MAKEOVER madness
It used to be that when I walked through my neighbourhood at this time of year, I would see houses for sale on every block, the lawns dotted with Realtor signs to beckon potential buyers. Now, however, instead of For Sale signs staked in the ground, I’m seeing more and more placards promoting architects, contractors and designers. Somehow I’m not surprised. As the real estate market across Canada gets hotter, many homeowners are making the decision to renovate instead of sell. And I’m not just talking highend refurbishments – behind the doors of many of these homes, budget makeovers and updates are also happening.
From painting the living room a new colour to replacing the kitchen backsplash and cabinet hardware, we all know that simple inexpensive changes can make a positive impact on your decor. For those with larger budgets, I cannot stress enough that you will be happier if you hire a pro to help. At Style at Home, we’re proud to say that we collaborate with, support and showcase the work of some of the top designers, architects and builders in the country.
I’m lucky that I’ve been able to benefit from the advice of all the people I work with. When I’m on a shoot, I tend to distract everyone there by peppering homeowners and designers with question after question about the fabulous house we’re photographing. I’m like a kid in a candy shop – nothing is more exciting to me than getting outside-the-box insight and ideas when it comes to decor (and budgets!) and then incorporating them into my space. I’m sure you all know the feeling.
That’s partly why I love what the homeowners in this issue have accomplished – believe me, I’ve taken note of many of their makeover tips. I may, for example, sign up for a big-box-store seminar on how to install tiles so I can DIY my backsplash like homeowner Jordana Garbati (“White Design 101,” page 48). Or I could add wood slats to my living room wall as an easy update like Jenna and Steve Holland did in their Fredericton mid-century abode (“Eye of the Storm,” page 84). I might even go so far as to install a landscape mural that covers an entire wall, à la designer Jordy Fagan (“Happy Campers,” page 40). The point is, inspiration is everywhere, and we should embrace it.
In that spirit, this issue is dedicated to those of us, whether renters or homeowners, who are looking to make changes – large or small – that will make their digs bigger, brighter and better.