Renovation & Design Articles
CONNIE OLIVER: Dark secret
Black is an outstanding colour
If someone suggested you paint your walls black, you'd probably think they went off the deep end. However, if you look at this dramatic dining room from Benjamin Moore you can see that black can be striking. This look is not for everyone but you have to admit it's different...
November 14, 2009
DEBBIE TRAVIS: Replicate the look of leather
Hand-made decor never really goes out of style
There is a trend I mentioned in one of my columns at the beginning of the year that continues to grow. The interest in all things hand made, from hand-painted details on furniture and accessories to mosaics and needlework crafts, is enjoying a revival. I'm not surprised. I don't believe...
November 14, 2009
ASK THE INSPECTOR: Using heating cords to melt roof snow a bad idea
QUESTION: We have a split-level home in Winnipeg. Last winter, there was an extreme accumulation of snow on the north side where the gable of the living room meets the vertical section of the house that accommodates the upstairs bedrooms. When the snow began to melt, it filled the eavestrough...
November 14, 2009
MIKE HOLMES: Avoid a Christmas reno ho-ho-horror story
Homeowners always want renovations done in time for the holidays -- there's this big rush to make sure the house looks good when company comes. And, this year there's added pressure to take advantage of the home renovation tax credit before the end of 2009. I'm even hearing ads from...
November 14, 2009
SOLUTIONS: Remove that busted light bulb with a spud
QUESTION: I was trying to replace a burnt-out light bulb in my overhead kitchen light fixture, and the bulb broke, leaving the socket and some broken fragments behind. How do I get this out? Moira, Winnipeg ANSWER: Turn off the electrical power, put on leather gloves and safety goggles. Slice a...
November 14, 2009
He's baaack
It's time to show Ol' Man Winter you mean business
Face it, winter is upon us. Oh, sure, it's technically still early fall and we might get a few more mild days. But get ready for a sucker punch from winter -- the cranky season that bullies fall and spring with weeks on end of his cold shoulders. The ol' man...
November 7, 2009
MIKE HOLMES: Hitting the roof
Don't get caught with a leak during the winter season
Fall is the rainy season and the time of year you need to make sure your roof is in good shape. I don't want to think about it, but winter is on its way with snow and ice, freeze and thaw cycles and strong winds. Obviously, your roof protects your...
November 7, 2009
What's hot in homes
Must-have trends for the well-dressed home
At this year's Ottawa Housing Design Awards, held Oct. 17 and 18, photo essays of renovations and new homes were submitted by designers, builders and developers to the Greater Ottawa Home Builders' Association's glitzy annual design awards. The inspiring images included glossy photos of gorgeous kitchens, luxurious backyards and grand living...
November 7, 2009
CONNIE OLIVER: Rustic, retro, vintage -- all brand new
If you read this column on a regular basis you know that my décor tastes run toward character homes and vintage items. As I've said before, there's something about an item having a history before I owned it. It gives me comfort somehow to know that prior owners lovingly used...
November 7, 2009
DEBBIE TRAVIS: Futons are fab again
'70s standby is new, improved and still flexible
Ah yes, it was so hot in the '70s. If you were a starving student or just managing to scrape it together in your first apartment, you had a futon. With, or more likely without a frame, the futon operated as your bed, couch, desk, and dining table. Graduating to more...
November 7, 2009
ASK THE INSPECTOR: Frost buildup leads to water leakage in fan
QUESTION: During a period of mild weather last February we noticed that the main-floor bathroom exhaust fan is dripping water. The water is not coming from within the exhaust duct, but rather around the casing of the exhaust fan. We recently had an HRV unit installed in our house and do...
November 7, 2009
SOLUTIONS: Steaming may restore flattened velvet pile
QUESTION: I purchased a grey velvet sofa. It had some creases on the middle of the cushion so I foolishly decided to iron them out. Consequently, I flattened the pile. Is there anything I can do to refresh this velvet pile? Thanks. Jean, Winnipeg ANSWER: This sounds like a permanent condition. Judging...
November 7, 2009
Holiday magic without blowing the budget
With a dusting of snow on the ground in some cities in Canada, we're reminded that the festive season is not far away. Time to start planning. What will our homes look like this year? Holiday decor 2009 will honour the past, with a focus on simple ways to update what...
October 31, 2009
Order, order
Seven ways to straighten up a disorganized mess
Clutter. Mess. Disorganization. Any way you say it spells mayhem. Yet not everyone can afford -- or is willing to face the humiliation -- of having a professional organizer tackle their bulging closets, messy basements and chaotic kitchen cupboards. Pack rats take heed: You don't have to raid your bank account to...
October 31, 2009
Leather flooring: If the shoe fits...
It makes for great footwear and soft, natural-feeling furniture -- but who ever thought of using leather to cover floors? One innovative company is using leather to create sumptuous floor surfaces that caress the feet and are much more comfortable than the standard tile or hardwood alternatives. Torlys, a 21-year-old Canadian flooring...
October 31, 2009
