COUNTRIFIED CHARM in the city

Historic Charleswood home built for Vialoux family retains some rustic characteristics despite modern upgrades

Anyone who lives on or near Vialoux Drive in Charleswood knows what a serene, picturesque area it is.Lined with mature trees on either side and the Assiniboine River meandering along lazily behind homes on its north side, it's a countrified . . .

Posted: 2014-10-25

FIREPLACE ADDS FLASH to backyard setting

Elevates landscape with stunning effect

For landscape designer Colleen Watson, fall is one of the most exhilarating times of the year. The same goes for many homeowners, too.What's driving them? Backyard projects that are nearing completion.On crisp fall days when temperatures are in single digits . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Brighten your world

Good lighting a design necessity for visibility and ambience

Good lighting plays an integral role in setting the mood of your home. The right amount of light, properly placed, can add warmth to a space and create an inviting ambience. Ottawa-based interior designer Linda Nolan always incorporates three or . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

De-cluttering great way to create more space

When my husband and I decided to downsize from our home to a condo, I knew I had a heavy task ahead of me.Sorting through 30 years of 'stuff' took a year of evenings but I got a good head . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Comfort is key to setting up first new home

A good night's sleep is essential for students

Dear Debbie:I'm out of town to university and will be away for four years. My "room" budget is small, but I would like to be smart about purchases so they will go the distance. What are the priorities? Thanks -- . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Roof ice damming related to air sealing and insulation

Question: I have an ongoing problem with ice damming. I did change the shingles on the roof twice. The last time was seven years ago. Now, I am thinking of changing the furnace to a high-efficient unit, plus I would . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Drain snake is best bet to unplug toilet

QUESTION: I plugged the toilet and tried to plunge it, but it won't drain. Help! Brad, WinnipegANSWER: Wow, I admire your honesty. Most people would have blamed this on someone else. Since the plunger failed, your next step is to . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Dividing-wall debacle

Bungalow renovation takes a turn for the worse, but owners happy with end result

Live in a gloomy, cramped bungalow built in the late 1940s?Why not remove a few divider walls to open those tiny rooms to let in the light and accommodate a growing number of family members, including grandchildren?That is what Rick . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Pretty on the inside

Interior ambience a compelling asset of custom-built home

In terms of livability, not every home is created equal.That's why you can walk into one home and feel something is missing, while another feels perfect the moment you set foot inside. After taking a moment to think about it, . . .

Posted: 2014-10-18

Seeing green

Pumpkin crop suffers after soggy growing season

2After reaping a record bumper crop last year, Buckmaster says 2014's short, unpredictable and very wet growing season resulted in reduced yields for many of the vegetable crops we are used to enjoying at this time of the year.Pumpkins are . . .

Posted: 2014-10-11