Page 20, Whitby Free Press, Wednesday, May 11, 1994 __________________A HOME DESIGN AND IMPROVEMENT FEATURE Changing Iooks for changing times ,,A return to traditional values, the search for a simpler lifestyle, the agfing babyboomers, environ- -mental awareness and global inifluences all have a profound effect on the way homeowners in the nineties are renovating their homes," says Michael Godfrey, chair, Greater Toronto Home Buiders' Association (GTHBA) renovation and redevelopinent council. Home is beeomning the focal point of our lives. Not only do we relax and socialize there, but a rpdly growing number of Caadans now work out of their homes, connected electronically to the world around them. Exercise rooms or areas help us stay in shape and entertainnient areas keep us informed and amused. Parents and grown children are sharing homes, and single adults and couples' are forming non-traditional households, giving rise to a growing need for well-defined common and private spaces. Saving spaces Today's renovating home- owners take a practical approach to space. Efficient use of space is what they want -- open, well-designed rooms, well- planned storage areas and effective traffic patterns.' Space proniotes the jyof being at home, relaing, cooling, working, alone or with fiends and family. Additions can be built up as full second storeys on bungalows, or out in the back and V V V V V V V V V V V VVVVVVVVVVVV up to avoid using valuable garden and patio space. The conserver society The consuming homeowners of yesterday are becoining tomor- row's conserverB, xnotivated by a personal desire for a simpler lifestyle and a concern for the envioninnt around them. Water-conserving fixtures and fittings are finding their way into Canadian bathrooms. New kitchens routinely include recycling and sorting stations and the backyard composter turns ognchousehold wastes into rihso for the vegetable garden. Recycled and recyclable materials are used throughout the home, and renovators are separating wat materials from te renovationprojeet for reuse and recycing rather than disposai. To reduce energy consumption, homeowners are choosing high-efflciency windows with a low-emissivity coating, gas fil and/or triple glazing when replacing existing windows. Other common energRy-efficient upgrades include extra insulation, new furnaces, new doors and weatherstripping. Homes as persStal expressions The homes of the nineties are warm and personal living envronmients, tailored to the enjoyment and convenienoe of each homeowner. Colours are used extensively throughout the home to create just the right ambience, from delicate pastels to environ- mentally inspired earth tones to fashionable jewel tones, while whites stili provide a popular neutral background for strong decorating statements in furnishings and walI hanginge. Natural fibres co-exist harmoniously with the Iatest developments in man-made materials. The richness and lasting beauty of, wood is once more enjoyed in hardwood floors, cabinetry, banisters and other decorative touches,' while lacquers, laminates, acrylies and granite-look surfaces provide contrast and convenience. Comfort, convenience, enjoy- ment and value -- it ail adds up to the life that makes you happy, in the home that makes you feel good. A prfesonal renovator can help oudcde which choices are best for you. For a list of GTHBA professional renovator members, eall (416) 391-HOME. Ma &.Pa's County Store Y County Decor Y Sante Fe YScented Candies Y Potpourri and electrie pots V V V V V V Y Featuring 16 craftspeople frbm Durham Region This week'sfeatured local craftspersonz DENISE SWALE 10% OFF MIN,ýIATURES 374 WISON RD. S. OSHAWA e 434-7560 North of Bloor, South of Olive »U,~ Saving the past for the future JC' ONE 0F Whitby's designated homes is the Dr. Horace Bascoml house, bulit in 1913, at the corner of Kingi and St. John streets. Designated in June 1985, it is the residence of Whitby LACAC chair Rick McDonnell. This photo was taken in 1971. Th e house is a rare example of the American Colonial style of the early 1900sin Whtby.Whitby Archives photo OId house buffs gain when selling their homne s Designation under the Ontario Heritage Act, 1974 is an officiai identification that guards the integrt ' teexeiro buil ding anfd any worthy interior features. Have you ever heard the arguments that go something like this: * heritage laws restrict what an owner can do with his property *the property, therefore, appeals to fewer potential buyers * the resae price is correspondîngly lower? If you have ever considered having your vintage home recognized under the Ontario Heritage Act, you probably have. You've been told that heritage designation is financial suicide when it comes to resale value. "Nonsense," says Robert Shipley, a consultant based in Conestogo, Ont. He eonducted a study of historically-designated buildings in Kitchener and London and concluded that designation, at best, had a positive influence on property values and, at the least, had no effect at ail. Designated buildings were compared with non-designated buildings in both cities. Shipley found that at least 80 per cent of heritage properties performned better than average. Designation alone will not account for the increased values, the study suggests. "It's more likely that the historie, designation and the Clip th I 10%Y Ex increase in value have the same cause, namely, the genuine interest of the property owners in preservation," states eShipléy. Old-house buifs are more likely te have their homes designated and are also willing te invest in repairs and upgrades. And old-house buifs ýrap the rewards when they seil their houses. There are other -benefits of designation. Your property is identified as an architectural or historical asset te the community. You may also be eligible for grants from the province te restore your property, but~ with restraints in the provincial budget, the benefit may not be as readily available as it has been in the past. Resourees are also available for adviçe on restoration measures and for any other hsoia information desired. Over the past few years, the Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Comniittee (LACAC), a volunteer citizens? committeo, has eompiled a list of architectural or historical significant local buildings. The register lists more 4than 200 structures that bava' the potential te be designated. I For further informatioi on designating your home, contact the LACAC secretary in' the planning department at. the Whidtby municipal buildin. 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