UNDERSTANDING CHANGES TO HOME INSURANCE

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As climate change continues to impact weather patterns, staying informed about your homeowner’s insurance policy is more important than ever. In recent years, some insurance providers have changed their policies to include or exclude coverage for natural disasters such as floods, wildfires and storms, depending on your region. We explore the latest changes in home insurance and provide tips on reading and understanding your policy to help you navigate these challenging times.

STANDARD HOME INSURANCE POLICIES

Home insurance policies typically cover damages caused by several risks, including fire, theft, and some natural disasters. In Halton Region, a standard home insurance policy generally includes the following coverages:

  • Dwelling coverage: This covers the structure of your home, including the roof, walls, and built-in appliances, against damages.
  • Personal property coverage: This protects your personal belongings, such as furniture, electronics, and clothing, from damage or theft.
  • Liability coverage: This provides protection in case someone is injured on your property and sues you for damages.
  • Additional living expenses: This covers the cost of temporary housing if your home becomes uninhabitable due to natural disaster, fire or flood.

ENHANCED FLOOD COVERAGE

Flooding has become a significant concern in recent years, with several areas prone to fl ash floods and water damage. Insurers are now offering enhanced flood coverage, which includes protection against overland flooding and water damage from rainstorms. This coverage often includes structural damage to the foundation, walls, electrical systems, and plumbing, as well as content coverage to protect against the loss of personal belongings damaged by floodwaters. It is important to note that this coverage is often optional and may require an additional rider and premium.

EXTREME WEATHER EVENTS

Home insurance policies generally cover damages caused by other extreme weather events, such as:

  • Windstorms: This includes damage from high winds and tornadoes.
  • Hail: Coverage for damages caused by hailstones impacting your home.
  • Lightning: Protection against fi res or electrical damages resulting from lightning strikes.
  • Wildfi res: Covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your home and replacing personal
    belongings. Also covers the cost of temporary living if your home becomes uninhabitable.

REVIEWING YOUR POLICY TERMS AND EXCLUSIONS


Thoroughly review your home insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage. Here are some tips to help you navigate your policy terms and exclusions:

UNDERSTAND WHAT IS COVERED

Read through your policy to identify the specifi c perils covered. Ensure you have coverage for the most likely risks in your area, such as flooding, windstorms, and hail.

CHECK FOR EXCLUSIONS

Pay close attention to the exclusions section of your policy. This section outlines what is not covered. Common exclusions include:

  • Floods: Determine if you are considered in a fl ood-prone area and whether you require a special rider or additional coverage.
  • Wildfires: With the incidents of wildfi res increasing in some areas of Ontario, verify that your policy includes this coverage. While wildfi res are not typical in Halton and the
    surrounding area, changing weather patterns may lead to further coverage changes.

VERIFY COVERAGE LIMITS AND DEDUCTIBLES

Ensure that your coverage limits are sufficient to rebuild your home and replace your belongings in the event of a total loss. Consider the replacement cost of your home rather than its market value. Also check the deductibles for each type of coverage. A deductible is the amount you must pay out of pocket before your insurance kicks in.

ADD NECESSARY RIDERS

If your standard policy does not cover certain risks, consider adding endorsements or riders to enhance your coverage. For instance, you can add fl ood or wildfi re coverage to protect against these specifi c perils if they are omitted.

CONSULT WITH AN INSURANCE AGENT

A knowledgeable insurance agent can help you understand the fi ne print of your insurance policy and recommend additional coverage based on your needs.

Staying informed about changes to home insurance policies and understanding the coverage for natural disasters is essential for homeowners in our area. By reviewing your policy carefully, understanding the exclusions, and considering optional riders, you can ensure that your home and belongings are well-protected against the increasing risks of natural disasters.

BY Julie Achtermeier
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How Remote Work Is Reshaping The Canadian Mortgage and Real Estate Landscape

In recent years, we’ve witnessed a seismic shift in our work lives, notably the rise of remote work brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. This change isn’t just about swapping office desks for dining tables; it’s profoundly impacting where we choose to live and our mortgage and real estate decisions. In this post, let’s explore this intriguing new landscape together.

THE REMOTE WORK REVOLUTION AND ITS RIPPLE EFFECTS

The pandemic has been a turning point, accelerating the remote work trend. A significant number of Canadians have embraced the flexibility and comfort of working from home, leading to a re-evaluation of their living needs and preferences.

1. The Surge in Suburban and Rural Property Interest
With the advent of remote work, the urban appeal has seen some competition. Many are now eyeing suburban and rural areas for their spacious, affordable properties, leading to a notable uptick in mortgage applications in these regions.

2. Urban vs. Non-Urban Mortgage Trends
The mortgage landscape is also evolving. Historically, urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver dominated the mortgage market with their high property values and rates. However, the newfound interest in non-urban areas is changing this dynamic.

  • Urban Mortgage Rates: have traditionally been higher due to the premium on city living.
  • Non-Urban Mortgage Rates: have become increasingly competitive, reflecting the growing
    demand for suburban and rural properties.

3 Lenders Adapting to the Change
Lenders are noticing these trends and adapting. They’re reassessing their lending criteria to accommodate the growing demand for mortgages outside large urban centers. This includes:

  • Flexible Lending Criteria: Understanding the unique financial profiles of
    remote workers.
  • Innovative Mortgage Products: Tailored to meet diverse needs, from city
    condos to countryside homes.

4 Shifting Real Estate Priorities
With remote work, the checklist for an ideal home is changing. Spacious homes with home offices, good internet connectivity, and serene environments are gaining popularity over the traditional allure of city amenities.

5 The Impact on Urban Real Estate
Urban real estate isn’t obsolete, but it’s transforming. We’re seeing a shift towards more affordable, smaller units catering to a different demographic– young professionals, students, and those who prefer city life despite remote work.

6 The Future of Work and Real Estate
As remote work becomes a permanent fixture, we can expect continued evolution in the real estate and mortgage sectors. This includes:

  • Further Growth in Non-Urban Areas: Expect more development and infrastructure growth
    in these regions.
  • Hybrid Work Arrangements: A mix of remote and office work could lead to unique
    housing needs.

CONCLUSION

The remote work wave isn’t just a temporary tide; it’s reshaping our lifestyles and, by extension, our real estate and mortgage decisions. Mortgage brokers are here to guide you through these changing tides, ensuring you make informed decisions whether you’re eyeing a serene cottage in the countryside or a chic urban loft.


Remember, whether urban or rural, each choice comes with its unique mortgage implications, and understanding these is key to making the right decision. So, make sure you embark on this journey with a mortgage professional, who can help you navigate the new normal of Canadian real estate and mortgages.

BY JASON WOODS
DIRECT: 289-925-9599
jason@jason-woods.com
www.jason-woods.com

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Introducing the Cornerstone of Associating Realtors: Realtor’s Together, Stronger Together.

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What started as an idea to amalgamate the Realtors Association of Hamilton-Burlington (RAHB) and Waterloo Region Association of Realtors (WRAR) soon caught wind and spread like all good ideas often do. Julie Sergi, a realtor with RAHB for 19 years, saw an opportunity to join forces with a like-minded organization to form a stronger association of realtors. Shortly after talks began, the Mississauga Real Estate Board (MREB) and Simcoe and District Real Estate Boards (SDREB) also asked to join. Talks between the four groups began in the fall of 2023 and took about nine months to negotiate. By July 1st, 2024, the Cornerstone Association of Realtors (Cornerstone) was formed, with Julie Sergi elected as Chair for Cornerstone’s 2024/2025 Board of Directors.

“We have similar ideas and mindsets and felt that pooling our resources, funds and staff would better serve a greater community of realtors,” Julie says.

The Association represents almost 9,000 realtors and serves Hamilton-Burlington, Mississauga, Niagara North, Haldimand County, Norfolk County, and Waterloo Region. “Cornerstone was created to help the public,” Julie explains. “It allows us to operate at a higher capacity, offer better services and training for realtors, and gives us a stronger position to lobby the various levels of government.”

By amalgamating, they have removed redundancy, become more cost-effective by operating under one budget, and can provide better access to information for smaller districts like Simcoe, which previously operated with a small staff. “We can better serve smaller communities with a larger brain pool, giving them access to more resources,” says Julie.

Despite the amalgamation, Cornerstone will maintain offices in its four locations: Mississauga, Hamilton, Waterloo, and Simcoe.

Cornerstone, a not-for-profit organization, offers enhanced professional development at little or no cost to realtors, which is good for them and even better for their clients. “If realtors are better educated, they can better serve the buyers and sellers in these areas,” says Julie.

As the second largest realtor association next to the Toronto Region Real Estate Board (TRREB), Cornerstone adopted the tagline REALTORS® Together, Stronger Together after repeating this mantra throughout the months leading up to their amalgamation. Their vision is to “establish a new, more influential, capable, and member-centric organization designed to meet the evolving needs of realtors and help them thrive in the marketplace.”

One area of significant focus for Cornerstone in the real estate market is data gaps in the MLS (multiple listing service) property database. By combining forces, Cornerstone felt it was imperative to accept inter-board listings within the larger market at no charge. They believe all Ontario realtors should have the same access to all Ontario MLS listings. The organization not only supports realtors but also provides tools and information to landlords and tenants, actively educating those in the rental market.

Cornerstone holds several monthly events, virtual and in person, and donates generously to Habitat for Humanity, a not-for-profit organization advocating for affordable housing across Canada. On September 12th of this year, they kicked off their inaugural event, a Charity Golf Tournament, to raise money for Habitat for Humanity Waterloo Region (Habitat). With the support of sponsors, donors, volunteers and the community, the event raised $45,045.

While developing something new always comes with a few hiccups, Julie says it took little time to iron out the details, and members see the value of having more resources, better access to MLS listings, and a larger team to work with.

“Cornerstone is looking forward to being a different member-centric and transparent association that assists the public, provides more information and consistent messaging, and ensures its members are the best realtors out there.”

Julie Sergi is a Broker with Royal LePage Burloak Real
Estate Services in Burlington.

BY JULIE ACHTERMEIER

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Government’s New Housing Rules: A Boost For First Time Home Buyers Or A Recipe For Higher Prices?

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The Federal Government announced in September that, in addition to the new 30-year amortization option for first-time homebuyers of new builds (which took effect August 1st), they will also extend this option to first-time buyers of resale homes and all buyers of new builds, who take out an insured mortgage. The new rules, set to take effect on December 15th, also include reducing the down payment for homes between $1 million and $1.5 million to less than 20 percent. For high-earning first-time buyers on the edge of entering the market, these changes could give them the boost they need to become homeowners.

While the government aims to create more demand for newly built homes and provide first-time homebuyers with more options, some experts feel the move will further drive up home prices. Developers still struggle to initiate new building projects due to high interest rates and construction costs. And with these new rules, the housing shortage could become even more pronounced.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association shared their thoughts shortly after the announcement that boosting household borrowing power could cause an “inflationary effect” and drive up real estate costs where demand exceeds supply. The result could allow first-time buyers to take on more debt but do nothing to help affordability.

To gain further clarity on this issue, we asked two local realtors to share their thoughts.

Brenda McKinley from Realty World Legacy in Burlington believes the new rules will make it easier for buyers to get into the market and has seen mortgage brokers become busier as buyers work to get pre-approved ahead of the December changes. “This is opening doors for so many new buyers,” Brenda says. “We are seeing people become approved for mortgages who previously couldn’t.”

Recognizing that a more extended amortization period could prolong repayment, she explained that “historically, new buyers are tight for the first couple of years, but as their income increases, they can (and should) pay more down on their principal.”

The new options are available for buyers in higher income brackets; however, lower- income buyers still rely on family to help them with down payments. “Buyers should buy as soon as they can afford a home,” Brenda advises. “I would rather spend $2,500 a month on a mortgage than rent. You can’t get growth in equity if you don’t have home ownership.”

Shae Invidiata of RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty shares the vision for building equity but cautions that first-time buyers should be educated about the risks. “It’s part of home ownership to build equity,” Shae says. “But by prolonging amortization, it will take longer to build up that equity and homeowners will be paying more interest over time.” She explained that most people are still struggling with the cost of living, which hasn’t adjusted despite recent interest rate drops by the Bank of Canada.

“We still have an inflation problem and are not out of the woods yet,” explains Shae. “Rates could go up again, and buyers need to ensure they can comfortably afford their payments if that happens. Comfortably, not stretched.”

Shae’s best advice is to consult a realtor who will tell you what you need to know, not just what you want to hear. Buyers approved for a $2 million dollar mortgage, for example, should consider buying between $1.3 and $1.6 million to build equity and be able to afford their home for the long term, should rates go up or they lose their job. She advises obtaining proper representation, sitting down and crunching the numbers. She says, “The phrase “living within your means” has more relevance now than ever.”

BRENDA MCKINLEY, BROKER OF RECORD
Realty World Legacy
289.714.3878 | brenda@realtyworldlegacy.ca

SHAE INVIDIATA, SALES REPRESENTATIVE
RE/MAX Aboutowne Realty
905.339.3444 | shae@invidiata.com

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Where are the buyers coming from? Realtors share their insights

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It’s no secret that the dream of buying a home is becoming harder for many families and first-time homebuyers, yet the housing market is still doing well and homes are still selling at all price points. It begs the question: Who are the buyers? In the luxury market, prices vary depending on the location, but homes priced appropriately are still selling quickly. We know that real wages in Canada have not kept up with home prices, and most first-time homebuyers cannot afford a $250K down payment, but some are still able to enter the market for the first time.

SO, WHAT’S HAPPENING OUT THERE?

WE ASKED SOME OF OUR TOP REALTORS TO WEIGH IN AND PROVIDE THEIR INSIGHT. HERE’S WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY:

KIERAN MCCOURT, SALES REPRESENTATIVE WITH THE GOODALE MILLER TEAM
CENTURY 21 MILLER IN OAKVILLE:

Your team are experts at selling luxury homes in Oakville, Burlington and the surrounding area. Can you tell us where your buyers are coming from? Are they international or moving out of Toronto, or are people still able to “move up” in our local area? Are young families still able to afford to buy a home in the better neighbourhoods in our area?

We are seeing far fewer foreign investors buying property in Oakville these days. Speculation has died down and the government regulations restricting real estate purchases by foreign buyers have had an impact.

Our typical buyers for $5 million + homes are in their 40’s or 50’s, often with teenage kids. They value the great schools in our area, and have benefited from steady appreciation in home equity over the last 20 years. They likely have high income careers or have sold their businesses and have the capital to invest in a dream home. Some may also be taking advantage of generational wealth transfer as their parents move into smaller homes.

We estimate that about 50% of our buyers are local to the area, and the remaining 50% are coming from Toronto, Markham, Richmond Hill or are transferring to jobs in the GTA from the US or overseas. Higher interest rates are not really an issue for these buyers. We currently see no storm clouds on the horizon for Oakville. It has become a favourite destination for affluent buyers and the lifestyle is arguably one of the most desirable in the whole GTA.

ANITA SULLIVAN, BROKER WITH ROYAL LEPAGE
REAL ESTATE SERVICES IN OAKVILLE:

You do a lot of work helping seniors downsize and buy condos in Oakville, Burlington and the surrounding area. Can you tell us where your buyers are coming from? Are retirees still able to afford to buy a smaller home or condo in our area and release some of the equity they have tied up in their homes?

Our buyers are local and also coming from Mississauga and Toronto. For the majority their goal is to downsize from a detached home to a condo and put some equity in the bank.

But downsizing is more complicated than it was a few years ago. In the past, retirees would buy first, knowing their home would sell. This mindset has changed, and now they are uncertain about selling their homes. We are seeing more offers with a ‘condition on sale of property,’ something we haven’t seen for a while. The number of sales is down in the luxury condo market, and some condos are taking longer to sell.

MICHAEL BREJNIK, SALES REPRESENTATIVE WITH
ROYAL LEPAGE BURLOAK REAL ESTATE SERVICES
IN BURLINGTON:

You do a lot of transactions for homes that would normally be attractive to first-time buyers in Burlington and the surrounding area. Can you tell us where your buyers are coming from? Are they international investors, people moving out of Toronto, or are young people still able to “get a start” in our area? Are young families still able to afford to buy a home and how do they finance it?

The cost of a down payment for a first-time homebuyer has increased exponentially compared to a generation ago, and many young buyers need help affording it. It’s almost impossible without family help.

We are not seeing many international investors, but we do see buyers relocating from the GTA, Mississauga, and Brampton as prices continue to be more affordable in the Burlington area. We have also seen many young people put their search on hold because of interest rates and house prices, and some believe that house prices have further to fall, so are unwilling to risk entering the market at this time. The small interest rate drops recently will help, but more is needed for first-time homebuyers to start looking again.

By: Julia Achtermeire

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Moving? 5 Ways to Make the Move Less Stressful

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Preparing for a move can feel daunting, but not if you plan ahead and avoid last-minute scrambling. When you sell your home and have a moving date, start thinking about what you want and need to take with you and what you can sell, donate or take to the dump. Following a few simple tips can make your next move painless and smooth.

  1. No Time To Waste: Whether you have a 30-day or 90-day closing, start decluttering immediately. You will likely need to do a few passes before narrowing down what you take with you. Go through each room in the house and remove items you don’t use, don’t care for, or that won’t fit in the new home. Pack up boxes to donate and immediately load them into your trunk so you can drop them off on your next outing. Start listing items to sell online on sites like Kijiji, Varage Sale, or Facebook Marketplace. If you’re nervous about selling to people online, exchanges can be contactless by leaving items on your front porch and requesting the buyer e-transfer the money first.
  2. Purge, Don’t Store: While there are storage facilities on every corner these days, renting one should be a last resort and only if you have an overlap between when you must move out of your old house and into the new one. Storing furniture and boxes of “stuff” with plans to deal with them later will likely lead to months and months of paying expensive storage fees. If you’re having trouble deciding what to part with, use the one-year rule: If you don’t use it for an entire year, you probably don’t need it. To deal with large items you want to discard, hire a company like GotJunk. They can even leave a bin in your driveway until you’ve cleaned out and then take it away.
  3. Be Realistic: Look at your new floor plan and be realistic about what will fit. If you’re moving from an open concept floor plan to a home with smaller rooms, that large sectional sofa may need to go. And while you may have loved your grandmother’s antique sideboard, if it won’t fit, take photos of it to keep the memory and list it online. Or ask other family members if they’d like to take it. One of the hardest parts of moving is parting with items you’ve had for a long time, even if they no longer serve a purpose. If you’re struggling with how to declutter and organize, there are professional organizations that can help.
  4. Go Digital: If you’re anything like me, you may have filing cabinets filled with old tax returns, bills, and other outdated items. If tax returns are seven years old, they’re no longer needed, and you can shred them. Most statements can now be accessed online so if you’re hanging on to old phone bills more than a year old, shred them. For sentimental items like old photographs, scan and digitize them to keep them preserved. DVDs, cassettes, and CDs can be converted to digital files, stored on a cloud or local hard drive, and then recycled. Important hardcopy documents like birth certificates and marriage licenses can then be stored in a single file, taking up much less room.
  5. Moving Day: Deciding to hire a moving company or rent a truck and do it yourself depends on your budget, house size, and how far away you’re moving. Moving companies provide staff and trucks to pack up your home, transport your items and unload, but it does come at a cost. Be sure to obtain a few quotes and ask what options are available. Depending on your budget, companies can go so far as to pack items into boxes for you, load the truck, and unload and unpack at your destination. Whether moving across the country, downsizing homes, or upgrading, preparation and planning from day one are critical steps to surviving an otherwise stressful time.
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Six Things Not Covered on Your Home Insurance Policy

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As a homeowner, it’s critical to understand what may not be covered under your Home Insurance Policy, especially with more of us working from home or running small businesses. For most Home Insurance Policies in Canada, these top six items are likely not covered. To be sure, please check your policy or call your Insurance Broker.

Flood & Earthquakes

In the last few years, Canadians have experienced severe flooding in Ontario, Quebec, Alberta, New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Manitoba. Flood or overland water is excluded from your policy; however, due to this emerging threat to homeowners, insurers are now offering flood insurance coverage as an additional cost. Contact your broker to ask how you can purchase this coverage if you feel at risk. Keep in mind that it will be more difficult to qualify for this coverage if you live close to a lake, river or floodplain.

Earthquakes are considered catastrophic and excluded from your policy, along with earth movement, which includes earth shifting and sinkholes. While these occurrences are not typical in Canada, some companies offer earthquake coverage for an additional premium, and the deductible is typically quite high.

Pest Infestation

A standard home insurance policy does not cover damage caused by “pests.” The removal of any of these animals or pests is also not covered. Since infestations and the resulting damage are usually considered matters of home maintenance, the responsibility falls on the homeowner to pay for repairs or pest control measures. The best defence is a good offence – stay on top of home repairs and schedule an inspection if you suspect you may have a problem.

Freezing of Indoor Plumbing

Most homeowners are unaware that being on vacation or away from their home during the winter months requires someone to visit your home to check your furnace and ensure water pipes are not frozen. If your plumbing freezes while you are away and you did not have someone checking your home every four days, most policies would not cover the cost of repairs. If you are away for less than four days, the exclusion does not apply.

A Vacant Home

If you leave your home for 30 days with no intention to return to it (for example, you bought a new house and put your old one up for sale), there is no coverage after 30 days. Most insurance companies will offer limited coverage; however, you must notify your insurer before leaving it vacant. Insurance companies view vacant homes as ideal targets for arsonists and vandals as no one is there to check on the house. 

Mould

If you suddenly find a mould problem in your home, your insurance company will have no part in the cleanup or repairs. According to your insurance company, mould development means that you were not properly maintaining your home. You will have to pay for any repairs, regardless of how or when the mould developed. 

Home-based Businesses

You need to notify your insurer if you have a home-based business or start-up. Home insurance is not business insurance, and using your home for any business-related purpose could void your home insurance policy. Speak to your broker or insurance company to find out what additional insurance you may need, depending on the nature of your business. For example, working at a computer all day is very different than operating power tools. And bringing clients to your home for a business meeting can be risky without personal liability insurance. If that client were to slip and fall, you might be dealing with an expensive claim without the proper coverage.

When it comes to home insurance, knowledge is your best friend. Understanding what is and is not covered will help you adjust your policy where needed.

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Outdoor Living Space? We Share Our Top 5 DIY Solutions

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After another long, drawn-out Covid winter, summer has finally arrived, and we need the enjoyment of the outdoors more than ever. Your backyard may need a makeover but booking a landscape or pool company is a one- to two-year wait. So, what can you do yourself that’s easy and affordable while providing that wow factor?

Here are our top five DIY trends you can start implementing this weekend!

FURNITURE


The style grabbing all the attention this year is rattan – but not traditional rattan that has a reputation for being uncomfortable. New and improved styles feature robust backrests and stylish cushions to ensure ultimate comfort while relaxing, sipping wine, or enjoying a ball game on your outdoor TV.

Other popular designs this year are powder-coated aluminum pieces, teakwood, and natural ceramics that can handle our summer climate and give a new life to your outdoor living space. Outdoor day beds and low coffee tables project an open and spacious appeal for those relaxing moments reading or reclining.
Whatever your style, it’s all about comfort, elegance, and being entertainment-ready.

LIGHTING


Outdoor LED lighting has become a popular element that complements the mood of your evening while remaining an energy-efficient solution for your home. It can be as easy as a string of lights across your gazebo to twinkle lights under an awning or garden spotlighting beautiful trees and plants.

Today’s lighting options range from soft, calming colours for background elegance to bright or colourful lighting perfect for a party atmosphere.

COLOUR PALETTES


Soft, dusty accent colours like pink, blue, and neutrals are all the rage this year, adding charm and elegance. Summery colours and contemporary patterns are great for cushions and outdoor rugs. Or, go for a brighter hue in vintage furniture like a retro-inspired hoop chair or Miami mod accent piece.

FIRE PITS AND OUTDOOR COOKING


Outdoor kitchens continue to be on-trend with new additions to the usual BBQ setup. Smokers are gaining popularity as a slow-cooking method to prepare meat
while spending an afternoon at home. A trip to your local home renovation store provides a range of sizes and prices to suit your needs. Pizza ovens are very popular again this year but abide by your local bylaws when installing them in your backyard. When designing your outdoor cooking area, consider setting up a patio corner as a dedicated kitchen space. After your meal, create a warm ambiance with a modern firepit and cozy chairs. In areas where bylaws restrict the use of wood fires, look for ethanol and propane alternatives for a similar effect. Many styles also come with a cover, so fi res not in use can double as additional tabletop space.

GARDENING

In 2021, we saw the emergence of ‘hardscaping’ with prominent stonework bringing a featured look to the backyard. This year, the focus is on ’nature-scaping,’ a natural, wild garden look. Long grasses and rustic garden paths are meant to soften the hardscape with a more natural and less structured look. So, whether you’ve already done hardscaping or are planning to incorporate a feature this year, adding wildflowers and grasses can create a more natural yet unique look.
Are you looking for a change from the same old gardening style? Vertical planting, also called living walls, is a hot gardening trend to create height and drama in your yard. Whether there’s a plain wall you want to cover or just spruce up your back garden, a living wall can be as simple or intricate as you like. Hang plant pots on vertical frames for a simple, cost-effective solution or create a more sophisticated look with modular, hydroponic panels requiring electronically monitored water and nutrient delivery. The only rule to follow is to plant upwards instead of outwards!

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Six Great Bathroom Trends to Try

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Bathrooms aren’t just utilitarian spaces anymore; they’re becoming personalized, spa-like retreats. If you’re ready to hit refresh on your bathroom, these six ideas will inspire you to turn this everyday space into a calming sanctuary.

1. ACCENT WALLS
Homeowners and designers are increasingly using accent walls to amp up interest in the bathroom. These can be used to liven up a neutral palette or help draw focus to a show-stopping feature, such as a soaking tub or custom vanity. If you decide to add an accent wall to your bathroom, carefully choose which wall to showcase. Look to the features around or on the wall to help you decide. If you’re still not sure which wall is best, select the one most visible from the doorway.

 

2. FREESTANDING VANITIES
Personalization continues to be a top priority for homeowners, and freestanding vanities (with their furniture-like appeal) present a great opportunity to add a custom look. Plus, freestanding vanities generally o er the same design and storage options as built-ins, but at a less expensive price point. Updating your vanity is one of the quickest ways to change the look of your bathroom without undertaking an entire remodel. To customize your freestanding vanity even further, swap out the hardware with pulls in your favorite metallic finish, then accessorize the countertop with a pretty tray or vase.

 

3. BLACK ACCENTS
Though hardware and faucet finishes are one way to try this trend, you can also go with deep-hued vanities, black accent walls and even plumbing fixtures. Used sparingly, black accents can provide a pop of contrast in a traditional white bathroom. When applied liberally, black accents help foster a glamorous vibe.

 

4. NATURAL TONES AND TEXTURES
As homeowners seek to create a calming space, subtle natural hues are on the rise. In addition, natural materials like wood and marble blend beautifully with a wide range of colour palettes. Whether you prefer a minimalist Scandinavian look, a rustic farmhouse vibe or a traditional feel, natural tones and textures work well with a variety of design styles. To help modernize the space, incorporate a small dose of black to ground the look.

 

5. DOUBLE VANITIES
As the average house size increases, bigger master bathrooms mean more opportunities to incorporate convenient design elements like double vanities. Although double sinks can reduce the amount of usable counter space, many manufacturers are now addressing that issue with creative storage solutions. Vanities outfitted with power outlets, full-extension drawers and custom holders for grooming tools can help minimize clutter and make the most of limited space. Side-by-side vanities are another stylish choice with numerous customization options.

 

6. LARGE SHOWERS
When space allows, homeowners are ditching the shower-bath combo and opting for a walk-in shower and equally luxurious tub. A larger shower area presents ample opportunity for introducing customization and spa-like extras. Add an element of luxury with built-in storage niches or a teak bench lined with pampering products.

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Spring Projects to Perk Up Your Patio

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With spring in full swing and gardening projects on your mind as you hunker down at home, it’s time to start thinking about enjoying the patio again. A few small projects can take that dull, blank space and turn it into a patio with panache.

PAINT THE FLOOR

Plain Jane concrete isn’t something to get excited about; but painting the concrete can perk up your porch or patio. Go to your local paint store and have them help you pick out a colour and give you all the prep materials. It’s more time-consuming than hard, but a painted patio looks neat and stylish.

PAINT YOUR FURNITURE

Over the winter or after several years outdoors, patio furniture can lose its luster. Sand and spray-paint your furniture to bring it back to life. If you have a big set, look for a local painter who can sandblast and powdercoat your furniture to make it look like new again.

CREATE A SEATING AREA

Give your patio a defined eating or seating space with an indoor/outdoor rug. Add a seating arrangement to create an outdoor living space or a table for some al fresco dining in your new outdoor room.

STRING UP SOME LIGHTS

Add some string lights across the patio for great Mediterranean bistro ambiance at night. Add a timer so the lights pop on and off automatically.

PLACE LANTERNS AROUND THE SPACE

Romantic and ethereal, candle lanterns set artfully around a seating area, next to a chair or on a dining table are uber-romantic and create a layered lighting effect.

ELECTRIFY IT

Install a sound system or electrical outlets to enjoy TV on the patio. With Wi-Fi-enabled speakers and televisions, you can turn your patio into an outdoor living room.

ADD WATER

Create a patio fountain out of a planter. Cluster a grouping of plants around an urn, pop in a fountain pump from your home centre, and you have a terrific sound that’s peaceful and can help drown out background noise.

GET UNIQUE SEATING

Make lounging outdoors more inviting with a swinging bed hung from the ceiling or a pair of swinging rattan chairs. They’re trendy and will be the seat everyone wants to sit in when you go outside.

RE-CUSHION CHAIRS AND COUCHES

Patio cushions take a beating from the elements and the sun, so replace to refresh and update your patio. Mix solid seat cushions with patterned throw pillows for a homey feeling.

ADD SHADE OR STRUCTURE

If your patio is flat and exposed, it’s time to add an arbor or string up some sunshade fabric that will give you much needed shade and help you enjoy more time outdoors comfortably.

After being cooped up in the house, a patio project is the perfect way to get some fresh air and prepare for the summer months ahead.

©2022 Kathryn Weber. Distributed By Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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