December 7, 2011
Holiday Decorating Made Simple
Did you know that ‘less can be more’ when decorating for the holidays? “Nothing closes in a space faster than too much stuff — be it an oversized tree, twinkle lights on every window or ornaments everywhere,” says design consultant Dorothy Taylor. You don’t have to use every ornament you own every year. Or consider a smaller tree – tabletop trees are a good option for those with pets or toddlers. In small homes, make a big impact with a dramatic arrangement at the front door or in the foyer. If you have a mantle or banister adorn it with garland and a few strategic accents. Incorporate candles and use the new flameless LED candles near greenery.
November 30, 2011
Baby Boomers Redefine Home Design
Did you know baby boomers are redefining living spaces for retired and aging people? Many boomers who continue to work on a flexible basis after ‘retirement’ require home offices. Technology enables work from a remote setting, so urban and non-urban designs are converging. An evolving family structure might bring adult children and/or aging parents under the boomers’ roof, triggering unique demands for privacy. Streamlined design and décor principles are being applied to create safe and beautiful environments for aging inhabitants. For more, read “Unassisted Living: Ageless Homes for Later Life” by Chapman and Rosenfeld.
November 9, 2011
Milk Paint is Perfect for Older Homes and Furnishings
Did you know that milk paint can be the perfect finish, especially for historic homes? Milk paints are made from a milk protein binder called casein that has been mixed with quicklime and coloured with natural pigments taken from nature. It has an aged look and is very durable. Milk paint comes in a full range of historic colours such as earthy green, berry blue, rusty red or mustard yellow. Use it on cabinets, and distress the edges with sand paper for an antique look.
November 1, 2011
Countertop Options Keep Expanding
Did you know that options for countertops are expanding to include glass, engineering quartz, manufactured stone, concrete, stainless steel and other materials? Manufacturers of engineered quartz (the fastest-growing entrant) can replicate the look of other stones at prices comparable to midlevel granites. Glass counters are shining. Lighted from below, they can add an appealing glow to a kitchen. Recycled glass is popular for its durability, eco-aspects and interesting appearance. In large kitchens, a blend of different counter surfaces might be used in various areas with specific purposes.
October 5, 2011
What Type of Fireplace is Right For You?
Did you know there are many options when it comes to fireplaces? Of course, there is nothing like the crackle and smell of a wood-burning fireplace. But you have to be prepared to lug the wood, clean the ashes and maintain the chimney. Wood-burning fireplaces with a good draw also tend to pull heat out of a room, so they are inefficient. More convenient and efficient is the gas fireplace, although you give up a little on the sensory impact. However, log set design has improved dramatically, and many newer gas fireplaces look very attractive and authentic. A gas fireplace can really heat up a room, so be sure to check that the BTUs match the size of the room. Also for consideration are the ventless fireplaces, which burn gel and can be installed almost anywhere, often to dramatic effect.
September 29, 2011
Prepare Your Home for Winter
Did you know this is the right time to prepare your home for winter? Have an HVAC professional shut down the air conditioner and check the furnace. Change your air filters and clean your ducts. If you have a built-in humidifier, clean and test it — you want to maintain about 40% humidity. Inspect the dampers on wood-burning fireplaces, and have a professional clean the chimney to avoid creosote build-up. Make sure you have good airflow in the attic to keep the house warm, the roof cold, and the shingles in good shape. Trim trees and bushes away from the house. After the leaves are down, clean out your eaves troughs and downspouts. For more on home maintenance go to http://www.cmhc.ca
August 31, 2011
Simple Home Improvement Projects Add Value
Did you know that small home improvement projects can offer big change at little cost? Experts suggest focusing on the biggest surfaces in a room, such as countertops or floors. Old laminate countertops can be painted for less than $50 and the results look surprisingly good. You can refresh old ceramic tile floors and tile walls with grout stain. Small items such as drawer pulls, electrical switch plates and doorknobs can easily be changed. You might want to add a tile backsplash to a kitchen wall for a burst of new style. Install new lighting fixtures and window treatments to freshen the color and brighten the environment.
August 17, 2011
Make Laundry More Enjoyable
Did you know that the chore of doing laundry can be made easier with a few design updates? Whirlpool Appliances’ designers say the optimal laundry room has four zones — prep area, wash and dry centre, folding counter and finishing centre. Key elements can include: 1. Pedestals under the washer and dryer to raise the machines to optimal height 2. Washer and dryer doors that open in the right direction for easy item transfer 3. Separate baskets for sorting freshly laundered clothes. 4. Proper lighting. 5. Soft flooring for standing comfortably. 6. Art, music and an appealing wall colour.
August 8, 2011
Improve Your Home’s Air Quality
Do you know how to improve your home’s air quality? Here are some pointers from Home Depot: Manage mould – Keep your basement dry by ensuring gutters and downspouts run clear, and using a dehumidifier if needed. Remove carpets from bathrooms and basements. Clean green – Choose non-toxic cleansers without the strong odors of traditional cleaning products. Paint smart – Use interior paints that are low in VOCs or VOC-free. Check your chimney – Make sure you have it inspected every fall and cleaned as necessary. Protect from invisible hazards – Install a carbon monoxide detector, and test it regularly. Freshen the furnace – Replace or clean the furnace filter in early fall and once a month during the winter. For more tips on how to improve air quality, visit http://www.homedepot.ca
July 11, 2011
Renovation Spending Down Slightly
Did you know 39% of households expect to renovate in 2011, down from 42% in 2010 and 50% in 2009? According to the annual CMHC report on renovation spending, the most popular projects include remodelling rooms (25%), wallpapering and painting (25%), flooring and carpeting (24%), and windows and doors (21%). “We are seeing continued growth in average spending on renovations. The difference is that there are fewer households who intend to spend,” said Shaun Hildebrand, senior analyst for CMHC. Spending has shifted from repairs and maintenance to home improvement, indicating that consumers are seeing a payoff when they upgrade their homes, said Hildebrand.
June 15, 2011
Canadians Seek How-To Renovation Advice Online
Did you know a recent survey by Canadian Tire highlighted the appetite for how-to content by Canadians, who are among the most active Internet users on the planet? Their research reveals that 52% of Canadians have a to-do list for jobs around the house with five or more tasks. But 48% don’t know where to start, including many of the 29% who self-identify as “Wannabe Do-it-Yourselfers.” The area most of us dread the thought of tackling is, apparently, plumbing — with 28% ranking it as the worst of all renovation jobs.
June 8, 2011
Get Great Ideas at the House of Innovation
Did you know Canadian Tire has just launched an interactive website called “House of Innovation” (http://www.houseofinnovation.ca)? This website centres on a house the company bought which will undergo a make-over, using products from the store. Through how-to videos the site provides practical guidance for completing home renovation and décor projects. When the renovation is complete, the home will be sold with proceeds going to the retailer’s JumpStart program, which helps financially disadvantaged children participate in organized sport and recreation. The company has plans to buy another house at that point, and start all over again. Talk about innovation!
