Flooring is an important part of any home renovation project. Whether you’re replacing your old hardwood or picking flooring for your custom home build, choosing the right materials and planning effectively is hugely important in keeping stress low and satisfaction high. Here are three flooring renovation mistakes to avoid during your next project:

1. Don’t buy cheap flooring materials. Renovating your home can be expensive, and while you can usually find places to cut costs, one place you shouldn’t is your flooring. Choosing the wrong materials can lead to having to replace it again far before the expected lifetime, so be sure to buy quality and durable flooring. You might have to spend more money upfront, but it’ll save you money in the long run.

2. Don’t set unrealistic timelines. The golden rule of renovation is that your preferred timeline most likely won’t be met. Unexpected issues can arise, causing the completion date to be moved back. In the case of flooring, you may have to wait several days after installation to move furniture back on your new floors. Give yourself and your installers extra time and both parties will be less stressed throughout the project.

3. Don’t under budget your flooring project. No home renovation project is going to be inexpensive, so it’s crucial to save for your home improvement projects and to prepare for both expected and unexpected costs that you might run into. You may think that you only need to budget for materials and labour, but you’ll also want to consider any costs and unexpected changes that might occur during the process. And in case anything goes wrong during your project, always purchase more flooring than you need.

Are you thinking of updating your flooring? We hope these tips will help you avoid some common mistakes. If you’re making updates to your home, be sure to send us over some photos—we’d love to see them!

Summer is upon us, and with the change in season comes another opportunity to update your home decor. Summer is one of our favourite times of year to decorate, as the warm weather encourages bold, bright, and colourful designs. If you’re looking for some inspiration, here are three home decorating ideas for summer:

1. Pare down your furniture. It’s easy to fall into a creative rut when it comes to furniture. However, sometimes a “less is more” mindset can pay dividends. Try updating your furniture with a summer rental in mind; get rid of dark, heavy pieces and pick light and flowy accents to make your home feel like a summer getaway.

2. Don’t forget about the outdoors. Summer entertaining inevitably leads to garden parties and dinners under the stars. If you’re someone who loves to host, consider your outdoor decor. Low tables, floor pillows, and strands of clear outdoor lights will set the mood, and make sure you’re incorporating a bright, summery colour scheme.

3. Fill your table with colour. While you’ll be spending lots of time outdoors this summer, don’t forget about the dinner table! Colourful dishes and accents can make your dining room feel bright and fresh. Mix floral, tropical, or nautical-themed dishes with your everyday plates and bowls, and incorporate accents—like napkins or flowers—that will add a further pop of colour.

What do you think of these tips? We would be happy to hear what your summer decorating plans are—we’d love to see photos of any of your recent updates! Enjoy the warm weather. 

Staging a home refers to preparing the property for sale. There are many elements to staging; however, it is meant to showcase a home’s best assets, impress potential buyers, and sell it quickly for the best price. To help you in your staging process we have put together a few staging tips.

1. Refine the furniture. The furniture plays an important role in staging a home to sell. Getting the right size furniture can make all the difference, potentially determining the overall perception of the room. If the furniture is too big, the room will look smaller than it is and if it’s too small, the room can feel cold. If you aren’t using your own furniture, you can always rent it for the purpose of staging. When choosing pieces remember to select warm, homey, and quality furniture. The way each piece works together can help determine the flow and feel of the room.

2. Depersonalize. Potential buyers will try to envision themselves living in your home. Things like family photos, keepsakes, or anything of personal value may hinder their ability to feel at home. Therefore, while staging it is important to depersonalize and declutter. Store any kids toys and clear the kitchen and bathroom counters. This helps the buyer put themselves in the home and imagine the life they would like to create, potentially helping them in their decision.

3. Define each room. When reworking the design of each space and removing or replacing furniture, be sure to define a specific purpose for each room. This helps potential buyers see how they can maximize the home’s square footage. Turn the empty finished basement into an entertainment room and the finished storage room into a guest bedroom. It’s likely the buyer will not use the room for the same purpose; however, it is important for them to be able to see each room be a functional and usable space.

Overall, it’s important to present the home in the best light possible to really emphasize its features. However, you need to also remember that it is not necessary to spend a lot of money, as in this case less is more. Staging your home should aim to appeal to the most potential buyers as possible. If you have any staging tips or would like to know more about staging your home to sell, feel free to reach out anytime.

It has been quite the winter and we’re finally approaching some sunny weather. With the change of a season comes new trends in home decor. From bright colours to accessories, there are many ways you can elevate your space this spring. We have put together a few key interior design trends to keep in mind if you have been considering a refresh.

1. Make use of wallpaper. Believe it or not, wallpaper has been making a huge comeback! Modern patterns, textured paper, and simplified application are all contributing to this classic trend finding its way into many homes this season. Many are using wallpaper to create an accent wall. If you are thinking this is a huge commitment and a lot of work, many companies have designed temporary wallpaper lines just for you. This peel and stick application allows you to temporarily partake in this trend without damaging your walls or taking too much time. 

2. Incorporate worn wood tones. Well worn or reclaimed wood pieces can instantly bring warmth to your space. The tones and imperfections add a bespoke element to your spring interior design. Not only is this trend sustainable, it has the potential to be a staple throughout your home.

3. Accessorize. The more-is-more attitude is back and better than ever with decorative accents. Over the last couple of years, designers have seen more homes with an abundance of accessories. Anything from art, books, vases, candles etc., are taking spaces by storm to create dimension and add pops of colour to each room. 

Whether you’re adding a few bits and bobs to your bookshelf or investing in some incredible reclaimed wood pieces, your home is bound to feel fresh and brand new. We hope you’re feeling inspired to revamp your space for spring. We would love to see what trends you have taken part in!

As we are at the beginning of spring already, you may be thinking your rear garden needs a little help after winter. Your patio furniture might need some sprucing up or you have moved into a new home this past season and need some fresh and new ideas. We have put together a few tips to help you elevate your rear garden this spring.

1. Create zones in the rear garden. An important aspect of any open interior or exterior design is to create defined zones. A great way to do this in a rear garden is to use furniture, long planters, pergolas, and area rugs to distinguish between seating areas, dining areas, etc. These will help create an overall flow to the space and a purpose for each section. 

2. Include many seating options. The rear garden is the perfect spot to entertain, especially as we head into spring and summer. An important thing to consider is ample seating for all your guests. If you have a smaller rear garden, incorporating benches with storage not only creates extra seating but also allows for practical and discrete organization. There are a variety of seating options to choose from, including lounge chairs, stools, and couches, each serving its purpose.

3. Implement a focal point. Another way to elevate your rear garden is to focus your design on one specific item. Whether it is a gorgeous plant, outdoor fireplace, or a pool; choosing something that you want to be the centre of attention then allows you to choose colours and decor that compliments this piece. Each item working together creates a cohesive rear garden your guests are sure to rave about.

There are an endless number of options to elevate your rear garden to create the perfect atmosphere to enjoy all season. We hope that these few tips can help guide you in creating your outdoor oasis. Let us know what you end up doing with your rear garden this year!

With spring (hopefully) right around the corner, it’s time to start preparing for your annual garden maintenance. Proper garden care can help increase the quality and longevity of your plants, flowers, fruits, and vegetables. One of the most important aspects of plant maintenance is knowing what level of care is needed for each of your plants. We have put together a few tips we hope will help you maintain your gardens this season. 

1. Treat your soil. The soil in your garden will degrade over time and needs to be replaced every so often. A great way to retain moisture in the soil is to cover it in mulch. Mulching helps to keep weeds from growing and supplies organic matter to the soil as it begins to degrade. Depending on the type of plants in your garden, fertilizer can also be a great option to maintain your soil. It is important to be using the correct type of fertilizer to be sure you are not overstressing your plants. Make sure to check on your soil from time to time and get a sense of when it needs to be replaced to keep your garden healthy.

2. Make a maintenance checklist. There are many tasks to complete when maintaining a garden. To help you keep organized, create a checklist including tasks such as, removing old flower blooms to encourage new growth, cutting back the branches to control growth and make room for more, cleaning up the unhealthy bits to create more space for the garden to flourish. Making these a habit in your gardening maintenance can help promote growth, clear out any possible hidden pests, and increase room for your garden to grow. 

3. Destroy weeds and stake your plants. Weeds will suffocate the roots of your plants and harbour pests. Weeding your garden can ensure the health and growth of your plants. To promote additional growth, staking your plants is a great way to save space in your garden. This involves fixing sticks into the ground and tying the flower stems using cloth or thread. Staking your plants helps to reinforce the stems and keeps them from bending or breaking.  

Overall, taking care of your garden regularly will help promote the health and growth of your plants. We hope these tips will help you with your maintenance this season. We would love to see photos of your gardens and chat about any tips you may have!

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With better weather, more cheerful moods, and a boost in energy levels, there comes the craving for a change. As the days are slowly getting longer, you might find yourself ready to rearrange your living space to better suit the waking of nature. After a long, gloomy winter, your humble abode undoubtedly needs a bit of TLC, regardless of how well you’ve taken care of it in the past few months. It might even be the case that you’re moving into your starter home soon and are fantasizing about arranging the perfect fresh start. Whatever your circumstances, you’re likely in need of some inspiration as to what you are supposed to do. If so, here are 7 ways to prepare your home for spring.

1.    Start with a clean slate

Spring cleaning is an obvious first task on our list. After all, most of us tend to be a bit more forgiving to dust, cobwebs, and overall dirt when the weather is made for cozying up on the couch with a hot cup of tea. But there are no more excuses! The sunshine seeping through your windows will soon uncover everything you’ve been neglecting over the winter.

So, gather your cleaning supplies and put on your cleaning clothes. Be thorough and make sure to visit those oft-forgotten corners – even if you have to move a few furniture pieces to do so. A spick and span home will surely motivate you to tackle more projects and thus completely transform your living space.

A good spring clean is all the more important if you’re just moving into your new home in Ontario. If you want to have an easy and stress-free experience regarding your relocation, aside from hiring a competent team of movers, you might want to consider investing in professional cleaning services too. This will enable you to dedicate more of your time to settling into your brand-new property.

2.    Rid your home of the unnecessary

Decluttering is another project the spring season was made for. Depending on your habits and how often you take the time to go through your belongings, this could turn out to be a pretty demanding task.

If you’re overwhelmed and don’t know where to start, it might be a good idea to begin with your wardrobe. Since most people tend to store away their seasonal garments, this is the perfect chance to reassess everything. Once you purge your clothes, move on to other parts of your home – your kitchen drawers, cabinets, bookshelves, and other nooks and crannies are probably hiding a lot of items you don’t really need anymore. By getting rid of the unnecessary, you’ll free up space and make your home feel more open and fresh!

3.    Rearrange and reorganize

An excellent way to bring a sense of change and innovation into your home without spending exorbitant amounts of money is to rearrange your furniture. Don’t be afraid to mix things up – you can always put everything back if you don’t like the end result. This is a good opportunity to finally see what it would be like if your home office was facing the window or if your couch was in a different corner of your living room.

While you’re at it, consider reorganizing your possessions too. We all have those closets we’re too ashamed to open in front of visitors, so why not turn them into something you can be proud of?

4.    Wake up your interior décor

Finally – the fun part. The spring season brings with it many new home design trends, and there is no reason not to explore them in your own living space.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you need to revamp your home entirely. A few strategic changes should do the trick. If you’re craving a transformation, consider repainting your walls. Additionally, you might want to hang new wall art, add a few decorative pillowcases and throws, and spruce up your living space with some fresh flowers.

5.    Check up the exterior

Ontario winters can be pretty harsh, and our homes are definitely not spared. With that said, it’s imperative to begin the new season by ensuring that everything is the way it should be when it comes to your house’s exterior. Here’s what you should check and repair if needed:

• Roof – Inspect for damage, cracks, and leaks.
• Gutters – See if there are any holes and remove branches, leaves, and anything else gathered in them.
• Siding – The walls might need a fresh coat of paint.
• Windows – Aside from cleaning them thoroughly to let the sunshine in, you should replace screens with holes and fix any chipped paint or broken seals.

6.    Start a garden

Starting a garden is an excellent way to prepare your home for spring. Not only will this provide you with a quality way to spend your afternoons, but you’ll also be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor in a matter of months.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t have a yard in which you can freely dig away – indoor gardens are fun too!

7.    Refresh your outdoor sitting area

Finally, the last thing you need to do to prepare your home for spring is to bring your outdoor sitting area back to life. Thoroughly clean your outdoor furniture, bring out a few planters, set up a fire pit or a grill – the options are endless. Once you’re done, make sure to invite a couple of friends over and welcome the spring season the way it deserves!

Final thoughts

Now that you know how to prepare your home for spring, all that is left is to roll up your sleeves and get down to work! No time for procrastination –  the season of new beginnings is steadily approaching. Once you check off all the tasks on your to-do list, you’ll finally be able to fully reap the benefits and positive vibrations of your new and improved living space.

Photo used: https://unsplash.com/photos/csVPdj60E1A

Painting a home can feel like a massive undertaking; however, with the right tools and help you can paint like a pro! Whether you are painting one room or one wall, you may not want to bring in a whole painting team. Regardless, you’ll still want it to look professionally done and cohesive with the rest of your home. These tips can help you prepare for painting your space. 

1. Buy High-Quality Materials. Using high-quality paint and tools is very important. Good brushes and rollers will make all the difference when applying the paint. It will save you time not needing to reapply multiple layers due to streaks and patchiness. Additionally, consider using high-quality painter’s tape to avoid bleeds. It may seem that regardless of the painter’s tape used it will have the same effect, however, some do not provide a proper seal, meaning you risk the chance of paint bleeding onto your baseboards and ceiling. 

2. Box your Paint. If you are painting a whole room or more, your first instinct may be to purchase one or two cans of paint and later assess how many more you will need to finish the space. Instead, consider boxing your paint—meaning, when you go to the store, ask the salesperson how much paint they think you will need based on the size of your room and purchase all the paint at once. As opposed to using one gallon at a time, add them all into one container and mix together. In doing so you will ensure that your paint colour will remain consistent for the entire room. 

3. Inspect and Prepare your Space. Before you even begin, pay close attention to the weather. If it is a particularly humid day, you may want to consider rescheduling your painting plans. Humidity creates drips and a slower drying process, meaning if you do not wait long enough between coats it may cause visible imperfections. Next, you will want to check for any cracks, flaking, or peeling on the walls. If you come across any imperfections, be sure to sand them down so that you have a smooth surface for your primer. Finally, you will want to prime your wall; this will help your paint apply smoothly and ensure the colour is vibrant.   

While hiring a professional team to paint every room in your home is very quick and efficient, it may not always be the solution when you only have a room or so to touch up. If you are planning a paint refresh ahead of spring, we hope these tips will help and we would love to hear what tips you have!

If you’re thinking of selling your home this spring, there are a few things you might want to consider ahead of listing. After long winter months, spring is the perfect time for a home refresh. Giving potential buyers a great first impression is important when selling your home, so here are a few tips to help you prepare for the upcoming spring market.

1. Flood each room with natural light. Spring is almost here, and with spring comes the sun! Open your curtains and blinds to let in as much natural light as possible. If your curtains are starting to look outdated or worn, consider removing them completely to brighten up the space even more. 

2. Upgrade what’s outdated. There are several things in a home that need a little updating once in a while; for example, light fixtures, faucets, towel racks, and more. These elements can easily be updated and instantly elevate your space. Full renovations aren’t necessary, as in many cases updated cabinet doors or reglazed bathtubs can make everything seem as good as new. The one aspect of your home that you should consider spending more time on is the outside. Ensuring your landscaping is well done and your garage is in good shape helps increase your overall curb appeal. 

3. Freshen up with paint. A fresh coat of paint will instantly give your home a facelift. The colour of your walls can make a room feel smaller or darker than it is. To showcase your space, consider painting your walls in white or neutral tones to help brighten and open up your home. 

The spring real estate market is fast-paced and full of opportunities. Preparing your home for selling ahead of time will give you peace of mind that you are ready for showings and open houses. If you are thinking of selling your home this spring, please do not hesitate to reach out!