Issuu

L I F E AT I T S F I N ES T

JAN/FEB 2026

taste & tranquillity

HOMES

LIFESTYLES

FOOD

ARTS

FASHION

TRAVEL

C U LT U R E

PEOPLE

B U I L D YO U R D R E A M

PROUDLY A CANADIAN COMPANY

PALLISER STUDIO

standardfurniture.ca 758 Cloverdale Avenue | Victoria, BC | 250.384.5263

CONTENTS 28

32 FEATURES

20 On the Cover Photo by Michelle Proctor Styling by Jen Evans & Jen Clark Hair & makeup by Jen Clark Model: Holly Newton Assistant: Nevaeh Guillemette DB peaked lapel tux blazer by Smythe ($850), silver and pearl earrings by Lizzie Fortunato ($425) – both from Bernstein & Gold. Vintage silk tie by Yves Saint Laurent ($78), vintage silver resin ring ($125) – both from House of Savoy. Silver metallic leather heels by Shoe The Bear from Turnabout ($69)

FASHION

36 6

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LED BY LIGHT

HOT DRINKS FOR COLD NIGHTS

Finishes put heart and soul into Saanich home

Cocktails to warm winter days

By Samantha Duerksen

By Katherine Engqvist

STYLED BY LIGHT

TIDAL DELIGHTS

Fashion to shine amidst dreary winter days and darker nights

Savour sand, sea and shellfish in Nova Scotia

By Michelle Proctor + Jen Evans + Jen Clark

By Katherine Engqvist

A STAY WITH A STORY Rosemead House redefines hospitality By Katherine Engqvist

DEPARTMENTS

CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR’S LETTER

18 28

By Lauren Kramer

DESIGN NOTES Sense check

Setting a new pace

By Janice Louise

EVERYONE’S TALKING ABOUT By Katherine Engqvist

LIFE.STYLE.ETC.

GOOD TASTE

By Samantha Duerksen

SECRETS AND LIVES Jesse Skulmoski

LIFE RENOVATED Reimagining the next chapter

By Samantha Duerksen

SPACES WE LOVE Finding function

LIFESTYLES Encouraging stillness

By Katherine Engqvist

By Jeremy Pott Sweet simplicity

THE CELLAR

By Samantha Duerksen

BUSINESS CLASS From house to home By Natalie Bruckner

BEHIND THE STORY By Katherine Engqvist

Marilyn Ball

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contributors V I C T O R I A L I F E AT I T S F I N E S T

“When I phoned Matt Jackson

SAMANTHA DUERKSEN WRITER SETTING A NEW PACE

for this issue’s Good Taste profile, I expected an interesting conversation on exceptional food. What I didn’t expect was such a dynamic story. Matt’s journey to open his own restaurant, all by the age of 30, involved a daring step out of his comfort zone, striving for greatness, and eventually finding what really matters most to him. It’s unexpected and ended up fitting with this issue’s theme perfectly.” Samantha is a journalist based in Victoria. She has a passion for politics, health and compelling community stories.

PAGE 32

“Interviewing Jenny Martin

LAUREN KRAMER

and working on this story, I realized anew how much art goes into making an environment feel warm, cosy and special. A gifted designer knows precisely where to put those extra touches and how colour, scent and textiles can transform a home.” Based in Richmond, Lauren is a proud mother of four children and an award-winning print journalist who has been writing features on food, travel and fascinating people for 25 years.

2 02 6 I SS U E 1

GROUP PUBLISHER Michelle Cabana PUBLISHER Janet Gairdner

EDITOR Katherine Engqvist DESIGN Crea Zhang Tammy Robinson

ADVERTISING Janet Gairdner 250.480.3251

Brian Heighington Glen Butcher Gui Santos Peyton Seltenrich Randi Page

CONTRIBUTING Janice Louise WRITERS Jeremy Pott

Samantha Duerksen Katherine Engqvist Natalie Bruckner Lauren Kramer CONTRIBUTING Don Denton PHOTOGRAPHERS Michelle Proctor

CIRCULATION & Marilou Pasion DISTRIBUTION 604.542.7411

WRITER ENCOURAGING STILLNESS

PAGE 28

“Having renovated my fair share of homes in B.C., speaking

NATALIE BRUCKNER

with Blaise McDonald at MAC Reno Design Build about how he helps homeowners bring their visions to life felt both familiar and inspiring. His story explores the care and collaboration that shape each and every project.” U.K.-born Natalie has lived in B.C. for 18 years and has worked as a writer and editor for more than two decades. She is currently completing her fourth book, a murder mystery set on Canada’s beautiful West Coast.

Victoria Boulevard® is a registered trademark of Black Press Group Ltd. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the publisher’s written permission. Ideas and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views of Black Press Group Ltd. or its affiliates; no official endorsement should be inferred. The publisher does not assume any responsibility for the contents, both implied or assumed, of any advertisement in this publication. Printed in Canada. Canada Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #42109519.

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WRITER FROM HOUSE TO HOME

PAGE 42 8

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada

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Sweet simplicity

You won’t find any of that “new year, new you” mantra in the following pages. Instead, we’re choosing to focus on tranquillity as we head into 2026. While Christmas is, without a doubt, my favourite time of year, there’s something to be said for January, when all of those holiday decorations get packed away and the house suddenly feels like a clean slate. After the over-scheduled mayhem, January sets a different pace for the beginning of the year, and if you’re like me, you probably have trouble settling into that stillness. When asked why I initially left magazines to work on the newspaper side of the industry, I would tell people I need that fast-paced chaos that comes with the 24-hour news cycle, breaking stories and tearing apart papers just to rebuild them at press deadline. I thrive in that environment and almost crave the adrenaline hit that comes with it. But then I had my daughter and my world changed. Motherhood forced me to re-evaluate how I approach my days. Instead of checking off a to-do list, she dictated our days and I had to focus on her wants and needs – even if that meant the dishes didn’t get done or the inbox full of emails went unread. At first it was a hard adjustment. I had been wired for so long to get as much done as possible, that when I did get a moment, I was almost frozen with indecision – sleep, eat, bathe, clean, work, or do one of the never ending projects that needed my attention at home. Yet, I forced myself to make the shift and to look at that time as a gift. If I was nap-trapped and dinner needed to be something pulled out of the freezer, so be it. I got to cuddle my baby when so many people don’t get that opportunity. She turns two in a few days, and as I write this, I’m flipping between “I can’t believe she’s two already, where does the time go” and “how have we managed to go two years without sleep.” They do sleep eventually, right? Just lie to me… The severe sleep deprivation aside, she’s taught me how to be present in the moment instead of constantly thinking ahead to what’s next on the to-do list. Life is demanding, whether you’re a new parent or not. It’s now more important than ever to find those little moments of peace. Even if it’s just a hot bath – one of life’s most unappreciated luxuries – ideally with one of the wines recommended by Jeremy Pott in The Cellar. That notion of slowing down and being present inspired Chef Matt Jackson. He went from working in some of the top kitchens in London, serving 300 to 400 people a night, to creating his own space in Sidney, geared to serving 26 people while making dining out an experience to savour. In the following pages we also explore ways to help you transform your home into a space of rest and relaxation. As designer Jenny Martin explains in our Lifestyles feature by Lauren Kramer, “you want your home to encourage stillness, giving you the space to feel comfort and calmness amidst all the outside chaos.” She offers some advice on how to do just that while giving her take on which trends to avoid and how to incorporate others. In two separate stories, writer Samantha Duerksen talks with local experts about transforming spaces to create functionality that doesn’t sacrifice style. One focuses on doing just that for a young family, while the other looks at how a home was transformed to allow another couple to age in place. Our Weekender and Travel features also highlight destinations a littler closer in hopes they inspire you to explore and appreciate more of this beautiful place we call home. And if it happens to be a grey, rainy day that has you curled up somewhere warm with the following pages, we hope you enjoy the time you spend with us – maybe even with a cocktail crafted from one of the recipes inside. Until next time,

Katherine Engqvist Editor Katherine Engqvist is an award-winning multimedia journalist. She’s based in Greater Victoria but has travelled to 32 countries looking for stories to share. When she’s not working, you can find her on the family farm, cruising through the ocean, chasing her toddler around the garden or reading a novel with a glass of wine.

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Custom Home Builder & Renovations

250.516.1353 carsacontruction.ca

design notes Glerups in Forest Footloose Shoes $129

Bourbon Cask Aged Dark Chocolate Raaka The Chocolate Project $12

Sour Cherry Teabags Silk Road Tea Store $18.99

Yobo Coat Moden Boutique $259

Myrica Bayberry Candles Flore Botanical Alchemy $56

Diamond and Ruby Flower Earrings Lugaro Jewellers $688

Sense check

Cedar Eucalyptus Foaming Bath Saltspring Soapworks $26.95

By Janice Louise, Modhaus Design

What makes you feel cosy and comfortable? Take a reading of your room to decide and then follow your heart to create a serene scene of calm and relaxation. Take special moments to enjoy a winter bubble bath followed by warmth – slippers, tea, or both. Soon the long shadows will lift with spring around the corner.

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Artifacts Spring Green Bath Splashes Bath and Kitchen *contact for pricing

GAN Mangas Space Plait Pillow in Coral Gabriel Ross $364

Marimekko Unikko Duvet Cover Gabriel Ross from $235

Cable Knit Set in Port Bernstein and Gold $279

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everyone’s talking about

PASS THE POPCORN

Have you ever finished a movie and wanted to ask the filmmaker a question? Well now’s your chance. The Victoria Film Festival returns for its 32nd year, running from Feb. 6 to 15. During that time, more than 100 works – including features and shorts – will be screened. These films are the works of local and international creators, and audience members will have the unique opportunity to engage with filmmakers in question-and-answer sessions following many of the screenings. This year’s festival kicks off with an opening film at the Vic Theatre and a gala party on Feb. 6. But screenings aren’t limited to the Vic Theatre, they will be shown at various venues across Greater Victoria, including Toaster Rocket Cinema. Back for its second year, this pop-up theatre will be relaunching in a new location and once again delivering quirky movies in a unique atmosphere. Organizing this festival is no small feat – it takes about 350 volunteers to help make the Victoria Film Festival a reality. The 2026 program and ticket sales launch in early January. For more information, go to victoriafilmfestival.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF VICTORIA FILM FESTIVAL

AURA RESTAURANT COURTESY DESTINATION GREATER VICTORIA

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THREE COURSES OF CULINARY DELIGHTS

One of the region’s most anticipated – and delicious – events of the year returns with something on offer for everyone. Dine Around and Stay in Town Victoria is back for its 22nd iteration and this year, dinner can include a show. Destination Greater Victoria and the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association’s Victoria branch team up to host this annual 17-day food festival. Following a kickoff gala on Jan. 22, this culinary delight returns from Jan. 23 through Feb. 8. More than 60 of Greater Victoria’s top restaurants offer set three-course menus alongside exclusive accommodation deals ranging from boutique to luxury. This year’s extended lineup also includes offerings from performing arts organizations, allowing for the perfect night out. The full lineup, along with more information, can be found at tourismvictoria.com.

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life.style.etc. MARILYN BALL REAL ESTATE AGENT, COLDWELL BANKER OCEANSIDE

WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHERE DID YOU GROW UP?

I was born in Calgary, but came over as a two-year-old and have been here ever since.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH?

I received a degree with honours from UVic in drawing and painting, and then created my two best works of art – daughters Meredith and Meaghan. Their dad was a naval officer who was away a lot, so I decided to set up a professional, Montessori-style preschool where I could watch them grow, while offering the finest of care to other children for 14 years. When their dad retired early, I chose to go out to work, and thus began the next 20 years in real estate. What a great journey it has been!

WHAT IS THE ONE ASPECT OF YOUR WORK THAT REALLY GETS YOU FIRED UP?

There are so many: the privilege of helping sellers and buyers grow their money and live their lives well is extremely rewarding, the art of good marketing that touches people, and creating wonderful spaces through my dedicated team of contractors, as well as the staging – all of it satisfies both my love of people, and creativity. The best part is the life-long friendships I am blessed with.

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT OUTSIDE OF WORK? My beautiful daughters and their partners, a five-month-old delightful grandson, and most of all, my husband David Gibson who loves travel and adventure, and is very funny!

DEBBIE STEEPER PHOTOGRAPHY

WHAT’S THE BEST LIFE LESSON YOU’VE LEARNED IN THE LAST FIVE YEARS?

To be grateful for every day. Recently, my beautiful stepmom died of brain cancer and now my lovely niece is dealing with an aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These times remind me to cherish my family and friends every day – and support the BC Cancer Foundation.

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WHICH OF YOUR INNATE QUALITIES OR DAILY PRACTICES HAS LED TO YOUR SUCCESS?

I am very calm and fiercely determined. I am so devoted that I just eat up the work while my husband helps to encourage the play.

WHAT IS GOOD STYLE TO YOU?

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?

I’m still finding that out. I don’t like a lot of fuss because I am too busy to do complicated. A simple, well-cut diamond solitaire necklace that my husband gave me and a few other choice pieces make me grateful. Simple, graceful lines for my 5’4” frame are best, and I tend to wear black and white, jewel tones or blues.

It’s changing from what I used to think. Now, I like to honour natural materials with careful care and keep them for a long time. So timeless styles, made well, are my go-to. I’m also interested in the idea of environmentally friendly redesign, like the beautiful sweaters from Anián with reused wool.

STYLE INSPIRATIONS & LIFE

FASHION & BEAUTY

Style icon: Barbra Streisand – she adored vintage clothes and often used her own clothing in her films. I love her chutzpah and passion for doing something well, particularly in her later years. Another style icon is my good friend and famous artist, Kathryn Amisson. She is elegant beyond belief and wears the most beautiful custom jewelry by local artisan Barbara Adams.

Uniform: Black palazzo-type pants, cut a little shorter to show off boots from Tulipe Noire, with a satin and chiffon port-coloured blouse from Laura, and a wool double-breasted black blazer with gold buttons (also from Tulipe Noir).

Favourite fashion designer or brand: Chanel or Donna Karan with her “seven easy pieces.” I love the idea of a capsule collection (but without the 1985 shoulder pads). Also, Debbie Steeper, our local glamour photographer, designs and sews a lot of the clothes for the Shine Fashion Show every year in support of the B.C. Children's Hospital, creating fantastic headpieces and out-of-this-world high fashion creations (sometimes out of curtains and found objects). Film or TV show that inspires your style or that you just love the style of: The Hundred-Foot Journey – about the art of food with Helen Mirren – and A Walk in the Clouds with Keanu Reeves comes to mind. Favourite cocktail or wine: I love a good Amarone or Châteauneuf-duPape, but for normal life, Burrowing Owl's merlot is wonderful.

Album on current rotation: As a classically trained musician with wide musical tastes, my husband controls our streamer. Yesterday, he had everything from Billie Holiday to Doug and the Slugs playing.

Favourite pair of shoes: Black leather short boots from Footloose Shoes. They zip up and I love how easy they are to get on and off for home showings. My Naot sandals from Waterlily Shoes have been fantastic for travel, especially with the replaceable cork insoles. Favourite day-bag: I have a little black Mario Valentino purse that I bought last year at the Victoria Hospice charity fundraiser. I like how small it is, but versatile with a longer strap to use as a cross-body bag. Favourite work tool: My laptop and a couple of beautiful gold velvet feather pillows from Daniadown that go well in every staging. Favourite jewellery piece or designer: My wedding rings. We got married a year-and-a-half ago in Tofino. The other piece I love is a trigold puzzle ring that my daughters each have, as well as myself. I can look at it and be reminded of them. I also love the simple, but quality earrings and layering necklaces that I have from Pachulah – local artisan work at its best! Fashion obsession: Hats! Whether a wool beret, flapper style, or a bucket hat – they’re so much fun to wear! Necessary indulgence for either fashion or beauty: Quality skincare and services like SkinMedica from MD Esthetics, or the wonderful treatments from Glow Luxe Skincare. Scent: Tiffany & Co. eau de parfum.

Favourite flower: David Austin roses, hydrangeas and freesia.

READING MATERIAL

One thing that consistently lifts your spirits during hard times: My beautiful extended family and friends. A walk or bike ride around Thetis Lake is a favourite as well. We have travelled around the world and feel so blessed to live on this island!

Fave magazine: Boulevard, of course, and all the great periodicals in the Union Club’s Reading Room. I love to go in there as a member and read when I have a chance. Last great read: Dragonfly in Amber by Diana Gabaldon (from the Outlander series) – a delicious read for pure pleasure. Book currently reading: Barbra Streisand's autobiography, which I’m “reading” on Audible.

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the cellar WORDS JEREMY POTT, SOMMELIER AND HEAD BUYER, CASCADIA LIQUOR

The first months of the year invite a gentle slowing of pace, easing into quieter routines that soften the edges of winter’s dark and stormy days. It’s a time to turn inward, to refresh the spaces we call home, and to embrace the small rituals that bring calm: a favourite chair, a warm blanket, soft candlelight, or an unhurried evening shared with those closest to us. Wine, with its capacity to elevate the simplest moments, becomes part of this restorative practice. The bottles selected here are chosen to complement cosy winter dishes, add serenity to simple pleasures, and help create the peaceful retreat we all crave during the year’s darkest and quietest stretch. Louis Latour

Gagnon-Kennedy Vineyards

Marsannay Blanc

Napa Valley Cuvée

France | 2022

USA | 2021

This refined Burgundy chardonnay shines with bright, pale gold colour and expressive aromas of white flowers, vanilla and fresh almonds. On the palate, it is full-bodied and elegant, balancing generous weight with refreshing minerality and a subtle saline finish. Its length and purity make it a beautiful companion to slow, restorative winter evenings. Pair with pan-seared scallops, roast chicken with lemon and thyme, creamy mushroom pasta, or soft-rind cheeses such as brie or camembert.

A collaborative creation between winemaker Marc Gagnon and sommelier Michael Kennedy, this cabernet sauvignon–based cuvée draws from prestigious Napa Valley sites including Oakville, Rutherford, Coombsville and Calistoga. The result is a richly layered wine with notes of dark cherry, blackberry, plum and cassis, interwoven with hints of violet, graphite and warm baking spice. Structured yet seamlessly polished, it embodies the harmony of Napa’s finest appellations. Pair with braised beef short ribs, rosemary lamb, wild mushroom ragout, or aged Gouda served with crusty bread by candlelight.

$63.49 (plus tax and deposit)

$199.99 (plus tax and deposit) Catena Zapata

EDGE

White Stones Adrianna Vineyard Chardonnay

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon

Argentina | 2021

Crafted with the intention of delivering exceptional Alexander Valley character at an approachable price, this cabernet sauvignon offers plush fruit, supple texture and impressive depth. Ripe cherries and blackberry compote lead the palate, layered with hints of cocoa, cedar, and gentle spice. The tannins are moderate and silky, making the wine both comforting and easy to enjoy. Pair with grilled ribeye, herb-crusted lamb chops, roasted portobello mushrooms, or a simple fireside plate of sharp cheddar and dark chocolate.

From the high-altitude Adrianna Vineyard, one of Argentina’s most celebrated sites, this chardonnay reflects the mineral tension and precision that define the “White Stones” parcel. The stony, white-pebble soils restrict root growth and encourage natural vine stress, producing a wine of remarkable purity. The 2021 vintage is focused and elegant, offering delicate citrus, subtle florals and a chalky, linear palate that unfolds with quiet power. Pair with halibut with lemon-butter sauce, roasted cauliflower steaks, truffle risotto, or a luxurious winter cheese fondue. $166.49 (plus tax and deposit)

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USA | 2021

$53.49 (plus tax and deposit)

VICTORIA’S PREMIER DESIGN, BUILD CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT COMPANY

ARCHITECTURE

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CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

Design, Build and Enjoy!

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office @ modus-ap.ca

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hot properties

Led by light

Finishes put heart and soul into Saanich home WORDS SAMANTHA DUERKSEN PHOTOGRAPHY PLATINUM CREATIVE PHOTOS

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QUICK FACTS:

Lot Size: 0.554 acre Living space: 7,221 sq. ft. Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 6 Built: 2022 boulevardmagazines.com

hen you walk into 4040 White Rock St., it’s anything but ordinary. Modern art pops above a recessed wood bench and an elegant dark wood archway frames the main living spaces. But the crowning jewel is a breathtaking helical staircase with white oak steps and a dark steel railing that steals the show. Realtor Jason Binab says it defies what you'd expect in a modern home. “Most have concrete floors and drywall; they feel cold. But everybody comments on how warm this place is. It’s got beautiful arches, wood features and the lighting details are incredible.” Listed for $10.5 million, this masterpiece is the work of architect and interior designer Robert Blaney, who is known for minimalism, rich woods, architectural concrete and natural light. It makes sense in light of his inspirations: Frank Lloyd Wright, Tom Kundig and Tom Ford – all famous architects who use simplicity to reveal meaning, treat materials as an expressive part of the experience, harmonize buildings with landscapes and create understated drama. An example of these concepts in practice is the striking rounded archways. As Jason says, they “pull you to the ocean,” framing the rooms beyond. Through the first arch lies the kitchen and dining room, featuring Pella floor-to-ceiling triple pane architect windows and sliders. The incredible view is of the blue tranquil ocean beyond, bordered to the left by the homes of Ten Mile Point and uninterrupted views of Haro Strait and the San Juan Islands ahead.

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To the right of the dining room is a roofed, full built-in Hestan outdoor kitchen with a Fontana pizza oven. A luxurious sky-lit covered patio compliments a heated pool to complete the outdoor living space. Built by Terry Johal Developments, the home was a finalist for eight and the winner of four CARE Awards, including Best Single Family Detached Home, Custom Millwork, Primary Suite, and Innovative Features. The staircase earned the innovation award. "It was incredibly difficult – custom-built, crane into place, then put together. It changes the whole home,” Jason notes. That attention to detail is prominent throughout the home. There's custom cabinetry, millwork, brass work and drapery; designer lighting from Moooi, Bocci and Foscarini; double baseboards; and in-floor radiant heating. In the kitchen, the marble counter is accented with floor-to-ceiling windows, matte white cabinetry, and Leihberr and Miele appliances. A series of dome pendant lights provide rhythm above, and a brushed brass hood along with brass fixtures introduce warmth, sophistication and a touch of glamour.

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The main floor houses an office space, waterfront living room with a gas fireplace, family room, and a side mudroom entrance. Boen European engineered white oak flooring provides a neutral, soft palette throughout. Another beautiful wood feature is the privacy wall with dark wood slats that allow natural light through but provide separation from the stairs leading to the upper guest quarters and the basement. The main upper floor is accessed by that show-stopping spiral staircase. That level includes three bedrooms and three bathrooms – all featuring handmade Terrazzo tile – and laundry. But the star here is the primary bedroom, blending clean architecture with sensual materials and soft, sculptural forms. Floor-to-ceiling windows frame an expansive ocean view while bringing in natural light to create an almost meditative mood. A white arch leads into a stunning walk-in closet, plus there's a contemporary coastal five-piece ensuite bathroom with a freestanding tub perfectly centred to face the panoramic ocean view and private balcony. On the lowest floor, there's even more to see. “It’s got this incredible theatre. These guys put beautiful furniture in there on a tiered seating system with sound dampening ceiling and Foscarini lighting details,” Jason notes. Further, the floor opens up into an entertainment room with a bar and pool table, plus an attached gym with a steam shower. The entertainment room offers access to a lower deck and the gated, private yard space, including a SYNLawn stretching along the point. “It’s not a perfect rectangle, so it adds a little bit of texture to the land,” Jason adds. 24

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“With this home, the details are everywhere. It's as though they literally thought of everything.” Incredibly, the sheltered inlet makes it a popular spot for orcas. “It’s actually one of the rare spots on the coastline where you’re – and I know this might sound funny but – you’re almost able to pet a whale. I’ve seen videos of the killer whales right off the property.” Other exterior features include custom-made fire pits, an outdoor shower, a full irrigation system, outdoor speakers and an oversized triple-car garage with two vehicle elevators. But beyond all the bells and whistles, it’s the design and materials that really put the soul into the home and make it feel truly special. "Most of the time, traditional homes lack warmth or soul. Most people say these homes are missing something," Jason says. “But with this home, the details are everywhere. It's as though they literally thought of everything."

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FABRICATIONS

Winter

Starts January 10th

SALE All sales final No adjustments on previous purchases

107 Second Street Duncan V9L 1R5 Mon–Sat 10-5 Sun 11–4 foreverfab.com

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lifestyles

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Encouraging stillness

JEWELLERY TO TELL YOUR STORY

Designing spaces that feel like a retreat

WORDS LAUREN KRAMER PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

t takes skill and experience to transform a space from bland and boring to one that’s inspiring, calming and welcoming. To avoid costly errors of judgment, many homeowners work with interior designers to ensure their projects turn out just right. Victoria-based firm Jenny Martin Design, has long been a sought-after company on the Island, but these days they’re also working with clients who have homes in New York, France and Hawaii. “Our team started with just three but as project demand ramped up, it has grown organically over the years to 12 designers,” says founder and principal designer Jenny Martin. “With the type of projects we do, and the level of detail required to bring them to life, it takes a team. We all have our strengths and by collaborating behind the scenes, we can offer our clients a superior level of design that is both thoughtfully approached and seamlessly executed.” Luxury new construction and second homes constitute the majority of their clients, and many of those properties are a fair distance from their office. “The world has opened up because of the ease of communicating digitally,” Jenny explains. “When people see a design that speaks to their aesthetic, they’re willing to work from afar to have someone that really understands what they’re looking for.” One of Jenny’s favourite projects to date has been a legacy property up in Whistler, where she and her team were tasked with creating a wellness-focused estate deeply connected to the surrounding mountainscape. “We leaned into the ruggedness of the landscape, prioritizing raw, natural materials, local artisans and luxury finishes designed to age in place,” she notes. “Working with some of the top consultants in British Columbia, we had an opportunity to push architectural boundaries. The result was a home where flow and functionality were priorities, and where the indoor-outdoor connection encourages guests to sit back and engage in the beauty of the estate’s surroundings.”

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If there are particular items you really love, let them have a moment of their own – whether it be a single chair with attitude or a light fixture that commands the space.”

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Growing up in Winnipeg, as a child she loved watching and helping her parents construct sets for theatre and movies. “I’ve always had an appreciation of how things are put together, and dreamed of being a part of a team that used their creativity to create something special.” She started out at architecture school at the University of Manitoba, but quickly changed gears. “I realized that interiors have the power to impact people on a personal level, transforming their day to day and improving overall quality of life.” In 2000, Jenny moved to Vancouver Island to pursue interior design at Vancouver Island University. Twenty-five years later, she and her team are recognized for their timeless West Coast design style. Offering some advice, she says if you want your home to feel like a retreat, decluttering is the first step. “You want your home to encourage stillness, giving you the space to feel comfort and calmness amidst all the outside chaos.” To achieve this, she suggests layering drapery and sheers to create soft movement in a room, and playing with luxe or plush textures, like a cosy throw blanket, velvet toss pillows or linens with indulgent textures. “It’s important to pay attention to how a space is lit, both naturally and electrically, and consider dimmers that help create atmosphere. Reducing the amount of contrast and sticking to luxe neutrals always feels indulgent and timeless.” Infusing the room with scent and layering light ambient music can also go a long way towards creating a multifaceted sensory experience. Jenny also cautions homeowners to be wary of jumping too aggressively into design trends, which tend to come and go. “If you love a particular trend, then stick with things that are easy to change, like paint, wallpaper, light fixtures, toss pillows and upholstery. More substantial changes, like cabinetry and hardwood, can be cost prohibitive and harder to change down the line if a trend changes.”

SOME TRENDS TO WATCH:

Natural Stone: “We love natural stone that tells a story and patinas gracefully over time,” Jenny explains. When you’re choosing stone for sculptural vanities, bold backsplashes or showers, lean into imperfections that allow your interior to tell a tale of the past. Her top choices for dramatic stones are Viola, Corchia,Taj Mahal and Cielo. Open Concept: These living spaces are passé and homeowners are gravitating towards rooms with special little nooks. Jenny Marin Design creates these for clients by incorporating antique or vintage items to add character and storytelling, and layering in wallpaper and wall textures for additional character. “If there are particular items you really love, let them have a moment of their own – whether it be a single chair with attitude or a light fixture that commands the space,” she says. Functional Tech: Homeowners are choosing hidden technology, such as drapery that opens at a specific time to replace the use of an alarm, speakers hidden behind drywall and integrated home automation systems that seamlessly transition a home from day to night. Imperfect is the New Perfect: “Imperfect materials add character,” Jenny explains. Her top choices are bronze, brass, blackened steel, handmade tile and hand-painted wallpaper. Warmth: Today’s trends are for warm wood tones and richer paint colours, creating darker, moodier spaces. Swap hard-cornered pieces of furniture and fixtures for those that are softer and more curvilinear. Light Sense: Remember those ceilings peppered with pot lights? Also passé. Jenny suggests rounding up your pot lights and focusing on ambient, decorative fixtures instead. “Choose groupings of two, especially over your kitchen island,” she says. “Ditch the third light and focus instead on higher quality fixtures that feel balanced and intentional.”

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good taste

Setting a new pace Sidney chef slows down dining experience WORDS SAMANTHA DUERKSEN PHOTOGRAPHY DON DENTON

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I don’t actually want the food to be the star of the show because then that means everything else didn’t live up to the standard.”

LOCALLY CRAFTED MODERN – TIMELESS

fter nearly a decade in Sidney’s restaurants, Matt Jackson left home to see the world. He travelled across Australia and then London, where he honed his craft under Michelin-starred chefs and demanding mentors. But when the COVID-19 pandemic brought him back to quiet Sidney, he saw an opportunity to do something entirely on his own. In November 2022, Matt opened Atelier, an intimate, fine-dining restaurant built around slow, thoughtful service – a reflection of the lessons and rhythms he’d learned abroad. His own love of cooking began at 14, washing dishes and stirring sauces at the Sidney Pier Hotel. “Ever since I got into a kitchen, I didn’t want to leave.” After helping to open the Surly Mermaid when he was just 18, he decided to travel with the skills he had learned. He was soon testing his skills on bigger stages and eventually found himself in London, working in the high-pressure kitchens of the Marcus Wareing Group. But looking back now, the best experience was forged under the wing of the celebrity chef ’s business partner, Chantelle Nicholson – a demanding chef and owner of plant-based, zero-waste restaurant, Apricity – who had Matt working within 24 hours of landing in London. “It was a big culture shock and shock for standards,” Matt says. The three-floor restaurant had only six or seven in the kitchen and would often serve 300 to 400 people a night. “You had to learn how to run, and run fast.” Sustainability was part of the ethos, with garbage and compost at each station. Chefs had to sort their waste out, saving vegetable trim for stocks and finding multiple uses for the same veggies. “She showed me what discipline and a proper work ethic were and how to run a kitchen in a busy city. I might not have appreciated it at the moment, but now I look back and think she was the best chef I worked for.”

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When Matt returned to Sidney, he was a changed chef. But he found himself faced with the “same kind of food” – fish and chips, burgers and other pub-style fare. On the other hand, not far from his memory, was witnessing bright and talented chefs in London face burnout and unhappiness. “I wanted to bring back the cooking from my travels, but I wanted something slower. I wanted to serve 26 people, five nights a week – something more relaxed where people can dine in instead of coming in and being rushed out.” Thus, Atelier was born. Matt found the right location at 9804 Fifth St., and gutted the place, creating something entirely new. When the designers called for white walls, he put his foot down and instead brought in black and gold bar stools. He wanted something romantic, elegant and intimate. The design took off from there with darker blue walls, chandeliers and art. However, for Matt, Atelier was not meant to just be about the food. It’s about the experience and that created a major cultural barrier Matt has had to reckon with while finding and building his audience. “I found coming back to Sidney, people want to eat in a hurry, get out in a hurry. Not a lot of people know how to sit down and relax. In London, that’s all people wanted to do,” he says. “We want people to order a bottle of wine and spend the evening with us, and I’m still trying to teach people here in Sidney to embrace that.” Fostering that culture comes down to the small details, Matt

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED

explains. “We try to do it as soon as you enter the door.” The ever-changing menu draws upon French techniques Matt learned in his travels and whatever local producers have in season, all with the aim of keeping Atelier in the zone of affordable fine dining. The winter menu, for example, includes dishes like brown butter lingcod and braised oxtail. For spring, Matt’s thinking lamb and salmon dishes. But what exactly that menu will look like will likely come in a quiet moment after the sounds of clinking glasses and laughter fade. “A lot of my inspiration comes after service is finished and I sit down with my glass of wine.” At 30, Matt says the calm he’s found is the reason he’s content to stay in his hometown. “I don’t really know if I want to leave again,” he says. “I feel like I fit in with the demographic here.” For now, he’s set with finding new clients while enjoying the high percentage of returning regulars that give the space life and meaning. After all, it’s not just about the food for Matt, it’s about dining. “I want people to come in and feel relaxed and taken care of. It’s about everything starting from when you sit at the table,” he says. “I don’t actually want the food to be the star of the show, because then that means everything else didn’t live up to the standard. It’s about dining, not about just putting food in your body.” boulevardmagazines.com

Styled by light Silk belted jumpsuit by Stella McCartney from Turnabout ($289), long pearl necklace from House of Savoy ($145).

With dreary winter days and even darker nights, it’s important to embrace the light during this time of year. It’s that light that will help you find balance between those vintage pieces – that are often passed down through generations – and new additions that spark joy. A good outfit can change your entire outlook on the day. PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHELLE PROCTOR STYLING: JEN EVANS & JEN CLARK MAKEUP & HAIR: JEN CLARK MODEL: HOLLY NEWTON ASSISTANT: NEVAEH GUILLEMETTE

Black lace top by Zara ($28), deluxe vintage hat from House of Savoy ($58), silver and pearl earrings by Lizzie Fortunato from Bernstein & Gold ($425).

Rust silk blouse ($48), striped vintage suspenders ($25) – both from House of Savoy. Classic navy pant by Smythe from Bernstein & Gold ($450).

Long suedine coat with belt in brown by YAYA ($370), black suede lace-up booties by Rupert Sanderson from Turnabout ($289), and lace stockings are stylist’s own.

Vintage blazer by Karl Lagerfeld ($65), vintage pearl necklaces (short $85, long $145), and Martha Sturdy earrings ($89) – all from House of Savoy. White and black tweed pants by Riani from Turnabout ($159).

Sharp shoulder twist dress in onyx by Smythe from Bernstein & Gold ($695); thigh-high black suede boots by Yves Saint Laurent from Turnabout ($1,195), vintage triangle earrings from House of Savoy ($48).

business class

PHOTO BY JOSHUA LAWRENCE

From house to home 42

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A family business working to inspire the next generation WORDS NATALIE BRUCKNER

X PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

It’s about nurturing the community that surrounds us and that has always been important to our family.”

s a teenager, Blaise McDonald already loved getting his hands dirty. After school and on weekends, he could be found with a shovel in hand, digging ditches for his father Ed’s construction business, MAC Renovations, and learning early that the industry was not only in his blood but under his fingernails too. Today, MAC Reno Design-Build continues to thrive under the shared leadership of Blaise, his sister Robbyn, and a deeply experienced team, whose combined skill is the company’s greatest strength. The business has come a long way since its earliest days. “My dad started the business in 1980, so we grew up with it,” Blaise recalls. “It literally grew out of our house before my dad bought the office in Esquimalt in 1996.” From Oak Bay to Sidney and North Saanich to Sooke, MAC’s 50-person team brings homeowners’ dreams to life. Their design-build approach blends technical expertise with a genuine interest in how people want to live, resulting in spaces that feel personal, functional and deeply considered. “The team is far more

skilled than me,” Blaise says, reflecting the culture of humility and collaboration at MAC. For the team, the process begins with listening, truly listening. That’s immediately apparent when chatting to Blaise. Leaning in, he makes you feel as if your words matter. His team understands both what is said and what is left unsaid, and they use that insight to shape a plan that works and a home that feels inviting and uniquely yours. Blaise didn’t go into the family business straight after school; in fact, he laughs and says, “I didn’t want to become a grumpy carpenter.” Instead, he pursued the electrical trade, establishing an electrical contracting business before becoming a marine electrician at the Department of National Defence, a role that demanded precision, patience and meticulous attention to detail. Life, however, had its own plans. After a wakeboarding accident in 2009 left him recovering from knee surgery, his father invited him to step into the office to help out. He never left. “I spent the week in the office and began shadowing my father in project sales, walking around with a cane,” Blaise remembers. “I’ve always enjoyed working with people, and suddenly I was exposed to so many fascinating aspects of the business I hadn’t seen before.”

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Design interns and apprentices are brought in to learn the trade, a deliberate effort to cultivate skilled professionals in a market where land is scarce, housing is expensive and labour is limited.

Within months, he returned to BCIT to complete a construction management degree, and by 2012, he had joined MAC full-time as operations manager. “My father was thrilled. We spent about eight years working closely together. He focused on what he loved – sales – and I focused on building the business,” Blaise says. In 2017, the next evolution of the family business took shape as Blaise began buying into the company, and shortly after, Robbyn joined, bringing with her an extensive background in operations and client service. Their father, who had planned to retire in 2020, decided to stay on, working part-time in project sales. Under the MAC umbrella there are a couple divisions: one is MAC Island Construction that manages commercial and institutional projects, and the other is MAC Reno Design-Build that focuses on new homes and personal spaces. This range has created a stability that sustains the team year-round. “We are not trying to be everything to everyone,” Blaise explains, “but the diversification helps support our team through the seasons.” Flip through MAC’s portfolio and the calibre of their work is immediately clear. No surprise, really, for a company that earns roughly half its business from referrals and repeat clients. But for Blaise, success is measured by more than metrics or margins. The team invests deeply in the community, sponsoring local events, participating in neighbourhood associations and choosing to live in the places they build. “It’s not just about constructing buildings,” he says. “It’s about nurturing the community that surrounds us and that has always been important to our family.” Equally important is investing in the next generation. Design interns and apprentices are brought in to learn the trade, a deliberate effort to cultivate skilled professionals in a market where land is scarce, housing is expensive and labour is limited. “I spend less time on-site these days, and more in meetings and mentorship,” Blaise says. “I feel part counsellor, part cheerleader.” Blaise also pours his energy into the wider entrepreneurial community, facilitating groups, sharing what he’s learned and learning just as much in return. A recent collaboration with a mentor he first met 12 years ago, who is now transitioning his own business, brought the experience full circle, and Blaise says it’s a reminder of how generosity and learning feed each other.

At home, life moves with the same energy. Blaise shares his days with his two young sons and his wife, who is equally entrepreneurial. For him, entrepreneurship is more than a career; it’s a journey of self-improvement and constant evolution. “You have to keep growing; learning new skills, honing communication, practicing emotional regulation, refining leadership. To become the person you need to be tomorrow, you have to grow beyond who you are today,” he says. PHOTO BY TEGAN MCMARTIN

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weekender

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A STAY A STORY

WITH

Rosemead House redefines hospitality WORDS KATHERINE ENGQVIST PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED

Rosemead House Grand Lobby

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Crown Library

Sitting in the Janevca lounge, it’s easy to get lost in comfortable conversation. But then you’d miss the soundtrack of the space – the distinctive rattle of ice hitting a metal shaker and the diligent hum of a busy kitchen accented by the crackle of fire. Those flames, as well as the kitchen, are on display with a floor-toceiling backlit bar adding an ambient glow to the space. I’ve spent the evening exploring the spaces encompassed by the Rosemead House, a restored Edwardian estate in Esquimalt’s Saxe Point. Originally built in 1906, it has undergone a meticulous restoration led by Aragon Properties. 48

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I’ve stayed here before, about a decade ago, when it was the Old English Inn and I was expecting something similar for this visit. Instead, when I arrive in the glow of evening lights with the rain sprinkling down around me, Rosemead House greets me, shining in all her glory. This new rendition isn’t comparable to that first visit. Lenny Moy, owner of Aragon Properties, says Rosemead House is a celebration of storytelling – of collections that fill each room – and their aim has been to create an experience that feels like entering the pages of a well-travelled novel.

SALT & IVY LOUNGE - PHOTO BY KATHERINE ENGQVIST

Every detail has been carefully considered, from the moment you step away from the concrete parkade and into the elevator lobby, where a red velvet settee and golden mirror await your arrival against a backdrop of rose wallpaper, to entering your room, each with its own story to tell. Uwe Walter, Rosemead House general manager, says from the moment guests arrive, their goal is to offer something unexpected and personal. “We want each stay to feel like an unfolding story, rooted in hospitality, character and curiosity.” He’s left me a handwritten note of welcome inside my room, accompanied by pistachio and raspberry macarons. I’m staying in Devonshire Terrace for the night. It’s one of 28 guest rooms available in the original manor and a newly constructed wing. There are also an additional 13 long-stay suites designed for extended visits that weren’t quite ready during my stay. As the name suggests, this room features a terrace overlooking the front woodland garden and even has ocean views you can enjoy while sipping a coffee around a fire table. When I enter, the room is glowing, lit by a chandelier and wall sconces illuminating the blue wainscoting and floral wallpaper. It’s billed as tranquility with a touch of charm and it does not disappoint. The show stopper, at least for me, is a clawfoot tub with its own in-floor spotlighting. That floor, by the way, is heated, as is the toilet seat. There’s even a jar of bath salts from Rosemead’s spa – Salt & Ivy.

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That’s one of the reasons I’m here on this particular night. The staff at Salt & Ivy have prepared an intimate look for a few members of the media. So, as much as I’d like to stay and relish in the soft jazz music that was playing upon my arrival, I head back down the stairs to Salt & Ivy. There, I’m greeted with a rose-scented warm towel as I take in the lounge, featuring a faux cherry tree in full bloom filling the entire ceiling in front of another gold mirror, backed by a wall of plants. The staff lovingly joke about Lenny’s gilded mirror collection and it’s hard not to noice the unique pieces throughout the property as they all seem to fit perfectly amongst the different wallpapers. The rose, in all its glory, is also on display in subtle and not-so subtle ways throughout the property. Whether it’s the red roses in bud vases on the breakfast tables or the signature scent of Salt & Ivy, which features wild rose, eucalyptus, bergamot and tree essences, the homage does not go unnoticed. After a quick introduction, spa director Tina Lyons also shares some details about the 3,600-square-foot second phase of the spa, which is set to open in the spring. This space will be mostly dedicated to a hydrotherapy circuit, featuring a snow room. While marvelling at that feat of engineering, we’re given a tour and introduced to several treatments. Lying under the glow of pink Himalayan salt bricks that stretch from floor to ceiling, Heather D. directs me to breathe as she guides me through my first acupuncture session. A quick tongue and pulse diagnosis prompts her to note my horrible sleeping patterns and a

chronic illness, which she offers some needlework for. I’m still at a loss as to how she could tell that just from feeling my wrist. The aim of this traditional therapy is to stimulate points on the body which will trigger responses in the nervous, muscular and connective tissues. I only lasted about 10 minutes before I started to get antsy and while usually she likes to leave the needles for at least 20 minutes, Heather says it was a good introduction for me, without having to feel “pinned down.” While still in awe of how she could read so much from me, I ventured over to try the Wellsystem Wave machine. Tina walks me through the controls for what would be a self-guided experience – one that would be perfect for someone who doesn’t like traditional massages. As I “float” fully clothed on the dry surface, warm water soothes my aching back and calming percussion music drifts from speakers behind my head. Jets spurt to life, moving in a gentle, rhythmic pattern beneath me, massaging from head to toe. Emerging 15 minutes later, I’m in a state of relaxation I didn’t think was possible to achieve by lying on some futuristic-looking waterbed. Tina also guides me through an advanced skin analysis, which offers a deeper look beneath the surface and would be used to craft a customized facial. Speaking of facials, my next stop is with assistant spa director Sheila Eludoyin for a glacial glide mini facial, which uses cryotherapy to calm inflammation, reduce redness and cool the skin. The sensation is hard to describe. The wand glides over my face, never

Janevca Dining Room

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We want each stay to feel like an unfolding story, rooted in hospitality, character and curiosity.” stopping long enough for my skin to feel frost-bitten but it’s left feeling like it’s been kissed by the cold. It would not normally be my first pick for a treatment but after experiencing it, I would highly recommend it. After my visit to Salt & Ivy, Uwe, Tina and Sheila join me for a meal at Janevca, where food is meant to be shared family-style. The name – a combination of the founder’s children (Janelle, Evan and Cailee) is even a nod to those family dynamics. Following her success on Top Chef Canada, acclaimed executive chef Andrea Alridge has crafted her entire menu around wood-fired cuisine, with inspiration from local ingredients and her heritage. Following its 2024 debut, Janevca has quickly picked up a loyal following of regulars as well as national acclaim as a finalist on Air Canada’s 2025 Best New Restaurants list. However, when Uwe suggests pizza, I can’t help but think of my previous stay, where late-night room service was a warmed takeand-bake pizza from the freezer aisle of a grocery store. This is not that. What arrives at the table with a flourish is a delight for all the senses. Fire-kissed dough is topped with San Marzano tomatoes, basil and fresh cheese (the Classico Margherita Pizza) followed by the “Big Easy” – a meat lover’s dream with chorizo, nduja and capicola topped with chili oil. It all pairs beautifully with the Italian red wine our server suggests. After a wonderful meal, I’m bid goodnight with a glass of wine to take to my room – their liquor licence allows for it, Uwe assures me. Back in my room, a member of the staff has turned down the bed, leaving a robe, slippers and a collection of chocolate squares for my return. I save those for later and turn my attention to a thorough soak in that beautiful freestanding tub before crawling into the luxurious bed linens. Waking up, I feel refreshed. Taking a cup of tea to the terrace, I enjoy the sunrise at my own pace before heading down to an elevated continental breakfast in the Janevca lounge. Two of the highlights there are a fresh almond croissant stuffed with raspberry jam and an unexpected Indian dish – saag – with poached eggs, chicory, broccolini, shallots, garlic and garam masala (a blend of spices). Full and ready to start my day after a lazy morning, I grudgingly trudge back up to my room. While I pack my belongings to return to regular life, I can’t help but think the cubby I’ve placed my bag in could use a light and sure enough, there is one I’ve overlooked. Every detail, from in-floor motion lighting in the bathroom, to the selection of Silk Road teas, has been carefully considered and curated to redefine hospitality. As they say, rooted in the past, yet designed for today’s discerning traveller.

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spaces we love

Finding

function

QUICK FACTS:

Lot Size: 10,000 sq.ft. Living space: Almost 3,000 sq.ft. Bedrooms: 3 Bathrooms: 3 Built: 1990 Redesign: 2025 by MINT Freshly Inspired Design 52 boulevardmagazines.com

THE VANCOUVER ISLAND SYMPHONY PRESENTS

Creating a beautiful home that flows seamlessly

FEBRUARY 12 - 14 • NANAIMO

Come in out of the cold and feel the Latin Heat!

WORDS SAMANTHA DUERKSEN PHOTOGRAPHY HATTIE ROOT

nterior architectural designer Alexis Solomon faced a familiar challenge with this Saanich home – helping a modern family find flow, function and beauty. Her clients – a busy young couple with children – needed something more functional as one of their kids has a disability and mom is a full-time caregiver. “She appreciated and valued a beautiful home that functions really well. One you can walk into and breathe that sigh of relief, but she just had no idea how to get there,” explains Alexis, owner and principal designer at MINT Freshly Inspired Design. They’ve lived in their two-storey, ’90s-built house for more than a decade, but that feeling of being settled was still missing. Alexis was tasked with redesigning the almost 3,000-square-foot Broadmead home in phases. The clients wanted maximized storage, a lighter and brighter feel and to be able to move through the space with ease. “While the home has lots of square footage, it just didn’t work for them as far as the room sizes, the layout and the flow.” One major problem was the kitchen, Alexis explains. There were oddly angled cabinets, the space was dark forcing them to turn on all the lights even in the daytime, the light switches were all over the place, and there was a neglected room attached to the kitchen that was meant for a breakfast table but was hardly ever used. For a family where food brings connection and a love of cooking, it wasn’t working. “We had to get creative.” While most of the wall was removed that divided the unused room from the kitchen, plumbing stacks meant a portion had to stay, and that was repurposed with a floating shelf. “It worked out nicely because we still get all that extra lighting coming in but it gives some separation for mom if she’s cooking.” What was once an odd nook now serves as a dining area with a walk-in pantry separated with French doors. Bringing in even more light was a challenge. Alexis had all of the kitchen windows upgraded so they are larger and taller, and the countertop now runs to the windowsills. The walls, which were beige (a colour that absorbed light), were painted a bright white and a shiplap ceiling adds a soft visual interest. Rather than painting it with the typical flat paint, one with a higher sheen was used.

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A lighting plan pulls it all together by considering where the natural light comes from, then layering it with ambient, wall, decorative and under cabinet lighting. Throughout the entire home, both calmness and energy are infused through intentional use of pattern and colour. A neutral colour palette was used, layered with golds, blacks, greys, charcoals, whites and custom-stained wood that retains the millwork. Brushed brass or antique gold handles were also used, adding a touch of elegance. Patterns were placed strategically on the tile floors in the entry, kitchen and nook to add pops of personality. “They wanted it to be fun and unique but not something that would date – timeless, but still a bit dramatic,” Alexis notes. The balance with using patterns comes from knowing where to place them so they don’t overwhelm the space but still create movement, she explains. One of her favourite places for patterns is the shower, which has a “peekaboo” effect. In one shower, a geometric wall features soft greys and taupes, with a built-in bench to make it functional. In another, large marble-like porcelain tiles in a creamy white with warm veining create a polished, luxurious backdrop. The third bathroom is more moody and dramatic, with a striking, heavily veined stone in the shower. Deep grey walls and brass hardware give it a rich, atmospheric feel. The overall result is one that’s sophisticated, calm and functional. “She told me, ‘I finally feel like I love my house.’” It’s that type of response that keeps Alexis driven in the work she does. “At the end of the day, I want them to feel just like how I do when I enter my house – to come home and feel like all the stress of the day is gone.” 54

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FINDING CALM IN YOUR OWN HOME For anyone looking to create a sense of peace in their home, the question Alexis asks all of her clients is to think about where they feel most comfortable and calm. It’s a really personal question, but a telling one. The key is then translating that into design. That goes beyond the colours and tones and into the finishes and even the reflective values of things. For instance, black or chrome might work for one person but be too harsh for another, she says. There’s also huge power in decluttering and only putting out things on display that you know you love or need. Functional storage space is key, but sometimes it doesn’t hurt to call in a professional to help you decide what to keep and what to let go of. The goal, Alexis says, is simple – make choices that lighten your load, not add to it. When your home supports your life, even in small ways, the real sense of ease settles in.

food and feast

Hot drinks for cold nights Cocktails to warm winter days WORDS KATHERINE ENGQVIST RECIPES & PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY SHERINGHAM DISTILLERY

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lthough the days are starting to get longer again, it sure doesn’t feel like it. The first two months of the year can bring a lot of grey days and dark nights. With unpredictable weather – rain, slush, ice and maybe even snow – many don’t want to venture too far after dark. But that also means missing out on those social escapes we cherish. The solution is simple. Cocktails aren’t just a drink. They’re catalysts for conversation and celebration while offering an art form that combines taste, history and creativity. Whether you’re setting the tone for a dinner party or sharing a quiet moment with someone you love, they offer a unique sensory experience that provides a moment of escape, transporting you to a different time, place or mood. The perfect solution to keeping these grey winter days from feeling monotonous. The following are recipes crafted for our friends at Sheringham Distillery and while they call for their special spirits, the alcohol portions can be swapped for something you already have on hand. Don’t let the weather get in the way, these winter-approved cocktails will warm your spirit in the comfort of your home.

Hot-tea Incoming

A light and easy-to-sip hot cocktail created by mixologist Kade Russell. Flavour Profile: Fruity, Sweet Difficulty: Simple Ingredients: 2 oz Sheringham Seaside Gin 0.75 oz Lemon Juice

0.5 oz Honey Earl Grey Tea

Method: Steep tea for eight minutes, add the remaining ingredients to a hot toddy glass or mug, stir, and garnish with a lemon slice.

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Bitter Mornings

A boozy and decadent hot coffee cocktail. Flavour Profile: Sweet Difficulty: Medium Ingredients: 1⅔ oz Sheringham Sirene Chocolate Liqueur ⅓ oz Fernet Branca 1 oz Floated Whipped Cream 4 oz Hot Coffee Method: Carefully pour boiled water into specialty coffee glass to heat, then discard. Build drink in order listed above. Float whip cream last with bar spoon.

Beacon Hot Toddy

This is the perfect warm, cosy, low alcohol-by-volume cocktail for those cold winter days, created by mixologist Gareth Jones. Flavour Profile: Fruity, Sweet Difficulty: Simple Ingredients: 1.5 oz Sheringham Beacon Gin 1 oz Grapefruit Juice 2 oz Strongly Brewed Black Tea

1 oz Fresh Orange Juice 5 oz Honey Syrup*

Honey Syrup Method: In a pot, add two parts of honey to one part boiling water. Gently heat until honey has dissolved. Allow to cool completely. Cocktail Method: Add all ingredients to a heat resistant glass or mug and stir. Garnish with citrus wheel.

See Ya on the Flip Side

While not a hot drink, this is a cosy cocktail perfect for the cold weather months created by mixologist Nicole Lee. Flavour Profile: Spicy, Sweet Difficulty: Medium Cocktail Ingredients: 1 oz Sheringham Seaside Gin 1 oz Pommeau De Normandie 0.75 oz Giffard Pear Liqueur Pinch of Salt 1 oz Heavy Cream 3 Dashes Jamaican Bitters 0.75 oz Cinnamon Syrup* 1 Whole Egg Cinnamon Syrup Method: Add 100 grams of water and 100 grams of white sugar to a saucepan and heat on low to medium until sugar dissolves. Place mixture in a heat-resistant container, adding three cinnamon sticks, and leave in fridge overnight to steep. Strain the next day. Cocktail Method: Dry shake (no ice) all ingredients in a shaker tin for five seconds, then add ice to the shaker and hard shake to aerate the mixture. Double strain into a snifter glass. Grate nutmeg on top.

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Thirst Down

Not a hot cocktail but perfect to pair with the Super Bowl in February, this silky gin sour – with notes of almond, bright citrus fruit, and creamy oat – will help cool those hot game-day tempers. Flavour Profile: Sour Difficulty: Medium

Ingredients: 1.25 oz Seaside Gin 0.5 oz Amaretto 0.25 oz Dry Curacao 0.75 oz Lemon Juice 0.5 oz Oat Milk Syrup* Oat Milk Syrup: 10 oz Oat Milk (by volume) 300 g White Sugar (by weight) 3 drops Orange Blossom Water (optional) Add all ingredients to a pot on the stovetop, stirring gently on low heat until ingredients are fully integrated. Method: Rim half a rocks glass with smoked sea-salt. Add all ingredients into a shaker tin, add ice and shake, double strain into rocks glass over fresh ice. boulevardmagazines.com

COMING SOON Bella Farm • Prospect Lake, Victoria BC

A 17-acre West Coast lodge estate offering privacy, gardens, warm interiors, and expansive indoor–outdoor living. Multigenerational sanctuary.

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VICTORIA’S FINEST REAL ESTATE

L U X U R Y AT YO U R D O O R S T E P

Jason Binab* | JASON.BINAB@THEAGENCYRE.COM | 250.589.2466 THE AGENCYRE.COM | 101 - 960 YATES S TREE T, VICTORIA , BC V8V 3M3 JASONBINAB.COM | *PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION AN INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED FRANCHISEE OF THE AGENCY REAL ESTATE FRANCHISING, LLC

The Numbers Don’t Lie #1 Agent - Total Sales Dollar Volume IN GREATER VICTORIA FROM 2005-2024* *BASED ON RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE SALES REPORTED TO THE VICTORIA REAL ESTATE BOARD MLS®

Jason Binab PERSON A L RE A L ES TAT E C ORP OR ATION

JASON.BINAB@THEAGENCYRE.COM 250.589.2466 JASONBINAB.COM

10865 Fernie Wynd Road, North Saanich | $8,995,000 6 Bedrooms, Ocenfront, 9,359 sq.ft., 1.26 acres

418 Lands End Road, North Saanich | $5,950,000 3 Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 3,908 sq.ft., 1.08 acres

9775 West Saanich Road, North Saanich | $3,700,000 8 Bedrooms, Ocean view farm, 3,273 sq.ft., 25.92 acres

5009 Cordova Bay Road, Saanich | $3,495,000 5 Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 3,527 sqft., 0.15 acres

9600 Ardmore Drive, North Saanich | $2,995,000 4 Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 3,109 sq.ft., 0.69 acres

201-2270 Harbour Road, Sidney | $2,799,000 4 Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 3,202 sq.ft.

302 - 10393 Allbay Road, Sidney | $2,650,000 3 Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 2,275 sqft.

11321 Chalet Road, North Saanich | $2,499,000 5 Bedrooms, Ocean views, 4,226 sq.ft., 1.05 acres

302 - 10393 Allbay Road, Sidney | $2,650,000 3 Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 2,275 sqft.

11321 Chalet Road, North Saanich | $2,499,000 5 Bedrooms, Ocean views, 4,226 sq.ft., 1.05 acres

3300 Livesay Road, Central Saanich | $2,299,000 5 Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 5,242 sqft., 0.54 acres

560 Salmon Road, North Saanich | $1,999,900 6 Bedrooms, Ocean view, 4,363 sqft., 1.69 acres

3300 Livesay Road, Central Saanich | $2,299,000 5 Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 5,242 sqft., 0.54 acres

560 Salmon Road, North Saanich | $1,999,900 6 Bedrooms, Ocean view, 4,363 sqft., 1.69 acres

2545 Newman Road Central Saanich | $1,539,000 3 Bedrooms, Ocean view, 1,964sqft., 0.23 acres

5015 Cordova Bay Road, Saanich | $1,500,000 2 Bedrooms, Oceanfront, 1,581 sqft., 0.12 acres

CHACE WHITSON R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P

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$3,999,999

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6 BED | 6 BATH | 7,136 sq.ft. Saanich West

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Vancouver Island’s #1 RE/MAX Team

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KRISTA V AND MARK G TEAM We are Krista V and Mark G, a mother-son team with a combined 21 years of experience in the Victoria real estate market. We strive to make every one of our clients feel confident, comfortable, and at ease with the process of purchasing or selling a home, no matter the market conditions. This is achieved using a low pressure approach while providing sound advice, clear communication, and updates. Give us a call for all your real estate needs!

Dorothy and I would like to thank you for representing us in the sale of our Penthouse apartment last spring. For you to sell our beautiful home in less than a week at a price that was far beyond our expectations required the skill of professionals working at an extremely high level. Your attention to detail and close involvement was exceptional. We will be pleased to recommend the team of Krista and Mark. Dorothy and Allan This summer we decided to put up our apartment at Shoal Point for sale. We were advised by several of the residents at Shoal that the team of Mark and Krista were the best to approach.

Client Testimonials

Their approach was professional and friendly leading to several viewings and ultimately to the sale of the property within 3 months of listing very close to the asking price that was satisfactory to us. Since we were going to be out of town for the duration of the listing, they handled everything on our behalf which went well beyond their obligation as our listing agents. They were even able to find us a company that assisted in clearing the suite of items we no longer needed and finally clean the unit thoroughly in readiness for the purchaser to move in. We wholeheartedly recommend Mark and Krista. SL and AL

We highly recommend Krista and Mark as real estate agents. We sold our two homes and purchased one recently. Their market research was extensive and helpful in determining appropriate selling prices. Their advice on staging homes was excellent. They guided us through the selling process professionally. They had open houses and various exposures for us to sell our houses. They were able to find a new home suitable for our needs and we are very happy with our purchase. They are professional and knowledgeable as well as excellent communicators. We very much appreciated their service Trevor and Jeanne

Learn More at www.KristaVMarkG.ca

Krista Voitchovsky

Mark Gutknecht

Mobile+1 250-888-3256

Mobile +1 250-880-1000

KristaVandMarkGTeam@evrealestate.com

Personal Real Estate Corporation

Real Estate Advisor

Engel & Volkers Vancouver Island 2249 Oak Bay Avenue | Victoria BC | V8R 1G4

*PersonalRealEstate Corporation

B A L L

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nicole@nicoleburgess.com

216 8 B A R T L E T T AV E | S OU T H OA K B AY O F F ER ED AT $1,675,0 0 0 4 BED S | 2 B AT HS 2, 4 4 0 SF | 5,50 0 SF L O T | ML S 1018 896

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25 35 DA L H OUSIE S T | OA K B AY, E S T E VA N O F F ER ED AT $1,899,0 0 0 4 BED S | 2 B AT HS 2,826 SF | 8,750 SF L O T | ML S 1010 8 4 2

518-10 PAUL K A NE P L | V IC W E S T, S O N GHEE S O F F ER ED AT $1, 4 25,0 0 0 2 BED S | 2 B AT HS 1,571 SF | ML S 101260 8

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Sarah Binab

PERSONAL RE AL ES TATE CORPOR ATION

SAR AH.BINAB@THEAGENCYRE.COM 250.588.7775 SAR AHBINAB.C OM

Luxury isn’t a price, it’s an experience.

2225 OAK BAY AVENUE, VICTORIA, BC V8R 1G4 A N IND E P E ND E N T LY O W NE D A ND O P E R AT E D F R A N C HISE E .

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Warm hearts, brighter futures. Embrace the spirit of giving this winter. Your gift will be matched by the Garth Homer Foundation to support adults with diverse abilities through new residential and community spaces in our region. The Belonging Project is an exciting new construction initiative designed to help people learn, grow, and reach their goals in a truly inclusive environment. You can contribute by visiting our website, scanning the QR code below, or by contacting us directly for more information.

Scan here

The Garth Homer Foundation will match all donations up to $50,000.

https://www.garthhomerfoundation.org/donate

GARTH HOMER FOUNDATION What we do

The Garth Homer Foundation provides funding in support of its vision for a society where people with diverse abilities discover freedom of choice and unleash their full potential. The Foundation’s purpose is primarily, and to the greatest extent possible, to fund the Garth Homer Society to support adults with developmental disabilities to make a life, a home, and a place in the world. This mission for the greater Victoria region began in 1968 to ensure that everyone had the opportunity to participate, feel valued, make informed choices and to access services tailored to their goals. We believe in the model – that our community is enriched when everyone can contribute! In partnership with iA Financial/Richardson Wealth, CanadaHelps and Benevity, we create Endowments, Matching Grants, Legacies, Tributes/ Gifts In Memorium and Corporate Giving opportunities to accelerate transformation for our region; through the work of the Garth Homer Society.

How we help In March 2023, the Foundation announced a transformative $34 million legacy gift from Kathleen Sheret, a longtime supporter and friend of community leader Garth Homer. This donation is one of the largest ever given to support people with cognitive disabilities in Canada and is used to build communitybased supports for generations to come. Upon receiving this generous gift and scaling up its responsible investing activity, the Foundation established its popular matching program to ensure all gifts have twice the impact. The Foundation now grants $2M, growing to $3M per year over the next few years, to the Society. You may have seen the colourful Garth Homer vans around town, met Garth Homer employees or volunteers throughout the communities, followed the progress of the Belonging Project for housing in Saanich, or seen Garth Homer artists’ works in the Museum, ‘paint-ins’ at Market Square; or at any of the beautiful Gardens in our region – among many other things-to-do! GARTH HOMER FOUNDATION 301 - 1321 Blanshard Street Victoria, B.C. V8W 0B6

Contact

Catherine Lord, Chair Bruce Homer, Vice-Chair info@garthhomerfoundation.org 778-410-5174 CRA# 89426 9422 RR 0001

Visit us online

garthhomerfoundation.org garthhomersociety.org @garthhomersociety garthhomer garthhomersociety

Ways to give Your support can be directed to Garth Homer Society programs or for long term investment to help us build an expanded scope of services, a greater array of choices, and expanded access to technology, transportation, and facility resources.

Join the momentum www.garthhomerfoundation.org/donate Learn about more ways to give Canada Helps www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/the-garth-homer-foundation Victoria Foundation Gifts from Donor Advised Funds are gratefully received and matched Butchart Gardens Gifts from the beautiful coin fountains are matched by the Foundation Benevity www.causes.benevity.org/causes/search/--/ 124-894269422RR0001 boulevardmagazines.com

travel

Tidal delights Savour sand, sea and shellfish in Nova Scotia WORDS & PHOTOGRAPHY KATHERINE ENGQVIST

Cape Forchu Lighthouse

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Bartlett’s Beach

wiggle my toes in the sun-warmed sand as the Atlantic Ocean laps at my feet. A gull calls out and a breeze floats salt spray through the air. The sun is shining amidst a brilliant blue sky and my almost two-year-old daughter laughs in delight as she races between the compacted sand near the receding tide line and the loose sand near the grass-lined dunes. It’s the image of the perfect beach vacation. Yet, this isn’t a tropical destination – we didn’t even need passports to get here. We’re in Nova Scotia, exploring these beautiful beaches, unique maritime culture and world-class seafood. I’ve been on a mission to see and appreciate more of Canada – from coast to coast – after my husband noted I’d covered more of Europe than my own country. Now, with our daughter in tow, we’re hoping to instil some of that appreciation in her and visiting family members whom recently relocated to the East Coast was the perfect opportunity to do just that.

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Yarmouth Town Centre

YARMOUTH

Located in southwest Nova Scotia at the entrance to the Gulf of Maine, Yarmouth is home for our week-long visit. While the charming town centre offers multicoloured storefronts steeped in history (and showcased in several museums), the surrounding neighbourhoods feature Maritime Victorian homes on treelined streets and the waterfront highlights an active fishing fleet. Yet, despite the charm of the town, it’s the nearby beaches that are the real surprise gem. Mavillette Beach Provincial Park features a 1.5-kilometre beach backed by marram grass-covered dunes and extensive sand flats that are exposed at low tide. In a tropical location, this beach would have been packed with cabanas, loungers and tourists, but here, it’s almost deserted save for a handful of people. Port Maitland Beach Provincial Park is a similarly impressive one-kilometre stretch backed by cobble stones and sand dunes. Its nearby wharf and fishing boats are a favourite subject for painters and photographers alike and is also a popular spot for stargazing. Rounding out our favourite trio is the smaller Bartlett’s Beach.

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With its tide-rippled sand and captivating view of the Atlantic coastline, this one blends rustic charm with untouched wilderness. These beaches are the picture-perfect pristine conditions many resorts strive for with a team of crews working around the clock. But here it’s natural and it’s hard not to get lost in the serenity of it. Cape Forchu is also a must-see stop. The drive to the cape takes you through the very heart of the area’s fishing community. Once there, the Cape Forchu Lighthouse sits on a 19-acre site across from Yarmouth, and the view of the town’s working harbour is breathtaking. Pair a stop at the lighthouse (and a stroll along the surrounding trail system) with a visit to the W. Laurence Sweeney Fisheries Museum back in town to get the full history of this vital industry. Once you cross the threshold, you’re immediately taken back in time as roughly 90 per cent of the materials used in the museum were preserved during the deconstruction of the original Sweeney Fisheries buildings and painstakingly reassembled to create a scaled-down reproduction.

“The Beauty of Divine Beings Dancing.”

china before communism

Bear River Vineyards in the Annapolis Valley

ANNAPOLIS VALLEY

EXPERIENCE 5,000 YEARS OF CIVI

Yarmouth isn’t the only area in the region steeped in history. A short drive through rolling hills lined with jewel-toned fall foliage takes us to the “Okanagan” of Nova Scotia. The Annapolis Valley is known for its award-winning wineries, an abundance of farm-fresh produce and world-renowned scallops. “There is a Annapolis Royal is a waterfront community embracing thousands of years of Mi’kmaq heritage and more than 400 years of that can The world is a better place French, Scottish and British history. Known as Port Royal before It brin 1710, it’s recognized as having the first European settlement in because of Shen Yun.” For 20 years, Shen Yun has grown from its North America, preceding those at Plymouth, Jamestown and beginnings in New York to performing across —Daniel Herman, forme Swett,humble former U.S. Congressman Quebec. It’s also home to Canada’s oldest national historic site—Richard – five continents and more than 200 cities annually. Fort Anne. On Saturdays from May through October, the Annapolis Royal is a Over 10 million people worldwide“There have witnessed Farmers and Traders Market transforms the town square with this revival of genuine traditional Chinese culture—a that can embrace th a better place Nova Scotia’s longest-running outdoor market. On the day The we world is mission that has touched hearts, uplifted spirits, and It brings great ho because of Shen Yun.” attend, Market Square is filled with antiques, apples, maple syrup inspired audiences everywhere. and all of very enlightening!” and craft beverages – it doesn’t get much more Canadian than that. —Daniel Herman, former Minister of Cultu —Richard Swett, former U.S. Congressman Joinmotivational us to celebrate 20 years of beauty, courage, My first stop is a stall operated by Dieter and Heidi Claussing, —Tony Robbins, —Donna speaker who run the German Bakery in town and have been doing so for and inspiration at Shen Yun’s spectacular 2026 more than 20 years. Their offerings include pastries, sourdough performances! breads and pretzels. Let Shen Yun Take You on an Unforgettable Journey Savouring the tart burst of lemon in a crusty turnover, I wander “Exquisitely beautiful. An extraordinary and all of us to learn very enlightening!” through the market, stopping to sample award-winning spirits, craft beers and citrusy white wines all made in the valley, while my little experience for us and the children.” —Donna Karan, founder o —Tony Robbins, motivational speaker one devours a basket of plump blackberries with a purple smile — Cate Blanchett, Academy Award–winning actress from her stroller. After a thorough visit to the market – and a loaded-down stroller Let Shen Yun Take You on an Unforgettable Journey – we venture to our next stop. French settlers are credited with planting the first grape vines ALL-NEW PROGRAM • LIVE ORCHESTRA in 1611 in Nova Scotia along the shores of Bear River – a tidal estuary that flows into the Annapolis Basin. This sheltered microclimate is known for its grape-growing capabilities. Perched on a bank overlooking the steep valley walls of Bear Promo Code: River, an old dairy barn dating back to 1883 has been masterfully BM26 renovated to allow for gravity-fed wine production. Here at Bear River Vineyards is where we get a proper introduction to Nova Presented by Falun Dafa Association of Vancouver Scotia wine. Their Greater Yellowlegs is an All Canadian Wine

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Championship double gold winner and is a crisp, slightly-off-dry white that pairs well with seafood. The 2024 vintage is a return to the vineyard’s original Greater Yellowlegs blend of Geisenheim, riesling and chardonnay. Fortunately, the bottle I managed to jam into my suitcase made it home. Unfortunately, they’re now sold out. After a tour and tasting, we continued on to the town of Digby. Before lunch, a quick detour, leaves us perched on a high cliff overlooking the Bay of Fundy, taking in the enormity of it. After a moment to soak it in, we continue on our search for scallops. Digby is known for its scallops. Delicate morsels of white flesh that melt in your mouth with a slight hint of bacon fat, if they’re wrapped, which is often how they’re offered up as an appetizer. At the Fundy Restaurant, overlooking the harbour with a view of the fishing fleet, lobster rolls are also a must. Here, a mixture of mayo, finely diced celery, lemon juice and large chunks of lobster meat is nestled on a bed of arugula in toasted garlic bread.

SOUTH SHORE

Exploring Nova Scotia’s South Shore should also be on the agenda for any trip. Lunenburg is a colourful seafaring town that exudes old world charm and is home to the Bluenose II. It’s also one of Canada’s 22 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Seated on the Old Fish Factory Restaurant’s outdoor wharf-side patio, we enjoy an unseasonably warm day and bask in the sunshine while watching the Bluenose II glide through the harbour. Built in 1963, it’s an exact replica of the famous racing schooner featured on the dime. While the original struck a reef and sank off the coast of Haiti in 1946, the Bluenose II was built by many of the same people at the same shipyard in Lunenburg. She’s regularly open to the public and visits ports throughout Nova Scotia and North America. Lunch was inspired by this maritime setting, and featured calamari, baked oysters and, of course, lobster rolls. This version saw large chunks of lobster dressed in a lemon dill mayo, sprinkled with green onions and laid on a bed of shredded lettuce inside a Vienna roll (a variation of a traditional French baguette). After lunch we took a tour of Mahone Bay, known for having one of the most photographed harbour-front views in Nova Scotia with its three churches. Unfortunately, some construction in the area didn’t make for the most photogenic moment, however, the view was still stunning. Our final stop on the South Shore was Peggy’s Cove and one of the most photographed lighthouses – at least according to the province.

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The Bluenose II in Lunenburg

While Peggy’s Cove came with high expectations, it did not disappoint. The area surrounding it looks as if giants were playing a game of marbles with boulders and simply abandoned it one day. The landscape changes so drastically from the rest of South Shore, it takes your breath away. The small, working fishing village is a tourist stop for many reasons and did cater to a number of tour buses, making it one of the busiest places we visited. Yet, even with the crowds, it was easy to get lost in the landscape. It’s sad to think my daughter won’t remember this trip but hopefully it will help inspire her sense of adventure and a desire to see the world when she’s older. For now, this trip is for us and those memories will last a lifetime.

Peggy’s Cove

Builders of Fine Custom Homes 250.217.3080 | patriothomes@shaw.ca patriothomes.ca boulevardmagazines.com

secrets and lives —

AND THE 7 SINS with JESSE SKULMOSKI Co-founder of Modus Architectural Projects Inc.

WHAT IS YOUR ROLE?

My title’s pretty fluid. Some days I’m a project manager or construction director, other days I’m a carpenter, painter or customer service rep. Whatever the title, I’m hands-on – I like being part of every stage of a project from the first sketch to the last brushstroke.

WHERE ARE YOU FROM AND HOW DID YOU GET TO VICTORIA?

I was born in Alberta but my family moved to Victoria 44 years ago from Cranbrook, B.C. I started at Doncaster Elementary and grew up in the Cedar Hill neighbourhood back when it still felt a bit rural. I’ve been on the Island long enough to call myself a true Islander – saltwater in my veins and all.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH?

PHOTOGRAPHY MICHELLE PROCTOR

I started painting houses as a teenager and did some landscaping while in college. My extended family are farmers in Saskatchewan, so I grew up surrounded by people who could build, fix, and invent anything – I think that “jack-of-all-trades” gene stuck. While finishing my master’s in public administration, my wife and I bought a run-down house in Esquimalt. We nicknamed it “The Ugly Duckling” and turning it into our home lit a spark in me. I worked for years in government on infrastructure, program and project management before shifting full time into construction. I earned my Project Management Professional (PMP) designation and trained through the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. Over time, side projects for friends and family turned into a business – and now, I get to build spaces people truly love to live in.

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WHAT DOES A DAY IN YOUR WORK LIFE LOOK LIKE?

Every day brings a new challenge – which is exactly why I love it. One day I’m reviewing project plans with clients, the next I’m onsite solving a framing puzzle or sourcing the perfect reclaimed wood for a custom feature wall. Some days I’m deep in spreadsheets and project planning, other days I’m literally covered in sawdust. And occasionally, you’ll find me behind a booth at the Victoria Home Show, talking about craftsmanship and the benefits of great design.

REWARDS AND CHALLENGES?

The reward is watching something go from an idea to a real, beautiful space that people love living in. Seeing clients walk through their finished home with huge smiles – that’s hard to beat. The challenge? Finding downtime. Building homes is one thing; balancing it with family time is an ongoing project of its own.

WHAT’S YOUR SUPERPOWER?

I can juggle about a dozen moving parts at once – designs, trades, budgets, schedules – and somehow keep it all in my head. My wife thinks it’s memory magic. The truth? It’s the Notes app on my phone and a lot of coffee.

MOST ADVENTUROUS THING YOU’VE EVER DONE?

Backpacking through Mexico and Guatemala as a teenager on a shoestring budget and zero itinerary. I went through Chiapas during the uprising without realizing it – this was pre-cell phones, when adventure came with a little more uncertainty and a lot more stories. I guess I would also say moving to being an entrepreneur from being a government employee has been quite adventurous too.

A BOOK, MOVIE OR SHOW THAT’S STAYED WITH YOU?

Stonehenge by Bernard Cornwell. It’s a story about vision, leadership and the human instinct to build something that lasts – and about the teamwork (and stubbornness) it takes to pull it off. It’s a great reminder that good building isn’t just about structure; it’s about perseverance and people.

YOUR FAVOURITE WAY TO SPEND A SATURDAY?

Coffee in bed, pancakes with my family, then a hike somewhere in the woods. The simple things really are the best things.

WHAT BRINGS YOU JOY?

Creating spaces that make people feel at home – whether it’s a family kitchen or a cosy backyard studio – and any time spent outdoors with my wife, son and dog recharges me completely.

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO A GOOD LIFE?

Appreciate every moment, focus on what matters, and show up for the people around you. For me, that means being there for family, friends, co-workers and neighbours – and not overthinking things that don’t have long term importance.

The 7 Sins ENVY: Whose shoes would you like to walk in?

Honestly, mine fit pretty well. But if I could walk in anyone’s for a day, it might be Samuel Maclure’s, the self-taught architect who helped define Vancouver Island’s Arts and Crafts era. His work still inspires me; I’d love to see how he envisioned spaces with such timeless character.

GLUTTONY: What is the food you could eat over and over again?

Carrot cake — though burritos are a close second. Let’s just say both could easily be considered full meals in my book.

GREED: You’re given $1 million that you have to spend selfishly. What would you spend it on?

I’d invest it right back into Victoria to help bring back the vibrant, safe downtown I remember from my youth. I’d love for my son to enjoy that same sense of community and beauty our city was known for.

WRATH: Pet peeves?

One of my all-time pet peeves is having something in my shoe and there’s a backstory for why. Once when I was doing a work term for the Cayman Islands government, I spent an entire day with something in my shoe and it turned out to be a rather stunned cockroach.

SLOTH: Where would you spend a long time doing nothing?

Rathtrevor Beach at low tide. Just walking, watching the waves and soaking up the West Coast beauty. Nothing clears your head quite like sand between your toes.

PRIDE: What is the one thing you’re secretly proud of ?

My garden. I love a crisp edge on a lawn and a thoughtfully pruned tree. The whole yard is like building design on a smaller, greener scale.

LUST: What makes your heart beat faster?

Being out in nature – hiking, mountain biking – and especially discovering a new trail. There’s something about the quiet challenge of the outdoors that always pulls me in.

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life renovated

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Reimagining the next chapter

Aging in place without sacrificing thoughtful design WORDS SAMANTHA DUERKSEN

Homeowners are often faced with a decision – renovate or move. For those in their later years, that usually means downsizing or giving up a dream home, but not for this pair. “The decision was made to make their current house exactly what they always wanted it to be,” says Jesse Skulmoski, director of construction and project management at Modus Architectural Projects Inc. “I wanted them to feel like they were walking into their dream home.” The goal was to create a space to house treasures from their global adventures while accommodating the evolving needs of daily life and social gatherings. From sculptures and soapstone carvings to decorative plates and an extensive framed art collection, Jesse and the team at Modus had a few tricks up their sleeves to help this couple’s story shine through without it feeling cluttered. To begin, they started with a neutral palette and design, allowing for certain items and accents to come forward and shine. “We do West Coast modern and it’s like the home becomes a canvas for the accents that you bring into the place,” Jesse explains. Then, it was about creating display options that were both highly functional and well-designed. “We created so much millwork and we did so many built-ins.” Rotating displays now highlight items for different seasons or themes – including artwork collections from different continents. Huge display cabinetry is in the living room, along with plenty of shelving options – all highlighted with strategic lighting. But curating what to display was just as important, including a full white-glove packing, moving, storing and unpacking service. “I remember using the phrase with them – I think I heard it from Marie Kondo – ‘does this thing spark joy for you?’ You look around and ask, what’s the story behind that thing? Did it come to you from a loved one? Or were you in a romantic location when you acquired it? It all comes with an experience and a story, right? It’s about having meaningfulness to the items and

X PHOTOGRAPHY CONTRIBUTED putting them out because they’re conversation starters and they each come with a rich story.” Beyond those treasures, there was lots more work to do. Rooms were reconfigured and optimized for efficiency, with spaces repurposed to better suit the homeowners’ lifestyle. Innovative hardware and materials transform basic areas into highly functional, modern spaces. But beyond that, there was one important design element Jesse thinks more people should consider for their own homes. “Right height design – we really paid attention to the best working height, ensuring that we placed switches, countertops and everything in the most convenient way for them.” Aids, like built-in stepping stools, now assist the couple in accessing all the storage in the house. There’s also pull-out cupboards, an expanding laundry rack, a fold-away ironing board and a very nifty “KitchenAid lift” – a shelf that pulls up at a mere click of a button. “I think we really took the time to understand what are the most useful tools for them and made sure those were the most convenient to access,” he explains. Though it now has a more modern flair – including integrated smart home technology – the renovation preserved the home’s original craftsmanship, including timeless architraves and baseboards. A cohesive colour scheme – featuring soft silver, tan and warm whites, complemented by mixed metals of brushed nickel and champagne bronze – adds warmth and elegance. But, there was still fun to be had. “I think we did the most fun powder room that I’ve ever experienced,” Jesse says. “It’s colourful. We created a real retreat with beautiful lighting and a cosy feel.” The peacock-themed wall covering from Catherine Martin’s Mokum brand is actually inspired by the stylized peacocks at Elvis Presley’s Graceland. “The owners are loving the transformed home and are excited about how its revival will carry them into their next chapters.”

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behind the story

For this issue our fashion team – photographer Michelle Proctor, stylist Jen Evans and makeup artist Jen Clark – embraced the simplicity and tranquillity in moments of stillness. Using their surroundings at Sheringham Distillery, they were able to infuse these images with natural and ambient light. Much like how Sheringham’s founders use their natural surroundings to inspire their recipes. Starting from scratch, Jason and Alayne MacIssac built their first distillery in their Shirley home, taking inspiration from the town’s original name – Sheringham. Even the glass bottles they use are a nod to local history and the prohibition-era moonshine bottles Jason stumbled upon – literally – at the site of a historical still. Inspired by the area around them, their aim is to craft spirits that evoke a strong sense of place and embody bold culinary artistry. Something that should be shared. From their humble beginnings, they’ve grown to an award-winning operation now based in Langford. It’s at this site, where we shot this issue’s fashion spread. Boulevard and our fashion team would like to thank Sheringham Distillery for allowing us the time and space for this shoot, as well as the recipes they shared with us.

WORDS KATHERINE ENGQVIST PHOTO MICHELLE PROCTOR

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Recognized for craftsmanship. Built on transparency and trust. WE’RE HONOURED TO RECEIVE THE FOLLOWING 2025 VICTORIA RESIDENTIAL BUILDERS ASSOCIATION CARE AWARDS

Green Builder of the Year – Small Volume*

Award for Environmental Achievement

Best Contemporary Kitchen $100K-$200K

GOLD

Best Outdoor Space under $500,000

Best Primary Suite over $300,000

Best Innovative Feature over $100,000

SILVER

Best Single Family Detached Home $2M-$5M

Project of the Year

Best Interior Homes over $3,000,000

SILVER

Explore the standard of award-winning design awaiting you at falconheights.ca *This award applies to Falcon Heights speciﬁcally. All others listed are awarded for work on “The Perch” project (pictured above).