Sofa is king in living room

Ask interior designers what the most important element in a room is and many will say that — after wall colour — it’s the sofa. So how do you choose this crucial piece of furniture? Should you go for one big . . .

Posted: 2018-11-10

Always one more reno waiting in the wings

Completing a project can often highlight other areas that need improvement

It’s easy to succumb to a desire to piggyback renovations, one after another. I fall for it all the time — once one reno is completed, there’s always another one waiting in the wings. I think this is because as . . .

Posted: 2018-11-10

Ready to remodel? First, consider this

Consider what you need in a kitchen and the form will follow

Proper planning and organization are key to a kitchen remodel, regardless of the job’s size. Ask yourself these questions first to organize your thoughts and priorities. Answering these questions will do more than just give you design ideas. They will help . . .

Posted: 2018-11-10

Subtle touches count in accessible home

Assisted-living house is a perfect fit for established neighbourhood

At first glance, 190 Hindley Ave. looks similar to many newly-built infill homes. A closer look, however, reveals some subtle differences. First of all, there are no front steps; the home was at grade to allow for ground-level access. Next, the windows lining . . .

Posted: 2018-11-10

Bungalow offers lots of room to grow

Spacious home on large lot in Charleswood ideal for a young family

These days, homebuyers — particularly young families in the entry-level category — tend to wonder what type of home they can get for around $350, 000. A tidy bungalow at 780 Pepperloaf Cres. in Charleswood is a prime example of a . . .

Posted: 2018-11-10

Green is the new black

Blooming good ideas for how to reduce your carbon footprint when gardening

Feeling a disconnect between carbon taxes and carbon rebates and how it all fits into the grand scheme of things? Here are some examples of local businesses that are embracing green solutions as well as practical steps you can take . . .

Posted: 2018-11-03

Southern market showcases latest design trends

The recent Fall High Point Market in High Point, N.C., as usual showcased the latest trends in home decor. Every fall and spring, this small southern town rolls out the red carpet as hundreds of furniture and accessories showrooms introduce . . .

Posted: 2018-11-03

Turning trash into treasures

Companies recycling and reusing unlikely items such as diapers and cigarette butts

From packaging to clothing to cigarette butts, more and more everyday items once destined for landfills are being recycled, composted or upcycled in creative ways. Many of the new products made from waste are finding their way onto fashion runways . . .

Posted: 2018-11-03

From sewing machine to steampunk cat

Unique ideas can breathe new life into antiques

It makes me shudder to think of how many beautiful old antiques, and some not so beautiful, have gone to the dump because people just didn’t see a use for them anymore. The focus of today’s column is to encourage you . . .

Posted: 2018-11-03

Living the downsizing dream

Tips for reorganizing your kitchen, keeping only the necessities

It began quietly enough. I could have sworn I heard muttering among the boxes I’d never unpacked — the ones in the house I’d fled to on the way to ending a marriage. The grown children let me know they . . .

Posted: 2018-11-03