Colourful memories

Right combination of hues can take us back to a special place

The power of colour is a wonderful gift. By choosing the right combination of hues, we can simply transform a room to suit whatever mood or style we favour. Colours are packed with memories of places we have lived in . . .

Posted: 2013-09-14

'Modern' is great -- if the basics are solid

A lot of homeowners say they want a "modern" home, but what does that really mean? Is it a modern look or a modern build? When most homeowners think of modern, they're usually concerned about the finishes -- state-of-the-art appliances, the . . .

Posted: 2013-09-14

Fall Parade of Homes starts today

The 2013 Fall Parade of Homes officially opens at noon today, Saturday, Sept. 14 and runs through Sunday, Oct. 6. This year, the Manitoba Home Builders Association is proud to present 131 new homes on display for everyone to enjoy. This . . .

Posted: 2013-09-14

User-friendly

Sage Creek home functional and contemporary

Although it's an expression that's used often to describe things like cars to computers, tools to toys -- and everything in between -- it's one that applies equally to new homes. That expression is none other than "user-friendly." Depending on the . . .

Posted: 2013-09-14

Kids and condos can go together

The most famous "condo kid" surely must be Eloise, who grew up on the "tippy-top floor" of the Plaza Hotel in Manhattan. Technically, she lived in a hotel, but she occupied the penthouse, so it counts. Eloise may be a character . . .

Posted: 2013-09-14

Age is just a number

Space, light and a view of a park and river make this 1994 abode a winner

If a 19-year-old home were, say, an automobile, it would be nowhere near as contemporary as today's new designs. Fortunately, homes don't date themselves (in most cases, that is) nearly as quickly as autos. In fact, if a house is well-designed, . . .

Posted: 2013-09-14

Baking soda will wipe those rings from marble counter

QUESTION: My son built a new house that has a large marble counter in the kitchen. It has acquired marks on it, water rings etc., which cannot be removed just by wiping with a dishcloth. Can you tell me what . . .

Posted: 2013-09-07

Project's progress

Top-to-bottom Wellington reno is a family affair

(Part Two of a series about a top-to-bottom house renovation on Wellington Crescent.)   The dream and vision continue as Steve Thomas and his family create their own Xanadu in old Tuxedo. "Renovating a house is a family affair, " said Thomas, who, . . .

Posted: 2013-09-07

Avoid wrong approach to energy conservation

QUESTION: We are building a house and spending a bit more effort on insulation, hoping to save on summer/winter energy costs. We are planning on building a double exterior wall. The exterior will be 2x6, then a one-inch gap, and . . .

Posted: 2013-09-07

CONNIE OLIVER: Creating a cool teen hangout worth the time

If you watch any decorating shows, you might notice a trend where teenagers and young adults are requesting their own hangout space. Back in the day, we used a rumpus room or our own bedroom to entertain friends, but now it . . .

Posted: 2013-09-07