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When you’re thinking about a fireplace tile update, but you’re not sure if you want to replace the whole surround, consider painting the tile instead. It’s a relatively easy project that should just take a day or two for even a beginner DIYer. Head to your local home improvement store and look for a bonding primer that will adhere to tile and an interior epoxy paint or another tile-friendly paint. You’ll also want to pick up some fine-grit sandpaper, painter’s tape and tarps, paint brushes and paint rollers.

Having a magazine worthy yard is something many strive for, but due to a number of circumstances many fall short. There are a few simple things that anyone can do to start on the path to a picture-perfect yard.

The age-old question when buying new patio or outdoor furniture is: do you purchase furniture that will last a season or two or do you purchase higher quality furniture that will last longer? A lot of this depends on where you see yourself in a few years and what your needs at that point may be. Here are three areas to consider before making a purchase.

You probably spend a lot of time in your kitchen: cooking, eating, celebrating, chatting, etc. as life seems to happen around food and in the room where it’s prepared. If it’s not your favourite room in the house, give yourself a small budget and a weekend to make a few notable changes to create a happier space.

Here are five ideas:

1. Paint your cabinets a trendy colour like blue or a more neutral colour like white to give your kitchen a whole new look. Note: two toned cabinets (for example white above the counters and green below) is quite trendy this year.
2. Update your light fixtures. Creating a bold focal point with a unique light fixture will give your kitchen a whole new perspective.
3. Add art to the room. Whether it’s a painting on the wall or an artful pattern on the curtains, add a bit of personality to your kitchen with art.
4. Give your feet a break with luxurious, washable runners or rugs under the table, in front of the sink and anywhere else you have to stand for long periods of time. Keep the rug neutral or go bold, but focus on comfort as you’ll be thankful for that in the long run.
5. Install a fancy (and functional) faucet. If you’re still using the basic faucet that was there when you moved in, treat yourself to a fancy new faucet with sprayers, touchless operation or even lights.

Many Canadians lead a healthy lifestyle that includes eating well and exercising. However, not everyone has access to a gym and sometimes heading outside is not possible due to the weather. Here are a few small pieces of exercise equipment that won’t overtake an entire room so you can get your body moving when it’s convenient for you.

• Yoga Mat – not just for yoga, these soft mats create a space where you can do a variety of body weight movements (squats, crunches, etc.) without having to lie directly on your hard floor or accidentally slip on your carpet. Paired with online workout videos, a yoga mat is a great investment that can easily be stored away.
• Core Sliders – these frisbee-sized discs are foam on one side and plastic on the other and glide on most flooring surfaces. Used under your feet or hands, there are a variety of exercises you can do with them that will enhance your core strength.
• Resistance bands – There are a few different types of resistance bands on the market but generally they can fit in a small bag or hang nicely on the wall to take up almost no space. These bands (elastic or fabric) add tension or resistance during exercise movements to engage your muscles.

Research exercise movements and consult your physician before starting any exercise program, but rest assured you can make a functional and effective home gym in the smallest of spaces.

When scouring home decor magazines, blogs and the Internet for design trends for 2024, the buzz words you’re going to consistently come across are bold, bright, texture and unique.

Gone are the days where white walls and furniture create a sophisticated room. Instead, designers are looking to bold patterns and colours mixed with a neutral palette to create the latest in sophistication. Choose a few of the trending looks to incorporate into your home this year.

Starting with paint, the colour of the year is a dark grey/soft black that pairs really well with other rich hues that are popular this year. Accents or fabrics in gold or aluminum (new or vintage) are a great way to finish off the sophisticated look of any room.

If you’re not ready for such a drastic change, start with a textured, odd-shaped rug in a bold colour. Furthering the odd-shaped theme, choose to hang mirrors in unique shapes with bold frames.

Have fun with the trends and make your living spaces warm, conversation inducing and personal this year.

Making a small, yet impactful change to the look of your room
can be quick, easy and cost effective. The easiest way is to change
out decor items – get new storage baskets, replace your candles or
vases, get new throw pillows, etc. If you want to take it a step further,
here are five easy and relatively low-cost changes you can make this
weekend that go beyond purchasing new decor.

Look up. What do you see? A plain white popcorn ceiling? Chances are you’re one of millions of Canadians who haven’t explored the option of ceiling décor. Designers are calling it the fifth wall in a room and have started to become more and more vocal about sprucing ceilings up. Here are some décor options to consider for your ceiling: Wall paper, or ceiling paper to be more accurate. Apply textured wallpaper to your smooth ceiling in much the same way you would a wall. It can be left its original colour, or painted for a more stunning effect. Or opt for a wallpaper
that features a bold pattern or bright colour to enhance an otherwise serene room.

Moving into a new home affords you the opportunity to create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, make you and your family comfortable and provide functionality. For some, this comes easily and doesn’t require a second thought. For others, it’s a struggle that warrants the hiring of a professional. But what professional do you need exactly? If your goal is to have your home look a specific way – minimalistic, country chic, contemporary, rustic – your best course of action is to consult with an Interior Decorator. These experts use décor, paint colour, flooring and furniture to make a space look put together and attractive. Ask for their portfolio with examples of past work as well as references of past clients to ensure their skillset suits your needs.