Northern Home - Spring 2022

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styles, trends and options for 2022

SPRING 2022

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Legal services you can count on when buying or selling a home.

Experienced professionals dedicated to ensuring smooth and efficient real estate transactions.

Dan M. Marcotte, Q.C. B.Comm, LLB, M.I.B.L, L.L.M.

Tamara M. Fennell B.A., LL.B.

Carolynne A. Burkholder-James B.A., M.J., J.D.

Allison Read B.A., LL.B.

Marcotte Law Corporation has been ensuring smooth real estate transactions for over two decades. When you are buying or selling, we’re here to help save you time, risk, and money.

Residential • Commercial • Corporate • Wills & Estates Marcotte Law Corporation has been ensuring smooth real estate transactions for over two564-0052 decades. you are buying or 440 Brunswick Street | (250) | fiWhen rm@marcottelaw.ca

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selling, we’re here to help save you time, risk, and money.

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AVAILABLE ON-LINE AT: PGCITIZEN.CA

Publisher | Curtis Armstrong Editor | Neil Godbout General Inquiries or to participate in the next edition, call 250.562.2441 A DIVISION OF

505 4th Avenue, Prince George, BC

2022 | NORTHERN HOME

04Five Bathroom Storage Solutions 05 Area Rugs: How to select the right size 06 Identifying Kitchen Design Styles 07 Tips For Better (Before) Kitchen Photos 08 Must Have Accessories For Your Home 09 Is Geothermal Energy Right For You? 12 Ideas For A Statement Ceiling 13 Questions To Ask When Choosing Window Treatments 14 Kitchen Lighting 101 16 Update Your Flooring 16 What You Should Do Before Buying New Furniture 17 Lending Rates…What’s Right For You? 18 Tips For Spring Landscaping 19 What To Include In A Reading Nook

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Bathroom Storage Solutions 3. BAR CART This is a great alternative to adding shelves or cabinets to a bathroom, especially for ren­ters. Opt for a cart on wheels so it can easily be moved out of the way or closer to the sho­wer as needed.

4. BUILT-INS Use the empty space in your walls to add shelving that doesn’t eat into the footprint of the room.

You can also create small builtins on the wall above the bathtub or next to the sink for toiletries.

Regardless of how large or small your bath­room is, organization is the key to creating a functional, clutter-free space. Here are a few storage ideas.

baskets beneath a floating vanity to maintain an airy feel while benefiting from additional storage. Baskets can also greatly reduce clutter on open shelves.

1. BASKETS Place wire, wicker or canvas

2. COUNTERTOP TRAY Control the chaos on your

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countertop by arranging toiletries on a tray alongside a potted plant, scented candle or fake bouquet. Keep small items like cotton swabs and hair clips in glass jars.

5. LADDER TOWEL RACK By leaning a wood or metal ladder against the wall, you’ll create ample space to hang to­wels for the whole family rather than take up wall space with several individual to­wel racks.

To find these and other items for your bath­room, visit the shops in your area.

NORTHERN HOME | 2022

Area Rugs: how do you select the right size?

Area Rugs: how do you select the right size?

March 31, 2022 | Dorothy Kerbrat, Interior Decorator

March 31, 2022 | Dorothy Kerbrat, Interior Decorator

As an Interior Decorator, area rugs are my favourite flooring accessory.

They’re anmy As an Interior Decorator, area rugs are effective way of adding style, decor, and favourite flooring accessory. They’re an comfort toway a room.

Whenstyle, sizeddecor, properly, effective of adding and they also help visually define a room’s comfort to a room.

When sized properly, space and function.

So what is the they also help visually definesize a room’s right size?

That depends on the space... space and function. So what size is the

right size? That depends on the space...

Living Room Area rugsRoom are a popular choice for living Living rooms.

They help add warmth Area rugs are a popular choiceand for coziliving ness, andThey in this case, is definiterooms. help addbigger warmth and cozilyness, better.

Aninarea large and this rug case,should biggerbe is definiteenough toAn fit beneath the front ly better. area rug should belegs largeof your furniture at least enough to fit pieces, beneathand theextend front legs of 12” beyond the pieces, ends ofand yourextend couch.atThis your furniture least visually connects yourof furniture pieces, 12” beyond the ends your couch.

This creating proportionate look andpieces, feel. visually aconnects your furniture creating a proportionate look and feel.

Dining Room Adding area rug to your dining room, Diningan Room Adding an areathe rug to your dining can help make space either lookroom, more can help make inviting. the spaceYour either look formal, or more area rugmore formal,be orsized moreaccording inviting. Your areatable. rug should to your should according to your You wantbe tosized be sure that each chairtable. can be You want to be sure that each chair can be

pulled out, without sliding past the edge of the carpet.

Generally, you’ll to pulled out, without sliding pastwant the edge allow 18”-24” beyond the sides and ends of the carpet. Generally, you’ll want to of your18”-24” table to accommodate allow beyond the sides this. and ends

of your table to accommodate this.

Bedroom Placing an area rug beneath your bed in Bedroom your bedroom theyour space, Placing an areawill rugsoften beneath bedand in add visual, audio, and tactile comfort.

You your bedroom will soften the space, and will want to be sure your rug extends at add visual, audio, and tactile comfort. You least 2/3 up length ofrug your bed and will want to the be sure your extends at 18”-24” sides the least 2/3around up thethe length ofand yourfoot bedofand bed.

Or, around it can bethe large enough to of allow 18”-24” sides and foot the the fullybesitlarge on the rug. to allow bed.bed Or, to it can enough the bed to fully sit on the rug.

If you don’t have furniture yet, use painter’s tape to mark the size If you don’t have out furniture yet,and useposition paintof your You can your er’s tapepieces. to mark out themeasure size andfor position area rugpieces. using these taped outlines. of your You can measure for your area rug using these taped outlines.

Don’t forget the underlay! It will help keep Don’tarea forget the will helpslidkeep your rugs inunderlay! place, andIt prevent yourand area rugs in which place, and prevent ing rippling, can both be slidsafety ing and rippling, which can be safety concerns.

I recommend yourboth underlay be concerns.

I recommend your 1” smaller than the rug on all underlay sides. be 1” smaller than the rug on all sides.

We have many pre-made area rugs in stock at Right Flooring, in ainvariety We have many Choice pre-made area rugs of colours, styles, and patterns. don’t stock at Right Choice Flooring, inIfayou variety see what you want, we can order someof colours, styles, and patterns. If you don’t thing in! you Also,want, if your requires a cussee what wespace can order sometom size we don’t carry, werequires have a variety thing in! Also, if your space a cusof carpets thatwe can be made into tom size weavailable don’t carry, have a variety area rugs.

Our team would be very happy of carpets available that can be made into to help you with your sizing area rugs.

Our team would beand veryselection. happy to help you with your sizing and selection.

Spring Spring Sale!

Sale!

We’re turning 25 in May and We’re turning 25 in May and will be celebrating all month! will be celebrating all month!

25

Visit our showroom in May for % OFF* Visit our showroom in May for % OFF* all home decor items. Our Birthday gift to you! all home decor items. % Our Birthday gift to you!

OFF % Hardwood up to Area Rugs up to OFF Hardwood up to Area Rugs up to

30 30

50 50

% OFF % OFF

Accessories up to Accessories up to

50 50

% %OFF OFF

Right Choice Choice Geoff Geoff Kerbrat Kerbrat

Dorothy Dorothy Kerbrat Kerbrat

Owner/Operator Owner/Operator Owner/Operator Owner/Operator Over 30 years Interior Over 30 years Interior experience Decorator experience Decorator

Ray Ray Robertson Robertson Commercial Commercial & Industrial & Industrial Estimator Estimator 30+ yrs exp.

30+ yrs exp.

Kathy Kathy Festerling Festerling

Sales Associate Sales Associate 23 years 23 years experience experience

FLOORING Ltd. Ltd. FLOORING

250-562-6277 250-562-6277 1550 Ogilvie St. | rightchoiceflooring.com 1550 Ogilvie St. | rightchoiceflooring.com

Complimentary Interior Decorating DecoratingConsultations Consultationswith withflooring flooringpurchase. purchase.

Complimentary Professional Professional Interior 2022 | NORTHERN HOME

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IDENTIFYING KITCHEN DESIGN STYLES

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reaming of renovating your kitchen? Start your journey by learning about basic kitchen design styles.

While each kitchen has its own

unique qualities, it’ll likely fall into one of three categories: traditional, contemporary, or transitional. Knowing the indicators of these styles

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can help you understand the differences between designs.

This can help you narrow down your preferences when looking for inspiration online.

Traditional Kitchens A traditional kitchen features solid wood doors with raised panels and detailed crown moulding. Often, the wood itself is a feature of the kitchen and may be stained a rich colour to show it off to maximum effect. Additional architectural details like pillars and corbels may be present.

Contemporary Kitchens A contemporary kitchen features minimalist slab doors with a sleek, modern appearance. Rather than relying on natural woods, they may use synthetic materials like laminates, glass, and metal. The emphasis is on straight lines, geometric shapes, and bold accents.

Contemporary kitchens are most likely to feature bright colours and metallics.

Transitional Kitchens A transitional kitchen blends traditional and contemporary styles together. The cabinet doors typically have minimal moulding. Crown moulding, if present, usually has simple clean lines. The colour palette of a transitional kitchen is often neutral. White Shaker kitchens, which have been popular for years, are a prime example of a transitional kitchen. The doors are simple, yet have more detail than the slab doors often featured in contemporary kitchens.

Now that you know the three most common kitchen styles, you can use these terms when searching for inspiration photos. Building a collection of images you like can be very helpful when meeting with your kitchen designer as it allows you to easily discuss the features you want in your dream kitchen.

submitted by Vanway Kitchen & Bath

NORTHERN HOME | 2022

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TIPS FOR TAKING “BEFORE” PHOTOS OF YOUR KITCHEN

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kitchen renovation is one of the most involved home renovation projects you can attempt. It often takes months to complete – and at the end of the process, you deserve some good “before” and “after” pictures.

Taking “before” photos is also helpful when meeting with your kitchen designer. The right snapshots of your space can help them understand your current layout,

2022 | NORTHERN HOME

the features you want to change, and any construction quirks they may need to work around.

1. Take Photos That Show The Whole Room Start by taking several “before” photos that show the entire room, from floor to ceiling.

This provides an accurate idea of the layout of your current kitchen. Be sure to take this photo from multiple angles.

2. Take Photos From All Entryways Continue by taking photos from each of the entryways to your kitchen. Try to take these photos from multiple angles to provide as much perspective as possible. Again, you should be trying to take in the full view of the kitchen from floor to ceiling in these photos.

3. Take Photos With Sufficient Lighting Finally, plan to take photos during the daytime when you will have as much natural light as possible.

Turn on the overhead lighting, too. This will ensure your photos come out looking bright and detailed.

It’s as simple as that!

Bring your photos of your existing kitchen to your meeting with your designer. The images will provide them with

an accurate idea of your space and allow

them to consider what layout changes might be needed in your new kitchen design.

Save the photos after your meeting is finished.

Everyone loves a good before and after photo!

You’ll appreciate sharing your kitchen makeover with friends and family once your renovation is complete.

submitted by Vanway Kitchen & Bath

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4 must-have accessories for your home

To find unique pieces, visit your local home decor stores.

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ecorating with accessories is a great way to quickly and affordably enhance the look of your home. Here are a few suggestions.

1. Rugs come in a variety of shapes, sizes, colours and textures. To create the perfect look, make sure you choose a floor covering that matches the style of your home 2. Plants can instantly make your space feel bright and lively. If you decide to purchase real plants instead of artificial ones, make sure your home has plenty of light.

3. Textiles like duvet covers, table linens, chair cu­shions and throws can add colour and texture to your home. Look for beautiful designs that ex­press your personal sense of style.

4. Wall hangings like picture frames, clocks and paintings come in a variety of sizes and styles.

However, make sure you don’t overcrowd your walls. You can also install shelving to display your decorative items.

Tips for adding a window seat to your home

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o you want to add a window seat to your home? Whether it’s for a breakfast nook, living room or home library, here are a few tips.

• If you want it to be comfortable, your window seat should be at least 40cm (16in) deep and 80cm (32in) wide. If you want to sit or lie sideways, the seat should be at least 100cm (39 inches) deep and 122cm (48in) wide. You should also make sure the unit sits flush with the bottom of the window.

• For the ultimate in comfort, the seat cu­shions should be at least 7.5cm (3in) thick. In addition, you may want to consider adding a backrest or placing large

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pillows or bolster rolls on either side that you can lean up against.

• The windowsill beside the seat should be at least 20cm (8in) wide so you have enough room to put down your book and coffee mug or decorate with potted plants and other items.

• If you want to combine style and function, add a few drawers or cubbies underneath the window seat where you can stow away books, toys, board games and other items.

To make your window seat project come to life, start by getting quotes from several licensed general contractors in your area.

NORTHERN HOME | 2022

GEOTHERMAL ENERGY...

Is it right for you?

KICK RIGHT! KICKOFF OFF SUMMER SUMMER RIGHT!

UB CK HOTT-T T IN STOC K HO UB

T N A T S N IINSTANT EE T BA REB AT IN STO

RE EVENT

EVENT 2 IL 30, 202 UNTIL APR

2 IL 30, 202 UNTIL APR

SAVE THOUSANDS! Reserve your hot tub for SAVE spring or THOUSANDS! summer delivery!

Reserve your hot tub for spring or summer delivery!

Low Interest Financing Available

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o you want to save money on your utility bills and minimize your carbon footprint? If so, you may want to upgrade to a geothermal unit for heating and cooling your home.

Geothermal systems use long loops of fluid buried below ground to exchange heat with the surrounding soil. Although installing a geothermal system requires a fair amount of work, it might be a smart investment if:

2022 | NORTHERN HOME

FREE

DECKED OUT

Low Interest Financing BATHROBE & Available • You’re about to replace your furnace or cooling system • You can take advantage of an energy rebate or government incentive to cut costs • You plan to stay in your home for a long time • You live on a large lot with plenty of space If you’re interested in investing in a geothermal unit for your home, make sure you get quotes from multiple companies to ensure you get the best value for your money.

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*With purchase of hot tub. Includes 1 Bathrobe and 1 Towel combo with Decked Out Logo on them. OUT DECKED Total value of $200.

BATHROBE & TOWEL *With purchase of hot tub. Includes 1 Bathrobe and NEW PATIO 1 Towel combo with Decked Out Logo on AND them.

FURNITURE Total value of $200.

OUTDOOR LIVING ARRIVING WEEKLY!

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101-3900 Walls Ave. • 250-960-4220 9

Rendering

About Ken Born and raised in Prince George, Ken spent 20 years in the construction industry as a plumber/ pipefitter then became a Realtor in 1988.

Ken’s goal is to get your house sold for the best price in the shortest length of time and let’s have a bit of fun doing it. He’s also a Registered Relocation Specialist with RE/MAX No matter what type of Real Estate you have to sell or want to buy, Ken has experience with everything from bare land, manufactured homes in parks or on land, houses, farms, apartment buildings, and commercial properties to mention a few.

Ken works extensively with home builders in Prince George and has his finger on the pulse of what is coming up as far as future development.

get the property that fits your needs.

Devoted to helping you achieve your dreams, Ken firmly believes in service! That’s number one.

“My clients are much more than numbers to me and we usually develop a long lasting friendship that outlives the transaction”.

Ken believes in giving back to his community. He received the RE/MAX Team Spirit Award in 1994.

Many Many Many Many years ago, Ken played several sports here in Prince George and still supports many teams and charities such as Spirit of the North Healthcare Foundation, different golf tournaments, PG Cougars, Canada Winter Games, Hospice House and the Children’s Miracle Network, to name a few.

Having a great relationship with the people at City Hall and knowing who to contact / talk to there ensures you will

KEN GOSS

Honesty | Integrity | Transparency

250-565-7653 Core Realty 1717 Central St. W., Prince George 250-645-5055 Each office is independently owned & operated

Rendering

Rendering

Welcome to Neelam Estates!

Prince George’s next Gated Community that is building for your next phase in life by allowing you to stay in your own home longer.

Neelam Estates fills a much neglected niche in the Prince George landscape.

Finally a spot where you can retire in comfort with the security of knowing your home is safe when you go on that long overdue extended holiday.

These 28 bare land strata units will have 5 basic floor plans of 2 and 3 bedroom homes that can be adapted to your particular needs. They will feature double garages and basements that you can finish or leave as is. The hallways and doorways are planned so they’re wider, the front entrance is only 1 or 2 steps up depending on the plan you choose, and bathrooms are wheelchair accessible with large walk in showers.

Come chat with Ken today and choose your style, your preferred lot, and your colours!

Ken’s Team Ken has an amazing team working with him. Ken’s wife, Darlene Meyers has worked with Ken as his unlicensed assistant since 2007. She’s been keeping him on track, organized and telling him what to do since 1983!

Her years as an Elementary School Teacher have prepared her for this position!

Holly Barone was licensed as a Realtor / Associate Broker for over

20 years, joining RE/MAX in 2001 where she got to know Ken better.

Since becoming an unlicensed assistant to Ken in January 2019, she has been enjoying “retirement” and has been putting her years of experience to good use. Holly would love to remind all her past clients, friends and family to give her a call so she can introduce them to Ken to take care of all their Real Estate needs.

4 IDEAS FOR A STATEMENT CEILING

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hen renovating, many people forget to in­ corporate their ceiling into the overall de­ sign. However, this surface shouldn’t be ignored.

Here are four ceiling updates you may want to consider.

1. EXPOSED BEAMS A ceiling with exposed beams can add visual intrigue to a modern or traditional home. You can opt for thick, rustic wood beams or thin, low-profile faux beams. To create contrast and

draw the eye upward, paint or add grandeur to any room in your beams a darker colour than your home with egg-and-dart your walls and ceiling. mouldings.

2. PAINT To add style to a room, consider pairing a dark ceiling with light-coloured walls.

In a large room, this can create definition and make other features, such as artwork and light fixtures, stand out. In a small space, a dark ceiling will lend a cosy, intimate feel.

4. WALLPAPER Applying wallpaper to a ceiling is an easy way to inject personality into a room. If you want to make a statement, opt for wallpaper that has a bold geometric, striped or floral print. If you prefer a look that’s a bit more understated, look for a simple design in a neutral or light colour.

3. MOULDINGS There are a variety of decorative features you can install on your ceiling to add character to your space. Emphasize the transition between your walls and ceiling with classic crown mouldings,

Victory Paint & Mercantile Inc. is a Benjamin Moore full-service retailer. With our complimentary in-home colour consultation, you can feel confident in your colour choices.

To get help making your statement ceiling come to life, reach out to an interior designer, architect or general contractor in your area.

Whether it is in your home, at the office, interior or exterior - Excel Painting can help you tackle any of your painting or wallpapering projects!

We have a variety of Benjamin Moore paint or stain that will work for any project, whether you're staining the deck, rethinking an interior area, or painting the entire exterior.

Contact us today for a free estimate - we look forward to meeting with you!

We can also provide you with a list of qualified painters, cabinet makers, interior designers, and renovators.

Monday – Friday 7am – 6pm • Saturday 9am – 5pm • Sunday 10am – 3pm

1090 Victoria Street, Prince George, BC

Call or Text for a free quote.

250.649.8214

(236) 423-2022

info@victorypaint.net https://victorypaint.net/

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NORTHERN HOME | 2022

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK when choosing a window treatment

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indow treatments can add warmth and style to your home.

However, before buying new curtains, drapes or blinds, you should ask yourself these three questions.

1. WHAT’S YOUR OBJECTIVE? Make sure you know what purpose the window treatment will serve. For example, do you want it to be primarily stylish or functional? You should also determine if you want a look that’s contemporary or timeless.

2. WHAT’S YOUR BUDGET? If you can afford it, consider hiring a professional designer or decorator to help you choose the right window 2022 | NORTHERN HOME

your dream door starts here

treatment. If you have a tight budget, look for inspiration in decorating magazines and websites for reasonably priced options.

3. WHAT ARE THE DIMENSIONS? Make sure you measure your windows. This way the treatment you choose is sure to effectively block out light and provide the right level of privacy. Additionally, make certain your curtains, blinds or shades are the right length and won’t hang on the floor.

Before making your choice, visit home decor stores in your area for inspiration and advice

All Weather Windows, exterior entry, patio and garden doors.

Call for your Custom quote installation services available.

Central Door anD WinDoW A division of Home Building Centre

250-562-0365

or stop in at 1552 s. lyon st.

13

Kitchen lighting 101

I

n a kitchen, it’s best to have different ty­pes of light fixtures throughout the space that serve various functions.

Here’s an overview.

AMBIENT LIGHTING This type of lighting is powerful enough to illuminate the entire room but tends to leave workspaces

insufficiently lit. Recessed or can lights are a timeless choice for kitchens, as they have a low profile and work with any decor style. Alternatively, you can opt for a traditional ceiling fixture or track lights, which have individual fixtures that can be easily repositioned to better illuminate the space.

TASK LIGHTING This type of lighting is used to brighten up specific areas.

Pendant lights are great to hang over a kitchen island or sink, for example, and they can contribute to the decor.

These lights are best paired with re­cessed lighting to avoid too much vi­sual clutter. As for countertop prep space, under-

4 tips for lighting a room T

he right lighting can enhance the style and functionality of a room. If you want to update a space in your home, here are four tips for choosing the right lighting.

1. COMPLEMENT THE EXISTING STYLE First and foremost, you should choose light fixtures that match the style of the room. For example, recessed lighting and pendant lights are great for modern and contemporary homes.

2. ANALYZE THE ROOM It’s important to think about how you use the room. You should also take into account the furniture arrangement and amount of natural light to determine if the space needs bright, general or directional

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cabinet lighting is your best bet since it’s easy to install, practically invisible and won’t create shadows.

To find the right light fixtures for your kitchen and elsewhere in your home, vi­sit the hardware, home decor and specialty light stores in your area. lighting.

3. USE DIFFERENT TYPES OF LIGHTS Every room should have a variety of light sources. It’s a good idea to have one main light source like a ceiling light, a secondary light source like a table lamp and a decorative lighting feature like string lights.

4. CHOOSE THE RIGHT LIGHT BULBS Choose warm, neutral or cool lighting to put the finishing touches on your space. If you want to be able to vary the intensity of the light, install a dimmer switch.

Lastly, don’t hesitate to ask a lighting specialist for advice or hire an interior decorator to help brighten your space.

NORTHERN HOME | 2022

APPLIANCE EXPERTS Over 100 Years of Combined Experience

LARGEST SELECTION OF IN-STOCK APPLIANCES IN NORTHERN BC

PRINCE GEORGE 1303 3rd Ave (250) 564-1234

VANDERHOOF 16 2708 Burrard (250) 567-5959

Locally Owned & Operated

We dn’t sell. We help you buy!

Serving B.C. & Alberta Since 1978

4 WAYS

to update your flooring R

or repair cracks to make the floor look new again.

1. REFINISH IT If your floor looks a little worse for wear, refinishing it is an affordable solution. Depending on its condition, you may need to sand, varnish, stain

2. PAINT IT You can paint over most types of flooring. For example, wood flooring is particularly easy to paint. Just make sure you choose a suitable product for the type of surface and level of traffic in the room.

estoring or replacing flooring is a great way to refresh your home’s look. Here are four ways you can update your floors.

3. REPLACE IT If your floor is beyond repair, replacing it may be your only option. However, make sure you choose a suitable floor type. For example, if you need to update your bathroom floor, choose a waterproof material like ceramic.

Additionally, if you have pets, you may want to opt for a scratch-resistant flooring ma­terial like vinyl.

4. DECORATE IT If your floor is in good condition, simply adding a rug or two can instantly transform your space. Choose a rug that’s the right size, style and colour for the room.

If you don’t have any experience repairing or installing flooring, hire a professional.

What you should do before buying new furniture D

room. Finally, set a budget to narrow down your options.

PREPARE Start by choosing a style of furniture like Scandinavian, contemporary or farmhouse. Then, pick out upholstery and other features that complement the

CONFIGURE To ensure you choose furniture that’s the right size for your space, measure both the furniture and room. Use graph paper to draw the room, and then cut out scale models of the furniture to test out different configurations.

o you want to refresh a room in your home? If so, consider buying new furniture. Here are a few tips for choosing the right pieces for your space.

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Alternatively, you can purchase an interior design app or software to create a three-dimensional replica of your space, and use it to experiment with different layouts.

If you need professional help to create the room of your dreams, look for an interior designer or decorator in your area.

NORTHERN

HOME | 2022

Lending Rates What’s right for you...

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s rates start to adjust back to more sustainable levels, there is a lot of conversation around which lenders and products will be the most suitable moving forward. In my opinion, there is no “right” or “wrong” – just a “right for you”.

There are two elements of risk within a mortgage. The first one is if rates increase, then when and by how much?

The second is if you end up breaking the term, how much will it cost you to do so?

The first question is typically the most common and also why historically, many people have gone with 5 year fixed rate mortgages. With variable rates having been well over 1% below fixed recently, we have seen a large increase of clients choosing variable products and setting their payment as if it were fixed in order to pay down the principal considerably faster.

The second one is less commonly discussed however

equally (if not more) important. Statistically, more people break their 5 year fixed rate terms than don’t, and this has resulted in thousands of dollars paid in payout penalties.

What felt like the safest choice up front, ended up costing considerably more in the end. It is also important to understand that the formulas used to calculate payout penalties vary per lender and can be 3-4 times higher with certain lenders.

This means that all things being equal, you could be paying

4 times more in a penalty, simply by choosing one of these lenders.

When reviewing your mortgage options, it is important to consider the overall cost of borrowing instead of making the most common mistake of fixating on the rate. Although rate is obviously an important factor, assuming it is the most important one could cost you substantially more money in the end. submitted by Christine Buemann

AlwAys working For your best interest Christine Buemann Mortgage Expert

Whether you’re a first time home buyer, refinancing, or renewing your mortgage my services are for you the client – not the lender.

Ph. 250-612-9140 christine@premiummortgage.ca

christinebuemann.ca

1338 Central Street E. Prince George 2022 | NORTHERN HOME

17

MAINTENANCE TIPS FOR

spring landscape

BY RUSS HILL OWNER, SUNTREE LANDSCAPING LTD.

Spring is in the air and with that comes spring cleaning. Most of us focus our efforts on the inside of our home when it comes to spring cleaning but what about the outside? Russ Hill, owner of Suntree Landscaping Ltd., gives us six tips on how to spring clean your yard and prepare for the warmer months.

TREES & SHRUBS There’s not too much to be done with trees and shrubs in the spring. If you’ve wrapped your trees in the fall, remove the wrap. Avoid pruning until late summer or fall as the trees will be budding out at this time of year. If there are obvious dead branches then you can remove them- otherwise just clean up around the trees and pick up fallen leaves and branches from last fall.

PERENNIALS AND GRASSES These can be cut back to 20 per cent of their maximum height- this will help them regenerate for new growth.

This is also the time to divide or split plants and transplant them if you have other areas to fill; this will also give them time to grow this season.

Clean up and remove any excess mulch and leaves around base of plants. The ground is already wet and 18

leaving this material around the base can cause root rot and mold.

LAWNS Rake and clean up your lawn, removing anything that was left on the lawn from the fall or over the winter.

If you have an irrigation system, flag all heads and valve boxes. Thatch your lawn and remove the excess.

This doesn’t have to be done every year, but it’s a good idea to do it every couple of years if you mulch your lawn when mowing during the summer. Aerating your lawn will help water, fertilizer and air into the roots of your lawn.

Add a spring fertilizer to your lawn to help give it a boost. Remove dandelions and other weeds before they go to seed and spread throughout your lawn and the neighbour’s lawn.

IRRIGATION Don’t start your system too early. You want to wait until the frost and the moisture is out of the ground. When starting (prior to turning on your main line water supply) open up a zone so the water has somewhere to go- this will prevent any damage. Go through and run each zone checking for pressure. Make sure there are no broken heads and they’re adjusted properly for coverage; this is easier to do now, in the spring time, before everything gets overgrown.

Set your controller for start times and zone times and you should be good to go!

PLANTING BEDS Now is the time for transplanting plants that you may find too crowded in some areas or plants are too big for where they were originally planted. It’s also a good time for weeding. Weeds can get out of control in planting

beds if you don’t stay on top of it. It’s also much easier to work with in the spring, while the soil is soft and the weeds are small. You can also freshen up your planting beds with a new mulch ground cover that not only makes your planting bed look great, but will also slow down the weed growth.

PATIOS/DRIVEWAYS (BRICK & CONCRETE) To give your patio or driveway a clean, new look, you can edge the lawn around the perimeter to prevent the lawn growing up over the edges.

Pressure wash and clean the surface to remove any growth in cracks or joints. If you have paving stones, top up joints with a fine sand or a polymeric sand which helps prevent weed growth in the joints.

Install a sealer- this will give your patio or driveway a fresh look.

NORTHERN HOME | 2022

What to include in a

reading nook

QuaLity

Landscaping CoMMerCial & resiDential

Lawn Maintenance

Landscaping Company

Design • ConstruCtion • MaintenanCe

Stone Work retaining walls, PonDs & waterfalls

Whether it’s in your bedroom or a quiet corner of the living room, everyone deserves a cosy spot they can retreat to for some downtime. Here are a few must-haves for your reading nook.

• A fabric armchair with a small ottoman or pouf, or a soft chaise lounge

• A small area rug to define the space and keep your feet warm

• A source of natural light as well as a conveniently placed floor lamp

• An assortment of potted plants or a dried flower arrangement

• An end table where you can put your comforting beverage of choice

• A candle or essential oil diffuser with a relaxing scent like lavender or rosemary

• A few plush throw pillows and a large, soft blanket • A pop of colour to make the space feel soothing yet inviting

Finally, don’t forget to add a classic book­case, built-in shelving or an elegant magazine rack with an assortment of your favourite reads.

2022 | NORTHERN HOME

FenceS DeckS PatioS ScreW PileS irrigation SyStemS Drainage SoD & SeeDing

Paving Stone Patios & Driveways Site GradinG | excavation demoLition | trenchinG | contractinG

CoMMerCial MaintenanCe serviCes: Whether it’s a commercial office complex, business or a prestigious hotel, Suntree Landscaping Ltd. provides professional grounds maintenance services that keep properties looking their very best.

Landscaping Ltd. Russ Hill • 250.563.7062 19

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