CONNIE OLIVER: Decorate with faded shades of elegance

I love the room in our feature photograph, courtesy of Kohler. The faded tones and soft colour palette are elegant and romantic. Even though there is a lot of architectural detailing and ornate accessories in this room, it is by . . .

Posted: 2010-07-31

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Consult independent floor contractors

QUESTION: I've been doing some renovations on our cabin and I am now starting to research flooring. I've been getting conflicting information on the best type of product to use. We've been looking at laminate flooring as hardwood has been . . .

Posted: 2010-07-31

SOLUTIONS: Whiten yellowed ivory piano keys patiently

QUESTION: What is the best way to clean piano or organ keys? Just as a side note, my Household Solutions books arrived in the mail and I am happy to say that some of my Christmas shopping is already done. . . .

Posted: 2010-07-31

SOLD & OFFERED - July 31-10

Algonquin Estates (North Kildonan) Address: 70 Strongberg Drive Asking Price: $379, 900 Sold Price: $408, 000 Taxes: $4, 942.45 Square Footage: 1, 950 Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3.5 Lot Size: 58' x 143' Listing Agent: Kerry Enns, Royal Lepage Prime, 989-7900 Sage Creek Address: 86 Red Moon Rd. Asking Price: $394, 500 Sold Price: . . .

Posted: 2010-07-31

Bold and beautiful

Sage Creek home is blend of artistry and functionality

Upon entering 43 Wood Sage Crescent you can't help but notice the artistic flair. Rich finishing materials such as textured beige porcelain tile floors, dark maple hardwoods, soaring ceilings and a collection of windows at the rear of the 2, 500-square-foot . . .

Posted: 2010-07-31

City living, cottage style

Cloutier Drive home feels like place in the country

These days, 34 years isn't considered all that old. In terms of resale homes, however, being six years shy of 40 is verging on middle age. That is, unless the home in question has received a near-total makeover. That's the case with . . .

Posted: 2010-07-31

New gadgets give gardeners that extra edge

If you've already got the tried and true staples for your gardening survival kit, you're good to go. But if you're one of those early adopters, you may want to experiment with some bonus gadgets, too. Here are the latest garden . . .

Posted: 2010-07-24

Living large ... in a small house

OTTAWA -- If small is the new normal in housing, as some experts suggest, a 120-year-old former barn in Ottawa is positively futuristic. Gail McEachern's house began life in the 1880s as a hay barn, morphed into a blacksmith's shop, . . .

Posted: 2010-07-24

There's no tool like the RIGHT TOOL

Garden essentials that make life easier

When it comes to garden tools, there are shears, spreaders, shovels and spades -- and that's just gadgets that start with 'S'. Walk into the garden-tool section of any home improvement or landscaping centre, and newbie gardeners can expect to be . . .

Posted: 2010-07-24

MIKE HOLMES: You can't do it. We can't help. Seriously.

DIY my eye: hire a pro

I am the anti-DIY guy. Even though I talk about empowering you to take charge of your renovation, and as much as I think you need to be educated about every aspect of your home, I don't believe you can do . . .

Posted: 2010-07-24