1365 Ottawa St.
TODAY ONLY, WEAR GREEN & WHITE & WE PAY THE TAX!
790-7771
homes
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b r e a k i n g n e w s a t L EA D ER P O ST . C O M S ec t i o n F
Sat u r day, S e p t e m b er 1, 201 2
Simple makeover makes front porch posh Garage may hold decor treasures Colin McAllister And Justin Ryan For Postmedia News Who says your front stoop can’t be a scene-setter for the rest of your house? Certainly not us; we like our projects to show their best faces at all times. If beset with front-door foibles, we’ll amplify sidewalk presence before doing anything else. Put simply, first impressions do count. And then some. As far as curb appeal is concer ned, correction needn’t be costly. Sometimes, lurking in the hungry depths of your basement — or that mountainous landfill you call the garage — are all the components of a successful update. By combining a few new items with surplus paint, spare furniture, redundant window blinds and discarded accessories (kit
of Colonial charm, while baffling strong sunlight. These blinds were harvested from the basement and trimmed to size. If you’re buying new, don’t spend too much as they’re liable to degrade and may indeed need to be replaced annually. If you’d like to invest a little more, consider metal and fabric awnings.
which you thought would never again feature “front of house”) you can create surprising results. First, real estate mathematics. If the average Canadian home costs approximately $370,000 and measures 2,000 square feet, the value averages about $185 per square foot. An average porch measures 15 feet by seven feet or 105 square feet. Multiply this by $185 and you arrive at $19,425. Real estate agents don’t generally quantify the dollar value of your porch, but we did so to demonstrate the “lost” value if that space isn’t properly used.
PORTABLE FOCAL POINT
SOFT FURNISHINGS ADD DECOR
CREATING USEFUL SPACE When we ar rived, the stoop had all the allure of an Occupy Wall Street camp under siege. After gutting it and painting everything the softest bone hue, we cleaned the windows and regrouped with our client. His only proviso was that his porch shouldn’t be austere. For him, it was a place to enjoy a beer at the end of a day. So we installed
personal elements with select newer indulgences will allow you to recognize your own efforts. Here, for example, the stained glass panel which already belonged to our client (but hadn’t been properly showcased) contrasts beautifully with all the modern inclusions.
Postmedia News
A tranquil and serene sitting space brings the outdoors in while providing comfort and improving curb appeal. a smart sofa along the far wall to give the space a summer house identity. Plasticized “rattan” is popular and robust; some types can be left outdoors all year round, although we recommend
referring to manufacturer’s guidelines for care.
VENETIAN BLINDER Our privacy-producing specification provides a spot
Just as a gently flickering flame adds welcome in a living room, so too can a portable modern fireplace — like the bowl shown here — bring an outdoor space alive. This cute wee setup runs on bio-ethanol. It can be used indoors or out, but a little common sense goes a long way: shield it from flammable materials and don’t leave it unattended.
Before going overboard with wall colour, consider your neighbours; as much as you adore Barbie pink, a sugary-toned patio might send them into toxic shock. Often, accessories are the better way forward. Here, for instance, soft blue and white provide a relaxed but posh feel, while setting the perfect background for bright dressing. Soft furnishings are perfect as detailing and easy to update.
Colin McAllister and Justin Ryan are the hosts of HGTV’s Colin & Justin’s Home Heist and the authors of Colin & Justin’s Home Heist Style Guide, published by Penguin Group (Canada). Follow them on Twitter @colinjustin or on Facebook (ColinandJustin)
MIX OLD AND NEW When conspiring your update, it’s fun to mix past and present; assembling
L I V E D OW N TOW N I N THE 300s
• Floors: 10 • Condos: 71 • 1 BR from 1017 sq. ft. • 2 BR from 1389 sq. ft. • 3 BR from 1930 sq. ft. • Townhouses from 930 sq. ft. • Finishings: Hardwood floors, granite countertops, Stainless Steel appliances
• Amenities: Rooftop patio and fitness centre, green roof, underground car and bike parking, amenity room • Bonus: 3 year tax exemption Presentation Centre Hours Fri. Sat. & Sun. By Appointment
Presentation Suite and Sales Centre 2139 Broad St. Regina, Sk.
W W W. C E N T R E S Q UA R E P L AC E . CO M Project Development Consultants: Hydeman Property Management
Presentation Centre Hours: Mon.-Fri. 12-6 Sat.-Sun. 12-5 Or by appointment For more information call: (306) 565-2300
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Startingat
www.bellagioterrace.com
$214,900 ENJOY LIVING SMART IN THIS COMFORTABLE AND CONVENIENTLY LOCATED COMMUNITY IN NORTH WEST REGINA.
Quality, affordable luxury living.
Nestled in the heart of Regina at 1220
With 77 units and 15 modern open
Blackfoot Drive, Bellagio Terrace is one
floor plans to choose from, heated
of Regina’s most exciting and value-rich
underground parking, and an indoor
multi-unit developments. Embraced by
fitness facility, Bellagio Terrace offers a
the natural landscape of Wascana Park,
maintenance free, affordable lifestyle.
this ideal location is just minutes from
VisitourPresentationCentre
downtown, and within walking distance from the University of Regina and the Saskatchewan Legislature.
MODERN. PRACTICAL. SMART.
NowOpen!
MODERN. PRACTICAL. SMART.
1220 Blackfoot Drive
FUNCTIONAL. COMFORTABLE. AFFORDABLE. Dale Ripplinger (306) 581-7672 Marina Rist (306) 540-4433 DaLE RiPPLiNgER aND aSSociaTES
Office: 775-5555 REG31703639_1_1
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