Hey Gayle, Is there an inexpensive way to modernize our decades-old home? Oh, for sure. A very simple thing is to update the hardware ... door handles and hinges. It's like adding jewelry to your home. It really elevates everything. It's an easy, fast project that we can normally do in just a few hours with little mess or upheaval. And, while you're at it, consider painting your doors a different colour or just giving them a fresh coat of paint!

Q:  What do I do with my old fireplace?     A:   Fireplaces are generally designed to be a focal point in your home. When they no longer are attractive to you or suit your desired total decor, know that there are lots of options to update the space. Giving a fireplace a new look is not as hard as you may think. It's an architectural detail that can be transformed with some thought, time and, yes, expense ... depending on how far you wish to go ...new built in cabinets? New stone cladding? No matter what the budget allows, if you like your revamped fireplace, you're likely to like your living space a whole lot better. Easy inexpensive solutions are to paint the brick. Yes, hearth slate, tile or brick and wall brick can be painted when properly prepared and applied. Most renovations transform the entire wall incorporating storage, wall mounted televisions, and a new fireplace box be it gas, electric or wood. The possibilities are endless. Here are a couple of ideas for your potential transformation. Link to our Gallery of Fireplaces

Q:  I am not good with colours. How do you and I determine what works?     A:  I suggest firstly having a conversation in your home. There, we can together look at your current surroundings and discuss what you like and dislike, and what you hope to achieve with your home improvements.     There we can also look at the natural and artificial lighting, and discuss colour trends and what suits both the home and your taste. Generally there are a few common colour schemes:   1) Monochromatic - based on using one colour in various shades, tones, and textures.   2) Complementary - think of the colour wheel - colours directly across from each other are complementary such as orange and blue, red and green,   yellow and purple. Usually in a complementary scheme, one colour is the dominant theme, the secondary colour the accent.   3) Analogous  - is based on using three colours found next to each other on the colour wheel. More vibrant than a monochromatic styling, also more subtle than a complementary colour scheme, a nice scheme to bring colour into the planning.   In colour conversations we also use language like warm (reds, oranges) , or cool colours (blues, purples), calming tones or a pop of colour. These are the basics of colour, though there are no absolute rules in decorating, its important to talk through how the overall colour scheme will dictate the finished feel of a room. I often like to use a client's unique piece of art, or treasured family heirloom to direct the accent colour or use as a base to begin the planning.

Q:  Floor vents - what are my options?   A:   They are one of my pet peeves. Often I see a beautiful expensive floor but it's finished with cheap plastic or metal vent covers that stand out like a sore thumb. Today you don't have to break the bank to get integrated floor vents like the photos here showing a porcelain tile and luxury vinyl plank integrated right into the cover of the floor vent. These vent covers retail for about $25.00 and the installers won't charge you a lot extra to put the vinyl plank, hardwood or tile into the drop-in cover. If your budget allows, you can have custom matching hardwood vent covers made (make sure you order ahead of your flooring installation and you will need an extra box of your wood to go to the vent manufacturer) and laser cut custom vents cut from your porcelain or stone tiles. Inexpensive options include vinyl or metal covers - some add interesting patterns like the metal one shown here. Simply put, there are a lot of options beyond the standard builders grade vent covers today and most can be done post your initial installation as long as you have left over materials.

Q:  Planning a bathroom renovation ???     A:  It may be a bigger project than you initially thought. The difficulty with washrooms is they are small spaces that, depending on the extent of your renovations, take careful planning for all the aspects - demolition, framing of new shower, plumbing, electrical, tiling, carpentry, painting, cabinetry, counters, glass and mirrors, and more.     It will likely take longer than you think. From start to finish, plan on two to three months. There is the design aspect to be finalized, the materials all to be ordered (well ahead of time to ensure everything goes smoothly once you start) and we need to line up all the various tradespeople.     Budget? Again you will likely spend more than you think. We are here to help you get the end results you wish but if your tastes are extravagant and your budget is for paint only, we need to communicate so you are not disappointed. Today there are good options for every budget, but yes, you do get what you pay for. Custom cabinets and showers are costly but well worth the indulgence and expense as they will long outlast mass produced less costly alternatives.     Creative options? We'll be happy to show you unique add ons to make it practical, and good looking with the personality that reflects you and your lifestyle.

gayle.baltjes@gmail.com

Heated Floors - Do they waste energy?

Processed Water - Do all water softeners waste water?

Kitchen Cupboards - Do I replace the whole thing, or just the door panels?

Fireplace - Can I convert my wood-burning fireplace to gas?