The Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign
The Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign honouring the 117,000 fallen Canadian Soldiers and their families.
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The Highway of Heroes Tree Campaign honouring the 117,000 fallen Canadian Soldiers and their families.
Between the blue waters and the green mountains, you will find Collingwood's newest condominium, Royal Windsor at Balmoral Village.
A dramatically altered new normal is coming to the film business – in how and who makes the films and how and why we will watch them.
Nestled into Canterbury Common, an established and sought-after community, Courts of Canterbury will soon offer a brand new release of 42- and 50-ft. lots.
While you may feel that you have compromised on your square footage, this doesn't mean you need to compromise on style, comfort or the functionality of your home.
With a location in Mississauga, a new community opening in Etobicoke in late September 2020, and expansion plans in Ajax and Ancaster, Parkland is making its mark in Ontario, and reinventing what it means to live luxuriously.
Certainly, all the hallmarks of inspired retirement-style living are here, but none of the exclusionary negatives often associated with typical "retirement communities."
The next generation of Wi-Fi technology is already here, which should help when it comes to unreliable or slow Wi-Fi.
Stress. We're told we can't live with it, and yet we can't live without it. It's impossible to have a stress-free life. Good stress gets the job done.
As the pace of life quickens and our homes shrink in size, the outdoors is literally the last frontier – and the reason why we're spending so much more on making the backyard, or deck or balcony a destination oasis.
Featured Products
By becoming the standard bearer in the basement renovation industry, we can promote quality materials, professional trades, honest pricing, and better communication standards to create customer advocates and inspire our competitors.
Custom fabrication, marble granite quartz and a boutique showroom that caters to designers, architects, contractors and more! Everyone is welcome!
All-electric fireplace showroom and design centre with the largest selection in Toronto and York Region. Combining specialized expertise with over 20 years' interior design experience. On-wall, in-wall, fireboxes, retrofit inserts, mantels, custom cabinetry, stone and brick veneers. Residential and commercial. Trade and volume inquiries always welcome.
IMPROVE is totally unique to Canada. Based on the international success of similar concepts throughout the world, IMPROVE understands how to make home improvement much easier and more pleasurable for consumers and trades to shop all under one roof.
Leak, Clogged Drain, Complex Plumbing Repair? We offer 24 Hour 7 Day Emergency Plumbing Service.
FLEURCO specializes in holistic designs and finishes that easily adapt to both traditional and contemporary bathroom décors.
With over 90 years of experience, BLANCO is the leading kitchen sinks and faucets manufacturer. From handcrafted in Germany Steelart® sinks and the beauty of Silgranit®, to the European design faucets, BLANCO products are celebrated worldwide for their unmatched quality and design. Blanco Silgranit® sinks are proudly manufactured in Canada TRADE ONLY.
Established in 1987, Caesarstone pioneered the original quartz surface and continues to be a leading developer and manufacturer of premium surfaces. Highly functional and design forward, Caesarstone surfaces have endless application possibilities including kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, wall paneling, furniture and more.
Euro-Line Appliances has brought elite European engineered appliances to Canadian homes for over 25 years. Our brands exceed expectations and have earned awards in design, engineering, performance, and energy efficiency. All of our cooking, refrigeration, dishwashers, and laundry appliances are created to conserve our non-renewable resources.
At JELD-WEN, we craft custom windows and doors from the highest quality materials, designed to inspire homeowners and add beauty to the world.
At Riobel we design, create and assemble faucets, shower systems and accessories in our Canadian facility located in St-Jérôme, a suburb of Montréal. Our modern and fashionable products are designed to fit all kitchens or bathrooms. They are easy to install, while mechanical parts are accessible from above the counter to facilitate cleaning and maintenance. Riobel: a benchmark of excellence since 1995!
As a cooperative with 1,000 stores worldwide, we not only have enormous buying power, but we have partners in all of the major brands, mills and manufacturers.
Cosentino is a global, family-owned company that produces and distributes high value innovative surfaces for the world of architecture and design, leaders in their respective segments such as Silestone® Quartz surfaces and Dekton® Ultracompact surfaces. Technologically advanced surfaces that create unique designs for the home and public spaces.
We Canadians love our backyards, and no wonder. We have been spending so much time at home with COVID-19 that we love to spend more time outside. And stay out there – listening to the birds, the burble of a water feature, watching the sun set, connecting with friends and family, even at a distance.
As the pace of life quickens and our homes shrink in size, the outdoors is literally the last frontier – and the reason why we're spending so much more on making the backyard, or deck or balcony a destination oasis.
Out with the white plastic chairs and plexiglass tables, in with the fire pits and heaters giving us a much longer outdoor season, deep-seated sectional sofas, teak dining tables and chairs, and strings of lights. Outdoor furniture manufacturers have been eager to meet our need to linger outside with a wider range of furniture, with longer lasting frames, fabrics that retain their shape and water resistance, and cushion foam that stays comfortable.
Here's what you need to know:
1) Plan out your space according to how you intend to use the deck. If you are a big reader or sun worshipper, but don't like eating al fresco, set up your space with more living room type furnishings, and tuck a small dining table off to the side and out of the way.
2) Check materials carefully. There's teak, treated pine, metal mixed with wood, solid aluminum, stainless and wrought iron. Of these, teak and aluminum last the longest, and are probably the most expensive. Teak you need to baby a bit, while aluminum just wipes clean.
3) Consider modular furniture – pieces that fit together as a sectional or stand alone as chairs – for flexibility. You can change the seating arrangement to suit the occasion or your mood.
4) Decks aren't just for daytime. Small white lights are magical when strung from house to tree. Add candles around the edges of your deck or patio – flameless ones are safer. An ethanol fire pit not only creates mood, but keeps feet warm and can easily be moved around.
5) Music really adds to the ambience – not so loud that your guests can't hear each other or the neighbours complain, but as background.
6) As for styles, the sky's the limit, and they can reflect your dream destinations, or they can reflect the decor of your home. Fancy a week in the Hamptons? Check out sectionals in whitewashed and weathered greys – made from resin wicker – with East Coast fabrics such as navy and white stripes (in water repellant fabrics). Prefer life in a Park Avenue brownstone? Then wrought iron with deep charcoal cushions set amidst a row of boxwoods might be better for you.
7) Don't forget the floor – wood flooring tiles are easy to install, and create an immediate room setting, especially with the concrete of a condo balcony. Add an outdoor rug to pull it all together.
8) There's nothing like dining al fresco, and if you're the type who likes tons of people over, an expandable table might be the best choice. Classic wrought iron tables look great and last forever but are pricey. There's always teak, but it's pricey, too, so check out budget-friendly teak alternatives that work equally well. If your deck is on the small side, go for stackable dining chairs.
9) Stow outdoor dining essentials – bright coloured table mats and napkins, covered lanterns or candle holders – near the back door or in a waterproof storage bench. Make sure to keep throws handy to ward off the evening chill.
10) An umbrella will shade the table from the sun and rain; one with a tilt arm that can be adjusted to follow the sun all day. The new pergolas do the same and more, especially when fitted with a retractable canopy system or screen to protect against bugs.
11) For privacy, especially on a condo balcony, you can create a privacy wall by positioning a row of evergreens in matching containers along the edges of your deck. Erect lattice or bamboo screening, then add wall mounted planters and a water feature for an instant retreat.
12) Depending on the space you have, hammocks are well worthwhile for the downtime they afford – snoozing or watching the stars. Add colourful pillows and a sea of planters for a cosy destination.
13) Containers are the way to go for gardening. They come in all shapes and sizes and materials (remember that resin is lighter and therefore easier to move). Depending on the direction they face, condo balconies are ideal for herbs and tomatoes, but they need a lot of water, so make sure you have proper drainage. Tropical plants love sun and add a festive air to your deck – you can also bring them in come fall. If you have less direct sunlight, fill tall tapered containers with ornamental grasses for a clean, modern and minimalist look.
14) Just like inside, the deck is made livelier with the addition of some artwork, such as wrought iron grills, architectural salvage, window frames (with or without mirrored glass).
In the end, if you choose any of these tips, who needs a cottage?
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Lisa Rogers is Executive Vice-President of Design for Dunpar Homes. Lisa has shared her style and design expertise on popular television programs such as Canadian Living TV, House & Home TV and The Shopping Channel. Lisa is one of the most familiar faces on CityTV's Cityline, a regular guest expert for fashion and image, health, wellness and design. |
From a modest machine shop in Baltimore to the surface of the moon, we’ve proudly provided innovative solutions for over a century. Discover the pioneering history of BLACK+DECKER.
Sharp Electronics of Canada Ltd. is dedicated to improving the lives of consumers through the use of advanced technology. With a commitment to innovation, quality, value and design, Sharp consumer electronics and appliances enhance enjoyment, while adding to comfort.
Canadian Appliance Source has become the fastest growing provider of Major Home Appliances in Canada for over 10 years, we have grown to include over 13 locations across Ontario & Quebec.
SFA SANIFLO INC. (“SANIFLO”) is the only manufacturer of its kind in North America offering a complete line of macerating toilet systems for residential and light-commercial applications where installation of plumbing fixtures with below-floor drainage is impossible or cost-prohibitive.
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For over 50 years, Faema Canada has introduced the art of traditional Italian Espresso and Cappuccino to Canadians. We carry a variety of premium brands that can be tested at any one of our retail stores. Our selection of machines is only complemented by our assortment of fine espresso blends imported from Italy. Our wide selection of beans can also be brewed and sampled at all of our locations.
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Since 1989 Selba Kitchens and Baths has become a leader in the production of fine quality cabinetry in Toronto and surrounding areas.
Since 1873, Kohler Co. has been improving the level of gracious living by providing exceptional products and services for our customers’ homes and their lifestyles.
Fusion Stone is an easy and budget-friendly way to beautifully upgrade your home, inside and out. A patented Shouldice innovation, Fusion Stone is a thin stone veneer that is easily installed with the included stainless steel clips & screws. You just screw it to the wall and it’s “Hooked for Life”.
The Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) is the voice of the home building, land development and professional renovation industry in the Greater Toronto Area. We are a non-profit, industry funded organization that works to improve the communication between our industry and government, provide enhanced opportunities for our members, promote the welfare of the industry, and protect the interests of consumers.
With 46 years of experience providing the absolute best in Air Conditioning & Heating service, we at Applewood continue with a family tradition of quality and value. Regardless of how small or large the project, Applewood’s customers can be assured they will receive discerningly personalized services – something not possible from companies owned by corporate conglomerates.
With a history of excellence that spans over 100 years, Paris Kitchens remains a leader in the luxury kitchen market in Canada.
Manufacturer of custom staircases for residential, commercial building and high end custom projects.
Dimplex North America Limited is the world leader in electric heating, offering a wide range of residential, commercial and industrial products. The company’s commitment to innovation has fostered outstanding product development and design excellence. Stoves, fireplaces and specialty fireplaces are sold throughout North America under the Dimplex brand name for consumers and under OptiFlame for builders.
We’re #1 certifier of energy efficient homes in Canada. We design and deliver green building programs to the residential construction industry. We support these programs with practical training and recognize innovation through our annual EQ Awards. We also consult with leading organizations to create their own energy efficiency programs.