Sorrentino's Edmonton West End

I am so sorry to do this- but I have had my friends ask me to write restuarant reviews so here goes the first one.
My son practically grew up at the West End Sorrentinos- but alas in the last 15 plus years this is not the best of the chain!
Last night for his 22 birthday we went in-- having not visiting it often in the last few years after the decline of the food.....
To our surprise the suggested white wine was terrific- the esgargot good and the calamri okay ( the sauce was wayyyy tooo hot)
So, we thought well maybe they have picked it up a bit- not so!
The simple mussels I ordered were too well done- and crusty!
My son had a new york steak that had what reminded me of a prepackaged 3 pepper gracy I bought when I was under 20 in a package and the tomotoe sauce on the side dish of penne tasted strangely like a bad premade sauce we had tried recently from Costco- and had decided not to buy again.
Tiramisu over the years has changed- and now it is mostly a sponge cake- little to no cheese, dry and lacking in flavour!
Nope, we will not be hitting this spot again- until of course in a few years we forget and try once again.
My recommendation- skip it!
There is a terrific Italian restuarant not far--- will tell you about that later!

container living

With this long exagerated winter, the falling economy and my son finally just about ready to go off and flee the nest- I have been indulging my mid-life crisis life!
How did I get stuck here in Edmonton? Don't get me wrong- normally I love this city but this winter has me examining my thought processes!
Why are I still here- where can I go? No money, snow, getting old- husband grown and gone- kid just about grown and gone!
So, I have been checking out the cheaper shores of South and Central America-- and then housing!
How about living in re-purposed train-car container-- or 3 of them?
Sound wonky but some of these are pretty cool. Have not found the one I want yet- but maybe- gosh I will just have design my own!

My summer dream!

AHHHH! Is this not just the nicest little herb/vegetable garden ever?

I have a RV parking area south of my garage that is paved and not being used- it gets full south exposure and I think I should turn it into this !
Great Veggies, herbs, recessionista garden--- and with loads of style to boot!
It is easy to do---- I am sure mine will not look this nice- must source out those gorgeous wicker planters!

Starbucks- OH please may it be true and available in Edmonton

Just in time for warmer weather, Starbucks will debut an entirely new range of ice cream flavors. The revamped line, based on favorite coffee drink flavors like Caramel Macchiato and Mocha Frappucino, is all-natural, premium grade and—best of all—hormone free. Ice cream pints, $3.99 eachwww.starbucksicecream.com

Photo: Ice cream images: Courtesy of Starbucks Ice Cream; Holding image: Tim Walker
— pgarcia-->
tags: Starbucks, Virginia Tupker

more nummy stuff!

hhttp://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/questex/hd1008/#/0

skypad!

http://www.shopskypad.com/main.htm

Trust me I tried to get you some of these images directly- but would not work!
Worth taking about 5 minutes of your time and linking to the site though!

YUMMY!

When I was in school- one of our teachers (decorating school at university) was obsessed with the tone on tone of browns! (UGHHH-- ) Sorry that was not my decade... while I love lattes I have never had any desire to live in one!

Hence, when the entire world wanted interiors with beige floors, tan walls, chocolate furniture- I could not get on that train!

For the record, everyone knew in that class all you had to do was hand in every assignment done in tones of "greige" and you would get a good mark..., me not so smart! I had to hand in my assignments in colours taken from Russian jewels-- and the teacher hated it of course!

What the heck- we can't sell out for marks all the time!

colour trends for 2009

Hmmm!

Unlike recent years, there is no one color that is dominating the interior
design world in 2009.

Due to the eco-chic movement in recent years, we have
seen fresh, bold greens making their way back into our
homes. Green continues to be popular but with a
stronger yellow base. Soft pale blues make way for
stronger hues such as indigo and sapphire.
For those who prefer a warmer palette, orange continues
to be hot with a spicier undertone and yellow, specifically
saffron is on the horizon. 2009 sees bold colors like purple
and coral paired together for unexpected hits of color
against a neutral backdrop. And while brown and beige
continues to be popular, grey is the neutral of choice this
year.
Combine charcoal with saffron for a bold statement in a
powder room or a soft silvery grey with lilac for an inviting
guest room. And while cool metals are still dominant,
warm metals are very much on trend.
Bronze continues to be a popular alternative to chrome
but expect to see more aged or brushed gold finishes in
2009. This is not the brass of the 80’s! It is a more sophisticated
look that pairs well with both traditional and
contemporary design. There are so many choices with
color this year – what’s your favorite?
Christine Pandur, CID, CCIDA
Certificate Interior Decorator

Tammy at Go Design!

Go Design is at it again!
These girls are fabulous --- Tammy was one of my teachers at university- and actually successfully taught me how to draw!

http://www.northamerican-design.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=535&Itemid=31

Glass HousesMarch 11, 2009 By Tara MastrelliPhotography by Aaron Leitz

With an all-glass facade, courtesy of local architecture firm MulvannyG2 and renowned New York City architect Richard Gluckman, and Seattle's largest living rooftop, the Olive 8 building is hard to miss. But the tallest residential/hotel building in the city is not only making a statement in the skyline, it's on track to be home to Seattle's first LEED certified hotel—Hyatt at Olive 8.

The 346-room hotel is located on the first 17 floors of the Olive 8 building, beneath 230 condominium homes housed above. "I wanted to create interiors that were sympathetic to the skin of the building, but at the same time had a more intimate, warmer feel," says interior designer Betty Blout, founder of Seattle-based Zena Design Group, who handled the interiors. Once through the front door, guests are wrapped in natural materials: eucalyptus wood paneling, done in varying depths, covers the ceiling and front and back walls, while warm limestone running down the sidewalls seamlessly merges with the floor.

Dangling from the center of the high ceiling is a sleek custom-designed chandelier by local lighting group, Resolute, mirroring the contemporary glass of the facade into the space. "Compared to the typical guestroom, it feels quite spacious," says Blout, giving credit to built-in furniture. "It's a very clean room; clean but still very inviting." A subtle palette of blue and green sets the tone, and to conserve energy, rooms are equipped with Watt Stopper technology that triggers the lights as guests enter and exit the room, dual flush toilets, and low-flow showerheads. And what does this green milestone mean for Hyatt's corporate strategy? It's just the beginning. According to Brigitta Witt, vice president of environmental affairs, the company has just completed its new Global Sustainable Design Guidelines, completed a global assessment of its global carbon footprint, and is looking to the future. "I look forward to the time when all hotels will be 'green' hotels and 'going green' is synonymous with doing business.”

http://www.gluckmanmayner.com/; www.mulvannyg2.com/en-us; http://www.zenadesigngroup.com/; http://www.olive8.hyatt.com/

Hyatt at Olive 8, Seattle Owner: R.C. HedreenArchitecture Firms: MulvannyG2, Seattle, and Richard Gluckman, New York CityInterior Design Firm: Zena Design Group, SeattleInterior Design Project Team: Betty Blout* Designers did not provide sourcing for furnishings shown.

Perfection

Perfect- the definition of perfection: ‘the highest degree of something,” states Funk and Wagnall’s dictionary. To find perfection is of itself an art, balance, symmetry, where all elements blend harmoniously with each other with not one element standing out.

This is the condo created by Coco Cran of Calgary and her Edmonton based clients. Utilizing glamorous elements stolen from her namesake, Coco Chanel and Elsie DeWolfe- the famous decorator for New York socialites and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Borrowing a few of the luxurious elements such as the generous use of mirrors, and re-inventing Else De Wolfe’s signature beige into a refined coppery tone this Edmonton condo is the reflection of modern chic and sophistication.

The clients, a doctor transferred from Vancouver to the University of Alberta Hospital and his wife wanted to recreate some of the lifestyle they had enjoyed living in downtown Vancouver.

“We were used to walking just about everywhere, and we wanted to have that option here, so we choose a small condo complex close to the University but in an out of the way quieter neighbourhood,” Sitting upon the lovely satin re-upholstered sofa in the three story Belgravia condo the quiet spoken fashionable young wife explains to me. “ For a variety of reasons we wanted something close to the hospital, we only have one car and we wanted to reduce our carbon footprint in a number of ways. We like to walk for health reasons, environmental and we even like to walk in the winters”

Choosing the condo lifestyle was a natural of this Vancouver born couple, they like the energy of smaller neighbourhoods away from imposing strip malls, no maintenance from landscaping and the feeling of safety and security from living in a condo complex allow them the serenity to travel freely without the worry of their property. In addition both work long hours, the husband as a specialist at the hospital and the wife as a registered nurse working on special contracts and also as a jewellery designer.

Optimizing the wife’s creative eye would be the artistic skill that pressed this couple, working with the designer that had just completed a colleague’s home in Calgary, to create this elegant luxurious jewel box of a home. Like a jewel box holding all the precious glittery items and lined in dark velvet to showcase the jems within, the floors of this home are all black. From the black tiles accentuated with small squares of gold in the entryway, to the expanses of black carpet the eye is constantly drawn upward to the collection of custom furniture, simple yet elegant drapery and the colourful art collection. Inspiration for the colour scheme came from an existing piece of artwork, emerald greens, golds and sapphire blues all glitter like gems floating above the dark backdrop.

“When the carpet layers came, they told me in 20 years they had never installed a black carpet.” It was that bold move that sets the stage for this fantastic space. Many people are not so brave and also do not understand the power of black, it actually has a ‘drop away’ quality- that is that what you place on black actually is highlighted and the backdrop (black) recedes. This space shows off that quality to perfection.

“It was the drapery that I fell in love with and why I decided to choose Coco. I did not want over complicated drapery.” The condo’s huge expanse of windows stretches across the living room and adjoined dining area. The view onto the large balcony is stunning and peaceful in the early evening light but once the drapery are drawn the room transforms into an awe inspired retreat that transports us to a New York stylized penthouse.



Lighting is one of the most important elements in design, and this home utilizes lighting to the best advantage. Working with electricians to engineer the elaborate sound and lighting systems, the clients have numerous pot lights highlighting the art collection, fireplace and grazing the wall of mirrors on the passageway.

Careful use of the existing space allowed for a custom made ‘gentleman’s closet’ hidden behind mirrored doors in the office area. Utilizing wireless computer equipment allowed the fax and printer to be hidden underneath the custom millwork in the TV room leaving only a simple uncluttered gentile feel to this very busy and active home. Figurehead Maple veneered panels replace closet doors in the foyer creating the atmosphere of an elegant New York apartment.

Unlike many homeowners here in Edmonton who want to bring more and more light into their spaces this couple wanted a relaxing and cozy space for the long dark winter months and designed the north east facing space to reflect that. “I find it hard to understand why some people want to force a space to be something it is not. Why try to make a dark space light? It seems to me like you are going against the personality of the space.” This couple entertain at night and wanted their space to be a reflection of their lifestyle.

“A successful home should be a haven that allows you relax and enhance your lifestyle.” Fabulous reflection from a lady that designs jewellery and created a home that reflects the inside of a jewellery box!


Eberhard’s Manufacturing Inc—veneered panels
Myron Malone - Cabinets Millwork & Cabinetry 944-9355.
Gentleman’s’ closet, office bookshelves, custom entertainment centre and television room banquette and lighting.

Mice in the house!

Mice- I have mice! Or more correctly I had mice! That was my holiday season!

Opening the linen drawer in my kitchen one morning I discovered- shaved pepper? No! All over my tea-towels- ughhhhh!

Glancing down at my 8-year-old pure black (ex) tomcat I was a tad dismayed to find out for certain he was not earning his high-end no ‘no-name brand’ cat food! This is the cat- my now ex-husband advised me to get years ago when I had a mouse problem as he- my ex- worked out of town and was in no way one to be counted on to empty mouse-traps.
“ Get a cat. Not a kitten. Go to the SPCA and get a old tom-cat” He was not one to say ‘an old tom-cat’. “Not some stupid kitten that ‘ill take months to work – a old tom-cat- used to eating from garbage cans.”
So- I did. A scraggly medium hair- matted black eight-month-old tomcat. A stray and not from the high-end part of town from the looks of it! Well as the song goes ‘Uptown came downtown for me’ or something of the sort.
The scraggly ‘ex’ tom-cat—now has the most luxurious long mane of pure black hair- will not eat anything that does not carry a brand name and comes out of a vacuum packed pouch! The last I checked live mice do not come in vacuum packed pouches and I have seen my cat ‘play’ with mice in the backyard in the summer- so that says it all!
I have mice- mouse- or mouses! Not sure about the plural part- but one for sure!

Since the cat does not work- and my dogs are both scared of mice- think-think- think. What to do?
Poison? Not a good idea. I have two small dogs plus the cat if they eat a poisoned mouse I will have a vet bill- if I am lucky-and I don’t need that on top of everything else. Plus- what if the mouse ‘passes away’ somewhere like behind my fridge? Ughhhh- nope!
Okay- traps. Great idea. Who is going to empty them? ME? Not very likely and my wonderful 80 something year old neighbor I could not think of asking him again. (He did offer the first time around when I got the cat)
So- more solutions……? I know ask the ‘Elf’. I am lucky I have an elf that is great for most everything- my mother.
Around wine one night my mother, a couple of her neighbours, and I thought about the mice problem.
“There are these great traps- the mouse goes in- stays in- like a little box then you can just throw out the whole thing,” Offered one friend.
I was ‘in’ for the super- duper make a better mousetrap!
So- ‘Elf’ goes shopping (I actually hate shopping) and can’t find the ‘super-duper make a better mouse trap’.
Elf: “ I have these things – they give of a high sound thing and scare the mice away. Want to try one?”
Me: “Sure”
That night I find time to drop by my mother’s after work (they do have secrets to get us to go see them) and pick up magic electronic mouse device.
Reading the directions we discover this magic device works best when used ‘with’ mousetraps’. Yikes!
I bring the ‘magic device' home, plug it into the outlet closest to the linen drawer and ‘Elf’ goes out the next day to buy traps.
Now, I have traps in all the secret places – like my linen drawer--- have caught no mice and it appears I have no mice!
Seems like the magic electronic ‘mice keeper- awayer’ device works!
Now on to better things- like renovating that bathroom! Or maybe I need new kitchen cupboards--- and linen drawers first?

How to select a Designer in Edmonton

Michele Gun the dazzling and witty President of Interior Designers of Alberta uses the metaphor of baking and decorating a wedding cake to explain the various roles involved in interior design.
“An interior decorator would basically take a wedding cake, come in and decorate it by adding the icing. The interior designer starts at the beginning. First they interview the bride, because all brides are different, you can’t make one cake to fit all brides. You need to find out what her likes and dislikes are. What is she looking for? Does she want a traditional cake or a modern cake- two tiers or three? Once you have all the information that the client needs or wants- if she comes in with a list of what she wants that is very helpful. Once you have decided what the bride wants you choose the materials to make that cake and prepare a drawing for her to review. The next stage, after she has approved the drawings and products, is to choose the materials you want to use to design the cake. After that step you arrange for the ingredients and have it built- find a baker- once the cake is baked then comes the icing.”
Basically that is what an interior designer offers their clients, “They use all their education and experience to analyze their client’s needs, prepare preliminary concepts and final design then prepare drawing for a contractor to build the project.
Michele continues to explain the difference between the interior designers and the myriad of other interior consultants available.
“Interior designers typically have a two or three-year diploma from a certified interior design program not a certificate from a part-time or continuing education program- those are more for general interest. If you take this as a professional career you need the correct combined amount of both education and experience of seven years in order to qualify for a NCIDQ. A professional in interior design has graduated from a NCIDQ in order to be a professional member. A member with less then the full seven years and the qualifying final exam may be an associate member. (NCIDQ .’National Council for Interior Design Qualifications’ this organization is the regulatory body that governs the minimum qualifications for interior designers in Canada and the United States)
CIDA, the Council for Interior Design Accreditation, qualify the schools across North America. “They used to go by years, they have changed it to hours, generally it takes 4 years to obtain the degree necessary. Mount Royal College offers a qualified interior design course; NAIT offers a drafting and interior design course, which is more than the SAIT program, which offers basically an interior drafting course. Having said that, because NAIT is only a two-year course it is not an accredited interior design program. Mount Royal College is now offering a degree course- as well as Ryerson in Ontario, University of Manitoba and Kwantlen University College, Richmond B.C. Those are the only schools in Canada presently offering accredited Bachelors or Masters Interior Design degrees the remaining education facilities are only offering certificate or diploma programs.”
What sort of work do you hire a NAIT or SAIT graduate?
“The training they have is more suited for a client that wants minimal work changed and only needs drawings to take to the city for permits… often they work as an assistant to an interior designer. A grad from NAIT may be also to assist with colour and finished selection as well.”
For clients considering a major renovation in the home and they are planning on ‘gutting’ the house, reconfiguring the space, moving walls, these clients should hire a certified interior designer. These professionals are qualified to move walls; they know when to hire structural/mechanical and electrical engineers as consultants to ensure all codes are being followed.
“Qualified Interior Designers are responsible for the safety of the public and are knowledgeable about building codes, materials and consistently must undergo continuing educational upgrading every three years to stay abreast of the changing codes”.

Michele recommends clients looking to hire any form of interior contractor should always:
1) Interview the candidates- Do you have a good report with them? Can you work with them for one to even two years?
2) Check out the references
3) Credentials – are they qualified for the scope of work you want done?
As a buyer/client your must come prepared. Know what you want, have a budget in mind and also understand you may be out of your house for six to eight months if you are contemplating major renovations.
Ensure you get a contract in place including fees and scope of work. Professional Interior Designers generally work for an hourly or fixed fee- and that includes shopping time. Discounts offered by manufactures and retailers are passed along to the clients. “The discount we get is anywhere from 10-40% and those savings are passed along to the customer since we are getting paid by the client to act on their behalf”
An interior designer, within the scope of a contract, can also offer provide drawings for the contractors and building permits, act as project manager, sign off on complete work, phase the process of the project, work with the client on finishes, colours, custom furniture. They provide all these services while providing the buyer protection-professional interior designers carry WCB, liability insurance and follow a strict code of conduct associated with their licensing body.

Customized Glass Ceiling lights

WOW- these are custome made ceiling lights- made in Calgary upon request- and the pics do not do them justice- you have to see them to believe it !

Edmonton's Top Ten Interior Design Trends- 2009

Edmonton’s Top ten interior design trends for condos 2009
Following the long history of shabby chic then the blank canvas of the minimalist movement- there is finally a backlash against living in austere environments.

1) Glamour--The basic trend which is the backdrop for all the others is ‘glamour. Refined old Hollywood glamour reminiscent of the 1920’s with a lovely nod to the New York influenced 50’s. Shine, shimmer, gently sweeping yet strong lines, finishes with polish complete the look. This basic influence inspires all the rest that create our new polished, sophisticated and grown-up living spaces.

2) High-end Finishes- First time buyers and those ‘downsizing’ are not willing to compromise style in their small spaces. The choices are hardwood over laminates, solid surface counter surfaces, upgraded bathroom faucets and shower accessories. Heated floors made from natural and man made tiles in the bathrooms coupled with wall mounted towel heaters are some of the many upgrades condo owners are installing in their private spaces.

3) White – All shades and tones of white are the new neutrals. Combinations of whites form the new backdrop for interiors- white marbles, leathers, high gloss finishes. Layer your whites, keeping them all either warm or cool toned in your surfaces, drapery, upholstery, lamps, wallpaper, even high gloss elaborate picture frames and mirrors will incorporate the white trend into your interiors.

4) Colour-Clear crisp hues from cotton candy inspired shades to vibrant blends of Asian influenced reds with touches of golds will infuse our homes. Look towards robins’ egg blues blended with dark chocolate, warm based lavenders balanced with shades of yellow or a bright blast of tangerine. Bold, exciting and not boring are the new colour combinations for 2008.
5) Contrast- This element is the one that unites all the trends and defines our new interiors. Contrast- High contrast colour combinations such as lavenders paired with oranges, crisp white with midnight black are perfect examples of the new high drama look for interiors. Contrast is not reserved only for colour, try rough-hewn old wood table atop highly reflective silver toned based for a luxurious and original coffee table. Mix your textures, nubbly and soft chenille pillows atop soft aged ‘white’ leather sofas. Scale is also a wonderful way to create contrast. Try one truly large over-scaled element such as a piece of furniture, art or a mirror along side more diminutive objects. Instant drama. Think outside the ‘beige safe box’ this is all about drama over-sized lamps, large patterned wallpaper (yes- even wallpaper is making a comeback) patterned pillows, large florals. It is all drama and infused with youthful energy.

6) Bling! Load up the chandeliers with crystals – laden the tables with glass and crystal vases. White or cool based metals are the new metals for your home jewellery. Silver, nickel, brushed or polished aluminium, steel, platinum form the basics in hardware, accessories, faucets, chandeliers and lamps. Glitter and bling adore the trend-setting spaces in quantities that have not been seen for years.

7) Eco-friendly is back with a new twist; ‘style with a conscience’ is the new buzz phrase. Refinish family heirlooms, shop in second hand stores, and revitalize upholstered pieces from the 60’s to create a one of a kind eco-friendly space. Focus on organic, eco-friendly products such as cork or bamboo for flooring over old forest or exotic hardwoods. Style with a conscience has brought elegance and beauty together with earth friendly interiors.

8) Multi-Purpose Furniture- Furniture in small spaces needs to earn its’ space. One of the most popular is the ‘Murphybed’, custom cabinets hide the bed by day and superior mechanisms allow both the young and old to easily pull the bed down for use and hide it away. Perfect for a studio apartment or a one bedroom where the living space may need to double as a spare room. There is even a model that can be incorporated into your kitchen island area to accommodate a small visiting child.

9) ‘Simplize’ the kitchen. Heavy ornate kitchens that work with the larger homes do not work within the smaller scale of most condos. We are seeing simple high gloss laminates used for European inspired simplicity in cabinets, high gloss stains and paints are the new preferred cabinetry. Counters are still high-end solid surfaces, granite is still a basic but growing in popularity with the set that does not cook that often but wanting a high end ‘glam’ is marble. The concept is to create; easy to use, simple lined spaces without clutter. Hiding the clutter of many appliances is being accomplished by the use of refrigeration and freezer drawers, which can be ‘hidden’ by facing them with the same finish used on the cabinetry. In addition the dishwasher drawers are favoured for their smaller size while also allowing smaller ‘condo sized’ loads of dishes to be washed in addition to saving on both electricity and water.

10) Zen this 5000-year-old philosophy is not going anywhere soon. Homeowners are seeking calm, refined, peaceful and relaxing retreats in their living environments.

Area Rugs

Floor Art

With hardwood being the number one flooring choice these days it is vital to add some drama and interest on the floor. Area rugs are the perfect solution. They help in reducing noise while adding interest, creating separate areas and adding a splash of drama to every space.

Increasing in popularity are large print patterns, floral motifs and shag is still a hot choice. Shag area rugs are available in large selection of colours and may just be the perfect shot of colour and texture to soften the popular minimalist ‘Zen’ decor!

With the proliferation of area rugs to choose from where does one begin? Area rugs are available in a large assortment of styles, materials and patterns. Jill Jowlett of Area Rugs in Edmonton suggests choice of material is vital. She explains, “ Olefin, polypropylene, nylon and viscose are all man-made fibres and are inexpensive alternatives to silk and wool. In selection of man-made fibre area rugs she suggests looking for a dense pile that will reduce curling and ripple effects often founds in less expensive rugs.

Wool is a great looking natural fibre. Wool performs on a graded wear scale from T1 to T6. T1 is a low grade dry wool that tends to pill and shed more than higher graded wool. New Zealand Wool has the most lanolin; softer hand and a beautiful sheen all that will help make the rug last longer. Wool rugs are made in a variety of methods - hand knotted, hand tufted, hand hooked and machine woven. Simply because a wool rug is hand knotted doesn’t mean it has to cost fortune. Watch out for over priced, and under valued rugs in all qualities and materials.

To make your selections easier, shop prepared with your fabric samples, paint swatches room sizes and keep your mind open to different styles to help determine your choice. Standard rug sizes are: 4x6, 5x8, 7x10, 8x11 and 10x13. Larger rugs are available in some lines. All measurements are approximate, if you can stay within these guide lines, there is a very nice selection available.
Keep in mind to ensure a creative environment you can mix things up with a traditional room and the ‘funky’ new rug- or a very contemporary space can look fantastic with a traditional area rug. It is art for your floor so have fun and make a statement!

Interview Mary Gerrad- Interscape

http://http://www.interscape.ca/people_gerrard.htm


Renewal and revitalization of Edmonton


Cranes and construction abound the last couple of years in our downtown core freeing many parking lots and unused buildings allowing for the exciting revitalization and growth of Edmonton’s downtown area. This transformation is largely due to some important visionaries that live and work in the very area they are responsible for renewing.

Mary Gerrard, the principle of Interscape Interior Design is one of those futuristic dreamers. Having been involved in numerous commercial, healthcare and institutional projects in the city for many years Mary brings her personal style and verve to this business. Her passion for the revitalization of Edmonton’s downtown core combined with her personal passion, experience and very impressive credentials: B.I.D, M.A.P.A.P., L.I.D., Leed Accredited, N.C.I.D.Q. (National Council of Interior Design Qualifications) certificate number 018128.

Living and working in the downtown core has long been a dream for Mary and her General Contractor husband. A few years ago when they were looking for a private home for themselves and their children they could not find the perfect blend of community, green space and lifestyle they wanted in order to raise their young family. So, instead they bought a stand-alone house on the rims of the urban centre.

This became one of the catalysis that drove Mary into becoming involved in the downtown advisory committee established in 1994 by the city of Edmonton to create a vision for the revitalization of the downtown core. Policies and procedures were put into place with the help of other forward thinking urbanites such as Michael Phar and following Gene Dub and his 0e80r 80. Creating incentives such as tax breaks for developers, relaxing some codes allowing vacant warehouse spaces to be renovated for loft style living and creating a better environment to draw shopkeepers and restaurants back to the downtown core where some of the items the committee pressed forward with to city council.

Explaining the difficult task it was introducing the urban living concept to city council many years ago Mary shares with us some of the committee struggles. “A couple of years ago people were buying due to price and the younger professional people buying in the downtown core had a different vision for how they wanted to live. They desired living close to downtown, to the nightlife, restaurants, and shopping areas.”

“We had a mayor a few years ago and it seemed like city council was not working toward or interested in the revitalization of the area. That is why we finally did get the committee backed by the City of Edmonton to work on this long-term goal to include measures and incentives to propel this project forward. It was a stiff- uphill battle with the city council a few years ago to see the benefit of revitalization the downtown core. It took 10-12 years to get the council to see the benefit. They started with only one million dollars for us to work with on this proposal. The city council, at that time did not see the future tax benefits of increasing residential properties by the way of increased population in the core. This increase in population is now paying residential property taxes- to new businesses and increased public transportation use by these people. Michael Phar was a great visionary for the urban core and very active in the revitalization of downtown Edmonton.”

One of the biggest obstacles developers are still facing with city council is the easing of parking requirements. “They (city council) don’t understand urbanization. Many people walk, take public transportation or use cabs. Relaxing the parking requirements for downtown, as many people don’t have cars- they don’t need one- is still one of the hurdles being faced. Easing parking stall requirements has been a tough hurdle explaining to council while we try to them why we don’t need that many cars.

“Another example is low-cost housing, can’t meet the parking requirements in the inner city, and the council does not seem to understand that many people can’t afford to have both a house and a car. Naturally the desire to live downtown close to public transportation is preferred for many in this group- and they don’t need a car- but the council does not seem to understand the dichotomy of this concept. Public transportation is not that available out in the suburbs.”


“Requirements of suburbia are not required in the core- we don’t want all the concepts of suburbia or we would live there. People who live in the core like the noise, the traffic, the excitement and ease of commute.” Mary passionately explains.

Interesting to note is the demographics driving the increase in urban revitalization in Edmonton:

1) Young professionals-‘20 somethings’- the new graduates single or co-habiting wanting the excitement and proximity to events, nightlife and their work while reducing the necessity of having a car.

2) Downsizers- the ‘50 somethings’ who have traded in the large suburban home and want to be close to the downtown core for theatre, the Winspear and prefer the large lofty spaces. Often this group has a recreational property as well.


The newest group taking advantage of the urban lifestyle is
3) Young families- ‘30 somethings’ that have lived in suburbia and tired of the commute.

This last demographic is truly changing the landscape of Edmonton’s urban centre.
“When you go to the downtown market and look up you see kids waving to you from their windows. You see more kids living in urban areas, we now have great schools downtown or easily accessible to the area.”



Many professionals’ with families are looking at downtown living again. “We don’t like the commute. We tired driving to suburbia and then having to drive 10 minutes for a jug of milk. Many families are moving back (to the urban centre) and looking at the larger spaces as well a greenspace- so rooftop gardens are important to them. In conjunction with their properties- pocket parks and that sort of amenities- this is the group that is buying the larger more expensive properties.”

For this group they like the urban centre- they like to be close to all the arts, shopping and restaurants if you live downtown you can walk. Once public transport gets better more and more people will want to use it.

Historically Edmonton has not offered great greenspaces in the city core, or balconies and decks, so now many developers are incorporating these requirements into their properties.

Environmental issues seems not to be the largest concern of this group however it is easy for a family to give up one car if they live in the city centre area. “We had a terrific concept that perhaps there could be an agreement with a rental car agency that they keep 3 or 4 cars available on preferential arrangement for residents of various urban properties. The idea being that when a resident needed a car for the weekend or other short period of time there would be one available. It was an idea suggested to the city in order to help in understanding the need to reduce the amount of parking spaces required, but the council is not ‘urbanized’ enough yet to understand.


Basically creating a more friendly business and residential environment in the city core is creating the increasing interest for returning to the city’s core. Embracing the urban neighbourhood is the gate that creates better connections and sense of community.

Interview with Tammy McKay- GO DESIGN

Go Design Group

Interview with Tammy McKay


Tammy MacKay the vivacious mother of two teenage sons, a one year old daughter and one more little girl that is due to join the family very soon also teaches Residential Interior Decorating at the University of Alberta while leading a professional team of 5 ladies at her company ‘ Design Group’. The west-end Edmonton based design company has just celebrated it’s fifth birthday and has experience in both residential and commercial applications. Tammy shared with Condo Living what some of her secrets to ensuring customer satisfaction with her clients.


What are you finding to the major needs and wants of your clients?

“Considering the demographic shift that is taking place amongst condo owners we are seeing a higher disposal income and for many owning a condo is becoming a prestige item. Many of our clients’ have two or more residences and find condo living more conducive to their busy lifestyles”


Globalization and the internet has created an awareness of better design to the masses. Clients are paying for smarter use of their square footage over the concept of larger spaces. Luxury is the top of the list for many condo buyers. The use of high-end materials- travertine, quartz, beautiful finishes that are also eco- friendly. Reclaimed wood is becoming very popular as is engineered woods over the use of solid wood for flooring. Another area we are finding a serious interest in is energy conservation and the purchases of higher end appliances.

“Clients are very smart and savvy, they want to be good citizens of the world and care for their planet”

What makes good design in your opinion?

Good design to me is about a holistic approach, not just does it look good but does it feel right- it has to feel right in order to work… design should be for all your senses—does it feel right.

When I design a place I want to include all the 5 senses in the space- the luxury feel again-especially in residential. I truly believe in tactile texture in my spaces.

How to you start a project and how to ensure each space feels fresh not a repeat of what you have done before?

“I start with the ‘Principles of Design’ and that is still what I do every time I design a space- I sit down and think what is the purpose for this space and what do I need to do—what is the concept I want to create for my client.”

The five ‘Principles of Design are’ colour, space, texture, light, and line.

You can never go wrong if you use and follow the rules of the ‘Principles of Design’- you can never go wrong- you can break them but you need to know what they are in order to break them correctly. So, yes, I always start with a piece of paper and write down the principles and in what order I am going to give them significance.

My clients are very savvy and design orientated so what I do is simply guide them through the process of what they want to ensure their vision is executed to the highest standards. Sometimes I do push them a bit and offer perhaps a more dramatic element then they originally thought about.

In my opinion light is the most important of all the design principles and I like to utilize lighting as one of the main proponents of my design. We are using much more layering in lighting then we have in the past. If you think about your favourite restaurant for example you will find it is the ambiance you actually like sometimes even over the food. It is how you feel while you are in the restaurant space and I think if people thought about it they would appreciate the ambiance of their favourite spaces is highly dependent on the lighting in those spaces.

We are now using on an average of 5 different light sources in rooms to achieve this layering of light and it makes a dramatic difference in the feel of the spaces once they are completed. I think the layering and the technical aspects of what professional designers are able to create is what separate them from the amateur decorators.

What do you consider to be the most important skills of a designer?


“My clients trust me, which is one of the most important elements in a successful venture. Perhaps when I am suggesting a crimson ceiling in the dining room my client may think that is too much- but if we carefully layer that element we will end up with a dramatic space, but my client needs to trust me in order to allow me to create a perfect space for them. We need to have excellent communication skills, empathy for our clients and they need to feel safe and secure when dealing with our staff.

Empathy, we need to feel what and why our clients want –it is not about us. It is about asking and discovering what our clients want to feel in their space. It is not so much about what they want to use as far as colours but more importantly how they want to feel in this space.