Resolution time

I like the idea of New Year's resolutions, even though they're often forgotten by March. I think Jan. 1 is a great time to evaluate your current lifestyle and think about what you would like to have happen in the next year. For me, it's more about setting goals than making a promise.

For example, while I'd love to resolve something grand: "I'll work out more" or "This year, we'll finish setting up the house," I feel like both of these are way too broad - and would be just setting myself up for failure.

Instead, this year on the home front, I'll resolve to paint the bathroom and spare bedroom/office. Manageable tasks, which can be completed. Hopefully fairly easily.

I'll also aim to make green choices when possible, and try to tackle at least one maintenance project solo - while also staying open to the fact that I may still need to call in the pros.

So, spurred on by the promise of a new year, this week's poll asks about your top home-related resolutions for 2010. Will you commit to redecorating? Tackle more DIY projects? Banish clutter once and for all? Let me know in the front page poll. 

And, be sure to check out some of this weekend's must-reads:

- How condo owners can claim the Home Renovation Tax Credit

- What happens when Sarah Richardson comes to your house

- The decade in home decor

- Colin and Justin's advice for feathering the nest in 2010

- And the latest instalment in our 905 series

Poll results: Mandatory Metropasses

Yourhomers aren't that keen on new condo legislation that would require developers to provide purchasers with TTC Metropasses "at no cost," according to last week's poll. (Read the full story, and check out this week's column from Dupuis on the response so far.)

Nearly three-quarters (74 per cent) said condo developers shouldn't be required to buy the passes, while the remaining 26 per cent supported the legislation.

Now, getting back to the holiday coverage bonanza (after all, time for decorating and shopping is quickly running out!), this week's poll asks whether you expect to be trimming the tree, wrapping gifts or arranging centrepieces up till the moment guests arrive? I know it's certainly my M.O.! Let me know in the front page poll and be sure to check out our Festive Guide for all sorts of decorating tips and tricks, including Colin and Justin's last minute advice!

And, for a breather from a weekend surely filled with shopping, decorating and baking, be sure to check out some of these great reads:

- Bill Taylor shares how he almost lost a tree full of memories

- DecoRita hits up Holy Cow!

- The Birth of a Condo series continues with a look at the heritage planning portion

- Hit up your garden for decor inspiration

- The best products of 2009

Renovations and holiday lights

Wrapping up (for now) my renovation kick, last week's poll asked Yourhomers if they were planning on taking advantage of the home renovation tax credit (get all the basics here and check out a recent story on the looming deadline), inspired by last week's story on ways to spend it.

The majority of our poll takers, at 67 per cent, said they plan on completing some projects and filing for the credit - so we'll keep the info and inspiration coming! The remaining 33 per cent said they won't be taking advantage of the HRTC. 

This week, with holiday coverage kicking off in my blog, I couldn't resist a festive poll. Plus, as I've been heading home on increasingly dark evenings, I've been noticing an awful lot of sparkling holiday lights. I haven't even purchased a string of lights yet, much less have them up and be ready to turn them on! It also feels a tad early to be lighting up. So, I want to know when do you turn on your lights? Let me know in the front page poll! (Scroll down, on the left hand side.)

And if, like me, you haven't got your lighting sitch sussed out yet, be sure to check out Toronto's festive light exchange for a string of free LEDs.

For more weekend reading, check out:

- Colin and Justin's beach-inspired living room

- Colour trends for 2010

- DecoRita goes grunge with dumpster diving decor finds

- Property shopping with Scott McGillivray

- The skinny on the new DIY Network

Poll results: Renovations

With the holidays approaching, I've been daydreaming about the renovations I would do if time and budget weren't an issue. A sleek, glossy white new kitchen and a second bathroom top my list. And, of course, in this fabulous daydream world, I would go on vacation and come home to a totally transformed space!

I know that, if given the choice, I would not be as brave as the family in HGTV's Family Renovation, who stayed put while transforming their bungalow into a comfortable home for seven plus a pooch.

And, in last weeks poll, Yourhomers largely agreed with me, with 71 per cent saying they wouldn't choose to live in their home during a massive renovation. The remaining 29 per cent say they'd stick it out. 

Of course, these days, when you think about renovating, you can't help but turn your thoughts to the home renovation tax credit (learn the basics here, and check out a recent story on the looming deadline!)

So, this week, as we near the February spending cut-off, the poll asks whether you'll be taking advantage of the program. Check out these suggestions on some ways to spend your tax credit limit. And please let me know in the front page poll! (Scroll down, on the left hand side.)

As always, here are a few more picks for your weekend reading:

- Colin and Justin create a tropical bedroom

- Find out how your family can share its holiday creativity on TV

- Learn why urban Kim Izzo chose to call the 905 home

- Read about a creative way to sell a house

- Check out some of the latest transactions in the GTA real estate market

When fall decor turns to winter ...

Yesterday morning was the first sign of ice on my front stoop, which means my thoughts are turning to swapping out my fall centrepiece of white miniature pumpkins for something a little icier - perhaps some winter berries.

That aligns me with about 14 per cent of Yourhomers, who also make their decor's transition from fall to winter in early November, according to last week's poll. (If you're still feeling like fall, be sure to check out our seasonal style tips.)

Another 14 per cent make the swap in mid to late November, while an equal amount wait until December rolls around to embrace cozy throws and icy ornaments.

More than half, at 57 per cent, responded that they don't decorate seasonally. I think they're missing out on the fun! I love pulling out new centrepieces, accents and blankets to warm up the home, plus, by cycling through seasonal goodies, I'm less likely to get bored with my home's decor!

This week, I'm asking about your tolerance for chaos - would you live in your home during a massive renovation? The family (with five kids! Five!) on HGTV's Family Renovation did just that - find out how they coped in this week's Home Viewing column. Let me know in the front page poll (scroll down on the left).

And, for some more weekend entertainment, check out Colin and Justin's fab kitchen makeover (it's Ikea!), get the skinny on the newest paints, and follow along as a condo development is born.

Poll results: Sacrificing for home ownership

A recent survey found that Canadians are willing to sacrifice a lot to own a home (which is good news considering the fact that homes in the GTA have become more unaffordable this quarter), but many of us draw the line at our cars. 

The Genworth Mortgage Insurance First-Time Homebuyer's Monitor (read all about it here) found that 25 per cent of renters would give up their car for home ownership, and the same amount of homeowners would sacrifice their vehicle to keep paying the mortgage.

Last week's poll sought to find out whether this view was also shared by Yourhomers - and it's not far off. About a third (30 per cent) said they would be willing to ditch the car to keep or buy a home, while nearly half (48 per cent) said they wouldn't make the cut. The remaining 22 per cent said they don't have car.

This week, I'm wondering how long you keep your autumn decor around. When do those gourds and gold and burgundy items get swapped out for icy blues and rich reds? Read up on our fall decor guide and let me know when your home makes the switch from fall to winter in our front page poll.

And, don't fret if you're not quite ready for the tonight's trick-or-treaters - we've got some easy and quick ideas for spooky decor.

Other weekend must-reads include:

- Colin and Justin's gorgeous grey bedroom makeover (I may be biased, as I'm doing my master bedroom in grey too!)

- A gorgeous loft renovation - sourced from the trash!

- The latest trends for candlelit evenings

- The scoop on the new home design TV show, My Rona Home

- Get your plants ready for winter with a bath

Poll results: Holiday reno plans?

This week was a bit reno-centric here on Yourhome.ca. We learned that the renovation tax credit - which is still waiting on the final stamp of approval from the government - is a hit and that Canadians feel now is the time to be tackling those home improvement projects. For some renovation inspiration, check out our home improvement special section.

Meanwhile, I shared my holiday renovation plans and asked how many Yourhomers had similar stressful schedules planned - turns out nearly three-quarters (69 per cent) are equally optimistic. The perhaps more sensible 31 per cent will be focusing on their cooking, cleaning and shopping while the rest of us are slapping on that last coat of paint during the holiday crunch.

This week's poll asks whether The Genworth Mortgage Insurance First-Time Homebuyer's Monitor (read all about it here) found that 25 per cent of renters would give up their car for home ownership, and the same amount of homeowners would sacrifice their vehicle to keep paying the mortgage.

And, for some lighter fare this weekend, check out Colin and Justin's chocolatey family room makeover, get inspired to tour the Distillery District, swoon over some gorgeous, if pricey, faucets, find out why cleaning is sexy and get decor advice from green queen Samantha Pynn.

Holiday reno stress?

The holidays mean friends, family and entertaining. It also means whipping your home into shape before guests arrive! This will be our first Christmas in our new home, so I'm feeling a little pressure to make it picture perfect in time for the holidays.

That means, among other things:

- Painting three bedrooms, along with potentially painting the hallway, kitchen and bathroom
- Replacing two light fixtures
- Glamming up my faux fireplace
- Getting a guest bed for the guest room
- Assembling the last book shelf and unpacking the rest of our books
- Tackling those last five or six boxes that have been hanging out unobtrusively in the guest bedroom closet

And, of course, filling the place with holiday decorations and festive cheer.

Can Mr. Speedy and I get it done? Maybe, but probably not. So I'm trying to prioritize, and keep repeating to myself that the only thing that absolutely needs to be done is a guest bed, so that said guests will have a place to sleep. Everything else will just be icing on the cake.

What about you? Do you feel pressured to complete a few projects around the house before the holidays? Let me know in the front page poll, and share your plans in the comments below. For more renovation inspiration, check out our articles on renos that pay, green renovations and safe DIY tips. 

Last week's poll, inspired by one artist's cool Spiderman makeover for his son's room, asked if readers would create a themed bedroom for their kids, with 29 per cent saying they would. Twenty-one per cent said they wouldn't do a superhero space or princess palace, and the remaining 50 per cent said they don't have kids.

And, for some more weekend reading, be sure to check out what happens when Colin and Justin channel a country vibe, find out what Colour Confidential's Jane Lockhart has to say about the hottest hues for your home, get the skinny on making your garden gorgeous for autumn and check out some gorgeous glass to spice up your home decor.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Just over a third (38 per cent) of Yourhomers will be hosting their own Turkey day, according to last week's poll, and, whether you're hosting, visiting or ordering take-out, I hope the Thanksgiving weekend is full of good food, great fall decor and family for all of you!

In honour of the holiday, check out our decor tips (which can definitely be pulled off at the last minute) and, since it is a long weekend, filled with family, why not try a yummy-sounding pumpkin pie cocktail or another delicious drink?

Our new poll looks at kid's theme rooms, inspired by the fab Spiderman space created by Star illustrator Raffi Anderian for his son. Would you create an over-the-top superhero or princess palace for your child? Let me know in the front page poll. 

And, if you've got a few spare moments for reading this weekend (or are hiding out from your family!) check out Colin and Justin's cool kitchen, complete with Ikea cabinets (!), tips to get a little more luxury in your life and easy ways to give your house a bit of a facelift, even if you're not selling.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Poll results: DIY or DFY?

The poor economy hasn't exactly been pushing Yourhomers to pick up their hammers: in last week's poll, nearly three-quarters of respondents (at 73 per cent) said the economy hadn't persuaded them to go the do it yourself, rather than done for you, route.

The remaining 27 per cent said the economy had motivated them to give projects around the house a go.

And, for those of us who may still be a touch intimidated by those looming home maintenance projects (check out our fall to-do list here), this weekend's Fall Home Show will be chock full of DIY tips! Read the full story.

Also, find out why the BILD president says now is the time to renovate and get tips from HGTV's House Poor on how to keep that renovation spending in check.

This week, we're looking at the kickoff of the holiday, and entertaining, season with some tips to lessen the stress of hosting a Thanksgiving feast. And, cause I'm nosy, I want to know how many of you brave souls will be hosting your own dinners? Let me know in the front page poll. 

For some more weekend reading, be sure to check out Colin and Justin's bumblebee-inspired makeover, a sneak peek at the upcoming International Home Show and a profile of a furniture shop that's avoided the recessionary blues.