CONNIE OLIVER: Make that small space feel bigger

MOST people covet grand rooms with endless floor space and soaring ceilings. Spaces like this give us a sense we're living in opulence and grandeur. Back in the real world, however, most people are dwelling in more realistic, average spaces. In . . .

Posted: 2011-04-16

Window design could be behind water leakage

Question: My upper-unit condo in Fort Richmond occupies the second and third floors. Last fall, a strip of material became partially detached from the base of a second-floor window. A repairman was called out to investigate. He took pictures, removed . . .

Posted: 2018-04-28

Books can liven up your space -- but think outside the shelf

Use tomes as furniture, accents and art

Books are a great decor accent. Whether they are featured in a grand built-in bookshelf or placed strategically on an accent table for effect, books make a room complete. Their varying sizes, colours and textural qualities alone make them great . . .

Posted: 2008-11-09

GARDENING: Putting down roots

Evergreens make a strong statement

Architectural presence In fall, deciduous trees command our attention with their changing colours. Once their leaves drop, the outline of their shape continues to have a structural impact on the winter landscape. But conifers, more commonly called evergreens, . . .

Posted: 2012-09-29

A beachy-keen dining set for under $100

Call me crazy, but I just love my newly painted wooden dining chairs and vintage tin and enamel-topped dining table. It took a while to get to this point so I thought I'd share the story with you.As you know, . . .

Posted: 2014-08-14

SOLUTIONS: Chase away wood-stove smell with kitty litter

QUESTION: Our wood stove smells even when not in use. We have cleaned it but on cool days it tends to carry the same odour as it does after a fire. Any suggestions? Lucash (Winnipeg) ANSWER: As long as you are . . .

Posted: 2010-01-30

Bulb is beautiful

'Paint' with flowers as you plan your garden

Of all gardening activities, planting bulbs is my favourite. It is satisfying on so many levels. For one thing, bulbs are pretty much surefire things. As long as you don’t push them into soggy or waterlogged ground, they are going . . .

Posted: 2010-10-23

Water in basement raises sump pit worries

QUESTION: I live in a 26-year-old home with a sump pit and pump. The pump has been replaced once, but apart from that, the system has worked well every spring melt and rainstorm. In spring 2011, the pump went off . . .

Posted: 2012-06-02

Upgrade makes business bloom

Addition of pergola at local establishment results in amazing transformation

As the sole proprietor of several small businesses, I fully understand the ramifications of a bad first impression. In early April of 2014, owner and operator Victor Tomassetti, a charismatic hair stylist at Victor’s on Queenston Street at Grant Avenue, contacted . . .

Posted: 2018-03-17

Accessories are jewelry for the home

Update them regularly to maintain a fresh look

This cool Kohler bathroom has lots going for it. The white-on-white decor allows the whimsical accessories to take centre stage. Using accessories as the focus is a great way to decorate if you're renting because you can take everything with you . . .

Posted: 2014-09-27