Party smarty

What to do -- and not to do -- at holiday soirées

It's the people in our lives that make the holidays an extra special time of year. Whether you are invited to a corporate party or spending the evening with a group of friends, make a great impression by revealing your . . .

Posted: 2010-12-04

CONNIE OLIVER: Don't sweat the small stuff -- change it up

Small projects can have a big impact on your décor and your outlook. With our busy lives we don't always have time for a huge redecorating commitment so we get overwhelmed and don't do anything at all. If you're at . . .

Posted: 2010-06-26

CONNIE OLIVER: Formal elegance

Symmetry key to refined decor

This lovely Kohler bathroom is a testament to a traditional, formal decor. There's something to be said for symmetry and refinement. In rooms such as the bathroom or bedroom, a formal decor evokes a sense of being pampered, and we . . .

Posted: 2009-09-27

Brighten up your home without breaking the bank

For homeowners with champagne taste and a beer budget (and isn’t that most of us?), it is time to take another look at tile.While a full kitchen remodel might set you back a few years of savings, a smart mini-rehab . . .

Posted: 2016-12-17

Clean, repair winter clothes before storage

The return of the warm weather can signal a return to that spring wardrobe -- and the chance to stow away those heavy coats and woolly sweaters. But putting away your winter wear should involve more than simply moving it from . . .

Posted: 2010-05-15

Small touches create a great master bath

Attractive upgrades don't have to be expensive

It’s easy to design a gorgeous master bathroom if you have a huge budget. But, with the right choices, you can have an exceptional master bath without overspending, interior designer Gabriel Anderson says. "Having huge expanses of marble is amazing and . . .

Posted: 2019-01-12

RENOVATIONS: Easy does it

Chalk-based paint removes need for stripping

Still stripping? Stop now. Your antiquated, yet serviceable pieces of furniture encrusted with layers of lacquer, varnish or other gunk can be rejuvenated with a single coat of paint, no caustic strippers required. Newly developed calcium carbonate-based paints have . . .

Posted: 2013-12-14

CONNIE OLIVER: Bathroom for the ages

There's something so comforting about a room with character. This lovely vintage bathroom is the perfect example of how old and new can work together to produce a room with real charm. If you want to create a room filled with . . .

Posted: 2013-06-08

Their loss is your gain

Owners updated bungalow with every intention of staying

It’s something you don’t expect to come across in a mature neighbourhood such as Southdale. Yet, there it is. A 1, 574-sq.-ft. bungalow with striking, low-maintenance cultured stone/stucco exterior that looks like a brand-new home you’d find in a community such as . . .

Posted: 2017-04-08

Tough on crime

Safety screen thwarts criminals, prevents falls

Renovating is an advantageous time to upgrade the safety features of your living space to help prevent break-ins, home invasions, serious injuries and, in some cases, death. Stan Bardal, president of Secure All Inc., has cutting-edge materials that will secure your . . .

Posted: 2014-12-20