(NC)—As the cold weather approaches it’s tempting to hibernate indoors and spark a cozy fire. But before you hunker down, insurer RSA offers some safety tips you should consider.
• Hire a certified professional to clean your fireplace and chimney annually.
• Check your chimney and fireplace for any damage including cracks and loose or deteriorating bricks.
• Ensure you have a sturdy fire screen to keep fire logs and sparks in the fireplace.
• Safeguard pets and small children from getting too close…Read the Rest

(NC)—We all want the finer things in life, but while many of us have expensive tastes, we don’t always have such lavish budgets. And, when it comes to updating our kitchen, many items can have large price tags that in today’s market we won’t be able to recoup. Luckily, with a little creativity you can achieve a cost-conscious kitchen remodel that achieves maximum enjoyment on a minimal budget.
Finished Look for Less
Does your…Read the Rest

(NC)—You love the look of natural wood flooring but are afraid to install hardwood because you know your floors take a beating from the kids, pets and the heavy day-to-day traffic all too common in modern family life.
But you don’t have to sacrifice style for boring sensibility when considering a new flooring option in your home – not if you choose laminate. The best laminates combine the realistic grain and texture of wood with high durability and scratch and indentation…Read the Rest

(NC)—We have all been there before. We want to have fun with home decorating without stepping too far outside of our comfort zone. Rest assured it can be done.
“The use of accent pieces in a home is a great way to express your personal style without overdoing it,” said Donna Church, Kohler Canada. “The best part about using accents is that you don’t have to do a complete renovation or redecorate an entire space. A little flare can go a…Read the Rest

The colour trends for 2010 represent both a need for comfort and support. As well, a cautious new optimism is reflected in colour choices for both home decor and residential products. Comfortable and stable, chocolate brown still continues in popularity for consumer goods but the surge of charcoal as a sophisticated new neutral continues to grow. Yellow and gold reflect our desire for warmth and intellect as well as a fresh take on an old colour. Watch for yellow…Read the Rest

(NC)—Nothing is more relaxing than a breath of fresh air, which is likely the reason why the lines between indoors and out have blurred immensely. More and more homeowners are moving their living rooms outside to well-appointed patios and decks, furnishing these spaces with all the comforts of their favourite indoor gathering spaces.
In fact, research shows homebuilders are now incorporating two- and three-sided outdoor rooms into home plans. Manufacturers too are addressing the trend by providing a wide array of…Read the Rest

(NC)—When renovating a home, people often forget one of the most important components: the outdoor space. If done right, your yard can become more than an extension of your home – it can be your very own private escape! An outdoor space needs to be designed and decorated with the same care and attention as a kitchen or bedroom. From choosing the right furniture, to adding the right decorative compliments, here are a few key considerations to keep in mind…Read the Rest

(NC)—Home theatres can be organizing nightmares with the mess of unsightly cables and wires going every which way. Thankfully, there are a lot of media storage solutions out there to help you manage your electronics tastefully and add a modern touch to your home décor.
One solution is to invest in a quality media console that is specifically designed to support your expensive equipment. Vibration resistant models and those with good ventilation for air circulation allow the equipment to operate properly…Read the Rest

(NC)—Finishing the basement in your house has probably been at the bottom of your renovation to-do list. But have you thought about the benefits? Added comfort, expanded living space, cost savings* and overall increased energy efficiency are just a few of them. Whether your basement is a do-it-yourself project or you’re working with a contractor, it’s best to start with insulation. The tips below can help save both time and money.
Start by placing a moisture barrier against the inside of…Read the Rest

From the design, to the construction, to the types of appliances you install – including energy efficiency upgrades during the construction process helps to increase your homes energy performance and comfort.

(NC)—Turn your patio into a summer oasis without breaking the bank with these five simple steps from Hilary Farr, designer and host of W Network’s Love It or List It.
Lighting
You can transform your garden into a romantic or festive summer oasis inexpensively and easily. String up outdoor lights: use your soft white LED outdoor Christmas lights or try eco-conscious solar powered or paper lanterns. For a more exotic look, invest in a few standing torches. If you have a permanent…Read the Rest

(NC)—For homeowners, expanding living space often means relocating to a bigger house since building an addition isn’t always an option. But if you can’t build up or build out, a great alternative to moving is creating additional space inside your house. A good way to do it is a home renovation project that will convert unused space into a living space, such as areas like your basement. Renovating your basement, such as upgrading your basement insulation, can be done quickly…Read the Rest