Liven up your laundry room

Updating place where you wash clothes makes chore more pleasant

Though utilitarian in nature, the laundry room is a part of the home that is used regularly and could use a touch of beauty. Having a cheery space in which to perform rather mundane tasks makes the job easier. The . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

Their slice of the Mediterranean

'We've got our little piece of Europe here and we're happy with that'

EDMONTON -- Wander into Jennifer Annesley and Neil Zinger's back garden and you're transported -- in space and in time. The city fades away, replaced by something more southern, more Mediterranean, a fragrant, sun-kissed courtyard in southern Spain, say, where cicadas . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

In Brief

Make decorating a snap

There's a new product line available in Zellers stores across Canada and it's promising to make home decorating a lot easier on your budget and the environment. The Canvas line, which was designed with input from interior designers, includes an innovative, . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

Build yourself a shower in the sun

Soak up those rays for free hot water

A BLACK garden hose, a ring of piping and an adjustable nozzle are the building blocks for a basic outdoor shower. Best of all, the hot water is free. What a waste of hot water. For years, I was using a . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

Sisal rug requires certain precautions

Porous fibres absorb liquids quickly

QUESTION -- I am considering getting a sisal rug for my family room, but wonder about how to keep it clean. I have two children and this room is used frequently. ANSWER -- Sisal is a natural material obtained from the . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

Structural wood floor is good in basement

Allows for proper forced air heating, makes basement framing a snap

QUESTION -- My neighbour suggested I contact you with my question: Why would my basement have been constructed with concrete walls and the floor be wooden? My basement is not finished yet and we are hoping to start working on . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

Home work

Tailor your office to fit your needs and living space

NEW YORK -- Working from home never looked so stylish or productive. Gone are the days of cheap plywood desks and pleather chairs with wheels. Home offices now incorporate a house's style and seamlessly transform from workspace to TV room, guest . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

Marketers' ploys mine urge to buy green

Claims don't always match reality

JUST when you thought buying that household cleaner labelled "green" would help save the planet, think again. An oft-cited study released last year by TerraChoice Environmental Marketing found that greenwashing -- the practice of making a company or its products look . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

Be wary about shutting off air conditioning in sunspot vacation home

QUESTION -- I have a house in Phoenix, Ariz. During the summer when no one is living there, is it better to leave the air conditioning set at 85 F, or should I turn it off completely? The daytime temperature . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17

Consider these handy tips for home gym

First order of business: plan workout space

Getting into shape is on the minds of many individuals these days. For those interested in creating a home gym and making working out as convenient as can be, the following tips provide ideas on how to make the dream . . .

Posted: 2008-08-17