Do-it-yourself to perfection

Homeowner's handiwork saves big bucks

Ken McCracken is one of those people: a self-taught DIYer capable of most of the trades required to renovate a house -- in this case, a 2, 700-square-foot bi-level near Matlock built in 1984. "During my life, I've experienced a lot . . .

Posted: 2014-06-14

Posh but practical

Sage Creek home a mix of modern and rustic

When you're designing a new home, it's always a good idea to try new things. For example, many builders have successfully combined modern and contemporary themes in their home designs. Then, there's 47 Borealis Bay in Sage Creek. An Artista Homes . . .

Posted: 2014-06-14

Not your grandma's PEONIES

BEST, NEWEST BLOOMS at national show in city

June 13 is National Garden Day with gardening activities and festivities across the country. There is good reason for local gardeners to celebrate this year. Winnipeg will play host for the first time to the Canadian Peony Society's Annual Show . . .

Posted: 2014-06-07

Opposites attract

Symmetry, asymmetry work in harmony

The design of the room in our feature photograph is a great example of how symmetry and asymmetry can work in harmony. While the decor is balanced, it still has a sense of the unexpected through items that do not . . .

Posted: 2014-06-07

Avoid missing steps when installing stairs

Most homeowners just assume a new set of stairs is going to be safe.Whether they're building new or retrofitting, I never really hear a homeowner ask for safe stairs.But small shortcuts during construction can compromise their safety, and the consequences . . .

Posted: 2014-06-07

From good to extraordinary

Attention to details makes the Barcelona stand out

The fact of the matter is no two new home designs are alike.There is, however, another fact: have prospective buyers look at two homes, and -- for some reason -- one home will be a clearcut winner over the other . . .

Posted: 2014-06-07

Urban Oasis

Osborne Village condo offers serenity in the beating heart of the city

For just a moment, think of what it would be like to live in Osborne Village.Most of us -- for better, or worse -- would picture living in a vibrant area dominated by street traffic, sidewalks filled with pedestrians and . . .

Posted: 2014-06-07

GARDENING: Love food? We dig it

Manitobans cultivate their tastebuds with edible gardens

Adding edibles to the landscape can be addictive. It might start with a few carrots and tomatoes, perhaps a bit of basil and some dill or green beans -- just enough for adding fresh homegrown flavour to your recipes. A small . . .

Posted: 2014-05-31

New housing-market forecasts are reassuring

Housing starts in Manitoba and across the Prairies are expected to cut back on the throttle a bit in 2014 and 2015, but still be generally strong. The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation released their updated forecast last week and the . . .

Posted: 2014-05-31

From corny to cachet: crafts make a return

The demand for handmade, homemade goods has become one of the fastest-growing trends this year.I recently visited Paris with a friend from San Francisco. She adamantly refused to buy anything that was not made locally. This is a commendable goal, . . .

Posted: 2014-05-31