August 2009 - Posts

Aug
31

Video Question of the Week: Above Ground Pools – Yea or Nay?

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/31/2009 4:53:00 PM
The mere mention of above ground pools often causes a visceral reaction, so we though it would be most entertaining for you if we were to catch some of that on camera. And so we did! We took this week’s question to the streets of Toronto, (Yorkville and
Read More »

Posted in:

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

9 Comments

Aug
29

Bargain Saturday: Sale Find -- Bordered Rugs

Permalink
Posted by Jessica McLaughlin 8/29/2009 10:35:00 AM
Who doesn't love a sale ? And I've been looking for something to throw in front of my patio door! These bordered rugs are durable and made from natural fabric (and the cat will probably enjoy rubbing his face all over it--bonus!). Left to right: Seagrass-Border
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

2 Comments

Aug
28

Top 5 Friday: New Decor Stores - The US Invasion!

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/28/2009 2:23:00 PM
If I had a loonie for every time I heard, “Ugh, when is that great US DÉCOR STORE coming to Canada, already?” I could buy them all and open them in Canada myself. I’m sure there’ll be no shortage of denouncing the American décor invasion, but I’m expecting
Read More »

Posted in: , , , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

3 Comments

Aug
27

DIY: Nursery Wall Mural

Permalink
Posted by Vanessa 8/27/2009 10:17:00 AM
Earlier this year, my talented friend Leann (photographer, painter, makeup artist...) created this impressive Winne the Pooh mural on her friend's nursery wall using an overhead projector and a mix of latex paints for the background and craft paints for
Read More »

Posted in: , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

5 Comments

Aug
26

Design Dilemma with Cheryl Torrenueva: A SUPER-Helpful Kids Bedroom Plan

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/26/2009 7:45:00 PM
This here is invaluable help for all of you faced with transitioning your little baby girl to her very own toddler room . Victoria G., today's design novice-in-distress sent us a video of her dilemma! (See below) Victoria G.'s expanding family is pushing
Read More »

Posted in: , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

1 Comments

Aug
26

Moving Mayhem: Buyer's Remorse

Permalink
Posted by Scotch Mommy 8/26/2009 9:39:00 AM
We're down to the short strokes, now, with less than three weeks til Moving Day . Despite my deepest desires, we're already behind in our packing. The basement, which was supposed to be done last weekend, is still a colossal room of mismatched toys, bins
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

0 Comments

Aug
25

Splurge vs. Steal: Oval Mirrors

Permalink
Posted by Nadine Sharon Anglin 8/25/2009 4:51:00 PM
Let’s not beat around the bush on this one: oval mirrors are nothing new, but in a space that’s not hip to be square, they can bring a little circular motion into your decor commotion. Try one over your mantle in lieu of angular artwork, in the front
Read More »

Posted in:

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

1 Comments

Aug
23

Shop Review: Consignment Heaven at Around the Block, Toronto

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/23/2009 9:43:00 AM
Left: Elana and her pot, right: various merchandise at Around the Block Consignment store. The phenomenon of ‘vintage’ really exploded into the realm of acceptability fairly recently. What I mean is, your mother is no longer likely to turn her nose up
Read More »

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

9 Comments

Aug
22

Bargain Saturday: Mason Jars

Permalink
Posted by Vanessa 8/22/2009 9:30:00 AM
Sometimes I think the best bargains are the most obvious ones we overlook. I'm a big fan of finding new uses for everyday items and there's certainly no shortage of mason jar crafts and ideas online. From left to right: First are twinkle lights in vintage
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

0 Comments

Aug
21

Top 5 Friday: Fall Fashion Trends For Your Home

Permalink
Posted by Alicia Cox 8/21/2009 12:34:00 PM
The upcoming release of the behind-the-scenes-at -Vogue documentary, The September Issue , ( watch the trailer !) is causing quite the frisson of excitement around these parts. Home decor and fashion go hand in hand and I've been stocking up on the September
Read More »

Posted in: , , , , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

1 Comments

Aug
20

Shoestring Makeover: Elana's Porch and Curb Appeal (The House's)

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/20/2009 5:39:00 PM
"Before", left, "After", right. I've virtually gotten through my whole house! Today on Shoestring Makeover , I offer you my home's facade and porch. It's definitely shoestring. The biggest splurge in the transformation was the chemical spray job we paid
Read More »

Posted in: , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

8 Comments

Aug
19

Moving Mayhem: Painting Wood and Brick

Permalink
Posted by Scotch Mommy 8/19/2009 9:14:00 PM
Last week I mentioned the debate raging in my family about whether we should paint the beautiful wood trim throughout the main floor and the wood wainscotting and balustrade in the formal front hallway of the home we're moving into. My 11-year-old daughter
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

8 Comments

Aug
19

Outdoor Design Dilemma with Carson Arthur: When Back of the House is Actually the Front

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/19/2009 7:47:00 PM
Today on Outdoor Design Dilemma , your gracious host of Green Force and landscape designer Carson Arthur goes beyond the borders of landscaping to advise an excited first-time homeowner on how to improve her home's curb appeal. To help illustrate Carson's
Read More »

Posted in: , , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

3 Comments

Aug
18

Home Tour: Classic Contemporary in Forest Hill, Toronto

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/18/2009 5:46:00 PM
Today's Home Tour is a good lesson in how to grow up. No matter how much we love frivolous splashes of colour, random objects as wall art and cushions du jour, there's something to be said for the classic contemporary look -- done right. It's a bit like
Read More »

Posted in: , , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

3 Comments

Aug
18

Gardening Advice: Should I Grow My Herbs Inside or Out?

Permalink
Posted by Guest Blogger 8/18/2009 8:27:00 AM
Question: "I am trying to grow herbs. Tried the seeds, but they all died. Would it be better to grow them outside then bring them in for the winter?" Answer: Most herbs , particularly annuals (they grow and produce seed in one year and do not come back
Read More »

Posted in: , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

3 Comments

Aug
17

Question of the Week: What's Your Favourite TV Home Interior?

Permalink
Posted by Alicia Cox 8/17/2009 3:07:00 PM
Image from comicfortress.com The offices here at Canwest are generally a jolly place to work -- our floor includes digital media teams for Showcase , Slice , HGTV , FoodTV , History , Global TV and more. There's often six-pack-inducing laugh riots caused
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

6 Comments

Aug
15

Bargain Saturday: Easy and Affordable Framed Fabric Art

Permalink
Posted by Jessica McLaughlin 8/15/2009 9:54:00 AM
At IKEA last week I noticed they started wrapping fabric around square frames. Such a cute and easy DIY art project for those of you out there who hoard boxes of fabric from second hand stores or fabric sales (I'm looking at you, Mom!) These TYGLOSA frames
Read More »

Posted in: , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

2 Comments

Aug
14

Top 5 Friday: My Favourite Drying Racks and Ideas

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/14/2009 4:03:00 PM
It's crazy how serious people are about air drying . I know it's great for the environment, as your dryer is a huge part of your monthly electricity bill, but there's a whole world out there dedicated to cataloging products, discussing options and sharing
Read More »

Posted in: , , , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

5 Comments

Aug
13

Backyard Makeover: Tranquil Zen Garden

Permalink
Posted by Terry Wong 8/13/2009 2:41:00 PM
If you're like me and you haven't got a clue about transforming your outdoor space then you are not alone. Fortunately for us, there are many landscaping design businesses out there for those of us who are a little challenged when it comes to transforming
Read More »

Posted in: , , , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

2 Comments

Aug
13

Makeover: Outdoor Office from Take It Outside

Permalink
Posted by Alicia Cox 8/13/2009 2:07:00 PM
The home office is quickly becoming a must-have as more and more people choose to work from home - and more employers encourage it. On this season 1 episode of Take It Outside , designer Kelly Deck worked with freelance journalist (and current ETalk reporter)
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

1 Comments

Aug
12

Nooch: A Restaurant Designed by Karim Rashid

Permalink
Posted by Terry Wong 8/12/2009 2:53:00 PM
Last month, I was in NYC visiting my best friend, Ramon, and we visited one of my favourite designer restaurants called Nooch . Located in Chelsea on the west side of Manhattan , Nooch features authentic Thai and Japanese cuisine (for more on the food
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

2 Comments

Aug
12

Moving Mayhem: Moving Horror Stories

Permalink
Posted by Scotch Mommy 8/12/2009 1:08:00 PM
We went for our access visit to our new home last week to measure doorways and hallways (to make sure certain furniture pieces could easily pass through) and brought along our painter so he could tally up an estimate for us. We also brought two of our
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

2 Comments

Aug
12

Outdoor Design Dilemma with Carson Arthur: Mature Growth, FAST!

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/12/2009 8:44:00 AM
And we're back! What can I say? That Carson Arthur keeps on sending us invaluable tips on how to improve your outdoor spaces and solve some of your most challenging Design Dilemmas . This week, our landscape expert and host of HGTV's Green Force helps
Read More »

Posted in: , , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

0 Comments

Aug
11

Splurge vs. Steal: Comfy Hammocks

Permalink
Posted by Guest Blogger 8/11/2009 9:15:00 AM
Comfy hammocks take summertime lounging to a whole new level. These hammocks come with extra padding, so they’re super cushy and won’t leave marks on your backside like some rope/mesh ones will. Plus, they’re wide enough for two — so you can snuggle under
Read More »

Posted in: , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

1 Comments

Aug
10

Video Tour of Archi-Marvel Hotel, One King West, Toronto

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/10/2009 3:14:00 PM
Toronto is not really known for it's neoclassical or turn-of-the-century/industrialist architecture , so when a chance comes up to do some educated gawking, you can understand if I jump at it. In fact, I did more than just gawk at this old TD Bank tower
Read More »

Posted in:

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

3 Comments

Aug
10

Question of the Week: Walk-In Closet or Wine Cellar?

Permalink
Posted by Vanessa 8/10/2009 10:34:00 AM
From left: dressing room from HGTV's Top 10 ; custom wine cellar by Sleeping Grape Wine Cellars You've probably seen that beer commercial where a woman gives her friends a tour of her new walk-in closet . Her girlfriends are shrieking with delight when
Read More »

Posted in:

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

2 Comments

Aug
09

Shop Review: Haveli Home in Liberty Village, Toronto

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/9/2009 2:57:00 PM
Liberty Village is west Toronto's answer to the city's eastern jewel, The Distillery Historic District. An ex brown field and original site of a men's prison -- part of the 1870s military compound, Garrison Common -- it is now a rehabilitated mixed use
Read More »

Posted in:

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

0 Comments

Aug
07

Top 5 Friday: Favourite Decor Blogs

Permalink
Posted by Vanessa 8/7/2009 12:00:00 PM
What better way to spend some free time this weekend than browsing decor blogs and daydreaming? Because none of us do this during work hours, especially on Friday afternoon, right? Here are five blogs I recently discovered. Ruby Gatta is fashion bunny
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

3 Comments

Aug
06

Real People Reno: An IKEA Kitchen, Top to Bottom

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/6/2009 5:33:00 PM
Contrary to what many may think, IKEA kitchens are not actually such a bargain. They're not because they're quite solid and good quality, in fact. I speak from experience, because today's feature is my own parents' kitchen reno, in which I had a solid
Read More »

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

9 Comments

Aug
05

Design Dilemma with Carson Arthur: Ingenious Solution to Backyard Noise

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/5/2009 4:51:00 PM
Amazing! I hadn’t even heard of this (shame on me!). This week we’re back to Outdoor Design Dilemmas with your ever-obliging steward of the outdoors (have I used ‘steward’ yet?) Carson Arthur , landscape designer and host of Green Force . Today, an invaluable
Read More »

Posted in: , , , , ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

9 Comments

Aug
05

Moving Mayhem: The Devil's in the Details

Permalink
Posted by Scotch Mommy 8/5/2009 2:29:00 PM
My husband and I have a bit of experience moving but we've only done it once with children so I'm preparing like gangbusters for our upcoming move. With our last move our oldest daughter was two and I was pregnant. Now we have three children, which means more stuff but also, in theory at least, more helpers! (Hands up all you parents who are laughing right now.)
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

5 Comments

Aug
04

Gardening Advice: How Can I Get My Garden to Grow Naturally?

Permalink
Posted by Guest Blogger 8/4/2009 9:25:00 AM
Question: "My little garden just had started to grow. Our spring was too cold. I planted kolhrabi, carrots, chives, onions, sunflowers, and other plants this year to help save on the grocery bills. Another reason was to make sure that our food is fresh.
Read More »

Posted in:

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

1 Comments

Aug
03

Question of the Week: Sheepskin and Hide - Rustic Chic or Akin to Wearing Fur?

Permalink
Posted by Elana Safronsky 8/3/2009 3:47:00 PM
It's not as bad as wearing fur - is it? Because that's my chair and sheepskin in the photo, and I would be a lot less open about it if the photo was of my fox fur instead, WHICH I do not own, for the record (mostly because I don't have the money. Ha!
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

10 Comments

Aug
01

Bargain Saturday: Jewels for Your Cabinetry

Permalink
Posted by Jessica McLaughlin 8/1/2009 3:45:00 PM
Sometimes the littlest details can make all the difference. Maybe you've got an old piece of furniture, like a bedside table, that could use a pick-me-up? So, give it a little bling. Some new knobs might just add that touch of whimsy that will inject
Read More »

Posted in: ,

Add to:   Add to Del.icio.us   Digg it!  

1 Comments


Back to Top