It’s taken a couple of years, but the impressive stretch of Findlay Creek models marching down Kelly Farm Drive is done and ready to tour — all 16 of them.
“It’s a lot of models … it’s like a field trip,” says designer Kelly Maiorino of Unique Spaces, which did the interiors for six of them.
Eight models by Tamarack Homes and another eight by Tartan Homes, each presenting four two-storey singles and four townhomes, offer a plethora of designs to inspire.
The idea is to give buyers lots of choice.
“The models that were selected are our best sellers,” says Sarah Bradshaw, sales and marketing co-ordinator for Tartan. “We go with the ones that we sell the most of or the ones that people ask to see most of the time.”
For Tamarack, sales and marketing co-ordinator Kylie Kuipers says the floor plans were mostly selected based on not having these models at the builder’s other sites. “We try to show all our models over the several sites so customers can see the style of home they are purchasing in person.”
From calm neutrals to bold pops of colour, “we want (the models) to spark conversation,” says Tartan’s design centre manager, Anna Riopelle. “Whether people like it or don’t like it personally, to me it inspires thought.
“A model home is a place where you want to showcase the practicality and the features to the best ability of the home. But at the same time, it’s (an opportunity) for people to have a bit of fun and step outside of their comfort zone.”
Tartan’s Findlay Creek models include two new floor plans — the Vega and the Sirius — and two that are outfitted with standard (or included) finishes — the Turner single and the Spartan town — to show buyers what they can get without having to pay for upgrades.
“It gives the buyer reassurance that they can have something really nicely appointed without having to spend another large sum of money,” says Riopelle. “As someone who manages the design centre, to me it’s almost like a pride statement; we can show with pride what our standard is.”
For the six models designed by Unique Spaces, Maiorino wanted them to feel welcoming while keeping them neutral to appeal to a wide demographic. “A lot of them have a very warm modern esthetic; they feel really approachable, attainable.”
On the base of neutrals, Unique Spaces layered in texture and contrast and added personality through art, light fixtures and accessories, she says.
The two newest Tartan models, the single-family Vega and Sirius, were designed by Riopelle, who opted for a bit more colour, like the saturated teal cabinets in the Sirius kitchen or the bold flower wallpaper in the primary bedroom and ensuite of the Vega.
Colour is something designer Sonya Kinkade, who outfitted Tamarack’s Findlay Creek models, does not shy away from.
“It is an opportunity to showcase what is reflected in design at that moment but still keep it classic,” she says. “I like to stir emotions up with the buyer and showcase what is possible; not what everyone else is doing. Colour is back prominent; why not integrate it into their dream home?”
Design styles for the homes range from modern farmhouse and Napa Valley to London eclectic and modern mountain, with many leaning either feminine or masculine and with generous sprinklings of wall panelling or moulding.
“I want to appeal to both the men and women purchasing the homes,” says Kinkade. “With that said, many of the style specs of today have a relaxed masculine vibe with a feminine twist.”
Both Tartan and Tamarack say the models have been well received. “People feel themselves living here,” says Tamarack sales representative Valerie Taller. “Our designer did a wonderful job.”
Here’s a look at the Findlay Creek models
Tamarack towns
Model name: Eton
Sq. ft.: 1,868
Design style: New feminine — classic with a soft, eclectic spin
Of note: Light classical elements help show how bright and airy this town is; great for entertaining and ideal for first-timers, young families and downsizers.
Model name: Cambridge
Sq. ft.: 2,155
Design style: Modern farmhouse — clean lines, contemporary design with the farmhouse esthetic
Of note: End unit that leans a bit masculine with earthy neutrals; another great entertaining space that’s flexible to meet the needs of a variety of buyers.
Model name: Chelsea
Sq. ft.: 2,125
Design style: Nautical flair with farmhouse style
Of note: Storage is a priority in this home, with a walk-in pantry, two walk-in closets in the primary suite and a walk-in in each of the secondary bedrooms.
Model name: Hudson
Sq. ft.: 2,165
Design style: London eclectic — layered and eclectic, colour and pattern, colours with visual focus points
Of note: Designer Sonya Kinkade mixes things up a bit by styling the dining room as a sitting area and creating an intimate eating area at the end of the kitchen and living room.
Tartan towns
Model name: Spartan
Sq. ft.: 1,641
Design style: Hint of traditional
Of note: Done as a model with standard (or included) finishes; U-shaped kitchen offers a natural divider for the space while keeping the look open and providing lots of counters.
Model name: Cortland
Sq. ft.: 2,082
Design style: Modern take on traditional
Of note: Layering of neutrals creates a calming effect; great for a family but also ideal for a downsizer, says designer Kelly Maiorino.
Model name: Fuji
Sq. ft.: 1,987
Design style: Modern minimalistic
Of note: Great for a first-time buyer and for entertaining; includes a mudroom and a very generous primary suite.
Model name: Gala
Sq. ft.: 2,444
Design style: Eclectic, modernistic
Of note: Comes with either a loft or fourth bedroom; the black kitchen shows how you can go dark while keeping your space looking light.
Tamarack singles
Model name: Kensington
Sq. ft.: 2,880
Design style: Napa Valley — cosy atmosphere, natural woods, warm tones with vintage elements
Of note: Layout is business at the front (office) and family at the back (open-concept kitchen and great room); primary suite makes up the rear of the second floor while three secondary bedrooms stretch across the front.
Model name: Hamilton
Sq. ft.: 2,750
Design style: Vintage modern — California eclectic, light muted hues, colourful textiles, natural elements, earthy tones and textures
Of note: Although a narrower single (it’s on a 35-foot lot), it’s bright and roomy; includes a second-floor loft and the optional fully finished basement that adds a fifth bedroom and full bathroom along with a family room.
Model name: Dover
Sq. ft.: 2,995
Design style: Modern mountain — rustic elements of a mountain home with modern, clean lines
Of note: Main-floor study, separate dining room linked to kitchen with the optional butler’s pantry; mudroom also links to backyard; three of the four bedrooms have walk-in closets.
Model name: Oxford
Sq. ft.: 3,550
Design style: Cape Cod — light and airy with soft hues, organic materials
Of note: Main floor has both formal living/dining rooms and informal kitchen and family room; secondary bedroom comes with ensuite and walk-in for a handy in-law suite.
Tartan singles
Model name: Cambridge
Sq. ft.: 3,869
Design style: Warm modern
Of note: Tartan’s largest model to see, “it’s such an amazing house for entertaining,” notes designer Kelly Maiorino; wall moulding details throughout add depth and rooms are spacious, with both formal and informal spaces on the main floor and a loft upstairs.
Model name: Turner
Sq. ft.: 3,173
Design style: Classic modern
Of note: Done in standard (or included) finishes; has a huge main bathroom that’s great for bathing the kids; French doors on the main-floor study and a curved staircase for a sense of grandeur.
Model name: Sirius
Sq. ft.: 2,635
Design style: Colourful and eclectic contemporary
Of note: One of two new floor plans, the model envisions a travel-loving homeowner with an appreciation for diversity, says design centre manager Anna Riopelle. Sure to be popular is the mudroom that walks through to the pantry and into the kitchen.
Model name: Vega
Sq. ft.: 2,980
Design style: Transitional, mixing elegant, more traditional lines with highly contrasting textures
Of note: The other new floor plan, the model shows the optional wet bar; there’s also a large pantry, extra-wide staircase and loft that can be an optional fifth bedroom.
Touring the Findlay Creek models
The sales centres and models are open at various times. Check our Findlay Creek development summary for more information.
