Parade of Homes | Spring 2017

Kensington Homes — 10 Del Monica Road

Celebrating 80 Years Cont’d from page 4

Precursors to the modern Parade drew crowds who would even pay admission. In 1957, Quality Homes — now Qualico — added some razzle dazzle by taking on a National Home Week challenge to build a house in 24 hours. The basement was built in advance, and according to a story in the Winnipeg Free Press, about 200 men com­ pleted the job with time to spare. The two-bedroom house on Cher­ ry Crescent was finished and landscaped in 19 hours, 10 minutes. Ultra-fashionable trends over the years have included features like pink bathroom fixtures, floor-to-ceiling sheets of faux wood wall panelling and harvest gold appliances. Some old ideas have come back again, in new-and-improved form — Formica and Arborite countertops, rustic wood wall features and wood-look panelling made from ceramic tile to name a few. “I’m surprised to see wallpaper coming back again,” says Kensing­ ton Homes marketing manager Ryan Alby. “But the quality has im­ proved so much.” Master bedrooms might have textured wallpaper, and Alby says bold feature walls and custom paints are more popular, particularly in children’s bedrooms. In 2005, KDR Homes made a bold move by introducing stainless steel details in a Parade of Homes show home. Company president Diego Vassallo says he also used automobile paint to get a perfect shine on cabinetry — a look that’s easy to get today with new acrylic finishes.

‘I’m surprised to see wallpaper coming back again. But the quality has improved so much.’

Cont’d on page 8

6 Parade of Homes Spring 2017

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