Happy Holidays 2019 19 Dec 2019 2:44 PM (5 years ago)
Happy Holidays from our family to yours! We want to wish you a wonderful festive season and a very Happy New Year! Heading into December, you may be looking for great local events and activities to explore with friends and family. Here are a few of our local Vancouver favorites!
Vancouver Christmas Market
The Vancouver Christmas Market takes place at Jack Poole Plaza, downtown Vancouver. Open daily until Christmas Eve, it features souvenirs and from all different European Christmas traditions.
VanDusen Garden Festival of Lights
A classic Lower Mainland holiday hotspot: VanDusen Gardens is a great place to admire the beautiful Christmas light displays. Whether you’re looking for a date idea or somewhere to take the kids, this is popular at all ages!
Bright Nights at Stanley Park
Bright Nights is something the children will love! A bright and magical collection decorations are draped on the landscape of Stanley Park. Take a festive train ride with a cup of hot chocolate and enjoy a Vancouver holiday staple.
Ice Skating at Robson Square
Ice Skating at Robson Square, is a longstanding Vancouver tradition. Taking place in an outdoor rink at the corner of Robson and Howe, this is a great spot to take the kids or a loved one for an evening of festive fun!
These fun activities will leave you with some wonderful holiday memories. Enjoy the season!
Pantone’s Living Coral Adds a Splash of Warmth to Home Decor 1 Feb 2019 8:03 AM (6 years ago)
Thoughtful design and decor touches can make all the difference when you want your home to truly feel like your own personal oasis. Adding bright pops of color can be an effective way to personalize your space and can help to create a space that feels welcoming, warm and just like home. 
For the past 20 years, Pantone has released it’s annual Color of the Year each December, a highly anticipated reveal that inspires designers in multiple industries. 2019 is the year of Living Coral – Pantone 16-1546 – a bold peachy-orange tropical that Pantone calls a “nurturing color that appears in our natural surroundings.” Warm and comforting, this vivid shade is influencing product development and purchasing decisions in the design world, including home furnishings and industrial design. And it’s easy to embrace!
Living coral works well with timeless neutrals and true classics alike. While painting a whole room may feel like a daunting undertaking, adding splashes of this trendy color in accessories and furnishings can really make an impact without the same commitment. Onni’s Maxime Zentner, Senior Interior Designer specializing in multi-residential design, recommends starting with textiles, art and accessories. “Don’t be afraid of color – just add a bit at a time. You can always switch up toss cushions, add terracotta table accessories, or try a fun area rug to soften a sharply modern room.” If you’re commitment-shy, try fresh or potted florals!
Looking for more inspiration? We also love these on-trend pieces from the pages of Elle Decor and Vogue. There’s no limit to the fun you can have playing with the whole rainbow of sunset hues!
To shop our look:
- Aqua Virgo Dining Table, CB2
- Bubbles Brass Ring Pendant Light, CB2
- Bali Painting, CB2
- Finley Low-Back Velvet Dining Chair, West Elm
- Alvey High-Back Chair, West Elm
- Flange Large Vessel, Blu Dot
3 Ways to Give Back This Holiday Season 6 Dec 2018 10:41 AM (6 years ago)
‘Tis the season for giving the gift of time, donations, and support. Here at Onni group making a positive impact in the communities we live, work, and build in is a big part of what we stand for. We are always striving to give back to those in need, especially during the holiday season. If you are looking to get involved in your communities but are not sure where to start, here are three amazing ways to give back this holiday season.
Donate to a Cause
Remember, donations are not all monetary. If you are fortunate enough to give, consider donating to a cause that is close to your heart. If money donations are not an option, fundraising is always an alternative way to give back.
Comb through your pantry and you may find a few things that can help feed others. Organizations like the Vancouver Food Bank are always looking for non-perishable items, especially this time of year. Recently our commercial real estate team threw a successful food drive, where we matched every dollar from our generous donations from our tenants.
Volunteer Your Time
Spending your time helping your community and those in need is a gift that you can’t put a price on. Consider helping out at the local food bank or serving dinner at your community centre. The smiles of the ones you help are the best gifts you’ll receive this holiday season.
Open Your Doors
One of the easiest ways to give back is by offering support to your friends. Consider opening up your home and traditions to a friend who doesn’t have a family to go home to.
How are you giving back this holiday season? Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and let us know! You can also follow the hasthag #OnniGivesBack to see how we’re giving back to the community throughout the year.
We hope everyone has a wonderful holiday season and a Happy New Year!
Introducing 825 South Hill in DTLA 20 Nov 2018 5:09 AM (6 years ago)
Surrounded by the cities hottest restaurants, best entertainment, and a prominent retail scene, DTLA is home to some of the most creative spirits. Just a trip to Downtown Los Angeles is all it takes to entice you to pack up your bags and move to this revitalized city.
Whether you enjoy art, culture, or adventure, you will discover hidden gems among the high rises. That’s why we are so excited to present a new collection of luxury rental apartments in Downtown LA: 825 South Hill. These elevated homes feature premium, integrated appliances, unmatched design and sophistication, spa-like finishes, and superior service. This 53-storey building offers one, two, and three bedroom homes.
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Centrally located for your convenience, 825 South Hill is close to popular spots like Preux and Proper. Take a spin class at Soulcycle, grab a latte at Tierra Mia Coffee, or catch a play at the globe Theatre, all within five minutes of your home. On the weekend, catch the Lakers game, or see who’s taking the stage at the LA convention center.
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Our exclusive amenities are made for elevated living, including everything from a fitness center to a state of the art pool and a rooftop oasis. Take your four-legged friend outside to enjoy the heated dog walk while you barbecue and kick back.
825 South Hill offers its residents several floor plans to choose from, all featuring open concepts and sophisticated finishes. Complete with unparalleled appliances and spa-like finishes for you to enjoy, 825 South Hill has been thoughtfully designed with your needs in mind.
Interested in calling 825 South Hill your new home? Find out more about this exciting neighborhood by following us on Instagram and Twitter. Don’t miss out – register for updates now!
Introducing The Residences at Fremont Village 15 Oct 2018 4:05 AM (7 years ago)
Location, a strong sense of community, and 266 hectares of parkland; these are only some of the reasons why people are eager to call Port Coquitlam home. Known for its thriving community situated in between the Pitt and Coquitlam Rivers, it’s become a revitalized downtown that offers a village-like atmosphere. Port Coquitlam is one of the few communities that provides the best of both worlds.
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That’s why we are so excited to introduce The Residences, located in the core of Port Coquitlam. The Residences at Fremont Village are home to some of the most sophisticated one and two -bedroom low-rise rental apartments ranging from 580 – 1,100 sq.ft. Residents will find every reason to stay in and entertain with each home featuring bright and thoughtful interiors, modern appliances, and outdoor balconies. The Residences offers its residences the best of everything from ultimate convenience, exceptional amenities, and a vibrant neighbourhood.
Ultimate Convenience: Transportation and Access
Whether you prefer to get around by car, bus, train, or foot, The Residences makes it easy. With a direct connection to Lougheed Highway and a swift 5-minute drive to the Mary Hill Bypass or West Coast Express, you’ll have easy access to all areas of Metro Vancouver. For those who enjoy getting places on foot, The Traboulay PoCo Trail will connect residents with community amenities and the area’s breathtaking scenery.
Exceptional Amenities: Pet-Friendly and Recreation
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It’s all about elevated living. The Residences has something for everyone, from a private, professional-grade fitness studio to a luxurious lounge and BBQ area, perfect for hosting your friends, family, and neighbours.
At The Residences, we understand the importance of spending time with your furry companions. That’s why our residences are pet-friendly with our cutting-edge dog-run, dog-wash, and outdoor landscaped courtyard.
Vibrant Neighborhood: Shop, Dine and Entertain
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Strategically located in the center of it all, everything you need is at the residences doorstep. Enjoy a bite from chopped leaf or take a self-care day at Pink Lotus Nails, all within walking distance from your front door. Eager to enjoy a relaxing day on the course? Carnoustie Golf Club is a quick 10-minute walk away.
Interested in what The Residences has to offer? Apply online now or book an appointment by contacting our team. Make sure to stay up to date with building updates on the Onni Group Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Interior Design Tips For Maximizing Small Spaces 16 Sep 2018 6:11 AM (7 years ago)
When dealing with a modestly sized room, every inch counts. Even a small amount of clutter can turn your place into an unorganized mess. The key to managing your space is to maximize what you do have to compensate for what you don’t. Here are our three hacks to trick the eye and give the illusion airy abode.
Mirrors
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Having strategically placed mirrors throughout your space opens up the interiors and gives the illusion of a more spacious area. Use a focal point (such as aa window if you have one) and angle your mirror towards the light. This will create depth and reflect light to make your room brighter and seemingly larger.
Clever Storage
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Storage is hard to come by when working with a small space, but it’s essential to keep your rooms tidy and organized. That means it’s time to get creative and start looking at every nook and cranny as potential storage space. It will be interesting for students who live in the college dormitory. So we advice to buy papers on Buyessayfriend.com to have free time to tidy up your room. Consider sliding storage boxes under your bed, installing shelving on your walls, and hanging anything you can; the more storage solutions you find, the larger your living areas will feel.
Keep It Light
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Throw your coveralls on because it’s time for a new coat of paint! Bringing in light colors will make any room appear bigger and brighter. This technique allows natural light (or artificial light) to bounce off the walls and lighten up your space. Be wary of using dark colors; they will absorb your light and make your room look smaller. Instead, try using soft tones of blue, green, and off-white to get the best effect.
What’s are your favorite small space design tips ? Let us know by tagging @onnigroup on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.
Introducing Tsawwassen Landing 30 Aug 2018 2:59 AM (7 years ago)
A few years ago, Tsawwassen was mostly known for its ferry terminal to Vancouver Island. Now, it’s become a sought-after destination to live, work and shop, and it’s easy to see why. From beautiful green space to endless trails to great beaches, it’s arguably one of Metro Vancouver’s best kept secrets — until now.
That’s why we’re thrilled to announce Tsawwassen Landing, a master-planned community offering contemporary single-family homes and townhomes. These new homes in Tsawwassen range from 1,300 to 3,200 square feet, and will be the perfect community for growing families.
Location
Surrounded by Boundary Bay, the Fraser River, and the Strait of Georgia, residents will have access to picturesque waterfront parks and beaches. In addition, it’s a quick drive to the U.S. border, making travel to and from our neighbours down south convenient and accessible.
Work outside of Tsawwassen? Commuting is a breeze! It’s only 15 minutes to Richmond, or 30 minutes to Vancouver.
Shopping
Located just next door to these Craftsman-style single-family homes and townhomes is the much talked about Tsawwassen Mills Shopping Centre. With nearly 200 stores, you’ll find a perfect mix of premium fashion brands, outlets, food and entertainment. From Aritzia to Saks Fifth Avenue, you could easily spend hours (if not days) exploring every corner of this 1.2 million square foot mall.
And besides shopping, it’s a great place go for a date night or spend the weekend with your family. Explore a virtual reality experience, go bowling, or put your wheels to work at the skatepark. Hungry? Not to worry, as there’s an 1,100 seat food hall and plenty of restaurants to choose from.
Recreation
If you love to golf, then you’ll love living in Tsawwassen! It’s home to some of Metro Vancouver’s best golf courses, including King Links By The Sea, Beach Grove, and Tsawwassen Springs. Thanks to superior drainage and well-groomed landscapes, most courses are available to play all year round, giving you plenty of time to improve your swing.
South Delta is known as a serene place to step into nature, and has become a sought-after destination for bird-watching, trails, walking and cycling. It’s the perfect place to escape our busy lives and become in tune with the outdoors.
Amenities
Whether you want to sweat, relax, or just spend time with friends, one of the greatest draws to Tsawwassen Landing is the indoor and outdoor state-of-the-art amenities. Green spaces are integrated into the natural landscape and include pedestrian pathways for walking and running, as well as playgrounds and outdoor courts for organized sports. An added bonus? These shared spaces are well-maintained throughout the year, making it easy to enjoy any time, day or season.
Tsawwassen Landing offers affordability without compromise. Learn more by registering today.
Introducing Finger Paint: The Charleson’s Brand New Public Art By Elizabeth McIntosh 4 Jul 2018 8:00 AM (7 years ago)
Scattered with elegant glass-walled towers, the Vancouver skyline offers a stunning and photogenic backdrop. What it’s lacking however, is colour. We’re aiming to change this with our newest art installation, Finger Paint, at The Charleson. In the midst of a sea of grey, this large-scale public art piece by Elizabeth McIntosh runs the length of the 43-storey tower. Composed of bold and bright colours, this mural brings a spirited touch to the hard grey grids and surfaces of Vancouver.
Finger Paint
At 30 feet wide and 416 feet high, Finger Paint will inevitably leave its mark on the Vancouver skyline. A harmony of bright blue and yellow, pale pink, and black, Finger Paint explores representation through digital and analog techniques. The forms you see on the mural were made by a finger on a touchpad, oscillating between marks, gestures, and solid shapes. Its soft edges bring a human quality and character to the architecture, the notion of hand-painting a building implying a human connection.
While the marks were made electronically, McIntosh approached this project within the context of painting. The colour, soft shapes, and hard edges are a result of visual expression that bring together many contrasts: human to monumental, organic to grid, bright colour to that of grey and glass, and the contrast of solid to transparent surfaces. McIntosh was particularly interested in how something made casually by her finger could have such symbolic and scalar impact to the world.
A piece of art at this scale requires the highest quality materials that can withstand all of the elements (especially the Vancouver rain!). Keith Panel Systems of North Vancouver was contracted to fabricate and install the Alucobond aluminum composite material in six exotic colours, each a pre-painted, high-performance PVDF finish. The original artwork was carefully digitized and the Alucobond was CNC cut to match, then mounted to a pressure equalized Rainscreen panel system. This approach ensures precise accuracy in the replication of the original artwork, while providing the superior building envelope performance of a Rainscreen wall system.
Elizabeth McIntosh
An Ontario native residing in Vancouver, McIntosh is an award-winning painter, published writer and professor at Emily Carr University. Her art explores geometric abstraction, and is characterized by large scale abstract and figurative compositions. Drawing from modern art historical sources, her work often blurs the border between abstraction and representation. With collections in national galleries in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, and Ottawa, she has also been featured in several exhibitions in both Canada and the United States.
The Grande: Final Tower Coming Soon! 13 Jun 2018 10:12 AM (7 years ago)
It’s easy to see how Suter Brook Village draws people in. With a lively and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere, tree-lined walkways, and bold contemporary design, the European style plaza is hip and happening. Which is why we’re excited to announce the final tower coming to this upscale and urban village at The Grande.
26 storeys high with stunning 360-degree views, the final tower will feature unparalleled finishes, bright living spaces and plenty of open room for entertaining. The beautiful interiors will include spa-like bathrooms, European-inspired kitchens, and energy efficient heating and cooling throughout.
With 40,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor amenities, residents will have access to a heated outdoor pool with lounge chairs, hot tub and sauna, BBQ area, and playground. Indoors will boast a professionally equipped fitness centre, multi-media room, and a professionally managed guest suites for out of town visitors.
Within the village itself, all daily conveniences are at your doorstep. From staples like Thrifty Foods, TD Canada Trust, and VanCity Credit Union, to boutique stores, coffee shops, restaurants, and salons, you’ll never have to travel far.
Around the neighbourhood, you’ll be near some of Port Moody’s biggest attractions. Just across the street is the Port Moody Recreation Centre, and next to that lies the Shoreline Trail. Running along the Burrard Inlet, the three kilometre scenic walkway comes out at Rocky Point Park. Great for lounging or having a picnic, the park is home to popular ice cream parlour Rocky Point Ice Cream, and across the street from Brewer’s Row, which includes four popular local craft breweries along with an array of local shops and services. Just a short drive away, Sasamat and Buntzen Lake are ideal for cooling off in the summer and beautiful spots to hike throughout the year.
If you’re worried that Port Moody is too far from the city, think again. The expansion of the Evergreen Line puts Suter Brook Village just steps from Inlet Centre Station, which means you’ll be in downtown Vancouver in about 30 minutes. From Monday to Friday, hop on the West Coast Express for a direct ride into the city during peak hours.
Interested in learning more about this amazing opportunity? Review floorplans and interiors by registering for updates on our website, and be sure to visit our presentation centre at Suter Brook Village! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to learn more about this all-encompassing neighbourhood.
Tips For First Time Home Buyers 5 May 2018 9:38 AM (7 years ago)
Buying your first home will inevitably be complicated and unfamiliar territory. For many of us, it’s a goal we work towards for most of our life. And while it’s always been a future goal, it quickly creeps and becomes a reality. With so many factors to consider, it can be overwhelming and daunting. So where do you start?
As a first-time home buyer, there are several things you should start thinking about much before you’re actually ready to purchase your home. Below, we’ve outlined our top tips to make your first home buying experience as smooth as possible.
- Mortgage
Buying a home is expensive – it will likely be the largest purchase you ever make. It’s rare that anyone has enough money to actually buy it all at once, which is where a mortgage comes in. When you’re applying for a mortgage, it’s important to shop around for the best rate. While several Canadians often go with the first place they’ve consulted, which can end up costing them several thousands of dollars over their lifetime. Whether it’s through your bank or a mortgage broker, always weigh your options and don’t be afraid to negotiate.
Doing your research to decide what type of mortgage will work best for you is essential. Do you want to play it safe with a fixed-rate mortgage, which will stay at a consistent interest rate, or do you want to take a chance with a variable mortgage, which reflects current market trends? The same goes for a closed versus open mortgage. With a closed mortgage, you’ll pay a fixed amount every month until your mortgage is over, whereas an open mortgage allows you to pay it off faster. The downside of an open mortgage is the higher interest rates.
Finally, getting pre-approved is always recommended, especially for your first home. It will help you know how much you can actually afford, and will also show that you’re serious about making a purchase.
- Down Payment
The amount you put down up front will determine your monthly payments while you pay off your home. Being smart about it can save you a lot of money in the long run. In Canada, the minimum downpayment is a percentage of the home’s price. If the home is under $500,000, the minimum is 5 percent, if it’s under $1 million, it’s 10 percent, and if it’s over $1 million, it must be at least 20 percent. Ideally, your down payment will be a higher percentage to decrease monthly payments, however, it’s important to be realistic about how much money you actually have. Don’t forget there will be additional and unexpected costs that come with owning a home.
- Real Estate Agent
Having a real estate agent is not required, but it is definitely recommended. Not only do realtors have access to exclusive listings, they bring their expertise to the table and can help you navigate the industry.
- Neighbourhood
If you’re considering buying a home, you’ve likely already thought about where you want it to be in relation to your career, family, and friends. To help narrow down exactly where to invest, things to consider include:
- Type of home you want
- Proximity to work
- Proximity to transit
- Access to schools and daycare
- Access to trails, parks and outdoor space
- Access to retail and grocery stores
- General walkability
- Overall safety
- Closing Costs
Before you make an offer, make sure you think ahead to the closing and after closing costs you’ll be faced with. While it’s not legally required, it’s definitely recommended to get a home inspection so you’re aware of the home’s condition and potential issues that could arise. There will always be unexpected costs that come up, and as a homeowner you need to be prepared to cover these.
Another cost you might not be aware of is a land transfer tax. Depending on the province, land transfer taxes are calculated as a percentage of your home. As a first-time buyer, you may be eligible for a partial refund. You’ll also need to account for legal fees from a real estate lawyer. Hiring one is important as they’ll help review your offer and explain it in plain terms, and deal with legalities on closing day.
- Home Insurance
Once you’ve made such a large investment, you should be prepared to protect it. Most lenders require that you have home insurance, and even if it is optional, it is highly recommended. Without home insurance, you risk the chance of losing both your home and your investment. Home insurance protects both the physical home itself as well as the contents inside; if an unexpected hazard strikes or someone breaks in, your insurance will help cover the repair or replacement costs.
We currently have several homes for sale in the Greater Vancouver and Toronto areas. Contact us to inquire about these opportunities, or to learn more about buying your first home.