within each set to be stacked neatly together, thereby occupying the absolute minimum amount of space. The collection includes a nine-piece food preparation set with two sizes of stainless steel mixing bowls, both with non-slip bases; a fine stainless steel sieve; a large stainless steel colander; and a set of five measuring cups ranging in size from 1 teaspoon or 1/6 cup (5 ml) up to 1 cup (250 ml). Joseph Nest 100 Compact Food Prep Set, $169.99; thebay.com

GUEST-FRIENDLY SOFAThis unique and sleek sofa completes any room with its fresh new look to modernize your space. Featuring a smooth design that can be easily paired with many styles of pillows to refresh the look of any room. Not only does it have the purpose of an everyday sofa, it has the functionality of a sleeper sofa as an added bonus. Composed of solid hardwood, pocket springs and high-resiliency foam for form and function that lasts. Jayden Sleep Sofa, $995; eltemkt.com

EMILIE SIMPSONART DIRECTOR

Tree-inspiredGold leafy tripod aluminum table with

classic glass top will tastefully accent any living space, especially a

diminutive one. Tripod Table Gold Leaf, $400; cobistyle.com

EMS PICK

Clear Work SpaceConstructed from solid rubber wood and

laminated American white-oak veneer, this playful desk works well in a small study nook

or formal office space. Designed to pair with the Gwen desk, the teal painted topper is an

inexpensive storage solution to keep clutter off your working space. Gwen Desk, $379; eq3.com

REFLECTIVE BEAUTYThis mirrored jewelry box is gorgeous to display on a dresser or countertop. The clear-glass top makes it easy to pull out the piece you want to wear. The interior

is light beige/grey and has compart-ments to hold rings, necklaces, and

bracelets. Eleanor Jewelry Box,$229; crateandbarrel.ca

NOT SO LAZY SUSANThe SAIC Spring 2016 collection designer, Jennifer Lee says, Presenta-tion is everything with this Lazy Susan. Made of acacia wood with a vegetable oil finish and aluminum swivel mechanism, each one is unique. Follow along the circles for an impressively aligned arrangement of dips and condiments or use your creativity for perfect plating. SAIC Neat But Lazy Susan, $139; cb2.com

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Just east of the intersection of Queen

and Berkeley Streets, a parade of

well-heeled professionals, arty

students and long-time locals pass

by a streetscape of quirky merchants,

eclectic galleries, and pint-sized

film and theatre studios.

Among them, its not unusual to spot

celebrity designersor their harried

assistantsducking into one of a growing

cluster of home decor hot spots.

There are practical reasons that design

shops are sprouting. It may be one of the

few spots in Toronto where finding street

parking is not an impossible task, and

because its still on the verge of being a

design destination, rents are reasonable.

At 323 Queen St. E., theres Kiondo,

where Christopher Johnson sells fine

African art, furniture and textiles. He

moved there in 2009 with his wife, jewelry

designer Laura Serrafero, from King and

Dufferin Streets, which was becoming too

pricey and crowded for their taste.

One of the most arresting storefronts is

Ethel, 20th Century Living (327 Queen St. E.),

which sells vintage modern furniture, decor

and accessories. Its owned by the chatty,

amiable, Shauntelle LeBlanc, who has an

encyclopedic knowledge of mid-century

modern furniture and its Canadian manu-

facturers, which she shares generously

with curious clientele.

Ethel boasts a constantly changing array

of vintage pieces, with everything from

typewriters to teak dining sets to Tiki

mugs. Keep looking and youll spy other

unusual finds, such as a Russian propagan-

da poster from the 80s.

LeBlanc decided to target affordable

design, as shes not snobbish about labels.

People get hung up on names, but

mid-century modern doesnt begin and end

with Knoll and Herman Miller, she explains.

Vintage pieces from local and regional

furniture makers of mid-century modern

pieces are, for example, of special

interest to LeBlanc, who notes that

Kitchener-Waterloo was at one time

a manufacturing hub.

R+Dshoppingexpert

VICKY SANDERSON

Unique finds, from vintage to mid-century modern, underscore the independent design spirit of this district

Kiondo sells hard to find African art and artifacts, such as these hand-beaded masks.

Ethel, 20th Century Living is a favourite spot for

fans of MCM style.

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Good quality outdoor furniture is a staple at Andrew Richard Designs.

Mid-century modern design

expert Shauntelle LeBlanc loves

period-appropriate clothing and

jewelry.

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Andrew Richard Designs has helped revitalize the corner of Adelaide and Parliament Streets

SOURCES andrewricharddesigns.comeles-designs.comethel20thcenturyliving.com kiondo.comredlinecoffee.ca

After the war, a lot of craftsmen,

woodworkers and cabinetmakers

from Eastern Europe and Germany

settled there. They either started

their own companies or were

employed by other companies

to make furniture, says LeBlanc.

Anything from that area and that

period is going to lastthe people

who made those pieces were true

craftsmen, she adds.

Like Johnson, LeBlanc moved to

the area in part because of rising

rents at a previous location in

east-end Leslieville. Asked what

she likes about the locale, she says,

I love that its real, a bit gritty.

Its in transition. People here dont

want something homogenized.

In fact, the area might be

experiencing the same kind of shift

underway just a five minute walk

south at Parliament and Adelaide

Streets, where high-end outdoor

furniture store Andrew Richard

Designs opened in 2011.

When its time to take a break

from browsing, head across the

street to the cheerful, casual

Redline Coffee and Espresso Bar

(354 Queen St. E.), where owner

Julie Van Der Lugt is justifiably

proud of her handmade syrups,

which go nicely with organic

coffee. If youre peckish, theres

comforting baked oatmeal and

sandwiches for breakfast, home-

made soups and grilled cheese at

lunch, and coffee-friendly cookies

and sweet breads all day long.

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Visit our showroom

Visit the Aspen Wood Floors Mississauga showroom to see the selection and learn more.

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COVER STORY

in praise ofDesigner Melissa Davis debunks

small-space design myths

BY MELISSA DAVIS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANI BUCHMAN

SMALL SPACES

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H ello my name is Melissa and I used to be a condo snob. Admittedly, I judged condos unfairly. So how is it then that I came to livequite comfortablyin one?I used to picture condo-living as a suffocating experi-

ence; trapped with no fresh air and certainly no room to

live the kind of life I do. Growing up in a small town,

away from a major city, my views on what defined a

home were set long before I had an opportunity to form

an educated opinion.

At a time when I wanted to make a lifestyle change, I

decided to move from my larger home to a small space

that offered a bit less clutter in my life. I wanted a

streamlined space with only the necessities that could

be locked away on weekends if I decided to hop on a

plane or escape the city.

Although Id always been a Queen West girl, I was the

mother of a four-year-old and thought that living slightly

outside the city-core would inspire me to maternal

domestication. I chose a 560-square-foot condo in High

Park and looked forward to more home-cooked dinners

and evening walks in the nearby greenspace.

Up to that point, my sweet boy thought The Drake

Caf made everyones breakfast and Terroni was the only

place for pizza dinner.

NOT ALL SMALL SPACES ARE CREATED EQUALLYI settled on this particular condo because the use of

space added 100 square feet in perceived area. The plan

is an O-shaped, circular layout that consists of the

kitchen, living and dining rooms in one large open

rectangle. The kitchen is situated in the middle and

I DECIDED TO MOVE FROM MY

LARGER HOME TO A SMALL SPACE THAT OFFERED A BIT

LESS CLUTTER IN MY LIFE.



COVER STORY

behind it with the two bedrooms and shared washroom in

the middle.

The layout offers a continuous flow where we can travel

from room to room in either direction. The shared central

washroom, although seemingly not ideal, actually conserved

significant space that would otherwise be eroded by

separate halls and corridors. I love that my son can sneak

through the washroom in the morning for our early cuddles

in the big bed.

Because Im no stranger to a good dinner party, I was

concerned that Id be confined by the typical condo layout

teeny, tiny glass kitchen tablewhich is not always condu-

cive to filling the place with friends and empty wine bottles.

I made it my mission to break all the condo design rules and

have a table that could seat 10 to 12 people. Instead of the

tiny island, as per the builders plan, I ran an 8x3-foot table

the length of the room, opposite the kitchen.

VISUALLY EFFECTIVE STORAGETo offset the storage shortage, I made use of benches with

pullout bins beneath them against the wall. That pulled the

table tighter to the wall, keeping the space feeling more

open. Additional wall-mounted shelves and cabinets

installed above the benches more than made up for what

little storage an island would offer.

Because the entry is open to the main living space, I



treated it as an extension of the

dining room. I added two low

wardrobes in the same style as the

bench seating. As much as it is

visually very cohesive, I also had a

practical place for shoes and blazers.

A large mirror for last-minute fixes

doubles as a great termination point

for the dining table.

BLENDING OLD AND NEWThere were only a handful of pieces

from the house that I could not leave

behind. I had splurged on a Montauk

sofa a few years prior and, if youve

ever had a chance to rest your

bottom on one, youd understand

why that big boy was coming with.

Its a massive, deep and long design

with huge down-wrapped cushions;

not exactly condo-sized.

I decided to keep the TV table

small and tucked it beside the fridge

out of sight. The sofa runs opposite,

which keeps it on the long wall

falling after the dining table.

Achieving elegance can be tricky

in spaces like this. I placed a teak

credenza in front of the windows

even though it blocks a balcony

access door. There is a second door

from the bedroom, so it was an

important compromise.

As you enter the condo, your eye

is drawn to the window wall. The

light linen sheers offer a soft-filtered

light from behind, which perfectly

contrasts with the credenza.

I love condo living. Id yell that

from my balcony but most of my

neighbours are all condo converts

too. What I will say is that living

with an efficiency of space does not

mean the creature comforts need be

forgotten. Just ask anyone who has

attended one of my dinner parties.

WHAT I WILL SAY IS THAT LIVING

WITH AN EFFICIENCY OF SPACEDOES NOT MEAN THE

CREATURE COMFORTS NEED BE FORGOTTEN.

Toronto-based designer and contractorMelissa Davis is known for her appearances, creative design and reno work produced for various HGTV shows. With almost two decades of experience, her firm continues to service clientelethroughoutOntario and the GTA, specializing in value- added ROI and resale consultations. melissadavis.com @melissadavis

SOURCES:Paint Colour: Simply White, benjaminmoore.com Bar Cart, Living Room Rug, Black Living Room Chair: westelm.com Dining Chandelier: cb2.com Dining Table: spacefurniture.ca Storage Benches and Dining Chairs: ikea.com Sofa: montauksofa.com Credenza, Coffee Table: whatthevintage.com Owl Paintings: canvasgallery.com


Interior Design by Avenue Design. Photography by Aia photography. Photographer Name Adrienne Vilela.

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IMPROVE CURB APPEALFirst impressions are vitally important

to potential buyers. An appealing,

well-maintained faade and beautiful-

ly tended garden are likely to translate

into thousands of dollars from a

prospective bid. In fact, in addition to

kitchen and bathroom improvements,

real estate agents often list exterior

renovations within the top three

strategies to increase your homes

resale value.

EMPHASIZE SPACEBuyers needs vary widely, but one

thing most agree on is a preference

for rooms that breathe. Consider

removing one or more pieces of

furniture from main living areas. The

living room may look much larger

when a second sofa is removed.

The kitchen may feel more spacious

when table leaves are stored out of

sight. If its spring or summer, take

away a busy area carpet and reveal

a glowing hardwood floor beneath.

EDIT AND DE-PERSONALIZEDecluttering is vital to a successful

sales process. Figure out what items

you can live without and either give

them away or sell them. Remove

clutter from tabletops, mantel, coffee

table, and other display areas. Create

additional space in closets and

drawers; areas the potential buyer

will critically assess. If things arent

crammed into storage areas, the

prospective buyer perceives more

room for his or her belongings. Aim

for an environment in which the

potential buyer can picture his or

her family. Remove family photos and

childrens artwork. Opt for paintings

that are neutral or inoffensive such

as a landscape or still life.

DECORATE WITH NEUTRALSNeutral colours and natural materi-

als that flow from room to room have

the widest appeal. Keep walls and

window coverings clean and fresh

by choosing neutral colours such as

sand, bisque, ivory, and taupe. If

walls and ceilings look tired, a fresh

coat of paint is perhaps the single

biggest improvement you can make.

When selecting ceramic or vinyl

flooring, opt for materials that mimic

natural stone, which is perceived

to have greater value.

QUICK FIXTake inventory of anything that needs

to be fixed, patched or painted.

Maintenance or cosmetic trouble

spots turn buyers off. Make sure the

kitchen and bathrooms sparkle and

shine. If you work full time and cant

spare the extra effort to keep things

in tip-top order, its well worth the

investment to hire a professional

cleaning service while your home is

on the market. Open draperies to let

in as much light as possible and make

sure windows are clean.

APPEAL TO THE SENSESHave soft music playing in the

background for showings. Vivaldis

Four Seasons is a perennial favour-

ite. No one can resist the smell of

freshly baked cookies or bread, so if

youre home before a showing, keep

some cookie dough on hand and bake

a batch 20 minutes before the

potential buyer arrives. If youre

selling your house during the holidays,

hot apple cider simmering in a slow

cooker does the trick nicely as well.

Few life events can match the intensity of selling a home. Not only does the act

involve emotions (this is where the children were born!), it also affects your bank

account, typically representing an individuals largest investment. Though selling

a home can be a lot of work, follow these suggestions and youll have a much

better chance of a quick and profitable sale:

R+Ddecor expert

KIMBERLEY SELDON

RESALE INCREASESK I M B E R L EY S GU I D E T O

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DECORATING TIPS

S tepping into Dani Coopermans midtown Toronto home makes you feel as if youve left the bustling city. Clean and contemporary, the Toronto artist has filled her home with a mix of high and low art and decor

that pops out against the neutral walls and acts as a perfect

balance for the busy family home.

Cooperman is a multimedia artist whose unique technique

blends photography and painting with eye-catching LED

lights. Her work is one of the most intricate and meritorious

methods seen from start to finish. She digitally adds graffiti

and street art to her black-and-white photographs of urban

spaces, which are then printed onto large sheets of Plexiglas.

On the backside of the piece, she adds multiple layers of vivid

acrylic paint that bleed through to the front of the Plexiglas.

AN ARTISTS TOUCH TO DECORATINGHow Toronto artist Dani Cooperman blends high and low decor for a spellbinding combination

BY CLAIRE TAYLOR

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BROOKE WEDLOCK

ART IMITATING LIFEOn display at this years Artist Project from February 18

to 21, Danis pieces capture the eye as they appear to

float off the wall on metal posts and are backlit by

custom and remote-controlled LED lighting.

The many layers of paint combined with an ever-

changing mix of natural sunlight and LED light

ensures new depths and insights are constantly

revealed in her pieces.

In a true case of art imitating life, Coopermans home

is decorated in a similar way to her artistic styling. I utilize

art as punctuation marks in my home. I see every painting,

sculpture or photograph as an opportunity to tell a story, to

add texture, depth and, of course, colour, says Cooperman.

036-37_R_Artist_FM16.indd 36 2016-01-04 2:59 PM


AN ARTISTS TOUCH TO DECORATING

Claire Taylor, show director of Artist Project and Art Toronto, is an art curator extraordinaire and has been at the helm of Artist Project for the past five years. Before joining Artist Project, Claire worked as the Associate Director of Corkin Gallery in Toronto for three years where she organized the gallerys exhibitions at international art fairs, including Art Basel, Art Basel Miami, Armory Show, Shanghai Contemporary, Art Toronto and Art Chicago.

MIXING HIGH AND LOWI think the most effective way to add interest

and personality in a space is to truly evaluate

your own style, curate your existing pieces, and

look everywhere for the missing elements. Be

creative in your search and it will show

through in your home.

From serious investment pieces like the

stunning Hans Wegner wing chairs in her

bedroom, to a lucky HomeSense side table deal,

to the impressive DIY coffee table base made

from iron pipes found at her local hardware

store, Cooperman is a master of finding the

balance between high and low art and decor.

I love decorating but have had to change

my strategy slightly with three little ones

running around, says Cooperman. Our home

is kid-friendly, but still has delicate pieces that

our kids have learned to treat with care.

Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, her

home is also an homage to both her past and

present. Mixed in amongst the see-through

Heller Arco Bellini chairs in her living room

is a diptych that is based on the story of sisters

overcoming both race and gender issues in

post-Apartheid South Africa.

One of her most prized possessions is a

piece that is priceless in sentimental value.

My favourite item in my home is my

grandfathers old Pentax camera. I have

amazing memories of him teaching me the

intricacies of exposure, framing and lighting

while on photo safaris in my native South Africa.

ARTIST PROJECT Also at this years Artist Project, Torontos

favourite contemporary art show, over 250

artists from Canada and abroad will gather

together under one roof for a four-day celebra-

tion of art. Artist Project gives buyers the

chance to interact with and purchase from

artists directly, giving them the opportunity

to really learn about the art theyre purchasing

and where it comes from.

ARTIST PROJECT February 18-21

Better Living Centre, Exhibition Place

theartistproject.com

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SOURCES: DESIGN, Samantha Sannella, Urban Retreat Homes CONSTRUCTION, Slav Renovations CABINETS, AB Custom Kitchens COUNTERTOP, stoneedge.ca WALLPAPER, scalamandre.com PAINT,benjaminmoore.com CABINET LIGHTING, legrand.ca/adorne.aspx TILE, thetilestore.ca VANITY, torontovanity.com FLOORING, kraususa.com LIGHTING, feiss.com

UPSIZED andMODERNIZED Kitchen in century-old semi doubled in size and efficiency

SAMANTHA SANNELLA

R+Darchitectureexpert

In the original design of this 100-year-old, semi-detached house, the small kitchen at the

back was enclosed. As a consequence, the 600-square-foot main floor seemed even more

constricted. By demolishing a partition wall and emphasizing the view to the back of the

house, the space became grander and brighter.

A new casement window was added at the back (with no mullions) to increase the natural

light and provide a view to the back garden. And a full-lite glass door at the back stairs visually

extends the space as well. The back stair hall was painted in a bright, cheerful colour and adorned

with artwork to become a gallery space. Neutral colours, Gardenia and Wish by Benjamin Moore,

were used in the main area to provide a subtle contrast while reflecting the light in the space.

UPSIZING THE KITCHEN

As much as we intended to increase

the kitchen footprint, we also needed

to consider space-saving options. We

enlisted the expertise of a custom

cabinet company to build a transition-

al style kitchen that accommodated

the existing appliances and made use

of every square inch of cabinetry.

To optimize storage, these essential

space-saving features were imple-

mented: roll-out shelves; pull-out

garbage container, multiple-shelf unit

in the corner cabinet, a pantry with a

hidden broom closet, extra-tall upper

cabinets, and a small wine refrigerator

was installed in the island.

For the countertop, we chose

Bianco Antico granite from Brazil,

which shows a soft-grey background

with warm taupe and pink flecks.

To complement the granite, Feiss

Hounslow pendant lights in oil-

rubbed bronze with mercury glass

were selected. The homeowner

splurged on a dream sink and

selected an apron-front Kraus sink.

A key design feature is the con-

cealed LeGrands under-counter

lighting and electrical system. This

eliminated the need for electrical

plates in the backsplash. The modular

system includes USB, adjustable LEDs,

electrical outlets, IPAD/tablet holders,

and a speaker system for music.

During demolition, it was discov-

ered that the floor sloped two inches

toward the semis main dividing wall.

After levelling, solid acacia wood

flooring was installed. Acacia is a

cost-effective, durable exotic wood

with a rapid growth pattern, making

it one of the more sustainable

flooring options.

BEFORE 80SF

AFTER 160SF

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At Scan Decor they are strongly committed to

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WEST COAST RENOVATION

Cooking and entertaining topped the list of priorities when renovating this restaurant owners home in False Creek

VANCOUVER TOWNHOUSE

When a Vancouver restaurant owner purchased

this two-storey townhouse overlooking tranquil

Charleson Park in False Creek, he knew it was in

desperate need of an overhaul. He also recog-

nized that the task was beyond his capability and

required serious attention.

Years of neglect and mismatched remodelling

attempts left our firm with no other option than

to gut the whole space and start from scratch,

says Negar Reihani, the owner and Principal

Designer at Space Harmony. A blank canvas

was absolutely necessary for this project.

I start by getting to know my clients lifestyle,

likes and dislikes. Every house I design is the

expression of the people who will live in it, says

Reihani. My initial meeting with this homeown-

er was unique, she recalls. Cooking and enter-

taining topped the Like list.

Usually clients have a wish list and a general

idea of what they want. In this case, the home-

owner had a list of things he didnt like: anything

too modern, too colourful, too bright, too dark, too

polished, too rustic, too serious, too high mainte-

nance, too style dominant, and the list went on.

MODERN & RUSTIC

BY W.J. MUNIAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY COLIN PERRY

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NATURE TO THE RESCUE The house faces a tree-lined park with a serene pond in the middle and a beautiful

view of the False Creek that evokes a sense of peace. Taking her cue from surrounding

nature and the west coast scenery, Reihani chose a modern-rustic theme.

I aimed for a combination of light misty greys and blues, warm-wood tones and

natural stone hues. The finishes, fixtures and furniture were carefully selected to

complete the mood then some industrial-inspired nuances were added to make the

space more intriguing, Reihani explains. The design concept was very well received.

ORGANIZED CHAOS With design approval, Reihanis team started gutting and re-inventing the space.

First, the dining area was repositioned next to the window overlooking the park

and the kitchen was enlarged to make it worthy of a foodies home.

To make the upstairs more functional, the second bedroom was converted into

an office and the master bathroom was extended to accommodate a shower and a

soaker tub. The guest bedroom was moved to the main floor, next to the bathroom.

The new layout created a perfect combination of privacy upstairs and a practical

entertaining area downstairs.

The colour scheme is neutral and masculine with Sherwin-Williams Snowbound paint

throughout. The contrast is kept to a minimum, which avoids breaking up the space and

IT IS IMPORTANT THAT EVERY

HOUSE I DESIGN IS THE EXPRESSION OF THE PEOPLE

WHO WILL LIVE IN IT, SAYS REIHANI.



PAINT COLOURS

WEST COAST RENOVATION

making it feel smaller, so most everything is

tone-on-tone, says Reihani.

In the kitchen, custom cabinetry with deep

drawers rather than doors was installed to meet

both form and functionality. The decision to

install open shelves instead of traditional upper

cabinets makes the kitchen look more breezy

and casual.

Its a modern take on a traditional concept,

says Reihani. The warmth of walnut shelves

next to cool-grey backsplash tile creates a

perfect yin-yang balance. The cream quartz

countertop is low maintenance and completes

the kitchen beautifully.

One of the challenges we faced was the lack

of light on the main floor so we added about 20

pot lights to flood the space with light. We also

kept the windows entirely clear during the day

by installing 50 per cent sheer roller blinds that

disappear into the overhead canister when

rolled up.

Rather than painting the window frames,

Reihani kept the black to add an industrial

accent to the space. She then introduced similar

finished elements like a dark-iron chandelier,

oil-rubbed door levers and cabinet hardware to

make the window frames look like a planned

design element. Sometimes its smarter to

complement whats there rather than try to

camouflage it, explains Reihani.

THE COLOUR SCHEME IS NEUTRAL

AND MASCULINE WITH SHERWIN WILLIAM SNOWBOUND

PAINT THROUGHOUT.

Snowbound SW 7004

Warm Stone SW 7032



With over 20 years design experience, Negar Reihani is known for her elegant and simple approach to high-end, polished interiors that celebrate the tastes and lifestyle of her clients. spaceharmony.ca

SOURCES DINING ROOM CHANDELIER: restorationhardware.com KITCHEN BAR STOOLS; KITCHEN PENDANT: restorationhardware.com LIVING ROOM WOOL RUG; MASTER BEDROOM JUTE RUG: surya.com LEANING MIRROR BY THE WINDOW: fourhands.com CABINET DOORS: Shaker MDF painted in Sherwin- Williams Warm Stone CABINETS: Space Harmony in-house millworker COUNTER TOPS: Vicostone Quartz in BQ200 Arctic Snow supplied by Blue Star Marble

WORKING WITH THE VIEWThe vista of the park is an ever-changing piece of art and

the focal point of the main floor. I selected and weighed

each finish and furniture piece fastidiously to make sure

they do not compete with the view, says Reihani.

For example, the textured ledge stone on the fireplace,

muted wide-plank oak floors and uncommon millwork in

Sherwin-Williams Warm Stone shade, all work gracefully

and in harmony with the lush trees visible through the

windows.

The custom-made furniture is comfortable and simple

with organic finishes that are beautiful and soothing to the

touch. The wool rug, linen sofa, walnut dining table, leather

chairs, and a cosy arm chair by the window all create a

delightful, welcoming atmosphere and make this home a

place of retreat, an oasis of calm.



HOSTESS with the MOSTEST

A cosy post-war home gets some designer love on a tight budget PHOTOGRAPHY BY LARRY ARNAL

R+Ddesign experts

GLEN PELOSO & JAMIE ALEXANDER

N ot every small space in this city is a condo with a large glass wall of windows and kitchen thats part of the main space of the home. Small spaces are just as common in many of Torontos post-war homes. Yet the same rules

apply when it comes to designing these spaces even

though the look and feel is completely unlike a condo.

A GOLDILOCKS SOFAWe met this homeowner when she was searching for

a sofa, a search that went on she told us, for years.

Her ongoing challenge was due to the rheumatoid

arthritis in her knees and because she isnt particularly

tall. If the angle of the sofa wasnt appropriatetoo

deep, too soft or too hardit put pressure on her knees,

making a long-term sit, not very comfortable.

Sometimes the only answer is customized; howev-

er, sometimes the right piece will present itself.

Because we had designed the sofa selected, we were

familiar with its dimension and we believed it would work.

It was a Goldilocks moment for her when she finally

found the sofa that was just right. Delighted that we

were able to help so quickly, she wondered if we

could deal with her whole house, but she was quick

to say that she lived in a very modest home and had

limited funds for a renovation.

TIGHT QUARTERSGreat design doesnt happen only in large spaces or

only with a big budget. We wanted to see her home

and learn the difficulties she was dealing with, and

successfully assist her with this project.

She had not entertained for years because the

combination of inherited furniture and some structural

issues made it too difficult. This was definitely a cosy

post-war house in Toronto. The main floor was a living,

dining, kitchen and hallway.

All of the doorways had been arched in a previous

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renovation. In a small space, you

definitely do not want to make

entrances smaller or uninviting.

Perhaps during the same

renovation, the fireplace was

fitted with a brick faade but

that choice really overpowered

the room. We liked the fireplace;

however, she didnt use it

because she was uncertain of

the chimney.

Proportion is an important part

of any design and even more so

when you are dealing with a

smaller space. For instance, the

kitchen wouldnt accommodate

the size of replacement appli-

ances. And the linoleum flooring

had to go. We decided to change

the floors throughout with

hardwood to keep the space

feeling as large as possible.

SMALL THINGS MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCEWe addressed the issues in this

makeover the same way a design

TV show does. With her budget

GREAT DESIGN DOESNT

HAPPEN ONLY IN LARGE

SPACES OR ONLY WITH A BIG BUDGET.

in mind, we resolved to find items

that were either on sale, discontinued,

offcuts from other projects. This client

had seen our work and trusted us to

make good decisions that she would

be happy with.

We removed the archway doors to

open up the rooms because one room

esthetically borrows from the other to

make both feel larger when they are

more connected. We removed the

fireplace brick and added an ethanol

firebox to maintain the fireplace and

also get around the chimney issues.

The addition of simple mouldings

created a mantel and added detail to

the faade. We had enough space on

either side of the fireplace to install

wall sconces, which add to the overall

lighting in the room.

Along with the new sofa, a padded

ottoman does double-duty as a coffee

table. We added glass side tables,

lamps and an area rugthis room

was almost complete.

Custom-made drapery in a cream

and cranberry fabric dress the living

room; the cream colour dominates

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DESIGNER TOUCH

Glen Peloso and Jamie Alexander are co-founders and principals of Peloso Alexander Interiors. They bring 35 years of combined experience to creating environments that merge the clients lifestyle, personality, and architecture. pelosoalexander.com, twitter @glenpeloso & @glenandjamie, Facebook.com/glenpeloso

while the cranberry is an accent. In the dining room,

the exact opposite occurs. The cranberry colour dominates

in the drapery with a touch of cream at the border.

To tie the two rooms visually together, the chair fabric

in the dining room is the same as the living room ottoman.

The round dining table allows easy movement in the room

and the thin, long credenza gives the sense of a sideboard.

Add lamps and accessories and, voil, the two rooms were

finished on budget.

DESIGN DECISIONS ON A DIMEThe project was done on an incredibly frugal budget as

we sourced discontinued or sale items throughout, such as

inexpensive new cabinets, countertop, and appropriate-sized

appliances. As we explained to the homeowner, these deals

and choices had to be made very quickly so being allowed

to make decisions on her behalf made the process smooth

and cost-effective.

The reveal was a resounding success; the homeowner

cried with delight at every room and has become the biggest

advocate for having a designer help with a small space. She

will tell you its the best money she ever spent and plans to

enjoy it at every party she hosts.

Allstyle Cabinet Doors2820 Slough Street Mississauga, ON www.Allstyle.ca

905-673-8700

Customizing an IKEATM Kitchen?

We have the products and expertise.Allstyle doors are crafted to work seamlessly with IKEAs Akurum and Sektion cabinets.

* IKEA is a registered trademark of Inter-IKEA Systems B.V. and Allstyle Cabinet Doors is not affiliated with IKEA in any way.

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AROUND THE HOUSE

MUDROOM MAKEOVER

Strop stressing over the mess and get organized

BY KATE DAVIDSON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANI BUCHMAN

B alancing work, school and extracurricular activities can make for a hectic lifestyle. From the moment you step foot in the house, having designated landing zones for bags, equipment and paperwork will help keep you organized and make life a little less stressful.

When I design mudrooms, I find it interesting to see how each clients organizational needs differ. The one commonality is that everyone bene-fits from a home that functions well and has a beautiful esthetic too.

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WHERE TO START?It is important to carefully consider your lifestyle when

designing an organizational space in your home. Do you

have pets that require food bowls and beds? Children who

have backpacks, hockey equipment, swimming gear or

dance bags? Determine what your needs are and create a

space to store everyday essentials like shoes, coats, electron-

ic devices, bags, and paperwork.

While having a dedicated mudroom is ideal, depending on

the layout of your home, you may need to think beyond your

entry and create an organizational space in your kitchen,

garage, or basement. Another option is to create concealed

storage in furniture in a principal room near your entrance.

CUSTOM SOLUTIONSCustom cabinetry allows you to design organizational space

that best suits your needs. With the help of a designer to

design and draft innovative storage solutions, and the skills

of a cabinet maker, a new more efficient space could be

completed within a few weeks. If you choose to customize,

you should sit down with a designer to personalize the

cabinetry system to your needs.

Consider whether you prefer concealed compartments or

an open design with hooks and shelving for easier access.

Would you make use of a bench incorporated into

the cabinetry? Double-duty opportunities can add to

valuable cupboard space. Pullout shoe shelves, specialty

drawers for keys and electronic devices, as well as rods

and shelves that can adjust as your child grows are just

some ideas to incorporate into custom cabinetry.

DO YOU DIY?A budget-conscious option is stock cabinetry from large

retail stores like Ikea and Home Depot. Keep in mind that

the cabinetry only comes in standard sizes and can be

labour intensive to assemble and install.

You can also think beyond the traditional built-in

cabinetry. Maybe a large antique armoire will do the

trick; there are lots of ways you can customize the

interior to suit your needs. Additionally, a large dresser

or cabinet can serve as an attractive statement piece in

your hall or living room while the interior can store away

extra shoes, bags and paperwork.

Accredited designerKate Davidson is thePrincipal of Kate Davidson Design Inc.a multi-disciplinary interior design firm providing complete design, renovating and decorating services for residential and commercial clients throughout the GTA.The firm focuses on creating stylish livable spaces as unique as their clients katedavidsondesign.com @KateDavidson_

SOURCES: CUSTOM CABINETRY, Ribbonrail designed by KDDI TILE, olympiatile.com CABINET HARDWARE, restorationhardware.com COUNTERTOP, caesarstone.com

052-53_R_MudRooms_FM16.indd 53 -01-022016 9:34 AM


DESIGN INTERVENTIONVisit RENO & DECORs booth #267 at the GTA Home & Reno Show, February 12 to 15, at the International Centre in Mississauga. A host of experts, along with some of R&Ds contributors, will be on hand for free 15-minute consul-tations to advise you on any design, decor and reno concerns. Bring along your photos, samples and floor plans to be sure you get the most from your appointment.

Mark Your Calendar!FEBRUARY 12 15

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE

MISSISSAUGA gtahomeandrenoshow.com

GLEN & JAMIE

ERICA GELMAN

ELAINE BERGEN

CATHERINE-LUCIE HORBER

JIM CARUK

DVIRA OVADIA

MARGARET

MACDONALD

TRACY OBRIEN

LINDA MAZUR

upcountry.com bousadainc.com

eventfulpr.comroyallighting.com muralunique.comrenwil.com

katedavidsondesign.com benjaminmoore.ca

BARBARA NYKEEVELYN ESHUN

GTA HOME & RENO SHOW

RENO & DECOR Magazine Presents

Soft, muted tones and pastels are the home decor focus for 2016. To celebrate Pantone naming both Rose Quartz and Serenity as their colours of the year, designer Kate Davidson took her cue from the calming palette to design the RENO & DECOR booth. Combining Pantones colours with various metallic finishes, warm and luxurious furnishings from UpCountry, and stylish lighting from Royal Lighting, the result is an inspired, tranquil space where design experts can offer you valuable advice on your nextreno project. Kate appears on stage Saturday, February 13 at 2 p.m.

ALSO APPEARING AT THE R&D BOOTH:

For updated appearance schedules, check out

renoanddecor.com

RENO & DECOR WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS OF DESIGN INTERVENTION:

RENO & DECOR BOOTH DESIGNER, KATE DAVIDSON

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reno expert

R+D

I look forward to hearing from you and welcome your feedback. Do you have a reno or decor question for our team

of experts? Email [email protected]

When space is really tight (see Tiny Houses: A Big New Trend on page 58), compact appliances and fixtures are particularly important. The Sanicom-pact toilet by Saniflow has an ingenious space-saving measuretheres no toilet tank!

So youve decided to finally get that chefs kitchen

youve always wanted, add a powder room in the

basement, or even build the home of your dreams from

the ground up. Now you face multiple steps along the way

to get you to the finished job, and many of them need to be

completed in a specific order. Heres an overview.

PLANNING PHASEFor any major renovation, youre going to want to consult

with a designer and/or an architect first in order to get the

design you want outlined. If the project involves digging

down, opening up walls, or adding on, youll also need to

consult a structural engineer. And, of course, youll need to

apply for the appropriate building permits. Organizing all

these meetings and completing the various layers of

paperwork take time, so youll need to plan accordingly.

DEMOLITION DERBYOnce you have your plans and permits in hand, step one for

your contractor will be removing any existing materials that

are in the way. For small projects, such as replacing an

exterior door or removing a modest-sized deck, the contrac-

tor will likely just haul off the debris in their truck at the

end of the day. But for major demolition work, your contrac-

tor will order dumpsters to load the trash into. If you dont

have space on the lawn or driveway to drop a bin (or have

a shared driveway you cant block), youll need to apply for

a permit from the city to park one on the street.

SOLID FOUNDATIONS If youre excavating a low-ceiling basement or adding an

addition, youll need to get the foundation work done first.

JIM CARUK RENOVATION EDITOR

Youll want to carefully research the company you choose to

do this work. There have been a couple accidents in the city

in recent years involving excavations that have gone horribly

wrong, including one where a young construction worker

was killed.

PICTURE THE FRAMING Once all exterior walls are in place, its time to call in your

carpenter to frame the walls with the wood or steel studs.

I prefer using steel studs on my projects because theyre

perfectly straight, quick to install, and wont bend and bow

with changes in humidity like wood does. If your project

involves opening walls, youll likely need to install a steel

or LVL (laminated-veneer lumber) beam to support the load.

Once the framing is finished, your contractor will have to

call in the building inspector to approve things before you

can move on to the next stage.

WIRED AND PLUMBEDAdding new rooms and bathroom fixtures calls for new

wiring and plumbing. Once the framing is up, thats when

you call in the electrician and plumber. If youre adding a

lot of space, you may need to upgrade your circuit breaker

panel or your main water supply. Once all thats done

and inspectedyou can insulate and drywall.

FINISHING TOUCHESAfter the drywall is up, youll need to get the plumber and

electrician back in to connect all your new fixtures, and the

inspector back one last time to sign off on everything. Once

you paint the new walls and lay down the flooring, its time

to move into your new home.

HOME STAGING

JIMS PICK

Theres a specific order that needs to be followed when building or renovating a home

056_R_JC-letter_FM16.indd 56 2016-01-04 3:07 PM

BEFORE

AFTER

LOOKING TO ADD ANOTHER BATHROOM?

Save your floor and your budget. Saniflo Macerators can be installed

anywhere in your home.

1-800-363-5874sanio.ca 1.28 GPF

See our website for more details.

A PUMP COMPANY SINCE 1958

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reno expert

R+D

DIVERSE DESIGNS Some tiny homebuilders have been extremely

creative in their designs. Many have decided

to mount the homes on a mobile platform. The

benefit of this is that if they ever tire of their

neighbours or the view, they can just pack up

the entire house and move it somewhere else.

Of course, using lightweight materials to mini-

mize the load is essential.

Others have gone the other route, taking

something that was once highly mobileold

shipping containersand using those as the

exterior structure of a parked-in-place home

that might measure eight feet wide, 20 to 40

feet long, and eight-and-a-half feet high.

Still others have completely eliminated their

literal footprint by building fully equipped tree

houses. When it comes to tiny house design it

seems like the skys the limit.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL MATERIALS Back in the days of black-and-white television,

you would have thought every home had a

Murphy bed, the kind that folds up against a

wall. Of course, they were usually on the set for

a gag bit where someone gets trapped in one

and folded up against the wall.

In tiny houses, the Murphy bed has made a

comeback. But there are also multiple variations,

such as closets that open up into fully functional

though compactkitchens.

Appliances can also serve dual functions, such

as microwaves that double as convection ovens

or all-in-one washer/dryer combo units. There

are even drawer-sized dishwashers available.

USEFUL UTILITIESObviously, youre not going to have a large

utility room in such a small space. Rather than

a furnace, small electric heaters are a good,

compact choice.

For water, a tankless water heater can be a

space-saving option, but if the home has solar

panels, they can be used for water heating.

Composting toilets are another possibility,

eliminating the need for permanent plumbing.

CONFINED CONDOS The trend isnt restricted to low-rise and mobile

homes. Theres a 25-storey project already

underway in Toronto called Smart House. The

smallest units will be 276 square feet, starting

at just under $300,000. Thats smaller than most

of the master bedrooms Ive worked on!

TINY HOUSESA diminutive dwelling has become a big new trend

BY JIM CARUK

. . . THERES BEEN AN

INTERESTING TREND IN THE

OPPOSITE DIRECTION

OF SO-CALLED

MONSTER HOMES

TINY HOUSES WITH 400

SQUARE FEET OR LESS OF

LIVING SPACE.

As my business has grown over the years, so has

the size of the houses Ive been building. Some of

the bigger projects Ive worked on recently range

from three to five bedrooms, with five or six bathrooms.

But as the price of housing continues to escalate, younger

people are finding it increasingly harder to break into the

market. As a result, theres been an interesting trend in the

opposite direction of so-called monster homestiny houses

with 400 square feet or less of living space.

058_R_JC-feature_FM16.indd 58 -01-022016 10:35 AM

Custom FurnishingsBedrooms

Dining RoomsSofas

Dinettes

Turning houses into homes since 1978T. 416.636.5495

680 Rivermede Road, Vaughan OntarioKeele St. North of Highway #7

Exclusively atALTA MODA Furniture

Custom made sofas

www.AltaModaFurniture.com

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Home renovations require advanced

planning with lots of detail and an

accurate budget. Whether youre

modernizing your kitchen, finishing your

basement or putting in a second storey, its

important to carefully plan your project.

The perfect place to start is the GTA Home

and Reno Show, which takes place February 12-15

at the International Centre in Mississauga.

The show will connect you with more than 250

exhibitors, showcasing the latest products in home

design and renovation, with professional advice

to offer you, from celebrities who will gladly share

their expertise in renovating, building and design.

Just remember that some things need the

attention of a pro. If the project gets too big, take

advantage of all the helpful experts on hand and

arrange a professional installation.

Make your way down to Destination Renovation

BILDs popular booth where professional renovators

give out free renovation advice. Its also a great

place to learn about the RenoMark program and

how it can help you find licensed, legitimate

and professional renovators, trade contractors

and custom builders across the GTA.

A valuable resource at Destination Renovation

is the dozens of before-and-after photos from our

annual Renovation and Custom Home Awards.

It includes a wide variety of examples with home

renovations that cover all styles of homes and all

levels of budgets. It is a great source of inspiration

for anyone considering a home renovation.

Another highlight of the show is the return

of RENO & DECORs Design Intervention booth,

which offers professional advice from a team

of celebrity design experts. Anyone who finds

projects like this daunting or is a victim of a decor

disaster will find it very helpful.

The main stage of the show will feature

great high-profile designers, decorators and

renovators, including HGTVs Scott McGillivray.

You can catch him on the main stage on Saturday,

February 13 at 1 p.m.

To purchase tickets online for the GTA Home

and Reno Show, go to gtahomeandrenoshow.com. Use the RENOMARK1 promo code and save $5 off

the regular purchase price, exclusively for my

RENO & DECOR readers.

Remember that parking at the International

Centre is free. Enjoy the show and good luck

on your renovation.

R+Dindustry expert

BY BRYAN TUCKEY

SHOWTIMEGet inspired for your next renovation at the GTA Home and Reno Show

Bryan Tuckey is president and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association and a land-use planner who has worked for municipal, regional and provincial governments. Follow him on Twitter @bildgta, facebook.com/bildgta, and bildblogs.ca.

This years show will focus mainly on renovation and will feature a DIY-zone for tips and hands-on training. From tiling a backsplash to laying flooring, a team of experts will be there to help.

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Never Paint Again!

Alumarail Manufacturing Inc. (905) 264-6400 www.alumarail.com

With an aluminum railing from Alumarail, in business for over 25 years, you get the beauty of wrought iron that is maintenance free that never rusts.

Alumarail specializes in aluminum railings, gates, fences and columns in a variety of styles and colours to custom match your decor.

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8049_FPG

PIONEERS OF PROFESSIONAL COOK ING EQUIPMENT

DCS products are powerful, distinctive and built to last. Their difference is in their simplicity. DCS products are built for professional chefs who want the same kind of equipment that they use at work and for people who want to use professional grade cooking products at home.

DCS Experience CenterSOFA International Center, 6900 Airport Road Suite 207,

Mississauga, ON L4V 1E8, Toronto T: 905.569.4001

dcsappliances.com

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Grow Your OwnSeed-starting tips that set the stage for a successful garden

Seed racks in the stores are

filled with a great selection

this time of year. Make your

selection while the choice of

seeds is at its best. I suggest sowing

pansies, impatiens, geraniums and

petunias right now. Starting seeds

indoors is fun and a great way to

engage kids in gardening at any age.

BUY QUALITYSuccess depends on quality materials,

good timing, and sowing each seed

variety according to its needs. Check

the packet instructions carefully for the

recommended sowing times. Sowing

seeds too early will result in leggy

plants longing for the outdoors. Too

late and the result is small plants that

may not reach maturity during the

growing season.

Along with high-quality seeds and

clean seeding trays, use a seed-start

germination mix, such as Green Earth

reno & decor magazine feb/mar 2016

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