Ring, ring, the past is calling

Remembering the landline and actual human interaction in a cellphone era

Everyone who still has a landline telephone in your home, please raise your hand. Thank you. Somebody, please give all 14 of you $100 each. You are my heroes. We stand as one. I will never give up my landline. Believe it or . . .

Posted: 2019-05-11

Decorate a home with intention

Interior designer Erin Gates founded her blog Elements of Style in 2007. She published her first book in 2014 and has just written her second: Elements of Family Style: Elegant Spaces for Everyday Life, with advice for how to live . . .

Posted: 2019-05-11

Gallery walls stand test of time

Concentrating photos, art and decor in collage style more than just a 'fad' born in the 17th century

Every now and then, a design blog will declare gallery walls "over" — a fad that’s had its moment. But they’re a decorating staple, says Susan Tynan, founder and chief executive of Framebridge, an online framing company. "I get asked a . . .

Posted: 2019-05-11

Small improvements can have dramatic effect

Don't underestimate the difference seemingly minor updates can make

When a client requests a facelift, it is important for a contractor to determine whether it truly is only a facelift with cosmetic changes they are after, or a remodel — which typically involves much more invasive work. There’s one particular . . .

Posted: 2019-05-11

Garage adds usable space to home

Plenty of options to transform car cave into social, hobby spot

What if your home had a spare room you’d never noticed before? Your garage, even if it has one or more cars in it, can pull double-duty as a gym, a crafting room and even a place to socialize. Designers and . . .

Posted: 2019-05-11

Filling a void only a temporary solution for seepage

Question: We have lived in our 1986 two-storey home for six years. The concrete driveway extends the length of the south side of the house. There is a stuccoed chimney, as well as an air conditioning unit on that side . . .

Posted: 2019-05-11

Spectacular functionality

Well-designed home delivers style and comfort

Designing a fashionable yet functional great room isn’t as easy as it might seem. While the overall idea is to design a spacious, striking area which hits the sweet spot between style and function, you don’t want to go overboard. Take . . .

Posted: 2019-05-11

Peace of mind on the waterfront

Bungalow makes you feel like you're at the cottage rather than in the city

About 40 years ago, a select collection of homes was built along a man-made lake in Waverley Heights. Lakeshore Road, with the lake and a pristine collection of pine, birch and oak trees, is nestled between Markham Road and Chancellor Drive . . .

Posted: 2019-05-11

Three hospitals team up for fourth lottery fundraiser

At this year’s tri-hospital dream lottery launch on may 1st, TSN broadcaster Sara Orlesky spoke to media guests from a stunning KDR show home, which just happens to be one of the prizes up for grabs. 2019 marks the fourth anniversary . . .

Posted: 2019-05-10

Getting your items in order can help clear your mind

Best-selling author Gretchen Rubin has found that keeping an orderly and well organized home helps us feel more in control of our lives. Her books include The Happiness Project and Happier at Home as well as her latest, Outer Order . . .

Posted: 2019-05-04