The 'R-value' of a well insulated home

Energy efficiency and ever-changing concept

Just like a Thermos mug, or a cooler, the insulation in your house regulates the temperature within by warding off the cold and heat on the outside. With proper insulation, your home’s ventilation system isn’t forced to work harder than . . .

Posted: 2017-12-08

Enamelware serves up usable nostalgia

Just the right amount of retro for your kitchen

Enamelware is everywhere again. The centuries-old kitchenware is showing up in boutiques, general stores, lifestyle blogs, adventure outfitters and mass-market retailers. Everyone, it seems, wants a piece of the durable, light tinware once considered a poor man’s ceramic. Unlike the boldly . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Self-care craze seeps into home design

Picture an escape. The first image that came to mind was probably a sandy beach, or an exotic location. It likely wasn’t your master bathroom or bedroom. That is slowly changing, said Nate Berkus, an interior designer and author. "With everything going on . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Heated garages need new approach to insulation

Questions: We currently have a garage in London, Ont., that was totally drywalled, both walls and ceiling, and painted and is in perfect condition. We cut a small hole to see if there is a vapour barrier and insulation, and . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Tips and tricks for Christmas decorating

How do you tell if your tree is dry? Do you know when to hang your mistletoe?

HO HO HO HOMES throughout many lands are being decorated and prepared to celebrate the Christmas season, what do you do with yours? I personally am going through a humbug stage, where I do pretty much nothing in the way of . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Let there be light!

Let there be light!

How to configure the electrical requirements for the two-storey addition recently built on to the south side of my house has been a source of anxiety in recent months. Typically, running electrical wire throughout new framing is easy: the required holes . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Longoria lists Hollywood Hills mansion

US$14-million property formerly owned by Tom Cruise

LOS ANGELES — Actress-director-producer Eva Longoria has put her hilltop compound in Hollywood Hills West on the market for US$14 million. Earlier this month, she bought another home in the Beverly Crest area for US$13.5 million. The house she’s selling has . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Cultivating the perfect plants

Breeders are making sure there's no shortage of new vegetation for your garden

Gardeners don’t ask for much. All we want are plants that bloom earlier and have bigger, longer-lasting blooms. The plants will need a better branching habit and sturdier stems to support the larger blooms. Could someone please reduce the size of . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Readers' favourite home remedies

As a young woman who grew up in Europe, my favorite tradition is still to make a gift basket for anyone moving into our neighbourhood. Each item that I include symbolizes a message, which I explain in a note: a . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02

Too-high TVs and other decor mistakes

Hanging light fixtures, flat-screen televisions and art all require commitment — you’ve got to put holes in your walls or ceiling, which can be a scary proposition. My clients and friends are often paralyzed by the thought of getting it . . .

Posted: 2017-12-02