Bidding the Bathroom Blahs Bye-Bye

 As with every large purchase decision in life, there are many factors that should be considered. Take for instance the purchase of a new home build, with so many available options and upgrades, the decisions can be overwhelming. We all want the model home look without the model home price.

A Kitchen Catastrophe – Greasy Granite

 So…who knew that a butter blob could wreak such havoc on my new granite counter tops? Yes, I know I should have sealed them, but figured…meh…what’s the worst that could happen? Well, let me tell you what I came home to today….an ENORMOUS greasy butter blob stain smack dab in the

Designing The Perfect Work-Life Balance

 So what prompted the 'designing the perfect work-life balance' series? In one of my previous posts, 'Designing the Perfect Work-Life Balance', I discuss a forthcoming project and this is why... It started with a nonchalant conversation with an entrepreneur friend of mine as we casually discussed the number of hours we worked in any

Vintage Mod

 Looking for decorative flare without all of the flash?  If so, then the second featured style in our series is sure to please.  Mid-century modern decor continues to dominate and here are some of the great finds that you can incorporate into your home for less. Classic features of this

DesignerDIY – 5 Minute Makeover Video Tutorial: Kitchen Faucet

 You will need: •     a fabulous new faucet •     an adjustable wrench •     a pair of pliers •     a pipe wrench •     a screwdriver   Step 1:  Prepare the area •     Since you will be working in a relatively small area, remove all items in the work space. •     Turn

Modern SIMPLICITY: A Makeover in Alta Vista

 Designed originally for city privacy in the 1960s, this Alta Vista bungalow is best suited for display of an extensive art collection with its expansive walls, high ceilings, and minimal trim work. Original owners were the late Samuel and Caroline Baylin, who were a family of artists, she a painter

Bringing the Comforts of Home Outdoors

 The trend of bringing the inside comforts of home to the outdoors is quite popular. More people are inves-ting in home renovations, including improvements to their backyards. Outdoor kitchens, barbeques, fireplaces and water features, which all add that extra “room outdoors” feeling, seem to be the current trend, says Jamie

Graphic Urbane Style

 Unexpected colour combinations and doses of pattern create a happy quality to this historical home. From its chocolate walls and graphic fabrics to its Murano glass chandelier and classic furniture shapes, this house exudes fresh sophistication. Built in 1908, original architectural features abound, providing dynamic tension for the fashion-forward décor. The

Gliding Shelf Solutions: Upgrading Your Home is Within Reach

 By Karen Temple To reach your Crock-Pot, do you have to get on your knees and haul out the Mixmaster, deep fryer and the blender? If so, then it’s time for gliding shelves. Gliding shelves are the perfect way to use every inch of your kitchen cabinets. All of your

Ask An Engineer: Tips for Home Renovation

 Phil Trott knows his way around a renovation site. Before landing his current job as a civil engineer and home inspector for structural upgrades, he worked in construction for several years. He has seen every mistake and has guided all kinds of homeowners, from first timers to house-flipping pros. Before

Four Contractors, Loads of Good Advice

 By Heather Seftel-Kirk A renovation can make a homeowner’s dream come true, or it could turn into a person’s worst nightmare. An industry in itself, home renovations are the inspiration behind television shows, the reason for do-it-yourself courses and instructional programs, and support a huge big-box store economy supplying contractor

A Makeover That Works

 A makeover that works is always one that is budget-friendly and achievable with off-the-shelf furniture and accessory items. Other than one on-line order, the transformation of this one-bedroom rental apartment was accomplished with items from many big box retail and home décor stores here in Ottawa. The fixed elements such

Artistically Transforming A Brighton Beach Neighbourhood

 Surface Developments is an Ottawa-based real estate development company specializing in design-focused residential projects ranging from infill single-family homes to condominiums. At the heart of Surface Developments’ philosophy is a belief in the transformational potential of creative design and its capacity to create not only beautiful homes but also vibrant

Fabritec-tastic: A Kitchen Cabinet Renovation

 By David Ginny Ever hear the story about the couple who went out for a new faucet and came home with a new kitchen? That’s what happened to us recently and are we ever glad we went with our instincts. Completely renovating a kitchen can be a major undertaking. For us,

Homes: Light Up Your Life

 With the days being so much shorter now, there is no better time to discuss the impact of lighting in the home. While lighting serves to generally illuminate a room, to highlight or spotlight an area or item such as a piece of art, or to provide directed light for a