Stand tall

Two-storey split pretty and practical

Designing a memorable yet functional luxury home is no simple task. Consequently, when a builder downloads a design concept from their mind’s eye to their trusty 3-D computer-based modeling program, they must make a conscious effort to temper their creativity. It’s not . . .

Posted: 2020-10-24

Dazzling design

Architectural masterpiece with river view remains a stunner

With its riverside location and oversized lots populated with mature elm, pine and birch trees, Kildonan Drive is one of the city’s most historic and revered streets. On any given day, there’s plenty of quiet activity happening on the street: folks . . .

Posted: 2020-10-24

Charcuterie Take 2

Firstly, I wanted to thank all of our readers who recently reached out to me to talk about food. So many of you said how much you enjoyed the delicious tidbits of information I shared in our last Homes Feature, . . .

Posted: 2020-10-17

Side-by-side solitude

Duplexes pose challenges for deck privacy

Sometimes called the ‘side-by-side, ’ a duplex presents uncommon challenges when a rear deck is requested, whereby two factors are of utmost importance; maximizing the square-footage of the deck without eating up too much of an already narrow yard, as . . .

Posted: 2020-10-17

Keeping goose down where it belongs

Fluffed-up feathers less likely to escape garments

QUESTION — I very much enjoy and appreciate your solutions. Here is one challenge I have and I haven’t noticed it mentioned before here. I have a lovely down-filled jacket that is warm and comfortable. But it is a few . . .

Posted: 2020-10-17

There's history on that wall

Barn wood brings a little country to the living room

By the time the COVID-19 vaccine comes into effect, our world will be unrecognizable. Renovated into a whole new reality! So there’s at least one good thing resulting from civilization’s latest pandemic, not to mention a tsunami of babies over the . . .

Posted: 2020-10-17

Battling the beetle

Crossbreeding aims to help spuds fend off ravenous pest

Imagine what a game-changer it would be to grow potato varieties that were resistant to the intense feeding and disastrous defoliation by the Colorado potato beetle. For commercial growers, the economic cost of minimizing the damage to potato crops with . . .

Posted: 2020-10-17

Easy, elegant living

Design details distinguish Sage Creek home

While every family has a different vision of their ideal home, most (if not all) share the same vision of how that home would feel. Families are looking for a residence that provides them with a respite from the stresses of . . .

Posted: 2020-10-17

Charm & function

Wolseley classic updated into great young-family home

As charming as character homes from the early 1900s are, they — unfortunately — can have their drawbacks. Chief among them are a lack of functionality and dated interiors. Consequently, a home’s great size and excellent location are often quickly nullified . . .

Posted: 2020-10-17

Look to insulation for a quieter suite

But ensure noise-damping materials allowed by condo board

QUESTION — Can you give me any advice on how to sound-proof a shared wall in a condominium? Part of the wall is concrete and another part of the same wall is drywall. Thank you. Debbie Smith ANSWER — Preventing noise . . .

Posted: 2020-10-16