Renovation & Design

Renovation & Design

Get organized before you decorate

It is exhilarating to take on any design and decorating project, but it can also be terrifying. We all know how things can go wrong resulting in disillusionment and, of course, a depleted wallet. Whether I am decorating my own home, or working along with homeowners (some unsuspecting) for my TV shows, I have learned the hard way that an overall plan is very necessary. Here's how I get organized and I think you'll discover that by taking the time at the beginning to put your thoughts, dreams and realities in order, your finished rooms will excite you even more than you imagined.

Begin with your budget: there's nothing more frustrating than getting half way through and running out of money. And believe me, you can work miracles on any budget, so don't be dismayed if you can't afford everything on your wish list. Choose a mood or style for your room and go through magazines and books, even photographs of holidays and restaurants you love, and gather together your favourites. Research is next. What's the latest in lighting? What are your options for floors and tiles? Which sofa works for your space?

I have produced an ingenious DIY Decorating Kit complete with tips and tools that will help you every step of the way. You'll find budget sheets, ideas for research and successful shopping, and my favourite techniques for choosing the right moods for your rooms. And to help you on your decorating journey I have given you real samples of a variety of materials that can make up a space, including flooring, fabrics and paint swatches. These are guides to how a variety of materials can work together.

Unlike decorating books, this kit is your own personal design bible that you can keep with you at all times. You never know when you'll see something that inspires you. Now you have somewhere to immediately file away that information until it's needed.

Dear Debbie -- I have never been a rash sort of person, but after living through a nasty break-up and an illness I have sold everything, and I do mean everything, including bed, furniture, dishes. I've bought a small condo with a sensational view of the ocean. I'm a 55-year-old man eating on the kitchen counter and sleeping on a futon. I want peaceful. Any ideas to get me started in a new direction?

--Albert

Dear Albert -- Decorating may seem trivial to many, but your surroundings are your life, and now you want peace and somewhere to recharge your batteries. First I would choose a colour palette that enhances this calm mood and also frames your incredible sea view. I'd paint the walls a delicate pale, pale green. This serene colour will make your view stand out even more. Then add a cheerful colour to one space; perhaps your bathroom could be a sunny yellow. Buy yourself a proper bed so you're not feeling like a student. There are so many cool modern platform beds which are low and their Japanese influence again enhances the relaxing effect. Soft flowing sheers on your windows and a few candles and you will have a wonderful place to call home.

I have one more idea, it's something I have just done. We are hearing a lot at the moment about 'vision boards'. Take a notice board and put it somewhere that is always near you. Stick on pictures of what you want for the future, maybe a picture of a mountain stream, a desert sunset -- whatever you would like to aim for over the next few years. You may not be ready for this yet and may think it's silly, but I love to look at my vision board and dream. Mine has a picture of the most beautiful farm in Tuscany -- my dream.

Debbie Travis' House to Home column is produced by Debbie Travis and Barbara Dingle. Please email your questions to house2home@debbietravis.com.

Do your homework before you begin your reno and you'll end up with an exciting new look that fits your budget.

Debbie Travis - House to Home
April 20

Renovation & Design

Art-filled home a work in progress

If ever a house proved that art and budgets can happily coexist, it has to be Sandra Young's home on the outskirts of Calgary.

Against a soft blue-grey palette, paintings and sculptures create an ambience of warmth and imagination in this bungalow, with family at its heart and art... well, everywhere.

"This is sort of our playground," explains Young, a designer who owns Willow Studio in Calgary. "We're very experimental here -- we have to practise so we know what will work."

We're sitting in the open-concept living area, where a compact kitchen acts as a cornerstone for a larger vaulted space separated into conversation and dining areas. The wall colour creates a sophisticated but surprisingly warm background, set off by trim and mouldings painted a deeper grey.

"I was thinking about a classic men's suit when I decorated this," Young says, adding that this is the second makeover since the family moved in eight years ago. Largely unfinished when they found the property, it took on warm, southern hues the first time around -- the current look is Young's solution for cooling things down without sacrificing the warmth and comfort that a family home needs.

"I go for things that stand the test of time and can be crisped up or freshened up with different elements," she notes.

"Think of a tailored suit that you can have for many years -- you can complement it with the perfect necktie and shirt that will give it seasonal variety," Young says.

A blond bamboo floor and white ceilings help to capture the prairie light streaming in through the windows and reflecting off the jewel-toned glass mosaic tiles that line both the fireplace surround and the kitchen backsplash. A stunning chandelier cascades from the ceiling above the dining table, while beaded track lighting highlights the rest of the space. It's the lighting that provides insight into Young's approach to design.

"We were on a tight budget and we had so many light fixtures to replace," she recalls. "We made our own light fixtures out of simple, cheap lighting kits that we added our own copper tubing and glass beads to. We've since started replacing them with some of the things we've brought in for the store... it's an evolving process. When you're working with limited materials and you don't feel it's OK to spend excessively, it brings out more creativity."

She suggests not buying everything you need for a space all at once, instead letting the design grow naturally. "I think building on what you have is more interesting than starting over," she says. "I'm fundamentally not a wasteful person."

Her budget concerns extend even to art, which she calls her biggest passion.

"Most of these paintings have significance for me, because they're from my design travels when I'm researching or studying, or they're artists that I've met -- and the occasional garage sale find," she says.

She's a big fan of supporting local artists, including Alberta College of Art Design students. In addition, her husband, Todd Young, is a metal sculptor who works with materials such as recycled steel.

Creating vignettes, or mini-displays that group several pieces together to tell a story, is a favourite trick, learned during her days in display design (think store windows). Young also likes to hang pictures in unexpected places or to pair them in vignettes with sculptures or even lamps.

Young emphasizes that whether your passion is art, antiques, fabrics or anything else, taking your time when renovating or decorating can pay dividends.

"It's a design and lifestyle journey," she says. "It's enjoying each aspect of it at the same time as envisioning the future and your ultimate home, whatever that might be."

For more information, see willowstudio.ca.

-- Canwest News Service

Budget-friendly, impact-creating tips

When you move into a place with stipple or popcorn ceilings, consider immediately (as in, before decorating or moving in furniture) scraping it down -- it's a chore, but it adds a more sophisticated touch to your space (and it's even more of a chore if you leave it until after your possessions arrive: that dust goes everywhere).

Paint-grade trim is cheaper than finished woods, and you don't have to worry about whether the different woods in the room complement each other.

Replacing kitchen cabinet doors saves plenty of money over replacing the cabinets themselves.

Move drapes around within the house: Handle different window sizes by using extra panels or borders, or by cutting the drapes down to size.

Create your own art by selecting favourite photographs, blowing them up in size and either framing them or transferring them to fabric to create soft accents such as pillows or wall hangings.

Reupholster dining chairs instead of replacing them.

Don't be afraid to mix old (such as an antique piano desk) with new (a modern chair) to bring your decor into the contemporary.

Work with a designer who understands what you want to achieve: he can help you pick out the decor elements that are working for you (and those that aren't), and help you use your items in the most up-to-date way.

: Yvonne Jeffery
April 20

Renovation & Design

Problem solved -- beautifully

VICTORIA -- Terry Johal transformed a rocky cliffside building lot that others had rejected into an award-winning showcase of his home-building skills.

Although the pie-shaped lot nestled on the side of Bear Mountain offered a spectacular view, a steep drop-off presented an architectural and engineering challenge that caused other builders to balk.

"Where others saw difficulty, I saw opportunity," says Johal, 31, a builder and owner of Victoria's Terry Johal Developments. "I also managed to get it for a good price."

Recently, at the Bear Mountain Awards for Building, Innovation and Design Excellence, judges recognized the extent of his efforts, awarding the house, which is also his residence, Home of the Year.

"I wanted the design to be timeless, something that will still be attractive 10 to 20 years from now," Johal says. He calls the West Coast-styled house a fusion of design elements of Victorian and modern contemporary.

His house designer, Bill Lunt of Mesa Design Group, agrees.

"Today's West Coast arts and crafts style, with its use of timber and natural elements such as rock, is classic," Lunt says.

Although he and his twin brother Dave, 45, drew up the design of the house, he says Johal basically knew what he wanted. They have worked with Johal over the last six years and have collaborated on about 12 houses together.

The 4,000-square-foot, three-level, three-bedroom, three-bath house is designed for entertainment. Both Johal and his wife Angela, 26, have extended family and friends in the area and enjoy staging get-togethers.

Visitors to the home will invariably pause in the foyer to take in the sight of the 22-foot-by-25-foot living room with its 18-foot ceiling, floor-to-ceiling wall of glass and spectacular views beyond.

"I made sure the great room, with its impressive two storeys of glass, was positioned to take in the view of the (Bear Mountain) village below," Lunt says.

The kitchen, with its dark-stained maple cabinets, adjoins the dining room.

Brazilian granite is used for cabinet countertops as well as the island.

The separate formal dining room's ceiling is coffered. Wainscotting and a heavy crown moulding are used throughout the house.

A mud room/laundry room is just off the two-car garage. A home office and a powder room are also on the main level of the house.

Wide-plank Brazilian cherry wood flooring is found throughout the main level. In the front entryway, the floor is inlaid with travertine limestone and slate. All three bedrooms are found on the upper level, far away from the activities and any noise from below. The master bedroom comes with a walk-in closet and a spa-like ensuite, complete with a two-sided fireplace and skylight. A Juliet balcony takes in the views that include Bear Mountain village at the bottom of the mountain.

One of the bedrooms is the nursery for Jagger, the couple's seven-month-old baby boy.

The last bedroom serves as guest accommodation.

While the formal entertainment might be on the main level, most men will be attracted to the action on the lower level.

"It's the dream basement," Lunt says.

Built onto a natural shelf on the side of the mountain, the lower level includes a media room, complete with five soft leather seats facing a rear-projection, 100-inch screen. It competes for attention with a billiards room, complete with a formal bar.

A well-equipped exercise room with an infrared sauna and bathroom rounds out the lower level.

Entertainment continues outside, weather permitting, with a gazebo and hot tub.

Landscape architect Jason Parks's task was to provide as much patio area as possible, yet balance it with the elements of a Zen garden -- a hobby of Johal's.

"Because of the steep slope, designing a multi-use garden was a challenge," says Parks, with 19 years of garden construction and design experience. He still managed to incorporate a koi pond into the design.

"I believe a water feature should be included into a garden whenever possible," Parks says.

Apart from awards from his peers, Johal also has satisfied customers who are just as enamoured of his work.

Kate and Steve Diskin are living in a 2,860-square-foot, four-bedroom, four-bath house that Johal built in 2005. The house was also a winner at the Bear Mountain Awards, winning the category for best single-family home under 4,000 square feet. They were so impressed with the design and quality of their house that they have commissioned him to construct another one for them.

"It is difficult to try to express the wonderful, welcoming feeling this house has," says Kate, a clinical psychologist originally from Calgary.

"While the design is simple and discreet, there is a qualitative difference that can be felt."

When she and her husband decided to build their dream home they wanted Johal to do it again. She says that not only is Johal good at building, he is also good at organizing and getting everybody to work as a team on the house.

"He's quite remarkable."

-- Canwest News Service

: Pedro Arrais
April 20

Renovation & Design

Solutions: Different fabrics require different care

A little maintenance can go a long way to preserve the life of fabrics. Take care of spills and stains and address them immediately rather than allowing them to become ingrained.

1. WOOL: With proper care, the natural qualities of wool can be maintained for years. If you give wool clothing a 24-hour rest between wearing it, will shed wrinkles and return to its original shape. Hang woven wool garments on shaped or padded hangers. Store knits gently folded in drawers. Brush wool clothing to remove surface oil. Use a damp sponge for knits and finer fabrics. Refresh wool garments immediately after wearing or unpacking by hanging them in a steamy bathroom. Moisture from the steam removes wrinkles. If wool gets wet, dry the garment at room temperature away from heat. If there's a nap, brush with the nap. Remove spots and stains promptly.

2. HEMP: Hemp has been used in the making of clothing, rope and canvas fabrics for centuries. Before the Industrial Revolution, most textiles worn throughout the world were made using hemp. Fabrics made from hemp are traditionally stronger, more durable and more insulating and absorbent than many other materials available. On average, hemp fibres last three times longer than cotton. Traditionally, a coarser fibre was used to make canvas and rope; advances in breeding the plant have resulted in a much softer and finer fabric ideal for weaving into cloth for clothing. Never use bleach on hemp fabrics and avoid detergents containing Optical Brightening Agents (OBA's). Recommended water temperature of 120 degrees F. is fine for most colour-fast or undyed hemp fabrics. Tumble dry.

3. COTTON: Cotton is probably one of the most common fabrics you're likely to have in your home. Cotton is a natural fibre and is used in a wide variety of clothing and home furnishings. Cotton is easily washed and/or dry cleaned. Cotton has a tendency to wrinkle very easily, however cotton/polyester blends have gained popularity. Many people prefer the year-round "breathing" and lack of pilling of 100 per cent cotton.

4. SILK: Silk is a protein fibre, more similar to wool than to cotton. It is very similar to human hair. Remembering this will help when you think about how to wash or clean it. Silk is extremely strong, but repeated exposure to the sun will erode the fibre. As a result, silk fabrics are not the best choice for curtains and draperies. The colours in your silk will undoubtedly fade over time, even when permanent dyes have been used and they have been professionally set. Reds are particularly sensitive to running and fading. Store your silk away from exposure to light, especially direct sunlight. Washing silk may also cause excess dye to discharge. When in doubt, dry clean the garment or item.

5. RAYON: Some rayon fabrics should be dry cleaned, while other types of fabric and garment construction are such that they can be hand or machine-washed. For washable items, follow this guide: Use mild lukewarm or cool suds. Gently squeeze suds through fabric and rinse in lukewarm water. Do not wring or twist the article. Smooth or shake out article and place on a non-rust hanger to dry. Rayon sweaters should be dried flat. Press the article while damp on the wrong side with the iron at a moderate setting. Between wearings, rayon articles may be pressed with a cool iron. Steamers as opposed to traditional irons are perfect for rayon. Rayon is a popular choice for: Blouses, dresses, jackets, lingerie, linings, pants, sport shirts, sportswear, suits, ties, work clothes, bedspreads, blankets, curtains, draperies, sheets, slipcovers, tablecloths, upholstery.

6. LYCRA: Originally developed as a replacement for rubber, LYCRA®, by DuPont, is remarkable for its ability to stretch many times its original length -- and then snap back to its starting size with no loss to its spring. There is really no such thing as a commercially available fabric made entirely of Lycra; it is never used alone, it is always combined with another fibre (or fibres), both natural or manmade. As little as two per cent Lycra is enough to improve a woven fabric's movement, drape, and its knack for holding its shape. If the other fibres in the garment are machine washable and dryable, this should be the recommended method for cleaning. Dry cleaning is also an option. Avoid chlorine bleach when washing.

7. SATIN: Originally made from silk, most satin is now made with synthetic fibres. Follow instructions on care label: Hand wash, machine wash or dry clean. Iron washable satin, inside out while damp.

8. NYLON: Nylon fabrics are extremely strong, lightweight, smooth, and lustrous. They are also non-absorbent and have excellent wrinkle resistance. Often combined with spandex, nylon knits are very stretchy but recover their original shape. Nylon is used to make many items, including: lingerie, carpets, rainwear, and tents. Machine-wash sturdy articles in warm water with an all-purpose detergent. Hand-wash lingerie and hosiery using warm water and a light-duty detergent, or machine-wash in a mesh bag to prevent stretching or tearing. Tumble-dry nylon at a low temperature setting. Press at a cool temperature setting.

9. ACETATE: Acetate is made from cellulose and has a silk-like appearance. Closely related to rayon, it has good body and drapes well. Taffeta, satin, crepe, brocade, and double knits often contain acetate. Acetate is not very absorbent or colourfast and loses its strength when it is wet. If the care label specifies that the article is washable, hand-wash it in warm water using a light-duty detergent. Do not soak coloured items or wash them with white articles. Hang-dry acetate away from heat or direct sunlight. Press acetate at the coolest setting, on the wrong side, while the article is damp. Note: Nail polish remover and perfumes will permanently damage acetate.

10. ACRYLIC: Many acrylic weaves resemble wool's softness, bulk, and fluffiness. Acrylics are wrinkle-resistant and usually machine-washable. Often, acrylic fibres are blended with wool or polyester fibres. Acrylic's biggest drawback is that it pills. Blends will do this less than pure acrylic. Wash acrylic by hand or machine. Turn garments inside out before laundering to reduce pilling. Wash delicate items by hand in warm water, gently squeezing out the excess. Machine-wash sturdy articles with an all-purpose detergent, and tumble-dry at low temperatures.

11. FLEECE: The denser the fleece, the better the quality. Gently stretch fleece and let it relax. Does it quickly bounce back to its original dimension or does it wave and ripple? High-quality fleece has quick recovery. To give yourself a preview of how well the fabric will wear, rub the fleece roughly against itself, in a circular motion, on both sides of the fleece. If it looks a bit rugged, starts pilling, or distorts, it is a lesser quality fleece. High-quality fleeces go through multiple shearing and velouring processes to reduce pilling. Fleece fabrics are predominately made from 100 per cent polyester. To avoid unnecessary abrasion, launder garments inside out, separately or with similar garments. Use a powdered detergent in lukewarm water, gentle cycle. Liquid detergents may alter the effectiveness of the chemical treatment applied to some lighter-weight fleeces. Hang dry and do not use bleach or softeners. Softeners have an adverse effect on the chemical finish that is applied to the surface of some mid-weight and heavy-weight fleeces. Pressing is not recommended. Never place an iron directly onto the fleece. Direct contact may leave a permanent imprint or melt the fabric.

12. POLYESTER: A synthetic, manmade fibre produced from the polymerization of ethylene glycol and dimethyl terephalate or terephthalic acid. Some characteristics of polyester include: crease resistance, ability to dry quickly, shape retention in garments, high strength, abrasion resistance, and minimum care requirements. Polyester is a very important fibre in upholstery fabrics. Before washing, check the label but typically machine washing is acceptable. Avoid washing polyester in very hot temperatures as doing so may damage fibres.

13. SUEDE: Suede, by nature, has got its problems when it comes to cleaning. The best way to deal with suede is to care for it well. Always clean suede before storing it. Suede can be brushed with a damp, soft rubber or bristle brush, and baking soda. Do not rub too hard and do it in a gentle circular motion or back and fourth. Never use chemical fluid or spot remover on suede as the colour of the garment will run and leave light rings around the stain.

14. VELVET: Velvet is usually made from rayon or acetate, which is a dry clean-only fabric. Other velvets are machine washable; check the label and always launder inside out to protect the fabric from rubbing against other fabrics. If you need to have it pressed, take it to your local dry cleaner, or press it yourself by using what is called a needle board (available at your local fabric store). The top of the needle board has many needles protruding from the surface of a flat board. Put the needle board on your existing ironing board with the needles pointing upward, place your velvet fabric face down on the needles, and steam press with an iron.

15. FAKE FUR: Clean once a year. Choose a professional dry cleaner that specializes in fake furs. The dry cleaner can remove stains left by food, make-up or spilled drinks. Regular cleaning serves to keep moths away. Wear a soft scarf inside the neckline of the coat to prevent body oils and make-up from collecting and causing a stain. Between cleaning, treat small stains on the fur and lining. Use a good cleaning fluid that is specifically for use on fur and fake fur. Test a small spot on both the fur and the lining. Use a blow dryer on the dampened spot to prevent a ring from forming. Store the clean fur on a padded hanger in a fabric bag. Don't enclose a fake fur in a plastic bag. Like real fur, a fake needs to breathe.

Solutions is compiled from various sources: articlesbase.com, housekeeping.about.com, pajamashoppe.com, fabriclink.com, fibersource.comnabru.co.uk, regalfabrics.com, xtcapparel.com, kushtush.com. Similar information may be found elsewhere.

Solutions sleuth Reena Nerbas is a home economist and speaks professionally on the topic of household challenges; she is also the author of two national bestsellers, Household Solutions 1 with Substitutions and Household Solutions 2 with Kitchen Secrets. She can be heard on radio programs across Canada and seen on the CBC TV show Living Winnipeg.

www.householdsolutions.org

Reen Nerbas
April 20

Renovation & Design

Room to roam

Sometimes, a home's well-streamlined exterior can do a much too efficient job of masking what lies inside.

In the case of the Carlton F, a 1,907 sq. ft., two storey show home by Randall Homes at 259 Aldgate Road in River Park South, the same question constantly comes up, says Randall's marketing representative, Erv Single: 'where did all this room come from?'

"That's what everyone says once they've had a chance to walk around the home's main and upper levels," he says. "Almost to a person, the sentiment is that the house feels much bigger than it actually is. For that reason, this model has been very popular with young families, and families with kids in their adolescent stage -- there's lots of room for everyone."

That feeling of space starts right from the foyer, which is exceptionally wide (and high, as it stretches up to the ceiling on the second level). The feeling of width is augmented further by having a hallway (which leads to the laundry/mudroom and two-piece powder room) to the right; to the left is a surprisingly expansive formal dining room with a bay window and niche for a hutch or buffet.

At the same time, a one-third wall with smart maple capping separates the dining room from the foyer.

"This is the start of what I think is an excellent layout -- not only is the foyer large, but it also opens up on both sides to the powder room and laundry room and dining room. That promotes good traffic flow," says Single. "You can take the entrance straight ahead into the kitchen/great room area, or you can head right to hang up your coat and take a pass-through hallway into the kitchen. It's nice to have entry options."

While the home's central area -- that being the kitchen/great room section in back -- is decidely open concept in design, it isn't immediately visible from the foyer; a centrally-placed staircase neatly divides the foyer from the home's hub. Still, cutouts in the stair bannister -- which feature antique metal spindles -- allow for a sneak peak, and let light filter back and forth between the two areas.

"The staircase separates the kitchen/living room area from the foyer, yet maintains an open feel," he adds. "Our designers also went with nine-foot ceilings on the main floor to add further to the feeling of openness. The decor (beiges, browns and white with splashes of gold/bronze/dark brown patterns) fits virtually any home furnishing package. Finish level is also excellent (in this case upgraded maple).

Given that the Carlton F is "only" 1,907 sq. ft., the size of the kitchen/great room area comes as something of a surprise, albeit a very pleasant one. The kitchen, with its angled island preparation area (with eating nook for two) -- and large area at its rear for a four-piece dinette that is surrounded by glass on all sides -- is a gourmet's delight.

Wide aisles make for ease of movement while creating; meanwhile, light maple cabinets, black granite counter tops (with beige ceramic backsplash) and a rich-looking beige marbled vinyl floor combine with an earth tone palette of browns, beiges and white to draw you in to the space.

"One of the home's major features is the fact that it has such a bright eating area," says Single. "The island is outstanding for meal preparation and entertainment; you can have several people in the kitchen without anyone getting in the way. Most people are surprised at the flooring material; it's Dur Ceramic vinyl tile, which looks very much like the real thing -- it's just warmer, and more durable."

The great room is then subtly divided from the kitchen by a one-third bookshelf/display unit with maple capping and four slot wine rack on the end -- a Randall trademark.

"Just like the kitchen, the great room is bright, warm and welcoming. The design of the (full-length maple) entertainment unit, which contains the gas fireplace, really adds to the area," he says.

Upstairs, there's room to burn in the form of three bedrooms plus (in this configuration) a den. All three rooms are large, but pale in comparison to the fourth bedroom: the master.

"The master bedroom is very functional and roomy with a large horizontal window to let in lots of light; there's also tons of wall space for furniture placement," Single says. "The ensuite -- which has a big jetted tub and clear tempered glass shower enclosure along one wall -- is separated from the bedroom by a big walk-in closet. Again, the layout is exceptional."

Add in a fully developed basement with wet bar, sitting area, games section and a fifth bedroom and third full bath, and little wonder growing families have gravitated to the spacious, stylish Carlton F.

Size: 1,907 sq. ft. basement ready for development

Minimum Lot Size: 40' x 110'

Bedrooms: 3 plus den

Bathrooms: 3.5

Key Features: Open, yet subtly segmented floor plan; bright interior thanks to abundance of windows and high ceilings; high level of finish quality; main floor laundry; formal dining room; three large secondary bedrooms (den included); elegant master bedroom with bright, well-appointed ensuite; developed lower level with wet bar, sitting area, games area, fifth bedroom and four-piece bathroom.

Price: $370,000 (includes lot net GST)

lewys@mts.net

: Todd Lewys
April 20

Renovation & Design

Is there a tree house in your future?

Warmer weather turns our attention to the great outdoors or, for the children, the great backyard. And sooner or later, they may request a little something extra: a tree house.

Tree houses and other play structures are a joy for children -- a place to explore, to imagine, to keep younger brothers and sisters out. Unfortunately, they can also be a source of anxiety for parents.

But with the right kind of planning and construction, play structures can prove beneficial to adults as well. According to the National Association of Realtors, outdoor spaces have become a bigger part of the "curb appeal" that attracts buyers and can even increase a home's selling price.

We asked San Francisco artist and play structure expert Barbara Butler for her top 10 DIY safety tips on building a backyard play space for children. Whether you're planning to build a mini-mansion for your mini-me, or a simpler structure that houses imagination more than amenities, it's important to keep safety in mind.

1. Consult your local building codes and file necessary building permits before starting your project. Nothing is more frustrating for you or devastating for your child than finding you have to tear down the structure when it doesn't pass local standards. If there are no specific codes for tree houses or play structures, use building codes for backyard decks as a guide. In earthquake or hurricane areas, you may need to add tie-down hardware. Keep deck heights at a maximum of just over two metres off the ground and install a railing that's about a metre high.

2. Plan your space before you build and watch out for overexposure to the sun. Try to place your structure in a shady spot.

3. Round all of the edges on the structure to avoid sharp corners, and sand or grind wood surfaces down to reduce the possibilities of splinters.

4. Anticipate a child's natural tendency to explore. Avoid creating any entrapments in the railing for a child's head or torso. Avoid any gaps in railings larger than 9 cm by 14 cm.

5. Watch nearby greenery. Keep rose bushes and other thorny, spiky plants away from the structures and, especially, keep your eyes on trees.

6. Make sure overhead branches of trees are trimmed regularly, so that nothing will fall on the kids during play and keep tree branches out of reach of young arms. Nothing is more enticing to a child than the realization that if they stand on the roof or railing of a play structure, and stretch just a little, they can reach a previously unreachable upper branch. Make sure no electrical wires are within reach of the structure. Once kids get playing, they don't stop to think whether an overhead wire is part of the play structure or not.

7. Use only nontoxic materials on your structure. Use lead-free paints or stain the wood instead. Butler suggests staining instead of painting, as stains are easier to maintain; paint tends to chip and peel, while stains simply fade with time.

8. Remove any loose additions that kids may have attached to the structure. Talk to your kids and their friends about making "additions" to the play structure and set ground rules early that adding ropes, stairs, and towers won't be tolerated.

9. Design easy ways up and down for smaller kids, as well as challenging ways for older kids. Adults will also appreciate the easy way up.

10. Inspect your play structure frequently, before the spring and summer when kids start to play outside. Tighten bolts, check for damage, clean off debris and spider webs, inspect for splinters and peeling paint, and check the swing hardware.

A well-built, well-maintained tree house will amuse your children today and enchant your grandchildren in the next generation.

--Associated Press

Morris and James Carey
April 20

Renovation & Design

Plants bring decor to life

Houseplants sometimes get a bad rap. While living plants do take some loving care, they are usually worth the effort. For those like me without green thumbs, there are lots of other options available in imitation plants that are very realistic-looking and only need the occasional dusting.

Before we go into specifics about real versus imitation, let's look at how plants, in general, can add to the look and feel of your decor.

Add dimension and texture to your home

Plants add depth and dimension to a room. Because of their visual line and movement they house a special sculptural quality that no other accessory can provide. Each plant is unique in shape and colour and is ever-changing so they are rarely visually boring. Plants are not static like a painting might be, and for the most part they can be trained to grow into shapes and sizes that suit your space. You can't say that about any other accessory. Houseplants have a textural quality that will visually warm up a stark space so they are a great addition to boxy, boring rooms.

Plants add colour and fragrance

Even if you choose to have only green houseplants, they still add colour and a sense of nature to your space. Flowering plants add splashes of colour that can be used to co-ordinate with your colour scheme. While not many houseplants are highly scented they still clean the air and provide freshness to a room that only a living thing can.

Use plants strategically

Choose your plants as you would any other accessory. Consider the colour, shape, size and textural qualities that will provide the most impact in your space. When choosing colour, for example, you might purchase purple African violets for a room where the colour purple is part of your original colour scheme. A lovely, flowering violet set on a bedside table might be just the finishing touch needed for a guest bedroom.

You can soften the lines of a boxy room using larger floor plants like fig trees or tropical plants like a rubber tree or philodendron. Use their height to create drama in a dining room, sunroom or even behind a headboard of a bed placed at an angle to the corner of the bedroom. Ensure that the girth of the plant doesn't overpower the space in which it sits. Larger floor plants can be used to visually separate or define a space.

More sculptural looking plants like bamboo, jade plants and cactus can stand alone as an interesting accessory on a bookshelf or ledge. The taller bamboo plant makes a strong vertical statement which makes it great for a centerpiece on a dining table or coffee table. The rounded lines of the succulent jade plant would work well in a space where soft curves are a focus. Each species has its own unique personality which can be featured as part of your overall decor.

Plants like ivy, which grow rapidly, can be trained to grow along banisters and ledges, which can help soften harsh lines in a room. There is a multitude of fern species from the most feathery soft look to the more common Boston fern. Larger ferns can tend to take over a space and need to have plenty of room both visually and literally. The softer ferns can be potted in smaller sizes and used in triplicate to compliment a shelf, ledge or table top.

Flowering plants, like orchids, require a bit more care and maintenance but for those willing to provide them, the outcome can be stunning. An exotic orchid makes a dramatic statement in just about any room in the home. Once again, choose colours that will enhance your colour scheme when considering a flowering plant.

Less is more

As with anything, don't overdo it. You don't want to be known on your street as "that lady with all of the plants." Choose plants with a purpose as a part of your overall design. Keep them trimmed and watered so they don't become unruly. You might want your house to be green but you don't want to turn it into a greenhouse.

No more plastic flowers

Plastic flowers of the past are no more. Today's faux plants are realistic and affordable. For those on the go or for those who have rooms that are not conducive to live plants, opt for a small fake plant or two to bring some greenery to the space. Faux grasses add softness and interesting lines to most any area of the home. When it comes to choosing fake over real, try to find the most realistic-looking plants that you can and use them sparingly. Mix them with real houseplants for optimum effect.

I have mostly real plants in my home but in the bathroom there are no windows so I found a nice container of fake grass at Winners. It's quite lovely and provides the touch of greenery that the room needed.

Plants are a great accessory for your home. Start with easy-to-grow varieties and then blossom from there. Ask friends for cuttings of their plants if you don't want to make a commitment. Once they start to grow and prosper you might just get the houseplant bug.

coliver@3web.net

Connie Oliver - Room For Change
April 20

Renovation & Design

Future of home building revealed

Green, energy-efficient homes of Styrofoam and metal studs; a moisture-detection system warning of impending water damage; stretched, false ceilings that can be installed in two hours -- these are some of the innovative, new technologies for home-building, interior design and renovation in Manitoba.

All were showcased recently at the University of Manitoba's Faculty of Architecture, and all have a French connection.

The Economic Development Council for Manitoba Bilingual Municipalities (CDEM) organized a builders' symposium last week, featuring five Manitoba-based companies, providing them the opportunity to meet with the public and, more specifically, members of the architecture and construction industries.

In some cases, those presenting were landed French immigrants importing their European artisan know-how to Manitoba, while others' connection to Manitoba's bilingual community is merely geographic, a business based in a bilingual community.

"As our brand states: C'est si bon, Ensemble -- Together, we encourage co-operation between francophones and anglophones," said Rena Albaze, CDEM spokeswoman, who helped organize the event.

And in one case, the presenter was a company that will be part of the Manitoba government's contingent to Futureallia Quebec 2008, a business forum in Quebec City this May where new, technology-based businesses can forge partnerships with government and industry around the world.

Moisture detection

SMT Research Ltd. is based out of the University of Manitoba's Smartpark and will be a member of the province's contingent to Quebec later this spring.

At the CDEM symposium, SMT civil engineer Gamal Mustapha discussed a new moisture-detection monitoring system, developed by the company, already in use in buildings in Vancouver.

The new Manitoba Hydro building downtown will also employ the technology in its "living green" rooftop that will provide habitat for mosses, lichens, grasses and other plant life.

"This monitoring system will tell them if there's a leak in the roof, and instead of having to dig up the entire roof, which is costly, they'll know the exact location of the leak," he said to a group of about 30 people.

"Rather than spending millions to repair water damage, only a few thousand dollars would be needed to repair minor damage because of early detection."

Although it is presently used only in commercial and large-scale residential developments, Mustapha said it could have residential applications -- particularly in Winnipeg where water damage to basements is a common problem.

Build green with polystyrene

Move over lumber. Galvanized steel studs and expanded polystyrene foam (think Styrofoam) may be the future of home building, according to Onet Mercado, president of Green Building System Ltd.

First used for home construction in the Las Vegas area, the technology allows home builders to construct an environmentally-friendly, energy-efficient home in a matter of days instead of weeks, he said. The design is also light-weight, sturdy and less expensive than conventional building techniques using lumber, which is increasingly expensive.

"A typical 2000-square-foot house could have its perimeter walls and roof up in five days," he said, adding the company has already manufactured pre-cut panels at its plant in Manitoba for several buildings under construction in Alberta.

The Starbuck plant is the first of its kind in Canada, he added.

New ceiling, without the mess

Dany Esminger is a third generation woodworker from France now living in St. Anne. But he's given up wood for synthetics and now runs European Ceiling Solution. Using PVC-free, polyester-based membrane, Esminger can install a new ceiling overtop a damaged existing one in about two hours.

The material locks into a frame and is stretched flat, much like a canvas for a painting. The technique is popular in Europe, and the material comes in hundreds of different colours, finishes and patterns.

It can even be silk-screened, Esminger said, adding it can be framed to make several different geometric shapes -- vaulted ceilings and arches, for instance.

The fire-, water- and stain-resistant fabric can easily accommodate all light fixtures, and a sound-dampening version is also available, which is useful for commercial applications in areas with high levels of ambient noise.

A semi-translucent option even eliminates the need for framing around light fixtures. Instead, fixtures on the old ceiling underneath provide ambient, soft light.

One member of the audience asked how the lights would be replaced, to which Esminger replied the process is quite simple: the membrane can be unhitched from the frame and pulled back for access. The drawback being a professional installer should do it. Best to use LEDs, the audience member then said.

The best part is the old ceiling remains untouched, turning what would be a messy renovation and cleanup lasting a few days, into an afternoon project that doesn't require moving the furniture or sweeping up dust.

Craftsmanship from the Old World

Philippe Langlet's family has been in the painting and plaster moulding business since the 19th century in France.

Now residing in Lorette, he brings more than 100 years of tradition and family knowledge to Manitoba, offering several unique faux-finish options to customers that are normally seen in heritage buildings in France.

He can reconstruct and repair ceiling and wall mouldings in older homes, recreating precise details, such as intricate floral patterns and gold leaf.

His company, Stevenphil Painting and Decorating, also installs stretched fabric wall coverings for unique period finishes and trompe d'oeil -- a French technique that gives images on a wall a three-dimensional appearance.

A cultured stone

Rheal Rochon's fledgling business Dynamic Boulders, offering man-made stonework and water-feature solutions to Manitobans, isn't yet ready to open its doors. But he said he hopes it will be very soon. That is if enough interest for synthetic rocks -- made of cement and glass fibre or polystyrene -- exists in Manitoba.

Manufactured in Portland, Ore., the rock can be used for landscaping outdoors or decorative features, such rustic stone fireplaces, at a lower cost than natural stonework, he said.

A landscaper from La Salle, Rochon said he hoped to receive feedback from industry players about the potential for cultured stonework in Manitoba.

Providing entrepreneurs with exactly that kind of opportunity was the driving force behind the symposium, Elbaze said.

"The partnership with the Faculty of Architecture's Partners Program allowed us to connect these entrepreneurs with professionals from the industry."

How to reach them

SMT Research: 480-8579 or info@smt-research.com

Green Building System LTD.: 783-7906

European Ceiling Solution: 204-422-5968 (Steinbach)

Stevenphil Painting and Decorating: 204-878-2868 (Lorette)

Dynamic Boulders: 736-3045 (La Salle)

: Joel Schlesinger
April 20

Renovation & Design

Sustainable living starts in the home

Tyler Vreeling isn't into guilt. The up-and-coming designer is one of the principals behind Edmonton-based Fat Crow Design and its White Moose line of furniture and accessories, already winning rave reviews for imaginative yet sustainable designs.

"I just find that there's a lot of guilt trips put on, trying to convince other people that they're living unsustainably. I'm trying to bring that to light and say that we don't have to feel negative about the way we live, but there are certain actions that we can take to live more sustainably," he says.

For Vreeling, design is about life cycles, choices, and thinking from cradle to cradle rather than cradle to grave.

He uses White Moose as an example, explaining that as a designer, you have to decide how long the product is going to last -- and that guides the materials that you use and, therefore, the price that you need to charge.

"Our price point is higher because we're using true materials such as solid wood and stainless steel. I want this furniture to last hundreds of years -- it's not something that will be tossed out."

The key consideration, he says, is analyzing the life of a product: what sort of energy, time and materials does it take to extract the material, produce the item, ship it, use it and maintain it -- and what are you left with in the end?

Vreeling cites an example from a 2007 trade show, where his booth was next to one selling outdoor furniture made from natural products: grass seeds, chaff and resin.

"This is great," he says. "However, those products break down very quickly. They only last about two to five years. On the other hand, if you bought something that was made of, for example, stainless steel, it's a very destructive material. It takes a lot of energy to produce, it robs materials from the Earth, but when it's all said and done, that piece made out of stainless steel is going to last for 200 years if the owner treats it well. That's more sustainable over its life cycle than growing the grass, cutting it down, creating the resin, packaging the product and then shipping it from overseas."

Vreeling wants everyone -- not just designers -- to think critically and honestly about their lifestyles and the products that go into them.

"It's not always easy, because it might mean change," he says, "but change can be positive. My grandparents settled the land I grew up on seven hours north of Edmonton -- at the time, there was no electricity, no running water and just a simple dirt road."

Over the years, his grandparents saw the advent of running water, electricity, a paved road, television and even the Internet.

"All of a sudden they now live in a decent house that's heated and they don't have to stoke a fire -- they've experienced positive change in their quality of life for their entire lives," he says.

To make the next change facing our society -- that of greater sustainability -- just as positive is possible if we shift our thinking.

Vreeling notes, for example, that when we throw our garbage bag in the back alley or the front curb and it disappears, it's often out of sight and out of mind. Instead, he suggests we should think of ourselves as a little human ecosystem, taking responsibility for that ecosystem and what we're doing within it.

"Are we contributing to an excessive amount of waste, or is there something that we could be doing to use that to reduce that waste -- is there some way that we could live a little more consciously about what we're using and how we're using it?" Vreeling asks.

We don't necessarily have to sacrifice our quality of life, he says, but other sacrifices might need to be made -- perhaps in terms of the time or research that we need to invest in finding out about the products we use: where they were made, how far they've travelled and whether they can be used for something else when we're finished with them.

"This isn't something that needs to be feared," he says. "We can take a little bit of responsibility for ourselves and still maintain our identity as normal people. I'm not trying to be a renegade, but if no one talks about it, no one thinks about it and if no one thinks about it, no one's going to do anything about it."

-- Canwest News Service

Yvonne Jeffery
April 20