Make them feel welcome by treating them the way you’d want to be treated in someone else’s home.

ALICE GARWOOD NOV 23, 2021

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Expecting overnight guests soon? Don’t fret – preparing for them isn’t as time-consuming as you think! A good rule of thumb: Treat them the way you’d want to be treated in someone else’s home.

Here are some quick and easy ways to get ready and make them feel welcome.

Corral the clutter. Tidy up and eliminate clutter in the main living areas to free up more space for increased foot traffic and make your home look its best.

Make space for unpacking. Your guests will appreciate having a place to unpack their suitcase, so clear some space in the guestroom closet and provide hangers. If there’s a dresser, set aside a couple of empty drawers for their belongings.

Provide bathroom essentials. In addition to a set of towels for each guest, offer a selection of basic toiletries in case visitors forget something like shampoo, conditioner, lotion, toothpaste, even a disposable toothbrush. Another extra you’ll find in every hotel is a hair dryer, so let them know ahead of time you have one so they don’t need to carve out space in their suitcase.

Bedroom must-haves. Provide extra pillows and blankets, just in case, and a nightstand or table near the bed for their phones, glasses and a bottle of water. Everyone needs a place to charge their phone, so if an outlet isn’t nearby or is hidden behind furniture, provide an extension cord. Another thoughtful touch: Leave your Wi-Fi password on a notecard and place it on the nightstand or dresser so they don’t have to ask for it.

Stock the kitchen. Buy a variety of extra snacks and beverages and show visitors where everything is in the fridge and pantry so they feel comfortable grabbing a bite to eat or drink whenever they want.

Whether close family members or first-time visitors, guests will feel welcome when you take the time for these quick and easy preparations. You’ll all be able to focus on having fun and enjoying your time together.

4 DIY Built-ins You Can Do This Weekend

Built-ins are showstoppers in any room. Whether used to surround a fireplace, turn a window into a cozy reading nook, add extra storage to an otherwise underused wall, or create the home library of your dreams, built-ins bring the grandeur.  

But that grandeur can come with a grand price if you order custom built-ins. Luckily, they’re not the only option. DIY built-ins don’t have to be expensive, require a full renovation, or take longer than a weekend to complete. Paint, moulding and prefabricated bookcases, wardrobes, and cabinetry are all you’ll need to create the classy, custom looking built-ins of your dreams.

The secret to DIY built-ins is paint and trim. To make your project look like custom work, paint the built-ins to match your room colour and use trim to finish the edges.  

Dramatize your fireplace

Fireplaces are often the focal points of the room they’re in, but if you’re wondering how to make the most of the empty space on either side, built-ins are a great answer. If you don’t have a fireplace, but really want one, or want to remodel your current fireplace before building the DIY built-ins, you can create your own using some of  these hacks.

To add depth in the room, and more curiosity for the eye, bring out the built-ins so they recess the fireplace. If that’s not your style, you can measure the depth of the mantel and find bookcases to match, so the whole feature is flush. Keep in mind anything that’s done around your fireplace should be done so with extreme care. Always be sure you’re aligned with any fire or building codes, and be aware of any electrical systems within the wall before you start drilling. 

Bookcase built-ins are excellent if you want to display books and other decorative items but doing half cabinetry with short bookcases stacked on top allows you always-useful closed storage space.

Create a window seat

You might be able to transform a window in your house into a cozy oasis with a few kitchen cabinets. If you have a recessed window, you’ll be able to create a built-in window seat with some sturdy, ready-made kitchen cabinets and a few 2x4s or 2x6s as a base. Light demolition is necessary as you’ll need to remove the baseboards in the area to ensure the cabinets are flush with the wall. 

Maximize your storage

Framing a window, desk, or TV with built-ins adds instant gravitas to the room—and gives you heaps of storage. As with the fireplace, open bookcase built-ins will allow you plenty of space to display sentimental or decorative items. If you have things to hide, or prefer to keep things out of sight, try using woven or wooden baskets. Prefab wardrobes can be a great option if you have larger or longer objects like coats and vacuum cleaners that you want to store.

If you have dead space, a nook, or a gap around an architectural feature, but not enough room for a full bookcase built-in, take advantage of floating shelves for a DIY built-in look without any reno and only a little bit of measuring.

A divine home library

If you’ve ever admired the wall-to-wall bookshelves of a beautiful home library on Pinterest, you’re not alone. Bookcase built-ins bring an opulence to the room that’s hard to beat but can be attained through a few matching cases.

As with the window seat, remove the baseboards first so the bookcases can sit flush to the wall on all three sides (that is, if you’re doing one entire unbroken wall). Make sure everything’s secured and isn’t at risk of toppling by drilling a few screws through the back of the case into the studs. This is a vital step for all tall built-ins, especially the half-cabinetry, half-bookcase ones.

To make sure it doesn’t look like you’ve just aligned several bookshelves along the wall, fill in all the little holes with caulk or putty, use trim to cover the joins between cases, and then get out your can of paint and paint the entirety of the shelves to match your wall colour. 

Amidst lockdowns and times of uncertainty, many of us looked inward to our homes to provide calming and safe spaces, including our outdoor areas. That’s why, in today’s post, we’re going to be sharing tips on how to create a zen outdoor space, however you like to relax.

SAM SHALOM

The following is a guest post by Suhayl Laher

Amidst lockdowns and times of uncertainty, many of us looked inward to our homes to provide calming and safe spaces, including our outdoor areas.

As a result, many gardens became like a ‘fifth room’, offering the perfect area for relaxation and spending quality time outdoors – and this trend seems to be here to stay.

That’s why, in today’s post, we’re going to be sharing tips on how to create a zen outdoor space, however you like to relax.

So, whether your idea of unwinding is soaking up the sun, chilling with pals on warm summer evenings or pottering, planting and pruning, we have garden design ideas to suit everyone.

1. The wild and whimsical

 Relax to the sounds of wildlife with a wild and whimsical garden design that allows nature to be the star of the show.

The key to a successful wild garden is to accept the imperfections that come with natural habitats, seeing them as beautiful traits. This means letting things grow their own way, simply pruning them back from time to time to keep paths clear and to help promote regrowth.

For flower beds and planters, opt for a mixture of species to create a striking sea of color – a wildflower seed blend can be an easy option here. Also, embrace longer grass and weeds, as some species can be very pretty.

You may also want to include a water feature like a pond to attract a wider variety of wildlife and boost that sense of serenity.

When it comes to practical additions like furniture and hardscaping materials, opt for a rustic theme with wood and stone elements aplenty to give your wild wonderland a cohesive finish.

2. The simple and serene

If clean lines and a simple design is more your style, there’s plenty of scope for carving out a calm and soothing outdoor zone for reading, meditating or socializing.

In large gardens, this may look more like a defined relaxation zone, while smaller backyards may benefit from a full minimalist makeover.

Achieving your pared-back haven requires a carefully curated balance of texture, decoration and color. To start, lay a solid and versatile foundation with a grounding neutral color palette.

Durable stone effect outdoor tiles in beige or a pale gray are ideal for floors and walls, bringing both texture and a soothing hue.

Pair with darker wood or metal to create crisp color and texture contrasts for furniture and structural elements like a pergola or trellis.

When it comes to plants, avoid fussy florals and instead use big, bold leafy species. Ideally, you want a mixture of fauna and green shades here to help boost your mood.

For decorative touches, a simple water feature is a must. Set amidst a blend of soft-touch fabrics for furnishings and a few modern ornaments, you’ll have all the ingredients for the perfect serene sanctuary outside.

3. The practical and sustainable

 With evidence to suggest that the act of gardening itself can help to improve mental and physical health, zen outdoor spaces aren’t just about creating relaxing seated areas.

Having a practical and sustainable outdoor space where you can grow your own can provide the perfect escape and a chance to practice mindfulness.

Creating a practical and sustainable garden doesn’t always need lots of room – even modest spaces can yield a decent crop with the right design and plants that utilize vertical space.

To keep maintenance low and optimize the functionality of your outdoor space, opt for raised flower beds that make it easier to weed and pick your produce.

If you like to keep things orderly, plant vegetables and fruits in groups. For instance, keep root vegetables like carrots, beetroots and potatoes together, while other species like lettuces, herbs and edible flowers can go in another area.

Also, make sure sprawling plants like pumpkins, butternut squash, courgettes and cucumbers have plenty of space to grow, as well as vertical support to keep them from taking up too much ground space.

You can also make better use of space and make crops easier to pick for things like peas, beans, raspberries and blackberries by using growing frames along walls.

Whatever you choose to grow outdoors, you can help to promote sustainability and keep the zen vibes going by using organic, eco-friendly materials, pesticides and fertilizers.

With these ideas and practical tips, we hope you find all the inspiration you need to give your outdoor areas a zen makeover this spring. Whether you prefer to soak up the sun with a good book or get your hands dirty planting, there are plenty of ways to create your very own outdoor haven.

Author bio:

Suhayl Laher works at Tiles Direct, one of the UK’s largest independent tile distributors and retailers – bringing design inspiration to homeowners, architects and developers.

Ainsley Smith

Deciding whether or not it’s time to move—either across the country, province, or within the same city—is a difficult decision to make. Are you ready to uproot your life and leave your friends, family, and job behind? Are you ready to either sell your home, end your lease, or move out of your parents’ home for the first time? Regardless of your situation, deciding to move is a momentous life event and one that doesn’t often come easy.

If you’re unsure whether or not moving is the right call right now, read on to learn about some of the different reasons why people often choose to move to a new home.

Common reasons people choose to move  

There are, of course, the obvious reasons why you might consider moving. Perhaps you’re starting a family and you need a bigger home with a fenced-in backyard where the kiddos can play. Or, maybe all of your children have moved out and you’re ready to downsize. 

But other common reasons could be:

• you’re growing tired of your commute to and from work; 
• you have safety concerns in your neighbourhood;
• you aren’t getting along with your neighbours; or 
• you’ve received a job offer in a new city.  

To get a better understanding of why some homeowners have recently decided to move, we spoke to James Strathy Warren, a REALTOR® and salesperson for Chestnut Park Real Estate Ltd. Brokerage, who revealed some of the frequent themes he’s seen from his clients. 

Future planning

Warren says a change in interest rates can be a factor. When people find out interest rates are going up, they’ll look at moving beforehand to lock in on a competitive mortgage to save money in the long run. Not everyone moves when the interest rates change, but it’s something that can trigger people to start assessing the market and whether they’re happy where they are. 

Bang for your buck

Finding a renovated house in a “move-up” market can be a big deciding factor for many people. Warren suggests this can be less expensive than finding a home that requires a substantial renovation, which is appealing to those who don’t want to go through the process.

“There’s also the time factor of a lengthy renovation as well as the associated costs,” he explained. “So, essentially you’re buying your new home at a slight discount.”

Market trends

For those looking to move up, Warren explained sometimes in a market that tends to pull back in price increases, the spread can be less between the sale price of their existing home and the one they’re purchasing. For people scaling down, such as empty nesters, when the market is moving up, it can be a great time to sell.

“It’s always good to try and time the market, this is very important for people moving up,” said Warren.

Time of year

When moving out of a home, Warren said historically, the best months to sell for the highest sale price are usually February and May.  

“February, because January is usually hit with snow and there is so little [on the market], so appetite gets pent up,” he explained. “May, because everything is geared to the school year and people want to settle prior to summer vacation and the beginning of the school year. Sometimes we do see a good market in late September and early October when there is generally less supply.”

How can a REALTOR® help you make your decision?

Ultimately, when it comes to deciding if you should move, it’s up to you and your family to make the call. A REALTOR® can guide you through the decision process to ensure you’re making the move for all the right reasons, providing current market trends and conditions, and asking the right questions to help you feel informed in your choice.

A REALTOR® can also share properties available in your price range and desired location; answer any questions you have about different local neighbourhoods and property values; and they can help you decide whether or not it’s the right time to buy based on the market. 

Warren says being aware of the market and how homes are performing in the areas you’re considering is very important when it comes time to decide whether or not you should sell your home. 

“I think to be successful in a purchase, or when you’re selling your home, you should view houses first and get an idea of the houses available to you and watch their movement—their days on market and their sale prices. If you’re comfortable, then jump in and buy first, but make sure your home is looking its best and well-priced before putting it on the market,” said Warren. 

Working with a REALTOR® also gives you a better understanding of what’s happening in the market and if it’s the right time to make moves.

“It’s all about ‘reading the market’ and hopefully connecting the pieces of the puzzle,” added Warren.

While the prospect of moving might be daunting, there are different factors and indicators to help make your decision. If you’re thinking about embarking on a home buying journey, be sure to speak with a REALTOR® today.

The article above is for information purposes and is not legal or financial advice or a substitute for legal counsel.

Wendy Helfenbaum

Kitchens aren’t just for cooking and eating; they’re gathering places, homework stations, and the spot where parties always end up. This room always tops homeowners’ remodelling wish lists, but if a major overhaul isn’t in your budget this year, there’s another way to maximize your space, while adding style and function: install a kitchen island or elevate the one you already have.

Islands provide more storage and prep space, extra seating, and they add character and a focal point to your kitchen. We asked a design expert for creative, affordable hacks to create fabulous kitchen islands.

1. Repurpose what you can 

When Halifax-based interior design consultant and TV host Rebekah Higgs—also known as DIY Mom—began renovating her home in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, building materials were scarce and costly, so she decided to reuse as much as possible from her original kitchen. 

“The previous homeowners had done an extremely expensive galley kitchen renovation with solid cherry wood cabinets, so we measured, removed, and labelled every door and cabinet, and then reconfigured them,” says Higgs. 

She used leftover cabinets, drawers, and plywood to build a 12-x-5-foot island, within which she integrated her sink and dishwasher, plus room for five stools.

“The original cabinets were traditional with a beveled edge design, but when you flip a cabinet door, it’s typically Shaker on the other side. We made them flush with the cabinets and painted them, which modernized the space,” she explains.

Since Higgs saved a lot of money by reusing her cabinets for the island, she splurged on Silestone countertops with a waterfall edge on either side.  

“On the back, I nailed leftover pieces of painted plywood and cherry. I didn’t throw out a single piece of wood,” she says. “Some people add tile or stone on the back; it’s an inexpensive way to finish it off.”

2. Source materials online 

Not ripping apart your kitchen? Upcycle someone else’s cabinets, suggests Higgs.

“Look for high-quality, solid wood cabinets you can refinish; they’re going to hold up over time more than melamine,” she says. “The options for refinishing a nice piece of vintage wood furniture are almost endless. Then, just add a butcher block or stone counter on top.”

Bookshelves are a great solution as well, especially if you’re in need of additional storage. You can find a DIY Kitchen Island from Kreating Homes, or flip wooden bookcases on their sides as a base for your island, then purchase doors at a big-box store. 

Higgs also suggests choosing a statement piece of furniture with turned legs that contrasts with your cabinets.

“We’re seeing more and more of this,” she says. “If you have a white kitchen and you want it to be more fun and cheerful, paint the backside of the island, or add shiplap.” 

3. Beef things up 

Have a functional island that’s not big enough? Add more storage if you have enough space in your kitchen and put a larger countertop on, says Higgs. You’ll need between 91 and 107 centimetres of clearance between your island and your cabinets so you can open and close your fridge, oven, or dishwasher.

“I’ve seen people do a second level to chair height to create seating around the island,” she suggests.

4. Make it portable

For smaller spaces, consider a free-standing island: add locking caster wheels onto a square table or shelving unit so you can move it out of the way when you’re not prepping meals. It can do double-duty as a serving station in another room when you’re entertaining, says Higgs.

You can also repurpose a dining or slim console table by raising it up to counter height—91 centimeters—to make meal prep a breeze, or to bar height, 107 centimeters. Many big-box stores sell compact islands with integrated drawers and shelves, if you don’t want to go the DIY route.

5. Dress things up  

Adding woven or colourful stools, vibrant placemats, and a large bowl with fresh fruit can make your island look updated, says Higgs. 

“You could also change out the light fixtures hanging above the island—you can get really fun pendant lights from $50 or $60,” she suggests. “You’re only limited by your own creativity and where you want to go with your space.”

Transforming your kitchen island doesn’t always require a full tear down. You can make this central hub more functional—and unique—with some minor changes and some major inspiration courtesy of DIY Mom. If you’re curious as to how a kitchen island could affect your resale value, a local REALTOR® can share insights on what’s currently trending and what buyers are often searching for.

Ainsley Smith

Investing in the exterior of your home is important. Not only can exterior home renovations like adding a new roof, windows, or doors add immediate benefits and curb appeal, they have the potential to increase the value of your home and give you a greater return on investment (ROI) when you decide to sell. 

A 2021 Canadian Real Estate Renovation Trends report from RE/MAX, which used data collected by Leger marketing firm, said more than half of Canadians renovated their home during the pandemic for personal or “non-ROI” purposes. According to the report, 29% chose to renovate for non-essential “lifestyle” reasons, such as recreation-inspired projects, while 16% of Canadians renovated to increase the market value of their home to sell within in the next one to three years. 

Similar to interior home renovations, not all exterior renovations are created equal, with some costing  much more up front, while others are relatively more cost-effective. If budget is a concern, read on to learn about some of the most cost-effective exterior home renovations that could help increase your ROI when it comes time to sell.

Why is curb appeal important?

The way your home looks from the outside—or its curb appeal—gives potential home buyers their first impression of the property even before they step inside. This is why exterior renovations that help boost curb appeal are important, as the aesthetic look of a home’s exterior can give the buyer a sense of what they can expect to find once they walk through the front door. In other words, if your home presents itself well, the yard is nicely kept, the paint is vibrant, the siding is aging well, and the roof is in good shape, prospective buyers could be more inclined to look inside if they like what they see on the outside. 

What are the current trends in exterior renovations?

If you’ve been thinking about completing an exterior home renovation project this year, My Design Home Studio suggests while “farmhouse vibes are here to stay,” five other exterior design trends will gain popularity in 2022, including “a shift toward natural textures, a stronger connection to the outdoors, and a minimalist approach to architecture.”  

These trends are: 

• Natural textures: Blonde woods, hand-sawn beams, and aged brick are popular, but you can recreate these looks at a lower cost with wood-like siding or stone-like accents.
• Dark exteriors: Pairing lighter siding and brick with moodier blacks and charcoals is becoming a trend, so if you’re looking to sell soon it might be worth the investment now. 
• Black accents: External features—like door handles, door frames, locks, shutters, etc.—are being swapped out for matte black instead of classic brass or silver. It’s a more modern look without requiring a total overhaul.
• All-season outdoor entertaining: Adding a patio or deck to your yard can help increase curb appeal, especially when equipped for year-round usage. Covered areas for places with a lot of snow, or lounge areas with an outdoor fireplace (depending on your municipal bylaws) for places that remain relatively dry during the winter, are great additions to help extend patio season.
• Natural light: Large panoramic windows that will flood your home with natural light are definitely a bigger investment than say, a door handle, but they’re a hot commodity as buyers are looking for homes with more natural light. 

Top exterior renovations to help your ROI

While trying the latest renovation trends is a great way to ensure your home fits the modern look, there are tried and trusted exterior renovations that are not only cost-effective, but also known to help increase a home’s ROI.

According to Alex Obradovich, a REALTOR® and sales representative with Chestnut Park® Real Estate Limited Brokerage in Toronto, the best cost-effective exterior renovations would be “functional over the cosmetic.” 

“Taking a good look at what’s necessary to fix will be the most important when it comes to selling your home in the future,” explained Obradovich. “Common items may be drainage, grading, deteriorated items or heating/cooling efficiency problems like making sure windows and chimneys are sealed properly.”

However, once the functional exterior renovations are complete, Obradovich says cost-effective and cosmetic upgrades to improve your home would be painting and tidying up landscaping.

“Plus, both of those can be done yourself inexpensively,” he added.

Other things to look at would be your roof, garage door, front door (steel and fibreglass are becoming popular materials), and siding. The average cost to install an asphalt roof in Canada is around $4,750 (depending on the scale of the project), while replacing a double-car garage door can cost between $1,300 and $3,500. If you’re trying to stay on budget, you can also revamp your home’s exterior by swapping out old furnishings for newer pieces and adding potted plants and annual flowers for a pop of colour. 

The best way to assess what your home needs is by enlisting the help of a REALTOR® who will be able to give you insights into what buyers are currently looking for in your neighbourhood and what renovations may help sell your home quicker—and for a better price. 

Your REALTOR® can also provide you with contacts for roofers, painters, contractors, etc. to help you find the best person for the job.