Welcome signs

Dear Debbie;

We are looking for ideas to separate our garden spaces. Our house is on a corner lot and the lawn wraps around front and back. What would you suggest to divide part of it up into a more private space? We enjoy some gardening but not too labour intensive. With thanks,
— Eugene

Dear Eugene;

Paint a corner table

There is always room for an extra table or two that will add practical value and extra style to your living space. A small table in the hallway is handy for dropping off the mail and other stuff you’re loaded down with when you enter. It may get over-cluttered, but it’s the first place to look when you can’t find your keys,

Love colour

Dear Debbie;

I inherited a few pieces of furniture from my aunt’s mid-century modern collection when she drastically downsized to a tiny apartment. She has decided to travel the world, or at least parts of it, and has changed her living requirements at home. Lucky me. But not sure how to make the turquoise chair work with my rather bland decorating.

Born to love wild

Are you feeling wild today? Want to take a peak into homes where plants rule? It’s a mindset that Hilton Carter, passionate lover of all things green and author of Wild Interiors, Beautiful Plants in Beautiful Spaces, CICO Books 2020, explores and practices on a daily basis. After surveying restaurants, hotels, and public spaces as well as the countless homes he has visited and styled,

A seamly solution

Dear Debbie;

I just had my walls drywalled and the finish is not good. The seams
are very apparent & I wondered if there was a paint technique you’d
recommend?
— Raine

Dear Raine;

I am sorry to hear that your drywall finish is poor.

Featuring water

Water is the life force that soothes and rejuvenates us all. The sound of a babbling brook, the rush of a waterfall, the gentle lapping at a lake’s edge, the rolling thunder of ocean waves, these draw us in and allow our busy brains to relax and meditate. We can’t all live by the sea or beside a river or lake,

Kids camp at home

Dear Debbie;

Our children’s overnight camping plans have been cancelled this summer and we are trying to think up ways to make home camping fun. You are great at DIY ideas so please help.
— Judy and Fred

Dear Judy and Fred;

Nothing can replace the social camaraderie of going away to camp for a week or two.

Private place

Your backyard may have an old shed that has fallen into disrepair, just good enough to stash the lawnmower and a few bikes. With some inspiration and a bit of TLC that could be your new favourite place to be. That shed could have many purposes. In her new book, Shed Style: Decorating Cabins, Huts, Pods, Sheds & Other Garden Rooms,

Porcelain tile pops

Dear Debbie:

We are renovating our bathroom, replacing the bathtub with a shower that has easy access. We’ve looked at acrylic shower inserts but prefer the look of marble. What are your thoughts on acrylic vs other types? Thank you.
— John

Dear John;

There are so many imaginative ways to renovate today.

June buzz

As the popular song from Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical blockbuster Carousel goes, “June is bustin’ out all over”. It’s a special time of year that promises so much — new growth, renewed energy, heightened feelings of wellbeing, these all blossom as we welcome a fabulous change of seasons. This June will look and feel very different as the world copes with COVID-19.