Style Sheet

Bargain Saturday: Industrial Stencils Make a Strong Statement

Jessica McLaughlin — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 16:39:00 GMT

The stencil selection at your local craft or paint store can be painfully "country." There are lots of scroll-y, floral, precious stencils out there, but I'm just not all that into them. I'm not saying I don't like floral patterns (I've got my share of it at home), I just want something different.

There are a lot of other options out there, like, industrial stencils. What I like about them is they're instantly recognizable, fun, and graphic. I love the fork and knife for the kitchen.

Stencils available in 6-22", from $6-28 at stencilease.com.

What do you think?

Related:

Sarah Richardson March Makeover Madness: Round Two

Alicia Cox — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 14:30:00 GMT

Thanks to all our Facebook fans for voting on this week's Sarah Richardson Makeover Matchup! In Round 1, the basement/media room from season 1 beat out the above ground media room from season 2. Round 2 brought the bathroom battle -- the master bathroom from season 1 vs. the family bathroom from season 2. They may look alike, but there was a clear front runner from the beginning. And the winner is...

The master bath from season 1! Maybe it was the en suite, maybe it was the double sinks. Here's what some fans had to say:

To take part in the March Makeover Madness, simply join our Facebook Fan Page and visit the Sarah Richardson album. Every Monday a new set of rooms, one from season 1 and 2, will be added to the album. Vote for your favourite by leaving a comment and every Saturday, we announce the winner here on Style Sheet. At the end of the month, the top four rooms will face off to find out which room is the ultimate fan favourite!

Don't Forget: Sarah's House season 3 airs Tuesdays at 9pm ET. The new episodes will be available online Wednesdays. You can watch the premiere episode now!

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Video Tour: Visiting Bryan Baeumler's Dream Home, Part 1

Elana Safronsky — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 15:38:00 GMT

Did you happen to catch the latest episode of House of Bryan? Nice bedroom eh? The room is huge, that fireplace is something else and the closet is a regular Sex and The City dream. In fact, I paid a visit to the recently completed Baeumler residence, for Bryan's -- or B Baeum's, as I've taken to calling him -- personal House of Bryan tour. And yeah... You'll want to watch the final reveal with a couple of Advils because fat chance you'll ever get that kind of craftsmanship in your reno. That's what happens when a contractor builds his dream home...

Anywhoo, enough depressing ourselves. During my extensive tour of B Baeum's house, I got me a candid look at all the spaces featured in the show, with a smattering of Bryan's signature shenanigans. I can't reveal the whole thing at once because that would be a big spoiler, so we kick off today with my poorly staged front-door ambush. Bryan is a much better actor than I am, but the part that's really worth watching is a glimpse of the foyer and bits of the first floor -- you've not seen that yet.

Next on the tour, we really get down to it -- the basement that is! I had to see that Roman bathhouse he built himself with my own eyes... But for now, heeeeeeeeer's Bryan!

Make sure you come back after next week's episode for our second installment of the tour!

Related:

Makeover: An Above-Ground Income Property

Alicia Cox — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:30:00 GMT

While Scott McGillivray does renovate and make over a lot of basement apartments, this episode of Income Property takes place above ground. Adam is a smart guy -- not only is he a PhD student, but he purchased a triplex in an urban neighbourhood (read: easy to rent) and secured a tenant for the top floor immediately. The tenant hasn't moved in yet, so Adam can renovate while he's collecting rent! I said he was smart. My favourite part of this makeover is the kitchen, below. Scott packed a lot of counter and cabinet space into a small area and I love the dark wood, breakfast bar and sleek appliances.

The bathroom, below, got a quick and affordable update as well. It wasn't too bad to begin with, but it needed freshening up and cosmetic updates. Scott removed the old, outdated tiles and added new glass tiles for a bit of colour, which is also echoed on the walls. A new toilet and a few accessories bring this bathroom into the 21st century. Watch Scott install the tiles in our exclusive how-to webisode.

Related:

See the before and after photos from this episode
Watch this full episode
Makeover: A Basement I'd Actually Live In

Makeovers appear every Thursday on Style Sheet

New Condo Concept: Beyond Flooring and Counter Tops at ART Condos

Elana Safronsky — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 05:19:00 GMT

A few weeks ago CJ of foodnetwork.ca, and I, attended a most elegant opening luncheon for the sales centre of a new condo concept. The relatively low -- 11 stories -- building is slotted to rise in Toronto's trendiest downtown neighbourhood of Queen West, kitty-corner to the internationally acclaimed 'creative clubhouse' known as the Drake Hotel.

The area, which has been undergoing gentrification for nearly 20 years now (really picking up speed since the street's first major loft conversion known as the Candy Factory Lofts, in 1999), has had a love/hate relationship with condo developments. Not a shocker, seeing as the mainstay of the community is creative urbanites not always down with developers exploiting their culture to sell condos -- a recent development's billboard was seen as particularly egregious for featuring a woman in a sheer top and a face of Goth-like makeup, wearing a sash bearing name "Bohemian Embassy" :(

The name of the development CJ and I previewed chose a moniker much less gauche, but still indicative of how it intends to gel with the apprehensive denizens of Queen West: Art Condos. And on that they intend to deliver.

The approx. 500 sq ft unit with standard finishes, which include the solid-surface island, ash flooring, two-toned kitchen and solid-surface counter top, as well as livingroom built-in with sliding door which hides the TV.

In a refreshing approach, the team behind Art Condos did their best to try and understand what the area and its residents really want in the way of housing. Integrity, however, doesn't always translate into viability, as Gary Silverberg of Triangle West Developments Inc., the core team, told me during our chat, "Nobody thought this was a very viable idea. We took a chance, because everyone on this team wanted to do something different."

Several things set this development apart from its predecessors;

Model unit (right of frame) and wall of finishes (left) at Art Condos sales centre.

Believe it or not, 11 stories is actually quite modest and considerate when compared to the 20, 30 and 60 stories going up elsewhere in the city.

In an unprecedented attempt to serve the creative community, Art Condos offers 9 live-work spaces on street level, in which owners can live and operate various commercial businesses, simultaneously.

The lobby will function as a true art gallery -- curator and all -- showcasing local talent.

The units were designed by fave'd Toronto-based firm, Third Uncle (also authors of the Drake Hotel), who worked built-ins, sliding walls, dining islands and great-looking finished into the standard design.

Common areas will include a gym, business centre, private screening room, residents' lounge with fireplace and full entertaining facilities (kitchen, bar), outdoor terrace with hot tub, bar, lounge seating, fire pit, bbq, and built-in banquettes, and the lobby gallery.

Underground parking is also available.

While the model unit CJ and I walked through was only around 500 sq ft, the economical design of smart built-ins and sliding walls made the space feel surprisingly spacious. In fact, I got pretty excited about what I saw, and knowing my parents were looking to invest in a downtown condo, came really close to making them buy one. Alas, the buy-in price is approximately $450 per square foot, which while fair when all is considered, turned out to be a bit of a stretch for strictly investment purposes.

Sigh... Would have been nice to have one of these units in the family.

What say you about this earnest effort? Anything comparable in the plans for your city, town or neighbourhood?

Related:

Getaway: Las Vegas Dream Suites -- High Roller for a Day

Mia Rodak — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

Wynn Fairway Villa, photo courtesy of The Wynn

Jessica, Elana and I recently took a caffeine-fueled jaunt to Las Vegas to attend and cover the larger-than-life home furnishings show at The Las Vegas World Market Center. As part of the offerings of the show, I got to take a tour called Cool Pools and Other Jewels. It was a true gem of an afternoon spent perusing some of the most exclusive and eye-popping high-roller suites that Las Vegas has to offer.

It’s easy to think of Vegas as nothing more than a party town full of gambling and show girls, and indeed it is, but it’s also a Mecca for hotel, resto and theater design. I’m no stranger to the City of Sin. I’ve visited several times and even got hitched there in 2006. But I’m very aware that there’s a side to Vegas that us regular folks aren’t often privy to, so obviously I jumped at the chance to get a peek at how the other half rolls.

My tour started at the magnificent Wynn Tower Suites, part of the Wynn Las Vegas hotel and casino. The tower suites are found in an exclusive section of the larger hotel complex and feature a private entrance, lobby and pools. The intimate vibe in this place exudes luxury and pampering at every turn -- you need a key just to ride the elevator. It’s the only hotel in Vegas to be awarded both the Forbes 5 star award and the AAA Five Diamond award at the same time, which they received in 2010. (See gallery below for photos.)

The suite is spectacular, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a 400 square foot massage room (masseuse not included, I asked), but the real stunner was the terrace, which overlooks the only golf course on the LV strip. This suite was on the second floor, but I couldn’t help but gawk down at the quarters below me and observe that all the ground floor units have private pools.

If you're at a suite sans plunge pool, however, you’ll still have access to the VIP pool area, complete with circus-tent style cabanas that rent for somewhere around $400 – 600 a day (they include LCD flat screens, personal servers and a stocked bar.) I must mention that the pool area at the Tower Suites also features a “European Style day club” (and yes, that means topless).

Grand Villa Suite, photo courtesy of Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa

I was smitten with the Tower Suites, but alas, it was onto the next venue for me, and WOW! Was it ever worth the 25 minute drive out to the Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa.

While the Wynn suites ooze classic comfort and wealth, the Red Rock pumps out full on sexy Vegas opulence and flash. Situated off The Strip, this resort knows it has to work a little harder to captivate those with discerning tastes. Well they captured me! A sleek, sensual lobby featuring a magnificent 32-foot crystal chandelier (180,000 crystals to be precise) that made me gasp out loud, and suites that made me want to move in and stay forever... Next trip to Vegas, I will be staying with them.

I will not, sadly, be staying in the 3000 sq ft Grand Villa Suite however. But you know who does? Routinely? George Clooney! This is apparently his favourite room in Vegas, and I can see why. The suite overlooks the resort’s pool area, just far enough from the action but close enough that one could easily beckon to a bikini-clad guest should it suddenly strike one's fancy.

The furnishings are oversized, but understaed and comfortable, in a sexy boutique-chic style. The section of the giant couch immediately in front of the 42” flat screen TV is basically a Queen-sized bed. There are two master-sized bedrooms, each with an en suite bath; a Queen-sized bed on the terrace next to your own private pool; a pool table; full bar; kitchen; dining room and powder room. Feel dizzy yet? I did!

One 80 Suite terrace, photo courtesy of Red Rock Casino Resort and Spa

Just then I died and went to heaven. Well, actually up to the 20th floor, to a suite called simply, The One 80. Named for its 180 degree views, this 6,560-square-foot space is unfathomable. The entire suite is encased in floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular, spectacular views, of both the surrounding red rock mountains and the LV Strip.

The aesthetic is modern, masculine and super sophisticated. Black lacquer and blue backlit walls make it feel more like an exclusive nightclub rather than a comfortable retreat, but it’s obvious this was a space designed for entertaining. The dining table and bar seat 12, one of three separate sitting areas features a 103-inch plasma-screen TV -- the biggest I’ve ever seen -- and the master bedroom features an in-room Jacuzzi with a private balcony overlooking The Strip. There’s another large Jacuzzi on the gorgeous wrap-around terrace.

While the overall style of this suite was a little over the top for my tastes, for a true Vegas experience, this suite can’t be beat. Walking around its suped-up expanse I felt like a Bond girl, and I’m not going lie: I liked it.

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So there it is. My day in the fast lane. Chances are good that I'll never stay in a suite anywhere close to these, but I sure did enjoy cruising around them for a while. How about you? Ever stayed in a super-luxury suite? Ever plan to? Tell us about it!

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Exclusive Video: A Regal Library for Down-to-Earth Rod and Nat

Elana Safronsky — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 02:28:00 GMT

Did you enjoy that Epi? (As in 'Episode'?) When Alicia and I visited with the couple, the library wasn't quite completed, so I enjoyed this evening's reveal along with the rest of you. And what a transformation! They hadn't even stained the built-ins yet, nor was the fire place affixed in its place, and looking back to their excitement and expectations, it was cool watching the room materialize just as they said it would.

Fireplace and library Before

In our little video below, Alicia, myself and camera guy Earl stood amidst the crew, marveling at that fireplace mantle which was stripped from having been painted white. I've stripped furniture before but only the legs or arms of a chair, which is nothing compared to that entire mantle... I was curious to know if professionals do it differently, and asked one of the crew what he did and how long the job took -- see what he says below!

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Getaway Question of the Week: Hotels: Comfort and Amenities Or Charm and Character?

Vanessa — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:31:00 GMT

Until recently, a hotel room like the modern pink and turquoise one below was my absolute ideal. That is until I visited Costa Rica and was treated to the rustic charm of the lovely room with the tiled floors and floaty curtains below. While it's nice to be treated to Egyptian cotton sheets, king-size beds and huge showers once in a while, I'd give up luxury for cozy warmth, even if it means finding a spider in the bathroom!

Suite at the Gansevoort South, South Beach Miami

Suite at Casa Romantica, Nosara, Costa Rica

Which do you prefer: ultimate luxury or charming rustic comfort? Take a Poll and leave your answers below!

Hotels: Comfort and Amenities Or Charm and Character?online surveys

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Spring Schedule: New Shows, New Seasons, New Episodes!

Alicia Cox — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 17:00:00 GMT

Our new spring schedule starts today Monday, March 8! There will be new seasons of your favourite shows (Sarah's House and Home To Flip, anyone?), new shows to get you hooked, as well as new episodes of shows like Holmes Inspection, Dear Genevieve and For Rent. So let's get into it, shall we? Please note that some dates are for April, not March.

New Shows

The Outdoor Room with Jamie Durie premiering Tuesday March 9 at 8pm ET

With a client roster that includes A-list celebrities and five-star hotels, Jamie Durie is one of the most well-renowned and sought-after landscape artists in the world. Unable to bring his own Australian design team along, Jamie has put together a new team of top-notch designers, horticulturists and contractors. They're thrilled to be working with a world-class visionary, but can they keep their jobs? Jamie's demand for perfection can be intense, and he puts his new team through the ringer. The challenges come fast and furious, like creating an ultra-hip Thai meditation room replete with koi pond, and then doing it on a 45-degree angle on the side of a hill for a boss who won't take "no" for an answer.

Curb Appeal: The Block premiering Tuesday March 16 at 8:30pm ET

HGTV's Curb Appeal travels to Atlanta to help beautify homes on the same block with a variety of makeovers. In each episode of Curb Appeal: The Block, designer John Gidding, contractor Chip Wade and project manager Kimberly Lacy overhaul one home's exterior with a makeover so dramatic it's no longer considered the neighborhood eyesore but the envy of the block. Next, they make their way up and down the street to repaint front doors, add window boxes and provide smaller-scale makeovers that create instant impact and increase the value of the entire block.

Relocation: Phil Down Under premiering on Friday April 9 at 9:00pm ET

I know, it's not till April, but get ready for more of our favourite British bloke! Phil Spencer goes in search of ideal homes for British families relocating to Australia. Each week Phil helps a British family moving abroad to Australia by looking at the properties, jobs and culture available in different regions. He also helps them work their way through the Australian property system by surveying, valuing and then negotiating a deal to secure their new home. The series profiles some of Australia’s most amazing properties including penthouses, old aboriginal dwellings, secret cliff hideaways and beach houses.

New Seasons

Home To Flip premiering tonight, Monday, March 8 at 9pm ET

Host Peter Fallico is back with another season of the real estate-meets-design reality series that gives viewers the inside scoop on how to find, buy, renovate and flip a house for profit. In each episode he'll share his tips and tricks for success: how to find the right property; which renovations make the most sense; how to source materials off-the-beaten-track; and how to best present the house in order to make a profit. Each episode will also feature one of Peter's signature design projects, a carpentry/contracting project, a beautiful reveal of one room and, of course, tons of money-saving tips and design and decorating advice.

Sarah's House premiering Tuesday, March 9 at 9pm ET

Sarah Richardson has literally bought the farm! In season 3 of Sarah's House, designer Sarah Richardson goes country for an entirely new experience. Cameras track Sarah, design partner Tommy and contractor Vito as they tackle the renovation of a country place and build a new addition, bringing modern sense and personal style to the entire space. Sarah demystifies the entire renovation and design process, balancing wants and needs, headaches and sweat equity to help you create the home you’re after!

Dear Genevieve (all new season 3 starts Tuesday, March 9 at 9:30pm ET)
For Rent (all new season 3 starts Monday, April 5th at 8pm ET)
Property Shop (all new season 2 starts Wednesday, April 7th 8:30 ET)

New Episodes
House Hunters International (starting Friday, March 12 at 8pm ET)
Holmes Inspection (starting Thursday, April 15th at 8pm ET)

New Time

Marriage Under Construction moves from Mondays at 9pm ET to 9:30pm ET

Related:

Live Blogging Tonight at 9:30: Marriage Under Construction, Episode 10

Elana Safronsky — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 14:28:00 GMT

Remember that painted portrait of Rod I posted in my last video exclusive? Well I found the actual photo! It was taken for TheStar.com, and now it all makes sense. Alicia and I thought Rod looked like Common the rapper in this painting, but we see now that it was not an artistic whim. He looks like that in the photo. I love when life's little mysteries reveal themselves...

Anyhoo, we'll be seeing more of the jokester newlyweds tonight at 9:30pm (NEW time slot), and I'll be here for the live blogging of the episode, as we've been doing all season. If you've not done so already, it's good times! Rod and Nat, and even Melissa the designer -- "Your Designer Friend" -- often drop in on the conversation and answer your questions! We'll see if they stop by tonight... Also, I've another installment of my and Alicia's video exclusive to follow immediately after the episode, so please stay tuned for that.

To blog along for the ride, simply click on "Make a Comment" in the window below (which will appear as soon as the episode starts) and make sure to check out last week's chat. You can also follow some of our comments from tonight's session on Twitter @hgtvcanada. See you tonight!

Episode 10: The next chapter in Rod and Nat’s renovation story is the library. With Rod delayed up North due to weather, the design plan meeting has been postponed for a couple of days. Melissa walks Steve through the plans and he gets a jump start with demolition. Melissa wants to spice up the room with some art, but before she can adorn the walls she must get an idea of their tastes. A comic-book store visit helps her out. Rod’s dad also contributes to the space with a surprise, belated, wedding gift. Will Melissa’s design and Steve’s craftsmanship get their approval? Will the couple decide to move out of the frat house (again) or wait until the completion of the kitchen? And, perhaps the most vexing question; will Rod be able to master the skill saw?

Related:

Sarah Richardson March Makeover Madness!

Alicia Cox — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:35:00 GMT

Can you feel the excitement building? Everyone's favourite designer (and HGTV's #1 host), Sarah Richardson, has a new season of Sarah's House starting this Tuesday, March 9 at 9pm ET/PT! This time, Sarah hits the country and buys a farmhouse to overhaul in her signature style. Design partner Tommy Smythe and faithful contractor Vito Colucci will be along for the ride and since I've had a sneak peek, I can assure you that it's top-to-bottom gorgeous.

To celebrate Sarah's return, we're playing Makeover Matchup all month long on our Facebook fan page. Each week, I'll post photos of two rooms, from seasons 1 and 2. Vote for your favourite and by the end of the month the four top rooms will face off to find out which Sarah space is the ultimate fans' choice. I'll reveal the weekly winner every Saturday here on Style Sheet.

Round 1: The basement/games/media room from season 1 vs. the above ground family/games/media room from season 2. And the winner is...

The basement/games/media room from season 1! I have to admit, I thought the basement factor would deter some fans from voting for it. Here's what some folks had to say about the winner:

Visit our Facebook fan page to find out which rooms will battle it out on Monday in Round 2. And if you're on Facebook and Twitter, but you're not a fan or follower, won't you join us?

Related:

Top 5 Friday: Hot Hosts, Part 2: The Ladies (And an Apology to Bryan Baeumler)

Elana Safronsky — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 19:36:00 GMT

Clockwise from the top: Sandra Rinomato, Sarah Richardson, Samantha Pynn, Cheryl Torrenueva, Kate Campbell

So, I knew this was going to happen: Bryan Baeumler fans got all up in my space about not having included him in last week's Top 5 Hot Male Hosts. I know this because Bryan jokingly mentioned that he's been inundated with 'hate mail' for me, for my oversight...

Let me explain. Obviously we all recognize that Mr. Devilish-smile-Baeumler is by no means underwhelming in the looks department. We just feel it's a bit close to home to openly admit ogling him when we've met his wife, been to his house (details coming to Style Sheet soon!), and keep in contact with him on a regular basis. It's kinda like being honest is much easier with people you don't know or have never met before, than with your friends and acquaintances, who'll probably judge you every time they see you. So, I hereby apologize for not indulging you, the many, many, many ladies and gents who like themselves a little Bryan Baeumler. Yes, he is a good looking man.

Now, onto the ladies. And while there are men who work here who have weighed in on the subject, the following are really a representation of women you, our viewers and readers, have commented on over the years... So if you disagree, you only have your fellow fans to blame...

1. Sandra Rinomato of Property Virgins

She's one sassy lady. You either revel in her tough love or you resent her for seeing right through your entitled ways, but in either case, there's a growing international enthrallment with the woman who really was just a good real estate agent before she became one of our most well-received hosts.

2. Sarah Richardson, our patron saint

Perhaps she owes her success to the fact that she's the aspirational 'every woman'. She has one of these faces you think you've seen before, and though you don't remember where or when, you remember the encounter as very pleasant... Her manner is effortless, her character irreproachable, her designs seem to materialize out of some natural logic of aesthetics forcing you to exclaim, "well of course that looks good! I can't see it any other way!". We love Sarah, and incidentally, the Sarah madness is building as Sarah's House 3 draws closer to premier... FYI, Alicia is running Sarah's House Makeover Match-up on our Facebook Fan Page, where you can vote for your favourite Sarah's House rooms from season 1 and 2. The two finalists will go head to head upon the premier of Sarah's House season 3, for the ultimate fans' choice. Check it out!

3. Samantha Pynn of Pure Design

Isn't she just lovely? She's just lovely. I've interviewed her a few times and she's the most unpretentiously accommodating, lovely gal. Who dresses well, btw, (which could have something to do with her Editor's position at Style at Home magazine) and is super slight and dainty. We love her contemporary glam style and we know you guys love her makeovers, because every time we post one, you go click-crazy!

4. Cheryl Torrenueva of Restaurant Makeover and Colin and Justin's Home Heist

You watch this lady -- you've certainly not seen the last of her. Though she's not yet taken centre stage in her previous television projects, she repeatedly steals your attention with her natural, bubbly charm and can-do design attitude. Wanna know a secret? We've roped her into letting us document a model home she's designing for a new residential development in Ontario, and if you've not gotten hooked on her from her previous shows, you'll get a good chance for that here, on Style Sheet -- coming soon!

5. Kate Campbell of Holmes on Homes and Holmes Inspection

Ok, she's a babe. From her first appearance on Holmes on Homes, through to Holmes in New Orleans and now a saucy brunette on Holmes Inspection, Kate the old-school bombshell, was always on the radar of the burly gents who subscribe to the Holmes institution. She's archetypally good looking, she's wears a hard hat, and she's an industrious worker. When I was live-blogging Holmes Inspection, nary a session would pass without someone saying that they thought "...she was hot", or "...my husband thinks she's gorgeous!"

I know this is a touchy subject, but these here are the people's choice, so to speak! Thoughts?

Related:

New Restaurant To Be Made Over: Lynn Crawford and Cherie Stinson in Business

Elana Safronsky — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 01:54:00 GMT

No matter how many seasons Restaurant Makeover ran for (I think it was a zillion), it wasn't enough for me! When I was on maternity leave I watched that show on both Food Network and HGTV, favouring Lynn and Corbin Tomaszeski in the kitchen, and Cherie Stinson, Cheryl Torrenueva and Glen Peloso for the design.

Well, with all those countless hours spent helping (and berating) others, Chef savant Lynn Crawford of new show Pitchin' In, and designer Cherie Stinson of international firm Yabu Pushelberg, have teamed up to open a restaurant in Toronto.

The restaurant they took over was called Citizen, and you know who owned it? Rodney Bowers of Marriage Under Construction! (This post takes the gold for the most links!) On my and Alicia's visit with the Bowers, Rod confessed that Lynn used come into The Citizen and talk about how she'd like to take the space over. He never thought she was serious until one day she walked in meaning business.

My foodnetwork.ca buddy, CJ, and I, payed the new owners of Citizen -- now called Ruby Watchco (watch the video below for the story of the name) -- a visit. Not much to see right now, but Miz Cherie Stinson is leading her team to something gorgeous I'm sure -- just like Lynn's new show, pitching in is the name of the game -- everyone is doing everything!

Watch CJ's interview with Lynn on the same day, on foodnetwork.ca.

Stay tuned for an update on the interior coming soon!

Related:

Makeover: A Basement I'd Actually Live In

Vanessa — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:33:00 GMT

The team on Income Property does some pretty amazing things with basements. That Scott McGillivray is not only one of HGTV's hotties, he's one talented host. This decrepit basement became an income suite for couple Allison and Rob who were in need of some extra cash. Scott turned the kitchen above into what I wish my own kitchen looked like (the tile is great) and made a cozy media room out of this neither here nor there living room space. The finished suite feels modern and very livable, like a cute condo with very high windows.

See the full makeover and resource guide.

Real People Buying Condos: The Blind Faith of Pre-Construction

Guest Blogger — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:22:00 GMT

As many of us know, few things are more nerve wracking and empowering than purchasing your first home. With experts touting that getting into the market is always better sooner rather than later, there's been a country-wide boom in real estate that hasn't really subsided. What does this mean? For first-time buyers, especially those in larger cities like Toronto, the dream of a house often gets supplanted by a condo, which offers lower buy-in prices.

Pre-construction condo owner, Jennifer Myers

Lower still are the buy-in prices of pre-construction condos, the choice of many looking for the most economically sound investment. In my case, I inherited the decision to invest in pre-construction with my now-boyfriend, who purchased this then-bachelor pad two years before I entered the picture. I must confess: I had zero knowledge of condo ownership, let alone pre-construction nitty-gritty such as PDIs, home inspections and the like.

Though I luckily avoided the long wait to completion, I had my fair share of anticipation for the unveiling. With a builder representative in tow, we recently conducted our Pre-Delivery Inspection -- or PDI -- a walkthrough to note deficiencies, mistakes and defective workmanship or materials. As a new-build homeowner, this is likely the first time you will see your new home in its completed state.

I was coming to this doubly blind; not only did my (not necessarily design savvy) significant other choose all of our finishes and upgrades before we even met, I only had a list of words on an order form to try and picture what my home would look like;

Kitchen cabinetry: “Denova” in “Very Chic” -- actually slab, chocolate brown/"Espresso" doors
Kitchen counter top: “Quarts-2" in "Cinder” -- actually a matte beige, engineered stone
Bathroom floor tile: “Evolution 12x24” -- taupe tile
Vanity counter top: "Bianco Carera" -- marble, nice!

Upon the PDI, I also confronted the expensive upgrade for the commode (one-piece, slow close) and the choice to remove the tub for a very large stand up shower (SUCH a single guy thing to do.) Thankfully, my guy chose not to choose a backsplash, so I got to make at least one decision about my new home!

How did I feel about the rest of it? With pre-sale constructions, design consultants are trusted to offer finishes that are contemporary, but that also appeal to many if not most tastes. That being said, in a year or two your tastes can change. Where I would have happily selected Espresso cabinets in 2008, my 2010 self would likely have gone with all white after the year I spent with an all white kitchen in the interim.

To be honest, most of my selections would have looked nothing like these, but in the end, I am happy with what we have. Some things are nicked and scuffed, and I need to swap out the horrific “contemporary loft” light fixtures ASAP, but otherwise I am satisfied. Now, to furnish!

Have you been through this process? Did you get what you expected? How did your preconstruction design decisions translate in the end?

By Jennifer Myers

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