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holiday decorating tips for Ottawa townhome

Jan

Holiday Decorating Tips for Your Ottawa Townhome

Finally, all of that pent up creative energy gets to be fully embraced this time of the year. If you’re looking for some creative ways to spice up your Ottawa townhome for the holidays, try out a few of these crafty ideas!

Birch Tree Lights

Birch tree branches are one of our favourite pieces for bringing in the wintery feel. But you can take your décor up a notch by getting your birch branches and wrapping your favourite twinkly lights around them. Place them on the mantel or next to the fireplace for that extra glow.

Table Décor

Looking to add a unique flare to your table trimmings? Well, ditch the fancy table setting and go for this colourful, creative, and modern look. Get a poster board or even a canvas from your local arts and craft store. Make sure it fits the length of your table and is narrow enough to fit along the center of the table, similar to a runner.

Then place some pins along the side of the board and start weaving come colourful red string around each pin. This will create the perfect, unique centerpiece that’s perfect for adding that splash of colour to the dinner table.

Dreamy Gift Bows

You know those silvery and white gift bows you stick on the gifts? Well, grab an extra bag or two of them at the store. You can create a perfect, dreamy window display by simply attaching them to string and dangling them in front of your windows. And when those twinkling lights reflect off of them, it will create your very own magical display.

Display your Cards

With all of those Season’s Greetings cards you receive through the mail over the holidays, you need someone to display them. If you’re tight on space, why not string them along your doorways or even your staircase? It’s the perfect, subtle way of displaying your appreciation while decorating your home at the same time.

Create a Mini Forest

Looking for a really unique table display for the dinner table or coffee table? A cute décor idea is to gather some trimmings of spruce or cedar, or whatever greens you have available around your neighbourhood (you can even snip some off of your Christmas tree). Grab some floral foam from your local craft store and cut it to fit inside a few eggcups. Then place and arrange your tree trimmings into the cups. Add the mini tree displays onto a platter with some twinkly lights tossed about them, and voila!

Embrace the beauty of the season by getting creative in your Ottawa townhome this year with these simple, crafty ideas.

Dec

5 Unforgettable Holiday Appetizers

The holidays are all about indulging in what you like and not feeling guilty about it afterward (most of the time). When family and friends are gathered, it’s what the season is all about! So of course, when the guests arrive at your home this year for the holiday party, you want to wow them with those apps. So if you’re in search of a few unforgettable holiday appetizers, here are five that should go straight to top of your app list.

Stuffing Meatballs

Need we say more? This is a super simple and easy to create. Whip up your favourite stuffing dish and combine it together with some pork. Add a few holiday seasonings and pepper. Roll them into balls and then pop them in the oven until cooked. For an extra bonus, you can roll them in breadcrumbs to get the extra bit of deliciousness.

Turkey Dinner Grilled Cheese

This is the perfect appetizer that is hearty enough to really satisfy your guests. It combines all of the goodness of Christmas dinner in a bundle of grilled cheese goodness. Include sliced turkey, stuffing, a touch of cranberry sauce, and of course, some of your favourite cheese. Grill it up between bread and your guests will be melting as they dive into these.

Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Flatbread

Who doesn’t love flatbread? It’s like your own version of a pizza! Season your flatbread and add some roasted tomatoes, topped with goat cheese, onion, garlic, and any other topping that you enjoy. Bake it in the oven until golden and it’s ready to be served.

Cherry Pecan Baked Brie

Think of all the goodness of baked brie, added with the sweet, tartness of cherries and the crunchiness of pecans. This is super simple and takes about 10 minutes to make. You can bake the brie or leave as is. Add some cherries and a little sugar into a pot and simmer until they have just begun to melt. At this point you can add in some pecans, or toast them separately, and then top the brie off with both for one tasty sweet treat.

Salmon Sesame Croquettes

If you’re looking to add a touch of nutrition to the app table, this is the perfect dish to make. Combine salmon, sesame, and ginger. Roll up into a ball and cover with tempura. Bake until crispy.

Take your appetizer game up a few notches by incorporating some of these dishes to the table. And just be sure that you make enough, because you can bet that your family and friends will be coming back for more!

Dec

Your Guide to Fall Lawn Care

Fall is in full swing and the leaves are falling with a beauty only a Canadian autumn can bring. We’ve even had snow already! If that isn’t a sign that you should kick your fall lawn care routine into high gear…With the change of seasons you must also change how you care for your lawn. Gearing up for winter months there are certain things you can do to ensure your lawn has a great head start for the upcoming spring. Even if you don’t have a huge yard, you can still take steps to give your lawn the best care possible to look great all through the fall and to thrive in the springtime. Here’s how:

#1 Rake the Leaves

If you have a small yard, this should be an easy process. Raking the leaves allows the grass below to breathe. If you don’t rake the leaves they will get heavy with rain water and morning dew and eventually start to grow different funguses of their own, which will suffocate your lawn and make it difficult to revive in the spring. Start raking your leaves as they fall and don’t allow them to hurt the lawn underneath. A nicely raked yard is also very attractive for curb appeal. Plus, those ten or fifteen minutes spent raking is a great way to enjoy some of that fresh fall air!

#2 Fertilize the Lawn

Fertilization of your yard is not something that needs to be done many times a year. Often only one good dump of fertilizer is all that is required and the best time to do it is in the fall! Your lawn will eat up the nutrients and produce luscious green grass for you next year. Be sure to evenly spread the fertilizer to all parts of your lawn for optimal results. Fertilizers come in different formulations with precise ratios of nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorous. Speak with an expert at your local garden centre for a recommendation.

#3 Take Care of Weeds

Even though you may have been doing this all season, don’t let the colder weather deter you from continually weeding your yard. If weeds are given the chance to settle their roots over the winter season, you bet they will be back with a vengeance in the spring. Don’t worry, you get a break from weeding when the winter comes and snow covers your lawn. Other than that, weeding can be a full-time job if you want a nice lawn.

Fall is such a gorgeous time of year with nature already providing us with a beautiful backdrop. Enhance the natural beauty with different potted mum plants around the front of your house and keep your yard clean and free of debris. You will be proud to say you are the owner of the beautiful townhouse with the perfectly landscaped yard!

Nov

Pet-Friendly (Yet Stylish) Home Decorating

When you reach that moment when you finally realize that you want to become a fur parent, it can change everything about your life – especially your home décor. When you own a pet, thinking twice about what you should place in your home becomes as natural as anything. But just because your furry loved ones rule the roost, doesn’t mean your style and décor have to suffer. If you’ve got a pet-friendly Ottawa townhome to decorate, here are some perfect and stylish ways to find that perfect balance.

Resilient Fabrics and Furniture

The most essential part of adding in any new piece of décor or furniture to your home is that it must be resilient and durable against any messes. That means when those dirty paw prints leap before they’re cleaned, you can easily wipe away those smudges without having to rent out the wet vac.

Throws and Blankets

Of course, sometimes, after enough wear and tear (and paw prints) over time, certain areas on your sofa or chair may become overtly discoloured or stained. And no matter how hard your try to remove them, they just won’t seem to lift. That’s where throws and blankets come in to save the day (and your budget). Instead of stressing over buying yet another new couch, use some stylish throws to cover up those unsightly spots. It adds that perfect, chic, bohemian twist to your décor.

Patterned Rugs

Rugs seem to inevitably become a target zone, no matter how hard you try to train your pets. And between the paw prints and the shedding hair, sometimes it can seem like a pointless endeavour to even bother owning one. But all you have to do is be strategic about what type you select. Look for a rug that is patterned and can camouflage, not only potential marks, but the colour of your pet’s fur as well.

Sometimes, no matter how hard you try to resist, it seems impossible to say no to those pleading eyes. So naturally, your bed becomes their bed too. In this case, using a duvet cover can help to alleviate any worry for messing up your bed and keeping it clean. All you have to do it slip off the cover and toss it in the wash when you need to.

Just because your pet has become the love of your life, doesn’t mean your home décor has to suffer. All it requires is a few strategic additions and you can have your townhome pet-friendly and stylish all at the same time.

Nov

Say Welcome Home with a Housewarming Party

When your eyes light up and your heart starts pounding, you know you’ve found the one. The home you’ve been waiting for has finally arrived and there’s no better way to say “Welcome Home” than by throwing a party. So if you’ve got a housewarming party to throw in your new Ottawa condo, townhome, or terrace home, here’s everything you need to know!

Make it intimate

Don’t invite people for the sake of filling a room. Inviting people you rarely speak to is never a smart strategy. Housewarming parties don’t have to be large, having every room filled to the brim with people. Smaller, intimate parties are better. You get to spend quality time with the people you care the most about. Plus, it’s a great way to invite your new neighbours over and get to know them.

Don’t spend the entire time in the kitchen

Sure, throwing a great housewarming involves tasty food and flowing drinks, but be sure to make time for you to mingle as well. Being a host or hostess doesn’t mean you don’t get to partake in the fun. So do what you can to prep everything ahead of time. Have an area for the bar where people can serve themselves and enjoy the party! Even though you want to use your contemporary kitchen, consider splurging for a caterer so you can relax.

Make it inviting

There’s nothing worse than walking into a house party only to be met with awkward silence encompassing the party. So break up any tension by making your party inviting and always have some music playing the background to liven up any awkwardness.

Only give a tour when asked

As much as you love your new home, not everyone is eager to see every inch of it with a personalized tour. So aside from your family and closest friends, don’t take every person who walks through the door on a detailed tour. If they ask, then go for it. But every closet doesn’t have to be included on that tour.

Settling into your new home for many is only complete after the housewarming party is over. So if you’ve yet to throw one, what are you waiting for? It’s one of the best ways to gather your friends and family to show off your new digs all in one shot. It’s also the perfect way to invite your new neighbours over and get to know them. And just be sure that you make time to join in on the conversations and enjoy your own party too.

Theberge Homes is proud to build condos, townhomes, and terrace homes in Ottawa that people are excited to show off. Contact us to learn more about building your new home!

Oct

Budget-Friendly Modern Décor Tips

You wake up one day and suddenly it feels as though you’ve grown a new set of eyes. You take a look around your condo or town home and wonder what you thinking! Sounds like it’s time for a décor facelift. Don’t have the money for a huge budget? No problem. Adding some new flair to your design doesn’t have to cost a fortune, as long as you do it right. So here are a few handy budget-friendly tips for spicing up your condo in Ottawa with some modern décor.

Lighting fixtures

Take a look around your home, and pay particular attention to your light fixtures. What’s your impression? Because believe it or not, lighting can make or break any design. One false move and it can throw your interior back into the 1970s.

Pot lights, bold chandeliers, light rails – these are the ones to go for. Even if you just focus on upgrading your light fixtures, you will be surprised at just how much they can change the vibe of your entire space and bring it back into the modern era.

Curtains

Lighting aside, curtains also play a huge factor in the overall design of a room. If you can’t remember the last time you upgraded your curtains, it might be time. This is also a design feature that can really hinder your space. Modern design is all about open, bright spaces. So if your drapes or curtains are overbearing, have more frills than you can count, or block a large portion of light from your windows, it’s time for a change.

Entertainment Unit

If you own an entertainment unit that is clunky, messy and takes up about half of your living space, this could be your problem area to focus on. Large, clunky units scream the 90s – especially if it’s unorganized and messy. But these days, you can find sleek units to hide all of those accessories and gadgets, while attaching your flat screen to a wall to free up some of that space. There’s nothing worse that having an area that looks congested and clunky.

Rugs

When is the last time you changed or simply steam-cleaned your rugs? Considering they’re often a focal point of a room that are generally located in high traffic areas, it’s important to get out a steam-cleaning vacuum every so often to ensure they don’t look as old as they really are. If it’s reached a point where the steam clean isn’t cutting it, replacing them with a contemporary design can work wonders for updating your interior.

So don’t waste time or money on expensive renos or décor upgrades. Take a good look at your interior and decide which core areas need an upgrade the most. Chances are one of these four areas could be all you need to make that change.

Oct

Welcome Home to Alta Vista Ridge

Theberge Homes is lucky enough to build in Alta Vista, a community in Ottawa’s east end. Alta Vista is already home to over 25,000 people and is a growing community. With shopping malls and vast green space, it’s no wonder why Alta Vista is the preferred choice for young professional living in Ottawa. Alta Vista is located very close to the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Riverside General Hospital. This location is extremely ideal for anyone who works at the hospital, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and support staff. You can also see stunning views of the Ottawa River from many vantage points in the Alta Vista area. Being an older part of Ottawa, there are many mature trees around. It truly is a warm and inviting neighbourhood.

Life in Alta Vista

You will love living in Alta Vista. You can instantly feel the strength of the community and you can see how each community member takes pride in their location. With the Train Yards shopping center a few minutes down the road, there is little need to venture far for all your shopping needs. Discover your old favourites and establish some new favourites! Shopping is a pastime that never gets old, so living nearby is an added bonus.

Life at Alta Vista Ridge

Theberge Homes has built Alta Vista Ridge on Blackcomb Private and the condos are truly a sight to see. Alta Vista has always been regarded as a high-end area of town and Alta Vista Ridge fits right into the high-end lifestyle. The shocking thing about Alta Vista Ridge is how affordable the units are. Nothing is sacrificed in these condos, you get size and style and benefit greatly from excellent pricing. A three-bedroom and 2.5-bathroom condo anywhere else in the city will cost you so much more.

At Alta Vista Ridge, it’s very clear that elegance and style were the driving factors in the designs. Granite countertops are on most people’s wish lists but are not always attainable. At astonishingly low prices you can have granite countertops in your kitchen and high-end appliances that will put the extra touch on every meal. Underground parking allows you to skip brushing snow off your car in the winter time and waiting for your car to heat up while you shiver and try to stay warm! We love Canada, but that winter chill really stings some days! Take advantage of the many amenities available to you and choose to live happy at Alta Vista Ridge (new townhomes in Ottawa, new terrace homes in Ottawa).

Sep

Your Guide to Urban Chic Décor

You’ve purchased your new build Theberge home and are anxiously awaiting the moment when you can move in and start living your life in style. Take some time before you move in to decide how you can add some personal touches and create your own chic urban setting! Here are four tips on how you can make the dream a reality.

Grand Entrance

Put some effort into making the entrance to your home feel as spectacular as possible. This is the first impression of your home, so make it a good one. Provide a space for guests to easily hang their coats up, but do not keep it cluttered. Store your own coats in a separate closet away from the front entrance so as not to clutter the visual of your grand entranceway. Do a colour splash and carry the theme throughout the main floor for continuity. Be adventurous with the entrance carpet colour and design as these carpets tend to be smaller in size so it won’t be overpowering if it’s a big louder.

Bedroom

If space allows, have an ottoman at the end of your bed. This provides a great practical seat for various routine morning rituals and also can provide an excellent splash of colour. It is also a nice touch to place decorative trays on the ottoman to store books or decorative pieces. Have it be a show space for your bedroom. It’s best to keep the bedroom as clutter free as possible so try not to have an excess amount of bulky furniture. For a more chic look, try to go with basic tones for the bedding and bed frame while using fun accent colours in your decor.

Kitchen

Have an accent wall. It’s not out of the question to use wallpaper, although it does seem to be used less and less. Choose one wall in your kitchen that you want to stand out and make a statement. Tie in colours from your living space and front entrance way and choose a pattern that incorporates your style. It will be the star of the kitchen and add that extra bit of flair that every new home needs.

Living Room

Get funky with your furniture choices. Explore how having different tones and colours in your furniture can really bring a room to life. Think about how to maximize the space you have and how many seats you normally would want available. It’s a very nice look to have some arm chairs in addition to an inviting couch. Be adventurous and surprise yourself with how upscale and chic your urban living space can be.

Whether you live in a new Ottawa condo, townhome, terrace home, or custom home, urban chic décor can really set you apart from convention.

Sep

Huntclub Towns: Location, Location, Location

We’ve all heard it before – location, location, location – it’s one of the most essential ingredients for having a desirable property. Well you can be sure that the developers of Huntclub Towns has paid attention. Aside from the modern designs and top of the line features, this development has placed precedence on location of their homes that provide their homeowners with a life of luxury and convenience. From cafés, to pubs, to craft stores and your favourite restaurants – it’s all just a few of the ways in which Huntclub Towns is creating a community you desire. Let’s take a closer look.

Renowned for sleek interiors, top-notch appliances and the latest in contemporary living, here you can take a walk around the area and find just about anything you may want or need.

Recreation and Leisure

If you’re in search of some entertainment and leisure, you’ll want to secure membership to the exclusive Ottawa Hunt and Golf club located just steps away. If you’re on the hunt for some fun in the sun, you can head to Mooney’s Beach just a few minutes away, where you can lounge on the sand or partake in a slew of activities. Fishing, kayaking, hiking, Dragon Boat racing, or even cross-country skiing during those winter months are just a few of the exciting activities to enjoy. Don’t forget the epic Hope Volleyball Festival in the summer months. Boredom simply isn’t an option.

Convenience and Amenities

When you run out of milk, or need soil for the garden, head just a few minutes away to South Keys and you’ll come across countless stores, such as Home Depot, Staples, Loblaws and Walmart.

Or looking for a great place to eat? You’ll find Kelsey’s, The Firkin, The Keg and Moxie’s, KS on the Keys, just to name a few. There’s nothing better knowing that you can leave the car at home, head across to your favourite spot with some friends, and walk back home in no time. You get to spend more of your time where it matters.

In addition, there’s no need to worry about fighting traffic in long commutes to the airport. The Huntclub community is located just a few minutes from the airport, so you can catch your flight and avoid that frustrating traffic.

Arts and Culture

Looking for a great new book to read, or some art supplies to get creative with? You’ll be sure to find what you’re looking for at the local Chapters or Michaels Arts and Crafts store. If you’re looking to brush up on your national history, you’re just a short drive away from local museums and art galleries located down Riverside in downtown Ottawa.

Location is every bit as important as your actual home when it comes to deciding where to live. And that’s why at Huntclub Towns, they’ve placed just as much priority on your surroundings. If you’re looking for a place where you can easily access amenities with optimal convenience, Huntclub Towns could be the perfect place for you to start looking.

Aug

Helping Your Pet Adjust to the Move

Moving homes can be an exciting and overwhelming experience, not only for you, but also for your furry loved ones as well. When your pets have been living in a location that they’ve called home, it can be difficult for them to be uprooted and placed in an unfamiliar setting. Home is where they’ve grown up, figured out all the best hiding spots, and marked their territory on the best fire hydrants in the neighbourhood. So if you’re in the process of moving with your pets to a new Ottawa townhome or condo, here are a few handy tips to help them adjust more easily to the move.

Provide Consistency

If there’s one thing your pets love, it is being consistent with routines. So when it comes to walking, feeding, napping, – whatever the daily routines are that they’ve grown to know – be sure to keep them as much as possible while you make that new move. It will provide them with a bit of comfort and stability during all of that chaos.

Keep Them Safe and Sound

First off, when it comes to the actual moving day, you want to make sure your pet is out of the way so your furry friend doesn’t get hurt or cause injury to your movers. For some pets, reducing anxiety can be achieved by either staying close to you or being placed in a crate, surrounded by their toys. If your pet needs to be near you, plant yourself in an optimal place where you can be involved with the moving process while staying put with your pet.

Be Patient

When you’ve finally moved into your new digs, it will naturally take some time for your pet to get use to the new surroundings, sounds and smells. So give them the time and space they need to look around, sniff and explore their new setting.

Extra Love and Affection

During those first initial weeks after a move, it can help to give your pet and extra dose of love and affection to make them feel safe and at ease. Spend a little extra time during the day to play with them and make them feel safe in their new environment.

Pets can harness anxiety quite easily, especially when their home and routines are interrupted. Being placed into a new environment can be overwhelming and scary for them, so it’s important to take the time to make them feel safe and sound. Just follow these simple steps and you’ll have your pet back to their old, happy self in no time. Once you’re settled in, your pet will love the beautiful new townhome or condo just as much you do!