Country charmer delivers it all in Charleswood

Massive two-storey home masterfully updated

When people think of country-style homes in Charleswood, they tend to think of homes on huge lots south of Wilkes Avenue. And while the homes on those lots tend to be newer the lots they occupy — at least by Charleswood’s . . .

Posted: 2020-04-25

Cultivating joy

Having house plants, being in the garden, touching freshly tilled earth, eating what you’ve grown — not to mention the miracle that is witnessing a flower come full bloom — no matter how you look at it, plants are good . . .

Posted: 2020-04-24

Hire a certified electrician to install outlet for new fridge

Question: My fridge has chosen this to be the perfect time to die in my 1950’s home. We have a new one on the way, but it turns out that the outlet behind the old fridge wasn’t switched to three-prong, when . . .

Posted: 2020-04-18

Get a healthy garden using household ingredients

Spring frosts are disappearing from the forecast, which means it’s a good time to get started on coaxing your garden back to life. Whether you’d like to give your outdoor space a little extra shine — or you want to . . .

Posted: 2020-04-18

Attractive tile never goes out of style

Backsplash made from individual tiles a challenging task

A kitchen renovation can be very invasive. When the project calls for an entire gut and remodel, the area can be rendered non-functional for as long as eight weeks. This is why I often retain the old sink and a . . .

Posted: 2020-04-18

Home is where the work is

Mustard has no problem keeping himself busy

Need some help with your social distancing? I’m presently putting together, from various and sundry items I’ve hauled home over the years, an SDK (Social Distancing Kit), that, because I rarely go out, I may be willing to rent out from . . .

Posted: 2020-04-18

'Thank God there is the garden'

Marjorie Harris skilfully combines native plants with exotic species

When normal isn’t normal anymore and uncertainty fuels anxiety, the one constant in a gardener’s life is the garden. Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor gloom of pandemic keeps Marjorie Harris from spending time in her Toronto garden — . . .

Posted: 2020-04-18

Keep tea out of the fridge for optimum freshness

Question: How long does tea stay fresh before it goes bad? Should I refrigerate tea? — Aaron Answer: Although tea will gradually lose flavour over time, if properly stored, away from air, light and moisture, it will not go bad and . . .

Posted: 2020-04-18

Delightfully different design

Efficient and creative layout maximizes style and space

When a two-storey home is under 1, 800 square feet, it’s essential its floor plan be spot-on from start to finish. In essence, there’s no room for error. Every space must be perfectly placed, their dimensions cleverly calculated so that livability is . . .

Posted: 2020-04-18

Supreme balancing act

Immaculate two-storey offers style and function

As important as function is to families, style is equally important. Nowhere is the balance between those design elements more important than in a home’s great room, the area of the home where families typically spend most of their time. That being . . .

Posted: 2020-04-18