Junk bonds

Designer attached to Dumpster diving

Frilling up a room with repurposed items isn't necessarily a home fashion faux pas. For some, like interior designer Michelle Mawby, the dividing line separating a rarity from ordinary rubbish can be blurry. "But it has to work for the space . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

Get creative with mirror placement

Eclecticism and asymmetry is in

MIRRORS can do much more than determine who's the fairest of them all. Just ask an interior designer. "We use them creatively in every job, " says Randy McCoy of Retrofit Design. "It's definitely something that's always on my checklist for a . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

Counter arguments

Pros, cons of materials, from granite to laminates

If you're remodelling or designing a kitchen from scratch, you can be sure counters will eat up a healthy chunk of your budget. There are many options, with varying price points, in the marketplace. Some are shiny, heavy and pricey, including . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Bring charm of Caribbean into your home

We all have a favourite dream destination where we like to mentally travel when the weather and busy life schedules get the better of us. For many, the idea of a tropical isle with visions of calm seas, pristine beaches . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

CONNIE OLIVER: Vintage-style kitchen evokes fond memories

The kitchen is often the hub of the home and a place where family and friends gather to eat, cook or just visit. Many fond memories are created in the kitchen so it should be functional welcoming. Although the cabinetry and . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

MIKE HOLMES: Beware the pitfalls of a granny suite

In tight times, many homeowners want -- or need -- an extra source of income. An idea that often gets floated is building and renting out an apartment in the house to help pay the mortgage. The first problem with this . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

ASK THE INSPECTOR: How to be sure HRV system is up to par

QUESTION: I am moving into a new home and have ordered an HRV system. You had stated in a previous newspaper article many technicians are not knowledgeable in installing these systems. What should I look for when I do the . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

SOLUTIONS: Ladybugs pestering? Count your blessings

QUESTION: I would like to thank you for all of your work in helping Manitoba live green! Every year I battle a large quantity of ladybugs in my yard, they typically stay outdoors but there are so many of them. . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

Lots of options for basement windows

Treatment depends on space available, furnishings

Dear Leanne: In our finished basement we have a shared space that incorporates both a games room and family room. There are three windows in this area that are the typical basement window design: small and up high. I would . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17

Homebuilding industry prepared for growth

LAST week, we stared into the national economic crystal ball and saw that Canada is expected to rebound gradually from the recession of 2009. Similarly, housing starts for 2010 were expected to rise slowly but still positively. Manitoba's economic forecast . . .

Posted: 2010-04-17