Expert Tips Blog

Without a doubt your fireplace becomes your best friend during winter. With its cozy and romantic setting and reliable warmth, it’s no wonder why it’s among the favourite of home amenities.  If you’re on the fence about whether it’s a worthy investment for your home, here are just a few of the many benefits of having a fireplace in your home. Cozy Warmth There’s no denying how cozy a fireplace is. Fireplaces offer a warm, focal place to curl up beside with a book or loved one, or a cheerful place to gather around with your family or friends. It creates the type of cozy, inviting warmth that simply cannot be created by anything else. Reliable Source Of Warmth When The Power Goes Out Beyond the sultry, romantic setting that a gas fireplace offers, it’s also a very reliable and practical source of heat. When you’re hunkered down with a nasty winter storm outside and all of a sudden the electricity goes out, it could make for a very cold and uncomfortable environment until the power can be restored. But with a fireplace, you don’t have to worry. You can still keep warm and cozy with plenty of light to read a good book or find other ways to pass the time, comfortably until the power is back up and running. Reduce Utility Costs With Efficient Zone Heating Rather than having your heating warm every room in your home – including ones that are rarely or are never used at all – gas fireplaces offers a more efficient alternative. With zone heating, fireplaces provide heat for where you actually need it. By turning down the thermostat and allowing your fireplace to warm up the areas you need it, you can enjoy energy savings of up 40 percent. So you can keep your home warm while reducing your overall consumption and expenses. Enhance Décor Element to Any Room Fireplaces today are available in just about any style you can imagine, and can easily be installed in any room in your home. So whether it’s the bedroom, living room, basement or even bathroom, you can find the style you want and enhance the beauty of any area of your home. Fireplaces give you the opportunity to reduce your consumption and become more efficient with zone heating. And beyond the benefits of your monthly heating costs, there’s simply no other appliance that can offer the kind of cozy and romantic setting that a fireplace can. So when you’re ready to crank up the coziness of your winter nights at home, contact us or give us a call at (613)727-9427

If you’re tired of staring at the same old colour on the walls in your home, adding in some fresh, modern hues and shades can help spruce it up.  It’s so convenient when you get to switch up your design and décor, even just a tad, to rejuvenate the look of any room. And this year, designers are falling for some serious shades and strong, bold, exotic hues that are 2017’s hottest colour trends so far. To give you a palette of inspiration when you’re ready to freshen up your home, read on to find out what colours are dominating the interior design world. Moody Shades And Wallpaper Designs The bedroom is where we like to cozy up and feel relaxed. And this year, we’re seeing a trend of shades and even wallpaper designs that embody moodier tones, combined with dark wood stains and splashes of colour to set the tone just right. Combinations of navy blue, dark plum, and grays are perfect for getting that cozy, comfortable atmosphere. “Millennial Pink” Millennial pink, also known as Windsor pink, is another dominant favourite this year. This combination of peach-salmon offers the perfect blend of colour that in essence, acts as a neutral tone. With both youthful and elegant properties, it can go just about anywhere and for any age group, despite the “Millennial” label. Autumn Maple This October, get in on the colour that perfectly embodies everything we love about the fall time. This burnt orange is fresh, spicy, exotic and goes perfectly with darker toned wood and lighter blonde accents. Black Chiffon In a similar vein with the moodier tones, Black Chiffon, which looks like a black charcoal mix, is dominating feature walls with many black on black tone layering happening. Dark leather chairs, all black built-in wall units, slate table tops, black vases and flickers of gold accents create a sexy, masculine design that make it impressive for any statement wall. Deep Emerald There’s something undeniably mystical about the bluegrass green that’s wrapped up in deep Emerald. It’s an historical colour that embodies sophistication, elegance and that perfect traditional country home vibe that is sure to reignite your love for any room in your home. The colour palette is proving to be an exciting one among the hottest trends. So why not give your home décor a facelift by getting creative with colour and finding ways to splash in some of these moody and exotic hues into your space this year.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427

Worried about falls in your entryway? Read these mobility renovations: do you have a safe entryway? Having an entryway that enables you to exit and enter the home quickly is not only important for safety reasons, but it’s also an important matter to address for the sake of efficiency, independence and dignity for those living with mobility limitations. Thankfully, there are many alterations – from big ones to minor ones – that can make your entranceway a breeze to get through for anyone using mobility devices such as a wheelchair or walker. If you’re wondering whether you have a safe entryway, here are some factors to consider to help assess it and to give you ideas on how it could be improved for efficiency and safety. Have a Clear Pathway Before installing any additions to assist in entering and exiting, you should first take a look at the walkway leading up to your entryway. This should be cleared from any obstacles, such as overgrown hedges and garden debris. If there is any patio stones that are weathered and buckling or loose, these should be addressed and replaced first. Before stepping up your home’s accessibility, ensure a smooth and safe pathway to your entryway. Here’s how: 1. Clear the Path: Remove obstacles: Eliminate overgrown hedges, branches, garden debris, or anything that could obstruct the walkway. Address uneven surfaces: Repair or replace cracked, buckling, or loose patio stones that pose tripping hazards. Trim back vegetation: Ensure plants and shrubs don’t encroach on the pathway, especially near steps or railings. 2. Enhance Visibility: Install proper lighting: Brighten the walkway with motion-sensor lights or solar-powered options for improved visibility, especially at night and during bad weather. Clear snow and ice promptly: Keep the pathway free of wintery hazards to prevent slips and falls. 3. Consider Additional Safety Measures: Handrails: Install sturdy handrails on both sides of steps or along inclined walkways for added support and balance. Non-slip surfaces: Opt for textured or non-slip surfaces on walkways and steps to minimize the risk of slipping, especially in wet or icy conditions. Contrasting colors: Use contrasting colors for steps and edges to improve visibility, particularly for those with visual impairments. Light It Up Having proper lighting is also crucial to avoid injury and make it easy to get to and from your home. Light features should be installed to illuminate any walkway or paths that provide access to your home. You can install a motion light that will kick on once someone approaches the entryway to ensure the door handle and lock is clearly visible at all times. Having a clear pathway is crucial for safe and easy access to your home, but don’t underestimate the power of proper lighting. Here’s how to “light it up” for both practical and aesthetic purposes: Safety First: Brighten the entrance: Use motion-sensor or automatic lights to illuminate the walkway and entryway, especially at night. Consider solar-powered options for an eco-friendly solution. Step it up: Illuminate steps with well-placed lights to prevent tripping hazards. This is especially important for uneven or winding pathways. Clear sightlines: Avoid light spillage onto neighboring properties or creating glare towards oncoming pedestrians. Beyond Safety: Create ambiance: Use warm-toned lights to create a welcoming and inviting atmosphere at your entryway. String lights, lanterns, or recessed lighting can add charm and character. Highlight features: Showcase landscaping elements, sculptures, or architectural details with focused spotlights or uplighting. Set the mood: Consider using smart lighting that allows you to adjust brightness and color temperature to create different moods and ambiences for various occasions. Additional Tips: Follow local regulations: Make sure your lighting installation complies with local ordinances regarding light pollution and nighttime illumination. Think long-term: Choose durable and weatherproof fixtures that can withstand the elements. Professional touch: For complex installations or extensive lighting systems, consider consulting a professional electrician or landscape lighting designer. By prioritizing safety and incorporating creative elements, you can transform your pathway into a well-lit, welcoming, and aesthetically pleasing extension of your home. Low Riser, Long-Tread Steps If you or a family member relies on a walker or crutch, then drastic improvements like installing a ramp might not be necessary. Instead, having low rising steps with long treads can help. These steps provide enough room to accommodate the size of a walker or similar equipment and don’t require taking such a big step up or down. This is a good option when a ramp is impractical but your current steps are too steep and cumbersome. Traditional steps can be daunting for individuals with mobility challenges, but fear not! There’s a game-changer in the game: Low-riser, long-tread steps. Here’s the lowdown on these accessibility heroes: What are they? Imagine your usual stairs, but with wider treads and shorter risers, creating a gentle incline rather than a steep climb. This design offers: Reduced effort: Smaller riser heights require less leg lift, making navigation easier for those with limited mobility. Increased stability: Wider treads provide more platform, improving balance and confidence during each step. Reduced fall risk: This combination minimizes the risk of tripping or losing balance compared to standard stairs. Who benefits? These steps are ideal for: Individuals with mobility limitations due to age, disability, or injury. People who use walkers, canes, or wheelchairs (with assistance). Families with young children or elderly members for improved accessibility. Design considerations: Riser height: Typically between 4-6 inches, ensuring comfortable step-over for most users. Tread depth: Generally double the riser height for adequate foot placement. Handrails: Essential on both sides for added support and balance. Landing platforms: Consider incorporating level landings at intervals for a safe resting point. Bonus features: Non-slip surfaces: Opt for textured or traction-enhancing materials to prevent slips and falls. Contrasting colors: Use contrasting colors for steps and edges to improve visibility, especially for those with visual impairments. Lighting: Ensure proper illumination of the steps for safe use during low-light conditions. Ramps and Vertical Porch Lifts If you do require accessibility for a wheelchair, scooter or a similar device then a ramp or vertical porch lift can be necessary. Ramps can be customized to your home and entryway, plus, you can have a “suitcase” ramp installed, which can fold up and be carried by handles. Porch lifts can bypass the hassle altogether by carrying a person on their device to the

Today, we’re seeing the traditional office concept give way to layouts and designs that reinforce and reflect core values of your business and get the most out of the space you have. But what might work for one space might not for another. So how do you design an office space that works for your business in your home? Read on to learn more about some key elements to consider. Available Space One of the biggest challenges when it comes to office space design is how to get the most out of the space you have. When considering how to utilize the space available, keep in mind privacy, sound, and work flow needs. For instance, creating an open design in any space can be effective when your company works in teams and meetings will take place there.  On the other hand, if you work with clients on the phone or through video conferencing, a closed design room is better where you can get the privacy you need. Windows and Lighting This is a very important factor of any design – especially workplace environments. Lighting – both natural and artificial – can have a major impact on the wellness and productivity as many studies have shown. Maximizing natural light as much as possible and illuminating darkened areas with full-spectrum bulbs that simulate daylight can help. Functional Meeting Rooms Of course, every office needs an area to facilitate face-to-face meetings. Consider the size of your team in relation to the table, seating and overall room. Also, consider if you want to host clients in this space, training sessions, or even events. Adjustments and alterations should be made if a space is confined and tight. Flexible Storage Spaces When space is an issue if you don’t have a good storage layout you can end up working in a chaotic mess. Creative storage can help you get the most out of your office space and keep you organized and looking professional. Try wall storage, display shelves, and vertical storage. If you are using an old bedroom space for your office consider turning the closet into a shelving system to optimize space. Designing an office space doesn’t have to be challenging, there are so many ways you can achieve an engaging work environment while optimizing on space. When designing an office space that works for your business need, talk to RenosGroup.ca. As a leading home renovation company in Ottawa, we can help you achieve the design you want with the space you have.  Contact us, or give us a call at (613)727-9427 today