CONNIE OLIVER: After 10 years, there's still lots to talk about

The more things change... It was 10 years ago this week that I wrote my first article for the Winnipeg Free Press. It's hard to believe that I've had the privilege of helping you with your decorating issues for over a . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Charity begins at home... with a tea party

We're seeing a major swing towards vintage again in home decoration. There are new wallpapers on the market with classic small florals reminiscent of Laura Ashley, and prints of cowboys and fairies like the wallpapers I had as a child. Maybe . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05

MIKE HOLMES: The way you treat your contractor matters -- a lot

I was talking to a fellow contractor recently -- a guy who has an excellent reputation and takes great pride in what he does. I asked him how his year has been and he said: "Great -- and it'll get . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Wall stains in church may be from candles

QUESTION: Our church worship hall has exterior walls around the entire area. It is an extremely large space with room for over 600 people to be seated. The worship area is painted white. On the exterior walls you can see . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05

SOLUTIONS: Use pin to mark pictures before painting

QUESTION: Before I have my walls painted I would like to know: How do I find the exact same spot where I hung my pictures without marking my walls? Can you help me please? Mary, Winnipeg ANSWER: You can either insert . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05

Budding geniuses

Flower arranging is an art, but it doesn't have to be hard

Everyone loves cut flowers and would love to fill their homes with fresh bouquets but so many people still feel intimidated by the design process. Modern flower arranging is so much simpler than it used to be. The complex and rigid . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05

Throne speech may be good news for trades, homeowners

Premier Greg Selinger opened the fall session of the Manitoba Legislature with the throne speech on Monday, and there were a few items that may have a direct impact on housing and renovations. The government announced the development of legislation to . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05

SOLD & OFFERED - Dec. 5-09

Fraser's Grove Address: 41 Carmen Ave. Asking Price: $129, 900 Sold Price: $141, 000 Taxes: $1, 567.42 Square Footage: 1, 144 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 1 Lot Size: 30 x 103 Listing Agent: Glenn Kisil, Kisil & Associates Real Estate Ltd., 668-7878 River Heights Address: 5 - 466 Kenaston Asking Price: $149, 900 Sold . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05

Point of departure

Floor plan, colour scheme aimed at creating home with a difference

When Jason Arlt and the designers at Arlt Homes conceived The Stoneridge, a new two-storey design found in Sage Creek, they were determined it would be a fresh start from top to bottom. So not only is the floor plan a . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05

Keeping up with the times

Ongoing renovation helps reap top dollar when it's time to sell

When you buy a home, it pays to start with the end-game in mind. That means the moment you sign on the dotted line to make the home your own, you need to keep the big picture in mind: Chances are, . . .

Posted: 2009-12-05