Getaway plan

Turn your backyard into a private oasis

With rising cottage -- and gas -- prices making it more and more expensive to get away from it all, an increasing number of people are finding creative ways to get some well-deserved R and R. What's the most prevalent trend, . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Canadian unity through coast-to-coast tips

As we get ready to celebrate the anniversary of our great country, we can also feel united with these useful tips sent in by people across the nation. Canada Day Trivia: What does the word Canada mean? 1. Tackle chap-stick on fabrics . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Killer Condo Patio

Ditching what was there, starting over only way to rescue tired outdoor area

VANCOUVER -- Last year the wonderfully-named Reynoldo Fuzz called on Kelly Deck Design to salvage his sickly covered patio. What he wanted was simple: a 250-square-foot space that was a relaxed, West Coast lounge. A place where he and his . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Fresh green really clicks

Subtle shade blends well with classic black and white in bathroom

DEAR Debbie -- I am renovating my upstairs bathroom and want it to be basic black and white, but am looking for a colour to paint the walls that will give it a bit of a modern edge. Also, what's . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Group effort

Take advantage of strength in numbers

Decor items are much more interesting when they are displayed in groupings. One single vase is nice but a collection of three or more on an accent table shouts 'look at me! If your decor is somewhat underwhelming, consider doubling . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Let the sun shine in

How a typical '50s bungalow became an airy, light-filled house on a hill

Designer Shelley McAneeley has an intimate relationship with space. She understands its volumes -- how a cavernous room can make us feel small and out of proportion to our surroundings, and how a ceiling stepped in height can embrace us . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Sold!

A look at recently sold homes in and around Winnipeg

Transcona :Address: 1107 Hoka St. :Asking Price: $184, 900 :Sold Price: $208, 500 :Taxes: $2, 285.00 :Square Footage: 1, 020 :Bedrooms: 3 :Bathrooms: 2 :Lot Size: 56 x 112 :Listing Agent: Ken Maines, Maximum Realty, 999-9078 River Bend :Address: 208 Red River Blvd :Asking Price: $159, 900 :Sold Price: $172, 500 :Taxes: $2, . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Split personality

Front, rear of home largely separated from each other

Visit show homes from one year to the next, and you make an interesting discovery: many builders offer the same designs year in, year out. Not so with Wellington Homes, says Guy Hobman, owner of the Greentree Group, which has been . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Smaller is better

Townhome condos to spring up where highrise apartments rejected

The brochures haven't been printed, but Templeton Pointe Condominiums are already a hit. Turns out, the hit just took longer to happen than initially anticipated. When one land development company's proposal failed -- they wanted to put a high-rise apartment complex on . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29

Lots of job opportunities for skilled workers ahead

Analysts predict Manitoba's construction sector to demand 10,500 jobs

Last Monday, the Canadian Construction Sector Council released its assessment of the construction labour market in Manitoba from 2008 through 2016. It analyzed needs in 31 trades, with consideration for normal business, new projects, retirements, anticipated provincial and national economies . . .

Posted: 2008-06-29