Unique without being weird
0 Comments | Winnipeg Free Press, Jul 24, 2010 | by Lewys, Todd
Waverley West design offers something different while keeping families happy
The lot of a home builder — especially those upon whom “custom builder” status hasn’t yet been conferred — is a tenuous one.
While they strive to differentiate themselves from their competitors, there has to be an element of restraint in the designs they conceive. After all, it’s not a good idea to come up with a home design that’s way outside the box. The idea is to be different in a unique, functional way, not over-the-top different.
Consequently, when the designers at Signature Homes drew up the plans for their latest show home — the 2,600 sq. ft.-plus, three-bedroom (plus bonus room) Dufferin, found at 31 Edington Point in Bridgwater Forest — they made sure to pick their spots and really make each feature count.
“All our plans are a bit different,” says Jeff McArthur, Signature Homes’ area manager for Waverley West. “We’re trying to be more customized, yet, for lack of a better term, deliver track-builder pricing.”
Although the Dufferin is all about space — it’s aimed squarely at providing gracious family living — it’s far from being one big empty. A prime example of well-used and defined space is the great room area, which features a novel L-shaped layout. That layout is then filled out nicely with three-quarter inch (dark) ash hardwoods, dark maple cabinetry and shimmering grey (arborite) countertops that resemble granite.
“It actually took on the L-shape by necessity. It’s the result of having a recessed garage (a product of the strict builders guidelines in Bridgwater Forest). Ultimately, it worked out well. You get an island kitchen with dinette area by a big bay window at one end with deck doors in the middle,” he says. “The doors create a nice buffer that separates the kitchen from the living room.”
The result is a great room that’s open but separate — and plenty spacious. That’s due to another thoughtful window feature, adds McArthur.
“Our designers put a recessed window on the back wall because it added space (in this case for placement of a sofa) and light to the area. It creates a really nice look that sets off the area.”
Unlike many of today’s contemporary homes — custom, or otherwise — the living room does not have a built-in entertainment unit or fireplace.
“We simply did a dark feature wall to add colour and definition,” he says. “In the case of this home, we put in a portable entertainment unit. Leaving the wall open allows you to plug in an electric fireplace, which could be complemented by a corner entertainment unit. It’s up to the customer to do what they want to do with the space. We want to give people options.”
Speaking of options, the front-oriented dining room, which is defined by smart cut-out pillars and a vaulted ceiling, can easily be used for alternate purposes.
“We’ve found that a lot of our customers turn it into an office because the dinette area off the kitchen is so large (with seating capacity for six to eight people)
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