Winnipeg Renters Guide – May 5, 2023

FOR A COMPLETE LIST OF AVAILABLE PROPERTIES VISIT: WWW.TOWERSREALTY.CA FACETIME / SKYPE TOURS, ONLINE APPLICATIONS, AND ELECTRONIC LEASE SIGNINGS NOW AVAILABLE FOR ALL PROPERTIES

PHONE: 204-293-6178

PHONE: 204-291-4539

PHONE: 204-898-6974

PHONE: 204-290-5822

A GREAT PLACE TO CALL HOME

NEWLY RENOVATED SUITES

APPLY NOW & GET 1 MONTH FREE RENT

Holiday Towers - Our twin 25 fl oor high-rises at Hargrave and York feature: Bachelor, Studio, 1 BR, 2BR and Penthouse units with large balconies. We are located in the heart of Downtown Winnipeg- near MTS Center, Portage Place, Eaton Center, the Forks and Exchange! Holiday Towers is part of the indoor Skywalk system and joins the Delta Hotel. Choose from a variety of fl oor plans- as well as fully furnished hotel suites (with maid service) which may be rented on a short or long-term stay. Relax by our beautiful rooftop pool. Take advantage of available phone, cable and high-speed internet- as well as available indoor heated parking! Feel safe and secure with our controlled access and on-site professional management. Located at 160/170 Hargrave which means we are steps away from excellent shopping, dining, library, theatre and nightlife, with a wonderful convenience/grocery store and hair salon located on-site. Call 204-957-1200 ext. 200 today for your personal tour!

RENTERS GUIDE IS ORGANIZED GEOGRAPHICALLY: NORTH WEST, NORTH CENTRAL, NORTH EAST, SOUTHWEST, SOUTH CENTRAL, SOUTH EAST, WEST AND SURROUNDING AREA. THE TABS AT THE TOP OF EACH PAGE IDENTIFY THE AREA IN WHICH YOU ARE SEARCHING AND THE TYPE OF ACCOMMODATIONS.

NORTHEAST

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HOW TO ADVERTISE

BY PHONE: 204-782-8692 BY E-MAIL: merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca

PAGE 28

EDITOR/SENIOR MEDIA CONSULTANT

Merlyn Minty 204.782.8692 merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Amanda Pereira

CONTRIBUTORS

Sara Duck, Marlene Eisner, Trisha Isabey, Kathryn Kusyszyn, Anne Marshall, Linda Mazur, Dawn Peter, Chuck Resnick

EXECUTIVE MEDIA CONSULTANT

Jacky Hill jacky.hill@nexthome.ca

SALES & MARKETING COORDINATORS

Gary Chilvers

DISTRIBUTION distributionteam@nexthome.ca

ACCOUNTING INQUIRIES accountingteam@nexthome.ca

GRAPHIC DESIGNER & PRE-PRESS COORDINATOR

Hannah Yarkony

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Mike Terentiev

Published by nexthome.ca

INTERESTED IN ADVERTISING?

Please direct all sales or distribution inquiries to Merlyn Minty at 204.782.8692 or via e-mail at: Merlyn.Minty@nexthome.ca

Circulation Highly targeted, free distribution system aimed at prospective renters using street level boxes and racking. Call 1.866.532.2588 to discuss distribution opportunities.

Copyright Notice All copyright and other intellectual property rights in the contents hereof are the property of NextHome, and not that of the individual client. The customer has purchased the right of reproduction in NextHome and does not have the right to reproduce the ad or photo in any other place or publication without the previous written consent of NextHome. Contents of this publication, in hard copy format as well as online, are covered by copyright law, and offenders will be prosecuted.

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Editorial Submissions from interested parties will be considered. Please submit to the editor by email to merlyn.minty@nexthome.ca. The views and data expressed by columnists do not necessarily represent those of the publication.

Residents enjoy access to the gym, recreation room, steam room and movie theatre, redefining community living. Each suite comes with all utilities included PLUS complimentary SHAW fibre+gig internet. Find your new pet-friendly apartment at Smith Street Lofts. Studio lofts, 1 bedroom lofts/ suites/penthouses

CHATEAU 100

YOUR AMENITIES INCLUDE:

• all utilities included

• security entrance

• air conditioning

• ensuite storage

• on-site management

• window coverings

• 24 hr. emergency number

• games/lounge area

• squash courts / sauna

• exercise room

• indoor & visitor parking

• located at the corner of Broadway & Donald Street

RIVERVIEW TOWERS

YOUR AMENITIES INCLUDE :

• all utilities included

• security entrance

• 24 hr. emergency number

• on-site management

• air conditioned suites

• indoor and visitor parking

• exercise facility and sauna

• newly renovated well-equipped gym

• ensuite storage

• window coverings

• new windows

• grassed 2nd floor

• fantastic views 3

THE RIGHT MATCH: ROOMMATE

COMPATIBILITY TESTING

If you’re sharing a space with someone else, unless you’re both on completely different schedules, they’re going to become a pretty big part of your life. Girlfriends and boyfriends come and go, but especially in a big city, roommates can be with each other for years –even decades if the lease is good enough. If you’ve been “set up” by friends, it’s easy to find out about the other person’s habits and foibles before you let them sign the lease. But how can you ensure that cool-seeming stranger who answered your ad won’t become your new worst enemy once the lease is signed?

I just happen to be a professional matchmaker, and the similarities that run between a love match and a roomie match are astounding, so I’m going to offer my professional matchmaking advice on finding that perfect roommate. These five topics can guide your roommate compatibility testing – and are ideal to cover before you go making any year-long commitments.

1. ARE YOU A LARK, OR AN OWL?

If you’ve barely hit the sack at 3 a.m. after a Walking Dead marathon and your roomie rises at 4:45 a.m. for an early morning run, it’s never going to work unless you’ve got an extremely soundproof kitchen and bathroom. Better to find someone who keeps similar hours.

2.

HOW DO YOU PLAY THE SOCIAL GAME?

How’s your social life? A single introvert may not pair up very well with somebody who hosts a party every month and has friends “drop by” at random. Make sure you ask before the first spontaneous after-work session occurs in your living room.

3. WHERE ARE YOUR BOUNDARIES?

Can I borrow your boots? Do you mind if I use some of this soy sauce? Some people are extremely comfortable with sharing not only a space, but also the items within it. I once had a roommate who –after I’d told her she could wear a particular skirt – took to dressing herself daily from my wardrobe, never bothering to ask permission. Boundaries around everything from the food in the kitchen to the contents of your closet need to be clearly delineated.

4. WHO’S A BATHROOM HOG? How much longer will you be in there? When two people share a lone bathroom, shower length,

makeup application time and the duration of your depilation sessions all become a matter of some urgency. Talk to your potential cohabitant about their personal habits, especially if you both leave for work around the same time.

5. HOUSEKEEPING EXPECTATIONS?

When was the last time you cleaned your bathtub? If your answer is “this morning, right after my shower,” and your prospective roommate responds incredulously, “you clean your bathtub?” it’s not a match. Be upfront about housekeeping standards, or one of you might end up feeling like the other one’s mom.

Anne Marshall has lived in New York City, Glasgow (Scotland), Greensboro (NC), Toronto, and somehow ended up back in the fabulous small city of Guelph, where she grew up.

ANNE MARSHALL

Whether your budget is large or lean, we have inspiring decor ideas for you

by SARA DUCK

YOUR LIVING ROOM

1. Three-light natural rattan PENDANT LIGHT by Allen+Roth. $179. lowes.ca

2. Fejka artificial potted PLANT. $72. ikea.ca

3. Vamdrup multicolour RUG. $328. ikea.ca

4. Nixxa marble COFFEE TABLE. $1,499. mobilia.ca

5. Mk016 PAINTING. $229. structube.com

6. Colour-block CUSHION COVER. $20. hm.com

7. Kinsey three-seater SOFA in leather. $2,299. structube.com

1. Nossa medium natural woven PENDANT LIGHT. $549. crateandbarrel.ca

2. Climbing split PLANT. $125. elte.com

3. Bolton COFFEE TABLE. $4,025. elte.com

4. Myra hand-knotted area RUG in charcoal/ivory. $799. cb2.ca

5. PHASE I PAINTING by Harriet Keech. $1,395. elte.com

6. Daya PILLOW in grey/ochre/white. $495. elte.com

7. Sven charme SOFA in tan. $3,099. article.com

SIX TIPS FOR RENTING WITH PETS

by MARLENE EISNER

1. Don’t wait until the last minute. Begin looking for a pet-friendly rental property at least six to eight weeks before you need to move.

2. Be flexible. Look at a lot of different locations/ neighbourhoods and property types (apartment blocks, condo units, homes). This will improve your chances of finding a suitable place for you and your pet.

3. Introduce your pet to your new landlord. Invite your new landlord to your current home to show the animal has caused no problems there or ask if you can bring your pet to the

landlord’s home. You want to show that your dog is calm and well-behaved.

4. Don’t sneak your pet in without permission. This will only lead to future problems and the landlord can give you notice to move out.

5. Get written permission from the landlord. Ask them to add a clause to your tenancy agreement that says your pet is allowed to live there and any conditions set by the landlord. As well, make sure that any “no pets” clauses are removed from the agreement. If you already have one pet and would like to get another, talk

to your landlord to make sure it’s okay.

6. Be prepared to pay a pet damage deposit. Your landlord can ask you to pay a pet damage deposit that can be up to one month’s rent. This is in addition to your security deposit and tenant services deposit (if applicable).

Source: gov.mb.ca/cca/rtb/ resource_list/pets_tenant.pdf

EAST KILDONAN

A POPULAR SUBURB

others are hard-core locals who wouldn’t venture past the bridge.

East Kildonan is a popular suburb running west from the Red River to Panet Road on the east and again north from Oakland Avenue almost to Harbison Avenue in the south. Largely residential and stretching down Henderson Highway, E.K. residents constantly course downtown over the Disraeli Freeway.

Those who call East Kildonan home know the community by heart – this is a community with deep roots and a lot of long-time residents. They’ve gone to school here or started a family here. Some like the access to other parts of the city while

Life in this big neighbourhood is busy for families – and for traffic. Teens hang out after school near the malls while young parents play at the pool or stroll down the sidewalks. The many parks and pathways also attract young singles in the summer who bike or rollerblade with a friend or a pet.

Locals vary from Harley Davidson fans to Winnipeg Jets fans. Workingclass and middle-income families find housing fairly affordable here, especially east of Henderson Highway. Further west, along the river, bigger, more affluent homes have more seclusion and winding, seemingly exclusive roads. Lush, green groves and bustling community centres are on both sides of the road with many trails teeming with activity.

East Kildonan is home to two school divisions with 15 schools and three community centres – great for families with kids of all ages. There are many small parks and many acres for leisure activity in outreaching Kil-Cona Regional Park. The nearest hospitals are the Health Sciences Centre downtown and Concordia Hospital, plus the family health centre.

The most common ways to get around the main routes are by vehicle and bus. There are 14 bus routes and major roads to follow, but the side roads and pathways that follow the river and through residential blocks are ideal for foot traffic and cyclists. The airport is past the city centre, at least 13 kilometres away.

+MORE PHOTOS AND STATS ONLINE: nexthome.ca/east-kildonan

Dawn Peter is an author and freelance writer in Manitoba.

DAWN PETER

dreams SUITE

by TRISHA ISABEY photos TREVOR COOPER

tips to create a restful bedroom to promote a good night’s sleep

Top

It’s estimated that one in two Canadian adults have trouble going to sleep or staying asleep. A staggering statistic, right? We all know that sleep plays a crucial role to support brain function and physical health. To encourage a good night’s sleep, it makes sense to create an environment that promotes a restful atmosphere.

Here are five simple and impactful ideas for creating a “dreamy” bedroom.

Lighting

Approach your bedroom brightness solutions in layers. First, start with blackout blinds or curtains. They come in a wide range of styles and budgets and will reduce light exposure, tricking your circadian rhythm into producing melatonin, which sends you to sleep.

Next, ensure your ambient light is suitable for the space. This refers to general lighting and includes natural sunlight and overhead fixtures.

Now, layer in your task lighting, focusing on specific “zones” in the room, such as your bedside table. LED lighting may be something to consider in your bedroom, as it can cast different shades in a space. Blue tones have been proven to be calming, setting the scene for a tranquil night-time routine.

Bedding

When choosing your bedding material, natural fibres are the best. Consider linen, cotton, and silk, which are superior in look and feel. For instance, linen naturally regulates your body temperature, which is ideal for both summer and winter. And single-ply cotton sheets with a thread count of 300 to 400 are simply divine. Of course, these types of sheets will cost more, but trust me, they will be worth it.

Furniture

When decorating a bedroom, I like to include a few pieces

that satisfy the esthetics and the function of the space. The first is an upholstered headboard. For those who want to sit in bed to read, watch television or plug away on their laptop, an upholstered headboard offers comfort, while lending a touch of luxury to the room.

Second, furniture with storage is essential. It’s hard to fall asleep when your room is messy or cluttered, with no space to tuck things out of sight. Choose side tables with drawers, a dresser with ample storage space, and even a bed with built-in drawers on the bottom – all these items can contribute to a neat, tidy, and restful atmosphere.

Finally, we spend one-third of our lives in our bedroom, so having a mattress specific to our sleeping and physical needs is so important. When choosing a mattress, consider what position you sleep in and the firmness you need.

Area rugs

Area rugs not only add visual interest to a space but can also help absorb sound and add much warmth underfoot. Size matters when choosing the right rug for

a bedroom. A rug that measures nine by 12 ft. is ideal, leaving an eight-inch gap between the nightstand and the rug. In a smaller bedroom, an eightby-10-ft. rug will work, with nightstands positioned directly on the rug. Leave at least 18-in. of rug peeking out at the foot of the bed. And, as a final rug reminder, select one that you can clean easily – natural fibres work well.

Room temperature

What does design have to do with bedroom temperatures?

Remember, a room that is too hot or cold is not conducive to restful sleep. The ideal temperature for sleep is about 18.3C. A cool environment can help promote zzz’s. Look around the room. That heat-throwing fireplace looks lovely but may not be the most practical.

New fireplaces on the market can vent the heat outside or, better yet, into a different room. It’s also a good idea to invest in a smart thermostat, which lets you monitor the temperature via your smart phone or computer, ensuring your bedroom stays at the perfect temperature for sleeping.

Isabeyinteriors.com @isabeyinteriors @furnishbyisabey

Trisha Isabey is the creative director and principal designer for award-winning Isabey Interiors. The Kelowna-based design firm has excelled for over a decade creating thoughtfully curated designs. The design team offers a diverse range of design services throughout Western Canada and nationally.

PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED

you know how to pack delicate items? What if the truck breaks down or gets into an accident halfway to your new home?

large and valuable pieces are not handled correctly. Irreplaceable items may be lost forever.

Moving your worldly possessions involves a lot of organization, so it’s smart to expect the unexpected. Some DIY moves go well; others end up stressful because those doing the work don’t anticipate potential glitches.

For example, if you move in the winter and it’s a snowy, slushy day, how do you protect the floors from water/salt damage at both ends? What about getting large items around hard-to-maneuver corners without marking walls? What if someone gets hurt? Do

Training is a great preventative measure – when you shop for a mover, find out if and how the drivers and moving people are trained. Ask whether they have a “Plan B” in case of vehicle problems, and what you can do to be prepared as possible when the packing/moving begins.

Of course, there are specialty items that require an unusual level of care – pianos, pool tables, grandfather clocks, artwork, antiques and the like. The money you may save by not hiring a professional mover may end up being spent on repairs if these

If you decide to move yourself, give some thought to what might happen along the way and make contingency plans. Be realistic –hiring a professional mover can offer tremendous peace of mind and is money well spent.

Chuck Resnick is vice-president Marketing and Operations for Two Men And a Truck - Canada, a division of Heron Capital Corporation. Visit twomen.ca

FRIENDLY AND AFFORDABLE SILVER HEIGHTS

Located in the St. James area of Winnipeg, Silver Heights is a residential community with convenient access to the shops and services of Portage Avenue. The neighbourhood is bordered by Ness Avenue to the north, Conway Street to the east, Portage Avenue to the south, and Moray Street to the west.

Boasting affordable homes, access to schools, and proximity to

shops and services, Silver Heights is a friendly neighbourhood with a variety of housing options for both buyers and renters. With the Assiniboine River to the south, there are plenty of opportunities for active residents to get out and enjoy nature, while the restaurants and bars of Portage Avenue provide a relaxing place to socialize with friends and neighbours.

One of the earliest modern community developments in Western Canada, Silver Heights is named for the silvery tall prairie grasses that once covered the area. While it has since developed into a residential neighbourhood, the natural prairie

can still be experienced at the nearby Living Prairie Museum. A familyfriendly area with schools, parks, and a community centre, Silver Heights is located near the airport and the amenities of Portage Avenue.

Silver Heights is home to a wide range of age groups, but has a slightly higher rate of seniors aged 75 and older when compared to the Winnipeg average. One- and twoperson households make up almost 80 per cent of the population, though larger families are also present in the neighbourhood.

Active residents can tee off at the nearby Assiniboine Golf Club, enjoy the Sturgeon Heights Community Centre, or access Assiniboine Park by the pedestrian bridge across the Assiniboine River. If shopping is more your sport, you’re just minutes away from Winnipeg’s premiere shopping centre, Polo Park. There are six schools for younger students in the area and older students can commute to Red River College and the University of Winnipeg.

Silver Heights is located within a 15-minute drive from the Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and about a 25-minute drive from downtown. The neighbourhood is bordered by the major thoroughfares of Portage and Ness Avenues, providing access to other points of the city.

Generally an affordable area, Silver Heights is home to a range of restaurants that will satisfy a variety of tastes and budgets — from McDonald’s to The Keg.

Dawn Peter is an author and freelance writer in Manitoba.

DAWN PETER

Active residents can tee off at the nearby Assiniboine Golf Club, enjoy the Sturgeon Heights Community Centre, or access Assiniboine Park by the pedestrian bridge across the Assiniboine River.

WELCOME TO FAIRFIELD APARTMENTS

BUILDING AMENITIES

• New Construction

• Pet Friendly

• Pet Wash on Site

SUITE FEATURES

• Air Conditioning

Located in beautiful south Winnipeg, Fairfield Apartments blends modern living with the convenience of living near the University of Manitoba, Victoria Hospital, rapid transit, IG Field, shopping, restaurants and schools. Enjoy all the modern amenities of a brand-new building including designer finishes, a fitness centre, a terrace and a spacious party room. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to ensure residents experience apartment living at its finest.

• Common Room

• Common Terrace

• 2 Elevators

• Fitness Center

• Heated indoor parking

• Resident Lounge

• Stainless Steel Appliance package incl. Dishwasher & Microwave

• En-Suite bathroom

• In-suite laundry

• Large Windows with roller blinds

• Quartz Countertops

• Vinyl Plank Flooring

• Walk-in Closet

LIFETIME RENTERIT’S

A LIFESTYLE

To buy or to rent? You may not think it’s anybody’s plan, but being a lifetime renter is actually a great choice. It’s one that’s already a common experience in cities like New York, Miami, Boston and LA, where owning property is beyond most people’s income level and location is more important that homeownership. It’s also catching on with a generation that doesn’t want to be tied down with financial responsibility instead of the financial freedom to move and pursue different opportunities.

It’s hard to fathom for some people. The media is constantly making ownership the most desirable goal, but the reality is, home ownership isn’t for everyone. Conventional wisdom says buy if you can, especially with the current low interest rates, because you build equity. And if you’re young, you need a place to live and to house your children. When you sell, you’ll be able to afford a nicer home or make a profit and downsize. It all sounds great in theory, however, that theory assumes that you will buy at the best time and sell at the best time, thus maximizing your profits. Nor does it factor in the costs of inflation, renovations, maintenance and upkeep, property taxes and so on. In some cases, being a lifetime renter is the preferred option. Here are some scenarios where those who could afford to buy still opt to rent, and why.

Young professionals more interested in travel than yard work. Couples without children who travel a lot often prefer to ditch the gardening obligations, bills and headaches associated with owning a home. Footloose and fancy free, they would rather put their money into an investment portfolio. Let the landlord deal with utilities and upkeep. They’re off on adventures!

Entrepreneurs running a business. They frequently work long hours and struggle to find time for family and friends, never mind house repairs or tenants. Any extra funds they have are being put into building the business, therefore owning a home is not a priority.

People in careers that are planning to transition in the next three to five years. If they own a home they may be stuck selling during a down market but have little choice in the matter since it their time to move on. Being a renter makes it easier to pick up and leave when they need to, and practically speaking, their time and energy are focused on their careers.

Families with small children or caring for elderly family members may simply not have the time that home-owning requires. They are choosing the priority of family, and that is certainly a full-time job in and of itself. Giving a rent check and then forgetting about it for 30 days is infinitely easier to manage than the responsibility of home-owning. One of the added benefits of being a lifetime renter in provinces with rent control – your cost of living doesn’t rise at the same rate as inflation. If you keep the same apartment, your rent can only go up by small increments, after 10, 15, 20 years, you’ll find your rent will be greatly under the market rent values in a high-demand area.

If you match any of these scenarios, you will likely enjoy being a lifetime renter.

Kathryn Kusyszyn is a health and lifestyle consultant in Victoria BC. and is a long-time freelance writer. yogakat.ca

KATHRYN KUSYSZYN

BRIGHT EXECUTIVE SUITES IN THE HEART OF HEADINGLEY

• Modern Elegant Suites with open concept and 9 foot ceilings

• 10 fl oor plans to choose from

• Suite sizes ranging from 1030 sq.ft to 1550 sq.ft

• Spacious Kitchen with Large Corner Pantry & build in microwave shelve

• Fridge, Range & Dishwasher Included

• Individual Temperature Controlled Suites with forced air heating and cooling

• Wide, Wheelchair Friendly Bathrooms & Hallways

Building Features

• Geared to Low Maintenance Lifestyle

• Grass and Snow Yard Care Provided

• Friendly Community

• Large Private Balcony for each Suite

• Indoor Heated Garage

• Ample Visitor Parking

• Common Rooms with Kitchen Facility available for tenants gatherings and private bookings

• Guest Suite for overnight guest available

• Large Utility Room with Laundry outlets

• Plenty of storage within the suite

• Big Living Room windows with lots of natural light

• Phase 2 suites have kitchen islands and all quartz counter tops throughout

• All 2 BDR Suites come with 2 Bathrooms

• All master bedrooms feature ensuite and walk in closets

• Prime laminate fl ooring through out

• Designer window coverings

• Gym

• Central Elevator for Convenience and Ease

• Security Entrances Controlled from each Suite

• Engineered Sound Resistant Walls

• Interconnected Fire Alarm System

• Rent includes Heat, Hydro, Water and wireless internet

• We are Pet Friendly

• Non smoking building

FABRIC LOVE

HOW TO MIX PATTERNS AND COLOURS LIKE A PRO

by LINDA MAZUR

Spring is here, and with it comes the traditional release of all new and wonderful fabrics bursting with vibrant colours, patterns and textures. As a designer, I look forward to the start of a new project. I enjoy pouring over fabric books gathering ideas and direction and have been known to design an entire space just from the inspiration of one fabric.

Fabric is tactile, and the feel of lush soft velvets, the beauty of some richly woven silks and the simplicity and texture of coarsely woven linen accompanied by rich, saturated colours is enough to inspire anyone to decorate. The question, however, is with all of these fabrics and patterns to select from how do you know what works together to achieve that “designer look” in your home.

Blending all different fabrics together is not as difficult as you may think, but there are a few key points to remember. To successfully mix fabric patterns like a pro a good place to start would be with something simple like blending a minimum of three fabric patterns. The first pattern selection should be your most impactful one therefore, choose carefully and select a pattern you love that is larger scale.

The second pattern should be completely different, probably about half the scale of the first one and have some of the same colours incorporated throughout.

For the third selection, it can be smaller scale and similar in pattern to either of the first two, with at least two to three of the colours found in the other patterns. So, for example, if you have selected a large-scale floral as your first pattern, the second could perhaps be a bold stripe or

a geometric fretwork pattern, and then blend in another small-scale alternate geometric.

Consider adding another pattern or two, or three, if you wish; maybe a small check, a dot pattern is always favourable, or perhaps repeat with another stripe or floral. If you’re more adventurous, consider throwing an animal print into the mix for a bit of fun.

Balancing textures and fabric weight is also important to achieve a well-blended mix of fabrics, as is maintaining the same depth or magnitude of colour. By that, I mean if you’re working with primary colours, then try not to incorporate fabrics that are pastels, as you will inevitably create an imbalance.

When combining and layering patterns, it is important to balance the patterns throughout your space, the last thing you’ll want to do is create a situation where the heavier weight of patterns and colours are all at one end of the room. They should be well proportioned with solids and any other visible patterns

in your room, such as area rugs, wall coverings, fireplace surrounds to provide equilibrium and an aesthetically pleasing look. In addition, it’s important when pairing up your choices to consider the “feel” of the fabrics you’re selecting – for example, whether they are formal or more casual – and then maintain consistency.

Pattern blending can be fun, and these fabrics can create a bold statement in your home. Mixing fabrics like a pro is all about balance, layering and blending. When it’s done well, contrasting but complementary patterns and textures can elevate your space beyond the typical to a fresh, innovative and welcoming home. Toiles, stripes, florals, ikats and check are just some of the many different patterns we see, blend them with rich velvets, textural boucle, linens or silks to give your home that designer touch.

Just remember to keep a common element, and work with your scales and colours to see your home come alive.

Linda Mazur is an award-winning, nationally publicized designer and Principal of Linda Mazur Design Group. With almost two decades of experience this in demand multi-disciplinary design firm is known for creating relaxed, stylish spaces and full-scale design builds within Toronto, the GTA and throughout Canada.

lindamazurdesign.com @LindaMazurGroup

CiaoItaly

Dreaming of a vacanza in bella Italia but can only afford a staycation this year? We hear you! Incorporate some of these Italian-inspired finds to keep you dreaming of la dolce vita all summer long.

Cool colourful collab

Designer Azeeza Khan is known in the fashion world for her innovative silhouettes and vibrant colour palette and here she brings her passion for design to a special outdoor capsule collection for CB2. We love the gem-coloured theme, perfect for injecting a little life into your outdoor space. cb2.ca

1. APEROL APERITIVO. $28. lcbo.com | 2. Patterned cotton TABLECLOTH. $20. hm.com | 3. Sicily outdoor melamine DINNERWARE collection. $12-$87. williams-sonoma.ca |

4. Printed outdoor PILLOW by Oui. $39. indigo.ca | 5. Printed beach TOWEL by Oui. $24. indigo.ca | 6. HOW TO BE ITALIAN: EAT, DRINK, DRESS, TRAVEL AND LOVE LA DOLCE VITA by Maria Pasquale. $27. indigo.ca

1. Three-piece peekaboo colourful NESTING TABLES. $300.

2. Acapulco multi-lounge CHAIR. $349.

3. Linearity outdoor PILLOW. $40.

4. Set of four silk scrunchie NAPKIN RINGS. $20.