by Guest

Designer: BiglarKinyan Design

Location: Queen and River Street

Description: complete redesign of loft

Reason for renovation: Previous space lacked the modern feel clients desired; Lack of flow and harmony

“When we were selected to work on this redesign project we were thrilled,” says Fardid Biglar of BiglarKinyan Design. “We love modern projects because we can break convention and do something really unique and special.”

Their clients described their dream space as “cold and institutional” and the designers weren’t going to disappoint.

The Redesigned Loft

The BiglarKinyan re-designed loft is a beautiful example of the Minimalism movement, with influences by some of the great architects of our time like Mies Van Der Rohe and Tadao Ando. The material palette consisted of polished concrete floors, honed gray limestone, lots of stainless steel and frosted glass, custom charcoal cabinets from Miralis with stainless steel interiors, Blizzard White Ceasarstone, and soft white shears.

Mr. Biglar explains that although they selected modern materials, they also had resale-value in mind, hence choosing materials that have intrinsic beauty and are likely to age gracefully and maintain their appeal and aesthetic. “We stylized the space so that the architecture can speak for itself, however our client as well as subsequent owners can dress the space up or down if they choose to.” Says Kenneth Ho, principal at BKDP.

Before any of the interior design elements could be implemented, many site preparations were required. BiglarKinyan Design’s scope of work included completely demolishing the existing walls and platforms in the space, reworking all of the plumbing and electrical and rebuilding everything to the new design.

“The previous owner must have really liked stairs,” says Mr. Biglar, “There were stairs up to the kitchen, stairs up from there to the washroom, and you even had to step down into the tub.”

They did rebuild to minimize the number of levels and improved the flow.  The kitchen area was extended to include an entertainment area with a large cantilever stainless steel bar where guest can mingle, the bathroom was zoned to have private areas (toilet and tub) behind a “S” shaped partition and semi-private functions (sinks) behind a frosted glass partition wall to animate the span of wall in the kitchen.

The frosted glass also allowed an abundance of light to make it to the kitchen area, situated in the middle of the loft space.

In the kitchen and closets, an abundance of drawers and organization solutions keep clutter out of sight and let the homeowners live in a minimalist space without having to make any sacrifices.

A modern space should also have modern conveniences and this loft does not disappoint. Motorized remote controlled drapes, integrated Sub Zero 736 fridge and cabinetry inserts from the Blum Dynamic Space program become a topic of conversation.

by Robert Wright

How can we save money? It’s a common question asked on many projects.

My clients and I prefer to start with the total wish list of what we would like to be completed in the project before anything else. One reason is that we don’t want a possible future phase of work to disturb already completed work. Also, sometimes we are all surprised by what can be included in the budget. The usual result of the wish list exercise is that the project is over budget and this is all right. The next question to ask is, “Now what do we do?”

The next step is to determine the priorities for the various items of the project wish list. This can mean that less important items may be trimmed from the project.

Another possibility is to phase the anticipated project over time. What I have done with past clients is to set up a multi-year plan to renovate various parts of their home. For example: we first completed the bathroom, then the windows, and then some HVAC work.

Another step is to look at the material selections. Can we substitute less expensive materials from the wish list materials? These could include: PVC windows for wood aluminium clad windows; laminate counter tops for stone; and thermofoil cabinet doors for solid wood cabinet doors.

Maybe we can reuse existing items; though we have to be careful. Some items can look tired against the new i.e. used stainless steel sinks in the new cabinets. However, patching in old hardwood flooring, brick, or siding can reduce costs and dump fees. Remember, unless there is a major structural issue, the greatest cost items are in the things you touch and see, and not in the structure.

The selection of “cheap” materials is not usually a good idea. They are cheap for a reason – usually they are of poor quality. The low cost is forgotten long after the poor quality is evident! Quite often we can take some less expensive materials and create a more expensive look.

Another step is to look at the project from another angle. Can a revision of ideas and design help? Can the project requirements be met another way?

I had a client who believed that the only way to solve the kitchen space issues was to create a small addition. Unfortunately, this addition portion required a larger budget than the client was prepared for. With a little head scratch, we were able to create the large kitchen with eating area, a new walk-in pantry, and relocate the powder room within the existing structure and the budget.

As you can see, it can be a bit of a process to have the budget and project meet. It may take a bit more thought and research than first expected, however, it will be well worth the effort at the end of the project.

In the mid 1990’s, Rob joined and took over Citadel Renovations in Ottawa. Since that time, Rob has helped many homeowners improve their homes. Rob has been active in the Greater Ottawa Home Builders Association for many years and has been the Renovation Council Chair in the past. Recently, Rob has presented seminars at the local home shows on various renovations subjects. He is a featured contractor expert for the Home Renovation Guide’s “Ask the Expert” section. You can visit his company website CitadelRenovations.com for more information.

The Globe and Mail has been reporting on the new budget for Jan. 27th this week and as such, the proposed tax credit for home renovations. Should the break go through, it could spur the construction industry, keeping layoffs at bay, and would more likely keep spent Canadian dollars in the country.

Whether or not all types of renovations or if only retrofits and upgrades for energy efficiency would be eligible was not elaborated on.

Meanwhile, the CBC has reported that in Quebec, the Liberal party will include a home renovation tax credit, in their budget. Homeowners, who live in a single-family residence must hire a certified contractor. Projects would be a minimum of  $7,500 for 20% coverage of the job, to a maximum of $2,500, and it would be retroactive to Jan. 1st of this year.

Good news to homeowners and contractors who’ve seen their sales slump the last few months?

This just in … a slew of home shows across North America are cropping up in your home town starting in January.

Starting today until Sunday is the 29th Annual South Bay Home & Garden Show in Santa Clara, California. Among the usual exhibitors and seminar goodies, there are some grand prizes to be won, such as the hot hot tub pictured above.

Other upcoming January Home & Garden shows are:

CAN:

Calgary HomExpo 2009, Jan 16 – Jan 18, Calgary, AB

Ottawa Home Renovations Show, Jan 23 – Jan 25, Ottawa, ON

The Edmonton Renovation Show,  Jan 30 – Feb 01, Edmonton, AB

US:

Oklahoma Home & Garden Show, Jan 16 – Jan 19, Oklahoma City, OK

Philadelphia Home Show, Jan 17 – Jan 24, Philadelphia, PA

Indianapolis Home Show,  Jan 30 – Feb 08, Indianapolis, IN

For more info, visit HRG’s Home Shows section.

If you know of an upcoming home show event in your city you’d like to share, please post your comment here.

Sigh, what would I do if I could build my dream home?

Unfortunately, although of legal age, I am not a resident of the US – two restrictions on eligibility for HGTV’s Dream Home Contest. The prize in question being a somewhat splendiferous house in Sonoma, California. If you are an American adult however, you can enter everyday until February; check out more details here.

Happy with the home you have, but wishing for some ultimate rooms? Until March 31st, 2009, Americans can also enter to win a Room Makeover using this form.

I can’t help but think even with the money and the means to build a dream home, it wouldn’t be that easy. As with any ultimate dream, you need to be able to visualize what you want and perhaps immersing yourself with the best, the most creative and talented will help get you there.

One of the more fun parts of my job is writing our Renovations of the Month and so far I’ve been most impressed with the work of BDR Artisan out in Vancouver. A major shout out to Brent Repin for sharing his stunning work with us; the award winning Tsawwassen Beach House. Of course the finished house is just breathtaking, however, seeing the “Before” shots of just what he had to work with, completely changes the conception of its true expanse.

Here is a look of the before:

and the magnificent after:

Continue reading for the full story…

If you have a great room makeover or home renovation project you’d like to share, please email your photos and description to editor@homerenovationguide.com. I look forward to your inspiration!