Issuu

NO SWEAT CLEANING TIPS: RECIPES FOR HOME-MADE SOLUTIONS

FABULOUS FOCACCIA

FARM-TO-TABLE AND BEYOND

HOW MUCH PAINT DO I NEED?

Follow this formula to estimate the paint requirements of your project.

You’re nearly ﬁnished painting when you look down into the almost empty can and realize – yikes! You won’t have quite enough paint to ﬁnish the job.

Estimating the amount of paint you need is as important as choosing your color scheme. Save yourself time and a panic attack by taking the guesswork out of your paint requirements using a calculator similar to the one on this page. It’s as simple as measuring the dimensions of the room being painted to ﬁnd the surface area.

STEP 4: Add Total Doors plus Total Windows to = Surface Not to Be Painted.

STEP 5: Subtract Surface Not to Be Painted from Total Wall Surface = Total Surface To Be Painted.

: Divide Total Surface to Be Painted by the Spread Rate* = Amount of Paint Needed For Each Coat.

.

DECK?

Door 2 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

*SPREAD RATE: The spread rate is the recommended yield you can expect from a can of paint. Typically, a U.S. gallon of paint will cover 350-400 square feet. As coverage may vary depending on paint product and thickness of application, check your paint can label to determine the spread rate before purchasing.

Add together to ﬁnd Total Door Surface = ____ ft.

STEP 3: Measure the Windows

OK, MY DECK IS CLEAN; NOW WHAT?

Window 1 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

Window 2 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

Add together to ﬁnd Total Window Surface = _____ft.

After cleaning, allow the deck to dry thoroughly for at least one full day; two good drying days are preferred. Follow all of the instructions on the deck finish that you have selected, paying close attention to the application method and the square footage that each gallon of product is supposed to cover. Putting on too much finish, or putting on two coats when only one is recommended will result in the finish failing prematurely and possibly even peeling off. Putting on too light an application can result in the product not performing as expected and not lasting as long as it should. W H AT IF I H A VE MORE QUEST IONS?

PRO TIP: It’s wise to buy a bit more paint than you think you will need for the job. This way, you can ensure you will not run out of paint before the job is done, plus you’ll have leftover paint for touch-ups.

a wood deck is to use a wood cleaner that is for that purpose. There are several products clean a deck without causing damage to the wood and plantings. Defy Wood Cleaner is an oxygen bleach cleaner effective at cleaning dirt, oil, mold, algae, and aged stains Following up with Defy Wood Brightener will neutralize the wood to like new condition and open the pores of new coat of deck finish.

The staff at Perspectives can help guide you to the right products and procedures to get your deck ready and beautiful for the outdoor season. Check our website for rebate sale dates on quality deck finishes including ProLuxe.

SPACES: Real home redesigns with wall-to-wall ideas you can use.

30 THE ORGANIC MODERN MARVEL

Practical design solutions land this new build an upgraded aesthetic where future memories flourish

38 LIGHT & BRIGHT & PERFECTLY BLENDED

This 1950s build is taken from confused to a bright and cohesive space with thoughtful design solutions

46 THE DIY DIAMOND

Throwing caution (and the rules) to the wind, this eclectic home is a show stopping must-see

52 TO THE LAKE HOUSE

Mel Bean Interiors blends masculine and modern in this lakefront getaway

CARLEE BAIGRIE

ROBYN CHUBEY

ARTHUR LIFFMANN

OLIVIA HIEBERT

TWILA DRIEDGER

Handcraf ted Brushes

✓ Superior Taper

✓ Advanced Flagging

✓ Exceptional Quality

✓ Holds & Delivers More!

JIM TAYLOR

AUBREY TAYLOR

DARREN GRUNERUD

IRA VAN DEN BERG

Love the designs within our pages? Connect with the talented folks

THE ORGANIC MODERN MARVEL

PG. 30

Superior Roller Covers

✓ Supreme Woven Fibers

✓ Solvent Resistant Core

✓ Exceptional Pick-up and Release

Lace and Grace Interiors

Hanna McDougall www.laceandgraceinteriors.com hanna@laceandgraceinteriors.com IG: @laceandgraceinteriors

LIGHT & BRIGHT & PERFECTLY BLENDED

PG. 38

Christina Ackerman Interiors

Christina Ackerman www.christinaackermaninteriors.com IG: @christinaackermaninteriors

THE DIY DIAMOND PG. 46

Kaili Martire wherekailives@gmail.com IG: @wherekailives

TO THE LAKE HOUSE

PG. 52

Mel Bean Interiors

Mel Bean www.melbeaninteriors.com design@melbeaninteriors.com IG: @melbeaninteriors

SPRING 2022

Bahia Taylor Editor in Chief Co-founder

Leigh McKenzie

Creative Director Co-founder

Carlee Baigrie

Contributing Writer & Editor

Olivia Hiebert

Graphic Designer

Melanie Truman Project Management

Graphic Design Styling Gallon Creative www.galloncreative.com

Owned and Published by: Gallon Creative

For inquiries, please contact us at hello @ galloncreative.com

5 Scurfield Blvd #25 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 3G4

www.galloncreative.com hello @ galloncreative.com

Cover Photography - Viking Projects www.vikingprojectsco.ca

While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, At Home Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

Typeset in Adobe Garamond and Avenir Printed in Canada

TOOLBOX:

Helpful resources for any homeowner

SPIC & SPAN

Save with these homemade hacks for common cleaning supplies

HOT SPOT:

Shining a spotlight on the world's hidden gems

FEELING BUTTERFLIES

Explore the majestic world of the North American monarch

CHOW:

Just thinking about it is making us hungry

FOCACCIA GARDEN

Recipes that double as a feast for the eyes

EXPLORER:

Pack your sense of adventure and let’s go

PASSPORT TO TOFINO

Quench your wanderlust in the Canadian West Coast

CRAFT TABLE: DIY? WE SAY Y-E-S!

OLD SHED, GOLD SHED

Give this forgotten structure new life with a little TLC

In 2022, we step into a new year with a new perspective — one that values our time and authenticity more than ever before. We’ve learned many lessons over the last two years of uncertainty, and as the world around us wobbled, many of us have finally found strength and stability on our own two feet. This isn’t to say that we have found some magical means of avoiding suffering, but rather that we have finally acknowledged that life is too short to be anything other than our unapologetic selves. People are leaving jobs that no longer serve them en masse. The fashion world is embracing color like never before. Groups are standing up for what they believe in with new courage in their convictions. We are giving ourselves permission to gravitate toward what feeds our souls the most.

With this in mind, we curated our Spring 2022 issue, focusing on stories that emphasize the art of self-expression. From our Chow entry, which oﬀers a delicious recipe as well as a creative outlet (PG. 62) to our Craft Table, which makes a case for transforming your shed into a backyard studio, we hope these words encourage you to experiment, to play, and to discover what truly speaks to your senses. We hope you see Kaili Martire, the self-taught designer’s eccentric DIY home remodel and are convinced you have the same power to reinvent your space. We hope you hear how Lace & Grace Interiors was started and understand that it’s never too late to do exactly what you want in life.

However these stories ﬁnd you, we hope you ﬁnd joy between the covers and the courage to embrace everything that makes you, you.

Stay inspired.

ROBYN

Craftsman Quality

BEFORE THE FIRST BRUSHSTROKE

Your guide to the three Ps: prepping, priming and painting

Shortcuts are great for avoiding trafﬁ c or beating video games, but not so much for painting. In fact, no matter the size of the painting project, its success really does depend on how much time and effort is put into preparation. There’s simply no way around it.

BEFORE YOU PRIME: PREPARATION TIPS

• Before you begin, move all furniture out of the room. Larger items can be placed in the center of the room and covered with a plastic or canvas drop cloth.

• Take down any pictures, wall hangings or removable ﬁxtures as well as the nails holding them up. is is also the time to remove electrical plates and switch covers as well as air vents you don’t want to get paint on.

• Scrape oﬀ any loose, ﬂaky paint. Patch any holes and repair any other imperfections with a spackling compound. Allow to dry and then sand down until the surface is smooth.

• Clean the walls with a sponge and TSP (Trisodium Phosphate should be used if the walls are greasy, i.e. in the kitchen) or a mild cleaning solution of water and detergent such as Simple Green. Do not use dish soap, as it contains glycerin, which can leave behind a residue that will interfere with coating adhesion. Rinse the sponge frequently and repeat as necessary. Once dry, go over the surface with a microﬁber cloth or a trap-and-lock style duster.

BEFORE YOU PAINT: PRIMING TIPS

Primer is the essential foundation of every paint job. It helps paint to adhere to the surface by making it more “accepting” of the ﬁnish coat, it blocks stains and tannins from bleeding through; it penetrates and seals problem substrates; and ﬁnally, it improves the color performance and prolongs the durability and smoothness of your paint job.

• It is especially important to use primer when painting new wood or surfaces that have never been painted before, or when repainting a surface that is uneven, stripped, or badly deteriorated (sand it down before priming). Prime the walls if a lighter color is being painted over a darker color. Semi-gloss paints need a coat of primer as they tend to absorb unevenly.

• Match the primer to the job. Tinting your primer ﬁrst will give you a head start when painting darker colors and will require fewer ﬁnish coats.

• While latex-based paint is not normally recommended over oil-based (alkyd) paint, there are some exceptions to this adage. Ask the experts at Perspectives for the proper primer and application methods.

• Lastly, be sure to start painting only after the primer has dried completely. Check the paint can’s instructions to ﬁnd out how long to wait between coats.

• Collect and assemble all of the tools and supplies you’ll need for the job: paint, stir sticks, drop cloths, brushes, rollers and painting tape.

• Apply a high quality painter’s tape on trim, baseboards, window and doorframes to protect everything you don’t want to get paint on.

• Secure a drop cloth to the ﬂoors to protect carpeting, linoleum or hardwood ﬂooring.

PRO TIP: ere are 2-in-1 paint and primer products available on the market, but it’s important to note that they work well on alreadypainted surfaces, not never-before-painted surfaces. While they may seem to eliminate a step, 2-in-1 products may require extra coats to give as eﬀective coverage as the traditional primer and paint process. Ask Perspectives for their advice before purchasing.

Before the ﬁrst coat, get reliable advice from the experts at Perspectives

PROLUXE ™ . Proven. Perfect.

For that flawless, signature finish, you need the trusted original: ProLuxe Wood Finishes.

perfectwoodstains.com

for ProLuxe finishes at:

ONE THING NOT TO DO WHEN CLEANING YOUR DECK.

This is the prime season for getting your deck in shape to enjoy the outdoors. Getting all those old leaves, branches, old grass clippings and all the other yard detritus that builds up on your deck over the winter is the first step. Cleaning and re-staining will get your deck ready for you to enjoy and share with friends and family.

So what is the one thing NOT to do while cleaning your deck? DON’T use a pressure washer to clean your deck! Not to say that you can’t use a pressure washer at all, but use it at low pressure only to rinse off the cleaning agent that you should use. If you use a pressure washer at a high enough pressure to clean off the dirt, mold and mildew, you are probably irretrievably damaging the wood surface.

SO, HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY DECK?

The best way to clean a wood deck is to use a wood cleaner that is specifically designed for that purpose. There are several products available that will clean a deck without causing damage to the wood and surrounding plantings. Defy Wood Cleaner is an oxygen bleach cleaner that is extremely effective at cleaning dirt, oil, mold, algae, and aged stains from wood. Following up with Defy Wood Brightener will neutralize the cleaner, brighten the wood to like new condition and open the pores of the wood to accept a new coat of deck finish.

OK, MY DECK IS CLEAN; NOW WHAT?

W H AT IF I H A VE MORE QUEST IONS?

PAPERED TO PERFECTION

Make a seamless transition from wallﬂower to wallpower

Today’s wallcoverings are not your grandmother’s wallpapers (thankfully). With all due respect to grandma, modern wallcovering design covers every taste from classic to contemporary and applying the latest technology means they are easier to remove and provide greater durability than ever. The marketplace has unlimited wallpaper options for transforming a space with pattern, color and texture. In addition, many companies are strongly supporting ecofriendly options. Water-based inks, using renewable and sustainable sources for materials, and even planting trees for each order placed are just some of the ways companies are helping protect our environment and improve the beauty of our natural world.

VINYL WALLPAPER

Vinyl is very popular because it’s simple to install, easy to remove and washable with the wipe of a cloth.

• Solid vinyl wallpaper is made completely of vinyl and is ideal for bathrooms or kitchens where it is exposed to high humidity. It holds up well in high traﬃc areas.

• Vinyl coated wallpaper is made of paper that is coated with a protective layer of acrylic vinyl, so it is washable, resistant to heat, humidity and grease.

• Paper backed vinyl is paper backing laminated with a solid sheet of vinyl. It is thicker than many types of wallcoverings for greater durability, and is resistant to stains. It is not recommended in bathrooms or extremely humid spaces.

ONE THING NOT TO DO WHEN CLEANING YOUR DECK.

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• Fabric backed vinyl is a layer of woven fabric laminated to a sheet of solid vinyl facing. Great for high traﬃc areas, it is durable, easy to clean and hides surface imperfections well.

GRASS-CLOTH WALLPAPER: A natural handcrafted wallpaper, they are made by gluing grasses or vines onto a paper backing. Because they are delicate and somewhat tricky to install, some people prefer vinyl grasscloth wallpaper, which is machine-made to look natural, but printed on a durable, washable fabric backing.

OK, MY DECK IS CLEAN; NOW WHAT?

LINER WALLPAPER: Available in paper-backed or ﬁberglass, a liner is used prior to installing delicate (silk, bamboo, string) or shiny (foil, mylar) wallpapers to smooth over rough walls and imperfections.

EMBOSSED WALLPAPER: So many feels! Designs are pressed onto a paper backing to create a raised, textured eﬀect. is makes it helpful in hiding rough, lightly damaged or imperfect walls. Easy to install, remove and maintain.

SO,

HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY DECK?

FLOCKED WALLPAPER: Printed on paper backing, it has a velvetlike texture designed to create a “fuzzy” three dimensional eﬀect. Not washable, extra care must be used not to get paste on the front surface while installing.

FOIL WALLPAPER: Fabric-backed, ﬁberglass-backed or paper-backed foil wallpapers have a design printed on top of the metallic ﬁnish. Most foils will noticeably enhance wall imperfections, but are durable and washable.

W H AT IF I H A VE MORE QUEST IONS?

NEW, exclusive Designer Select program offers premium quality American-made custom drapery panels, valances, bedding, pillows and coordinating table accessories , a llowing you to use today ’s colors and fabric designs with any architecture or decor.

Our NEW, exclusive Designer Select program offers premium quality American-made custom drapery panels, valances, bedding, pillows and coordinating table accessories, a llowing you to use today ’s colors and fabric designs with any architecture or decor.

With Designer Select , you can choose from hundreds of fabrics to get a custom made look to complete any project and meet any budget. You deserve the window treatments to make you proud and love your look. With Designer Select you will get a shor ter turnaround time and lower cost.

With Designer Select , you can choose from hundreds of fabrics to get a custom made look to complete any project and meet any budget. You deserve the window treatments to make you proud

love your look. With Designer Select you will get a shor ter turnaround time and lower cost.

HOW MUCH WALLPAPER WILL I NEED?

A little math goes a long way to buying enough for your project

Before you buy wallpaper, it’s important to make a generous estimate of how many rolls you’ll need. That way, you won’t run short during installation and risk not being able to order the same color or pattern –plus you’ll have a little left over in case you need to patch damaged walls down the line.

CALCULATING PATTERN REPEAT

Unless you have purchased wallpaper in a solid or simple texture, it is patterned. e pattern repeat is the vertical distance between where the pattern is identical again (repeats). Pattern repeat will aﬀect the number of wallpaper rolls you need and how you will hang it.

(If the wallpaper pattern is random, you don’t need to worry about matching any pattern at all.)

Patterned wallpaper is a little tricky because you must account for the number of pattern repeats that will ﬁt your actual wall height. When working with a drop match, know that a drop match pattern requires only half the number of inches as its repeat measurement.

ESTIMATING AMOUNT OF WALLPAPER

CALCULATE WORKING HEIGHT PER STRIP:

GENERAL MEASUREMENTS:

Roll Length: Yards: ________ Inches: ________

Roll Width: ________ Repeat :________

Height: _____" Repeat _____" = _____ Round up = _____ x Repeat _____" = _____ " Working Ht

CALCULATE STRIPS PER ROLL:

Length Per Roll: _____ Working Height per Strip _____" = _____ Round down = _____ Strips per Roll

CALCULATE # STRIPS TO COVER WIDTH OF WALL:

Width of Wall _____" Roll Width _____" = _____ Round Up =_____ Strips to Cover Wall Width

CALCULATE # ROLLS TO COVER WALL:

# Strips to Cover Wall ____ # Strips per Roll _____ = _____ Round Up =_____DBL Rolls Total

Measurements: Width: ________ Height:________ THE WALLPAPER EXPERTS AT PERSPECTIVES REALLY MEASURE UP! VISIT OUR SHOWROOM FOR THE LATEST WALLCOVERING

WOOD FLOORS

Wood floors provide warmth, beauty, and durability that can last for generations. One only needs to look at floors laid down hundreds of years ago that have withstood the test of time to see that this is true. The wood in floors such these likely came from old-growth forests and can no longer be easily obtained. Refinishing these old wood floors, and even newer wood floors that need to be renewed, is much less expensive and disruptive than replacing the flooring. Finishing, re-finishing, or maintaining a wood floor requires tools and products that are specifically designed for this purpose. Perspectives has the products and advice to help DIYers and professionals alike complete any wood floor project.

PREPARE THE SURFACE

Old nish should be removed by sanding. While there are places to rent the professional grade sander, this step is so important that we recommend hiring a professional to sand your oor.

REMOVE SANDING DUST

Sweep across the oor in both directions, then vacuum the surface and nish wiping with a tack cloth to remove all sanding dust.

APPLYING STAIN OR FINISH

Perspectives has several types and brands of products available, and our staff can provide information on all the products that best ts your needs.

STAINS

Perspectives has stains from Zar, Minwax, and DuraSeal in a wide variety of standard pre-mixed colors. We are also experienced in custom matching stains to provide a custom look to your oor. Bring in a sample of the wood you want to stain.

FINISHES

We have traditional polyurethane nishes from Lenmar and Polo Plaz in Matte, Satin, SemiGloss, and Gloss nishes. Waterlox Tung Oil based nish is available in Original Sealer Medium Finish, Satin and High Gloss. Waterborne nishes from Lenmar are available in Matte, Satin, SemiGloss and Gloss in three different ProClear product lines – Pro, High Traf c, and Xtreme Duty. Sealers are also available for both types of nishes.

MAINTENANCE

Keeping your newly nished oor maintained with the proper products will extend the life of both the new nish and the wood oor itself. Use products designed to maintain the type of nish that you have applied; be wary of “homemade” products that may actually damage the surface.

inishing or re- nishing a wood oor starts out with the same

makeup, there are appearance differences between the two types of nish. Polyurethane nishes add a slight amber cast to the color of the nished oor, as well as bringing out the color of the oor, whether stained or natural.

Waterborne nishes are designed to be water clear and have minimal effect on the color of the stained or natural oor. For this reason, waterborne nishes are recommended over light colors of stain, such as light grays and pickled nishes.

OK, MY DECK IS CLEAN; NOW WHAT?

This is the prime season for getting your deck in shape to enjoy the

Getting all those old leaves, branches, old grass clippings and all the other yard detritus that builds up on your deck over the winter is the first step. Cleaning and re-staining will get your deck ready for you to enjoy and share with friends and family.

Maintenance of a wood oor has become much simpler with the availability of products and applicators to keep your oor looking like new. Perspectives has complete oor maintenance kits from WoodWise, one of the premier manufacturers of wood llers and tools provided to the oor nishing industry. PolyCare products from Absco, and Waterlox Floor care products are also available.

If you have a wood oor project in your future, let Perspectives help you complete your project on time and budget, for a oor that will last for generations to come.

SO, HOW SHOULD I CLEAN MY DECK?

W H AT IF I H A VE MORE QUEST IONS?

N EUTRAL KNOWLEDGE

Neutrals are the gift that keeps on giving. They provide a foundation to build your design dreams upon. The key to picking the right one is understanding the color components involved in your selected shade. We all know too well, swatches don’t always tell the whole story. Here is some insider knowledge that will help you ensure your next gorgeous grey doesn’t pop up purple. Remember that lighting, both natural and artiﬁcial, will affect color appearance. Check your color in all of the types of lighting that it will be exposed to so you can verify that you are happy with the color.

Neutrals can be warm or cool, and although these attributes seem easily identifiable in theory, this can sometimes be a more difficult task. Neutrals, like high chroma colors, also belong to color families, and as they are muted down, the impact of each color family’s attributes are also muted down. e choice between a warm-toned neutral and a cool-toned one can make the difference between the desired affect: warmer tones create a cozy feel, while cool tones are great for making a room feel spacious.

Neutrals are colors that have been diluted and toned down by adding an amalgam of other shades and tones to soften them up. e more pigments added, the more complex a color becomes. Neutrals are considered low chroma because these colors have many components. eir complexity makes it diﬃcult to discern which color family they are from and therefore how to pair them. e key is identifying the undertones involved, which your experts at Perspectives are trained to do.

Smoky Green CC-700

Sweet Innocence 2125-60

Stonington Gray HC-170

Baliboa Mist OC-27

under AF-685

Wonderful Window Treatments Transform Your Spaces

Change the look of an entire room by dressing up windows with drapes and valances, shades and shutters, or blinds that transform a room in both subtle and dramatic ways, giving a space the nishing touch. The right treatment can add texture and softness, privacy and sunlight by elevating an interior from simple to spectacular. Our Designers help you with the ambiance of a room and make it energy ef cient too. The right window treatment can tie the entire room together.

Did you know that by adding shutters you increase the appraised value of your home? Let our experienced employees help you nd the perfect look for your areas.

W H AT IF I H A VE MORE QUEST IONS?

inspiration DESIGNER

DOLPHIN AF-715:

“I want a neutral, but I ﬁnd gray too cold,” said Every Person considering a room refresh over the past two years. And while cool, crisp grays aren’t for everyone, warmer grays like this stunning tone delicately balance on the thin gray line between red and green undertones. Rich and sophisticated, this shade is just as much at home as an accent against off-white walls as it is wrapping full rooms in velvety depth.

PATRIOT BLUE 2064-20

For those looking to illuminate their world with pure, extraordinary color, nothing brings spaces to life like bold, saturated tones. Astonishing in its clarity, this is the color of an afternoon summer sky, and just as memorable. This charming painted wainscotting has us daydreaming of blue kitchen cabinets, wood countertops, and a white farmhouse sink, too!

FROSTINE AF-5

While warm and neutral whites have been the go-to tones popularized by the Boho and Scandi trends of late, don’t underestimate the power of a cool white. Naturally complimentary to cool color palettes, cool cast whites can be equally effective to add a dynamic punch to an otherwise warm scheme. The icy bluegreen undertone of this wintery white is a great choice for ceilings and trims in any space with minimal yellow undertones.

2048-10 SHERWOOD FOREST

Greens have long been recognized for their classic style and design dependability. Naturally tranquil and calm, they blur the lines of where neutral ends and color begins. Moody, deep, and complex, this forest green has magnetic appeal thanks to its dark undertones. There’s a richness here, but thanks to its status as one of nature’s most ubiquitous shades, you know it has timeless appeal, too. This is the time to bump up the sheen, paint all the walls or paint all the trim, or even both and surround yourself with a color that is at once both serene and compelling.

PG.52

PG.46

•

• Available in 24 trend forward colors

Homespun HOUSEKEEPING

The environment and our impact on it are on our minds more than ever these days. Eco-cleaning companies offer a multitude of green options to keep in your arsenal of dirt busting disinfectants, but did you know you can make many inexpensive solutions for almost every dirty job quite simply with some basic ingredients and easy recipes?

LIST OF SUPPLIES

· Baking soda

· Borax

· Bucket

· Essential oils

· Lemons

· Liquid soap

· Recycled rags

· Reusable spray bottles

· Rubbing alcohol

· Vinegar

MULTI-PURPOSE CLEANER

Mix ¼ cup baking soda into a ½ gallon of water in a cleaning bucket. Then add ½ cup vinegar and a few drops of essential oils. Use immediately.

DISINFECTANT

Combine 2 teaspoons borax with 4 tablespoons of vinegar. Mix with 3 cups of hot water and a few drops of essential oils. *Borax is safe but toxic, keep out of reach of pets and children.

GARBAGE DISPOSAL

Simply send your lemons down the disposal on a weekly basis, either used ones from cooking or beverages or cut a fresh one in half solely for this purpose.

GLASS CLEANER

Mix 2 tablespoons of vinegar with 1 cup of water and a ½ cup of rubbing alcohol. Pour into a spray bottle. When cleaning windows, using old newspaper really is the best and is also recyclable!

BATHTUB AND SINK CLEANER

Mix 2 cups of baking soda, a ½ cup of liquid soap, and a ½ cup of water in a small jar or bucket. Add 2 tablespoons of vinegar and use immediately.

STUCK ON GREASE

· Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda on your cookware and set aside for 5 – 10 minutes. Wash cookware as usual.

· Sprinkle half a lemon with coarse salt and use it to scrub dishes and cutting boards clean.

Though stunning in sight and splendor, with its miraculous transformation and mysterious migration, the enchanting orange, black, and white speckled monarch is at risk, threatened by habitat fragmentation, loss of native plants, and climate change.

Deep in a Manitoba, Canada, meadow, dew dances off a milkweed plant and a chrysalis cracks, the body of a butterfly gently sliding and squirming through the fissures of the translucent shell. It emerges and extends, examining the endless fields. A monarch is born.

For now, the butterfly soars in its new surroundings, enjoying the summer sun and the nectar from wildflowers.

But before long, the days become shorter, the temperatures drop, and deteriorating milkweed plants signal the monarch’s migration flight, and the orange, black, and white speckled beauty takes to the skies to begin its journey south for the winter.

The migrating monarch is beckoned thousands of kilometers away, to the mountains of central Mexico by an intuitive compass that is both captivating and a bit of a mystery to experts.

“Monarchs have a sort of sun compass that helps them use the sun to migrate southwest, so they can orient relative to the sun at different times of the day and according to geographic position,” says Sam Knight, Program Manager, Weston Family Science for the Nature Conservancy of Canada, adding that this research is based on eastern migratory monarchs, who all must migrate southwest to get to Mexico. Western monarchs, the population found west of the Rockies, overwinter in groves along California’s Pacific coast. “When light cues aren’t available, they may also use cues from the earth’s magnetic field to help them orient.”

Text: Twila Driedger

According to Knight, monarchs also use landmarks, like the mountains in Mexico, for the final sages of migration and to arrive at the exact wintering area.

By the beginning of November, millions of monarchs find refuge in the oyamel fir tree forests, where they’ll spend five months cuddled together in a semi-dormant state until the spring weather welcomes them back north.

Unfortunately, these colorful creatures are at risk, threatened by climate change and loss of native plants and plains along their migration path.

“There is not one single threat that is driving the population decline of monarch butterflies, but a combination of several threats (some more harmful than others),” Knight says.

Extreme weather and strong storms, which are anticipated with climate change, have the power to decimate the population.

“Colder wetter weather,” Knight details, “freezing temperatures, and freezing rain will kill overwintering monarchs as they are not adapted to survive these conditions.”

Deforestation in Mexico, exposure to contaminants, and loss of breeding habitat are also threatening the endangered species.

“This has been estimated to be the biggest threat to eastern migratory monarch butterflies,” details Knight, referencing the loss of milkweed which monarchs lay their eggs on, and the exclusive plants caterpillars feed on. “It has been estimated that over one billion milkweed stems have been lost since the 1990s, amounting to an estimated loss of 21–46 percent of the milkweed on the landscape.”

MOTHER OF MANITOBA MONARCHS INSPIRES OTHERS TO NURTURE AND PROTECT THE ENDANGERED INSECT

Yvonne Sharples, also known as the mother of the Manitoba Monarchs Facebook group, has been raising, nurturing, and releasing wild monarch butterflies for more

than 20 years at her home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, and has witnessed the risk firsthand.

A self-described “farm girl,” Sharples decided to enhance her city landscape with more native plants in her garden.

“My husband and I geared up with pails and shovels and went for a drive in the country,” Sharples shares. “We gathered several plants that day, including milkweed as I knew monarchs laid their eggs on it – perhaps there’d be some action in the future.”

In a couple of years, the patch of milkweed had grown, and so had Sharples interest in monarchs. The colorful creatures began visiting her flower beds, laying eggs, and flying around her yard. Sharples’ interest flourished into a devoted affection for the monarch, as she watched its life cycle from tiny egg to adult butterfly.

Over time, Sharples became sophisticated with caring and nurturing the eggs, keeping them safe until they turned into caterpillars and protecting them from stink bugs and mosquito spraying using a homemade butterfly enclosure.

“I put all the caterpillars I found in my garden in that cage and raised/released 30-50 every year,” explains Sharples.

Until 2015, when the monarch enthusiast didn’t find a single caterpillar on her extensive milkweed patch. The culprit? Climate activity and loss of nearby prairie lands. Sharples learned that the lack of monarch activity could be from a variety of impacts, including a few cold spring seasons and urban development that replaced a huge piece of monarch habitat and a bounty of milkweed. Auspiciously for Sharples, her beloved butterflies were back by 2019.

Since then, the lepidopterist has been mothering her monarchs in an outdoor enclosure affectionately named, “Chez Sharples.”

“My caterpillars are fed on progressively sized milkweed, from seedlings when they are hatchlings, to full mature stems with flowers as they grow,” Sharples says. “Caterpillars are voracious eaters, and they have to be as after roughly two weeks as caterpillars they will be about 3,000 times larger.”

At some point, the caterpillars climb and hang from either one of the enclosure walls or a branch, forming a

chrysalis. Sharples monitors the inhabitants for health and parasites, spending hours a day cleaning the enclosure, gathering food, and caring for her crew. Time spent with these stunning insects makes watching them transform an enchanting experience.

“Watching a monarch caterpillar hatch, pupate into an ethereal jade green chrysalis dotted with gold, or a butterfly eclose (the term when the butterfly emerges from the chrysalis) is a source of infinite delight - no matter how many times you witness it,” she details. “Releasing them is just as magical, and extremely rewarding. Another monarch added to the dwindling population. Never any regrets, only a prayer they live their life to the fullest.”

Sharples’ passion for the Danaus plexippus , as they are known to scientists, is shared with other area locals also looking to help the endangered monarchs after a downturn in migration numbers. So much so that Sharples started the Manitoba Monarchs Facebook group, an active community with more than 2,000 members.

“I started MBMonarchs basically on a lark,” says Sharples. “At least there would be a group living in the same geographical region, with the same climate and prairie, where we share information and experiences to better help the declining monarch population. True to our purpose, MBMonarchs tagline is ‘sharing experiences where we live.’”

While not all members are active in raising and releasing monarch butterflies, the majority protect the at risk species by creating monarch gardens and planting native milkweed on their properties.

“It is the only host plant for monarchs - the only thing they lay eggs on and the only thing the caterpillars eat,” she explains. “There are many factors contributing to the monarchs’ decline…directly under our control is replenishing lost habitat caused by agricultural practices.”

Knight agrees, adding that planting correct milkweeds, native nectaring plants in the garden for adult monarchs to feed on, and avoiding using pesticides on the plants is critical – and the best things the public can do to preserve the butterflies.

“Plants must be native to an area to benefit monarchs,” Knight emphasizes. “Planting the wrong milkweeds that are native elsewhere can cause monarchs to get misinformation about the habitat and migration cues if the milkweed doesn’t senesce (die back) at the right time for a monarch to know it’s time to migrate. Then they may not migrate in time to make it safely to Mexico before the cold weather sets in.”

Arguably the most recognizable and beloved butterflies in North America, the effort to protect the monarch has resulted in an optimistic outlook. With the right conditions, educating others on the threats, and additional work being done by various organizations to conserve the monarch habitat in Canada, USA, and Mexico, there is plenty of hope for the monarch butterfly population.

COME FLY WITH ME

While their population is on the decline, you can still visit one of many places to experience the magniﬁcent sight of the monarch migration. The following countries and locations will give you an up close and personal view of this amazing and endangered phenomenon.

CANADA

Massive numbers of monarchs can be spotted in the southernmost part of Canada – Point Pelee National Park in Ontario, Canada. While many butterﬂies live and breed on the peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, thousands of monarchs call the landmark home for a few special days in fall. The migrating monarchs meet at the tip of Point Pelee before the monumental journey to the mountains of central Mexico.

UNITED STATES

California is home to western monarch butterflies that fly to the sunny state from the Rockies to overwinter in the groves along the Pacific coast, as well as a few inland locations. From northern California’s Mendocino County, south to the northern edge of Baja California, monarchs can be found clustered in forested groves such as the Monarch Butterfly Grove in Pismo Beach, the Goleta Monarch Butterfly Grove in Goleta, the Monarch Grove Sanctuary in Pacific Grove, and the Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz.

MEXICO

Experience the exceptional spectacle of millions of monarch butterﬂies creating a canopy of orange in the rugged forested mountains, approximately 100 km northwest of Mexico City. The Monarch Butterﬂy Biosphere Reserve is a World Heritage Site and contains the largest number of overwintering locations of the eastern species.

THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT

Both stunning and symbolic, spotting a monarch butterﬂy is believed to carry important signiﬁcance.

SPOTTING

One of the most recognizable insects in the world, it’s hard not to be captivated by the monarch butterfly’s brilliant orange and black-veined wings with white spots along the edges. Adult monarchs are probably the easiest to identify as they are large and showy, flitting around milkweeds and stretching their three-to-four-inch wings. While fairly distinct, the monarch has a few mimics, or butterflies that it closely resembles, including the queen butterfly, the soldier butterfly, and the viceroy. To add to the confusion, both queens and soldiers also use milkweeds as host plants.

SYMBOLISM

The universal symbolism for butterﬂies is transformation, which represents one’s spiritual journey through birth, life, death, and transformation. Because the monarch represents the connection of past lifetimes or the life of ancestors, many people search for spiritual answers and hidden meanings when they spot a monarch butterﬂy. Like their innate ability to navigate south for the wintering season, many believe that monarchs symbolize our own internal compass that points us in the right direction.

SIGNIFICANCE

The return of the monarchs carries cultural signiﬁcance in Mexico. Millions of monarchs arrive at the same time every year – at the beginning of November, coinciding with el Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, a two-day holiday that reunites the living and the dead. During the festival, families, friends, and communities gather to celebrate and honor loved ones who have died. The local people have long believed that the breathtaking monarch phenomenon is the returning souls of deceased ancestors.

THE MYSTERIOUS AND MAGICAL MONARCH MIGRATION

Every fall, eastern monarchs set out on a migration marathon, traveling an amazing 4,000-to-5,000 kilometers from their summer sites all the way to the mountains of central Mexico.

THE RELAY NORTH

After wintering in the mountain forests of Mexico, monarch butterflies begin their journey north. During the trip, monarchs fly, mate, lay eggs, and die, passing the baton to the next generation. In total, it takes a monarch four to five generations to arrive at its final destination, as far north as southern Canada.

Adult Monarch Lifespan: Two to six weeks

THE MARATHON SOUTH

When fall arrives, a small but mighty generation of monarchs called super generation leave the open fields and meadows and migrate south. In an amazing feat, these monarchs fly all the way to Mexico in a single generation. Unlike the monarchs that migrated north, these supercharged monarchs are missing a hormone which prevents them from ageing, allowing super generation variations to live eight times longer than other monarchs.

Super Generation Migrating Lifespan: Seven months

THE ORGANIC MODERN MARVEL

Design: Hanna McDougall, Lace & Grace Interiors

Text: Carlee Baigrie | Photography: Stephanie Studer, Lifecreated

Balancing a need for practical solutions for a young and busy family with the goal of an upgraded aesthetic, Lace & Grace Interiors offers a facelift for this new build with future memories in mind.

Lace & Grace opted for a textured charcoal wall to balance the predominantly black and white kitchen that sits opposite.

An eclectic assortment of seating options, from wishbone chairs to an upholstered bench, add visual interest to this traditionally minded dining table.

Arizona-based designer Hanna McDougall was helping people furnish their homes long before she made it official with her business, Lace & Grace Interiors. Getting her start with a luxury furniture manufacturer, working in sales, helped Hanna understand just how transformative a little styling can be—the beginning of a long love affair with the industry of interiors. After a stint as a stay-at-home mom with three kids, she really started to understand the crucial role spaces play in shaping our wellbeing. Managing a household meant forging a deeper relationship with her surroundings. “I started seeing home as a space to foster memories, to relax and connect, and you [do that] a lot better when you’re in an atmosphere that supports that.” Armed with this insight, Hanna set out to pursue her passion on her own terms.

Ultimately, Hanna’s goal was to help people create an environment that felt conducive to those special moments of connection with the ones they love. “A lot of the time, people are busy, they are running around

Primed for comfort, varied textures and patterns bring an organic warmth to this cozy grey sofa.

Black and white bring a classic vibe and a geometric pattern keeps things playful in this contemporary kitchen.

and they don’t have the time to put into [their spaces]. I quickly saw how I could take that burden off people’s shoulders.” Lace & Grace Interiors got its start by helping family and friends with projects, which led to referrals and now, a thriving network of clients generated by word-of-mouth.

Hanna had known the client for this particular project for years prior, and, style preferences already aligned, it was easy to fall into step on a full-home renovation. The home was a new build with predominantly neutral wall colors. This meant it was easy for Hanna to design around, only opting to change one dining room color to accommodate a more casual look and feel. “Once the client agreed to changing the paint color, it was a game changer—the room came together so quickly. We learned not to underestimate how much the paint color can actually dictate the vibe of the room. It made all the difference.”

Because the home’s paint palette was on the neutral side, Hanna worked to warm up the otherwise modern sensibility of the home

Layered artwork and sculptural decor items add personality while playing up the black and white contrast already established.

Layered rugs, touches of foliage, and an ottoman with just the right amount of patina gives this space a subtle injection of rustic charm.

with an organic charm. “With these Arizona homes… it can feel like you’re living in a tan box. You have to bring things up to a personal level and add character. I took it on as my goal to elevate it to that custom look by using the furniture and the stylings.” The Lace & Grace team layered in textures, artwork, and soft pieces “to help make it feel like home.” In the dining room, this is discernable in the live edge table and side table made from a combination of raw wood and painted wood. Flatwoven jute rugs, wool, leathers, and wall hangings made from natural straw offer a more grounded appeal that edges to an otherwise more modern framework. “When you put these elements together… it softens those crisp clean edges.”

Hanna is clearly unafraid to play around with materials, with marble, brass, and linens complimenting a varied selection of textured pillows that permeate the home. “They help bring that human element to the room,” explains Hanna, always keeping her central thesis of cultivating an environment for connection top of mind. “At that time, [the homeowners] had two little boys—they now have three. They are a busy family and they wanted their home to look really good, but it also needed to be practical.” This balance is something Hanna knows all to well as a mom of three herself. “To me, designing should always have a purpose and I love when that purpose is the creation of memories.”

LIGHT & BRIGHT & PERFECTLY BLENDED

Design: Christina Ackerman, Christina Ackerman Interiors

Photography: Rennai Hoefer

Text: Carlee Baigrie

Stay-at-home mom turned self-made interior designer Christina Ackerman takes this bright and airy space from confused to cohesive.

WHEN INTERIOR DESIGNER CHRISTINA ACKERMAN FIRST appeared on the scene of this 1950s build, it was undergoing a bit of an identity crisis. The owners, a young couple with a growing family, had conflicting styles and weren’t quite sure how to marry their vision into a cohesive whole. “They loved mid-century, but the farmhouse [aesthetic] was really taking off too,” explains Christina, adding that there was a healthy dose of traditional mixed in as well. The clients had purchased the property prior to having children and completed a renovation soon after, but the results felt disjointed and not quite as functional as they hoped, especially now that a baby and a toddler were a part of the equation. Through friends of friends (Christina gets almost all her clients this way—“referrals and word of mouth are my lifeblood”), the pair were connected with Christina and she quickly got to work.

The home is nestled in the close-knit community of Arcadia in Scottsdale, Arizona, not far from where a little Christina once dreamt of becoming an interior designer. The neighborhood is characterized by ranch-style architecture, and because the clients knew this wouldn’t be their forever home (more on that later), resale value was kept top-of-mind throughout the design process. This meant that rustic hints of the home’s existing farmhouse feel could actually work well to connect the home’s façade to its interior. In its finished form, Christina calls this the “Arcadian charm.” We see nods to this in a metal bedframe, landscape photography, and the home’s light and airy palette.

"We wanted to start fresh, so we did this off-white grey color which brought softness and depth,” shares Christina of the main floor paint shade. This was an

Wishbone chairs, a staple of mid-century design, get the California treatment with a dose of white paint and rattan seats.

important selection for a number of reasons, but mostly because she wanted to highlight the home’s extraordinary natural light—an element that has been crowned as the home’s defining feature. “In the original layout, [the home] wraps around this big open patio,” she explains, which allows beams of light to stream in throughout the day. Before, they had a busy wallpaper in play which seemed to stifle the sunlight—Christina immediately knew it had to go. Now, freed from the competition of the mid-century pattern, the light bounces effortlessly. “Paint can go a long way in changing the look and feel of a room. It adds depth and personality,” explains the designer. “I always tell my clients, ‘Paint is not permanent. It’s the easiest and most affordable way to make an impact.’ ”

While wall colors remain neutral, textiles offer personality in spades.

In every room, there has to be a moment, a focal point, something unexpected, whether it’s a furniture piece, a print, or a texture.

Although the ground floor palette is on the more sophisticated side, Christina involves texture and prints in varied scale to keep the eye “dancing,” as she calls it. “In every room, there has to be a moment, a focal point, something unexpected, whether it’s a furniture piece, a print, or a texture. You have this wow moment and then the eye is drawn to different elements in the room.” Indeed, throughout the space, Christina brings in pops of contemporary influence, like rattan light fixtures and homages to the couple’s impulse for mid-century styles (we’re looking at you, gorgeous wishbone chairs!). A pop of pale blue on the kitchen island brings a certain California cool to the table, too.

At the end of the day, it’s hard to put the finished home into one particular box. But contrary to its original state, it seems perfectly at ease in the in-between. “I love blending styles,” acknowledges Christina, a truth that was no doubt a factor in the project’s success, which ended up being two-fold. Not only did Christina complete a beautiful project in its own right, but she also earned herself more work. Christina is currently working on drawing up new designs for what will become this clients’ forever home, just a few blocks over. In working to hone in and define the couple’s styles and create something that felt authentic to both parties, Christina made her future project a lot easier without even realizing it at the time. “I think that’s the wonderful thing about having repeat clients,” she shares, “you really have the opportunity to grow with them.”

Color takes on a more agentic role in the kids' bedrooms, where a playful spirit is nurtured.

SAY GOODBYE TO EFFLORESCENCE

Enhance and rejuvenate concrete and masonry surfaces affected by efﬂorescence, calcium, and other mineral stains. Simply spray on RainguardPro Restore-N-Prep (or MDR HD 100 for tougher stains) and rinse off with clean water. Once the surface is dry, seal with RainguardPro Efﬂorescence Blocker to prevent stains and mineral deposits from coming back. It's that simple.

THE DIY DIAMOND

Design and Photography: Kaili Martire

Text: Carlee Baigrie

From humble beginnings to global reach, a self-taught designer lets her personal taste take the lead.

An explosion of vibrancy delights with color, texture, and form.

Therapist-in-training Kaili Martire never intended to make waves in the world of interiors, but when she started sharing images of her own home and its evolution from typeset traditional to vibrant and bold, an audience couldn’t help but take shape around her eclectic furnishings and innovative approach. Throwing caution (and the rules) to the wind, she used her intuition to drive her design.

Kaili reflects on her twenties as a period of self-discovery. “You go through the motions doing what other people like and following trends,” she explains.

Sometime around the time Kaili began to find her own rhythm, she purchased a home filled with cherry cabinets, outdated flooring, and a master bathroom the size of a linen closet. After a renovation which sorted out some of the home’s more structural shortcomings, she began to see her creativity flourish. “When I fully found myself, that’s when my house evolved and became about what I like.”

One of the first and most impactful changes Kaili made was painting those cherry kitchen cabinets a rich emerald green and pairing them with a truly unique print adorned on the refrigerator. Kaili was keen on inviting wallpaper into her space, but still on a student budget, couldn’t afford the materials a whole room would require. “I went on this website called

For Kaili, her artwork acts as an extension of the home's design itself, telling stories and adding layers to the already lively display of color.

wallsneedlove.com and found this skull print and I fell in love with it. The website said it could go anywhere, and I only wanted to purchase one roll, so it was perfect. It was basically like a big sticker that I placed over the fridge’s surface.”

Kaili moved from room to room adding her eclectic edge to every space, taking a generous approach to curating items, her artwork in particular. “I wanted it all to have meaning and purpose. There had to be some story to it. It’s specific to my quirkiness,” explains Kaili. First, she allowed herself to gravitate towards what she really, genuinely liked. Then, it was about “matching different styles together to see if they will flow.” For the self-taught designer, variety truly is what help her spaces sing. “That’s the beauty of it. You can bring in mid-century modern and traditional and patterns and they still work together.”

It would be easy for all these contrasting components and design styles to feel overwhelming or even disjointed, but instead everything feels cohesive and even calming at times. Kaili attributes this to her adoption of the age-old adage: less is more. “Eclectic design is associated with maximalism, but I’m more minimalist. I have these big bold patterns, but they are on the main stage with little accents…they tell the story.”

After sharing her home’s transformation on her Instagram account, an opportunity to share the knowledge she’d acquired soon fell into her lap. “We kind of built our own community,” explains Kaili of the creators, homeowners, and DIY-ers who rallied around her page. “I was getting lots of questions and, of course, I love to offer my opinions when I can. But I started thinking, you know, time is money.” She set up a virtual consulting business through Apricot, where she can help clients from all over the globe create their dream spaces. And of course, she continues to share home progress through her Instagram account where it all started.

Kaili has since sold this property and moved into a rental as she completes her schooling, and is now focused on providing rental-friendly renovation advice to her audience. You can follow along via @wherekailives.

Paint plays a central role in defining the character of this space, from refurbished furniture finds to eclectic wall colors.

Always on Trend

At Graber, every fabric, pattern, and color we choose is rooted in the latest lifestyle and interior design trends. The result? Window treatments that complement and coordinate with everything you see in stores, social, and other media—in 2022 and beyond.

Relaxing Retreat CREATING A SAFE HAVEN

Tried and true, this trend encompasses the Danish idea of hygge: creating a warm atmosphere in our homes and enjoying the good things in life.

Insulating Graber Cellular Shades really cozy up a room. New Healthy Home or expanded blackout options offer easier breathing, better sleep, and more comfort.

Sustaining Lifestyle PRESERVATION OF NATURE &

HEALTH

Bringing natural elements into our homes can have a protective, almost healing effect. Wood and earth tones bring calm and balance, while textural elements warm up any room.

Made with renewable, responsibly harvested materials, Graber Natural Shades & Drapery feature organic resources that are beautifully handwoven into our refined fabrics.

Engaging Enchantment AN ARTISTIC TOUCH

Thanks to Instagram and Pinterest, more consumers are captivated with aesthetics that juxtapose the unexpected or put a twist on the ordinary, transporting them to surprising places.

Light and airy, Graber Sheer Shades bring a breath of fresh air to any décor. And now, they come in exquisite prints for an unexpected, yet elegant twist.

To add Graber to your portfolio, reach out to your Territory Sales Manager today.

TO THE LAKE HOUSE

Designer: Mel Bean Interiors

Photography: Alyssa Rosenheck

Text: Carlee Baigrie

This space wasn't always so symmetrical–Mel Bean had the arched inlet on the left of the ﬁreplace reshaped to match the entryway on the right.

An hour drive from Tulsa, atop of a ledge overlooking Grand Lake, Oklahoma, sits a luxe lake house. Outfitted with varied organic materials, a reverence for artwork, and a flare for Italian architecture, the property’s three structures were remodeled to serve as an easy-going escape and entertaining haven for a busy executive.

Alot has changed since we last featured one of Mel Bean Interiors’ spaces back in the spring of 2020. Rather than enjoying the collaboration of in-person consultations and relying on prompt and undisturbed lead times for furniture, Mel found herself coordinating Zoom calls, sending swatches for review via post, and managing socially distanced site visits. But although the method may have shifted, Mel’s results have remained exceptional.

Her recent project, a unique property on a coveted piece of waterfront land on Grand Lake, Oklahoma, is no exception, although it did present some challenges, or opportunities for creativity, as Mel would put it, at first glance.

“[It] had a lot of choices that wouldn’t be in line with what [the client] would have chosen,” acknowledges Mel, who describes her client’s vision for the getaway as more masculine and modern.

The home’s cabinets, baseboards, and beams were all on the list of elements that needed to be worked with rather than replaced, and each presented in its own shade of brown. “They all just felt chaotic and clashing.” In competition with these brown tones was a red concrete floor which would also be staying. Mel worked with a painter to coat the wood finishes in a special gel paint that created a chocolate espresso stain and coated the walls in a refreshing off-white, a contrast that she kept cohesive throughout the three structures. “It felt like putting that continuity in the backdrop helped it all to feel like an element of the greater whole,” explains Mel. “We were able to keep and update a lot of these elements [and] make them work in a way that felt updated, clean, and a little more modern.”

Once a basic foundation was determined, Mel’s next order of business was to consider the home’s surroundings and design a functional space for entertaining children and adults alike. “The lake experience and boating is a big part of having a space at Grand Lake,” shares Mel, who clarifies that the space will still be used year-round—both as a summer haven and a cozy spot for holiday gatherings. “It was really important that the home feel elegant enough to entertain but still super approachable and casual, so you could come in with your suit on… and not need to worry about ruining he upholstery.” Mel opted for durable finishes and patterns that felt at home

Accessories and plant life are expertly arranged to compliment the refined yet casual feel of the central living space, while varied textures give the eye opportunity to dance around the room.

both indoors and outdoors to blur the boundary between exterior and interior, contributing to a more casual dynamic that made sense amongst its more rural surroundings.

Helping define the space was the client’s remarkable art collection, which was complimented by some selections Mel contributed. From local artists to global talents, the pieces bring significant character, highlighting the old-world European air the home’s Italian shape brings to the table. Mel brought in pottery lamps, rustic linens, antique rugs, and artisanal elements, capitalizing on the art of layering to create definition and depth. With so many materials at play, it would have been easy to have an end result that felt cluttered, but Mel’s keen eye kept everything in check. “So much of it is intuitive, in the careful editing. Design is not just about what you put into a space but also what you leave out of it.”

That meticulous attention to detail is ever-present in the home, evidenced by the main structure’s open-concept shared space. “With a room that’s long like this one is, it’s a tricky layout,” explains Mel.

“When they had the two bulky sofas set up it felt cut in half.” In her updates, Mel created two distinct conversation zones, one with four armchairs and a sofa by the fireplace, and the other with the kitchen as the anchor. In between the two sits another set of armchairs,

Although this custom bunk room was designed for youngsters to live out their sleepover goals, it's also a convenient place for adults to spend the night when the homeowner is entertaining and the hour drive back to the city can wait until morning.

A hint of old world charm in the form of the home's original millwork, updated in a chocolate stain and copious amounts of throw pillows render the historic space cozy and approachable.

which could be pivoted to join either zone. “This isn’t a commercial space, we’re making meaningful decisions.” Clearly, Mel understands the power homes have in shaping day-to-day lives and the relationships that unfold within them.

The three structures are littered with other thoughtful touches—a custom bunk room for kiddos or overflow guests; a hidden murphy bed to optimize layout in the TV room; and a sense of symmetry that feels natural, but was actually methodically curated. All choices that have helped craft the perfect space for the client to escape from the city, relax with loved ones, or entertain a crowd—all with his signature refined masculine aesthetic and stunning art collection grounding him. Congratulations to Mel Bean and her team on another beautiful space.

3300 psi / 0.47 gpm /.021 Max Tip

UNMATCHED PORTABILITY DELIVERS THE FREEDOM TO SPRAY EVERYWHERE

If you’re looking for a recipe that wows on both taste and looks, and stretches your creativity, this is the recipe for you!

Recipes, Food Styling & Photography: Robyn Chubey | Life of Glow

Embrace the spirit of the season with garden-ripe veggies and herbs.

A feast for both the eyes and your tastebuds, these recipes help stretch your creativity, too!

FOCACCIA DOUGH:

This recipe uses a sourdough focaccia. Feel free to use a regular yeast focaccia recipe.

75 grams of active sourdough starter

10 grams (about 2.5 teaspoons) salt

430 grams water

300 grams bread flour

200 grams light spelt flour

fine sea salt for sprinkling before baking

For brushing and oiling the pan: 4-5 tbsp olive oil

Garden scene ingredients, feel free to get creative! Try parsley, spinach, red lettuce, green onions, dried pansies, and dried calendula petals.

Place the starter, salt, and water in a large bowl. Stir with a spatula to combine — it doesn’t have to be uniformly mixed. Add the flour. Mix again until the flour is completely incorporated. Let sit 30 minutes. Reach into the bowl and pull one side of the dough up and into the center, then turn the bowl quarter turns and continue this pulling to the center 8 to 10 times around the bowl. Drizzle with a tbsp or two of olive oil and gently rub over the dough to coat. Cover bowl with a tea towel, beeswax cotton wrap, or plastic wrap and set aside to rise at room temperature until it has doubled in size. This can take 6-12 hours depending on the temperature. Making the dough before bed to let rise until morning, or early in the morning to let rise until dinner is a timely strategy. When the dough has doubled, place

2 tablespoons of olive oil into a 9×13-inch non-stick pan. Pour the dough out onto the pan, oil up your hands and use your fingers to stretch the dough out across the pan, creating dimples with your fingers.

Create a focaccia garden scene using leafy greens at the bottom, green onions sliced into stems, leading up to fresh or dried edible flowers, and any other chopped vegetables or spices as you wish for visual effect. Get creative!

Once your scene is complete, brush all the elements you added with olive oil until all is well coated. Sprinkle with sea salt. Let sit. Heat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit and once preheated, put your dough in to bake for 18-24 minutes until the outer crust is golden. Remove from the pan and allow to cool for 10 minutes on a rack. Enjoy!

Alfresco Dining

Recipes, Food Styling & Photography: Robyn Chubey | Life of Glow

Open air and sun-soaked sips are the perfect complement to your next dinner party.

There’s nothing quite like sitting down to dine outdoors.

It’s a natural delight for all the senses, from the sounds of rustling leaves and birds chirping, to the scent of fresh cut grass and gardens in bloom, to the breeze on your skin.

To carry that natural vibe right on to your tablescape look no further than what’s around you!

TSeasonal flowers, gorgeous fresh vegetables, fruits (and maybe even some branches), a few bowls, boards, and baskets, are all one needs to create a beautiful bounty for an alfresco tabletop.

From the farmers market to your own garden, to your local grocer, nature’s gifts are all around to help you set your scene.

Fresh flavors and foliage double as a centerpiece out in the elements.

Invite natural textures and earthy tones to the table.

Play with layers to add visual interest.

Wooden risers can function beautifully in lieu of trivets.

TABLESCAPE TIPS:

After setting your table with placemats, dishes, napkins, cutlery, and glasses, start by adding larger items in the center of the table and build your way outwards.

Greens are a sure way to tie the outdoors to your table but be sure to choose a couple key pops of color and place them every 12 inches or so across the table to draw the eye out and across more than just the center.

AFTER THE MEAL:

The most wonderful thing about using edible finds as decor for your tablescape is that it can all go straight from the table back to your kitchen for future meals. This means nothing to store, less waste, and money well spent.

Robyn Chubey is a photographer, content creator, mother, and part-time flower farmer creating her home on her acreage, Prairie Glow Acres, in Manitoba, Canada.

She has a deep passion for documenting and sharing her home and life, and strives to educate and inspire others to create the homes and lives they dream of.

@life_of_glow www.prairieglowacres.com

PASSPORT TO TOFINO

QUENCH YOUR WANDERLUST IN THE HIDDEN GEM OF THE CANADIAN WEST COAST

SANDY BEACHES, YEAR-ROUND SURFING, AND WILD NATURAL SCENERY HIGHLIGHT VANCOUVER ISLAND’S SMALL-TOWN HOT SPOT. EMBRACE THE QUIET INLETS, ROLLING WAVES, AND VIBRANT CULTURE OF TOFINO, BRITISH COLUMBIA.

With plenty of coastline, explore the remote western edge of the continent and experience the breathtaking views by seaplane, helicopter, and water taxi.

t the furthest western edge of our continent, amongst rolling waves and ancient greenery, sits a small but vibrant surf town ripe for exploration. Located at the tip of the Esowista Peninsula on British Columbia’s Vancouver Island sits Tofino. Despite few calling it home (Tofino’s population hovers at a mere 3,000 residents), many gravitate year after year to escape, unwind, and explore.

The town is small but mighty, both in culture and history. It’s situated on the traditional territory of the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation people, but the Nuu-chah-nulth were the region’s first inhabitants. Centuries later in 1792, Spanish explorers Captain Galiano and Valdez visited the land and named a nearby inlet after Galiano’s cartography teacher: Captain Vicente Tofino de San Miguel. In 1909, when a post office was constructed nearby, it seemed only fitting to have the town’s official name follow the geographical feature, and so Tofino was officially born. The destination wouldn’t start drawing awe-eyed vacationers until 1959 when a logging road was built, making the region and its attractions more accessible to the general public.

Today, Tofino is a hot spot for free-thinkers and counter-cultural movements, from the hippie commune Poole’s Land that has called the peninsula home since 1988, to innovative pair Wayne Adams and Catherine King, who constructed a floating island around the premise of sustainable living, which now functions as a moving art gallery and tourist attraction. Dubbed Freedom Cove, the mostly wooden structure uses solar power and its inhabitants drink rainwater exclusively, taking care to recycle waste and feast only on a diet provided by locally grown produce or fresh catch. It seems that living in such close proximity to nature’s sublime beauty generates a deeply held respect for it.

TOFINO IS BRIMMING WITH ENVIRONMENTAL MARVELS, FROM GEOTHERMAL HOT SPRINGS TO LUSH RAINFORESTS, ALL WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED. MISTY, CLOUD-COVERED MORNINGS ON THE BEACH ARE PRIMED FOR A WARM CUP OF COFFEE AND A SCENIC WALK.

he fact that Tofino is home to many who prefer to live in unison with the earth should come as no surprise—it’s brimming with environmental marvels, from geothermal hot springs to lush rainforests all waiting to be discovered. Misty, cloud-covered mornings on the beach are primed for a warm cup of coffee and a scenic walk. The western town’s breathtaking terrain also offers opportunity for play and sport. Tofino’s meandering rivers are the perfect place to try the beloved art of fly fishing—salmon and halibut are a few of the local species. Towards the end of the summer months, when winds switch offshore, a season of sunshine warms its coastal waters, and beach-going crowds begin thinning, the waters take on a new purpose. Surfers bound toward the shoreline with boards in tow.

The surf town also boasts a beautiful community feel. Artistic expression is everywhere, lurking in the most unexpected of places, from coffee shops to beach monuments. The best place to find local creators is the Tofino Public Market, open from mid-May through September, where regional artists showcase wares and artwork. Visitors and locals stroll the streets and landforms, steeped in their Indigenous peoples’ heritage - an extraordinary example of how to merge environment and culture. Tofino’s community remains committed to protecting both with equal vigor.

Whether visitors come for the scenery or the surfing, the beaches or the people, they’ll stay for Tofino’s easy-going charm.

Above: A traditional Northwest Coast longhouse, with a carved and painted plank exterior, Eagle Aerie Gallery is an artistic and recognizable Tofino landmark. The gallery is just one of many artistowned galleries, museums, and markets that showcase Tofino’s rich heritage and expressive art scene.

After riding the waves, stay for the sensational sunsets at Cox Bay, a top surf spot and popular sunset stro destination.

TOFINO'S TOP TEN

WHALE WATCHING

The summer months offer an extraordinary opportunity to see the massive humpback whales in action.

ZIPLINING

Schedule a ziplining excursion to enjoy a unique aerial view of the region’s more hard-to-reach scenery, steeped in biodiverse rainforests.

SURFING

Even the ocean-shy should give this local pastime a try. With plenty of day-schools to choose from and a rating as Canada’s top surfing destination, it’s worth slapping on a wetsuit! May through August will be best for beginners, as waves will be milder and more manageable.

PACIFIC RIM NATIONAL PARK RESERVE

Spanning far beyond Tofino’s borders, visitors to this protected land can catch a glimpse of the epic Long Beach and explore renowned hiking trails.

COFFEE BREAK

Much like its neighboring US towns which share similar vibes, such as Portland and Seattle, Tofino natives have a love for coffee. Grab yours plus a tasty pastry from the Rhino Coffee House.

KAYAKING

Known locally as the best way to see Tofino, an afternoon kayak offers a unique vantage point of the region’s quiet inlets and beautiful coastline.

HIKE OLD-GROWTH FOREST

This awe-inspiring trail is home to some of Canada’s oldest documented trees. Centuries-old red cedars, Sitka spruce, and Douglas firs line the path, so bring your camera!

DINE ON LOCAL FARE

Choose from dozens of beachside restaurants, ranging from casual cafes like the Driftwood, a local institution, to the higher-end dining experience of Pointe Restaurant at Wickaninnish Inn.

DOWNTOWN TOFINO

Enjoy a condensed dose of Tofino’s culture with its waterfront of stores and shops, ranging from clothing to souvenirs, all within a few blocks.

TOFINO BOTANICAL GARDENS

With its mild climate (winter temperatures hover around 5 degrees Celsius), it’s no surprise that the town features a beautiful garden, which marries artistic sculptures and colorful florals.

OLD SHED, GOLD SHED

Text,

Styling & Photography:

Robyn Chubey | Life of Glow

There’s no doubt that over the last few years, using sheds for more than just housing your lawnmower has become a booming trend, and one that isn’t going anywhere soon. As warmer months approach, it’s the perfect time to transform your forgotten structure into a dreamy summer workspace.

For many, there is a run-down building hiding amongst vines and woodpiles just waiting to be found again. Although it may be in varying states or even an eyesore (patched up, leaky roof, windowless), there is also probably a great deal of potential.

Before you tear it right down, it’s time to evaluate the damage. Put on some gardening gloves, a pair of overalls you have no intention of leaving the house in again, and unlatch those doors. Take some time to map out a plan of what a renovation would include and compare the time and costs involved in comparison to the purchase of a new shed. It just might be cheaper to keep her! Go ahead and get creative with a “patch up” but structurally reinforcing design that will hopefully look great too.

With the right handyman and design plan, you might find yourself thinking that you can revitalize it enough to even love it. Only time and sweat will tell!

If you’re dealing with a windowless structure, the first order of business will be adding the windows. Search on marketplace for affordable options which may just need paint and caulking. Then, cut your holes in the walls and add them in.

The next step is to screw in cedar boards to the bottom of the shed to reinforce an aging base; you should caulk the seam so no more water would seep in.

Then, cedar should be added at the top of the shed as well, to cover any gaps and holes and spots chewed through by animals to reinforce it all again, followed by adding any millwork detail you’d like between the top and bottom wood, which can help to create a cute fresh but still authentic vibe.

Next up, opt for a metal sheet roof to add over the existing roof to cure all persisting moisture issues. Allow it to dry out, making it easier to deep clean the space and patch, sand, and prep.

Then, finally, it’s time to pick out your paint and get creative. This is when you get to see all the planning and hard work finally come together and shine.

With all the little decor details complete, you’ll have yourself a shed, reimagined! “And that’s where the real fun can start – using it!

Who says storage can't be chic?

A SHED FOR ALL SEASONS AND A SHED FOR ALL REASONS

So what can you do with a simple shed space? As it turns out, you can do so much!

Keep in mind that it can be so much more than just a storage space; it can function as an inspiring little getaway in your own yard, to work in and play in. Design the space to bridge the gap between function and fun.

“Peg boards allow you to hang up and have all your tools in view (and with a place to be put back), along with acting as a cute display with a farm and garden theme.

Scour flea markets, garage sales, and Marketplace for cabinets to keep nursery pots and other supplies tucked away and organized.

Bring in a dining table, painted to match your theme, to open up all the potential in the space, from potting, to crafting, to cocktails. This table can serve as your workspace, too!

Stay fresh with the seasons and allow it to evolve with them by bringing in foliage and flowers from your garden.

From being a sunny morning coffee spot, to a potting space for your my plants, to a hideaway for sipping cocktails with a couple of friends, this potting shed does triple duty!

If you should happen to have an old shed, or the perfect spot to put a new one in, we recommend letting your imagination go wild and seeing what sort of wonderful little multi-use space it leads you to! You might be surprised at just how true it is that good things come in small (and sometimes broken down!) packages.

FLEXIBLE, SOFT-GRIP HANDLE ADDS CONTROL

GREAT FOR SMALL AREAS AND TIGHT SPACES

What is ALLPRO ?

• We’re your local paint store. Each of us is part of a cooperative of over 1,700 independent, family-owned paint and decorating stores.

• Since 1960 we’ve built a network of retailers who believe in the entrepreneurial spirit, community, hard work, and determination.

• By working together we’re able to thrive in an ever increasingly competitive market. Spending less time focused on the business of business and more time focused on you.

• So next time you have a painting project or need decorating expertise, shop your local ALLPRO retailer.

COLOR OF THE YEAR 2022 OCTOBER MIST 1495

Make room for creativity.

Evoking the silver-green stem of a flower, October Mist creates a canvas for other colors —and your imagination—to blossom.

WALL: October Mist 1495, AURA, Matte BACK

COVER: WALL: Gloucester Sage HC-100, AURA, Eggshell TRIM: Steam AF-15, ADVANCE, Semi-Gloss CHAIRS: (LEFT TO RIGHT) Quiet Moments 1563, Pale Moon OC-108, Fernwood Green 2145-40, Hint of Violet 2114-60, ADVANCE, Semi-Gloss

Make room for nurturing. Botanical hues ground us in warm reassurance.

LEFT: ACCENT WALL: Pale Moon OC-108, Regal Select, Eggshell

LEFT WALL & CEILING: Collector’s Item AF-45, Regal Select, Matte

TRIM: Morning Dew OC-140, Regal Select, Semi-Gloss

BELOW: LEFT NICHE: Hint of Violet 2114-60, AURA, Eggshell

RIGHT NICHE: Quiet Moments 1563, AURA, Eggshell WALLS: Steam AF-15, AURA, Eggshell

BELOW LEFT: WALLS: High Park 467, AURA, Eggshell

2022 COLOR TRENDS

The Color Trends 2022 palette of 14 hues, which includes October Mist, is harmonious yet diverse, reliable yet whimsical, and meditative yet eclectic.

With its endless number of invigorating combinations, this palette provides effortless harmony for any paint project, and every design style.

Mysterious

Collector’s

Venetian Portico AF-185

Wild Flower 2090-40

Steam AF-15

Quiet Moments 1563 Pale Moon OC-108

Fernwood Green 2145-40

Natural Linen 966/CC-90 Gloucester Sage HC-100

Make room for expression. Refreshed primaries give root to personal style.

WALL: Wild Flower 2090-40, AURA, Matte TRIM: Collector’s Item AF-45, ADVANCE, Satin

BELOW: WALL: October Mist 1495, Regal Select, Matte WINDOW TRIM: Steam AF-15, ADVANCE, Semi-Gloss WINDOW MULLIONS: Natural Linen 966, ADVANCE, Semi-Gloss

Walls that W O W

Feeling an irresistible urge to pick up a paint brush? It might be because your surroundings can influence everything from your mood to your productivity and even your confidence. While jumping whole hog into renovations might not be tops on your to-dolist a quick wallpaper and paint makeover might be just the thing to rejuvenate both your home and your spirit.

Look no further than the world of second-hand treasures that are literally at your (keyboard) fingertips through Craigslist or Marketplace to find a piece you can make your own with a little elbow grease and some down time. We picked up this clean lined and well-constructed dresser for a song and with a little paint, primer, sandpaper and rolled up sleeves turned the before into an enviable after. Combine the ability to easily repaint any color under the rainbow with some peel-and-stick wallpaper and you have a long-term creative outlet you can reimagine anytime you’re hit with the desire to decorate.

BLUE LAGOON 2054-40

Color Scoop

After a period of isolation, it’s no surprise we’re being drawn to nature. Landscape-inspired tones, botanical prints, intergalactic inspirations and organic textures are among the top trends for 2022. Expect to see color palettes driven by the desire to stay balanced. Lively but still lowkey. Soft yet impactful. Subdued and simultaneously dramatic. Creamy whites, cozy beiges, light to medium wood tones, and of course lots of leafy house plants with or without a pop of a bold and uplifting color.

• Desert-inspired tones will take center stage with tones like beiges, terracottas, clays, and biscuits accented with nature-inspired hues in a range of greens, blues, and both red and blue based purples.

• Vintage mid-century color and retro-inspired vibes will be making a comeback. Pops of personality will come in the form of orange-tinged reds, buttery yellows, all manner of blues and greens, and playful pastels.

• Classic white won’t be going anywhere. With its enduring and timeless qualities white will prevail as a popular all-over base for many in 2022. White paint is simply a blank canvas to experiment with accent colors, art, furnishings, and décor. White is faithful, kind, and an easy foundation upon which to build.

Pottery and earthenware in all shapes and sizes look right almost anywhere. Support a local artist with a vibe you love or seek out garage sale treasures and start a collection!

Accent tables and sideboards can see a lot of traffic through entertaining or placing and rearranging items. Make sure you protect all your hard work with wax or a protective top coat to finish it properly and give it longevity.

We just cannot get over how good the peel-and-stick wallpaper collection from York Wallcoverings is! We absolutely adore the Rifle Paper collection and it’s so easy to apply and remove we see no reason you shouldn’t try them all. It’s a commitmentfree refresh for even the most fickle.

GREEN HC-136

make it paper pop with

Transform your space in minutes with the power of peel-and-stick wallpaper. Easy to apply and a guaranteed no-hassle removal, it’s a quick way to make a big impact.

SEEN BUT NOT HEARD

Shhh... we’ve got a secret. While the soothing quiet of nature inspires the chic pattern of Botanical Trellis’s leafy motif, these peel-and-stick acoustical tiles also deliver a winning combination of noise reduction technologies and easy removability with Boho style!

From whimsical motifs to bold and brilliant patterns, the world is your oyster.

WATERBURY

EQUILATERAL OPPORTUNITY

Line-drawn geometrics are a hallmark of midcentury design. We love this very up-to-date pattern for its neutral palette and the textural background it provides to iconic furnishings.

A NATURAL BEAUTY

The texture of black grasscloth, minus the challenge of cutting through tough fibers, plus the glam of diagonal gold metallics, minus the high price tag – no matter how you calculate it, this equals a big, big win.

York Wallcoverings #PSW1070RL

York Wallcoverings PSW1318RL

SCENIC STEALER

When walls give you lemons… pour a whiskey sour and be grateful for all kinds of good taste! Inspired by the famed Italian coastline, the Amalfi pattern from Rifle Paper lets you step into a grove of lemon trees bearing bright fruit and delicate blooms.

BLUE LAGOON 2054-40

BONSAI CC-666

MAUVE BLUSH 2115-40

DEEP IN THOUGHT AF-30

PRETTY POSIES

What could say spring more than a gentle pattern of wildflowers? Rendered in soft watercolor, this tried-and-true classic style creates an artistic meadow of color sure to last the whole year through.

I’ll light the fire, you place the flowers in the vase that you bought today. Staring at the fire for hours and hours while I listen to you

Play your love songs all night long for me, only for me.

Come to me now and rest your head for just five minutes, everything is done.

Such a cozy room,

The windows are illuminated by the evening sunshine through them, Fiery gems for you, only for you.

Our house is a very, very, very fine house with two cats in the yard, Life used to be so hard,

VIOLET VOGUE

PPG1249-1

Now everything is easy ’cause of you and our — La, la, la

OUR HOUSE CROSBY, STILLS, NASH & YOUNG

BLACK 2132-10

DECORATOR’S WHITE OC-149

The best paint jobs start with

No two surfaces are alike — that’s why starting with the right prep can make all the difference. With a family of tapes designed specifically for your surface, Scotch® Painter’s Tape helps you prep right for professional-looking results.

PERSPECTIVES offers two lines of Ceramic Waterborne Acrylic Interior Paints that provide exceptional application and hide. The ideal choice for all of your interior paint needs.