Economical elegance

'Let's just call this design West Coat meets the Prairies'

When it comes to the wow factor of new home designs, there seems to be no middle ground. That's to say, it's either right there in your face -- or very subtle in its execution. In the case of 127 Bridlewood Rd. . . .

Posted: 2009-11-28

Home renovation 'a labour of love'

Older home as good as new, and low-maintenance

OFTENTIMES, when a home is put up for sale, it's marketed as being "extensively renovated." Now, that renovation might cover (perhaps) a kitchen and bathroom, one of those two key areas, or maybe a master bedroom makeover (with any luck, the . . .

Posted: 2009-11-28

DEBBIE TRAVIS: Mix and match

Today's style lets you combine old and new

Dear Debbie; We live in an old house that has high ceilings and dark wood panelling in the living and dining rooms. I guess you'd call it traditional and yet we love the look of modern furniture. We don't want to . . .

Posted: 2009-11-21

Contest seeks TV's new home icon

Handy around the house? Have an eye for style? Do you think you have what it takes to host your own design show? From the team that brought you Designer Guys Steven and Chris, host of the Style Dept. and editor . . .

Posted: 2009-11-21

How to go from average to stunning

Design pros offer tips for your home </strong>

From the colours of the season to the charms, and challenges, of small spaces, take your home from average to stunning with a few tips from design professionals Multi taskers The open-plan interiors of today's homes, attached and detached, tear down the . . .

Posted: 2009-11-21

Cheap tricks

Design on a dime

My sister was visiting and noticed the smart, little ceramic roaster I had just pulled from the oven. &quot;Where did you buy that?&quot; she asked admiringly, no doubt expecting to hear I'd snapped it up at an expensive kitchenware store. &quot;Either Giant . . .

Posted: 2009-11-21

CONNIE OLIVER: Newest hues sure to have something for everyone

Sico's colour forecast for the next 24 months encompasses a new twist on soft pastels and warm neutrals. Colours with names like Wild Mushrooms or Virgin Olive Oil set a neutral base for the more vibrant medium tones that are also . . .

Posted: 2009-11-21

TREE CARE: Shades of good neighbours

Dealing with overhanging trees doesn’t have to create problems

Without question, the greatest problems people in the city have with trees are often those owned by their neighbours. Arborists are constantly being asked, &ldquo;Can I cut my neighbour&rsquo;s tree branches overhanging on my side of the&nbsp; property?&rdquo; The answer . . .

Posted: 2009-11-21

MIKE HOLMES: Smart homes are the smart choice

Is your house smarter than you? In some ways, it probably already is, and building technology is developing all the time to improve on that intelligence. Your house is a system, and all the parts work together. In fact, many . . .

Posted: 2009-11-21

ASK THE INSPECTOR: Repairing garage easier than fixing problem

QUESTION: I have quick question about my house, which was built in 1990. The inside walls of my garage foundation are crumbling. The wall against the house is just like new, but the two outside walls are crumbling. I can . . .

Posted: 2009-11-21