Ground rules for your garage makeover

From a cluttered dumping area to usable, airy space

In many homes, the garage is a no man's land -- a place where tools, sports equipment and holiday decorations take over and cars no longer fit. Do you need to transform your garage into a usable space your car will . . .

Posted: 2014-08-16

Decorate nursery with painted fabrics

One of the most joyous of all decorating projects can be a nursery. This room represents both a starting point and a safe haven for a newborn. My advice about how to furnish and decorate this room is to go . . .

Posted: 2014-08-16

Vinyl best for a maintenance-free deck

Is there such a thing as a maintenance-free deck? The answer is that it depends on your definition of maintenance-free. After I wrote two columns on cedar and treated-wood decks -- both of which need to be re-stained every two . . .

Posted: 2014-08-16

Fix unruly brows and hazy hardwoods

QUESTION: I love your column and your ability to communicate with your readers. I have a kitchen hint and a puzzling question for you. Hint: If you like stuffed green olives (like I do), don't throw away the brine. Cut . . .

Posted: 2014-08-16

Fire-blight disease must be treated quickly

What does the disease look like?   Fire-blight disease (Erwinia amylovora) has not been too bad in recent years in southern Manitoba, but this year it is affecting susceptible trees with a vengeance. In our area this bacterial disease occurs mostly on . . .

Posted: 2014-08-16

Sizing up your siding options

If your home needs new siding, start planning now. Siding or cladding protects your home from the elements -- especially precipitation -- making it less vulnerable to mould, rot and all their related issues. When it comes to materials, the three leading . . .

Posted: 2014-08-16

Family-friendly move-up

Signature design offers style and value

Truth be told, few young families looking for a move-up home can comfortably afford a luxuriously appointed 2, 500-square-foot home. Which is why Signature Homes created the Duffrin II, said the company's sales representative for Bridgwater Lakes, Maximum Realty's Jeff McArthur. "Originally, . . .

Posted: 2014-08-16

Peace and privacy

La Salle home offers space and serenity near the city

As convenient as city life is, one thing doesn't always come with it, (OK, make that two): space and serenity. Deep down, you know there's the possibility of coming home to neighbours having a party accompanied by loud music -- or, . . .

Posted: 2014-08-16

A beachy-keen dining set for under $100

Call me crazy, but I just love my newly painted wooden dining chairs and vintage tin and enamel-topped dining table. It took a while to get to this point so I thought I'd share the story with you.As you know, . . .

Posted: 2014-08-14

Battle mould by eliminating moisture

Question: I am wondering if you could help me out with directions on how to deal with mould under my cottage. I use the cottage year round. My cottage is built on four foot piers around the exterior and a few . . .

Posted: 2014-08-14