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Happy Tuesday!

Brrr it is coming. Yes, I am talking about the cold weather. Here is a checklist to get your home ready for the upcoming months.

• Clean your gutters- Gutters are important for collecting water and directing the water away. Clogged gutters can cause mold and damage.
• Hose bib- Drain your hose bib, remove and store garden hoses.
• Water Irrigation System- Blow the water out of your sprinkler.
• Store and clean your outdoor furniture and cover the barbecue.
• Check your roof- Fall is a good time to check your shingles. Worn, torn or missing shingles can lead to water damage.
• Windows and Doors- Drafts can be expensive. You can easily feel the drafts on a windy day. Windows many need new windowstripping or may need to be replaced if they are leaking.
• Say no to critters- Check for holes, install vent covers and set traps. Hire a professional if you cannot resolve your critter problem.
• Check your walkway, steps, and outdoor railing. I personally know a few people who have injured themselves on uneven walkways and steps.
• Remove and replace outdoor bulbs. Our days are getting shorter therefore having a well lit walkway or landing is important.
• Book with your snow removal company. Have working snow shovels or a snow blower that is in working condition.

Have a fantastic day!

Photo: Scott McGillivray

Happy Monday!

Oh, my word I see fall decor everywhere! Summer is not officially over but with school around the corner, it feels like it.

I am wrapping this month off with a few great photos of a colour consult and dining room redesign.  Benjamin Moore and Sherwin  Williams colours were both used. Sherwin Williams has some fantastic blues to choose from but Benjamin Moore is superb paint.

For the master bedroom, the clients decided on a wood plank accent wall and did it themselves. It looks great. The paint colour we chose looks great I think too!

The dining room looks much better with a flat ceiling and the paint on the ceiling gives this room a pop of colour. The home looks really bright and very pretty. I love working with blues.

Have a look and have a fantastic week!

 

Happy Tuesday!

While great quality photos can help potential buyers narrow down properties they may want to view, curb appeal is still important. Great curb appeal makes a good first impression.

Here are ten staging tips for curb appeal:

• clean exterior and interior windows
• make sure all exterior lighting is in working order
• repair any missing shingles
• cut grass and weed
• paint the front door if necessary
• ensure window screens are not broken
• stain your front porch if it is worn
• repair or replace any damaged front porch boards
• inspect the parging for any damage or chips
• make sure to clean up any dog waste

Paint selection Benjamin Moore by Daniela Pluviati

Happy Tuesday!

Sherwin Williams has their forecast for 2019 and the paint colours selected are beautiful! With 42 colours to choose from, there is a paint colour for every style and mood. The paint colours are divided into six “colour personalities” called Shapeshifter, Wanderer, Aficionado, Enthusiast, Naturalist and Raconteur. Have a look!

Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams

Sherwin Williams

Have a safe and wonderful long weekend!

Happy Wednesday!

If you are travelling this summer and are looking for the perfect way to remember your trip then you should check out Modern Map Art.

Founded in 2016 Modern Map Art provides elegant, modern designs that capture cities that you may have a connection to. It takes your favourite cities, mountains and places and turns them into fantastic works of art. The maps are a great way to display something unique and memorable in your home.

There are so many cool designs to choose from, but below are some of my favourites.

The Map Heart Art is such a unique gift for a wedding. Celebrating three special places. Two sides show the places that you and your loved one are from and the middle shows the place you both live in today.

If you love to ski then you may find their Mont Tremblant Ski Trail Map Poster is the perfect art piece for your home or chalet. The Ottawa Street Map poster is also very cool and is a great addition to a home office.

I have ordered the custom Star Map and I can not wait for it to come in. Have a look at some of the maps below!

 

Tremblant – Modern Map Art

 

Ottawa – Modern Map Art

 

Heart Art – Modern Map Art

 

Happy Canada Day!

Happy Friday!

Summer is officially here and this is a perfect time to add some much-needed pops of colour. I love styling for summer. Airy, sun-filled rooms make me smile. Here are a few tips to bring summer into your home.

• Love your plants. There is nothing like having plants or fresh cut flowers in your home. If you have open shelving display them! I try to incorporate some greenery when staging as well.
• Add some colour. Adding a few accessories for this season does not have to be expensive. Ikea has great accessories in great colours at very affordable prices.
• Remove your heavy area rug. This is a great time to have your area rug cleaned and perhaps opt for a more natural rug or no rug at all.
• Add seashells. They bring such a calming, spa feel to a bathroom.
• Change your textiles. Summer is a great time to change up your toss pillows and pull out lighter linens for the bed.

 

 

Styling Daniela Pluviati

Happy Wednesday!

I hate to admit it, but our bedroom looks like a dorm. To make a long story short, we have been waiting for months for stained flush vents.  Scott decided it was easier to purchase them from Barwood Flooring and have them matched at Randall’s. Now that we finally have the vents I can start on our master bedroom.

It is only one room, so Scott will do the install himself. If you are ready to tackle a hardwood flooring project yourself, then there are some considerations before starting.

We have solid hardwood throughout our home, so we will stick with the same hardwood for our bedroom. We both prefer solid wood over engineered wood,  but that is just our personal preference. Solid wood can always be sanded and refinished in the future if we decide to do so.

If you are thinking about a DIY installation of pre-finished hardwood floor then you will need some tools.  A pneumatic flooring nailer, hammer, saw, drill, table saw, chop saw, drill bits may be used. You will need to purchase vapour paper or rosin paper depending on the project.

Plan ahead and take your time. Laying your first row is critical to the success of your project. Scott will start at the bedroom doorway but this can vary if your room is not square. He also installs the flooring boards perpendicular to the floor joists because he says it is just “better”.

Have a great day!

Daniela

xo