May 14, 2015 - Although wine cellars and cigar humidors are our specialty, we also have over 10 years of experience designing interiors, millwork, custom furniture, kitchens and bathrooms too.
Feb 10, 2015 - When designing a wine cellar, it is best for an interior designer to step aside and allow a specialist to take over from this point. Although interior designers can have great ideas, there are certain crucial factors in wine cellars that are often overlooked. While the overall appearance and feel of a wine cellar is very important, other factors must be taken into consideration. For instance, if the cellar is cooled and a micro-environment is being created, then staining/finishing wood in the cellar is not recommended, unless you enjoy being greeted with the pungent smell of never-ending stain and/or lacquer off-gassing. I once installed a cellar in which the client insisted on stain and lacquer, and two years later you could still smell this every time you entered the cellar. The alternative would be to be greeted by the wonderful aromatic smell of raw wood. The temperature and humidity in the cellar accentuate the smell, so if you select a species like Sapele Mahogany or Cedar, you will love every time you enter the cellar! Select a species of wood that is similar to the "colour" you are going for, or a species of wood that will go with the overall colour scheme you are trying to achieve. Believe me, with over 16 years woodworking and design experience, there IS a wood that will look good!
Oct 7, 2014 - Several interior renovation designs currently underway....Calgary, prepare to be renovated!!!
July 5, 2014 - Reflecting back on the very successful wine cellar just completed, Steve is excited to tackle the next one! Definitely love the combination of tin ceiling, old-world style stonework, and raw wood in a sealed environment. Being greeted by aromatic sapele mahogany as you step into the cellar every time is great!
May 22, 2014 - After 11 years experience of designing on Sketchup, Steve takes pride in bringing his laptop along with him to all design appointments, and draws the space affected by the intended design with great speed to the client's surprise. "Much better than using paper, or even worse, the infamous 'napkin'," muses Steve. By taking these accurate measurements, entering them into the drafting software and taking note of all obstacles that many designers forget about ("oops, I didn't know there was a receptacle there..") this enables quick, accurate designing and quoting, streamlining Tru Woodcraft's operations. Even a large project such as an extensive interior renovation to a Springbank home, the 5 hours that it took Steve to draw the entire 4000 square foot interior allowed him to go back to the office and accurately design and quote the entire renovation, 3D renderings included. For a Kensington Wine Store wishing to expand and re-create the existing millwork in the new location, Steve was able to measure and draw on site the existing millwork in a half hour, much to the store-owners surprise. "It really shows that you know what you are doing."
March 29, 2014 - A great interior designer will assess a client's needs and desires, carefully analyze the space to be used, contemplate an appropriate budget, and use their design skills and creativity to come as close to the clients goals as possible. There are always material options, design options, and project strategies that can aid in meeting client's goals. This is the philosophy at Tru Woodcraft.
Feb 7, 2014 - Don't get all interior decorating items for your home from one store! Unless you want your home to look like a display for this store.... I have seen too many times a home that looks like a display for a certain swedish box store.....although fairly cost-effective, some of the quality of the items from stores like this can quickly degrade and end up in landfills. Cut down on clutter, buy your furnishings wisely and ask yourself how long you think the item will last, both for durability and for aesthetic appeal.
Feb 6, 2014 - Natural lighting: very important in every space! Never cover windows and allow natural light sources to be blocked. I have seen many times someone place an entertainment unit with TV in front of their living room window. Careful placement of mirrors can also help with natural lighting.
Feb 3, 2014 - Interior Design tip#1: Don't over-furnish a room! As someone who builds furniture I understand how many different designs and furniture pieces are out there, and how you could easily desire "one of each", but the more you fill up a room with too much furniture, the less flow it has, the smaller it seems, and it will create a cluttered feeling. Choose your furniture carefully, and consider the flow to the room it is being placed. If you like a design, but the piece would be too big or too small for the space, don't fret! Tru Woodcraft can proportionately redesign that piece to work for your space!
Jan 21, 2014 - What is your style of interior design? Where do you get your inspiration? Tru Woodcraft would love to hear from you!
Jan 20, 2014 - Design for custom fireplace and bookshelf with curved coffered ceiling:
Jan 18, 2014 - Sometimes my design ideas can get, um, too creative...my wife has been helping me with design for over 10 years now, and helps to bring some of my creativity back down to reality, and the result is a practical, creative design that really works.
Jan 14, 2014 - Very important to understand the difference between an interior decorator and an interior designer!
Dec. 31, 2013 - Colour advice for walls and decor....sometimes being brave with paint colours can lead to disappointment. Very few colour combinations really work, and if they do work together initially, chances are you won't like them together in the long run. Colours do evoke emotions, some make you happy, some sad, some will make you hungry (ever notice how many restaurants have a "peach" colour on the walls?), some will make you angry. 16 years ago I worked at a paint store and remember trying to convince a customer to change his mind as he really wanted to paint the walls in his bedroom "blood red". As I said, some colours will make you angry and red would be one of those. He stuck to his decision with the red paint....hope he was able to keep his "cool". I prefer neutral colours for walls, and whites or off whites for doors and trim, unless you were to go with wood for doors and trim. If you do like colours, pick out some really great artwork. Sculptures, paintings, artworks, vases, etc. that are colourful will really pop out against neutral colours. You will really notice a red vase in a room with neutral walls and trim, but it won't steal the show as a red wall would. Something to consider.....
Dec 29, 2013. Loft Stairs. The shape of the treads allows for a narrower and steeper staircase. I have had many requests for these stairs over the years. The design allows comfortable access with the deep treads, yet takes up a minimal footprint.
Dec 28, 2013. I came across this interesting video today on the BEST modern home interior design ideas. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2DVZQtoHbQ
Dec 27, 2013 Proper design requires that someone be well-versed in dimensional drawing, as well as having experience with the procedures involved and the skills to operate the tools that result in the final product.
Dec 26, 2013 Design is an integral part of any project to be executed. Proper design yields smooth results. Imagine this process by a designer that also has the skills and experience to manufacture and finish your project?
Dec 25, 2013 Communication is an integral part of the design process. Ideas are exchanged between client and designer so that this idea can dimensionally make sense. 3D renderings are standard from Tru Woodcraft, as this realistic image very accurately represents the project, particularly when a client is unable to read blueprints and visualize the entire process that leads to the final product.
Tru Woodcraft has over 10 years of design experience. Steve Trutenko, president of Tru Woodcraft has worked with designers in Vancouver, Calgary and Winnipeg, manufacturing their designs and gaining impressive experience that now is evident in his own designs. Contact us for a consultation!
