Friday, September 26, 2008

SEAMLESS STYLE & FUNCTIONALITY


"What if a refrigerator didn’t have to look like a refrigerator? "

When we asked ourselves that question, it changed kitchen design forever. Sub-Zero Integrated Refrigeration is “anywhere” refrigeration. It merges seamlessly into the room, with no visible hinges or grilles. Choices abound. Drawers or tall units. Refrigerator only, freezer only, or both. Narrow for the galley kitchen or wide for a bigger space." [www.subzero.com]

One of the bulkiest appliances in our homes does not have to dominate the space. Look into your options at:



As seen in the following active listing:

2409 Erlton Street S.W.
Calgary, Alberta
MLS#: C3344026

A STABLE BUBBLE



Resale inventories down 5.3% last month
stabilization at last?



National Post Published: Saturday, September 20, 2008

We've been hearing a lot recently about the high number of new listings on the resale market, but the Canadian Real Estate Association's August release shows fewer people across Canada listed their homes last month -- perhaps wary of throwing their house in to the buyer's market and risking a long listing period and lower-than-asking sale price. CREA reports that after four months of steadily increasing listings, August posted a month-over-month decline of 5.3%, a sign, it says, that the resale market is stabilizing. These figures result mostly from fewer listings in Edmonton and Calgary; Saskatoon and Vancouver still had high inventories. Says CREA president Calvin Lindberg: "The challenge is for sellers to price their home to meet local market realities, and for buyers to realize there is no real estate bubble that will burst and send prices to new lows."

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET US STAY WARM


Check out the latest tabletop accessory by Carl Mertens. Since establishment in 1919, this company has created fashionable pieces for the home by adhering to the following principles:

1. Superior manufacturing quality
2. Contemporary and functional design
3. Environmental responsibility
So, if you have a Fantastic Design Sense, the Freezing Canadian Winter to Come & Leaving Less of an ECO Footprint on our HOME & NATIVE LAND on your mind, this might be for you.
WHERE TO LOOK:
www.carl-mertens.com/

FIRST TIME BUYER TAKE NOTE POTENTIALLY


Harper promises tax break for first-time home-buyers
BRIAN LAGHI
Globe and Mail Update and Canadian Press
September 16, 2008


KITCHENER, Ont. — A re-elected Harper government would offer first-time home-buyers a tax break worth up to $750 to help them defray costs associated with closing the deal.
The Conservative leader made the announcement Tuesday in Kitchener, where his government is hoping to make inroads in opposition-held ridings to help build a majority come election day, Oct. 14th.
It was the second modest spending promise during a week in which the economic concerns – both domestic and international – are beginning to dominate the campaign.
Mr. Harper's plan would offer a tax credit of up to $5,000 in reducing tax payable, and would go towards helping defray the closing costs on the purchase of a new home. Lowest-income Canadians would be eligible for the maximum amount, while buyers in higher income brackets would get less, Conservative officials said.
Conservative Leader Stephen Harper delivers remarks during a news conference at a housing project Tuesday. (The Canadian Press)
"Our plan is simple, modest and practical," Mr. Harper said. "It's a tax break for first-time home-buyers, and a boost for the construction industry.
Expenses like home inspection fees, land registration fees, transfer taxes, legal fees mortgage loan insurance premiums would all likely be covered, according to the Conservatives.
Approximately 300,000 Canadians purchased new homes in 2007. Tory officials estimated the program would cost approximately $200-million per year.
Southern Ontario – particularly the southwestern portion where Mr. Harper is campaigning today – is one of the lynchpins in the Tory effort to win a majority. The riding is currently held by Karen Redman, who won the riding over the local Conservative by 11 percentage points.
Mr. Harper's early morning news conference didn't go off with the usual near-military precision.
“Hey, Harper! Come on out and face us!” yelled a man into a scratchy megaphone. “Don't worry about it, Harper! You'll be on the unemployment line soon enough!”
Dave Leitch, a 12-year worker at General Motors supplier Kitchener Frame Ltd., will be out of a job Friday — the day his son turns seven months old.
His taunts and those of a small group of other flag-waving Canadian Auto Workers members was a noisy sideshow to Harper's tightly choreographed election event — an offer to give first-time home-buyers a tax credit worth up to $750 per family.
Mr. Leitch, who turned 40 last week, was fuming as he asked reporters whether Mr. Harper will give him a tax cut if he has to sell his house.
Mr. Harper gamely carried on, at first ignoring the din, until a reporter asked him directly about Ontario's struggling manufacturing sector and the workers directly affected.
“I think they're the same protesters we get in every election,” he said.
“But look, as you know, this government has been taking determined action to help the sectors that have had some difficulty. We announced the billion-dollar Community Development Program just before the last budget. That was specifically targeting forestry and other ... single-industry communities that have been hit.”
Mr. Leitch said well-paid manufacturing jobs are being lost to Ottawa's failure to stem the tide of imported cars and other products. Guys like him wind up working at Tim Hortons, he said.
Mr. Harper belatedly said he feels for those who've lost their jobs, but said government can't “throw money” at outmoded industries. Instead, the Conservatives have invested in new technologies and training that spearhead the future, he said.

Wednesday, September 3, 2008

DRESSING WALLS TO IMPRESS

Find Art You Can Enjoy For Years & Add A Focal Point To Your Naked Walls.

"E L E M E N T A L S P I R I T" — Norah Borden

September 4 - 24, 2008
Opening Reception with artist in attendance - Saturday, September 6, 1-4pm First Thursday Preview and Artist Talk - Thursday, September 4, 7pm


Many people see the tumultuous storms in my paintings. For me, it is not so much about the storm, but more the effects of light within them. By painting a backdrop of a wind swept sky and water, one can truly see the radiance of light. These paintings are an inward journey where one can explore deeper, more complex realms within their own experiences.
- Norah


WHERE TO LOOK:

107, 100 – 7 Ave. SW, Calgary, AB
tel: 403.262.3356

Spooky Seating

LOUIS GHOST ARMCHAIR
A transparant chair made from a single mould polycarbonate in the style of LOUIS XV. Shock, Scratch & Weather resistant, this playful masterpiece can add value to any indoor or outdoor space. Designer, Philippe Starck, has created a way to add classic shape to modern spaces.


Where to Find in Calgary?

KIT INTERIORS
725 11 Avenue SW
tel: (403) 508-2533

The Cow Comes Home


The LC4 Chaise Lounge is available in a chrome frame and matte black base, upholstered in: Black leather or tri-color hairy hide (black/brown/white) with a black leather headroll.

Design Le Corbusier, Pierre Jeanneret, Charlotte Perriand, 1928. Sling seat, metal frame.Made in Italy by Cassina.The “Cassina I Maestri” (Cassina Masters) collection includes some of the most important furniture created by leading figures in the Modern Movement, pieces which have since become landmarks in the evolution of contemporary design. This recognizable chaise lounge, described as the resting machine, was presented to the 'Salon d'Automne' in 1929 and is included in the permanent collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

Check it out at:

www.areainteriors.ca/