Hit pause before you landscape

New homeowners should wait at least a year before planting

You've just moved into a new home and want to start turning the front yard from mud to a landscaped paradise. Don't do it, cautions Trevor Cullen, co-owner of Cullen Landscaping, which has been designing interlocking pathways and raised flower beds . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

Furniture with soul

Frustrated designer simply made her own line

Sarah Richardson has gorgeous legs. Not that there's anything wrong with the graceful sweep of her back or the elegant line of her arms, either. In fact, the acclaimed interior designer's entire furniture line -- that is what we're talking about, . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

Wine cellar a cool idea

Avoid pitfalls when constructing your own

Once the domain of the über-elite connoisseur, personal wine cellars are now emerging as a hot new home design feature for both the seasoned and the newbie oenophile. The benefits of a personal cellar are numerous. A cellar affords tremendous luxury . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

Height of trendiness

Sky the limit for making lofts and attics special rooms

IMAGINE having a 400-square-foot area in your home that remained untouched and unused? A room that stayed empty, only to collect dust and cobwebs. Seems like a bit of a waste, doesn't it? Well, today, many homeowners are converting the wasted space often . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

Generous palette can create greater harmony in home

AS a colour designer, I love busting colour myths. One of the many of these floating around out there is that using several different colours will make a space look chopped up. If done badly, yes, that will be the case. . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

How to obtain those renovation dollars

If you've found a great house but it needs a bit of work before becoming your dream home, one option is to finance the renovations at the time of purchase by adding the cost to your mortgage. Buyers who are putting . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

Shutters: more than window dressing

A lot of people put exterior shutters on their windows to dress up their houses. They want to add "curb appeal, " especially if they are trying to sell their homes. I'm a practical guy. I like things in your house . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

CONNIE OLIVER: Taking a walk on the purple side

You certainly can't call our feature room average. The bright purple wall on the left (from Sico's Cashmere line in Macedonian Mauve) is a refreshing change from the ordinary. When you see spaces that push the envelope a bit it . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Badly built room might not be worth fixing

QUESTION: I bought a house about nine years ago that had a "sunroom" attached. It was built off the kitchen under the carport, with access to the kitchen. It has no exterior doors. The room rests on the concrete pad . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25

SOLUTIONS: Bouncy balls keep clothes hole-free

QUESTION: Could you please tell me what solution/mixture or product would clean an Arborite counter? Thank you. Beth, Winnipeg ANSWER: For stains, make a paste of baking soda and water. Apply mixture and leave for 10 minutes. Wipe. For regular cleaning, . . .

Posted: 2011-06-25