Fall is a beautiful time of year. As the leaves change colour, pumpkin patches open, and people enjoy spiced lattes and sweater weather, it’s only fitting to add a little fall flair to your home as well. And, seasonal décor doesn’t have to be difficult or break the bank.  Just in time for the Thanksgiving long weekend, here are some simple tips to warm up your home and a touch of autumn to your style:   Warm up your front entrance Adorn the front of your home with fall-inspired welcome mats, wooden crates, and squash in various shapes and sizes. The beauty of fall is that t ..read more

Big or small space, there is always a way to create a functional workspace. As the pandemic rolled out, working from home became the norm for many. But, it can be difficult at times to find a place to feel productive and dedicated to your work. No matter where you live, spare room or not, you can still carve out a space to call your home office. 5 ways to create your very own dedicated office space: 1. Change your living room layout A lot of people find themselves working on dining room tables. However, you can actually utilize the space in a living room by just re-configuring the layout to cr ..read more

Basements are often an afterthought. Sometimes they’re dismissed as simply storage space – where your furnace and water heater are located, along with bins of clothes you’ll never wear again. If this is your mindset, you’re missing out on some great opportunities to reimagine this space. See your basement with a fresh perspective. Here are a few ways that you can optimize your basement for a better living experience: Personal gym Forget paying for a membership. By investing in a few pieces of quality gym equipment, you can bring your workout home. It’s not always easy to stay motivated, but ha ..read more

On those long, hot days of summer, there is no better way to cool down and relax than by taking a dip in a refreshing pool. And when it’s your own private oasis, even better still If you’re considering installing a pool in your backyard, there are many important factors to consider. One of the decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go with an in-ground pool or an above-ground version. Before you take the plunge… review this comprehensive list of the pros and cons of both options. In-ground pool Pros: – Esthetically pleasing; can enhance the look of your yard  – Many options to choose ..read more

Whether you’re planning a brief getaway or spending the winter months down south, it’s important to take precautions to keep your home safe while you’re away. There are many simple things you can do to deter break-ins, minimize risk of damage and ensure your peace of mind when no one is home.  Consider these tips next time you are planning a trip: Ensure all doors and windows are properly closed and locked, including basement windows and the garage door. Set timers on indoor and outdoor lights, so there is a natural rhythm to when lights are on and off. Leaving the lights on 24/7 for seve ..read more

It’s the first place you visit when you wake up, and the last stop you make before going to bed. We all wish our bathroom would look and feel like a spa… Yet, for most of us, it’s one room in the home that never seems to have enough storage. Here are some helpful tips and handy storage solutions to maximize the space in a small bathroom: Trade in your under-sink cabinets for a set of deep drawers. You won’t be sorry. This will essentially double the amount of surface space you have to store your toiletries, make-up and other bathroom essentials. The top drawer can be customized to fit aro ..read more

Despite a return to international travel, demand remains strong in many recreational regions across the country Strong demand for cottages, and properties in close proximity to lakes and mountains, continues to outpace supply in recreational regions across Canada. According to the Royal LePage 2022 Spring Recreational Property Report, the aggregate price of a single-family home in Canada’s recreational market is forecast to increase by 13 in 2022, to $640,710. This is following a 26.6 year-over-year increase in prices last year.  Even taking into account reduced pandemic-related restricti ..read more

The air is warmer, the days are getting longer, and after an exceptionally snowy winter, the grass is starting to reveal itself. Spring is upon us, which means all that snow is going to melt. Be sure to take these important steps to protect your home and prevent major water damage during the thaw. Clear away any snow and ice from your home’s foundation, including window wells, to avoid leaks and possibly flooding as it melts. Take a closer look. Seal and repair any cracks in your walls, foundation and around windows, to ensure moisture does not penetrate the building. If you discover a leak, e ..read more

Spring is just around the corner. And, after two long years of pandemic-related lockdowns, there’s never been a better time to brighten up your home with a fresh coat of paint. We’ve got all the latest colour trends covered. This year, some paint experts are recommending deep and eccentric colours to help breathe new life into the place that has substituted your office, classroom, gym and entertainment space for the last 24 months. Others are taking a softer approach, with palettes of earth tones and colours inspired by nature.  Here are the 2022 colours of the year, according to some of ..read more

Of all the rooms in your home, the kitchen might be the most daunting one to pack up. When it’s time to move, follow these four important steps to make packing your kitchen easy and stress-free Get organized. Before you start packing mugs and bowls into boxes, take inventory of each cupboard and drawer in your kitchen. Use this opportunity to purge or donate any items you do not intend to take with you. Next, gather all the packing materials you will need, including packing paper or bubble wrap, strong tape, boxes in various sizes, and a marker. Set aside your essentials. You can’t l ..read more