'Michelangelo of miniatures' builds dream home

Chris Toledo has gone to painstaking lengths to build the home of his dreams. He drew the patterns — based on antiques — for every one of his eight stained glass windows. He shaped delicate scroll railings for his Juliet balconies. . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20

Inviting fragrance makes scents for your humble abode

What does your home say about you? In many instances, the unseen can make a lasting impression, whether positive or negative. We are talking about scent. Fragrance can be powerful when it comes to attracting or distracting. For many, infusing . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20

Refinishing pressure-treated wood a losing battle

Condo owner mulls restaining deck despite inevitable wear

Question: We live in a bungalow condo and are responsible for maintaining our front and back wooden decks, which are pressure-treated, 2x6 boards with rounded corners. What I have done over a period of 12 years is apply two coats, . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20

Stop and smell the roses

Recent breeding developments improve disease-resistance and continuous or repeat flowering

Is it time to fall in love with roses again? Today’s gardener can feel more confident than ever about growing roses thanks to breeding developments that emphasize greater disease-resistance and continuous or repeat flowering. New roses developed for the northern garden . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20

When your pets match the decor

Seattle home decked out in striking black and white

SEATTLE — Probably, this is just a happy coincidence. Possibly, we suppose, a subconscious leaning. Unlikely, we’re pretty sure, an official design directive. Max Lemman’s industrial-cool Eastlake condominium is decked out in striking black and white, on all three levels, including . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20

Caretaker breathes new life into Boston's oldest house

BOSTON — What does it take to make a 17th-century house livable today? Ask Barbara Kurze, who lives at the James Blake House, which the Boston Landmarks Commission says is the oldest house in Boston. The five-room, two-level house was built in . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20

Cloudy film on skylight window may be permanent

Question: I have a two-foot-by-eight-foot stained-glass skylight. I washed the outside with Windex on a very hot day. The following day, I noticed a white cloudy film on the window. I have tried everything I can think of to get . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20

New fireplace is a stark improvement

Keeping your house fresh and current will improve resale value

"Wow, that is one beautiful fireplace." Those were the words that tumbled out of my mouth this past Tuesday evening when I walked into Suzanne Mariani’s living room for a look at her newly completed fireplace reno, designed and supervised . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20

Complex, enduring beauty found in India

Country's colours, patterns and adventurous spirit offer much to modern interior trends

Lucky is how I feel each time I travel to India. No matter how many times I’ve visited, I see and learn something new. The world’s largest democracy is complex, layered and unquestionably a non-stop visual feast. For designers, inspiration is . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20

Hiding accessibility in plain sight

Attic hatches can add convenience without being an eyesore

My many years as a renovator have allowed me to develop and perfect a few techniques I’ve come to take for granted. When properly achieved, some are even discreet. My favourite is the inconspicuous hatch. Most dwellings have an attic space, . . .

Posted: 2018-10-20