Wood Staining Tips with Claudio Grisolia of Steeles Paint

If there’s one thing that can tarnish your backyard’s good name, it’s a poor-looking deck and fence. Over time, sun and moisture can damage exposed decks and fences, giving an undesirable weathered look. To ensure the longevity and durability of your wooden deck and fence, applying a good quality wood stain is a must. But before the brushing begins, there are a few important points to consider.

First and foremost, the wood must be prepared. If your deck and fence has seen a few winters and you’re looking to recoat the lumber, cleaning is crucial. “It removes any mould, grime and dirt from the wood, and gives the finished product a more pristine look,” says Claudio Grisolia, owner of Steeles Paint.

If this is the first season for your timber, you’re in luck: no cleaning is required. However, if you just recently built Read more

Designer Diva — Sabrina Albanese, Interior Designer

Creativity isn’t born out of someone who plays it safe. “If I’m not scared when I’m doing something, I’m not doing it right,” says interior designer Sabrina Albanese.

Graduating from Ryerson University’s School of Fashion in Toronto and Central Saint Martins University of the Arts in London, England, Albanese went on to co-own a clothing label called Wolves. After living in New York to pursue her fashion career, Albanese eventually moved back to Toronto where she realized her true calling. Now, she is a successful businesswoman and interior designer, who lends her talent to anything from commercial projects to vacation homes. “One thing about me is that I love design in general, so I embrace every discipline,” says Albanese. Describing her style as eclectic, this multi-dimensional individual loves antique shopping and watching old movies for décor inspiration. “I like finding unusual things.” Read more

Designer Diva — Roula Thalassinos, Stagedfx

“I can’t live without my imagination,” says Roula Thalassinos, the owner and visionary behind Stagedfx. With a presence and passion for the home staging and interior decorating business, she doesn’t have to.

Growing up, Thalassinos always had a love of beautiful things. “My mother was a custom dressmaker and I would always see luxurious fabrics and one-of-a-kind pieces.” Following in her mother’s footsteps, this businesswoman first started as a fashion designer for her own successful line of children’s clothing. After years of compliments on the look of her home, it was time to apply her knack for decorating and creative vision to yet another endeavour.

Thalassinos soon became an expert in the home staging industry and a successful interior decorator. “When staging Read more

Designer Diva — Elika Gibbs, Practical Princess

The day of the Royal Wedding was fitting to interview a princess – a practical princess, that is. “I am probably the most boring person in the whole-wide-world,” says the sweet English voice on the phone. “I promise you darling, I am.” With years of experience in the fashion industry and elite clients Kate Moss and Jimmy Choo co-founder Tamara Mellon, wardrobe guru Elika Gibbs is far from lacklustre.

Her personal shopping and wardrobe organizing company Practical Princess gives women the help they need to feel confident in their clothes and happy in their closets. The knowledge Gibbs has been sharing with celebrities is now available for everyone to enjoy. Her new book, Practical Princess Perfect Wardrobe hands us her winning formula on a silver platter. With posh closets and designer clothes spread across the pages, Gibbs makes it an easy, if not indulgent, read. “Clothes do hold memories and we do sort of Read more

Designer Divas: Cobi Ladner, Theresa Casey and Tara Seawright

These inspiring designers continue to devote their talents and creativity to orchestrating beautiful spaces that mesmerize our minds. Passion for art and a heightened imagination often materialize at an early age. For Tara Seawright, Theresa Casey and Cobi Ladner, this passion has elevated each of them to incredible heights.

Cobi Ladner
Cobistyle is all about showing your true colours at home and making a comfortable, beautiful and happy place for the ones you love – it’s as simple as that.

Spring is in the air! Why not use the new season as motivation to freshen things up around your house and add some personality and colour. Your home should be a joyful backdrop for daily life and reflect your own unique character – in short, Read more

Get the Look in Vaughan

MAY FLOWERS
Everything will be coming up roses with some floral wall art. www.bouclair.ca

PILLOW PLAY
From puffy pillows to stylish storage and diverse decorations, give your interior the accessories it needs for a finished look. www.bouclair.ca

BEJEWELLED
A diamond-encrusted cushion adds flair to a comfy couch. Read more

Beaverhall Homes Regency Estates

The latest enclave from Beaverhall Homes was officially welcomed by the prestigious community of Woodbridge this past February with a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at its model home on Charmaine Road.

Joining the development firm, interested buyers and city officials to celebrate the arrival of Regency Estates was Vaughan Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “As a city we are very proud of the housing choices we offer our citizens. Regency Estates embodies refinement, class and elegance in the best tradition of Beaverhall Homes. It is a welcome addition to our community,” he says.

Developed by Ami Tamam, principal of Beaverhall Homes, Regency Estates reflects the intricacy of a reputable and experienced builder. It shines in his vast portfolio of fine work as an Read more

Design & Décor

Modern Vintage Style
Published by Ryland Peters & Small, Modern Vintage Style paints a charming picture of the captivating world of antiques. From textiles and lighting to furniture and inspiration, Emily Chalmers offers homeowners a  faithful blueprint on how to blend the old with the new. The result is a cohesive composition of Modern Vintage Style. www.rylandpeters.com

Edgar Navarro
American eco-wood raindrops fall from the sky, turning any space into an earthy escape. Edgar Navarro’s clever creations can esthetically transform any room while it functions as a bottle cellar, magazine rack or anything else that captures your imagination. The Lluvia design concept comes in a variety of configurations like flowers and pyramids, and can even be used as Read more

The Refined Elegance of Regency Estates – Beaverhall Homes

Resting in glorious country settings, an emerging neighbourhood gives way to elegant estate living. Drawing on architectural grandeur and exquisite amenities, the manors of Regency Estates incorporate luxurious achievement with the finest quality materials. An impressive feat developed by builder-extraordinaire Ami Tamam of Beaverhall Homes, Regency Estates boasts an inimitable collection of 34 customized manors built to surpass every shade and gradation of perfection.

Recognizing the hardship of finding the perfect home, Risi guarantees that Regency Estates delivers fine estate living in a coveted community. “The workmanship and care given to Beaverhall Homes’ Regency Estates is like getting your custom-built home without the stress.” Read more

City Life Realty

CountryWide Homes
Surrounded by the splendour of nature, the communities fostered by CountryWide Homes feature striking, classically styled homes in warm and welcoming neighbourhoods. Using the highest quality materials for kitchen counters and cabinets; the finest flooring, including stunning imported European tiles; cathedral skylights; and gorgeous master bathrooms incorporating separate shower stalls and oak or maple cabinetry, CountryWide provides gorgeous modern housing. Escape the rush of the hectic city in these quaint yet elegant neighbourhoods.
www.countrywidehomes.ca 905.907.1500

Nicholas Residences
Designed by award-winning Core Architects, the 29-storey Nicholas Residences bring the past and present together, Read more

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