Blog by Beebe Cline, PREC*

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8 Wonderful Ways to Splurge With Silk

November 30th, 2012
Silk's origins make for an enchanting history. As the story goes, a Chinese empress was sipping tea under a mulberry tree when a silkworm's cocoon fell into her cup and began to unravel into a beautiful shimmering thread. Since then the Chinese have used silk fabric for clothing, arts and decor. The fabric has become a staple in the home for lampshades, rugs, draperies, u ...

9 Low-Cost Ways to Insulate Windows and Doors

November 28th, 2012
While it's true that dual-pane insulating windows help keep the heat in during winter, there are times when old windows just can't be replaced — perhaps you have a historic home with charming original features worth preserving, or you're working on a tight budget. But just because you can't bring in the latest and greatest new windows and doors doesn't mean you must go witho ...

8 Fantastic Freestanding Fireplaces to Warm Any Room

November 26th, 2012
If you're considering installing a fireplace, a freestanding model can be a good pick. It can be installed for much less cost than a full fireplace wall since it generally won't have a stone fascia, lights, or millwork. Styles range from simple and pragmatic to stunning modern designs that serve as sculpture as well as a primary heat source. ...

2647 CEDAR DR, South Surrey, BC

November 26th, 2012
I just finished uploading this House for sale, 2647 CEDAR DR, South Surrey, BC*CEDAR DRIVE CRESCENT HEIGHTS* Located in the most coveted of communities. Enter thru solid custom oak doors with Hand Forged Emtek Hardware. Step onto 12' wide plank reclaimed White Oak floors. All windows by Innoteck featuring dual action tilt and turn. Coved ceilings on all 3 levels, 3 gas fireplaces indoors and ...

8 Victorian Drawing Rooms for Modern Living

November 25th, 2012
The drawing room, essentially the lady's "withdrawing room," was usually the main public room of a Victorian home. These rooms were feminine, comfortable and hospitable. Places for receiving guests, they were platforms to show off one's wealth, culture and taste. Items, pictures and decorative items from the Victorians' newfound love of travel were constantly added to the s ...

Posted in Vitamin V

Find the Right Cooktop for Your Kitchen

November 25th, 2012
When designing the work areas in your kitchen, having a cooktop that is separate from your oven or ovens allows for greater flexibility. Choosing the right cooktop takes some research, though. Gas and electric have long been the two standard offerings, and while traditional gas cooktops remain a popular choice, you may want to look beyond them and the familiar electric coil ...
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Color Brings a Family-Friendly Show House to Life

November 25th, 2012
Pittsburgh interior designer Alisha Gwen allowed her spirited persona to shine through in this show house in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Her mission was to highlight key features of the home while opening potential buyers' minds to the unabashed use of color. She stands by her belief that color is for everyone; people just have to find the right color for them.Her lov ...
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Posted in Vitamin V

107 1705 MARTIN DR, South Surrey, BC

November 25th, 2012
I just finished uploading this Condo for sale, 107 1705 MARTIN DR, South Surrey, BCSouth Surrey's desirable "Southwynd" well positioned west facing ground floor 1298 sq.ft. with 3 patios w/private garden deck areas. Easy access to shopping uptown White Rock Semiahmoo Centre. Southwynd is a solid concrete complex offering generous secured underground parking. 2 spaces. Club house and workshop ...

Posted in Listings

6 Designs That Defy Labels

November 23rd, 2012
Many of the subjects for the ideabooks that I write come about by browsing through photos on Houzz. Regardless of what sorts of filters I'm using (exterior vs. living room, modern vs. contemporary, metropolitan area, search terms, etc.), I always find something new, and eventually I'll see a common strand that reveals a design story. Other times some aspects of a design are ...
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Contractor Tips: 10 Home Areas That Likely Need a Pro

November 22nd, 2012
If you are working on a DIY remodel, deciding whether to call in a specialty contractor to perform a specific task comes down to several areas you'll need to consider: Skill. Do you have the necessary skills to build a sound structure, and do it safely? Scale. Is the size of the project one that you can handle in a reasonable amount of time? Cost. When factoring in the val ...
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