A spacious, gracious place to dwell

Sage Creek beauty has a lot to show for its size and price

As a first-time homebuyer, or as a buyer looking to move up to a bigger, newer home, it can be difficult to know whether to buy a new or resale house. But when a reputable builder -- in this case, Randall . . .

Posted: 2011-03-12

A little piece of heaven

Great neighbourhood, move-in condition

There are some neighbourhoods in the city that, for one reason or another, tend to fly inconspicuously under the radar. One of those neighbourhoods is Woodhaven, an quiet enclave of homes nestled neatly between Portage Avenue and Assiniboine Avenue. With amenities . . .

Posted: 2011-03-12

Stretch your dollars

2011 is about design choices that last

If 2010 was the year we started coming out of the recession, 2011 may go down as the year we began spending money again -- on everything from fashion to furnishings. "I'm seeing people spending money, but they're spending it . . .

Posted: 2011-03-05

Stellar cellars

Homeowners uncork unused space for wine collections

Wine enthusiasts can now collect, store and show off their star vintages thanks to a new trend that's seeing homeowners opening their doors to wine cellars. In fact, many are popping the cork on their budgets, spending as much as $60, . . .

Posted: 2011-03-05

Beauty by the book

Inspiring volume features best of Britain's famed Chelsea Flower Show

The problem with display gardens at garden shows, even the best garden shows, is that they are far from real. I have seen 10 or 20 euphorbias planted in a row to fill space and create the impression of a low . . .

Posted: 2011-03-05

CONNIE OLIVER: Home office easily becomes a chic space

IS your home office or computer room less than organized and elegant? It's easy for a bonus space like this to become cluttered and disorganized. Sometimes it's a catchall and thus begins a slippery slope of chaos. If your home office/den/computer . . .

Posted: 2011-03-05

Product designers face developing dilemma

Under increasing pressure to consider ethics, sourcing of materials

THE question used to be, Why not? Now, the question is, Why? His soft Scottish burr still noticeable after 10 years in Canada, Julian Goss -- acclaimed industrial design guru and department chair at the Ontario College of Art and Design . . .

Posted: 2011-03-05

MIKE HOLMES: Building permits an absolute essential

You've heard me rant for a few years now about why you need a building permit for work you're having done at your house. But from the mail I'm still getting, it looks as though the message isn't getting through. Many . . .

Posted: 2011-03-05

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Don't be alarmed about removing device

QUESTION: I bought a house more than four years ago and have a monitored alarm system for security and smoke detection. The house has an existing hard-wired smoke alarm in a hallway and I would really like to have it . . .

Posted: 2011-03-05

SOLUTIONS: Do-it-yourself scent-free cleaners

QUESTION: I have asthma and I would like to change all of my household and laundry cleaners to those with no scent. I read with interest your advice on using vinegar as a bathroom cleaner. I will try it and . . .

Posted: 2011-03-05