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In high-end Canadian home design, outdoor kitchens are no longer a luxury — they’re a must. As more homeowners extend their living spaces beyond the four walls, expectations for outdoor kitchen performance and design have risen sharply.

Postmedia sat down with three innovative brands: Urban Bonfire , DCS Appliances and Cosentino , to hear how they’re meeting Canada’s unique outdoor demands, from -30°C winters to 30°C summers.

Hot competition

For years, designing an outdoor kitchen meant compromising on either performance or esthetics, but this is no longer the case, says Urban Bonfire’s co-founder and president Ryan Bloom.

The performance and esthetic of outdoor kitchens now matches that of indoor kitchens, says Bloom.

To meet modern, urban demand, they recently released their Urban Bonfire x Dekton collection (Dekton being a Cosentino surfacing product). The line is minimalist, luxurious and easy to use, featuring Italian-crafted Fògher grills, integrated Pitt Cooking burners, built-in refrigeration and drop-down sink faucets.

“We’ve placed a strong emphasis on the balance of textures, incorporating materials that not only endure the elements but also add a tactile dimension to the outdoor cooking experience. It’s a fresh take on outdoor kitchens that we hope expands the way users and designers think about their outdoor gathering and entertaining spaces,” says Bloom.

Smart grills

Outdoor cooking is getting smarter, with DCS introducing intuitive features aimed at making it easier for people to grill year-round. Their Series 9 Grills include in-hood lighting, colour-coded dial lights for safety (white when the grill is on, orange when it’s being used) and a smooth one-handed hood that opens 90 degrees.

The newest DCS 48″ Series 9 Grill comes packed with optional add-ons like a griddle plate, integrated charcoal smoker tray, and an 18,000 BTU rotisserie burner with a 50-pound capacity. For multitaskers, flexible cooking zones make it easy to sear a steak while slow-cooking veggies nearby.

“Consumers’ needs are rapidly changing. They no longer settle for a simple grill, but demand the versatility, convenience, and esthetic cohesion of a full outdoor kitchen, complete with dedicated cooking zones for every technique imaginable, proper refrigeration, and ample prep and storage,” says Matthew Zagarrio, DCS’s development manager for Canada.

Built to last in Canadian climates

Durability is key when cooking outside in Canada — think snow, ice, rain and intense heat.

To handle Canada’s extreme weather, Urban Bonfire uses marine-grade aluminum for its cabinetry, along with a powder coating designed to resist corrosion and bacteria. The hardware — including hinges, drawer slides and levelling legs — is stainless steel.

DCS grills are constructed from 304-grade stainless steel with welded joints to minimize rust, while Cosentino’s Dekton surfaces are engineered to endure thermal shock and repeated freeze-thaw cycles, making them suitable for a range of climates across the country.

“Whether you’re in coastal British Columbia or the snowy provinces of Eastern Canada, Dekton maintains its integrity and beauty, offering homeowners peace of mind,” says Karim Guirguis, regional director north at Cosentino.

Material innovation meets mindful design

Designers are increasingly choosing Cosentino’s surfaces not just for their looks, but for their sustainability, says Guirguis.

Dekton is the first surface of its kind to achieve carbon neutrality across its full life cycle, says Guirguis. To produce this product, 99 per cent of the water used is recycled, and the energy used is 100 per cent renewable. Many of their collections also use recycled materials, he says.

Designers are increasingly attracted to Cosentino surfaces not only for their appearance but also for sustainability, says Guirguis. Dekton is the first surface of its kind to achieve carbon neutrality over its entire life cycle, using 99 per cent recycled water and 100 per cent renewable energy in its production.

A seamless fit

The latest shift in outdoor kitchens is integration. No more mismatched appliances or clunky cabinetry. Urban Bonfire and Cosentino now co-develop products to ensure a unified look and feel.

“Every element, from materials to appliances, works together as a cohesive and enduring outdoor living solution,” says Guirguis.

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A new chapter has been unfolding for Monika Hibbs.

The Canadian home-decor and lifestyle author, influencer and retailer recently announced the rebrand of Monika Hibbs Home to Acres Market & Interiors.

We caught up with Hibbs for a chat about what’s in store.

Q: Tell us about Acres Market & Interiors.

Acres Market & Interiors marks an exciting new chapter for what was formerly Monika Hibbs Home. It still represents my brand and my eye for beautiful decor — elevated under a new name. Acres Market & Interiors encompasses Monika Hibbs Home house brand, online shop , storefront at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley, and [husband] Troy’s custom homebuilding company, Acres Estate Homes.

Q: How has the brand evolved?

My journey of creating my own brand began in 2011 when I started blogging and sharing glimpses of our life such as design projects, family travels and building our own homes. That early online presence helped build a strong community. By 2019, we opened our first retail store, Monika Hibbs Home. That growth has led us to where we are today with Acres Market & Interiors — a brand that’s a true reflection of where we’re headed.

Q: What sets Acres Market & Interiors apart?

The trust we’ve built over the years. Even though this is a rebrand, the foundation of quality, care and customer connection remains. We focus on creating a unique and intentional customer experience.

Q: Who is your target customer?

We’re noticing that it’s a little bit of everyone. Our customers value quality over quantity and are drawn to pieces with meaning and craftsmanship. They might be young women furnishing their first apartments, couples designing family homes or someone looking for a unique gift. Our pieces come from artisans around the world — Peru, England, France, Italy, Guatemala, Vermont, local Canadian makers — and tell a story.

Q: Is there a customer favourite, and why do you think it resonates?

Definitely! Our in-house brass dinner bells are one of our customer’s favourites — they come in multiple sizes and finishes, including a new creamy white enamel.  Our linen tea towels are another favourite. They’re beautifully designed, with thoughtful touches like a central hanging loop.

Q: What is your price range?

We offer a wide range. You can find small items under $50, like tea towels or candles, all the way up to custom furniture pieces.

Q: Where can people find your products?

We’re online and we have a physical location at Thunderbird Show Park in Langley. It’s a fantastic destination — especially in the summer — with equestrian events, food, and shopping. Our storefront is part of Vendor Row and gives visitors a chance to experience the brand in person. You can also find us on Instagram, @acres.interiors.

Q: What can you share about new products?

We’ve recently added custom upholstered furniture from Lee Industries — a brand I’ve long admired. We’re continuously bringing in new pieces from our coveted favourites such as handmade pottery from Farmhouse Pottery in Vermont to bespoke hardware pieces from Armac Martin in England. We have new designs coming for our in-house MH wallpapers and textiles. Everything we launch stays true to our brand — timeless, high-quality, and beautifully curated.

mbroberts@postmedia.com

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The excitement of buying a new condo doesn’t stop once the contract is signed – that’s when many homebuyers start dreaming about decorating their new space and potentially gathering a few furnishings and homewares while waiting for the front-door keys.

Interior designers, who typically create neutral colour palettes in multi-family developments to avoid imposing a specific style that may not appeal to all buyers, say homebuyers who want to collect a few pieces to infuse the space with their own personality and style should be intentional about shopping for their condo.

Natalia Kwasnicki, partner at Portico Design Group , says it’s important to have a clear sense of personal style and esthetic when decorating a new space.

“This can be achieved by creating a Pinterest board or collecting inspiration images to understand what you’re drawn to. The goal is to recreate the essence of a design concept using pieces you already own or can acquire,” she says.

Charyle Ross, principal at Ross & Company Interiors suggests keeping a copy of the floorplan (with measurements) along with any brochures, colour swatches and photos that may have been taken during visits to the sales centre – these will be reminders of the selected colour palette.

“Does the colour scheme have warm or cool tones, is it light and airy or does it have darker tones that create an atmosphere of drama and intimacy? These are important aspects to consider when thinking about purchases for a new home.”

Ross says when buyers walk through a home store, they’re often subconsciously looking for pieces that “match the feeling” of their space — or the space they want to create.

“If your home has a strong palette (e.g. warm neutrals), items that clash with that mood may feel wrong, even if they’re objectively beautiful,” she says.

“The tone of the palette is important – especially for smaller purchases that bring personality into a space. These items help cement the emotional language of a home,” adds Ross.

When making a purchase she suggests asking: “Would this piece make the space feel more like the home I want?”

One of the spaces homebuyers often imagine curating before they move in is an open shelf.

“By considering shelf dimensions and tone early, [homebuyers will] avoid clutter and make confident purchases that feel intentional later. A vase here, a small, framed print there and they’re already halfway to a beautifully styled home,” says Ross.

To decorate smaller spaces – like open shelves – Kwasnicki advises against decorating with too many really small objects.

“You always want it anchored with one larger item and then using the smaller items as supporting players,” she says. “Layering is just so important in decor, it gives design depth, it gives things more life, it makes it feel more lived in to have these layers. It’s a vase on top of books with a plant – different textures and different heights and different materials.”

Ross agrees and her pro tip for styling a shelf is to follow the rule of thirds: use a single item or groups of three or five while also mixing textures and layering by placing shorter items in front of taller ones, lean books or art in frames behind objects.

“Leave some white space: Not every inch needs to be filled – let things breathe,” she says.

If homebuyers want to acquire more than a few tchotchkes in anticipation of move-in day – perhaps a rug is on the shopping list – it’s imperative to keep the floorplan top of mind, says Kwasnicki.

“Certainly, you want to make sure that the size [of the rug] is appropriate and it’s hard to do that until you’re in the space itself. But I think there’s something to be said about anchoring an entire room around a rug that you really love and letting that be the inspiration for the rest of the space, especially if you’ve bought that rug while travelling or something like that. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with building an esthetic around that one special piece, but for large, chunky pieces, you certainly want to make sure you have a good sense of how that feels in the space size wise before you buy,” she says.

In condo kitchens every inch counts and form meeting function is essential. Ross notes limited storage often means certain items will live out in the open — on countertops, cooktops, or open shelves — by necessity. She says when people are shopping for kitchenware, they should be thinking not just, “Do I need this?” but also, “Will I mind seeing this every day?”

Tanya Ali, founder and creative director at Tali + Roche Designs , agrees and emphasizes that when a space is cluttered it looks smaller, messier and disorganized.

“Your nervous system has a harder time relaxing in that area. So, if you purchase dual purpose items – useful and beautiful – like a unique charcuterie board or Le Creuset cookware it helps keep the space tidy. Use the charcuterie board as a tray on the coffee table and leave a statement piece like a Le Creuset Dutch oven on top of the stove,” she says. “Use things you love that you have bought or inherited as styling elements.”

Ali says casserole dishes can work in place of traditional fruit bowls and if you’re a foodie, cookbooks easily double as decor.

For those moving from renter to homeowner making even one thoughtful splurge can completely shift the vibe of their new home from “hand-me-down and temporary” to fresh, grounded and truly their own, says Ross.

A design-forward accent chair may be just the thing to freshen up a living room, especially if the sofa from the rental is making the move, she says.

“Look for a cosy boucle or velvet fabric, wood or leather accents or something sculptural or lower profile that adds contrast,” says Ross.

Kwasnicki says when it comes to splurges for a new home, investing in a high-quality sofa, rug, or lighting can have a significant impact on transforming the overall esthetic. Incorporating vintage or well-loved pieces alongside new furnishings can also help give a space a warm, lived-in feel.

Ali notes “splurge” is a matter of perspective – one person’s splurge is an essential item for another.

Consider beautiful glassware or a decorative vase. However, if budget isn’t a constraint Ali suggests investing in artwork.

“Artwork is the no-brainer because it tends to appreciate and make a statement in the space. If the space is neutral, that’s your opportunity for a punch of colour and adding your personal style to the space,” she says.

Kwasnicki concurs.

“A huge way to add personality is with art. You could get a piece from Etsy or you could make something of your own or you could invest in an expensive piece of art. Collecting a few pieces of art before you move in will add character to a space,” she says.

For a splurge, Ross says it’s worthwhile asking: “What’s one item I didn’t allow myself to buy when I was renting?”

“Often, that’s the thing worth splurging on now — whether it’s a beautiful light fixture, a hand-knotted rug or an iconic chair. It marks the shift from temporary to intentional living,” she says, adding, “It’s not about buying more — it’s about buying one thing that tells a new story.”

Form and Function in a Condo Kitchen

In small kitchens, what stays out becomes part of the decor so it’s worth investing in a few quality pieces you’ll see every day – especially those with visual texture, soft colour, or sculptural form. A thoughtfully chosen charcuterie board, a handsome oil bottle, or a ceramic utensil crock aren’t just practical, they’re design features that are memorable says Charyle Ross, principal at Ross & Company Interiors, who compiled this guide on what to look for, why esthetics matter, and how to make practical choices that still feel curated.

Charcuterie Boards and Cutting Boards

These often live against the backsplash, stacked or upright in a tray.

Choose one with:

• Beautiful wood grain (walnut, acacia, olive wood);
• Interesting shape (handle, paddle-shaped, or round adds interest);
• Vintage details or reclaimed wood for warmth and uniqueness.

Tip: A well-chosen board can double as prep surface, cheese board, or even hot dish trivet during entertaining.

Everyday Cookware (Pots, Dutch ovens)

• If counter or cooktop real estate is limited, your Le Creuset or Staub might be on display.
• Choose cookware in neutral or tonal colours (e.g. matte black, cream, soft green) that harmonize with your space.
• Matte finishes hide smudges better than glossy ones.

Tip: A Dutch oven in a colour you love can sit on the stove as a permanent anchor piece.

Oil Dispensers and Spice Jars

• Refillable glass or ceramic oil bottles look much better than branded store bottles.
• Buy spice jars in uniform sizes and display a few daily-use ones in a tray or small riser.

Tip: A small lazy Susan in marble or wood is a chic way to corral oils, salts and jars.

Utensils and Holders

• A ceramic or stone utensil crock is more visually pleasing than a plastic one.
• Grouping wooden spoons, brass utensils or matte black tools can become a subtle design feature.

Canisters and Dry Goods

Attractive, airtight jars (glass or ceramic) can be used for:

• Coffee
• Pasta
• Baking essentials

These are often necessary countertop residents in tight kitchens—so style them as part of the space.

Mindset Shift: Design-Forward Essentials

Instead of thinking: “Where will I hide this?” think “What would I be happy to see every day?”

This mindset makes shopping more intentional –and ensures you won’t be scrambling for storage or frustrated by clutter later.

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

1806 Juniper Pl., Port Moody

Type: Four-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 2,512 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,720,000

Listed for: $1,830,000

Sold for: $1,790,000

Sold on: May 29

Days on market in this listing: 14

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

Buyers agent: Devon Samson PREC at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: This four-bedroom Port Moody house boasts not only a private cul-de-sac location and a lot size of almost 7,000 square feet, but an extensively updated interior too. Built in 1982, the two-storey home was fully renovated in 2018 with a hot-water-on-demand system, premium JennAir appliances, custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, a large kitchen island with built-in storage and bar seating, bay windows, two linear floating gas fireplaces with stylish surrounds, bespoke tiling, recessed lighting, and laminate flooring throughout. The upgrades continue outside with professional landscaping, an irrigation system, and ambient lighting, all of which can be enjoyed from an entertainment-sized patio and a covered deck. The property is located in the city’s Mountain Meadows neighbourhood with elementary schools, Newport Village, Eagle Ridge Hospital, transit, and shopping nearby.

4171 Campobello Pl., Richmond

Type: Five-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 2,431 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,508,100

Listed for: $1,699,900

Sold for: $1,660,000

Sold on: May 9

Days on market in this listing: Two

Listing agent: Shafik Ladha PREC at ReMax Westcoast

Buyers agent: Graeme Liu PREC at eXp Realty

The big sell: This Steveston family home enjoys a private position with no neighbours to the rear thanks to a stretch of greenbelt located directly behind it. It was built in 1980 with a two-level interior that accommodates five bedrooms in total — three on the main level alongside the primary living space, and two on the ground floor within a mortgage-helping or extended family suite. In recent years, the home has undergone a number of big ticket updates such as upgrades to the roof, furnace, hot water tank, kitchen, bathrooms, paintwork, and railings, as well as the installation of laminate floors in the living room and bedrooms, and a new fence outside. There is a balcony off the primary bedroom above a single-car carport, as well as parking for additional vehicles in the driveway. Diefenbaker Elementary School is within walking distance, as is Minato Village with its retail services.

1269 Richards St., Vancouver

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom townhouse

Size: 931 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $994,000

Listed for: $1,198,000

Sold for: $1,193,000

Sold on: May 26

Days on market in this listing: Seven

Listing agent: Danny Chow PREC and Salina Kai PREC at Rennie & Associates Realty

Buyers agent: Kim Leung at Leung Realty & Associates Inc.

The big sell: This two-storey townhome forms part of Oscar, a 211-unit development that was completed in 2002 with a mix of condominiums in the tower and townhouses on the ground level. With a location in the centre of Yaletown, there are plenty of amenities on the doorstep, but the building provides in-house facilities for residents too such as a fitness centre, media room, and social lounge. This fully redesigned unit features soaring 11-foot-high ceilings, a striking concrete and steel staircase, custom lighting, an electric fireplace, and a modern kitchen with a waterfall quartz countertop, sleek flat-panelled cabinets, a bar fridge, and banquette seating. There are two 12-foot-long patios — one on the ground level and one upstairs that leads into the communal courtyard. Both bedrooms and bathrooms are located on the upper floor, and the home comes with electric vehicle charging in its parking stall, a storage locker, and a monthly maintenance fee of $606.38.

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

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

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Some time earlier this year, a pair of bald eagles chose the top of a cedar tree in our backyard to build a nest.

For weeks, we had no idea they were there. It wasn’t until a neighbour spotted them ferrying bits of driftwood and sea grass from the nearby seashore that we knew they had taken up residence.

We were thrilled, and felt a proprietary sense of pride that they were nesting in one of our trees. They were our eagles … or, rather, we were their humans, privileged to live under the stern gaze of avian royalty.

At this writing, they are still there, raising their brood, although given that their nest is at the height of a 10-storey building, we have no idea of what is going on up there. We don’t know how many hatchlings there were, or how many of the eaglets have survived, but we occasionally see the parents’ comings and goings, and sometimes — brightly lit behind the backdrop of a blue sky — the white blaze of a feathered head popping up into view.

It is at ground level, though, that the eagles really make their presence felt. They have prodigious appetites, and, accordingly, shit prodigiously, and every morning we find our entire back deck splattered with shotgun-like blasts of white guano. (My wife was gardening in the backyard one afternoon when she felt, she said, “this bup-bup-bup-bup” on the back of her shirt. Having grown up in Steveston, where local lore had it that to be shat on by a seagull was good luck, she considered being carpet-bombed by an eagle to be the kind of luck that brought on winning lottery tickets.)

The eagles litter our yard with the detritus from their kills, too, including picked-over seagull and fish carcasses, feathers, a duck’s neck, a cat’s leg (a grizzly sight, that one), and, to our dismay, what we first believed to be the body of a young eaglet that had fallen out of the nest but which a birder later identified as that of a gosling.

Also, they are incredibly noisy, like the kind of neighbours whose partying attracts regular visits from the cops. Of that noise, one author wrote that “for such a powerful bird, the Bald Eagle emits surprisingly weak-sounding calls — usually a series of high-pitched whistling or piping notes.”

Our eagles don’t whistle or pipe, weakly or otherwise. They bitch. They bicker. Like all married couples, they screech at each other at all hours, demanding — and I’m extrapolating from my own experiences here — to know when dinner will be ready or when their spouse can take over watching the kids so they can please go to the damn bathroom. And rather than sounding as something as melodious as “piping”, the eagles’ calling more closely resembles a car alarm that will not stop despite how much you swear at it. It can be heard from blocks away, and possesses a high-pitched piercing quality that jangles the nerves. Any annoyance seems to set them off — pestering crows dive-bombing their nest, other eagles trespassing on their territory, or, simply, hunger. They start in the pre-dawn, reliably waking us and the neighbours at 4 a.m. with their hectoring, and keep at it all day.

Yet we feel lucky to be in their presence. B.C. boasts among the highest concentration of bald eagles in the world — the count is somewhere between 20,000 and 30,000 birds — and we are among the chosen few who host a nesting pair of them. But then we are lucky to live where we do, too, on a street a block from the ocean and in a neighbourhood still heavily treed with conifers big and mature enough to bear the weight of an eagle’s nest. Wild things can still find a home here.

It has, however, become less and less so. When we first moved into our home over 30 years ago, the neighbourhood was covered with an unbroken canopy of big cedars and pines. Opossums and coyotes roamed the streets at night. There were several heron rookeries. Swallows were common, and bats came out at night in numbers to feed. In the early mornings and at dusk, birdsong filled the air.

Over the years, though, many of the big trees have been cut down to make way for new homes, and the new homeowners’ priorities were more concerned with two-car garages than nesting sites for songbirds. Nature receded. The opossums disappeared and the coyotes grew shy. The herons moved on. The swallows’ and songbirds’ numbers shrank year by year, and to see a bat feeding and flitting about in the evening sky now is a rarity. The one constant? Raccoons still reliably tip over our garbage cans to feed. As annoying as that is, I take comfort in it. It’s nice to know they’re still here.

There is nothing new in this, of course, this dispiriting erosion of Nature. It’s nothing we haven’t heard before. We live with loss. We’ve grown used to it, inured to it, become expectant of it.

And yet, the eagles …

Every day I stand in the middle of the road and look up at the nest, waiting for a glimpse of them. I worry for them. Their existence seems ludicrously and needlessly precarious — their nest perching tippy-toe atop a tree 10 stories tall, and their nest open to predators, wind, heat, rain, lightning strikes … whatever an uncaring Nature can throw at them.

But there they are, improbably nesting in the middle of our suburb. And there I am, earth-bound and living under that still wild and lofty presence, while both of us wait for that day when a fledgling leaps off the edge of the nest and hope takes flight.

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A remarkable amount of plant breeding is taking place around the world, and it’s very interesting to get a sense of the types of new plants being developed.

Plant trials, conducted at many different locations, all with varying weather patterns, are the only way to determine if a new plant is viable in a particular area. The intensity and length of sunlight, humidity levels, rainfall and many other factors are all critical in determining the viability of each new plant in various situations.

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit Smith Gardens, a large Washington state wholesale grower. At their Marysville location, they are doing extensive trials for many different plant companies in Europe and North America. They have done an outstanding job, particularly in trialling new plant varieties for hanging baskets, containers and ground beds.

It was fascinating to see many of the new plant varieties, but it was even better to observe how they compared to some of the outstanding existing varieties, as well as their closest competitors from other breeders and plant suppliers.

It was also great to see how the plants performed in full sun, both in containers and ground beds. With so many selections, it was hard to pick the best plants, but after careful observation and evaluation, it became clear that there were some fabulous new introductions.

My No. 1 choice was a semi-trailing begonia with large flowers called Fragrant Falls. These tuberous-type begonias were sun tolerant, spilled nicely over hanging baskets and came in a beautiful colour series of soft pink and soft orange. They had a very full appearance and a nice perfume. Begonia baskets have certainly grown in popularity over the past few years, and this new series from Beekenkamp will definitely create even greater demand.

I’ve always been a fan of fibrous begonias because of their versatility in the landscape. From full sun to shade, as well as being both insect and disease tolerant, they are the go-to bedding plants for small- or large-scale plantings. Their attractive, contrasting foliage colours, from deep green to burgundy, also give them added value.

Over the past five years, there has been an increased emphasis on flower size. Recently, both the Whopper and the Mega Watt series have introduced significantly larger flowers, making them truly stunning plants. The Benary Seed Company has hit a home run with a new series called Mega Cool. Available in a wide range of colours, from pink and scarlet to rose and white, the flowers are so large that they no longer need companion plants to help them make a statement. I was blown away with the appearance of each container and its impact.

I know they are tender plants, but Spanish or stoechas lavender will flower all summer and is a wonderful pollinator plant. New from Greenfuse Botanicals is a great lavender series called Lavandula stoechas Lavish. This breeding breakthrough has developed a compound flower head that produces an amazing number of bracts that make each plant look huge and fluffy. Available in pink and purple, they are among the earliest lavenders to flower and will continue doing so all summer. They grow only 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) tall, making them ideal for both containers and garden beds.

For something quite unusual, there was a new series of butterfly bushes that were bred for hanging baskets and container growing. Both Buddleia Leah from Greenfuse and Buddleia Baby Buzz from Plant Haven grow only about 15 to 18 inches (38-45 cm) with large flower spikes that spill nicely over a basket. They come in several colours, from pink and blue to a reddish shade, purple, and white and they flower all summer long. Hardy to zone 5, they will survive nicely with a little winter protection. Just imagine a beautiful butterfly and hummingbird surround on your patio.

Scented geraniums have really fallen in popularity over the past few years, but now Westhoff may reverse that trend. They have introduced a miniature series of scented pelargoniums that look fabulous, are long flowering and fit nicely into pots. Of the charming Gemstone series, Kunzite and Garnet have small lavender and lavender-purple flowers that love full sun and perform all summer. Both, I think, will open some new plant opportunities.

We’re all looking for lobelia that can tolerate summer heat and Westhoff has introduced a series called Strata Bluebird, which was thriving and looked spectacular in the hot sun.

Over many years, Pan American has bred numerous new flowers and vegetables, and now they have introduced an annual salvia that has silver stems and foliage. Salvia Lancelot grows about 12-15 inches (30-38 cm) tall and has beautiful tiny blue flowers. It will be a terrific accent or feature plant and will make a welcome addition to any container or flower garden.

These are but a few of the hundreds of new introductions that were uniquely different and fun. There are many more new and exciting varieties to come that I will be sharing over the next few months.

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If your outdoor space is looking a little tired, livening it up is an easy fix with an array of stylish options, including fancy tiles and colourful carpets. You’re limited only by preference, imagination, and budget.

Outdoor Tiles

Not only do outdoor tiles hide boring concrete, they beautify a space with materials such as exotic wood, porcelain, or a blend of wood and recycled plastic.

Structural wood deck pavers are non-flexible, two-foot by two-ft heavy gauge hardwood tiles that are installed on adjustable pedestals, allowing for electrical, lighting or irrigation underneath. These panels can be used on any type of patio, balcony or deck surface, including concrete, and can be removed and replaced without disturbing the entire surface.

The tiles’ grid-like base is stable, so there’s no separation or drift, and the raised base allows for good drainage, says Tony Clarke, manager, B.C. Outdoor Flooring . They’re available in a variety of tones and grains, and the hardwoods used stand up to scratches, rot and bugs.

Clarke says installation can usually be completed in a day, at a cost of $45 per sq. ft, and doesn’t require glue, screws or nails. They do require maintenance, including regular sweeping and damp mopping, along with an annual sealant treatment. “We generally just mop a deck and then oil it with Penofin.” Once it’s dry, in 24 hours, it will protect the wood from the elements.

Interlocking wood deck tiles, installed at $40 to $45 are designed to interlock without grout, glue, screws or nails.

Composite deck tiles, a blend of wood and mostly recycled plastic, feature interlocking squares or rectangles, and cost $25 to $35, installed, usually in a day. They’re also fully suspended off the floor to allow moisture and debris to flow out and away. They’re durable, resist fading, stains, moisture and rot, and are low maintenance, needing only an occasional light wash. Clarke says interlocking deck tiles are mainly used on a completely flat surface, which makes them ideal for condo balconies. They come in a variety of finishes, from faux wood to solid colours, and sizes to create unique patterns.

Porcelain paver tiles can work on just about any deck, or over grass or crushed rock. They’re also virtually indestructible. “They’re three-quarter-inch thick tile made under high heat and high pressure,” says Clarke. “The water absorption is less than .1 per cent. You can soak them in a bathtub for a week, throw them in the snow and they won’t crack, because there’s no water inside to make them crack. The only way to hurt them is to drop something on them.”
In that case, since they’re also supported on pedestals, simply sweeping up the breakage and dropping in a replacement tile should do the trick.

Clarke says porcelain pavers can’t be scratched and are highly resistant to chipping, staining, and fading. “In a couple hundred years they’ll still be there.”

Depending on the space, installation can take anywhere from one to three days at a cost of $25 to $35 per sq. ft, installed. Maintenance requires only an occasional sweep or hose down.

Artificial Grass

Also called synthetic turf, artificial grass is grabbing attention thanks to B.C.’s increasingly hotter temps, annual water restrictions, and the material’s rep for low maintenance. Green year-round, it can be used to lay over balconies, encircle a pool, or cover an entire yard.

“The blades and fibres are made of polyethylene, which is woven into a polyurethane backing,” says Julian Li-Brubacher, co-owner, operations manager at Turf Team Landscaping . “It’s essentially an outdoor plastic carpet.”

Li-Brubacher says modern materials, however, look a bit more authentic. “Today there are all different shapes of the strands. Some can have a V shape or W shape to give more texture. They have different colours mixed in the same turf as well, and, most importantly, there’s an added dash layer (a thin layer of crushed rock or stone dust that gives a smooth surface and helps with drainage). Just like a layer of dead grass in a real lawn, there’s also shorter, curly fibres to make it look more realistic.”

Li-Brubacher says Turf Team also offers a “barefoot turf,” especially good for kids. “It’s a thicker curly turf, almost like a sponge, so it’s really comfortable to walk on barefooted.”

For dogs, special infills, including silica sand and envirofill, have microbial properties for a cleaner, more sanitary surface you can simply hose down. Li-Brubacher says the turf backing is punctured with little holes in every foot, which he says drains better than grass. “People with dogs really like it, especially if you have a high-energy dog doing laps around your yard. With wet grass, it will turn into a muddy racetrack. Artificial turf eliminates that.”
Installation over a 300-sq.-ft area takes a couple of days and costs $14 to $18 per sq. ft, depending on whether the job requires a full tear-out, base prep, installation, infill and seam gluing.

Maintenance involves regular blowing or vacuuming off leaves to discourage weeds, and a mild soap and water solution to wash off any oil or grease. For in-depth cleaning, the company offers “power-brooming” and sanitizing with a special pressure washer once or twice a year to rid it of dirt and debris and to re-fluff the blades. If well-maintained, Li-Brubacher says the turf can last at least 20 years.

While there has been concern about adverse health effects, a review by Vancouver Coastal Health into artificial turf used in sports fields found there has been “no peer reviewed clinical study that has concluded synthetic turf fields cause an increase in cancer or other negative human health impacts.”

Li-Brubacher acknowledges that the production of artificial grass is not entirely eco-friendly because of the large amounts of plastic used, and the current lack of suitable recycling facilities.

Rugs and carpets

Probably the quickest and easiest way to add a pop of colour and bring a bit of cosy outside is to lay down an outdoor rug or carpet. Dustin Knapp, general manager at The Wickertree Langley , says there are numerous advantages to a high-quality rug.

“If they get wet, they dry well, they drain well, they breathe well. And that’s really important for outdoor use because if they don’t do those things, they promote mould and mildew.”

He adds that, even though The Wickertree’s rugs come rolled up, they’re so well-designed they will lay flat after a few days, while less-expensive options rarely do. “That’s important because it means they’re not a tripping hazard. And they’re non-slip.”

Knapp says, if well-maintained, a good rug will wear well without fading for 10-plus years. All they require is a good sweep and the occasional wash with a mild detergent solution, hosed off and left to dry. Come winter, while many people leave them out, he recommends bringing them in to give your deck or concrete a chance to breathe. Just make sure the rug or carpet is completely dry, roll it up and store it standing upright.

He notes that, while new colours and patterns emerge every year, neutral, solid tones in charcoal, grey, chocolate brown, and navy blue sell the best because they complement just about any space, furniture or home siding.

The Wickertree’s carpets and rugs range in price from $399 for smaller styles to $599 for larger options.

“These are an investment in quality, they’re not something you have to replace in two years, so they’re not going into the landfill any time soon.”

In fact, he says smaller-sized rugs are big sellers. “They become more of an area rug. Sometimes people think they need a really big carpet or rug to cover everything on their deck and that’s not necessary. You want to see your rug and enjoy it. But if it’s tucked under your furniture, it’s kind of wasted.”

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

1715 Berkley Rd., North Vancouver

Type: Four-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 2,514 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,941,000

Listed for: $2,150,000

Sold for: $2,050,000

Sold on: April 8

Days on market in this listing: Six

Listing agent: Jason Kim at Sutton Group — 1st West Realty

Buyers agent: Adam Chahl PREC at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: North Vancouver’s family-oriented district of Blueridge is the location for this four-bedroom-plus-den house that also boasts a spacious 9,447-square-foot flat lot. Built in 1968, the home has a versatile layout that could accommodate multi-generational living or provide mortgage-helping opportunities thanks to a ground-level one-bedroom suite complete with separate entrance. The upper floor contains three bedrooms alongside the main living area. A number of updates are found throughout the home including the installation of radiant heat downstairs as well as in the primary bedroom, upgraded kitchen appliances, and two gas fireplaces. There is plenty of outdoor space with a wraparound deck on the upper floor, and a patio that spans the width of the home. Schools, and recreation facilities (including the Ron Andrews Community Recreation Centre) are all nearby, as are plenty of hiking trails.

PH612 — 311 East 6th Ave., Vancouver

Type: Two-bedroom, two-bathroom apartment

Size: 750 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $975,000

Listed for: $999,800

Sold for: $1,000,000

Sold on: May 12

Days on market in this listing: Seven

Listing agent: Danny Chow PREC and Salina Kai PREC at Rennie & Associates Realty

Buyers agent: Adina Dragasanu PREC at Oakwyn Realty

The big sell: Tipping the scales at the $1,000,000 mark is the sale of this two-bedroom, two-bathroom penthouse in Mount Pleasant’s Wohlsein building. Described on MLS as an “outdoor city oasis”, the home delivers with an enviable 630-square-foot private rooftop deck that offers 360-degree city and mountain views. Inside, the floor plan provides non-adjacent bedrooms, nine-foot-high ceilings, laminate floors, a well-equipped kitchen with Bertazzoni and Blomberg appliances, bar seating and quartz countertops. The Wohlsein was built in 2017 with a number of amenities for residents such as a fitness room, lounge, and workshop, and a location with craft breweries, eateries, a community centre, parks, and upcoming SkyTrain stations forming part of the Broadway Subway Project all nearby. The unit comes with one parking space (which is EV ready), a locker, bike storage, and a monthly maintenance fee of $457.39.

166 — 1290 Mitchell St., Coquitlam

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom townhouse

Size: 1,604 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,204,000

Listed for: $1,178,800

Sold for: $1,160,000

Sold on: April 25

Days on market in this listing: 23

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

Buyers agent: Giuliano Vargas PREC at ReMax City Realty

The big sell: Townline built their Whistler-inspired townhouse community of Forester on Coquitlam’s Burke Mountain in 2021 with distinctive gable, stone and wood detailing. The homes have exclusive access to the Canopy Club, a premium amenity space with an outdoor swimming pool, yoga room, gym, workspace, and lounge. This particular home has an end-unit position and sits next to protected greenbelt. It provides more than 1,600 square feet of living space divided over three levels with all three bedrooms upstairs, the reception rooms on the main floor, and a mud room and an integrated double garage on the ground floor. The bright kitchen has white Shaker-style cabinets, quartz counters, stainless-steel KitchenAid appliances, and a generous-sized island with plenty of built-in storage, while the living/dining area has contemporary-style lighting and access to a rear deck. The home’s monthly maintenance fee is $357.62, and pets and rentals are permitted.

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

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

For more detailed mortgage information, explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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What happens when a new mom can’t find a bath towel worthy enough for her newborn baby’s soft skin?

For one Vancouver-based entrepreneur, the disappointment she felt with the towels and shawls after the birth of her first child led to the creation of luxury textiles brand Droplet Home Goods .

We caught up with founder and owner Aleeza Khan Bradner to find out more.  

Q: For anyone not familiar with the brand, what is Droplet Home Goods?

Droplet is about feeling good. It’s about everyday coziness. It’s about caring what you use in your home and your life, for you and your loved ones. And it’s about bringing joy to those everyday moments.

We are a Canadian, BIPOC woman owned home goods brand, known for our plush soft towels and cosy blankets. We’ve been around for over six years and have partnered with Goop, Jillian Harris and The August Diaries.

Q: How has the brand evolved since 2019?

While we try to keep the product line intentionally small and neutral, we’ve expanded as needs and creativity have allowed. We were born from motherhood and the journey that took me on, and have now evolved to give space to my love of textiles. To me, they hold history, emotion, and evoke memories. What started as wanting a clean, organic towel to wrap my son in has taken me on a journey of discovery — textiles have always brought me joy and comfort.

Q: What sets it apart?

We keep the product line small and intentional. We care deeply about where our goods come from, a clean and fair supply chain, and ensuring we give you the best product possible. I run Droplet solo while juggling the joys of motherhood and entrepreneurship and give my all to them both.

Q: What can you share about new products to come?

We have a really exciting new, limited edition product that just dropped! We’ve partnered with the amazing and hilarious Breanne Allarie on a fun, cosy and unique PINK robe — super soft, with a secret embroidered daily mantra on the inside — perfect for lounging around, and kitchen dance parties of course.

Q: Is there a customer favourite, and why does it resonate?

It’s always the original blanket. Honestly you can’t go wrong with it and it’s never been returned. It’s super soft and gets softer as you wash it, it’s big enough to share but lightweight enough to keep it to yourself and not get stuffy, and it’s available in two neutral colours to go in any home. I have the original sample in my home from seven years ago and it’s still perfect.

Q: What is the price range?

There’s a huge range — from our $20 wash cloths and $65 Turkish towels, all the way up to our $189 blankets and towel sets that start from $165.

Q: Where can people find your products?

On our website , and we’re also available in a selection of curated stores.

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In the heart of New Westminster, an innovative building has surfaced. Təməsew̓txʷ Aquatic and Community Centre is much more than just a swimming pool.

“It’s the largest capital building project the City of New Westminster have ever delivered,” says Paul Fast, principal at HCMA Architecture + Design, who led the design on this project.

Set between Queen’s Park, the Justice Institute, and the city’s firehall, təməsew̓txʷ occupies a central position in New West, both geographically and symbolically. It replaces two aging legacy facilities from the 1960s: the Canada Games Pool and Centennial Community Centre.

Pools age quicker than most buildings, because they’re very energy intensive, and the needs of the surrounding community have also changed over the years, says Fast.

Something for everyone

Təməsew̓txʷ reflects a shift in thinking — from elite athletic training to inclusive community wellness. The old facility had a 50-metre cold water pool, which wasn’t ideal for young kids or people who aren’t competitive swimmers, says Fast.

In contrast to this, the new facility includes a leisure pool, sauna and steam rooms, hot pools for kids and adults, and generous space for socializing.

“The city leveraged this building as a way to bring all the residents together. Something of a social activator and a connector, with the recreation programming on top of that,” says Fast.

A café space is planned, and the surrounding site now includes a rain garden and park that traces the memory of Glenbrook Ravine — a natural waterway erased during the city’s colonial development.

That ravine was backfilled and paved over, says Fast. With this redesign, they couldn’t excavate it, but preserved its alignment and turned it into a public greenway. They’ve rotated the building to face this greenway, instead of the street, he says.

A name with roots

The facility’s Indigenous name is təməsew̓txʷ, which is the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ word for “sea otter house”, and was gifted through collaboration with local elders and reflects both playfulness and connection to water, says Fast.

“The sea otter once thrived along the Fraser River, and this building sits right at the headwaters of the former ravine, so the name ties the place back to something much older, both ecologically and culturally,” he says.

Using design to draw people in

From the outset, HCMA was tasked with extensive community engagement, says Fast. Their biggest breakthrough came when we heard from people who weren’t using the existing facility, and that’s what shaped the project. These people included newcomers to Canada, young families, and teenagers.

Young people don’t always want structured programs, so they created more casual, social spaces, says Fast. They want to encourage people to shoot hoops with friends, or just hang out.

Built for a new climate

Təməsew̓txʷ is one of Canada’s first all-electric pool facilities, and the first to be zero-carbon. The filtration system, imported from Europe, uses drum filters rather than sand. They don’t rely on chlorine as heavily, and people have commented that it doesn’t “smell like a pool,” says Fast.

To make it possible, the city and design team worked with the Canada Green Building Council and even helped adjust BC’s Health Act to accommodate the innovation.

Architecture as common ground

Fast recalls a moment that captures what təməsew̓txʷ was always meant to be.

“We’d just won a national design award, and the city held a media event in the atrium,” he says.

“We’d just won a international design award, and the city held a media event in the atrium,” he says.

“TV cameras were rolling. The mayor was there. And this man came through the door — clearly going through something in life — and asked the mayor for a toonie, so he could pay the entrance fee and take a shower.”

The mayor gave it to him without hesitation, says Fast.

“For me, it was confirmation that buildings can break down barriers.”

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If you’re looking for something special to enhance your outdoor spaces this summer, you may want to consider a plant that is increasingly popular because of its incredible punch of colour and love of heat.

Mandevillas come in a wide range of colours with a hot, tropical look, and can be used as beautiful outdoor screens and container jewels. They are becoming the go-to plant for patios, and like most vibrant tropical flowering plants, garner immediate attention.

Mandevillas need nighttime temperatures of 12 to 15 degrees Celsius before they can go outside, meaning it’s late May or June before they can safely be placed outdoors.

They must be planted in a well-draining, professional soil mix. Once settled in, they will perform wonderfully in summer sun. I love the fact that they continue to flower into late summer and fall.

If you have a patio that is quite shady, you will have to locate them where they can get a minimum of four hours of the best possible sunlight between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. When established, feed them with a slow-release fertilizer like 14-14-14; it will continually feed them for four months, making them very low maintenance.

Mandevillas do not like to be overwatered, and a daily check is usually all that is needed. The best scenario is to give them a good drink, then let them dry out slightly before watering again.

By far, the most popular colours are the vibrant pinks and the rich reds. They stand out in a big way as their flowers keep producing great colour all summer, but the power of white should never be underestimated. White mandevillas are growing in popularity as more folks are appreciating the charm of an all-white garden.

New this year is a series of mandevillas called Rio. They are compact, non-vining plants and are a little more cold-tolerant for an earlier start. Their initial colour range is pink, deep red and white. Even though they are non-vining, they still make great plants for hanging baskets.

The Ball Horticultural Company has introduced a number of new varieties, such as Sun Parasol FiredUp Orange, a stunning orange splashed with yellow, and Sun Parasol FiredUp Coral in all shades of coral. Grande Citrine Improved is a vibrant yellow, and Tropica Unico Coral Orange Sunrise is an amazing blend of peachy tones.

When I attended the IPM horticultural trade fair in Essen, Germany last year, I was thrilled to see many new varieties. They may take some time to find their way here, but by next year, many will be showing up in local stores.

I love planting them in containers with classy black trellises, where they will make an attractive screen and grow up to two metres. They can also be grown in hanging baskets, spilling nicely over the edges. Another great look is growing them up a narrow, round pergola as a single focal point. Be sure to save a spot somewhere on your patio for these gems.

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Now that we’re all getting serious about buying Canadian and supporting local, one of the best ways to do just that is to shop at your nearby farmers market. It’s also one of the most delicious ways to get your groceries — and the most enjoyable, too.

Luckily, here in the Lower Mainland, there are plenty of farmers markets to choose from — eight of them right in Vancouver (West End, Downtown, Kitsilano, False Creek, Riley Park, Mount Pleasant, Trout Lake and Hastings Park), with another dozen or so more from Pemberton to Chilliwack.

Admittedly, visiting a farmers market takes a little planning. Most are held only once a week for a few hours in the morning or the evening, often just in the summer months (though a growing number of them are open year-round). You can’t just drop in any old time like you would at, say, your neighbourhood City Market. You might even have to get up a little earlier than usual to be sure to get the best produce. And you definitely need to remember your shopping bags.

But it’s worth it, for so many reasons.

Most farmers markets have strict rules that limit the products sold at them to local ones (or at least those grown or produced in B.C.) and about principals being the ones doing the selling. That means you’ll likely be chatting to the farmer, the cheesemaker, the baker, the brewer or a member of their family, and not a sales rep. They can tell you about what you’re buying, how it was grown and how to cook it. You’re not just shopping; you’re participating in an act of community, supporting your farmers and your local food security.

And this is a really, really good time to connect with our farmers. Last year, as you may recall, was a brutal growing year, thanks to the devastating winter event in January.

Crops of all sorts, from tree fruits to ground vegetables to wine grapes, were affected — the Creston Valley, for instance, lost its entire cherry crop, which also had a devastating effect on the bees relying on the blossoms for food. It’s been so bad that last summer the BC Tree Fruits Cooperative, which comprised more than 230 farming families, closed after nearly 90 years in business because of “extremely low estimated fruit volumes, weather effects and difficult market and financial conditions.”

Even without that cold snap, farmers have been struggling with supply-chain issues, rising costs, drought, fires, floods and now the threat of tariffs and a looming trade war from across the border. If we want them to keep growing our food, we have to keep supporting them.

But that’s not even the best reason to shop at a farmers market. The best reason is simply because it’s the surest way to get the freshest, finest, most seasonal produce available, often picked just hours before you tuck it into your cooler.

While you’re at the market, pick up a wedge of cheese and a bottle of wine, a pie for dessert, a carton of duck eggs and some seedlings for your garden. Discover a local fashion designer or the handmade coffee table you didn’t know you needed. Tuck a bouquet of locally grown flowers in your bag, just because they make you happy.

There will almost certainly be some happy dogs hanging around, and babies in carts, and little kids dancing to a live band. You’ll probably run into some old friends and make some new ones. Best of all, you’ll have something wonderful to eat after you get home.

Find a market near you and other info at bcfarmersmarkettrail.com or bcfarmersmarket.org .

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Believe it or not, the fact that two of three new exhibits opening at the Museum of Vancouver this month are all about chairs is a coincidence.

In Deep-Seated Histories, a selection of everything from barber shop recliners to church pews provide a glimpse into Vancouver’s cultural, social and industrial evolution.

The other exhibit, Future Makers, looks to the future with sustainable chairs built out of repurposed mahogany.

“For the past 10 years, we wanted to showcase and zoom in on one object type in our permanent collection,” said Viviane Gosselin, director of collections and exhibitions, curator of contemporary culture.

“We are all very fond of chairs, so we thought, okay, let’s go with chairs. And then at the same time, this gift of mahogany came to us because people in the community know that we like to do material reuse. So the two converged. We’re in fully chair mode for the summer.”

The 150 chairs in Deep-Seated Histories were chosen from a collection of about 250.

“The main focus of the show was to talk about Vancouver history through the selection,” said Denise Fong, the lead curator on Deep-Seated Histories.

“Because many don’t have provenance information, we don’t really know where they came from or what their connection is to Vancouver. Part of the process was going through our existing records to see what we could find about the stories behind them, whether they’re connected to an important landmark or heritage building or local business in Vancouver, or to significant individuals or organizations.”

Local history buffs, nostalgic sentimentalists and design aficionados will find much to ooh and ah over in the exhibit, from Joe Fortes’ Morris Chair to a Fritz Hansen chair from the Woodward’s employee dining room to the custom-made bar stool from Little Sister’s Book & Art Emporium.

“The chair that a lot of people have been very curious about is our night watchman chair from the Ship Inn, a pub in Greenwich,” Fong said.

“It’s dated to the 1800s. And its primary function was to provide sort of protective, comfortable seating for porters and people who would be waiting near entryways or doorways. It’s got this high, dome-shaped padded back, and it’s designed to protect people from the elements.”

Future Makers takes a far different tack. Using wood gifted to the museum by an anonymous donor, students at the KPU Wilson School of Design were charged with coming up with new, creative chair designs.

“The instructor designed an entire course around the project, asking what it means to make things when we know that we’re over-consuming? There was this whole conversation about the circular economy and material reuse.”

Twenty-seven students came up with 15 chairs. Two, Andre Beeche Lacle’s Masenity and Jodh Sidhu’s A-Chair, received SAGE awards for sustainability from the museum.

“Masenity makes reference to the country of at least some of the mahogany’s origin, Guatemala,” Gosselin said. “It’s low to the ground, even lower than the more traditional Guatemalan chairs. And that’s kind of an attempt to encourage people to be more connected to the land, to the ground.”

The other winner, the A-Chair, has a back that tapers into a sharp point.

“I think we saw 50 iterations of it as the student refined the idea. It looks flimsy, like a piece of paper that you fold and create a chair out of it. But it’s actually very solid.”

The students have agreed to auction off the chairs. Proceeds will be donated to Indigenous-led reforestation efforts in Guatemala.

Curating two exhibits focusing on myriad variations of the same idea has been eye-opening, said Gosselin.

“I think what we’ve learned is that we love the idea of focusing on one object type, whether it’s miniatures or, I don’t know, kitchen appliances, and taking everything we have and looking at the differences,” Gosselin said. “What emerges? What does it tell us about a particular object design, but also about our collecting practices?”

Deep-Seated Histories and Future Makers are at Museum of Vancouver until Jan. 2026.

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

4 — 367 East 33rd Ave., Vancouver

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom half duplex

Size: 1,271 square feet

B.C. Assessment: N/A

Listed for: $1,698,000

Sold for: $1,698,000

Sold on: April 28

Days on market in this listing: 26

Listing agent: Jessica Chen PREC at Oakwyn Realty

Buyers agent: Shannon Vrlak PREC at WESTSIDE Tom Gradecak Realty

The big sell: The newly-constructed boutique collection of homes at Ello reside in Vancouver’s Riley Park community within walking distance to myriad amenities along Main Street. Built by Vandwell Developments, there are 12 individual residences that comprise four fully-restored contemporary character homes and eight new-build duplex homes ranging from three bedrooms plus a den, to four bedrooms and a suite, all with custom finishes and efficient layouts. This particular unit has a floor plan spanning two levels (some homes feature three) with the principal reception rooms on the main floor and all three bedrooms upstairs under vaulted ceilings. Interior highlights include wide-plank white oak engineered floors, designer light fixtures, large format textured matte tiles, white oak millwork accents, Dekton backsplashes, and brushed gunmetal plumbing fixtures. Each home is backed by a 2-5-10 warranty.

158 Maplewood Rise, Lake Cowichan

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom detached

Size: 1,914 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $563,000

Listed for: $934,900

Sold for: $930,000

Sold on: April 2

Days on market in this listing: 16

Listing agent: Sonny Mann at Oakwyn Realty Encore and Jennifer Allen PREC at ReMax Generation

Buyers agent: Trish Turnbull PREC at ReMax of Nanaimo

The big sell: This brand new three-bedroom detached house was built by Beachrock Construction near Lake Cowichan’s town centre and forms part of a new subdivision that is surrounded by nature including having direct access to the Trans Canada Trail. Offering attention to detail throughout, the two-level home has been thoughtfully designed with built-in shelving, barn doors, oversized windows, two fireplaces (one in the living room and one in the primary bedroom suite), a four-foot-high crawl space for extra storage, and versatile areas that could serve as a dining room, home office or recreation room depending on the buyers’ requirements. The private backyard features a spacious, covered patio and panoramic mountain views. Checking the energy-proficiency box is a high-efficiency heat pump, and the home adheres to Step 5 in the BC Energy Step Code meaning it has been constructed as net-zero energy ready.

17391 Westminster Hwy., Richmond

Type: Four-bedroom, two-bathroom detached

Size: 2,370 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,111,900

Listed for: $1,388,000

Sold for: $1,300,000

Sold on: April 17

Days on market in this listing: Five

Listing agent: Shafik Ladha PREC at ReMax Westcoast

Buyers agent: Non Member / No Agency

The big sell: One of the main highlights of this Richmond property is its lot size — more than 7,900 square feet plus a location on Westminster Highway in the eastern sector of the city with direct access to major transit routes, as well as Mayfair Lakes Golf & Country Club for more leisurely pursuits. Residing on the property is a four-bedroom house that was built in 1959. It features a split-level entry with stairs leading up to the main level where the sleeping quarters are found on one side of the layout and an open-plan living area on the other containing a white kitchen overlooking a conjoined living and dining room with wood floors, inlay detailing, and a gas fireplace. Completing this level is a solarium and a balcony that offer views over adjacent farmland. The lower level comprises a fourth bedroom, a recreation room, laundry, and flexible areas. Outside, the expansive yard is mainly laid to grass and there is a single carport.

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

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

Stay up to date on Canada’s best mortgage rates with our guide to the lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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Bosa Properties’ Broadview has provided people with something to talk about since the 35-storey purpose-built rental building went up in Burnaby’s Central Park District. Broadview — which features 295 junior one-bedroom, one-bedroom and two-bedrooms — caters to renters’ needs for amenities such as fitness centres, pet-friendly policies and rooftop lounges. But that’s not all.

“Purpose-built rental isn’t just a housing model — it’s a response to how people’s lives, needs and expectations have evolved. We put a lot of energy into who the people are who choose rentals and added a dynamic package of amenities that historically were only seen in luxury ownership buildings,” says Sally Parrott, executive vice-president at Bosa Properties, adding this is the company’s seventh purpose-built rental property across Greater Vancouver.

Robin Oshiro was one of the first to move into a one-bedroom suite on the 24th floor.

“I’m really happy with my suite, although small, it is very well laid out and it comes with quality finishes, smart technology and air conditioning,” says Oshiro, adding that he is taking advantage of a rent-to-buy program Bosa offers to purchase a home in its nearby development that is anticipated to complete in 2029.

“I’m happy that I will continue to live in the Central Park District, which offers me everything I need within walking distance,” adds Oshiro.

Not only is the building walking distance to Central Park, Deer Lake Park, Burnaby Mountain and Bonsor Community Centre, it’s just steps from Metrotown’s urban shopping centre and two SkyTrain stations, and it offers an array of amenities and free handyman services.

“I was sold on Broadview for its great location and amenities. I use the co-working space and the gym almost daily,” says Oshiro.

Broadview’s four levels of amenities begin in the lobby, which features comfortable seating, artwork by local artist Graham Gillmore, a dog wash station with two basins, bike wash and repair station, and bike storage. The building also has an on-site property manager, concierge services and package storage lockers.

On the second level, residents can head up for a workout in the fitness centre complete with cardio equipment, free weights, yoga and barre studio. Level 35 is where residents can gather with friends and family in the private dining room, or get work done in the co-working space or meeting rooms. There are also social and games lounges. Finally, the rooftop social lounges are showcased by several fireside couches, dining spaces with barbecues and community garden plots.

Thoughtfully designed, homes in Broadview range from 522 to 1,163 square feet and feature vinyl wide plank flooring, fully outfitted kitchens including quartz countertops, all appliances, in-suite washer and dryer, as well as heat recovery ventilation for fresh air.

“Our design philosophy begins with people — taking the time to understand what matters most to today’s renters and designing functional spaces that deliver comfort, identity, and connection,” says Vincent Delfaud, vice-president of design and sustainability at Bosa Properties. “By maximizing livable space, integrating purposeful features, and using durable, timeless materials, we ensure every square foot counts.”

Parrott agreed with Delfaud’s sentiments, adding: “We spent a lot of time on the design to ensure our tenants have the best living experience.”

Project: Broadview

Project address: 5980 Kathleen Avenue, Burnaby

Developer: Bosa Properties

Architect: Gensler & IBI

Interior designer: BYU Design

Project size: 295 Residences

Number of bedrooms: One and two bedrooms

Price: Rents start from one-bedrooms at $2,650; two-bedrooms from $3,450

Sales centre: 4488 Kingsway, Burnaby

Centre hours: Open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Phone: 604-968-8872

Website: rentbroadview.com

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The NDP government is making changes to development cost charges that builders say could help reduce the burden they face as material and labour costs continue to increase and the number of projects under construction drop.

Starting in 2026, builders will only have to pay 25 per cent of their fees to municipalities up front and will be able to defer the remaining 75 per cent for four years or until people move into the building.

The fees help cover the cost of infrastructure such as community centres, roads, sewers and parks.

The changes will also allow developers to use bonds instead of irrevocable letters of credit as financial guarantees, allowing them to preserve access to capital throughout the project.

Wendy McNeil, CEO of the Homebuilders Association Vancouver, said the changes will allow builders certainty when it comes to the cost of the project and the timeframe for making payments to municipalities.

“I think this is great news. This announcement, it really shows there is appetite and responsiveness to the industry’s concerns,” said McNeil.

She said it will also allow builders to invest in future projects instead of having a large portion of their capital tied up in a single project.

“It’s all about certainty, and that’s the biggest hurdle that the industry is facing, or was facing is that the different charges, different schedules and different tools really didn’t make it easy for builders to do business.”

A June report by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation found B.C. housing starts fell from 53,118 units in April to 37,455 in May, a reduction of just under 30 per cent. Additionally, B.C.’s housing starts are over 4,000 units lower than they were at the same time last year.

Housing Minister Ravi Kahlon said Wednesday that the province has already done significant work to bring down the cost of housing and increase supply by placing restrictions on short-term rentals, spending on affordable housing, and upzoning near transit stations and in single-family neighbourhoods.

He acknowledged there is more to do to encourage construction, which is why the government is now making changes to development cost charges.

“It’s hard to move forward on projects because the costs were built in at a different price point. And so that means we have to innovate. We have to find new ways to ensure that we’re able to lower costs.”

Surrey Mayor Brenda Locke and Delta Mayor George Harvie joined Kahlon for the announcement, as did Anne McMullin, president of the Urban Development Institute.

All three said they have seen projects stall because developers can’t afford the costs placed on them before construction even begins.

Langley Township Mayor Eric Woodward said the changes are something municipalities have been pushing for.

“The municipalities were not able to do this until now and didn’t have the legislative authority to implement this themselves,” he said.

“At the moment, I see that they’re making a number of these rather obvious changes. I think we would like to see them focus on only the things that they can do, such as get construction costs down and help municipalities and the developers with financing costs.”

Chris Gardner, president of the Canadian Federation of Independent Business, said that while the changes to the development cost charges were a step in the right direction, they don’t fix other issues slowing the pace of housing construction.

He said the goal should ultimately be to have the senior government shoulders more of the cost when it comes to building infrastructure such as roads and sewers, which would reduce the burden on municipalities and allow them to lower development fees for builders.

“We need to look at how we take costs out of housing construction, the fees and taxes that the province and the municipalities levy on housing. That is a crucial element to getting buyers back into the market,” said Gardner.

“Right now we’ve got interest rates that are still higher than a lot of would like to see when they go apply for mortgages, a lot of economic uncertainty because of the economy as a whole that’s been compounded by the Trump tariffs and then the inability of the B.C. economy as a whole to really fire on all cylinders and produce strong private sector job growth.”

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As you drive through various communities at this time of the year, you can’t help but notice the massive colour displays provided by day lilies. From street median and roundabout plantings to massive drifts in park beds, day lilies have become today’s go-to perennials.

When I have questions about day lilies, the person I love to contact is Pam Erikson of Erikson’s Daylily Gardens in Langley, B.C.  As a breeder, grower, judge and retailer, she is one of Canada’s leading day lily authorities. Erikson’s carries over 3,000 varieties of day lilies, as well as an incredible collection of hostas, drought-tolerant plants and fall bulbs.

“Why all this obsession with day lilies?” I asked. “Drought tolerance,” Erikson responded.

“With our changing climate, hot and cold extremes and long periods of summer drought, few other plants can tolerate these conditions and still perform beautifully,” she explained. Most of the North American varieties are hardy to zone 2, except for the more tender Florida bred varieties, which are mostly rated for zone 6, but after our severe cold spell two years ago, she no longer carries them.

Hemerocallis, commonly called day lilies, are some of the easiest perennials to grow. Because they tolerate a wide variety of soil conditions, all they need is well-draining soil, a little organic matter and slow-release fertilizer for a continuous feed throughout the summer.

Generally speaking, day lilies appreciate five to six hours of summer sun each day. Erikson surprised me by saying the dark red and purple varieties need a little shade during the hottest part of the day in order to maintain their deep, rich colours.

I asked about the trend of continuous blooming varieties, like Stella d’Oro. She pointed out that breeding that variety has made it one of the best, and by far, the most popular day lily today, with millions planted around the world. However, Erikson prefers Happy Returns, a slightly fragrant, softer yellow that also blooms continually and looks like a field of daffodils all summer.

I mentioned that knock-offs of Stella d’Oro don’t seem to have the staying power of the originals. Erikson pointed out that there are non-registered varieties on the market that are mass produced by tissue culture, but they do not have the same intensive breeding and testing to ensure their quality.

When she breeds a new variety, Erikson trials it for eight years before releasing it in order to ensure its long-term quality and viability. The American Hemerocallis Society, which is the North American day lily authority, has a website that will confirm if varieties are registered.

According to Erikson, some of the best day lily breeding in North America was done in the 1980s. Many of those varieties had more resilient, unique blooms and tended to have a longer blooming period. Big Spider was an example of a very different yellow day lily that had massive blooms over a four-week period.

She also mentioned that Bill Munson, often known as the American godfather of day lilies, warned that too much breeding could result in their extinction.

Erickson also pointed out the absolute drought tolerance of day lilies. In the absence of water and with extreme heat, they can die down completely, but when water returns, new leaves emerge, and they begin to flower all over again.

I asked her to name some of the  best varieties.  She said that was a tough question because she is passionate about so many. Canada 150 she said is one of the best dark reds with a darker eye. Rootin Tootin is another beautiful red, and a Canadian hybrid. Lemon Lace is a lovely ruffled, fragrant yellow with very large blooms. Strutter’s Ball, which Erikson thinks is magnificent, is a deep purple.

I asked her how to create the best display of day lilies for a home landscape. Erikson recommends a perennial border, where day lilies are blended in with other perennials, flowering shrubs and spring-blooming bulbs for a long and attractive showing.  For an early display of colour, she likes to plant minor bulbs, crocus, narcissus and tulips around day lilies, and as the fall foliage begins to decline, the foliage of day lilies begins to grow and hide the unsightly leaves of fading bulbs.

Erikson particularly loves combining variegated weigelas with purple day lilies. PG hydrangeas, especially the more compact varieties, also make great companions for day lilies. Erikson is OK with underplanting trees with hemerocallis as long as the trees are open and not casting heavy shade.  Most of all she loves growing them in pots. She enjoys moving them around and changing out the varieties as the seasons progress.

No wonder Erikson is the go-to horticulturist not only for day lilies but also for many other perennials and bulbs. Hemerocallis are playing an ever-increasing role in our home gardens, roadside plantings and parks.

This year, Erikson’s Daylily Gardens, located at 24642 51 Avenue, Langley, will close at the end of June and reopen in August for fall perennial and bulb sales.  Please check online for current hours of operation.

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By moving an hour north of inner-city Vancouver to Squamish, Dan Dale and Fiona Francis gained near-instant access to their favourite climbing areas, bike trails and the pristine waters of Howe Sound. They made the shift in 2021 when Dale, an environmental economist and Francis, a marine biologist, adopted a hybrid work model. After four years of renting a condo, the couple have committed to living in the community of 30,000 people and have purchased a home that aligns with their values and honours the sensitive environment in which they live.

Chickadee Lane by ReGen Homes is a small development of just eight townhomes on Wilson Cres. near downtown Squamish. Each three-storey unit is not technically built to net zero criteria, but to zero emission Built Green Platinum standard, the highest there is. Each home has six solar panels, a heat pump and is powered only by electricity.

“The environmental features are important to us but other things we value are location and lifestyle,” says Dale. Francis agrees, noting that their rented condo on the north end of town was isolated.

“We love living in Squamish, but we’ve missed that cosmopolitan vibe of Vancouver. Chickadee Lane puts us closer to downtown. It will be an urban lifestyle without the urban density and not having to hop in our car all time will be nice,” she says.

The builder, ReGen Homes, is local and was founded by B.C. native Cameron Cope who brings his love of the province’s ecology to every project. His childhood on Salt Spring Island, his introduction to Squamish in 2011 and employment as a carpenter informed the manner in which ReGen homes are constructed.

“In 2019 I incorporated ReGen with the belief we could build homes that have a positive impact on climate and biodiversity and also play a role in regenerating the planet. We’re trying to focus on building homes that our future world needs. It’s a large, holistic approach to building,” Cope explains.

Chickadee Lane is one of three multi-family projects that ReGen has done in the area. There is one 1,189 square foot floor plan with three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a double garage with nine-foot high ceilings and eight-foot garage doors, an important feature for Squamish homebuyers who typically need that height for trucks and ski racks.

Cope’s regenerative approach begins with site selection. Each project is an infill development in a walkable, bikeable, transit-oriented neighbourhood. If people live in the most energy efficient home possible, but are driving everywhere, that’s not a sustainable lifestyle, he says.

Each zero-emission home, which means there is zero fossil fuel used in its operation, is equipped with extra insulation, triple-pane windows, rooftop solar array and a heat pump — all the latest technology employed in net zero homes. These are the type of homes that are the way of the future but are often out of financial reach for many homebuyers.

“For a sustainable home you generally need to pay big bucks on a custom, single-family home and that’s not for everyone. We’re trying to make that technology and type of living available to more people,” he says.

Low VOC paint and materials and high-quality plywood products manufactured locally to reduce emissions created by shipping are other key features.

Cope’s philosophy is that long-lasting quality materials won’t need to be replaced, keeping waste out of the landfill.

“We’re doing all the upgrades at the beginning, so people don’t feel like they need to throw things out,” Cope says.

Landscaping to increase insect or bird habitat and biodiversity in the urban environment is integral to regenerative development. Bird houses, garden boxes and a green space are part of the package.

Sales are currently by appointment only with a show home scheduled to open this weekend.

Project Scope: Chickadee Lane is a small development on Wilson Cres. in Squamish. It’s comprised of eight three-storey townhomes with garden boxes at the front door and communal green space at the back. The 1,189 square foot homes have three bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and eight-foot garage doors. The homes are zero emission built to Built Green Platinum standards.

Builder: ReGen Homes

Architect/Designer: Method Design Group, Abbotsford

Prices : Starting at $999,000

Sales information: Contact ReGen for information or visit the June 28 open house from 11 a.m. to 12:30 pm..

Sales contact: hello@regen.homes

Website : regen.homes

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

101 — 271 Blue Mountain St., Coquitlam

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom half duplex

Size: 1,706 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $1,286,000

Listed for: $1,238,000

Sold for: $1,235,000

Sold on: April 8

Days on market in this listing: Two

Listing agent: Shafik Ladha PREC and Zobair Ali PREC at ReMax Westcoast

Buyers agent: Mayur Arora at Oneflatfee.ca

The big sell: This front-facing half duplex forms part of a collection of four half-duplex residences that were built in Coquitlam’s Maillardville community in 2023 with Lougheed Town Centre SkyTrain station nearby. Offering more than 1,700 square feet of living space as well as a 282-square-foot west-facing yard, the home provides plenty of space both indoors and out. The main level has an open floor plan with expansive living and dining rooms, a powder room, and a kitchen that boasts white gloss custom cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless-steel appliances, and a peninsula with an eating bar and contemporary-style pendant lighting above. All three bedrooms are located upstairs and served by two bathrooms. High ceilings, walk-in closets, laminate floors, roughed-in air conditioning, and two parking stalls are additional highlights. The home comes with a monthly maintenance fee of $218.28.

110 — 2353 Marpole Ave., Port Coquitlam

Type: One-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment

Size: 661 square feet

B.C. Assessment: $496,000

Listed for: $575,000

Sold for: $575,000

Sold on: March 14

Days on market in this listing: One

Listing agent: Rahim Jivraj at eXp Realty

Buyers agent: Tobias Williams at ReMax City Realty

The big sell: According to listing agent Rahim Jivraj, this one-bedroom Port Coquitlam apartment in the Edgewater development sold after the first showing before the open house at full asking price. The reason for the appeal? A townhouse-style home with a private walk-up entrance and an expansive 264-square-foot patio, fresh interior paintwork in neutral tones, modern updates including a new dishwasher and microwave, and upgraded lighting, insuite laundry, and a central location in the downtown core. The living room has an electric fireplace, while the spacious (15-foot-long) bedroom features a double set of windows that overlook the patio, and a high-quality Murphy bed that doubles as a sofa complete with integrated cupboards on either side. Owners have a parking stall, storage locker, and use of the building’s amenities including bike storage and a guest suite. Pets and rentals are permitted, and this unit’s monthly maintenance fee is $297.46.

2 — 1260 Kaslo St., Vancouver

Type: Three-bedroom, three-bathroom half duplex

Size: 1,579 square feet

B.C. Assessment: N/A

Listed for: $1,629,000

Sold for: $1,630,000

Sold on: April 11

Days on market in this listing: 17

Listing agent: Mark Hammer PREC at eXp Realty

Buyers agent: Ryan Taylor PREC at ReMax Real Estate Services

The big sell: This brand new home forms the back half of a duplex that was built by Pavarya Homes in Vancouver’s Renfrew district. The thoughtful design incorporates oversized windows, an open-concept layout on the main floor, a built-in sound system, and a modern air-conditioned interior with premium finishings such as custom millwork, white oak floors, high-end Fisher & Paykel appliances, sleek dual-tone cabinetry, and Nano doors that open up to blend indoor and outdoor living. There are two bedrooms upstairs alongside a flexible room that could be used as a home office, and a top-floor primary bedroom with vaulted ceilings, a spa-like ensuite, and a private balcony. The landscaped garden has an entertainment-sized patio, and direct access through French doors into the heated single garage which could be used as additional living space such as a gym.

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

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

For more detailed mortgage information, explore our guide to Canada’s lowest national insured and uninsured mortgage rates, updated daily. Related

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In the few years since Manvir Deol launched Burnaby-based Plan Your Space , he’s noticed a real shift in how people are designing their homes. Multi-generational living is becoming more common, driven by the high cost of building or renovating in British Columbia, and a desire to be close to family, he says.

Plan Your Space is a design centre that allows people building or renovating to walk through their home’s floor plan at full scale — complete with furniture, walls and appliances. Deol went through the design-build process with his own family’s home, and saw firsthand how costly and painful it can be to make changes once framing goes up.

The centre gives families a chance to test their layout before construction begins, realizing, for example, that a powder room is too close to the kitchen or a wall needs moving.

Changing times

“A few years ago, people wouldn’t talk much about living with their parents or in-laws. Now it’s a priority,” says Deol. Entire families often come through to walk the floor plans, from kids to parents and grandparents.

A recent client was designing a quadplex for three generations under one roof, with the son-in-law’s mother taking the fourth unit.

“We are seeing a lot of new, young families designing homes with their parents or grandparents in mind,” says Deol.

Making it work

Designing for multi-generational living isn’t just about squeezing in extra bedrooms. It requires thoughtful connection and separation, he says.

Separate entrances can make a big difference, as can details like porches or landings that allow each family their own space and personal style.

By walking through a life-size layout, families get a feel for the proximity between units, the flow of shared spaces, and whether it feels ‘right’ before they begin building, he says.

Test-driving the heart of the home

The kitchen is often the most expensive — and emotionally significant — part of the home. Design decisions here carry extra weight, especially in tight economic times, says Deol.

At Plan Your Space, v isitors can experiment with kitchen layouts using movable appliances, bar stools and custom cabinetry.

You can try things out, such as where your kids will be doing their homework, while you’re cooking dinner, or how your kitchen island fits with your remote work setup, says Deol.

Many homeowners set aside contingency budgets for late-stage design changes — something Deol says can be avoided with more immersive planning.

Planning for the long term

Future-proofing is another major trend they’re seeing, says Deol. Families want homes that work not just for now, but for the years to come.

“We’re finding that people are designing with a long-term vision for their home. They have considered grandparents and how their children will grow, and how all their needs will change over the years,” says Deol.

“Planning to age in place is key, with design features such as ground-level grandparent suites, with no stairs and an open floor plan. Additionally, bathrooms in these suites are planned with barrier-free features such as curbless showers,” he says.

An immersive event space

Though Plan Your Space started as a walk-through studio, they are now hosting events for brands like Porsche, L’Oréal and Lamborghini, says Deol.

Event planners and companies hosting brand activations like the venue because it’s a blank canvas they get to transform.

“The same immersive experience of a floorplan walk-through is translated to any event where the projection system can project images, moving graphics, videos and layered with other senses such as sound, smell and taste,” he says.

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