Kim, Fix My House!
GTA Home Show
I had the opportunity to visit
the GTA Home Show which
provides local vendors an
opportunity to present their
wares to the public. It’s a
great place to scout for local
craftspeople.
How can I create an inviting outdoor space for my
family without it costing me a fortune?
STOWAWAYS
Furniture that works double duty is always
a smart purchase, never more so than when
you’re dealing with a small condo balcony
or a tiny front porch. Not every space is
large enough to accommodate extra pieces
of furniture so make sure that the ones you
chose also double as storage containers.
Stackable stools are great for extra seating
and can act as an impromptu side table or
plant stand. Including a deck box as a coffee
table provides a convenient hideaway
for extra pillows, throws or even games
when you want the space to look tidy. A
big galvanized bucket works just as well
to hold drinks or a selection of children’s
outdoor toys. An old bar cart can be useful
for keeping frequently used items close at
hand. Bringing items inside during inclement
weather and then dragging them back out
again can be frustrating and a waste of time.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Caesarstone Party
Caesarstone throws
an amazing product
launch party! It is
always a surprise
to see how they
will introduce their
newest collections.
This year, they
unveiled their latest
products in the shape
of origami trees at the
Thompson Hotel.
Evelyn's
on TV!
Catch Evelyn Eshun on the Marc & Mandy Show or
OnDemand at www.MarcAndMandy.com.
If you want to create your own spa-like
retreat at home, try adding in natural
elements for a relaxing and spiritual vibe.
Raw wood details, plants and candles all
contribute to a calming atmosphere. Go one
step further and add water in the form of a
soothing, trickling fountain or even a small
pond. There are many affordable wall or
stand-alone fountains that have an appealing
natural stone design. A small model can be
integrated into your tablescape providing
a surefire conversation starter. If you are
looking for something less fancy, find a
birdbath that fits your design style and
you will discover that birds, butterflies and
hummingbirds might enjoy your tranquil
sanctuary just as much as you do.
CUT A RUG
While a rug is obviously an important
decision for your main living room, the
addition of a new floor covering for your
deck or patio can really pull together
your outdoor space. Opt for a rug with a
pretty pattern that is also resistant to water
and mould because it will be exposed
to the elements. You can also place rugs
strategically to shift the flow of foot traffic
or to create nooks for guests to hang out
Photos by Larry Arnal
in during social events. There are so many
options available in an exciting array of
colors, patterns and textures, that there is
sure to be an affordable one to suit your
unique style. If you feel like your backyard
space or porch feels like a mishmash of items
you have purchased over many years, there
is nothing like a rug to liven things up and
create a cohesive look. Whether under an
outdoor dining table or sectional sofas and
benches, an outdoor rug will establish a
welcoming and finished look.
THE SECRET GARDEN
Create a magical escape for yourself with
greenery. Nothing screams Tuscany like some
oversized plants in large crumbling terra
cotta planters. Or evoke a modern La La
Land house on the hills with modern planters
in black granite filled with pale green grasses.
If English country is your vibe, add a trellis
with climbing wisteria or evergreen ivy to the
side of your deck. Even filling up a wire plant
stand with small, inexpensive potted plants
and flowers from the grocery store brings
a vintage vibe that will add instant charm to
the great outdoors. Small herb gardens are
both pretty and practical, ensuring that you
always have fresh flavors for your cooking
endeavors. If space is tight, think vertically
and hang a series of luscious succulents from
hooks in a row to create a focal point. - Text by
Kim Bartley