A designated space to hit the books

Proper study habits start with desktop organization

SEPTEMBER brings students back to school. And whether it's elementary or high school, college or university, working from home, a dorm room or an apartment, having a designated area to study is key. We've asked area experts just what's needed to . . .

Posted: 2011-09-24

SOLUTIONS: Getting your popovers to pop out of the pan

QUESTION: I read your column regularly and have used many of your user-friendly, no-fuss, no-cost home-based tips. Now I need your help: How does one get popovers out of muffin tins? I heat the tin, rub it with vegetable oil . . .

Posted: 2014-04-05

Hiring right in battle against rot

Helpful hints will help you find a reliable contractor

Question: Hi, I enjoy reading your articles in the Free Press on Saturdays. Perhaps you can direct me to a reputable business that can possibly do a repair for me. The wooden pillar on our front porch is starting to . . .

Posted: 2017-06-24

CONNIE OLIVER: How to update your kitchen for under $300

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. When I happened upon a picture of a kitchen that had a similar layout and vintage of my own kitchen, it sparked a desire for change. Over the years, my 1950s-era kitchen . . .

Posted: 2013-03-09

CONNIE OLIVER: How to decorate a media room

I chose today's feature photograph for several reasons. I've not covered decorating a media room in a long while, and this room is particularly stunning. The first thing that catches your eye is the great architectural details of the room. The . . .

Posted: 2011-09-10

Extruded polystyrene insulation a good bet in basement

Question: We want to refinish our old 1970s basement, take out the panelling, and install drywall. We noticed there was vapour barrier behind the insulation, not in front. However, the insulation is kraft paper faced. Is this OK? Also, we noticed . . .

Posted: 2021-08-21

Transform your yard into an enchanted garden

Many fine gardens are candidates for visiting and enjoying, but only one garden matters, and that’s your own. Yours may amount to a narrow urban yard or just a few containers on a patio. It’s not the space you have, it’s . . .

Posted: 2017-09-30

Kitchen countertops don't have to be perfect

Stains and nicks are bound to happen

As a designer and avid cook, I’m often asked what material I recommend for kitchen countertops. My answer: honed marble (statuary or Carrara are my favourites) or soapstone because I like their mellow look juxtaposed with my kitchen’s polished-nickel fixtures . . .

Posted: 2018-01-06

CONNIE OLIVER: The new and the bold in home decorating

New and notable Sometimes I come across great services, products and ideas that don't warrant an entire column on their own but are noteworthy all the same. I've now collected enough of these helpful tidbits to be able to put them . . .

Posted: 2011-06-18

Piles of goodness

Helpful supports designed to eliminate the movement of structures

Most of my deck projects are framed using a common method — joists atop a laminated beam supported by posts and pads. To accommodate a 38-foot long and 11-foot deep front porch project on a house near Lockport that also . . .

Posted: 2020-11-28