ICFs, otherwise known as Insulating Concrete Forms, are foams that can create a solid reinforced monolithic concrete wall. It is a popular alternative framing method to traditional wood-frame housing, especially for contractors looking to build comfortable and environmentally friendly homes. 

ICF works similarly to CMU (concrete masonry unit); they need to be reinforced with horizontal and vertical rebars before filling with concrete. Vertical rebars structurally support the wall from collapsing, while horizontal rebar prevents cracks from developing. If the rebars are spaced too far apart, either the horizontal rebar or the vertical, they may result in cracks resulting in more significant construction problems in the long term. Therefore, those looking forward to building homes using ICFs must ensure that the steel frames inside are correctly installed and based on the engineer’s specifications. 

Now, what might happen if you have the wrong spacing installed if the ICF and forms are already in place? Will there be a remedy? Can ICFs still be used? Or should they just be disposed?

Well, the good news is that considering the time, yes–as long as the rebar and concrete pouring on ICFs don’t take place yet–ICFs can still be used without compromising the quality and durability of the wall. 

Using concrete reinforcements that work equally well with rebars like Helix Micro-Rebar and Buckeye’s UltraFiber 500.

Helix Micro-Rebar is a steel pin fiber reinforcement that can help fix rebar problems. It is a cost alternative to rebar, mesh, and other additives, providing strength, durability, and crack control. (Steel Fiber West)

Buckeye’s UltraFiber 500, on the other hand, is a fiberglass/cellulose mixture that provides secondary reinforcement in concrete in terms of temperature and shrinkage crack control. Here are some advantages of Buckeye’s UltraFiber 500:

Reduces the formation of intrinsic cracking in concrete. Based on a report, Buckeye’s UltraFiber 500TM  in concrete results in 85% fewer cracks than concretes without fiber. 

Reduces concrete permeability and absorption

Provides enhanced hydration, which improves concrete strength properties

Improves bond strength between rebar and cement paste

Both Helix Micro-Rebar and Buckeye’s UltraFiber 500TM  are mixed with concrete and then poured into the ICFs. These fiber reinforcements are helpful remedies for any ICF rebar issues your contractor may encounter in the future. The decision to use Helix or UltraFiber 500 may now depend on your homebuilder and your budget. 

Rebar is vital in ensuring the long-term durability of the monolithic concrete wall. However, if issues with it arise, solutions are always available. If these issues are encountered while stacking ICFs, never ignore the problem. Investigate, Research, and Resolve the issue immediately. 

Will there be a remedy if spacing on ICF rebars occurred?

British Columbia boasts some of the world's most breathtaking and serene landscapes, making it a sought-after destination for those seeking luxurious and exclusive properties. Whether you prefer a mountainside retreat, a waterfront mansion, or a chic urban penthouse, British Columbia offers an array of options for high-end buyers from around the globe.

When building a luxury home in Tri-Cities, BC, it's important to consider the unique features and amenities that complement the natural surroundings. However, the specific features and amenities you choose may vary depending on your location. Here are the top 10 features to consider when building a luxury home in British Columbia. 

1. Breathtaking views of the mountains or the ocean

BC is renowned for its picturesque landscapes, from the snow-capped mountains to the sparkling ocean. Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam are no exception. A luxury home in these areas with panoramic views of the natural surroundings can provide a sense of tranquility and serenity. Large windows or expansive outdoor living spaces are a must-have feature to fully appreciate the region's stunning natural beauty. Imagine waking up every morning to a view of the mountains or ocean from the comfort of your home.

2. Expansive outdoor living spaces for enjoying the natural beauty

In British Columbia, expansive outdoor living spaces are a highly sought-after feature in luxury homes, and it's easy to see why. With the province's mild weather and breathtaking natural scenery, outdoor living is a way of life for many homeowners. A wraparound balcony, terrace, or patio can provide ample space for entertaining guests, enjoying meals, or simply relaxing and enjoying the stunning views. During the warmer months, these outdoor living spaces can serve as an extension of the home, providing additional living areas to enjoy with friends and family. From summer barbeques to cozy winter gatherings around the fire pit, having a well-designed outdoor living space can make a luxury home in British Columbia feel even more special.

3. High-end finishes and fixtures that complement the natural surroundings

To create a seamless blend between the indoor and outdoor living spaces, a luxury home in British Columbia may feature high-end finishes and fixtures that reflect the natural surroundings. This could include stone or wood accents, natural materials, and large windows allowing plenty of natural light.

4. Sustainable and eco-friendly features to reduce your carbon footprint

British Columbia is known for its commitment to environmental sustainability. A luxury home can incorporate eco-friendly features such as solar panels, geothermal heating and cooling, and energy-efficient appliances. These features reduce your carbon footprint and provide long-term cost savings.

5. Spacious bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms for ultimate comfort and relaxation

After a day of exploring the natural beauty of British Columbia, a luxury home with spacious bedrooms and en-suite bathrooms can provide a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. These features can include spa-like features such as steam showers, soaking tubs, and heated floors.

6. Home automation and smart technology for added convenience and security

In Tri-Cities, a high-end property can integrate intelligent technology and home automation features to enhance comfort and security. Such features may comprise automated climate control and lighting, remote access security systems, and smart appliances that can be managed through a mobile device.

These features are considered essential in a luxury home because they provide a convenient and modern way of managing the household. Integrating home automation technology simplifies daily routines and elevates the overall living experience. Homeowners can easily control and monitor their environment, ensuring maximum comfort and convenience. Moreover, with remote access to security systems, residents can enhance the safety of their property and gain peace of mind, knowing they can keep an eye on their home even when they are away.

7. Private amenities such as a swimming pool, hot tub, or sauna

A luxurious residence in British Columbia may feature personal amenities like a swimming pool, hot tub, or sauna, which serve as means of unwinding and amusement. These facilities provide an exceptional in-home refuge, offering choices for both indoor and outdoor use.

Such amenities are considered essential in a luxury home as they provide the occupants with an exclusive retreat within the privacy and comfort of their homes. Adding these features elevates the overall living experience and can significantly enhance the property's value. Additionally, they offer a convenient and readily accessible way for homeowners to relax and entertain guests without leaving their premises.

8. Access to outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing

British Columbia is known for its outdoor recreation opportunities, and a luxury home in the region can provide easy access to activities such as skiing, hiking, and fishing. Depending on the location, a luxury home may also offer access to golf courses, water sports, and other outdoor activities.

9. Proximity to world-class dining and shopping destinations

British Columbia offers a range of world-class dining and shopping destinations, from farm-to-table restaurants to high-end boutiques. A luxury home in the region may be located near these destinations, providing easy access to British Columbia's best.

10. State-of-the-art home entertainment systems for indoor entertainment

A luxury home in Port Moody, Port Coquitlam, or Coquitlam can incorporate state-of-the-art home entertainment systems for indoor entertainment. These features can include home theaters, sound systems, and gaming rooms that provide a high-end entertainment experience for residents and guests.

When it comes to building a luxury home in British Columbia, there are many features and amenities to consider. From breathtaking views to sustainable and eco-friendly features, a luxury home in Tri-Cities, BC, can offer ultimate luxury living. With easy access to outdoor activities, world-class dining and shopping destinations, and state-of-the-art entertainment systems, a luxury home in Tri-Cities, British Columbia, can perfectly combine natural beauty and modern luxury.

If you want to make the most of your home in British Columbia, it's worth considering home features perfectly suited for the area.

Top 10 Must-Have Features of Luxury Homes in Tri-Cities, BC. 

Putting together furnishings to form a luxurious kitchen is hard work, but it's also fascinating and worth the effort. You need to carefully consider every detail, including the appliances and layout. The selections you make are a big piece of the design and play a key role in achieving a particular aesthetic in the space. Each furnishings selected should come from carefully picked brands known for their aesthetic appeal and drive for luxury. They should also look beautiful whether they stand alone or in groups. But most importantly, the chosen furnishings should help bring out the beauty of the newly renovated kitchen.

Here are just a few of the luxury kitchen furnishing inspirations we thought you must see and consider for the kind of luxury kitchen you want to achieve.

Lacanche has been a household name for luxury kitchen stoves. Many high-end interior designers and general contractors opt to incorporate Lacanche stoves into their renovation projects because of their modern features and stylish look. Each Lacanche stove was designed to fit beautifully with stunning and expensive backsplash materials such as Calacatta, Carrara marbles, and granite backsplashes.

Lighting is essential in setting the tone of the room. The capacity of one’s room to look luxurious may sometimes depend on it. Therefore, upon selecting the right lighting pieces, luxury homeowners should consider its aesthetic appeal and capabilities to bring out the most beautiful version of the newly renovated kitchen. Lighting brands with these benefits are definitely one of the best picks. Try to check some from Circa lighting. They offer a wide selection of products made out of high-end materials that work well with any interior style.

3. Plant Pots by Sacha Lakic for Stayconcrete

Sacha Lakic is a well-renowned furniture designer, but his creativity is not limited to those must-haves living room pieces. He can create automotive designs and other products, such as designing beautiful plant pots. Those who want to incorporate Lakic’s pot creations into their luxury kitchens can use these designer plant pots at Stayconcrete. 

This year, we have seen a number of luxury kitchens that are inspired by art deco styles. Kitchen furnishings with styles that resemble opulence, beauty, and sophistication are proudly showcased by luxury homeowners who love to host extravagant gatherings inside their mansions. The fun and fad of such activities can be perfectly intensified through the use of extremely elegant stools, such as the Nº 11 Bar Stools by Boca do Lobo.

Luxury kitchens are always expected to combine kitchen furnishings with the highest-quality materials, leading-edge technologies, and top-of-the-line appliances. Some of the best picks can be explored at LaCanche, Circa Lighting, Sacha Lakic Creations, and Boca do Lobo. Combining creations from these selections may require the expertise and experience of high-end luxury renovators and contractors to ensure functionality and continuity of the chosen furnishings with the cabinetry and overall kitchen flow. 

 Each furnishings selected should come from carefully picked brands known for their aesthetic appeal and drive for luxury.

Designing a luxury kitchen requires expertise, passion, and, most importantly, inspiration. 

4 Kitchen Furnishing Inspirations from Well-Known Luxury Brands

Photo: @jeadijeanfeldman via Lichelle Silvestry Interiors/IG

In a recent survey conducted by homes.com, realtors cited the master bedroom as the most sought-after feature when buying or selling a home. This indicates that potential buyers and sellers put a significant value on this particular room. Dee Allen of Century 21 Results Realty Services stated that a master bedroom on the ground floor is an attractive bonus for purchasers of any age.

We could not disagree further with Dee Allen. 

The bedroom is where we spend a third of our day. If you’re working from home, you have probably spent another third on it. Considering these preferences, we would like to share five perfectly laid out classy master bedroom designs that you can draw inspiration from for your custom home in the Tri-Cities. 

Have a look at the photos below and let us know which of these designs captivated you :).

Which among those classy master bedroom designs do you like the most for your custom home in the Tri-Cities? 

Do you need more designs? Let us know how we can help! Contact us today! 

See which among these master bedroom plans best fit your custom home!

See which among these master bedroom plans best fits your custom home!

5 Classy Master Bedroom Floor Plans for your Tri-Cities' home

We’re halfway through the year. Have you or your family experienced some life-changing event(s) that prompted you to change your plans or lifestyle? 

From being a working mom to being a full-time mom because you have to sacrifice work for the sake of your kids, from being indifferent towards your health to being a health-conscious person, from working in a nearby place to being permanently assigned to an area far and outside Tri-Cities. 

Most of these changes seem good. How about complementing them with a home upgrade or renovation? 

When you change the design of your home based on the changes you want to happen in your life, you will be able to maximize the benefit of adopting those changes. For example, enhancing your laundry room may help you become more efficient with household chores and save you more time for your kids. Converting your entertainment room to a gym might help you with your health goals. Incorporating the latest home trend features may help you increase the value of your home before selling it for good and leaving Tri-Cities. 

Aside from these home upgrade ideas, we have prepared more renovation ideas that you can explore to help you save time. These ideas came from some of the trends CHBA forecasted this year, so incorporating them into your renovation goals will help you adapt to the changes thoroughly and help your home keep up with the trend. Here they are

The color of kitchen cabinets is no longer limited to neutral colors. If you have become health conscious this year, you can repaint your kitchen cabinets blue. Blue is known to increase focus. If you paint your kitchen cabinets or accent your whole kitchen blue, your determination to achieve your new goals will be easier. 

If you have decided to become more environmentally friendly, accent your kitchen with any shades of brown. Then put on some biophilic elements like plants or furnishings made out of rattan and the like. 

2. Consider adding an oversized kitchen island.

If your kitchen space is broad enough, install oversized kitchen islands. If you want to maximize your potential as a mom, having this will be helpful, especially if you have it customized. With an oversized kitchen island that perfectly fits your cooking, baking, and washing needs, doing those house chores will be easier and faster, saving more time for your kids. 

Photo: Nick Sorensen via THELIFESTYLEDCO/IG

The fireplace is often located in your home’s living room, where family members gather together. If you’re someone who adopted a significant change this year, the best way to remain optimistic about that change is to deal with it with the help of your family or household members. Make that moment more memorable by spending it in a well-organized, clean living room with attractive fireplace surrounds that can help draw your family’s attention. 

One of the easiest ways to upgrade your home is by incorporating accent walls. If you become an environmental advocate, you can just put up any wallpaper prints that imbue your advocacy–fine print leaves, flowers, trees, plants, etc. If you want to go the extra mile, you can also have your wall decorated with open cabinets or dividers where you can display your interior plants. With accent walls, you’re not obligated to spend much, but if you want to go the extra mile, you can always have the choice.

5. Planting shrubs instead of grass for your front or backyard 

If you are from the Tri-Cities, particularly Port Moody, you may want to explore this renovation idea for your outdoor living space. Many people from your place love the city because the parks are beautifully decorated with well-taken-care of plants. The good thing is that the idea of having these plants, mainly shrubs, is no longer limited to parks as CHBA forecasted that more Canadians would adopt to having shrubs dominate their front or backyards instead of grass. We’ve shared some benefits of planting shrubs instead of grass and gathered photos of gardens dominated by shrubs in this blog. 

Photo: Coastal Design Landscaping (Coquitlam)/IG

6. Converting one of your rooms into a room that fits your NEW set of priorities or goals

That room might be your stock room, game room, or entertainment room.

If your goals and priorities changed in the middle of this year, transforming that room into a space that helps you achieve them could be helpful. What room could it be? Probably, a more expansive utility room or a mini-library/playground for your kids if you decide to become a full-time mom. A gym or a garden, if you have decided to live healthily, or a home office in case you choose to work full-time at home. 

7. Enhancing your home’s front entrance

Being assigned to a workplace that requires you to leave your hometown permanently is probably one of the saddest changes you may encounter this year. The way Tri-Cities have been managed made them one of the best places to live, so leaving this region will be quite hard. 

To temporarily ease the sadness, think of ways to turn that loss into something like earning a substantial amount of unplanned money by selling your home. Of course, the money you will make cannot be compared to the memories created, but it could help. 

How do you increase your home’s market value?

There are many ways to upgrade your home’s front entrance; Add high-end transom and sidelites to your home’s front door, incorporate imported stone slabs to level up your home’s foyer, or heighten your ceiling. These are just some of your options to help you develop a grand front entrance that could “wow” prospective home buyers. When more people find your home attractive, there’s a high possibility of increasing the demand for your home, resulting in a higher market price. 

8. Converting your flooring to blonde wood

Photo: Layered Home & Living (Coquitlam)/IG

This renovation idea is another way to increase your home’s value because blonde wood flooring is trending, and it is believed that they are here to stay. If you have undergone other changes, such as a shift in lifestyle or change in priorities, having blonde wood flooring might help too. It could help you clear your mind and motivate you to achieve your goal because of the bright and clean vibe it gives.

Based on our Tri-Cities project records, this type of renovation was among the most popular. In fact, last quarter, we had two flooring projects of this type in a row and were very happy to share that our customers were delighted with the results. 

There are many ways to achieve the renovation of your dreams, but before proceeding to the first step, knowing which one of those renovation ideas paves the way for you to keep up with the change you’ve undergone this year is vital. So, which of the renovation ideas do you think is the most appropriate and attainable? 

Incorporating accent walls, reinventing fireplace surround, repainting your kitchen cabinet, installing an oversized kitchen cabinet, converting one of your rooms, or enhancing your front entrance? 

Consulting high-end renovation experts from Tri-Cities might help. 

Aside from these home upgrade ideas, we have prepared more renovation ideas that you can explore to help you save time. These ideas came from some of the trends 

The kids are back at school, so if you’re planning to have some renovation, hesitate no more. The best season for a home renovation is NOW. 

Renovation ideas if you’re from Tri-Cities and nearby areas

Source: Kelly Ladwig - Nashville Realtor/IG

Making a great first impression is important, and your front entrance can do just that. Personalize the area with items that highlight your design aesthetics and represent who you are as a person. Doing so allows visitors to get an insight into your design sensibilities and know more about you. Get ideas from any of the following 5 front entrance styles for your single family home in British Columbia. 

Designed by Parasol Properties, this single family home’s entryway is a must-have front entrance, especially for those who have broad, idle yards. A lush and vibrant entryway gives an impressive experience to anyone walking in between it. Passing in a single family home with this front entrance will always be a walk to remember!

Aside from bermudagrass, the two sides of an empty and long pathway towards your single family home’s front door can be decorated with creeping thyme seeds or other plants you prefer. 

Source: High Tower Group/IG (left); Wall to wall Interiors/IG (right)

You're not Ali Baba, and you're certainly not trying to open a cave, but...

When you have a luxury home with an extravagant and fortified front entrance, saying the magical word "open sesame!" might feel like the right words to tell so you can enter the home.

Houses with a grand gatehouse consisting of two towers or bastions flanking a central gateway, with a high wall connecting the towers to create an enclosed space, are another way to level up any single-family home's front entrance. To doll up your front entrance, get inspiration from another Parasol property creation below.

This Spanish mission-style mansion from Florida features a smooth stucco finish, barrel roof tiles, arched entryways, windows, wrought iron works, and two sconces that are both dramatic and minimal at the same time.

Using rocks on walls–or more famously known as stone cladding installations are proven to be more durable and long-lasting than any walling materials. Aside from its protective effect, stone cladding makes wall surfaces distinct and aesthetically appealing. If you’re drawn to rocks, keep them rolling on your walls and see how it builds up an impressive front entrance like the one below.

The combination of stone cladding, vintage lamps, tinted windows, and timber door with sidelites and transom in this home’s front entrance makes an excellent vintage impression. Shop the look of this single-family home’s front entrance at Standard Building Supplies (with branches in Vancouver and Burnaby).  

Creating a Victorian-inspired foyer is also an excellent choice for enhancing your front entrance. Those who have single family homes in British Columbia can do this with the help of certified luxury home builders or general contractors who can remodel your home to add more Victorian-style features such as cathedral ceilings and light brown colored tiles mixed with striking patterns, colors, and shapes. Get inspired by checking the details of this single family home’s front entrance. 

A walk in this expansive Victorian space will give you an “old but gold” feeling. The combination of a chaise lounge, an old-fashioned sideboard, a lamp, a cathedral ceiling, dramatic flooring, and a wooden door with customized sidelites and transom imbues a Victorian ambiance that’s very unique and opulent.  

Photo: Certified Luxury Builders via Decoist

When talking about “grand” front entrances, this option would probably be the most popular on our list. Where else do we often see luxurious grand entrances aside from hotels? Hotels, particularly their lobbies, are among the best sources of inspiration if you want to make your front entrance as great as possible. Most hotel lobbies feature floor-to-ceiling windows, wrought-iron detailing, chandeliers, brass fixtures, and marble floors, making them appealing and exceptional. Witness how the mansion’s front entrance below includes features that make it look like an actual hotel.  

Richness in colors, bold geometrical patterns, and decadent detail work that brings in glamour, luxury, and order with symmetrical designs in exuberant shapes are the common features you can see in this single family home. These are features of the art-deco style that were mostly seen in the movie known for exhibiting great opulence, The Great Gatsby. If you like to display grandiosity, decor your front entrance with this style. 

Grand entryways have been quite popular in the last couple of years, and that trend will likely continue this year too. Make the most out of your home by following some of the design ideas we’ve provided on our blog. Ensure your home stands out and looks unique with these must-see modern front entrance ideas in 2023. 

Revamp the entryway leading to your front door or the area beyond it using any of these five attention-grabbing front entrance ideas with catchy titles you'll never forget

Must-see Modern Front Entrance Ideas in 2023

A home provides comfort and safety no matter how big or small it is. But if your home is not maintained correctly, will it be able to offer the same amount of reliability when it was still new? Like humans who encounter different stages in life, homes experience different phases, too--we call them seasons. 

All these seasons affect our homes differently. Thus it is only important to know how to properly maintain your home in different seasons to keep it healthy and spare you from costly repairs and other unnecessary expenses. Having said this, allow us to share with you some tips on maintaining your home in every season. 

Ensure that air intakes, exhausts, and meters are clear of snow

Check basement floor drain trap; replenish if needed

Inspect all faucets for signs of dripping

Clean furnace humidifier; close its damper to applicable areas where aircon is centralized.

Check fireplace and chimney; service or clean if needed

Inspect air conditioning; service as needed (usually every 2-3 years)

Check/clean HRV; wash or replace the filter

Clean windows screens and hardware; install screens

Check that air intake and exhausts are clear of debris, nests, etc. 

Check foundation walls, sump pump, eaves troughs, and downspouts

Undertake spring landscape maintenance; fertilize young trees

Test plumbing shut-off valves to ensure they are working

Check roofing and flashing for signs of wear or damage

Air out damp basements on dry days or use a dehumidifier

Check chalking and weather stripping of doors and windows

Inspect chimneys for possible end-of-season problems

Repair any areas that may compromise your and your household’s safety

Clean furnace humidifier; open its damper to applicable areas where aircon is centralized.

Have furnace/heating system serviced(every two years)

For central air conditioning, clean the filter in the air handling unit

Cover the exterior of air conditioning units

Ensure that the ground slopes away from the foundation wall

Inspect the basement or crawl space or signs of leakage/seepage

Vacuum ducts behind warm air and return air grilles

Since every season impacts our home uniquely, different ways of home care should be done. Keep those maintenance tips in mind, or have them printed on a piece of paper. Repeat checking the list twice, and inspect your home thrice but never forget to perform them even once.

Have a safe and comfy living inside your Port Coquitlam home all year round!

Having said this, allow us to share with you some tips on maintaining your home in every season. 

The Port Coquitlam Single Family Home Maintenance Checklist

A style that blends baroque glamour and rustic charm and is often referred to as "French country," Shabby chic is known for upcycling forgotten objects and pieces of furniture from another era to bring a classic, wholesome and welcoming vibe that is opposite from the luxury and liberalism that sentimentally cute Pop-Victorian style brought. This style has its origins and inspiration from the farmhouses situated in the terrain of Great Britain and was later on popularized by Rachel Ashwell. 

Almost 32 years had passed since the hype for the style that promotes the beauty of imperfection and enchantment on time-worn objects began, and this year, shabby chic gained the spotlight once again. 

Last year, we saw a growing population of interior designers who incorporated designs using inspiration from a niche aesthetic based on elicit influences of an ideal life in the Western countryside. The popularity of this style was inspired by some of the most prominent fashion subcultures in 2020, known as "Cottagecore" and "Grandmillenial" designs. 

Cottagecore and Grandmillenial are fashion trends that display modesty and elegance of the hip, young and fashionable. Such fashion trends eventually became home decor inspirations by more interior designers in 2020, which resembled a popular design back in the 80s known as Shabby Chic. 

Shabby Chic enthusiasts furnish their interiors with old and faded furniture like chintz sofas and curtains and other vintage elements like old paintings and recycled fabrics. Aside from this, the style incorporates feminine floral prints and designs that signify country design. Subtle colors like bright white and beige dominate Shabby chic designs. Lighter colors like lavender, light blue, and pink are also on its list. Wallpapers, white curtains, large chandeliers, and slipcovers were also present in shabby chic. 

Shabby chic interiors in 1989 often blended cozy flower-bedecked English cottage style with a modern Californian coastal lifestyle approach. In the case of Ashwell, it's pretty different because she mentioned that she didn't follow any rules in building this style. However, she stated that it has to be more about the beach in one of her Shabby Chic Decorating Books, giving rise to one of the popular shabby types, which is Shabby Beach Chic.

“Simple, spacious, with a little bit of shelliciousness,” this is how Ashwell described Beach cottage chic. This type of decor is dominated by white--the walls, distressed furnishings, sofas, and even slipcovers. If not white, these elements are mostly accentuated with soft pastels to keep the vibe cordial. 

According to Coral Nafie's decorator's guide article, Cottage Style isn’t a style. After all, a cottage is meant to be lived in, to be enjoyed, and is usually the recipient of all the cast-offs from the existing home. However, since cottage furnishings and accessories have grown in popularity, they have somehow become a style inspiration. 

According to Nafie, anything (and everything) goes in Cottage Style. So how does this style look when combined with Shabby chic? Unlike beach cottage chic, which is often spacious and simple, cottage-style shabby chic is cramped with a  mix of fabrics used for slipcovers, upholstery, curtains, draperies, table skirts, pillows, and MORE. 

To achieve a collected look, this style coordinates a variety of prints like stripes, checks, tartans, and of course, florals. 

While Shabby Chic is often used interchangeably with French country, the latter is considered part of the former. The style, French Country Shabby Chic, is inspired by vintage farmhouses in the French countryside. Like beach cottage chic, French country Shabby Chic is often spacious, and since this style is not overwhelmed with details, weathered pieces and chandeliers often catch attention. 

The Shabby chic style that emphasizes fabulous lighting, decorative chandeliers against a clean backdrop, and furniture with carved legs. 

Gustavian Shabby Chic was inspired by the Gustavian style, which dates back to the 1770s and is known to incorporate elements mentioned previously. Soft yellow, blue and traditional gray are often present in the Gustavian color palette.  

Which of the following Shabby chic styles appeal the most to you? Is it the spacious and simple Beach Chic, the cramped Cottage Chic, the French Country Chic with stand-out furniture, or the fabulous Gustavian Chic? Whichever style that may be make sure to follow the next steps once you have your next home construction to perfectly achieve this sought-after style of the hip, young and fashionable millennials this year. 

Make ceilings and floorings look rustic but stylish

Setting beams across the ceiling is one of the most natural treatments if you want to achieve a rustic environment. Use a distressed-looking but durable wood or a lightweight composite and stretch them across the width of the ceiling. Place the beams lengthwise and use angled corner pieces to achieve a Tudor effect. 

To make your floorings look rustic, tell your custom home builder to use weathered wood.

Design walls and windows with theatrical curves

Once your general contractor or renovator is done making your ceiling or flooring rustic, the next home elements that should be taken carefully into consideration are your home and windows. Incorporating lines and curves into these elements evoke a sense of life and movement. To create a dynamic visual flow, ask your homebuilder to incorporate stylish curlicues, spirals, and dramatic sweeping lines on your walls or cabinets. If possible, ornate carvings on window frames and other home furniture are encouraged. 

Since Shabby chic aims to be cordial, color palettes used to accent the house are made up of neutrals and soft pastel colors. As much as possible, use beige, cream, as well as the colors, mentioned earlier like pink, lavender, light blue, and white, for walls, bedding, trim, and even on your flooring. Just ensure the proper color combination of these sets so that it is pleasing to the eyes. Check this blog to guide you in color selection. If you want to introduce other colors, make sure that they are on the lighter side of the spectrum as much as possible. However, glints of gold and silver are an exception because shabby chic relies on these colors for its soft-spoken elegance. 

To accompany your rustic ceiling, weathered flooring or walls with intricate carvings are distressed furnishings on your wooden cabinet, tables, and other furniture. If you have authentic antiques, make sure to include them as well. A great addition would be weathered metal chandeliers, lamps, metallic frames, and oxidized iron lighting. Adding shiny patinas on selected decorations and furniture is also recommended. 

What is countryside inspo without the existence of naturals? Plants and fresh-cut flowers on the vase and applications of floral and earthy prints on shabby chic beddings, sofas, curtains, and slipcovers in soft pastel colors are therefore advised. A great way to add to the natural ambiance is ornate carvings on wooden furniture depicting crawling vines and other earthly movements. For sure incorporating these things will be easy on those who are living in Burnaby and Tri-city areas such as Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam because those places are well-blessed with beautiful parks, mountains, trees, and forests.

Rustic ceiling, lively curvature on walls and window frames, soft and neutral accents, distressed furnishings, and the existence of earthly elements. All these, along with your exceptional skill and love for sorting, are necessary for achieving this interior design trend for 2021. So, don’t forget the latter, and make your shabby chic dream home come true!

If you're not sure how to do it, there will always be trusted custom home builders or contractors or renovators in Burnaby, Coquitlam, Port Moody, and Port Coquitlam who are always ready to be of help to you. :)

This is the third post for our four-part series about interior design trends in 2021. If you haven't read the first and second parts, don't forget to check them out too! Be back next week for the last part :). 

In a pandemic era where life demands simplicity, a style that offers peace and comfortability makes its way to popularity

Every family aims to live comfortably and securely with their family members. This is the primary reason why they purchase a place they can “home” or have contractors build a customized version for themselves. 

While increasing the value of their home was not their ultimate goal, having such a plan can help them achieve it. Some strategies employed by most homeowners to increase their home’s value, particularly renovation, benefit their family members because it makes the home more cozy, livable, healthy, and safe. 

Are you wondering what types of home renovation increase a home’s value and, at the same time, provide comfort and security to family members? Allow us to provide you with some ideas: 

1. Renovations that make one’s home unique by installing tools or features the current market is looking for. 

When renovating your home, consider the trend. What type of home does the current market want? Do they want a wider home entrance? Bright and bold house paints? Accent walls? To be updated with the trend, check CHBA’s report. Based on their report for this year, here are some trending features you may want to consider to freshen up your Tri-Cities home. Design experts believe that some of these trends are here to stay. 

For the past few years, design experts have seen a growing trend for extravagant front entrances. This part of the home could give a good or bad impression about the overall look of your home. That’s why, if you're up for a home resale in the future, you better include this renovation in your list. 

Photo: heidijeanfeldman via Lichelle Silvestry Interiors /IG

Transom and sidelites with the right design can make your home’s exterior look classic, modern, or sophisticated. When your general contractor leverages them with your overall home exterior, your front entry can be transformed into the focal point for your home, and this could increase the demand for your home, especially when yours were designed like the photo above. :)

Homes with window walls or floor-to-ceiling windows always appear bright, energy-efficient, and modern. If you want your home to increase or retain its value, you may want to consider adding more window walls, especially if you are surrounded by beautiful outside views.

Photos: heidijeanfeldman via Lichelle Silvestry Interiors /IG

Since this home concept has been trending for some time, expect that converting your home into an open-concept floor plan will yield incredible results. Old houses with new and trending features appeal to those who want modern and fancy homes. According to some real estate experts, this type of home can increase the resale value of one’s home to as much as 15% more than homes divided with walls. The rate could even be higher if it is designed beautifully. 

Earthly materials (stone, wood, metallic accents)

When the earthly materials are decorated beautifully, like the Lichelle Silvestry Interiors creation above, the home will definitely look unique, lovable, and marketable. 

Due to the pandemic, the home office has become a vital part of one's home. Including a cozy, neat working space could attract buyers, especially those who work from home. 

Photo: heidijeanfeldman via Lichelle Silvestry Interiors/IG

2. Renovations that make the home energy efficient

Building Net Zero homes will soon be the "new standard" in home construction. Thus, if you're considering a home renovation, you may want to think about making it energy-efficient. Studies have shown that these types of homes (including ENERGY STAR-certified homes have better resale price premiums ranging from 2% - 8% in most markets. 

Imagine achieving a healthy lifestyle and, at the same increasing your home's value. This type of renovation is definitely a win-win for you and your family. 

The renovations we mentioned above can increase the value of your home. Which among them fits your preferences and goals? 

As a home renovation contractor, we hope you'll succeed in your next home renovation. If possible, conduct research about the detailed valuation of a property. This could help a lot in maximizing the value that could be generated from renovating your home. This effort can help you determine which upgrade or addition will yield the highest increase. For example, if you are considering a garage conversion, know first what the market says about it. The demand for it, the costs of doing it, and the capacity of your home to cater to it. According to an article, most homeowners spend around $10,000 to convert their garage into living space; however, the National Association of Home Builders survey revealed that home buyers preferred a "functional" garage to it being an extension of living space.

Another example would be a pool installation. The home's value may increase with this installation, but it couldn't be compared to the expenses incurred. Installing swimming pools could cost about $36,750  to  $70,500, including maintenance. 

While these renovations bring satisfaction to some extent, there are always much better renovations that could help families attain livability and security and, at the same time, increase the value of your Tri-Cities' home. 

Some strategies employed by most homeowners to increase their home’s value, particularly renovation, benefit their family members because it makes the home more cozy, livable, healthy, and safe.

There are certain home renovations that make your home beautiful and increase in value. 

Renovations that increase the value of your Tri-Cities home

Buying or renting a property in Tri-Cities is exciting because it is well-known for having one of the best neighborhoods in BC. If you are someone who has just bought a hand-down home, renovating it will probably be on your list. As we all know, embarking on renovation is challenging and costly. So, where do you start? The answer may depend on your budget, priorities, and goals but in case you want to work on your kitchen first, here are 10 kitchen trends to consider in your renovation plans. 

Open shelving has been one of the biggest kitchen trends in the past years. Collectors love this kind of cabinetry because they can easily display their special collections stylishly. Aside from curating the space beautifully, it allows one to easily access everyday kitchenware while giving the space a stylish feel. Those who love cooking will undoubtedly appreciate open shelving in the kitchen because they can easily see what they need without searching through a cluttered cupboard. Although it may not always be practical because of how dirty displays can get, open shelving will still be part of the 2023 trend because of its aesthetic appeal and function. 

Photo: the aCross designs/IG(left);Alma/IG (right)

White or neutral kitchens have always been a builder's and designer's favorite. They're calming, classy, and stunning. They can also complement any color accent, which makes them a standard for some builders and designers. However, over the past few years, designers have seen some trends– more colors are introduced as the main accent in one's kitchen. Some of those came from the shades of purple, blue and green. These bold and vivid colors are considered some of the hottest crazes because they produce an equally beautiful ambiance that homeowners love. 

Photo: SemiЯamis Moschovaki Design/IG(left); Kestrel Kitchens(right)

Based on some designers, traditional-style kitchens are making a comeback because they create warm and lived-in home environments. One of those styles is the county-style home interior, where antique and vintage furniture can be freely introduced into the space. To achieve this style, combine period-style lighting over your kitchen island, add a large larder cupboard on open shelves, and plan where to place your antiques. See the photos below for inspiration.   

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