995 Lamont Court – Previously Listed with Quincy Vrecko and Associates

For many professional chefs, you may think their home kitchens would be a masterpiece of design. But surprisingly like many of us they have to work with what they’ve got. So if you are considering a kitchen renovation and want some advice from the pros here are a few top considerations for your dream kitchen that may work in your space available.

There are some fundamentals that most of us know about kitchen design. We try and build layouts to accommodate the movement of people in the kitchen. Usually we design for two cooks and break up the formula into critical components. The famous fridge – sink – stove triangle still applies.

Counter space

some may be surprised to find that counter space for the professional chef is extremely important. Having enough room to spread out your ingredients and prep food is an essential step in good cooking. Counters also need to be appropriate for the type of food you are going to be making. The reason for marble slab countertops comes from baking where the marble keeps the dough cool and results in lighter pastries. End grain wood cutting boards are the best choice for cutting meat as they keeping your knives sharp and when properly maintained can be more hygienic then plastic boards.

Creating workflow

Professional kitchens are divided into zones for different tasks. In your dream kitchen this should be considered as well. One consideration is food contamination from raw meat.  A good design therefore has space to prep vegetables and other foods and a separate one for meat. With this in mind we often recommend two sinks. You will wonder how you ever lived without two sinks once you realize how convenient it is.

Workflow also revolves around the triangle between sink, fridge and stove. Having less ground to cover can be important when there are two chefs in the kitchen. For many families we also see the tendency to have a second fridge or freezer in the garage. If you have the room consider buying a bigger fridge freezer combo in the Kitchen. For example a 30 inch freezer and matching 30 inch fridge or an under-counter fridge or freezer drawer – it would go nicely beside the wine cooler.

Organization

This is a big deal with professional chefs. Having a place for everything keeps the counters uncluttered.  There are many new and innovated kitchen systems that help with organization. Using sliding drawers below the counter is one. Several drawers just dedicated to small appliances is a great way to keep things out of site. Also consider pull-out pantry style cabinets for spices, sundries and canned goods. These slide-out systems provide easy access and much better storage in floor to ceiling style pantries. Also use pantry fridge and freezer inventory lists. It is an easy way to help with shopping and cuts down on forgotten items stuffed way at the back.

If you look at your activities you should also group and design your layout according to task. Here are a few high volume areas.

  • Coffee, tea blender station – near second sink
  • Microwave,  Toaster – close to fridge
  • Range, Ovens, warming drawer
  • Sinks for food prep
    Dishwasher & Clean up

For the serious cooks we also see a trend to double up on key appliances. Some of our favourites include two dishwashers and two ovens. There are also some very cool new items like built in woks, steam ovens, warming drawers, induction ranges and speed ovens (Convections + Microwave).

Now that you have ideas on how to create a chef’s dream kitchen it’s time to ask yourself “Is my Kelowna Home Ready to Sell?” Take advantage of the time and advice given by our expert Kelowna real estate team, which ensures your home is in its best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch! 1-778-760-2860!

For Homeowners, the time to be a Minimalist is often associated with downsizing.

Having lived several years in Japan I was introduced to the simple beauty of minimalism in art and in the ceremony. If you allowed yourself to slow down and experience the moment there is a definite beauty in the simplest act. The tea ceremony is a perfect example, calligraphy is another favorite of mine.

CONSUMERISM

Back in the Western world much of the bliss you can find in the small things has been lost to our overindulgence and consumerism. Our disposable economy and lifestyle have discounted the true value of many items. And with the constant barrage of ads promoting the best new gadget, we tend to become dissatisfied with last year’s models.  Everyone wants the latest and greatest even when the recently acquired are still working perfectly well. I suppose it fits into our hunter psychology to always be on the lookout for something good. It also does not help that things have become cheaper.

With this greed mentality driving our economy it’s not surprising that there is a genuine backlash on consumerism and our “wants over needs” culture. Trends in housing have seen a large following for smaller homes and an alternative to the huge houses with the huge mortgages we see in many neighborhoods.

PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS

There is also a real groundswell in the “pursuit of happiness”. With so much going on in our lives there seems to be little time to focus on the things that really make us happy. This almost always involves experience or connection with those we love and the community that provides us with a sense of worth and value. These relationships and connection are what truly makes us happy. Not the new boots I just bought myself.

To make room for this new pursuit it is recommended by the Minimalist to de-clutter, throw out and recycle all the stuff you don’t use or need in your homes. For many, the project begins in the closet with the purging of clothes. For others, it starts in the kid’s room with old toys. This can be a real challenge for some as they value memories attached to possessions. This rear-view tendency has to be coaxed aside to create new space for adventures that will be equally as memorable.

Minimalist in the Home

For Homeowners, the time to be a Minimalist is often associated with downsizing. Getting rid of all of the stuff that has accumulated over the years can be very cathartic. For designers, it is the paring down of design elements to create an environment that has a terrific style with the bare minimum of fixtures. It is a common thread to have one really great thing versus a trunk full. For a living space this might be one great chair, or for the fashion lover only having two excellent sweaters rather than 50 on shelves in the closet.

The key point to all of this is in keeping things very simple and doing more with less. The sense of freedom when you manage to pull it off is well documented. You free yourself of psychological burdens you did not know you even had simply by removing things from your life that you no longer use. There is a beneficial drop in your anxiety from having to deal with less.

100 POSSESSIONS

The new Minimalist tries to have only 100 items in their possession. For a family like ours, this would result in 400 things. Given our active lifestyle, this would be extremely difficult to accomplish, but I think we can all agree it would be easy to get rid of hundreds of things we no longer use.

To free up our homes from clutter is to free our minds from worry. This allows for more room emotionally to indulge ourselves with friends and family. It also creates more time as we have less to clean.

So for all of us who would like a little more time to pursue happiness and connect with those important to us in our communities try freeing up your “space” to allow for new experiences. Go through your house and tossing all the stuff you no longer use and all the things you no longer need.  You might find that a simpler life is more fulfilling and you become happier. A Minimalist lifestyle might be the right choice in 2017.

Downtown Kelowna

What is the most expensive Okanagan luxury properties to sell in 2016? 2016 was a strong year for Okanagan Luxury real estate.  The Central Okanagan registered a total of 328 Luxury property sales (properties over 1 million dollars, as reported by Okanagan Mainline real estate board) on a last year of 144.  This 224% increase over the previous year was largely due to Lower mainland buyers cashing in on their properties and moving east. Up until the third quarter of the year, there were a number of foreign investors that accounted for 1% of Central Okanagan Luxury Sales. Check out the 3 most expensive Okanagan Luxury Properties to sell in 2016.

most expensive okanagan luxury property to sell in 2016

16002 Greenhow Road

16002 Greenhow Road – Asking price $6,995,000.00

After only 18 days on market, this stunning parcel of land sold. Making it the most expensive Okanagan Luxury property to sell in 2016.  Located in beautiful Lake Country on the shores of the crystal turquoise waters of Kalamalka Lake.  Mainly land value, this 10 acre parcel of land offers amazing unobstructed lake views in serene private setting.  In addition to mature trees and vegetation there are 2 acres of vineyard and 1.5 acres of Hazelnut trees.  This one of a kind property is well worth the title of most expensive Okanagan Luxury property of 2016.

runner up for most expensive okanagan luxury properties to sell in 2016

2295 KLO Road

2295 KLO Road – Asking price $6,800,000.00

This private 35 acre gated estate was the runner up for the most expensive Okanagan Luxury property to sell in 2016.  Located next to the Harvest Golf course in South East Kelowna with main home and caretaker suite, this is the ultimate in Okanagan living.  The 6000 sq.ft main residence features 4 car garage, wine room, indoor bar and entertainment room and sauna.  The outdoor amenities include tennis court, water feature and pool.  After 343 days on the market, this Okanagan Luxury property sold in an exciting Auction with no reserve open bids hosted by The Garage Sale-Luxury Action house.

one of the most expensive okanagan luxury property to sell in 2016

4200 Short Road

4200 Short Road – Asking price $6,295,000.00

Last but not least, this Lower Mission Okanagan Luxury property is located on one of most sought after postal codes in Kelowna.  Just off Hobson Road, this Okanagan Waterfront home offers over 5500 sq.ft of luxurious living space. Featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 dens, 6 bathrooms and triple car garage.  Situated on a half an acre of land on Lake Okanagan with 105 feet of lakeshore and a private dock.  This area of Lower Mission is known for its sandy beaches, proximity to amenities and recreation. Which is why this beautiful Okanagan Luxury property only took 149 days to sell.

For more information on these waterfront Okanagan luxury properties or any Okanagan Luxury real estate contact Quincy Vrecko.  Quincy Vrecko is a Luxury real estate agent with RE/MAX Kelowna. He is dedicated to exclusively to the buying and selling of Luxury Real estate in the Okanagan. 

7 Necessities for Your Guest Bedroom

We are approaching the halfway mark of January 2017 and this year calls for updating and organizing your Kelowna home. Whether it is small weekend projects or a big project that will take months. It is time to get your Kelowna home updated to better suit your family’s needs. With the weekend slowly approaching we have a small project that you can tackle – the Guest Bedroom! Here are 7 things we believe every Guest Bedroom needs.

Clean Sheets

There’s something about coming home to the smell of a clean house and a freshly washed pair of sheets. So make your guests feel that way when they step in their guest bedroom. Invest in a few good sets of sheets so you are not stuck doing laundry if you have back-to-back guests coming. Keep some thicker blankets in the closet or end of the bed so if your guests get cooler in the night they have a blanket to add on!

Keep Necessities on Hand

No one is perfect, it is fate that one of your guests will forget something when they travel whether that be a toothbrush, a hairbrush or some toothpaste. Make them feel welcome by keeping some necessities on hand for scenarios like this. Great idea to have a bucket of toiletries in the closet or end table for your guests so they don’t have to come to you every time they realize they forgot something.

Clean Out the Closet

If you have been using the guest bedroom closet as a place for storage it’s time to get cleaning! Clean out the closet and leave some extra hangers so your guests have a way to organize their clothes rather than wrinkling them in their suitcase.

Set of Books/Magazines

It’s always nice to have a few magazines or books in the bedroom. So if your guests are having a tough time going to bed or just want to be able to relax for a few hours they have something to do! Keep them in the bedside table for easy access and your guests will thank you later!

Extra Chargers

There’s nothing worse than leaving your charger at home by accident. Have a few chargers in the bedside table of your guest room so just in case your guest forgot theirs they can still enjoy using their mobile device while away to keep in contact with their loved ones back home.

Add Some Extra Lighting

Do your guests like to read before they go to bed or do they like to enjoy a little midnight snack? Don’t let them enjoy it in the dark! Find some unique end table lamps to add to your guest bedroom!

Extra Pillows

There’s nothing worse than staying at someone else’s house and having sleepless nights. Make your guests feel comfortable by adding some extra pillows to the bed.  This also doubles as a backrest if you don’t have a chair in the bedroom. They can easily place the pillows behind their back for a more comfortable position to read their favorite magazine or book in!

Add Florals

Nothing says a clean fresh room like a bouquet of flowers. It doesn’t have to be an expensive arrangement but something small and fresh will do the trick. Just ensure you buy it the day of or day before your guests arrive so it stays fresh throughout their stay.

 

Are you getting your home ready to sell? Take advantage of the time and advice given by our expert Kelowna real estate team, which ensures your home is in its best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch! 1-778-760-2860! 

We can look to more energy-efficient Green Roofs for our homes in the Okanagan if we are building or planning on replacing our roofs. There is a strong movement for green roofs in urban areas and a trend to metal roofs. Other options exist with tile, slate, composite and other products. For this article, we will focus in on the two more popular choices that replace asphalt shingle with living roofs and metal roofs.

Most roofs in the Okanagan are asphalt shingle roofing. These are dependent on our oil industry and are not the most environmentally-friendly choice. The good news is asphalt shingles are recyclable as the materials used are petroleum-based with fiberglass or paper reinforcing.

Trends in environmentally friendly building techniques have seen a rise in urban areas for Eco roofing options. These are ideal for flat roofs on commercial building, condosGreen Roof and some custom residential construction. The problem for most green roofs with living plants and biomass is the cost to create them. ( $18 per sqft and higher). The green roof involves a watertight membrane and then a system of trays, growing medium and plants to create a grass or plant rooftop.

The benefits of these types of Green Roof are significant and include:

  • Reducing wastewater runoff
  • Lowering the cooling needs of a building in the summer by 50 to 90%
  • Lowering the Urban heat island effect of our cities
  • Creating a Carbon sink for our cities
  • improving air quality

Newer systems have wind anchors to help prevent the plants and vegetation from being damaged in high winds.

For many urban homes and higher density Kelowna condo, the trend is to build flat roof houses. We have a fairly small snow load in the valley and green roof options are becoming more common as rooftop patios and green spaces are desirable for homeowners. A blend of rooftop patio spaces with planters and green roofing systems is generating a lot of interest.

For those homes with a sloped roof at a 4/12 pitch (18.5 degrees) and up to 12/12 (45 degrees) pitch the option for steel or aluminum roofing is very attractive.  Metal roofing material can be installed in a number of different ways and can feature a hidden strip for fastening to the roof. Aluminum comes in a variety of styles and widths and is anodized to provide for safe water runoff.

Green RoofMany people may not consider a metal roof as a more ecologically sound option but it is. The type of material a roof is constructed of plays a role in the environmental footprint of a building. Steel shingle roofs are more durable than Aluminum and can have a life of 100 years. Aluminum usually comes with a 50-year guarantee which is double most asphalt shingle warranties.

Metal roofs have many benefits and include:

  • Recyclable steel and aluminum
  • Highly durable
  • Can be installed over shingles
  • Reflects more energy in summer
  • Ideal for water collection

If you are considering a new roof or looking to build a new home in Kelowna take a close look at green roof options. It is one area where you will see a positive return on your investment in heat and cooling savings over the years. You will also have a smaller carbon footprint by not relying on petroleum-based asphalt shingles for your roofing needs.  You may also contribute to your community by creating a home that generates less heat from the solar energy absorbed into our urban buildings and roads.

Green roof options have lots of resources online. Check out a few favorites at

Greenroof. Org

Houzz.com

Nats Nursery.com

Inhabitat.com

Vicwest Steel Roofing

 

Are you getting your home ready to sell? Take advantage of the time and advice given by our expert Kelowna real estate team, which ensures your home is in its best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch! 1-250-863-8810! 

 

It’s common knowledge that kitchens and bathrooms sell homes – however, a show-stopping bar is becoming more and more essential for the discerning entertainer.

 

Definitive Design and Complimentary Cabinetry

Whether you want hunting lodge rustic, 50’s futuristic, or European glitz, it’s important to have a dedicated design language.  And don’t forget to sweat the small stuff.  For instance, a beautiful hunting motif can be instantly ruined by using basic white power outlets.  Consider ordering an extra cabinet door to cover your bar fridge – wood, log, and a white fridge just don’t jive.

 

Creative Lighting

The Edison bulb is all the rage these days.  They work in the kitchen, they work in the bathroom, and they work in the bar.  In the current milieu of high tech everything, the Edison bulb is an irresistible throw back to the simpler days.  A romantic conversation piece that will draw anyone’s eye; they look stunning in any setting.  Speaking of high tech, LED lights are easily the most versatile option available.  They’re brighter than their conventional brethren, and use substantially less energy.  They can be hidden almost anywhere due to their tiny size, and an LED bulb can emit almost any color you can think of.   You can even control them remotely, or by an app.

 

Quality Glassware

Now that you have great cabinetry and some spellbinding lighting, it’s time to stock the glassware and show it off- and it’s got to be special.  That is not to say particularly expensive glassware, but if it is obviously cheap or tacky, it will ruin the whole night.  It doesn’t have to be Steuben or Swarovski, but the old faded glass that reads ‘Maui 1993’ is just not ideal for public display.   Be sure to have the correct option for each occasion.  Don’t get stuck serving an Old Fashioned in a beer mug!

 

Bold Bar Tops

Arborite?  Granite?  Butcher block?  Really there’s no wrong answer, but whatever you choose there are ways to make it unique.  Maybe it’s as simple as including a built-in waste chute to easily discard of unwanted lime stems.  Not your thing? My favourite bar simply utilizes a huge piece of highly polished driftwood – beautifully simple.

 

Powerful Prep Sink

There is a wonderful little development making the rounds in design circles, and it’s beautifully simple.   Take a sink, add a built in (and removable!) colander, and voile:  a perfect bar prep area.  More lime and more margaritas, more quickly.  It’s the small things that make life worth living, isn’t it?

 

Innovative Ice Maker

Most appliance manufacturers make dedicated ice machines for home use.  Having an endless and easily accessible well of ice isn’t just for restaurants anymore!  Get one, love it, thank us later.

 

Dedicated Dishwasher

Along with the ice machine, dedicated bar dishwashers (or glasswashers) are becoming more and more necessary.  No more ferrying used glasses upstairs and leaving them in the sink until they start growing moss.   Note:  Hidden is better!  Match it up to your cabinetry for extra brownie points.

 

Fashionable Fridge

Bar fridges are so common now they have lost their panache.  At this point, even 13 year old teenagers have a little Maytag in their rooms stocked with Mountain Dew.  To combat ‘Sameness Syndrome’, many designers have moved to camouflaging their major appliances – especially the fridge.  While you’re at it, ditch the bar size unit and grab a full standup (freezer is a bonus).  Your friends will thank you.

 

The TV (Yes, I’m talking to you)

At this point some of you will be rolling your eyes.  “TV’s are so passé” you might be thinking, “I don’t even like sports, what’s wrong with some good conversation?”  In a word, nothing.  But as stereotypical as it sounds, it is absolutely inevitable that at some point you’ll wish you had a TV built into your bar.  I know it, you know it.  If not for you, think of your poor friends, not knowing how Crosby is playing tonight!  The trick is to integrate it in to the area in a way that won’t disrupt the flow.  Hint:  Make sure to run your cables through the wall – no one wants to see that.

 

Sizzling Spirits, Local Libations!

Now you have a bar.  You’ve shopped, sampled, designed, and built it. Time to open your new speak-easy.  Good job you!  Now why not stock your bar with some unique, local libations?  Everyone knows the Okanagan for wine, but it’s also home to several amazing breweries, and even some wonderful distilleries.  Try Parallel 49, Tree Brewing, CRAFT spirits – none of them will disappoint.  Just remember, a dry martini means *less*vermouth.

 

Are you getting your home ready to sell? Take advantage of the time and advice given by our expert Kelowna real estate team, which ensures your home is in its best shape to set your sale up for success. Get in touch! 1-250-863-8810!