A right royal residence

Grand River Heights home steeped in history, style and functionality

WAY back in 1931, a well-to-do Winnipeg businessman -- Albert Levvy, owner of Levvy Electric -- had a home custom built for him in River Heights North. As it turned out, it wasn't just any home; it was actually built to . . .

Posted: 2010-06-05

Homes in Brief

Portable cooktop APPLIANCE -- The folks at Frigidaire have been busy cooking up a space-saving stovetop solution. The Portable Induction Cooktop ($199) blends convenience with energy-efficient cooking in a format ideal for small living spaces or non-traditional cooking spots found in . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29

CONNIE OLIVER: Blue evokes feelings of serenity, comfort

Blue is still one of the most popular decor colours. It brings to mind clear blue skies and vast bodies of open water. This primary colour creates a feeling of serenity and comfort. After all, what is more comfortable than . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29

MIKE HOLMES: Going green is far from being a no-brainer

The green building industry is moving so fast, with technology and products being introduced and improved all the time. It's really hard for homeowners -- and even for contractors -- to keep up. We want to do the right thing in . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29

Clearing up the picture on shopping for windows

We humans, like the plants and animals we share the planet with, need light. And in our homes, this light comes through the windows. It elevates our mood, connects us to the outdoors and creates a sense of space. But in . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29

Texture important element in room design

Dear Marc: I am buying my first home and I have never designed anything in my life! I plan to design my home myself and use some of my existing furniture from my previous rental and combine it with some . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29

Tri-pane windows OK for growing indoors

QUESTION: Is it possible to grow herbs in front of windows that are triple pane, low-E and UV safe? We recently installed new windows in our older home and they are all triple-glazed with low-E coating. It is my understanding that . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Ventilation needed to cure damp smell

QUESTION: Fifteen years ago we added a bedroom and family room to our 540-square-foot home. The addition is set on piles. The crawl space was insulated with Styrofoam and poly and the floor was covered with poly and sand. All . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29

SOLUTIONS: Clear windows invite bird fatalities

QUESTION: I am in desperate need of your help! For the past month, a bird (robin) has been flying into our patio-door window. I am assuming he sees his shadow and thinks it is another bird. All this starts at . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29

Little homework helps you choose right renovator

DECIDING who to hire for your home renovation is an important part of planning for the success of your project. You want to work with a professional contractor, someone who is reputable and in business for the long term. You need . . .

Posted: 2010-05-29