DEBBIE TRAVIS: Ceilings that are high on character

Dear Debbie; We have a coffered ceiling in our bedroom. The coffer and the main ceiling are painted white. I'd like to add moulding, but I don't know where it would look best or what colour it should be in relation . . .

Posted: 2009-08-16

Grey chocolate buds need wet-and-dry fix

QUESTION: I made a birthday cake for my daughter. I bought chocolate buds to decorate the top of the cake and when I opened the box, I was disappointed because the chocolate looks grey instead of brown. How can I . . .

Posted: 2011-08-27

UPROOTING your home & garden

Good news for gardeners who can't bear leaving their precious plants behind in a move to a new residence

Homebuyers searching for their next property are more likely than ever to purchase a house that also comes with a garden. Attractively developed landscapes add considerable value to the worth of a property.What if you are selling your home and . . .

Posted: 2014-08-01

Choose outdoor furniture that will LAST

Price isn't the only sign of quality

After a long pandemic winter, everyone is ready to get outside. "We’re seeing tremendous growth and demand for outdoor furniture earlier in the year, " said Ron Hilton, chief merchandising and operations officer at Overstock. Traditionally, the company gets a spike . . .

Posted: 2021-05-08

Treasures from a child's mind

Best to consult youngsters when designing their spaces

Some of our greatest treasures are the storytellers, musicians and designers who have never lost their childhood imagination. Their ability to automatically connect to the whimsy and adventure of a child's world brings enchantment that would otherwise be lost. When . . .

Posted: 2013-08-24

The Southwest angle

Big space calls for bold style

Dear Debbie -- Our home has some unique features such as a large master bedroom with vaulted ceiling and an open family room with nine windows. We've tried to decorate but it just is not coming together. We like a . . .

Posted: 2009-02-14

Bring gorgeous Caribbean to your bedroom

The beginning of the year is filled with fresh hopes and resolutions. But I think most of us, as we pack away all the holiday ribbons and lights, long for a bit of a breather before embarking on exciting new . . .

Posted: 2014-01-25

Glass and mirrors --versatile and timeless

Reflective surfaces can offer the perfect touch in kitchen setting

DEAR Debbie -- I've seen a lot of glass and mirror in kitchen displays and wonder if they are just for show. What a cleaning nightmare! Would you use them in your kitchen? -- Marisse DEAR Marisse -- Glass and mirror . . .

Posted: 2008-02-03

Prudent planting

Ontario gardener decorates her backyard frugally and creatively

When Melissa J. Will bought her house just outside of London, Ont., she dreamt of making a garden. Lacking a surplus of cash, she began with a shoestring budget of $100. Today, gardening frugally and creatively has become a way . . .

Posted: 2019-01-12

Taking inspiration from the wild

Wildflowers are robust, low-maintenance, pollinator-friendly options for any garden

Gardeners trying to lure pollinators to their landscape would be wise to mimic nature and plant wildflowers. The attractive perennials tolerate harsh climates, seldom need fertilizing and resist most diseases and insect pests. Wildflowers are durable, too, requiring little or no . . .

Posted: 2019-04-20