Design Advice for 2019

Spring is here and you may find yourself looking around thinking it’s time for some home improvements! Whether you’re considering making some upgrades with the intent to sell or you just want to make some changes for your own enjoyment, we’ve got the answers for you!

We’ve been working with Harrison Fae to stage all of our listings for the past 5 years and decided to ask them for their design advice for 2019 – here’s what they had to say:

WALLS

Q. We all know that fresh paint goes a long way! What’s your favourite and most versatile paint colour right now?

HF “A nice crisp white is our favourite right now. Benjamin Moore CC-30 Oxford White is our favorite. We love to keep the pallet white and then accent with colourful pillows, drapery and art. If stark white is too crisp for you, OC-26 Silver Satin is also a great colour.”

Q. Let’s say someone wanted to do something a bit more bold for an accent wall? What paint colour would you recommend?

HF “I like keeping accent walls neutral, still meaning a grey or taupe. You won’t get sick of it and you can still accent with great art. HC-166 Kendall Charcoal is my favorite. It is bold and dramatic.”

Q. What about wallpaper? Are you a fan? Are there certain rooms where it works better than others?

HF “YES! I would wallpaper every wall if I could. I love to do wallpaper in powder rooms because you can be more bold. I also love to do accent walls in wallpaper like behind a bed or a wall in a dining room. If a client is bold enough to do an entire bedroom or an entire dining room it always makes me happy.”

FLOORS

Q. Everyone loves hardwood! What colour are you currently recommending that’s in style now and will continue to be a fan favourite for the future?

HF “Light hardwood is coming onto the scene and we love it. It is not only light but it is matte as well. This means that it doesn’t show scratches and it hides dust and dirt as well so it’s a double win to me.”

Q. What about in a bathroom? What’s your favourite flooring option?

HF “I will always love natural stone. I don’t think you can get more beautiful than that. It is definitely a more porous option though, so if you want something durable that is low maintenance then a porcelain tile is the way to go. It is very durable and won’t get marked over time.”

Designer Tip: Be sure to get a through body porcelain which means the colour goes all the way through and is not a top glazing. This helps if you ever chip or crack your tile as it will be less visible.

KITCHENS

Q. We love a countertop that pops! What’s the best option in your opinion?

HF “Everyone is going for a Quartz countertop now which is man made and very durable. There is a new product on the market which is thin porcelain slabs. They look just like marble but they are indestructible which everyone likes. They are thin too so they are easy for the fabricators to work with. Laminam is my favourite due to how real it looks.”

Q. We see a lot of different styles and colours for kitchen cabinets these days. What’s your favourite style and colour? How do you feel about different coloured cabinets for lowers and uppers?

HF “Just like our wall colour, I like CC-30 Oxford White. I think having a light kitchen is very timeless and will always be in style. Two toned cabinets are nice but be sure you are keeping it neutral and not going with a trend to avoid being disappointed in a few years. A kitchen is a big item so keeping it neutral will ensure you love it for years to come.”

White kitchen with marble slab backsplash

Q. We’ve seen a huge improvement in kitchens simply by upgrading the backsplash. Do you have a preference for kitchen backsplashes that make a statement?

HF “We do a lot of slab backsplashes where you take the countertop right up the backsplash. This looks high end and clean. My other favorite is using a slightly patterned tile. It gives some depth and is less expensive than slab.”

WASHROOMS

Q. From flooring to vanities, to showers and tubs, there are so many ways to make a washroom feel like a relaxing space. Where do you see the most impactful changes if someone wants to renovate or update their washroom?

HF “Updating the tile, shower and paint are always a great update. If you don’t have a huge budget, try maintaining your existing vanity and maybe paint it white. If you re-do the tiles it will make a big impact, as well as adding glass to a shower or a tub-shower combo. Painting the bathroom a light colour will give you a nice spa like vibe.”

DÉCOR

Q. Where are your go-to places for all the pieces that make a house a home? We’re talking light fixtures, window coverings, pillows, coffee table books and more!

HF “Our go-to store in Toronto is Elte. They have everything one could want to create their dream home. For drapery we go to My Shades. They can do anything from roller blinds to custom fabric drapery to all pillows, bench seats, upholstered items etc.”

OUTDOORS

Q. With warm weather just around the corner, lots of people are starting to think about ways to bring the indoors outdoors. Do you have any suggestions for making an outdoor space the place to be this summer?

HF “Outdoor spaces are my favourite. Gone are the days of wicker furniture that was “outdoor only” a lot of outdoor furniture looks like living room furniture now and really makes the outdoor patio feel like part of the house. Cozy, inviting and relaxing. Again, keep the pallet neutral and bring in fun colours with area carpets, pillows and inexpensive side chairs. Also, bring lighting in. Stringing lights over the whole lounge area or dining area can create a nice atmosphere for entertaining.”

Thank you so much to Alicia Sass, Founder of Harrison Fae Design for your design tips of the year!

If you’d like to learn more about Harrison Fae or book a consultation with them to ensure that your design plan is executed perfectly, you can view their website and get their contact info HERE.

If you’re considering selling your home, we wanted to give you a friendly reminder that we work exclusively with Harrison Fae to stage all of our listings and we offer industry leading complimentary staging to all of our clients.

Want to check out our before and after staging gallery? Click HERE.

Curious to know how much your home is worth or want to learn more about our listing process? Give us a call at 416.465.7850 or send us an email at info@rosswebpro.com

All photos from HarrisonFae.ca

SOLD! 65 East Liberty Street Suite 1010 – Liberty Village

65 East Liberty Street Suite 1010 sold in ONE DAY! Congratulations to our very happy seller and the new owners, this Liberty Village suite checks all the boxes.

65 East Liberty Street Suite 1010 is a beautiful 2 bedroom condo featuring an open concept floor plan with spacious living and dining rooms as well as a beautiful kitchen with modern cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite counters and a breakfast bar.

The main living space is filled with natural light from the floor to ceiling windows and there is a walkout to the west facing balcony which overlooks the courtyard and features impressive lake views to the south!

The master bedroom is generous in size with large windows, a double closet and a gorgeous 4 piece master ensuite! The second bedroom features a glass panelled door to allow for natural light as well as a good-sized closet. There is also a second 3 piece washroom and a laundry closet for added convenience. Suite 1010 truly has it all including parking and a locker!

Situated in the heart of Liberty Village, there are so many great shops, restaurants, patios and bars all within walking distance. This location allows for a quick drive to the financial district, the waterfront or to the Gardiner Expressway if you’re headed out of town for the weekend.

The King West Condos at 65 East Liberty Street are renowned for spectacular amenities including a fitness club and wellness centre, the magnificent rooftop Lakeview Club, two bowling alleys and incredible entertaining facilities!

www.65EastLiberty.com

more photos: 65 East Liberty Street Suite 1010

SOLD! 272 Scarboro Crescent – Cliffside

272 Scarboro Crescent has sold! After 4 busy open houses, numerous showings and multiple offers, we have two happy sellers. Congratulations on the sale of your beautifully renovated home!

272 Scarboro Crescent is a beautifully redesigned home! With two levels of exquisitely renovated and extended living space, it is situated on a gorgeous 50 ft lot! A true gem where every detail was meticulously addressed.

Impressively landscaped, the front garden features 5 tonnes of Armour stone and creates a distinguished introduction to this property. The elegant front portico and nicely finished exterior welcome one to the open concept main level of the home that is enhanced by the warm hue of stunning wide plank fumed white oak floors.

Stylish with lovely natural light, the living room is a delightful space. It is slightly separated from the formal dining area, stunning gourmet kitchen and family room. The latter two spaces being part of the addition completed in 2014. The kitchen cabinetry, appliances, marble countertops, subway tile backsplash and fireplace surround are designer selected and above and beyond expectations. There are four skylights, a sun tunnel and double doors to the back deck and garden adding the beauty of natural light to these finishes and the main level overall.

On this level there are also two wonderful bedrooms and an incredible bathroom with heated floors that was renovated in 2018. It is breathtaking and features an elegant soaker tub and top of the line fixtures.

On the lower level there is a spacious media room, a games room, a gym, an office, a light filled bedroom, another washroom and a separate laundry room. The washroom features a stunning double glass shower, heated floors and similar top-drawer fixtures. Everything has been finished to perfection and what is below the surface is ever so impressive as relates to insulation and overall comfort.

The fully fenced in backyard features more fabulous landscaping and an impressive shed ideal for the gardener in the family or as a workshop! There is also a gas line for a barbeque on the back deck.

This neighbourhood is sought after for good reason. Chine Drive School is very highly regarded as an elementary school. It has excellent standards and is very personalized. The area boasts many walking trails and parks including the Scarborough Bluffs Tennis Club and Bluffers Park Marina – a full-service marina as well as the overall feeling of a close-knit community of supportive families and Cliffside Village retailers.

Award Winning Thurston Olsen Real Estate Team

The Thurston Olsen Real Estate Team has been presented with the RE/MAX Platinum Club award for the third year in a row. We’re thrilled to receive this award and want to say THANK YOU to all of our clients who continue to put their trust in us and pass along our name to their friends and family. Cheers!

SOLD! 7 Juniper Avenue – The Beach

7 Juniper Avenue in The Beach sold over asking in 5 short days! Congratulations to our wonderful sellers and the new owners who will surely love this classic home for years to come.

This classic Beach home is absolutely stunning with a professionally landscaped front garden leading up to a lovely glass enclosed porch – ideal for enjoying a morning coffee and watching the awakening of Spring.

The spacious foyer features a grand staircase and French doors opening into the beautifully appointed living room. Substantial wood trims and impressive engineered hardwood floors flow throughout the entire main floor. With abundant natural light, the south facing formal dining room is enhanced by traditional pocket doors. For easy entertaining in all seasons, it also includes a pass through to the recently renovated and very stylish eat-in kitchen and a walkout to the deck and lushly planted back garden.

The upper level of the home features 3 nicely appointed and spacious bedrooms all with large windows, closets and new broadloom. With a beautiful bay window and built-ins in the closet, the master is very comfortable. The washroom on this level has been recently updated featuring neutral décor, new flooring and a charming clawfoot tub. Perfect for a relaxing soak at the end of a busy day.

The lower level includes an impressive rec room with pot lights and trendy polished concrete floors. Ideal space for movie time, child play or some quiet time with a good book. For added convenience, this level also features a 3-piece bathroom and separate laundry area.

The backyard is a delightful oasis right in the heart of the city. With it’s south facing perspective and no homes directly behind, there is ample sun for the enjoyment of the family gardener and plenty of privacy for gathering with family and friends. This home also includes 1 car parking!

Juniper Avenue is a quiet street tucked away in the Beach neighbourhood. It’s a very short distance to the recreational delights of the area including the boardwalk, beach, bicycle path, tennis courts, abundant parks and ravines! It’s also a short walk to the cafés, restaurants and shops on both Queen Street and Kingston Road.

Located in the catchment area for the highly regarded Malvern Collegiate, Williamson Road Junior Public School and Glen Ames Senior Public School, it offers many academic options. It’s also an easy commute to the downtown core by either public transit or vehicle.

www.7Juniper.ca

more photos: 7 Juniper Ave

3 Packing Mistakes to Avoid

You’ve chosen your moving company and booked the movers, but there’s one thing that still needs to be done before the big day: packing up your belongings. Before you get too excited and begin stuffing your boxes with all your stuff, make sure that you’re setting yourself up for a smooth and efficient move. Mindless packing can end up taking a lot of otherwise unnecessary time and energy to fix—a combination that could cost you, as you’re most likely paying for the movers by the hour. “Sometimes people will complain and not tip the guys because it took so long,” says Cezar Iordan, owner of Moovers Chicago, “They don’t realize that it took so long because of the simple mistakes they made.”

Red brick wall with a stack of moving boxes on a hand cart being pulled.

So what are these mistakes? Here, Iordan reveals the three most-common packing blunders he sees, as well as the quick fixes to make your moving day as painless as possible.

Packing Books in Large Boxes

Why it’s a problem: We understand—you want to keep your beloved book collection in just one or two boxes. But Iordan says that this strategy slows the process down as huge, heavy boxes are incredibly difficult for movers to lift and carry—not even their trusty moving straps make it easier.

What’s more, Iordan says people often don’t tape these hefty boxes properly—they’ll usually put only one line of tape on the bottom of the box. “They have 100-pound boxes they want us to move and have them in perfect shape when they’re dropped off,” he says. “When you have a huge, large box full of books, the bottom of it will collapse and everything will fall out.”

The fix: Pack books in small boxes and reinforce with multiple strips of tape. While you may have more boxes, it’s easier for the movers, who can carry several smaller boxes with their moving straps.

Not Labeling Your Boxes Clearly or Correctly

Why it’s a problem: Reusing those old boxes from your last move? That’s fine, but make sure that any and all labels from previous moves be removed or covered—multiple labels make it difficult to know exactly in which room it should be placed. “Imagine you’re holding the box and asking a client where they want the box to go, but they don’t know what’s inside so they have to open it up and see what’s inside,” he says. “It will drag the duration of the move out.”

The fix: Cover or cross out all previous labels and put one very clear label on the side of the box, not the top. “Since we use dollies or straps, we carry four or five boxes at a time which makes it impossible to see the top of every box,” Iordan says.

Not Packing Your Fragile Items Properly

Why it’s a problem: “People will put all of their fragile items in a box without any kind of bubble wrap, paper, or peanuts, and expect the items to be in perfect condition after the move,” Ioran says. “That’s just impossible.” The good news? Many professional moving companies (like Moovers) will refuse to move the precious cargo until it’s properly wrapped (but this adds a lot of time onto the actual move).

The fix: Wrap your fragile items with care while packing. “Always, always, always wrap anything made of glass in bubble wrap to ensure that nothing gets damaged,” he says. You’ll thank yourself for putting in the extra time when moving day comes, and the movers will thank you, too.

source: apartment therapy

JUST SOLD! 51 Cranberry Lane – Aurora

51 Cranberry Lane is located within the prestigious Highland Gate development in Aurora on a premium lot with 65′ frontage. Congratulations to our buyer clients on the purchase of their new home overlooking the park! The south facing backyard oasis offers ultimate privacy with a stunning Gunite pool by Todd Pools and hot tub with waterfall surrounded by a stone deck and patio. The basement retreat features custom oak wainscotting, a wet bar, fireplace (1 of 3!) and unique lighting. Overall, a beautiful home loaded with charm and character, they’re sure to love it for years.

7 things about Airbnb that no one tells you

With rent continuing to rise in Toronto, it’s never been a better time to fill that basement apartment. For those of us who don’t have separate units, there is still opportunity to make a little extra cash by renting out your place while you’re away, or even a spare room or couch through Airbnb. Here’s 7 tips that no one ever tells you about being an Airbnb host from Apartment Therapy:

1. You will have to “neutralize” your pad.

This means clearing out all of the personal items and then some, says Mariana Leung-Weinstein, who has been hosting guests for over a year at Wicked Finch Farm, a property she and her husband inherited in Pawling, New York.

“Most people think they can just open up any home and make it into a rental, but it took more time than I ever imagined,” she says. “You want it to have some personality but not enough to be off-putting or for guests to feel like they are crashing at a stranger’s home.”

For Leung-Weinstein, this meant sweeping the house for anything that could be deemed “creepy.” “Weirdly, that meant surveying any decor items, figurines, or artwork that looked like they had big eyes or strange faces,” she says. “This was one thing I never anticipated.”

2. Plan for tons of paperwork and price wars

This includes scheduling, check-in logistics, shopping for the best homeowners insurance, and organizing your taxes, says Lindsey Smith, who has been a host at this Pittsburgh property since 2014.

“A lot of people don’t want to talk about money when it comes to hosting, but it’s super important,” she says. “It’s pretty frustrating when other hosts drop their prices super-low to be competitive or when people try to haggle a price.”

Prices can—and should fluctuate—but Smith says that many times, it feels like the market devalues how much time and money it costs to operate an Airbnb.

3. Expect for odd things to go missing

“This still surprises me,” Smith says of the sheets, lamps, and games that have disappeared from her Airbnb over the years. “I usually assume it’s because an accident happened and the person is afraid to say anything, but honestly, I’d rather know than to find out later that an item is gone.”

It’s not always intentional. “Forks and spoons disappear the most probably because people take them for snacks,” says Felipe Cabrera, who manages seven properties on Airbnb (four in Peru and three in San Francisco).

This ends up meaning that Cabrera buys a new set of six forks and spoons every three to four months per apartment. But sometimes it’s not just the cheap stuff that get taken: “We also had a nice set of steak knives disappear and learned our lesson not to provide anything fancy in that category,” he says.

4. Prepare to become a repeat towel shopper

Cabrera provides three large towels and three small towels per registered guest.

“This prevents us from getting requests for more towels,” he says. “We use nice cushy towels, the ones that make you feel good in the morning.”

Still, those get worn out very fast since they have to be washed after every guest. Since there are many days when guests check out at 11 a.m. and new guests arrive at 3 p.m., that leaves no time for laundry, so Cabrera needs more available as back-up. On average, Cabrera says he buys three new towels every month for his bigger property (which sleeps eight) and three new towels every two to three months for the small apartments.

“This is the only way we can manage this at scale,” he says.

5. Prepare to paint—and repaint.

If you’re planning on opening a family-friendly Airbnb property, take note of Karen Akpan’s experiences when she rents out her L.A. home.

“We have a big home and our goal is to accommodate families,” says Akpan, who blogs at The Mom Trotter. “This means lots of kids and me constantly painting the walls, especially due to the lingering fingerprints!”

6. Consider toiletry purchasing to be a balancing act

Determining the right amount of toiletries to offer guests has been something of an experiment, says Leung-Weinstein.

“I want to make sure that guests have enough amenities to enjoy throughout their stay, but not leave the bulk of supplies for guests to raid and take home,” she says. “In addition to items like shampoo, conditioner and soap, I like to also supply sheet masks and makeup remover as lots of girlfriend getaways get booked at our property. It has been interesting trying to figure out how many items to offer.”

7. You may have to deal with partiers

Cabrera says he used to have guests using his properties for parties at least once a month—until one very bad guest experience.

“We weren’t around to check on the place and it turned out that this person hosted a birthday party with 50-plus people at our house, much to the chagrin of our neighbors,” he says. “They tried to clean up afterwards but still left the biggest mess we’ve ever seen. Their guests went into private areas of the house, snooped around in our garage and stole a few expensive bottles of alcohol from the cellar.”

Because of this, he had to update his house rules and welcome messages to make it very clear that parties and larger gatherings aren’t permitted.

Still thinking about jumping in? If you live in a condo, be sure to check out the rules and regulations on short term rentals. Owning a freehold property will provide you with more flexibility, but do you due diligence to ensure you’re thoroughly covered and know what you’re getting into.

Hearn Generating Station Just Sold For 16 Million

It was only two summers ago that Toronto’s long-abandoned R.L. Hearn Generating Station burst back into life for the 10th anniversary of Luminato.

Thousands flocked to the decommissioned power plant, which was shut down in 1983, for 10 days of wild art installations and performances in a specially built 1,200-seat shipping container theatre.

Those lucky enough to score tickets got to dine in the generator’s old control room, which had been transformed into one of the coolest French restaurants Toronto had ever seen for the occasion.

Simply stepping into the massive, hollowed out heritage building — an iconic fixture along the skyline Toronto’s eastern waterfront — was enough to thrill most people, and for good reason.

The Hearn is spectacular, inside and out, and many in the city had hoped to see more huge-scale, public events staged there (you know, after the building was brought up to meet the safety standards of Toronto Fire Services).

No dice.

The provincially-owned Ontario Power Generation (OPG) announced this week that has sold sold the entire site, which produced electricity from 1951 to 1983, to Studios of America Corporation for $16 million.

Studios of America, which had been leasing the property from OPG since 2002, maintains the Unwin Avenue property as an “enclosed feature film and TV production complex.”

Mayor John Tory and Toronto city councillor Paula Fletcher both told The Star on Thursday that they were not consulted on the sale, or even aware that it was happening.

“This is a sad day for the waterfront,” said Fletcher, who had hoped to redevelop the site for public use.

“This is an iconic landmark building that should remain in public hands and be part of our new waterfront, and, instead, it has been sold for a song.”

So why the fire-sale price?

If you ask OPG, it’s at least in part due to the former coal-burning site’s status as a heavily contaminated industrial brownfield (though other, more nefarious theories are floating about).

OPG pokesperson Neal Kelly told the star that conditions of the sale included Studios of America not being able put residential or other “sensitive uses” on the site within 15 years. The company is also forbidden from reselling the Hearn within three years.

Disappointed as the city may be, its possible that Studios of America will still rent the space out for special occasions.

“The studio lot is located on a strategic 27.6-acre parcel of Toronto waterfront land with direct multi-modal road, rail and water access,” reads President Paul Vaughan’s Linkedin profile in a description of the company.

“Accommodations originally intended for film production have become popular for staging indoor and outdoor special events.”
Source: BlogTO
Lead Photo: Hector Vasquez
Additional Photos: Ford Thurston

5 Things you can do today to increase your home’s value

Paint Supplies in a paint tray. 5 ways to increase your homes value

Start Rollin’

One of the simplest, most cost-effective improvements of all is paint! Freshly painted rooms look clean and updated. When selecting paint colours, keep in mind that light neutrals appeal to the greatest number of people, therefore making your home more desirable. On average, a gallon of paint costs around $25, leaving you plenty of money to buy rollers, painter’s tape, drop cloths and brushes. So buy a few gallons and get rollin’!

Get Dirty

The power of curb appeal is real. Keep your lawn looking good with regular mowing and clean-cut edging. Low-maintenance landscaping saves you money now and adds value when you sell. It’s no question that shrubs and colourful plants will add curb appeal to any home, but when shopping at your local garden center, make sure that you “think green.” Purchase plants that are native to our region or plants that are drought-tolerant; these require less water and maintenance, which means more savings to you and more green in your wallet.

Garden tools leaning against a wall. 5 ways to increase your homes value

kitchen back splash being updated with white subway tiles. 5 ways to increase your homes value

Swap ‘em Out

Kitchen and washroom renovations can easily cost thousands, so focus on the smaller, more manageable projects. Consider painting your old cabinetry to instantly brighten the space. Replacing the hardware will also make your cabinets look newer and more modern. The backsplash is another design feature that resonates with buyers. When choosing tile, stick with neutral tones and an unfussy design — white subway tile is classic for a reason.

Set the Mood

Nothing kills a mood faster than bad lighting, and if you want to show your home in the best light you will have to do exactly that! A quick and affordable fix is to install light-control dimmers on switches. Not only does this add drama and ambiance in areas such as the dining room and bedrooms, it is also good for energy efficiency. Lighting is particularly important in the bathroom, where it should be warm and bright. Keep lighting even around mirrors to prevent unwanted shadows when you are shaving or applying makeup.

dimmer light switch. 5 ways to increase your homes value

Clean Up, Aisle 5

It seems obvious, but one of the most important things you can do to boost the value of your home is to clean it up. Remember that potential buyers want to see a blank canvas and picture themselves in it. Do a hardcore decluttering session and divide everything you truly don’t need or use into “donate,” “toss” and “sell” piles. With your “sell” items, throw a yard sale or post items on Kijiji to make some extra cash to fund your home improvement projects.

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