Parade of Homes
August 17, 2017
Arbutus brings West Coast contemporary to six-week event
Jeannie Armstrong|Star Phoenix
It’s a cavalcade of style and innovation! The 2017 Parade of Homes, presented by the Saskatoon & Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA), opened to the public on Aug. 8. The six-week event features 28 show homes constructed by 16 of city’s leading home builders.
Parade homes are located across Saskatoon as well as in Martensville. Exploring the Parade is a chance to “try on and imagine your life” in new homes and new neighbourhoods, says Chris Guerette, SRHBA president and CEO.
Arbutus Properties has two entries in the Parade of Homes, located in The Meadows. At 610 Meadows Boulevard, Arbutus unveils its new James model home, a 2,020 square foot Craftsman-style two-storey.
Arbutus sales manager Jody Minakakis describes the home’s interior as West Coast contemporary. Jen Lapsiuk, designer with Arbutus, created the home’s inviting, relaxed ambience – akin to a sunshine-filled beach house. “Jen wanted to highlight natural materials in this home. You’ll see a lot of natural stone, a lot of wood,” says Minankakis.
Walnut is the new “it” wood, and it is showcased to perfection in the James.
A live edge walnut fireplace mantel, a dining room table and coffee table were crafted for the home by Beaver Creek Customs. Walnut accent shelves complement the two-tone painted cabinetry in the kitchen. Handsome walnut posts are featured in the glass-panelled staircase leading to the second floor. The ensuite’s floating vanity offers a walnut ledge and furniture style-legs.
The kitchen is at the heart of the open concept layout at the James. “This model comes with an 11 foot island which everyone loves,” says Minakakis. The quartz-topped island features waterfall edges on both sides.
The cabinetry in the two-tone kitchen consists of white painted uppers that contrast with blue-grey lower cabinets.