“This feels like home.”
Sometimes we need help to get that feeling of being home.
Circumstances change, visions change.
Let these pages inspire you to meet your needs and fulfill your dreams.
Home is where the heart is.
Cottage Culture
Relax in Comfort and Style
Cottage Culture manager Angela Roth recommends Brafab’s Villac modular lounge seating, flexible enough to suit any configuration
Deck days are here and folks planning for relaxation and memory-making fun in the sun can find inspiration from Cottage Culture, a family-owned outdoor decor business in Hensall. Its Scandanavian-designed furniture offers comfortable and versatile seating, which are key to outside gatherings, says company manager Angela Roth. An example is Swedish-based Brafab’s Villac modular lounge seating, which can be assembled in different combinations, depending on a homeowner’s style and needs. “You can add on pieces or separate them. Coffee tables are built in,” Roth says. “If you want two chairs and a coffee table or a chaise in a corner, that’s easily done, or create a sectional. It fits any space.” Cushion colours for the furniture come in robin-egg blue or chocolate brown.
For ease of entertainment, Roth also recommends a Coldstream kitchen cart that has a garden hose attachment. “It’s a helpful addition for outdoor cooking. Cleanup is quick and easy,” she says. “Along with providing some counter space, the cart can also be used to craft your favourite cocktail.”
Roth says customers can bring in deck measurements or photos and Cottage Culture will create options based on the space. “It’s like designing a kitchen. You need to have flow as it becomes an extension of your home.”
Cottage Culture also sells distinctive Canadian-made fire pits and outdoor artificial plants. •
Melchers Construction Limited
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
“There is a need to increase the efficiency of use of land within the province, and it compels us to build homes strategically within our communities,” Elaine Melchers
Home affordability and aligning with the province’s agenda for higher density housing are priorities for Melchers Construction, a full-service design and build company “We need to increase land use efficiency in Ontario,” says Elaine Melchers, the company’s model home designer and business development manager. “We heard there was a rental shortage in the Strathroy area, and felt we could help meet the need.”
The first building in the Darcy Commons community on Darcy Drive has 24 units — a combination of one- and two-bedroom spaces, close to schools, shopping and parks. The community has a planned landscaped green space for residents and two more similar buildings are planned for the property. Each home is roughly 1000 sq. ft. with a three-piece bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen with quartz countertops and stainless steel appliances and in-unit washer and dryer. “You don’t have to share a utility area or common indoor space,” Melchers says. “We have maximized each unit’s living space.”
Family owned and operated since 1987, Melchers Construction is known for its award-winning renovations. “With the staff we have — a draftsman, designers, selections coordinators and project managers — the whole process, whether it is a new build, addition or renovation, is managed in-house,” says Melchers. “This expedites the building process for clients. Design changes are easily completed. We coordinate trades and materials to stay on schedule so homeowners can enjoy their dreamed space as soon as possible.”•
Covers Designer’s Edge
Window Treatment Specialists
In the midst of economic uncertainty, Kevin Fellner, president of London’s Covers Designers’ Edge, says consumers have been doing their part to focus on Canadian-made products. “Clearly there is much uncertainty in Canada, but the positive of this instability is that it has brought Canadians together in an unprecedented way.” Fellner notes that Covers’ products have always been made in Canada — including locally — and that will continue. Their roller shades, dual shades and drapery are fabricated in London and Fellner also employs local seamstresses. Covers also supports Canadian shading companies Altex and Sun Glow. “They are great companies to work with and buying from them makes so much sense.”
He says more people are asking where items are produced and he is encouraging everyone in the industry to keep the momentum going.
“Architects, buyers and specifiers need to make this a priority in their designs, specifications and ultimate purchases. Everyone needs to get on board for the sake of our country.” He would also like to see interprovincial trade barriers lifted. “We need to open up trade within our country and deal with reliable partners.”
“It gives people a lot of comfort to know we’ve been in business a long time,” adds Fellner, “and we service what we sell.” London’s Covers Designers’ Edge, established in 1987, has convenient locations at 297 Exeter Road and 1950 Hyde Park Road. •
London Kitchen Studio
Exceptional Style and Service
The design manager at London Kitchen Studio, which provides top-quality semi-custom cabinetry for renovations and new home construction, says her team of designers is happy to take on projects of all sizes and shapes.
“There is no right or wrong in design and that is exciting,” says Erin Hall. “People will find products here that fit their budget, tastes and that check off all the items on their wish lists.”
The six award-winning designers on staff work hand-in-hand with the company’s clients. Hall says designers are happy to do free in-home consultations, or clients can bring in measurements and layouts to the showroom on William Street. “We will show you all the different price points, styles and materials. There is truly something for everybody.”
She says it’s exciting that different colour schemes are emerging this year. “In the past, people were choosing mostly greys and whites. Now other colours are trending, which is fun.” Woods of oak, maple and cherry are increasingly popular for use in kitchen cabinetry, she says, and clients are seeking designs that vary from the traditional to modern.
London Kitchen Studio also designs bathrooms, laundry rooms and outdoor areas. Hall encourages people to check out London Kitchen Studio on Instagram to see some of the team’s incredible designs and cabinetry options.•
Walnut Park from Domus Developments
Easy Living in St. Thomas
“We designed the exterior of the building to tie into the existing home and used natural colours to bring in the surrounding feel of the park. It’s calm and organic.” Pat Kadlecik, designer
Walnut Park, Domus Developments’ new three-storey residential building, located in the sought-after courthouse heritage district of St. Thomas, is surrounded by natural beauty and offers loads of charm. With 28 rental suites, it is the first of three buildings to be constructed around a historic home on Walnut Street. The home was built in the mid 1800s by Edward Ermatinger, who was a postmaster, newspaper owner and Member of Parliament. Nearby V.A. Barrie Park, named for a later owner of the house, is a gem set along the Kettle Creek Valley.
“I enjoyed working with the existing infrastructure and landscape,” says Domus Developments’ designer Pat Kadlecik. “We designed the exterior of the building to tie into the existing home and used natural colours to bring in the surrounding feel of the park. It’s calm and organic.” There is an easy-living vibe in each unit, she says, which feature ceramic tiles, luxury vinyl plank flooring and soft colours throughout. Tenants will enjoy the spacious kitchen with full-size stainless steel appliances, quartz countertops and a large island with a breakfast bar. “It’s multi-functional and easy living,” says Kadlecik. “The oversize windows (blinds included) also provide plenty of natural light and are perfect for viewing the beautiful area.”
Domus Developments, established in 1999, has won numerous provincial and regional homebuilding awards.
Compass Point from Domus Developments
Luxury on the Lake
A residence on a cliff, overlooking a beautiful body of water where great sunsets close out the day, would be an inspiring place to call home. Domus Developments has taken that vision and created a lakeside luxury apartment building in Port Stanley, ready for occupancy this summer.
The six-storey building with open concept one-bedroom and two-bedroom rental suites is located at 16 Compass Trail. Suites range from 660 to 1,250 square feet and offer ceramic tiles, vinyl plank flooring, a large island with a breakfast bar, custom blinds for the large windows, private balconies and many more amenities, says Domus designer Pat Kadlecik.
Domus, a family-run company established in 1999, uses local products and trades wherever possible, Kadlecik says. The Compass Point custom cabinetry is supplied by a St. Thomas company and the quartz countertops are made in London.
The concrete building is contemporary in style and has a West Coast vibe, she says. Residents will also enjoy a gathering room, workout space and a garden area. The Port Stanley strip and Little Beach are great areas to explore and Compass Point is walking distance to both. The 4,000-square-foot, furnished rooftop patio will become a favourite spot to relax and enjoy the vista and sunsets in style, Kadlecik says. “Everything inside and out is set up for relaxation and ease.” •
Bask Outdoor Leisure
Expanding the Beachcomber Experience
“We aren’t just in the hot tub business anymore, we are in the backyard transformation business.”
Beachcomber London has been helping people relax with its premium hot tubs for close to 30 years. During that time, the company has expanded to offer customers everything needed to create a backyard oasis and enjoy special moments with family and friends.
“We aren’t just in the hot tub business anymore, we are in the backyard transformation business,” says owner Jeff McColl. Reflecting on the changing business landscape, McColl has rebranded his company as Bask Outdoor Leisure. “This name truly reflects everything we offer, whether it’s a cozy evening in a sauna, a lively barbecue with friends or sitting in your gazebo under the stars. This transformation represents our commitment to providing more ways to elevate your outdoor lifestyle year round, no matter where you are in your journey.”
McColl says Beachcomber hot tubs will continue to be his main product, but he’s added the Strong Spas line, cold-plunge tubs, and offers a large line of indoor and outdoor saunas. Along with servicing your pool and hot tub, Bask provides free water testing.
McColl is proud that the majority of his products are Canadian made, right down to the pool chemicals. “We’re thrilled to embark on this new venture with our customers. It’s your backyard and we want you to Bask in it.”•
