Inside - Calgary Herald

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Eisenbergs’…The Finest Things In Life
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contents
14
10
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE
10. SOFTWARE UPDATE Layer your home in eclectic
luxury with pops of radiant colour and textures.
20. FAB FAVES When Herald writer Andrea Cox tours
show homes, there’s always something that catches
her eye. Check out a few of her favourite things.
ON THE COVER:
WEST COAST ON THE PRAIRIES Fir beams,
soaring spaces and a decidedly West Coast
theme define this Valley Ridge home.
36. HOME HARDWARE Manufacturers pull out all
the stops when dressing up homeowners’ kitchens.
INSIDE OUT
12
18
29
32
38
OBJECT OF AFFECTION An African carving
has great significance for entrepreneur and
philanthropist Brett Wilson.
TURNING TABLES Mixtures of rustic and
modern materials, glass and gleaming
metals make these coffee tables anything
but ordinary.
LIGHTEN UP Spring’s arrival signifies a fresh
start. Perk up your palace with a thorough
cleaning. Then start adding some pops of
colour.
VINTAGE STYLE From lighting to insulation
and special lacquers — when designing a
wine cellar, it’s all about the grape.
INNER-CITY MODERN Homeowners transform a 1960s Confederation Park bungalow
into a capsule of cutting-edge modernity.
6 | inside | SPRING 2012
21
Ever wonder what the backyard of Shaw
Communications president Peter Bissonnette’s
$9-million home looks like? Read more in our
Outside section starting on page 21. Plus, stories
on barbecues and patio furniture.
GREAT HOME
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You help make a lasting
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S OLI D P I N E
Kincaid is proud to be the first furniture manufacturer to partner with Habitat for Humanity International in support
of their ongoing efforts to build safe, affordable, decent housing throughout the world. A portion of the sale of each
Homecoming collection item is donated to Habitat for Humanity International.
85
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IN-HOME DESIGN
ASSISTANCE
inside
THE ART OF INDOOR LIVING
SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER:
Barb Livingstone
403-235-7339
[email protected]
PROJECT CO-ORDINATION:
Jamie Zachary
DESIGN:
Jennifer Worley
WRITERS:
Barbara Balfour, Suzanne Beaubien,
Maria Canton, Andrea Cox,
Annalise Klingbeil, Rachel Naud,
Jessica Patterson, Joel Schlesinger
PHOTOGRAPHERS:
Wil Andruschak, Estelle Besserer,
Michelle Hofer
PRINT CO-ORDINATION:
Tori Marin
PRE-PRESS TECHNICIANS:
Ron Kindrat, Kevin Andrechuk
PRINTER:
Teldon Print Media
215 16 St. S.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 7P5
PUBLISHER:
Guy Huntingford
ADVERTISING VICE-PRESIDENT:
Rob Maleschuk
ADVERTISING SALES MANAGER:
Darrell Ittermann
ADVERTISING SALES:
Bruce Chorel, David Crowell, Ed Jessome,
Carol Lewis, Sherry McKinley, Janine Rea,
Adam Service
To advertise in Inside magazine:
Darrell Ittermann, 403-235-7173
editor’s note
Yes! It is officially spring (at least in my mind), when
our thoughts turn naturally to moving out the darker
colours of winter, uncovering the windows and letting
in the bright and new of sunshine and nature.
And we think of not only updating, but expanding,
our inside living space into the outdoors.
It does not matter that we live in a true winter
city — in fact, that may make our shortened
spring and summer seasons even more
important. We want to enjoy every
minute of them.
In this, our second issue of
Inside magazine, we look at
some fabulous Calgary-area
homes — one in the suburb
of Valley Ridge, and the
other in the inner-city
neighbourhood around Confederation Park — to show how you
can make a home your modern,
stylish own, no matter where you live.
And we also put the Outside in Inside.
We not only continue our look at the great
local designs and décor that can put that
special stamp on your new home or make the
home you live in feel new again with a great
update (think lots of colour and textures),
we have also gone looking for great products
and design ideas that can transform your
patio, backyard or deck into the perfect place to
entertain family and friends.
Take a look at the backyard of Shaw president
Peter Bissonnette’s multi-million-dollar home for
some great tips and you won’t want to be anywhere
else this summer.
We’re glad you’ve joined us again. And let spring
begin!
FEEDBACK:
Letters and suggestions can be sent to
Jamie Zachary, [email protected]
For more on Calgary real estate and home
design, visit calgaryherald.com/homes
COPYRIGHT©2012 Inside magazine. All rights. No content
from this publication can be copied or reprinted without
the consent of the publisher. Inside magazine is published
by the Calgary Herald twice a year. All material is
compiled from sources believed to be reliable, but
published without responsibility for errors or emissions.
8 | inside | SPRING 2012
Barb Livingstone
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In a design age where your best style is your own personality and
trends come and go as fast as a shot of espresso in the morning, design
rules get tossed out the window and eclectic luxury is embraced.
So spice up your interior with piquant pattern and texture. Incorporate splashes of radiant colour and a touch of the bohemian
in your living and bedrooms.
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It’s a circus out there
The Circus Act’s paisley print
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— JESSICA PATTERSON
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OBJECT OF MY AFFECTION
Kilimanjaro keepsake
African carving symbolizes strength of the human spirit
for Calgary entrepreneur and philanthropist Brett Wilson
Calgary entrepreneur Brett Wilson became a household name as the most philanthropic “Dragon” on CBC’s popular investment
reality show Dragon’s Den. He now hosts his own reality series, Risky Business, which airs on Slice Network.
The object of my affection is a carved lioness with cubs
attached. It’s made of a heavy, dark wood from central Africa. It
weighs 30 to 40 pounds, and it’s just a beautiful carving.
It cost me less than $200, and I bought it on a roadside in
Africa right after climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in 2002. I had
climbed Kilimanjaro to prove to myself — and my family and
friends — that cancer, which I’d been treated for one year earlier, had not taken either my life or my spirit. So it became a
very important piece for me, as the one item I brought back
from Africa. I had to leave some clothing and a pair of boots
behind because I didn’t have room in my luggage.
It lives on a coffee table in the middle of my library. It
reminds me of the beauty of Africa, and the challenges that
12 | inside | SPRING 2012
I faced in climbing Kilimanjaro. We had the misfortune of
climbing through a -20 C wind- and snow-storm. I was doing
a charity climb for Alzheimer's Canada — there was a group
of 10 of us climbing — and we were fortunate to have 100 per
cent success in getting everyone to the peak, which is about
double the going rate in terms of people who set out to climb
that mountain.
The real celebration was I had finished my radiation treatments just a year earlier and was still pretty tired and exhausted.
It was one of the most motivational and moving experiences
I’ve had. I remember pulling out the satellite phone when I got
to the top of the mountain and phoning each of my three kids
and my dad to say I’d made it. i
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west
coast
vibe
Every room has a view in this VancouverIsland inspired post-and-beam home
by SUZANNE BEAUBIEN / photos courtesy TIMBEROCK HOMES
12 | inside | FALL 2011
When Erik DeWiel and his wife
Chris Seger built their dream
home in Valley Ridge, they
knew exactly how to make the
most of the property’s prime
location on an escarpment
above the Bow River. s
Having lived on the 1.2-hectare property in northwest
Calgary since 1996, they understood which way the wind blew
and what direction offered the best light throughout the day.
And so, inspired by a picturesque inn on the west coast
of Vancouver Island, as well as elements of the traditional
longhouse of the Haida first nation, the couple asked
Jonn Lavertu of Timberock Homes to design and build
their perfect post-and-beam home.
Longer than it is wide, the 5,000-square-foot
home (which is now for sale) lies parallel to the
river. And with an open-concept design aided
by fir beams that create soaring spaces, the family can enjoy
river views from virtually every room in the house.
“Every room has a view, but we wanted to not just be
able to be in a room and see in one direction,” explains
DeWiel. “From almost every room, you can see through
to different parts of the house where there are large
windows. The idea was to feel like you were in the forest
and could see in every direction.”
The home’s focal point is a round room with 30-foot
cathedral-style ceiling and floor-to-ceiling, double-sided
stone fireplace. This feature was Seger’s idea, inspired by
the Wickaninnish Inn’s Pointe Restaurant, a vaulted timber-and-glass dome-like structure that sits perched over
the rocks on Chesterman Beach in Tofino, B.C. On a
visit to the inn, Seger thought the restaurant’s design was
graceful and maximized the views, and could translate
well on her own property.
It was a challenge to build, says Lavertu of Timberock,
but the result is the perfect Alberta ski-lodge-style great
room for entertaining guests or relaxing with family. “It’s really quite special,” he says. “It gives the impression
that it’s been there for 100 years.”
As for maximizing the views the couple so cherished for
nearly a decade of living on the property nestled between
a golf course and an environmental reserve, mission
accomplished, says DeWiel. “When you’re standing in there, you’re really surrounded
by glass and timbers, and you feel like you’re out right at
the edge of the forest, above the river, yet you’re inside,”
he adds.
“We entertain quite a bit, and when people come over
we almost always move as a group into that room. You can
put a lot of people in it, and because it’s round you can still
all see each other and have lots of space.”
Building on the amazing views, the thoughtfully designed
interiors embody the outdoors by making generous use of
natural materials: Douglas fir beams hand-hewn from trees
harvested after a forest fire in Cranbrook, B.C., slate and
maple floors, anodized bronze windows and that floor-toceiling fireplace made from grizzly rock limestone. We wanted people to come into the home and enjoy the warmth
of it, but really be focused on the property — to look outside.
s
“We selected materials and colours to
integrate with the surrounding forest and landscape, and the idea was to draw those views into
the home,” says DeWiel.
“We wanted people to come into the home and
enjoy the warmth of it but really be focused on
the property — to look outside.”
The unique texture of the hand-hewn timbers
throughout the home adds to the interior’s
organic appeal. Carved with hand tools and
assembled by Okotoks-based Crazy Creek
Timber Frames using traditional joinery, the
honey-coloured beams gleam with a rustic
character that unifies the home’s design.
The beams not only provide integral structural
support to the home’s grand spaces, they also
define each area in this open-concept layout,
and have a sensory appeal all their own.
“It really makes you want to touch it,” says
DeWiel, pointing to vertical beams that offset
the dining room. He can’t walk through without
running his hand over the dimpled wood.
Another of his wife’s ideas was incorporating elements of the Haida longhouse, examples of which she had also seen on B.C.’s
coast. The front door is located at one end of
the home. To get to it, guests walk through a
long timber frame structure that offers shelter
from the elements, yet is open enough that
guests get an immediate taste of the great views
the home was built to enjoy.
“I thought it was such a lovely place to gather
as people are coming into your home. I wanted to
integrate that concept,” says Seger.
Though a long way from the West Coast, the
couple’s property has a lengthy history of its
own among the aboriginal people of southern
Alberta — something that has always intrigued
them, says Seger.
tiny couch. A lot of the furniture was chosen to
work with the house. Chris and I are into antiques,
so we’ve had antiques for years. Old and wooden
things tend to work well in homes that have a lot
of timber and wood.”
Among the antique treasures is a large wooden
rectory table that sits in the centre of the
upstairs office. “It anchors that room,” says DeWiel. “Those
sorts of things we thought would work well.”
Finishings throughout the home, such as heavy
iron door handles and hinges made by a blacksmith in Nelson, B.C., are a nod to traditional
craftsmanship. Wrought-iron light fixtures and
chandeliers from Kichler’s Dover Series were
chosen for their timeless esthetic and ability
to stand out in a home that features dramatic
elements. “We didn’t want to have something really
modern-looking,” says DeWiel.
In the kitchen, a copper hood over the stove
(made by Hammersmith Custom Metal Crafting,
based in Calgary) looks like it was lifted right out
of a heritage home, while Kohler’s modern version
of the classic farm sink adds antique appeal
to the open-style kitchen where a large granite
island begs visitors to pull up a stool. “Some people want kitchens that are hidden
away and they don’t want their dishes showing
when they are preparing and their guests are in
another room,” says DeWiel. “We don’t live like
that. All of our friends come over and everything
revolves around the kitchen. So we didn’t want
the kitchen to be in one part of the house where
you couldn’t see the rest of the home.”
The home’s one non-traditional design feature
is an elevator located near the kitchen. The builder
advised installing two staircases because the home
is so long, but the elevator offered a much smaller
All of our friends come over and everything
revolves around the kitchen.
“This was a buffalo kill area for natives,” she
says. “There have been arrowheads found not
far from where our house is located, and we
have found buffalo bones on the hill just south
of the house. As the excavation was done for
the house, there were layers of buffalo bones
found in the ground.”
The couple’s appreciation for the historic aspects
of their property — as well as the timeless quality
of a post-and-beam home — is reflected in the
antique pieces DeWiel and Seger chose to furnish
their home. Large, timeless pieces made from
wood, metal and leather work with the home’s
classic esthetic and its sheer size, says DeWiel. “The great room is so large that you need to
have really heavy, big furniture to anchor it. Otherwise, it would look funny if you just had a little
16 | inside | SPRING 2012
footprint — and it’s proven to be more convenient
than the couple could have imagined.
“When we put it in, I thought, ‘Oh, I’ll probably
use it once a month.’ But I must use it five times
a day. It’s just so easy,” says DeWiel.
The couple’s two college-age sons enjoy coming
home to their own floor at the basement level,
which was dug out to let in natural light. A pool
table, kitchen and separate entrance mean they
never have to worry about disturbing their parents
upstairs — no matter how many friends they’ve
dragged home with them. The guest room on the main floor features
a 25-foot ceiling that gives the room a “grainelevator-type feel,” says DeWiel, adding, with an
all-glass north wall, the couple’s bedroom on the
second floor affords the best views of the river. i
Photos, top to bottom: The focal point of the home is a
round room with 30-foot cathedral-style ceiling inspired by
the Wickaninnish Inn’s Pointe Restaurant. The master ensuite,
meanwhile, is a showcase of stonework, while hand-hewn
timber throughout the home gives the interior an organic
appeal.
Opposite: A large granite island invites visitors to linger in
the open-concept kitchen.
Tables
aren’t just
for squares
anymore
by RACHEL NAUD
THE BOX
OUTSIDE
What has changed are the rules and our
openness to breaking them
Tables are not just for coasters and coffee cups
anymore — with innovative designs and materials,
they are not just functional pieces of living room
furniture. Instead, today’s tables are evolving into
fashionable design show pieces.
“Tables have become a real focal point in our living
spaces,” says Shaun Ford, president and creative
director of Shaun Ford Design in Calgary.
completely reinventing the design of the space.”
One design trend that’s hot right now is
clustering tables together to create a layered,
staggered effect. This works with tables of varying
height and sizes such as the Flute table by
Poliform, says Ford.
“It’s a really interesting look, and we’re seeing it
more frequently,” he says.
Mixing and layering materials in unexpected finishes,
from raw and industrial to dainty and glamorous.
“They used to be just functional, but can now
become pieces of art.”
While living room tables have traditionally
evoked images of boxy squares and rectangles,
they are becoming integral to homeowners’ most
sophisticated visions of what constitutes stylish
décor, adds Katie Eyre, a certified interior decorator
with Interior Living in Calgary.
“What has changed and evolved are the rules,
and our openness to breaking them,” she says.
“This has introduced new styles and fresh takes on
typical designs, applying finishes and materials in
unconventional ways and bringing back excitement
to a traditional concept.”
Eyre is seeing coffee tables in more intriguing
shapes, built with atypical materials such as granite
and glass.
“We’re also seeing brass, bronze and iron on very
simple, modern lines, as well as giant metal drums,
driftwood, mirror, smooth sculptural metals and
the combination of these,” she says.
Tables are also being used to contrast with other
items in the space, says Ford.
“For example, if you have a modern residence
and throw an eclectic antique table into the mix,
it’s something you don’t expect to see,” he says.
“It’s an interesting way to layer the space without
18 | inside | SPRING 2012
Mixing and layering materials in unexpected
finishes — from raw and industrial to dainty and
glamorous — is another growing table trend.
“The sculptural effects of some of these designs
are stunning,” says Eyre.
“A personal favourite of mine is layering end
tables over coffee tables. It adds so much luxury,
texture and depth.”
Coffee tables that have nesting tables, or benches
tucked below, are also popular, as are using tiered
coffee tables for additional storage.
For city dwellers living in tight quarters, the Lift
Table by Team 7 is a creative solution says Ford.
“There’s quite a bit of functional storage that
will be hidden away,” he says.
“It lifts to different heights and has a hidden
storage drawer, which is interesting because you
can use it to dine at or as a low coffee table and
everything in between.” i
Top photo: Ash and pewter coffee table blends rustic and
modern materials. Photos at left, from top: Dark silver/
brass iron coffee table has an old-world charm; pewter bronze
and glass coffee table makes light of a functional piece,
and cubic nesting coffee table with benches provides multipurpose functionality without sacrificing good looks. All tables
pictured are available in Calgary at Interior Living.
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On the scene
As a reporter for the Calgary Herald’s New Homes, New Condos
sections, Andrea Cox regularly gets up close and personal with the best
of the best in local home design and décor. Here are a few favourites
that caught Cox’s eye during her weekly travels.
In the round Crafted from stainless steel with
routed patterning, this circular coffee table has
an open centre — perfect for floating candles.
— Stepper show home in EvansRidge
SOAK IT up This architecturally inspired bath tub
features square edges and
defined lines. — Beyond Homes
show home in Marda Loop
20 | inside | SPRING 2012
SHINING EXAMPLE
Stainless steel and glass
mosaic tile give stylish
shine to a kitchen backsplash — Innovations by
Jayman, Nitro model in
Walden
INVISIBLE BEAUTY
Designed by Rectangle, these
architecturally inspired glassand-steel railings feature clean
sculptural lines. — Private residence, Calgary
Grill masters
Today’s barbecues make grilling a breeze by RACHEL NAUD
Calgarians love summer. After months of slaving over the kitchen
stove, the chance to grill over an open flame and under the open sky
is inspiring. And thanks to the latest grills to hit the market, there’s
enough high-tech gadgetry on the market to turn any grill master
into a regular gourmet.
Although barbecues are equipped with more bells and whistles, they are becoming less complicated, says Ross Mikkelsen,
president and chief grill jockey at Calgary’s Barbecues Galore.
“The triumvirate of ‘man, meat, fire’ is still in full swing,” says
Mikkelsen. “However, major improvements are happening in three
areas: barbecues are getting easier to light, easier to clean and it’s
easier to control the heat levels. Compare a barbecue from today to
a barbecue from 30 years ago and it’s way easier to use.”
The triumvirate of ‘man, meat, fire’
is still in full swing.
Yet just because grills are easier to use doesn’t mean they’re all
created equally.
“Barbecues vary greatly depending on their source of power,”
says Brianna Basile, associate at the Home Depot Calgary.
“Propane, charcoal and natural gas can have an effect on a
barbecue’s performance and taste.”
For instance, propane-gas barbecues heat up quickly and
provide a high level of BTUs for cooking. They are also available with multiple burners that have individual temperature
controls.
Like propane-fuelled barbecues, natural-gas barbecues heat
up quickly. Natural-gas barbecues require a natural-gas line
connection to the grill for setup, and are also available with side
and back burners, temperature indicators and storage cabinets.
“The greatest benefit of natural-gas barbecues is the readily
available, endless supply of fuel,” says Basile.
“Unlike propane gas barbecues, which need to be refilled,
you’ll never have to worry about running out of fuel in the
middle of cooking when you have a natural gas barbecue.”
Interest in charcoal barbecues is also heating up, despite the
fact that they take longer to ... well, heat up.
“We’re selling way more natural charcoal and charcoal
barbecues than we used to,” says Mikkelsen. “As a bit of a
convert myself, I can tell you that the results are usually better.”
As for added features, everything from extra burners to
rotisseries and even pizza stones is available on today’s hottest
grills.
One feature getting attention these days is the infrared
sear burner. This is a separate burner, either inside the grill or
attached to the side like a typical side burner, that produces
incredibly high heat very quickly.
In fact, the grilling surface’s temperature can climb up to 650 C
in just a few minutes.
“This is a perfect grill to sear your steaks with,” says Mikkelsen.
“It will give you a beautifully caramelized crust on your steak
If you like steaks, then this feature is something you should
consider.” i
All barbecues featured
are available at
Barbecues Galore.
22 | OUTside | SPRING 2012
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Built in Canada
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$ 949 Natural Gas
$
Cover
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• Up to 96,500 BTU's
• Infrared side burners & rear burner
• Ice bucket & cutting board
2349 Propane
$ 2399 Natural Gas
$
Built in Canada
Cover
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includ
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with pur
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with pur
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• 88,500 BTU’s
• Infrared side burner
• Heavy duty rotisserie
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$
1249 Propane
1299 Natural Gas
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6880 - 11 Street S.E.
Ph. 403.253.5442
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2745 - 29 Street N.E.
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California dreamin’
Calgary couple brings Palm Springs appeal
to multi-million dollar estate home in Bearspaw
by SUZANNE BEAUBIEN
There are a few differences between Peter and Tracy
Bissonnette’s Calgary dream home and their winter
residence in Palm Springs, Calif.
For one, their pool in Palm Springs is outdoors. And
two, it’s highly unlikely they would ever find themselves
watching as a moose gave birth on their lawn down south.
But at their $9-million home located northwest of
Calgary in Westminster Glen, Peter and Tracy have built
a backyard that lets them enjoy the best of both worlds:
year-round California resort-style relaxation with frontrow seats to southern Alberta’s wildlife on 1.2 hectares
bordered by a 7.7-hectare environmental reserve in the
Bearspaw area northwest of Calgary.
And the president of Shaw Communications still can’t
believe how lucky he is, whether he’s grilling in the family’s
custom outdoor kitchen as coyotes howl in the distance, or
entertaining guests around the stone fire pit while a fox and
her kits climb on nearby rocks.
As for their resident moose — nicknamed Daisy by the
Bissonnette family — they’re always happy to see the cow
and her calves when they return in the spring to the luxurious
mansion just a half-hour’s drive from downtown Calgary.
“We wanted something that was convenient, something that felt really confined — part of an environment
— but also part of the outdoors,” says Bissonnette of the
backyard.
bar area equipped with a cappuccino machine, oven, wine
fridge, dishwasher and even an indoor barbecue.
Digging out the pool, laying extensive stonework throughout and building the vaulted ceiling took a year-and-a-half
to complete, recalls McKinley Masters president Mark
Kwasnicki.
“It was pretty much no-holds-barred,” he says of the
spectacular add-on that won the builder Best Renovator’s
Choice at the Canadian Home Builders’ Association —
Calgary Region’s Sales and Marketing Awards in 2009.
Meanwhile, the backyard begs comparison to an allinclusive resort, with a custom natural gas fire pit that runs
the length of a stone countertop flanked by bar stools, an
Arctic Spas hot tub, as well as a gazebo from Rona with
another small fire pit by Barbecues Galore.
The large Duradek patio features an inset leaf pattern,
while the Colosseum-like rock garden provides a windbreak for the outdoor area. The kitchen, complete with
barbecue, fridge, and fire pit, and topped with copper
roofs, was custom built by McKinley Masters.
“It’s gone from a very lovely show home with no
landscaping at all, to a very, very beautiful home where you
can entertain in the front or in the back,” says Bissonnette.
Meanwhile a fully equipped screened-in porch located
off the dining room offers the Bissonnettes yet another
venue to enjoy the great outdoors.
It’s gone from a very lovely show home with no landscaping at all,
to a very, very beautiful home where you can entertain ...
“We wanted to be able to go out there, have some barbecue, sit outside, enjoy ourselves, have a little glass of wine
or two and then, frankly, I have to pinch myself. We are so
fortunate. This is a beautiful home. It’s our favourite home
that we’ve ever lived in.”
McKinley Masters built the 8,487-square-foot home as
an award-winning show home in 2004. The custom home
experts later built the backyard under Tracy’s direction,
adding a spectacular indoor pool that rivals anything you
would find at a five-star resort.
“When we’re there in the summertime, it feels kind of
like it feels like here (in Palm Springs),” says Bissonnette
from his home down south. And, thanks to the indoor
pool, even winters at the Calgary home have some serious
southern appeal.
In the home’s pool wing, Bissonnette’s personal recording
studio opens up onto the swimming pool area, which
features a waterfall hot tub, lounge area and restaurant-style
“On the deck, we have an enclosed screened area that
allows us to be outside in the summer when there’s lots of
bugs in the evening with a big roaring fire, and we have a
big-screen TV out there,” says Bissonnette.
Automated full-length Phantom screens keep the bugs at
bay and block the wind. A fireplace crafted from Montana
Chief Cliff ledge stone is not only cosy, it’s also another
great windbreak. The same stone was used throughout the
backyard in fashioning the kitchen and fire pit, and in the
pool area on the walls, the floor and the bar.
A former fashion photographer, Bissonnette now finds
himself fielding requests from friends’ families for portraits
on the grounds surrounding his home.
The home is now on the market, and when its new owners crack their first bottle of wine by the fire pit Peter and
Tracy built, they too may need to pinch themselves every
now and then. “We wanted it to be a stay-cation place.
When we’re there, we really enjoy it,” says Bissonnette. i
Opposite: The backyard begs comparison to an all-inclusive resort, with a custom natural gas fire pit that the runs the length of a stone countertop, an
Arctic Spas hot tub and a gazebo. The Duradek patio features an inset leaf pattern.
24 | OUTside | SPRING 2012
Elegance in
the elements
Outdoor retreats chic as any
room in your house by MARIA CANTON
Deep-seating sectionals, wide wicker rockers, bar stools, outdoor
kitchens, all-weather lamps and coffee tables with built-in fire pits —
this is not your parents’ patio.
Gone are the days when a picnic table and barbecue were considered a
complete set of patio furniture. Today’s trends focus on creating outdoor
spaces as comfortable and as chic as any of the rooms inside your home.
“The outdoor living trend has gone way beyond just putting out a
few lawn chairs,” says Aaron Schramm, the general manager of Wicker
Land Patio & Home Furniture, which has two outlets in the city.
“During the last four years, the trend toward creating outdoor living
spaces that are comparable to the interior of a house has just grown.
People are not really looking for dining sets any more. They want
all-weather sectional couches, club chairs, fire pits and rugs.”
The idea of creating an outdoor space that represents an extension of
your home has indeed caught on, even in a city known for its wacky
weather. The good news is today’s homeowners have myriad options to
choose from when transforming their patios into wonderland retreats.
The best place to start when creating the perfect space is to identify
what it will be used for: Entertaining? Dining? Relaxing?
“Once you know what type of space you want, start with a few key
pieces, like a couple of club chairs and a coffee table, because you can
always add to your collection,” says Schramm.
The most common patio furniture materials are wicker, rattan, plastic
and aluminum. For something more durable, there’s wrought iron or teak.
26 | OUTside | SPRING 2012
Many suppliers also offer products such as wicker and rattan made
from recycled materials, says Porch & Patio Outdoor Living co-owner
Jason Mancuso. “The quality keeps getting better, and it really does
stand up to all types of weather.”
Other big patio trends include deep-seating sectional couches with
full seat and back cushions, as well as fire pits. Coffee tables with built-in
fire pits are now a must have patio item, notes Mancuso.
There is a big push toward wicker and
rattan ... the quality keeps getting better.
Pull your whole look together with outdoor extras such as an area
rug, all-weather lamp or two, and plants — these pieces help anchor
and define your space, as well as provide privacy.
Accessories such as brightly coloured cushions, lanterns, side tables
and cantilevered umbrellas also help tie the room together.
“Outdoor living is such a huge market right now. People want to
live outdoors for a few months a year, and it’s never been easier than
it is right now to bring the comforts of indoor living outdoors,” says
Mancuso. i
Above photos: Wicker and rattan are popular materials for outdoor furniture, while
sectional couches and coffee tables with built-in fire pits are patio must-haves, say
experts. All pieces pictured are available at Wicker Land Patio & Home Furniture.
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Lighten up!
Spring is the perfect
season to rejuvenate
your space
by RACHEL NAUD
After a long, dreary winter, there’s nothing more refreshing than
sprucing up your home for spring.
By tucking away the dark wool blankets and heavy draperies and welcoming lighter, more colourful décor to your home, you can brighten up
your space — and your outlook.
“A fresh new look will make you feel better about your space,” says
Lisa Chapman, principal interior designer at LB Design Inc. in Calgary.
“It’s nice to have vibrant colours in the house to remind us that summer
is coming after a long winter. It steps us out of our gloomy
winter blues.”
The first step to giving your space a spring makeover
is to give it an old-fashioned spring clean. In fact,
being organized is on trend for 2012, according
to Dawn Syroishka, designer/owner of Phase 3
Design in Calgary.
“It’s important to keep things fresh, exciting,
pared back and organized,” she says.
“Organized is a trend of 2012. It’s about living
a simplified life.”
Yet don’t confuse simple with boring. In fact,
some of the hottest spring décor on the market is all
about getting you organized in a stylish way.
Wicker and sea grass accessories are some of the hottest items coming
out this spring, and they can be perfect for storing keys and knick-knacks.
“Also, instead of having dark accessories, lighten everything up and
de-clutter with coloured boxes and glass vases,” says Chapman. “They’re
fresh and open for spring and your space won’t be so cluttered.”
Once your space is de-cluttered, one of the easiest and cost-efficient
ways to give your home a “springover” is with colour.
Just as our fashions pop with colour in spring, so should our walls. So,
pick a feature wall and think citrus.
“Tangerine is a huge colour this
year,” says Syroishka. She also
says more popular shades
this spring include coral,
pastel blue and mauve
as well as soft whites
and light clay.
And if you don’t
want to commit
to painting an
entire wall, you
can still bring
in these pops of
colours
with the use
of pillows and
throws.
Put
away the knubby
sweater-like pillows
you used all winter ,
and replace them with
soft cushions in vibrant
colours and patterns.
Colour combinations
that work include green and fuchsia as well as blues,
yellows, greens and whites.
“Mix and match colours and patterns for a fun look,”
says Chapman “When you come into a space and see a
couple of blue cushions and then some with stripes or
with a floral pattern, it gives you a vibrant, fresh feeling.
It’s a simple thing to do but it has a wow factor.”
Chapman says popular patterns this spring include
anything zigzag, striped or Moroccan. And just as the buds
start to bloom outside, florals are in inside.
“There are so many beautiful floral patterns,” says Chapman.
“One pretty one has an outline of a flower in a fuchsia colour on a white
background. It keeps it bright.”
Windows are a focal point year-round. Yet in the spring, since we love
to open them up and let the fresh breezes in, it’s best to keep your window
treatments light and airy.
Organized is a trend of 2012.
It’s about living a simplified life.
Switch out your heavier fabric draperies for lightweight chiffon, silk or
sheer curtains in soft shades of white, nude or coral. Invest in a double rod
to achieve a light, layered look, something Syroishka says adds depth and
drama to a room.
“The more layers you incorporate within a single space, the more
polished and elegant it is,” says Syroishka. “You’re going to achieve a more
unique look and the space will look more special and extraordinary.” i
Springover: A fresh look for spring will improve your outlook. Bright colours such as
turquoise blue and lemon yellow, exotic prints and airy fabrics will give your home an
uplifting update. Before getting to the fun stuff, clean and de-clutter for best results.
SPRING 2012 | inside | 29
VINSTYLE
As wine collections outgrow the kitchen, in-home wine cellars
are becoming more common by ANNALISE KLINGBEIL / photos by ESTELLE BESSERER
Deep inside Bill Hornaday’s Springbank home lies a place that feels
as far away from Calgary as one could ever imagine.
A stone archway leads to a circular room where a deep brown wooden
arched door greets visitors. The lighting is dim and a rustic wooden
barrel in the middle of the room gives the space a warm and inviting
feel.
Welcome to Hornaday’s “home away from home” — a 1,900-bottle
wine cellar and tasting room that rivals what many would expect from
a full-scale winery.
As wine collections outgrow the kitchen, in-home wine cellars and
rooms like Hornaday’s are becoming more common.
“It’s a standard feature in many new houses now,” says Arnel
Marchand, owner of KoolSpace Wine Cellars, a company specializing
in wine-cellar construction and management services for local
oenophiles.
When Hornaday’s home was built, he wanted a space to house his
collection of wine. “I’m not a wine expert or anything,” Hornaday
says. “I just like drinking it.”
While the home’s design meant there wasn’t much room for flexibility
when it came to the size and shape of the room, Hornaday relied on
KoolSpace for much of the design and construction.
A window on the room’s left side shows views of the bar, and makes
the space feel larger, while the rustic alder wood with a walnut stain
sets the mood.
“The rustic alder has a little bit more character, and more flaws. It
just lends itself to a space like this,” says Marchand.
Hornaday loves the wine room’s window, which allows the dimly lit
space to be seen from the bordering bar. “It’s really nice in the evening;
you can turn these lights down and still see in the room.”
Thanks to a separate climate control system, the room remains cool,
at about 15.5 C. When it comes to the temperature of wine cellars,
consistency is key, says Marchand.
Designing and building wine cellars and tasting rooms comes
down to a delicate balance between esthetics and the care of the
wine. While design details like the colour of the wood depend on
customer taste, the care of the wine is always a top priority.
“Everything we do, we try and take into consideration the wine,”
Marchand says.
From specially formulated lacquers and stains, to lighting, insulation
and materials that are free of VOCs (volatile organic compounds such
as formaldehyde), there are a lot of factors that come into play.
“For instance, if this wine room was backing onto a home theatre
and there were speakers in the wall, the vibration from the speakers
can vibrate the sediment in the wine, so that really affects the wine,”
Marchand says.
Marchand’s company has built hundreds of wine cellars in Calgary
homes since 1999.
Stacey Burstall and her husband often buy varietal wines from
Osoyoos, B.C., and needed somewhere to put them. And so, they
built a wine cellar in the basement of their southwest Calgary home.
The Burstalls’ wine cellar is approximately eight by 12 feet, and
can hold 900 bottles of wine. The custom room features many details
the Burstalls chose, including dark wooden counters throughout, and
Opposite page and left: A window in
the circular-shaped wine room provides a
glimpse into the bar and lounge area, shown
above. The wine room’s rustic alder wood
with walnut stain lends some character to the
space, while a wooden barrel in the centre of
the room gives it the feeling of a warm and
inviting winery.
glass display cases. The room is completed by an arched door and
stonework below its single window, which shows views of the nearby
bar.
“I liked this rock because it had more of a European feel,” Burstall
says. “And, I wanted the arch door because it feels more like a classic
wine cellar.”
Burstall’s love of dark wood is seen throughout the space. She says
the hardest part of the design process was picking the gold-coloured
ceiling tile, a light and refreshing contrast against the room’s main
theme.
Burstall’s advice for those thinking of building their own wine
rooms is to be flexible.
“Take your time. It is a process and things will change.”
She says the room has become a popular place for entertaining.
“It’s definitely one of the showpieces in the place now,” Burstall
says. “It’s ‘Oh, come see my wine room.’” i
SPRING 2012 | inside | 33
cool design
Fashionable fridges find favour in the kitchen
Thanks to the latest advances in refrigeration, the ice cubes in your
cocktail don’t have to taste like the half-wrapped onion left in the
fridge last night.
Better lighting, bigger capacity and improved seals between the fridge
and the freezer compartments are among the many improvements being
made to fridges’ interiors.
But these days, they’re also looking better than ever on the outside.
Once simply functional, fridges are now also fashionable.
The most popular finish for fridges continues to be stainless steel.
“Any other colour is passé,” says Michael Seens, general sales manager
at Trail Appliances.
“The popular options used to be white, black and almond; even
further back there was harvest gold and mustard yellow. What were
our grandparents thinking?
“The stainless-steel look started with the more professional or commercial image — even luxury kitchens in the 1940s and 1950s were
stainless steel. It really is timeless, doesn’t date the way certain other
colours did and it has the allure of looking more expensive.”
Over time, as manufacturers have realized what customers want,
they have dropped the nickel ratio in stainless steel so that magnets
can stick to the exteriors of fridges. About 50 per cent of stainless steel
fridges are now magnetic, says Seens.
Other changes include the replacement of the side-by-side style
with french doors, and, in top-end models, the ability to convert a
freezer into a fridge and vice-versa with the flip of a switch.
Wine fridges made by Sub-Zero use a smart technology that
will communicate any change in temperature directly to the owners,
wherever they may happen to be in the world.
“People with expensive wine collections cannot have their fridge go
34 | inside | SPRING 2012
by BARBARA BALFOUR
down and compromise the temperature of their wine,” says Seens. “In
the next three to five years, Sub-Zero fridges will diagnose themselves
and reach out to the factory to ask for the service they require.”
When luxury fridges can cost upward of $10,000, most people
want theirs to be seen.
“They want it to be known that they have a Viking or a Sub-Zero
or a Miele,” says kitchen designer Amber Desilets, a designer liaison at
The most popular finish ... continues to be
stainless steel. Any other colour is passé.
Trail Appliances. “I would say that’s true about 75 per cent of the time.”
That might change down the road as homeowners trend toward the
fully integrated category — a switch from making a fridge a prominent
part of the kitchen to hiding it completely within cabinetry.
“A 48-inch built-in fridge in stainless steel can be beautiful, but some
people feel it is too prominent. If I have beautiful cabinets, it really
breaks up the symmetry of a kitchen by having this massive item sticking
out. So people integrate them into their kitchens,” says Seens.
Because most people want more capacity, fridges are also much
larger than they used to be.
“When I first started my job in the 1990s, they were 30 inches
wide by 65 inches tall. Today, they are 36 inches by 72 inches tall,”
says Seens. “That’s why the most important thing you can do before
coming to see us is to measure the opening in which the fridge fits.
Otherwise, your new fridge may not fit without significant renovations
to your home.” i
Above: The Miele kitchen shows an fully integrated fridge and a facing wine fridge.
STYLE
FINANCING
OPTIONS
AVAILABLE
67 Glenbrook Place SW off Sarcee Trail and north of Richmond Road SW • Calgary • 403.246.6266
141 Gateway Drive NE • Airdrie • 403.960.1030
Mon. - Wed. 9:30-6 • Thurs. - Fri. 9:30-9 • Sat. 9-5:30 • Sun. noon-5
www.mcarthurfurniture.com
SPRING 2012
| inside | 35
INTERIOR LIVING
Hardware
Plenty of choices when it
comes to knobs and pulls
When remodelling your cabinets or buying new, it is important
to find hardware that combines style and function. And the best
part is knobs and pulls don’t have to be bland or expensive.
So, whether you’re drawn to sophisticated and simple lines,
vintage-inspired knobs or funky finishes like Tuscan bronze
or brushed satin nickel, each of the following pieces is made for years
of durability. These knobs give your kitchen cabinets instant style:
Vintage elegance Glass
works beautifully in older
homes, and this piece recalls
an elegance of an earlier age.
The Victorian era inspires the
Venetian Glass knob by Newell
Rubbermaid, with it’s simple
1 1/8” diameter vintage crystal.
www.homedepot.ca
Everything Beautiful
WELCOME TO INTERIOR LIVING.
WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT WITH US AND EXPLORE
OUR EXCLUSIVE LINES OF HOME FURNISHINGS.
FURNITURE • UPHOLSTERY
LIGHTING • ACCESSORIES
HOURS MON.SAT. 10AM5:30PM • SUN. 12PM4PM
1124 10th Avenue SW
403.246.6240
INTERIORLIVING.CA
Rock star Designed by furniture designer
Ted Boerner from manufacturer Rocky
Mountain Hardware, the Shift Pendant drop
cabinet pull looks like it’s been hewn out of red
sandstone. Available in Calgary at Empire Kitchen
and Bath, the drop pull measures 1 1/8 by 2 5/8,
and is available in nine metal and patina options,
including our favourite, rust.
www.empirekitchenandbath.com
BIRD ON A WIRE Amerock’s
Village Classics Birdcage
Oval Knob is perfect for
those sophisticated kitchens. Available in oilrubbed bronze, the 66-mm
knob fits all cabinets. The oval piece sets
the standard for fashion and design.
www.homedepot.ca
Hot Potato The Potato Knob is a funky alternative
for all the foodies out there. Designed by the experts at Rocky Mountain Hardware, it comes
in two sizes, and is available in silicon bronze
and other light patinas. It has a smooth finish,
except for its characteristic eyes. It’s
available in Calgary at Empire Kitchen and Bath.
www.rockymountainhardware.ca
— JESSICA PATTERSON
FROM BIG
TRANSFORMATIONS
TO LITTLE UPDATES.
Get showhome-style renovations done right.
Updating your home is easier than ever with the experts at Cardel Designs.
Start crafting an inspired space today.
Call or click to learn how.
Confederation contemporary
Calgary designer transforms split-level home into a capsule of
cutting-edge modernity by ANDREA COX / photos by MICHELLE HOFER
“We basically had free rein to create something amazing. It was a
really unique situation where we could design specifically for the family.
With one child, there wasn’t the need to do three bedrooms upstairs,
and that just allowed us to be more creative.”
Rennie’s goal was to transform the home into a capsule of cuttingedge modernity, with open living spaces, elegant architectural lines, lots
of natural light and plenty of private spaces for everyone.
During the renovation process, he retained as much of the original
home as possible, salvaging the foundation and the exterior walls.
“We basically changed the entire interior layout, and created the
upper-level addition for the master suite,” says Rennie.
The idea was to change the flow of the home, reorienting rooms to
increase the square footage. The layers were restructured three dimensionally to create a two-storey open-concept lower-level living room, a
main-floor office and foyer, a second-level open-concept kitchen and
dining area overlooking the park, a third-level hang-out space and bedroom and bath area for the couple’s teenage daughter, and a fourth-level
master suite in the canopy of the trees.
Creating the backdrop for the living spaces, the home is now filled
with graceful and elegant architectural lines, which stand on their own
esthetically.
“I brought in an art consultant, and she had a really hard time —
she didn’t want to put anything on the walls because the home is so
beautiful as is,” says Sandra.
s
Six years ago, Sandra and Doug Porter purchased a four-level
split-styled home overlooking Confederation Park, with an eye to
eventually renovating its dated drabness.
“We lived in the home for three years to get a feel for the neighbourhood
and what we wanted to do with the home,” says Sandra, who is a stayat-home mom with a strong penchant for design.
The home, built in 1961, featured a layered design with a main-floor
living room, second-level kitchen and separate dining room area and a
third level made up of three bedrooms and a bathroom.
“The design was essentially non-functional,” says Sandra. “The only
shower was on the main floor, and the lower level was two-thirds crawl
space. Plus, we had no closets. My husband had to keep his clothes in
the spare bedroom.
“And, there was carpet everywhere — even in the back alley.”
The couple wanted to open up the spaces, while specifically tailoring
the design for their family. “We have a really active lifestyle, a teenage
daughter and a big dog,” says Sandra with a laugh.
After interviewing four or five designers, the couple met with Shane
Rennie of Rectangle. “We just immediately clicked with him,” says
Sandra. “He just got us and how our family works.”
Rennie, who is best known for contemporary designs that breathe
fresh life into older homes, says one of the most exciting aspects of
designing the Porters’ house was being able to create without stringent
parameters.
SPRING 2012 | inside | 39
s
Finishes are consistent throughout the home
and, as a result, the spaces feel continuous and
connected.
White coated walls allow the richly stained solid
walnut finishes and flooring to step into the spotlight. Railings sheathed in glass and framed in steel
carve out separation, but allow for transparent
transition between the rooms.
Pops of lime green enliven the space, and
thoughtfully chosen artistic fixtures round out
the décor in stunning fashion.
The kitchen is now the hub of the home
and features an L-shaped island and eating
bar.
“The way the kitchen is oriented now, it flows
with the way the family uses it — you can wash
dishes and look out into the park and socialize
and be part of what is going on,” says Rennie.
“We wanted to make the most of the shape. In
many of the inner-city homes that we are doing,
the layout is usually long and narrow, so we
couldn’t do something like this.”
Rennie recalls that at the initial design meeting,
Sandra and Doug mentioned they attended a lot
of dinner parties, but they never hosted any,
Sandra laughs at his recollection.
“Yes, we were always saying to ourselves , ‘Oh
no, everyone has to come to our house next,’ but,
now we have a great house for entertaining and it
feels like such a welcoming, open and fun space.
“Now I do a lot of cooking and we are loving
it.” i
40 | inside | SPRING 2012
The Porters gave Rectangle free rein to renovate their 1960s bungalow overlooking Confederation Park. The home’s layout was
changed entirely and rooms were reoriented to increase square footage. The kitchen, above, is designed with the family — and
entertaining — in mind. Pops of lime green enliven the clean white spaces while the iron sculptures of two climbers, purchased
at a store in Halifax called Attica, are a playful nod to the Porters’ active lifestyle. A main-floor bathroom has the personal stamp
of the Porters and the Calgary concrete artists who created the sink, who typically insert two items into their creations. The two
50-cent coins, dated 1961 and 2011, symbolize the year the house was build and the year renovations began. Says Sandra:
“My husband and I are into this renovation 50/50.”
WE HAVE THE RIGHT SOLUTION FOR EVERY RENOVATION
• Residential Renovations
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• General Maintenance and Repair
403-619-1379
• Light Commercial Projects
• Property Maintenance
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• Concrete & StuccoWork
www.loziercontracting.ca
Making a lasting impression
Hand-crafted furniture stands the test of time
by SUZANNE BEAUBIEN / photos by WIL ANDRUSCHAK
Birchwood Furniture Galleries craftsmen build their
furniture to last using materials such as lumber from
Golden, B.C. and soy-based foam cushioning made in
Calgary. Think of it as the 100-mile diet for your home.
42 | inside | SPRING 2012
The only problem with buying a hand-crafted
piece of furnishing is deciding whom to leave
it to in your will.
Because when you purchase a one-of-akind piece from a local craftsman like Michael
Holton, that’s how long you can expect it to last.
And it’s a good thing he’s young; with a
lifetime guarantee, the 32-year-old Calgarian
is committed to servicing the one-of-a-kind
pieces he’s been building for clients since 2000.
But using time-tested techniques like mortiseand-tenon joinery, Holton doesn’t think he’ll
have to.
“Most of the things you buy in stores are
very low-quality,” says Holton, whose company is called Joseph Carlyle Designs — named
for his grandfathers.
“In fact, they have built obsolescence into
the whole procedure. And I think the way the
world’s going, in terms of so much throw-away
garbage, there are clients out there who realize
that’s not what they want to support.”
Calgarians seeking quality home décor are
finding the benefits of buying locally made
furnishings are more than just owning a desk
that won’t slowly turn back into sawdust in
time.
At Birchwood Furniture Galleries, customers
can see the difference between the sofas,
sectionals, loveseats and recliners that are made
by hand in Calgary versus mass-produced
items shipped from overseas, says owner
Bryan Frischbutter. Birchwood proudly
displays a couch that is only half-upholstered,
so the entire frame, springs, foam and fabric
are visible. Birchwood even invites customers
to visit its manufacturing facility, located
10 minutes from the retail store.
“They can actually see the guts of what’s
inside,” says Frischbutter. “Some of our competition doesn’t want to show what’s inside,
but we have nothing to hide.”
Birchwood’s lumber comes from nearby
Golden, B.C. The soy-based foam cushioning it uses is made in Calgary. If a component
isn’t available locally, Birchwood sources it as
close as possible; its springs are made in Los
Angeles, and the only item it sources overseas
is fabric.
Consider it the ‘100-mile
diet’ for your home.
And though most customers’ first concern
is finding a beautiful piece that’s built to last,
they like knowing they’re supporting local
manufacturers, who in turn support other
Calgary companies, says Frischbutter. Consider it the “100-mile diet” for your home
“The bottom line is it’s made right in town.
You can touch it, smell it, feel it and you know
what you’re getting. It’s hand-crafted. You’re
employing people in your own backyard — in
your own city,” says Frischbutter. i
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THE LAST PAGE
Breaking the rules
by Michelle symon and emily sissons, B.Id
Domaine Fine Furnishings & Design
Long gone are the days of
‘matching’ when it comes
to furniture and design
Current design culture is becoming much more adventurous and
eclectic. By focusing on mixing styles, colours, scale and proportion
through the use of multiple materials, comfort levels and dynamic spatial
and furniture layouts, designers can create the well-travelled look.
The mixing of styles in a space is something that has become more
prevalent in today’s design world. The combination of a few styles in
an interior allows for a very dynamic final result.
An example of this is combining old with new, which allows today’s
homeowners the ability to embrace pieces from their past while at the
same time falling in love and adding new pieces to their collections,
creating a very interesting and vibrant attitude in a space.
Another common mix of styles is rustic combined with clean-lined
contemporary. This is a technique that works well in a city like Calgary.
Many people want to include design that celebrates the rustic elements
of our environment, such as the mountains and the trees, while also
celebrating the trendy and modern elements of the city we live in.
The interiors in which we live, work and
play are an opportunity for expression.
Another way of breaking the rules in design to create a more dynamic
space has to do with layout. Putting a room together with furniture,
accessories and lighting does not have to be a static process. Rather
than composing a room symmetrically, many designers encourage the
addition of other accent seating — for example, small sculptural stools,
poufs or a long tufted bench. These accents add variety and interest.
Each seating piece within a space does not need to match or be part
of a set, nor do they need to be side by side, parallel to each other.
Interest is added when certain pieces are turned at unexpected angles.
Another example of bringing this kind of irregular interest to a space
is dispelling the belief that artwork should be centred above a console
table with a pair of lamps flanking each side. It can be quite attentiongrabbing to offset a piece of artwork above a table to create asymmetry.
A tall lamp can be included beside the artwork to create balance.
Combining different levels of comfort in pieces is another way to
add interest to a space. Providing different opportunities for seating
comfort, such as a soft plush lounge chair paired with an exposed
wood chair, can be a great way to add unique design and also function
to an interior.
Plush pieces bring a softness to a space and allow for “curling up”
spaces, whereas firm and hard-edged pieces bring angles and geometry
to a space.
Living spaces are also becoming more expressive through colour.
No longer is it just about matching and co-ordinating colours. It
44 | inside | SPRING 2012
is also about thoughtfully combining conflicting or unexpected
combinations of colour.
A quiet, monochromatic scheme for a dining and living space could
be altered by the addition of a bright, chromatic colour to add interest.
A bedroom palette in greens and greys could be offset by the addition
of a bright pop of fuchsia. Colour is the most versatile and economical
way to change the look and feel of any interior.
The interiors in which we live, work and play are an opportunity for
expression in the objects and items we love. It is about expressing who
we are by showcasing pieces we have collected from the past as well
as pieces that are new-found loves of ours. It is about opening up our
minds and finding ways to both functionally and beautifully lay out the
spaces we live in without worrying about what everyone else is doing or
what the textbooks of the past tell us to do.
Ultimately, it is about keeping an eye out for balance and function of a
space, while at the same time, having the guts to break the rules. i
Dorthe, daughter
of a uterine
cancer survivor.
Who will you fight for this April?
My mom was diagnosed with uterine cancer at age 52 when I was still a teenager, and she
fought it with amazing strength and optimism that was an inspiration to our whole family.
Today, she is a happy, healthy woman who continues to inspire the people around her.
During the month of April, wear the daffodil pin as a symbol of hope and support for those
living with cancer.
Join the fight.Wear a daffodil.
fightback.ca
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