Sustainable living starts in the home

Up-and-coming Edmonton designer's

Tyler Vreeling isn't into guilt. The up-and-coming designer is one of the principals behind Edmonton-based Fat Crow Design and its White Moose line of furniture and accessories, already winning rave reviews for imaginative yet sustainable designs. "I just find that there's . . .

Posted: 2008-04-20

Seal unused chimney top and bottom

B-vent simplest type of old vent for homeowner to deal with

QUESTION -- This past winter I replaced my home's gas hot water tank with an electric model and also replaced my low efficiency gas furnace with a high efficiency furnace. My question concerns the now unused chimney, which has . . .

Posted: 2008-04-20

Space-age appliances

LG washing machine even makes its own electricity

French doors. Steam saunas. Cranberry hues. You might think we're talking room decor, but in fact it's all about appliances: refrigerators, washing machines, dryers, microwaves and dishwashers. These shiny, streamlined new models from LG are making our old white workhorses . . .

Posted: 2008-04-20

Quick and easy updates to help sell your home

You don't need to mortgage the future for these

If you plan on selling your house, a new report lists a few renovation projects that could ensure you get top dollar for your property. Whether we're talking new plumbing fixtures, new flooring or new kitchen cabinets, a suitable renovation can . . .

Posted: 2008-04-13

New book offers 1,000 tips for caring for home

Hurry! Your guests will arrive any minute now. Shove everything away in some closet, spray some air freshener, and try to look relaxed. If that's the routine you follow, Easy Household Tips: 1, 000 Ideas for Caring for Maintaining . . .

Posted: 2008-04-13

Some garden tools better than a free lunch

Contrary to popular belief, you really can get something for nothing, at least when it comes to wheelbarrows. Without added energy inputs of any kind, a good wheelbarrow easily triples or quadruples the amount of weight you can move with your . . .

Posted: 2008-04-13

Trick the eye

Create stunning space without spending a bundle

Creating drama in your d ©cor is easier than you think. It doesn't have to involve spending tons of money on expensive furnishings, high end light fixtures nor high-priced accessories. Tricking the eye is the key to creating a stunning . . .

Posted: 2008-04-13

Glass walls a welcome option

Treat windows in uniform manner to enhance airy ambience

DEAR Debbie — Our spacious living room has high ceilings (12 feet) and two walls of glass. We want to cover windows to be able to block out the hot sun, but love the light. How would you decorate these . . .

Posted: 2008-04-13

Tuning in to ideas

Home improvement shows offer inspiration, but don't forget what goes on behind the scenes

When Pat and Kevin Lote set out to design the interior of their 2, 600-square-foot townhouse, they sat down to watch TV. Like millions of homeowners, they tune in every week to home design television shows hoping to find ideas and . . .

Posted: 2008-04-13

Hey guys, decorate for dating!

If first base is a black leather sofa and velvet Elvis, forget about second base

It's time I addressed myself to the one group that, OK, probably doesn't read this column: single, straight men. Listen up, guys -- I have a few hints for you. They come from a single woman who happens to like . . .

Posted: 2008-04-13