Summer is just around the corner, and it’s time to get your home ready for the warm weather.
Whether you’re planning on hosting summer barbecues, relaxing in the sun, or just want to
freshen up your living space, we’ve got you covered with these three tips for decorating your
home for the summer.

1. Bring in nature. One of the easiest ways to bring summer into your home is by adding
   natural elements. You can do this by incorporating greenery, flowers, or even seashells
   into your decor. Plants and flowers not only look beautiful, but they also purify the air and
   provide a calming ambiance. Seashells are a great way to bring a beachy feel to your
   home, and you can use them as accents on shelves or in vases.
2. Lighten up. Summer is all about light and airy vibes, and you can achieve this by
   switching out heavy fabrics and dark colours for lighter ones. Swap out your dark curtains
   for sheer ones to allow more natural light to come in. Replace your heavy duvet with a
   lighter quilt or a cotton blanket. You can also add pops of bright colours to your decor to
   create a cheerful and lively atmosphere.
3. Take advantage of the outdoors. Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of your
   outdoor space. You can create an outdoor oasis by adding comfortable seating, a dining
   area, and even a fire pit. Incorporating outdoor lighting, such as string lights or lanterns,
   will create a cozy ambiance for those warm summer evenings. You can also add potted
   plants or an herb garden to create a lush and inviting atmosphere.
   

Let us know if you have any decorations for this summer that you hold dearly. We’d love to hear
about it!

This year had quite a winter, and with it finally coming to an end this is a fantastic opportunity to
start decorating for the warm weather. Here are three tips for you to consider when starting your
design journey:

1. Add some colour with flowers. For a spring table setting, fresh-cut flowers are a
   perfect addition. It welcomes in seasonal blooms, making them center stage at your next
   gathering. Use different styles of containers, each unique and in varying heights. Keep
   the floral selection to one type of bloom so there is an element of consistency. Pair your
   vignette with details like woven chargers and natural linens to create texture and interest.
   Allow the gifts of spring to fill your home with lightness and joy.
2. Accessorize with bright-coloured rugs and mirrors. Pops of colour and
   light-reflecting decor can really bring in the beauty of springtime to your living room. Get
   this fresh and natural feel by incorporating bright blues, greens and whites. Grounding
   the space with a vibrant rug creates a base on which to layer the colours of the season.
   Position a mirror to reflect the light and colours of the garden.
3. Greenery is key. A beautiful touch for any interior is adding an array of greenery; it
   literally brings life into a space. The fiddle leaf fig you see in this room may not be the
   right plant for your room, given lighting and temperature conditions. When it comes to
   choosing greenery, consult the experts. Placing them correctly paired with the layout of
   each room can turn your home into an oasis for the springtime.

Let us know what you’re planning to do this season. We always enjoy hearing about the creative and
fun ways people are making the most of their homes!

As real estate agents, we often hear from clients who are struggling to choose the right paint
colour for their homes. It’s an important decision because the colour of the walls can affect the
entire atmosphere of a room and even the overall feel of the home. When it comes to choosing
the right paint colour, there are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Pair it well with the style of your home. Firstly, consider the style of your home. If you
   have a traditional home, you might want to stick with classic colours like beige, cream, or
   pale yellow. If you have a modern home, you can opt for bolder colours like navy blue or
   emerald green. Additionally, the colour of your furniture and accessories should also be
   considered. You don’t want your paint colour to clash with your decor but rather
   complement it.
2. Set the right tone. Secondly, think about the mood you want to create in each room. For
   example, if you want a peaceful and calming bedroom, you might want to consider a soft
   blue or green. On the other hand, if you are going to create a bold and energetic space, a
   vibrant red or orange might be the right choice. Keep in mind that paint colour can also
   affect the perceived size of a room. Lighter colours can make a room feel larger, while
   darker colours can make it feel smaller.
3. Emphasize your creativity. Lastly, don’t be afraid to get creative with accent walls or
   bold colour choices in smaller spaces like bathrooms or entryways. Adding a pop of colour
   can make a big impact and add personality to your home. However, be cautious of going
   too bold with your paint choices, as it may turn off potential buyers if you decide to sell
   your home in the future.

Overall, choosing the right paint colour is an important decision that can have a big impact on the
overall feel of your home. If you’d like to talk more about it, reach out and let us know, we’d love
to chat!

A home’s colour scheme determines the look and feel of every space while being a reflection of your personal style. It isn’t always easy to make the decision on which colours to choose, so here are three tips to make your planning a little easier:

1. Amplify the colour you love. If you have a colour you like, you can find a matching shade by choosing one with a similar undertone. This will create a seamless and intentional look. As an example, if you have a blue accent wall with a red undertone and you are looking for a neutral colour to complement it, you can pick any neutral colour with a red undertone and they will look great together.

2. Don’t get stuck with just one colour. Bringing in a new colour can add depth and dimension to your home. Experimenting with different hues and going beyond the usual can be an enjoyable part of the design process. A standout bold colour in a room or two can make for a pleasant surprise. 

3. Be wary of your home’s trim. Factory-white windows can clash with warmer off-white window trims, so it’s important to be mindful of this when choosing colours. Using the same colour for both the trim and the mullions can create a more cohesive feeling. This can also help with colour transitions, especially if you use high-quality paint. Similarly, matching the trim to the wall colour can also unify the home’s overall aesthetic.

We’d love to know if you’ve done any repainting in your home recently—send us pictures! Looking forward to hearing from you!

The most important place when it comes to home appliances is the kitchen. Good appliances will completely transform the feel and function of a home. Before making a final purchase, you should take into account these three tips:

1. Don’t impulse buy. It’s easy to be tempted by new features or interesting designs. Before you buy, however, think about what your household needs, who will be using the appliances, and how they’ll be used. Then, just as you would when shopping for a new car, it is wise to do a little research. Not a fan of shopping? Find a friend or family member who likes to shop and ask for their help. This can help prevent the temptation to buy the first thing that looks good and feeling the subsequent buyer’s regret.

2. Take a holistic approach. It really pays to do your homework and find which appliance brands (and types) are most reliable. You might think the most reliable appliance brands would be the higher-end ones, but you’d be surprised. Most people expect their major appliances to last about ten years, which is pretty close to what manufacturers expect as well. That doesn’t mean your appliances won’t need repairs before that, however. Brand reliability is definitely worth researching online before going to the store. 

3. Choose your smart appliances wisely. Are smarter appliances a smart buy? Smarter doesn’t usually mean easier or simpler to use. It’s easy to be tempted by the latest high-tech gadgets and smart devices. Many “smart” features really can make your life easier— if you’re comfortable with technology. Buying the latest and greatest major appliances with high-tech computers isn’t always a good idea, however. Adding computers and more electronic components to appliances means there’s more to break down. Technology is constantly evolving, but that doesn’t mean it’s meant to last—and when items break, your local service professional may not be trained yet to fix the computer screen on your high-tech fridge or other cutting-edge appliance.

What kitchen appliance do you rave about? Let us know what’s working in your life—we’d love to hear about it!

Living in Canada means that we’re dealing with lots of snow and ice for a good portion of the year. That being the case, it’s essential to be well-informed when buying a home during the winter season. To get you started, here are three common mistakes to avoid when buying a home during winter:

1. Consider the effects of ice and snow. One common mistake people make when buying a home in winter is not considering the potential impact of snow and ice on the property. For example, a home with a steep driveway or a lack of adequate snow removal equipment can become difficult or dangerous to access during a snowstorm. Additionally, cold weather can cause problems with plumbing and heating systems, so it’s essential to have these inspected before making an offer on a property.

2. Take advantage of the market. Another mistake people often make when buying a home in winter is not taking advantage of the lower demand for homes during this season. With fewer buyers in the market, sellers may be more motivated to negotiate on price, making it an excellent time to get a great deal on a property. However, some buyers may be hesitant to make an offer because they think there is something wrong with the home if it hasn’t been sold during the peak buying season. This is not necessarily the case, and it’s essential to look at the property objectively and make a decision based on its merits, not just on the time of year.

3. Take your time. Finally, some people may make the mistake of not being prepared for the longer closing process that can occur during the winter. Because of the holidays and inclement weather, it can take longer to complete inspections, appraisals, and other steps in the home-buying process. It’s essential to be patient and allow extra time for these activities rather than rushing through the process and potentially making a mistake. By being aware of these potential pitfalls and taking the necessary precautions, buyers can avoid making common mistakes when purchasing a home in the winter.

Are you considering a move in 2023? If you’re thinking of buying, winter can be a great time to avoid competition while finding your dream home. Reach out and let us know. We’d love to chat!

Having lazy days is universal—we all do it! With the number of streaming services and technology available to us in our homes, why would you need to leave the couch? However, staying active is super important, especially at home. Here are three ways to keep moving this summer:

1. Walk it out. Time passes quickly at home. It’s easy to spend hours watching our favorite TV shows, movies, or completing work. To best help yourself in these situations, start taking breaks in between shows or tasks to get some steps in. A 2011 study by the BMC Institute stated that the ideal amount of steps for any active adult should be between 4,000 to 18,000 steps a day. This could be spent walking the dog, taking a hike in nature, or even or just strolling to a favorite nearby store if you live in a walkable neighbourhood. Sometimes all it takes is substituting a short drive for a refreshing walk.
   
2. Revolutionize your TV time. So what if you’re binging your favourite show and you can’t walk away… you need to know what happens next! Let’s bring the active lifestyle right to your living space. Incorporating yoga, pilates, or any sort of gym equipment into your watch time will completely change the way you enjoy your favorite show. It can cost you nothing! Nobody said that relaxing in your living room and keeping yourself active had to be mutually exclusive. 

3. Pick up a hobby. One of the best ways to stay active is when you don’t even realize you’re doing it. Things like planting fruits and vegetables in your rear garden, taking care of your beautiful set of flowers in the front yard, trying different art styles, or picking up the tennis racquet can really help with your health, and it’s something we can all enjoy. We should all try to find something that we love in our life that can also improve with our mental health and well being.

Do you have any tips and tricks for staying active at home? We’d love to hear about them. Best of luck keeping moving this summer!

The past few years have seen many of us start working from home, either full-time or just part-time. As much as we all love to have the laptop in bed and attend meetings in our pajamas, it may be time to level up your at home workspace. Here are some tips to perfect any at home office:

1. Invest in a great chair. Spending hours doing anything requires some level of comfort, and none more important than the office chair. Any good chair will have a few distinct qualities. Beauty, because who wants an eye sore anywhere in their home? Beyond aesthetics, it has to be ergonomic, correct, and comfortable. We are past the days of no lumbar support and back pain. Trust us, your body will thank you.
   
2. Organize your workspace. It’s the 21st century, which means we are in the age of the futuristic office space. You can streamline your work process almost entirely with the right technology. That being said, make sure you position your desk closest to an outlet. No office space needs extension cords. While we’re on the topic of cords, find ways to manage them so you aren’t constantly tripping and unplugging everything. There are plenty of cost-effective options for cord management, so have fun with it.

3. Plenty of light. Eye strain is a real issue. Natural light and well positioned lamps can greatly reduce that. Not to mention it’s great to take a break and have a peek out of the window once in a while—nature is relaxing! What we don’t want, however, is that pesky glare reflecting off your monitor. Make sure you position it correctly and that won’t be an issue. Finally, every desk needs a small lamp for that perfect task lighting, so find something that fits your personal style.

What have you done to improve your at home office? We’d love to hear about it and any updates you’re planning on making. Best of luck!

The first day of summer is officially behind us! While we haven’t had the warmest season so far, we hope that those of you lucky enough to own a cottage have been able to spend some quality time there. If you’re looking to spruce up your vacation home, here are three tips you can try this summer:

1. Try an antique look. Using antique touches to style your cottage is a tried and true method for adding character to your vacation home. If you’re looking to give a room some more charm, try incorporating items you find in an antique store. This will add fun and warmth to any space, and will likely cost less than newer items you source. Just don’t overdo it—antique decor can be bulky, and too many large pieces can make your space feel cluttered.
   
2. Stay bug-free with a screened in porch. It’s easy for time outdoors to be spoiled when there are too many bugs buzzing around. If your cottage has a porch, try screening it in to create usable space no matter how buggy it may be. It’s a perfect way to bring the outdoors in—you can sit and watch the sunset and enjoy family time while not worrying about those pesky mosquitoes.

3. Make your bedrooms feel larger. Less is often more, especially when it comes to vacation properties! Because cottages are part-time homes, it’s unnecessary to add storage space in the form of big dressers or armoires. Try to find furniture with multiple uses, like a daybed that can be folded up or used for additional storage when you’re not sleeping on it.

Do you have any design tricks you’ve used to revamp your cottage this year? We’d love to hear about your plans and any updates you’re undertaking. Happy summer!