Everything Home - Real Estate & Home Services Guide December 2025
How to get the cottagecore look at home
you love wildflowers, crafting, embroidery, plants and a fairy tale-like esthetic, the cottagecore look may be right for you. This trendy style evokes the atmosphere, lifestyle and romanticism of English country houses. Fortunately, you don’t have to live in a literal cottage to get the look. Here’s how to bring this design style into your home.
THE WALLS
To create a dreamy and poetic atmosphere, paint the walls in pastel tones.Alternatively, apply flowery wallpaper.Just make sure the print isn’t too busy, as this can overwhelm the space.
THE FLOOR
HOME
Do you need more room in your cramped kitchen? Here are six smart ideas to make the most of a small space.
1. Mount a rail to the wall. Use a support bar and hooks to hang utensils, measuring cups, pots, pans, oven mitts,cutting boards and anything else you want to keep handy.
Whether it’s wood or ceramic, light flooring is a good fit for the cottagecore look. you add a rug, consider choosing a white or beige macramé model.
THE FURNITURE
Wood, wicker, rattan and other natural materials contribute to a country esthetic. Look for chairs,tables, beds and other furniture made of these materials.Vintage and antique pieces are also on theme.
When furnishing a room, a little planning goes a long way. Most importantly, it helps you avoid making impulse purchases and selecting furni ture that’s the wrong size.Here are some tips to help you make the right home decor choices.
THE ACCENTS
Floral prints and botanical fabrics will set the right tone. Plants are a must, but consider incorporating dried or fresh flowers into the space as well. Handmade items, vintage dishware and folk art pieces are also a good fit.
To
yet warm & inviting. This beautifully designed home is situated in The Countryside on a quiet cul-de-sac. Gourmet kitchen, island, 2 dishwashers, 2 ovens, microwave, refrigerator, a warming drawer, a wine cooler & more. 1st floor Primary Bed plus 2 Baths. The 2nd floor contains 3 Beds, a Jack ‘n Jill bath & a music/playroom. The walkout Lower Level has a game room with gas fpl. theatre, wine cellar, exercise room, a 5th bed and full Bath with whirlpool tub. Plus a Sunroom, patio with builtin grill & fire pit. Call Martha! Lewisburg (20-99915U)
2. Hang shelves. Install them above the stove, fridge, countertop and doorway. Shelves provide an easy storage solution for spices, bins of pasta, candy containers, fresh herbs and more.
3. Opt for integrated design features. Built-in appliances or a trash chute incorporated into the countertop can help you make the most of a small space. Similarly, a slide-out shelf can extend your countertop surface.
1. IDENTIFY YOUR PRIORITIES
Before you start furniture shopping, list everything you need in order of importance.This will help you determine how much of your bud get to put toward each item. For instance, if you have trouble sleeping, you may decide to splurge on your mattress rather than on a dres ser or vanity. Or, if you work from home, you may want to spend a little extra on an ergono mic office chair.
2. LOOK FOR DEALS
Once you’ve planned your purchases, it’s time
retailers can suggest solutions. For example, you may be able to get a deal on display models or pieces that have slight imperfections.
3. THINK LONG-TERM
Make smart investments by choosing styles that have a timeless look and don’t merely reflect the current fad. If you want to indulge in a few trendy pieces, opt for inexpensive items that you can sell or donate in a few years.
Finally, consider making an effort to buy locally. You don’t have to go far to find talented furniture makers and well-curated furniture stores.
inground swimming pool, 2 fireplaces, central a/c, 2-car garage & a large, fenced back yard. Call Brett. Lewisburg (20-100715U) $625,000 THIS HISTORIC RESIDENCE showcases exquisite design & hidden gems. The
4. Get two-in-one appliances. A combination oven, which acts as both an oven and a microwave, allows you to have a single appliance that can bake, grill and reheat food.A microwave with a built-in hood is also a great option.
5. Install cabinets close to the ceiling Build them high to maximize storage space, and use the top shelves for items you rely on less frequently. Just be sure to keep a folding step ladder nearby so you can easily reach any item. 6. Invest in a portable cooktop. Some electric
What’s the first step toward buying your own home?
There are many things that can motivate someone to buy a home. Maybe you and your spouse have decided it’s time to start a family and you need a little more space. Maybe you’d like to make an investment you know will appreciate. Or, you may just want to get out of the crowded city. Whatever your reason, homeownership is a great choice for many people, but it can be complicated.
CAN I AFFORD A HOME?
Many people make the mistake of checking online for house listings right away. You might be setting yourself up for disappointment, however, if you immediately start looking for your dream house. The first thing you should do is figure out what range of homes is realistic given your budget.
The best way to start is to visit your local bank or mortgage company to find out what kind of mortgage makes sense for someone in your situation. If you don’t have a lot of cash now but are quickly moving up the ladder at your company, you’ll be in a different financial position than someone who has been saving for a home for a decade.
Before visiting your local real estate agency, consult with a mortgage expert. Once you know exactly what you’re able to afford, you can sit down with your agent and do a much more precise search for a dream house that’s right for you.
The advantages of
buying a newly built home
One of the first decisions you’ll have to make once you’ve decided it’s time to buy a house is whether to go for a brand new home or an older one. Although older homes have their charms, there are quite a few advantages to newly built homes that you can’t get anywhere else:
• Few repairs for years to come Newly built homes are in mint condition. Since they’ve been built with the most modern materials and techniques, you can rest assured that they won’t need extensive repairs anytime soon.
• Designed for modern conveniences Our homes are getting smarter. With integrated automation and complex security systems, newly built homes are taking new
technologies into account from design to construction.
• Builders’ warranties
Not only will newly built homes be in great condition when you buy them, you’ll also benefit from a number of builders’ warranties. Local builders are mindful of their reputations and will often be willing to fix any mistakes that were made in the building process.
• Energy efficiency
Each year, it seems, a new and improved way of making a home energy efficient is introduced. From advanced building materials to windows that only block harmful kinds of light, new homes will have all the newest ways to save energy built into them.
New homes are essentially blank canvases that have all the most up-to-date conveniences. If you’re looking to purchase a home, a newly built one may be the perfect choice.
Three ways to avoid mistakes on closing day
Whether you’re buying or selling a home, closing day is the culmination of a lot of hard work by you, your lawyers, your real estate agents and many more. It should be a time to celebrate and look forward to a new future. That doesn’t mean that you should simply assume that nothing could go wrong. Here are just three ways to avoid closing day mistakes:
BE SURE TO BRING ID
Whether you rushed out of the house that day without your wallet or just forgot to renew your driver’s license
last week, there are many things that can go wrong with your ID. If either the buyer or the seller is unable to produce valid identification, the entire closing process will quickly grind to a halt.
HAVE THE MONEY IN THE APPROPRIATE FORM
By the time you sit down at the table, you’ll have hopefully gone over the terms of payment with your agents and lawyers. Know, however, that getting details right is essential in this transaction. If you’ve agreed to wire the money, don’t ar-
rive at the table with a personal check.
KNOW
WHAT THE CLOSING COSTS ARE
Along with paying the fees for all those who have helped you, there will be additional fees for processing the large amounts of paperwork that go along with buying a house.
For many people, buying a house is the biggest purchase of their lives. Be sure to consult with your lawyers and agents beforehand so you don’t end up making a mistake just before you’re done.
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How much ventilation does your bathroom need?
Every bathroom needs an exhaust fan to keep mould and other moisturerelated damage at bay, but how strong that fan should be varies considerably depending on the size of the room. According to the Home Ventilating Institute (HVI), here’s how to calculate how much ventilation you need for a given space, in cubic feet per metre (cfm):
DID YOU KNOW?
According to the HVI, you should let your bathroom fan run for 20 minutes after using the washroom to give it enough time to fulfil its main task. This means you’ll need to choose a model that can be turned on and off with a switch separate from the one you use for the lights. Fans equipped with a programmable timer are even better.
What type of toilet should you buy?
Remodelling your bathroom? Putting in a powder room? Regardless of why you’re in the market for a new toilet, choosing the right model might not be as straightforward as it seems. Price is just one factor to consider; here are five others.
1. SEAT SHAPE
While longer, oblong toilets are more comfortable, round ones take up less space and can be a better fit for smaller bathrooms.
2. BOWL HEIGHT
If it’s going to be used by people who are very tall or have limited mobility, choose a toilet whose seat is at least 42 centimetres (16.5 inches) off the ground to make it easier to get up from. However, some people find tall toilets uncomfortable. Another option is to install a grab bar beside a standardsized model.
3. WATER FLOW
Typical toilet tanks contain six litres of water. However, more efficient models with a smaller, 4.8litre tank are also available to reduce water waste without any noticeable impact
• For rooms smaller than 100 square feet, calculate 1 cfm per square foot
• For rooms larger than 100 square feet, calculate 1 cfm per square foot, and add 50 cfm per toilet, bathtub and shower.
Something to keep in mind: if several people will regularly be using the bathroom one after another, you may be better off with a fan that’s a bit stronger than the standard recommendation.
on flush effective
ness. To maximize your water savings, choose a dualflush toilet with both a low-flow and a regular flush option.
4. TYPE OF TOILET
There are all kinds of toilets available on the market today. Here are some of the most common types:
• Twopiece toilets (where the bowl and reservoir are separate) are the most affordable.
• Onepiece toilets are easier to clean and usually have a more modern look. Because the bowl and reservoir form a single piece, the risk of leaks is virtually eliminated.
• Wallmounted toilets are lowmaintenance, visually appealing, and create the illusion of a larger room, but they’re more expensive and harder to install than other kinds.
• Toilets equipped with a bidet are becoming increasingly popular in North America. While their initial cost is high, they virtually eliminate the need for toilet paper, which can mean considerable savings in the long run.
5. CLEARANCE
Standard clearance between a toilet and a wall is 30.48 centimetres (12 inches), but some models have different specifications. Make sure to doublecheck your measurements before you start shopping.
Say yes to oversized windows
Oversized windows and glass doors are all the rage right now, and for good reason. Large windows let lots of natural light — not to mention a nice breeze on pleasant days — into the home. What’s more, they provide the best views for you to enjoy while you’re indoors.
Last, but not least, extra-large windows can give any interior a huge style upgrade. Convinced? Visit a local window and door specialist without delay.
Chose the right staircase for your interior
What kind of staircase is best for your space? Read on for some pros and cons of different styles.
STRAIGHT STAIRCASES
Straight staircases are the easiest to install, which also means that they’re usually the most affordable option. Far from boring, straight staircases come in all styles and finishes, from wood to stone to glass. Their only real downside is that they take up more room than other staircase types, but the possibilities for underthestairs storage make up for some of the lost space.
ANGLED STAIRCASES
If a straight staircase doesn’t suit your needs, consider a more complex model with landings, turns or winders. Lshaped, Ushaped and spiral staircases all take up less space than a basic straight flight of stairs, but they’re trickier to install and thus more expensive. Spiral staircases are the most compact of all, but their narrow steps sacrifice a bit of comfort.
To find out which type of staircase is best suited for your functional and stylistic needs, nothing beats asking a local expert.
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