What a drag

Striated paint effect creates warm, cosy hall trim on pass-through

DEAR Debbie -- We are moving into a new house and the walls will be stark white flat paint and the woodwork semigloss white paint. I hope to paint the walls in earth tones (soft clays and greens). Is there . . .

Posted: 2008-03-02

Cracks in bark can cause tree woes

Unchecked, can lead to splits or collapse

EACH year, especially over the winter season, I get a number of calls and e-mails on vertical bark cracks and the potential for trees to split apart. Severe cold and bright, sunny days can cause the bark of sensitive trees . . .

Posted: 2008-03-02

Put away the ni-cads, get out the Li-ion battery

New batteries keep cordless tools charged and ready

SOMETIMES cordless tools make me angry. A little job comes up around the house, you dig out a drill you haven't used in months, then pull the trigger. Nothing happens. Or nearly nothing. The blasted battery's lifeless. Even though you . . .

Posted: 2008-03-02

Puzzle this

New design products get more than a second look

IT'S great when interesting new design products come on the market. We do get tired of the same old stuff, after all. Even though paint colours change and wallpaper designs evolve it's rare to find a new product that really . . .

Posted: 2008-03-02

Today's homes offer more usable space

WELCOME to the 2008 Spring Parade of Homes. This year's Parade opens Saturday, March 8 and runs through to March 23. There are 90 beautiful homes, 80 single-family homes and 10 condominiums, representing 31 builders in 30 subdivision . . .

Posted: 2008-03-02

Spacious, stylish and affordable

Silverton Homes' new design is great for budget-conscious families

IT goes without saying that not all large families have a bucket full of dough to spend on a new home. Thankfully, some builders have put some thought into addressing that situation. Silverton Homes' show home at 15 Morava Way, a . . .

Posted: 2008-03-02

Bathroom fan the likely cause of frost on soffit

Problem makes its appearance after exterior of house upgraded

QUESTION -- We own a two-storey, 35-year-old home. In a recent upgrade we had aluminum siding, fascia and soffits installed. A possible problem may have developed in the soffit. This year we are noticing frost collecting on the soffit outside . . .

Posted: 2008-02-24

Personal decor options brighten your space

LOVING where you live is easy when you make personalized design choices. The following list will give you ideas of simple decorating tricks that will create a big difference in your home. 1. Begin by choosing decorative fabrics for your . . .

Posted: 2008-02-24

Going colour crazy?

Relax. Let manufacturers' websites find the right paint hue for you

IN the world of colour, two is company but three is a 'wow' if you can pull it off. I know, I know, choosing one wall colour is difficult enough, let alone three, but being adventurous with colour is part . . .

Posted: 2008-02-24

Taking risks

New Broadview design 'entirely new plan' for Winnipeg

ANY time a builder unveils a new home design, it's difficult to know what to expect. After all, what you might think to be a creative, innovative design might be perceived in an entirely different light by consumers. Nevertheless, that's what . . .

Posted: 2008-02-24