At this year's Ottawa Housing Design Awards, held Oct. 17 and 18, photo essays of renovations and new homes were submitted by designers, builders and developers to the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association's glitzy annual design awards.
The inspiring images included glossy photos of gorgeous kitchens, luxurious backyards and grand living spaces, some with elegant libraries and offices, all to emphasize the fact you can create a five-star lifestyle under your own roof. Here are captivating trends spotted among the entries.
Pools
Once considered a liability by some real estate agents -- what with the high maintenance and the short summer season -- pools are a must-have once again. Now with the option to throw away the chemistry set and opt for salt to control bacteria, viruses and algae, there is no longer the need to labour over the chlorine balance. Just toss in a bag of salt and relax. These days, LED-lit pools are the glowing centrepiece of a backyard sanctuary, where you can escape from the hectic world that extends beyond your driveway. And it's hard to find a major renovation without one.
White kitchens
What some may have considered staid and cold in the past, is now considered fresh and sleek.
The modern white kitchen has grown up, and now exudes an elegant style. Many designs were showcased with a vase of crisp white flowers or bowls of bright green apples to emphasize the clean lines and vibe. Some of the designs displayed shaker-style cabinets, mixed with glass doors. Durable cream or grey-toned marble, granite or quartz is typically used with a light-coloured backsplash -- all contrasted by a rich dark walnut floor.
Windows
In a country that is plunged into a deep freeze half the year, homeowners want to feel the warmth of the sun streaming through windows. Ottawa designers Urban Keios incorporated beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows in a winning Westboro home. The windows on either side of the gas fireplace ensures owners can enjoy the outdoors without actually leaving the warmth of home
Libraries
Whether you work at home, or just love to be surrounded by modern and classic stories, this room -- some designed with sitting areas, book bars, reading nooks and fireplaces -- is becoming a major trend. The private library/den is a retreat, where book lovers can read and showcase their rare editions and collectibles. Whether the space consists of simple and contemporary built-in shelving or soaring wall-to-wall shelves of exotic woods, the library adds a touch of sophistication to a home.
Quartz countertops
Move over granite and marble and make room for your cousin, quartz. According to sales representative Peter Hibbert of Marble Unlimited, whose business specializes in selling all three surfaces, quartz is catching on quickly. Hibbert says the big difference between granite and quartz comes down to maintenance. Granite requires the owner to apply a sealer, and if the slab is a lighter colour, you may need to maintain it yearly or it will stain. "The beauty of quartz is you can get into lighter colours and not have to worry about it." says Hibbert. "There is absolutely no porosity to it, there's no maintenance. So you don't ever have to seal it."
Mosaic tile
Much like the craze for cultured stone, ceramic or glass mosaic tile adds texture and a punch of colour to walls, bathrooms, kitchens and pools. With an endless variety of colours, textures and sizes, this feature can inject a unique spark into any room. Potvin Kitchen and Bath and Design senior designer Daniel Gauthier created a bit of mosaic magic in the ensuite off the master bedroom in his condo. Because tiles are impenetrable, and not easily breached by liquids, they are ideal for places that get wet often and are easy to clean with a wet cloth.
Walk-in pantry
Pantries are a chef's delight, keeping food, toasters and coffee makers organized and out of the way. Potvin Kitchen and Bath added this walk-in pantry using craftsman-style cherry cabinets and incorporating lots of counter space to complement the neighbouring kitchen, which features huge windows and great views, but little storage.
Wine racks, coolers, cellars
Whether your budget calls for a wine niche or a full custom cellar, there's no doubt these trends are hot. Incorporated into kitchen islands, cabinetry or basements, they are a coveted feature for the wine connoisseur. Whether formed with luxurious woods or ornate metal, the key function is to keep wine in an environment free of vibrations, light and temperature variations. Deslaurier Custom Cabinets entered a kitchen displayed in a Monarch home that featured a French country theme with a large island that features a cherry wine rack built into the end.
Breakfast bar
This feature has become the anchor of the kitchen, where cooks can prep while family members sits on a stool to watch, do homework, or sip a beverage. Potvin Kitchen and Bath showcased different variations of the breakfast bar, emphasizing the functionality. In one entry, Potvin added a raised breakfast bar to act as a screen to hide dirty dishes, while in a second design, Potvin shows an island and breakfast bar with dark chocolate cabinetry and thick, cream-coloured granite countertops that folds down to the floor.
-- Canwest News Service
