Category: Blog Posts

  • Climate Zones in USA & Canada for Building Homes

    Those setting out to build an efficient, sustainable or even net zero home in the USA or Canada, or to renovate an existing home for lower energy costs and better comfort, need to ask first; “what climate zone am I in?”. The first step to building a durable and energy-efficient home in North America, including Passive…

    Building Climate Zones USA & Canada Maps Help with Specification of Homes

  • Gabion Walls – what is a gabion cage & how to build with them?

    Gabion cage walls can add thermal mass to homes without adding significantly to the carbon footprint of a home like concrete can. Gabion walls are retaining walls built by stacking stone in a gabion cage or gabion basket that can serve many purposes but are most often used to create tiered or leveled ground in gardens…

    Gabion walls can be used for building homes

  • Taste The Flavors Of The World With The New Cookbook, Diala’s Kitchen

    Canadian food and travel writer Diala Canelo has always been inspired by fresh ingredients, bold flavors and healthy eats from around the globe. Her cookbook, Diala’s Kitchen, brings that inspiration home with 100 recipes celebrating vegetable-forward and pescatarian-friendly dishes, all with an international spin. Standout recipes include Salmon Tacos With Chipotle Crema, Wild Mushrooms Over Creamy Polenta With Mascarpone and Caramelized Banana & Cinnamon Loaf.

    Scroll down to discover three autumnal recipes to celebrate the season!

    Autumn Farro Salad

    Dominican Shrimp & Rice Stew

    Pumpkin Scones With Maple Cinnamon Glaze

    The post Taste The Flavors Of The World With The New Cookbook, <em>Diala’s Kitchen</em> appeared first on House & Home.

  • Ask A Designer: How To Give A Living Room & Kitchen Wow Factor

    In this Ask A Designer column, Jennifer Koper proves just how impactful finishing touches can be.

    Question: My fireplace wall needs some serious help. I also need a backsplash in the kitchen and would like to replace my pendants. What would you suggest? — D.M., Halifax

    Answer: What a great space! I see your dilemma with the fireplace wall, though. Right now, the art, TV and fireplace are all floating; there’s nothing to ground them. But don’t worry — it’s an easy fix. Take a cue from the Inspiration fireplace by Palmerston Design Consultants (below) that has a color-blocked treatment. In lieu of a chimney breast, just paint a section of the wall in a deep hue like Farrow & Ball’s Studio Green. This will help break up that long expanse and provide a visual anchor. It’ll also help disguise your television!

    Next, place a bench or console to the left of the fireplace, underneath your art; it will ground the canvas and give it something to relate to. Then, display objects or stacked coffee table books on top for even more dimension and character.

    (Source: EQ3 Kacia Bench in Dark Walnut, $399, thebay.com)

    Consider replacing your accent table with a pair of larger white drum tables and shift them to the end of your sofa. The tables will lighten up the seating.

    (Source: Remy Nesting Tables in White (set of 2), $119, structube.com)

    Layer a few decorative cranberry-hued pillows on your sofa for more visual interest.

    (Source: Flores Sangria Linen Pillow, $183, shophouseandhome.com)

    In the kitchen, a textured subway tile backsplash in a deep teal will bring in another pop of color.

    (Source: 4″ x 8″ Textured Ceramic Subway Tile in Trasparenze Petrolio, $7/sq.ft., ciot.com)

    Swap out your pendants for two large drum-style versions with iron detailing — the larger scale is more appropriate for your space.

    (Source: Lenyx Pendant in Iron Ore & White, $882, z-lite.com)

    With minimal spending and effort, your living room and kitchen will be totally refreshed. Enjoy your new focal wall!

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

    The post Ask A Designer: How To Give A Living Room & Kitchen Wow Factor appeared first on House & Home.

  • Sherwin-Williams Announces 2021 Color Of The Year!

    Sherwin-Williams just revealed its 2021 Color Of The Year as Urbane Bronze (SW 7048). “The home is now the ultimate retreat from the world, and color is an easy and effective way to create a personal haven,” said Sue Wadden, director of color marketing at Sherwin-Williams. “Urbane Bronze encourages you to create a sanctuary space for mindful reflection and renewal.” Rooted in nature, this warm brown hue evokes a feeling of comfort and serenity — something we all could use a little more of in these uncertain times. “There’s also reassurance in its sentimentality, with nostalgic ties to the design of the ‘70s and ‘90s, but with gray undertones that give it a distinctly modern twist,” adds Wadden.

    Pair Urbane Bronze with other nature-inspired accents, like wood, organic stone and wovens, for a look that is bold yet beautiful. You can also treat it as a neutral: swathe kitchen cabinets in this calming color, like designer John McClain‘s rustic and refined space (below), or create a cocooning dining nook with fluted walls, like Vintage Revivals did in their own home (above). The mix of muted green, brown and warm wood is just perfection!

    What do you think of Sherwin-Williams’ 2021 Color of the Year? Let us know in the comments below.

    The post Sherwin-Williams Announces 2021 Color Of The Year! appeared first on House & Home.

  • 3 Vegetarian Recipes From Yotam Ottolenghi’s Brand New Cookbook

    Foodie fan favorite and bestselling author Yotam Ottolenghi is back with his third cookbook. An addition to the Plenty series, Ottolenghi Flavor is a continuation of Yotam’s focus on plant-based eating, teaching us the best ways to prepare and cook vegetables, and how to build, amplify and accentuate flavors. Featuring stunning photography and more than 100 vegetarian recipes (try the Stuffed Eggplant in Curry or the Vegetable Schnitzel), this is a must-have for your cookbook library.

    Roasted & Pickled Celery Root With Sweet Chile Dressing

    Stuffed Eggplant In Curry & Coconut Dal

    Berry Platter With Sheep Milk Labneh & Orange Oil

    The post 3 Vegetarian Recipes From Yotam Ottolenghi’s Brand New Cookbook appeared first on House & Home.

  • DIY: Wheat Sheaf Wreath

    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.

  • Ask A Designer: How To Create A Chic & Cheery Home Office

    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.