The 17th annual Awards for Housing Excellence gala brought out a sold-out crowd of 542 to The Westin Bayshore recognizing excellence in homebuilding across Metro Vancouver. On April 18, The Homebuilders Association Vancouver (HAVAN) honoured the exceptional work of the industry’s builders, renovators, designers, and leaders across 67 categories. Throughout the evening, honourees were applauded for their creativity, craftsmanship and forward-thinking projects that helped to redefine housing and design in 2025.

“The range of winners across the categories this year speaks to the strength of our industry and how competitive our market has become, making a HAVAN Award a significant achievement,” says HAVAN CEO Wendy McNeil. “Each year, the program is reviewed to reflect the changing housing landscape, with categories that respond to how homes are being delivered today and the need to address housing challenges, including small-scale, multi-unit housing, multiplex, and modular solutions that support much-needed “missing middle” housing. These awards help homeowners identify professionals who consistently deliver industry-leading results.”

We reached out to six standout winners:

Vancouver-based Laura Grist Interior Design Inc. took home the Grand HAVAN for Interior Designer of the Year and Best Bathroom Renovation under 50 sq.ft for Hidden in Plain Sight, a condo’s reimagined powder room transformed into an elegant space.

“Getting the recognition that we’re ‘as good as we think we are’ is always nice when that’s confirmed,” says Grist. “This win is the culmination of 18 years of design, clients trusting us with their homes (and offices, and second homes… and then sending their friends), long-standing relationships with contractors and trades, and a team that’s been designing side-by-side for the past eight years.”

Vancouver’s HIT Quality Construction’s James Murphy, founder and chief builder, was honoured to take home three awards, including the coveted Grand HAVAN Residential Renovator of the Year.

“Receiving the Renovator of the Year is both an honour and a meaningful milestone for our team and us. Being recognized by our peers makes this especially significant, as it reflects our commitment to excellence, our passion for thoughtful design and craftsmanship, and the strong relationships we build along the way.”

North Shore’s Hasler Homes won three awards, including Best Custom Home: $5 million – Under $10 million, Best New Custom Kitchen: Under $175,000, Best Energy Labelled Home: Custom and Grand HAVAN Custom Home Builder of the Year.

“Winning the Grand HAVAN Custom Home Builder of the Year award is a meaningful milestone for both me and our entire team at Hasler Homes. It represents far more than a single achievement, it reflects years of dedication, craftsmanship, and a shared commitment to excellence,” says Greg Hasler, president. “Most importantly, it motivates us to keep raising the bar. This recognition isn’t a finish line; it’s a reminder to continue innovating, improving, and delivering homes that exceed expectations.”

Vancouver-based Foxridge Homes Ltd., a Qualico Company, took home three awards, including two Grand HAVAN Awards: Best Residential Community: Single-Family, and Grand HAVAN Single-Family Home Builder of the Year.

“These awards mean a great deal and truly belong to everyone on the Foxridge team. This recognition reflects the passion, commitment, and pride behind everything we do,” says Eric Andreasen, vice-president Foxridge Homes.

Surrey’s Zenterra Developments was awarded Best Townhome/Rowhome Unit: Less than 1,500 sq.ft., Best Multi-Family Condominium Unit – The Commons, Best Marketing Campaign and Grand HAVAN Multi-Family Home Builder of the Year.

“Winning the Grand HAVAN Award for Multi-Family Home Builder of the Year is a reflection of the people behind every Zenterra home,” says Derek Fenton, vice-president of marketing and sales. “Our team brings serious purpose to everything they build, and to be recognized by our industry peers for that work is something we don’t take lightly.”

Vancouver’s Renewal Development with Wesgroup Properties won Best Environmental Initiative.

“The construction industry has a significant environmental impact, be it in terms of carbon emissions or material waste. Our partnerships with the shíshálh Nation, Squamish Nation, Wesgroup, Bosa Properties, Anthem Properties and many others demonstrate that development can be done differently,” says Glyn Lewis, founder and CEO, Renewal Development. “Ultimately, the power of our home relocation — repurposing projects is the power of our example. To demonstrate what’s possible when partners come together to reimagine development.”

 

Vancouver-based NorthStar Development took home a new category in 2026: Best Modular/Prefab Housing Solutions award.

“This recognition is meaningful for our team at NorthStar Development because Estrella proves we can deliver urgently needed homes for local workers in a way that is both practical and scalable, with 80 per cent of homes offered at below-market rates,” says Gordon Wylie, President. “By using modular construction to achieve cost and schedule certainty, we were able to bring the first new apartment building to Prince Rupert in 30 years and support the workforce that is essential to the city’s continued growth.”

A full list of winners and photos of the projects are available at havan.ca

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• Wordsworth by Polygon Homes puts community fit over flash

Wesbrook Village is no stranger to Polygon. At Wordsworth , the developer’s sixth completed residential project in the neighbourhood, Polygon Homes and Francl Architecture are taking a more nuanced approach, one that aims to fold into the area rather than make a splashy condo statement. Completed in January, the 231-home project borders Mundell Park at the University of British Columbia’s Point Grey campus.

With fewer than 30 homes remaining, buyers can choose from move-in-ready condos, penthouses and cityhomes. Studios to two-bedroom apartments range from 470 to 896 square feet, with penthouses up to 1,144 square feet. Three-storey, three-bedroom cityhomes range from 1,565 to 1,625 square feet with sundecks, green sedum roofs and ground-floor patios, while penthouses include private garages with attached storage rooms. This new collection of concrete homes is designed to appeal to a wide range of residents, from students and faculty to young families and downsizers drawn to an active lifestyle.

For principal Walter Francl, that sense of fit begins at street level, where the cityhomes visually break down the scale of the project and help it sit more comfortably along the street. “The townhouses are a welcome rhythm as one walks down the streetscape at a very appropriate scale. They modulate the streetscape as you walk down it,” says Francl.

The cityhome facades feature canopied raised entries, eight-foot doors, charcoal grey brick and medium grey metal finishes. While earlier Polygon projects closer to Pacific Spirit Park drew on a more autumn-inspired palette, Francl says Wordsworth’s setting called for something more refined and polished in character: “This is a little bit more removed from Pacific Spirit Park. It’s back a block and has a more urbane feeling to it.” The darker brick, he adds, has an almost “metallic, iridescent quality” that plays off natural rock features found in the neighbourhood, while also feeling cohesive with nearby buildings.

That focus on community fit also shaped the design of the 16-storey tower, positioned at the north end of the site to minimize shadowing on park space and neighbouring buildings to the south. But with a 10,000-square-foot floorplate, the structure risked feeling broad and bulky. To soften its presence, the Francl team curved the north and south faces to give a more slender appearance, with balconies arranged “in a rhythm” to add further movement to the exterior. “They don’t repeat all the way up,” adds Francl. “They have a language that modulates the facade, and the curves add a certain amount of grace to the building itself.”

Inside the building, the shared spaces follow a similar approach. Rather than carving out an oversized amenity package, the team focused on a smaller set of practical features, including a fitness studio, concierge, electronic parcel system, dog wash and bike repair area, while also drawing on the broader neighbourhood amenities around Wordsworth. Polygon and Francl point to the project’s proximity to playgrounds, restaurants, shops, schools and the nearby Wesbrook Community Centre, which includes wellness programs, fitness facilities and space for meetings and events.

The cityhome patios open onto a semi-private courtyard and a pedestrian greenway, extending the main living space outdoors and providing direct access to parks and walking trails. Francl notes that the north-south orientation helps bring sunlight into the courtyard and patios. “It’ll be a really pleasant place to share with your neighbours,” he says.

All cityhome patios and penthouse balconies are fitted with barbecue gas outlets and hose bibs for flexible hosting, while the landscape design by Hapa Collaborative was carefully balanced to provide privacy without closing off views entirely. “The shared open spaces are really something that enhances a sense of community,” says Francl. “It’s where you meet your neighbours in the coming and going day-to-day” — an idea that also extends to the tower’s double-height lobby.

Designed to give a “sense of arrival,” the lobby leans into a calm West Coast-inspired palette. Developed in collaboration with Polygon’s interior design team, the space features limestone-toned porcelain flooring, sculptural Petite Friture Vertigo pendants and a curved marble feature wall that echoes the tower’s rounded form. The walls are clad in light wood panelling with vertical slot detailing that helps define lounge seating.

Francl explains that the lobby was designed for both residents and guests — somewhere to stop, talk and get a sense of the community they’re about to enter. “You get a real warm feeling as you come into the building and [realize] that’s the neighbourhood you’re living in,” he adds.

That same inviting, neutral palette carries into the suites, where interior finishes include engineered wood flooring, natural stone tile walls in ensuites, engineered stone countertops and backsplashes and natural wood or matte white cabinetry with integrated Bertazzoni appliances.

With Wordsworth marking the fourth project completed with Polygon in Wesbrook Village, Francl reflects on the evolving neighbourhood he’s helped shape: “There’s much more yet to come, and I look forward to being part of it and helping this grow into the community that it is becoming.”

Project: Wordsworth

Project address: 6138 Birney Ave., Vancouver, B.C.

Developer: Polygon Wordsworth Homes Ltd.

Architect: Francl Architecture

Interior designer: Polygon Interior Design Ltd.

Project size: 231 apartment homes and cityhomes

Price: One-bedroom homes from $688,800

Number of bedrooms: Studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments; three-bedroom cityhomes

Sales centre: 6138 Birney Ave., Vancouver, B.C.

Centre hours: Noon to 5 p.m. daily except Fridays

Phone: 604-882-0098

Website: polyhomes.com

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The first, most striking feature of the property at 800 Taylor Road on Bowen Island is its sky-high peaked timber frame roof that sits atop 5,349 square feet of custom-built oceanview luxury.

The second-most impressive elements are the 2,400 square feet of covered decks and patios sprawled over two levels. The main floor’s expansive deck with built-in fireplace and two Bromic built-in heaters, built-in barbecue, bar fridge, counter space and cupboards allow for year-round outdoor entertaining.

The third-most striking feature is the 180-degree view over Howe Sound, coastal mountains, and the mainland. The current owners say they often spot surfacing whales and seals, as well as eagles soaring by at eye level.

And then there are the deer who pick their way down from the mountainside behind to nibble the green grass of the property’s front lawn.

What’s inside

The home’s accordion-type door opens up to create a smooth flow from the kitchen and dining room straight out onto the spacious porcelain-tile deck for indoor-outdoor entertaining.

Kitchen amenities include custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, Thermador appliances, a Wolf built-in espresso/coffee unit, a wine fridge and an attached, reclaimed fir six-seat dining table that stays with the house. Another larger dining table made of live edge monkeypod/raintree/suar wood can be negotiated as part of a furniture package.

Spread out over the engineered hickory flooring with radiant heating throughout are four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms, and a living room with floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace that extends horizontally to accommodate a built-in TV.

The oceanview primary bedroom with patio has a propane fireplace with built-in TV, bright spacious primary ensuite with a large shower, soaker tub, double sinks and, in behind, a roomy walk-in closet.

The main floor powder room, says listing agent Barry Thomas of West Vancouver’s Macdonald Realty, grabs a lot of attention from potential buyers. “There’s a copper sink and a full, floor-to-ceiling slate wall, which is reversed on the other side going up the stairwell to the loft area, which also features a bedroom and three-piece bathroom.”

Downstairs, two brick walls flank the games room, one surrounding a wood-burning fireplace (the fireplaces in the primary, living room and outdoor entertainment deck are all propane, says Thomas, as Bowen Island doesn’t have natural gas). Both the games room, which features a wet bar, and a bedroom lead out onto the covered flagstone patio where there’s a hot tub and fire pit.

“This home is a vertical two acres on a slope,” says Thomas explaining the lack of a large yard. “It’s primarily about the living space and the outdoor decks and patios. There’s a bit of a grassy area and the flat area of the driveway (with a three-car garage). It’s really about scaling back the gardening component of the lifestyle and having flowerpots and box gardens and really enjoying the entertaining versus becoming a slave to your property. That’s why it’s appealing to empty nesters in particular — they’ve already paid their dues with gardening and landscaping. They like the idea of low maintenance.”

He says what struck him overall about the home is its “sheer magnificence. It’s quite grand. It’s 5,349 square feet with soaring 24-foot timber frame cathedral ceilings, but when you’re in the home it doesn’t feel oversized. It’s quite warm and cosy and has a really lovely feel about it.”

He says that, in addition to interest from empty nesters who value the lower-level guest rooms for visiting family, he’s getting calls from Canadians living in the U.S. who are contemplating a return. “They want to be close to an international airport without necessarily living in Vancouver.”

In the neighbourhood

Built in 2017, the home is in the prestigious Queen Charlotte Heights subdivision, a quiet, scenic hillside above the main harbour on the east side of Bowen Island. It’s a quick 20-minute ferry ride from Horseshoe Bay in West Vancouver.

Amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, pharmacy, a new medical centre, and community centre are all in Snug Cove, less than a five-minute drive away.

Private and public schools are nearby, as are a marina and the Bowen Island Golf Club. Plenty of parks, including Crippen Regional Park, Cates Hill Nature Park, and Singing Woods Nature Reserve are a short drive away.

Since Bowen is an island just 12 km long and six km wide with 37 km of coastline, there are, of course, many beaches within a short drive, including Sandy Beach and Pebbly Beach near Snug Cove. September Morn Beach, a popular spot for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding, is just a 20-minute walk away from the property.

Location: 800 Taylor Road, Bowen Island

Listed for: $3,195,000

Year built: 2017

Type: Four bedrooms, three-and-a-half bathrooms

Size: 5,349 square feet

Realtor: Listed by Barry Thomas, Macdonald Realty, West Vancouver

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In Vancouver’s Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood, just off Commercial Drive, a striking new residential building now stands where an older apartment block was destroyed by fire in 2017. The earlier building burned down around Christmas, displacing dozens of families and leaving many without their possessions. What has risen in its place is not just larger and newer, but more thoughtful in every way. The Chief Leonard George Building is a nine-storey project designed as Canada’s first mixed-use, tall mass-timber passive house building.

Designed for comfort

Achim Charisius, associate principal at GBL Architects and lead designer on the project, has been involved from rezoning to occupancy. From day one, the intention was not simply to replace what had been lost but to create a culturally meaningful building.

Charisius says the aim was for the building to feel safe, grounded and welcoming for the people returning to the site. This idea is carried by the building’s passive house design.

“Passive House (certification) originally was a comfort standard. It’s a very, very high air quality,” he says.

This is part of what makes this project so appealing. The building feels calm and pleasant to live in.

“It’s amazing when you’re in a passive house, because you hardly know just the city around you,” he says.

A facade with meaning

The building’s facade is inspired by Coast Salish woven basketry, one of the oldest art forms on the Northwest Coast. It is an image with beauty and emotional weight.

“For generations, these cedar baskets have carried food, medicines and children. This building follows that teaching as a contemporary basket that holds families, culture and community in an urban setting,” says Charisius.

In total, this building provides 81 homes, including studio apartments and several three and four-bedroom units, a rarity in a city where family-sized apartments can be hard to find. There is a child care centre on the ground floor, a generous shared amenity space and views to the North Shore mountains and Vancouver Harbour. The architecture feels considered without ever feeling cold.

Shaped around family life

Brenda Knights is CEO of BC Indigenous Housing Society (BCIHS) and worked with GBL Architects to bring this building to life.

She recalls when the fire at this site happened and how difficult it was for many of the tenants. The holiday season is already a tricky time for a lot of people, but added to this, families had to evacuate, scramble to find housing in an already punishing market and deal with the loss of belongings.

“We’ve had the first tenants return to the building. They’re just so excited,” says Knights.

“We often use the basket as a metaphor for the weaving of generations in our families. The basket is also a metaphor for how we used to live together. Its symbolism is meaningful to our organization as we seek to bring back traditional ways of living together,” she says. That idea runs through the whole project, from the larger family units to the child care and shared spaces for cultural programming.

Knights feels there is real strength in having grandparents involved in raising grandkids, as it was for her own children.

“I just can’t say enough about that intergenerational living and how it sets kids up for success,” she says.

From loss to renewal

Knights gives the best plain-spoken endorsement of the building’s energy-smart design. “When I walked through the building now, it’s such a comfortable temperature, I’ve never felt too hot or too cold,” she says.

“We are pleased the architects were able to bring back a wonderful sense of community for tenants, and where families can thrive in a positive environment.”

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Space is at a premium in many Canadian households, and my home is certainly no exception.

What started with a treadmill in the garage had slowly expanded to include a stationary bike, a power tower, free weights, and other assorted workout accoutrements. My home gym was steadily taking over an area where space was already in short supply.

And something had to change.

After searching for ‘home gym solutions’ online, I stumbled upon an interesting idea: the gym shed.

The project proposed the creation of a functional workout space on a budget, in a relatively contained structure, that doesn’t require any city permits. Check, check and check.

While we often look to outdoor sheds as a hideaway spot for patio furniture or garden supplies, the small structures are increasingly being reimagined as creative extensions of our main living spaces.

“We’re seeing Canadians rethink how they use their outdoor space, with sheds becoming a natural extension of the home,” says Jennifer Tang, online merchant, seasonal at The Home Depot Canada. “What started as ‘she sheds’ and backyard offices has evolved into wellness-focused spaces like home gyms, yoga studios and meditation spaces, reflecting a growing focus on convenience and multi-functional living.”

Rather than a repository for old outdoor gear or the lawn mower, I imagined a curated workout space that would offer privacy, as well as a reprieve from my current garage clutter.

Checking on building size limitations for my area, I knew the gym shed could have maximum dimensions of 10×10 feet or 8×12 feet. Leaning toward a structure that was easy to assemble (read: didn’t take too much skill with power tools) and also had water-resistant capabilities, I selected the Keter Resin Outdoor Storage shed . Billed as a medium-sized structure, the model measures a sensible 9×7 feet.

Made from the company’s composite material, which features a 10-year limited warranty and will not peel or rot, the stylish shed features functional details such as a steel-reinforced roof that can withstand a snow load of up to 50 kg/sqm, upper windows for natural light, a locking double door that opens wide for added ventilation and more.

“Shed kits like the Keter model are designed with ease-of-use in mind,” says Tang. “The panels are designed to snap and lock together intuitively using the innovative groove‑and‑lock system. Once the main structure clicks into place, you just secure it with screws. This makes for a reliable and low-stress experience for customers who want to take on a backyard project without needing advanced construction skills.”

Beginning my shed on a pre-existing concrete slab (as with any structural project, an even and flat base is essential), I kicked off my gym shed project around 9 a.m. on a Sunday and was finished about six hours later.

“It’s manageable enough to complete in half a day, and many people turn it into a shared project with family or friends,” says Tang of the design.

Once the structure was completed — and suitably admired — I put down interlocking rubber mats. I chose an option that was both durable and lightweight . It was easy to find a layout that provided ample coverage while also adding comfort for mat-based workouts such as Pilates or yoga.

In the preplanning stages of my gym shed, I’d measured the workout machines and gear that I already had, so that I was sure the shed I’d selected would provide enough space to fit everything inside. After a bit of playing around with the arrangement, I was able to fit my folding treadmill, stationary bike, power tower, and small collection of free weights inside with enough room to still have space (when the treadmill is in its stored position) to workout on the mat.

Electricity is essential in a gym shed, unless you’re going to just do mat-based or weight training workouts. Knowing I also wanted to add a small light source in my gym shed so that I could work out after hours, I purchased a heavy-duty, multi-prong outdoor extension cord that I could run from the side of the house to the shed. An easy solution for an electricity source, I like that I can also easily store the cord inside the shed when not in use.

As with any do-it-yourself project, there’s some room for personalization in a gym shed space. Upping the style factor of my project, I added a plug-in pendant light with a geometric metal design . I even added a small faux plant and a decorative storage basket to keep my yoga mat, resistance bands and bike shoes inside the shed.

Who says gym sheds can’t also be a little bit glam?

“With the right decor and storage, from gym flooring to mirrors and shelving, small touches can turn them into a functional, well-designed retreat,” says Tang.

While a workout space might not be everyone’s version of the ideal shed project, the flexibility afforded by different sizes and prices permit the freedom to create a flex space at home via a shed that can suit a variety of different needs and properties.

“As long as you consider safety precautions, weight limitations and community bylaws, you can let your imagination take over and use the shed in a way that uniquely works for your home,” says Tang. “It could be a meditation space for one, a crafting studio with a painting setup, or even a quiet book nook.”

Aharris@postmedia.com

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If you’re like me, the recent warm weather has spiked the immediacy of getting my food garden underway. It’s mid-April, daytime temperatures are in the teens, and hopefully, we’re past those sneaky night frosts.

I’m choosing the sunniest spots in our garden and using raised beds and containers for extra warmth in the soil so I can include a wider variety of cool-loving, early plants. My goal is to enjoy the earliest crops possible, as well as spacing out subsequent plantings for continuous harvesting, so I can still harvest late vegetables for Thanksgiving and beyond.

I will plant early seeds like radishes, peas, onion sets, and early potatoes now but mostly rely on pre-started transplants for other varieties, which will save me waiting weeks and months for harvest times.

I love pre-started lettuce and other salad greens because they grow so quickly this time of year. Butterhead and other Bibb lettuces like Buttercrunch are favourites, both for flavour and ease of harvest. Red leaf lettuce is perfect for adding colour to salads and sandwiches and Romaine varieties, like Green Towers, are the heart and soul of Ceasar salads. I’m also a fan of the blended lettuce mixtures like City Garden Mix, which has a good range of flavours and continues to produce all summer long.

It’s important to get greens like arugula started early as they will tend to bolt or go to seed when we get those sudden bursts of hot weather. The same is true of all those remarkable Asian greens and mustard greens. If you can find them already started in a four-inch pot, they will likely be ready to harvest just a few weeks after being transplanted.

Speaking of bolting, spinach is another crop that needs to be set out early. Fortunately, spinach varieties are all fast cropping, maturing anywhere from 30 to 45 days from transplanting started plants. The old standby is Bloomsdale Savoy, but there are many other varieties available today. It’s ideal to harvest as soon as the leaves begin to size up, because long days with higher heat will spark the bolting process.

Although not a true spinach, the well-known New Zealand Spinach or tetragonia tetragonioides, is a heat lover. It takes longer to produce, often taking up to 60 days, but will produce soft, tender spinach-like leaves all summer long.

Swiss chard is one of my favourite greens, not only for longevity in the garden and for the beautifully coloured foliage but also for the wonderful flavour. Both Celebration and Bright Lights are blends of red, yellow, pink and white stems, making them a garden showpiece.

Of all the brassicas, broccoli has always been a favourite. Purple-headed broccolis, like Summer Purple, are nice to spice up your salad plates. Most broccoli varieties will produce smaller side shoots if you cut out the central head when it’s young, providing a longer harvest. Now, the mini-head varieties like Aspabroc and Artwork, commonly called broccolini, have really become very popular.

Kale is still a hit in our younger gardening community. Not only are they the hardiest brassica, but they also perform well in hot summer. I love the Bor series, like Redbor, Winterbor and Darkibor. The latest trend is to let them grow large as garden specimens, which are especially attractive in fall and winter, while remaining edible.

Pure white cauliflower is a prized culinary specimen, and by making sure you have self-wrapping varieties you’ll be sure to achieve this. They also now come in vibrant purple, green and gold heads to add flair and flavour to any charcuterie board or veggie tray.

Cabbage is still popular, with smaller heads and faster harvesting varieties, like Fast Vantage, available today. Savoy types, with their wonderful, ruffled leaves, are the go-to favourite for cabbage rolls, and red cabbage is perfect for slaws, pickling and mixed salad plates.

Many growers are now starting beets, carrots and other root crops for transplanting. Beets produce wonderful greens for early harvesting, and as they are a fast crop, you can lift the younger “baby beets” to enjoy both the foliage and the smaller roots.

Onions are an early must-have. Multiplier sets will produce green onions only weeks after planting, and then all summer long. Although not huge, Dutch sets will produce medium-sized onions in early summer, so they’re great for a wide range of recipes.

If it’s the giant sweet Spanish onions you’re after, setting out transplants that have likely been started in January will be the fastest and best way to enjoy those spectacular giants in late August. Walla Walla is an all time favourite, but probably the best is a variety called Riverside Sweet Spanish. They are the most productive and have the best keeping quality of all the varieties. If you would like to show off just a little, then try either Ailsa Craig, or the biggest giant of them all, Kelsae. Not only are they sweet and wonderful, but they can reach the size of a soccer ball. In fact, Kelsae, which was developed in Scotland, holds the Guiness World Record for the largest onion — weighing in at 6.8 kg.

Don’t forget potatoes: Early varieties like Norland, Warba and Caribe can go in now for you to enjoy those fabulous nuggets in late June.

We’ll have to hold off until mid-to-late May to plant our warm-weather loving veggies, meanwhile it’s exciting to see the wide variety of cool, early vegetables we can safely get underway now. It’s a promise of some wonderful flavours, and somehow, when we’ve grown them ourselves, they always taste better.

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When Lauren Webb and Josephina Serra toured a Yaletown condo created by merging two apartments, there were still obvious traces of the divide.

“When we did the walk-through, it was very obvious that it had been two units,” says Webb of the now-2,575-square-foot home.

One side felt under-planned; rushed through design and staging for sale. The other was a bit higher-end. But both lacked cohesion and character.

The new owners had hired Vancouver interior design studio Form Collective to pull the mismatched halves into alignment, redecorate and notch up the style — with touches inspired Las Vegas, where they have another residence.

Principals Webb and Serra realized quickly the place needed more than decor. The project grew into a deeper renovation, reworking parts of the floor plan while unifying the space in function and feel.

The owners’ first big ask was a backlit stone backsplash inspired by their Nevada home — rendered in translucent Cristallo Quartzite for “really wild pop factor.” Web says: “We were worried it would be too in-your-face, but we actually love it.”

For a secondary visual anchor, Webb and Serra extended an existing island with matching stone, adding a curved detail on one end to mimic curved lines of the condo’s outer wall. “We wanted it to be a statement piece and really welcoming to stand around it as well,” says Webb.

Overhead, a dropped wood ceiling panel with a backlit plate sets off a glittering linear light fixture. Stained shinnoki white oak millwork adds sleek storage and houses appliances.

Off to one side, a Samsung Frame TV poses as a painting when not entertaining the cook. This placement eliminated the need for a TV over a nearby fireplace, which backs onto windows.

Around the fireplace, they carved out a small family room. Working with bespoke furnituremaker WD Western Designers, they created a custom curved sofa. To maximize seating and sightlines without overwhelming the space, the company created a template on-site prior to fabrication.

Over the sofa, a print by photographer Gillian Lindsay grounds the space — a slightly gritty and less “Vegas” choice Serra fought for and the homeowner now loves, she says.

Throughout the home, original art and prints layer on character absent in the home’s past life, giving the feel of a collection gathered over time, adds Serra. One standout piece is “Generations” by Victor Goertz, an original acrylic depicting the mossy trunk of an evergreen tree in greens and pinks, hung between the entryway and kitchen. Another striking piece, “City in Pink and Green,” a print by David Tycho, picks up the same colour scheme the end of the main hall.

The homeowner had one other Vegas-inspired request: a home bar. “He kept joking that he wanted to charge cover like a nightclub,” says Webb.

By subsuming the footprint of a former home office, Webb and Serra obliged. The result feels like an intimate speakeasy, layered in leather-textured Black Negresco veined quartzite, against tan velvet stools and gold hardware. One unexpected detail here: millwork doors conceal two 24-inch-wide under-counter freezers where the homeowner, a sport fisherman, stores his catches.

The moody glam esthetic of the bar carries to an adjacent sitting area with leather loungers, and the home’s formal dining area around the corner.

Here, Art Deco-style bench seating complements an oval table and nature-inspired chandelier. The dining area opens to the home’s main living room, set into a corner of wall-to-wall windows. A custom metal fireplace by Vancouver’s New Format Studio adds a flash of brushed gold, against velvet and leather seating.

 

The home’s bedrooms each have their own spin on the Vegas theme. A guest room reserved for the wife’s mother channels a light motif, with a vibrant wall tapestry complementing colourful artwork. Another brings visual drama with a ceiling-high headboard in upholstered black Vant Panels, and punchy black-and-white bedside lamps from CB2. The primary bedroom veers mid-century, with a towering velvet-green headboard against dark metallic wallpaper. Burl nightstands, gold-disc light fixtures and a vintage Otto Bettmann photo of Tropicana showgirls round it out.

As the renovated space came together, a new duality took shape, says Webb. The kitchen side of the space reads “daytime” — light and airy — while a darker, nighttime vibe takes over on the bar-dining side.

Yet the whole space feels unified. “Anybody who walks in there now would never guess that it used to be two units, whereas when we first started, it was very obvious,” says Webb. “When the owner first saw it, she teared up, and that’s always a great feeling. She was so happy.”

So happy, in fact, that the homeowners rehired the duo to fly to Las Vegas for a week and decorate their home there — which they’d previously considered finished. Says Webb: “They didn’t realize what was missing until they saw how layered their space could really be.”

Project design: Form Collective

Project construction: Headland Construction

Project millwork: Sofo Kitchens

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

9231 Parksville Dr., Richmond

Type: Five-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 2,000 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,493,600

Listed for: $1,399,000

Sold for: $1,422,000

Sold on: March 2

Days on market in this listing: Seven

Listing agent: Adam Pospischil and Alex Wong at Engel & Volkers Vancouver

Buyers agent: Tracy Hu PREC at LeHomes Realty Premier

The big sell: Richmond’s Boyd Park is the venue for this five-bedroom family home that offers a number of reasons that attracted multiple offers when it was listed for sale. Namely, an air-conditioned interior that provides year-round comfort with a newly-installed heat pump, a floor plan that offers four bedrooms upstairs and a fifth on the main level for guests, elderly relatives, or home office use, 200 square feet of internal storage space, and upgrades that include hardwood floors, stainless-steel appliances, stone counters, and two gas fireplaces. The outside holds its own with a west-facing rear garden that backs directly onto the West Richmond Pitch & Putt Golf Course, a location just a few blocks from Hugh Boyd Secondary School and the West Richmond Community Centre, and covered parking as well as additional space on the driveway for larger vehicles.

2 — 275 West 17th Ave., Vancouver

Type: Four-bedroom, five-bathroom half duplex

Size: 1,969 square feet

B.C. Assessment: N/A

Listed for: $2,680,000

Sold for: $2,680,000

Sold on: Jan. 8

Days on market in this listing: 38

Listing agent: Jessica Chen PREC at Oakwyn Realty

Buyers agent: Val Brennan at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: This newly-finished half duplex sold for bang on the listed price and features a larger layout than many with four bedrooms, five bathrooms and almost 2,000 square feet of internal living space. It forms part of a side-by-side duplex in Cambie Village just steps to shops, parks, restaurants, schools and the Canada Line subway route that connects downtown with Vancouver’s international airport. Built by Vandwell Developments, the home features floor-to-ceiling windows, a built-in sound system, sliding glass doors, front and back patios, air conditioning, radiant heat, and a stylish kitchen with waterfall countertops and sleek cabinetry. A staircase with seamless glass railings leads upstairs where there are two further levels with two bedrooms on each. There is a heated crawl space for extra storage but the piece de resistance is a rooftop deck with panoramic mountain and city skyline views.

201 — 39771 Government Rd., Squamish

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment

Size: 1,198 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $797,000

Listed for: $819,900

Sold for: $807,000

Sold on: Jan. 30

Days on market in this listing: 83

Listing agent: Rod Bahari PREC at Sutton Group — West Coast Realty

Buyers agent: Art Power at Stilhavn Real Estate Services

The big sell: Squamish is home to the five-year-old Breeze condominium complex that occupies a convenient location near the many amenities that the town offers. This particular unit is a two-level, south-facing, two-bedroom, two-bathroom end unit with the added bonus of having a 16-foot-long open loft space as well as a penthouse position. Boasting a layout close to 1,200 square feet, the interior features vaulted ceilings, a Scandinavian-inspired kitchen with a streamlined design incorporating an island, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances and ample cupboard space, a primary bedroom on the upper level with a custom-built walk-in closet and ensuite bathroom, and a private deck with engaging mountain and Chief views. The unit’s monthly maintenance fee is $583.09 and it comes with underground parking, and a strata that permits pets and rentals with restrictions.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

Want more expert mortgage info? Robert McLister shares Canada’s best national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily.

For a long while, dream kitchens have been sleek, pale and a little bit clinical. Crisp white cabinets and not a lot of softness. This popular look, though polished, can feel a little cold. Now the mood is shifting, says Vancouver designer Jenalee Nordstrom of Schédio Spaces .

People are really wanting to feel relaxed in their homes, says Nordstrom. This has always been the case, but after years of uncertainty, inflated costs and general fatigue, people are after homes that make them feel calm, in a way that outdoes any home design trends.

Wood is an innate, primal element that people find relaxing. We’re seeing the desire for this material in kitchens, she says.

This doesn’t mean a return to the fussy, orange-toned kitchens with ornate detailing and heavy upper cabinets.

“It’s not the heavy wood cabinetry of our parents’ generation,” she says, describing instead a new wave of kitchens that feel modern and contemporary, while also delivering warmth and ease.

This is not a passing whim, but part of a bigger design swing away from sterile to grounded.

Younger homeowners, especially millennials, are settling into longer-term homes and are investing in kitchens they want to live with for years, not just photograph for a season, says Nordstrom. Wood has moved from being a niche choice to a lasting one.

Light, warm and contemporary

To avoid the dark, cavelike wooden kitchens of yesteryear, choose your materials carefully, says Nordstrom. Tone, grain and contrast matter, as does restraint.

For homeowners who want a safe, soothing look, she likes keeping wood in the same colour family as the floor — not matchy-matchy, but harmonious.

For those willing to push things a little further, mixing tones can be beautiful. A cooler floor with warmer cabinetry, or a darker floor with lighter cabinets, gives the room more depth and personality. This approach can make a kitchen feel less staged and more lived in.

Nordstrom also distinguishes between sleeker grain patterns and more expressive ones. A subtler grain works well when paired with dramatic stone, because it lets the marble or quartz do the talking. A stronger, more visible grain brings more pattern and softness, which can be especially effective with simpler counters and backsplashes. In other words, wood can whisper or sing, so you want to really consider the design of the other materials you’re using.

For anyone nervous about committing, Nordstrom says:

“Use wood on the lower cabinet and keep the upper cabinet in a lighter tone.”

This way, your room gets warmth where it needs grounding, but the eye still reads the kitchen as open and airy. She has used darker walnut below with painted uppers, and the effect is rich without feeling weighty.

Flat-front doors keep things light, says Nordstrom. Wood already brings movement and interest, so it doesn’t need a lot of trim, fluting or fuss piled on top.

Veneer, solid wood and a new contender

Veneer is often the more affordable route, says Nordstrom. It gives you the look of timber without the same degree of seasonal movement, because the wood layer sits on a stable substrate. It is also useful for larger panels. The drawback with veneer can be durability. It can be harder to repair if it gets gouged or dented badly. Once damaged, you may need to replace a door rather than simply sanding it back.

Solid wood has a different appeal, she says. It’s durable, tactile and repairable. It can be sanded, refinished and restained later if tastes change. It also allows for carved detail such as fluting or reeding, but solid wood can be very expensive, depending on what you go with, and in climates like B.C., it does expand and contract.

“In humid winters and dry summers, doors can shift, seams can tighten or widen, and panels may need adjustment over time,” she says.

Nordstrom says she’s very excited about a new Cosentino product out called Amazonik , which gives the visual warmth of wood with the performance of Dekton. For busy kitchens, this is a great choice, she says. It can be used on fronts, counters and backsplashes, and avoids many of the headaches that come with real timber in wet or hardworking zones. It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves the look of wood but worries about movement, staining or hygiene.

Get your lighting right

Even the best wood kitchen can fall flat under the wrong lighting, says Nordstrom. For wood in the kitchen, she prefers lower-sheen finishes to let the grain read naturally, rather than glossy coatings that tip wood into something artificial and overly slick. A softer finish keeps the material looking honest and warm.

Your light bulbs really matter, she says. The colour of your lighting is going to change the colour of the wood.

“I really encourage people to use a slightly warmer interior light when they’re using wood if they want that relaxed finish. 2700 or 3000 Kelvin is the whitest that they should go.”

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For many generations, the advent of spring has meant saying goodbye to winter by doing a deep, thorough clean of their homes. Over the chilly season, when hunkering down, it’s not surprising that we overlook certain household tasks, and ignoring clutter would certainly fall into the category. A springtime cleanup is an opportune time to tackle the buildup.

Over time clutter can become almost invisible or just part of the furniture. How it gets to that point comes down to simply having too many things and no system in place for storing or organizing them, says author Laura Wittmann, a self-described organizing junkie.

“It all comes down to systems and stuff in general,” Wittmann explains. “Often, we just have a stuff problem, and it becomes clutter because we don’t have specific spots to put it. It just piles and clutter attracts clutter. Before you know it, all your surfaces are covered — your counters, dresser tops, any surface is fair game. It just seems to collect and before you know it, you can’t find anything you need to access because it’s buried.”

In her book Clutter rehab: 101 tips & tricks to declutter your home and organize your space, Wittmann offers simple, easy-to-implement methods to claw back the clutter that can overwhelm a living space. The easiest one to put into action, she says, is creating a “donation station” — a name which describes its specific function. Wittmann, uses this method herself and has placed a laundry basket in her linen closet where she just tosses items in when she notices that they’re no longer functional for her home.

“We all have things in our kitchen cupboards that we don’t love or need,” she notes. “In our head we’re thinking ‘I’ll have to get rid of that at some point,’ but that never comes. Just grab it and put it in the donation station right away. It’s the easiest way just having it there rather than grabbing a bag and walking around the house aimlessly.”

For Wittmann, having an organized home is all about functionality and efficiency — not making it Instagram-ready. If you get there, that’s great, she says, but don’t get caught up in colour-blocking your books or finding the trendiest storage container. Her house, where she uses mostly dollar store finds to keep items sorted, demonstrates that creating an efficient home doesn’t need to be costly. Most importantly it’s not as complicated as people envision it to be, nor does it need to be done on a large scale. She suggests taking a drawer and dumping it out and sorting through it, even while watching TV. Remove, sort and purge is the mantra she goes by.

She recommends looking for “like” items in the kitchen as a way to see what is being used and what can be purged.

“I noticed in kitchens people don’t have like with like,” she says. “They’ll have cups over here in another cupboard. I’ll suggest let’s just tackle cups. Remove all your cups and put them together… It’s way easier to purge at that point.”

To clear kitchen counters, she suggests putting everything in a box and only bringing things back as needed. Often people don’t return all the items finding that they’ve “fallen in love with the empty space.”

In Clutter Rehab, Wittmann offers an easy-to-follow approach that can be remembered with the acronym PROCESS: plan, remove, organize, evaluate, solve and simplify. The first three being the most important to achieve. The book’s information is presented in short bites, the entirety of the advice is easily digestible, and the reader can adapt it to their own needs.

“It’s a very easy read,” Wittmann says. “You don’t have to read it from cover to cover. Because it’s written as 101 tricks and tips for decluttering, you can pick and choose. There’s a list of them all and you can just jump in where you feel comfortable. It doesn’t have to be ‘do this first, do this second’ kind of thing.”

Out of all her tips for creating a more functional home, Wittmann urges people to foremost set up their house for the way that they live. “It doesn’t have to work for anyone else but you or anyone else that lives with that family. That’s all that matters.”

Though she shuttered her longtime popular blog the Organizing Junkie a few years ago and no longer works as a professional organizer due to a chronic illness, Wittmann is still in contact with readers via her Instagram account @orgjunkie. Most of her current content is in the IG stories format rather than posts.

Clutter rehab: 101 tips & tricks to declutter your home and organize your space

By Laura Wittmann | Ulysses Press, April 14, 2026, 128 pages, $19.99

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When Donna Balfour heard that the oceanfront property was hitting the market, she knew she had to act. “I knew right away it was for me,” she recalls. “It’s the perfect location on Robert’s Bay. As soon as it was listed, I bought it.”

Her quick decision wasn’t entirely impulsive. Balfour had long felt connected to Vancouver Island, from family ties in Victoria to summers spent in Oak Bay, and after settling in Sidney, she knew she wanted a home by the beach.

At first glance, the 2,667-square-foot home is a serene Scandinavian-meets-West Coast retreat, with warm wood tones, natural stone, vaulted ceilings and a generous covered deck overlooking the water. Designed by Jamie Banfield Design , The Sidney is the kind of place that invites slow mornings, cosy gatherings and evenings with a glass of wine in the tub — an interesting first impression for a home perched on a bay that doesn’t always behave so gently.

“When we got there, it was the view and [figuring out] how to capture that,” says principal designer Jamie Banfield. “There are stormy days there. There are really good sunsets and really good sunrises — there’s lots of different movement that’s happening there.”

Those movements in the landscape sparked a series of design changes. After reworking the floor plan to bring more usable living space toward the waterfront, the team also looked at how to make the home feel brighter and more open. They relocated the stairs and raised the roofline by eight feet, creating a vaulted ceiling with asymmetrical peaks that captures more light inside despite the home’s covered outdoor areas.

It was a dramatic decision, but one that paid off. “Jamie called me one day and said he wasn’t happy with the look of the outside of the house,” shares Balfour. “He asked me if I’d be willing to take the roof off to make the peak. It’s made the house so stunning from the outside and inside. The wood is gorgeous.”

The wood wrapping the ceiling continues outside, where thermally modified Lunawood cladding is paired with matte black and bronze metals for an exterior that feels both warm and durable in the coastal climate. Over time, the wood is meant to weather from a reddish brown to a silvery grey, reflecting the changing seasons. “They’re timeless,” says Banfield. “There’s no maintenance, but it’s also going to wear really well with the elements.”

Inside, the moody, nature-inspired palette layers dark walnut cabinetry, copper fixtures and blue-grey quartzite to echo the shoreline and shifting skies. “We wanted to give a nod to what we would find outside,” says Banfield.

But the design is about more than just views, light and cohesive colours. Banfield says the team thought carefully about the different “extremes” of how Balfour would use the house, from day-to-day life on her own to a full house when she’s hosting.

Rather than organizing the kitchen around esthetics alone, the design team laid it out by functional zones. “I think that’s something people miss a lot of the time,” says Banfield. “They’ll try to design it for a pretty picture instead of how it’s actually going to function.” One side acts as a more casual drinks station, with a coffee maker and bar fridge positioned for easy access to the deck, while the island anchors the main cooking and entertaining space. A separate butler’s pantry keeps a secondary oven and freezer used for baking neatly tucked out of sight.

Balfour notes the kitchen works just as well for her daily routines as it does for guests. “Last summer I had back-to-back company and loved it,” she says. “Everyone enjoyed cooking in that kitchen. There’s room for everyone and it doesn’t feel crowded.”

Outside, a 522-square-foot heated deck expands the kitchen and living space, complete with a built-in outdoor kitchen by Outerspace and room for everything from Balfour’s book club to casual barbecues. Yet it still feels comfortable when she’s on her own, whether for a quiet coffee at sunrise or an evening by the water.

And when the weather shifts, the home adapts with it. Accordion glass doors and oversized openings frame the ocean views while allowing the main living space to feel protected from wind and rain. “I don’t think many people think about that when they think about the waterfront,” says Banfield. “Storm watching is really entertaining to see, just watching how strong the water is and what it can do.” Below the upper deck, a flagstone patio off the principal bedroom offers a second sheltered spot to take in the shoreline.

For Balfour, it’s that balance that makes the home feel right year-round. “The home is very cosy, even on the deck,” she says. “It’s fun to watch the stormy weather. The summer is amazing and outdoor living at its best.”

Architectural design, interior design and furniture selection: Jamie Banfield Design Inc.

Builder/Contractor: Top of the Line Contracting

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Improving your home’s curb appeal can sound costly. New siding, roofing, windows or landscaping, it’s easy to assume that creating a beautiful exterior for your home means a full overhaul.

To bring things down to earth, ask yourself, when someone arrives, what’s the first impression they have of your home? Your front entrance matters so much. It sets the tone before the door even opens. It can make a house feel crisp and contemporary, classic and composed, or warm and inviting.

Replacing your front door or the garage door can instantly transform the look of the facade, says Nathalie Perreault, design and colour specialist at BP Canada .

“It’s also a great opportunity to add a pop of colour, a trend that’s becoming increasingly popular. If the budget is tight, simply painting the door or adding stylish or colourful accessories can make a noticeable difference at a very low cost,” she says.

Plan your upgrades in phases

If a major update is on the horizon, Perreault recommends resisting the urge to do everything at once without a plan. You want to think long-term and break the work into manageable stages.

“First, it’s essential to prioritize exterior projects that protect the home and ensure long-term durability. If a homeowner can only afford one improvement per year, we recommend creating a long-term plan divided into realistic phases. This makes it easier to spread out the investments while keeping the final vision in mind,” says Perreault.

This kind of planning is not just practical, it also results in a more cohesive overall look. Instead of chasing one-off fixes, homeowners can make decisions that relate to the whole house, from roofline to trim colour to the tone set at the front step.

Your roof and siding are often the biggest investments, both visually and functionally, says Perreault. They protect the home, but also establish its overall personality. A soft, tonal palette can feel elegant and settled, and a higher-contrast combination can feel sharper and more architectural.

Her advice is to choose colours that will age gracefully. White, beige, grey, blue, green and black remain dependable for a reason. They sit comfortably with landscaping, brick, stone and natural light, and they don’t date a home as quickly as trend-driven choices can, she says.

The best time to install a roof is generally in late spring or fall, when weather conditions are stable and dry, says Perrault.

The mistake many homeowners make is focusing too much on what looks current, rather than what will still look good years from now, says Perreault. She warns against following trends too closely and says testing colours outside is essential. Light changes everything, as do surrounding materials.

Some of the most effective exterior upgrades are also the easiest to underestimate, says Perreault. The colour of the roof can dramatically change the overall style of a home, and gutters, too, can have more visual impact than many realize, especially when upgraded to a cleaner, more modern profile. Even refreshing window trim or standardizing mismatched frames can make a house look more polished without the cost of full replacement.

These are the details that help a home feel finished, says Perrault.

Stepping inside

Vancouver designer Maria Killam, founder and creative director of the Killam Colour System , believes many homes miss an opportunity right at the threshold.

“The best way to improve your entry is to add a table in the right size and scale with a lamp and a mirror above it… (This) goes a very long way to adding warmth and atmosphere when someone walks in the door,” she says.

It’s a lovely reminder that curb appeal does not stop at the porch. The experience of arrival continues inside, and the best homes create a sense of welcome that flows naturally from exterior to interior.

Killam also advocates for colour in spaces that are too often left flat and underwhelming.

“Hallways and entries can often feel dark and dingy, painted white or grey and will feel a lot happier in a pale blue, green or even a warm, pale beige. Beige is back, and an entry hall is the perfect place to experiment with adding a warm and welcoming feeling to your home,” she says.

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Most people want a home that reflects their personality, interests and family history but using collections, inherited furniture and travel souvenirs as decor in a way that feels intentional rather than cluttered is often the challenge.

Interior designers say the solution isn’t to hide these objects, rather it’s to edit collections, group special objects and, when appropriate, juxtapose them with modern elements.

Lori Steeves, founder and creative director of North Vancouver-based Simply Home Decorating says walking the line between curated and cluttered can be tricky.

“My biggest strategy successfully integrating personal items is to contain and group them rather than scattering them throughout the home,” says Steeves.

For smaller items she often opts to place them in shadow box frames to create a wall display, gather them on a tray, or group them in a cabinet where glass doors make them visible and also keep them dust free.

Grouping tchotchkes, curios and keepsakes also make one perceive the collection as one object instead of multiple items.

“That’s a great way to contain visual clutter,” says Steeves. “I encourage people to edit their belongings and their collections because sometimes it can be distilled down to just one really great item or a collection of three great items.”

Carla Bond-Fisher, founder and creative director of Kelowna-based Sticks + Stones Design Group , says the instinct is often to display everything at once because it all has meaning.

“That’s where spaces can start to feel heavy. If you don’t curate intentionally, the space can feel accidental rather than thoughtful,” she says, noting scale matters.

“If everything is small, the room feels busy. Balancing a large heirloom piece with negative space and a few intentional accents makes the space feel refined,” adds Bond-Fisher.

“Edit first. Choose the pieces that resonate most and give them room to breathe. Negative space is just as important as what you place in a room. It allows the eye to rest and gives meaningful pieces the attention they deserve,” she says.

Bond-Fisher also loves the impact of juxtaposition.

“A contemporary sofa paired with a vintage chair. An antique vessel styled on a very clean console. A traditional chandelier above a minimal dining table. Mixing eras thoughtfully creates depth and prevents a space from feeling overly traditional or like it came straight from a catalogue,” she says.

The foundational decor in a space is all-important, says Bond-Fisher noting if larger elements are clean and timeless, it creates a calm canvas.

“From there, layer in one or two meaningful pieces. Perhaps an antique sideboard or a significant artwork. Then support those pieces with smaller accents that don’t compete,” she says.

Steeves often encounters people who have inherited furniture and are grappling with how to present it in their space.

“Keeping a whole set of dining furniture — table, often rickety chairs and a sideboard — may not be the best way to honour a memory,” she says. “If you keep the whole set it can look like a museum or an old house from another era. Again, it’s about distilling it down to what’s most important,” she says, adding in most cases keeping the table makes most sense. Pairing a heritage table with contemporary chairs combines old with new and brings the whole space up to date .

“It’s all about keeping the one thing that’s the best of the lot to evoke that memory or remind yourself of where it came from and not be too literal about it. If grandma left me her dining set, she didn’t necessarily mean that I was going to have to take this into every home that I ever live in for the rest of my life,” says Steeves.

Bond Fisher says one of the biggest mistakes people make is treating every surface like a museum shelf.

“When every horizontal space is filled, nothing feels special. The eye needs negative space. Personal pieces deserve breathing room. They should feel intentional, not accidental. Keep what tells your story now,” she says.

Steeves says displaying personal items in a secondary space is also an option.

These may include family photos, collections and souvenirs bought on vacation.

“People can amass collections over time that often don’t form a cohesive grouping — or buy a souvenir like a ceramic pot on a European vacation. It can be difficult because these things may have a totally different esthetic or character to the rest of your home,” she says.

In these cases she encourages people to move these possessions into more personal spaces like hallways to bedrooms or gather them on a tray in a space outside the living room and dining room.

Steeves says there are so many decorative items in homes that are haphazard or unconsidered.

“We could have things that were a gift from a relative that you never resonated with but feel obligated to [display]. It’s really important to look at your space with a fresh eye now and then and think: what can I remove from here? What isn’t serving me or representing me anymore? What maybe drains my energy,” she says.

Sometimes people keep expensive decorative items although they regret the purchase.

“Because of your investment you feel like you have to hang on to it. But it’s really the opposite of what you should do. Anything that has guilt around it has no place in your home,” she says.

Steeves suggests taking a photo of a cluttered space is helpful.

“It disembodies it and you see it in a new way. Stand back, take a wide photo and look at it later with a critical eye,” she says.

She also cautions against the picture-perfect homes seen on social media sites.

“I just find there’s such a proliferation of AI generated perfect spaces that have no personality. Don’t strive to replicate these soulless, boring, impersonal spaces that you see online. What makes a space unique is incorporating your own quirks and items and things that represent you,” she says.

Over the years Steeves has incorporated many heritage items into homes such as pianos, used colours sparked by vacation memories as the colour palette for a complete design or integrated hobbies such as quilting or photography as meaningful art throughout the home.

One unusual injection of personality was inspired by a couple who had a boat and loved fishing.

“In the powder room in their home I suggested that we choose this outlandish fish wallpaper as a tongue in cheek reference to something that they really enjoy. At first, they were a little hesitant because it is a little over the top, but ultimately, they love it and they say everybody who comes into the house uses the powder room at some point and talks about the wallpaper. It’s a real conversation starter,” she says.

“Don’t be afraid to inject your personality. You should do what really works for your home, your space, your personality and family,” says Steeves.

Bond-Fisher believes we’re entering an era of slower, more thoughtful design. “People are craving homes that feel like them. Less algorithm, more authenticity.”

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Weekly roundup of three properties that recently sold in Metro Vancouver.

1747 Balaclava St., Vancouver

Type: Five-bedroom, four-bathroom detached

Size: 3,082 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $3,142,000

Listed for: $3,998,000

Sold for: $4,240,000

Sold on: Jan. 16

Days on market in this listing: Eight

Listing agent: Karley Rice PREC at Macdonald Realty

Buyers agent: Shannon Vrlak PREC at WESTSIDE Tom Gradecak Realty

The big sell: According to listing agent Karley Rice, four offers were received for this Kitsilano Craftsman-style house that pushed the final sale price well into the $4-million bracket. What was on offer is a location just off Point Grey Road on a landscaped lot, together with numerous updates that blended with the property’s 1912 origins. Wood floors, overheight and coffered ceilings, crown mouldings, bay windows, a wood-burning fireplace, and stained-glass windows with bespoke shutters all check the character box, while a chef’s kitchen with superior appliances, spa-like ensuite bathrooms, custom panelling, skylights, and accent walls in designer paint colours showcase modern touches. The principal living area is on the main floor with four bedrooms upstairs, and the lower level has two separate entrances, a family room, fifth bedroom, workshop area, mud room, laundry and storage.

97 — 3880 Westminster Hwy., Richmond

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,801 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,185,000

Listed for: $1,269,000

Sold for: $1,272,000

Sold on: Jan. 23

Days on market in this listing: Six

Listing agent: Jessica Chen PREC and Jason Ng at Oakwyn Realty

Buyers agent: Howard Hu PREC at eXp Realty

The big sell: Richmond’s Terra Nova subdivision is home to Mayflower, a 157-unit townhouse complex that was built in 1997 in the city’s northwest corner near No. 1 Road. The three-level homes feature integrated side-by-side double garages, and access to a range of amenities including an outdoor swimming pool and hot tub, an exercise centre, a lounge/party room, and a playground. This particular home has high ceilings and an open-concept layout on the main floor, two spacious balconies, and a number of upgrades with a remodelled kitchen complete with island and a full appliance package, updated lighting, new carpets and hardwood floors. Additional big-ticket items provide peace of mind with a new roof, hot water tank, and a garage motor all installed within the past three years. A flexible lower-level recreation room could be used as a home office, gym, or fourth bedroom. The unit’s monthly maintenance fee is $459.02, and rentals are permitted with restrictions.

2822 Victoria Dr., Vancouver

Type: Six-bedroom, five-bathroom multiplex

Size: 3,215 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,872,000

Listed for: $1,549,000

Sold for: $1,550,000

Sold on: Jan. 27

Days on market in this listing: 11

Listing agent: Bob Bracken at ReMax Real Estate Services

Buyers agent: Justin Deng PREC at Sutton Centre Realty

The big sell: This five-suite income-generating property resides on Vancouver’s Victoria Drive just one block to John Hendry Park and the Trout Lake Community Centre as well as the amenities throughout Commercial Drive. Built in 1910, the home features licensed self-contained suites with updated kitchens, bathrooms, and electricals, and there are balconies to the front and rear. The top and ground floors have two one-bedroom units each while the main floor has a two-bedroom suite, plus there are separate laundry and utility rooms. The backyard contains a single carport and there are two open parking spaces. According to listing agent Bob Bracken, the current rental revenue is $6,050 per month but there is potential for more. The property sold just over the asking price in 11 days with five offers.

These transactions were compiled by Nicola Way of BestHomesBC.com.

Realtors — send your recent sales to nicola@besthomesbc.com

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Here in B.C., we are fortunate to have so many garden clubs and specialty plant associations to inspire our gardening communities.

In addition to contributing to the greening of our towns and cities, many raise funds for specific community projects, and some even provide scholarships and bursaries to students pursuing careers in horticulture at our local universities and colleges.

To generate income for these projects, most of the garden associations hold community plant sales, co-ordinate private garden tours and/or hold special events which are both educational and entertaining. You will often find specialty plants that are very hard to source and add something unique to your own garden, and you will certainly find other like-minded gardeners from your community to connect with.

The following is a list of just some of the many garden events planned this spring. Many are cash only, so please come prepared, and tours or shows may require advance ticket purchases. For full details on everything that is happening at your local event (some have raffles, bake sales and entertainment, too), please visit each club’s website or Facebook page. Thank you for supporting our amazing horticultural associations.

Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival

When: March 27 to April 17
Where: Venues throughout Vancouver
More info: vcbf.ca

Canadian Western Association Floral Art Club’s Annual Floral Art Show/Demo

When: April 18, 2-4p.m., Demo 12:30 p.m. (tickets required)
Where: St. Mark’s Church, 12953 20th Ave., Surrey
More info: cwafac.weebly.com/events

Mount Arrowsmith Rhododendron Show and Sale

When: April 18, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Qualicum Beach Curling Club, 644 Memorial Avenue, Qualicum Beach
More info: marsrhodos.ca

Nanaimo Gladiolus and Dahlia Society Glad Corm and Dahlia Tuber Sale

When: April 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Country Club Centre, 3200 North Island Highway, Nanaimo
More info: nanaimogladiolusanddahliasociety.ca

Biggest Little Plant Sale in the Valley

When: April 25, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Yarrow Community Centre, 4670 Community St., Yarrow
More info: Facebook: Yarrow Volunteer Society

Cowichan Valley Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: April 25, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Si’em Lelum Gym Parking Lot, 5574 River Road, Duncan
More info: cowichanvalleygardenclub.com

Dunbar Garden Club Perennial Plant Sale

When: April 25, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: 3806 37th Avenue, at Highbury Street, Vancouver
More info: jemccomb@gmail.com

Gibsons Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: April 25, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Gibsons Royal Canadian Legion, 747 Gibsons Way, Gibsons
More info: gibsonsgardenclub.ca

Poco Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: April 25, 9 a.m.-noon
Where: Trinity United Church, 2211 Prairie Ave., Port Coquitlam
More info: Facebook: PoCo Garden Club

Chilliwack Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 2, 9:30am to 2pm
Where: Cooke’s Presbyterian Church, 45825 Wellington Ave., Chilliwack
More info: chilliwackgardenclub.com

Darts Hill Garden Park Plant Sales

When: May 2 and May 30 11am to 3pm
Where: Darts Hill Garden Park 1633 170th Street, Surrey
More info: dartshill.ca

Dogwood Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 2, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: 1655 Winslow Ave., Coquitlam
More info: dogwoodgardenclub.weebly.com

Kelowna Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 2, 9 a.m.
Where: Guisachan Heritage Park, 1060 Cameron Ave., Kelowna
More info: kelownagardenclub.ca

Maple Ridge Garden Club Plant & Bake Sale

When: May 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Golden Ears Cheesecrafters, 22270 128 Ave., Maple Ridge
More info: mrgardenclub@wix.com

Nanaimo Horticultural Society Plant Sale

When: May 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Nanaimo North Town Centre, 4750 Rutherford Rd., Nanaimo
More info: nanaimohort.org

North Surrey Horticultural Society

When: May 2, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Where: Grace Community Church, 14618 110 Avenue, Surrey
More info: Facebook: North Surrey Horticultural Society

Richmond Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 2, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: Paulik Park, 7620 Heather St., Richmond
More info: richmondgardenclub.ca

South Burnaby Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where:  7405 Royal Oak Ave., Burnaby
More info: southburnabygardenclub.ca

Burnaby Blooms

When: May 3, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Deer Lake Park Festival Lawn, 6450 Deer Lake Ave., Burnaby
More info: burnaby.ca

North Island Rhododendron Society Sale and Show

When: May 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: K’ómoks First Nation Hall, 3310 Comox Road, Comox
More info: nirsrhodos.ca

Armstrong and District Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 9, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Where: IPE Fairgrounds, 3315 Pleasant Valley Rd. (where the Saturday Market is held), Armstrong
More info: armstronggardenclub.com

Bowen Island Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 9, 10 a.m. to noon
Where: Bowen Island Legion, 1265 Scarborough Rd., Bowen Island
More info: bowenislandgardenclub.ca

Campbell River Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. (or until sold out!)
Where: Campbell River Community Centre, 401- 11th Ave., Campbell River
More info: campbellrivergardenclub.com

Kamloops Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 9, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Heritage House, 100 Lorne Street (In Riverside Park), Kamloops
More info: kamloopsgardenclub.com

Lynn Valley Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: St. Clements Church Parking Lot 3400 Institute Rd., North Vancouver
More Info: lynnvalleygardenclub.org

New Westminster Horticultural Society Annual Plant Sale

When: May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: St. Thomas More Collegiate, 7450 12th Ave., Burnaby
More info: newwesthortsociety.org

Pitt Meadows Garden Club Annual Plant Sale

When: May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Pitt Meadows Community Church Hall, 12119 Harris Rd. (at Ford), Pitt Meadows
More info: pittmeadowsgardenclub.ca

Sooke Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Evergreen Centre, 6660 Sooke Rd., Sooke
More info: sookegardenclub.ca

South Surrey Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 9, 9 a.m. to noon
Where: St. Mark’s Anglican Church, 12953 20th Ave., Surrey
More info: southsurreygardenclub.ca

Vernon and District Garden Club Annual Sale

When: May 9, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Where: Home Hardware Building Centre, 4601 27th St., Vernon
More info: vernongardenclub.ca

West Vancouver Garden Club Plant Sale

When: May 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Gleneagles Community Center, 6262 Marine Dr., West Vancouver
More info: westvangardenclub.com

David Douglas Botanical Garden Society Spring Plant Sale

When: May 17 and May 18, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: UNBC Parking Lot A and DDBGS Compound, Prince George
More info: ddbotgarden.bc.ca

White Rock and District Garden Club Plant and Bake Sale

When: May 29, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Where: Ocean Park Community Hall, 1577 128 St., Surrey
More info: white-rock-garden-club.ca

Gwynne Vaughan Park Annual Plant Sale and Garden Party

When: June 6, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: 46181 Hope River Rd. (at Williams Rd.), Chilliwack
More info: gwynnevaughanpark.ca

Victoria Cactus and Succulent Society Spring Show and Sale

When: June 6 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and June 7, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Brentwood Bay Nursery, 1395 Benvenuto Ave., Victoria
More info: vcss.info

The Desert Plant Society of Vancouver Cactus and Succulent Show and Sale

When: June 13, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and June 14, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Where: Floral Hall VanDusen Botanical Gardens, 37th and Oak St., Vancouver
More info: desertplantsocietyofvancouver.com

Prince Rupert Garden Club Plant Sale/Exchange

When: June 24, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Where: Sunken Gardens, 100 Market Place, Prince Rupert
More info: princerupertgardenclub@gmail.com

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Jonathan Adler’s latest collaboration is, in a word, “bashert.”

The American designer and author points to the Yiddish term for ‘meant to be’ as the perfect descriptor for his new collaboration with the craft store Michaels .

“I started out my career as a potter. I am a craft person. That is what I do. Crafts are in my blood. I make things,” Adler explains. “And Michaels, of course, is the mecca of making.”

Speaking from sunny Palm Beach, Fla. — “don’t hate me,” Adler joked of his warm-weather destination in contrast to the current cold of Canada — Adler said it has been his longtime dream to collaborate with the crafting giant.

“If I didn’t know me, and I was just like a young me and I saw this, I would run, not walk, to my nearest Michaels,” he said. “And it would exceed expectations, because there’s just so much great stuff. From already-made decor such as pillows and games and outdoor stuff, and then also just incredible craft kits that you can do yourself.

“It kind of runs the gamut.”

The goods range from grab-and-go colourful decor to do-it-yourself projects such as paintable pots, “groovy” needlepoint kits and diamond art to games — the latter of which Adler points to as being among his favourite from the collection.

“There’s a really cool piece of art that says love, that is really nifty,” he said of the launch, which goes online and in stores March 17. “And there are some games that I kind of desperately need, and a poker set in acrylic that I like desperately, desperately need.”

While Adler’s main collection pieces can be found at specialty retailers across Canada including Holt Renfrew and Atkinson’s of Vancouver, opening up an avenue of affordability for more shoppers was also a draw to the partnership.

“I really want to be able to make my stuff accessible and to bring my esthetic to a more accessible price point,” he says. “Younger people, I hope, will freak out and be able to afford all my stuff, because it’s really cool.”

Wearing a striped T-shirt set against Adler’s surroundings of teal walls, palm fronds and more than a few colourful art pieces hanging on the wall within view, the assemblage of colour and print was perfectly in keeping with a designer whose brand has become known for a mastery of, and playfulness with, both colour and print.

“I call it modern American glamour,” he said of his design esthetic. “Modern because it’s new and fresh. And, I hope American, because my esthetic was sort of rooted in the optimism of America. And glamour, I think, is the most important and most difficult to define element of what I do, because glamour, to me, is about being memorable, being confident and having swagger.”

Colour can be intimidating to introduce into a living space. Anyone who has tried to do so can probably attest to that fact. But it doesn’t have to be the case, according to Adler.

‘I have a little bit of a philosophy about colour, which is, I usually just use white on the walls. I usually just have white walls, neutral colours, and I use colour in small doses — accent cushions, decorative accessories,” he advises. “You don’t need to overdose, but judiciously applied colour can be a fantastic antidepressant.”

Adler points to the colour blue as his favourite hue to work with.

“Blue is just sort of a miracle colour,” Adler says. “As much as I love all colours, there’s something about blue that is most extraordinary. Perhaps it’s because it’s the colour of the sky, perhaps because it’s the colour of the sea, but blue, in all its hues, works perfectly and often goes well with everything.”

On the topic of sea and sky, the conversation briefly turned to Vancouver, a city Adler says he’s visited before — and loved.

“I went probably 10 years ago, and it was a complete revelation,” Adler says of the Canadian city. “It’s so beautiful and spectacular.

“I was blown away,” he added, noting that he’ll next be visiting Montreal for a design event hosted by the Jewish Federation of Montreal.

As the conversation drifted between style and design, crafts and collaboration, Adler acknowledged that, amid a challenging global climate, it can be helpful for people to lean into crafting and other creative outlets as a form of release. The designer harbours a “missionary zeal to spread the word of the power of making things,” he says.

“There’s a lot to be concerned about in the world right now, but there always is, there always has been,” Adler said. “But there’s nothing quite like the power of just sort of tuning out and making something.

“I truly believe it’s what humans are put on earth to do, and is the best antidote to doomscrolling.”

Aharris@postmedia.com

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If interior designer Taylor Reiko could go back in time and give her teenage self a piece of advice, it would be this: It’s possible your dream job doesn’t actually exist yet, or the path to it isn’t clear. So take a deep breath, pursue what you love, and everything will work out.

Reiko is one of eight contestants selected for season 3 of Renovation Resort with judges Scott McGillivray and Bryan Baeumler, which premieres April 5 on Home Network. The series follows four teams from across North America as they transform a neglected lakeside property in the Kawarthas into a dream vacation destination, competing for a $100,000 grand prize. Reiko was paired with builder Mehrdad Amini for the competition.

For a designer whose work is usually shaped through careful collaboration and a deep understanding of how clients live, the experience was quite a test, says Reiko.

That tension between speed and soul is part of what makes Reiko such an interesting fit for television. She is not a designer interested in spectacle for its own sake. What matters to her is how a space feels when someone walks into it.

Even in a short-term rental, where the future occupants are unknown, she was thinking beyond finishes and furniture. Reiko says she was aware that the people using this vacation property would be coming from all walks of life, with different experiences and needs.

“I asked myself, how do I want to make them feel? How do I want to feel when I’m on vacation?”

How a room makes you feel

There is something instantly appealing about Reiko’s approach to interiors. It is thoughtful without being stiff, design-forward and warm.

Openness is central to her design philosophy.

“I’ve never wanted to put myself in a box,” she says.

Reiko seems drawn to the emotional dimension of design. The subtle but powerful way rooms can change how people connect, relax and stay awhile.

Before interior design, Reiko studied sociology and worked in event planning and hospitality. At one restaurant, she noticed how the setting affected the way people behaved.

Patrons would wait for hours to sit in a particular space within the restaurant, she says. It was an area with a gallery wall that somehow felt elevated and especially appealed to diners celebrating a special occasion: “People wanted to stay there longer.”

Good design is not just visual. It alters experience. It can make people linger, settle in and feel taken care of, says Reiko.

The path less travelled

Reiko says she’s always been a creative person, but growing up, this wasn’t always considered something to celebrate.

She did what many young adults do and followed the approved path: university, with the hope of finding a good profession, even if it was not where her passion lay.

After travelling to Japan and reflecting more deeply on design, culture and architecture, she enrolled in night school at BCIT to study interior design.

“Like every other designer in school, I started an Instagram account and added ‘designer’ after my name”, she says. Taylor Reiko became Taylor Reiko Design .

COVID changed everything, says Reiko. Because everyone was working from home, people started asking her to design home offices for them. She designed five offices in quick succession.

Reiko’s is a modern design story, one built almost entirely through social media.

She is candid about the awkwardness that often comes before progress. Setting up a tripod in public, posting your work, backing your instincts before you feel fully ready.

“I wasn’t afraid to lean into embarrassment,” she said.

Leading with what lights you up

Asking yourself what you really want out of life is so important, says Reiko.

That search for honesty seems to have shaped her work. Her design projects feel personal and welcoming even when the setting is a lakeside competition property created under pressure.

For viewers tuning in to Renovation Resort, Reiko is one to watch.

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A Kelowna couple who were waiting for their purchase of a Big White condo to close learned on the day that the sale was supposed to complete that it wasn’t going to happen.

“We really didn’t think anything was wrong until the closing date,” said Anne Marie Kirby after losing a lawsuit in B.C. Supreme Court to recoup the couple’s losses. “Our lawyer asked us, ‘Why am I not getting the closing documents?’”

In a case the judge called “the stuff of nightmares,” the lawyer for Kirby and her husband, Russell Kirby, had been dealing not with the owners, Luke and Kim McNally, who live in South Africa, but with unidentified fraudsters, who had passed themselves off as the McNallys, said Anne Marie.

Both the Kirbys and the McNallys sued Kelowna realtor Gary Turner and the brokerage Royal LePage Kelowna, seeking damages.

But after a nine-day trial, Justice Elin Sigurdson ruled Turner, who represented the fraudsters, believing they were the McNallys, didn’t owe either couple a duty of care because he wasn’t representing them.

But she did say their case “merits considerable sympathy.”

She wrote that the “intrusion and trickery” committed by the fraudsters was an invasion of privacy, an attempt at significant theft, and caused harms ranging from inconvenience to lost time and expenses, as well as “lost opportunity cost” in the value of the property.

She called it a “psychological disruption” that was “extremely distressing.”

“We’re just glad it’s over, it’s been five years,” said Anne Marie Kirby.

And they realized the ordeal could have been a lot worse. The deal for the $600,000 condo at the popular Interior ski resort fortunately fell through after the fraud was detected, but the Kirbys were left with a loss of about $75,000. That included fees for conveyance, legal and other fees, as well as the loss of the equity they would have gained had they purchased the unit, the judgment said.

The fraudsters vanished and they don’t know and likely will never know who they are, the couple said.

They sued Turner and Royal LePage Kelowna, alleging they were negligent for not properly identifying his clients and were seeking $75,000 in damages, they said. The McNallys were claiming their own undisclosed damages.

But Sigurdson concluded that at the time that the realtor defendants “took the steps they were responsible to take, at the time they were required to take them.”

The defendants therefore did not breach the standard of care expected of them, and they were not liable for negligent representation, she wrote.

The plaintiffs alleged Turner and others involved should have been found not credible, saying they were “evasive and dishonest” and their evidence was affected by their self-interest.

Turner and Royal LePage Kelowna disagreed, saying any allegations of dishonesty by Turner aren’t supported by evidence, according to the judgment.

Turner had asked for and had never received the ID documents from the fraudsters he had requested, but instead the fraudsters, who had broken into the McNallys’ email, had sent fake South African passports for the McNallys, according to the ruling.

It was never determined how they obtained the McNallys’ personal information, Sigurdson wrote.

She said she couldn’t conclude on the facts that the defendants should be liable because of negligent representation and dismissed the lawsuit.

“The McNallys and the Kirbys did nothing wrong,” she said. “They were unknowing victims of email impersonators who aimed to profit or cause mischief or both.”

But, she added: “I must assess the facts of this case on the basis of the standards in place at the time, and not on what I wish or believe should have taken place.”

“The judgment speaks for itself in the complete exoneration of the agent and the brokerage,” Turner’s lawyer, Kelly Murray, said in an email.

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If sports gear, kids’ toys, and holiday decorations are slowly swallowing up your house, creeping into your home office or taking over your craft room, there’s extra space you may not have considered: your garage. Who said it was the sole domain of a car, anyway?

A garage is an extension of your home and, with the right design and organization, can be repurposed as an office, gym, hobby room, yoga studio, man cave/she shed, playroom or, yes, a place to store your stuff, but neatly.

Where to start

There are plenty of professional organizers and storage designers who will take up the challenge for you. They’ll usually start by asking about your situation, your garage hopes and dreams, then they’ll come to your house, assess the space, take measurements, and sketch out some options using design software.

Next, floor. Material of choice is polyaspartic coating for its durability, low odour, low maintenance, stain-, heat- and fade-resistance, as well as fast drying — usually 24 to 48 hours.

The alternative, epoxy, doesn’t hold up as well. “After you drive on it, you’ll usually notice the flooring start to peel in spots around where the tires sit,” says Cristy Phillips, chief operations officer of Clever Quarters in Port Coquitlam. “Polyaspartic was built for the changing environment in a garage, so it’s a lot more flexible; you won’t see any cracking. It’s also chemical-resistant, poreless, food-safe, easy to clean, and it looks beautiful. It feels more like an indoor space versus outdoor.”

Maya Ushikubo of Port Coquitlam’s Garage Living , says of their own brand, “Our Floortex polyaspartic floor coating has a 15-year warranty and comes in 15 flake colours, as well as custom colours. It’s the highest grade, industrial strength coating that is UV stable, in comparison to epoxy.”

Phillips says if you plan to use your revamped garage as an office, she’ll ask about the equipment you’ll be using, your height, whether you’re left- or right-handed, in order to tailor a design.

“If the client is left-handed and needs to take notes during their work, we’ll install drawers on the left-hand side for easy access, but also to create that blank space to give them an extra work zone to put a notebook,” she says.

She recalls her garage squad’s work for a couple whose job required lots of counter space. Her designers sourced a unique piece of hardware that pulls out from a desk to extend the work station but can also be pushed flush with the depth of the desk when not in use, allowing more floor space.

“There are even fold-out tables, pullout desks or tilt-down desks [that fit] into a wall unit that has additional storage and other capacities,” she says.

Garage Living’s crew will also quiz you about your plans. “We always ask, ‘What’s your biggest challenge with your garage right now, and how do you use your garage?’,” says Ushikubo. “These two questions help our design consultants visualize the space for a full custom garage makeover. Then it comes down to slat wall panel and custom cabinet configurations, overhead racks, TV mounting, with space to install a sink, hose, fridge, freezer box, wine cooler, etc.”

She says the company has tackled garage makeovers as diverse as offices, social gathering space, gyms, cold storage and doggie daycares.

Storage solves

Phillips herself has a narrow, one-car garage, so she focused on the vertical space when she redesigned it for better storage. She had slat walls installed to tilt the family’s four bikes on, then added cabinets to house soccer balls and softball equipment, as well as an overhead storage rack to tuck away seasonal decor. Her husband’s workbench and tools take up the back part of the garage. “A narrow garage is often deeper, so designing on the back wall gives you more room at the front.”

She says Clever Quarters mounts cabinetry six inches off the ground for easy sweeping and mopping, “and getting those spiders, cobwebs and creepy-crawlies out from underneath.”

Joseph Neely, president of The Indoor Outdoor Guy Renovations Inc. , together with Vancouver Sheds , a division of Indoor Outdoor that builds or repurposes garages, studios and sheds, says, “Some people build a wall down the middle of the garage, perpendicular to the garage door, get rack shelving for storage, and then have a door at the other end to access the area they’ve set up as a gym, home office, hobby room, or man cave.” (He notes that, if you’re building a garage or shed from the ground up, there’s a permitting process required which the company can help with.)

Heat and light

Once your space has been assessed, the flooring finished, slat walls installed to hang your gear, cabinets fitted to store your stuff, or drawers to file your work, you’ll need to think about heating and lighting for the space’s specific use.

“If the garage has been built correctly, it will be insulated and drywalled so an electric baseboard will provide the heat,” says Neely.

He recommends changing out the garage door for a newer model that comes with an R rating suitable for the space and a double seal to keep out the cold.

As for light, Neely says the more natural light the better. “If you’re using your garage for potting, a workshop, or office, we recommend as much natural light as possible, so three windows are ideal, and a French or sliding glass door to let in lots of light and fresh air.”

Phillips says Clever Quarters incorporates lighting into the cabinetry, usually an ambient glow for mood. “In a workspace, like a work bench, we’ll do maybe 4,000 [Kelvin] temperature track lighting underneath the cabinet shining down on the work surface. For an office, we would probably warm up the temperature to 3,000. Most garage lighting is decorative and less task, so we would do back lighting to illuminate open shelves where someone might be storing prized possessions.”

Music room or garage band

Whether you’re aspiring to be the 21st century Mozart or the new Nirvana, designing your space as a music room or for a garage band will come with some sound considerations.

“Everyone’s got the right to the peaceful enjoyment of their premises, so you want to make sure that your enjoyment isn’t inhibiting somebody else’s,” says Neely.

“If you’re putting in good exterior grade doors and windows, which is what we use, that’s going to cut the sound down by about 50 per cent,” as will sound-absorbing insulation, says Neely. “There’s also higher-grade drywall for soundproofing. But if you want to jam with the amps on full, you should really look at an actual wall assembly that reduces sound. We’re happy to design that into a new garage build.”

Man cave/She shed

The stereotypical “man cave” with couch, wall-mounted TV, and beer fridge may not have gone the way of the Neanderthals, but the “she shed” has gained in popularity. “Usually (women) use them for office space, bookshelves, to store workout gear, sometimes (arts and crafts), or just as a hangout,” says Phillips, who would then design with those specifications in mind. “Over COVID, I think men lost their man cave and it became the family cave.”

When designing a mud room for cleaner flow from cave to dwelling, she says, “We’d build shoe storage, storage for jackets, maybe hooks, slat walls for growing families so you can adapt as your needs change. Maybe today it’s a small bike but in a few years, it’ll be an adult-sized bike. The ability to move hooks without drilling any additional holes in the wall is very beneficial.”

Regardless of how you transform your garage, Phillips says you should keep open about the possibility that it will go back to housing your ride.

“People often say they’re never going to park a car in their garage again, but if it’s not your forever home, the next buyer may want to. If we designed it to never park a car, it’s not beneficial to the resale of your home.”

Until then, park yourself, paint a picture, do some work, crank the tunes and enjoy your extra space.

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When Dr. Paul and Mrs. Josephine Hwang commissioned Arthur Erickson in 1980 to design them a home that would, according to the Vancouver Heritage Foundation , “nestle in private gardens and incorporate both Western and Eastern influences”, the renowned Canadian architect turned for inspiration to the traditional houses of Soochow (known today as Suzhou) in southeastern China’s Jiangsu Province, which were built around the city’s canals, bridges and classical gardens.

Two houses were typically positioned in opposite directions with a common back wall, featuring corridors of rooms and second-storey balconies that overlooked a collection of courtyards, decks and some form of water. The interiors were designed to flow seamlessly into exterior gardens and water features, such as ponds or waterfalls, to create a sense of peace and tranquillity.

The project suited Erickson just fine, since his signature style of designing his structures to integrate gently into the natural environment followed the same philosophy. Two years later, he had created a home, which came to be known as the Hwang House , with floor-to-ceiling windows that immersed his clients into an expanse of greenery, trees and water, including a waterfall designed by a feng shui master. A bridge spanning a large koi pond planted with lilies and bulrushes and swirling with a dozen koi fish completes the sanctuary.

“In a lot of Vancouver homes, 10,000 square feet are not fully usable, but in this property you can use the entire 10,500 square feet,” says listing agent Daniel Tan of Angell Hasman & Associates Realty. “The courtyard features a sitting area for entertaining and barbecues” and the garden was redesigned in 2014 by Donna Begg of Perennial Design landscapers to include a mix of shrubbery and flowering plants.

That same year, a new bridge and perimeter cedar fence were installed, as were new front and back gates, two rebuilt waterfalls and new garden lighting.

The living room is encased in tall windows with a curved cantilevered skylit extension that gives the sensation of floating above the pond, again recalling the blending of interior and exterior elements of those original Soochow houses. “The reflections in the water, along with the skylights and the floor-to-ceiling glass, create a beautiful play of light throughout the home during the day,” says Tan.

What’s inside

In 2011, the owners at the time installed new custom-made closets, bookcases and cabinetry in the main floor TV room. They also redesigned the basement bathroom to include a walk-in shower. That year they completed a partial kitchen renovation and installed new Miele appliances as well as custom cabinetry.

In 2013, the carpets in the family, living and formal dining room were replaced with high-quality wool carpet and new underlay at a cost of about $30,000, says Tan.

The 22 Douglas fir posts and beams throughout the home, a familiar Erickson motif that evokes Indigenous buildings of the West Coast, were replaced in 2014 and reinforced with interior steel. The two main floor fireplaces were converted to gas in 2014.

Upstairs, which is air-conditioned, a walkway is illuminated by a collection of continuous skylights that runs the length of the house (all the skylights and windows were replaced in 2014) beneath a pitched roof. “When I show the home during the day, most of the time I don’t have to turn on the lights because of the massive windows and skylights throughout the whole house that fill it with natural lighting,” says Tan.

The four bedrooms each feature their own skylit private deck with sliding wood screens. “The screens have many holes in them, which allows the natural light to come in but also allows you to close them for privacy,” says Tan. “You can slide them left or right for whichever view you prefer,” which is especially lovely when the cherry trees are in full blossom.

Tan says the primary bathroom, also with a skylight, feels like a five-star hotel, with soaker tub, walk-in shower, bidet and, as with all the upstairs bathrooms, heated towel racks. The three upstairs bathrooms were totally gutted and rebuilt with high-end and custom-built cabinetry in 2014.

On the lower level, one room was originally designed as a children’s playroom, but is now being used as an office and could easily be converted to a gym or library. For the oenophile, a glass-enclosed wine cellar holds more than 200 bottles.

In a city known for modern luxury homes, this Arthur Erickson residence stands apart because of its architectural significance, says Tan. “It’s a timeless piece of Vancouver design where nature, light and architecture come together. When you look at most Vancouver homes in this price range, they often have the same designers, same builders, so they can look very generic.”

He says the ideal buyer for the Hwang House is someone who appreciates unique architectural design, “who understands that this isn’t just a house but a collectible piece of Vancouver architecture. It is a rare opportunity to own a residence designed by Arthur Erickson, one of Canada’s most celebrated architects. Homes like this aren’t just properties, they are pieces of Vancouver’s architectural history.”

In the neighbourhood

There are numerous nearby schools in this Marpole neighbourhood. There are also plenty of playgrounds and parks, including a dog park, within walking distance. Queen Elizabeth Park is a 10-minute drive away, while VanDusen Botanical Garden is just five minutes away.

As for public transportation, Tan says, “The bus stop is at 57th and Hudson Street, which is like a front door pickup.”

He says the property has easy access to downtown over the Oak or Cambie Street bridges, and the airport is a 10-minute drive away. Langara Golf Course is a seven-minute drive, and Point Grey Golf & Country Club eight minutes.

The home sits between the many shops, services and restaurants of either Granville Street in one direction or Oak Street in the other, with the new Oakridge Park redevelopment just five minutes away.

Location: 1299 W. 57th Avenue, Vancouver

Listed for: $5,998,000

Year built: 1982

Type: Four bedrooms, five bathrooms

Size: 4,573 square feet

Realtor: Listed by Daniel Tan, Angell & Hasman Associates

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