Big or small space, there is always a way to create a functional workspace.

As the pandemic rolled out, working from home became the norm for many. But, it can be difficult at times to find a place to feel productive and dedicated to your work.

No matter where you live, spare room or not, you can still carve out a space to call your home office.

5 ways to create your very own dedicated office space:

1. Change your living room layout

A lot of people find themselves working on dining room tables. However, you can actually utilize the space in a living room by just re-configuring the layout to create something functional and aesthetic.

Tips:

• Push your sofa against the wall to make room for a small writer’s desk, or place a slim desk

Basements are often an afterthought. Sometimes they’re dismissed as simply storage space – where your furnace and water heater are located, along with bins of clothes you’ll never wear again. If this is your mindset, you’re missing out on some great opportunities to reimagine this space.

See your basement with a fresh perspective. Here are a few ways that you can optimize your basement for a better living experience:

Personal gym
Forget paying for a membership. By investing in a few pieces of quality gym equipment, you can bring your workout home. It’s not always easy to stay motivated, but having easy access to your treadmill at home could be one less excuse to skip your run, especially on those cold days. And with a home gym, you can make

On those long, hot days of summer, there is no better way to cool down and relax than by taking a dip in a refreshing pool. And when it’s your own private oasis, even better still! If you’re considering installing a pool in your backyard, there are many important factors to consider. One of the decisions you’ll have to make is whether to go with an in-ground pool or an above-ground version. Before you take the plunge… review this comprehensive list of the pros and cons of both options.

In-ground pool

Pros:
– Esthetically pleasing; can enhance the look of your yard 
– Many options to choose from (shape, size, material, colour, etc.)
– Can be heated and enjoyed in cooler weather
– Can last for several decades with proper upkeep

Cons:
– More

Whether you’re planning a brief getaway or spending the winter months down south, it’s important to take precautions to keep your home safe while you’re away. There are many simple things you can do to deter break-ins, minimize risk of damage and ensure your peace of mind when no one is home. 

Consider these tips next time you are planning a trip:

• Ensure all doors and windows are properly closed and locked, including basement windows and the garage door.
• Set timers on indoor and outdoor lights, so there is a natural rhythm to when lights are on and off. Leaving the lights on 24/7 for several days or weeks is a clear sign that no one is home.
• Secure expensive valuables such as jewellery, cash or important sentimental items in a home safe

It’s the first place you visit when you wake up, and the last stop you make before going to bed. We all wish our bathroom would look and feel like a spa… Yet, for most of us, it’s one room in the home that never seems to have enough storage. Here are some helpful tips and handy storage solutions to maximize the space in a small bathroom:

• Trade in your under-sink cabinets for a set of deep drawers. You won’t be sorry. This will essentially double the amount of surface space you have to store your toiletries, make-up and other bathroom essentials. The top drawer can be customized to fit around the sink, while maximizing every square inch of space around it. If you do have cabinets, however, take advantage of the space on the inside of the doors by

Despite a return to international travel, demand remains strong in many recreational regions across the country

Strong demand for cottages, and properties in close proximity to lakes and mountains, continues to outpace supply in recreational regions across Canada. According to the Royal LePage 2022 Spring Recreational Property Report, the aggregate price of a single-family home in Canada’s recreational market is forecast to increase by 13% in 2022, to $640,710. This is following a 26.6% year-over-year increase in prices last year. 

Even taking into account reduced pandemic-related restrictions, including a return to international travel, and the potential for a series of interest rate hikes over the course of the next two years, experts in

The air is warmer, the days are getting longer, and after an exceptionally snowy winter, the grass is starting to reveal itself. Spring is upon us, which means all that snow is going to melt. Be sure to take these important steps to protect your home and prevent major water damage during the thaw.

• Clear away any snow and ice from your home’s foundation, including window wells, to avoid leaks and possibly flooding as it melts.
• Take a closer look. Seal and repair any cracks in your walls, foundation and around windows, to ensure moisture does not penetrate the building. If you discover a leak, even a small one, consider contacting a professional. Water damage can escalate quickly and repairs are costly. 
• Clear out built-up ice and debris

Spring is just around the corner. And, after two long years of pandemic-related lockdowns, there’s never been a better time to brighten up your home with a fresh coat of paint. We’ve got all the latest colour trends covered.

This year, some paint experts are recommending deep and eccentric colours to help breathe new life into the place that has substituted your office, classroom, gym and entertainment space for the last 24 months. Others are taking a softer approach, with palettes of earth tones and colours inspired by nature. 

Here are the 2022 colours of the year, according to some of the top paint companies in North America:

Pantone’s colour of the year is the bold and deep Very Peri (PANTONE 17-3938). After many months in isolation,

Of all the rooms in your home, the kitchen might be the most daunting one to pack up. When it’s time to move, follow these four important steps to make packing your kitchen easy and stress-free!

1. Get organized. Before you start packing mugs and bowls into boxes, take inventory of each cupboard and drawer in your kitchen. Use this opportunity to purge or donate any items you do not intend to take with you. Next, gather all the packing materials you will need, including packing paper or bubble wrap, strong tape, boxes in various sizes, and a marker.
2. Set aside your essentials. You can’t leave everything to the last minute, so you’ll want to pack up the vast majority of your kitchen ahead of time and leave out only a few essential items to be used

A laundry room – if you are fortunate enough to have a designated room – is one of the most underrated and important spaces in any home. Your guests may not see it and it might not be a deal-breaker for potential buyers in the future, but you are likely to spend several hours (at least…) each week in the laundry room. That means, while it doesn’t have to be fancy, it does need to be functional, clean and easy to navigate. 

Here are some tips to help make your laundry room easier and more enjoyable to use:

• Make sure your appliances are the right size and in the correct location for your space. The layout of your laundry room will revolve around the washer and dryer, so consider carefully where and how you place these machines. Of course, the