As the creative hub where visions come to life, our skilled design consultants at the Empire Design Centre in Caledonia are the driving force behind transforming houses into personalized spaces. Read on to meet the brilliant minds that can bring your design dreams to life, as well as tips and tricks straight from our consultants to elevate your home’s interiors.

Looking for inspiration for your new or current home? Visit the design page of our blog for all the latest styles and trends.

 

If you’re reading this article, you’ve probably purchased a home with Empire Communities, and will soon have a Pre-Construction and Interior Finishes appointment lined up with our team. One of the advantages of building a new home is the opportunity to make choices that reflect your unique style and needs, which are established during these two meetings. But exactly what do these appointments entail? If you’re unsure about the differences between the two, don’t stress. Continue reading to discover all you need to know about these appointments, including how to best prepare for them.

• Review the pre-construction and interior finishes wishlists of available upgrades.
• Come prepared with inspirational images to communicate your vision and intended use of the space.
• Create a list of appliances outside of the standard openings including built-in cooktops, wall ovens, built-in microwaves, etc. so these can be accounted for ahead of time. *Please note, electrical and gas requirements must be ordered at the Pre-Construction appointment to accommodate speciality appliances (if kitchen layout permits).
  
• Provide an updated bank letter if you anticipate total upgrades exceeding the threshold specified for your community.
• Review our policies and procedures, as well as which features come standard with our homes.

• Pre-Construction appointments can take up to two hours and are virtual meetings. Sign into Microsoft Teams using the link provided via email 15 minutes prior to your scheduled meeting.
• Interior Finishes appointments can take up to three hours and are held in-person at Empire’s Design Centre. Remember to arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
• A maximum of two people, or those on title, can attend each appointment. For safety, children are not permitted at the Design Centre.

 

For more helpful insight on moving and design, check out our ultimate moving guide to help you navigate your big day, and learn how to curate the coastal retreat of your dreams.

Welcome, new homeowners! Just purchased an Empire home and have questions about our Design Centre? You’re in the right place. Our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are tailored to provide insight into our design process and be a helpful resource.

1. Where is the Design Centre located?

The Design Centre is located at 34 Richard William Drive, Caledonia, ON, N3W 2G9.

2. When is the Design Centre open?

The Design Centre’s hours of operation are from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday, by appointment.

3. When will my appointment be scheduled?

Design appointments are scheduled according to our construction schedule. Our office assistant will reach out to you with a welcome email when it’s time to begin the design process.

4. Can I visit the Design Centre prior to my appointment?

Your first time visiting the Design Centre will be at your scheduled Interior Finishes appointment with your dedicated design consultant who will guide you through the showroom and assist you with the exciting process of personalizing your new home.

5. What is the design selection process like?

Your design experience will be separated into two appointments with your dedicated design consultant; the first appointment will be a virtual for Pre-Construction selections appointment (up to 2 hours in length), and the second is an in-person Interior Finishes selections appointment at our Design Centre (up to 3 hours in length).

6. Do I need an appointment to visit the Design Centre?

Yes, you will be contacted by our office assistant to schedule your in-person Interior Finishes appointment.

7. If I have questions prior to my appointment, who can I contact?

For questions that may arise prior to your appointments, please email Decor@EmpireCommunities.com

8. Can I make structural changes to my home?

There are pre-determined structural options available for your home which are included on your floor plan and will be reviewed with you by your design consultant at your Pre-Construction appointment. Only the pre-determined structural options are available as structural changes.

9. Will pricing be available to me prior to my Design appointment?

Yes, if you would like pricing, we encourage you to reach out to your design consultant once your appointment has been scheduled.

10. Can I make changes to my selections after they’re finalized?

Once you authorize your selections, these selections are considered final; no additions or deletions to selections will be permitted.

11. How do I pay for my upgrades?

For upgrades totaling less than $5,000, we require payment in the full amount. For upgrades totaling more than $5,000, we collect a 50% deposit payment with the remaining balance amended to the purchaser price at closing. The payments are collected at the appointment(s) when the Options & Upgrades Agreement(s) is signed. We accept Visa, Mastercard, Debit or cheque. If total upgrades exceed the threshold specified for your community, you will be asked to provide a revised mortgage commitment letter from your financial institution. The total amount of all upgrades is added to the total purchase price of your home on closing, and any deposits made on upgrades will be reflected as a further deposit against the total purchaser price.

12. Can I add upgrades to my mortgage?

Yes, if your total spent on upgrades at the Design Centre exceeds $5,000 including taxes, up to 50% of your balance can be added to your mortgage.

13. Can I bring family and friends with me to my Design Centre appointment?

For both virtual Pre-Construction and in-person Interior Finishes appointments, all members on title, or a maximum of 2 people are welcome to attend. For safety reasons, children are strictly prohibited.

14. What if I want to appointment someone to make selections on my behalf?

We provide the option for you to authorize someone who is not listed on title to complete selections and sign all design documents on your behalf. At your request, we will provide you with a Designate Form that must be signed by you and your designate before the date of the appointment.

15. What upgrade options do I need to consider before my Pre-Construction appointment?

For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the most sought-after Pre-Construction options. This wish list will be sent to you prior to your Pre-Construction appointment. Upgrade options to consider before your Pre-Construction appointment include:

• • Basement Options: larger windows, 3-piece rough-in, cold cellar, etc. Please note: some options are only applicable as per plan.
  • HVAC: air conditioning, humidifier, gas lines, fireplace, etc. Please note: some options are only applicable as per plan.
  • Electrical: interior & exterior pot lights, dimmer switches, 200-Amp service, extra phone & cable outlets, additional lighting, etc.
  • Plumbing & Bathrooms: waterlines, tankless water heater, double sink vanity, upgraded Moen faucets & shower systems, shower niche, glass showers.

16. What upgrade options do I need to consider before my Interior Finishes appointment?

For your convenience, we’ve put together a list of the most sought-after Interior Finishes options. This wish list will also be sent to you prior to your Interior Finishes appointment. Upgrade options to consider before your Interior Finishes appointment include:

• • Cabinetry styles and materials, cabinetry storage solutions, countertops, backsplashes, stair railings & spindles, casing & baseboards, interior door styles, door hardware, hardwood & carpet, floor & wall tiles.

17. Can I request a hardwood, tile or other product upgrade that is not in the Design Centre?

We do not provide the option to source materials outside of our offerings, but you can rest assured that our team works tirelessly to source brands, styles and colours of finishes to include in our Design Centre that provide exceptional quality and value.

18. What happens if the materials I chose at my design appointment are discontinued?

If a material you have selected becomes unavailable, we will provide a substitute material that is of equal or greater value. If a material re-selection is required, a member of our design team will contact you to make your substitute selection.

19. As an investor, are there certain things I should include in my new home?

To extend the life of your investment, it’s recommended that you upgrade frequently-used surfaces to highly-durable materials that are less susceptible to wear and tear. Examples of some of those materials are:

• • Porcelain tiles which stand up to heavy use and are less likely to crack or chip compared to ceramic tiles.
  • Hardwood in the upper hall as it’s a high-traffic area which can show wear on carpet quickly.
  • A tiled backsplash to finish off the kitchen design, and protect walls from moisture and stains.
  • Solid surface counters in the kitchen and bathrooms to protect the counter area from standing water and stains.

 

In a competitive rental market, it is also recommended to choose high-quality options that will make your property stand out, allowing it to appeal to discerning tenants who seek a high-quality property that they will more likely care for like it’s their own.

20. How do I know what’s included in my new home?

Included in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale is a document called the “Schedule B” which details all the included features and finishes of your new home.

21. How do I prioritize and prepare a budget for my new home purchase?

Preparing a budget for your new home purchases starts with deciding which upgrades and extras are must-haves for your new home. Check out these helpful resources to help you make your list:

• • Pre-Construction Wish List
  • Interior Finishes Wish List

22. Do you have model homes available for me to view? If so, where are they located?

Yes, we currently have model homes open in the following locations:

• • Avalon models located at 2 Richard William Drive in Caledonia, Ontario. Please visit the Empire Avalon Sales Centre for access to the model homes.
  • Calderwood models located at 13144 Lundy’s Lane in Thorold, ON. Please visit the Empire Calderwood Sales Centre for access to the model homes.
  • Canals models located at 635 Canal Bank Street in Welland, ON. Please visit the Empire Canals Sales Centre for access to the model homes.

23. What happens if I miss my Pre-Construction and Interior Finishes appointment?

We require 48-hour written notice to reschedule appointments, or a $250 (+HST) missed appointment fee will be applied.

 

On the hunt for other helpful resources? Click here to learn more.

Choosing the right paint colour is thrilling, but can also feel daunting at times. It sets the tone for an entire living space, influencing both mood and ambiance. One brand that has been a trusted companion during this decision-making process is Dulux, with select colours available at Empire’s Design Centre. Read on to explore the art of selecting the perfect paint colour and discover some popular Dulux shades that elevate all interior spaces.

Next, discover the best design apps to help you furnish your home and 6 reasons why laminate flooring is making a comeback.

One of the best parts of being a homeowner is being able to design your house, your way. Your furniture should speak to your design style, your artwork should nod to where you draw inspiration from, and your home as a whole should be a reflection of you. Forget the white-coloured walls and the minimalist approach to design — I mean, that’s always been our go-to — but this year, we think it’s time to try out something new. This is your sign to be bold, adventurous and creative by incorporating a few of these 9 accent wall ideas that are trending right now into your home.

Looking to achieve more of an industrial look in your home? One of the best ways to achieve that design style is by installing a brick accent wall. If you’ve recently bought a new-build home, this is something you can customize after moving in. And if not, faux brick wallpaper will do the trick.

 

Pictured in order: Model home at Empire Legacy in Thorold, ON; The Honeysuckle model at Empire Avalon in Caledonia, ON.

For an accent wall that’s truly one-of-a-kind, hire an artist to create a mural in your home. You’ll have full control over the colour palette that’s used, the design and size, and the location. It’s one of our favourite ways of taking something that’s meaningful to us, and incorporating it into the spaces we use most.

 

Pictured: The Sorrento model at Landings at NoDa in Charlotte, NC.

An easy way to enhance or bring style to any room in the house is by adding shiplap. Using white panels, you can create a more subtle look or go the dramatic route by playing with deeper colour schemes. It’s loved among design enthusiasts for bringing texture and visual interest into a home. Whether it’s used in a living room or work space, the ways in which it can be incorporated are practically endless.

 

Pictured in order: The Richmond model at Santa Rita Ranch in Liberty Hill, TX; The Amherst model at Oldenburg in Marvin, NC.

Flash back to the eighteenth century and wainscoting was used to insulate rooms. Since then, it’s earned a reputation for being a timeless and elegant design feature, making just about any room look more visually appealing. But it has other practical purposes as well — since it’s usually located on the lower half of the wall, it acts as a protective shield from scratches and scuff marks caused by furniture.

 

Pictured: The Burleson model at The Highlands in Porter, TX.

Who says you always have to stick to a neutral colour scheme? If you’re drawn to a more expressive design style or you want to refresh a room, add in a pop of color and revel in the difference it makes. You can play with geometric shapes, various shades or one particular color. It’s a great way to bring attention to the decor elements on your walls or create a new focal point in a room.

 

Pictured in order: The Greer model at Maven in Toronto, ON; The Sorrento model at Landings at NoDa in Charlotte, NC.

When it comes to accents, you don’t just have to use a room’s four walls — you can add visual interest to your home’s ceilings too. Especially if you’re using the same neutral paint colour throughout your home, this is a way of adding character to each room. Trust us, the design risk is worth the reward.

 

Pictured: The Camden model at Halcyon in Alpharetta, GA.

If you’re looking for an accent wall idea that’s off the wall (literally and figuratively), you’ve stumbled upon the right trend. These wall treatments were installed using medium-density fibre boards (MDF), creating three-dimensional designs that add architectural detail and texture to the home in a contemporary way.

 

Pictured in order: The Jackson model at The Swift in Boho Heights, GA; The Mustang model at Audubon in Magnolia, TX.

Black and white are two of the most popular shades for a reason, right? Probably because they complement each other so well and look great individually too. If you’re looking to make a statement in your home, go bold with a black accent wall. This timeless hue pairs nicely with metals, warm woods and crisp whites. Just watch as your washed-out room comes to life.

 

Pictured: The Honeysuckle model at Avalon in Caledonia, ON.

Using wallpaper is one of our favourite ways to create accent walls because there’s so many interesting patterns, colours and designs to choose from. Whether you want to create a flamingo-themed nursery; a bedroom that makes you feel as though you’ve been transported to the jungle; or a subtle and sophisticated look, there’s no vision that cannot be brought to fruition.

 

Pictured in order: The Rosebery model at Avalon in Caledonia, ON; The Sumac model at Avalon in Caledonia, ON.

Next, get to decorating with these 10 tips every design enthusiast should know and download these design apps to help you furnish your home.

Moving into a new home comes with its fair share of decision making. Even if it just boils down to choosing a paint colour, the process of designing your home can be overwhelming — especially when you don’t know the first thing about undertones, how lighting can impact the look of each room, and whether or not your selected colour is going to complement your furniture. Luckily for you, our design team is taking the guesswork out of the decision making process for you by sharing 8 of the best neutral paint colours that will look great in any room. P.S. they’re all by Sherwin-Williams.

Want to give a new hue a virtual test run before making it permanent on your walls? Check out these four popular paint apps that help take the stress out of choosing your paint colour by letting you upload images of your room to try various shades. For more design inspiration — including why royal blue is the pop of colour you need in your home, and why black is the timeless hue we can’t get enough of — visit our blog.

 

Please note: this blog post is for inspiration purposes only. Paint colours are not available at our Design Centre.

 

Pictures courtesy of: CrackerJack23 (First Star); Pinterest (City Loft, Aesthetic White); Living Letter Home (Agreeable Gray); Housekeeping Bay (Accessible Beige); Farmhouse Living (Alabaster); Southern Living (Creamy).

 

Buying new appliances isn’t an everyday occurrence. In fact, next to purchasing a home or a car, appliances are one of the most significant financial investments you’ll make. To ensure your selection fits your budget, needs and style, we asked for advice from the appliance experts at Whirlpool.

Set a Budget

Before you begin searching the web and heading to stores, take time to decide how much you can or are willing to invest in your new appliance(s). This amount might be a portion of a renovation or new home budget, or a rainy day fund if your oven suddenly breaks down. Either way, have an idea of what you can work with to help streamline your shopping experience and avoid disappointment.

 

It might also be worth establishing a contingency fund to account for potential additional expenses related to your appliances, such as those for a countertop. Certain appliances, like ovens or cooktops, might need specific installation conditions to function properly and safely. This could involve modifications to the existing countertop to ensure proper ventilation, electrical connections, or space requirements.

Pictured: The Honeysuckle model home at Empire Avalon in Caledonia, Ontario.

 

In today’s marketplace with such a large range of tech functions, design styles and energy efficient features it can be overwhelming to decide what you need. Syed says asking yourself a few questions can help:

 

1. Is there a cost to install the appliance? (Gas appliances typically come at a higher premium).
2. Will the appliance be built into the space or freestanding?
3. What are my style or profile options? (French door fridge versus bottom freezer, front load versus top load laundry).
4. Will I do a lot of cooking? (Those aspiring to cook more may prefer gas appliances and a larger refrigerator).

 

Please note: Built-in appliances need to be discussed and provisions ordered at homeowners’ Pre-Construction appointment due to gas and electrical rough-in requirements. Appliance specifications must be submitted at the Interior Finishes appointment.

One of the most common challenges when purchasing a pre-construction home is not being able to physically walk through the space. This makes floor plans an important tool to understand all of your home’s features. Floor plans give a flattened, two-dimensional bird’s-eye view of a suite, showing things like structure, door and window locations, room layout and more. But if you’re buying pre-construction for the first time, a floor plan can look like an undistinguishable collection of lines and numbers. This easy-to-understand guide is just what you need to comprehend what you’re looking at on your next visit to a presentation centre.

Renderings

When you’re looking through floor plans, they’ll be accompanied by various renderings, which will be labelled with a ‘Style’ and a square footage. These styles correspond with different exterior ascetics. Most often, Style A is all paneling, Style B is a mix of paneling and brick and Style C is an all brick exterior.

1. Name of your model

Each model will have a name that you can easily remember and refer to when deciding which home design you like. The number beside the name refers to the size of the lot your home will sit on, measured in feet.

2. Style information

The different styles refer to the exterior look of the home. These may affect the interior square footage slightly, and for this reason, we list the square footage corresponding with each style.

3. Major elements

Major elements in the floor plan will be labeled for ease of reading. These elements will almost always include the main features of your home, such as the bedrooms, bathrooms, kitchen, porch, laundry room, foyer and living area. They may also include other important elements to make the floor plan easier to understand such as the breakfast bar, soaker tub, storage area or linen closet.

4. Commonly-used abbreviations

Because of space limitations, you’ll often come across abbreviated words throughout the floor plan. Here are a few common ones you’ll encounter:

• W.I.C – Walk in Closet
• W/D – Washer and Dryer
• W.I.P. – Walk in Pantry
• STOR. – Storage area
• LN. – Linen closet
• DN. – Used on stairs, indicating the stairway down.
• OPT. – Optional features that do not come standard with your home
• PR – Powder room

5. Dimensions

Throughout the entire floor plan, the dimensions of the various areas and rooms will be indicated in feet and inches. As with the example below, the bedroom contains two dimensions. The diagram below will give you a better understanding of how these dimensions relate to the space.

It’s important to note that dimensions are measured from the center of the room and assume the space is rectangular. The true dimensions can vary slightly with the shape and curvature of the room.

6. Doors

All doors will be indicated by a dotted line in the direction it opens. Sliding doors, as seen on some closets on the example above will be indicated with two thin, slightly overlapping rectangles.

7. Tiles

The presence of tiles will be represented by squares on the floor plan. It’s not uncommon to see part or all of the kitchen tiled, although this isn’t the case for every model. Keep in mind that despite the size of the tiles indicated, upgraded tiles are often available in different sizes and colours. You can discuss your options with your sales or design consultant.

8. Cabinets

The presence of upper cabinets is indicated by a dotted line, and the base cabinets are indicated by a solid line, as seen in the kitchen area above. This gives you an idea of their depth. Your design consultants will be able to review your kitchen layout.

9. Closets

Different closets will have different doors and built-in storage systems. The door will be indicated by either a swinging or sliding door icon, and the storage system will be show by a solid and dotted line, which represents a shelf and/or rod feature for clothing organization. With the example above, the master bedroom walk-in closet (W.I.C) shows a swinging door that opens inward, and features a clothing storage system in an L-formation. Bedroom 2 features a sliding door and storage system along the length of the closet.

10. Stairs and multiple floors

It can be difficult to understand how the relationship between the different levels and open space between floors will all work together when looking at a two-dimensional drawing. Each staircase will display the location of the staircase, any features under the stairs (storage closets etc.) as well as the direction of the stairs, marked with an UP or DN and a directional arrow. The second floor is often open in some area to view the floor below, and this area will be labeled with a “Open to below”, as with the example above. Other elements will be clearly labeled, such as the railing on the second floor. The jagged line shown on the stairs of the main floor and basement plan is simply there to indicate the divide between the levels.

11. Walls and windows

The various walls, outside doors and windows will be indicated by different lines and icons. Shaded areas are used to show different features, such as pillars and or structural beams, and sometimes space around different features such as the shower is needed due to the plumbing required behind the walls. Dotted lines, shown between the Kitchen and Great Room indicate a trimmed opening. The various windows will be indicated by various rectangles that indicate the size and number of window panes there are.

12. Options

Throughout the floor plan, you will see various features indicated with ‘optional’. For example, the OPT. fireplace in the Great Room or OPT. pantry in the Kitchen. The optional features and pricing can be discussed with your design consultant.

13. Unfinished basement

Our homes will have unfinished basements, which means the basements have a concrete floor, but do not have framing, drywall, or flooring. Elements that are installed in your basement are represented with a dotted line, such as the stairway and mechanical area. Most homes will have the option of a rough-in bathroom. This means that the plumbing is installed but the bathroom remains unfinished, without framing, drywall, tiling or fixtures. The large areas with a dotted X, marked ‘Unexcavated’, mean that those areas will be inaccessible and your basement ends along the wall where that area is shown. As with the example above, there is an option of a Cold Cellar, which will be excavated if the homeowner purchases this option.

 

We find that the best way to really visualize your space is to use a combination of our renderings, model homes or vignettes where available as well as the help of our sales and design professionals. Start by visualizing yourself walking in the front door and take yourself through the home to really understand how your space will work, look and feel. Not every design will work for your lifestyle or living situation and that’s okay. And of course, if you have any questions, we’re always here to help you find the home that works for you.

If there’s one thing that sets the buying new vs. resale debate apart it’s the ability to choose the features and finishes that suit your style and taste. From countertops to cabinets to bathrooms and flooring the selections are virtually endless and offer a wide array of choice. Sometimes all those options can be overwhelming, and we want to keep things clear and as simple as possible, so we have put together decor basics 101. Keep in mind that no two Empire projects are exactly alike, so you should ask your design consultant if there is any specific advice they can offer. The primary role of these professionals is to guide and assist you through the process of selecting your finishes, personalize your design experience, transform your living spaces, and help you bring your vision to life.

The key to any successful design project is to budget before you begin and track your expenses throughout. Without this necessary prep work, you may find yourself standing in your newly furnished home painfully over budget or scrambling to find receipts to items your purchased weeks ago. To help you keep your decor project under control, we’ve teamed up with designer Andrew Pike, who doesn’t take on any new project without a set budget and tracking method.

Andrew’s Top 3 Tips:

1. A contingency fund is a non-negotiable element of your design budget. Be prepared for those unexpected expenses. 15 to 20 per cent of your overall budget is a good range to be in.
2. Keep track of paperwork and receipts in one place as exchanges and returns are inevitable. An easy and inexpensive way to do this is to hit up your local dollar store for a binder and plastic sheet protectors that can hold recipes by room, store, or type of purchase, depending how you prefer to organize. You can also use this binder to store business cards of vendors you come into contact with, like the great sales representative that helped you fit your blinds, or the painting company you used.
3. If you see something you like, confirm you can return it and buy it then and there. It won’t be there when you come back for it.

Tracking all your purchases in detail not only helps you stay on track budget-wise, but it means that when it comes time to touch up your paint or replace an accessory down the road, you’ll have a record of where you bought everything and what colour/shade you used.

 

Next, learn more about the Empire design experience and discover our guide to buying appliances for your new home.