SURPRISE!!!

 

Yesterday, Saturday the 25th of February was the “REVEAL” of Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012 at the Foster Family Farm House Homework Club for Kids. The day was everything I hoped it would be and more.

I was Surprised to see Michael O`Byrne host of CTV Ottawa's News at Noon there but assumed he was there to cover the story of the Extreme Makeover……I was wrong.

Michael was there to present me with the United Ways Community Builder Award.

I was overwhelmed and speechless but so very happy to receive it. Michael had a wonderful speech for me and I wanted to share it with you.

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Good Morning, Everyone.

I`m Michael O`Byrne, host of CTV Ottawa`s News at Noon and a member of United Way Ottawa`s volunteer recognition team.

United Way is all about building community. One of the things that we like to do is recognize people who have made a real difference in the lives of others through their volunteerism and commitment to their community. These people truly demonstrate the ability to give, speak up and take action on the things that matter most to them. Today, we are here to honour Sonya Kinkade as an outstanding Community Builder.

As some of you know, this past week was Kindness week here in Ottawa. Kindness Week is a city wide initiative that encourages community members to choose to be kind and recognizes those who engage in everyday acts of kindness. For the past two years Sonya Kinkade has been a shining example of the kindness in action.

In her day job, Sonya is a formally trained Interior Decorator and Owner of Sonya Kinkade Design. With her keen sense for style and her attention to detail, Sonya can transform any space into something amazing. After hearing about Kindness Week, Sonya Decided to use her incredible talents to spread the kindness.

Last year Sonya launched Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition, a weeklong project that aims to redesign and makeover spaces for community agencies that wouldn`t normally be able to afford a makeover. Not only do they make the space beautiful, they make it much more functional. The first project that the Extreme Makeover team took on was the lobby at the Good Companions Seniors Centre. They took an institutional looking room and made it into a warm and inviting place for the staff and clients of the Good Companions Centre.

This year Sonya and the Extreme Makeover Team took on an even bigger challenge, here at the Foster Farm Community House. The Foster Farm Community House acts as a resource centre where a variety of services and activities are offered. One of those resources is a homework club for kids. Sonya saw a need for the kids to have the best possible learning environment and made this the focus of this year’s makeover. As we can all see Sonya and the Extreme Makeover team have hit it out of the park again this year, creating a beautiful and functional space that children will be enjoying for years to come.

What really makes the Extreme Makeover projects amazing, are that they wouldn't`t be possible without community involvement. They have ZERO budget, everything you see here today was donated by community members. One of Sonya`s biggest supporters has been her husband Daryl, not only has he been there to support her but his company D.E. Kinkade Konstruction LTD has donated an amazing amount of time and labour.

Sonya, it is my very great Pleasure to present you with a United Way Community Builder Award. The plaque reads: “Thank you for helping to build a stronger, healthier and safer community for all of us.”

United Way has a permanent display at City Hall, called the Community Builder Wall of Inspiration. Your name will be added to this display so that everyone will know the wonderful contribution you have made to this community for years to come. Congratulations!

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Thank you to Everyone who was a part of the Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012 Team. I received the award but you all played a part in making it happen and you make me look good. I love you all

“Coming together, sharing together, working together, succeeding together.”

The 2012 Dream Team:

The Designers

• Sonya Kinkade           Sonya Kinkade Design (lead Designer)
• Nicole Duguay            Solace Interiors
• Maureen Coates         MODECOR 
• Mary Anne van Gaal   Otta decorate!
• Donna Hargrove         dh designs
• Kelly James                JAX Décor & Design
• Lisa Goulet                 Lisa Goulet Design
• Sarah Kidder              Sarah Kidder Design

The Contractor

• D.E. Kinkade Konstruction Ltd-  of all construction. ,labour and materials

The Contributors

• · Ottawa Valley Kitchens- all build it cabinetry
• · Sherwin-Williams store #8785- supplied all paint
• · Brent Kelly Painting-  All paint labour
• · Barwood Flooring- New wood flooring
• · Marchand Electric- new lighting
• · Climate Works- New central Air
• · Lafarge Canada- supplied all new school chairs
• · Tamarack Developments-  Cash donation for Homework room Décor
• · Tag along Toys- All new school supplies
• · Smart Space organizing- Office and school supplies
• · Future Shop- Wall mount TV
• · Marc Gagnon- Blu-ray player
• · Faye Fortune Drapery- all new window treatments
• · Ikea Canada- Office Supplies
• · Matt Leblanc Abstract art- New custom art Piece
• · Sheila Cane Sample Pencil Art- Custom art piece
• · Danielle Lynn Photography- capturing the Makeover
•  Randy Little – donation of chalk board paint
• · School Furniture of Canada- gave a charitable discount to the chairs  donated by Lafarge Canada
• · Spotlight Hair Studio & Spa- Donation on one Ikea side chair
• · Kristin Berit- Donation on one Ikea side chair
• · Tina Klein Walsh- Dictionaries

 

Life, it is what you make it…..

 

 

I woke up this morning, being my 43 Birthday feeling a little sorry for myself. There were things that have changed in my life that I have been having a hard time with lately and being “one more year closer to death” as I always say, was not making me want to jump up and yell “Happy Birthday to Me!!!”

 

For one, a Gray streak now runs through my hair where my once red hair gleamed

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My eyes were full of life and are now a little droopy and are showing the years with the bags, dark circles and a few little wrinkles… OK, maybe more than a few

With the pressure of my daily life for the last 2 years I have added on some extra baggage in all areas of my once not to bad body (picture was 2 years ago)…not in one spot, not in two but EVERYWHERE! at least I am proportioned…

  

Where there once was muscle from years and years of being a jock (that's me 4th in from the right) there is now bad hips, bad knees and boobs that no longer can be contained in a sports bra without slipping out and knocking me in the head….

I will never again get that morning call from My Mom & Moe wishing me a Happy Birthday…..something I never dreamed I would live without

My babies are no longer babies and the special hugs and cuddles are slowly fading…..

I have been married for 19 years now and can barely remember my husband and I looking like this…..is this real?

 

But then I turned on Facebook and twitter this morning and was reading all my Birthday messages from Old friends, new friends, business associates and my family members and something happened…..Like the Grinch my heart  suddenly grew 3 sizes…..and I had a look on my face like this…

And I realized…

• My gray streak in my hair was a sign of years and years of learning and loving and being on this beautiful earth and I am alive and healthy…. ( and there is a thing called hair dye….halleluiah!)
• My eyes that are puffy and droopy and showing the tell tale signs of aging are no longer naive and insecure but are now full of wisdom and have seen enough in my 43 years to give me the strength to be my own person.
• My weight gain that creeps up on me is not from laziness but from having a job that I love that keeps me busy, that consumes my days…. but how many of you can say you are living your dream, working at something everyday that fulfills you….
• My sore muscles and joints are a sign….telling me I have been living a full life and not missing a step along the way
• My Mom & Moe are no longer here but I have grown into a 43 year old woman who has overcome many things in my life from the wisdom they gave my and the lessons they taught me and even though that phone call never comes….I still hear them….I still feel them…They are still here
• My babies are growing but with that is a feeling of accomplishment, each day is new and each day they are growing into the person I am shaping them to be….my babies will always be my babies
• My wedding dress may no longer fit and the white has faded but my husband loves me still today and I believe loves me more then on the 23 of January 19 years ago….yes we no longer look the same but we are growing old together and I am grateful for him everyday

 

Last but not least, I have great friends and family who love me and who have helped shape who I am today….I love you all!!

IDS12 impressions from a designer

 

This past weekend I attended the Interior Design Show in Toronto with 5 of my girlfriends who just happened to be design professionals too.

Catch my Impressions of the IDS12 here at Ottawa at Home Magazine!

Click on picture to see the Post in Ottawa at Home Magazine

 

Here are a few pictures I took of the show, enjoy the eye candy!

• Small scale Living- Dee Dee Taylor Eustace

• Fun design- Nordsouth & Living Lighting on King

 

• BY_LISSONI & Gresham house

 

• ELTE

 

• Showstopper - Bloomsbury Kitchen  

 

 

For more great blog post on IDS12 visit the links below

Lisa Goulet Design  and  JAX does design  & Maureen at modecor muses

 

IDS12 Trends & Highlights

 

As of Thursday afternoon I am off with a few of my designer gal pals to the Interior Design show in Toronto. This is my 5th year at the show I believe and it never fails to amaze me, always incredible things to see and learn. This year I have gotten the inside scoop on on a few of the trends and Highlights of the show. Here is your sneak peek into IDS12

Slow Design

•Encompasses traditional design using local & natural materials, handmade craftsmanship and influence, its back to basics at its best

Urban Tree Salvage

Holtz

 

Holtz Furniture – Modern, organic furniture art

Holtz Furniture is a family owned and operated furniture company that prides itself in designing and producing modern organic furniture art.  They incorporate various elements to form living furniture art pieces, yet designing them so they remain functional for everyday use and display.  Their wood is sourced from various countries and regions throughout the world with emphasis on trees that have perished due to urbanization and natural causes. 

 

 

SNOB

SNOB Furniture - uses the talents of the South African people to produce exquisite products of modern design and art form.

 

 

Studio North

This year at IDS 12, STUDIO NORTH celebrates its 10TH anniversary of showcasing the best in Canadian Design. Studio North is a jury-selected display of established and emerging Canadian Designers, Often described as a show-within-a-show, that is beautifully set-up like a gallery.

Atelier 688- handcrafted Rope lights. A one stop Art and Design studio located in Toronto’s Art district of Queen West, Atelier 688 showcases the work of local Canadian artists and designers with a leaning towards the use of reclaimed and vintage materials.

Atelier 688

 

 Kino Guérin is a contemporary artist from Montreal. Guerin challenges himself to make furniture with a unique piece of wood, no legs, crossbars or supports. Bending the extremities until they reach the floor, the table below reflects the equilibrium between the curve and the straight line, between exuberance and purity.

Kino Guérin

 

 

Outdoor Living

Homeowners today are using the outdoors as an extension of their living space by bringing the comforts and luxuries of the indoors OUT to enjoy a visually and virtually larger living area.

· Andrew Richard Designs- One of my favourite at IDS has always been the Canadian luxury outdoor furniture line of Andrew Richard Designs. They are known for materials and custom designs, created to enhance the lifestyle of their clients.

Andrew Richard Designs

 

 

Paloform – The pieces at Paloform are beautifully modern, hand cast concrete fireplaces and fire pits that are created right here in Canada. They are High-end, very unique pieces that are Eco-friendly.

 

Paloform

 

 

Small Scale Living

Small Scale Living, Inspired by condo living involves small-scale furniture, open floor plans, and the elimination of formal rooms it will take IDS 12 by storm this year. It is the year of less is more.

 

· Domison - Modern living calls for modern solutions. From small spaces to open lofts, DOMISON helps you create the perfect fit for whatever your needs with its new line of modular couches and contemporary living solutions.

Domison

 

· Bulthaup – The b3 multi-function wall conceals water, electricity and gas pipes and allows cabinets to appear as if they are floating. It becomes active, as functional as it is beautiful, and can merge the kitchen and its surrounding spaces together to form a single unit, simply incredible!

Bulthaup

 

· Nomo Creations - Jamie Sajdak, a Studio North participant and designer behind Nomo Creations, developed Orbit as an attempt to redefine flat pack furniture, allowing for reduced size and transportation costs, both economic and ecological, and the increased ability for the materials used to be disassembled for recycling/reuse. The whole structure can be flat packed by removing two bolts. I love this piece!

 Nomo Creations

 

I can`t wait to walk through those doors! is going to be a great show

• Watch for my IDS 2012 post show Blog post in Ottawa at Home Magazine website in February!

Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012

I have been asked to be the lead Designer for Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition for the United Way Ottawa again this year and the plans are now under way.

The Lucky Recipient this year will be The Foster Family Farm House Homework club located at 1085 Ramsey Cres, Unit 334 Ottawa.

The Foster Farm House is a Community house * acts as a resource centre where a variety of services and activities are offered. One of those resources is a homework club for kids.

A typical day at the Homework Club goes like this:
The children come in at 5:30 and usually start their homework and request assistance if needed.  Some of the children go into the computer room to do research for reports or projects.  They usually have a snack about 30 minutes into the program which is provided through Kick start program from the Ottawa food bank.  As we know that a hungry child is distracted and not focused so a healthy snack is important. 
The children then return to homework and support from our homework club staff.  Our staff speak English, French, Arabic and Somali.  The children will sometimes ask for additional work to practice math etc. if they are finished their own assignments.  Parents come and pick up the children and talk to the workers at 7:30 the program is finished.  The program runs 3 days a week for 2 hours each night with 30 children using this homework club at any given time.
 
This year once again I invited my dear friends who are also terrific designers to help me make this happen.
 

EMKE Design Team:

From left to right

• Nicole Duguay - Solace Interiors
• Maureen Coates – Modecor
• Mary Anne van Gaal - Otta decorate!
• Donna Hargrove - DH Designs
• Kelly James- Jax décor & design
• Sonya Kinkade – Sonya Kinkade Design
• Lisa Goulet – Lisa Goulet Design

And joining the EMKE team this year is Sarah Kidder of Sarah Kidder Design (not shown in Photo)
We are pleased to say that D.E. Kinkade Konstruction LTD who was our our supplier of both Labour and martial has signed up to join us again.
All the photography for EMKE 2012 has generously been donated once again this year by Danielle Lynn Photography
To see posts on last years makeover click on the links below
The process
http://sonyakinkadedesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/extreme-makeover-kindness-edition_28.html
The reveal
http://sonyakinkadedesign.blogspot.com/2011/03/extreme-makeover-kindness-edition_02.html
The people who made it possible
http://sonyakinkadedesign.blogspot.com/2011/02/extreme-makeover-kindness-edition.html

If you would like to be a sponsor for Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition 2012 pf the Foster Family Farm Homework Club please email or call
Sonya Kinkade at sonyakinkade@bellnet.ca or 613-838-5252

Watch Sonya on CTV Morning Live talk about Extreme Makeover Kindness Edition

WE NEED YOU HELP OTTAWA!!

Here is a list of items we need to complete this makeover. If there is anything on the list you can help us with please contact sonyakinkade@bellnet.ca 613-838-5252

What we need!

Wall shelves Memo peg boards Large clock Small wall mounted TV and VCR Office supplies school supplies

Window shades Durable flooring  air conditioning Track lighting Lumber and supplies Colourful chairs for kids

Small but Mighty!!

 

This small bathroom was part of a full house renovation of a somewhat small bungalow. There were two bathrooms in the home, one small powder room off the back of the house and this small main bath. The picture shown is after the bathroom was gutted. There was an existing pedestal vanity, bath/shower combination and a toilet...that is it.

 

 

Beside the bathroom was a small linen closet I was able to relocate in another area of the home leaving us the option to knock through the wall and closing up the linen closet door. This allowed us to have enough space to add both a stand up shower and a bathtub.

 

 

We now had a fairly large walk in shower where there was none. To add interest to the shower without the price tag I added different tiles laid in an interesting format. For interest on the floor, instead of using your typical 2 x 2 tile I used a small mosaic with interesting colour combinations for texture. The main wall tile was a 12 x 24 tile and to add interest I added two banding's of mosaic tile in between.

 

 

Continuing the tile from the shower, I used it around the tub area taking a fairly average tub to a new level.

 

 

I accented the small window above with a beautiful soft Roman shade to bring softness where there wasn't. A small burlap stool was used as a spot to sit or hold a cup of tea while enjoying a long soak. The burlap also added a new texture to the room.

 

 

There was still not a large enough space for a large vanity to hold everything, so I had a shelf installed above the tub where you could keep your bath items, as well as giving that area the finishing touch it needed.

 

 

Because we saved money in various areas on this project with sale items and box store stock items we were able to top the wood vanity with Crema Marfil marble that complimented the tile in the shower and tub surround nicely. We were also able to top with a large goose neck faucet with white porcelain Hot and cold symbols on the handles.

 

 

For the vanity I wanted something that would warm up the space and create drama even though it was small in scale. What better way to do it then with a solid oak, antiqued finished French Empire vanity that I found on sale. I added a gorgeous mirror in the same finish with metal detailing that topped it off nicely. Art work was added for a splash of colour and this bathroom owns up to its name...Small but Mighty!