by Guest

If you have a dark room that you are trying to light, you probably already know that it isn’t an easy task to accomplish. It’s important to understand how different light fixtures illuminate a space differently. This way you are sure to get the right lighting combination for your needs.

Some things to consider when choosing your lighting…

Paint and furniture color: If your room has very little natural light, you may want to choose a lighter color for the walls since they will reflect the light from the light fixtures better. To bring warmth into the room, and to help offset the brightness of the wall color, consider using furniture or carpeting with warmer tones.

Ambient Lighting: To be sure you have adequate overall lighting in the room; it’s good to install overhead lighting—for example, flush mount fixtures, track lighting, recessed lighting, etc. These lights can be hooked up to a dimmer switch so that they can be used brightly for tasks and entertaining, as well as dimmed for a more relaxed setting.

Accent Lighting: For when overhead lights aren’t enough, or maybe aren’t needed, we turn to Accent Lighting. Whether you are ready to settle in for the night, or want to highlight a certain part of your room, I suggest strategically placing Accent Lighting in your space. Many types of lighting fixtures can be used for Accent Lighting, depending on your needs. To highlight a picture, or maybe a shelving unit—wall lighting or picture lighting might be what you are looking for. For something more task-oriented like extra light for reading—you may consider table/floor Lamps or wall lighting.

Task Lighting: Sometimes the overhead lights and accent lighting aren’t enough. Instead, you need some lights that directly illuminate a workspace. This is especially useful in a kitchen, over a counter space, or in an office at the desk and computer. Under-Cabinet Lighting could be what you need. These lights are usually small, and can be unseen, and are very useful in illuminating a space directly. You could also use a desk lamp or pendant lighting for this purpose. It depends on the room you are working in and which fixture would make the most sense for the activity.

As you can see, lighting a room is not as easy as buying a lamp and plugging it in—especially if your space is dark. To lighten the room, you can start by picking well-illuminating paint and furniture, but it doesn’t stop there. You need to use different lighting for different activities. If paired together properly, you will have taken a dark space and will have made it a very functional, well-lit space instead.

Bellacor is a one-stop showroom that promises a new way to shop the entire lighting and home furnishings industry from the comfort of your home by providing superior personal service and access to the largest collection of lighting and home furnishings on the web. Bellacor offers access to over 500,000 products from 700 manufacturers. http://www.bellacor.com.

HRG has had a great time at the 2010 National. It was the first year that we had a booth and it was great to get feedback from the attendants as well as other exhibitors about how our site HomeRenovationGuide.com is a great resource for people looking to renovate their homes. HRG is the official online sponsor of MarketPlace Events, which holds this annual trade show and HRG provides a little welcome gift for all of the exhibitors. The spring flowers by local florist Cool, Green, and Shady were lovely and really brightened up the show room with a breath of spring.

As well, it was the first time I had the opportunity to live blog from the National for spotlight.rogers.com, a Rogers Communications Inc. lifestyle site where you can catch up on the latest pop culture news.

Here are my articles, with a look at the show and lots of green tips:

http://www.spotlight.rogers.com/life/green/8289/live-national-home-show

http://www.spotlight.rogers.com/life/green/8411/dream-green

http://www.spotlight.rogers.com/life/green/8436/green-house

Now I leave with some pics of the cool Challenger Cube house as well as this year’s fab Dream Home - enjoy!

by Julia Ritzenthaler

When it comes to bathroom vanities, the days of a white box with a sink sitting on top of it are gone. Time has certainly changed the different types of styles, designs and colors that are available when it comes to bathroom vanities. Whether you prefer contemporary lines, vintage antique or sleek oak, there is something for everyone. From single sink vanities to double sink vanities, your styles and choices are endless, so there are a few key elements to keep in mind before you make your purchase decision.

The first thing to consider is the overall size of your bathroom and the space where you want to put the vanity. If your bathroom is small then you may be limited to a smaller size vanity, but if you have some room to work with you will have several more options, including double sink vanity styles. To make sure you will be getting a proper fit, measure the area where you’re going to be putting the vanity accurately.

Next, what is the intended function of your new vanity? Knowing the answer to this question will help you best determine what kind of vanity will best suit your needs. If you find you need a lot of storage space, then a cabinet style would be something to consider. This vanity works well for families with children because of storage potential and durability. How many people typically use the bathroom? If it’s intended for a guest room or a half-bath, then a single sink vanity will do just fine. If the bathroom is shared by 2 or more people then double sink vanities would be the way to go.

Once you have determined your space and function you can turn your attention to the style that will suit not only your needs but also your decor as well. Vanities are available in a variety of different materials including wood, glass, ceramic and stone. Unless you’re planning a major renovation, your new vanity should complement your current bathroom style. Finally, don’t forget about the price! Local home improvement stores will have double sink vanities at affordable prices whereas specialty stores will carry the more high-end vanities in creative styles. Knowing how much you are able to spend will help you narrow down your choices as well.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueVanities.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.

It seems like all of us are scrambling this week to have everything just perfect for the holidays. Last minute gift buying, big holiday meal plans and festive decorating may be just a few of the big items left on your list and so if like me, you can appreciate an extra helping hand. Check out the DIY Network website Diynetwork.com, an excellent resource on all things do it yourself and is packed with features, news, reviews and tips from a wide range of sources and experts to help those that want to do a bit of home improvement, plus of course helpful holiday ideas. Also, check out the somewhat amusing video of the a total tool girl/garage loving guy fantasy sequence promo recently released by DIY.

If you’re in a rut with your holiday decor, the following are some helpful decorating tips from Calgary based interior decorator, Cat Hackman, owner of Room4refinement.

Here are some things to do for holiday decorating:

• Discard or give away any ornaments or decoration you don’t love.

• Pick up an accent color from your home and continue this theme for your holiday decor. For example, if your cushions on your sofa are green, look for green ornaments and decor, then add a splash of sparkle, like silver.

• Arrange your Christmas decorations in groups or themes, creating vignettes. In other words, don’t scatter little ornaments here and there in your home. Look for areas, tables, consoles to turn into special displays.

• When you buy new items, buy at least two or three to have impact. For example, are you buying miniature trees or poinsettias or thick candles for your mantel or table? If so, buy two, rather three or more; a grouping makes a statement.

• Do look for a focal point, perhaps your tree or your mantel, but maybe not both side by side (you can find your focal point by closing your eyes while standing at the door to your room, and the first thing you see should be your focal point).

• Place your Christmas tree away from heat sources such as vents or fireplaces so that it does not dry out so fast, but place your tree where you can admire it the most.

• Hide your tree stand with fabric, maybe burlap, a tree skirt or a big fun bucket or pot.

• Use a timer for your lights to save energy and use white lights to mimic candles.

• Do put candles or ornaments (electric) in your windows toward the street.

• Look for natural decorations: a big bowl of pine cones, sugared fruit, red apples in a large bowl with holly or cedar branches.

• Greenery, greenery, greenery. If you have to cut branches from your tree (to make it fit in the stand), use the branches in arrangements, or lay them on your mantel. Ask the tree vendors for branches to use in arrangements.

• Arrange long branches of greenery in large vases, IKEA or HomeSense has some great big glass vases that can be used as fruit bowls, candle holders or for arrangements.

• Make your guest bedroom inviting with select decorations.

• Don’t forget to add a Christmas touch to your bathrooms, perhaps a bowl of scented pinecones.

• Decorate your front hall and outside your door with fresh greenery, make the entrance into your home the best it can be. Use lights on timers.

• For special nights, or every evening if you like, light a candle (tea light) in a safe enclosed lantern outside your home.

• For a fun piece, place a string of lights in a large bowl (they now come battery powered). You can add greenery or pretty shiny decorative balls to the bowl.

• Do keep apple cider spices simmering on your stove for a lovely scent.

For more on decorating, read the rest of the article “Holiday Decorating” and more interior design articles in Home Renovation Guide’s article library.

Season’s Greetings everyone!

by Julia Ritzenthaler

Vessel sinks are quickly becoming one of the hottest bathroom trends on today’s market. In this style, the sink is slightly or dramatically raised from the surface of the countertop and they are available in just about every style, material, and finish imaginable. Small vessels are particularly nice for guest and powder rooms, and larger vessels are great for master and full bathrooms.

Once you have determined the style you are looking for—for instance a square vessel sink is great for a contemporary look—it’s time to decide on the type of vessel sink you want. The type you choose depends on if you plan to add just the sink and hardware to an existing vanity or if you are going to buy a complete piece. Some vanities are designed to accommodate partially raised vessel sinks, while others are more suited to completely raised sinks. You may also choose to purchase a vessel sink vanity which includes the sink, countertop, and cabinet. When planning the installation of your vessel sink, you need to decide where the bathroom the vanity is going to be placed. It’s just a good idea to determine the layout out of the room first. Be sure to closely read the manufacturer’s instruction included with the bathroom vanity or sink first; you are sure to find helpful point in there to make the vessel sink installation a bit easier.

Once the vanity is in place and you’ve read the instructions, give a good once-over to check for any pre-drilled holes for the faucet. If there are none, decide where you’d like the faucet to be in relation to the vessel sink. If you’re confident enough to start marking directly on the vanity, go ahead and indicate where you’d like to drill. If not, draw up a template and use it as a reference for the real thing. Remember the old saying, measure twice, cut once. You may also choose to mount your vessel faucet to the wall instead of the counter.

Use a jigsaw or a hole saw to make the cuts into the top of the vanity. A jigsaw is perfect for this kind of cutting because it gives you the range and flexibility to swivel as you cut. Pre-drilling the screw holes will make it easier to attach the faucet to the vanity. Once the cuts have are complete, carefully arrange the vessel sink and the faucet on the vanity surface to check that everything is lined up correctly. If it’s not exactly right, feel free to tweak and scrape until everything lines up just right.

If your vanity didn’t come with the mounting equipment and hardware for the vessel sink and faucet, you can find what you need at any hardware store. Your vanity might have specific instructions about how to fit a vessel sink and faucet. If so, be sure to stick to every word. Take the instructions to the hardware store with you so that you don’t forget anything. Simply put, attach the mounting ring; place the sink; and bolt the whole thing down. If your vessel sink is a particularly fragile material, such as glass, you might have to place some cushioning between the vanity surface and the sink. Silicone or rubber works well.

Now that it looks like a proper bathroom vanity, it’s time to get it working like one. Once the vessel sink and the faucet have been securely fixed onto the vanity, attach the water supply pipes to the vessel sink drain and the faucet or faucets. Check that all pipes and lines are firmly attached before testing it. Turn the water on and off. If it performs like it’s supposed to, then you are ready to enjoy your new vanity.

If you are unsure of any portion of the project, be sure to look into hiring a professional general contractor or a plumber.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueVanities.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.

It may seem like you had more time to start that reno project before the Home Renovation Tax Credit deadline. Well, here is a reminder that February 2010 is not that far away and perhaps you have some time this holiday season to spruce up the home.

From the Revenue Canada Website:

Only available for the 2009 tax year.

The Home Renovation Tax Credit (subject to Parliamentary approval) is a non-refundable tax credit based on eligible expenses for improvements to your house, condo or cottage. It can be claimed on your 2009 income tax return. It applies to work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010 under an agreement entered into after January 27, 2009.

Important Notice
Eligible expenses for goods acquired during this period, even if they are installed after January 2010, will still qualify. If an eligible expense involves work performed by a contractor or a third party, and the work is not completed by the end of the eligible period, only the portion that is completed before February 1, 2010 will qualify even if a payment has been made.

The HRTC applies to eligible expenses of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum non-refundable tax credit of $1,350 [($10,000 − $1,000) × 15%].

Not sure what you’d like to have done, but are looking for ideas? Here are some excellent wells of inspiration from our current and past Renovation of the Month stories.

Read From Seventies to Smashing.

Read Classic Meets Modern.

Read Careful and Innovative Detailing.

Read Modernistic Cool.

Visit the Renovation of the Month archive for more inspiring designs and our sister site The Home Interior Guide’s fabulous Makeover galleries.

Want a free quote? Submit your project here and get contacted by local contractors.

by Guest

Being eco friendly and living a more sustainable lifestyle is a hot topic these days. As a result eco friendly furniture is hitting the online shopping market with full force. There is a variety of choice already available; so if you are looking to live greener, read on for how to find the hottest eco friendly styles.

You might be asking yourself; just what is eco friendly furniture exactly? Eco means that the furniture is produced in a way that it has the least negative impact on the environment possible. This includes things like when wood is utilized, it is derived from renewable sources, protected lands are not involved, and any chemicals employed in the process do not contaminate or damage the environment. Eco can also mean that a minimalist approach is used for manufacturing—for instance, delivery and mileage are kept to a minimum and the manufacturer is recycling energy and product wherever possible.

Another form of eco friendly furniture can be defined as furniture that has been made—in part or whole—from recycled materials. Furniture created from recycled items helps keep waste materials out of landfills and minimizes the need to consume precious resources.

Many retailers are now offering various environmentally friendly products. Many furniture retailers are actually now selling more environmentally friendly furniture pieces along with their other products due to customer wants, so don’t hesitate to ask staff if eco friendly furniture pieces are available. For this type of product, shopping online is ideal; you can compare and contrast designs, costs, and level of eco friendly materials faster and in the convenience of your own home; it’s also the perfect place for environmentally sustainable furniture because most online retailers are using less energy due to not having a brick and mortar store, thereby making them greener too! Also be sure to use the internet for finding tips on how to buy and find environmentally friendly products.

When you decide to purchase new furniture, be sure to dispose of your old items in the most eco friendly way possible. You have several options available to you. You can donate the items to places like Goodwill or your local women’s shelter. You can hand it down to a family member that is just getting started with their first apartment. Or you can even sell it at a furniture resale shop. Your items will surely find new life with a new owner because there are several ways of giving furniture a new look; reupholstering, a new coat of paint, a slipcover, a few throws and new pillows. So, please consider recycling before you put your items out at the curb.

Environmentally friendly furniture is stylish and readily available, so get shopping.

This article has been provided by Julia Ritzenthaler, owner and founder of several online boutique home furnishing stores including http://www.UniqueEcoFurniture.com/ visit or call 1-866-526-1843 for more information.

image from Sico Paints

During these darkening days that more becoming more and more gray and chilly weekends make for more homebodies, it’s the perfect time to get started on perking up the home.

Quick & budget Ideas to improve curb appeal:

* Paint the front door - A high-gloss bold colour that complements the exterior material or coordinates with the garage door will instantly create a sense of new. Perhaps a perky new welcome mat would be a nice accessory.

* Add potted plants around the entrance way. For a greater spruce up, tidy up the landscaping. If you haven’t done so yet, it’s also a good time to get your plants ready for the winter. Trim unwieldy branches, lay down mulch, or rake up those soggy fall leaves.

* Brighten up with lights. Light up your walkway or backyard patio with a landscape lighting kit or install post lights, ceiling, or hanging types at entrance ways. Look for Energy Star rated designs.

*Upgrade fixtures: How is your doorknob holding up? How would a classic door knocker suit that new paint? New hardware can show off your individual taste or consider a new mail box or window boxes to dress up your home’s facade. At the very least touching up paint chipped spots and rust can go a long way.

If however, you’re more of a condo dweller, new light fixtures and fresh paint can do wonders.
What’s the best colour to set off the new mini chandelier in the dining room or trio pendant lights over the island? Whether it’s a neutral tone or dramatic hue, when it comes to a professional looking paint job, proper prep really makes a difference. Washing walls and lining edges with tape (or more taping over areas like light switches that you want to keep paint free) will make for better paint adhesion and straight edges. If you’ve decided to go with low or VOC-free paint, eco-friendly masking tape goes in tandem. Made of 30% post-consumer waste, recycled fibres and natural rubber adhesive, 3M’s Scotch (R) Painter’s Masking Tape is a greener choice.

If winning free paint however, is the impetus that you need to redo the living room, enter BEHR’s Paint Your Room Contest. Entrants are to submit a picture of the room in question and explain in 50 words and under why it needs a makeover. The winner scores 3 gallons of  BEHR’s PREMIUM PLUS ULTRA™ Interior paint.

Wondering about what the hottest colours are for 2010. A recent report from Sico Paints sho

wed that mood enhancing palettes are what homes will be dressed in. Deep, vibrant, or calming hues make the home a refuge from the tumultuous year we’ve all faced. Colour psychology has been referred to by many designers and homeowners to create rooms that evoke cheeriness (yellow), calm (blue), and warmth (reds and oranges).  For more details, read the rest of the article.

Once the painting is all done, it’s time for the wall hangings. Whether it’s a mirror to bring in more light, favourite framed photographs or art, it’s always been more of a two person job because it’s not that easy to know how high to hang it or just where to hammer in the nail.

The Hang & Level tool by Under The Roof Decorating is a handy item to fix your hanging woes. The tool helps you to mark where th nail goes, has a built in level to keep things straight, and works with horizontal or vertical mounts, and is great for groups of hangings. Remember that positioning pictures higher up on the wall can create the illusion of a higher ceiling and that an interesting montage of sepia tinted photos can really dress up a naked wall.

The same company that makes the Hang & Level also manufactures the Stoppy - a door and window stop that comes in a variety of colours. It’s more becoming than an old school wooden wedge under the door and works for all types of surfaces and doesn’t mark.

To help with your decor dreams, Chatelaine and Home Depot are offering 4 prizes of $5000 certificates in their Home For The Holidays Contest. The contest closes January 5th.

For more painting or interior decorating articles, visit HRG’s article library. Check out our Hot Products section for more ideas from the latest in hot home products.

Want a free quote? Submit your project here and get contacted by local contractors.

image from www.ceilume.com

Want to leave your old tiles in place, but have a whole new look?

There is no quicker, easier, DIY room makeover than replacing your old suspended ceiling tiles, and Ceilume’s 60 second videos show you exactly how.

Visit Ceilume’s Customer Photo Gallery to see these smart ceiling tiles in action and hear from the customers who installed them, and for the DIY nitty-gritty, be sure to visit the their blog.

from the article “Before buying new …” by Alicia Beath, Ecoteriors

image from Ecoteriors.ca

Study what it is you are looking for. If you are looking for an antique crystal chandelier, then research it. Knowing the difference between being authentic and looking authentic will save you from over paying.

Always look at quality. The piece should be fairly clean, in good condition and free from major damages. If you do spot something but still want the piece, try to negotiate a better price to compensate.

Wood furniture pieces are a big portion of the antiques industry. When dealing with wood you want to carefully look at the colour. Pay attention to feet, legs, drawer and door fronts. If you notice the wood in a certain area is a different colour or texture than the rest of the piece, this may suggest it has been replaced. Also look for old holes where original handles, knobs and hinges have been replaced. Replaced wood pieces or hardware may not decrease the value of European antiques, but it certainly can with American pieces. Inspect the edges of an old wood piece in question. If the edges are smooth this may suggest a power saw was used instead of a hand saw, which would leave more rugged edges. When it comes to colouring, if the furniture looks too uniform it could be new or has been refinished. It’s always fun to add at least one old wood treasure to your home for character.

Remember that buying reused items for you home can offer many different design looks. It’s out of the mould and nobody will ever have the same look! Think of creative ways to reuse items as opposed to buy new. For example, if a coffee table is what you are looking for try using a decorative clay pot. Paint it the desired colour, turn it upside down and place a piece of round glass on top.

Great places to explore in Ottawa and surrounding area:

Gendron Antiques & Reproductions 1145 Carp Rd. Stittsville 613.831.2186
A good mix of styles as well as unstained or stained reproduction pieces.

Architectectural Antiques 356 Richmond Rd. Ottawa 613.722.1510
New and antique lighting.

Yardley’s Antiques 1240 Bank St. Ottawa 613.739.9580
Highend antiques and good finds. Offers 3 levels of lighting, furniture, hardware, jewellery and more.

Found Design 1192 Bank St. Ottawa 613.523.2205
A hub of retro furniture. Real authentic pieces that are otherwise hard to find. They offer 2 levels of sofas, chairs, tables, lamps and accessories. They even have an original egg chair! Scattered throughout are old televisions and telephones from the 50’s and 60’s, really setting the theme!

About the Author

Alicia Beath, Owner & Design Consultant of Ecoteriors, is a Certified Interior Decorator graduated from Fanshawe College. She is also an accredited member of the Canadian Decorators’ Association (C.D.E.C.A) and currently sits on the board of directors. She is passionate about her work and enjoys creating beautiful spaces for others.