In the 17th century, manicured lawns became the new status symbol for wealthy aristocrats in England and France. Today, people still admire expansive lawns, but most of us don’t have a bevy of servants to do the hard work of mowing, weeding, watering, fertilizing and aerating. On beautiful summer days, when the beach beacons, who wants to do yard work?

According to Statistics Canada, the average residential water consumption in 2013 was a massive 223 litres per day for indoor and outdoor uses. A Columbia University report in 2010 found that five percent of America’s air pollution was caused by lawnmowers and each year more than 17 million gallons of fuel is spilled when refilling lawn and garden equipment—that is more than the Exxon Valdez oil spill.

After much effort and environmental cost, sometimes a lawn just bakes in the summer sun. In recent years, municipalities have had to prohibit lawn watering during lengthy dry spells. Parched lawns are becoming a common sight in July and August, which is another good reason to reinvent traditional lawns.

Alternatives to Grass

Groundcover plants spread laterally and mature at a maximum of just 3cm to 10cm, so they do not require mowing. Once groundcover plants are established, they generally require less water than standard lawn grass.

High foot traffic options:

Clover
Used by some farmers as a green cover crop, clover helps to aerate the soil with its deep roots and ‘fixes’ atmospheric nitrogen (a natural fertilizer) in the soil. Some varieties of clover are quite tall (e.g., red clover) but Dutch white clover is the best option for groundcover because it matures at ankle height, is durable and produces attractive white flowers.

Pros: It is soft underfoot, remains green nearly year-round, and can withstand heavy foot traffic.

Cons: The sweet nectar in the flowers can attract deer.

Thyme

Thyme grows relatively slowly, but once it develops, it produces a dense mat of tiny leaves and flowers. The best options for groundcover are non-culinary varieties: red creeping thyme, mother-of-thyme and woolly thyme.

Pros: All three of these types of thyme tolerate high foot traffic, emit a pleasant herbal scent and will not attract deer.

Cons: Thyme grows slowly.

Creeping Jenny

A cascading carpet of small, golden-green leaves and yellow flowers makes Creeping Jenny suitable for all types of groundcover projects from terraced rock gardens to flat lawns.

Pros: In milder parts of Canada, Creeping Jenny will retain its colour year-round and tolerates moderate foot traffic.

Cons: It can require more watering than groundcovers such as clover.

Light foot traffic options:

Scotch Moss
Velvety Scotch moss works best in shaded areas and looks lovely surrounding rustic pathway stones. Moss grows best in regions that receive more rainfall.

Corsican Mint
Fragrant Corsican mint produces small, rounded leaves and tiny purple flowers. Unlike spearmint that can rapidly take over an entire garden, this mint grows more slowly and is not considered invasive. It requires moist, fertile soil.

Artificial turf

Durable and realistic artificial turf can provide the look and feel of grass for patio areas and even a putting green. Turf can be a visual break between plant cluster islands. Another benefit is that Fido will never create a ‘burn’ spot on your lawn ever again. When installed professionally, artificial turf is typically guaranteed for a decade or more.

Modern design

Lawns were in fashion for 400 years. It may be time to replace monochromatic lawns with beautiful modern versions featuring an array of colours, textures and shapes.

The possibilities are endless and will ultimately depend on the size and slope of your lawn, the amount of sunlight it receives and your preferences. Consider some or all of these ideas:

Terraces: Ideal for a sloped lawn, rock terraces can be filled with a variety of plants, cascading flowers and groundcover.

Pathways: From poured concrete to natural steppingstones, pathways help to define the space and allow you to use tender groundcover plants as your lawn.

Ornamental grasses: Add drama and height with clumping grass varieties such as soft feathery Fountain grass, or Little Bluestem, which is bluish green in the summer then turns purple, red and copper in the autumn.

Edibles: The broad green blades of a leek plant and the colourful autumn leaves of blueberry bushes deliver beauty with bounty. How could your favourite herbs, fruits and vegetables meld with your landscape design?

Raised garden beds: A pretty way to grow edibles is in raised boxes, which also make the garden easy to access.

Start small. Instead of ripping up the entire lawn, experiment with a small section to learn what works best for you.

Source: https://www.sutton.com/blog/home-improvement/modern-lawns
Photo: pexels.com

There’s a harsh reality for plenty of Canadians with green thumbs who can’t indulge in the luxury of a full yard to explore. Perhaps you’re in an apartment or condo, maybe you rent, or it could be you simply want to bring the outdoors inside. 

Tall potted plants use vertical space to help add depth to a smaller residence, and we’ve seen how planters can add to outdoor appeal without hurting your budget. Herb gardens, big or small, indoors and out, are always popular with foodies, and if you play your flora cards right, you may attract some desirable fauna even without a huge greenspace.

To help you ease into some new ideas for your space-friendly garden, we’ve collected some thoughts to share with you. Be sure to add your own tips and tricks in the comments and on our social media pages. 

Container gardening

While the idea is obvious with more than a touch of cliché, there’s a reason why: containers simply make sense when your space is limited. 

In a large yard, you can replant to take advantage of soil conditions or the sun. Without access to square metres of soil, containers give you versatility, not to mention the easy redecorating options. You’ll also have the ability to move containers indoors through frost warnings, or extend your growing season in both directions—much to the envy of your plot-bound friends. 

When choosing your container, do so carefully. Drainage is a must no matter what style direction you choose. Think both complement and contrast when considering design and, for larger pots, avoid choices that are too bold, since they can’t be swapped out easily. 

The vertical garden

When you’re looking at the limited footprint of a balcony or patio—and wondering how to keep your planned garden out from under foot—take a look around at the amount of vertical space you have to work with. Now it’s time to think up. From hooks and hangers through shelves, to dedicated wall pots, vertical alternatives assure you have maximum room for seating and tables. You can also find vertical tower gardens that grow fresh produce without soil! 

Or, how about a string garden? Kokedama is a Japanese garden artform with a history as old as bonsai. Translating literally to “moss ball,” kokedama starts with the root ball of a plant, surrounded by a clay and peat mixture that gets wrapped in soft green moss. You can place your kokedama on a tray, but the most dramatic way to display these pieces of living art is suspended from string. These are a spectacular addition to your vertical garden. 

Edible gardening

You don’t need an extensive ground plot to grow your own food, so don’t rule out fruits, vegetables, and herbs from your yardless gardening. You can mix container and vertical plantings for grape and cherry tomatoes or climbing strawberries—plants that use cages for upward mobility. 

Strawberry pots are a genre unto themselves and you need not be limited to growing berries. The multiple pockets in a terra cotta urn are a perfect way to keep your herbs organized, with perhaps a few spaces left for new flavours you’ve never tried. 

Can you imagine growing your own potatoes in a visually appealing way? Look no further than the potato grow bag. You can improvise your own solution, but commercial versions with a velcro side flap are handy at harvest time. 

The window box

Inside or out, there’s perhaps no more logical place to add garden space than a window ledge. A sunny kitchen window simply cries out for herbs and an otherwise lacklustre view is perked up with a splash of colourful annuals. 

Though you may start your garden in the spring and summer months, consider fall and winter seasons, too. The cooler temperatures may not support active growth, but a window box out of direct sunlight supports long-lasting seasonal arrangements. Imagine your favourite holiday wreath reassembled horizontally. 

Add some brown and orange elements to suggest fall, or choose a holiday theme when December arrives. Don’t forget to go vertical here, too. A window box can add curb appeal as well as brightening the view from inside.  

When you’re renting or when you have a condo association in place, there may be limits on the sizes and types of planters or fixtures you can use. Be sure to research any restrictions before your trip to the greenhouse to avoid disappointment later in the season. 

Make a budget and a list before you leave for the garden centre, since you know you’ll be tempted to go overboard when you’re surrounded by lush greenery. Otherwise, now is the time to put your planting plans in motion. Happy digging! 

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/patio-growth-landscaping-without-a-yard/25628/1363
Photo: pexels.com

When it comes to interior design, lighting is often an afterthought, and that seems a bit dull. In fact, it should be factored into the layout and décor scheme as early as possible! This is largely because when you’re outfitting a space, having proper lighting is a sure-fire way to add character and elevate its style.

With the right information, you can easily update a room’s lighting fixtures without breaking the bank or exerting too much effort. We’ve already shown you how to illuminate your home’s exterior, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, and even those tricky underlit places. Now we share a guide on how to choose lighting for one of the most used spaces: the living room.

Read on for tips on finding the right type of light to fit your space’s purpose, style, and mood.

Pick a purpose

The first question you need to ask before you start picking out light fixtures is “why?” What are you trying to achieve with the lighting in your living room? Maybe you want to liven up the space with a little extra brightness, set a specific mood with ambient lighting, or simply want to add a statement piece of décor. Once you figure out the purpose lighting will serve in your living room, the rest of the process becomes easier.

A good idea when choosing lighting for your room is mapping out the intended layout and creating a blueprint of your current lighting. This will highlight where you have overhead fixtures, potlights, windows, and lamps so you can get a big-picture view of what’s already available to you. It can also help to take pictures of your space in the morning, afternoon, and evening so you know the areas hit with natural light and where you may need to make up the difference. This part also lets you know where you should, or should not, put things like a television or reading chair. Direct sunlight is great if you want to read a book in the afternoon, but not so great if you’re hoping to binge an entire season of something on Netflix!

Keep in mind, lighting doesn’t have to serve a singular purpose. It can be a multi-use fixture that adds to your room in more ways than one. For example, if you have a statement piece of artwork on your wall, using a spotlight or gallery lighting can call attention to this while also providing overall light for the room. Alternatively, you might not want pot lights shining directly down on you if the space will double as a home office, as this type of lighting is not the most flattering for people. 

Know your layers

You’ve likely heard the words ambient, accent, and task in descriptions about lighting. These are the three layers of light you should consider. Layered lighting is key in bringing dimension and balance to a room. 

Ambient, also known as general lighting, is what illuminates the overall room. Overhead lights are the most common fixtures for ambient/general lighting, but depending on the purpose of the room and your style preferences, you can opt for pendant or pot lights, ceiling fixtures, or chandeliers.

Accent, or decorative lighting, is what helps to create focal points in a room (typically this layer is brighter than ambient). Try directional spotlights, table lamps, wall sconces, picture lights, or LED track lights for under cabinets to brighten up underlit areas and place a focus on a specific object or furniture.

Finally, as its name indicates, task lighting is used to brighten spots where you perform certain tasks. Choose floor, desk, table, or sconce lamps for task-based lighting. If you’re using the lamp to read or perform activities that may cause eye strain, get a task light with LED bulbs–your retinas will thank you.

Find the right temperature

There’s more to bulb talk than LED and incandescent. First, you’ll need to determine how you want to feel in your living room. Your answer will help you figure out what colour temperature (measured in degrees Kelvin) you should try.

If you’re pining for soft, warm, and cozy, then you want a bulb with a colour temperature between 2,700K and 3,500K. This type of bulb will soften the atmosphere of the living room and make it more inviting.

For a brighter feel, try a bulb with 4,000K and 5,000K colour temperatures. This type of lighting works best for living rooms with neutral and cooler hues, like whites, greys, blues, and greens on the wall and furniture.

What if you want the “daylight” always radiating through your living room? Go for a full spectrum bulb between 5,000K­ and 6,500K. This type of lighting can be harsh, so it’s best to be used as a task light in areas of the living room where you do most of your work. When choosing the temperature of your light in one area, it’s important to consider the other rooms in your home. If you have an open floorplan where light from one room bleeds into another, try to stay consistent with the lighting colour—using cooler hues in the living room when the adjoining dining room uses warmer tones could appear disjointed. 

Lighting stores are a great resource when trying to decide what colour temperature to choose. They can make recommendations based on your flooring, paint colours, natural light, and overall feel of the space. Those pictures you took during the initial planning stages of your lighting scheme will be of great use here, too. 

Embrace the tech

Being able to control the level of lighting in your living room with the touch of a button is peak control. Whether it’s for aesthetics or functional reasons, installing dimmers can help set the mood, but it will also save you energy. You’ll just need to make sure the bulb you’re using can be dimmed.

You can also opt for Wi-Fi or Bluetooth-enabled smart lights. Once installed, you can control the lights with your phone or tablet from anywhere in and out of your home.

Whatever your purpose is for switching up the lighting in your home, you can find the style, fixture, bulbs, and tech to help you achieve your outcome. Adding lighting is not only a cost-effective way to make your living room look like it got a makeover, but it’s also a great tactic for staging a home. Strategically adding layers of light, including natural lighting, will help enhance key features of your home–and that’s appealing to more buyers if you’re in the market. If you’re ready to sell, but feel unsure about how to stage your space, you should get in touch with a REALTOR®.

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/find-your-light-series-living-rooms/25133/1366
Photo: pexels.com

The greatest canvas in your home are the walls. And the paint colours you choose are one of the boldest ways you can put your personality on display. But with millions of colour permutations out there, how do you possibly narrow down your favourite shades? Why not start by perusing this list of top paint colours for 2022.

This year’s paint trends are all about serene, tranquil colours that bring nature indoors. They’re subtle, warm, and allow you to be versatile in your design—which means you’ll be able to put them in almost any room for a fresh, earthy atmosphere. And whether your aesthetic is modern, traditional, cottagecore or anything else, these top paint colours will seamlessly fit into your style.

Botanical greens 

Paint brands Benjamin Moore, PPG, Glidden, and Sherwin-Williams have all put forward earthy, natural greens as their top paint colours in 2022. Look for October Mist, Olive Sprig, Guacamole, and Evergreen Fog respectively and apply generously in your bedroom, living room, or kitchen for a harmonious and rejuvenating vibe.

These paint colours will pair well with floors and furniture in blonde and warm wood tones. Decorate with gold and black accents if you like sleek and modern, or for a more organic feel, embrace beige and camel. For your kitchen and bathroom, you can’t go wrong combining any of these botanical greens with white subway tile.

Thalassic blues

Graham & Brown and Behr are both on board for the blue paint trends in 2022, offering you refreshing hues in Breathe and Breezeway, reminiscent of sea glass and sea foam.

These soft blues are well suited to colour drenching, the practice of painting everything on the wall including trim and doors. They’ll be perfect for living rooms and home offices, bringing the outside in, like a breath of fresh ocean air.

Accent Breathe with deeper blues and mustard yellow and Breezeway with terra-cotta, pinks, and earthy tones likewhite, taupe, and soft brown. For a modern and sleek look, opt for a monochromatic palette. These shades will both pair well with natural textures and fabrics, such as leather, rattan and even reclaimed and rough, minimally treated wood.

Warm neutrals

Valspar’s Subtle Peach isn’t quite neutral, but it’s soft, subtle, and a beautiful colour perfect for intimate spaces. But don’t limit yourself to just closets and bedrooms for its use—it’s also perfectly suited to bathrooms and living rooms, especially if you want to feature a bold piece of art or a gallery wall. It blends well into the background and won’t steal any attention away from your showstopping décor.

Also in this category is Valspar’s Gilded Linen, a warm white that will suit open plan spaces, entries, and hallways. According to Valspar, Gilded Linen is an “ultra-clean neutral that organizes and connects spaces throughout the home.” They recommend it for minimalist décor, and to mix it with wood and greenery for a natural feel.

Paint trends for every personality

Whether you’re in the suburbs or the heart of the city, these top paint colours of 2022 will have you feeling like you’re surrounded by nature with wide open sky above you.

Green, blue, peach or white, these paint trends befit the rise in sustainable and eco-friendly living practices, combining harmoniously with reclaimed wood, natural textiles like cotton, jute, and rattan, and vintage furniture and décor elements. There’s simply nothing artificial feeling about these paint trends and depending on personal style, they can be matched with a variety of design aesthetics.

What’s most important is the top paint colours of 2022 promote flexibility so it’s your personality always shining through. 

Source: https://www.creacafe.ca/top-paint-colours-for-2022/
Photo: pexels.com

Is the roof of your home in good condition? Don’t feel bad if you don’t know the answer—many homeowners are often unaware of the state of their roof. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Unless there are obvious damages, such as cracks or leaks, it’s easy to forget about this exterior part of your home.

Whether you’re buying, selling, or you’re a homeowner who simply wants to know how to keep your roof in good shape, you’ve come to the right place. Here are three of the most asked questions about roofs.

What are the different types of roofs?
Roof materials come in different forms­: metal/tin, asphalt, wood, cedar, slate, and clay are the most common types. With a plethora of options, it gets tricky when trying to choose the best option for your home and wallet. The type of roof installed on your home depends on a variety of factors such as location, environment, style, budget, building codes, and maintenance requirements. In Canada, asphalt, wood/cedar, and metal roofs are among the most popular.

Asphalt shingles

Life expectancy: 15 to 20 years (or more)

Pricing: $2 to $6 per square foot

Pros: There are a few types of asphalt shingles, but the two main varieties are basic or architectural, with architectural being the more durable of the two. Asphalt roofs are the most popular type of roof in Canada because of the material’s ability to withstand the damp and snowy weather. This type of roof is typically the most affordable of all the options. Additionally, asphalt shingles are relatively easy to install and repair, and they’re fire resistant. Asphalt shingles come in a variety of colours and styles (for example, fibreglass and organic asphalt), so it can be customized to fit any home’s exterior aesthetics.

Cons: Harsh Canadian winters can cause chips and cracks on the asphalt. The material is also prone to mildew and can incur granule loss if not properly maintained. Be prepared for repairs before the 15 years are up.

Wood or cedar shakes

Life expectancy: 35 to 50 years

Pricing: $8 to $15 per square foot

Pros: Wood or cedar shakes are extremely durable, not to mention resistant to harsh weather and insects. For these benefits and more, this type of roof can include a warranty of up to 50 years—depending, of course, on who you buy from. For homes in colder climate and heavy rainfall areas, wood or cedar shakes are an excellent choice because they prevent moisture buildup and they’re naturally insulating. 

Cons: In addition to high upfront costs, the material is not fire resistant (Class C rating), so you’ll need to apply additional treatment to get a Class A rating. Moss buildup can also occur on wood or cedar shakes if they’re not cleaned on schedule (usually every two to three years). Another con for wood or cedar shakes can be their appearance, as many people don’t find them as visually appealing as other materials. 

Metal

Life expectancy: 40 to 70 years

Pricing: $6 – $20 per square foot

Pros: Metal roofs, whether aluminum, tin, copper, zinc or steel, can offer unparalleled longevity. Unlike asphalt shingles, metal roofs require little to no maintenance. You may never have to repair or replace this type of roof, providing it’s properly installed. Metal roofs are great in high snowfall areas because the ice can easily slide off, reducing risk of collapse.

Cons: Metal roofs, because of their premium quality, are expensive. They cost slightly more than wood or cedar, and can be 10 times the price of asphalt shingles. They’re also prone to being noisy during some extreme weather conditions, especially if the installation, or your attic insulation,  isn’t top notch. On the curb appeal front, metal is not always favoured because it can be difficult to maintain colour consistency across the entire roof.

Adding solar panels to your roof

Certain provinces and municipalities offer incentives for energy efficiency, which can help offset the upfront cost of installing solar panels on your roof. The cost will ultimately vary depending on the size of your system and equipment you use, but on average, the price of solar power in Canada is $3.01 per Watt. Adding solar panels can help reduce your monthly energy bills, not to mention help lower your impact on the environment by using a renewable source of energy. Curious to find out if adding solar panels will affect your resale value? We’ve taken a look at whether that’s the case, or you can reach out to a local REALTOR® for their insight on what current trends are in your neighbourhood. 

What upkeep is required to maximize a roof’s life expectancy?

Keep it clear

Make sure your roof is always free of debris, including leaves, sticks, branches, and other naturally occurring particles that can, over time, contribute to the roof’s wear and tear. Make sure your roof is also mildew, mould, and moss free.

Don’t ignore the landscaping

If you have trees near your roof or shrubs close to your gutters, make sure to keep up with the landscaping. Falling branches and other parts can cause premature damage, while shrubs and bushes can block the gutters. Also, trees can make it easy for rodents to access the roof and make it their home, so it is important to keep branches trimmed.

Clean the gutters

Keep your gutters clog-free by getting them cleaned at least once a year. This will prevent water (from rain and snow) from pooling on your roof and causing damages.

Inspect regularly

Depending on the type of roof and warranty it comes with, you may need to get your roof checked annually. If you know what to look for, you can do it yourself, but it’s always best to leave it to the professionals with trained eyes and special tools.

How can you tell if your roof needs repair or replacing?

There are a few indicators something is wrong with your roof. It’s time to call a professional if you see:

• water spots, streaks, or discolouration on ceilings and walls;
• a sagging ceiling;
• cracked or curled shingles;
• decaying or paint peeling from eavestrough;
• missing asphalt granules;
• mould or moss growth;
• spots without snow, which could indicate a leak; 
• light coming through from outside;
• damaged roof deck or flashing (the material that directs water away); or
• loose roof tiles.

In many cases, the above issues can be easily fixed. Problems like leaks can be repaired by sealing the crack or replacing some shingles. However, you may want to consider replacing the roof altogether if the damage is extensive, if it’s more than 20 years old, or out of warranty. 

A roof replacement may be costly (between $4,700 and $25,000, according to Alpine Credits), but it could save your home from further structural damages and even more expensive repairs in the future. A new roof can also help increase the value of your home because of the safety and curb appeal it adds.

“Roofs are a big ticket item, and significant repairs or replacement count as a major renovation that will help increase the value of your home, similar to upgrading of the windows, furnace, etc.,” says Maniza Khan, a sales representative and REALTOR® with Ottawa-based Rasooli Real Estate Group. “You should take into account the age of the roof, the material used to build it, and what direction the house is facing.”

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/over-your-head-what-to-know-about-roofs/24306/1363
Photo: pexels.com

If your home was built prior to the 1980s, it’s possible you’ve made a surprising discovery beneath your carpet, vinyl, or laminate flooring—a once-gorgeous hardwood floor. The prohibitive complexity and price of maintenance and repair prompted many homeowners, in previous decades, to cover them over with more cost-effective flooring options. Modern technology, along with DIY know-how, means breathing new life into an old hardwood floor is not only less costly, but a fine way to beautify your space and boost the value of your home.

Ripping up carpet

If you’ve just stumbled upon this exciting revelation or are curious to know if hardwood flooring is hiding in your home, our first article in this series focuses on how to properly remove carpet. We look at checking for hardwood floors without causing undue damage, as well as the steps you should follow to remove carpeting on your own and when to call a professional. 

If you’re ready for the next important steps to renewing a hardwood floor, let’s get started. 

Examine and analyze

Before you run off to the store with dreams of gleaming hardwood floors dancing in your head, remove all furniture and wash the floor thoroughly, then carefully examine every part of the floor to determine how to proceed. Remember, this floor can be more than 40 years old, and as old as Queen Victoria if you live in a century home. 

The key things to look out for are:

• long or deep gouges;
• rotten wood;
• cracks and splits in the boards;
• wide gaps between boards;
• protruding nails (in case any were missed when removing your carpet);
• the original wax finish; and
• stains or deeply embedded dirt that doesn’t wash off.

If any of the above are present, you’ll have to perform some repair work, which could require fillers, sanding, refinishing, and possible board replacement, depending on the type and extent of wear and damage. On the other hand, if the deep clean reveals a floor with only superficial scratches and wear, you can count your lucky stars, because refinishing will be a much simpler task for you.

A simple refinish

Renewing hardwood flooring that no longer has the original wax finish, and no deep gouges or dents, may only require a wood floor renewal kit from your local hardware store to revive it to a luscious shine. Just bear in mind the polyurethane finish requires 24 hours to set, then seven to 14 days to cure—important factors if you have pets or young children. We’ll go over the steps involved with applying finish shortly.

Repairing hardwood flooring

A wood restoration kit will come in handy to address deep gouges in hardwood flooring. If you have squeaky floorboards, now is the perfect opportunity to hammer those down since you’re already in repair mode—unless you rely on this built-in security system for monitoring teenage past-curfew entries!

Where rotten, split, or cracked boards are concerned, replacing affected sections is the best solution. If you’re experienced with a circular saw, this is something you can handle on your own, but if you are unsure, then you may want to call a carpenter or flooring professional for these repairs. The key challenge is properly matching the colour and grain of the floorboards as best as possible, which can be difficult with some older floors. 

Sand the floor

Here’s where things get dusty, so don a respirator and safety goggles before starting. If you need to remove a layer of embedded dirt or the original wax finish, a belt or drum sander is key—just remember to remove any shoe base moulding and use a floor scraper or putty knife to double-check for any protruding nails before sanding.

Begin with a coarse sandpaper between 36 and 40 grit, and work your way gradually to a finer grit with each pass. Use 60 grit for your second sweep, then 100 grit to smooth the surface further. Remove any dust and debris by sweeping and vacuuming (with a shop vac, not your regular vacuum) between each pass, and use a floor edger or disc sander to get all the corners and edges for a uniform finish.

One final sanding step will help give your floor that professional look—use a floor buffer and fine-grit screening pad with broad sweeping motions to smooth any unevenness or sandpaper scratches. Give the floor another good sweep and vacuum, then use tack cloth to collect any remaining dust particles before applying stain or finish.

Stain and finish

If you’d like to re-stain or change the tone of the floor, now’s the time to select an interior wood stain based on the type of hardwood or desired colour. Work in smaller areas and systematically apply with foam applicators, removing any excess stain with a clean, cotton rag or paper towels.

If you don’t wish to use stain, apply a sanding sealer before finishing.

Once you’re finished with either of the above, you’re ready to apply the finishing coats. Oil or water-based polyurethane wood finishes are the most commonly used these days, with oil-based being the more advisable option as it is thicker and provides a smoother coat. Wood oils like teak, cedar, tung, and Danish, are also popular options. Always be mindful of fumes, wear a respirator, and ensure proper room ventilation. 

Using a lambswool roller or applicator, apply three coats of oil-based finish, or four coats of water-based, sanding lightly between each coat using an extra-fine 220-grit sandpaper or #000 steel wool. This scuffs the surface to allow for the next coat to properly adhere. Be sure to vacuum the dust up before applying the next coat.

Once the final finish has dried (at least 24 hours), replace the shoe guard moulding. Apply felt pads to the feet of all furniture, and limit traffic in the room for seven to 10 days, allowing the finish to fully cure.

Caution: Always hang dry oil-soaked rags thoroughly outside and away from any buildings or structures before disposing of them. Wet oily rags produce their own heat and present a serious fire hazard.

Industrial elements tend to appeal to those with minimalist tendencies—the sharp lines and functional philosophies of industrial design are a natural fit if you’re into clean, uncluttered spaces. However, antiseptic interiors aren’t to everyone’s tastes, and there’s no design law that says industrial interiors must equal sterility.

In October 2018, Living Room called industrial design a celebration of bricks and mortar. It’s a style that continues on in new condo and loft construction, though more likely features concrete along with high ceilings and exposed mechanicals.

Warming up an industrial space may be easier than you think, too. The walls, floors, and ceilings of any space are the blank canvas upon which you can paint your personality. Here are a few things to consider as you adapt your personal style to an industrial space.

Colour

Consider the bare brick walls of a vintage warehouse-turned-loft space. Right there, colour delivers warmth, though classic brick walls and are perhaps best classed as factory design–a bit of twist on industrial. It does illustrate how colour palettes can quickly transform design direction. 

Even if you’re working with the neutral tones of concrete or cinder block, large swaths of terra cotta, bare wood, sand, and other naturally warm earth tones make a significant modifier to an industrial setting. Don’t cover all the concrete, though. Ultimate Gray is still in vogue and is one of Pantene’s 2021 Colours of the Year. 

Texture

Steel, glass, and concrete textures are key to industrial design, and each of these tend to lean toward the smooth side of things. Contrast is a powerful tool in design, so adding heavily textured fabrics takes the sterility of an industrial space down a notch. Bonus points when you combine texture and colour to dial down the cool tone of structural components.

Fixtures and furnishings

Colour and texture will also serve you well when it’s time to furnish your industrial home. Consider the impact of a tight, modern black leather sofa versus a mid-century modern fabric version in period-appropriate colour. Both looks work, but the latter adds a warmer impact on the interior space. 

Lighting is another way to add warmth. Try an internet search for “vintage LED bulbs” and marvel at the options. Many of these bulbs fall on the warmer side of the lighting spectrum to give a classic incandescent look, but with contemporary energy efficiency. With a variety of shapes and styles, it’s easy for a bare bulb to shine on its own.

Cross-pollinate

Pure versions of design styles may not exist outside of show homes and design schools. Real living spaces are compromises of family, lifestyle, evolving taste, and the bustle of daily living. We appreciate you might not be thinking about design 24/7. 

Pairing industrial aspects with another design style is one way to alter your course without changing direction. If you like clutter-free, but find minimalism too severe, consider Japanese, Scandinavian, or their hybrid Japandi. Each of these styles retains a minimalist core, but with softer notes that invite comfort. 

Biophilic design elements bring nature and your senses into the same space, adding elements industrial alone doesn’t touch. Natural light, plants, and artwork that echo green spaces connect indoor and outdoor spaces while providing a calm and meditative organic presence. It’s a great way to invite positive vibes into your industrial styled home. 

Plenty of other design styles mesh well within industrial frameworks. Consider Bauhaus, Transitional, Bohemian or Eclectic designs. Upcycling and Shabby Chic can counter the naturally modernist feel endemic to industrial. 

It’s your space and your palette, so don’t be trapped by rigid definitions. Decide what “warm” means to you, and you’ll find a way to bring it to your industrial home! 

Source: https://www.realtor.ca/blog/how-to-use-d%C3%A9cor-to-add-warmth-to-an-industrial-space/24653/1366
Photos: pexels.com

Picture the perfect cozy afternoon at home: what does it look like? If you’re envisioning a cozy reading nook, a warm blanket and a good book, then you’re in luck – from comfy bedroom reading nooks to elegant reading rooms to multi-functional spaces ideal for daily reading retreats, we’ve rounded up 10 reading nook ideas to inspire you.

Storytime Style

Buying and updating an older starter property can feel pretty overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t need to spend a fortune to feel instantly at home in your new digs — these easy painting DIY home projects will get the job done in no time.

Stairway to Heaven 
Jazz up a simple stairway by painting each rise its own bold colour — choose a single colour with varying amounts of white added for an ombre effect, or splash out and turn it into an indoor rainbow. Lugging laundry up and down the stairs just got a whole lot brighter. Tip: A sample can typically holds 8 ounces, which would be more than enough to cover a step or two.

Curtain Call

Update tired wooden curtain rods with a fresh coat or two of scratch-resistant paint. Cleaning, sanding and painting them will take a bit of elbow grease but it’s a way cheaper alternative to replacing them all, and will instantly change the feel of a space.

Show Your Mantle

When noodling over the best living room paint colours, turn to the experts. This year, Behr has selected BEHR Canyon Dusk S210-4 as their 2021 Colour of the Year — its warm inviting tones make it the ideal shade for a mantle refresh. Sometimes pulling out one element in a room to paint is all that’s needed to elevate the design; use a durable on-trend flat paint, such as BEHR SCUFF DEFENSE Interior Extra Durable Flat Paint & Primer for a modern feel.

Look Up, Way Up

When looking for other living room paint ideas, all you need to do is look up. Yep, adding colourful paint to the ceiling — especially if the rest of the room’s palette remains quite neutral — is a fun way to flip convention and inject energy into a space without too much work or investment.

Finding Patterns

Instead of using traditional (and oftentimes, expensive) wallpaper to highlight a specific area, opt for this simple DIY painted-wallpaper alternative. Painting a rainbow riot of colours with a (steady) free hand brings visual interest and vitality to a small space, such as an entryway or powder room.

Out Canvassing

When looking for an easy DIY home project, you can go beyond painting a feature wall and think about what you’d like to put on that wall. Put your artistic hat on and create your own large-canvas…just make sure you protect your “studio” from wayward paint splatters while working on your craft.

Paint Cabinets

When searching for straightforward, paint-based home improvements in the kitchen, look no further than the cabinets. Give these kitchen workhorses new life with a fresh, on-trend colour, such as BEHR Dressed to Impress MQ1-19 and choose a made-for-the-task paint such as BEHR PREMIUM Cabinet & Trim Enamel in the newly launched satin finish. It flows on fast and level, and dries to a durable finish — a must in a hardworking kitchen.

Take a Seat

Another bright DIY paint idea is to give a vintage chair new lease on life with a bright makeover. It may be a piece you found, inherited, thrifted or hunted down online, but putting your own creative stamp via a vivid coat of paint is an easy way to create an instant focal point in any room you place it in.

Blue Moon

White, cream, tan: there’s nothing wrong with bathroom vanities in these neutral shades — but if you want to add a little drama to your space, go for colour. This bright sky blue vanity paired with romantic brass fixtures and accessories is an undeniably sophisticated combination.

Back to It

With the advent of the #shelfie, bookshelves have become so much more than just a place to store your books — they’re now curated displays of taste, from art to personal interests. Painting the back of the bookshelves in deep, rich colour creates a tonal backdrop for these new decor vignettes to shine. Don’t worry: You don’t need elaborate built-ins to get the benefits of this simple DIY paint idea — any bookshelf setup will do.

Source: https://www.hgtv.ca/paint/photos/make-old-house-feel-new-with-paint-1948592/#