Lighting key to basement reno

Dear Debbie: The kids are grown now and we are renovating our basement room to suit our lifestyle. The toys, beanbag chairs and table hockey have been cleared out. We'd even like the TV to be hidden. Have you any . . .

Posted: 2014-01-18

Location is everything in hanging a floral basket

Travelling around Montreal during the nice weather I can't help but notice a lot of basket cases. I'm not referring to inebriated bar patrons, but rather to plants hanging in baskets. Some hang from city lamp posts, others in front of . . .

Posted: 2008-07-20

SOLUTIONS: Talk to vet about cat's messes or try diaper

QUESTION: We have a 15-year-old cat who has taken to messing all over the house and we would like to know how to have her stop this as we don't want to put her to sleep or give her away. . . .

Posted: 2010-10-09

Winnipeg Renovation Show in town next weekend

The MHBA’s Ask A Renovator booth is a signature feature of next weekend’s 2024 Winnipeg Renovation Show, taking place at the RBC Convention Centre from January 12 to 14. The Ask a Renovator booth is staffed by professional Manitoba Home . . .

Posted: 2024-01-06

Instrumental inspiration

Ingenious transformation tipples the ivories

Since I’m responsible for this (and darned proud of it), the least I can do is tell the tale, beginning with this email I received last weekend from Dale Wolaniuk: "Hello Laurie. We have never met, but I religiously read your . . .

Posted: 2021-10-23

Upgrade your home to get top dollar

Get the most return from your home investment with these improvements

Prepping your house for sale is necessary to get top dollar, but don’t sink too much into a property that will soon not be yours. Recouping some of those funds at closing is ideal. Aside from general house cleaning, organizing and . . .

Posted: 2017-07-08

Trust your instincts

Sometimes they're your most powerful tools

Some of the best tools every homeowner has are their instincts. How many times have you been in a situation where a voice tells you, "This isn't right. Do not do this." That voice becomes very important as you move . . .

Posted: 2015-01-24

Seat selection

Be careful when buying custom couches

Q: I have a two-part question about sofas. One, can I use a modern sofa in a cottage? I'd like to move the ones in our living room at home to the cottage. Our sofa and loveseat are done in . . .

Posted: 2015-02-07

Plant a victory garden, grow your own groceries

OK, the fallout from this pandemic is bad, but people, it’s time to stop wringing your hands. Put down the remote, step away from the fridge and do something that can really make a difference: Create your own victory garden. Maybe all . . .

Posted: 2020-04-25

RELAX -- once you pick the right sofa

First, a few essential things to look for when you're shopping for one

To me, buying a new sofa is one of the most difficult furniture purchases to make. You really don't get to see what's benea th the pretty fabric, so you can't be sure that you're getting a quality piece unless . . .

Posted: 2010-01-30