• 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 to the open flames.

• Choose the right logs that will burn the cleanest and have less creosote which can build up and clog a chimney. Prepared fire logs from your local retailer usually burn well, however if you are using chopped wood ensure it is dry (preferably laid to dry for at least a year).

• Remember to open the flue and keep the fire well ventilated.

• Keep the size of your fire in ratio to your fireplace, fires that are too large are dangerous and can get out of control.

• Keep both a regular and chimney fire extinguisher in your home and ensure everyone in your family knows how to use them.

• Ensure your home insurance is up to date. In the event of a fire in your home, adequate home insurance will provide peace of mind and speed up the claims process.

Should your fire get out of control, don’t hesitate to call 911. Even if your fire seems to have simmered, you may have flames still burning in your chimney that will need immediate attention. If you have glass doors on your fireplace close them and be prepared to evacuate immediately. More information on fire prevention and home insurance is available from your insurance broker or online at www.rsagroup.ca.

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Finished Look for Less

Does your kitchen have shiny brass light fixtures? If so, updating these can instantly make your home look more current and stylish. For an economical choice, turn your current lighting fixtures from brass to beautiful by spray painting them with a new contemporary finish. Manufacturers, such as Krylon offer unique choices, such as stainless steel or hammered oil rubbed bronze, that add beautiful texture for a high-end look.

Fashionable, Functional Focal Point

Most kitchens have a basic faucet – but as the focal point and most-used item in the kitchen, updating this mainstay can create a functional and fashionable change that everyone will take notice.

Try Moen Canada’s Boutique Pulldown kitchen faucet, with its distinct styling that blends beautifully into granite and other solid-surface countertops for an upscale and stunning look. Or, try an eco-friendly option, such as Moen Canada’s Dorsey Eco-Performance kitchen faucet, which offers consumer-preferred pullout/pulldown functionality with three unique settings – eco-performance stream or spray for tasks like washing dishes that require a constant, yet low-water flow, or a full-flow option when filling a pot or pitcher. This simple kitchen update can yield up to a 32 percent water savings – while also adding exquisite styling into your kitchen.

Sensational Shelves

Nothing can make a kitchen look worse than cluttered countertops. But when it comes to storing necessities or displaying decorative items – there often is no other spot. While adding new cabinetry can solve your storage issue, it can be costly. Instead, build exposed shelves to give your kitchen a more updated look and an open, airy feel.

Home improvement retailers offer a variety of pre-made wood shelving in a variety of materials and finishes, or, if you are handy, you can build your own to save even more. Once they are complete, utilize them for a mix of decorative and functional kitchen items and be sure to keep everything neat and clean for a polished look.

Breathtaking Backsplash

Adding ceramic tile in your kitchen can add colour, texture and a high-end appearance, but upgrading your entire floor or countertops can be very pricey. Instead, adding a tile backsplash can make a dramatic change – with minimal cost and effort. Whether you’re an experienced DIYer or not, there are many online step-by-step guides or many home improvement retailers offer classes for this simple project. And, in no time at all you’ll have a beautiful tile masterpiece that will accent – and protect – your walls.

With these few updates, your kitchen will look great, be more functional… all without breaking the bank.

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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 resistance that natural wood floors don’t provide. And, not only are today’s laminates available at a fraction of the cost of real wood floors, but they’re also right in sync with the latest designs.

“There’s always a new decorating trend around the corner,” said Jeff Katz, director of Laminate for Tarkett Residential. “It’s imperative for manufacturers to respond to market demand, keeping up with the most up-to-date trends to ensure consumers are getting the latest in style and design, as well as technology.”

One such line is Tarkett’s North American Laminate Collection, designed specifically for the North American consumer who wants the latest in traditional and contemporary designs. Featuring exotic wood patterns, a mix of traditional and modern woods and several distinctive concrete and metallic designs, the high-performance laminate offers superior durability and great value.

Many of today’s laminates also are easy to install, with no need for glue or nails, and even can be used over several types of existing flooring, often eliminating the need for sub-floor preparation.

When shopping for laminate, Katz offers these tips:

• Look for flooring that is engineered with sturdy inner core board layers that deliver high impact resistance (at least an IC3 rating).

• Also look for laminates featuring a durable AC3 rating for scratch and abrasion resistance.

• Shop for laminate offering extended warranties.

• Choose easy-to-install planks that simply snap together.

• Select laminate that closely replicates the look of natural materials for the most attractive look.

Find more information online at www.tarkettna.com or call toll-free 1-800-367-8275.

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“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 long way.”

Not sure how to incorporate accent pieces in your home without going overboard? Follow these simple do’s and don’ts to get you started.

Do:

Do go big or go home. Use bold colours, patterns and textures when selecting accent pieces.

Do seek inspiration in unlikely places. Art galleries, fashion magazines and décor catalogues are great but you should also draw inspiration from interesting architecture, ethnic cultures and nature for unique design ideas you can make your own. Kohler’s naturally inspired Katagami Wading Pool in cast bronze combines organic texture with a natural, living finish that develops a rich patina over time.

Do tie your accents together with a common theme or trend. Whether you are looking for masculine touches, modern artistry or timeless traditional, accents should seem fluid throughout your home.

Do involve a professional if you’re the kind of person who does not enjoy installing things yourself. Once you’ve chosen a quality faucet that will enhance your home, call in a professional to take care of the installation for you. Get it done right the first time.

Do start small. If painting your walls bright orange seems scary, paint just one wall in the bathroom and then bring in some orange towels to highlight the accent. In time, that may not seem like enough anymore and you will know you are ready to take the plunge.

Don’t:

Don’t be afraid to be different. No two homes should look alike on the inside. You must choose pieces that make you feel happy and comfortable in your living space.

Don’t assume that every room needs an accent. Sometimes less is more. Kitchens and bathrooms are the most visited rooms in the home and will benefit most from the occasional accent piece.

Don’t sacrifice function for style. It should not be one or the other. Ensure that any accent piece you choose serves a purpose and performs it well so you do not get frustrated with it and regret your decision down the road.

Don’t forget to have fun. Decorating your home is your opportunity to express yourself in a uniquely personal way. Enjoy the process by documenting each space you transform before and after so you have a reference for how far it has come.

More inspired ideas around the home are available online at KOHLER.ca.

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Salmon and coral are a welcome and relaxed version of red. Think of the inside of a watermelon to picture this colour. By definition red is the colour of life and energy and is comforting when used to surround us in our own spaces. Watery blues continue to balance a warm palette but look for the growth of dark green as a new player on the colour radar. Green is the colour of earth and provides the support and regrowth we look for as the economy rebuilds. Finally, deep rich colours will continue to build but bright alternatives of our favorite colours will pierce segments of the marketplace, providing a burst of optimism just when we need it most!

Jane Lockhart BAAID
Jane Lockhart Interior Design
Www.janelockhart.com

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 products designed for outdoor living, giving homeowners nearly as many choices to decorate their outdoor living rooms as those inside their homes – including furniture, textiles, lighting, grills and even WiFi-enabled outdoor entertainment systems.

“Homeowners are spending as much time and effort on outdoor living projects as they do indoor decorating endeavors,” notes Denise Patterson, product manager for Krylon, the nation’s leader in spray paint. “With the summer season upon us, now’s the time to freshen up outdoor living spaces and make them ‘relaxation ready’ for the warm months of fun.”

Pep it up with paint

One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to spruce up an outdoor area is by refurbishing existing furniture and other pieces with spray paint. While you want furniture to look stylish, you also want something that is easy to clean and maintain, and holds up against the elements like rain, heat and sunlight. No one wants freshly painted furniture to fade, chip or rust before the season ends.

From wicker furniture and patio tables, to pottery and planters, Krylon’s Outdoor Spaces line of spray finishes offers a wide range of durable, yet contemporary colours that can easily help you achieve sophisticated looks with the convenience of spray paint. Because homeowners are looking for more than just basic colours, they’re available in several new, vibrant and exciting hues including poppy, ivy, ocean and sunlight.

Lighten up with fabric and lighting

Once your painting projects are complete, accent your bold colour choices with unique and interesting cushions and throw pillows made from stain- and mildew-resistant fabrics. Also keep in mind, your new furniture colours and coordinating cushions will “pop” and look brighter with the right kind of outdoor lighting. Depending on how you configure your outdoor living space, you can install lighted ceiling fans, environmentally friendly solar accent lighting to surrounding flowerbeds and even use portable lamps designed expressly for exterior use.

Add nature… with a twist

Living in the great outdoors wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t weave in natural elements such as fire and water. A grill and/or a fire pit and water features, such as a container pond, bird bath or waterfall planter further tie together the perfect combination of inside meets outside.

Additionally, portable patio heaters are a great way to let you enjoy your outdoor haven even when nights get chilly, allowing you to make the most of your space all season long.

Include enticing entertainment

And don’t forget the entertainment. Outdoor-friendly systems exist for any budget – ranging from WiFi- or satellite-radio-enabled speaker systems for a little mood music, to high-end comprehensive systems that include plasma televisions and surround sound. All are designed to withstand any weather.

With all of the stylish and unique design options available to help you create your own backyard oasis this summer, why would you even consider spending your free time indoors? The season lasts only a few months in many climates, so make the most of it by designing an ultimate outdoor living room that’s ideal for gathering, cooking, entertaining and relaxing with friends and family.

More information about Krylon products can be found online at www.krylon.com.

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Why sit when you can lounge?

Do you want to use your space to host parties, relax in a zen-inspired garden, or give your children a space where they can play? How you plan on using the space will determine what type of furniture you need. And with outdoor furniture, you can be a little more creative: chairs can be replaced with recliners, swings, loungers or even hammocks. Decorative accents are also essential: throw a few colourful pillows on your outdoor furniture or put an area rug under your outdoor patio set. As long as fashion meets function, almost anything goes.

Be wary of the weather

While you don’t have to worry about rain resistant finishes on your living room couch, the same cannot be said for your patio furnishings. It is important to keep the climate in mind when choosing your outdoor furniture. For example, if you live in a windy area, select heavier furniture as lighter plastic chairs are likely to turn up on your neighbour’s lawn! If you experience heavy, regular rainfall, try to stay away from materials like rod iron that are more likely to rust. And to lengthen the life of your outdoor pieces, make sure to store your patio furniture when weather isn’t in your favour.

Sneak it away

The days of hiding outdoor pillows in a boring and old plastic bin are long gone. If you build storage needs into your outdoor design, your weather sensitive pieces – such as pillows and tablecloths – will have a home all season long. And today you don’t even have to worry about finding the perfect match as many outdoor furniture sets include beautiful deck boxes that help pull the look of your outdoor space together.

Set the mood

Like any room in your house lighting is key and when it comes to the outdoors, solar powered lights are a great option. Solar lights are environmentally friendly – which is great news for the green-minded consumer who’s looking to save on their energy bills. Installation is also easy as there is no wiring or plugs to worry about! And with so many styles to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect one to brighten up your own outdoor space.

With the right tools and tips, setting up a fun and functional outdoor space doesn’t need to be an overwhelming project. For more tips on how to create the ultimate outdoor retreat, visit www.homedepot.ca.
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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 and avoid overheating.

A hot new trend in home theatre furniture is to forego the traditional TV stand and go with wall mountable furniture. A multi-shelf wooden cabinet from Sanus Systems includes sliding glass doors and cable cutouts for neatly routing wires. Its best feature? The Sanus JFV60 model includes a heavy-duty steel plate that holds the console to the wall and supports up to 200 lbs. of additional equipment when mounted. A simpler solution offers two wall mountable glass shelves for storing DVD players and other media underneath a mounted flat-screen TV.

If you’re more of a traditionalist and can’t embrace hanging furniture on the wall, cable channels are great accessories for routing wires from behind your TV stand to electrical outlets located further down on the wall. The plastic channels hide wires inside and can be painted to match your wall colour. They often come in various lengths with 45-degree elbows and 90-degree pieces for going around corners.

So if you’re looking to spruce up your home theatre, wall mountable furniture is an easy way to organize cables and transform the look of your décor. More furniture and cable concealing options can be found at www.sanus.com.

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Start by placing a moisture barrier against the inside of the concrete wall from the floor to finished grade level. Then, build a standard wall frame, using 2 x 4 or 2 x 6 wood studs. Place it in front of the concrete wall. Now, install R-20 PINK™ FIBERGLAS® batt insulation between the studs and ensure the inner surface of the batts is flush with the inside surfaces of the studs. Using PINK™ FIBERGLAS® batt insulation, form a solid thermal barrier between studs and conserve energy to help reduce heating and air-conditioning costs. Finally, don’t forget to install a continuous polyethylene vapour barrier over entire wall area.

Great news for eco-conscious homeowners is that PINK™ FIBERGLAS® insulation products are made from over 70** per cent recycled content, so you can do your bit for the environment, too. PINK™ FIBERGLAS® insulation products will help you participate in recycling efforts and prevent waste from going to landfills.

Finally, finishing your basement can be more affordable than ever when you take advantage of government grants. The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes program is offering a grant of up to $5000 from the Government of Canada for energy efficiency renovations which have not yet started. Some energy utilities and provincial governments offer additional funding.

More information on ecoENERGY grants and incentives can be found online at http://www.ecoaction.gc.ca/homes.

More information about how to insulate your basement is available at www.owenscorning.ca.

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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.