http://www.perryquinn.com/index.php en perry@homesniagara.com Copyright 2011 16:22:49Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/holiday-decorating-made-simple/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/holiday-decorating-made-simple/#When:15:22:49Z Consider these tips for making your home look festive the easy way 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.  Design & Decorating 15:22:49Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/baby-boomers-redefine-home-design/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/baby-boomers-redefine-home-design/#When:14:05:29Z Boomers seek to live in homes that support their evolving needs 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.  Design & Decorating 14:05:29Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/enhance-your-homes-appeal-to-the-green-market/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/enhance-your-homes-appeal-to-the-green-market/#When:12:28:27Z Save energy and money with these simple changes Did you know that environmentally-friendly updates can make your home appealing to a growing ‘green’ segment? Start with easy low-cost changes that target energy savings, water conservation and quality, and clean air. Cut energy consumption with motion-sensor switches that turn lights on and off when people come and go. Reduce water usage with low-flow bathroom faucets and showerheads, and dual-flush toilets. Improve water quality with a filtration unit to stop the need for bottled water while enhancing water quality and taste. To improve air quality, use paints with low or no volatile organic compounds. Buying & Selling Tips 12:28:27Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/royal-lepage-launches-mobile-site/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/royal-lepage-launches-mobile-site/#When:14:10:15Z New site provides on-the-go info on listings, agents and more Did you know Royal LePage has launched a new mobile website to provide information on listings as well as neighbourhood information? In addition to property searching, the mobile website will use GPS to locate nearby open houses as well as schools, banks, stores, restaurants etc. The site helps buyers contact listing agents or find a nearby Royal LePage office. “The future is mobile and we’re pleased to offer homebuyers and sellers the ability to access valuable real estate information right from their mobile devices,” said Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage. To access the site go to http://m.royallepage.ca/mobile Buying & Selling Tips 14:10:15Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/milk-paint-is-perfect-for-older-homes-and-furnishings/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/milk-paint-is-perfect-for-older-homes-and-furnishings/#When:14:31:25Z Natural historic colours look great in any setting 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. Design & Decorating 14:31:25Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/countertop-options-keep-expanding/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/countertop-options-keep-expanding/#When:14:41:52Z Granite is great, but so are these newer materials 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. Design & Decorating 14:41:52Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/consider-ellicottville-ny-for-a-great-day-trip/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/consider-ellicottville-ny-for-a-great-day-trip/#When:14:45:35Z This quaint town south of Buffalo has something for everyone Did you know that a great day trip from NOTL is one that takes you to Ellicottville, NY? A village of 472 people, only an hour south of Buffalo, it offers an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and recreation. Incorporated in 1837, Ellicottville maintains a striking authenticity. Meander around and everyone says hello, just like in a real village. In winter, ski visitors come for the 58 slopes on 1,400 acres over four mountain faces at Holiday Valley, just south of town. But mostly, they will tell you they come for the ambience of a laid-back town without pretensions. There really is something to do there during all four seasons of the year. For more information, go to http://ellicottvilleny.com Lifestyle & Trends 14:45:35Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/house-prices-increase-in-q3/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/house-prices-increase-in-q3/#When:14:43:10Z Average increases of 5.7 to 7.8% show market resiliency Did you know the most recent Q3 Royal LePage House Price Survey showed the year-over-year home prices in Canada increased by 5.7 - 7.8 percent? The strength of price appreciation defied expectations as low interest rates buoyed consumer confidence in a comparatively stable Canadian economy. “Canadian home owners have turned a deaf ear to the negative economic situation shaking housing markets in Europe and the US,” said Phil Soper, CEO of Royal LePage. “The third quarter saw a return to a normal seasonal business cycle as price appreciation slowed in many areas… A broader slowdown is expected in the months ahead but fears of a US-style correction are completely unfounded.” Real Estate Market Performance 14:43:10Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/plant-tulip-bulbs-now-for-a-bright-spring/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/plant-tulip-bulbs-now-for-a-bright-spring/#When:14:42:35Z These hardy bulbs will withstand winter’s cold and snow Did you know this is a perfect time to plant tulip bulbs for next spring? The tulip is a reliable spring bloomer with built-in “antifreeze” that helps it withstand the winter. They can be planted much later than their bulb-relatives like daffodils. To avoid the look of too much precision, plant the bulbs in random holes with 5 to 11 bulbs per hole. A bulb that is 3-cm thick deserves a 10-cm hole. Loosen the soil at the bottom of the hole and add a handful of bone meal to assure that roots get the nutrition they need. Bury your bulbs using the soil from the hole mixed with 30% sand to improve drainage. Step on the soil after planting to firm the soil around the bulbs and to encourage them to take root. For more information go to http://www.markcullen.com Outdoor Design 14:42:35Z http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/what-type-of-fireplace-is-right-for-you/ http://www.perryquinn.com/blog/entry/what-type-of-fireplace-is-right-for-you/#When:18:56:29Z The variety of options keeps growing 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. Design & Decorating 18:56:29Z