GTA Home Decor and Renovations - MAY 2014

FREE

MAY 2014

www.homedecorandrenovations.com

HOT DECOR

to inspire

A NEW LOOK

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2

WANT YOUR HOME TO SELL? We have expert advice PG. 42

get

SUMMER-READY NOW! TIPS & TRICKS for inside and outside the home

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HOM 031 AprMay2014 Reno & Decor Mag ad_r1 2014-03-31 1:43 PM Page 1

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contents

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 02

MAY 2014

33

22

In every issue

8 Editor’s Notebook 10 Contributors 12 Mailbag HD&R features

19 The Scoop Catch up on decor and reno news, inspiration, style and more

22 Style Inspiration Floral or Ikat decor items

24 Quick Tips Don’t just spring clean, get organized

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On the cover OUR GET READY FOR SUMMER ISSUE FREE

MAY 2014

www.homedecorandrenovations.com

VOLUME 10 ISSUE 2

33 6=B 231=@

WANT YOUR HOME TO SELL? We have expert advice >5 "

to inspire

/ <3E :==9

get

AC;;3@ @3/2G <=E TIPS & TRICKS for inside and outside the home

30

Check out this sectional on page 33.

Photo courtesy of Pottery Barn Visit potterybarn.com

44

HD&R inspiration

30 Style File In between seasons, in between spaces

33 Outdoor Ideas 2014 Get summer-ready now

41 Reno Mark Renovation offers opportunity for homeowners

42 Designer Feature Selling your home you only get one ďŹ rst impression

44 Celebrity Interview House of Bryanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: Bryan and Sarah Baeumler

46 ETcetera Wall Flower

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EDITOR’SNOTEBOOK

Ciao, old man winter!

W

inter is finally over and we can breath a collective sigh of a relief now that snow days, ice storms and the polar vortex are things of the past (well, at least until next year!). Experts say this has been the coldest and snowiest winter in the GTA in more than 20 years, and if you’re anything like me, you’ve been quietly chanting a warm weather mantra for months now, hoping for a break in the weather.

A sure sign that temperatures are on the rise is the number of “For Sale” signs sprouting up around my neighbourhood. Sale season is in full swing, and we find out how important it is for your home to make a good first impression from international landscape designer Carson Arthur and celebrity designer Jo Alcorn on page 42. If you’re not looking to sell, the warmer months are also a great time to embark on renovations, and we tap into superstar renovator Bryan Baeumler and his wife Sarah on page 44 for great advice.

To help bring the outdoors inside, you won’t want to miss designer Yanic Simard’s expert tips – I especially love his idea of decorating with patio-inspired furniture in your home, a trend that is just starting to emerge.

It’s time to celebrate the warm weather, so dust off those garden tools, take out the patio furniture and get planning for those blissful, hot, months ahead.

Enjoy the issue!

SARA DUCK MANAGING EDITOR, WALL2WALL MEDIA sara.duck@wall2wallmedia.com Follow me on twitter: twitter.com/saraduckHDR

Like us on Facebook (Search: Home and Decor magazine)

Want more news on the home, decor and reno front?

Check out our blog: homedecorandrenovations.com

08 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY 2014

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EASY. ELEGANT. SMART.

JOIN US AT ANY ONE OF OUR FOUR AREA SHOWROOMS: Mississauga 1825 Dundas St. E. [905] 629-7060

Toronto 35 Arrow Rd. [416] 743-1530

Scarborough 1355 Kennedy Rd. [416] 751-9853

Brampton 258 Queen St. E. [905] 456-1046 09

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ourinsiders

Vice-President, National Real Estate

Jacqueline Hill

Yanic Simard designer Yanic Simard is the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Simard often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination design techniques in developing unique designs. Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and has appeared as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca.

Editor-In-Chief, National Real Estate

Susan Legge Director of Sales, National

Josh Heppner Sales Manager, Home Decor and Renovations Condo Guide and GTA New Homes

Conni Robinson Art Director

Daiana Garay Managing Editor

Sara Duck Contributing Editors/Writers

Hellen Buttigieg

Elisa Krovblit, Wayne Karl, Diane Duflot

Professional organizer

Media Consultant

Hellen Buttigieg is a Certified Professional Organizer, Life Coach, TV Personality, Author and Speaker. Her Oakville based company, We Organize U, helps busy families clear their clutter and create a more relaxed home, a more productive workspace, and a more manageable, meaningful life. Get your FREE copy of Hellen’s e-Book, 7 Habits That Rob You of Your Time, Energy and Inner Peace, at weorganizeu.com.

Amanda Bell

amanda.bell@wall2wallmedia.com Sales Co-Ordinator

Antoinette Jackson

antoinette.jackson@wall2wallmedia.com

Production Manager

Bala Gnanapandithan Graphic Designer

Carson Arthur

Viosa Barileva

Landscape DESIGNER

Greg Van Sluytman

Carson Arthur is an international landscape designer with a focus on environmentally friendly design. He is HGTV’s Critical Listing landscape guru and appears regularly on TV, writes for various publications about outdoor design and is the author of the sold out book Garden Designs for Outdoor Living. Visit carsonarthur.com

Production Co-Ordinator

Advertising Call 416.626.4200 for advertising rates and information.

Circulation ­Available monthly in select high-traffic street boxes, retailers, spas, banks, ­grocery stores, ­pharmacies, and selected financial ­institutions.

Jo Alcorn DESIGNER Jo Alcorn is a celebrity designer specializing in small spaces and design solutions for all budgets. She is the interior expert on HGTV’s new show Critical Listing, and shares her expertise regularly on TV and through her monthly column at the Toronto Sun. Visit whitewashco.ca

Copyright 2014 All rights reserved by Wall2Wall Media, Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Reproduction in any form is ­prohibited. Contents of this publication are ­covered

by Copyright and offenders will be ­prosecuted under the law.

Terms Advertisers, Editorial Content and Home Decor and Renovations are not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or ­misprints. All prices are correct as of press time and are subject to change without notice.

E. & O. E. Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the address below, to the attention of the editor-in-chief.

Elisa Krovblit

Published By

Contributing Editor In love with design and decor, Elisa is a contributing editor at Home Decor and Renovations. When not searching out some unusual solutions to her century home’s reno projects, she’s busy looking for what’s hot and happening for every area of the home. elisa.krovblit@wall2wallmedia. com

#500-401 The West Mall Etobicoke, ON M9C 5J5 T 416.626.4200 F 416.784.5867 Please recycle this magazine! Wall2Wall Media participates in the Partner’s In Growth Reforestation Program through St. Joseph Communications. To date, Partners in Growth has planted over two million trees in parks, recreation and conservation areas, and other public spaces across Canada. Established in 1990, this program was started with Scouts Canada to help replenish the environment.

10 Home DEcor and Renovations may 2014

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Allan Rug has been providing carpet, area rugs & flooring to the GTA’s top Designers, Architects, Builders and the public for over 50 years.

Visit our newly renovated 15,000 sq.ft. showroom in the Castlefield Design District for for the latest styles in broadloom, area rugs, hardwood, cork, vinyl & other floor coverings.

103 Miranda Avenue • 416.787.1707 • www.allanrug.com 11

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2014-04-01 10:00 AM

MAILBAG

MAY 2014

Write and win! Let us know what you think of this issue of HD&R and you could win the fabulous new Rivo system by Keurig.

OUR GIVEAWAY WILL HELP YOU BREW PERFECT ESPRESSO AND FROTHED MILK IN AN INSTANT! VISIT KEURIG.CA Create hot drinks like a barista with Keurig’s new Rivo Espresso, Cappucino and Latte System. This nifty machine makes it easy to make your favourite hand-crafted, hot beverages at home, with a simple touch of a button. Espresso drinkers will particularly love iconic brand Lavazza’s freshly sealed, perfectly portioned, single serve pack’s exclusively for the Rivo system.

Total prize value $229.99. Write to us for your chance to win this amazing machine!

MARCHR

No purchase necessary. Give-away open to Ontario residents of legal age. This giveaway runs from April 5, 2014 to May 30, 2014. Odds of being chosen depend on the number of entries received. Prize is not redeemable for cash and is non-transferable.

WINNE

NEWBIE INSPIRATION

MIAMI HEAT

Got my first issue of Home Decor & Renovations and loved the Trends 2014 feature. The products were unique and very inexpensive and I actually went to the websites that were printed in the magazine and now have some new fave stores.

I don’t know if my home will ever be finished. I love a good project and it seems that I barely finish one before I start another. Yanic Simard’s article on South Beach Style is responsible for my latest project! I too was sick and tired of the unrelenting winter we’ve had and was beach dreaming. Bringing in pops of Miami colours and making a splash are transforming my bedroom to Miami fun! Thanks for the inspiration!

The magazine itself is very attractive, with beautiful photos and high quality paper. Looking forward to the next issue!

Barb Mcquoid

Jill Langstroff

MAGAZINE FAIRY I saw HD&R on my kitchen table and couldn’t figure out what magazine fairy had dropped it off for me! Turns out my husband – handyman extraordinaire and huge fan of Brian Baeumler – had picked it up to read the article on Canada’s Handyman Challenge. But he didn’t stop there.

He really liked the magazine and thought I’d enjoy checking it out. He was right!

Congratulations!

Tina Dunlop

Barb is the winner of a beautiful bouquet of flowers from The Stem Flower Market. Visit stemflowermarket.com Winners must e-mail susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com or call 416.626.4212 and arrange to pick up their prize at our head office.

write to us HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS C/O MAILBAG 401 The West Mall, Suite 500 Etobicoke, ON, M9C 5J5

All Mailbag letters are subject to editing for clarity and length

FAX US C/O MAILBAG 416.784.5867

EMAIL US C/O MAILBAG susan.legge@wall2wallmedia.com

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Custom Furnishings, Bedrooms, Dining Rooms, Sofas, Dinettes

TURNING HOUSES INTO HOMES SINCE 1978

F U R N I T U R E

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T. 416.636.5495 680 Rivermede Road. Vaughan Keele St., North of Highway #7 www.AltaModaFurniture.com

Follow us twitter www.twitter.com/AltaModaFurn

2014-04-01 10:00 AM

Decorate Your Home with Sun-Brite Drapery It is no secret that window coverings can either make or break a room. As an integral piece to your home décor, it can instantly rejuvenate the look of your home. However, choosing the right treatment to suit your needs and taste can be a tumultuous task, as there is a lot to consider when selecting a new window covering.

Sun-Brite Drapery is here to help you make the tough decisions involved in choosing the right window covering for your home! Steve Scaini, co-owner of Sun-Brite Drapery, says it is important to “figure out the practical needs of a room before choosing a window covering. Things like energy efficiency, room darkening, privacy, light control and decorative appeal should all be considered.” Once you have consulted with their team of experts and have worked together to establish the answers to these pivotal questions, Sun-Brite Drapery will customize your window coverings to your specific needs and decorative taste.

Like us on facebook www.facebook.com/SunBriteDraperyToronto Follow us twitter www.twitter.com/SunBriteON

www.sunbritedrapery.com Sun-Brite is your one-stop shop for all your window covering needs. Whether you are looking for custom drapery, shutters, brand name blinds and shades (including motorization), drapery hardware such as rods or tiebacks, eco-friendly window treatments, or bedding/headboards to compliment your drapery, Sun-Brite Drapery can help you get the look you want, at an affordable cost.

Having been in the business for over 40 years, along with their retail clients, Sun-Brite Drapery is affiliated with highprofile designers and builders throughout the GTA, where they provide expertise on how to fashion some of the most beautiful window covering treatments. Fabricating all their drapery in-house, Sun-Brite holds high standards for aesthetics, quality and customer service. The experts at Sun-Brite Drapery will design and install your custom window coverings, transforming your room into one you can be proud of!

Looking to enhance your room? Visit Sun-Brite Drapery’s website or give them a call at 416-741-9430 14

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Come visit Ontario’s largest bathroom vanity showroom.

Featuring Modern, Classic and Contemporary Styles

LUMBERLAND

HAS IT ALL

A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE IN HOME DECOR AND RENOVATION.

LUMBERLAND NORTH INC.

kitchen | tile | bath | ceramics | plumbing | stone | doors | trims | drywall | lumber

180 Bovaird Drive West • 905-792-2800 • www.lumberlandnorth.com

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Advertorial

Modular Home Additions: Building a Renovation Reputation on Reviews The process of picking a renovation company has vastly altered in the past decade. With the emergence of social media platforms and increasingly web-savvy consumer groups, selecting a company in almost any industry starts in one place; the Internet.

While renovation companies have always been able to purchase advertising in major publications, cautious and intelligent homeowners are looking past fancy ad buys, in search of honest reviews from past clients of the companies that they are considering to hire.

It is precisely this reason that webbased review companies such as Homestars.com are seeing such popularity and receiving much traction, not only from consumers who want to voice their experiences with contractors (both negative and positive), but also from people who are looking to have work done.

“Client reviews have always been an important part of our business. We have always worked hard to please our clients and the fact that they are now able to voice their opinions about Modular Home Additions online has significantly added to our new client base. When people research our company, past client reviews on sites like Homestars.com come up,” says Bole Cirovic, Director of Sales and Marketing at Modular Home Additions.

ed off site, working with Modular means that homeowners do not have to move out during their renovations and home additions can be added in as little as three days.

The company prides itself on a “no mess, no stress” process and the clients who are taking advantage of this system are thrilled with the results.

As the company hits the 1000th build milestone, they show no signs of slowing down.

As the positive reviews continue to come in, the company looks forward to working on the next 1000 projects as well as extending more gratitude to the community that has helped them accomplish these amazing achievements by contributing to community events and initiatives on an ongoing basis.

2013, in particular, was a fantastic year for the company’s online reviews. Modular was awarded Best of Toronto 2013 in the home additions category from Homestars.com. The award was based on the number of positive reviews the company received on the site.

“This type of award is one of the best ones a renovation company can receive,” says Cirovic. “It means that we are doing what we have always set out to do, which is create a positive, home renovation experience for our clients that is truly unlike any other that they can receive”.

It’s not the first time that client reviews have made their impact with the company. Modular has also been voted Best in Town four years in a row in Toronto and the GTA. Modular Home Renovations offers a one-stop home renovation shop for clients who are looking to put on an addition or execute a new build. As the majority of the work is complet-

27 Bermondsey Rd. Toronto, ON M4B 1Z7 t: (416) 759 4663 f: (416) 759 9563 reception@modular.ca www.modular.ca

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Grow Your Home In 3 Days Thank You from Modular Free iPad to follow your project

Call For A Free Estimate 416.759.4663

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2013

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2014 SHOPPING GUIDE

2014 ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE!

sHoppIng Curating a selection of the GTA’s top home & decor shops and services

FREE

2014 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS

GUIDE

shop TILL PANTONE® 19-3224 RADIANT ORCHID

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416.626.4889

LOVE TO SHOP? Our 2014 shopping guide profiles some of the GTA’s top home and décor shops and services.

www.homedecorandrenovations.com

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newsetc.

the

scoop

{Scoop the look! {

catch up on dEcor & reno news, inspiration, style and more b y S a r a Du c k

Larabee Dot Decanter by Kate Spade New York. $70.

Visit thebay.com

Tessella BP3404 Wallpaper. $225.

Visit farrow-ball.com

Ginger Jar. $20.

Faux-Bois Bar Cart. $300.

Faux Cherry Blossoms. $8.

Mercury Glass Vase with Rope Detail. $40.

Visit homesense.ca Scandinavian Vase from Atelier Collection. $150.

Visit bouclair.com 19

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hot off the

press

One of the newest trends in tile is the Stainless Steel Mosaic (left).

Check out Metropolitan Tile & Stone’s showroom for thousands of additional tiles to choose from, including glass, marble and everything in between. It’s a onestop tile shop.

R HD&

VISIT METropolITaNTIlE.ca

householD We've gone mad for Bouclair's new Atelier furniture line, featuring nine distinct themes such as Scandinavian (above), Industrial Chic, Vintage Mod and more. Putting together a cohesive look in your space, that reflects your style, has never been so easy and affordable.

VISIT BouclaIr.coM

musthave!

Vacuumers of the world know how integral a good, strong vacuum is to the home. We are loving the bagless Silence Force Extreme Multi-Cyclonic Vacuum from Rowenta. Not only is it super quiet, it also has a triple filtration system, a one-click dust disposal and comes with a host of accessories to make cleaning a breeze. $600. VISIT roWENTa.ca

Gardening doesn't have to be just for adults – get your kiddies involved in creating their own garden. Crayola has devised nifty seed starting kits, which allow kids to plant a variety of plants.

Send your winter duvet on a summer holiday! You don't wear your winter jacket during the hot months, so why use your winter duvet in the summer? It's time to make a switch and check out these naturally hypo-allergenic duvets from Down Under. Reg up to $150. On sale now for $100 in any size.

VISIT DoWNuNDErBWM

CRAYOLA SEED STARTING ASSORTED VARIETIES. $7.

VISIT caNaDIaNTIrE.ca

{ Pssst! { Home & Design Expo Center is having a spring fundraiser with all the proceeds going to support the Canadian Cancer Society. This home show event is free to attend and offers great outdoor landscape solutions, barbecue grilling demonstrations, cottage style design seminars, raffles and more.

For MorE INForMaTIoN aND To rEGISTEr oNlINE VISIT HDEXpocENTEr.coM/DESIGN-DaFFoDIlS/

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tips for entertaininG celebrate the long, warm, summer nights by entertaining outside.

Interior stylist and TV personality Janette Ewen gives you advice on throwing the perfect outdoor party.

Take your outdoor space to a whole other level by creating a beautiful and functional focal point with this sevenft.-long by two-ft.-high Komodo Linear Outdoor Fire Pit by Paloform. $5,800. VISIT paloForM.coM

how can you prep your outDoor space for the party?

Give your space a quick power wash and clean up any debris. Also, make sure hedges are trimmed back and get rid of any still water. I also like to make sure my pathways and patio are well lit. Use LED lanterns in combination with OFF! PowerPad Lamps.This way your outdoor space will be well lit, stylish and keep mosquitoes away. You can pick up

celebrate!

it’s time to

Our beloved cheap and chic store Target has teamed up with three top bloggers to create individual party and entertaining capsule collections – set to launch through out the year.

Each collection will have a theme relevant to the time of year and will reflect the personal style of the blogger. We adore the collection chosen by Joy Cho of OhJoy! (ohjoy.blogs.com) – the happy colours and cool accessories make us want to party! VISIT TarGET.ca

the OFF! PowerPad Lamps from your local Canadian Tire for $13. how can you arranGe outDoor furniture to encouraGe a comfortable party, yet room for Guests to minGle anD enJoy fooD anD DrinKs? Think about creating designated “rooms” in your outdoor space – living, dining and relaxing. Clearly define the rooms by using outdoor rugs, planters and sculpture. Make sure you leave clear, well-lit pathways between the rooms. I like to set up several drinks and snack stations so the flow of guests keeps moving and doesn’t get stuck in the dining area. what are some extra special touches the host can proViDe for Guests?

Welcome your guests with a signature cocktail.

Fill a large wine glass with Prosecco (as yummy as champagne but less expensive) and place a fruit-flavored Popsicle in each. The presentation looks amazing and the Popsicle keeps the Prosecco ice-cold. Guests can either dip their Popsicle and sip their drink or let the Popsicle melt and enjoy. what are your faVourite shops to hit when preparinG for an outDoor party?

HomeSense and The Great Canadian SuperStore are great spots to pick up decor and entertaining must-haves. When I’m on a budget, I always pop into Dollarama for affordable outdoor toys and treats for the kids.

party hats. $4 for eight. noisemakers. $4 for eight. happy day Banner. $5.

cake toppers. $4. cake stand. $25.

Goblet cups. $4 for four. european water Bottle. $10.

This lantern keeps the mosquitoes away and looks great, too!

what are some factors to consiDer when throwinG an outDoor party?

When planning an outdoor event, choose an underlying theme and let it guide your decor, activity, food and beverage choices (maybe even your attire). It will help you focus when making decisions on party elements.

When it comes to outdoor decor and entertaining for Spring/Summer 2014 the look is all about fun and playful chic. Think a little less rustic as seen in years past and a whole lot more carefree “jet-set.” The jet-set look is about glamour and travel. It’s the hot look for 2014 and gives Canadians that wondering feeling they’re living the relaxed and luxurious lifestyle of Monaco, St. Tropez, Capri or Palm Springs.

al fresco

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STYLEINSPIRATION

Floral OR

ikat

DECORATING IS ALL ABOUT CHOICES! WE SHOW YOU HOW TO INSTANTLY UPDATE YOUR SPACE WITH KEY PIECES THAT SUIT YOUR STYLE.

by SARA DUCK

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1. Cushion from Poppy Collection. $20. VISIT BOUCLAIR. COM 2. B. Smith Charleston Rug in Chocolate. $40-$110. VISIT BEDBATHANDBEYOND.CA 3. Liliana Armchair in Pale Floral. $550.

VISIT PIER1.CA 4. Floral Bath Towel by Threshold. $13. VISIT TARGET.CA 5. Karlstad Footstool in Bladåker Blue, Beige. $149. VISIT IKEA.CA 6. Floral Heart Print. $12 to $48. VISIT RIFLEPAPERCO.COM

1. Printed Cushion from Baroque Collection. $20. VISIT BOUCLAIR.COM 2. Ikat Links Wool Rug. $419 to $839. VISIT WESTELM.COM 3. Drew Chair in Strie Ikat: Ultramarine. $999. VISIT CRATEANDBARREL.CA 4. Ikat Bathroom Towel Collection by Mia. $14 each. VISIT BEDBATHANDBEYOND.CA 5. TURHAN SQUARE POUF. $70. VISIT BEDBATHANDBEYOND.CA 6. Chariklia Zarris ‘Ikat’ No. 2 Open Edition Giclee Print. $295. VISIT OVERSTOCK.COM

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Unique Treasures for the Home

Open 7 Days A Week

• Home Decor • Gifts • Rugs • Lighting • Wall Art • Draperies

16655 Yonge Street Unit 20, Newmarket 905.830.0411 www.equinoxxdecor.com 023-Equinoxx 02-22-14.indd 29

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QUICKTIPS

don’t just spring clean,

get organized

by HELLEN BUTTIGIEG Spring has finally arrived

and you may feel the urge to purge! When it comes to cleaning and getting organized, it’s usually not a matter of needing more storage space, it’s about needing better storage, as well as organization that works for you. It’s also about having a good plan, which includes getting rid of things you don’t need. So get into those storage spaces, drawers and corners, give everything the good old spring clean and get organized, permanently.

If you can’t quite bring yourself to let go of certain items, even though you aren’t using them, consider packing them in a box and writing a “best before” date on it six months away.

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It’s that wonderful time of year again when we can put away the winter gear and lighten the load. Although there’s never enough storage, there are creative ways to better utilize existing spaces for storing out-of-season items. Here are some ideas to consider: add another shelf above the existing one in all the closets, and purchase under-the-bed organizers. If your bed is not high enough, you can get a bed riser to lift it. Consider creating a document on your computer that serves as an index to outline where you’ve stored what. When winter returns, you won’t have to rely on your memory to find what you need.

Start by making room for spring.

Name that room. Rooms that don’t have a specific purpose often become dumping grounds for clutter. Before you begin de-cluttering, go through your home, room by room, and determine how you want to use each space.

Identify which items support the purpose of the room and which ones should be moved elsewhere.

Go for the “no-brainers” Toss

old newspapers, things that are broken or have missing parts and clothing items that are permanently stained or damaged.

If you don’t know where to begin, start small. Pick just one room. Moving clockwise, remove anything that doesn’t belong in that room and place it in a “move elsewhere” box to deliver to the room it should live in. Pull out anything that doesn’t give you joy or value and place it in a “give away” box. Designate this room as a “no-clutter zone” so you will always have a sanctuary to escape to as you tackle the next room.

Jump-start your spring cleaning with baby steps.

If you can’t quite bring yourself to let go of certain items, even though you aren’t using them, consider packing them in a box and writing a “best before” date on it six months away. Put this date on your calendar as a reminder. If you don’t go into that box again before the expiry date, donate it to charity without opening it again. This provides you with a cooling-off period, making it easier to detach.

Keep the momentum going with a “best before” box.

You’ve probably heard the term ‘a place for everything and everything in its place’. This is so true, but it’s only part of the solution.

The second half of this wisdom is to keep things in a logical position. For example, keep keys by the exit door, coffee and filters in the cupboard above the coffee maker, and magazines in a basket beside the chair where you do most of your reading. Not only will this make it easier to find what you need quickly, it will also cut down on steps and save you time. When trying to find a home for something, instead of asking ‘where should I put it’, ask ‘where would I use it’.

Smart storage

Empty spaces result in smiling faces When

reorganizing a closet, a dresser or a cupboard, empty it out first. It’s motivating to see the space

10 things you can do (to get more organized) in five minutes or less. » Clean out your wallet/purse: toss gum wrappers, scraps of paper and old tissues; file receipts and business cards.

» Toss out any spoiled food from the refrigerator.

» Toss out any stale food from the pantry.

» Take excess shoes out of the

hall closet or front hall and place them in the bedroom closets. Each family member should only keep one or two pairs of shoes (depending on space) by the door or hall closet.

» Sort through three to five file folders and shred what you don’t need. Keep a coloured folder upright in your filing cabinet to mark where you leave off.

» Go through your collection of

coupons and toss the expired ones. Put the others in your purse or glove compartment of your car and use them next time you go shopping.

» Clear out one ‘junk drawer’ and

toss anything you don’t need or recognize. Divide the drawer by using old cheque book boxes or small plastic containers to keep similar items together.

» Go through your sock drawer

and give up any socks without partners. If you haven’t worn panty hose since 2008, it’s time to toss those too!

» Gather all the wire hangers in

your closet and put them in your car. Next time you go to the dry-cleaners, you can take them in for recycling.

» Scan the emails in your junk

folder (to make sure nothing important ended up there) and then delete them.

may 2014 Home DEcor and Renovations 25

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QUICKTIPS

Only once the papers are separated should you then begin shredding, filing and creating a list of action steps that stem from the paperwork you sort. empty and this will give you immediate gratification. You are also likely to sort through the contents more thoroughly. However, when organizing a large area, empty only a section at a time, sort it and then move on to the next section.

Keep a “giveaway” box in or near your closet. Any time you try on clothing that you don’t feel comfortable in or that you don’t look fabulous wearing, drop it in the box. Do the same for items that you discover you no longer like or need. Once the box is full, put it in your vehicle and deliver it to the nearest donation depot or thrift shop. This is what I call painless purging!

The giveaway box

If your garage is cluttered, it’s a good time to tackle it. Empty out the entire garage, or work in sections (depending on the amount of clutter and the amount of time you have to clear it). Place like items together in categories: car care, tools, sporting, gardening etc.

Create a pile for things you no longer need or want. Heavy duty shelving units and clear bins work great for storing these items within their categories – don’t forget to label. Brackets and hooks work for large items like ladders and bikes. Don’t forget to take the discarded items to the dump if they cannot be sold or donated, and enjoy the satisfaction that comes from a garage you can actually park your car in!

Clean out the garage

Paper piles got you overwhelmed? Separate before you organize.

When sorting through piles of paperwork, there is a tendency to skip a step, and this can lead to feelings of overwhelm and stop the process before any progress is made. Before attempting to organize your papers, you need to separate them. Label 4 piles/bins/boxes/trays: 1. Shred, 2.

Action, 3. File, and 4. Recycle. Do not try to organize at this time – just separate. Only once the papers are separated should you then begin shredding, filing and creating a list of action steps that stem from the paperwork you sort.

Let go of ‘obligation clutter’

‘Obligation clutter’ refers to the stuff we are holding on to because we feel a sense of duty. It can be gifts we’ve received, heirlooms we’ve inherited, or things we are saving for our kids. If you are holding on to any of these types of things, I’m giving you permission to let them go, and here’s why: You have no duty to keep gifts forever. The last thing the gift-giver would want is for their gift to be a burden. If a gift you gave were unused, wouldn’t you be happier if it were donated, so someone else could enjoy it?

If you have bits and pieces of memorabilia piling up all over your home, it’s time to create a memory box. Purchase or repurpose one container for each family member. Choose plastic bins, photo boxes, hat boxes, vintage suitcases or old-fashioned picnic baskets to store precious mementos.

Be selective about what goes inside, and when the containers are full, remove one item before putting another item inside.

Memorabilia without mess

Hellen Buttigieg Hellen Buttigieg is a Certified Professional Organizer, Life Coach, TV Personality, Author and Speaker. Her Oakville based company, We Organize U, helps busy families clear their clutter and create a more relaxed home, a more productive workspace, and a more manageable, meaningful life. Get your FREE copy of Hellen’s e-Book, 7 Habits That Rob You of Your Time, Energy and Inner Peace, at weorganizeu.com.

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“Spring is the time of plans and projects,” wrote Leo Tolstoy in Anna Karenina and we couldn’t agree more. We hope the warm weather and our pages inspire new plans and projects for your home.

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STYLEFILE

in

seasons, spaces between in

between

by Yanic simarD photos by teD YarWooD

sUmmer is cominG! even iF sometimes it Doesn’t seem

to be arriving fast enough, the warm weather is slowly setting in outside - it’s only natural to want to enjoy this sunny feeling indoors as well. Apply my design tips, and you can to start to enjoy the great outdoors immediately!

BrAnCh out » Florals have become a huge returned trend, updated from the overly fussy patterns we associate with granny’s curtains, to become contemporary, organic touches of natural beauty. In this dining room space, I used an elegant, leafy wallpaper to draw a connection to the outdoors, and then continued it into the kitchen to visually link the two rooms as well. For a similar effect try

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Florals have become a huge returned trend, updated from the overly fussy patterns we associate with granny’s curtains, to become contemporary, organic touches of natural beauty.

Graham & Brown’s “Claire” or “Harem Tulips” prints (above) visit their site at grahambrown.com » Did you know that wallpaper can make a beautiful backsplash? By itself of course it’s a little impractical, but adding simple glass panels over top gives an easily cleaned surface while letting the paper shine through. This way, you can use one favourite print throughout, or choose a special accent to create a unique backsplash feature.

Keep Your Options Open »S ometimes the best way to introduce fresh, fun colour in a space is to start with none at all – keeping your fixed elements neutral gives you a flexible backdrop for ever-changing accents to suit your moods. You’ll see however that doesn’t mean I let these spaces be boring: introducing variety through patterns, textures, and different materials (such as the wood table and clear plastic chairs) gives even a neutral palette lots of depth and visual interest year round. may 2014 Home DEcor and Renovations 31

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»O nce you have this beautiful neutral canvas, introduce colour through accessories. Live plants add a friendly infusion of green to liven up your dining table or countertop. Removing the doors from a standard cupboard creates an open shelving display for colourful dishes and glassware - just keep the doors stashed away for later. Add a few beautiful books or an oversized vase, and suddenly you’ve got a whole colour scheme you can switch up at any time.

Blur the Lines » I love pieces that can work indoors and out, such as the classic Bertoia dining chair in this eat-in kitchen (left). The open metal frame makes a mid-century statement inside, but is totally practical outdoors, so it can be moved to wherever you want extra seating. Other pieces such as ceramic garden stools, stone topped bistro tables, or these clear plastic stackable chairs provide equal flexibility – consider investing in these even in the colder months and love them all year round. »W hether you have a wall full of windows around a patio door or a small sliver of glass, keep the view as open as possible by hanging a simple sheer over top. By draping the full wall you help blur the line between the walls and windows, making the warm light the focus, and preserving the sightlines while also maintaining your privacy. Place the rod just below the ceiling and run the fabric to just above the ground, for a clean, contemporary effect.

Sing the Blues » I chose a fresh blue hue to accent this space (left), which turned out to be a huge 2014 trend ahead of its time! This goes to show the importance of choosing a shade which speaks to you and to the space – you’ll still love it later even as trends come and go. However, if you do want to add a similar colour, try Benjamin Moore’s #806 Breath of Fresh Air (either for walls or a reference for accents), and pair it with either my favourite fresh white (#2121-70 Chantilly Lace) or my go-to neutral (#OC-23 Classic Gray). »B lue and green (which is half blue) are both natural hues that we are used to seeing in the world in a tone-on-tone effect, so they make great near-neutrals and work especially well when combined in multiple shades. This makes it especially easy to slowly add up an accessory collection over time (as you happen across different stores) without wondering about whether pieces will “match” - if you stick to the blues, you won’t have a worry in the world.

Yanic Simard is the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Simard often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination design techniques in developing unique designs. Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and has appeared as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine.

For more information visit tidg.ca 32

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Think it's too early to start creating your backyard oasis? Think again! Early planning, means you can sit back, relax and enjoy the summer months ahead. by sara duck

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chinese chippendale outdoor armchair $80.

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accessorize your

Visit westelm.com

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1. kayak side plate. $6 Visit eq3.com

2. napkins in Various colours. $13 for set of four. Visit sears.ca 3. debossed pitcher. $9. debossed hiball. $3.

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2014-04-01 10:03 AM

RENOMARK

Renovation offers opportunity for homeowners

by Bryan Tuckey

Buying a new home or condominium in the GTA

is a great option for anyone looking to move to a quality, complete community in the GTA. But what about those who want a fresh start for their existing home?

That’s where a home renovation comes in.

Renovating a home has become increasingly popular among homeowners wishing to stay in their existing neighbourhoods.

While I understand the excitement that comes with renovating your home, it is very important to do your homework and ensure that you hire a professional contractor to make sure your home receives the renovation it deserves.

More and more homeowners looking to improve the value of their homes, as well as their quality of life, are opting for renovation. In fact, home renovation is a $13-billion-per-year industry just in the GTA alone.

Our region’s renovation and custom-building industry is a key contributor to the economic growth of our region, creating close to 100,000 jobs every year.

Those jobs pay out more than $5 billion in wages, which show up as purchases across the GTA. BILD is proudly affiliated with the national RenoMark program, which our association first launched right here in Toronto in 2001. The program helped homeowners identify and hire professional renovation contractors who have agreed to a renovation-specific code of conduct. This means they can rely on their contractor to offer at least two years’ warranty, carry $2-million liability insurance and carry out all work after signing a detailed, written contract.

The program became so popular that it was adopted nationwide. Today RenoMark is available in nine provinces and more than 40 communities across Canada.

What’s important to know is that every professional renovator you hire is a step toward combating the underground economy.

The home renovation sector in Canada is still fighting underground operators who work on a “cash only” basis. These contractors pose a number of potential dangers to the unsuspecting homeowner.

Consumer protection is compromised when you hire underground renovators because there is no written

More and more homeowners looking to improve the value of their homes, as well as their quality of life, are opting for renovation. In fact, home renovation is a $13-billion-per-year industry just in the GTA alone. contract to hold them accountable for quality of work.

If something goes wrong, you could end up losing a lot more than you had hoped to save with a cash transaction.

That’s actually one of the reasons we first started the RenoMark program – to help homeowners renovate with confidence by offering them a source for professional renovators.

I have heard it said many times by our professional RenoMark contractors. “You think it’s expensive hiring a professional? Wait until you hire an amateur!”

If you are thinking about renovating your home or condominium this year, visit renomark.ca to use our searchable database of professional renovators to determine if the RenoMark program is right for you.

The website offers numerous additional resources, including the RenoGuide – a five-step guide to a worry-free renovation.

The underground economy is detrimental to our economy, our industry and the quality of our homes.

It’s time to put a stop to it.

Bryan Tuckey Bryan Tuckey is President and CEO of the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and is a land-use planner who has worked for municipal, regional and provincial governments. He can be found on Twitter (twitter. com/bildgta), Facebook (facebook.com/bildgta) and BILD’s official online blog (bildblogs.ca).

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Designerfeature

Selling your home?

You only get

one first impression

Carson Arthur’s tips: You only get one first impression; so don’t overlook the importance of curb appeal.

Choose containers over plant beds to add colour to

by Carson Arthur and Jo Alcorn

the front yard. Homes with healthy plants and flowers are more welcoming to a buyer. However, you don’t want a buyer to think the front yard is high maintenance. Plant sparingly - not everyone has a green thumb! Instead, use containers to bring in-bloom plants to the front door, maximizing visual interest in the space.

Consider a new paint job. Paint is a great way to freshen

up your home. A new colour scheme can highlight the character of your house. One of the easiest (and cheapest) ways to add curb appeal is through great house colours.

Choose paint colours by taking a bunch of paint chips, standing outside and finding the colours that correspond.

Trees, flowers, other houses, or even rocks can serve as colour inspiration. These colours are found close by, so you know these choices will compliment your existing surroundings.

Lights at night. Potential buyers will often drive by a

It’s time to sell your house. You want to get top dollar for your home. Dreams of dollar signs appear, a luxury retirement, a nest egg or a relaxing vacation come to mind. Reality sets in when your realtor suggests a lower asking price than you had envisioned. This is your house, it’s priceless! You need to get those potential buyers to see what you see. You need curb appeal (to attract those potential buyers) and a put-together interior (to make those potential buyers want to stay). But how do you do it? That’s where our new show comes in, Critical Listing on HGTV. With the help of real estate agent co-host Lisa Colalillo, we show homeowners how to raise the value of their home through budget friendly projects that make an impact. Here are our top tips for making a good first impression.

listing after work, so set your house apart! You don’t have to install a completely new outdoor system. Simply install lights that face downward and highlight the edge of the path to allow your guests easy access which makes your front yard a safer space. Aim for welcoming (not airplane runway) with your lights, especially if your walkway is long. Use the solar spotlights to highlight your favourite house features and don’t forget to point one at the “for sale” sign!

Carson Arthur Carson Arthur is an international landscape designer with a focus on environmentally friendly design. He is HGTV’s Critical Listing landscape guru and appears regularly on TV, writes for various publications about outdoor design and is the author of the sold out book Garden Designs for Outdoor Living. Visit carsonarthur.com

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Jo alCorn Tips: Now that you’ve drawn in prospective homebuyers with curb appeal, it’s time to make a great impression on the inside of the house. Simple and inexpensive upgrades in your home can be the difference between a blah home and a beautiful one. roUnd Up YoUr paintbrUsh. Continue your fresh coat of paint inside. a new colour can spruce up any room in the house, while hiding the wear and tear of every day life. paint your trim and doors with a semi-gloss white paint to freshen up the rooms in your house. don’t forget to paint your ceilings.

Your house will go from looking tired to looking trendy. potential buyers will be impressed with how well you’ve been taking care of your home (and may want to take it off your hands). evalUate YoUr KitChen and bathrooMs. the kitchen and

bathrooms can make or break a sale. buyers are most interested in (and most critical of) these rooms. if you have a budget for renovating the interior of your home, spend it here. even with a small budget, you can make a big impact. paint the walls and the cabinet doors. Change the hardware and countertops. simple projects give your home a new look and can transform your space.

de-ClUtter! de-clutter! de-clutter! there is a reason

de-cluttering is a must-do when selling your home. it works! eliminate clutter from all household surfaces, be it counters, vanities, dressers or hutches. is there any extra or awkwardly placed furniture collecting dust? put it away. Clear off those walls cluttered with family photos. You want your space to feel open and neutral. prospective buyers want to see the house, not your stuff. with these simple tips your home can make a great first impression and look attractive to potential buyers. getting you one step closer to that top dollar sale.

Watch Critical Listing on HGTV Monday’s at 9 p.m. Visit hgtv.ca Jo alCorn Jo Alcorn is a celebrity designer specializing in small spaces and design solutions for all budgets. she is the interior expert on HGTV’s new show Critical Listing, and shares her expertise regularly on TV and through her monthly column at the Toronto sun. Visit whitewashco.ca 43

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CELEBRITYINTERVIEW

HOUSE of BRYAN’S

Bryan and Sarah Baeumler

by DIANE DUFLOT

by DIANE DUFLOT

I RECENTLY SAT

down with Bryan and Sarah Baeumler, of HGTV’s House of Bryan, to discuss their third season of the show — and their experience during a third renovation as a family, this time in the country. They had some great advice on how to weather the storms of a major renovation.

HDR: What does the next season of House of Bryan have in store?

BB: It’s going to be a crazy season. We moved to the country, into an older home with a terrible layout for a family with three kids – then we brought home a fourth!

You’ll see a great adventure, along with the trials and tribulations (and there have been a lot of them) that come along with moving your family out of a custom built home in the suburbs, to a forest in the middle of nowhere. Not only are we putting on an addition, but we’re also living in the adjoining house the entire time — something I never recommend, which means I’ve discarded my own advice. It’s been a challenge but it’s going to be a great show.

HDR: Can you explain what prompted your decision to move to the country?

SB: It’s always been something that we’ve talked about but never very seriously.

It was definitely an impulse purchase. We took the scenic route home one day and

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Renovating or building is a fluid process, and you have to roll with the punches. If you’re managing the job properly, there will always be good surprises to balance out the bad. saw a for sale sign. I think two weeks later it was ours!

house together ends your relationship, you probably didn’t need the house to begin with!

HDR: I’d love to hear from you about your decision to live in your new country home for the third installation of the House of Bryan panned out. What challenges did that present? Would you ever do that again?

BB: I think the decision to live through a renovation has to be made very carefully, there are a lot of factors to consider. My goal initially was to (for the most part) avoid encroaching into the existing house at all until the addition was completed — but that hasn’t exactly happened! Our current living space gets smaller week by week. It’s tight, but there’s an end in sight so we’re managing. You really have to watch the show to see all the details — but let’s just say it’s not always a walk in the park!

HDR: How do you handle the unexpected that almost invariably arises over the course of a renovation/ build?

BB: I’m never surprised, you have to expect the unexpected, and just deal with any changes or problems that arise. Renovating or building is a fluid process, and you have to roll with the punches. If you’re managing the job properly, there will always be good surprises to balance out the bad. The key is to keep the destination in relative focus, while paying close attention to every twist and turn the journey throws at you.

HDR: It’s often said that a renovation puts a lot of stress on a marriage. What are your tips on minimizing this stress and emerging from a renovation as happy a couple (or happier!) than you entered it?

SB: It’s true, there is a lot of stress. You are spending a lot of money, and making a lot of decisions very quickly. Anyone that thinks they can go through a major renovation or build together and not have a few good fights has their head in the clouds. You definitely have to pick your battles, at the end of the day, if building a

HDR: Has being on the opposite side of a build/ renovation changed your perspective on clients’ renovations?

BB: Not at all — I’ve always demanded the same attention to detail for my clients as I do for myself. I think being in the middle of my own build/reno keeps the needs and concerns of my clients very fresh, and in the forefront of my mind. There’s nothing like being immersed in your work!

HDR: Bryan, can you offer our readers any tips on hiring a contractor?

BB: Yes — go to baeumlerapproved.com! You’re either going to find a good guy there, or if none are listed in your area, there are some great tips on finding the right contractor. The key is to make sure they have all of their important stuff: license, insurance, WSIB, experience, lots of good homeowner and trade references etc., but the most important part is the communication and trust between the homeowner and contractor. People have to use their common sense: don’t hire the first guy that’s available, make sure you have a contract, don’t pay too much up front, don’t pay for things that haven’t been completed, don’t micromanage and, above all, realize that you get what you pay for, in most cases. The sad thing is that we’ve all been saying this stuff for years, and everyone knows it, but someone reading this right now will go out and hire the first unlicensed, uninsured, lowest priced guy they meet that will take cash with no contract to save a few bucks, and a few months from now they’ll be singing the blues about being taken advantage of by a contractor.

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the BRANCH OUT trend, updated from a huge returned , to Âť Florals have become grannyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s curtains we associate with In this overly fussy patterns of natural beauty. porary, organic touches er to draw a become contem elegant, leafy wallpap an used I the kitchen dining room space, continued it into outdoors, and then try connection to the For a similar effect two rooms as well. to visually link the

FLOWER

A LAST WORD ON A HOT TREND

by ELISA KROVBLIT

There's no missing it â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the wallpaper trend is in full bloom! Floral motifs have always been a standard, but contemporary designers and new printing techniques have taken ďŹ&#x201A;ower prints to the next level. Whether it's a feature wall or full room coverage, have some fun ďŹ nding the perfect ďŹ&#x201A;orals for your home.

tip:

inspiration

OUR on pg. 30

Ultra modern, the high resolution printing process provides a detailed macro look at tulips.

Tulip Petals. $289.

Coverage: 12ft. by 8ft.

Visit muralunique.com

DIY-ers, don't just go by the square footage of your wall if you're ordering by the roll. You need a lot more wallpaper than you think in order to get your pattern lined up at the seems. There will be a lot of waste, but that perfect ďŹ nish is worth it!

Tone on tone, this contemporary ďŹ&#x201A;oral print offers a great option for a traditional look with a neutral palette.

Candice Olson Dimensional Surfaces Floral. $70/roll.

Visit yorkwall.com

Stylized ďŹ&#x201A;owers in red, black and cream offer bold style in a ďŹ&#x201A;oral motif.

Large Scale Modern Floral. $45/roll.

Visit homedepot.ca

MODERN WALLPAPER HAS COME A LONG WAY! EASY TO REMOVE, IT DOESN'T DAMAGE THE WALLS OR LEAVE RESIDUE. 46 HOME DECOR AND RENOVATIONS MAY 2014

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