Sewing is a craft and skill that has been lost to many families over the years. While our mothers, or certainly grandmothers anyway, considered it a necessary life skill, just the idea of it makes many of us today dive for the phone book looking for someone who can do the job instead. Sewing however is actually something everyone can…
One of the hot trends you see in homes today, is personalization. Its everywhere…from customized furniture, to customized colour palettes. By personalizing your home you give it authenticity, as your home should reflect who you are. One way to start this personalization is to define your interests. If you travel, gather your favorite travel photos and create a gallery wall….
Energy efficiency is not only a matter of reducing our environmental impact. It also adds value to your home while making you more comfortable and saving you money in the long run. Here are ten things you can do to increase energy efficiency of your home. Replace your windows and doors – more energy efficient doors and windows become available every…
Here we have a quick reference list to assist you when decorating and designing your room. Do’s • Determine your personal style. Visit show homes, read design magazines and browse online to see what styles and colours speak to you. • Floor Plans are important. Sketch your floor plan and record all dimensions, window sizes, placement and the location of special…
Many people choose drywall over plaster when building a new home, but is that the smartest choice? A drywall contractor installs the board, a taping contractor comes in and tapes the joints and corners and the ceilings are stippled. A painter comes and paints the walls. Its quick, easy and cheap. Drywall provides a nice, serviceable, flat finish—just like every…
Having an organized home can be a challenge. One of the easiest ways to organize a room is to focus on its function. Once you have identified the room’s purpose, add elements that will make it an attractive space. In a nutshell, focus on function…and form. Getting started Your first challenge is to understand the primary purpose of each space. Define…
Warmer weather calls for a spring revival a change in your home’s decor. When you think Spring delicate colors, soft and sheer fabrics, pretty floral designs, and garden elements come to mind. To help you welcome the advent of Spring, here are ten ways to re-design your home for the season ahead. First Impressions Count… So Create an Inviting…
Building a new home is challenging and requires careful planning to avoid delays and extra expenses. Using a checklist will help to ensure that the work flows as smoothly as possible. What you put on your checklist will vary with the project and how involved you are personally in the process. If you’ve hired a builder, your checklist will be considerably…
Living in an older home can be like a love affair gone sour. The oak wall paneling that used to make your heart skip a beat, now makes the house look gloomy. The odd-shaped rooms, once so charming, now cause you furniture placement problems. After a few years of living in an older home, you find yourself yearning for bigger…
Inside a three-story wood, stone and glass house on Belvedere Island, a series of bridges and pavilions allows you to pause in the handcrafted spaces and contemplate the views in every direction. At the edge of the steep lot, a swimming pool seems to hover in the back garden and cascade into the Bay. The house, designed by Mill Valley…