DEBBIE TRAVIS: Checking in to the green room

London hotel focuses on eco-friendly living

Because I travel constantly for business and pleasure, I have the opportunity to view first hand the many changes taking place in the hotel industry. I have witnessed shifts in style and colour trends, and the move in popularity from the . . .

Posted: 2009-08-02

Kitchen renos require counter intelligence

It's not contagious, but it's strangely common among kitchen renovators: countertopitis. Symptoms can include everything from confusion and indecisiveness to budget-bashing and general feelings of denial. Hunting for the right kitchen countertop can drive anyone a little over the edge, especially since . . .

Posted: 2013-06-01

Consider removing siding to reinsulate home

Method could boost energy savings

111 I have an older house built in 1902 with wood siding. I am in the process of having the walls insulated and this will result in numerous holes being drilled into the siding and then plugged with a wooden . . .

Posted: 2008-09-28

Preserve leaves with wax paper and an iron

Question: What is an easy way to preserve leaves so that they last for many years? Jainy Answer: Place foliage between two pieces of waxed paper (waxy side against the leaves and cover the ironing board cover with a towel). Press the . . .

Posted: 2020-06-27

Time to make some beautiful music together

Classic player piano ready to rock -- and roll

This is not a cry for help, because I believe I have found the solution to my dilemma. Moving a 700-pound player piano out of a basement and onto my trailer. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? Here’s the story. In response to one . . .

Posted: 2020-08-01

CONNIE OLIVER: Textiles play crucial role in decor

A room without textiles is a room without visual and tactile warmth. Yet we often consider textiles as an afterthought when planning an update to our decor. We might paint our bedroom in a fresh new colour, for instance, but . . .

Posted: 2014-01-04

A must-have in every contractor's toolbox

Digital angle levels make once-complex woodworking tasks a breeze

The workmanship of old-school woodworkers always amazes me. Angle tasks were achieved manually with great care and precision, without the use of power tools. Luckily, today’s contractor and DIYer have access to many modern tools. Advances in technology have also eased . . .

Posted: 2018-02-10

CONNIE OLIVER: Refresh your bathroom without any nightmares

Dated bathrooms are a common and bothersome home-décor problem. A complete overhaul can be expensive and inconvenient, so homeowners often put off doing any changes at all, keeping their bathrooms in the design Dark Ages. Gutting a bathroom isn't always necessary . . .

Posted: 2012-09-08

MIKE HOLMES: Home-renovate your way out of doghouse

Did Valentine's Day put you in the doghouse? Well, I have good news: You might be able to fix your way out of it. Sometimes a little lipstick and mascara of the home-reno kind -- such as hanging up those photos . . .

Posted: 2014-03-01

Most small rooms can handle high drama

What can you say about today's feature photograph except... wow! This small Kohler bathroom is teeming with drama and style. The wide horizontal bands of vivid colour make this small space feel larger but also give it tons of personality. . . .

Posted: 2013-03-02