British Columbia Spring 2020

TIPS FOR A
TIMELESS HOME
ON A BUDGET
says Banfield. “On a budget, there are some amazing products
like large format porcelain tiles, with a ton of very high quality
printing options that include great properties like stain resistant
finishes. These tiles look and feel like natural stone and since you
can technically print anything on this tile, we are seeing awesome
modern takes on traditionally used stone images and really fun
applications.”
When it comes to designing your kitchen and bathroom, the
choices can be hard and the decisions? Even harder. And with so
many options for styles, finishes and everything in between, it can
seem almost impossible to narrow down how you want your space
to look and feel. Vancouver designer Jamie Banfield has seen it all.
Through the trends, he’s accumulated some important tips when it
comes to taking on a renovation, big or small. You can catch Jamie
at the 2020 Edmonton Home + Garden Show at the Edmonton
Expo Centre to more tips on designing your dream home.
It can be hard to know when to compromise when thinking about
all the elements it takes to renovate a space. Whether it be your
dream home or an investment property, there are many elements
that you shouldn’t compromise on. These items are ones that are
often used and touched the most, which means that if you don’t
invest in the best, you’ll notice it quickly. “In the kitchen, you really
want to invest in high quality appliances, hardware, and your sink
and faucet. The bathroom is a little less “luxurious” but really never
skimp out on your plumbing fixtures, toilet, and lighting. You always
need great lighting!”
Although it’s tempting to gut everything and start over, it’s easier
than that to refresh your home. In fact, with trends and feels
changing almost on a daily basis, it can really hurt the bank. For
Jamie, there are a couple smaller items you can update that will
really impact the look without having to rip out the studs and start
over. “First thing I would do is start with the hardware-- knobs,
pulls in the kitchen and towel bars, paper holders and such in the
bathroom. Then even just updating the wall colours, the mirror and
new lighting can really change up a place.” notes Jamie. “These
are an easy switch out but you’ll definitely notice a difference.” For
some more higher investment items you can look at your bathroom
vanity, faucets or a new kitchen sink. “What’s great is that all these
items can be driven by personality and you can really choose some
of finishes to add extra style.”
You’ve also probably notice a rise in industrial style homes-- often
inspired by luxury restaurants and other commercial spaces. “This
trend is pushing for different applications of tile from entire walls of
tile to floor-to-ceiling applications,” notes Banfield. “We’re seeing
lots of subway, natural stone and patterns as well. But even though
you’ve seen these styles in high-end kitchens and extravagant
spas, depending on the tile and pattern, this installation doesn’t
need to break the bank!” His tips? “Terrazzo is making its way from
Cali, New York and Australia. Concrete tiles for walls, floors and
also large slabs for countertops, bench seats and other really cool
applications. With aggregates that can be large, small, pink, blue
or mute tones, this trend is making its way to residential projects
fitting modern, transitional and eclectic styles.”
Jamie Banfield and other expert guests including HGTV’s Luke
and Clint from the Boise Boys, will be ready to answer your most
challenging renovation questions this year at the 2020 Edmonton
Home + Garden Show. From March 19 to 22nd, get access to some
of the industry’s best advice and be ready to be inspired to tackle
your next home improvement project.
As for staying on trend and budget? Jamie has the design tips you
need to create timeless spaces that will stay on trend year after
year without breaking the bank. “There has been a huge trend
towards natural stone in homes, or the look of them anyway,”