Courtesy of Ciaran O'Neill

All Stars Realty Ltd.

CIARAN O’NEILL

780.445.8109 ciaran.oneill@century21.ca www.ciaranoneill.com

Volume 15 | Number 1

THE RETURN OF WOOD

2021 saw natural wood tones return to home interiors, and it looks like the trend is going to continue in 2022.

Painting wood furniture, panelling and cabinets white is a common design choice. But homeowners are starting to remember why natural toned wood is such a beautiful feature – it ’s warm and inviting.Natural wood is also much more forgiving than its painted counterpart, which often shows dirt, scuffs and can even begin to peel or chip after too much wear and tear. Consider anchoring your living room with a medium-toned wooden coffee table. Or, if you’re renovating, consider installing natural wood window frames, which will elevate both your interior and exterior to a whole new level. Another way to add natural wood is with wall panelling. Forgo the ever-trendy white shiplap and go for a light, Scandinavian-style feature wall instead. Then, cozy up the space with chunky knit blankets and woven baskets.

INSTANT POT CHILI MAC AND CHEESE Courtesy of www.ehow.com

1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder 2 teaspoons cumin 3 cups broth or water 28 ounces canned tomatoes 14 ounces canned kidney beans 12 ounces elbow macaroni, uncooked 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese toppings: cilantro, parsley, sour cream

INGREDIENTS : 1 pound ground beef, turkey or chicken

2 tablespoons olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 green bell pepper 3 teaspoons garlic 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

DIRECTIONS: 1. Set the Instant Pot to sauté. Add the olive oil, onion and green bell pepper. Mix gently with a spatula to coat the vegetables in oil. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and tender. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the ground meat and spices. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, or until brown and no longer pink. Use a wooden spatula to break up the meat. Once cooked, turn off the Instant Pot. 2. Add 1/2 cup of broth or water. Mix well. Add, to the center of the pot, the macaroni, kidney beans and canned tomatoes. Then pour in the remaining broth or water. Make sure the macaroni is completely covered with liquid. Set to “Pressure Cook” on HIGH for 4 minutes. 3. When done, add 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted. Serve warm. Top with the remaining cheese, sour cream and fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy!

FASCINATING JANUARY FACTS

– January, unlike other months in the calendar, was not named after a number, but after the Latin word for door – “ianua.” – The Roman calendar initially had only 10 months, excluding January & February. – In January 1789, the first Presidential election was held in the US. – The BBC started broadcasting its first programs on the 1st of January, 1927. – In leap years, January always starts on the same day as April & July. Courtesy of https://factcity.com/facts-about-january

RENOVATING ADVICE FROM FIXER UPPER’S JOANNA GAINES Joanna Gaines and her husband Chip have made a name for themselves thanks to their HGTV show Fixer Upper, where they take the worst house on the block and turn it into the best. Here are some of their tips: On how to create the best layout for your home: Gaines believes the ideal layout depends completely on the person or family who lives in the home. If you live with your spouse, perhaps converting a bedroom into an office with space for two workstations makes sense. If you have a family with young kids, a large playroom can be a blessing. On how to organize a space while keeping it looking stylish: Make your storage solutions do double- duty. A coffee table ottoman acts as a centerpiece in your living space, but can hide away blankets or toys. If you don’t have the room or budget for furniture with storage, keep an eye out for unique baskets or crates, which will add a designer element while keeping your home neat and tidy. On the best weekend projects for your home: Switch out light fixtures, install a new kitchen backsplash or give your trim a fresh coat of paint. On adding curb appeal: Wrapping dated columns in a nice wood or new siding can really take a home’s exterior up a notch.

On what to look for in a fixer upper: As Gaines says, every home has potential, but investing in a home that needs work depends on how much it ’s listed for and the size of your budget. Always get an inspection before making an offer as some issues can be way too big to fix.

DESIGN

TRENDS THROUGH THE DECADES

So many of the “new” products featured online and in magazines aren’t actually new at all. If you follow interior design trends, then you can identify many of the origin points of today’s trends. To illustrate, here are eight design trends from the last 70 years that have made a lasting impact on what’s popular today.

• 1950s : The aforementioned mid-century modern era took hold in the 1950s, heavily influenced by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who blended organic forms with manmade objects and placed functionality above all. • 1960s : Heavily influenced by the counter-culture movement at the time, psychedelic interiors were bold – even visually shocking. With wild patterns, mismatched colours and furniture often made of plastic. • 1970s : Harvest gold and avocado green appliances and cabinetry were must-haves in the 1970s. And a return to some of the mid-century modern aesthetics of the ‘50s meant wood tones and natural stone were back in style. • 1980s : Interior design took a more feminine turn in the ‘80s, with floral wallpaper and pastel colours reigning supreme. Matching accents were also big and many design features leaned towards traditional – such as arches and more intricately detailed furniture.

• 1990s : The busyness of the ‘80s gave way to a design style that remains trendy to this day – minimalism. Clean lines, exposed brick and a more subdued vibe became an important aspect, as people’s home became more of a way to escape the fast-paced world outside. • 2000s : In contrast to minimalism, the 2000s saw a return to the traditional as shabby chic, vintage and distressed items became popular. • 2010s : A blend of the clean lines and functionality of mid-century modern with minimalism gave way to an appreciation for Scandinavian design. Light-toned wood in useable and aesthetically pleasing spaces was a staple of the 2010s. • 2020s : Already a couple of years into the 2020s, we’re seeing a return to the natural. Unpainted woods, rough-cut stone and nature-inspired colours like soft blue and green.

Name

Place

Clockmaker

Cost

LOGIC PUZZLE Three members of the Boston Horology Society have just returned from a holiday in Switzerland where they each purchased a handmade cuckoo clock. Can you work out where each person bought their clock, the name of the clockmaker and how much each clock cost – $100, $120 or $150? 1. Gloria Greene didn’t buy the cheapest clock and it wasn’t the one manufactured by Franz Geisser. 2. The clock bought in Geneva was manufactured by Hans Bruckner and was cheaper than the one bought by Wilbur Watson. 3. Trudie Tipler didn’t buy her cuckoo clock in Zurich. 4. The most expensive clock was purchased in Zermatt but wasn’t the one manufactured by Herman Finkel. Courtesy of www.puzzlechoice.com

$150

Zermatt Franz Geisser

Wilbur Watson

$100

Geneva Hans Bruckner

Trudie Tipler

$120

Zurich Herman Finkel

Gloria Greene

Cost

Place Clockmaker

Name

Answers:

Living with an unfinished basement? If you don’t need the space, you may be fine with leaving it as is. Maybe you’ve always wanted to finish it, but just couldn’t fit it into your schedule. However, if you’re thinking of selling – this might be the time to get the project done. Before you hire a pro or begin to DIY, there are a few things you’ll need to investigate. First – what is the current ceiling height? If your home is newer, then there likely will be ample space to finish the ceiling. If you live in an older home, make sure there’s enough room for a 7’6” finished ceiling – and don’t forget to calculate the height any new flooring will add. Next, does your basement have moisture issues? The great thing about an unfinished basement is that moisture issues are easy to spot and much easier to fix than with a finished basement. Once you start putting up drywall and installing flooring, moisture getting in can cause a lot of damage. Another thing to consider – are your current windows big enough? Older homes often have quite small basement windows, which may not pass an inspection once you list. They also need to open so they can be used as a fire escape. Plus, their energy efficiency is a big factor. If your windows already check all those boxes–great! If not, speak to a window expert to figure out the cost of upgrades. SHOULD YOU FINISH YOUR BASEMENT BEFORE LISTING?

5 LIGHT FIXTURE STYLES AND THE VIBE THEY BRING Different fixtures lend themselves to a different vibe. For example, chandeliers add more drama and elegance to a space. You can also find more minimalistic chandeliers – such as something in matte black metal, which is elegant and industrial at the same time. Meanwhile, recessed pot lights are simple and functional and pair well with a clean contemporary look. Pendant lights come in nearly every shape and colour, and thus it ’s easy to find one that matches the style of any home. A starburst pendant has a midcentury feel to it, while a glass globe is both modern and classic. A flush-mount pendant is great for areas with low ceilings, while a long cord can add a moment of drama. Wall sconces are great for rooms you’d like to have a low light. Last up, for a bit of whimsy, there are always string lights. They usually work best outside, but if your home has a bohemian or playful element to it, try hanging them down the wall or wrapping them around a tall plant.

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