Leap of faith pays off

Group worked with famed plantsman to design Detroit garden

Piet Oudolf, the renowned Dutch plantsman and author, is considered by many to be today’s most compelling garden designer. His name resonates with creativity and innovation, as well as a signature style that gardeners everywhere want to emulate on some . . .

Posted: 2018-11-17

Renos not always as simple as they seem

Potential project obstacles can be hard to predict

There are repeat clients who have kept me extremely busy throughout the years. So much so, I sometimes forget about certain projects, and how many have ultimately been completed. One of these projects came to mind the other day, while I . . .

Posted: 2018-11-17

Address any potential radon problem right away

Worry more about the levels of the gas in your home, not any distribution of it to other rooms

Question: My unfinished basement previously had four heat supply vents and no air returns. I then finished my basement and added two air returns, one in the basement bedroom and one in the main room, as per building code. Does adding . . .

Posted: 2018-11-17

Couponers giving back to charities

Huge savings allow thrifty shoppers to help those in need

Recently, I bought 57 tubes of toothpaste, 35 bottles of shampoo and 108 rolls of toilet paper. A single woman hardly needs so much toothpaste, shampoo or toilet paper, but my favourite local charity does. Total cost: Less than US$30. . . .

Posted: 2018-11-17

Living large on a modestly sized lot

Hilton Homes' Luna offers plenty of functional space

Twenty years ago, cab-over home designs were popular among new homebuyers, particularly young families. Today — while demand for them isn’t nearly as high — they remain a relevant option for young families looking for an affordable, livable home, says Spencer . . .

Posted: 2018-11-17

Developers, city need to team up for future plan

One of the highlights from this year’s Manitoba Home Builders’ Association (MBHA) annual housing forum and building trade show was an informative and insightful panel discussion on residential development in the Winnipeg metro region. The panel discussion took place Nov. 6 . . .

Posted: 2018-11-17

Spacious condominium has house-like feel

Downsizing doesn't have to mean cramped

Empty nesters looking to move from a single-family home to a condominium typically face two challenges. First, because most senior couples don’t necessarily have a king-sized budget — the condo must be affordable. Second, it must be livable. When you’re moving from . . .

Posted: 2018-11-17

White-out chaos to create a chic, sophisticated space

White has long been viewed as a formal colour, typically reserved for seldom-used living and sitting rooms. These days, those looking for a light, bright and minimalist look are choosing winter white. Unlike stark, bright white, winter white has cream . . .

Posted: 2018-11-10

Vinegar, baking soda make oven cleaning a breeze

Question: Can you please share your tip about cleaning oven racks in the bathtub? A friend said she had the article for this but couldn’t find it, and it seemed so much easier than other methods. Thanks. — B. Answer: For people who do not . . .

Posted: 2018-11-10

Unique doors unlock new moods indoors

Barn, French or metal doors can be used as partitions or means to create flow

Clients are sometimes surprised when homebuilder and designer Marnie Oursler starts talking about bedroom doors. They expect to discuss things like windows, wall colours and where a built-in bookcase might fit best. But many of Oursler’s clients hadn’t considered that creatively . . .

Posted: 2018-11-10