by Nicola Winters

When choosing a roller blind to feature in your newly decorated room or home, it is important to choose a style which you will be happy with and that compliments the rest of your interior décor. The amount of variety available in fabrics, colours and designs, makes it relatively easy to find the perfect window treatment to compliment your room. However, if mainstream designs and patterns are not for you then why not create your own roller blinds? This will, not only incorporate character, individuality and personality into your home, but also offer an inexpensive alternative the next time your blinds are in need of replacing or sprucing up.

Firstly, a plain roller blind will need to be purchased to act as the base of your design. Choose a colour that matches your room and also suits the pattern or design you wish to apply to it. DIY kits for roller blinds can also be purchased, complete with instructions of how to attach your appliques.

Stamping, painting and double sided iron on appliques can all be used to create the design you want. Appliques can be purchased readily made or you can make them yourself using separate fabric from the roller blind. Simply iron the appliques onto a piece of fabric, cut out interesting motifs and iron carefully iron them onto the roller blind. Alternatively, stamps can be used to achieve similar results. These, again, can be readily made and purchased from decorating or craft stores or made from scratch using everyday household objects such as wood, soap or even potatoes. By dipping them in the paint of your choice and pressing them firmly onto the blind, an instant pattern or design can be created.

A third option is to paint them manually. The perfect plan for the artistic and creative; this method is particularly rewarding when completed.

IDEAS

Kitchen and Living room

There are already plenty of designs, styles and fabrics available to buy in roller blinds and attempting to be creative is harder than most think. Take a look around your home and garden and be inspired by shapes, objects and patterns that you see. A particular favourite amongst homeowners is the use of flowers. These can be either painted, stamped or ironed on using fabric motifs and add instant character to your, seemingly, dull window treatments. Leaves are another favourite that also brightens up any room or area within the home. By using a thin paintbrush, stems and vines can be drawn around the shapes to create extra imagery. This is also a great way of covering up any mistakes or drips that have occurred when stamping.

Bathroom

Blues and whites are typically seen in bathrooms and blinds can be very limited when offering patterned designs to suit this type of room with the home. However, by using fabric appliques to create waves, dolphins, splashes or shapes, a bathroom’s window treatment can be transformed into a centre piece.

Bedrooms

The new fashion in home furnishing and decoration is the use of ornaments and pictures in the shape of single words. Words such as love, peace, home and relax can create a certain mood or feel within a room. Stencils can be bought which spell out single words or even phrases which can be added to blinds within the bedroom to add a warm, cosy yet modern feel to the area.

Children

When decorating children’s bedrooms, it’s a great idea to get them involved in the action. If children are actively involved in the creation of something, they are much less likely to damage it. Finger painting and hand stamping is a particular favourite activity amongst young children so why not incorporate it into the designing of their roller blinds. Not only will it be a lovely touch but can also be saved and stored, so in years to come, you can remember the time when you both actively engaged in a fun activity that brightened the home up.

Revitalize your space with the new design trends for 2012

Love interior design? Live in Toronto? Well you’re invited to the first 2011/12 event of the Design Talk series at Urban Mode.  Guest speaker Lucy Campos-Gentile, Principal Interior Designer of TO DESIGN CO returns to share the upcoming design trends for 2012.  Lucy will be focusing on the new trends in paint, fabrics, floors, and more – providing an inside peek at what’s new for 2012 on Thursday, November 24^th, 2011 at Urban Mode at 7:00pm. So get inspired to refresh your spaces using combinations of paint, fabrics and other design elements that don’t require costly and time consuming renovations.  See what’s new, and determine the style keepers amongst the elements you already own. Learn how to find your own personal style; Lucy will be sharing tips and examples of how to turn bland spaces into unique and stylish rooms.

Tickets are available online:  http://designtrends2012.eventbrite.com

About Lucy Campos-Gentile

Lucy Campos-Gentile started working in Interior Design over fifteen years ago. In the first two years of her career, she worked in largely corporate, retail, and hospitality design. When she was hired by a builder to work in the residential field of the market, her career shifted, and she later started her own design firm, TO DESIGN CO.

TO DESIGN CO is a full-service interior design firm specializing in home renovations, additions, new construction, and remodeling. Lucy provides design services around the GTA including project planning, drawings, project management, and trade supervision. Lucy plans with her clients using a full range of samples and detailed specifications, floor plans, architectural drawings and 3D models, then manages projects, overseeing the selection and purchasing of furniture, products, and materials. TO DESIGN CO clients need only to express their design wants and needs, approve the resulting plans, then enjoy the wonders of a well-designed space that offers function, style and balance!

By BISSELL

Okay kings and queens of clean, it’s that time of year again. It’s time to get out the serious cleaning supplies, stretch your scrubbing muscles and tackle those hard-to-reach places you ignore most of the year. In other words, it’s time to start spring cleaning.

Use our spring cleaning guide below to navigate through the different parts of your home and achieve the highest level of clean. Need a guide for each room of your house? Click to view the Spring Cleaning Checklist or download and print the PDF.

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Floors:

Whether it’s carpet, hardwood, linoleum or vinyl, all of your floors need to be thoroughly cleaned to get rid of deep down dirt and germs. You may vacuum your carpets and sweep your floors weekly, but chances are you don’t deep clean them very often. Tackle this project by doing the following:

Carpet

• Start by going over all carpets with your regular vacuum.
• Remove as much furniture from the rooms as possible. Any furniture that can’t be moved needs to have plastic placed beneath it.
• Use a carpet deep cleaner to extract deep down dirt and leave carpets fresh and clean.
• PLEASE NOTE: If any carpets do not have backing, they require professional cleaning.

Floors (sealed hard wood, vinyl, linoleum, etc):

• Sweep or vacuum the floors thoroughly.
• Remove as much furniture as possible.
• Use a steam mop to clean and sanitize the floor. (Steam mops use electricity to heat water and then release steam into cleaning pads that pick up dirt and sanitize the floor when used as directed)

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Walls and Windows:

Your walls and windows take a beating throughout the year, so it’s a good idea to give them a thorough cleaning each spring. You may not even notice many of the stains they’ve accumulated, but this regimen will get them sparkling in no time:

Walls:

• Dust from the top down, making sure to get the corners and other hard to reach places.
• Use a solvent-free degreaser to get rid of grease stains, food splatters and fingerprints (test the product in a small area to make sure it won’t damage your walls).
• Pay special attention to light switches.
• Take this opportunity to also dust down any light fixtures and ceiling fans, as well as bookshelves, pictures, and other furniture pieces located against your walls. A damp cloth works well to remove dust without spreading it around the room.

Windows:

• Wait until there is not direct sunlight to begin cleaning.
• Remove the screens and dust down both sides with a soft-bristle brush.
• Create a cleaning solution with one part white vinegar and one part hot water.
• Clean the window frames by wiping them down with a cloth that’s dampened with an all-purpose cleaner and water. Then wipe the solution away with a clean water cloth and dry the frame thoroughly.
• Clean window treatments in your washing machine if possible, or dry clean if necessary.
• Wipe down blinds with a damp cloth and fabric shades with a dry cloth.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Your Furniture:

Your furniture is in constant use all year long. Get rid of the dirt that has built up by using this effective cleaning regimen:

Couches and Chairs

• Gently beat cushions outside to remove dust and surface dirt.
• Check for stains and treat appropriately according to the care labels.
• Use a vacuum with a powerful hose to clean under seat cushions and in hard-to-reach crevices.

Beds

• Turn over your mattress to evenly distribute wear
• Machine-wash your pillows to get rid of and bacteria or odors. Make sure you give them several hours to dry before putting them back on your bed.
• Replace cool-weather bedding with lighter warm-weather items.

Spring Cleaning Tips for Cabinets, Countertops & Sinks

Cabinets, countertops and sinks are in constant use in any home or apartment. Even if you wipe them down on a regular basis, they still need an extensive cleaning a few times a year to get rid of built-up dirt and stains. Follow our steps to get these areas sparkling:

Cabinets

• Use warm water and soap on a sponge to clean off fingerprints, food stains and other unsightly markings
• If grease is present, use a solvent-free degreaser to target those spots
• Don’t forget the areas in and around handles, since those often get the most use

Countertops and Sinks

• Use warm water and soap on a sponge to wipe away dirt and stains.
• Use a glass cleaning formula to shine any metal fixtures
• Target any mildew build-up with a powerful cleaner
• Take this opportunity to de-clutter your countertops. Put away and organize as much as possible and leave only the bare necessities on the counter itself

Miscellaneous Spring Cleaning Tips:

• Remove light fixtures and wash them carefully with soap and water.
• Replace batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Clean out your freezer and refrigerator, throwing away expired food and wiping down all surfaces with soap and water.
• Sweep and mop underneath your refrigerator and dust the coils (AFTER unplugging it).
• Vacuum and machine wash all doormats and area rugs.
• Replace your shower curtain liner.
• Update your first aid kit and throw away expired medicine.
• Clean shower tiles with an mildew fighting agent and purchase an after-shower spray to be used daily.
• Replace toilet scrub brushes and clean all toilets thoroughly.
• Clean out your closet. Give unused items to charity and store cold-weather clothing in the attic or basement.
• Put storage boxes in your basement on concrete blocks to prevent damage in case of flooding.

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This article was provided by BISSELL. For more information visit http://www.bissell.com/spring-cleaning-guide/.

by Guest

When moving into a new home or redecorating a room in your existing home, the decorating can be a big job. In a new construction home, most often, the walls will be white or very neutral. Painting and new furniture pieces are staples when it comes to decorating and redecorating, but one of the biggest stumbling blocks that new home owners often come across is how to decorate the windows. Wrought iron curtain rods are a fantastic solution. Wrought iron is a nice neutral that will coordinate well with many decor styles and because it has that hand crafted appeal to it, they are a great way to warm up and complete any design.

There are so many varieties out there that you will need to narrow down your options, especially for your decorative curtain rods. Figure out the types of window treatments that you will just never be comfortable with and rule those out first. If you don’t have your room’s design completely nailed down, then try to pick out window treatments that will fit into many different types of decor. If you already have the crux of the design determined you can look for window treatments that fit the design. Either way, try to be flexible with your choices, window treatments can live through many design iterations, so look for something that can work with a variety of design aesthetics. Wrought Iron Curtain Rods are an extremely flexible window treatment.

Iron curtain rods will enhance almost any decorating style. They will not only complete your window treatments but they will add the finishing touch to your view. Wrought Iron Curtain Rods can be used in decorating with a modern flare, shabby chic or even the ultra minimalist style. Rod finials can also change the look of your entire room. A simple ball can be changed to an intricate scroll design, taking your room from simple to elegant in a short time frame.

The types of drapery that can be hung on wrought iron curtain rods are as varied as the iron curtain rods themselves. An inexpensive piece of fabric can be fixed up with an elegant curtain rod and make it look like you have paid a large amount of money for it. With the right decorative touches you can make your home feel like a place of comfort and peace. You can create an environment that you feel comfortable in. The little pieces, like your window treatments, will enhance how much you enjoy your home.

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

New windows may come to mind to be about as exciting as fixing the roof. But the comfort and beauty of a window is as easily taken for granted as having plenty of clean air to breathe — imagine living in a tin can? It’s no surprise that increasing natural light in the home is often one of the most frequent considerations in a home renovation. The new windows however, in this stunning, four bedroom home in Winnipeg, Manitoba are really levels above mere sunlight and efficiency considerations. The question is, how to take full advantage of its on-the-lake local?

The fabulous windows throughout were all custom designed, built and installed by Polar Ray-O-Max, from the smallest, most intricate window, to this living room showpiece.

The arcade of windows are high performance, maximizing both energy efficiency (a major concern during sub zero winter temps) and more importantly, the outstanding views.

Talk about making and entrance. The windows used here are of course, beautiful, however they are equally practical as they are built to maintain energy efficiency.

The master en suite bathroom faces west so the windows need to minimize solar heat gain from summertime sunsets. The USB triple pane, krypton argon gas filled window is fully insulated with a central portion that can be opened. It is 60″ x 54″ with vinyl frame patented steel that is integrated with ultra solar block glass – so that it will never wear out – and has reinforced hardware for support. (Full installation only took 3 hours.)

The kitchen, one of the busiest rooms in the house for the family, uses a fixed casement transom light added for architectural aesthetics, giving the home an artsy feel. The fully insulated frames with USB triple pane capability keeps 80% of the radiant heat inside of the home. These are the highest quality solar energy rated windows on the market.

The triple pane window stain glass artwork, located in the center pane glass, creates privacy for the downstairs powder room while maintaining the general architectural beauty of the home and the energy efficiency features of the window.

About the Company

After a series of consultations and education in window technology and design with the client, Polar Ray-O-Max Windows Canada was given the go ahead. This project was not for the weak at heart. The team took on the challenge with eager minds as there were some unique features to incorporate including: etched glass, a customized door entrance system, oversized round tops, large transoms, and exquisite grill work. The power performance of the windows was not overlooked and the homeowners can enjoy an open view with the ambience they desired.

We were recently contacted with further information to provide homeowners with facts about the 2009 Home Renovation Tax Credit. Great timing since there have been many interesting questions about what projects, materials, or labour are applicable for this credit.

Image provided by Sico Paints

To view the webpages, visit:   http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hrtc/

Below, is the FAQ page content, which hopefully will answer some of your questions about how you can benefit from this tax credit.

Here is the link of the page: http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/gncy/bdgt/2009/fqhmrnvtn-eng.html

FAQS

1. What is the Home Renovation Tax Credit (HRTC)?

The proposed HRTC is a non-refundable tax credit for work performed or goods acquired in respect of an eligible dwelling.

2. What is meant by eligible dwelling?

An eligible dwelling is a housing unit that is eligible to be an individual’s principal residence or that of one or more of their family members, at any time between January 27, 2009 and February 1, 2010. In general, a housing unit is considered eligible to be an individual’s principal residence where it is owned by the individual and ordinarily inhabited by the individual, the individual’s spouse or common-law partner, or their children. This means that any dwelling that you own and use personally could qualify, including your home or your cottage.

3. What is the eligibility period?

The credit will be based on eligible expenditures for work performed or goods acquired after January 27, 2009, and before February 1, 2010. Expenditures incurred pursuant to an agreement that was entered into before January 28, 2009, will not be eligible for the credit.

4. Who will be eligible for the credit?

Eligibility for the HRTC will be family based. A family will generally be considered to consist of an individual or an individual and his or her spouse or common-law partner, including children who will be under 18 years of age, at the end of 2009. A family will be allowed a single credit that may be shared within the family.

If two or more families share the ownership of an eligible dwelling, each family will be eligible for their own separate credit (i.e. each up to $1,350) that will be calculated on their respective eligible expenditures.

5. How will the credit be calculated?

The credit will only be available for the 2009 tax year and applies to eligible expenditures of more than $1,000, but not more than $10,000, resulting in a maximum credit of $1,350 ($9,000 x 15%).

6. What are eligible expenditures?

To be eligible, expenditures incurred in relation to a renovation or alteration to an eligible dwelling (or the land that forms part of the eligible dwelling) must be of an enduring nature and integral to the dwelling, and includes the cost of labour and professional services, building materials, fixtures, rentals, and permits.

Eligible expenditures must be supported by acceptable documentation.

7. What does the CRA consider to be acceptable documentation?

Documentation, such as agreements, invoices, and receipts, must clearly identify the type and quantity of goods purchased or services provided, including, but not limited to, the following information:

• information that clearly identifies the vendor/contractor, their business address and, if applicable, the GST/HST registration number;
• a description of the goods and the date when the goods were purchased;
• The date when the goods were delivered (keep your delivery slip as proof) and/or when the work or services were performed;
• A description of the work performed including the address where the work was performed;
• the amount of the invoice; and
• proof of payment.  Receipts or invoices must indicate paid in full or be accompanied by other proof of payment, such as a credit card slip or cancelled cheque.

Please consult our Underground Economy Web page, for tips to protect yourself when hiring a contractor.

To verify whether someone is registered for GST/HST, please consult the GST/HST Registry.

8. If I own both a house and a cottage and incur eligible expenditures for both, are both sets of expenditures eligible for the HRTC?

If you own and use your home and cottage personally, eligible expenditures incurred for both properties will normally qualify for the HRTC. Please note that the maximum amount of eligible expenditures you can claim in respect of the HRTC is $10,000 per family.

9. I am planning to replace my windows in 2009: can I hire my brother-in-law to help me out and still be eligible?

It depends. Expenditures will not be eligible if the related goods or services are provided by a person not dealing at arm’s length with the individual, unless that person is registered for the Goods and Services Tax/Harmonized Sales Tax under the Excise Tax Act. So, in your case, if your brother-in-law is registered for GST/HST and if all other conditions are met, the expenditure will be eligible for the credit.

10. Will expenditures for the common areas of condominiums and co-operative housing corporations qualify for the credit?

In the case of condominiums and co-operative housing corporations, the individual’s share of the cost of eligible expenditures for common areas will qualify.

11. I rent out my basement. If I renovate the basement for my tenant, will I be allowed to claim the credit?

No. Individuals who earn business or rental income from part of their principal residence will be allowed to claim the credit only for expenditures made for the personal-use areas of the residence.

For expenditures made for common areas or that benefit the housing unit as a whole (such as re-shingling a roof), you must divide the expense between personal use and income-earning use. For further information, please consult the Business and Professional Income Guide or the Rental Income Guide, as applicable.

12. If an eligible expenditure also qualifies for the Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC), will I be allowed to claim both the HRTC and METC?

Yes. Where an eligible expenditure qualifies for the METC the individual will be permitted to claim both the METC and the HRTC for that expenditure.

13. Will the credit be reduced by other government grants or credits that I may receive for the same expenditures?

No. Eligible expenditures will not be reduced by other government tax credits or grants that the individual may be entitled to.

14. Does work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, etc. qualify?

Generally, work performed by electricians, plumbers, carpenters, architects, etc. in respect of an eligible expenditure will qualify. See below for examples of eligible expenditures. If you’re planning on hiring a contractor to do construction, renovation, or repair work on your home, the Get it in Writing! Web site has information that will help you.

15. Could you provide me with some examples of eligible and ineligible expenditures?

Yes, some examples are:

16. What types of expenditures will not qualify?

The following expenditures will not be eligible for the HRTC:

• the cost of routine repairs and maintenance normally performed on an annual or more frequent basis;
• expenditures that are not integral to the dwelling, and other indirect expenditures that retain a value independent of the renovation;
• expenditures for appliances and audio-visual electronics; and
• financing costs.

17. Do I have to submit any supporting documents with my income tax return?

No. However, you must ensure that this information is available, should it be requested by the CRA.

18. How will I claim the HRTC?

A new line will be incorporated in the 2009 personal income tax return to allow you to claim the credit.

19. Where can I get more information about this new tax credit?

Additional information will be posted on the CRA’s Web site as it becomes available. In the meantime, please see the Department of Finance’s Budget 2009 documents for details.

20. The Budget also mentions the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant. What is it and how can I obtain more information?

The ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes grant is administered by Natural Resources Canada. The grant applies to a host of measures that reduce energy consumption and provide for a cleaner environment. Home and property owners could be eligible for federal grants of up to $5,000 to offset the cost of making energy efficiency improvements to their home or property. Most provinces and territories have complementary programs that offer additional financial assistance based on the results of the ecoENERGY Retrofit evaluation. For information on how you can qualify, please consult the ecoACTION Web site.

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An online pamphlet will soon be available.

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Planning on some home improvements? What project ideas do you have that fits in the $1000-$10,000 range? Does the HRTC give you the incentive to renovate this year?

What? National Home Show
When? Feb. 20 – March 1, 2009!
Where? The Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place, 100 Princes’ Blvd.

The largest home show in Toronto is coming up next week with a plethora of home improvement and decor products, accessories, ideas, and celebrity guest appearances.

What to Expect at the Show: (info provided by www.NationalHomeShow.com – visit the official show site for more details)

* The Dream Home – Built by Probuilt by Michael Upshall and styled by Janette Ewen.

* Toronto Star Dream Gardens

* tySTYLE presented by Toshiba

* Colin and Justin, hosts of HGTV’s Home Heist (appearance courtesy of Penguin Books)

* Carson Arthur, host of HGTV’s Green Force

* Scott McGillivray, host of HGTV’s Income Property

* Cheryl Torrenueva, host of HGTV’s Home Heist and Restaurant Makeover

* Corbin Tomaszeski, appearing on HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover

* Igor Shamraychuk, appearing on HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover

Show Date & Hours

Friday, February 20th
11 am to 9pm

Saturday, February 21st
10am to 9pm

Sunday, February 22nd
10am to 6pm

Monday, February 23rd to Friday, February 27th
11 am to 9pm

Saturday, February 28th
10am to 9pm

Sunday, March 1st
10am to 6pm

Admission

Adults: $15.00 (at the door)
Adults: $12.00 (online)
Seniors (65+): $11.00
Seniors: $8.00 (online)
Youth 13 – 17 years: $11.00
Youth 13 – 17 years: $8.00 (online)
Children 12 and under: FREE

* Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. Buy online and save (use promo code:RENOVATION) !

Show Venue & Location

The Direct Energy Centre,
Exhibition Place,
100 Princes’ Blvd.
Toronto ON
416-263-3000

Website:

www.NationalHomeShow.com

If you haven’t already, check out our sister site: The Home Interior Guide (http://www.homeinteriorguide.com), which has recently gotten it’s own makeover. Not just a pretty new face, it’s the whole package – a fabulous resource for interior design and decor.  The listings directory is the place to go to find professionals services for interior decorating or home staging, and to locate unique art galleries or home furnishings stores for that special touch.

Find articles that guide you through DIY projects and get updated on the latest trends in home decor. Pose a design question in our Ask the Experts section, and get feedback from an unlimited number of professionals. Check out Hidden Gems our spotlight on those “in the know” places that offer the one-of-a-kind finds that will help make your home the envy (or inspiration) of all your friends.

Are you in the design or decor profession? Create an account with the Home Interior Guide for great features that include: creating a photo gallery of your portfolio (just like our glamourous Makeover of the Month Feature), posting responses to the Ask the Experts section, uploading your own articles or videos, and more!

There’s plenty to explore at the Home Interior Guide.  Visit us today and let us help make your dream space a reality.

How much thought do you put into your windows? Though they act to enlarge, lighten and even decorate a space, windows are an area that can be overlooked when considering a renovation. A total window rehabilitation is a clever means to improve the overall aesthetics of a house and gain energy efficiency in the process. As seen here, two Albertan family homes are re-vamped with new Design Series windows by Pella.

We take a look at what installing new windows entails, from delivery to the first time they get opened. Watch and see as a breath of fresh air falls over these homes.

Dated windows (left side), such as these circa 1976 plastic frames can give a tired, worn appearance. The owners recently added a new backyard deck, to which the complement of a replacement patio door is a small, but noticeable change. The result is a window that is not just a window, but a feature piece for the house which displays the beauty of real wood. The windows shown here are part of Pella’s Designer Series that feature a triple pane window. A more solid frame also gives additional security to this entryway, for both ease of use and potential break-ins.

Pella’s emphasis on customer service comes through every step of the way. The installation team calls the customer in the morning before 9am to confirm they are on their way, and oncethey arrive on site, they first come to the door and introduce themselves as the Pella installation crew. Before any product is pulled out of the vehicle, the installation team walks the customer through the job, making sure that both the installation members and the homeowner have the same understanding and expectations of how the job will go. Once this is achieved then the crews will start to set up for the job.

During the installation the Replacement specialist will come out for a site visit to see the progress of the job and make sure the customer is happy with the progress.

A full frame installation requires that the team first pull out the existing window and prepare the opening to install a new window. In order to install a new window, two workers are required: one installer installing from the outside and a second installer on the inside. On the interior of the home, drop cloths are used to protect the furniture and floors.

Once the opening is prepared, the new window is inserted. On the inside (seen here), the window is shimmed until level, plumb and square and then foamed with a insulation foam. The Design Series comes with the option of putting the blinds within the panes of glass, which these homeowners gladly chose. This means 200 times less air-borne allergens, making these ideal for households with allergic people, not to mention lessening dusting responsibilities.

From the outside (albeit a different window), a nailing fin is used to ensure the proper placement of the window. It covers the construction and is used to drive nails through in order to secure the frame. When retrofitting, it is possible to leave the nailing fin in place, but for a full installation like this, it is necessary to take out the old nailing fin and replace it fully.

Once the nailing fin has been properly installed, expander and receptor trim is applied to the exterior, replacing the old brick mould or wood trim. On the interior, new casing is applied to finish the window. As shown here, the window is flush with the stucco exterior, seamlessly blending in with the home while also giving it a modern look.

As it is easy to see with the contrast here, changing the windows on a home can make a significant difference in its appearance. Added benefits that aren’t quite as visual include lower energy bills, added solidity and the assurance of quality.

Once all the product is placed, the installers clean the window, using a dry vacuum to remove all debris from the exterior of the house as well. The the installer walks the customer through the house to demonstrate the operation of each of the windows, patio doors, and fully functioning blinds – in all it’s shiny glory.

(Renovator: Pella, Date Completed: June 2008, Location: Edmonton, AB,  Services Performed: 13 designer series windows and a patio slider, Budget: $28,000)

About the Builder

At Pella, our process is focused around the customer, providing them with an experience that is second to none. Pella was recognized as #1 in customer satisfaction by J.D. Power and Associates, North America-wide, and won Energy Star’s Window and Door Manufacturer Partner of the Year for both 2007 and 2008. If you are interested in having your windows replaced please visit us at www.westcan.pella.com, www.pella.com or call 403-292-0080 (Calgary) or 780-484-5622 (Edmonton). If you are outside of Alberta, please go to www.pella.com and enter in your postal code to book an appointment and get the location of your nearest Pella office.

Most of us know the benefits of using compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of traditional, less-efficient incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescents last up to 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs and use far less energy, making them the right choice for the earth and your pocketbook.

Compact fluorescents work by passing a current through a tube filled with a trace amount of mercury and argon gas, an inert, colourless, odourless and nontoxic gas. If you’ve ever purchased windows, you know the benefits of argon gas: reduced heat loss in winter and decreased heat gain in summer.

When I was a kid I thought argon gas was some sort of Superman-strength fume that protected against, I don’t even know, aliens? Turns out I was partly right; the gas does have superhero strength, as in light force.

Luxim, a company that specializes in developing high-efficiency lighting, recently revealed its newest project: a Tic-Tac-sized bulb that gives off as much light as a street lamp but is ultra-efficient thanks to, you guessed it, argon gas, as well as a component called a “puck.” When electrical energy is delivered to the puck, the puck acts like an electrical lens, heating up the argon to a temperature of 6000 degrees Kelvin, and turning the gas into a plasma that gives off light.

Conventional light bulbs and high-end LEDs get around 15 and 70 lumens per watt, respectively. By comparison, the plasma bulb uses 250 watts, and achieves around 140 lumens per watt, making it incredibly bright and highly efficient in its light distribution.

So while you might not need such bright lighting in your home, this tiny bulb offers a brilliant glimpse into the future.