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$10 INSIDE: PRIZE WINNER KITCHEN FAUCETS HOME STAGING
BATHING BEAUTY A BATHROOM WITH A VIEW ▼
APRIL
HOME MAKEOVERDISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED
HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA
Respect: Redesigning an Arthur Erickson kitchen
Gold-metal winner: A glittering office makeover
Design first: What to expect from a design professional
First love: Jillian Harris’ home-decor hobby
PM
40
06
92
40
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 1 3/23/11 11:14:18 AM
beforeafter
Winner of the 2010 Georgie Awards Residential Renovator
of the Year!
www.myhousedesignbuild.com
Visit us online, meet our team and view an extensive portfolio of our work.
You Dream it... We Create it!You Dream it... We Create it!
Mention this ad and receive a FREE initial design consultation! 7683
c
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 2 3/23/11 11:14:20 AM
©2010 Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited. Arborcoat, Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks, licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co., Limited.
Ultimate durabilityCutting edge technology provides a finish that
outperforms the best alkyd stains on the market.
benjaminmoore.ca
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 3 3/23/11 11:14:23 AM
DEPARTMENTS
6 Editor’s note
7 Prize winner
27 Professional insights
28 Finishing touches
FEATURES
8 A little respect The right way to update an Arthur Erickson-designed
kitchen
14 On the cover: Twin peaks Delivering a tall order of luxury to two penthouse baths
18 Amazing space A downtown office redesign gets the gold stamp of
approval
22 Go with the flow Faucets that will change the look, feel and functionality of
your kitchen
25 Searching for treasure Reality star Jillian Harris brings new life to old furnishings
Cover: A
bathroom with a
view. Ema Peter
Photography.
See story page 14.
CONTENTS
18
8
22
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 4 3/28/11 9:33:24 AM
Thinking about renovations involving electrical or gas work?
Think permit.Renovations done without permits can seriously hurt the resale value of your home… or worse, your family’s safety.The best way to protect your family andyour home is to hire a BCSA licensed contractor and ensure they obtain the appropriate permits.
For more information, call us or visit our website at:
thinkpermit.ca 1.866.566.7233 (SAFE)
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 5 3/23/11 11:14:47 AM
EDITOR’S NOTE
Go with a pro
Change can simultaneously be exciting and
overwhelming – even a bit frightening. I
should know. Two months ago, when I agreed
to take over as editor of Home Makeover, I was thrilled.
Then, when I realized I had to put together an entire
magazine in a short amount of time, I panicked. That’s
when it hit me: when it doubt, turn to the experts for help.
In fact, I received so much support from the pros – former editor
Baila Lazarus, publisher Doug Holt, designer Randy Pearsall and our
team of talented contributing writers – in creating this issue of HM
that I decided to make this the overarching theme of the magazine.
Take our beautiful bathroom makeover (makeovers, I should say)
this month. Only a professional like Geralynne Mitschke could trans-
form two penthouse ensuites into luxurious, spa-like spaces, each
with a distinct look and feel. In Mitschke’s words, “They asked for a
‘wow factor,’ and they got it.”
And in the kitchen, Céline Pitre learned that her design back-
ground could be both a help and hindrance when it came time to
update her own home. This stems, Pitre says, from the high standards
she sets when she works on her clients’ projects: “I have great diffi-
culty … settling for less.”
We also spoke with former Bachelorette Jillian Harris, whose first
love happens to be home design. Now busy shooting ABC’s Extreme
Makeover Home Edition, Harris gives great tips on how you, too, can
find treasures for your home in the least likely spots. “It’s like finding a
good man,” she says. “It’ll just feel right.”
Finally, our staging experts – Heather Kleim and Heather Stewart
(but you can call them “the Heathers”) – offer practical advice on how
to prep your home for sale without disrupting your daily routine. And
designers Tom Bakker and Bob Ledingham give their joint take on
why the best bet for your next home-improvement project is to go
with a pro.
In design, as in publishing, working with experts is the best way to
ensure great results. As such, we’ve teamed with the Interior Design
Institute of B.C. to only bring you makeovers completed by profes-
sionals – people you can trust to fulfil your own design dreams.
Noa Glouberman, editor,
Publisher: Doug Holt
Editor in chief: Noa Glouberman
Design director: Randy Pearsall
Contributers: Tom Bakker, Ingrid de Jong, Heather Kleim, Baila Lazarus, Bob Ledingham, Vicky Noble, Heather Stewart, Joanna Tymkiw
Production manager: Don Schuetze
Advertising sales: Art Pouchet, Brett Stenner
Office manager: Katherine Butler
Marketing & events co-ordinators: Paige Millar, Aly-Khan Virani
System administrator: Les Valan
Subscription manager: Veera Irani
Controller: Marlita Hodgens
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 June: fresh
kitchen, bathroom
and amazing
space makeovers,
more tips from
the pros and the
first of our In the
Works series, each
of which follows
one design project
from beginning
to end.
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED WWW.HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA
MARCH HOME MAKEOVER
FSC logo here
$10 INSIDE: PRIZE WINNER KITCHEN FAUCETS HOME STAGING
BATHING BEAUTY A BATHROOM WITH A VIEW ▼
APRIL
DISTINCTIVE DESIGN, LOCALLY SOURCED
HOMEMAKEOVERMAGAZINE.CA
Respect: Redesigning an Arthur Erickson kitchen
Gold-metal winner: A glittering office makeover
Design first: What to expect from a design professional
First love: Jillian Harris’ home-decor hobby
PM
40
06
92
40
6 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 6 3/23/11 11:14:53 AM
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.
“
I was somewhat surprised, but very pleased to receive the call
saying I was chosen as the prizewinner for the April issue of Home
Makeover magazine. I finally won something: a gorgeous Alessi
silver bowl and a beautiful set of Peugeot salt-and-pepper grinders,
which I will most certainly use now that my home renovations are
finally completed … for now.
I only wish I had subscribed to the magazine a year ago, before I
started my renovations, because it is a wealth of information. It has
become my ‘go-to’ source for everything from architecture and renos
to decor tips, bedding, appliances and everything in-between.
I will keep every issue and always use it as a reference, not only in
my personal life but also in my professional life as a real estate agent
and investor, as it will be an invaluable tool. And I look forward to
giving each of my clients a subscription to the magazine.”
– Beth Connelly,
Home Makeover subscriber
PRIZE WINNER
This month, our draw prize
is the glass candle holders
shown on the cover. Visit
www.homemakeovermagazine.ca
for entry details.
Congratulations to our latest winner
Next issue, we’ll feature the winner of our
February give away: the contemporary glass
coffee table shown on our previous cover.
HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011 7
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 7 3/28/11 9:34:22 AM
KITCHEN MAKEOVERBY VICKY NOBLE
8 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 8 3/23/11 11:15:04 AM
respect
What happens when a designer decides to
update the kitchen in the Arthur Erickson-
designed home she shares with her archi-
tect husband? Céline Interiors owner Céline Pitre and
Vancouver architect Alan Endall found that their industry
expertise could be both a help and a hindrance in the
renovation process.
On the one hand, Pitre says that her knowledge was
beneficial (she knows, for example, what the best prod-
ucts are and where to find them). However, “it also hurts
like hell in the pocketbook because, frankly, we don’t
have the pocketbooks that our clients have,” she laughs,
adding that once she knows what a high-end faucet feels
like, it’s hard to accept an inferior item. “I have great diffi-
culty, and so does my husband, settling for less.”
The result of this couple’s demand for quality: a func-
tional, beautiful kitchen that – in keeping with Erickson’s
original esthetic – combines sleek, contemporary design
with warm, cherry-wood cabinets that echo the home’s
forested setting.
The house is one of a handful of properties in West
Vancouver’s Monteverdi Estates, a distinct subdivision
designed by the esteemed West Coast architect between
1979 and 1981. Perched atop a cliff, Pitre’s home features mul-
tiple decks, soaring windows and a private, natural locale.
“Part of living there is not forgetting that it’s Arthur’s
design that we need to respect,” she stresses, men-
tioning that her husband was also fortunate to work with
Erickson in the past. “I’ve often said, ‘We’re living with
Arthur.’”
The right way to update an Arthur Erickson-designed kitchen
A little
(Above) Cooking tools dangle from the upper
cabinets like jewels, within easy reach.
(Left) Stainless steel plays a prominent role in
the new kitchen, from the Sub-Zero fridge to the
Duhber door pulls.
Photos: Marcos Armstrong HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011 9
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 9 3/23/11 11:15:16 AM
While the blueprint for the new kitchen did not
change the basic layout of the room, Pitre says, “Where
we strayed away from Arthur’s design preferences is that
we did away with a lot of the white in order to bring in
the wood and the warm colours.”
The kitchen, she explains, could afford to swap its
formerly pale palette for a darker one because it is “see-
through,” with windows on either side filling the space
with natural light.
Stainless steel plays a prominent role in the made-
over room, from the Thermador triple oven to the Sub-
Zero fridge to the Duhber door pulls. Pitre also chose the
material for the sink, backsplash and counters, soldering
all three together to achieve a seamlessness that facili-
tates quick and easy cleanup. Because stainless steel
marks and scratches easily, however, it is best to wipe in
the direction of the grain.
“We’re careful to wipe it properly now, but, over the
years, we’re not going to be doing that anymore,” she
anticipates, adding that any future marks on the counter
will add to the patina that shows the kitchen is well
lived in.
Many details were customized to fulfil both husband’s
and wife’s artistic ideas: sliding chopping boards that
fit perfectly over the counter, a wine ladder that fills the
space between the back of the fridge and the adjacent
door frame and cooking tools that dangle from the
upper cabinets like jewels, within easy reach.
Though the kitchen is not large by today’s standards,
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
Though the kitchen
is not large by
today’s standards,
its U-shaped layout
is “ fabulous” for
two people to
work in.
A sliding
chopping board fits
perfectly over the
kitchen counter.
10 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 10 3/23/11 11:15:33 AM
AccuClean™ whole home air filtration system has the highest clean air delivery rate* of any residential air filtration system on the market today.
AccuClean offers home owners the most advanced way to filter and clean the air throughout your entire home, is 8 times more effective than the best HEPA room appliance, and 100 times more effective than a standard 1” throwaway filter or ionic-type room appliance.
No other air filtration system delivers cleaner air, or more of it - than the AccuCleanTM whole house air filtration system by American Standard Heating and Air Conditioning.
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The best air filtration system available.The AccuClean removes up to an unprecedented 99.98% of unwanted airborne particles and allergens from filtered air in your home and is the only comparable product that is proven effective at removing airborne influenza virus.
What’s more, AccuClean has been performance-verified by Environmental Health & Engineering Inc, reviewed by professors at the Harvard School of Public Health.
Only available through American Standard dealers.American Standard independent dealers are specifically trained on AccuClean products. If you would like information on the AccuClean visit AmericanStandardAir.com or call our toll-free number at 1-888-225-3626.
AccuCleanTM Whole Home Air Filtration. A new standard in clean air.
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The cutting edge of clean, comfortable air.
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 11 3/23/11 11:15:34 AM
E
Pitre says its U-shaped layout is “fabulous” for two people
to work in. As a result, the pair is eating at home more
often and entertaining regularly in the renovated space.
Contractor Upward Construction is credited with
keeping the project organized, on time and roughly on
budget. And, with the rest of the house, including the
living room, bathrooms, exterior and roof, also renovated,
Pitre says that she and Endall are committed to staying put.
“It was the kind of thing where we asked ourselves,
do we want to be disrupted for years on end or do we
want to do the whole thing at once and just suck it up?”
Clearly, the latter option proved to be well worth it. ∞
ResourcesCéline Interiors, www.celineinteriors.com, 604-687-0780
Upward Construction, www.upwardconstruction.ca, 604-790-0472
Thermador, www.thermador.com, 800-735-4328
Dacor, www.dacor.com, 800-793-0093
Sub-Zero, www.subzero.com, 800-222-7820
Franke Kindred Canada, www.frankecanada.com, 866-687-7465
BC Hardwood Floor Co., www.bchardwood.com, 604-637-1082
Brookside Veneers, www.veneers.com
E. Roko Distributors, www.eroko.com, 604-420-9599
Cantu Bathroom Hardware, www.cantubathrooms.com, 604-688-1252
Forever Windows, www.foreverwindows.ca, 604-231-0993
KITCHEN MAKEOVER
Warm, cherry-
wood cabinets
echo the home’s
forested setting.
12 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 12 3/23/11 11:15:41 AM
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0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 13 3/23/11 11:15:41 AM
BATHROOM MAKEOVER
Delivering a tall order of
luxury to two penthouse baths
The story began when Geralynne Mitschke was
given the brief: design two different luxury ensuites
for two penthouse condos in the same building,
the Atelier, in Vancouver.
“The developer [Magellen 20/20] wanted a classic,
timeless and luxurious feel for each bathroom,” says
Mitschke, interior design principal at Geralynne Mitschke
Design. “They asked for a ‘wow factor,’ and they got it.
Whenever people walk into each bathroom, they gasp
because each room is so stunning.”
Mitschke had already provided the interior design
for the rest of the condo tower, a new-build project at
833 Homer Street by ITC Construction Group. Each pent-
house was finished in the same urban-chic style with
contemporary lines that served as a starting point for
Mitschke’s vision.
The challenge: create two very different looks that
complemented the existing contemporary style of each
penthouse. Although they share the same floor, the two
rooms are very different. One has windows; the other is
an interior layout. They are like fraternal twins that share
the same genes but have different personalities.
“I designed both rooms to incorporate a sense of
luxury, while keeping the colour palette neutral so that
they each stand on their own, or can be accented with
colour later on,” Mitschke explains.
Both master bathrooms share certain elements, like
the sleek, white-lacquer vanities (both from Benson)
with silver pull handles and white-marble countertops.
Beyond that, they are as different as two siblings could
be; one is an extrovert, the other an introvert.
BY INGRID DE JONG
peaksTwin
Photos: (above) Ema Peter Photography14 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 14 3/25/11 11:27:37 AM
The extrovertWelcome to the spa above the city. This ensuite offers
shameless sky-high views of the city, perfect for a midday
mirage. Soak in the sights as you float in clouds of bath
bubbles from the comfort of a deep, rectangular Zuma tub.
Wall-to-wall white marble covers the bathroom’s
floors and walls, reflecting the natural light that streams
in from the panels of windows next to the soaker tub.
The effect is clean and serene.
Nearby, the vanity features double sinks with separate
mirrors. Rather than painting the walls, Mitschke hiked
up the wow factor with back-painted glass sheets that
reflect the light and create an ethereal sense of trans-
parency. Wall sconces light a subtle counterpoint to the
sheen of glass.
The column is clad in glass-tile strips that are repeated
in the shower. The curved sink cutouts, the gentle arc of
the Dornbracht faucets and the circular columns soften
the hard lines of the room for a perfect balance of con-
temporary comfort.
HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011 15
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 15 3/23/11 11:16:27 AM
Mitschke has created or personalize the spaces to suit
their own tastes with splashes of colour and accessories.
“Either room is a beautiful place to be,” says Mitschke.
“The styles are separate but both have a timeless ele-
gance to appeal to upscale urban tastes. All the buyer has
to do is move in and enjoy.” ∞
The introvertThis room is like a cozy city hideaway, rich with tex-
ture and warm tones – from the refined grasscloth
wall covering, which Mitschke obtained from Metro
Wallcoverings, to the modern black-and-white art prints
– both from the Vancouver Art Gallery Store – that grace
the wall.
Step into this ensuite and your eyes are drawn to the
main feature: an oval Kohler soaker tub that invites you in
for a soothing soak. Then you notice the ultra-modern,
chrome Grohe fixtures. “They are extremely well made,”
says Mitschke. “The European faucets and fixtures are
simple and stylish and always perfect in their proportion
and scale.”
The shower stall is clad in white marble and an accent
strip of tiles runs the vertical length of the wall to mirror
the tone of the walls. Beauty is in the details; the vertical
strip is made from a mixture of glass tile, white marble
and charcoal limestone.
The room’s contemporary design is reflected in its
linear details, from the large rectangular mirror and glass
shelf to the square sink cutouts and cut-glass tray of
perfume bottles. Recessed pot lights from MP Lighting
add depth and create a spacious appeal while remaining
unobtrusive.
The story of these two bathrooms is only begin-
ning. Whoever buys these penthouse suites can either
walk right in and enjoy the sense of timeless beauty that
ResourcesBenson Industries, www.bensoncabinets.com,
604-266-4700
Dornbracht, www.dornbracht.com
Geralynne Mitschke Design, 604-710-9237
Good and Quick Glass,
www.goodandquickglass.com, 604-273-1735
Grohe, www.grohe.ca, 905-271-2929
Ican Tile Distributors, www.icanceramic.com,
604-299-0146
Kohler, www.kohler.ca, 800-456-4537
Margranite Industry,
www. margranite.ceramstone.com, 604-435-4431
Metro Wallcoverings, www.metrowallcoverings.com,
604-736-9756
MP Lighting, www.mplighting.com, 604-708-1184
Vancouver Art Gallery Store,
www.vanartgallery.bc.ca, 604-662-4706
Vitraform, www.vitraform.com, 888-338-5725
Zuma Collection, www.zumacollection.com
BATHROOM MAKEOVER
16 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 16 3/23/11 11:16:41 AM
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_APRIL.indd 17 3/23/11 11:16:41 AM
AMAZING SPACEBY NOA GLOUBERMAN
Artist Markian Olynyk was asked to depict the raw gold veins and nuggets embedded miles below the Earth’s surface in his hand-sculpted glass panels.
goldSOLID
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 18 3/23/11 11:16:57 AM
Bringing beauty and brand to office-space design
When Eldorado Gold first moved into Burrard
Street’s elegant Bentall 5 office building, the com-
pany required only a portion of the floor that it
occupied. But, following a period of growth, it was time for
the international gold producer to expand, spatially, and
redo its interior to better reflect its business and brand.
The right designers for the job, Eldorado determined,
were Céline Pitre, Diane Riffell and Sharon Lum of Céline
Interiors in Vancouver. A 15-year relationship between the
two firms further solidified the decision.
“They realized that they could describe their business
to us very well, and that we were experts at translating
their goals, how they want to be perceived as a com-
pany, into an architectural expression,” says Pitre. “Getting
gold out of the ground is a dirty business with glittering
results. Our design of this corporate office had to illus-
trate that story in the time it takes to flip a gold coin.”
To do so, the designers – working with general
The staff lounge,
in tones of gold,
lies just beyond
the lobby’s double-
sided glass wall.
After photos: Brad Laughton Photographics HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011 19
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 19 3/23/11 11:17:12 AM
225 Smithe Street Vancouver BC (604) 688-3301 www.artworksbc.com
LEBLANC laem tong beach 30 x 60 inches
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.
contractor CDC Construction and consulting lighting
designer Margot Richards – decided to give the lobby
the impression not just of a gold mine, but the entire
life of a gold mine, from the rough, prefabrication stage
through to the refined end result.
The first step was to bring construction materials
that truly reflected Eldorado’s business – textured-stone
wall tiles, sleek travertine floors and veneer millwork
with stainless-steel insets – from the firm’s own mines in
Turkey, China and Brazil to its world headquarters in the
heart of Vancouver.
AMAZING SPACE
(After, above) The lobby gives the
impression of not just a gold mine, but
the entire life of a gold mine, from the
rough, prefabrication starting stage
straight through to the refined end result.
(Before, right) The goal: to transform
a corporate-looking lobby into a
space that truly represents one of
Vancouver’s foremost gold producers.
20 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 20 3/23/11 11:17:21 AM
Natural Stone At your fi ngertips
With over 600 colors and styles of granite:
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The designers opted to leave the lobby’s arched
ceiling in place to give a “cave-like” feeling without
choking the space. Where the arch is higher, Pitre et al.
created a wall with a “completely finished, simple, clean
panelled look.”
The wall below the lower portion of the ceiling, how-
ever, is treated with Turkish stone that exudes the desired
“unrefined” look. The effect is not only breathtaking in its
raw state, but perfectly juxtaposes the primal beauty of
gold mining with an elegant head-office design.
Another showstopper: a molten vein of mosaic tile
that flows the length of the lobby and beyond a glass
partition, offering guests an iridescent visual pathway
from elevators to reception desk.
“Beyond being an effective way-finder, this undulating
ribbon of gold very much represents the lifeblood
of Eldorado’s business,” Pitre explains. “People know
immediately it’s a gold company; they also know intui-
tively which way to go.”
The gilded river originates from a double-sided glass
wall at the far end of the lobby that serves as a stunning
centrepiece for the space. Markian Olynyk, the artist who
created the series of panels by hand, was asked to depict
the raw gold veins and nuggets embedded deep below
the Earth’s surface in his piece.
“Combined with the light in the lobby, the glass wall
glitters and achieves an expansion of depth in the space,”
says Pitre of Olynyk’s work. “It’s beautiful in photos, but
in person it’s drop-dead gorgeous – a golden tribute to
Eldorado and the beauty and abundance right beneath
our feet.” ∞
The designers opted
to leave the lobby’s
arched ceiling in
place to give a
“cave-like” feeling
without choking the
space. Where the
arch is higher, Pitre
et al. created a wall
with a “completely
finished, simple,
clean paneled look”;
the wall beneath
the lower portion of
the ceiling is treated
with Turkish stone
to exude the desired
“unrefined” look.
HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011 21
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 21 3/23/11 11:17:28 AM
flowTRENDS
Faucets that will change the look,
feel and functionality of your kitchen
JOINT EFFORTThe Kohler Karbon’s Swiss Army-like looks say it all: this
faucet’s no lightweight. Made of carbon fibre and brass,
its sturdy frame features multiple flex points that can
hold any pose, letting you tailor the stream to suit your
needs. Unlike other pull-down faucet heads, the Karbon
won’t hang limp (unsightly) or snap back (just plain
rude), and comes in several finishes – from black accents
to brushed gold – to fit any kitchen. 1,300-1,900 from
Ensuite Bath and Kitchen Showroom.
BY JOANNA TYMKIW
Go with the
FINISHING TOUCHEqual parts substance and style make Pilar Delta’s most
practical faucet to date. Thanks to Touch 2O tech-
nology, bumping any part of this faucet or its volume-
control handle turns it on or
off, reducing water waste and
decreasing the risk of dangerous
cross-contamination (salmonella,
anyone?). It can even decipher
between a grasp (when you’re
shifting it) and a definitive tap.
In stainless steel or chrome, the
Pilar is striking enough to stand
out, yet promises to fuse flaw-
lessly with your existing decor.
475-560 from Home Depot.
Photos: (top) Kohler; (bottom) Delta Faucets22 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 22 3/23/11 11:17:50 AM
Install a bathroom anywhere you need!
Self-contained toilet with
macerating pump
Pumps up to 9’ vertically and 100’
horizontally
Allows the connection of a sink
Uses approximately 38% less water
than a standard 1.6 gpf toilet
ONE GALLON
PER FLUSH!
CabanasUnder the stairsBasementsGarages
1-800-363-5874 | www.saniflo.caThe original plumbing solution since 1958
Easyabove floor installation
BONUS POINTSCraving a kitchen
faucet with all the
modern-day bells and
whistles, but crin-
ging at the latest
designs? Moen
had you in mind
when designing
its Boutique
line, focusing
on the soft angles
and classic accents that
figure in traditional kitchen
schemes. Best of all, this faucet comes
with bonuses aplenty, including a pause button and
extra-long (68 inches, to be precise) pull-down hose
for filling vessels beyond the confines of your sink.
Choose from various flow settings, including an aer-
ated option for potential water savings of up to 30 per
cent. 245-290 from Home Hardware.
CLEANUP ACTKnowing that big messes mean
big cleanups, Moen streamlined
its Solidad series to include as
few “nooks and crannies” as
possible. With over five feet of
length in its pull-down hose and a pause button for water flow, this
faucet lets you clean not only your sink but other parts of the kitchen,
too. Choose a strong flow option to blast away debris or switch to an
eco setting for a lighter rinse. Solidad even comes in a spot-resistant
stainless-steel finish that minimizes messy smudges and fingerprints
(chrome finish also available). 240-270 from Home Depot.
Photos: Moen HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011 23
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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.
PRO FORMAGrohe’s Ladylux deck-mount pot filler
puts professional prestige in your corner, let-
ting you fill pots right on the stove so you
don’t have to leave your cooking unattended
– just like a restaurant chef. Its jointed swing
spout reaches the furthest corners of your
cook top, eliminating dangerous reaching
over hot surfaces and providing an added
safety feature in your kitchen. Plus, its clas-
sically accented design and RealSteel finish
allow it to blend into professional and pri-
vate domains alike. 885 from Kitchen and
Bath Classics.
GOOD FOR THE GOOSERestaurant-quality kitchen items are
gaining popularity in domestic set-
tings, not just for their capabilities but
also for their good looks. To this end,
Vancouver’s Blu Bathworks has pro-
duced a sleek, industrial gooseneck
swiveling spout faucet in an exclusive
polished-chrome finish that works as
well as it shows. Its vertical design
saves much-needed counter space
and its high arch – not to mention
powerful pressure options – make it
perfect for tackling large pots and
pans. 750 from Blu Bathworks. ∞
ResourcesBlu Bathworks, www.blubathworks.com, 604-299-0122
Ensuite Bath and Kitchen Showroom, www.emcobc.ca, 604-872-3371
Home Depot, www.homedepot.ca
Home Hardware, www.homehardware.ca
Kitchen and Bath Classics, www.wolseleyinc.ca, 604-873-0004
TRENDS
24 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
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HOME DECOR
Reality star Jillian Harris brings new life to old furnishings
Vancouver designer Jillian Harris sure is busy these
days. She’s jetting around, shooting ABC’s Extreme
Makeover Home Edition and redesigning the same
Rocky Mountaineer glass-domed railway coach she
boarded with eight handsome suitors back in 2009. But,
when time allows, the one-time Bachelorette’s way of
relaxing is still connected to home design.
She’ll “grab a coffee and drive out to the ’burbs” to
find a unique piece of furniture to transform with her
own creative style.
“I can’t afford the 10,000 couch downtown,” says
Harris. “Finding my own piece gives me a chance to
breathe again. It’s also a trend. People are looking for
something unique that represents them. People are
looking to scrounge.”
Living in Chicago with then-boyfriend Ed
Swiderski, Harris would take opportunities to
go scrounging herself.
“Ed would groan when I said we were
going antiquing,” she laughs. “But he liked it
as much as I did. In fact, I think he even liked
it more. He found the table and chair.”
She’s referring to a brown seven-drawer
desk and wooden chair with a burgundy
velvet seat, which she painted white and
adorned with porcelain knobs, transforming
them into a lovely, romantic set.
“How I refurbish them depends on each
item,” Harris explains. “Each item speaks to
you. It depends on my mood. When I did the desk and
chair, I was in this romantic mood.”
Another find was a Louis XV cane-backed chair, which
she bought for 75 in New Westminster. For the seat
material, Harris wanted to complement the chair’s light-
coloured legs, arms and backing; she sourced some gold-
and-white Schumacher fabric from Anne Starr Agencies
in Vancouver and had the chair reupholstered on Oak
Street for 200. The end result makes a stunning addition
to her Kitsilano apartment.
BY BAILA LAZARUS
Searching for treasure
Former
Bachelorette
Jillian Harris’
idea of a good
time is still
connected to
home design.
Harris found this
desk and chair in
Rockford, Illinois,
when she lived
in Chicago with
then-boyfriend
Ed Swiderski. The
desk was $75, the
chair $25.
Photos: (right, top & bottom) Jillian Harris; (bottom left): Ed Swiderski HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011 25
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 25 3/23/11 11:18:36 AM
604-261-8875www.westsidewindows.ca
“It has new foam, new backing. Now that chair will last
100 years. It’s not going anywhere.”
When asked if she sets out to find certain pieces,
Harris admits she leaves it more or less up to fate. “First,
start off by not putting pressure on yourself to find some-
thing,” she says. “Go for a run and try to find stores.”
She adds that she likes the therapeutic value of shop-
ping locally and supporting the environment by refur-
bishing. She also recommends that, if you plan to do the
reupholstering yourself, don’t rush it, take your time and
“sand properly.”
These days, however, Harris can barely follow her own
advice. “Lately I have no time to do a whole lot of things. But
if I’m in a new city, I’ll go antiquing. If I see something I like, I’ll
buy it and send it back. I get a chance to go once a month.”
And what style turns her head these days? “It’s like
finding a good man, it’ll just feel right. Don’t try to think
about it,” she advises, adding that there is no right or
wrong when it comes to designing your own space.
“The way we dress, the way we decorate, people don’t
want a cookie-cutter space anymore. If you love a retro
tulip table and you want to pair it with a cane-back Louis
chair, go ahead. The theme to your house should be
whoever you are inside.” ∞
HOME DECOR
Harris found this
Louis XIV cane-back
chair at Scholar’s
Quay Antique Mall
in New Westminster
and paid $75 for it.
“Now that chair will
last 100 years. It’s
not going anywhere.”
Before
After
Photos: (right) Gregory Goode; (left) Jillian Harris26 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
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PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS
BY BOB LEDINGHAM & TOM BAKKER
Design first
All too often, we hear stories about design pro-
jects starting “on the fly,” and of homeowners
left feeling frustrated, stuck or like giving up as a
result – sad.
As professional designers, it’s our duty to coach and
instruct you, the client, before any work begins on your
home. Not only does a “design first” approach guarantee
a better outcome, it also addresses all aspects of a new
build or renovation and reduces cost. It’s cheaper to do
some preliminary work on paper than it is to experiment
with a builder.
From the very first meeting, it’s up to us to discover
who you are, what’s important to you and why you need
us. We need to listen, take inventory and translate your
dream into something tangible. In fact, it may be more
accurate to say that design comes second. Listening and
building a relationship based on mutual trust is, in fact, first.
As the first hour passes, the excitement mounts. If
we’ve done our job and painted a picture for you of the
possibilities, you should start to see what could be; if
you’re not moved by the discussion, we haven’t been
successful as designers.
In order to determine what you need and want, we
must try and learn everything we can about you in that
first meeting: what’s your home like? What kind of car do
you drive? What are you wearing? Do you have children?
Do you like to entertain? We’ll likely fire a lot of questions
at you – some quite personal (where do you prefer to
install the toilet-paper holder?).
Keep in mind: it is personal. It is emotional. It is
important that we “read” and understand you well. It’s
easy to build a nice home, yacht, hotel or office, but to
design something that’s completely tailored to suit your
needs, taste and lifestyle requires skill, not to mention
attention to the most minute detail, from appliances to
paint colours to lighting to countertops.
A designer once noted: “Your environment must
nourish you. If things are not working right or are in the
wrong place, you will be robbed of energy. Over time, it
will rob you of a lot of energy.” To this end, pre-planning
is the critical first step to a great, harmonious project.
This idea of “design first” needs to be better advo-
cated in our industry. If you, the client, entrust us with
your hard-earned money, we designers have an obliga-
tion to listen to you, to take you seriously and to be the
best possible stewards of your assets.
As the client, you deserve to know what you can
expect working with a professional designer. It’s our obli-
gation to properly prepare and design your project first.
It’s the only way we can fulfil – better yet, exceed – your
expectations. Every time.
Design first checklistBefore beginning a project on your behalf, a professional
designer will first determine the following:
What are your requirements?
What are your daily life patterns? How are you going to
use your new space?
How will you interact in the space?
How much space do you need?
What furniture do you own and wish to take with you?
Do you have children? Pets?
Do you entertain and enjoy cooking, or do you need a
good phone station to make dinner reservations? ∞
Photo: Brian Hawkes HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011 27
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 27 3/23/11 11:19:00 AM
FINISHING TOUCHES
BY THE HEATHERS
Putting your best home forward
Prepping a house for sale can seem like a big job,
especially when it’s a 3,700-square-foot space
inhabited by a family of four. When we were con-
tacted by the owner of this Lions Bay home, he told us
his goal was to sell his property by showing it in its very
best light – without adding any unnecessary disruption
to his busy family’s life.
We met the homeowner a few days after Christmas,
just as he was about to leave town on a month-long
business trip. His family members, however, were staying
behind, and would continue to occupy the house during
its listing. This automatically meant we had to create
(Above) Two
existing sofas
were shifted to the
main floor to create
a more polished
seating area.
(Right) Clutter in
the living room
took away from the
home’s incredible
beachfront view.
Heather Stewart and
Heather Kleim
Before
Photos: (top) Brian Hawkes; (after photos) www.lionellorence.com28 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 28 3/23/11 11:19:12 AM
solutions that worked with their daily routines and do our
absolute best not turn their lives upside down.
The kitchen, living room and craft area saw the
highest levels of traffic in the house. They were also the
most visible upon entering the home. As such, de-clut-
tering was a big part of this project; we wanted to pre-
vent potential buyers from being distracted by the “stuff”
and help them focus on the incredible beachfront view.
We shuffled the furniture around the house, shifting
two armchairs to the gym/den area and putting the two
existing sofas on the main floor to create a more pol-
ished seating area. The effect wasn’t just pleasing to the
eye, it also worked to draw your attention to the ocean
that was visible from virtually every angle.
Before staging, the busy family kitchen was a well-
used hub of the home. Only after tidying the counters
did we notice the spectacular natural-stone backsplash
that was sure to be a selling point for buyers. Without de-
cluttering this small detail would have been missed.
For practical purposes the dining area had been
moved aside for play space, but once we relocated the
sofa this room felt far too empty. We repositioned the
dining table to a more central location that provided
plenty of space around to ensure smooth traffic flow.
We then set the table to suggest family meals and
(Above) Tidying
the kitchen
counters revealed a
spectacular natural-
stone backsplash
that was sure to be
a selling point for
buyers.
(Left) Before
staging, the busy
family kitchen was
a well-used hub of
the home.Before
HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011 29
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 29 3/23/11 11:19:39 AM
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entertaining – a “trick of the trade” that lets potential
buyers imagine themselves living in the space with ease.
The craft area was a popular place for the kids, who
spent time creating their very own masterpieces there;
unfortunately, the space didn’t look like much of a
masterpiece. That’s where we came in. Because the chil-
dren still needed access to the room, we had to tap our
own creativity to make it show just as well as the rest of
the house. We packed all the items normally stored on
top of the workstations in decorative boxes and tucked
them out of sight (yet within easy reach of little hands)
and added drapery panels across the shelving unit.
In staging terminology, this project was considered
a “redesign.” We used what was already in the home
and strategically added a few key rental items to pull the
rooms together. By redistributing existing furniture and
carefully considering the daily lives of the homeowners,
we transformed this house into a property that not only
takes your breath away, but also maintains its value as a
fully functional home. ∞
Heather Kleim and Heather Stewart are The Heathers, col-
laborating on home-staging projects throughout the Lower
Mainland. www.theheathers.ca
MARKETPLACE
PROFESSIONAL INSIGHTS
Trick of the trade:
set the dining room
table to suggest
family meals and
entertaining. This
helps potential
homebuyers imagine
themselves living in
the space.
30 HOME MAKEOVER APRIL 2011
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0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 31 3/23/11 11:19:52 AM
At Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Hardware stores we listen to make surewhatever we do reflects your preferances, your style, your sense of personal comfort.From the planning stage to the last finishing touches, everything will be just as you imagined.
Come in and let us help you turn any plain area in your bathroom into a unique showpiece.A simple phone call or visit to your local Home Hardware Building Centre orHome Hardware store can start things rolling. www.homehardware.ca
At Home Hardware Building Centre and Home Hardware stores we listen to make surewhatever we do reflects your preferances, your style, your sense of personal comfort.From the planning stage to the last finishing touches, everything will be just as you imagined.
Come in and let us help you turn any plain area in your bathroom into a unique showpiece.A simple phone call or visit to your local Home Hardware Building Centre orHome Hardware store can start things rolling. www.homehardware.ca
0.00_HM10_APRIL.indd 32 3/23/11 11:20:05 AM