Homes
Simple holiday inspirations
Simple holiday inspirations of
Start decorating Decorating your home for the holidays doesn't have to be a complicated and expensive task. There are literally thousands of quick and easy holiday decorating ideas right at your fingertips -- you simply need to take some time to explore the possibilities.When it comes to creating that cozy holiday feeling, Toronto storeowner Lucy Kokalov says that adding warmth to your home is the best way to start. Lucy, who owns the home decor boutique Boj Decor, suggests purchasing a few small Persian area rugs and randomly placing them around your home for warmth. “Covering the floors is the first thing that will make the place warmer,” she says.To further achieve a sense of calm and comfort, Lucy suggests adding curtains over blinds, trading in your current lampshades for ones with darker, richer colours and adding a textured mink mohair or cashmere throw to a side chair or sofa.By purchasing a few small colourful pillows, a sitting room can instantly become warm and inviting for the holidays. Tara Dalla-Nora, designer and manager of Toronto's Inner Luxe advises that a few casually placed breakfast pillows in vibrant reds, greens and metallics instantly give that festive feel. And of course, don't forget about the warmth that candles immediately bring to any room. Beautiful burning candles in vanilla, wild berry, chestnut, pumpkin and cinnamon scents are a perfect holiday aromas.“You can even try covering your fireplace mantle with different heights of candles,” adds Lucy.When it comes to decorative accents for a holiday party, dinner or buffet, both Lucy and Tara have a number of simple, yet tasteful tabletop ideas. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn Final touches “We usually tell people to accent with chargers -- decorative plates placed underneath dinner plates,” says Tara, adding that the inexpensive dishes are also usable year-round. She emphasizes that using a clear glass platinum-banded charger or a translucent red plate to accent your holiday table setting adds another lovely touch. Lucy also advocates using beautiful tableware, particularly silver and gold accented glassware. Her suggestion for holiday decorators? Bring out your beautiful glasses and cups and set them up on a lovely tray to be placed on a coffee or dining room table.When it comes to centerpieces, Tara recommends purchasing a lovely cake platter or if you have one already, hauling it out of storage. Top it with a large pillar candle and add a few apples. A few inexpensive floating candles also coupled with a larger pillar candle placed on a long ceramic or glass platter makes for a lovely centerpiece.Or gather a few pinecones from your yard, buy some pomegranates and assemble them in a rich wood or ceramic bowl. Lucy also suggests mixing a few cut branches with some dried flowers from your local flower shop for a rustic centerpiece. Or, simply fill a large, clear glass vase with your favourite Christmas ornaments and place it on your dining room table. Whatever your taste, decorating your home for the holidays is filled with possibilities. The ideas are endless, often inexpensive and always beautiful. Image courtesy of Pottery Barn
- Credit
- Joanna Lavoie
More Homes
-
12 quick-fixes for holiday decorating 12 quick-fixes for holiday decorating
12 quick-fixes for holiday decorating ofHoliday decorating tips 1 - 10 We love to entertain, particularly during the holidays. And for us, creating atmosphere is a critical starting point for everything that comes thereafter -- just try getting into the party mood if you haven't properly decked your halls. Try these 12 seasonal styling tips. Simple, but, hey, even at Christmas less is more!1 Nothing sets the scene better than sweet aromas wafting through the air. Try scented candles -- these days, even supermarkets sell an assortment of fabulous olfactory delights. Or, back in bonny Scotland, we have an old but favourite trick: chuck a couple of vanilla pods into your log fire to promote mood.2 As an alternative to standard name cards, tie Christmas gift tags displaying guests' names around the stems of wineglasses.3 Wrap oranges with a cross of red ribbon and stud the flesh with cloves. Instantly gorgeous, and they smell better each day. After Christmas, once the oranges are completely dry, pop some into the back of your wardrobe to freshen your clothes.4 Forget tradition -- indulge your senses with whatever colour combos you like. We're currently working on a festive aqua and silver living room and a marshmallow pink and duck-egg blue dining room.5 Use gold- or silver-ink pens to write guests' names on extra-large leaves like those from a castor oil plant, and use as chargers under side plates.6 Slip lottery tickets inside store-bought Christmas crackers as an extra surprise.7 Arrange a snaking line of brightly coloured votive holders (with flickering candles in each) down the centre of your dining table. Simple but very effective. 8 Arrange white Christmas lights in a favourite glass vase as an instant conversation starter. Simply switch on and let the twinkling begin!9 IKEA sells gorgeous glass prisms that will add sparkle to pretty much anything you like. Using fishing line, hang them from your tree or a light fixture, or arrange in an artistic grouping at your window. 10 To create a minimalist display, spray dried flowers white and silver, and arrange inside a large, clear tank vase filled with white pebbles. More holiday decorating tips 11 Fireplaces should make a statement when Santa's on his way. Cram your mantel with pinecones, greenery and flickering tea lights. Dress with clementines and cinnamon-stick bundles tied with ribbon.12 Our top Christmas shopping decor source? Dollar stores. We go wild in the aisles during the run up to the 25th. Candles, doilies, glassware -- the lot. Maybe it's the Scottish in us, but we love a bargain. Colin and Justin in the kitchen The boys share two recipes that are sure to fill your noses and tummies with Christmas cheer.Homemade potpourri Evoke mood and memories in even the most Scrooge-like guests with your own potpourri. It couldn't be easier. First, cut two oranges into thin slices and arrange on a broiling pan. Bake in a medium hot oven, turning occasionally until bone dry. Allow to cool and pop into a freezer bag. Break a couple of cinnamon sticks into the mix and add a few drops of rose oil or your favourite aromatic essence. Close the bag, shake lightly and leave overnight. Finally, arrange in an attractive bowl.Mulled wine For a good party, make sure you get the alcohol balance right. We're not saying you should get sloshed (mind you, it is Christmas!), but a wee, ahem, tincture makes all the difference. As guests arrive, serve them mulled wine in sparkly Moroccan tea glasses. Here's a tried- and- tested Colin and Justin recipe to bring even the dullest bottle of vin rouge to life: In a saucepan, bring a cup of lemonade to a boil. Stir in two tablespoons of honey, the juice of two oranges, six whole cloves and a couple of crumbled cinnamon sticks. Boil for five minutes. Add the wine, then simmer gently for another 10 minutes. Strain through a sieve, pour into glasses and be merry! -
Thinking big in small spaces Thinking big in small spaces
Thinking big in small spaces ofA conversation with Julia West, Part 1 Small spaces seem to be the big thing these days. As baby-boomers seek simplicity in smaller, uncluttered spaces, and young up-and-comers seek affordable living in minimalist condos and lofts, small spaces have become the new trend in homes. Julia West, owner of the design studio Julia West Home, tackles small space living with simple suggestions for helping you make the most of the room that you have. We sat down with her and got the following helpful tips:Q: Is the furniture you design for small spaces part of a larger trend?A: Yes, and I believe that this is a trend that is growing fast and will continue to grow. Smaller spaces in new and existing housing are a part of the reason for the trend as are the significant number of people downsizing. The latter are principally the beginning of a baby-boomer move toward retirement and are an interesting case in point for me because they are experienced users and buyers of furniture and have exacting standards both as to design and quality.I believe strongly that furniture should earn its keep by justifying the use of a scarce resource, by offering the widest possible range of uses and also by having the satisfying appeal that's the reward of attractive design and clever function. Such a reward is enjoyed by consumer, maker and designer alike. A conversation with Julia West, Part 2 Q: How did the collection start?A: It got started when I realized how much I dislike the conventional coffee table; it takes up space and does little except collect dust and a lot of household mess. Generally made at 16 to 18 inches high, coffee tables aren't comfortable relative to the conventional sofa or chair because you have to stretch and reach down to place or retrieve objects. So the first small spaces furniture that I designed addressed this problem by using a nifty mechanism that elevated the coffee table from its conventional height by bringing the top surface both up and toward the user where it rests securely before the sitting user with a relationship that's similar to that when one is sitting at a table or desk in a dining or desk chair.So the coffee table enables eating, working with pencil and pad or laptop computer and lots of other things too; jigsaw puzzles, crafts, and so on, all while seated comfortably in chair or on sofa. The inside of the coffee table is also set up to accommodate those tasks having a number of configurations to store papers, pens and pencils, the laptop and even a few hanging files for the work in progress, as well as games, puzzles, wrapping paper and all of the gadgets and booklets related to a quiet evening in front of the TV. Imagining some of the things that that coffee table didn't do, led me to think about ways in which other pieces of furniture might give service to the user and how that could be done.Q: What's in the works?A: We've been playing around for a couple of years with armoires that provide surprises. One example: traditional storage on shelves or a hanging rod with specific functional twists like a slide-out baby changing table, a second glide at keyboard height, and deep drawers in the bottom section for diaper pail and other storage, all useable later for a TV or monitor, full-width desk and places to accommodate a printer/fax/copier, paper, books and files.We continue to muse on all the ways that the traditional armoire, chest of drawers, coffee table, end table, sofa table, dining table, desk, bed and so on can serve the user so that we wring the greatest utility out of the space the furniture occupies. The uses go beyond the home to the cottage, office and school. We're presently working on furniture for schools, offices, tiny buildings and other tiny spaces.- Credit
- Arren Williams
-
Peek inside a stylish Hollywood home Peek inside a stylish Hollywood home
Peek inside a stylish Hollywood home ofHow Darren Star created his open-concept home Ross Clementi Hale Studios chose a clean, modern aesthetic to reflect both the existing house and the sophistictaed lifetsyle of Star. The architects wanted to open up spaces as much as possible, creating constant connections with the outdoors. Large glass walls, doors, and windows (some of them pivoting) contribute to dematerializing the boundaries between inside and out.Stylish. Modern. Fabulous. These words describe Sex and the City's Carrie Bradshaw and could just as easily fit the house that the show's creator and executive producer, Darren Star, lives in. But like Carrie, there is much more to this chic ultramodern house than meets the eye. "To execute something that looks deceptively simple is sometimes really hard and is very interesting to me," says Star. Much as he has done with the popular series he has created over the past decade (Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, and the aforementioned Sex and the City), Star has created a living space that is hard to forget once you experience it. With the help of architect Mark Rios of Rios Clementi Hale Studios, Star set about turning the house, designed in the 1950s by Hal Levitt, into an interesting multidimensional environment that hooks you the minute you walk up to it. The front entry of smooth concrete and frosted glass accented by concrete pavers and ironwood planks offers an entrance as sexy and theatrical as any of his shows.Since growing up in a very modern house, Star has always been drawn to contemporary architecture. He loves the work of the legendary modernist master Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer. Known for the dynamic sensual curves and "pavilion" feeling of his spaces, Niemeyer worked with Le Corbusier and Wallace Harrison on the United Nations headquarters in New York. Star wanted to incorporate both of these aspects of Niemeyer's work into his home. He is also a Richard Neutra fan, and lived in a house designed by the late famed L.A. modern architect Charles Kanner in Malibu prior to this residence. "Los Angeles is a city that is home to a lot of great modern architecture, but I wanted to do it in a comfortable way. Doing this house was a way to kind of explore that." In the modern den two Calder crème leather and chrome sofas by Minotti are paired with a custom-designed white lacquered oak coffee table. The curvy little peanut-shaped side table was made by Robert Kuo Designs, in hand-hammered bronze. Greeting visitors as they enter the home is Paint Chip Painting by Peter Wegner (visible near the door at left). Bigg Dipper by Ed Ruscha hangs on the wall at the right.To achieve this thoroughly modern -- and very L.A. -- aesthetic, Star and architect Mark Rios worked closely to open up the house by not only adding eight hundred square feet but also creating deliberate "constant connections with the outdoors." They had the landscaping completely redone to create a "wet outdoor living room," with a fourteen-by-thirty-five-foot swimming in the center. A submerged bench runs the spacious length of the pool, creating a unique space for Star and friends to enjoy a cosmopolitan or two. The back corner of the pool features a raised spa with two waterfalls, one spilling smoothly back into the pool and the other flowing into a sunken rock garden. On one side of the pool a long, rectangular ironwood deck holds sleek lounge chairs and planters of colorful native flora. Supported by thirteen caissons driven into the bedrock hillside, the deck extends the small yard by twelve feet. Star had the hedges torn down to extend the views from all sides. A bed of resilient, newly planted dichondra grass forms an ultra cool "outside" carpet between the house and the swimming pool.With its large glass walls, doors, and windows, the house offers the feeling of being inside and outside at the same time. "There are a lot of examples of these types of houses around the country; Philip Johnson's Glass House is probably the most well known, but [indoor/outdoor living] particularly works well in Los Angeles because of the weather. You are really able to have the experience all year round." Natural material elements that are used both indoors and outdoors also blur the boundaries and add to the sense of flow. Star has spent quite a bit of time in Indonesia and loves the fresh and modern feeling of the indigenous homes, especially in Bali. "They all have a lot of natural woods," he notes, and he wanted to incorporate a little bit of that feeling into the house. Star also had bamboo planted around the property's perimeter not only to maintain privacy but also to give the house a bit of that Eastern flavor. The all-ironwood decks extend into the addition in one place bringing the natural materials-elements directly inside.Excerpted from Hip Hollywood Homes by Sue Hostetler Copyright © 2006 by Sue Hostetler. Excerpted by permission of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Attention to all the details The guest bathroom, with its distinctive custom-designed mosaic mirror, reflects interior designer Milo Baglioni's attention to detail throughout the home. He found the Thor light fixtures at DIVA in Los Angeles and paired them with a Philippe Starck faucte and stainless-steel and wood sink.Star has been an avid modern art collector for a number of years, but with no great places in his former homes to hang the art. When thinking about the renovation of this new house, deciding where the art -- including a number of works he owns by Ed Ruscha -- should go in the space was the most fun for him. Star worked with interior designer Milo Baglioni to incorporate the art into the decor. "The house is very much about the art," he asserts. It was important that the balance of shapes and colors or the feeling or mood of the art could be seen or experienced from the best vantage point possible but also that the decor provided a clean, uncluttered, and comfortable environment in which to view it. Baglioni used contemporary furnishings in soft upholstery and neutral colors to create the desired effect.Star looks for the same qualities in interior design that he looks for in his art: specific and designed -- but not overtly so -- stylish, comfortable, and clean. Not very interested in narrative art, Star has much more of a minimalist sensibility: "I can appreciate a white painting." One of the reasons he is such a fan of Ruscha's is because at first glance, "the work seems very simple but as you look closely at the detail of brushstrokes and the variations of color, you see things that are not as simple as you thought." The physical interior of the house has very clean lines with no visible moldings. A lack of ornate decoration leaves the walls exposed in a way that allows one to notice the imperfections. "It is in the complication where you can hide imperfections. It's so much harder to make something simple than it is to make something complicated," says Star. Only the creator of Beverly Hills 90210, Melrose Place, and Sex and the City could get away with an opulent faux ostrich leather and mahogany custom-made bed. The bed is framed by a pair of panneauz de verre mahogany side tables, emebellished with hand-painted glass panels and bronze bamboo motif. A retro Delaunay cord-colored leather and chrome chair is by Minotti, behind which hangs a piece by renowned Cuban artist Enrique Celaya.Though the house predictably has immense style, it has a lot of warmth in keeping with Star's wish that the house "feel like a home and not like a magazine layout." He thinks of it as a very comfortable, happy house. This "smart house" has great electronics built in and is exceptionally wired for music and television. Star installed a hidden projector in the living room; it was "the first thing I did in the house and it is my very favorite toy," he says. He loves watching movies there and lying on the couch in the glass walled addition, feeling surrounded by nature.Like the rest of the residence, the new pool room addition is almost seamlessly connected to the landscape. The ironwood from the outdoor deck reaches into the room, where it meets flush with the white terrazzo floor. Floor-to-ceiling steel and glass doors slide on tracks that extend beyond the house so the room can be opened to the outdoors. Star thought the space originally intended to be his workspace was too spectacular to use as "my big messy office" He admits that his office at home (he also has one on the Sony lot) has a much different feeling than the rest of the house. It may be one of the very few places that the clean and clutter-free aspect of his modern aesthetic goes astray. The space is darker than the rest of the house and scripts pile up on his desk. Above all of the clutter and organized chaos, however, hangs a painting of a simple question mark by Ed Ruscha, perhaps reminding Star that the disorder comes and goes, no matter how much you try to keep it at bay. Wherever there's an intentionally ordered, clean surface -- minimalist at its finest -- something big and creative is lurking nearby.Excerpted from Hip Hollywood Homes by Sue Hostetler Copyright © 2006 by Sue Hostetler. Excerpted by permission of the Crown Publishing Group, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.- Credit
- Susan Hostetler
-
Home makeover: Junk beautiful Home makeover: Junk beautiful
Home makeover: Junk beautiful ofJunk Beautiful laundry room Laundry roomCast your eyes upon this inviting, multi-functional family laundromat. The space is small, but with some inventive thinking and a bunch of junk, we were able to get the wrinkles out. We received a laundry list of requests from our homeowners beyond just getting the clothes clean. Mom is a seamstress and the wrapper of gifts; Dad needed a place to put his dirty work clothes and keep his robe close at hand for after a soak in the hot tub nearby. As for the kids, they thought that as long as Mom and Dad were happy, they wouldn't be turning to the youngsters for help with the laundry.Although the old laundry facility was pretty functional, it needed some added charm to flow with the rest of the home. Our first task was to create a clean slate, so for starters we disposed of the navy laminate countertops and cabinets, then painted over the busy, patterned walls with a neutral shade that provided a more pristine atmosphere. After that, completing the job was a snap. New upper cabinets were installed and the doors were removed from the lower cabinets. All were painted a bright white. A natural wood surface replaced the tacky blue laminate. The missing country charisma was now firmly in place. Excerpted from Junk Beautiful by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer Copyright © 2008 by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer. Photographs Copyright © 2008 by Douglas E. Smith. Excerpted by permission of The Taunton Press, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Junk beautiful mudroom The family cupboardThis is what we call "everything in a nutshell." A hold-it-all cabinet with coatracks alongside make for a streamlined mudroom. Excerpted from Junk Beautiful by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer Copyright © 2008 by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer. Photographs Copyright © 2008 by Douglas E. Smith. Excerpted by permission of The Taunton Press, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Junk beautiful living room The living roomLiving areas should be comfortable as well as beautiful. For example, oversized, white slip-covered sofas with lots of stuffing will provide both elements to your room. Throw in a beat up old coffee table constructed from scrap wood and an iron gate, and you will have firmly established a junking good look of your own. However, furniture alone does not complete a room, it's just a good place to start. For example, the neutral color scheme also played an important role in this makeover. The combination of several soft shades of off-white on textured walls added a European flavor. Excerpted from Junk Beautiful by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer Copyright © 2008 by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer. Photographs Copyright © 2008 by Douglas E. Smith. Excerpted by permission of The Taunton Press, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Junk beautiful cupboard The powder room cupboard Consider replacing built-ins with elegant antique furniture pieces that simultaneously confer character and give you more room to groom. We love this Welch dresser. It's relatively small in scale, providing the sense of spaciousness so desperately needed, and gave us the necessary catchall storage. The piece has plenty of open shelving up top and space below with doors for all of those items that don't really need to be seen. And voila, we accomplished what we set out to do with elbow room to spare. Excerpted from Junk Beautiful by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer Copyright © 2008 by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer. Photographs Copyright © 2008 by Douglas E. Smith. Excerpted by permission of The Taunton Press, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Junk beautiful bottles Recycled vases Pop the corks on vintage bottles, add water, and some sweet smelling flowers for a lavish touch to a campy latrine. Excerpted from Junk Beautiful by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer Copyright © 2008 by Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer. Photographs Copyright © 2008 by Douglas E. Smith. Excerpted by permission of The Taunton Press, a division of Random House of Canada Limited. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.- Credit
- Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer
-
Changing seasons Changing seasons
Changing seasons ofGet seasonal The seasons have a way of changing so suddenly, leaving us wondering what happened to the hot and humid days of June and July. As the weather changes outside your home, it's a great idea to make some changes inside your home. Here are some tips for inspired seasonal decorating. Rearrange your furniture Nothing's cosier than two chairs by a roaring fire in winter, but moving them to a screened window that catches breezes in the summer sure beats sitting around an empty hearth. Choose adjustable window coverings Strong summer rays need filtering, but scarce winter sun needs welcoming. Fabrics and shades that filter instead of block sunlight offer comfort levels appropriate to the conditions outside. Bamboo blinds, lightweight linen and adjustable wooden shutters, all accompanied by side draperies that shut out more light if necessary, are all easily adapted choices.Invest in slipcovers Dressing furniture in a seasonable wardrobe has long been a popular way to "summerize" a room. Though slipcovers are expensive, you don't need to cover a whole suite of furniture. Choose a base colour for the sofa and dress the smaller pieces in seasonal colours. Accessorize Since you need two sets, keep accessories simple. There are plenty of stores that offer moderately priced stylish accessories, and don't forget secondhand shops for one-of-a-kind bargains. Also inexpensive and even cheaper than flowers are bowls of seasonal fruit, such as strawberries in June and pomegranates in December, which instantly set a seasonal mood - and unlike flowers, you can eat them. Invest in a few choice year-round double-duty accessories that serve different functions winter and summer, such as a large good-quality basket for firewood in winter that holds your entire stack of must-read books in the summer.- Credit
- Kathleen Dore
-
10 best resale upgrades 10 best resale upgrades
10 best resale upgrades ofpage 1 If you're preparing your home for sale, there are certain improvements that are definitely worth their cost in helping to attract more buyers, sell your home faster, make back most (or all!) of your investment, or even increase the value of your home. We asked Toronto agent Matt Dawson of Chestnut Park Real Estate about what he sees as the 10 best upgrades you can make to your home, whether you're selling now or later.1 KitchenA state-of-the-art kitchen is one of the most popular renovations for earning back most, if not all, of its investment. Even if you don't fully gut and renovate, certain upgrades --granite counters, hardwood or high-end tile floors, premium appliances (especially stainless steel), islands and undermount sinks -- attract attention and can increase value.2 Hardwood floorsEspecially on the main floor, hardwood is perennially popular with buyers. If your floors are refinished but worn, have them lightly sanded and resealed. If they're very beaten up consider replacing them.3 Premium broadloomBroadloom is popular too (especially for bedrooms), but only if in top condition. If it's worn, soiled or out of fashion, replace it with something more contemporary. Neutral, lightly textured weaves such as wool “sisal” are fashionable right now.4 Master ensuiteIf your ensuite is a bit tired, it's worth upgrading, especially if you can afford a few luxuries such as a whirlpool or air jet tub, separate shower with a rainshower head, double sinks and/or heated floors. If you don't have an ensuite, perhaps you can install one by stealing space from the master bedroom or a room next to it.5 Radiator coversIt's a simple carpentry job, but makes almost any older home seem more gracious. page 2 6 Upgraded lightingOld-fashioned "can" track lighting can be easily replaced with more contemporary styles such as smaller cans or halogen track lights. Replace dingy overhead lighting with chandeliers (vintage or modern), or install them in rooms that don't have any.7 A finished basementAfter kitchens and bathrooms, a stylishly finished basement is high on many buyers' wish lists. If the ceiling is low and you can afford the investment, consider digging down to increase ceiling height. If you can't, levelling the floor and installing broadloom will help make it more comfortable.8 LandscapingA well-maintained garden with attractive plantings, hardscaping such as brick or flagstone, and features such as urns or paths, add an elegant look to even a smaller home.9 Front porchTwo or three decades ago, tearing off front porches became fashionable in some Canadian cities, but now they're back in a big way. If you can, add a full front porch (or replace/repair the one you have if it isn't in top condition); if not, a portico (a smaller porch that shelters the front door) can be a worthy substitute. Or add a deck in the back.10 Adding a bedroomA four-bedroom house will command a higher price than a three-bedroom, even if they're both the same size. Consider dividing a large bedroom into two small ones (as long as they're not too small, or it can have the opposite effect), or alternatively, consider converting an upstairs den or sitting room.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
-
Lottery home makeover Lottery home makeover
Lottery home makeover ofliving room Big, bold pattern and vibrant colours make a splash in this contemporary White Rock, B.C., home by Sarah Richardson Design. The grand prize in the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation Millionaire Lottery, it's the fourth big-give-away house Sarah has designed. "I really love doing the lottery homes," she says. "It's a world of make-believe, like a show home. They end up being the most revealing of what I'm in sync with in design." For Sarah, that means a house that's comfy and fun for a family, and ideal for entertaining. It's one that coddles its owners -- an escape that's about ease, indulgence and glamour, too. The bonus: this is style for a good cause.Kick-in-the-pants-purple walls add bold, bracing colour in the living room of this charity lottery home. Designer Sarah Richardson chose furniture with understated, tradtional lines as a backdrop for exciting elements like colour, pattern and texture.STYLE AT HOME The colours are quite vibrant. The living room is a huge surprise. Why did you go with purple on the walls?SARAH RICHARDSON It's a fairly regal purple, not aubergine. It's more like Concord grape. When everything was in the room -- furniture, accents, pillows -- I walked in and thought, "It needs a kick in the pants." That's how purple ended up on the walls -- as a fun experiment. I like to do something with strength, and using a hit of colour on the walls is easier to change than, say, a sofa, where I prefer a neutral like the soft grey we used here. You can change the two purple side chairs, but the sofa is the most expensive piece. dining room The glass dining room table doesn't visually consume too much space yet easily seats six to eight. A cream-and-indigo palette is carried through the silk drapery, cane-pattern fabric on the dining chairs, and two wall colours. The mirror has a strong geometric feel.S@H What was your inspiration for the home? SR Much of it came from the West Coast climate, which means lots of grey, foggy days. The popular palette there tends to be rustic, colours like subdued olives and mustards; I thought about what I'd want if I lived there, and I'd crave colour. It's also a contemporary house, and contemporary without colour can feel cold. page 3 A light-colour tile backsplash and CaesarStone countertops bring a cookies-and-cream feel to the dark-stained kitchen cabinetry. The check fabric on the bar stools adds a haberdashery element. The cooking area provides an all-encompassing view of multiple sitting areas. S@H Pattern is a huge story in this house, too. SR Pattern isn't something to shy away from. I personally prefer patterns with a modern sensibility -- large-scale and monochromatic. Then I'll use accent colours to create tension. I'm also really interested in the lives of young families, and I think their homes should have a certain sense of happiness and casual ease. Rooms with soft and serene palettes -- we've seen that, it's been done. That said, I also used tons of white and cream in this house to temper the bold patterns and colours. page 4 "The master bedroom works for me because it has a balance of elements," says Sarah. "The palette of smoky blues and greys is masculine, but the motifs and accessories infuse the room with femininity. The furniture is crisp and tailored, the bed is soft with fine linens, and the white glass chandelier is romantic, but I like romance that's sexy."S@H The bedrooms are pretty luxe.SR I'm a big believer that bedrooms are for escaping. We all need a place for that. Also, there should be a balance of masculine and feminine elements in master bedrooms. It's pretty awful what we did to men in the '80s; we subjected them to a lot of frou-frou. S@H How did you achieve a seamless feeling from room to room?SR I like a space that's done right down to the artwork and accessories, so I adopt a save-splurge mentality. I'd rather use an inexpensive fabric -- the master bedroom headboard is upholstered in a $15 per yard grey flannel -- and splurge on beautiful lamps and original art. I don't compromise on consistency. All the finishing details -- the accessories -- are complete and work with the look. Each room gets the golden touch. page 5 A subdued grey-and-white palette in the master ensuite is enlivened by multiple tile patterns. "I like to bring in dynamism and textural interest through materials," says Sarah. Carrara marble, a penny-round pattern on the wall behind the sink, and different patterns in the shower and on the floor make "your eye work a little harder to seek out the detail," she says. The oversize sconces create a statement. "They're not something you'd usually see in a bathroom.""Life is so busy and chaotic -- let's design homes that are a bit playful. Have some fun with decorating." - Sarah Richardson, designer- Credit
- Kathleen Dore
-
The hidden costs of buying real estate The hidden costs of buying real estate
The hidden costs of buying real estate ofBuying The actual purchase price on a house listing is only part of the ultimate cost of buying or selling it. Whenever a house changes hands, there are a number of associated fees -- some of them amounting to thousands of dollars -- that affect the final price of the transaction, whether you are buying a new home or selling your old one. We asked Toronto real estate lawyer Stanley Clapp to give us a rundown of what extra fees to expect, and how much you can expect to be out of pocket. FOR BUYERSLand Transfer TaxMany provinces (and most major cities) levy a land transfer tax (sometimes called a property purchase tax) that is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price. The formula varies from province to province and from city to city; for specifics, see the website relocate–canada.com for a list of land transfer tax rates for most Canadian provinces, consult the municipal/provincial government website for your region, or ask your lawyer or agent. As an example, in Ontario, the Land Transfer Tax is calculated as follows:on the first $55,000: 0.5%from $50,000 to $250,000: 1%from $250,000 to $400,000: 1.5%over $400,000: 2%First-time buyers receive an exemption of $2,000. The City of Toronto's Land Transfer Tax is calculated on the following scale:on the first $55,000: 0.5%from $50,000 to $400,000: 1%over $400,000: 2%First-time buyers receive an exemption of $3,725. Adjustment costsAdjustment costs are any prepaid costs paid by the vendor that are to be reimbursed when the buyer takes possession of the home. These can include property taxes; prepaid water, hydro or gas charges; lawn care service contracts, and so on. With metered services such as hydro, gas or water, the meters are read on the day the house changes hands, to enable you (and the utility company) to verify how much the buyer and seller each owe or are owed. The exception is heating oil; it is standard for the seller to top up the tank of heating oil at the time of the sale, and have the buyer pay for one full tank. Buying 2 Mortgage costsMost banks no longer charge a fee to set up a mortgage or do a mortgage-related appraisal, but it is worthwhile to verify this when you are shopping for your mortgage. If you are borrowing more than 80% of the purchase price of the home, you will need to obtain mortgage insurance from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. The CMHC's scale is as follows:80–85% of purchase price: 1.75% of mortgage, plus PST 85–90%: 2% plus PST 90–95%: 2.75% plus PST over 95%: 3.1% plus PST Mortgage insurance also applies to extended-amortization mortgages (over 25 years). For every extra five years of the amortization period, the premium is increased by 0.2%. The maximum amortization you can obtain is 35 years. If you are arranging your mortgage through a mortgage broker, you may be charged a finder's fee as well; usually, the lender pays this fee to the broker, but if you are considered a high-risk mortgagee, it may apply to you as well. Home insuranceAll mortgage companies require you to carry home insurance, and if you ever have a fire or major theft, you'll be thankful for it. The cost varies widely depending on your coverage and the company you insure with; just as with car insurance, it's worth shopping around to get the best price. Some companies offer discounts if you insure both your home and car with them. Legal costsThere are a slew of miscellaneous but necessary legal documents that a house sale generates, which can only be processed by a lawyer. However, by law the maximum a lawyer can charge you for his services is 1% of the purchase price or $1,200, plus GST and disbursement costs (more about that in a moment). The lawyer will generate the following searches and documents for you:Title Search, which verifies that the vendor legally owns the property and can sell it; Searches with the utilities, tax departments and building department to verify that there are no liens on the property; Registering the title deed and mortgage; In the case of a rural property, septic tank and potable water searches. On top of the lawyer's fee, there are also disbursement costs, which are the miscellaneous fees of doing the search, such as office faxes, phone calls and mail costs, and other costs of doing business. Title insuranceTitle insurance is not mandatory, but most lawyers highly recommend it these days to protect you against mortgage fraud, identity theft and forgery, a growing crime especially in large urban areas. As Clapp notes, many computerized municipal records are surprisingly vulnerable to fraudulent hackers. The cost on a $450,000 home is a few hundred dollars. Selling FOR SELLERSThe costs associated with the sale of a home are not quite as complicated as for buyers, but they can be just as significant. Realtors' commissionsThe big fee sellers are required to pay is the commission fee, for both your own and the buyer's realtors. Generally, the total cost is 5% (2.5% for each agent), but you can sometimes negotiate a lower rate. GST is added to this. Legal feesYou also need a lawyer when you sell, to discharge the title and mortgage, verify that all prepaid expenses are returned and utilities and other services cleared, and to handle the actual transaction. Again, the maximum is $1,200 plus GST, but most lawyers charge less to process sales than purchases. Disbursements, as with purchases, are extra. Mortgage dischargeIf you have a “closed” mortgage and sell your home before the mortgage matures, there may be penalties and discharge fees, which can amount to as much as three months worth of mortgage payments, plus a discharge fee of $200 to $300. If you transfer the mortgage to your new home, however, most lenders will waive this fee. Open mortgages usually carry higher interest rates but can be transferred or discharged without penalty.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
-
Mike Holmes' real estate questions Mike Holmes' real estate questions
Mike Holmes' real estate questions ofpage 1 Once you start looking at houses, lots of questions will occur to you. Many will be specific to your own needs and to the particular houses you're looking at, but here are a few that you should keep in mind and ask every time.1 How old is the house?More than anything else, the age of the house will tell you what to expect. The rule is pretty predictable: the older the house, the more likely it will need major repairs and renos. But don't assume that all newer homes are problem-free. When a house (or a renovation) gets to be twenty or thirty years old, lots of things start breaking down. But some new homes are not so much built as slammed together, and can hide all kinds of problems just waiting to appear.2 How long has the vendor owned the house?This is a really important question. Very brief ownership (anything less than a year), and you might be looking at a "flip." That's when someone buys a house, fixes it up, and then resells, looking for a quick profit. There are good and bad flips, but far too often a flip is the worst kind of "lipstick and mascara" job, where they've made a lot of cosmetic changes and overlooked (or covered up) the mechanical and structural issues.3 What's the sales and renovation history of this house?Your agent will be able to produce for you a list of recent sales activity on the house you're looking at. You'll want this for a couple of reasons: For one thing, it will tell you if the house has been bought and sold a lot. Lots of sales activity might be a sign of big problems with the house -- as each new buyer discovers he's been taken for a ride, he decides to get off that merry-go-round by selling the house and all its headaches to someone else. On the more positive side, a list of recent sales can help you determine if the asking price is fair. You'll be able to see how much the previous owner paid for the house and when, and your agent can find out (from the vendor's agent) what changes or improvements have been made since that time. Fair market value is not simple arithmetic, though: it also takes into account the natural rise in land and housing prices, especially in hot real estate markets. From The Holmes Inspection: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Your Home. Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. copyright © 2008 by Mike Holmes. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. page 2 4 Are there building permits or inspection reports for any work done on this house?Most renovations require building permits from your local building authority (City Hall is a good starting point for locating them). Those permits, along with the inspection reports that are made at various stages of the work, are important records of what's been done. It's ideal if the vendor has kept the permits and makes them available to prospective buyers. For structural, plumbing, and electrical work, it's safest if you have hard evidence that the work was inspected and approved by building authorities.5 Was this house ever a grow op?Believe it or not, no one is required to disclose that a home was previously used for a marijuana-grow operation -- unless you ask. If the agent doesn't know for sure, he or she should find out for you by seeing full disclosure from the seller's agent; an experienced realtor might even be able to spot the telltale signs. What does it matter? Grow ops usually involve some dangerous "retrofitting" of the structure and electrical systems. There may be outstanding remedies ordered by the local building authority. Very high moisture levels throughout the house can also lead to serious mould problems.From The Holmes Inspection: Everything You Need to Know Before You Buy or Sell Your Home. Published by HarperCollins Publishers Ltd. copyright © 2008 by Mike Holmes. All rights reserved. Reprinted by permission of HarperCollins Publishers Ltd.- Credit
- Mike Holmes
-
Home office decor: 10 creative alternatives Home office decor: 10 creative alternatives
Home office decor: 10 creative alternatives ofCreative solutions: 1 to 5 Sure, you can furnish and accessorize your home office with standard desks, magazine holders and letter trays from Staples or IKEA and be done with it, but why not treat your office to the same high decor standards as the rest of your home? Start with our top 10 creative alternatives as inspiration and then let your imagination fill in the blanks. 1 Anchor deskRather than the boring old melamine desk, look for a lightweight dining table that can later do double duty as, well, a dining table, if you ever need extra room for company. 2 Peripheral perfectionUsing furnishings that match your home's decor is a great way to incorporate your office into the overall scheme, especially if it's in a corner of a living room or kitchen. Try a side or end table with a drawer or shelf to hold your printer and paper, a large chest to hide files, or a coffee table with shelves and baskets for extra storage. 3 Pegboard pileupTake the pegboard out of the tool shed and into the office to hang all your essentials, from scissors to staplers. Paint the pegboard and hooks matching or complementary colours, according to your decor. 4 Shoe shineMaking use of vertical space will help keep your desk clear of non-essential items. Hang a shoe caddy on the back of your door and fill the slots with staples, wiring, CD-ROMs and more. Don't forget to label for easy retrieval. 5 Screen gemsReinvent a decorative screen by applying a cork board or chalkboard paint for an instant message centre. A screen is especially useful if your office shares space with a den or dining room. Creative solutions: 6 to 10 6 Local hangoutTo keep everyday items close at hand but off the desk, use a suspension rail with a cutlery basket for pens and pencils, and hooks for scissors and headphones. 7 Curtain callHang curtain wire and clips for note cards, messages and invitations, rather than tossing them in a letter tray and later having to dig through a large stack of paperwork.8 A tisket a tasketStore magazines, files, extra paper, mail and more in baskets of varying shapes and sizes hung along a wall. Baskets are available in a range of materials, from wicker to wire, so choose something that adds to your decor. 9 Tray chicKeep pens, pencils, markers and other writing instruments organized and out of the way in a utensil tray kept in your desk drawer. For smaller items, like pushpins and paper clips, use a tray with multiple compartments, such as a glass tealight holder or muffin tin. 10 Flower powerWho says planters are for plants? Bring your favourite planter, pot, tumbler or vase into your home office and put it to use as a pen and pencil holder. Of course, you could always arrange flowers in it as well -- even a home office needs some verdant vivacity. -
Dream master bedroom suite: Where to find it Dream master bedroom suite: Where to find it
Dream master bedroom suite: Where to find it ofpage 1 SUITE DREAMSIn creating the luxurious Dream Master Bedroom Suite for the STYLE AT HOME Show (October 17 –19 at Toronto's Direct Energy Centre), Style at Home's design team made fantasy reality. Complete with top on-trend ideas and indulgences, such as an espresso station, fireside lounge, and a mix of modern and traditional elements for timeless appeal, the suite was an inspirational retreat and the focal point of the three days of style, shopping and seminars. The ultimate private escape, the suite offered tips and tricks on arranging furniture in large spaces, mixing colours and patterns, dressing a bed so it's luxe and inviting, and creating dreamy his-and-hers closets.Here's where you can find everything we used:Throughout1 carpet, cork flooring (bathroom), tile (shower): Carpet One Floor & Home, carpetone.ca 2 drapery, hardware, installation: Invu Drapery Company, invudraperyco.com3 blinds, shutters: Shade-O-Matic, shade-o-matic.com4 wallpaper: Graham & Brown, grahamandbrown.com5 paint: Natural Linen (bedroom trim), Citrine (bathroom and dressing room walls), Trillium (bathroom, dressing room and exterior trim), Twine (exterior walls), Beauti-Tone, homehardware.ca6 floral arrangements: GLP Event Decor & Florals, glpevents.caBedroom1 fabric for upholstered furniture, stool slipcovers, Euroshams, accent cushions, coverlet, table skirt, trims: through designers, Robert Allen, robertallendesign.com2 custom sewing and design for Euroshams, accent cushions, coverlet, table skirt, stool slipcovers: MacFab Fabrics, macfabfabrics.com3 custom upholstered sofa, armchairs, ottoman, slipcovered stools: Sarah Richardson Design, sarahrichardsondesign.com 4 mattress set, mattress pad, pillows, duvet, duvet cover, console tables, X stools, round skirted table, white picture frames, palm plant, orchids, orchid pots, basket planter, pink and yellow vases, rug: IKEA, ikea.ca 5 tester bed frame, desk, floor lamps, circle table lamps, black side tables, slipper chair: DeBoer's, deboers.com6 bedside chests: Constantine, 866-929-11777 fireplace mantel: The Salvage Shop, 866-825-29608 LG Scarlet 47" LCD TV: LG Electronics, ca.lge.com9 duvet cover, sheets, pillowcases, shams, trays, brown throw, ceramic drum stools: Elte, elte.com10 pendant light, brass desk lamp, magnifying glass: Universal Lamp, greatlighting.com11 glass console tops: Adanac Glass, adanacglass.com12 wallpaper on console tops: Crown Wallpaper Fabrics, 800-268-130013 desk chair, green throw, dark brown throw, alarm clock: Boj Décor, 416-545-008814 chinoiserie cabinet, brass urn lamps, sunburst mirror, gold wall decor, Chippendale prints: ChairTableLamp, 416-934-1021 15 bird plates, ceramic jars, botanical prints, gold mercury glass lamp, hurricane candleholders: Invu Drapery Company, invudraperyco.com16 cream lacquered boxes: Home Outfitters, homeoutfitters.com 17 cream ceramic lamps and vase, brown cushions, wastebasket, pink and silver picture frames, water carafe set, Venetian-style mirrors, basket: HomeSense, homesense.caBathroom1 shower enclosure: Designer Glass Company, designerglasscompany.com2 custom sink console, mirror: The Salvage Shop, 866-825-29603 tub, sinks, toilet: Canaroma Bath and Tile, canaroma.ca4 tub filler, faucets, shower system, bath hardware: Axor Hansgrohe, hansgrohe-usa.com5 cabinet: DeBoer's, deboers.com6 chair, brass trolley: ChairTableLamp, 416-934-10217 stool: West Elm, westelm.com8 white towels, robes: Londen, londeninc.com9 white baskets, yellow towels: IKEA, ikea.ca10 decorative bath accessories: Abbott, abbottcollection.com11 chandelier, sea life ceramic jar, black mirrors: Invu Drapery Company, invudraperyco.com12 sconces: Universal Lamp, greatlighting.com13 black candleholders: Bronze Home Decor, 416-913-6545Dressing room1 wardrobes and kitchen cabinetry and fittings, design and installation, chaises, mirrors, chandeliers, sink, faucet, countertop, dinnerware: IKEA, ikea.ca2 grasscloth wallpaper: Crown Wallpaper Fabrics, 800-268-13003 coffee maker: Krups, krups.ca4 wine fridge: Electrolux, electrolux.ca5 apparel: Joe Fresh, joe.ca6 steamer: Rowenta, rowenta.caExterior1 lanterns: ChairTableLamp, 416-934-10212 window boxes, urns, plants: The Home Depot, homedepot.ca- Credit
- styleathome.com
-
Top 10 buyer turn-offs Top 10 buyer turn-offs
Top 10 buyer turn-offs ofpage 1 In many cities across Canada, the real estate market has cooled noticeably from the heady days of a year ago. There is a growing inventory of houses on the market, and buyers are much choosier than ever before. If you're planning to sell, it's important that you put your very best foot forward, if you want to sell quickly and at a decent price.Toronto real estate agent Matt Dawson of Chestnut Park Real Estate has seen some amazing blunders by sellers. Here's his take on some of the biggest buyer turn-offs, many of which could be avoided -- or at least mitigated-- with a little care and forethought.1 Wacky paint coloursSome buyers can overlook strange decor choices and picture the house painted white or in tasteful neutrals, but many can't. Furthermore, colour can have a strong effect on mood, both positively and negatively. Don't take the chance. 2 DirtA house for sale should be as near to spotless as you can make it. Particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, grimy grout, stained countertops, dishes in the sink and crunchy floors are definite turn-offs. Do at least a light cleaning before every showing and a more thorough clean each weekend before the open house.3 Odd (or oppressive) smellsIf you smoke, at least take it outside while the house is up for sale. In fact, any noticeable odours, whether pets, lingering cooking smells or even heavy perfume, can turn away a potential buyer. Use fabric refresher on upholstery and air fresheners or room scents where needed, but use a light hand.4 Unkempt exteriorCurb appeal makes a very strong impression on a potential buyer, and so does lack of it. Make sure the landscaping is trimmed and the lawn mowed; plant a few annuals or cover your flowerbeds with a neat layer of mulch, staying away from the bright red colour and opting for the natural coloured mulch. If the front porch needs painting, paint it. Also, keep the outside of your home as tidy as the interior: remove kids' toys from the backyard, and keep the porch steps swept.5 Too many petsIt's hard to believe that not everybody loves Fluffy, Fifi, and Rover as much as you do, but they don't. A dog that comes barking fiercely to the door as soon as you ring the bell, or worse, a whole pack of them, is unnerving. One cat sleeping quietly in a chair might be fine; a noisy (and possibly smelly) menagerie isn't. Try to find temporary homes for your friends, at least while the house is being shown. page 2 6 Wrong-headed renovationsThis is on a slightly different scale than the other points mentioned here, but should be considered at the time of renovation if possible. A toilet off the kitchen; an open-concept reno that creates a vast, empty space; or an oddly configured hallway or room is viewed by a buyer as money they'll have to spend to put things right. Try to modify your alterations to make them more universal, or better still, avoid wacky renovations in the first place.7 Dark and dingy interiorsYou can't do much about the building two feet beyond your side windows, but you can do a lot to brighten the inside of your house. White or light walls and woodwork is a classic brightener; if you can afford to add windows, they're a good investment in a dark house. Adding more lighting, whether by wiring overhead lights or just installing more lamps, works too. At the very least, keep your windows clean, to let in as much natural light as possible.8 Horrid basementsAgain, this may or may not be under your control, but a dank, dingy basement, especially if the ceiling is very low, can be off-putting. If you have the option, painting the cement floor or installing low-cost carpeting can help cheer it up a little. Also, clear out all the junk, right to the walls, so that buyers can see how much space there is -- even if it's only for their own junk.9 Dirty appliancesEven if the house is generally clean, don't discount the possibility that people will be looking inside the appliances. Keep your fridge clear of old take-out containers and aging leftovers -- what my mother used to call "furry friends" -- and use the self-clean mode on your oven.10 Swimming poolIt's perhaps unfair to include a pool as a buyer turn-off, since for some people it's a major attraction. But financially, pools rarely make back the money spent on them and can sometimes even lower a home's value. Almost certainly, a pool will cut down the number of potential buyers interested in the house.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
-
House hunting House hunting
House hunting ofpage 1 With all the doom and gloom we've been hearing lately about the softening real estate market, one important fact is being overlooked: it's a great time to buy. Housing prices in many Canadian cities are flat or actually lower than they were this time last year, houses are staying on the market longer, and the supply of available homes is increasing, making sellers more willing to negotiate. The heady days of the real estate boom -- characterized by multiple offers, bidding wars and having to move fast or risk losing out -- are, by most estimates, over.Thankfully, Canadians have, for the most part, escaped the carnage that has hit the American housing market. Sub-prime mortgages are relatively unheard of up here and riskier mortgage products, such as zero-down and 40-year amortization, are being phased out. Mind you, most analysts predict that Canadian lenders will not escape the downturn unscathed, and that one of the most obvious effects for consumers will be that credit won't be as easy to obtain as it once was. But if you're in a financial position to buy a new home, there's no reason to wait. Real estate continues to be an excellent investment, and there's great value for money out there.Advice for homebuyersKathy Monahan, an agent with the Toronto real estate firm Forest Hill Realty, has some good advice if you're thinking of buying a home right now. "First of all, get an agent; most people don't realize that when you're buying, the agent doesn't cost you a thing -- her commission is paid by the seller. She knows the market, can help you find good houses and steer you clear of bad ones." Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find a good agent, or visit a few open houses and "shop" the agents to find one you're simpatico with.How much can you afford?Early on, you need to figure out how much house you can afford. Make an appointment at your bank to get pre-qualified, a no-obligation process that will determine the maximum mortgage you can afford, which, added to your down payment, will give you a target (or maximum) price range. However, keep in mind there are a number of additional fixed costs to factor in: most crucially, many provinces and cities now levy Land Transfer Taxes, which vary depending on the province and town but together work out to about 3 to 4% of the price; there are also closing costs, lawyers' fees, moving fees, and perhaps a budget for redecorating and painting or renovating once you move in. page 2 Make a wish listWhat neighbourhoods do you like? How many bedrooms? Do you want a garden or low-maintenance landscaping? Parking? An older home or a new one? A condo? Fully renovated or ready for transformation? Do you prefer to be near good schools, shopping, transit, or have good highway access?Once you've toured a few houses with your agent, eventually you may find a promising prospect. Don't let emotion go too much to your head; there are some important points to consider before making an offer.Take a second lookThe simplest is to go back for a second look. A house that seems idyllic on a Sunday morning may be dark and dreary on Monday evening. Ask about the neighbours. Are they considerate? Are there any buildings or other things in the area that could be turnoffs (a noisy high school down the street, bars or other attractions that could make street parking difficult on weekends)?Look closely for things you might have missed the first time: the roof, the general state of repair, the size of the rooms. If you're still serious, consider a house inspection, which can cost as much as $250 or more, but will tell you in exacting detail what work needs to be done. (The cost of repairs uncovered by an inspection can sometimes be negotiated between buyer and seller.)Meanwhile, your agent should investigate the prices of comparable properties on the street and help you come up with a reasonable offer. Assuming there are no other offers in play, there may be a bit of bargaining between buyer and seller before a price that's acceptable to both is reached and the final offer is accepted. Congratulations! The home is yours!- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
-
A touch of pink A touch of pink
A touch of pink ofMaster bedroom With room for two, the resolutely feminine home that Jodi Fisher shares with her daughter, Caia, is a sweet retreat from Vancouver’s urban hustle and bustle. At just 1,600 square feet, the petite house required some smart small space planning. Here’s how interior designer Rosemary Sleigh packed in the elegance, with Jodi’s inspired eye for art and decor lending personal glamour. A king-size bed is striking within the modest dimensions of the master bedroom, especially with a tall, sparkling bespoke headboard. Amplify the dramaHave fun with scale and details. Here, hot punches of pink introduce personality to the otherwise calm, dove grey space. In this lighthearted home, furniture choices and placement are deliberately bold. “In a small space, the pieces you select should be robust and daring,” says interior designer Rosemary Sleigh, “enough to anchor the zones.”Repeat, repeat, repeat!Successful small-space decor is an exercise in design fundamentals. The easiest example to glean from the Fisher home is repetition: the grey-on-grey palette, numerous black accents, rounded shapes, layered fabrics, and luxurious textures like smooth silk and fluffy wool. Add a smattering of one-off glam accessories, and you’ve got a poised look that begs to be emulated. “Good design principles are especially critical in a small, open plan,” says Rosemary.Let it sparkle“When working with any small space, look for ways to draw the light into the farthest reaches,” says Rosemary. In the bedroom, the custom-made quilted headboard evokes a starry night, thanks to a constellation of tiny mirrors embroidered right onto the fabric. Daughter's bedroom White and pastel pink set a girlie tone in Caia’s bedroom. A wrought-iron four-poster, twinkling chandelier and faux fur throw make the room fit for a little princess.“The space doesn’t feel small at all because of the layout, high ceilings and lots of light.” -JODI FISHER, HOMEOWNERBe playfulSmall children are a unique consideration when designing compact spaces. Streamlined living zones with lots of open space between furniture keep chaos under control as little ones race around. Creating a superplush and nifty nest (like the four-poster bed in daughter Caia’s room, heaped with pillows and a faux fur throw) means kids have a special spot to play and rest – although Caia says, “I love Mom’s princess room the best.”“The decor is really feminine – girlie, actually – and that’s just the way we like it.” -JODI- Credit
- Christina Symons
-
25 insider condo buying tips 25 insider condo buying tips
25 insider condo buying tips ofBuying tips: 1 to 14 Condo sales are at an all-time high. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, people are rediscovering the joys of living downtown again, along with the low-maintenance, easy lifestyle that goes with havng your very own castle in the clouds. And with housing real estate prices at truly stratospheric levels across the country, a condo is an affordable way into the market, especially for young people.Kathy Monahan, an agent with Forest Hill Realty in Toronto, has been helping clients buy and sell condos for nearly three decades and offers these 25 insider tips when you’re thinking of going condo.Before you start1 Hire a professional realtor to help with the buying process. It costs you nothing, since the seller pays the commission. 2 Make sure you have a good lawyer. 3 Seek financial qualification, to determine how much mortgage you can afford.4 Crunch the numbers with your financial backer; you’ll need extra money for closing costs, moving, land transfer tax and lawyers’ fees.On the hunt5 Be prepared to see a variety of styles: low-rise, high-rise, with or without amenities such as doormen or gym facilities.6 Purchase the largest suite you can afford. Studios and one-bedrooms are more difficult to re-sell.7 Visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day and evening. Does it suit you? 8 Choose a handsome view. Not only will it make day-to-day life more appealing, but it helps with resale later.9 Bear in mind that a southern exposure, although bright and sunny, may also be hot in the summer.10 Avoid a layout that looks out over the garbage pick-up area.11 Avoid a suite that overlooks the garage entrance and the coming and going of vehicle traffic.12 Avoid a suite beside or across from the elevator.13 A parking space is highly recommended. Even if you don’t drive, you can always rent it out.14 A locker is also highly recommended. There is rarely if ever enough storage space in a condo. Buying tips: 15 to 25 Home suite home15 Find out about visitor parking. How many spaces are available?16 With a resale condo, examine the appliances and wear and tear on the suite closely.17 Note the condition -- and aroma -- of the lobby and common areas such as hallways and stairwells.18 Find out who the occupants of the building are: mostly owners or tenants? Owners are preferable.19 Find out the monthly condo maintenance fees and what exactly they include (and don’t include).20 What are the property taxes? Are they included in the maintenance fees?21 Chat with other owners and ask about their experience in the building.Make me an offer22 Visit the suite at least twice, if you can, before making your offer. 23 Know what comparable suites in the building and in the area have sold for.24 As for offer price, listen to and discuss with your agent.25 When you are ready to make an offer, make it conditional on your lawyer reviewing the Condominium Documents and Status Certificate.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
-
10 tips to sell your home 10 tips to sell your home
10 tips to sell your home ofpage 1 Getting ready to sell? Move your property fast – and for the highest selling price possible – with these easy, affordable staging tricks. These deal-sealing changes will make your home attractive to the largest pool of potential buyers, and the best part is, you can start at any stage in the game. Who knows – you may love your home’s new look so much that you decide not to list after all!1 Paint!Dollar for dollar, a fresh coat of paint gives you more bang for your decorating buck than anything else. Even if your current palette is relatively new, any scuffs or wear marks will channel an unkempt vibe. And an unusual colour choice – even if the height of fashion – may limit your home’s appeal. So break out that roller and slap on a couple coats of crowd-pleasing warm white or sand paint.2 Improve the lightingReplace any dated light fixtures ASAP. How can you tell if it has to go? If it’s over 15 years old and looks it – yet isn’t a vintage (50-75 years old) or antique piece (older) – it should probably go. “Retro” is not something most homebuyers are looking for. You don’t need to break the bank, just head to IKEA or Canadian Tire.3 De-clutterTake the collectibles off the mantel, put the mismatched armchair into storage (or better yet, donate it) and pare your closets down to what you’re actually wearing this season, packing away the rest. Ideally, all this extra stuff would head to charity (if in good, saleable condition), the garbage dump, or into storage. The more you store onsite, the more cluttered and small your home appears.4 Give dated bathrooms a faceliftA nice bath helps sell a house but, don’t invest in a total renovation. Renos are costly, and you won’t recoup your costs unless you find your exact décor doppelganger. Bring an out-of-date bath up to speed with gleaming white walls whether via a fresh coat of white bath and kitchen paint or ceramic tile and new lighting (Home Depot excels at affordable, stylish bathroom vanity lighting). Buy neutral new shower curtains, a simple new bath mat and vanity set, and have fresh flowers in the room during open houses.5 Take down curtainsDated window treatments need to come down, pronto (if it’s over 10 years old, get rid of it). If privacy isn’t an issue, just leave the windows bare to maximize natural light and make the room’s dimensions seem more generous. Otherwise, buy basic-issue cotton or linen drapes from Linens ‘N Things or another well-priced retailer. Always tie drapes back during viewings and open houses. page 2 6 Put up mirrors Make small rooms appear bigger and dark rooms seem brighter by adding an attractive wall mirror. A boxlike dining room will benefit from a leaning floor mirror (Lowes sells well priced ones, and HomeSense often has great deals) and an entranceway more welcoming with a console mirror.7 Update porch hardwareIncrease your home’s curb appeal by updating the hardware on your front porch. Buy a doorknocker or bell, mailbox, kick plate, doorknob and lockset in a set or in complementary styles. Brushed nickel is a neutral finish that will never date, while oil-rubbed bronze is another favourite. 8 And the porch lightUpdate your porch light to coordinate with the new hardware, if needed. They don’t have to be an exact match or even come from the same period, but the finishes and styles should look pleasing together.9 Spiff up the front yardRefresh your front yard according to the season. In spring, summer and fall, trim back dead plants and foliage and plant attractive annuals or perennials in flowerbeds. In winter, keep the walkway shoveled and cut back any tree or shrub branches damaged by heavy snowfall. A pair of planters flanking the front door and filled with seasonal arrangements instantly conveys pride of ownership.10 Tend the backyardSimple fix-its will make the most of your existing yard layout. Replace any damaged boards on your deck or fence, and apply a fresh coat of paint, or stain and sealant if the finish needs it. Weed and groom your garden and add some perennials for colour when in-season. If kids’ toys are taking over the space, put some in storage. Think “tidy,” “update” and “refresh”: never do anything costly or major like adding a swimming pool or pond, which may put off potential buyers.- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
-
Hearth renovation Hearth renovation
Hearth renovation ofpage 1 BEFORE This family room had an enviable shell: peaked 12-foot-high ceilings and an open-plan layout adjoining the kitchen. The mantel anchored the room, providing eye-pleasing symmetry – if you could get past the dated decor, that is. “Our goal was to bring the space up to date and create a comfortable area where the family could spend time together,” says Eileen Marshall, colour and design consultant with Home Colours & Decor in Oakville, Ont. With two teenagers in the house, some of that time consists of watching television. AFTER To keep the room clean-lined and fresh, the boys’ prized flat-screen TV is now in a central spot over the floating mantel. Even if one or both parents are in the kitchen while the boys watch a show, there’s still a feeling of family togetherness.Minimalist mantel “My client hated the existing brick-and-wood mantel,” says Eileen. After drywalling over the brick, a floating mantel was fabricated from MDF. “The moulding used replicates the bookcase trim, tying the wall elements together,” she says. page 2 Improved lighting Besides being outdated, the old lighting drew the eye away from the mantel. Pot lights on dimmers illuminate better, and allow the fireplace to be the star of the show.Palette pick Para Paints’ Country Home P846-2 emphasizes the feature-wall aspect of the hearth, while Benjamin Moore’s Marble White OC-34 covers the walls, ceiling, built-ins and moulding. The same colours were used in the kitchen, helping to create a seamless bridge between the spaces.Updated built-ins The bookcases got a makeover with fresh paint, modern satin-nickel hardware and glass shelves. Choose tempered glass for safety, says colour and design consultant Eileen Marshall of Home Colours & Decor in Oakville, Ont.Healthier home Swapping the old, dust-trapping carpet for elegant hardwood provided a literal breath of fresh air, as did replacing a wood-burning fireplace with a new natural gas model. page 3 Accessories With a mantel this petite, decorating takes just minutes, and the narrow dimensions preclude clutter. “Little bits of colour and texture get big results,” says Eileen.Storage Don’t let home electronics detract from the focal point of the room: the mantel. Covered cabinetry hides stereo equipment, an old VCR and assorted chargers behind closed doors.Fabric People love to gather by the fire. So when choosing an upholstery fabric for sofas and chairs, look for a high durability rating, advises Eileen, which indicates how well it will stand up to everyday wear. “Fifteen thousand double rubs [double rubs being the industry standard rating] would be a good starting point,” she says. page 4 Shelf life Collections displayed on the twin built-ins are kept simple and streamlined. When styling a pair of bookcases on either side of a mantel, step back every so often to survey your progress and ensure your arrangement has balance.6 options for a hearth you can warm up toOne of these makeover ideas may give your tired fireplace the spark it needs. In all cases, be sure your work is done to code, says Eileen.1 Paint over existing brick. 2 Cover brick with drywall, then paint. 3 Cover with wood or MDF panelling, then stain. 4 Ditch the mantel altogether and build a cantilevered hearth that doubles as seating. 5 Think tile: oversize, glass, tumbled stone or even metal. 6 Clad the fireplace in natural stone, provided it will be able to support the weight.- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
-
10 tips to resell your house 10 tips to resell your house
10 tips to resell your house of5 tips for reselling your home Is selling your house, loft or condo on your to-do list this year? Even in a softening real estate market, there are ways you can turn your property into a can’t-pass-up opportunity to buyers. Here are our top tips for getting your home resale-ready – as well as some pitfalls to avoid.1 DO your best to create a warm and welcoming space that looks clean, bright, well cared for and up-to-date. The majority of potential buyers are seeking a place that is ready for their decorating touches but not in need of a major overhaul.2 DON’T put your trademark on everything. If you’re committed to selling your home, you have to be ready to say goodbye to it before you sell. Once you make the commitment to list, get ready to start erasing your personality from the space, so the largest number of potential buyers can envision putting their stamp on it. In other words, that midnight blue living room you love should be repainted white or sand before you list. (If a bold colour really makes the space, leave it on one feature wall and paint the other walls a neutral colour.)3 DO invest in relatively low-effort, low-cost, high-yield facelifts, like repainting the walls, replacing dated lighting or faucets, sealing your driveway and so on. Make a list and tackle one project per weekend afternoon. Small cosmetic changes add up to make a great first impression of your home.4 DON’T invest in high-effort, high-cost renovations that you hope will net you a sales premium. Listing your home and buying a new one is stressful enough, so don’t frustrate yourself with overly ambitious plans you may be forced to abandon or cut corners on. Think refresh, not renovate.5 DO invest in upgrading yard features like a deck or patio. Potential buyers love decks, so make yours look its best by repairing any damaged planks, refinishing the surface, and even investing in a nice barbecue and outdoor furniture set, which can help “sell” a relaxing outdoor-living lifestyle. 5 more tips 6 DON’T splurge on big, watery backyard investments like a swimming pool, hot tub, or large pond. You won’t make back your investment and in fact, may alienate many potential buyers who are put off by the work involved in maintenance.7 DO bring your kitchen up to date with a facelift. You don’t need premium bells and whistles. A neutral palette, new-looking cabinetry, unblemished countertops and floors, recent-model appliances (stainless steel is a plus) and a welcoming, clean vibe will help you get – or exceed – your asking price. 8 DON’T create the grand cucina you’ve been always dreaming of. At least not here: save it for the home you’re moving to. Let potential buyers visualize what they could do with the space instead. If your deluxe vision isn’t in line with theirs, they won’t spend top dollar to underwrite the work you did.9 DO tread lightly on the earth when getting your home resale-ready. Donate home fixtures that are in working order to Habitat for Humanity’s ReStores across Canada, and use low- or no VOC paints on your walls. Consider refacing or repainting kitchen and bath cabinetry rather than replacing them, and if you’re refreshing your flowerbeds, opt for native perennials and shrubs, which tend to be more drought-resistant than exotics.10 DON’T assume a new buyer will be wiling to pay a premium for your eco-friendly retrofits. The solar panels or tank-less water heater you install are great for the environment but not necessarily recoverable in your sale price. Have them installed in your next home instead, where they’ll pay for themselves through energy savings.- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
Site sections Overview
-
Latest issue
The holiday issue
In this issue
Happy holidays!
Gift guide: We shopped till we dropped to find the best gifts for all the home lovers on your list; Going green: Make your home look freshly festive with do-it-yourself projects featuring lush greenery like moss, silver sage, myrtle and ferns; Decor... more -
Quiz
Quiz: What's your decorating style?