Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/252637
49 4 | bcliving.ca and adding features with universal appeal, such as a basement suite and expansive windows. e overall design then served as a neutral backdrop for Girard's more personal choices that included mirrored surfaces, antique lighting and a liberal use of black and white. Bussey admits he was hesitant at fi rst about some of Girard's selections – from a mirrored kitchen backsplash to dramatic period lighting. "I had never installed used lighting before and it took me a while to get used to the idea, but I grew to love it," says Bussey. Other suggestions from Girard, such as extra storage drawers in the eaves, were nixed after Bussey determined them to be too expensive. "He let me source and choose, but he wouldn't let me make a mistake," says Girard. "If Jim made a choice that I wasn't happy with, he would tell me to learn to love it. Jim taught me how to let go of some of my ideas." Midway through the project, while on vacation in Cancun, the couple got engaged. And while Bussey is an experienced builder, he admits that the result of their collaboration was a bit unexpected. "It was a success," says Bussey. "I can't help but be impressed that in spite of the fact that Jenna wasn't a professional, together we produced something that neither of us could have done alone." ■ Girard continues to live in her renovated Kits home with her two sons. She and Bussey are currently planning their wedding and will eventually build a home together. "I can't help but be impressed that in spite of the fact that Jenna wasn't a professional, together we produced something that neither of us could have done alone." –Architect Jim Bussey BRIGHT IDEA THE MOST STRIKING ASPECT OF THE INTERIOR DESIGN IN girard's home is the period lighting in every room. the homeowner enlisted the help of spa owner and interior designer claudine Michaud of bioéthique spa in Kitsilano to help select the unique luminaries after spying a 1930s cut-glass globe light dangling in the front window of Michaud's shop. "period lighting makes a space so unique, interesting and individual," says Michaud. "each piece has its own history and story." An added bonus: antique lighting can be surprisingly aff ordable. All lights for girard's home were purchased for between $1.99 and $155 on ebay. Michaud scoured ebay using the search terms "swag light," "vintage hanging lights" and "Art deco lamp." she then narrowed the thousands of choices down to 50, and together girard and Michaud selected 14. the interior designer points out that it is important to have a vision when sourcing vintage lighting. for example, she purchased a cut-glass, spiral chandelier from the 1960s that she divided up into three pendant lights to hang over the breakfast bar. the lights were then hung with aircraft wire, available at hardware stores, to give things a contemporary look and also to ensure that the lights remained secure. "it is often hard to tell the context of the lights if they are taken from someone's home with their own furnishings," says Michaud. "you need to have an eye." Michaud recommends purchasing an ebay buyer protection plan to safeguard against breakage. Also, be prepared to pay extra for shipping and handling. "it's like treasure hunting," says Michaud. "it is like opening presents. you never know exactly what you are getting until it arrives." and adding features with universal appeal, and adding features with universal appeal, such as a basement suite and expansive such as a basement suite and expansive windows. e overall design then served as a windows. e overall design then served as a neutral backdrop for Girard's more personal neutral backdrop for Girard's more personal choices that included mirrored surfaces, choices that included mirrored surfaces, antique lighting and a liberal use of black antique lighting and a liberal use of black Bussey admits he was hesitant at fi rst Bussey admits he was hesitant at fi rst about some of Girard's selections – from a about some of Girard's selections – from a mirrored kitchen backsplash to dramatic mirrored kitchen backsplash to dramatic "I had never installed used lighting lighting before and it took me a while to get used to before and it took me a while to get used to the idea, but I grew to love it," says Bussey. the idea, but I grew to love it," says Bussey. Other suggestions from Girard, such as Other suggestions from Girard, such as BRIGHT IDEA BRIGHT IDEA THE MOST STRIKING ASPECT OF THE MOST STRIKING ASPECT OF THE INTERIOR DESIGN IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN IN THE INTERIOR DESIGN IN girard's girard's home is the period lighting in every home is the period lighting in every room. the homeowner enlisted the help room. the homeowner enlisted the help of spa owner and interior designer claudine of spa owner and interior designer claudine Michaud of bioéthique spa in Kitsilano to help Michaud of bioéthique spa in Kitsilano to help select the unique luminaries after spying a 1930s select the unique luminaries after spying a 1930s cut-glass globe light dangling in the front window cut-glass globe light dangling in the front window of Michaud's shop. "period lighting makes a space so unique, "period lighting makes a space so unique, interesting and individual," says Michaud. "each piece interesting and individual," says Michaud. "each piece p46-49_Home_GirardHome.indd 49 14-01-20 4:12 PM