The Appeal Of Stainless Steel

How did a material once relegated to the cold confines of commercial kitchens become the hottest trend in kitchen decorating? By getting the word out that it is extremely durable, hygienic, and water and heat resistant. Not to mention that it possesses eye-grabbing appeal.

First introduced to the residential market ten years ago, stainless steel has gained remarkable popularity in a relatively short period of time. Rarely is a new house complete or a kitchen renovation concluded without the addition of distinctive stainless steel appliances. The fridge, stove and dishwasher are the most traditional of stainless steel offerings, but recently the surge for steel has resulted in stainless countertops, cabinet faces and backsplashes. Although first depicted as a decorating trend, it is quickly becoming clear that stainless steel is a mainstream style that is here to stay.

Some homeowners are hesitant to decorate with the glossy steel for fear it will give off a cold feeling, not suited for a family kitchen. This is hardly the case if the material is mixed and matched with common kitchen materials. For instance, blending warm traditional kitchen finishes like maple or cherry cabinets with stainless steel will result in a fantastic, unique contrast. Stainless is also versatile enough to be partnered in a kitchen with black, white or bisque appliances.

The durability of stainless is another element of great appeal. The material is highly resistant to rust, discolouration and corrosion, easily maintaining its professional appearance for years. Perhaps the only drawback stainless possesses is its tendency to scratch easily, although some find the occasional mark adds character and substance. It also has an inclination to attract fingerprints, which can be a concern if children roam your home.

Fortunately, stainless steel is not a difficult material to maintain. Cleaning involves a wash down with a mild detergent, a rinse and then a polish with a dry cloth. Of course, before outfitting your kitchen with stainless steel style, be sure you have a proper bulletin board, as the non-magnetic tendencies of stainless make hanging your families' schedules on the fridge next to impossible. Depending on your perspective, this may be stainless steel's greatest quality of all!

First Impressions Count... For Buyers and Your Neighbours

The summer months are the perfect time to freshen up the exterior of your home. Whether it's for your pleasure or to impress potential buyers, you'll boost your home's curb appeal with these good old-fashioned cleaning tips:

- Edge the gardens, clean out debris

- Pull the weeds and rake the leaves

- Prune the plants and wooly shrubs

- Plant some urns by the entrance and flowers to the beds

- Tidy the garage of winter trappings

- Dispose of rusty broken garden décor

- Put out a fresh welcome mat and oil the front door

- Paint the windowsills, mailbox, and anything else that is looking tired

- Place clear light bulbs in exterior fixtures, and ensure burned out bulbs are replaced

- Reseal the driveway

- Hide the garbage cans

- Sweep the step

- Fix the saggy gutters

Who says cleaning has to hurt? Get the kids involved! Borrow or buy a power washer and have fun cleaning siding, windows, sills, railings, decking and patio furniture.

How to Make a Small Room Appear Bigger

Small rooms are the bane of the home decorator. How do you achieve a pleasing look that doesn't feel cramped and claustrophobic? Short of building an addition or knocking down walls, you are limited to a few, but effective, decorating tricks that create the illusion of space.

The strategic use of colour and light is the best way to achieve this. Choose light shades of paint or wallpaper for the walls. Lighter colours reflect light making for a brighter room. Use an even lighter shade of the same colour or white for ceilings and floors. A darker colour on the ceiling will make the ceiling look lower and tends to make the walls look as though they are closing in.

Avoid harshly contrasting colours. In fact, a monochromatic colour scheme that carries throughout the room into fabrics and accessories is very effective. Steer away from too many patterned items. The goal here is to blur perspective.

Anything you can do to bring light into the room will also give the effect of increased space. A corner wall sconce that casts light up onto the wall works well. Try to vary lighting effects for interest. A skylight is a great way to add light to a room, but isn't always practical or affordable. Mirrors are a great solution for small rooms. Place mirrors directly across from another for maximum impact. A mirror placed across from a window is also effective. Place a lamp in front of a mirror to add more light to your room.

If you have wood or patterned flooring, have it installed so that the lines run diagonally across the room. This makes for longer lines, which give the appearance of a larger space. When furnishing the room, pick objects that are proportioned to the size of the room. For example, opt for a loveseat over a full-sized sofa. Lastly, keep the clutter to a minimum. Avoid using a lot of knick-knacks and keep the room tidy and well organized.

A Breath of Fresh Air: Improving Your Home's Air Quality

Is the air in your home making you sick? It can be as innocuous as a persistent cough, rash or headache. But, for the very young, the elderly and those with respiratory disease, the effects of indoor air contamination can be far more serious. The very air you breathe could be affecting the comfort and health of your family. Recognizing the symptoms of poor air quality is the first step toward fixing the problem. Bad air can be the cause any of the following symptoms:
-fatigue
-headaches
-cold or flu symptoms such as coughing, congestion and sneezing
-redness or irritation of the eyes
-irritation of the nose or throat
-dry, chapped or irritated skin
-allergies
-asthma attacks
Your home may have bad air if you or your family continuously experience any of these indicators, primarily when spending time at home.

In some cases the cause is obvious. Cigarette smoke and pet dander, particularly in poorly ventilated areas, are common culprits. But in many cases, the source is hard to identify. You may be able to locate the source by centring your attention in rooms where symptoms are more severe. Your basement is a good place to start, as basements are breeding grounds for mould, another leading cause of poor air quality. Look for damp areas, mould and mildew and dust accumulation. Is there a musty smell in the air? Is drywall, carpet or drapery stained or discoloured? Chemical fumes from a recent renovation or fumes from an attached garage or workshop could also be to blame.

Every home should have a carbon monoxide detector. Carbon monoxide is an odourless gas caused by combustion sources like gas appliances, wood stoves/fireplaces and automobiles. Initial warning signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include sore throat, dizziness, headache and sleepiness - prolonged exposure can be fatal. Carbon monoxide detectors are available commercially and are required by law in some Canadian districts.

Solving the problem can be as easy as removing the source. Mould can be destroyed by cleansing the area with a mixture of one part chlorine bleach to four parts water. Wash the area thoroughly and let it stand for about 15 minutes before rinsing. To avoid recurrence, ensure that the affected area remains free of moisture. Contaminated carpet, underlay and furniture should be removed and discarded.

Routinely change furnace and air conditioner filters and keep your home clean and dust free. When removing the source is not possible or proves ineffective, there are other measures you can take:
-Improve ventilation in affected rooms
-Humid air can cause and exacerbate air quality. Consider purchasing a dehumidifier
-An air filtration system can be installed in the home
When symptoms are severe it is best to rely on a professional. Hire an environmental consulting company to analyze the air in your home, identify the cause and recommend a solution.

Seasonal Décor: Bringing the Outdoors In

Cooler winter temperatures and shorter daylight hours naturally limit the time we spend outside. Current interior design trends use nature punctuated with colour as a theme to rescue us from cabin fever. Here are some of this season's 'outdoor-in' design essentials:

· Wreaths and Garlands: Made from traditional pine or more contemporary bay leaves, eucalyptus or holly. Live or faux, they are interwoven with brightly contrasting citrus fruits, pomegranates or berries for the most natural look. Glass-like beads and solid spherical ornaments in a shock of intense colour are also featured this season. Look for wreath stands to showcase your wreath at adjustable heights. Garlands look best along mantles, doorframes, windowsills and banisters, snaked among candles on tabletop centrepieces, and as trimming atop tall furniture like bookcases, wardrobes and entertainment credenzas.

· Trees and Topiaries: Like wreaths and garlands, trees and topiaries combine the same natural elements interwoven with vivid colours whether live or faux. This season, you can also find them made entirely of a single material, such as glass-like beads, holly berries, tinsel, or round ornaments, in either a uniform tone or a bouquet of colours. Available in a variety of sizes, they can be brilliantly illuminated with lights and garland, or they can sparkle alone with a pre-treatment designed to imitate frost, ice or dew.

· Faux Fire: Indoors or out, there's nothing quite like sitting around a fire to add ambiance to quality time spent enjoying family and friends. It's no surprise then, that sales of electric fireplaces are red-hot this season. They provide the romance and warmth of a traditional gas or wood burning fire without the requisite venting or gas lines, and at a fraction of the cost. Plug them into a standard 120-volt outlet to heat the room, or turn the heat off and appreciate the flame effect alone, complete with glowing embers! Electric fireplaces can be purchased as an insert for existing fireplaces or as a stand-alone piece with a mantle surround. Mantles are available in a variety of styles, colours and wood materials to suit a variety of personal tastes.

· Finishing Touches: Just as the snow sparkles outside, so too do those finishing touches. From decorative ornaments, to picture frames, to napkin rings, to cardholders, to candles and candleholders...think jeweled. If those finishing touches aren't bejeweled with faux gemstones, then they glitter with the imitation effect of frost or ice.

Don't Wait To List!

Once your home is updated with the winter season's latest design essentials, it is most visually appealing to prospective buyers. Serious homebuyers are indeed active through the holidays and into the early months of the New Year. This means minimal disruption for you and your family and viewings from truly qualified prospects. Please contact me for more information about listing during the winter season.

Splish-Splash... Time for a Bathroom Renovation

Almost every real estate professional will tell you that bathroom upgrades generally provide a solid return on investment. In fact, the 2006 Royal LePage House Staging Report found that 73 per cent of potential buyers would be willing to pay a premium for a home that featured a renovated bathroom. So, if you are considering a renovation for both personal reasons and with an eye for your home's resale potential, the bathroom may be your choice for change.

How do I start?

Remember that the layout of the new bathroom doesn't necessarily have to be the same as the old one. A new approach is to not make the toilet a focal point. A partial wall will give a sense of privacy and block the eye, without chopping up the space the way a full wall might.

When it comes to lighting, think versatility. You will want brilliant illumination by the mirror and the option of more subdued ambience when soaking in the tub.

If you have an old linen closet, consider converting the façade to resemble a cabinet and perhaps take it right to the ceiling.

Bathrooms are heavy traffic areas, so remember to choose tough, easy to clean surfaces, moisture-resistant paint and non-slip flooring.

Fixtures, 101

Take design cues from your fixtures. The soft lines of oval shapes and the curves of pedestal sinks will feel very different from the artsy, ultra-modern look created by angular choices.

Before you buy a bathtub, try it out by sitting in it. Based on your height and the space available, you may want a longer or deeper tub than is standard. Or you may decide that you'll do without one entirely, in favour of a large open shower space.

It's on my wish list...

It may be that like many of us, you are dreaming of a new bathroom, but don't have the time, money or space for radical changes. Don't underestimate your current bathroom's potential for improvements. A wall-to-wall scrubbing, including a clearing out of old and used items can be rejuvenating, as can a fresh coat of paint. Add some new towels and a shower curtain, a basket or two for storage, a change in wall décor, a plant (it will love the humidity!) and possibly an upgrade to your mirror, lighting or faucets, and you can create a beautiful new space for a fraction of the cost.

Spring Has Sprung a Leaky Roof

That gentle spring rain is great for your garden, but it's not so nice when you're dealing with a leaky roof. If you've noticed peeling wallpaper, cracked paint, stains on the ceiling or actual drips that you have to catch in buckets or pots, you need to think about fixing your roof.

A few things you should know about roof repairs

The best-case scenario is that a section of your roof will require patching or repair. The worst-case scenario is an expensive recovering or replacement of your entire roof. When determining which scenario applies to your roof, interview some quality roofing professionals and consider these facts:

- A roof needs to be replaced every 20 to 30 years, on average, depending on materials, installation, weather and maintenance
- Finding the source of a leak can be challenging, even for roofing pros, and repairs can get pricey if you have to keep calling them back for additional fixes

When a new roof is your only option

Your chosen roofing professional has advised you need a new roof. Now, you have a number of new questions to answer:

1. Replace or recover? Outright replacement means tearing off the roof and installing a new one. Recovering involves installing new shingles over an existing roof. Depending on building code in your area, you may not be allowed more than one roof recovering before a complete replacement is necessary
2. What materials do you want to use? While most people choose cost-effective asphalt shingles, which come in a variety of grades and colours. You can also choose shingles made of wood, ceramic, slate, metal, or synthetics made to look like slate or wood
3. How's your attic ventilation? Proper ventilation can save energy, prevent structural damage caused by moisture, prolong the life of your roof, and make your home more comfortable. Have your roofing professional check it out before any works begins

Once your new roof is installed, maintain it diligently. Inspect it every spring and fall, as poor maintenance is the leading cause of damage and leaks. Replace damaged shingles and take note of sagging or other damage. Careful maintenance of a new roof will keep you and your family leak-free and happy - at least for the next 20 to 30 years.

The Hottest Renovation Trends

Home improvements, be they decorating, designing or renovating, are becoming almost as common as the annual summer holiday! However, like clothes, shoes and diets, fashions change. What's the new best thing? Here's what the experts are saying:

- On average, renovations are getting bigger, and people are tending to want high-end, quality products. A continuous upgrade approach is popular with fewer people waiting several years between projects.

- With children staying home longer and an increased desire to care for the aging parents within our homes, there is a subtle upswing in requests for multi-generational suites. Similarly, wider doorways and entrances, non-skid floors, lever handles and safety rails are more frequently requested.

- Retrofitting to improve air quality and energy efficiency is important, particularly during major renovations.

- A popular home addition coming out of Europe is a scullery, or as it is sometimes called, a 'dirty kitchen'. A scullery is typically about half the size of the home's eat-in kitchen, and allows the host to hide the messier aspects of cooking from guests while entertaining. It features a big sink for cleaning, a large cutting/preparation area and storage for appliances and oversized items.

- Other European trends include appliances in vibrant hues. And, rather than traditional large refrigerators, ultra-modern kitchens are now featuring smaller units, such as under-the-counter pullout freezers and cooler drawers for fruits and vegetables.

- If you are seeking the best return for your renovation dollar, your top three renovation choices remain unchanged: kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations and interior painting. According to the Appraisal Institute of Canada's 2004 Home Renovation Survey, these upgrades will net you a return in the range of 70 percent to100 percent of your investment.

Call Before You Dig
Is your home improvement investment worth the effort and expense? I can help you understand what your planned home renovation may do to improve your home's resale value in today's market.

What's Cooking in Kitchen Renovation

Think of your kitchen as the social hub of your home. Undoubtedly, it's the most trafficked area in your house and is probably where your family gathers the most. It's also the room where you prepare your meals and, most likely, where you do most of your entertaining.

With so much functionality, it should come as no surprise to discover that the kitchen is considered to be the most important room in a house. In fact, 58 per cent of Canadians polled in the 2003 Royal LePage National Home Attitude Study cite the kitchen as having the most impact on potential purchases. When considering a home renovation, remodeling the kitchen is a top priority for many. Whether considering a complete redesign, or a few minor touchups to add some pizzazz, the following options will help make a significant difference:

Countertops -
A countertop serves as the main focal point of a kitchen and a new one can dramatically impact the look and feel of the busiest room in your house. If an upscale look is what you're after, granite is the most popular choice. This natural stone is waterproof and heatproof when sealed and is also durable and stain-resistant. Manmade solid-surfaces are available in a variety of colours and patterns and boast a rich luxurious look. These surfaces are easily maintained with everyday cleansers and most signs of wear and tear can easily be buffed out. If you're budget conscious, plastic laminates are available in a variety of designs. These enduring materials are easily maintained, but one word of caution, they are neither heat or scratch resistant.

Cabinets -
Top-quality cabinets can last a lifetime. Equipped with great hardware and built with elaborate finishing systems, new cabinets can spark up an outdated kitchen. When choosing cabinet height, consider the height of your ceilings. For eight-foot ceilings, cabinets should reach the ceiling. For ceilings that are higher than eight feet, 15 to 18 inches should be left above the cabinets. As an alternative to replacing all of your cabinets, consider incorporating glass cabinet doors. Whether frosted, clear or ribbed, glass can enhance both a modern and traditional cabinet. If you are looking to make a dramatic transformation but don't want to break the bank, paint can be used for an instant cabinet makeover. Visit your local paint store for the latest tips and techniques. The choice of hardware can be used to significantly enhance the look and feel of cabinetry. Simply adding chrome knobs and handles can update a traditional kitchen with a contemporary edge.

Floors -
Hardwood floors have become a popular choice for kitchen flooring. Although often discouraged because of traffic considerations and proximity to water, many are choosing hardwood for its chic look, electing style over practicality. Laminate flooring offers an attractive and affordable alternative. Available in a variety of patterns, durable laminate flooring is resistant to scratching, fading and denting. Laminate flooring requires minimal maintenance – mopping and vacuuming are all that is necessary. Ceramic tiles are renowned for being resilient and easy to care for – especially important in high-traffic zones such as the kitchen. With a wide variety of styles and colour selections, ceramic tiles offer an affordable choice for those looking for durability and style.