Although the spring and summer months are just around the corner, we still want to be able to enjoy a meal or a drink in the great outdoors! Patio season may not be upon us quite yet but we can still enjoy heated seating areas! We have gathered the top places with heated patios so if you are looking for the best outdoor seating in the neighbourhood then keep on reading! 

BRIX & MORTAR
Address: 1138 Homer Street, Vancouver 
Phone: 604-915-9463 

Brix & Mortar offers two heated outdoor seating areas! There is a cozy courtyard space and a trendy outdoor patio illuminated by seven-tier glass chandeliers. 

PROVENANCE MARINASIDE
Address: 1177 Marinaside Crescent, Vancouver 
Phone: 604-681-4144 

Provenance is located in the heart of Yaletown right on Marinaside directly across from the Yaletown Marina. Enjoy a glass of wine all year around in their enclosed and heated patio.  

PER SE SOCIAL CORNER

Address: 891 Homer Street, Vancouver 
Phone: 604-428-6111 

Choose from their wine list, coffee, or their meals all in the comfort of an enclosed heated patio. This classy corner bar has tons of seating both inside and out! 

THE KEG STEAKHOUSE + BAR
Address: 1011 Mainland Street, Vancouver 
Phone: 604-633-2534 

In a prime Yaletown location, the Keg has one of the most iconic open space eating areas in the city. Enjoy their coveted menu on their cozy heated rooftop patio!  

It is almost that time again! Time to start spring cleaning! What better place to start then in the heart of the home, the kitchen. Whether it be the pantry, the fridge or a cluttered countertop we have the tips on how to spruce up your space for the upcoming spring months! If a kitchen clean up sounds daunting and overwhelming keep on reading to make your cleanup simple and productive! 

PANTRY

To tidy up that crowded pantry start by categorizing your items. Some things may be flying off our shelves quicker than others and by keeping everything in its rightful category you can easily decide what to donate/throw away. For the items that are there to stay keep them in clear containers so you can see the contents inside and organize these items accordingly. Once everything is in a container, use labels to keep everything in its assigned spot! 

FRIDGE & FREEZER

When it comes to the fridge or freezer you want to organize your food by zones, and keep these zones labelled! For example, keep all your condiments on one side of the fridge door and all your salad dressings on another. Everyone is working with limited space in these areas and by assigning a certain amount of room for a category of food you will only keep the necessities! For the freezer, make sure that the items you tend to grab the most are right in the front.  

COUNTERTOPS

All flat surfaces become a magnet for clutter! When it comes to your kitchen countertops you want to be very picky about what you leave there. A great suggestion is to organize your counter space by stations. For example, have a station for coffee where you keep your coffee machine and pods or have a station for baking where you leave your mixer. To avoid clutter and chaos, the appliances you are not consistently using on a daily or weekly basis do not need to be left on the countertops.  

First impressions are everything! The front door is the first thing to be seen when entering your home and it is the focal point of the house’s exterior. The front door can say many things about the contents of your home and your style, but it also plays a practical role as the main access point into your property. There are many components to consider when choosing a luxury door for your home and we have summarized them below! 

MATERIAL

When shopping for a new front door a good place to start is to choose the type of material you want it to be composed of. There are several different types of materials that entrance doors could be made of.  Timber doors are a great option as they can be laminated, hardwood or softwood, varnished and much more. Composite doors are also very popular for their timber-like style and they are low maintenance. The door material you choose will affect the insulation, the style, and the security of your home, so choose wisely! 

WINDOW

Once the material has been chosen you want to decide whether or not you would like to include a window in your door. This is an aesthetic that is very popular in entry way doors. Including a window allows natural light to pour into your foyer making your front entrance appear brighter and bigger. Despite the benefits to having a window in your front door the major down sides are the security risk and the loss of heat. To retain insulation and low heating costs choose a double-glazed window if this is the style you want! 

HANDLES

You want the style of your front door to reflect the aesthetic of your home. For example, if the door is for a cottage type home you will want to go with a more traditional timber door. If you are working with a newly constructed home you will want to choose a more modern door. To complete your luxury door design, choose a matching handle. For a traditional timber door, you may have double doors with knobs in the center. Or for a more contemporary look, use a long metal handle. Be inspired by your interior design and the architecture of your home when choosing a luxury front door! 

If being confined to our home with roommates or family members has taught us anything over the last year it is the importance of personal space! Are you looking to create some privacy between yourself and the members of your household? If so, we have just what you need! Keep on reading for tips and ideas on how to create more privacy in your home!  

FLOATING WALL 

Can’t construct a full wall in your open concept space? A floating temporary wall just may be the next best thing! A DIY floating wall using thin wood paneling, plexiglass, or even a piece of art will work perfectly as a space divider! Once you have chosen the materials for your divider the next steps are to install anchors into your ceiling. Then screw hooks into the divider and connect the two pieces. Be sure to use adjustable connectors to customize the amount of coverage you prefer, and voila you have a floating wall! Try this technique between the living room/dining room or between the kitchen/dining room for extra separation. 

CURTAINS/FOLDING SCREEN

Need more coverage than the floating wall? Try hanging ceiling mounted curtains! Curtains are the perfect way to divide your space up and create plenty of privacy. The benefits of utilizing curtains to separate an open concept layout is that they are fairly inexpensive! If you are looking for something less permanent and don’t want to create any holes in your walls or ceiling try a foldable screen! A vintage screen is a chic way to divvy up your space while adding to the style of your home. Create an office nook in your bedroom or living room using curtains or a folding screen for added privacy! 

BOOKSHELF

Need a private space without completely separating rooms? Use a bookshelf to compartmentalize your home! Place a bookshelf in any part of your home to create an office nook or between two rooms to add privacy. A bookshelf adds visual interest to the space while still breaking up the floorplan. Not to mention all the extra storage you gain by adding a bookcase to your home! Add a bookshelf to the end of your bed to separate your sleeping space and working space, or in the living room to create a home office, the possibilities are endless really!  

Let's face it, the pantry is an easy space to forget about and clutter can build up over time. But there is nothing like a lockdown to get you really questioning the organization of your nonperishable goods. We have gathered three key steps to aid in overcoming that pantry clutter. If you are looking on tips to revamp and reorganize that daunting pantry, then keep on reading!  

STEP ONE: CLEAN-OUT UNNECESSARY ITEMS

If you have been avoiding cleaning out your pantry for some time now then chances are there are many items you no longer need or have even expired. Think of what you use most in the kitchen and separate your pantry items according to staples you often cook with and things you no longer reach for. Anything that is unopened can be donated. Anything that has an overdue expiry date or any dinged up/rusted cans can be recycled. Once you have downsized your pantry items the fun part begins! 

STEP TWO: CATEGORIZE AND LABEL CONTAINERS

The key to an organized “picture worthy” pantry is decanting boxes and bags of food into clear containers. Not only does this give your pantry a seamless look it is also more practical to see the contents in the container than the ingredients on the side of a box. Use matching glass or plastic containers to really have a uniform pantry. If there are cooking instructions or ingredients you must keep, cut them out and tape them to the bottom of the containers. Once your goods are in containers invest in a label marker or hand write labels from your local dollar store to distinguish containers.  

STEP THREE: UTILIZE YOUR SPACE WELL

Now that your goods are sorted, categorized, and labelled you can begin filling up your pantry! You want to utilize the space you have to the best of your ability. Add Lazy Susans for smaller items that you have multiples of, such as spices. Add drawers or trays to your shelfing to store canned goods, and to make items in the very back of the shelving more accessible. Use baskets that match your containers to store items such as fruit or individually wrapped granola bars. When all is organized make sure to leave space for items to be added into your pantry and remember to declutter frequently! 

Tired of being stuck indoors but need to give your outdoor living space an update? A covered deck is the perfect way to extend your living space and to enjoy the outdoors rain or shine! Covering your outdoor area allows you to enjoy an indoor-outdoor living area while entertaining (when that is permitted, of course). If you are looking to create a covered outdoor space for all year around, despite the weather, then keep on ready! 

CANVAS GAZEBO

A simple metal gazebo with a sturdy canvas cover is an easy and affordable way to turn a wide-open outdoor area into a cozy living space. With the addition of twinkling lights around the inside of the canopy you have the perfect spot to cozy up rain or shine! Add comfy chairs, lanterns and an outdoor rug to complete this living space whether it be on a deck, patio or garden terrace you are set for outdoor entertaining! 

BAMBOO SHADES

Do you already have a covered deck space or a metal gazebo in place? Add privacy to your outdoor living area with the addition of bamboo blinds. Bamboo blinds will allow just enough light to shine into your outdoor space while blocking the view of close by neighbours. The earthy texture of the blinds will give your space a tropical boho vibe. Add paper lanterns and tiki torches to really turn your outdoor seating area into a vacation! 

CHIC PARASOLS

Looking to add a chic cover to your backyard without constructing a permanent structure? Add a classy all black or white parasol to your outdoor living area to provide shade in the sun or to cover your seating area in the rain. A chic parasol is the perfect alternative to a gazebo when you are not looking to take up too much floor space and is an affordable way to add some class to your outdoor space. Add multiple parasols and decorate with matching black and white outdoor furniture and décor for the most glamorous outdoor living area!

Move over shaker style cabinets because the next big cabinet trend is in, reeded cabinetry! Shaker kitchen cabinets are the most popular style of cabinet doors characterized by their straightforward profile with a recessed center panel. Most shaker cabinets have a very simple and clean look while others may feature detailing around the edges. If you are tired of seeing this very popular design trend in kitchens and bathrooms everywhere then keep reading to learn more about the new trend, reeded cabinetry! 

CHARACTERISTICS

Reeded cabinetry is characterized by the textural front profiles. Unlike Shaker style cabinets the front profile is not smooth and bare but instead is filled with ribbed pieces of wood. The cabinets appear as if dowels (cylinder pieces of wood) have been glued vertically beside each other creating the reeded design. This design trend is one that is very unique and is unlike anything seen in cabinetry! This style of cabinets gives the home a modern and custom feel while remaining functional and chic.  

HYBRID

Reeded style cabinets appear to have a similar shape and appearance as the shaker style cabinets, but with a closer look you will see the textured rippled effect of the front profile. Reeded cabinetry also plays well with shaker cabinetry in sort of a hybrid design. With the classic trim and profile of the shaker cabinets but instead of the centre panel being smooth in a typical shaker style it has the reeded design. In the hybrid style you get the classic look of the shaker cabinets mixed with the unique design of the reeded style, it’s a win-win! 

VERSATILITY

Like shaker style cabinets, reeded cabinetry can be substituted in any part of the home! They work really well in a kitchen layout and can be painted to suit the colour palette of the space. Want to spruce up your bathroom? Try a light wood shade of reeded cabinets to offset an all-white bathroom. Even in the mud-room, storage built-ins can have the reeded makeover! If you love the design and style of reeded cabinets but aren’t up for a major renovation you can even introduce it into the home in the form of décor or accessories. For example, a reeded lamp post or stool. This new design trend is very versatile and this can account for its sudden popularity! 

Bathrooms can be a tricky place to redesign! Regardless of the sleek minimalistic design you imagine for your bathroom, oftentimes you need to have your necessities on display. Besides from the clutter there are also a few décor items that can make your bathroom feel small and cramped. Keep on reading for the design trends we suggest to make your bathroom feel more spacious and less crowded! 

SOFT COLOUR PALETTE

When it comes to the colour of the walls, the hand towels you display, and the shower curtain you choose keep them simple and use a soft colour palette. Overwhelming Patterns can cause the space to look more cramped and cluttered especially if the patterns are conflicting. Choose a light wall colour to open up the space and decorate with a shower curtain and hand towels that are a solid soothing colour. If you currently have a predominately white bathroom and want to add pops of colour a trick is to only introduce 10% of this colour into the space. 

LARGE MIRRORS

Scale is everything when trying to maximize the space in your bathroom. A small mirror can make even the largest bathroom feel closed in and crowded. There is always room for more mirrors in the bathroom! Mirrors really open up the space and make it feel much more spacious. Add a large round mirror over your vanity or even a floor length mirror if the space is permitted. An over-the-door mirror is an alternative if space is tight. Mirrors bring more natural light into the room helping it feel brighter and larger!

OPEN SHELVING

Bulky bathroom cabinetry can make a bathroom feel very crowded and they take up precious square footage! Alternatively, a modern pedestal sink vanity and floating shelves create an open and spacious feel in the bathroom. Display baskets and boxes in open shelving to make the space organized and to hide toiletries and self-care items. If a bathroom renovation is not in your budget and you are looking to free up some space in the bathroom take the laundry hamper out! Hampers also takes up precious square footage and can be placed in the bedroom or laundry room instead! 

Although there will not be too much entertaining happening in the upcoming weeks you may feel like you need to spruce up your living room for the new year. The living room is usually the focus of the home where families spend the majority of their time and quite often it is the largest room. Whether you are planning a simple refresh in your living room or a complete overhaul we have the inspiration you need! 

A FRESH COAT OF PAINT

If your living room has not been updated in few years then a fresh coat of paint is the perfect place to start! Paint does wonders to a room and will transition your old space into something more vibrant and inviting. Freshen up and neutralize the space with a coat of white paint. Painting your walls some variation of white whether it is a pure white or an off white is an instant way to brighten up a room and make it feel spacious and tidy. A tip to make white walls really pop is to add a darker trim such as black or navy blue.  

THE FLOOR PLAN

To maximize your entertainment space, take the time to map out a floor plan. How many people do you plan on having in this space and what will the seating arrangement be like? Once you have decided on the specifics regarding seating, side tables and coffee tables it is time to choose furniture and decorate! If your existing furniture still brings you joy and can be incorporated into your new floor plan spruce it up with new throw pillows or a new rug. If new furniture is in the budget be mindful of furniture with storage. If you are planning on having games nights in your new space it would be beneficial to have a coffee table or an ottoman that could store your favourite board games! 

INTEGRATING TECHNOLOGY

Once you have freshened up the space and created the ultimate floor plan for entertaining, add technology to your living room. For example, amp up the space with a new television or an audio system if moving nights are in your near future. Another option is to invest in the newest gaming console if this is your means of entertainment. In order to avoid the entertainment systems taking over your space,  disguise them within cabinetry or cupboards. Enjoy the bigger television you have purchased but have the ability to tuck it away behind a cabinet to allow for entertaining technology-free if needed.  

With the new year comes new design trends! I am sure we are all ready to finally say goodbye to 2020 and are excited for a fresh start. To welcome in the new year, we have broken down some of the top design trends in two of the most important rooms in the home, the kitchen and the bathroom. Continue reading for the design trends that will rule 2021!  

WALLPAPER MURALS

We have seen that a feature wall is popular in many rooms in the home but it tends to make an impactful statement in the kitchen and bathroom. Wallpaper has made a comeback and is a staple when creating a statement wall. Wallpaper is a relatively inexpensive option to quickly add some life, colour, and art into a not so lively space. Nonpermanent peel-and-stick wallpaper makes the addition of a feature wall an easy option to spruce up your space accompanied by very little commitment.  

ART DECO

Art Deco is a trend that emphasizes a style of visual arts, architecture and design that first appeared in France just before World War I. Art Deco is making a comeback in 2021 and can be used in both the kitchen and bathroom to take interior design to the next level! Characterized by bold colors, harsh geometry, and decadent detail work, art deco can be added to these spaces using décor pieces, patterned towels or rugs, and elaborate wall art. 

STONE SLABS

Stone slabs are a fantastic way to add elegance and uniqueness to the kitchen and bathroom. As a backsplash or as a countertop, stone slabs enhance the beauty in these spaces be replacing basic neutrals. In both the kitchen and the bathroom, the countertops are the main feature of the space. By choosing a premium quality stone your countertops and back splash will be much more durable and they will increase your home’s value as an added bonus.