February 2014

The bathroom may be one of the smallest rooms in our home, but we spend a lot of time there. It is essential to our daily routines and is often our retreat at the end of the day. In terms of resale value, it is also one of the most important rooms to pay attention to.

Here are some tips to give yours a lift.

Serenity now: Give your bathroom that soothing spa feel. Start with a palette of soft whites and layered neutrals; keep vanity surfaces clear and window coverings to a clean minimum. Heaps of big white towels are a must!

Fashion find: Steal your favourite colour from that fashion mag or the mall for a big hit of bathroom impact. The bathroom’s smaller size makes it a perfect place for a shot of drama and colour in your home.

Get artsy:

Recipe Courtesy of www.allrecipes.com

• 20 fresh strawberries
• 1 (3 oz.) pk cream cheese, softened
• 2 tblsp chopped walnuts
• 1.5 tblsp confectioners’ sugar

1. Dice two strawberries and set aside. Cut the stems off of each of the remaining strawberries, forming a base for strawberries to stand on. Starting at the pointed ends and cutting most of the way, but not completely through the stem end, slice each strawberry into four wedges.

2. Beat the cream cheese until fluffy; stir in the diced strawberries, walnuts, and powdered sugar. Spoon or pipe about a teaspoon of mix into each strawberry.

Choosing the right furniture to suit your home and your lifestyle is important; a home’s furniture reflects its character and yours. Here are a few tips to help ensure your furniture is functional, comfortable and makes a statement about your personal style:

DECIDE the overall look you’re aiming for. If you like classic style and design with lots of wood, think traditional. If you’re into a more streamlined look with geometric patterns, think contemporary. Keep trendy items to small pieces or accessories, as larger trendy furnishings date quickly.

CONSIDER the function of your room and your family’s needs. Is your dining room a formal place for entertaining or a room used for everyday meals with your family? Do you want your living room to be a