home makeover february, 2011
DESCRIPTION
Distinctive design, locally sourcedTRANSCRIPT
$10 INSIDE: PRIZE WINNER WASHERDRYER COMBOS DECLUTTERING
STARRY SIGHTS A VAN GOGHINSPIRED MAKEOVER ▼
FEBRUARY
HOME MAKEOVERDISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED
HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA
Cornered: A linear look creates the hippest bathroom
Bright ideas: Learn how to select bathroom lighting
Back to the future: A second look at inspired design
Timber treasure: Fabulous furniture with a green hue
PM
4006
9240
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Congratulations My House Design/Build Team! BEFORE
AFTER
renovations & custom homes
Serving the Lower MainlandCall or visit us online today!phone: [email protected]
7 Time Georgie Award Finalist for 2010
3 Time SAM Award Finalist for 2010
www.myhousedesignbuild.com
7664
B
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8
21
18
26DEPARTMENTS
6 Editor’s note
7 Prize winner
21 Green Change
26 New & Now
28 Professional insights
FEATURES
8 On the cover: A star is born Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night inspires a Fort Langley kitchen makeover
14 It’s hip to be square When it comes to making a small space work, it’s all in the details
16 Turned on Bathroom lighting done right
18 Second helpings In this followup to our coverage of the IDSwest show, we take a look at a few more of the local designers that made our heads turn
21 Diving for timber treasure A local company takes wood salvage to new depths
24 Polished pairs The best washer and dryer sets get the laundry done in style.
Cover: A kitchen
renovation inspired
by a painting.
Keith Henderson
Photography.
See story page 8.
CONTENTS
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WALLTITEECO™ and foammastersTM are trademarks of BASF Canada. MAKE IT RIGHTTM is a trademark of Mike Holmes. EcoLogoTM is a registered trademark of Environment Canada. Now HouseTM is a trademark of the Now House Project Inc. ÉcoTerraTM is a trademark of Les Maisons Alouette. EQuilibriumTM is a trademark of CMHC. The GREENGUARD Certifi cation ProgramSM and GREENGUARD Children & SchoolsSM are trademarks of the GREENGUARD Environmental Institute.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
So long, it’s been good to reno ya
Two and a half years ago I took on the editorial role at Home Makeover magazine with the goal of introducing readers to fantastic renovations, great
decor tips and advice on everything from architecture to zebra wood. This is now my last issue as I turn my
sights to other adventures.Through 15 issues, I have delved into drywall and waxed on
about woodwork, often stepping over the thresholds into homes, stores and show rooms where no other decor magazine has gone.
Often, when introducing myself as editor of Home Makeover, at a store opening, home show or even to a random real estate agent or designer, I would invariably get the response, “Oh, I love that magazine. I read it cover to cover.”
It’s that kind of fan reaction that has made the job so rewarding, as well as the fact that all our sources are local, so we are doing our part to promote the work of local designers, trades-people and retailers.
I have enjoyed working with our retail supporters to bring knowlege to our readers while bringing clients to their stores; with our contributors, who scoured backyards and back alleys to find stories of interest; and our design team who consistenly went the extra distance to create a beautiful-looking publication that is a source of pride for everyone.
We started several new ventures in the past two years, including a new magazine (re-style), reno workshops, booth makeovers at the Vancouver Home Show and a prize every issue for new or renewing subscribers. As the magazine moves forward, there are even more initiatives in the works that will keep the pages engaging, contemporary and thought-provoking.
The new editor, Noa Glouberman, will be familiar to readers as the name behind the kitchen and bathroom renovation features, as well as numerous other articles ranging from green walls to paving stones. She brings to the table solid writing experience and a fresh view.
I’m still floating around the BIV Media Group offices, but I’ve taken off the HM hat as I build my other passion - a business as a life coach. I hope you enjoy the new names, the new look and the new content and may all your renos be a breeze.
Baila Lazarus, outgoing editor,
Publisher: Doug Holt
Editor in chief: Baila Lazarus
Design director: Randy Pearsall
Copy editor: Renate Preuss
Contributers: Linda Chu, Noa Glouberman, Heather Kleim, Renu Singh, Grant Wing
Production manager: Don Schuetze
Advertising sales: Art Pouchet, Brett Stenner
Administrator: Katherine Butler
Marketing & events co-ordinator: Paige Millar, Aly-Khan Virani
System administrator: Les Valan
Subscription manager: Veera Irani
Controller: Marlita Hodgens
Office manager: Dennis LeBlanc
President, BIV Media Group: Paul Harris
Home Makeover is published six times each year (February, April, June, August, October, December) by BIV Magazines, a division of BIV Media LP, 102 Fourth Avenue East, Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1G2, 604-688-2398, Fax 604-688-1963, www.businessinvancouver.com.
Copyright 2011 Home Makeover. All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or incorporated into any information retrieval system without permission of BIV Magazines. The list of services provided in this publication is not necessarily a complete list of all such services available in Vancouver, B.C. The publishers are not responsible in whole or in part for any errors or omissions in this publication.
ISSN 1719-8712 PUBLICATIONS MAIL AGREEMENT NO: 40069240. Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Circulation Department: 102 Fourth Avenue East, Vancouver, B.C. V5T 1G2. E-mail: [email protected].
Next Makeover In April, we
feature all-
new kitchen
and bathroom
makeovers; a
small-space patio
reno; dishwashers;
and tips on
refurbishing
furniture from
local designer
and former
Bachelorette
Jillian Harris
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED WWW.HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA
FEBRUARY HOME MAKEOVER
Photo: Deo Cruz/DC Photography6 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
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Aesthetics are an important component of any interior design project, but a
professional interior designer focuses on much more than appearance.
Designing, redesigning, or renovating an interior space involves a significant investment of time,
money, and effort. Hiring a professional interior designer is the best way to ensure you get value
for your investment.
■ Balance functionality with aesthetic considerations
■ Help you define your needs and project goals and deliver engineered design solutions and
specifications catered to your needs
■ Get the most from your available space
To find out more about the IDI and for a list of your local registered professional interior
designers (RID’s) please visit our web site at idibc.org
WHY HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER?
www. IDIBC.org
REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN (RID) PRACTITIONERS SHARE THE BELIEF THAT DESIGN ENHANCES OUR ENVIRONMENTS AND MAKES A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR LIVES.
Following on the subscriber lunch where Donna Sylvester gra-
ciously accepted the subscription prize of the table setting
as displayed on the cover of HM magazine’s October issue,
Donna and her husband Brian invited my wife Tara and me for a
wonderful dinner at their beautiful North Shore home over the holi-
days. Fine food was served as Tara and I enjoyed the spectacular
view of Vancouver Harbour, Stanley Park and the city from their well-
appointed renovated dining room. Tara and I thank Brian and Donna
for inviting us into their home, and I welcome and thank Donna for
subscribing to HM magazine. 2011 promises to be an exciting year for
HM magazine, and I wish Donna inspired reading!
—Doug Holt, publisher
Next issue, we’ll feature the winner of our December give-away: an
Alessi silver bowl, as well as a set of Peugot salt and pepper grinders,
shown on our previous cover. ∞
PRIZE WINNER
Setting a trendSecond winner of HM’s subscriber award
This month, our draw prize is the glass table shown on the cover
Visit www.homemakeovermagazine.ca for entry details.
Publisher Doug
Holt with Donna
Sylvester, winner
of October’s
subscriber prize.
HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 7
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KITCHEN MAKEOVER
Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night inspires
a Fort Langley kitchen makeover
Faced with the task of redesigning a Fort Langley
kitchen to facilitate the homeowner’s passion for
gourmet cooking and casual entertaining, Linda
Jones of Vancouver’s My House Design/Build Team turned
to a post-impressionist Dutch painter for inspiration.
“When we met to discuss the project, the homeowner
brought out some of her daughter’s artwork,” explained
the registered interior designer. “She had done this little
copy of Vincent van Gogh’s Starry Night and I said, ‘That’s
what we should use for our design concept.’ We wanted
to add some sparkle and interest to the kitchen, and the
painting reflected that perfectly. ”
With van Gogh’s celestial swirls in mind, she and the
My House team, which included a second
designer – Jeffrey Rebiffe, who is no longer
with the firm – and builder Bruno Hoglund,
set out to make over the space, which Jones
described as “poorly laid out and not very
functional.”
Their first order of business was to
remove a wall that separated the kitchen
from a small, adjacent sitting room. With more square
footage to work with, the team was able to add such fea-
tures as a walk-in pantry, coffee bar and larger island to
the kitchen.
“The old island was too small,” Jones noted. “We
installed an eight-foot island with seating for four, so
BY NOA GLOUBERMAN
star is born
A
Vincent van
Gogh’s Starry
Night.
Left image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Vincent_van_Gogh_Starry_Night.jpg
Before
8 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
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After photos: Keith Henderson Photography
The eight-foot
island by Columbia
Kitchen Cabinets
includes seating for
four and is topped
with a maple
butcher block from
Richelieu Hardware.
The kitchen’s new
coffee bar includes a
Franke Kindred sink
with a Hansgrohe
Talis S faucet, a
built-in beverage
cooler and cabinetry
by Columbia
Kitchen Cabinets.
HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 9
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people can eat there or gather around the
cook. It’s topped with an eight-foot maple
butcher block for chopping vegetables and
doing prep work, and includes a built-in
microwave so the children can warm their
own snacks.”
To further indulge the client’s cooking
capacities, top of the line appliances –
including a 48-inch, eight-burner Viking
gas range with double ovens, a Sub-Zero
Preservation refrigerator and an extra-large
stainless-steel Franke Kindred sink with
industrial-style Hansgrohe Axor Citterio
faucet – were selected and arranged in an
efficient work triangle.
Focus was also placed on increasing the
amount of storage space in the kitchen. A
pull-out spice cabinet to the left of the gas
range and a pull-out knife rack to the right,
for example, create hidden places to tuck
everyday items neatly away. And the new
pantry, says Jones, is perfect for storing bulk
items.
The independent coffee bar adds further
storage with a wet bar, built-in beverage
cooler and shelving for stemware. It also
allows for hot and cold beverage service
with a round prep sink and Cosmic Black granite counter-
tops, as well as a backsplash of multicoloured, recycled
glass tiles.
“The backsplash and granite counters run throughout
the kitchen, tying the bar to the main cooking area and
creating a sense of continuity,” Jones added. “We also
included custom-painted maple cabinets up to the
To indulge the
homeowner’s
passion for
gourmet cooking,
a 48-inch Viking
range complete
with double overns
and eight burners
and a Sub-Zero
Preservation
Energy Star-rated
refrigerator were
installed.
A pull-out spice
cabinet to the left
of the gas range
and a pull-out knife
rack to the right
create extra pockets
of storage space
throughout the
kitchen.
A stainless steel
Franke Kindred sink
with an extra large
capacity is “great
for filling big pots”
and features a solid
brass Hansgrohe
Axor Citterio semi-
pro faucet.
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
10 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
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ceiling and task lighting all around to provide the right
amount of light for working at the counters.”
The under-cabinet lighting also works to bring the
backsplash to life; like van Gogh’s stars, the glass tiles
sparkle when illuminated. “You can really see how
the palette we chose for the backsplash ties in to the
countertops, walls and StoneCraft floors,” she said. “It all
flows together.”
Further influence from van Gogh’s masterpiece can
be seen in the ceiling, where glass cubed pendant lights
over the island and kitchen sink provide more sparkle,
not to mention ambient lighting in task areas. As well, a
circular drop over the dining
table mimics the circular pat-
terns in the painting.
“I wanted to provide a dedi-
cated space for lighting and
we accomplished that with this
unique architectural drop,” Jones
explained. “There is direct lighting
shining down from it as well as
indirect lighting coming from up
above, which gives the room a
glow and reflects our overall Starry Night design concept.”
Not only was the client “over the moon” about the
completed renovation, the kitchen has since earned My
House a spot as a finalist in the 2010 Canadian Home
Builders’ Association National SAM Awards.
“This was a very rewarding project to work on,” Jones
said. “We felt really inspired from the beginning and,
of course, to be recognized for your work is also very
exciting.” ∞
ResourcesBenjamin Moore & Co., www.benjaminmoore.comColumbia Kitchen Cabinets Ltd.,
www.columbiacabinets.com, 604-850-3538ET2 Contemporary Lighting, www.et2online.com,
800-486-2946Franke Kindred Canada Ltd.,
www.frankecanada.com, 866-687-7465Hansgrohe Group, www.hansgrohe.comMy House Design/Build Team Ltd.,
www.myhousedesignbuild.com, 604-694-6873Panasonic Canada Inc., www.panasonic.ca,
800-561-5505Philips Lightolier, www.lightolier.com, 800-215-1068Richelieu Hardware, www.richelieu.com,
800-361-6000StoneCraft, www.stonecraft.ca, 604-532-8001Sub-Zero Preservation, www.subzero.com,
800-222-7820Tech Lighting, www.techlighting.com, 800-522-5315Viking Range Corp., www.vikingrange.com,
888-VIKING1World Mosaic (BC) Ltd., www.worldmosaictile.com,
604-736-8158
Above: A circular
drop over the dining
table mimics the
circular patterns in
van Gogh’s Starry
Night painting and
adds a warm glow
to the room. Below:
the red carpet colour
is picked up in by
vase and other
decor objects.
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
Before
12 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
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La Scala is all about the Art. You want simplehigh impact systems which deliver the best music,home cinema and home control systems. We bringyou complete in-house design and engineering servicesalong with the best trained experts to create alifestyle system that delivers the Art right to yourfingertips.
Call us 604-606-1888 or check outour website www.lascala.ca
Collect Art Not Remotes.
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 13 1/25/11 2:01:28 PM
BATHROOM MAKEOVER
It’s hip to be When it comes to making a small space work, it’s all in the details
When Teresa Cain, principal of Interior Solutions
Design Group, decided that the time had
come to update the guest bathroom in her
home, she had just one item on her wish list: metallic-
brown porcelain floor tiles.
“They’re glamorous, with a bit of a sparkle through
them,” said Cain, who asked a consultant within her own
West Vancouver firm, Tiffany Karlson, to help complete
the transformation. “Other than that, I wasn’t tied to a
particular vision for the room, other than to make sure it
had lots of storage and a unique, modern look.”
First, she and Karlson opted to reposition the door
and shower and widen the existing window. Then they
painted the ceiling, covered the walls with light-coloured,
easy-to-clean porcelain and laid Cain’s 12-by-24-inch
square tiles across the heated floor.
In fact, square and rectangular shapes can be found
throughout the bathroom – from the crystal Schonbek
pendant lights hanging above the vanity to the unique
Kohler WaterTile square 54-nozzle showerhead. Karlson
says that this linear look makes the space feel more con-
temporary and organized.
BY NOA GLOUBERMAN
After photos: Randal Kurt Photography
Four-sided shapes
can be found
throughout the
bathroom –
from the custom
Interior Solutions
cabinetry to the
Kohler WaterTile
square 54-nozzle
showerhead. The
linear look makes
the space feel
contemporary
and organized.
square
14 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
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“The white shower tiles even have hori-
zontal lines running through them, like
Japanese tatami mats, as does the grain in the
natural maple wood cabinets,” she explained.
“It’s the subtle nuances that you don’t recog-
nize right away that set a certain mood.”
The same sort of attention to detail helped
the two designers squeeze as much use as
possible from the small, five-by-eight-foot
space. For example, they replaced the toilet
with a compact, rectangular “hatbox” model
from Kohler (which, besides being comfort-
able, “makes a great conversation piece”) and
carefully chose and installed open shelving
next to it for paper and towels.
“Had we not gone with the shelves this
would have been wasted space, since it is too
close to the toilet for traditional under-counter cabinets
with doors that need room to swing open and shut,” said
Karlson. “Instead of a tiny vanity that didn’t extend to the
wall, we came up with this solution, which gives us more
storage but is pretty to look at as well.”
The remainder of the custom-made Interior Solutions
vanity includes a Kohler sink and faucet, with ample
drawers below, a granite countertop and a ceramic back-
splash that picks up the metallic in the floor tiles. An upper
cabinet on the wall adjacent to the frameless, polished-
edge mirror is, according to Cain, “unusual for a bathroom,
but perfect for hiding nail polish, extra bars of soap, tooth-
brushes and toothpaste – all the things you need to reach
for daily but don’t want cluttering your counter.”
Another unusual concept that helps maximize the
space: a door-less shower. “Some people really splash
around in the shower, but [a door] is not an absolute must,”
Cain explained, adding that the stall’s frameless glass wall
ends where the water hits your
body, eliminating the need for
a swinging door. “Showering
without getting the room soaked
is a learned behaviour; it’s really
not a problem at all.”
The shower floor has smaller,
square versions of Cain’s metallic-
brown tiles, and its step is a
solid extension of the vanity’s
countertop. Both details create
the illusion of a larger space.
And though it includes a
bench for seating, the shower
is purposely void of storage. “I
didn’t want any of the shelves or
soap dishes you normally see in
showers, which tend to get very cluttered and somewhat
messy looking,” said Cain. “I just wanted to keep it really
clean and open.”
Rather, she and Karlson ensured that there was plenty
of room to store things in other areas of the bathroom.
“It’s a small bathroom but it has everything in it:
adequate storage with lots of leftover space, plus every-
thing is clean, contemporary and luxurious,” said Cain. “It
looks and functions exactly the way I wanted it to.” ∞
ResourcesBenjamin Moore & Co., www.benjaminmoore.comInterior Solutions Design Group,
www.interiorsolutionsdesigngroup.com, 604-922-8311
Kohler Canada, www.kohler.ca, 800-4KOHLERSchonbek Worldwide Lighting Inc.,
www.schonbek.com
Far left: The
crystal Schonbek
pendant lights
above the vanity
pick up the sparkle
in the metallic-
brown floor tile.
Left: The designers
chose a shallow-
depth “hatbox”
toilet from Kohler
to save space and
keep with the
room’s square-
shaped theme.
Below: The
bathroom, before,
was tired, dated
and needed a
makeover.
Before
HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 15
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ResourcesAlico Industries Inc.,
www.alicoindustries.com, 866-662-5426
Turned onBathroom lighting done right
In a bathroom that
includes his-and-her
vanities, each must
be lit adequately
and independently.
In this case a pair
of cylindrical, white
pendant lights
were hung above
each sink to ensure
enough brightness
for shaving or
makeup application.
BATH LIGHTING
In most cases, a
master bathrom
would require
more lighting than
halogen pendants –
like these glowing
bells from Alico
Industries – could
provide, but they
create a warm, soft
effect in a powder
room.
The trick to making
elegant pendant
lighting work in
a bathroom is
layering. These
fiery pendants from
Alico Industries
are supplemented
with pot lights in
the ceiling. Put
pendants on a
dimmer to control
the level of light
they emit.
Building a mirror
out with plywood
framing and tucking
a fluorescent tube
light behind it is
easy, economical
and gives a modern
effect. This example
only shines from the
top and bottom, but
you can customize
your own mirror to
light up around all
four sides.
BY NOA GLOUBERMAN
16 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
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INTERIOR DESIGN
Living on the edgeLive Edge furniture is made of Canadian western maple
brought down by storms or left behind by forest com-
panies and construction companies. Everything – the
milling, drying, design and product creation – is done
on Vancouver Island. The pieces show off the beauty
of this type of wood, finished to a “satin-smooth touch,”
according to marketing director Donna Roxburgh.
“Our favourite is the western big leaf maple,” said
president John Lore. “It’s sought after by luthiers, wood
turners and carvers for its exceptional colour and figure.
Tree growth takes place just beneath the bark. The rich
contours of this live edge give a sculptural quality to our
furniture.”
On its journey to become custom-made furniture, the
tree is milled into massive slabs, dried, designed, expertly
crafted and finely finished – all at the Live Edge studio on
Vancouver Island.
The result is beautiful West Coast Natural furniture
built to last for generations.
“The unique pieces command attention and conver-
sation,” said Lore. “Your guests will love the story of the
tree that became your treasure.”
Accompanying story books are available on request.
Second
In this followup to our coverage of the IDSwest show, we take a look
at a few more of the local designers that made our heads turn
BY BAILA LAZARUS
helpings
18 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
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Studio sensationsIf you didn’t know the Olympic cauldron in Coal Harbour
is actually made of glass, take a second look. The
colourful structure, which changes colour at night, was
partly formed with glass designed by Studio G3.
The company, founded in 1996 by Naser Niki and
Johnny Tse, uses sandblasting, etching and airbrushing
to take coloured glass into a new realm of beauty. Its
stunning work has made it one of the world leaders in
architectural glass technology. Whether creating a floor-
to-ceiling wall or a kitchen counter, Studio G3 has estab-
lished itself in the local and international markets.
It now uses a variety of standard or custom textures,
patterns, designs, shapes, sizes, colours and finishes.
Today, thousands of Studio G3’s projects can be found
in hotels, resorts, cruise ships, casinos, spas, institutes,
restaurants, corporate offices and up-scale residences all
around the world.
HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 19
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Sleek and simpleKlein Furniture Studio, founded by Robert and Naomi
Klein, started as a supplier of interior yacht furnishings
and moved to custom residential doors and built-in
cabinetry. The simplicity of the designs, with just a hint
of special detailing (such as a curved backboard on the
stacking cabinet) means they’ll fit well in any room.
“Most of my own furniture designs are simple shapes
that make the most of carefully selected and matched hard-
woods, and the profoundly natural and organic feelings
that natural hardwoods illicit,” said Robert Klein. “I find that
combining traditional joinery with contemporary furniture
shapes not only illustrates clearly that the piece is made out
of solid wood, but it adds warmth and a sense of craft.”
Wherever possible, Klein makes each piece of furniture
out of a single board. “This way, all the lumber is consistent
in colour and character, and I don’t have to use a uniforming
wood stain, which would obscure the natural colour.”
His Modernist cabinet is a good example, as is the
Organic line of case goods.
“Developing the skills of a furniture-maker is a long
process,” said Klein. “Building a beautiful piece of furni-
ture is a unique joy.”
INTERIOR DESIGN
Natural formationsAt Sticks and Stones Furniture, signature designs blend
wood and concrete “showcasing the tensile beauty,
strength and motion latent in the two materials,”
according to communications director Kaila Jarvis.
“Working with reclaimed wood products and recycled
materials, Sticks and Stones products convey a modernity
that appeals to the lifestyle and design of West Coast
living.”
The hand-crafted, polished-concrete Fire Bench
can be used both inside and out. “The eco-burner uses
ethanol fuel and does not need to be vented, providing
warmth and comfort while creating a beautiful ambi-
ence, perfect for West Coast living,” said Jarvis. “Each
Sticks and Stones piece is created to custom fit your living
and work spaces.”
Along with beautiful movable furniture, Sticks and
Stones also creates built-ins for kitchens, bathrooms
and fireplaces. The zebra wood island is one such extra-
ordinary example.
“Created in collaboration with our clients, this pol-
ished concrete and zebra wood island epitomizes the
essence of a Sticks and Stones signature piece – func-
tional, yet beyond,” Jarvis explained. “Breaking up the
surface by using a different colour and thickness of con-
crete highlights the social area while framing the unique
beauty of the zebra wood.”
20 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 20 1/25/11 2:03:31 PM
GREEN CHANGE
Diving for
A local company takes wood salvage to new depths
From the shores, cities and forests of British
Columbia to the underwater jungle below the
Panama Canal, Coast EcoTimber is making ground-
breaking strides in the forestry sector.
Its president, Alana Husby, comes from five genera-
tions of B.C. loggers and is committed to sustainable
forestry through local and international sourcing of sal-
vaged wood, including rescued city trees, wood from old
logging sites, driftwood from local beaches, beams and
timber from old buildings and underwater hardwoods.
“The Earth is calling for it – it’s a new revelation. When I
started this company, it was based on reclaimed, rescued
and rediscovered woods,” said Husby with a
smile. “I feel good, but more importantly, the
story is just remarkable with these woods.”
Remarkable, indeed – this Vancouver
entrepreneur is making history, as her com-
pany has secured the rights to harvest unique
and valuable tropical hardwoods submersed
80 feet in the underwater jungle of the
Panama Canal.
During the construction of the canal
in the early 20th century, then president
Theodore Roosevelt authorized the damming
of the Chagres River, creating Gatun Lake, the
world’s largest man-made lake at that time.
In doing so, an old-growth jungle the size of
Montreal was flooded and the hardwood species lost
beneath the water.
Almost a century later, Husby and international oper-
ations partner Arnie Dewitt have launched a salvaging
project in the Panama Canal in which loggers dive down
and cut the trees using submersible hydraulic chainsaws,
lubricated by vegetable oil, to reclaim the perfectly pre-
served wood.
As the log is released from tremendous underwater
BY RENU SINGH
At the Rocky
Mountaineer Station
in December, Coast
EcoTimber’s core
team – (l-r) Carole
Schwab, Sarah
Jane Hilton, Alana
Husby (president),
Challa Reisner
and Arnie Dewitt
– stands in front
of slabs of wood,
which can be used
to create customized
furniture.
The Patchwork
Table features
patches of end-
cuts rescued from
woodwork shops,
where they are
normally found
in the waste pile.
This mixed species
table will surely
be the centre of
conversation for
dinner guests, as
they touch and
feel the smooth
surface and ponder
the history of
the various trees
displayed in the
patches. Includes a
leaf and sits six to
10 people. $6,700
Photos: Paul Joseph
timber treasure
HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 21
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 21 1/25/11 2:04:10 PM
Registered Interior Designers are trained to listen to and understand your
aspirations and help you design effective solutions to achieve your goals.
Selecting a qualified Interior Designer is one of the most significant decisions
you can make.
HOW TO HIRE A PROFESSIONAL INTERIOR DESIGNER
www. IDIBC.org
REGISTERED INTERIOR DESIGN (RID) PRACTITIONERS SHARE THE BELIEF THAT DESIGN ENHANCES OUR ENVIRONMENTS AND MAKES A POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION TO OUR LIVES.
Take time to interview interior designers and check their references. Each designer should
explain their design process, how they work, and what they charge for their services.
They should also ask you about your needs, timeline, and expectations. It’s important that both
parties feel comfortable with the relationship before a contract is signed and work begins.
For the list of local registered profession designers (RID’s), please go to our member directory
at http://www.idibc.org/find/ , or on our web site you can find our member directory by clicking
on “FIND A DESIGNER” at the top of the page in the navigation bar.
GREEN CHANGE
pressure, it pops up to the surface. Before it sinks, as hard-
woods are quite heavy, the log is linked with a chain to a
barge.
Coast EcoTimber has been working with a local
Panamanian company, and the government has been
receptive, as their project has created employment and
raised awareness of sustainable foresting practices.
“We are really enjoying working with the people of
Panama and helping to facilitate an eco-forestry industry
there. The wood is stunning and the story is unbeliev-
able,” said Husby.
“I think getting a small section of the lake FSC [Forest
Stewardship Council]-certified was our first step to
having a world class eco-project on the canal. We look
forward to growing substantially in the next year and
training Panamanians in B.C. logging and lumber prac-
tices and supplying the world with our gorgeous, exotic
hardwood products.”
The canal hardwood species (Cumaru, IPE, Espave,
Zapatero and Cedro Espino) are not only extremely
strong, durable and rich in appearance, but auditors
These striking
tables feature
black walnut from
Courtenay, B.C.,
that originated from
fallen trees planted
by homesteaders
in the late 1800s.
The Waterfall Table
retails for $3,400,
while the Floating
Waterfall Table
with glass insert is
$5,400.
Constructed from
yellow cedar,
reclaimed from a
1940s logging site
on the Sunshine
Coast, the Sexy
Beast Bench is not
only insect resistant
but its tough wood
will withstand the
elements and be a
long-lasting piece
for both indoor and
outdoor spaces.
$3,2000
22 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 22 1/25/11 2:04:56 PM
Natural Stone At your fi ngertips
With over 600 colors and styles of granite:
vision into reality.
A worldselection of
13042 84 AvenueSurrey, BCV3W 1L2
604.599.4274 (HARI)TF: 1.877.599.4274 (HARI)FAX: 604.502.8478
and consultants
from the Forest
Stewardship Council
have also deemed
the hardwoods FSC-
certified (products
that are responsibly
harvested and/or
derived from verified
recycled sources).
Coast EcoTimber
has received local
and international
attention from architects, designers and furniture-makers
who are interested in incorporating the FSC-certified
Panama hardwoods in their work.
The company offers a range of services, including
sourcing and providing eco-friendly wood from B.C. and
Panama; designing furniture from rescued, rediscovered
or reclaimed wood; and sourcing and providing archi-
tectural wood products, such as decking, siding, mantles,
flooring, beams and character pieces.
As a child, Husby grew up in the Haida Gwaii (Queen
Charlotte Islands) and was adopted into the Haida Nation
as a honorary member of the Raven Clan, from which she
gained knowledge of traditional foresting techniques.
Encouraged by her father to pursue a career in for-
estry, Husby’s goal was to create a unique logging busi-
ness that used wood traditionally left behind.
At 35, she is a BCIT-trained forester, has earned the
Lumber Grading Ticket, which is a difficult accreditation to
obtain, and has studied with the very best in the industry,
including Glenn Fox and John Okamoto of J&G Log Works.
Now, Husby has added furniture design to her skill
list. She launched her inaugural collection in 2010 show-
casing stunning furniture pieces that illustrate the beauty
of salvaged wood and live edge. She hopes clients will
continue to tell the story of the wood for generations to
come, as the pieces are keepsakes and truly one-of-a-
kind. ∞
Spice up your indoor
or outdoor spaces with
the Daydream Bed,
made from reclaimed
Douglas fir, and the
Tatami Coffee Table,
constructed from
reclaimed western
red cedar from the
Sunshine Coast.
$2,300 for each piece
Made from
reclaimed Douglas
fir collected from
an old school on the
North Shore and
pieced together with
glulam for incredible
strength, the Love
Me, Love Me Not
hearts can be used
as one piece or split
apart into two side
tables or footrests.
This image shows
four individual units.
$1,200 for one unit
HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 23
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 23 1/25/11 2:05:27 PM
QUARTZ CORIAN SOAPSTONE GRANITE
WASHERS & DRYERS
Stylishly efficient, the latest models of washers and
dryers get your laundry spotless while adding
panache to your laundry room.
The newest laundry machines boast new features that
get your clothes cleaner and help them last longer while
being thrifty with energy and water consumption. Plus,
noise- and vibration-reduction technology are
allowing homeowners to install them prac-
tically anywhere.
On the washer side, front-loading models
are popular for their gentler washing, energy
efficiency and lower water use. The latest have
multi-directional wash actions for specific fab-
rics and energy-saving cold-water cycles. Steam
injection to deal with stains and odours is also
becoming available on more washers. And
new balancing technology to reduce noise and
vibration are available on high-end models.
In dryers, steam is being introduced
to eliminate wrinkles and refresh clothes
between dry cleanings.
The latest laundry sets also flaunt slick
designs, colours and finishes allowing home-
owners to add pizzazz to bland laundry rooms.
Here are just a few to ponder.
SamsungSamsung’s newly launched 520 laundry set, at five cubic
feet, is the largest-capacity front-loading washer and
dryer available. This model has a new foam technology
Polished The best washer and dryer sets get the laundry done in style
pairs
Samsung’s 520
steam washer and
dryer.
BY GRANT WING
24 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 24 1/25/11 2:05:40 PM
Celebrating 25 years in business!
Art Works offers:
* the largest selection of original art in BC
* 5000 moulding samples for custom framing and framed mirrors
Explore the possibilities Open daily. Parking available.
225 Smithe Street Vancouver BC (604) 688-3301www.artworksbc.comWOLCOSKI sturdies bay 60 x 96 inches (diptych)
LGLG’s flagship model WM3875HVCA steam washer uses
steam to boost cleaning and features six-motion washing
and a high performance cold-wash cycle. This model has
a special high-temperature cycle that removes 95 per
cent of common household allergens, said Darren Widas,
a sales consultant at Trail Appliances.
“Right now, LG is the only one I can see that is doing it
properly, that can add this allergen cycle and can claim
to kill dust mites and allergens,” he said.
The matching dryer also uses steam to freshen and to
reduce wrinkles and static and has a steam cycle to sani-
tize delicates and non-washables like pillows.
LG’s vibration- and noise-reduction system also allows
the machines to be installed on second floors.
The sleek, stackable set has colour LCD control screen
and comes in a popular graphite finish
At time of writing, LG’s WM3875 model was on sale for
1,450. Matching dryer was 1,150 at Trail Appliances. ∞
that injects bubbled detergent into laundry for deeper
cleaning and less residue, said Chelsea Naylor, merchan-
dise manager of appliances at Future Shop. The washer
features 13 washing cycles, an energy-saving cold-water
sanitizing wash and a deep-steam cycle.
The matching large-capacity steam dryer has 13
drying levels to economically and efficiently dry a wide
variety of fabrics, including woolens.
The set is stackable and comes in a chic platinum
stainless finish.
Quiet, low-vibration machines like Samsung’s can be
installed practically anywhere, said Naylor.
“One of our co-workers put hers in her walk-in closet,”
he said. “Why go three levels down to your basement to
do laundry when you can do it right in your bedroom.”
The 520 laundry set sells for 3,199 at Future Shop.
Huebsch Huebsch, known as Speed Queen in the U.S., has
been known for the dependability and durability of its
washers and dryers for 100 years. Its Model LTZA7 is a
space-saving, stacking washer and dryer set with extra-
large capacity. Built with more metal parts than most
makes, the front-load washer has a stainless steel wash
tub, seven wash cycles and four wash temperatures. It’s
matched with an electric dryer on top featuring three
drying cycles. Both are Energy Star qualified.
Huebsch’s domestic washers and dryers are commer-
cial grade and designed to run continuously, said Jack
McIver, owner of McIver’s Appliance Sales and Service.
Huebsch machines have excellent washing ability and
are very quiet. With proper maintenance, the front-load
washers can last up to 20 years, he said. “We’ve been
selling them since 1965 when they were built here, so the
track record on them is good.”
Huebsch’s stacking washer and dryer set sells for
2,995 at McIver’s Appliances.
LG3875.
Huebsch stacked
washer and dryer.
ResourcesFuture Shop, www.futureshop.caHuebsch Canada Home Laundry,
home.huebsch.com, 800-898-1879LG Canada, www.lg.com/ca_en, 888-542-2623McIver’s Appliance Sales and Service,
www.mcivers.biz, 604-879-5222Samsung Canada, www.samsung.com,
800-726-7864Trail Appliances, www.trailappliances.com,
604-278-6133
HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 25
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 25 1/25/11 2:05:44 PM
NEW & NOW
HERE’S WHAT’S COOKIN’Are you tired of all the utensils, dishes, pots,
pans and cutting boards needed to make just
one meal? New in Canada, the Thermomix
combines the functions of a stove with
that of a stand mixer and blender, saving
time and space. It’s a kitchen assistant that
will be making pasta sauce, soup, home-
made jam, stir fry, even ice cream in no
time. The Thermomix has been a staple
in European home kitchens for almost 40
years, the best of German engineering and
French manufacturing. Price starts at 1,599
including a Thermomix recipe book of your choice.
www.easycooking.ca
DOGGY NIGHT CAREWell-known for a variety of bedding prod-
ucts and styles, the Company Store has come
out with some great winter designs in sev-
eral products. Two of my favourites are the
Dog Days motif (left) and La Crosse colours
(right). Some options are all-cotton five-
ounce flannel, perfect for chilly nights, gently
napped for extra softness and machine-
washable. There are also 250-thread-count
cotton covers with 12-inch sewn-through
box construction that prevents the down
from shifting and with down non-allergenic
Primaloft Deluxe polyester microfibre fill.
Complete the look with appliquéd pillows in 100 per cent
cotton canvas. Dog patterns come in pug, chihuahua,
poodle and achshund. Prices start at 19 to 39 for flat or
fitted sheets, 24 for a pair of standard-size pillowcases
and 59 for comforter covers. www.thecompanystore.com
JAVA APPLICATIONBrand new for 2011, Breville’s Barista Express will have
you drinking latté art in no time. It’s got plenty of dials
and doodads to impress the finickiest of espresso-lovers,
and even if you are a latté learner, once the simple steps
are covered, you’ll never want to do without it. Separate
knobs adjust grind size, amount of coffee and use of dual
or single filter (dual for beginners, single for the more
experienced); its conical burr grinder helps keep the
flavour of the bean; grinding is one-touch with an auto-
matic stop; and it has an integrated magnetic tamper
that’s always right at hand when you need it. This time, it
seems, Breville has thought of everything. www.breville.ca
26 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 26 1/25/11 2:05:54 PM
Install a complete bathroom anywhere you need!
1-800-363-5874 | www.saniflo.caThe original plumbing solution since 1958
Easy and mess-free above oor
installation
Pre-assembled unit with check
valves included
SANITOP model also available for
half bathrooms
CabanasUnder the stairsBasementsGarages
NEW & NOW
BEAUTY ETCHED IN STONECombining the natural beauty of stone with exceptional
design concepts, Selezioni Innovative Stone Design has
created a line of product rich in splendour. Their recently
launched artistic stone panels come pre-assembled,
framed and backlit with LEDs and are easily installed
on any wall space as you would a painting. As well, the
company is developing a modular one-centimetre-thick
tile, infusing the stone with a metallic guild. The tiles are
manufactured on its premises and are suitable for any
wall application. Prices vary according to size, style and
application. www.selezioni.ca
HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 27
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 27 1/25/11 2:06:11 PM
A messy desk,
dining table or
dresser can look like
an insurmountable
challenge, but
following a step-
by-step process will
clear it in no time.
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS
BY LINDA CHU
How to get organized, be more productive and do what you want
Being disorganized is tough. It’s stressful. Maybe
your home or office is full of clutter. Or the elec-
tronic clutter that fills your email inbox seems
unmanageable. You’re interrupted. You miss appoint-
ments. You don’t accomplish your goals.
You’re not alone.
Eight out of 10 Canadians classify themselves as disor-
ganized, according to a Leger poll for professional organ-
izers in Canada. Among this group:
91 per cent feel that disorganization negatively
impacts their lives;
70 per cent who work say their workplace is
disorganized;
43 per cent report feeling stressed; and
39 per cent feel frustrated.
So how do ou get organized?
Time management and prioritizationUse a calendar and a single checklist to focus on what
matters most at any given moment. Know what your
high-priority tasks are and make sure you schedule time
for them or they won’t get done.
Vision and goalsFigure out what you want to achieve in your organiza-
tion, business, work, personal life. Do you know what
your company vision is? What are the goals you need to
accomplish to meet this vision? What are your short-term
and long-term goals? How do your personal goals fit into
your day?
Information managementTake an inventory of every item in your office and
understand how you access each item. Next, purge the
documents that are no longer required by business
need or regulation and organize them according to a
consistent process. Divide your paper files into active
information requiring action, reference materials not
requiring immediate action and archival materials. Make
the high-priority files easily accessible, move reference
materials away from your immediate workspace and
consider storing other materials offsite.
Managing emailProcess your email in batches and schedule dedicated
time to do so. Turn off your email notifications.
Work-life balanceTake back your time starting at 15 minutes per day. Ask
for assistance. Consider leveraging your routine admin-
istrative tasks to an assistant (virtual or otherwise). Also,
do not make yourself available 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. It is up to you to educate your clients and
colleagues. And turn off your cellphone and email after
hours. If you respect your time, others will as well.
The decide-in-five model of decision making1. Delete: Delete messages that are not required, like
you would junk mail inside an envelope.
2. Do: If you can complete a task in two minutes or less,
then do it.
3. Delegate: Even if you are ultimately responsible for a
task, you may be able to delegate part of it.
4. Document (in your reference library): We often
receive emails with information attached with no
action required. Save the attachment.
5. Defer: While processing your email, if you cannot do
any of the above, defer this action to you to-do list.
Tech savvy organizingEmail programs often have an electronic to-do list that
can be used to manage all your to-do actions. They can
often defer your emails by creating an action-to-do item
on your task list.
Just say no. Then say yesSaying no to one thing means you are saying yes to
something else. If you have already made a list of your
priorities, you’ll feel better about turning down tasks (or
requests) since you’re working towards your goals in an
organized way. ∞
Linda Chu is an organizing consultant and the founder of
Out of Chaos. For more information on her in-house presen-
tations or to sign up for her monthly newsletter, visit www.
outofchaos.ca.
28 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 28 1/25/11 2:06:28 PM
Top 10 do-it-yourself home staging tips
Thinking of selling your home? As we head into spring,
Metro Vancouver’s real estate market is gearing up
for an exciting season, and so are the home sellers.
Competition is usually pretty fierce out there, however
there are many things you can do to ensure your home
is showing in its best light. Homes that photograph well
and show beautifully sell quickly, not to mention for
better prices. With over 90 per cent of potential buyers
beginning their search online, it is imperative that your
home capture their attention. By following some basic
guidelines, you can prevent a prolonged listing or the
dreaded price reduction.
The way you live in your home and the way you sell
your home are completely different. If you were going
to sell your car, you would have it detailed and washed
before you advertised it, right? Home staging is the
equivalent of detailing your car. It is also one of the most
effective marketing tools you can implement when
selling your home.
I provide the following guidelines to all of my clients
who are getting ready to sell. Don’t forget to take “before”
pictures for your own reference; you’ll be shocked at the
transformation!
1. De-clutter. This is by far one of the most powerful
home staging tools you can use. Too much stuff
(books, knick-knacks, collectibles) is very distracting
for buyers and it takes the attention away from your
home. Pack and store one-third of your stuff; it will
have to be packed when you move so why not get
a head start? [For suggestions on de-cluttering, see
Linda Chu’s article on opposite page.]
2. De-personalize. This means removing family
photos, trophies, awards, religious items and any other
personal objects. People are nosy by nature; don’t
distract buyers with the photo of your family in Rome
or your collection of golf trophies. Buyers will switch
from imagining themselves living in your home to
reliving their Italian vacation or their last golf game.
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTSBY HEATHER KLEIM
Neutral furniture,
paint and art,
de-cluttered spaces,
tasteful accents
and a squeaky-
clean space all
serve to attract
buyers and garner
a higher sale price.
HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011 29
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 29 1/25/11 2:06:48 PM
604-209-3285 www.powerhousetile.com
POWER-UPyour powder room
With Smart Screen™ Leaf Protectionyou’ll never have to
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Mention this ad and get the installation
price of any of our products
$50OFF
Keep them focussed on your home!
Trick of the trade: If you have a gallery of family
photos on a wall and don’t have anything to replace
them with, try this: Buy sheets of co-ordinating decora-
tive paper from your favourite gift store that match the
colours in the room. Trace the outline of each photo on
the back of the paper, cut it out and place in front of
the photo in the frame. This is a great way to deperson-
alize AND incorporate a nice splash of colour.
3. Arrange furniture. The way your furniture is
arranged can have a huge impact of how the room
feels and shows. It is important that buyers can walk
around each room freely when viewing your home
without facing obstacles of furniture. Ensure that each
room of your home is shown as its intended use: bed-
rooms should show as bedrooms, not offices, etc.
4. Accessorize. To really get that show home feel,
experiment with the placement of your stuff that
is being kept on display. Display vases of similar
shapes in groups of three, buy some throw pillows
that match your artwork and try to keep the colour
scheme of each room consistent.
5. Add art. Art can dramatically affect the feel of a
room by evoking strong emotions. Peoples’ taste in
art varies drastically; it is important that the art you
have on display does not contain any nudity or reli-
gious or political themes. Decorative paper or fabric in
frames is a great way to prevent offending a potential
buyer.
6. Clean. When your home is on the market, it should
be so clean it sparkles. I suggest you hire professional
cleaners to give your home a good, thorough, top-
to-bottom swipe. After that, maintaining it just takes
a little effort each day. When a home is not clean,
buyers can be left with the impression that it’s not well
maintained, which can result in either a low-ball offer or
no offer at all.
7. Repair. Before listing your home, it is important that
all required repairs are addressed. Common repairs
include leaky taps, toilets that run, doors that don’t
close properly, loose tiles, chipped paint, holes in walls
and outdated hardware and fixtures. If you have brass
doorknobs, cabinet handles or light fixtures, they
should be replaced with silver-coloured hardware.
This is one of the most inexpensive ways to update
the look of a home!
8. Increase curb appeal. The exterior of your house
is the first impression buyers will have of your home.
Walkways should be swept and clear of all debris,
gardens should be weeded, lawns should be cut
and there should always be some sort of seasonal
greenery at your front door. If you live in a condo,
ensure your patio has been swept and has some
greenery present.
9. Paint. If you have lime green walls in your living room,
or your daughter’s room is bright pink, paint them
with more neutral colours. Painting has the highest
return on investment of all home improvements. It
also creates that move-in-ready feel that buyers covet.
10. Finalize open-house details. Here are a few tips
to ensure your open house goes as smoothly as pos-
sible: homeowners and pets are not present, garbage
is taken out, toilet lids are down, toiletries in bath-
rooms are stored out of sight, beds are made, curtains
are open and lights are on. ∞
Heather Kleim is the owner of Epic Empire Designs Home
Staging, 778-232-1864, www.epicempiredesigns.ca.
Décor items for kitchen staging provided by Fluff Rentals,
www.rentfluff.com.
MARKETPLACE
A simple table
setting keeps
the look of a
room clean but is
inviting enough so
prospective buyers
can see themselves
living in the space.
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS
Photo: Melanie Kelly Photogrphy30 HOME MAKEOVER FEBRUARY 2011
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 30 1/25/11 2:06:56 PM
604-261-8875www.westsidewindows.ca
0.00_HM10_FEBRUARY_new_07rab.indd 31 1/25/11 2:06:59 PM
At Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Hardware stores we listen to make surewhatever we do reflects your preferances, your style, your sense of personal comfort.From the planning stage to the last finishing touches, everything will be just as you imagined.
Come in and let us help you turn any plain area in your bathroom into a unique showpiece.A simple phone call or visit to your local Home Hardware Building Centre orHome Hardware store can start things rolling. www.homehardware.ca
At Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Hardware stores we listen to make surewhatever we do reflects your preferances, your style, your sense of personal comfort.From the planning stage to the last finishing touches, everything will be just as you imagined.
Come in and let us help you turn any plain area in your bathroom into a unique showpiece.A simple phone call or visit to your local Home Hardware Building Centre orHome Hardware store can start things rolling. www.homehardware.ca
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