June 2023

General Article

A sleek modern home that cozies up to nature

662 Harvest Rd, Hamilton

Asking price: $2,999,000

Taxes: $5,072.65 (2022)

Lot size: 82 by 482 feet

Listing agent: Stella McCollum, Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

The backstory

If the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Hamilton is smokestacks, steelworks or maybe a giant bridge that flies over the harbour, think again.

As locals know, Hamilton has many faces: the historic downtown core, the beginnings of urban intensifying on the waterfront, McMaster’s leafy campus and surrounding suburbs, the stunning views of “The Mountain”, and if you’re outdoorsy you might know about the many hiking trails near Mineral Springs, Canterbury Falls, Dundas Valley Conservation Area and the Christie Lake Conservation Area.

The latter is the Hamilton the owners of 662 Harvest Rd. got to know when they moved with their three children to Steeltown in 2019. The couple decided to rent for a year to figure out where they wanted to live long term.

As the COVID pandemic gripped the city the family spent more and more time outdoors, the pieces began to fall into place.

When a piece of land came up for sale in the area around Christie Lake, it got the couple thinking about the renovations they did at their previous home in Ottawa – a process they quite enjoyed. Why not take it a step further and build something from scratch?

The homeowners brought in architect Joel Tanner and his firm SMPL Design Studio, which has made a name for itself building “gnarly” (his own words) modernist homes in the region. The couple had one focus – they wanted a home that felt like they were living in nature.

Their love of the outdoors was even incorporated into the plan for the garage, which features a

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 5 monthsJune 30, 2023 ago

General Article

How Americans’ Home Renovation Goals Are Changing Today

Sponsored Content: In a housing market with high demand but low supply, homeowners have turned to home improvement to make their space more comfortable.

According to a recent survey conducted by Discover® Home Loans, even though 59% of respondents have chosen to postpone their home improvement projects due to rising inflation and increased costs, 79% of homeowners still would rather renovate their current home than move to a different one.

What Kind of Renovations Are Homeowners Making?

Just five years ago, a typical home renovation might have been a kitchen or bathroom remodel. Classically, investing in these two areas offered the greatest increase in a home’s resale value.

But during the COVID pandemic, renovation priorities changed. With whole families at home all day to work remotely or go to school online, families focused on projects that would make their home more functional or livable. This included:

1. Converting rooms or spaces into home offices or classrooms

2. Adding extra bedrooms

3. Finishing the basement to provide extra living space

4. Changing surfaces for easier sanitation

5. Adding air filtration systems

6. Adding outside entertaining areas such as a patio and deck

As home prices soared and loan rates plummeted during the pandemic, people turned their sights inward to invest in what they already owned.

This sentiment continues into 2023 even with interest rates rising and forecasts for housing market looking more and more uncertain. However, a new addition to this list includes an increased interest in making “green” or eco-friendly improvements with 59% of homeowners in the same survey saying they planned on undertaking projects like this in the near future.

Where are People Getting Their Home Renovation Money?

For homeowners, a major source of available funds has been home equity. Whether owners were looking at a cash out refinance

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 5 monthsJune 30, 2023 ago

General Article

Barbiecore interiors: Stylist’s tips for injecting pink into a home

stasia in her home — Everything is better in pink (Picture: Stasia Buckle)

With less than a month to go before the Barbie movie launches in cinemas, we’re feeling suitably tickled pink.

And perhaps the pastel backdrop from the trailer (not to mention the fact preparation for the movie actually caused an international pink paint shortage) has got you thinking about ways you can inject the colour into your own everyday setting.

If this is the case for you, who better to dish out home decor tips than content creator and interior stylist Stasia Buckle (@stasiabuckle), whose vibrant Bristol home is bursting with Barbiecore vibes.

With more than 14,000 followers to her name, it’s clear Stasia’s passion for dopamine decor is a hit with loyal fans.

bathroom — Even her taps are pink (Picture: Stasia Buckle)

But Stasia isn’t jumping on the recent Barbiecore bandwagon – she’s actually loved pink since she was a little girl.

‘I think I’ve loved it from the age of five when I saw Marilyn Monroe in the pink dress in Gentleman Prefer Blondes, ‘she explains, ‘and then when I got given some pink fluffy leg warmers to wear to my ballet classes and I felt like an absolute queen.

‘I’ve since read that dopamine dressing is a thing and you can wear certain colours to lift your mood – and the same can be said for decor.

‘Pink is a really positive colour representing romance, youth, passion, fun and happiness.

‘I’ve since painted my living room, bathroom, kitchen and bathroom all in different shades of pink.’

pink home — Her living room (Picture: Stasia Buckle)

And Stasia says we should all be embracing our inner child with our home decor choices.

She adds: ‘I love anything that

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 6 monthsJune 29, 2023 ago

General Article

‘Outstanding’ St Davids House | Wirral Globe

Situated on St. Davids Lane, St. Davids House has, according to the seller “undergone substantial and impressive restoration work.”

But what do you get for the £1,495,000 pricetag?

Wirral Globe: Property of the week, St Davids House Property of the week, St Davids House (Image: Savills – Chester / Zoopla)

The house is set back behind a feature sandstone arched entrance with a sweeping driveway leading up to the house and parking area.

The plot is in “a unique setting” and sits in an elevated position with extensive manicured grounds and impressive views out across the Wirral and to North Wales.

A spacious porch area leads into a beautiful hallway with parquet flooring and an impressive wooden staircase.

Wirral Globe: Property of the week, St Davids House Property of the week, St Davids House (Image: Savills – Chester / Zoopla)

The remaining downstairs accommodation comprises a study, sitting room, architect designed Garden room which takes in plenty of light and there is access out to the garden via doors that fold back completely to blur the boundaries of inside and outdoors.

Wirral Globe: Property of the week, St Davids House Property of the week, St Davids House (Image: Savills – Chester / Zoopla)

Further accommodation consists of a dining room and a contemporary kitchen with a range of high-quality appliances and fitted units.

Wirral Globe: Property of the week, St Davids House Property of the week, St Davids House (Image: Savills – Chester / Zoopla)

There is also a spacious utility room that has access out to the garden.

The first-floor accommodation comprises a showpiece principal bedroom completed to the highest of standards with en suite bathroom and dressing room. Bedroom three has an en suite bathroom and a spacious private balcony which has ample space for seating. There are a further two double bedrooms and a family bathroom.

Wirral Globe: Property of the week, St Davids House Property

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 6 monthsJune 29, 2023 ago

General Article

2023 trends in designing and furnishing modern office spaces

Office design and furnishings are constantly evolving, adapting to the changing needs of employees. Working in a flexible hybrid model is the best illustration of the changes taking place in modern companies. With its popularization, the importance of the office as a place for formal and informal meetings is increasing. In 2023, we are also seeing a growing interest in concepts that not only emphasize aesthetics, but also promote health, comfort, and efficiency. Modern offices are becoming multifunctional and flexible spaces, designed to inspire and foster creativity. Learn about the latest trends in office interior design and furnishings that support the needs of employees.

The modern office is a business card

The way offices are arranged has changed, which is mostly due to the pandemic and the period of working from home. Visual presentation, aesthetics, and atmosphere still have important functions, but ergonomic workplaces and modern technologies are of the greatest importance. Flexible solutions allow you to respond quickly to changing needs and ensure seamless layout modification. Solutions such as Hushoffice acoustic cabins are becoming the standard for flexible hybrid and flex offices. They provide a space that minimizes noise and interference, allowing you to focus on demanding tasks, conduct a quiet phone call, or have a successful video conference without worrying about outside sounds. Companies are increasingly recognizing that investing in office space design that promotes employee health, well-being, and creativity translates into employee efficiency and loyalty.

hushoffice.com

A space conducive to building relationships

The period when offices were just supposed to be a place to perform professional duties is long gone. They have now become spaces conducive to business meetings, socializing, and employee socialization. In 2023, office interiors continue to evolve into places that not only support work efficiency, but also communication and team integration. Placing hushMeet acoustic

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 6 monthsJune 29, 2023 ago

General Article

I’m an interior designer, and these are the best colours for every room in your home

The positive physical and psychological effects of using colour in the home have long been established, from encouraging productivity and alertness, to helping you drift off at night. But creating the right colour palette for each room according to its use, layout and access to natural light takes a bit more of an expert touch.

Here, Amy Wilson, interior designer for 247 Curtains and 247 Blinds and a former contestant on BBC’s Interior Design Masters, shares her expert opinion on the best colour choices for your living room, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom, dining room and home office.

In the living room: warm pinks and terracotta

‘In terms of colour, you need to consider both the amount and direction of light coming into the space, as this plays a key role in determining the right shades to go for,’ Amy explains. ‘A south-facing room can take a lot of colour, so a lovely dusky pink with a black ceiling will look really striking. On the other hand, if your living room is north facing, you’ll notice a lack of light and should therefore choose a warmer tone, such as a terracotta shade.

‘The living room is your opportunity to have plenty of fun and let your personality shine through,’ says Amy, who suggests painting your ceiling in a contrasting colour. ‘Alternatively, if you’d prefer to keep the walls more pared-back, opt for busy patterned accessories such as cushions or roman blinds.’

In the bedroom: deep green or navy

‘When looking for colour schemes in the bedroom, the general rule of thumb is to go for something restful and calming. However, this doesn’t mean you should feel restricted to neutral colours. Making your

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 6 monthsJune 29, 2023 ago

General Article

More or Les: Just for decoration?

Recently, a good friend of mine who is a very accomplished pianist found himself in a hotel lobby. There, beckoning him like a bright light calls to a moth, was a baby grand piano. To him, resistance was futile – even with a “Please don’t play the piano” sign nearby.

He couldn’t help himself. Despite the sign and knowing he was pushing the limits, he played just one chord: the opening notes of Elton John’s “Bennie and the Jets.” That’s when he was sternly reprimanded by a member of the hotel staff. In fact, she cussed at him. An excellent question followed: “If no one can play the piano, why have it?” he asked. “Is it just for decoration?” From what I heard of the story, she mumbled something, but didn’t really give an answer.

Les O'Dell MOL — Les covers higher education including Southern Illinois University and the region’s community colleges as well as business news and religion. A three-degree graduate of SIU, he has written for The Southern since 2009, joining the newsroom staff in 2021. Contact him at [email protected] or 618-351-5036.

Byron Hetzler

If the piano, which may have been played regularly at one time, was now just to look at, it had become a very expensive decorative item. I understand it, though. Just looking around, I see lots of other very functional items which were designed for or have evolved into non-use.

I remember the bathroom in my mother’s home. There were towels there that we didn’t dare dry our hands on – they were for decoration. These towels were hanging just a few feet from the fancy carved soaps which we also were forbidden to use because they – say it with me – were for decoration. There was even a candle which

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 6 monthsJune 28, 2023 ago

General Article

New fence to ‘secure’ site formerly home to New Town House

Warrington Borough Council’s application for the town centre land was approved by the development management committee at its meeting on Thursday.

Since New Town House has been demolished, the site is now vacant apart from some remaining trees and soft landscaping.

A small portion of it – at the southern and eastern boundaries – is located within the Buttermarket Street conservation area.

During the meeting, the committee was told that the purpose of the fencing is to ‘secure the site in the interim, until future development occurs’, and that the colour choice of green is ‘to be seen against the backdrop of the proposed grass finish’ to the site.

A report to the committee said: “The proposed development involves the construction of a paladin fence around the perimeter of the site following the demolition of New Town House this would replace the wooden hoarding erected during the demolition of the building and the current temporary heras style fencing.

“The fencing would be made from welded mesh finished in the colour green, with a maximum height of approximately 2.1m. Double gates of the same style and height would be erected to the existing vehicular entrance on Oxford Street.”

The report also stated that amended plans were negotiated and submitted by the applicant and have resulted changes to the original submission.

This has resulted in an amended layout plan setting back of corners of fencing in order to ‘increase pedestrian visibility’.

Officers said the principle of the development would be acceptable and that there would be ‘no unacceptable harm’ to visual and residential amenity, heritage assets, or to the local highway network.

The application was approved, subject to conditions, as recommended by officers.

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 6 monthsJune 28, 2023 ago

General Article

Inside Love Island legends Jess Shears and Dom Lever’s incredible home renovation in amazing before and after snaps

LOVE Island’s Jess Shears and Dom Lever have revealed their incredible home renovation in before and after snaps – leaving fans amazed.

Jess and Dom bought a doer upper house and did a lot of the hard graft themselves.

Love Island coupe Dom and Jess have transformed their <a href= — Love Island coupe Dom and Jess have transformed their home

They revealed its dated decor in before snaps

Stained carpets and faded furniture filled the space

The couple knocked through walls and took on the hard graft themselves

They transformed the kitchen with modern units, <a href= — They transformed the kitchen with modern units, parquet flooring and beautiful tiles

They installed shelves, a faux fire place and a flat screen TV

The kids' bedrooms feature stunning wall art and white furniture — The kids’ bedrooms feature stunning wall art and white furniture

In the before photos, fans could see stained wall paper with multicoloured spots, dark carpets and faded brown furniture.

The home looked like it hadn’t been updated for decades.

Following a lot of elbow grease, they were able to turn it into a gorgeous modern home for them and their two kids, Presley and

The floors and walls were the biggest projects in the transformation, with both Jess and Dom seen knocking through a brick wall to allow more light in from their garden.

I'm a celebrity dentist and Love Island's turkey teeth trend is so unhealthy

Love Island fans rave about islander for calling out fellow cast

The couple also transformed the kitchen with modern units, parquet flooring and beautiful tiles.

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 6 monthsJune 28, 2023 ago

General Article

Home Decor: 12 luxury interior trends for 2023 – News

Some ways to create a chic and elevated space

By Reenu Mohiindrra

Incorporating sumptuous materials, textures and rich hues in your living room trends is a great place to start, while art and sculptural features will add colour, pattern and grandeur.

To give your space an injection of luxury, it is all about confidence. This doesn’t mean overcrowding the space with lots of items, as a cluttered home can look unsophisticated.

Here are some tips to follow:

1) Enhance your feature wall with high-end materials

Living room feature walls are here to stay: they add interest to a room and could be especially helpful in a space lacking any natural or architectural features. Another very important job they do is provide a focal point and a sense of direction to the living room.

But if you don’t want to pick up a paintbrush, or want to take your feature wall to the next level, try using a different material, like marble decorating ideas, for an upscale aesthetic.

As green is a trend that’s also here to stay, the marble feature wall above is particularly on-point. ‘The great thing about natural surfaces is that each one is unique and gives people the opportunity to do something different and ultimately have fun..

‘Coordinating colours with the furnishings and accessories will ensure the walls integrate seamlessly into the space but bring that final touch of luxury to a space.’

2) Show some class

Wall panelling ideas can dramatically enhance a living space. Popular in interiors for many years, design lovers are adding this decorative element into their homes to add grandeur to their spaces.

Therefore, it is no surprise to see that they are enjoying a resurgence in many modern properties, to elevate

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By Dawn J. Larkin, 6 monthsJune 28, 2023 ago

The backstory

What Kind of Renovations Are Homeowners Making?

Where are People Getting Their Home Renovation Money?

In the living room: warm pinks and terracotta

In the bedroom: deep green or navy

People are also reading…

Some ways to create a chic and elevated space

By Reenu Mohiindrra

1) Enhance your feature wall with high-end materials

2) Show some class