West Coast style shines B West Coast Rooms, by Edie Cohen, Rockport Publishers, 192 pages, $72 FROM the creative minds of 41 contemporary interior designers and architects come the finished rooms and buildings which provide these outstanding examples of West . Coast design. The use of glass to open up the interior to include the views of the outside world and to bring the ovo closer is a common link. The view may be a brilliant blue ocean, an urban scene or a quiet green garden but they all become part of the inside environment. In many of the featured locations, the warmth of the __ natural materials used to help to make the modern designs feel more like a home than a showroom. There is an amazing _ range of influences at work here, from the min- imalism of Orlando Diaz-Azcuy © to the “western touches of cowboy esthetic - that’ Beth’ Slifer, _incorporates into her Vail designs. *. Each of the 41 featured works is displayed with a‘selection of photographs and a descrip- tion of the designs, with crédit to the archi- tect and interior designer. : An appreciation of cificient use of space . and the creation of privacy combine in many of the featured homes. Hard angles and elegant spaces are created to present the precious items within the rooms and frequently shape the flavour of the “space. : There is an independent spirit at work in these rooms which so proudiy: present. their style; each one an individual bie combined illustrate something uniquely west coast. _ Terry Peters “Come to Floorworks for the Natural.’ Choice in Carpet. When it comes fo carpeting, you can't beat the natural warmth and feel of wool. . This strong nature! fiber's performance qualities include durability, flame retardation and natural resistance fo soiling. "FALL HOME GARDEN Wednesday, September 27, 2000 - North Shore News - 17 livingroom SPECIAL SECTION NEWS photos Cindy Goodman FOR a home renovation in West Vancouver, Hughes Brothers Construction installed cabinetry in vertical grain hemlock. . with a burgundy finish, granite countertops and an oak floor to create a kitchen that is both functienal and fashionable... Marcie Good News Reporter CANADIAN homeowners have been renovating in record numbers for the past year, but that doesn’t mean they are flocking to the bargain bins, David Ptughes, of Hughes Brothers Construction, — has noticed an upswing in the materi- als people are choosing: natural wood for floors and cabinets and granite for counter tops are both extremely popular choices. “They're realizing that you've got to spend the moncy to get the ume,” he said. “If people are spending a whack of money on heritage homes, they're going to walors buy the materials to last.” The cabinet doors in this kitchen are hemlock with a rich burgundy finish. Like other soft woods, hemlock absorbs. stain very well. Its uniform, straight grain gives it an attractive look. - Granite, what Hughes calls “a big slab of rock,” is making a solid impression on many renovators. Nearly every job he does these days makes use of granite. “While people like the durabili- ty, the many patterns and colours may come as a surprise. Oak, such as shown on this kitchen floor, is still an “old stan- dard,” and often chosen by her- itage home owners to match older wood. But while nearly omnipresent in the fate 80s, Hughes thinks it was “overused,” _ Exceptional uality... yet affordable. Owner Don James invites you fo see the latest in styling and texture. Offer expires October 13/00 Floor Works Akal Furniture offers a great furniture selection including: sofas ¢ chairs * occasional tables wardrobes * entertainment units dining room suites « bedroom suites accessories *and so much more! Plus & Posturepedic mattresses. Factory direct / all sizes Custom orders Produced Quickly Choice of Fabrics and Colours. 1045 Marine Drive, North Vancouver Beside the Avitoa! The valance lighting in this kitchen casts a soft, low light on the counters. For.more informa-:; tion, call David Hughes at 290- 4425. and it is now losing some ground - to maple and cherry. Pine and fir are also gaining in popularity. “The misconception is that the softer woods get all dinged up,” said Hughes. “But -after a few years, the nicks and scratches give it a really nice patina, sort of naturally’ antiqued.” . - For refrig-- erators and . appliances, people are choosing industrial look with | stainless Soa fees steel. STAINLESS steel ‘appllences: iend an indus- a trial look to modern kitchen designs. # Gallant Kitchen & Bath situated m next to Country Furniture on Marine @ Drive in North Vancouver, has been open for six months now! - a i Gary worked as an independent contractor for Thunderbird Home centers for well over a decade, Renovating kitchens and baths is his speciatty, but as a consumer he doesn't expect it to be yours. . a They will visit your home before an estimate is given, then make recommendations based on your budget. Before any work begins he is able to create a three « dimensional computer print out, showing you exactly hew your new kitchen or bath B will look. Everyone has a differsnt level of expertise when it cornes to renovating. At Gallant Kitchen & Bath you can have it al! done for you, or do it ail 4 yourself! Whether it's cabinets, counter tops, A plumbing fixtures or flooring, you will find @ exactly what you need at Gallant Kitchen & Bath.