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Low-Maintenance Renovations For High-Quality Enjoyment

Renovating a space can be an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it can also be time-consuming and expensive. Fortunately, there are several low-maintenance renovations that you can do to enjoy your space for years to come without breaking the bank.

Paint

A fresh coat of paint can work wonders for a room. Not only is it an inexpensive way to update your space, but it also has a big impact on the overall feel of a room. Choose a colour that complements your existing decor or you can go for something bold and daring to make a statement. You can also consider painting an accent wall to add some depth and interest to the space.

Replace light fixtures

Another low-maintenance renovation that can make a big impact is updating your light fixtures. This can be as simple as replacing outdated fixtures with modern ones, or you can take it a step further and install dimmer switches to create a more relaxing ambiance. This can be especially useful in rooms like the bedroom or living room, where you might want to adjust the lighting based on your mood.

Upgrade your hardware

Upgrading your hardware is another low-maintenance renovation that can make a big difference in your space. This can be as simple as replacing old doorknobs or drawer pulls with modern ones or swapping out your old faucets for new ones. You can even consider adding some decorative hardware to make a statement.

Add some greenery

Adding some greenery to your space instantly makes it feel more alive and inviting. You can choose to add a few potted plants or even consider a vertical garden for a unique touch. If you're not great with plants, there are several low-maintenance options like succulents or air plants that require minimal care.

Upgrade your flooring

If you want a more significant renovation, upgrading your flooring can be a game-changer. Replace old carpet with hardwood or laminate flooring or even upgrade to tile in high-traffic areas like the kitchen or bathroom. Not only does this improve the look of your space, but it's also more durable and easier to clean.

Add storage solutions

Finally, adding storage solutions can help keep your space organized and clutter-free. This can be as simple as adding some shelves or hooks to your walls or investing in some furniture with built-in storage like a storage ottoman or a bed with built-in drawers. This will not only help you stay organized but can also make your space feel larger and more open.

Renovating your space doesn't have to be a daunting and time-consuming task. By focusing on low-maintenance renovations like painting, adding greenery, and adding storage solutions, you can enjoy your space for years to come without breaking the bank.

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Foolproof tips to punch up your home’s palette

(NC) Prepare your paintbrushes: colour is back. Neutral aesthetics have dominated for seasons on end, but design tastemakers have shifted their focus to adventurous interiors.

Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares how to confidently move on from neutral tones and kickstart a colour revival.

Balance a room
“Colour has visual weight, so be mindful of the size of your space,” Grech advises. Larger rooms can handle darker tones and strong saturation. Smaller spaces can benefit from airier, pale tones; but with ample lighting, a bold hue can be a joyful transformation.

Make a statement
There is something alluring about a room that is bursting with colour. Be bold in your expression and have fun. Instead of using an oversized piece of art for your wall, create an area of interest by painting a wall section behind a favourite piece of furniture. Paint unexpected corners of your home, like a bookcase, chimney or ceiling, to add a splash of colour and inject your personality.

Amplify the colour you love
Your home is your haven. Consider the emotional and subconscious impact certain colours have on you and let them guide your choice. Grech suggests, “Consider a shade like Raspberry Blush 2008-30 for your living room or kitchen to energize or New Age 1444 for a calming bedroom.” Colour has the ability to evoke emotions and affect mood, so consider how you use the room and want to feel in it before selecting a hue.

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3 expert home décor tips and trends for 2022

(NC) If there’s ever a perfect moment to refresh your home, it’s at the start of a new year. Now is the time to reimagine your space with a fresh look that brings you joy. Whatever you’re envisioning, look to these expert décor tips and trends from celebrity designer Amanda Aerin.

Be bold
Looking for ways to upgrade your space and make a statement? Aerin recommends incorporating more colour and patterns into your home decor. This year’s popular shades will be saturated, bold and uplifting, so don’t be afraid to switch things up and step out of your comfort zone.

Curate your look
Aerin says curated home décor is hot on the trend list for 2022. Dress your space with a mix of old and new, incorporating vintage finds, travel treasures or family mementos.

“My approach to design is to create concepts that are visually stimulating, tactile and invoke feelings of happiness and relaxation,” says Aerin.

Mix patterns like a pro
Mixing and matching geometrics with florals is another hot 2022 trend in home décor. Start by choosing your patterned fabric first, then pull accent colours from there for a professional look.

“Mixing and matching colourful patterns and fabrics is the perfect way to add texture to a space. To add more depth to a room and to keep my fabrics fresh, I love Febreze Unstopables Touch fabric spray. The scent is touch activated, so every time I fluff my mix and match pillows, sit on my upholstered furniture or pull open my curtains, I get a burst of freshness for the perfect finishing touch.”

Find more information at febreze.com. 

 
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Designer advice for choosing the right white paint

(NC) Ready to repaint but not sure how to pick the perfect neutral? Benjamin Moore colour and design expert Sharon Grech shares her top four tips to help you choose the perfect white paint for your space.

Know your exposure.

Overall lighting and the orientation of your room are the most important considerations when choosing paint colours, especially when it comes to selecting the right tint of white. Whether your room faces north, east, south or west, there is a white paint designed to bring out the very best in your space’s natural light.

“If you have a north or east exposure, opt for warmer whites. Look for options with cooler tones to counterbalance south and west exposures, such as Decorator’s White OC-149.”

If you’re in a space with limited natural light such as a basement or small den, consider Chantilly Lace OC-65, a bright designer favourite to bring an added sense of space and light to any room.

Pay attention to the undertone.

When selecting neutral paints, one of the key differences to keep in mind is the undertone. From pink to green and everything in between, you can find a white paint with an undertone to suit your space. When selecting a white paint, consider the colour of the furniture and flooring in your space — if you tend towards warmer hues, opt for a white paint with a warm undertone to create a cohesive feel.

Express your sense of style.

From modern to traditional, white paint can bring out the best in a range of design styles. Express your personal taste and give your neutral space a warm and inviting feeling by adding texture with throw blankets, cushions and rugs in natural fibres. To accentuate architectural details and add extra dimension to neutral walls, Grech suggests painting details such as trim, mouldings and even furniture in a high-gloss sheen to add a striking contrast to matte or eggshell walls.

Test before you paint.

Sharon’s top piece of advice? “Always test a few variations of white paint on your walls before painting the whole room.” A white paint that looks perfect in the store could look totally different once it’s in your space. 
Once you’ve found your perfect tint, make sure to prime your walls if you’re painting over a bold colour. Choose a paint like Regal Select interior paint to achieve professional results and flawless coverage.

 
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3 affordable ways to create a home office that works for you

(NC) This year’s home must-have is an office space that offers flexibility to go seamlessly from video calls to virtual classroom to everything in between. To help you create a workspace that works for you, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares three affordable tips to create a stylish office no matter your style or budget.

Choose colours that promote productivity.

Struggling to find focus when working from home? Your wall colour can help promote a sense of calm and concentration to help you through your busiest days. “Tints and shades of green such as Spa AF-435 or Flora AF-470 can help foster a sense of calm and support your productivity,” recommends Grech.

Giving your home office a coat of green paint is a project you can do yourself, and the increased focus and reduction in eye strain will help you work smarter all year long.

Make room for your workspace.

If you don’t have a dedicated home office, you can easily create a place where you can focus by making a work area in your home. A floating shelf or a side table can double as a compact desk in small spaces. Once you select where you want to set up your workspace, clean up any clutter that could be distracting. Grech suggests shopping your home for baskets, mason jars and catch-alls to store office supplies such as notebooks, pens and loose papers.

Create a chic background.

On video calls all day? You can create an envy-inducing backdrop in just one weekend by painting out a bookcase, including the backs of shelves, in one solid hue like Amazon Soil 2115-30. Grech recommends choosing a durable paint designed to adhere to wooden surfaces such as Advance interior paint for results as professional as your new office. Once dry, position your bookcase, with styled shelves of books and decorative objects, behind you for a put-together background.

 
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Easy DIYs that instantly transform any space: 3 projects you can do in a weekend

(NC) The return of warmer weather doesn't just mean the start of summer, it's also the kickoff to home improvement season. Every home deserves a light, airy refresh to embrace a brighter season ahead. Fortunately, transforming your space doesn't mean you need a big budget or a lot of time.

Elevate your home in just one weekend with these easy DIY projects inspired by Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert.

Go for faux wallpaper
From painting one wall a bold colour or adding interest with a stylish painted arch, there are endless options for creating a focal point in your space with colour. This season, accent walls are going graphic and taking inspiration from wallpaper — with a lot less fuss.

"Whether you choose polka dots, thin lines or an intricate pattern, this transformation is an easy way to give any space personality," shares Grech. "This project is perfect for those looking to get creative — use a stencil for flawless results in no time."

Make a statement with your staircase
It can feel daunting to paint an entire room, especially if you want to do it yourself. Instead, look for small projects that make a significant impact, such as painting your stair risers. Whether you want to add an unexpected pop of colour or take a tonal approach by alternating between shades of grey like Feather Gray 2127-60 and Pike's Peak Gray 2127-50, Advance interior paint delivers a durable, furniture-like finish on wood surfaces so that you can achieve professional results in a weekend.

Welcome with vibrant doors 
Painting your front door is an easy way to boost your home's curb appeal, but who says you can't make an immediate impact by painting your interior doors?

“If you lean towards a neutral palette, painting a door in an energizing hue like Marblehead Gold HC-11 can help you incorporate a splash of colour into your home without committing to an entire wall,” explains Grech. If you're hesitant to introduce a vibrant colour, she suggests Palladian Blue HC-144 for a subtle facelift.

 
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Minimal style with maximum comfort

(NC) Minimalism is getting maximum attention these days, since this style of design no longer needs to have hard edges or be uncomfortable. The new approach celebrates nature and serenity without sacrificing warmth and comfort. Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour marketing expert, shares her three tips on how to create a warm and inviting minimalist space in your home.

Build on your base colours: Like all good design, minimalism starts with the basics. The first step to beautiful design is selecting your colour palette of two to three colours that you will use throughout your space. Warm neutrals like creams, beiges and greys will help create a timeless and subtle starting point that lets your décor shine. “Neutral paint colours like Thunder AF-68, White Heron OC-57 and even a muted rosy hue like the Colour of the Year 2020 First Light 2102-70 are ideal choices for an inviting minimal space,” says Grech.

Add natural textures. The key to an inviting design is thoughtfully adding texture and layers. Natural materials and textures have a calming effect and add softness to minimal spaces. Complement your neutral base colours with woven rugs, wooden chairs, rattan furniture and plants to add depth and visual interest and create an inviting and serene look. Group accessories in neutral shades together – think antique whites, sun-bleached beiges and stormy greys to create a harmonious look that is easy on the eyes.

Do it yourself: Consistency of colours, textures and tones are essential when creating a warm and inviting minimal space. One way to achieve a consistent look is to paint wooden furniture and cabinets to create a unified and complementary set of tones throughout your home. “Painting wooden furniture and cabinets is an approachable do-it-yourself project. There are two key elements to properly painting furniture: first, smooth out any uneven textures using sandpaper. Second, make sure you use a high-quality paint designed to minimize brushstrokes, like Advance interior paint from Benjamin Moore.”

 
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Designer tips to bring global style home

(NC) This summer, see the world from the comfort of home with globally inspired design. From the Greek Islands to the Santa Fe desert, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour marketing expert, shares her advice to bring the aesthetic of some of the world’s most exciting destinations into your home – no travel required.

Santorini: Create a calm and refreshing space with a palette of timeless Grecian blues, whites and greys. These serene Mediterranean shades have classic appeal that will never go out of style. Looking to refresh your kitchen? “Make your light-coloured countertops pop by painting your lower cabinetry a vibrant shade of blue, like Lazy Sunday 830,” says Grech.

Boston: If your style is a mix of classic and contemporary, take inspiration from the heritage hues and aesthetic of Boston. You can easily bring the feel of this east-coast city by adding warm toned plants and greens to your home. “Perennials such as coral bells and sedums are easy to care for and will add beautiful pops of warm colour to your front or backyard.”

Cape Town: Bring the vibrant and bold colour palette of Cape Town to your home by adding accents of pink and orange. Bathrooms and powder rooms are ideal spaces to experiment with bolder colours – painting a wall or vanity in a bright shade will create an uplifting space that energizes and rejuvenates. “Since bathrooms can be the most susceptible to water and steam damage, be sure to use a product such as Benjamin Moore Aura Bath and Spa, which provides a luxurious matte finish designed for high-humidity environments.”

Sante Fe: Add warmth and comfort to your living room or home office with an earthy colour palette inspired by the desert landscapes of Sante Fe. Shades of gold, muted oranges and accents of turquoise create an eclectic and collected feel that complements styles ranging from classic to minimal.

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Give your home new life with these tips

(NC) As the change in weather has us retreating indoors, take some time to spruce up your interiors with these design ideas.


Play with paint. One of the most budget-friendly ways to change up a space is with paint. You can use it to refresh antique or dated furniture, or you can create a whole new ambiance with a new wall colour. For the cooler months, try dark, nearly black walls to add depth to a room. Keep it warm and inviting with lighter furnishings and décor; the deep shade will accentuate their silhouettes for a striking finish.


Re-theme a room. Whether it’s your bedroom, kitchen or living room, switching up the style of a room can dramatically improve the overall look and feel. Try a new colour palette, or a different aesthetic like rustic, contemporary or cottage to create a renewed environment. For an affordable makeover, focus on smaller but impactful elements like textures, accents, furniture and décor.


Frame your view. Transform a boring basic window with gorgeous shades that do more than add style and polish. Hunter Douglas’ innovative custom window treatments offer light control for the perfect amount of natural sunlight, elegant performance fabrics for energy efficiency and UV protection, and intelligent shade operating systems for convenient smart home integration. Purposeful, polished window coverings give any room a finished look.


Organize chaos. Improving your home’s organization can make your entire living space feel fresh and welcoming. So take some time to clear out the clutter and use drawer and closet organizers to find an out-of-sight place for every trinket. If you have a small space, choose smart storage solutions that work double duty. And don’t forget your entryway. As the first impression of your home, it’s essential to keep neat and tidy. Use a coat rack and bench that doubles as shoe storage for an organized and seamless appearance.

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Simple tips and tricks to update your home – just using paint

By: Scott McGillivray


(NC) Looking to update your home but don’t have the time or money for a full-on renovation? Not a problem. With the right application of paint, you can breathe new life into your home, inside and out.


Consider these five painting projects to boost your home’s appeal:


Reimagine your space. One of the easiest ways to add personality is to refresh the walls by adding bold and contemporary colours. Try highlighting a focal point or niche with a fresh pop of colour, or paint an accent wall to command the eye’s attention.



Make a statement in your bathroom. People generally limit the amount of time they spend in their bathrooms. But what if you could make it a room you actually want to spend time in? With a coat of paint in just the right colour, anything is possible. Turn your bathroom into a statement room with a dark shade. Forgoing the usual neutral finish, this bold approach catches the eye and can create a sense of class and drama.


Revitalize tired cabinets and furniture. Bring old cabinets and furniture back to life with a fresh coat of paint. Choose a colour theme that complements the rest of your home or room. You can accentuate little details, hide imperfections and create great conversation pieces. I recommend using Para Paints Ultra melamine hybrid cabinet and furniture paint in a neutral colour that complements your style.


Captivate with a stylish doorway. The front door is the focal point of your home’s exterior, so you want it to look as good as possible. If yours is looking a little tired and a new one isn’t in the budget, a coat of paint is a terrific option. A brighter hue can add energy, while a more subdued one plays up a traditional feel. Top it off with some stylish hardware and accessories and you’re good to go.


Update exterior trim and accents. There’s a connection between outer upkeep and what a visitor can expect inside. Painting your exterior windows, trim and shutters with the right colour palette can greatly boost your home’s curb appeal and make it more inviting for you and your visitors. Experiment with colour to create a playful welcoming effect or opt for a more subtle palette to create a formal or classic look. Remember, first impressions matter.

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