Staying at home might be driving all of us a little crazy right now, but there’s always a way to make things work! Apart from benefitting from home offices and more outdoor space, what are some recent home additions that people are looking for?

SANITATION/PACKAGE ROOM

Online shopping can be quite addictive, and you might be finding that parcels are piling up at your front door or in the hallway. It may be better to keep food deliveries and anything coming in from the outside world separate from commonly used areas. The best option is to keep this storage area close to the entrance so that you can limit the spread of germs and also create some order as those packages build up!

HOME RECREATION/THEATRE/PLAYROOM

Just like how it’s helpful to make a distinction between work and sleep areas, having separate work and play areas are also great if you struggle to unwind at the end of the day. Having one centralized area for relaxation is also a great way to bring the family together into a shared area and get in some quality time together. If you have children at home, creating these boundaries can also help solidify a routine for the youngsters.

POWDER ROOM

Unless you’re limited to one bathroom at home, now more than ever it makes the most sense to separate guest and personal usage of these spaces. If it’s unavoidable to have certain people over, keep in mind that this works best if you and the rest of your household also opt for personal bathrooms instead of the designated ‘guest powder room.” 

We're going to be spending plenty of time at home for the next couple of months, but that doesn't mean we have to be limited to the indoors! Whether you've got a private balcony or a spacious backyard, there are numerous ways to spruce up the space and make it your own little haven.

INSTALL A GARDEN MIRROR

Usually plentiful throughout the home, mirrors seldom make an appearance outside, which is a shame because they bring plenty to the party. Try a wall to wall mirror on any side of the outdoor space and watch it do wonders when it comes to elongating and brightening the scene. If you prefer to go for something a little more discreet, there's a vast selection of framed mirrors or you could try your own hand at incorporating ivy and other hanging plants.

GROW A LIVING WALL

There's always something incredibly enchanting about a living plant wall, especially in the fall when the leaves create a gorgeous palette of colours. Perfect for a calming backdrop and environmentally friendly, this option is a go-to if you're searching for ways to bring nature into your living space. 

PLAY WITH LIGHTING AND SHADOWS

Light is a surprisingly useful tool with beautifully transformative effects. Depending on the layout and features present in your outdoor space, you can play around with stringed lights, create silhouettes, or draw attention to garden favourites. Tinker around with the angles of the beams as well as the warmth of the lights to create a personalized effect that is sure to catch the attention of your neighbourhood.

Even though we're going to be stuck at home for a while longer, don't let that stop your creativity and home goals!

Although autumn is a beautiful season to enjoy the vast myriad of changing colours, it's also a reminder that everything is soon to appear just a little too lifeless. Don't fret though, because there are plenty of choices when it comes to decorating your home with houseplants that are both beautiful and simple to take care of.

For starters, you'll want to identify plants that can withstand infrequent watering (just in case you forget), uneven or poor access to light, and varying temperatures. Whether you're working out of a home office or trying to brighten up a small powder room, these are plants that are tough to kill even for the busiest and most forgetful of people.

HANGING PLANTS

Vines or hanging plants are generally grown from a pot that can either sit on its own or hang suspended from an elevated position of your choice. The plant will take care of itself with minimal care, although they can get a little busy crawling up surfaces should you pay them no attention at all. Keep in mind that these can also be placed outdoors, if you'd like to ad a hint of greenery to the balcony, patio, or parts of the exterior wall.

SPIDER PLANTS

These plants are very popular with their ability to easily be repotted and reproduced, often after you find small plantlets on their long stems that generate a rather impressive display over time, all with no additional care! In particular, this specimen is a great choice as they aren't very picky about water, light or temperature.

SUCCULENTS 

When it comes to the variety in succulents, your choices are endless, which means you can pick and choose to your liking! Chances are, there are probably specimens out there you've never even witnessed before! Although they grow at a comparably slower pace, succulents are able to thrive even in neglected circumstances. Very popular today are glass terrariums that you can personally design to hold the succulents for an added aesthetic appeal.

Looking to explore a little bit of the city while getting caught up with history? Look no further than the Engine 374 Pavilion in Yaletown to learn about this significant part of the city. 

A LITTLE HISTORY

The CPR Engine 374 pulled the first transcontinental passenger train into the city on May 23, 1887, marking an important day not only for Vancouver, but the entire nation. The event marked one of the greatest engineering feats to date, and opened up new pathways between Canada's coasts.

RESTORATION

In September, 1914, Engine 374 was selected for a complete rebuilding; it was an almost completely new locomotive, built upon the main frame of the original 1886 locomotive. No. 374 was given an additional thirty year lease on life and remained in revenue service until July, 1945, when it was retired after serving in the second World War. Initially placed at Kitsilano Park to be freely enjoyed for all, damages over the years called for a restoration project.

NEW HOME

During 1988-1990, the public was invited to the Roundhouse Courtyard to view the engine and the Heritage Bricks.
Canada’s most historic steam locomotive, Engine 374, faced an uncertain future, having been out of steam for a significant period of time. Was it to remain forgotten after a few moments of fame at Expo 86? As part of its development, Concord Pacific converted the Roundhouse into a Community Centre, giving both the building and surrounding area park land to the Parks Board. The 374 Station Pavilion building was proposed by the Park Board at the Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre in Yaletown, Vancouver. This became a reality in the 1990′s, as the 374 now sits permanently at its new home.

Visit the engine at:

Roundhouse Community Arts & Recreation Centre

181 Roundhouse Mews, Vancouver, BC V6Z 2W3

(corner of Davie Street and Pacific Boulevard, a 10-minute walk from downtown Vancouver, B.C.)

• Open daily year-round; admission is FREE
• Summer hours: 10am-4pm
• Winter hours: 11am-3pm
• Operated by West Coast Railway Association’s volunteers 

We might not notice it, but the time you spend in the bathroom often marks the start or end of significant periods in the day, whether that be getting a fresh start in the morning or winding down after bringing your A game. It might not be the centre of attention compared to other parts of your home, but there are plenty of ways to make it just as, if not more, tasteful as the rest of the house!

TILE CREATIVITY

There are thousands of choices to pick from when it comes to tiling in the bathroom, whether you decide to use that for an entire expanse of wall, the flooring, or just as a decorative element. Apart from the various colours that are available, there are multiple options when it comes to layout, such as a basketweave look or floor-to-ceiling look.

METALLIC ACCENTS

This look gets away in just about any other room, from the kitchen to the bedroom, so why not bring it into the bathroom as well? Ranging in choices from mirror frames to door handles, faucets, there lies an amazing spectrum of options when it comes to spicing up particular sections of the bathroom. Be careful not to overdo it though!

MIXED MATERIALS

Although things can start to get out of hand when you try to incorporate everything, having a good amount of contrast in materials can be very refreshing to the eye. A contemporary look is often met by striking a balance between the use of stone, glass, and even wood for different components of the bathroom. 

MINIMALISM

An ongoing trend continues to lean towards the minimalistic use of materials, feature pieces, and colours. Keep in mind that minimalism doesn’t have to contradict with variety, so let your creativity shine while still keeping in mind what the essentials truly are. Simple color schemes on the spectrum of black to white are consistently popular, as well as sleek cabinets that keep everything out of sight.

The fall season has quickly crept up upon us, which means a mix of chillier weather, hot drinks, and warm sweaters! The transition between seasons is also the perfect time to change things up in your home, whether that be a dramatic switchup or some minor decorations scattered about. If you're looking for some inspiration when it comes to fall decor, look no further.

VIBRANT AND WARM TONES

Just like the leaves sitting at their most colorful stages, this season is a great time to showcase the brighter hues that might've been stowed away for the rest of the year. As it starts to get darker and gloomier outside, displaying that colorful rug right out front, or lighting up a common space with colorful ceramics will do plenty to brighten the atmosphere. 

ONE WITH NATURE

This time of year is traditionally when a bountiful harvest is celebrated, so why not bring in some reminders of nature? Popular items you can easily pick up at your next door market include pumpkins and gourds of all colours and sizes, ornamental grasses, and gorgoeus chrysanthemums. There are endless opportunities to mix and match, with most also faring well outside on the porch or balcony.

PATTERNED PIECES AND TEXTILE ART

When all is said and done, patterned pieces will always be popular go-tos that serve as statement pieces from the living room to the bedroom. In fact, modern rugs and hanging wall pieces are purposely given an older look to deliver an 'erased design.' For a more minimalistic look, opt for black, white or neutral colours that will balance out designs. Alternatively, go all out with extravagant colours and bold shapes.

The kitchen is an undeniably important element of any home, and particularly so if you've got most of the family at home during these turbulent times. Trends will come and go as needs change, but here are some of the emerging trends that have been identified in this multifunctional part of your home!

TOUCHLESS APPLIANCES

Cleanliness and hygiene are high on everybody's priority list nowadays, which is why touchless appliances have increasingly become less about luxury, and more about sanitation and convenience. There are multiple options to explore throughout your everyday kitchen items, from motion-activated water taps to smart fridges and voice-activated apps for cooking. Especially if you've got a large household, or plan to have the occasional guests over, this can be a great way to bridge the demand for efficiency and cleanliness.

OPEN SHELVING

People fall all across the spectrum when it comes to organization habits in the kitchen, from completely open displays to cupboards and containers for every item possible. Open shelves are growing in popularity partly due to the effect it has on increasing the perception of space, and because it's a great way to display prized possessions and decorate if you find yourself spending more and more time in the kitchen.

ADDITONAL DISHWASHERS

If you're now cooking three meals a day for multiple members of the family, the kitchen sink is likely to overflow much faster than before. Double dishwashers are generating lots of interest when it comes to saving time, keeping sink and countertops clean, and helping keep different food remains such as meat and dairy dishes separate.

Consider what needs your household has and choose wisely!

Finding a new home can be intimidating for everyone, but it can be increasingly so for homebuyers who are self employed. Common challenges come from proving that you have a steady income, especially when you don't have employment letters or pay stubs on hand. With some careful planning, it can be much easier to navigate an already stressful process and find yourself a new place without breaking too much of a sweat.

ALTERNATIVE EVIDENCE FOR FINANCIAL STABILITY

• A few years of tax returns
• Self prepared profit and loss statement
• A business license
• Audited financial statements
• Signed documentation from a CPA (Chartered Professional Accountant) verifying your business
• Employer's liability insurance
• Signed documentation from clients including date and type of service provided 

FOCUS ON YOUR CREDIT SCORE

A high credit score can demonstrate your ability to pay off debts and be responsible with money. Aim to already have or establish a consistent track record for prospective landlords and lenders. You can keep your credit in check by keeping credit card balances low, paying accounts in time, and avoiding applying for other credit lines while you're applying for a mortgage.

SEPARATE PERSONAL AND BUSINESS EXPENSES

Keeping your accounts organized and separate helps lenders determine your business expenses and income more efficiently. Business expenses that are paid through a business account might not be held against you, since it's an asset for the business. On the flip side, be careful with deductions on business expenses, as this lowers your overall taxable income, which can hurt your chances when applying for a home loan.

Home buying is never easy, but keep these tips in mind when making your next significant life decision!

Home transformations are a great way to personalize your home and really make it your own, but if you're thinking about moving around and potentially selling the place, be aware of some changes that might be appealing to you, but not worth the compromise for prospective buyers.

ADDING EXTRA WALLS

Espcially right now, making use of extra space can seem like the smart thing to do, particularly if you have a sizeable, open concept living room or a larger studio. Putting up walls can effectively turn one room into two, creating a permanent work station or playroom instead of constantly reorganizing for different needs. A permanent wall can easily decrease appeal by making rooms appear much smaller than they actually are, disrupting natural lighting, or creating a mismatched overall look.

BOLD ACCENTS AND COLOURS

A splash of your unique creativity may excel at capturing your guests' attention and keep them asking questions, but it can be risky to assume that those looking for a new place to settle will be equally enthralled by the stark colours and unusual styles that made your home your prized piece of art. Opt to stick to designs and tones that resonate with the general population instead of only a select few, or consider having your home repainted prior to listing and marketing the property. Neutral shades and stylish yet classic furnishings are always a safe bet, especially if the buyer isn't interested in doing a complete transformation for themselves.

MISMATCHED RENOVATIONS

Sometimes home projects happen on a whim, fueled by a spontaneous moment of inspiration. Other times, it's impractical to have the entire home renovated all in one go. In these circumstances, despite there being a lag in the overall timeline, it's important to ensure that one change doesn't differ drastically from the next. If you're redoing the flooring in one room before moving on to the next room months later, keep in mind that too many different types of floor coverings can present a disorganized look. The same thing can be said about surfaces, colours, and furnishings. At the end of the day, they should all complement one another!

Planning to buy or sell a home in the near future? From an outside perspective, it may seem relatively simple and while there may be aspects of working alone that individuals find appealing, real estate professionals have years of experience under their belts as well as plenty to offer, from vast networks to tips that are tried and true. Why use the help of a realtor? Find out below:

If you're on the search for a new home, a licensed realtor has the expertise to provide detailed market analysis when analyzing the best choices to suit your needs. From having worked in the industry, they can explain to you the current and projected market conditions, which may help you optimize the time of your purchase or associated sale. Assuming that you screen carefully for a diligent realtor, they can focus on your specific needs, research and arrange for you to see prospective homes, and inquire about important details that might otherwise go unaddressed. Once you find the perfect place, they are there to represent you in the negotiation process, assist with home inspections and support you through the entire closing process until you take possession.

Alternatively, if you're looking to sell your home, a licensed realtor is the best person to turn to when working out comparables in the process of arriving at the best asking price. Especially given the importance of marketing, they will have trusted connections who can help showcase your home in the best possible manner, from drone photography to virtual staging and video tours. Their expansive network of colleagues and clients will quickly help get the word out and your listing would be shared with a massive number of potential buyers. Similarly, realtors will help you through the entire negotation process and work by your side to ensure a smoothing closing. 

Working with a realtor takes away from the burden of having to either be already proficient or willing to spend a large amount of time becoming familiar with the relevant terminology and paperwork. Pricing your home and closing a deal can be intimidating on your own, and effective marketing will usuallyy require a significant level of dedication. With plenty of work on everybody's plate, you might want to consider whether one of these options would be more beneficial to you in the long run.