Summer is almost here and now is the time to prepare our outdoor spaces for the season. To help maximize your living areas, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore colour and design expert, shares tips on how to bring the latest looks to your open-air escape. Dine al fresco. Backyard patio areas traditionally connected to the exterior of the home to gain easy access from the inside. Consider pushing your al fresco dining areas further out into the yard for a unique and ambient experience.... [read more]

Prep your home for a flurry of activity with these simple steps. 1. Incorporate magical seasonal scents. Fill your space with holiday-scented aromas from candles, or simmer your own potpourri with ingredients like vanilla, cinnamon, pine or bitter orange. 2. Build a fire to create a warm and comfortable atmosphere. Keep fuzzy blankets and pillows on hand for both decoration and functionality and bring out a board game for a little entertainment. If you need extra warmth, cozy up... [read more]

New research reveals that many of us struggle to actually sit down and enjoy a meal with others — and the key to more meal gatherings could lie in the food we serve. Although a whopping 83 per cent of Canadians agree that families should eat together every night, only one in three are able to do so. Reasons for this include competing calendars of family members, busy work schedules and technology. These reasons are even more prevalent among the younger generation, indicating that... [read more]