Counter arguments

Pros, cons of materials, from granite to laminates

If you're remodelling or designing a kitchen from scratch, you can be sure counters will eat up a healthy chunk of your budget. There are many options, with varying price points, in the marketplace. Some are shiny, heavy and pricey, including . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

Made in the shade

Architectural ferns will transform your shade garden

In shady garden areas, ferns can be highly architectural when their lacy textures are displayed in a lush mix of unique varieties in shades of green and silver-grey. Pair the elegant foliage of ferny plants with a gorgeous selection . . .

Posted: 2024-02-24

Respecting home's heritage by rejecting clichés

It is rare and refreshing to view a renovation that does not conform to the open-area concept that has become a modern cliché.Homes renovated in the first decades of the 21st century will be known for their conspicuous lack of . . .

Posted: 2015-04-18

House brings heritage style into 21st century

HSC Lottery dream home will be open to the public this weekend

This year’s Health Sciences Centre (HSC) Millionaire Lottery dream home — offering luxury living in Crescentwood — is now fully finished and furnished, and open to the public for viewing. This Harvard Avenue gem is in the heart of a . . .

Posted: 2016-10-08

Spotted TERROR

Tiny fly wreaks havoc on North American fruit

Growing a mix of small fruits in the garden alongside flowering plants infuses it with colour, flavour and diversity. Manitoba's legendary climate with its long, cold winters and hot, dry summers, as well as rich, clay soil has proven ideal . . .

Posted: 2015-08-29

Getting steamed

Homeowners convert corner into mini spa

So, you've got a seven-foot by nine-foot space available for development in the corner of your basement. What do you do with it? Put in a lot of deep and creative thought, that's what. After much deliberation, the owners of 1940s . . .

Posted: 2010-11-13

No end to mowing season

Start of warm weather brings about spring chores

I’m 69 and living in fear. Soon, I will be forced to leave the comfort and safety of my recliner, to bounce around mercilessly for two months... on the seat of my lawn tractor. Yes, the growing season will soon be upon . . .

Posted: 2018-04-28

White luxury

Heavy earth tones stand aside as light, airy take over

The White Luxury Design Trend for 2009 brings a touch of modern magic that is futuristic yet ethereal. After years of the heavy earth tones, this light and airy trend is refreshing and uplifting. The details are not only about . . .

Posted: 2009-03-21

Pitfalls of a new fireplace

Revamping fireplace costly so you better do it right

QUESTION: Our gas fireplace is mucho ugly. Saw on TV that you completely revamped a beast. Can you give me the options and costs? ANSWER: The "mucho ugly" fireplace I renovated for my clients was originally 15 feet wide with . . .

Posted: 2014-02-22

THE BEAUTY OF GARLIC

Great for cooking, warding off fungal diseases

"In the natural world everything has its place with flavour."So says Jon Royal, executive chef of the School of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Red River College."Between onions and garlic in the plant kingdom, both have such a . . .

Posted: 2014-08-30