The brighter archives
Check out past articles on design trends, DIY projects and hacks, tips on how to organize your space and all things design and décor.
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A roundup of colour trends for 2022
The start of a new year may be all about resetting our personal intentions, but it’s also the perfect time to refresh our living spaces and embrace the very latest colour trends. We’re tapping in to the top picks of some of the most renowned colour authorities to see what shades they’ve chosen as the standouts in 2022. Read on.
10 last minute holiday décor ideas
The holidays are just around the corner, are you prepared? Don't fret if you haven't decorated yet - take a look at this list of 10 last minute holiday décor ideas [...]
11 ways to create a beautiful laundry room
Washing your clothes may be a tedious task, but that doesn’t mean your hardworking laundry room has to be lacklustre. From storage solutions to cabinets, lighting and even appliances, we’ve put together a list of the 11 best ideas to make this one of your favourite rooms in your home. Read on[...]
8 ways to go all in with Fall decor
Even the colour-averse can’t resist the brilliance of fall, with its vibrant oranges, bright reds and pretty golden yellows. Give in to the urge to pull out all the pumpkin-spiced stops this year with these 8 ways to go all in with fall décor. Read on [...]
7 kitchen pantry organization tips and ideas
Those dream pantries you’ve been seeing in magazines and pinning online aren’t as far out of reach as they might seem. Here are seven kitchen pantry organization tips and ideas you can implement in your pantry, no matter how small [...]
6 ways to create a private outdoor space
Unless you live in the country surrounded by acres and acres of land, there’s a pretty good chance you have neighbours all around you. Urban and suburban living means space can be limited, fences and balconies are often shared and “next door” is within arm’s reach. If you feel like your privacy is lacking these days, we’ve got 6 great ways to help you take back some of your personal space. […]
How to set up a nursery
When it comes to making space for your new arrival, there are so many things to think about and decisions to make. Follow our tips to create a special place the entire family will love and enjoy [...]
How to make the most out of your backyard on a budget
A backyard oasis sounds perfect right about now! Whether you’re looking for a quiet place to read, a sunny spot to do some work, or an area to entertain your guests, turning your empty outdoor space into a beautiful extension of your home can add square footage without the price tag of a complete renovation [...]
What's a “Jack and Jill” bathroom?
What's a Jack and Jill bathroom? From benefits and bathroom layout options to Jack and Jill bathroom design ideas, we’re diving into what they are – and why we’re seeing this trend come back more and more in homebuilding […]
Top interior design trends of 2021 you’ll want to copy
2021 is finally here! This new year provides the perfect opportunity to unleash our creative sides and bring a sense of comfort to the living spaces we spend so much time in. Every home needs a little refresh once in a while, so we asked one of our Minto Dream Home Interior Designers, Tanya Collins, what she thinks the biggest décor trends will be in 2021 [...]
Meet the Designers of the Bohemian
Introducing the power team designers behind the 2020 Minto Dream Home for CHEO. See what inspired their choices.
How to choose the right tiles for your bathroom
Thinking about renovating your bathroom? There are lots of things to consider, like what kind of tile will work best in your space. Do you prefer bright colours or neutral tones? Patterned or plain? Small or oversized? Tile is a big commitment and typically a focal point in a bathroom, so this important detail is something you’ll want to pay close attention to [...]
How to incorporate sports décor into your space
If you’re a sports fan, your love likely runs deep whether your favourite team is playing or not. Keep the team spirit high all year long with just the right amount of memorabilia in your space. We’ve rounded up a few sports-inspired interior décor tips that will showcase your fandom – foam fingers not included [...]
5 tips for styling your shelves
What is it about bare, open shelves that freaks us out so much? For starters, they’re usually the focal point in a room. No pressure. Will they hold books, family photos or a curated collection of travel treasures (or all of the above)? Before you dive in, follow these helpful tips to create a functional and beautiful displayed shelves […]
To feng shui or not feng shui?
The more time you’ve spent in your home, the more in tune you may have become to things that feel slightly “off”. If you’re noticing a certain imbalance you can’t put your finger on, it might be time to consider feng shui. Read on to find out how you can apply the basic principles to create harmony in your home [...]
What to do with an extra room in your home
If you’re lucky enough to have an extra room (or two) in your home, there couldn’t be a better time to make the most of it. These 12 ingenious ideas may inspire you to find the space you need without adding square footage [...]
5 tips to follow when decorating your basement
Long gone are the days of scary basements. Whether you want to maximize on square footage or plan your secret hideaway, decorating a basement can be fun! We’ve got tips and tricks that will help turn that dark space into an inviting living area that everyone can enjoy [...]
10 updates that add value to your home
Thinking of renovating this year? Exciting! Whether you’ve lived in your home for a while, purchased an older house that needs a little TLC or have a new build you’d like to put your stamp on, we’ve put together a list of improvements that add the most value to your home – and make the most of your budget [...]
10 easy ways to declutter your home
The holidays, with their conspicuous consumption and overindulgence, have a way of making us want to start fresh, simplify and take a good look at all the stuff that’s weighing us down. We’ve put together a list of the 10 easiest ways to declutter your home – and make 2020 the year of the lighter load [...]
Top interior design trends of 2020
Wondering what’s “in” this year when it comes to decorating your home or apartment? Her past predictions came true, so we asked interior designer Wendy Snelgrove of Cabin Couture to share her insider knowledge on 2020 design trends with us – and we can’t wait to see how they unfold this year […]
5 ways to embrace the Pantone Colour of the Year
Love yourself a rich, dark blue? You’re in luck (and you’re not alone)! The recently announced 2020 Pantone Colour of the Year is Classic Blue – “a timeless and enduring blue”. From walls to fabrics to dishware to everything in between, we have a feeling we’re going to be seeing this hue of blue popping up all over the place. Let’s get a jump on it, shall we? [...]
What to do with awkward spaces in your home
Every home has its quirks, corners, nooks and niches that aren’t quite big enough to be usable rooms and just awkward enough to make us scratch our heads. These enigmas may be tricky to decorate and easy to ignore, but we’ve come up with a few creative solutions that will add charm and functionality – and help use every inch of your square footage […]
What your front door colour says about you
Colour is a wonderful, powerful thing – and it reveals more about your personality than you might think. So when it comes to painting your front door, it’s partly about curb appeal and mostly about giving the world a glimpse into who you really are. Curious? Read on […]
10 ways to make your home more welcoming for guests
If you love to entertain and throw parties, these 10 tips for making your home a welcoming gathering space is for you! From the way your furniture is arranged to small décor touches, your home (big or small) can transform into the perfect place to host guests – and help you feel confident while doing it […]
What’s your interior design style?
Are you traditional or transitional? Industrial or French country? Coastal or mid-century modern? Pinning down your interior design style can be tricky, but once you do, it can keep you from spinning on decisions and help you focus in on what you really love. How do you know for sure what speaks to you? We’re here to help you figure it out […]
How to choose your kitchen countertop
Do you choose your kitchen countertop for budget, style, durability, or all of the above? Do you prefer wood, concrete, granite or marble? And what's the difference between them all? Read on for key things to keep in mind when choosing a countertop for your home [...]
Tips to get your porch in summer shape
The world is a different place when it’s warm outside. The streets are abuzz with activity, kids are riding their bikes again and neighbours are stopping in for a quick hello on their way by. Now that we’ve got snowless months ahead, let’s get that front porch ready for all the time you’ll spend on it. Check out our tips to get it in tiptop summer shape […]
6 tips for a cozy bedroom
Given all the time we spend in our bedrooms, it's important to make sure they're as cozy and comfy as possible. Read on for 6 simple tips on how to add warmth and coziness to your bedroom. Happy hibernating (and Netflixing in complete bliss) [...]
Beautiful home organization ideas
"A place for everything and everything in its place”, right? If you’re totally into Marie Kondo’s The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, we’ve gathered lots of great ideas that will help you tidy, toss and tune in to a beautifully organized home [...]
Repurpose with purpose
Have you ever had that moment where you just felt overwhelmed by “stuff”? You know, by all the things that are broken or you no longer use that are just taking up space? Before you donate, recycle or throw away, we’ve got tons of ingenious ways to repurpose household items to give them new life again [...]
Tips for keeping your kitchen clean(ish) - even with kids!
With the reality of making lunches, prepping dinner after a busy day and getting your family out the door in one piece, we have a few tips to help avoid kitchen chaos and keep your family sane before the dishes pile up. Here's how to keep your kitchen clean(ish), even with a busy family […]
How to choose art for your home
Choosing artwork for your home can be a deeply personal and somewhat intimidating experience. Not only is it an investment (big or small), it’s also a true reflection of your personality and sense of style. So how do you choose the right pieces for your space that work with your décor (and budget) and still speak to your soul? Read on […]
Easy bathroom updates that won’t break the bank
The bathroom is one of the most used rooms in any home – and often the most overlooked. But because they’re likely the smallest, it’s super easy to change up the décor without breaking the bank. If you’re looking for quick and inexpensive ways to give your bathroom a refresh, we’ve got tons of updating tips – from tiling to towel bars […]
Kitchen organization that makes sense
Big or small, neat or messy, we could all use a little kitchen reorg in our lives. Tidying up your kitchen can seem like quite the task, but with the right plan in place, anything is possible. Read on for some tips on how to arrange your kitchen so it makes sense […]
How to add comfort to your home
Even in the heat of summer does your home lack a certain “warmth”? It’s all in the touches you add that give it a comfort that’s all your own. Read on for ideas to help make your space even more inviting […]
The Benefits of a New-Build Kitchen [Guest Post]
It feels good to start fresh. When you move into an older home, there will always be something you don’t totally love – but with a new kitchen, you have a blank slate. In this guest post, our friends at Laurysen Kitchens take a look at 8 benefits of a new kitchen […]
Easy DIY projects for your home
Hey, guess what? Adding a bit of flair to your home or apartment doesn’t have to break the bank – you can take our word for it. Here is a roundup of some great DIY project ideas you can take on. They may need a little elbow grease, but a lot less cash […]
Q&A: Design trends for 2018
Curious about what’s “in” this year when it comes to decorating your home? We sat down with interior designer Wendy Snelgrove of Cabin Couture to talk design trends for 2018 […]
Tips for de-cluttering your home
Feeling that urge to purge? No matter how big or small your living space is, there’s nothing quite like ridding your home of the “stuff” that’s bogging you down. Follow these tips to help de-clutter and organize your home without feeling overwhelmed [...]
The most follow-worthy interior design instagram accounts
Looking for ideas to spruce up your home or apartment? Here’s a roundup of some of the most follow-worthy Instagram accounts to give you all the design inspo you need [...]
The Rise of the Second Floor Laundry Room
There's no denying the convenience that comes with having a second floor laundry room.
Butler's Pantries: They're Back (Just ask Jeeves)
In today's modern home, Butler's Pantries provide additional prep and storage space.
The Case for Jack & Jill Bathrooms
If you're looking to add a shared bathroom to the mix, consider these tips.
Basement Creativity
If you're not sure what to do with your new basement, you've come to the right place.
The Joys of the Mudroom
You'll love the convenience and practicality of having a mud room.
Cooking Up an Inspiring Kitchen
The kitchen is arguably the most important room in the home.