Design 2011: Trends to Build On

It's the time of year when forecasters announce trends for the upcoming year. Several interesting trends for home design have recently caught my eye, and whether or not they are the trends that are…

Minimalist Modern House Tour

Clean lines, ample light and open spaces define photographer Rob Fiocca's house. See how classic modern furniture, custom pieces and a carefully curated collection of art and accessories exude…

We want your natural corks!

A lot of corks will be popping this evening, you may want to think about some creative recycling! An Ontario company specializes in the recycling of natural cork. Jelinek Cork Group has been…

A satisfied customer from Kentucky !

Here is a message I got through the "Email your comments to our President & CEO" link on our Web site: "I keep seeing a photo of your house plan W2957 on various house plan sites and do not feel…

Decor – The History of Holiday Wreaths

You probably adorn your door with a wreath during the holidays. But do you know why? Here’s a little history lesson to help you learn the significance of the holiday wreath. A Little Wreath History…

Popular Design Details of 2010

Are you looking for inspiration for how to customize your decor? One of our favourite sources is Houzz which provides a treasure trove of ideas. One of their contributors has provided a fun…

Designs for Living – Documenting a well-traveled life

I love to hear tales of faraway places from those who are passionate about travel. Conversations like these make great table discussions and give everyone a chance to share their experiences. Using…

Design Style – Arts and Crafts

Love Craftsman house plans? Pulling off the style in a cohesive fashion requires just as much attention to interior decor. The "Arts and Crafts" style of interior is classic and timeless. This…

Holiday parody – On the 4th day of building…

Our parody on the Twelve Days of Christmas continues. We dare you not to sing them out loud! Four house plans to choose from, Three French city planners, Two steel-toed boots, and a journal for my…

Holiday Parody – On the first day of building…

Just in time for the holidays, our parody on the Twelve Days of Christmas. We dare you not to sing them out loud! A journal for my hopes and dreams!…

Daily splash – creating a kid-friendly bathroom

Designing a kid-friendly bathroom can be a challenge. Color and pattern are great in small doses, but too much whimsy, and the room runs the risk of being quickly outgrown. We asked designer…

Plan of the Week – “Capture the Heart”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 2677 A brilliant Palladian window bathes the vaulted study with light, then a creative 2265 sq. ft. interior captures the heart. The bright and comfortable living…

Modern Icons – The Noguchi Coffee Table

It's very tough to pick just one icon from all of the work of Isamu Noguchi, so I'm planning on sharing some of his other work, such as his oft-imitated lamps, in the future. I'd also love to share…

Backup Power For Your Home

The following list of topics pertaining to backup power for your home is covered in the About Your House — General Series from the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).   You rely on…

Kitchen decor trends 2011

Canadian designers tell us what's cooking in kitchens in 2011. The kitchen is the heart of the home. Indeed, no matter how lovely the living room, how comfortable the dining room chairs, you're sure…

Gas Fireplace Maintenance

Home maintenance is a must for preserving the value of one of your greatest assests and to assure the comfort and safety of your family. These days, many homes feature gas fireplaces for aesthetics…

Plan of the Week – “Bonus Bungalow”

www.DrummondHousePlans.com - Plan # 3226-V2 This tidy bungalow boasts an open floor plan and loads of flexibility. A covered entry leads to an open foyer, and the eye is drawn to the focal point of a…

Design Gallery – “Your home should make you happy”

Rediscover the joy of decorating through the witty and colourful interiors of New York designer Jonathan Adler. Known for his whimsical pottery, bright textiles and sleek furniture, Adler uses these…

4 design tips to brighten a dark kitchen

I’ve found that when clients have a dark kitchen, perhaps because of small windows or because of the low exposure to sunlight, they usually want to go overboard when trying to brighten up their…

Double-duty recycling of building supplies

Whether you are doing a remodel, a renovation or building new, it is surprising to find how many useable materials end up in site dumpsters. It seems like such a shame but these items can be…