Renovating your home makes it look more up-to-date, boosts your home’s value and your daily quality of life. If you’re considering renovations, take time to plan. Look at trends and look at local builders’ work. The London Home Builders’ Association is a good starting point. Check out their annual award-winners to see both trends and types of projects.
TRENDS
Kitchens and bathrooms remain the most popular spaces to renovate. Many homeowners convert their primary bathrooms into a day spa with standalone tubs and separate showers. One of the biggest trends is the “dirty kitchen” or back kitchen/large pantry. It keeps the mess of prepping and cooking out of sight. Built-in storage and seating are big. Cabinetry is moving from cooler whites to warmer off-white tones, with a mix of wood and paint or all-wood cabinets. Those woods are also darker now. The result is a more grounded feeling. People want spaces that are a cozy blend of practicality and harmony.
There is also a desire for harmony between inside and outdoors. Integrating the two spaces and using natural materials, called biophilic design, is gaining in popularity. It can be as simple as using softer tones, such as sage green and earthy neutrals, adding wood and stone elements, or increasing the size of windows.
THE AWARDS
The LHBA’s Awards of Creative Excellence recognize innovators, leaders and visionaries of the home building industry and celebrate the achievements of individuals and teams who shape the future of the community.
Submissions are judged on:
• design compatibility with intended lifestyle of the client
• creative use of space and materials
• functionality of the floor plans
• overall appeal
• use of interior finishes and architectural features
Special awards also consider customer satisfaction.
The Winners
Design Awards
1 NEW INDOOR LIVING SPACE:
Martin Jesko Custom Cabinetry
ON TREND:
• Wood panels and built-in side tables in the bedroom
• Walk-in wardrobe
2 RENOVATED INDOOR LIVING SPACE:
DUO Building Limited
ON TREND:
• Dark, moody walls and lighting in the Basement Dreamscape
• Relaxing seating area with large-screen television and bar
• Whimsical built-in beneath staircase
• Bowling alley with built-in banquette, bar-style table and stools, dramatic lighting and walls
3 OUTDOOR LIVING SPACE:
Oke Woodsmith Building Systems
ON TREND:
• Applying indoor amenities in outdoor “rooms” for dining, seating around a firepit, and a garden on stone-paved, varied levels
• Enclosed kitchen with a barbecue, refrigerator and seating area under a vaulted and beamed ceiling and enclosed by screens when needed
• Sleek, sophisticated and modern design
4 KITCHEN CABINETRY (NEW):
Caradoc Custom Cabinets
ON TREND:
• The Refined Countryside Kitchen is created with a soft creamy palette, warm wood and brass accents
• Two-level island provides a dining area
• Wood hutch and island contrast to painted cabinets
• Large window brings in a view of the fields
5 KITCHEN CABINETRY (RENOVATED):
Braam’s Custom Cabinets (See page 29)
Design: Sloan Stone Design & V+V Homes
ON TREND:
• The name Shadow & Grain reflects the dramatic stone island and wood cabinetry that extend to the ceiling, contrasting with black cabinets and wall behind the cooktop
• Open display shelves add interest
New Home Awards
6 BATHROOM CABINETRY:
Caradoc Custom Cabinets
ON TREND:
• Caradoc applies the same refined countryside elegance to the bathroom with a mix of soft white and wood cabinetry
• The double vanity, stand-alone tub and glass-walled shower with built-in bench create a spa environment with a view outdoors
7 HOME ORGANIZATION:
Martin Jesko Custom Cabinetry
Design: Erika Friesen Design & Graystone Homes
ON TREND:
• The multi-purpose study/office/library sits under a vaulted ceiling with an antique map set between the beams
• Built-in shelves and rich, dark hues make it an inviting space
8 NEW KITCHEN (UP TO 2,500 SQ. FT.):
Johnstone Homes
ON TREND:
• Mix of light wood with soft white cabinetry
• Large island and walk-in pantry
• Open to seating area with fireplace
• Large windows and doors integrate outdoor spaces
9 NEW KITCHEN (OVER 2,500 SQ. FT.):
Magnus Homes
DESIGN: Verbeek Kitchens
ON TREND:
• Features an arched alcove with open and closed storage
• Combination of cream and soft grey/green cabinetry
• Island accommodates seating
• Walk-in pantry
• Dining area includes built-in banquette under a large window
10 NEW BATHROOM:
Magnus Homes
Design: Verbeek Kitchens
ON TREND:
• A separate wet area includes the shower and a smoky grey tub under a large window for a spa setting
• Separate room for toilet
• Warm brass accents
NEW EXTERIOR (SINGLE FAMILY):
Bridlewood Homes (Silver Creek Circle)
Design: Centre Line Home Design
11 NEW EXTERIOR (MULTI-FAMILY):
Duncan Harwood Custom Homes (White Pine Meadows)
ON TREND:
• Both exteriors display a contrasting mix of materials and elegant landscaping
• The Bridlewood home features light stone and black siding, trim and accents
• The Duncan Harwood home features several wood textures and both brick and stone
12 RENTAL TOWNHOME:
Old Oak Properties (Muse Townhomes)
ON TREND:
• Exteriors feature black brick, wood accents, and black and white siding
• Interiors continue the black and white theme
• Laundry on second floor with bedrooms
13 ENTRY LEVEL NEW HOME:
Rockmount Homes (Liberty Crossing)
Design: London Kitchen Studio Corp.
ON TREND:
• Large, welcoming entry
• A great room features large windows, kitchen cabinets in light wood and cream paint with a dark island and hood
• Bathroom continues the light wood on the vanity
• Second floor laundry
14 NEW RENTAL MID/HIGHRISE:
Old Oak Properties (The Saint James)
ON TREND:
• Exterior combines different materials
• A common area exemplifies biophilic design with large windows, doors to a balcony, hanging plants
• A bathroom in one unit continues the green theme with a stand-alone tub, large glass shower
• A coffee station in a unit uses open shelves for easy access
15 NEW MID/HIGH RISE HOME:
The Tricar Group (The Westdell)
ON TREND:
• Features a white kitchen with black accents, using white subway tiles for the backsplash
• Throughout, a palette of pale neutrals and light woods gives an airy, spacious feel
• A den features a fireplace flanked by built-in shelving
NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOME (up to 2,000 sq. ft.):
Halcyon Homes
Design: Moore Flooring & Design Limited & Casey’s Creative Kitchens Inc.
16 NEW SINGLE FAMILY HOME (2,000-3,000 sq. ft.):
Magnus Homes
ON TREND:
• Bedroom with built-in wood headboard and end tables
• Ensuite uses fluted tiles, soft neutrals and light wood
17 LHBA NEW HOME OF THE YEAR:
Magnus Homes
ON TREND:
• The exterior mixes light stone, cream siding and adds a gable and peaked roofline for curb appeal
• Arches add architectural interest in a bedroom headboard and ensuite shower
• Back kitchen adds a bar fridge, oven and sink
RENOVATION AWARDS
RENOVATED KITCHEN (UP TO $100,000):
V+V Homes (see page 29)
Design: Sloan Stone Design & Braam’s Custom Cabinets
ON TREND:
• Kitchen wood cabinetry contrasts with a black alcove for the cooktop
• Dramatic island in stone
18 RENOVATED KITCHEN (OVER $100,000):
DUO Building Ltd.
Design: Braam’s Custom Cabinets
ON TREND:
• Kitchen opened up and combines white cabinetry, wood on the island and stone countertops with brass accents and hardware
• Built-ins for china and a beverage bar contrast in soft green
• Ceiling beams wrapped in wood to match island
• Curves repeat in upper cabinets, pendant lights, door to dining room, and shelves in living room
• Back kitchen offers storage and fridge/freezer
19 RENOVATED BATHROOM:
Riverside Construction
Design: London Kitchen Studio Corp. & Sloan Stone Design
ON TREND:
• Rain & Repose contrasts black faucets and shower glass with light wood
• The spa-like retreat includes a heated towel rack
20 RENOVATED EXTERIOR:
Royal Premier Homes
ON TREND:
• Stately façade provides timeless elegance
• Arched window gable above front and rear entries
• Large windows bring in light and connect to the outdoors
• Dramatic night lighting showcases the façade and back living areas
21 RENOVATION (UP TO $100,000):
CLAY Design, Construction & Cabinetry
ON TREND:
• The Vinyl Speakeasy reflects a nostalgic aesthetic with contemporary amenities
• Dark millwork and cabinetry create a cozy, fun space
• Large-screen television, music area with turntable, shelving for the records, instruments and a gallery wall
• The speakeasy? – a hidden door to the bar
22 RENOVATION ($101,000-$250,000):
Riverside Construction
Design: Casey’s Creative Kitchens Inc.
ON TREND:
• Stone & Flow converted a dated kitchen to a modern space
• White cabinets with wood-clad range hood, brass hardware and a deep blue island
• Dining area with built-in china cabinet
• Wine wall with a serving counter and storage below
• Soft green accents, such as dining chairs, tiles in the laundry
23 RENOVATION (OVER $500,000):
Royal Premier Homes
ON TREND:
• Double kitchen islands with dramatic black and white waterfall stone
• Pendant lights look like sparkling bursts
• Bathroom features a black pebble wall for texture, and white and black wallpaper
• Fireplace in the main bedroom
• Tray and beamed ceiling treatment
• In-home gym
FOXWOOD HOMES JIM KENNEDY PROJECT OF THE YEAR
SPECIAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
JIM KENNEDY PROJECT OF THE YEAR: Foxwood Homes
SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR: Sloan Stone Design
SUB-TRADE OF THE YEAR: Casey’s Creative Kitchens Inc.
RENOVATOR OF THE YEAR: CCR Build + Remodel
BUILDER OF THE YEAR (SMALL VOLUME): LUX Homes Design & Build
BUILDER OF THE YEAR (LARGE VOLUME): The Tricar Group
INNOVATION: The Ironstone Building Company
SALES AND MARKETING AWARDS
PROJECT BRANDING: Foxwood Homes
MERCHANDISED MODEL HOME: Magnus Homes
DIGITAL PRESENCE: scherba & co.
SHOW ROOM, DESIGN CENTRE OR SALES OFFICE: Casey’s Creative Kitchens
Design: scherba & co. & Riverside Construction
TOP SALES ACHIEVEMENT:
• Megan Corfield, The Tricar Group
• Kevin Miller, Thrive Realty for Foxwood Homes
• Kevin Barry, Thrive Realty for Foxwood Homes
• Patrick Hazzard, Century 21 First Canadian for Rockmount Homes
• Dimen Noory, Royal Premier Homes
• Ahmed Waqas, Nu-Vista Premier Realty for Bridlewood Homes
JANIS WALLACE has written for newspapers, magazines, scripts and social media on topics from music to dog food, fashion to décor, agriculture to gardens. She wrote a book about a theatre, a place she loves to be in the audience or on stage.
