Mama Home Decor

April 22, 2023

What lighting makes a home look expensive? 5 ideas from the designers in the know

What lighting makes a home look expensive? Kitchen with dark wood paneling, island and dining table. Purple bathroom with gold fixtures. White bedroom with two low hanging pendant lights

Never underestimate the importance of good lighting in interior design.

The right lighting ideas can transform a dull, dark room into one filled with warmth and inviting, cozy character – and lighting that makes a home look expensive will only elevate your design scheme to elegant new heights.

5 ways you can beautifully enhance the lighting in your home

‘Designing luxury lighting is like casting actors in a play. There will be many important supporting roles but only one or two stars. The key is getting the players working together so you only depend on one to sell the show,’ says interior designer, Julie Brown.

Beautiful lighting doesn’t always have to cost the earth, good interior lighting is so much more than simply purchasing a pretty pendant; from material to placement and color temperature, there are many factors to consider.

We have asked a collection of design experts for their top tips on how you can make your home feel that little bit more luxurious and refined through a successful and beautiful lighting scheme.

1. Use multiple light sources in each space

Kitchen-diner with dark wooden paneling, round marble table, kitchen island, two pendant lights

‘By using multiple sources of light, you can create a sense of richness and complexity that instantly elevates the overall look and feel of the home,’ advises Reinis Butka, Luminesy lighting expert.

From a mix of spotlights and low hanging pendants for kitchen lighting ideas, to cozy table lamps and floor lamps in a living room, a thoughtful blend of the beautiful and the practical will create an adaptable lighting scheme that is both inviting and incredibly functional.

NYC-based interior designer, James Stanley also comments, ‘it is essential to use a mix of light sources. The combination of ambient, task, and accent lighting is what sets the mood for a room. Ambient lighting provides overall illumination to a room, and it can come from natural light, overhead fixtures, or wall-mounted sconces. Task lighting on the other hand, is meant to provide focused light for specific activities such as reading or cooking. Accent lighting is then used to highlight certain features such as artwork or architectural details.’

2. A luxurious and unique use of materials

White bedroom with two low hanging concrete pendants, bed with artwork mounted above

From sleek, sculptural metal structures, to colorful, tactile lampshades, choose lighting that creates artistic, eye-catching focal points through a luxurious and unique use of materials.

‘The quality of lighting materials is crucial in making a home look expensive. Choosing high-quality fixtures with elegant design elements and finishes such as brass, gold, or chrome, help to elevate the look of a space by becoming a statement piece in the room. Recessed, trim-less LED fixtures are also a must for a tailored, chic look,’ says interior designer, James Stanley.

Charlie Bowles, director of Original BTC, supports this further and says, ‘natural materials with interesting patinas such as weathered bronze, copper and brass are the best choices as they’re low maintenance and can age beautifully.’

3. Plenty of warm light

Living room with botanical hanging tapestry, floor light, colorful upholstered floral lounge chair

‘The right color temperature can make a space feel cozy, welcoming, and elegant. Warm light bulbs provide soft, golden tones that create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere. It is essential to avoid harsh, cool light, which can make a room feel sterile and uninviting,’ says James Stanley.

Of course, there are some areas of the home, such as bathrooms and kitchens, that benefit from practical, bright white light, but as we have discussed, a mixture of multiple light sources is key, and warm lighting can help make a room feel instantly inviting, cozy and calm with the flick of a switch.

‘Incorporating dimmer switches allows for greater control over the intensity of the light, making it easy to adjust the mood and ambiance depending on the occasion,’ advises Reinis Butka.

For further advice and guidance, we explore lighting temperature basics in our dedicated feature.

4. Place decorative, inviting lighting in practical places

Dark purple bathroom with ornate golden mirror, golden wall light

From beautiful bathroom chandelier ideas, to a set of stylish wall lights in a hallway or entryway, uplifting transitional and more practical areas of the home with luxurious lighting will establish a wonderfully chic and inviting space.

Scarlett Hampton, co-founder of lights&lamps explains, ‘we have seen a great response to our bathroom lighting. People are becoming more adventurous in the design of their bathrooms and so designing lighting that complements those schemes and pushes the boundaries of what is ‘normally’ seen in these spaces is a trend that we will continue to fulfil.’

5. The perfect placement

Large white dining room with beige scalloped rug, wooden dining table, low hanging pendant

Whether it’s a low hanging pendant light placed above a dining table for dining room lighting ideas, or a floor lamp positioned perfectly beside a sofa or armchair, creating a cozy reading nook, the thoughtful positioning of lighting across your home will only help you to use and enjoy your space in the best way possible.

‘The right placement of light fixtures can make a room feel spacious, inviting, and elegant. The use of hidden lighting, such as under-cabinet lighting, can also provide a subtle touch of warmth and sophistication’ says interior designer, James Stanley.

Shop our top lighting picks

Larkspur Single Sconce

Defined by an elegant, coastal look, this pretty wall lamp is available in classic brass or sleek white, and features an elegant, hand-wrapped rattan shade.

Orta Cone Table Lamp

A real statement piece, this table lamp is defined by minimal, sleek clean lines and a blend of rich, industrial finishes, adding a beautiful, graphic accent to a space.

101 Copenhagen Salon Chandelier

Inspired by Art Deco, Salon is crafted from six illuminating lampshades, elegantly positioned in a lightweight metal frame. A simple, sculptural design, the beautiful design is available in two different sizes.

Kalani Pendant Light

A calming, curvaceous silhouette, beautifully crafted from wicker, this timeless pendant offers a subtle sense of movement and beautiful character to wherever it is placed.

Ingram Vanity Sconce

Featuring brushed brass and polished nickel, this vanity sconce brings glamour to any type of bathroom – master, guest, or powder room.

Alma Floor Light

A collaboration between Original BTC and Swedish interior designer Beata Heuman, the Alma Floor Light nods to mid-century Scandinavian design, featuring a hand-painted shade with 41 hand-made holes; looking like little glowing stars at night.

FAQs

Which lights make your room the most cozy?

A layered lighting scheme that creates multiple pools of warming, inviting light will make a room feel incredibly cozy and calming.

Table lamps and floor lamps are often best for providing a softer more gentle lighting atmosphere, and are ideal for use in a bedroom or living room.

When deciding on which color temperature is best for a cozy feel, opt for a warm white between 2600K-3200K.

Other light sources such as pretty string lights and candles can also help to create a wonderfully inviting ambience.

‘When it comes to making a home look expensive, lighting plays a crucial role in setting the tone and ambiance of a room. Lighting not only illuminates a space but also impacts the overall aesthetic and feel of a room,’ says James Stanley.

A successful and luxurious lighting scheme should work hard to efficiently light up your home through an adaptable range of different light sources, as well as enrich your design scheme with further texture, color, shape and style.

April 21, 2023

Are Kitchen Islands Over In 2023? Experts Weigh In

We’ve all heard the age-aged declaring “the kitchen area is the coronary heart of the dwelling,” but are islands—the standalone workstation that often doubles as a position to sit—causing the important organ to come to be a little bit congested these days? While kitchen islands offer considerably-appreciated excess place for meals preparing and a a lot less formal choice to a standard dining desk, they may possibly be a greater nuisance than we care to acknowledge. So we chatted with 3 structure professionals to get their feeling on the matter.

Very first, let’s place out the evident advantages of kitchen area islands: “Islands with bar stools let for added informal seating choices in the kitchen,” clarifies Mimi Meacham, principal designer and founder of Houston-primarily based Marian Louise Models. “Regardless of whether it is really breakfast for the children or girlfriends chatting though you might be cooking, kitchen islands develop a outlined space in an open up strategy house. They add plentiful counter space for prepping meals, packing lunches, and decorating cookies.”

Of program, the useful advantages of a kitchen island day back to the early 19th century when wealthy European family members (believe Downton Abbey‘s Crawleys) put in a worktable in front of the fireplace or stove for the servants to get ready meals. Back then, the households seldom visited the kitchen area, creating the island a practicality reserved only for the personnel. These days, of study course, they are a hallmark in a good deal of spacious kitchens the place a lot of families in fact expend most of their time. Is that a superior factor, although?

“I believe that they’re going to go on to be built-in into kitchens for a long time to occur, but their functionality could possibly change,” Carisha Swanson, Residence Wonderful‘s longtime sector director, suggests, “For instance, the island may possibly get started trending—and could have presently commenced trending—back to becoming totally practical with no seating.” They could simply turn out to be a location for excess storage in big kitchens or a hiding spot for under-counter appliances, which include fridge drawers and dishwashers.

Style and design: Sarah Blank Picture: Carmel Brantley

Regardless of how a family employs the kitchen area island—for storage, seating, or food prep—there are a handful of factors to observe ahead of generating these an investment. Sarah Blank, principal designer and owner of her eponymous Connecticut-centered kitchen and bathtub structure organization, states, “To have an island in your kitchen, you need to look at the following: A minimal of 42- to 45-inch walkways all all around.” Then, there is certainly the overhang. “Recall, when figuring your walkway proportions, just take into consideration the countertop overhang. If there are stools on an island, you must contemplate leaving extra space. (A bare minimum of 48 inches).” In other terms, your kitchen area requires to be on the even larger side and feature an open up structure to adequately aid a useful kitchen island. That claimed, “There has in no way been a downside to possessing an island, supplied it is sufficiently developed,” Blank provides.

Style and design: Sarah Blank Picture: Lesley Unruh

Even then, on the other hand, kitchen area islands may not be the most effective idea—especially if your loved ones employs mealtimes to connect. Swanson explains, “Sitting facet-by-facet with no a person throughout from you may possibly be greater reserved for a restaurant bar scene than home existence.” She has a position: There is certainly a cause dining tables are surrounded by chairs. It really is so anyone sitting can really see a single a different. Prior to investing in a kitchen area island, inquire you this: “Does my kitchen seriously need to have an island, or am I just filling up area?”

The verdict: Skip the island. Sure, they present a significant sum of place to chop, stir, and dice, but if your kitchen is on the more compact side, they could get up a lot more space than they’re supplying. In addition, if you happen to be employing the island as seating, climbing in and out of bar stools each working day may well shed its luster at some point. Swanson admits, “All in all, I think the main matter for any individual thinking of a remodel is to actually evaluate their demands.”

Stick to Property Attractive on Instagram.

Jessica Cherner is Property Beautiful’s affiliate purchasing editor and is familiar with in which to obtain the most effective significant-very low parts for any area.

April 21, 2023

Home decor, interior design ideas for a statement-making entrance foyer

First impressions are essential and the entryway of a dwelling sets the tone for the rest of the residence where by a statement-building entryway is 1 that right away captures the interest of site visitors and there are a several design elements that can be integrated into an entryway to develop a area that is both equally welcoming and unforgettable. A very first impression could possibly not be the very last but it certain issues that is why your foyer ought to make a design statement although incorporating performance.

The entryway or the foyer also sets the topic for the relaxation of your dwelling as an entrance foyer is the initially impression of your dwelling or workplace. Therefore, it is really essential to make a statement with its structure.

In an job interview with HT Way of life, Rahul Mistri, Founder and Principal Designer at Open up Atelier Mumbai, advised:

Preview of Style Type – The entryway is superb for introducing visitors to the home’s style and design fashion. For example, a modern console table paired with up to date artwork and a sleek flooring lamp can express a minimalist layout fashion. On the other hand, a classic dresser with an antique mirror, paired with a Persian rug and potted vegetation, can established a bohemian tone for the home.
Enrich Compact Foyers – Smaller sized entryways can be tough to beautify, but they offer an opportunity to develop a cosy and intimate space. Including a snug chair or bench and a few attractive accents, this sort of as vases, candles, or a one of a kind lamp, can produce a welcoming environment. Wall textures, these as uncovered brick, wallpaper or even a painted mural, can increase visual curiosity to a smaller foyer. For example, a bohemian-design and style entry can be made by including a macrame wall hanging, a rattan chair and a colourful rug. Alternatively, a classic mirror, a muted palette and a monochrome photograph can be applied to adorn the entryway.
Integrating Textures, Mirrors and Components – Producing the illusion of place is a fantastic way to make a statement in an entryway. Seamless textures these as marble or terrazzo flooring can make a small entryway appear more notable. Mirrors are great for making the illusion of place and can replicate gentle into a dim entryway. Adding a console desk with an oversized vase or lamp can create a focal level. The entryway is a room that really should be seen and seize notice when coming up with a residence. A statement-building entryway can set the tone for the whole house and make a long lasting perception on guests.

Bringing his skills to the very same, Sajal Lamba, Co-Founder and Director of Wriver, recommended a handful of techniques to build a place that shows your personality although generating a grand entrance for the relaxation of your dwelling:

Insert a console – A console can be the focal stage of your lobby. If you want to set up a grand entryway, a marble or metallic console can layer this house with elegance. Equally, a modern wood one performs nicely for modern properties with compact layouts. Consoles also deliver storage chances and can support make use of vertical area. As your attendees changeover from the entryway to the coronary heart of your household, tastefully exhibited artefacts, planters etcetera., can display off your individuality and design and style aesthetic.
Shoe stand or coat rack – A different timeless entryway aspect is a show stand or coat rack that will never ever go out of fashion. It could possibly be a vintage picket shoe cabinet with louvres or a little something much more extraordinary. Also, a coat stand can quickly match into a small house in the corner. It’s specially beneficial for the duration of the winter and wet seasons and can also be utilised to keep umbrellas.
Light it up – Although you may want as substantially normal mild as attainable in the entryway, layering a small area with recessed lights or even lamps can make it sense open and inviting. On the other hand, tasteful lights elements can illuminate the entryway for the duration of the evening and night. For illustration, you can decide for a ground lamp or perch it on a lengthy, slim credenza or console. Also, you could try a facet desk and a little lamp.

She said, “Apart from the earlier mentioned, you can also make a layered vignette in the foyer by arranging photographs or wall artwork, flower vases, or tchotchkes. Other than this, wallpaper is also an successful way to make a model statement with out using up any additional footage. If there’s inadequate place, cabinets arranged asymmetrically also make a terrific initial impression. All you will need is a handful of modest touches and well-placed furnishings to decorate the foyer and established a lasting tone.”

Speaking about how designers can imbibe the features of warmth, elegance and luxury via just 1 content in this house, Akhilesh Chitlangia, Executive Director and COO at Duroply Industries Restricted, emphasised about wooden veneers and said, “Wood veneers are skinny layers of natural wood that can be used to adorn partitions, ceilings, flooring, and home furnishings to enrich the interior top quality of any area. They arrive in a selection of finishes and are utilized to develop unique and sophisticated styles.”

He recommended some style suggestions for applying wooden veneers to make a statement-earning entrance lobby:

Create a Attribute Wall – A attribute wall can instantaneously insert drama and character to your entrance lobby. One particular can select a solitary species of wood veneer or blend and match distinct species to make a exceptional structure. A well-known alternative is to use a herringbone sample, which adds a timeless and classy appear to the space.
Insert Wooden Veneers to the Ceiling – Ceilings are usually forgotten when it will come to style and design, but including wooden veneers to a foyer’s ceiling can make a large impact. They can incorporate a sense of luxury and texture to the house whilst also making a perception of peak.
Put in Wooden Veneer Flooring – Veneer flooring occur in a variety of finishes, from basic oak to unique species like teak and mahogany. The natural grain of the wood adds a character to the space that makes a lasting very first perception appropriate at the entrance, when someone walks in.
Use Wood Veneers to Build Personalized Household furniture – Working with wood veneers to create custom home furniture parts can add a exclusive touch to the entrance lobby. From a sleek and contemporary console desk to a rustic bench, wooden veneers can be employed to develop a wide variety of furniture variations. Utilizing a significant-quality wooden veneer ensures that your home furniture pieces will be the two beautiful and durable.

He concluded, “By making use of wood veneers in the entrance lobby, designers can generate a room that is each inviting and visually hanging. No matter if it really is a daring sample or a normal wooden end, the versatility of wood veneers permits for limitless structure alternatives. It really is not just about aesthetics either, as the toughness and sustainability of wooden veneers make them a intelligent selection for any household. With timeless class and unmatched luxury, they can make any place stand a course apart.”

April 21, 2023

9 home decorating ideas that will lift your mood

Our households are our sanctuaries, the spot we return to at the stop of every single day to loosen up and allow the tensions of the working day drift absent. At minimum they ought to be in any case.

If you obtain that your home results in you more moments of distress than remaining a put the place you can destress, then you may possibly want to look to your décor and see if you can uncover strategies to incorporate some uplifting updates to make a more serene atmosphere.

Lack of pure gentle, inadequately put or not comfortable home furnishings, a deficiency of organic features, a poorly organised space and drab décor can all have a destructive influence on our wellbeing, so it’s worth evaluating this to see if your temper can be lifted with a easy transform in décor.

natural lighting — Incorporate a window seat, which can double up as a looking at nook, and take pleasure in the additional vitamin D to lift your spirits. Image credit score: onzon/Bigstock.com

From introducing more gentle to introducing some joy-inducing colour to reorganising your areas so they perform better for you, we just take a seem at 9 property decorating ideas that are absolutely sure to raise your temper.

Permit the sunshine in

Ditch the heavy, blackout curtains and decide for light, airy choices to make it possible for more pure gentle to filter via and brighten your working day. If you have the possibility to consider on even bigger renovations, then open some window areas and swap them out for a bay window. Insert a window seat, which can double up as a reading through nook, and take pleasure in the more vitamin D to lift your spirits.

Vivid colors

Bright, bold colors carry a ton of joy to many folks, and so it will make ideal perception to increase some enjoyment into your interiors with flashes of lively colors. Whether or not you choose to gown partitions with pops of colour or add add-ons in the course of that liven up your household décor, you’ll be sure to get started sensation extra joyful.

room lighting — Contrary to well-known belief, assertion lights tips come in all styles, sizes and kinds. Image credit score: LiliiaL/Bigstock.com

Assertion lights

You may well feel that your home’s interiors are starting to appear a tiny weary and in will need of some classy updates to preserve you nicely and truly on craze. A good position to commence is inside of your lights fixtures, as this can make a big distinction to how magnificent and chic your house looks. For some super-elegant solutions, head to Lionshome to get some inspiration for your new-glimpse abode.

Gentle and luxurious textiles

Cosying up in bed all set to snooze, on the couch to look at a motion picture, or on an armchair with a extensive-awaited e-book are some of life’s very simple pleasures. These times are designed only superior by becoming cossetted with a tremendous delicate blanket and resting up towards cosy cushions to induce a dreamy condition, so improve your textiles for luxurious lounging.

bright colours — A pop of colour will inspire you each individual time you wander into the area. Impression credit history: FollowTheFlow/Bigstock.com

Your favourite colour

What’s your favorite color? Why not use this as inspiration when updating your interior decoration for an quick uplift? If you never want to make huge improve like buying a new couch in this color, you could find out some new mattress covers, a new rug or cushion handles for some straightforward swaps.

A favorite focal position

One particular way in which you can carry your temper whilst remaining at household is to introduce a piece of artwork that you enjoy and make it a focal position. Do you want an uplifting print to be the to start with matter you see when you walk in the doorway or an original piece to consider pride of place previously mentioned your fire? Perhaps it could be the to start with point you see when you wake up in the early morning. Use it as a centrepiece and adorn the rest of the place close to this eye-catching artwork.

plants in home — Consider bringing in some air-purifying vegetation. Picture credit rating: Sorapop/Bigstock.com

Mother nature

There are a lot of scientific studies that present how remaining closer to character can make improvements to your wellbeing and so it tends to make perfect sense to introduce more purely natural factors into your décor when trying to lift your temper at dwelling. Attempt bringing in some air-purifying crops to your residing spaces or include nature influenced wallpaper, cushions, curtains and the like.

Get the suitable layout

Are you worn out of bumping into the edge of the bed? Unwell of steering all over an awkwardly positioned couch or espresso table? Does a substantial bookcase or cabinet really feel like it is looming about you or receiving in the way of the window? It may well be time to shift your home furnishings about so it helps make for an a lot easier move and much better setting or swap out things that are as well major or uncomfortable for the place.

cosy living room — A calming colour palate is certain to make everyone really feel instantaneously relaxed soon after a annoying. Picture credit rating: FollowTheFlow/Bigstock.com

A serene space

Delighted, bright colors may possibly make some people today happy, but when it comes to interiors, quite a few however like a serene environment to unwind in. A calming colour palate is positive to make any person come to feel quickly calm after a stress filled day, just be confident to involve loads of storage to cover away any unattractive clutter.

April 20, 2023

Canada luxury real estate market sales fall but don’t blame buyers

People are eager to buy homes, if only there were enough listings

Published Apr 19, 2023 • 5 minute read

Sales of luxury real estate properties were slower in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same time last year. Photo by Tyler Anderson/National Post

Good morning,

Luxury home sales retreated across much of Canada this past winter, but a lack of buyers isn’t to blame for the pullback and the market is expected to pick up this spring, according to Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.

Sales of luxury real estate properties were slower in the first quarter of 2023 compared to the same time last year, with Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal and Calgary all registering declines, says Sotheby’s latest report on the state of high-tier housing.

Toronto and Vancouver, the most expensive housing markets in Canada, bore the brunt of the slump in sales. In Toronto, sales of luxury homes priced $4 million and higher fell 64 per cent from the first quarter of 2022. Transactions of houses above $1 million also slowed, declining 57 per cent over last year. Vancouver sales of residences over $4 million were down 53 per cent year over year, and sales of dwellings above $1 million fell by 51 per cent.

Montreal’s market also climbed down from 2022 levels, with sales of luxury properties above $1 million declining 43 per cent in the first quarter compared to last year. Residences priced at $4 million and higher experienced a slowdown in sales, too, falling 33 per cent year over year.

Meanwhile, Calgary remains a bright spot in the market amid a growing economy that’s attracting new residents from other parts of Canada. But it too experienced slower sales when compared to the same time last year. Sales of $1-million homes fell 36 per cent compared to the first quarter of 2022. However, Sotheby’s says sales are up 223 per cent compared to the same time in 2020, which shows the underlying strength of the market.

The overall drop in home sales isn’t a sign that buyers have given up on homeownership, however. Sotheby’s blames a lack of listings for the downturn in transactions, and says people are ready and eager to get back into the market to find their dream homes.

“A significant cohort of prospective homebuyers and sellers who were reluctant to make a move in 2022 … are now pre-qualified, highly motivated and anxious to find a home that meets their needs and lifestyle,” Don Kottick, chief executive of Sotheby’s International Realty Canada, says in a press release.

Investors also continue to have faith in real estate, with recent research from Sotheby’s and Mustel Group showing that 60 per cent of city-dwelling Canadians believe property will outperform or line up with their other investments over the next 10 years.

That high confidence, combined with pent-up demand, bodes well for the spring housing market, the report says, providing there is enough inventory to meet buyer intentions. Sotheby’s says many sat on the sidelines this winter, in the hope of more inventory coming online in the second quarter. But listings are expected to stay muted, which will likely constrain sales.

“The greatest challenge that (buyers and sellers) are facing is a sheer lack of housing supply across every price point and housing type,” Kottick said. “This shortage is placing a chokehold on real estate markets that would otherwise be primed for healthy activity.”

Still, don’t expect a lack of listings amid a cohort of motivated buyers to translate into big price gains this spring. Higher interest rates that have pushed up the costs of homeownership are keeping people from bidding up prices further, Sotheby’s says. Indeed, inflation data from Statistics Canada released on April 18 shows mortgage interest costs increased 26.4 per cent last month from March 2022. That should continue to keep a lid on home prices this spring, even as the market picks up.

“Properties priced appropriately for the market will see qualified interest and uptake in the coming months,” Kottick said.

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Inflation appears to finally be slowing, which means interest rate increases are likely off the table, at least for now, writes Kevin Carmichael.

The consumer price index increased 4.3 per cent from March 2022, Statistics Canada said on April 18. That was the smallest year-over-year increase since August 2021.

Excluding food and energy, the year-over-year increase was 4.5 per cent, down from 4.8 per cent in February. Excluding mortgage interest costs, the index increased 3.6 per cent, compared with 4.7 per cent the previous month.

Still, though headline inflation is lower to four per cent than its eight per cent peak, it might not feel like much a of a relief for many households. Find out more about what you need to know about the latest consumer price reading.

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150,000 PSAC members comprised of Canada Revenue Agency and Treasury Board workers walk off the job today in what will be the largest federal public service work stoppage since 1991. Here’s what you need to know about how demands for wage increases could affect inflation
Suzanne Clark, chief executive of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, attends a breakfast event in Ottawa, organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Canada in partnership with the Business Council of Canada and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce
Canada 2020 hosts the Net-Zero Leadership Summit in Ottawa. Speakers include Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault and Northwest Territories Premier Caroline Cochrane
Imperial Oil Ltd. holds its 2023 investor day and provides an update on its operations and business strategy
The United States Federal Reserve Board releases the latest Beige Book report
Today’s data: Canadian housing starts, industrial product and raw materials price indices
Earnings: Tesla Inc., Morgan Stanley, IBM Corp., Kinder Morgan Inc., Nasdaq Inc., Equifax Inc., Metro Inc., Alcoa Corp.

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Rich people have problems, too, but the advice financial planner Ed Rempel provides for one couple trying to ensure a comfortable retirement applies just as much to the rest of us as it does to them. Do we have enough money to maintain our lifestyle? How can we pass some money to our kids in a sensible way? Where should I park the capital that’s currently sitting in guaranteed investment certificates? Retirement advice this way.

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Today’s Posthaste was written by Victoria Wells (@vwells80), with additional reporting from Financial Post staff, The Canadian Press, Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg.

Have a story idea, pitch, embargoed report, or a suggestion for this newsletter? Email us at posthaste@postmedia.com.

Postmedia is committed to maintaining a lively but civil forum for discussion and encourage all readers to share their views on our articles. Comments may take up to an hour for moderation before appearing on the site. We ask you to keep your comments relevant and respectful. We have enabled email notifications—you will now receive an email if you receive a reply to your comment, there is an update to a comment thread you follow or if a user you follow comments. Visit our Community Guidelines for more information and details on how to adjust your email settings.

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April 20, 2023

33 Beautiful Outdoor Kitchen Ideas

Are you at this time in search of out of doors kitchen area concepts? There is absolutely nothing quite like embracing out of doors residing, no matter if it is firing up the grilling station or web hosting a celebration less than a pergola in your backyard. It’s possible you crave a smooth pizza oven or marble counter tops, or just want to host a relaxed yard barbecue surrounded by family members and pals. No make any difference your style, an outside kitchen and cooking region is an prospect to see outside space in a new gentle. “An out of doors kitchen is not only a natural extension of indoor dwelling, but it also permits for web hosting a much larger gathering,” claims Rhode Island–based interior designer Lindy Lowney. Having said that, setting one up can also be an frustrating undertaking, loaded with questions you want to reply about everything from products to cost points.

A modern outdoor kitchen area can serve as a area to host and connect with relatives and buddies though also savoring the beauty of the outdoors. It’s a treasured option that numerous households are in search of out. “Many owners are opting to produce outdoor residing environments conducive to a lot easier entertaining and simple cleanup,” claims Lowney.

With that ethos in brain, we spoke with additional than 30 designers who have created unique outside dining parts for inspiration. Probably you are just searching for layout thoughts for an outside kitchen area, or you want a thing new to enhance your yard landscaping. Perhaps you are thinking of choosing a design and style qualified to established it up for you or you want to do it oneself. Beneath are loads of outdoor kitchen area models to spark your imagination…and your hunger. But to start with, make sure you know what you need to know about out of doors kitchen area spaces.

What are the most effective resources to use for an outside kitchen?

“Stainless steel is quite resilient and straightforward to thoroughly clean,” states Lowney. “It withstands humidity and warmth and retains up well to the outdoor features.” When it will come to the counter tops, Lowney implies granite simply because of its power and toughness with small servicing. “With a powerful business sealer, it will resist staining and dampness. Porcelain is also getting well known thanks its ease of routine maintenance and appealing price tag level,” she adds.

How a lot does it value to establish an outdoor kitchen?

Unquestionably, constructing a comprehensive-dimensions out of doors kitchen with a prep area, stainless-metal appliances, and a kegerator is a expensive possibility. Lowney states that it is “really tricky to place a selection on” out of doors kitchens, due to the fact “cost can differ significantly depending on the style and design, measurement, labor necessary, and elements you use.” On the other hand, several individuals pick out to Do it yourself their personal out of doors kitchen, functioning to approach and develop the room with a stringent spending plan. Keep in mind, even a humble mini fridge subsequent to a sensibly intended counter space can be the basis of your outside kitchen design. When you are dining al fresco, possessing your possess outdoor kitchen can be fulfilling with just a pair of relaxed bar stools at a high-top desk.

What do I do about my outside patio kitchen all through the winter season?

There are so quite a few variables that go into designing an outdoor leisure house, with 1 of the most essential kinds becoming the surroundings you stay in. Folks who are living in dry parts with minor precipitation really do not have to fear as a great deal about the danger of snow or hurricanes. By developing a included patio kitchen area, you aren’t as constrained to when you can use the area. Lowney, who based in New England, recommends building a included kitchen space to guarantee it lasts longer. “It extends the longevity of the expenditure,” she notes.

Beneath, browse a range of backyard kitchen area tips to get you started on your outdoor kitchen journey.

1. Backsplash natural beauty

Nancy Epstein’s placing tile backsplash.

Image: Courtesy of Creative Tile

Posts

What lighting makes a home look expensive? 5 ideas from the designers in the know

5 ways you can beautifully enhance the lighting in your home

1. Use multiple light sources in each space