Author: Admin

A definitive sign of fall, the wheat wreath dates back to ancient eastern European harvests, when the last sheaves were tied into crowns worn by the local beauties. Hang one on your door to welcome the season. You can purchase one or create your own DIY version! It’s easier than you think.

What you’ll need:

• Wire wreath form
• Paddle wire
• Wire cutters
• 100-200 steams of wheat (available through Etsy)

How-to:

1. Divide wheat into smaller bundles that vary in length for a more organic look (about 10-20 per bundle). You can trim the bottom of each stem slightly, but be sure to leave enough so it peeks through (see photo) for a more voluminous look.
2. Wrap each bundle in paddle wire, then attach around the wreath form, making sure they are slightly angled from one another.
3. Once the whole wreath is filled, tie the paddle wire one last time around the wreath and cut off any excess wire.
4. Hang the wreath on your front door, lean it against a fireplace mantel or place it on an empty wall that needs some seasonal sprucing.

The post DIY: Wheat Sheaf Wreath appeared first on House & Home.

In this Ask A Designer column, Stacy Begg shares her advice for breathing new life into your WFH space.

Question: With my husband and I home full time due to COVID-19, we’ve found it a challenge to work in the same room. I’d like to move my office to the back room and make it a place I look forward to spending time in. How should I set it up? — Lorraine, Kingston, Ontario

Answer: This room has great space and, thanks to two windows, lots of natural light, like designer Francesca Albertazzi’s own workspace (below). I would start by painting the walls white to take advantage of the light. I recommend Benjamin Moore’s Cloud White or Chantilly Lace in a matte finish.

To add visual interest and a pop of color, wallpaper the wall you see upon entering the room in a bright and cheerful wallpaper like Farrow & Ball’s Wisteria.

(Source: Wisteria BP 2212 Wallpaper, $295/roll, farrow-ball.com)

Next, head to your local big-box store for in-stock base cabinets and storage for files. Run them down the long wall and, if you’re ready to splurge, top the cabinets with a luxe, solid-surface material.

(Source: 5151 Empira White Surface, $80/sq.ft., caesarstone.ca)

Or, for a more budget-friendly option, try laminate.

(Source: Galant Storage Combination with Filing in White, $409, ikea.com)

Place a large table in the center of the room; run it lengthwise in the same direction as the cabinet wall. This will give you lots of room for your laptops and monitor.

(Source: Hamburg Solid Acacia Wood Dining Table, $449, structube.com)

Add a rug underneath to warm up the space and provide some texture. How about a fun plaid? Don’t be afraid to mix your patterns! Consider carpet tiles: they’re a clever way to build a custom-size rug.

(Source: Scottish Sett Carpet Floor Tile in Linen, approx. $27/tile, flor.com)

I love the classic ’60s Eames office chair in leather and, today, you can find great reproductions.

(Source: Shirel Office Chair in White, $89, structube.com)

For more seating and a touch of contrast, add a couple of clean-lined guest chairs in black.

(Source: Bergamo Guest Chair in Black, $265, smartideachairs.com)

A simple white barn-style fixture will illuminate your desk, as well as the eye-catching wallpaper.

(Source: Helena Pendant in White with Silver by Kuzco Lighting, $242, robinsonco.ca)

Then, to finish the look, hang graphic black-framed art and pin boards above the run of cabinets.

(Source: Mid-Post IV Framed Print, $179, willsandprior.com)

You’re going to love your beautifully decorated home office — and, look out, your husband may want to join you there, too!

Do you have a design dilemma? Send your questions to askadesigner@hhmedia.com.

The post Ask A Designer: How To Create A Chic & Cheery Home Office appeared first on House & Home.

In this Ask A Designer column, Jennifer Koper shares her easy and affordable tips for creating a relaxing respite.

Question: We’re looking to decorate our bedroom with a nature theme. What do you think of a leaf- or birch tree–print wallpaper, and what colors would you recommend? — Gen, Toronto

Answer: Wallpaper is a fantastic way to add interest in a room and address large expanses of wall. Take inspiration from this beautiful bedroom designed by Jennifer Morrison of Morrison Design House.

Here’s what I suggest to get a similar look:

Paper all the walls for an enveloping, cohesive feel. This forest-print paper by Lewis & Wood has a depth that will make your room feel more expansive, and the soothing gray and blue tones won’t overwhelm. (Wallpapering behind the bed will also help camouflage the small off-center window.)

(Source: Bosky Wallpaper in Blue Yonder, approx. $156/yd. (approx. $11.80/sq.ft.), available through Kravet Canada or lewisandwood.co.uk)

(Source: Albero Duck Egg Wallpaper, approx. $198/roll (approx. $3.50/sq.ft.), grahambrown.com)

Get a louvered shutter for the small window, and paint it the background color of your wallpaper (like Benjamin Moore’s Serenata) so it blends in to the wall. Dress up the large window with drapery that has an embroidered medallion motif. The small-scale pattern will work perfectly with tree-themed wall coverings.

(Source: Aubrey Blue Embroidered Curtain Panel, starting at $170, crateandbarrel.ca)

Paint your ceiling and crown molding a pale blue pulled from the wallpaper and choose a bedding set in a similar tone.

(Source: Linen Duvet Covers in Mist, $330, flaxsleep.com)

Add a couple of shams in a small-scale pattern…

 

(Source: Kiska Textiles Pillow Case in Filigree Sky/Indigo, $85, shophouseandhome.com)

…and layer on a cozy throw.

(Source: Nao Throw in Soft Grey, $30, shophouseandhome.com)

Update your nightstands with brighter, wood-toned versions. The legs will lift the furniture off the floor and make the space feel airier.

(Source: Kabbann Acacia Wood Bedside Table, $229, structube.com)

Add textured, white ceramic lamps on the nightstands that play on a leaf pattern.

(Source: Textured Ceramic Table Lamp, $80, bouclair.com)

Swap out your flush-mount light fixture (not visible) for a rattan pendant to bring in even more warmth.

(Source: Teresa Pendant Light, $102, vdevmaison.com)

With these updates, you’ll have a serene bedroom retreat that’s perfect for relaxing in and catching some zzz’s.

Do you have a design dilemma? Send your questions to askadesigner@hhmedia.com.

The post Ask A Designer: How To Turn Your Bedroom Into A Nature-Inspired Retreat appeared first on House & Home.

H&H + KOHLER 2020 Contest

The post H&H + KOHLER 2020 Contest appeared first on House & Home.

In Episode 8 of REAL TIME, popular personal finance expert and award-winning author Kelley Keehn discusses the financial concerns and realities facing many Canadians today, including homeowners and prospective home buyers. Discover tips and tools for REALTORS® to help your clients assess and strengthen their financial health, even in unstable times.

In Episode 7 of REAL TIME, award-winning designer, best-selling author and TV icon Sarah Richardson shares lessons learned during an incredibly successful career buying and designing homes – everything from the value of using a REALTOR® to making the most of your space on any budget.

In Episode 6 of REAL TIME, we talk with Subtej Nijjar, partner at Union Creative, the agency behind CREA’s national ad campaigns, about methodologies REALTORS® can employ to better understand their audience, position themselves strategically and stay relevant in periods of change and a hypercompetitive industry.

In Episode 5 of REAL TIME, we’ll join Riti Verma, real estate entrepreneur and CEO of RankMyAgent.com—with input from REALTOR® Ben Sweet—to discuss the importance of managing your online reputation as a REALTOR®. We’ll look at the impacts of online reviews, tips to get started, and how to ensure a positive experience to land and keep happy clients.

In response to current conditions, businesses and REALTORS® need to react to a new world, though temporary, where human interaction is limited or discouraged. The real estate industry, built on relationships, will be significantly impacted. But within adverse conditions come opportunities and new human behaviours. For REALTORS®, maintaining a personal connection is crucial.

The CREA REAL TIME podcast provides an opportunity to give REALTORS® insight into how they can transform to be more adept in a digital retail environment.

Representatives from various levels within the industry provide guidance, clarity and give CREA members real world tools to implement.

In Episode 3 of REAL TIME, we talk with Steve Murray, president and co-founder of REAL Trends, about the foundational elements of real estate – what’s changed, what hasn’t – and how trust and communication continue to play a vital role in safeguarding REALTOR® success.