Spring Rejuvenation

                                                 10 Quick and Easy ways to rejuvenate your home for Spring

 

1. The pared-down simplicity of blossoming backyard clippings captures the casual vitality of spring.

2. Keep your collections clutter-free. Pare down the presentation to a few fave pieces, put the rest in storage and rotate seasonally. 

3. White-finish frames take traditional furniture forms into spring-trend territory. 

4. Nothing says "spring fresh" like natural materials. Grasscloth wallcoverings, rattan storage boxes, natural-fibre mats like sisal and coir blur the distinction between indoors and out. 

5. Crisp white cotton slipcovers give soft furnishings an instant low-maintenance makeover. Underfoot, swap out heavy oriental and wool rugs for a breezy variation on the traditional rag rug. 

6. The hurricane vase, that old standby, is swept away this spring by the hurricane lantern. As a showcase for natural treasures like shells and pebbles, as a terrarium or simply as an intimate light source that's perfectly portable from the table to after-dinner drinks on the patio, it's a bright decor detail that's sure to delight. 

7. Don't leave exterior painting for the hot, humid, hazy days of summer. Para Paints advises tackling an outdoor paint update after a minimum 24-hour period of temperatures between 15 and 25 C.

8. Bananas: rich in potassium and...plant polish? Gently run the inside of a banana peel along the tops and undersides of leaves for an all-natural clean and polish. Clean, healthy plants breathe better and are more adept at absorbing household carbon dioxide and VOCs (volatile organic compounds).

9. Got vinegar? Then you've also got a DIY all-purpose cleaner. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a window and surface cleaner with both disinfectant and deodorizing properties (just don't use it on marble or grout, which could be damaged by the acid).

10. Let that fresh air in! Ensure smooth-sliding windows and patio doors by running a bar of soap along the tracks.

Incorporate Bold Colors into Your Space

Adding brilliant, beautiful, bold colour to your home can be easy and inexpensive. 
Decorating with bold colours will add instant cheer to your home. A room wrapped in your favourite bold colour can be a strong, dynamic statement that certainly won't be boring. But if this seems too imposing, inject bold colour accessories like vases, pillows or artwork. For a harmonious look, repeat this bold colour three times in a space.

Nectar Hand-Woven Wool Rug
Angela Adams is known for her bold, unique designs and this particular pattern, a modern take on the checkerboard, features a vibrant dandelion yellow that is probably more versatile than you think. Pair with neutrals and let the yellow just shine. 

'Bold' Hemstitch Table Linens
Inject a sense of the unexpected to your dining table. Put away your classic white linens and liven things up with these napkins, available in a rainbow bright assortment of shades. Monogramming is available on these linens, to give them a personal touch.

Keep Calm and Carry On Poster in Lipstick Red
The WWII message now so pervasive is simply stunning in a pulsating red. 

Wall Clock
Something completely ordinary becomes extraordinary with just a dash of imagination. Bright colours and a vortex-inspired design make this piece a truly original piece to hang on your wall.

Brightly Coloured Pillows
Can’t decide on a colour? Don’t! Use a variety of these candy-coloured cushions to bring a bold, beautiful look to your home.

Hibiscus Organic Shower Curtain
Amp up your bathroom style with a shower curtain that’s got a bold print in an eye-catching colour. This miniature hibiscus pattern is printed on 100% organic cotton percale. 

Kobo Artist Series Urban Calligraphy Pink Bookstyle Cover
Most portable technology tends to be a bit staid in appearance. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dress them up and give them a bit of personality! This brightly coloured Kobo cover will delight every time you pick up your e-reader.

Kantha Quilted Throw
Handmade by women in India, these one-of-a-kind quilts are truly original pieces, stitched together with various recycled, vintage fabrics. The colours, designs and patterns will vary from piece to piece but each one comes with a globally inspired appeal.

Botanical Embroidered Organic Quilt & Sham
Red just begs for romance in the bedroom! This shade is bold but not garish and looks lovely paired with rustic neutrals.

Multicolor Ceramic 7-Piece Mixing Bowl Set
Spending time in the kitchen will seem less like a chore with these boldly coloured earthenware mixing bowls. Not just for mixing, use them for serving as well to get maximum use out of them. 

Organizing 101: Resolve to DeClutter

The start of a new year is the perfect time to declutter. The effects are so immediately apparent, they'll give you a sense of accomplishment -- the perfect mindset for tackling more challenging goals. 

How do I get started?
Begin with whatever irritates you most. Is it piles of paper on the kitchen counter or, perhaps, a bulging bedroom closet? Organizing the most annoying clutter zone will be motivating.

Start small
If the kitchen bugs you, tackle one section at a time, starting with what's most visible. The improvement will encourage you to continue till the room is clutter-free. 

Stay motivated
Incorporating decluttering into your lifestyle is actually about forming a new habit, and you know how challenging that can be! The first three weeks will be difficult, but after the first month or so, you'll be over the hump. Keep decluttering in perspective: it shouldn't take over your life. It's a small, short activity that you do so your home works well and looks good, and so you have time to do what you like. 

Do one job at a time
It's easy to get pulled into another clutter zone and desert the job you started. Don't. Then you'll have two partially decluttered areas, and it will look like you've accomplished nil. Stick to one part of one room till it's complete.

Set a time limit
Don't say, Today I'll organize the garage. Instead, say, I'll spend an hour on the gardening tools; next week I'll work on sports equipment. If you haven't finished in an hour, keep going, or return to the job another day.       

Establish a routine
Set a regular schedule based on your lifestyle and personality: for instance, 10 minutes a day, two hours each weekend, or a full day once a month. A little time spent decluttering daily is definitely the best way to maintain order once it's been achieved.

Sort
Purchase six bins that are easy to carry and to see into. Label them: Keep in This Room, Store Elsewhere, Give Away, Garbage/Recycling, Repair, Not Sure. Sort items from an area into these bins; organize what you plan on keeping and then get rid of the rest as quickly as possible. 

Organize
Once you've whittled down your possessions, move each to a proper home to avoid creating more clutter. Store an object closest to where you use it, but also consider how often it's used, giving premier real estate to the most frequently used objects in an area. For instance, saffron probably wouldn't be placed in front of salt on the spice shelf.

Find an emotional rescue
When clearing clutter becomes emotionally daunting, take a break. If you keep setting a time to return but never do, ask yourself, Do I want to face this now? If you don't want to, then don't. You'll do it when you're ready. However, if you want to face the clutter (and the emotional stuff), don't go it alone -- ask a friend to help, or hire a professional organizer. In the meantime, move on to a less emotionally charged job, like the junk drawer. And congratulate yourself for facing something that intimidated you. That's reason enough to celebrate a new year.

Problem: Your TV Rules the Bedroom

Solution: As severe as it may sound, a TV doesn’t belong in a well-ordered bedroom. It brings with it remote controls, DVDs, cords, and other mess-producing items that counter the main purposes of the room. Bedrooms should be a cozy space for unwinding, 

Problem: The Closet Door Won't Shut

Solution: It's time for a closet cleanse. Expert organizer Julie Morgenstern recommends first starting on paper. Ask yourself, "What are my favorite clothes?" When considering what to toss, refer to your list. If you're still afraid to get rid of items, ask yourself these questions: "Do I love it? Is it flattering? Is it the image I want to project?" If it's a "yes" to all three, then it's a keeper. Donate the castoffs to a favorite charity. 

Problem: The Bathroom Is Cluttered with Products

Solution: First, toss any makeup or bath products that have expired. Next, equip your bathroom with organizational aids. A modest set of glass containers, a strategically placed stool, or even a woven basket can have a substantial effect on the room and how it's used. 

Break your Color Habits with these 2012 Color Trends

See where you fit in when it comes to the diverse palettes that our favourite paint companies have chosen for the coming year.
From an ode to Mother Nature with earth tones and blues, to bright, candy colours that are meant to express optimism in our ever-changing world, 2012 paint trends provide a delightful rainbow of choice to those of us who want to refresh a room. Somber sophistication squares off with rich, vibrant pastels. And what’s clear is that there is no right answer when it comes to the palette you choose for your home. You can select your paint palette based on your current mood or your enduring design aesthetic. Either way, 2012 might just be the year to shake things up. Check out the following paint companies’ picks to see what they’ve identified as key looks for the coming year.

CIL paints
According to CIL Paints, a “blushy, lively, juicy red” colour is where it’s at for 2012. And the shade of the year? Tea Dance. According to Alison Goldman from CIL, this hue is like a chameleon because “it’s reassuring or edgy, soft or bright, depending on what it’s paired with. When mixing and matching with other colours, Alison says it pairs well with warm neutrals for a softer look, or with lemonade yellow for a more modern vibe. 
Where to use this paint colour palette
“Tea Dance can be used in any room, but is ideally suited to a more energetic environment,” says Alison. We agree and think that this yummy shade has “craft room” written all over it, especially with lots of white accents. “Reds are traditionally thought to increase energy and appetite, so a kitchen, dining room or basement games room would all be beautifully enhanced with Tea Dance,” she adds. 

Benjamin Moore
Benjamin Moore is singing the blues for 2012, but in a calming, positive way. Fourblues are in the forecast: Wythe Blue HC-143, Nimbus Gray 2131-50, Amethyst Shadow CC-930 and Montpelier AF-555. “We have been witnessing a cooling of the palette for several years now, jump-started with gray’s rise to the top of the charts in the neutral category,” says Sharon Grech, colour and design spokesperson for Benjamin Moore Canada. “With gray as the main neutral in home decor, cooler hues like blue and purple coordinate well and bring novel colour combinations into the home fashion mix.”  
We love the warm, inviting, cosy feeling Wythe Blue gives to the room pictured here. As Sharon explains, this hue has a retro feel, but with a sense of modernity, especially when combined with deep charcoal and cream. “It’s an excellent partner to various wood tones, and complements the grays and whites that have become current decorating basics,” she says.
Where to use this paint colour palette 
“Wythe blue is much more versatile than you might think,” says Sharon, who believes the colour could work in a variety of rooms from the bedroom to a bathroom to a dining room. “It is ideal as a wall or ceiling colour in any space where you want to create a serene, comfortable ambiance.” 

Olympic paints and stains 
Vibrant earth tones dominate the 2012 palette for Olympic Paints and Stains. Colour manager Misty Walker says that the tangy oranges, tropical blue and accent white, anchored by the “fun, nutty brown” shade were born from a consumer desire for brighter colours and a sense of optimism. 
If bright colours intimidate you, you don’t necessarily have to use them on the walls, says Misty. “If you love one of the brighter colours and you’re not sure you can commit to an accent wall, a duvet cover is a great way to add that colour to the room.” Walker also recommends using the 60-30-10 rule where you can introduce up to five colours, applying them to various visual elements, but not just the walls. For example, 60 per cent would be your wall colour, 30 per cent the ceiling or accent wall and 10 per cent for the trim, accessories, etc.
“I think this palette would be so much fun in a living room, family room or even in an office,” says Misty. “You can have a little bit more fun with it.” Walls: Indiana Clay A24-5; ceiling and trim: Colonial White C10-3; Olympic Paints are available in Canada exclusively at Lowe’s stores in Alberta and Ontario.

SICO
Sico’s international team of designers, architects and event sociologists chose three colour themes for 2012 that are a reflection of global trends in fashion, politics, technology and the economy. “These themes reflect the diversity of tastes and attitudes we see,” says Mylène Gévry of Sico. Living Scrapbook features a warm, coral red; Delicate Mix, a selection of calming neutrals and One Small Seed is a fresh, modern representation of photosynthesis. This last, curious palette pairs a pale green and deep aubergine with a soft white

Where to use this paint colour palette 
“Colour zoning is an ideal way to bring out the best of these colours,” says Mylène. “The delicate green can be used as the main base colour, while the rich aubergine can be applied as an accent colour, to highlight an architectural feature or to create a visual impact.

Farrow & Ball
A bold approach shaped Farrow & Ball’s palettes for 2012. Clearly influenced by fashion’s colour blocking trend, four unique colour combinations—Pigeon, Brassica, Railings and Babouche—have been chosen to bring a fresh, modern air to any room in your home. “In the present economic climate, blocks of strong colour and contrasts can give you a boost and make you smile,” says Sarah Cole, director of Farrow & Ball. “The key to this look is unexpected colour combinations, for example try using the soft aubergine shade Brassica on walls combined with vivid Stone Blue on the ceiling and down to the picture rail.  
Where to use this paint colour palette 
Besides using the colour on your walls, Sarah recommends some more unexpected places to let your paint brush loose: 
•    Contrast large blocks of colour on floors and contrast with unexpected tones on the wall
•    A piece of furniture painted in a strong tone 
•    A kitchen island

Behr paints

Behr’s playful, delicious shades for their 2012 Tea Party trend palette look like they were brought to life by the Mad Hatter in Alice in Wonderland. According to Nancy Bollefer of Behr Paints, the British royal wedding, with its hats and dresses, food and traditional ceremonies, was a big influence. “People are looking for anything that will lift their spirits these days. The goal is to reinvent traditional decor to emulate a light-hearted, slightly whimsical tone to a space,” she says.

Where to use this paint colour palette 

Behr didn’t just have walls in mind when coming up with their colour scheme. “It is a very eclectic and creative look combing traditional, country, vintage and shabby chic details,” explains Nancy. “The idea here is to use paint to reinvent a piece of furniture that may have been a hand-me-down, or found at a flea market.” Colour could also be used on the ceiling to add visual interest, she says.

Beauti-Tone Paint

From Grey Jersey to Blue Suede Shoes to Japanese Blossom, Beauti-Tone has selected several subtle jewel tones for 2012. We like Japanese Blossom from the Simon Chang Trend Collection, a warm, soothing pink that would work well in a powder room or a den. “Japanese Blossom is one of the rare pinks that doesn't bloom on the wall,” says Bev Bell, creative director of Beauti-Tone Paint. It is a delicate hue that can stand alone, but plays very well with others, which creates fresh new colourcombinations, she says. 

Fantastic in a bath, the cosmetic pink would always make you look vital and healthy in the mirror as the hue reflects on your skin. 

Where to use this paint colour palette 

“The obvious room to suggest is a bedroom, but I find it is a gender neutral pink,” says Bev, who thinks that the living and dining rooms and entranceway would create a fresh sophisticated statement. 

*2012 Paint Color Trends Style At Home*

Hideaway Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

I firmly believe that it's not how much space you have that determines how efficiently and comfortably you live; but rather how you design and organize that space. I've seen many tiny spaces that have more storage than homes three times their size! The key is using all the filler, or empty, spaces available— the gaps beneath the floor boards, the crawl space underneath the stairs. Here are a few of our favorite secret storage ideas:

"Now you see it, now you don't..."

Store your clothes under the bed and even under the floorboards.

 This is an ode to ingenious small space storage ideas, like this rolling clothes closet.

Matthew McGregor-Mento folds his bed away every morning to make room in his living room for his wife's massage practice.

Small bathrooms are a pain. Get a little more space with this rolling bathroom sink. Just push it back in the wall when you need a little more space!

No extra room for an office? No problem. Turn a closet into an office.

You think it's just a shelf for cookbooks, but then it pulls out and it's a spice rack as well!

Stairs-turned-storage drawers is a brilliant idea.

You'd be amazed at how much wasted space lies underneath a staircase. Make the most of it with these pull-out closets. 

Not so much underbed storage as within the bed storage.

You can't really hide it away, but you might not know it's there unless you look up!

Winter Warmers

Baby, it's cold outside! Slip into something comfortable and spend time with these accessories designed to keep you cozy.

Slender and unobtrusive, this attractive little guy exudes a continuous jet of hot air that's funneled through an ovoid aperture, dispersing warmth about the room quickly and efficiently.
www.dyson.com

If there's anything more inviting than a crackling blaze on a crisp eve, we've yet to find it. This stainless steel hanging hearth offers a sleek alternative to a floor bound fireside.
www.cocoonfires.com

Radiators can be central heating's ultimate eyesore. These tubes, however, streamline the system to a series of simple lines.
www.tubesradiatori.com

Rather than carelessly cranking up the heat, train Nest to learn your temperature preferences. The clever thermostat tracks usage, offering tips on how to save energy and money.
www.nest.com

Hardwood floors can give toes a cold and entirely inhospitable morning greeting.This woolly rug will soften the a.m. transition from sleep to stand.
www.souledobjects.com

Ten Winter Energy Saving Tips

Conservation Helps Ontarians Manage Energy Use, Cut Costs

Energy conservation is an important part of Ontario's Long-Term Energy Plan, which has set a goal of reducing energy consumption by 7,100 MW by the year 2030. That is the equivalent of taking over 2.4 million homes off the grid.

Ontario families can help manage their energy use this winter by following some simple conservation tips:

1. Install a programmable thermostat: When properly set, a thermostat can reduce heating and cooling costs by up to 10 per cent. Set your thermostat to 20°C when you're at home and 18°C when sleeping or away.
2. Protect against drafts: Install weatherstrip around doors, fireplace dampers, attic hatches and air conditioners. Reducing drafts can save up to 30 per cent a year on heating costs.
3. Flip your furnace filter: Change your furnace filter monthly. It's also a good idea to have your furnace serviced by a professional every year to ensure it is running at maximum efficiency.
4. Go off-peak: Take advantage of lower energy prices during off-peak hours. Run your dishwasher, washer and dryer early in the morning, in the evening or on weekends when electricity rates are lowest.
5. Unplug it: Be sure to unplug electronic items not in use. Devices like computers, TVs, and cell phone chargers continue to consume small amounts of electricity unless they are unplugged. Try plugging these items into a power bar with a switch or timer, so you can easily turn them off when they are not needed.
6. Lock in the heat: Block heat from entering unused areas of your house, like a storage room or crawlspace, by closing doors. Keep closet doors shut too.
7. Opt for efficient lighting: When it's time to replace a light bulb, choose energy-efficiency compact florescent lights (CFLs, LEDs), rather than incandescent lights.
8. Let the sun shine in: During the day, keep your curtains open to draw in sunlight. Solar energy can help naturally warm your home.
9. Clean your fridge coils: Be sure to regularly brush or vacuum your refrigerator coils to make them more energy-efficient.
10. Ditch the drip: Make an effort to quickly repair leaky faucets. Even a small drip can waste litres of water per month and add to your water heating costs.

Building a clean energy system that supports healthier families, a healthier environment and a healthier economy is part of the McGuinty government's plan to create and support jobs for Ontario families while ensuring we have the electricity we need to power our homes, schools, hospitals and our economy.

QUICK FACTS

• Through conservation, Ontario homeowners, businesses and industry have achieved over 1,700 MW of energy savings since 2005. That's the equivalent of over 500,000 homes being taken off the grid.
• The Ontario Clean Energy Benefit is helping Ontario families, farms and small businesses by taking 10 per cent off of all electricity bills for the next five years.
• Through the Long-Term Energy Plan, Ontario is committed to increasing wind, solar and bioenergy from less than one per cent of generation capacity in 2003 to almost 13 per cent by 2030, an increase of over 400 per cent.

CONTACTS

• For media inquiries call:
  Jennifer Kett, Minister's Office
  416-327-6747 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            416-327-6747      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
  jennifer.kett@ontario.ca
• For media inquiries call:
  Paul Gerard, Communications Branch
  416-327-7226 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            416-327-7226      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
  paul.gerard@ontario.ca
• For public inquiries call:
  1-888-668-4636 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-888-668-4636      end_of_the_skype_highlighting
  TTY: 1-800-239-4224 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting            1-800-239-4224      

Ministry of Energy
ontario.ca/energy