Let’s spread amazing joy throughout the neighbourhood with holiday lights this year! It’s beginning to look a lot…different than holidays of the past. But if there’s one tradition that can brighten a socially distanced celebration, it’s decorating a house with lights. Even the smallest display can go far in lifting spirits and in lighting up this holiday!

To help 2020 end on a lighter note, Here are top design tips for decorating this holiday season.

#1 – Don’t forget to decorate your backyard

You don’t only have to show love to the front porch! Bring the cozy vibes to the backyard with plenty of cushions and plush throws around a fire pit. Then hang cafe string lights. This look is stylish and understated enough to keep up throughout the season. You don’t have to have the most lights on the block (but if you want to, go for it—we’re not stopping you) to have the best-dressed house in the neighbourhood on Christmas. Get up and decorate to spread the cheer, even if it’s four bushes in your yard.

Clean Up Your Landscaping

You don’t need to go all out with Christmas decorations to make your front porch look pretty and inviting… With clean, simple landscaping and lantern scones, your front porch will look dressed up, but you won’t be dreading the day you have to throw out the holiday wreath.

Decorate Your Outdoor Fireplace

Your outdoor fireplace deserves the same treatment as your indoor mantel. Deck it out with a garland, then place a bowl of red fruits near it for a color pop.

Make Your Gifts Glow

Garland and wreaths strung with lights are standard, but colorful green presents are a bit more unexpected. This set adds color to a classic white bench.

DIY Lights

For something especially festive, considering DIYing some oversized felt Christmas lights. If your door is painted a bright color, match some of the “lights” with it, but keep the others on-theme for Christmas.

Make A Snowman

It won’t cost you anything, and it’s actually fun to make. The only downside? We can’t guarantee Frosty will last until Christmas day.

Get Lit!

And of course, for a classic outdoor Christmas decoration scheme, you can’t forget your lights. Avoid tangled extension cords (and extreme electricity bills) by unraveling a strand of sun-powered lights instead. After charging all day, they’ll automatically light up at night.

#2 – Use artificial foliage for greens that stays full all season long

Don’t skimp on foliage. Inexpensive wreaths and garlands may look fine at night when they’re illuminated, but during the day they can appear flat. If you want a home to look elegant, then you want three-dimensional wreaths and garland. Bows can also be beautiful and really pop, It’s important to consider the placement as well as the quality of the décor. Homeowners must take care to make sure garland is uniformly wrapped around columns, and wreaths should be large enough to fill an entire window. When purchasing decorations, artificial greens is recommended over real wreaths or garland. Pre-lit, artificial decorations stay full all season long, whereas ‘live’ plants can go limp or are not as robust.

#3 – Make sure your lighting is symmetrical and balanced

Be strategic in the placement of lights, which can be used to highlight a home’s features and hide imperfections. Wherever you install lights, that’s where the eyes will go. So if you have a tree that is too large or you really just want to focus on your home, use the lights to support that design. Maintaining a balance is also important. One common mistake is homeowners lighting up some bushes on the right and not the left. Make sure you have symmetry in your design. Avoiding getting too experimental with your display, there’s certainly a place for creativity. 

Decorating with white lights offers a warm nostalgic look. But there’s a place for multicolored lights too – especially for families that want to involve kids in the decorating process. Outlining the home in white and using crimson bows, or wrapping bushes and trees in red lights is one option. When a compromise can’t be reached with the kiddos, you can always give them free reign of the backyard – one of the most overlooked spots for lights.

Skip the stress and stay safe – consider hiring a pro!

It’s all fun and reindeer games until you discover the string of lights are – astoundingly – even more tangled than last year. With the new work-from-home hustle and virtual student wrangling, homebuyers may want to have someone else check hanging holiday lights off their list.

Hiring a professional service to install lights not only saves time, but many designers also know installation secrets for a magical display that can’t be replicated on your own.

Nothing ruins the holiday like an unexpected injury – which is why safety is another important consideration when deciding if it’s time to call in the pros. Hanging holiday lights often involves ladders and working with electricity – two areas many professional installers have special training in.

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!

Vaughan is not only a beautiful place to live in the Spring and Summer, but it is also a bustling community during the Winter months with activities for the whole family. 

It is always good to know what activities are available for you and your family during the Winter season, especially during these unprecedented times impacted with special regulations in the midst of a pandemic.

So what can you do in Vaughan during this winter holiday season? Here are 5 ideas that you may enjoy!

#1 The Holiday Nights of Lights – Holiday Lights Spectacular Event. 

Every year during the Christmas Season, Vaughan has some gorgeous light displays on private homes and buildings around the city and surrounding areas. But one of the newer attractions is put on by a private organization with multiple partners featuring a 1 Million led light display that will provide memorable eye candy for all who visit.

The colorful light extravaganza includes animated lights and synchronized music presented in a drive-thru format lasting approximately 30 minutes depending on the pace of the vehicle.  The experience is truly immersive and fun for the whole family. This year it runs from November 20 to January 7, 2021.  

Don’t have a car? No need to worry, Nights of Lights has partnered with Facedrive to allow the eco-friendly ride share option to allow visitors to still enjoy the event even without your own vehicle. Read more about the Holiday Nights of Lights event. https://www.nightsoflights.ca/index.html 

#2 Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Vaughan has some great outdoor activities for all seasons. But when the snow begins to fall, some of the most amazing activities come alive in gorgeous settings.

Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are two great experiences for families, and others that love physical activity outside in the fresh air. 

In the Vaughan area there are several great locations to strap on your snowshoes or cross country skis and take to the snow. These include the Kortright Center for conservation located on Pine Valley Drive, https://trca.ca/parks/kortright-centre-for-conservation/, and another is the Boyd Conservation Area with the Humber River valley https://trca.ca/parks/boyd-conservation-area/ portions of this conservation area are closed, so a phone call will help to provide direction on open areas.

What if you have never been snowshoeing before? A quick Google search provides lots of great options for equipment and lessons in the area. 

#3 The City of Vaughan Toy Drive 2020

A great way to celebrate the holidays, is to bless others with the blessings you have received. One opportunity that occurs yearly in Vaughan is the City of Vaughan Toy Drive.  https://www.vaughan.ca/events/festive_celebrations/General%20Documents/Toy%20Drive_Poster%202020_8.5×11.pdf

Though this is less of a physical activity, the experience of helping others can be truly rewarding and helpful to those that just can’t provide for their children the way they desire this season. Donations of new unwrapped toys for children under 18 years old are accepted at locations across the city including all community centers, fire halls, and public libraries. 

#4 Outdoor Skating Rinks In Various Vaughan Locations

Skating is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy. Outdoor skating adds the benefit of fresh cool air, quaint evening lighting, open space with good social distancing, and the desiderated sips of a warm cup of hot chocolate to complete the experience. 

There are many options available for outdoor skating rinks including those run by the City of Vaughan:

• Chancellor Community Centre

• Dufferin Clarke Community Centre

• Father E. Bulfon Community Centre

• Garnet Williams Community Centre

• Vellore Village Community Centre

Outdoor skating normally runs from December to mid-March each year.

#5 Christmas at Kortright

Kortright is a conservation centre with beautiful treed grounds that come to life during the Holiday Season. The forest is lit up with magnificent colorful lights, and there are friendly elves to greet you. The experience is for all ages. https://www.todocanada.ca/christmas-kortright/ 

In the late Winter, the Kortright Conservation Centre also runs a maple syrup festival with pancakes, maple syrup, and a historical tour https://maplesyrupfest.com/kortright/.

 One of the most important winter safety tips is to keep yourself warm. Provided you have an indoor location to retreat to, it is fairly simple to maintain a safe body temperature even in the cold weather. Adding touches of extra warmth and coziness to your home to combat the dipping temperatures outside is a must. Some changes are small, and some require a bit more effort, but it’s worth the investment. After all, cozy never goes out of season.

Here are Few Things You Should Consider To Cozy-Up Your Home:

#1 – Invest in a Portable Fireplace

Warm-up fall and winter days with a cozy fireplace that everyone can enjoy. What could be better than getting comfortable after a long day in front of a warming fire? Fireplace options don’t stop indoors. To enhance your outdoor patio area, a trendy fire pit is just what you need when you enjoy the company of family and friends.

Traditional Free-Standing Fireplace

A traditional freestanding fireplace is perfect for timeless classical decor. Intricate embellishments complement the classic chestnut finish. 

Super Contemporary Fireplaces

Innovative ultrasonic technology creates a realistic flame and smoke effect. The sleek style of the ultra-contemporary fireplace is a dramatic addition to a contemporary home.

Trendy Outdoor Firepits

An eye-catching outdoor firepit is a welcome addition to the outdoor patio. Lighting up a wood-burning fire is an easy way to create a focal point in your outdoor living area and extend the outdoor living season by taking the chill out of fall air. If you live in a community that prohibits a wood-burning outdoor fire pit, choose a propane-powered firepit instead. 

Find a huge selection of exciting fireplaces and firepits at Ashley Homestore one of  Vaughan’s Best Furniture Stores! 

#2 – Create Tabletop Centerpieces and Add Seasonal Scents To Your Space

While winter isn’t typically a great time for gardening, bringing clippings of cold-friendly plants or other natural elements into your home can cozy up any space in an instant—especially when they’re paired with a festive candle for extra warmth and light. Adding to your home’s visual landscape isn’t the only way to make it feel cozy. Diffusers offer natural aromatherapy and help humidify the space.  Keep the space feeling cozy and warm. 

#3 – Update Your Bedding

Adding comfort to your bedroom in the form of heavier textiles means your home is ready for winter. Cotton flannel, velvet flannel, or heavyweight cotton sheets are all warm alternatives to your average thin bedding and can make your home cozier.

#4 – Use Softer Lighting

Make your home feel cozier during those long winter days, there’s no time like the present to upgrade your lighting. By implementing softer lighting, you will provide a warmer environment to relax in after work.

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!

To obtain a “wow” factor when decorating your home, you must have something that is unexpected. Many homes have similar items, such as beige walls, furniture in a neutral colour, and wall to wall carpeting. Create that “wow” factor by accentuating a spectacular natural feature in the room like oversized windows or a fireplace and adding something unexpected like a contrasting fabric, a touch of eye-catching colour, or an oversized work of art.

When you want to add those special touches that can make your home a showstopper, follow these 5 basic decorating tips to make your home stand out from the crowd:

1. Introduce Boldness

Many of today’s homes feature a neutral colour palette of soft grays, whites and beiges. A bold, bright and eye-catching fabric on accessories like throw pillows and rugs gives the space instant drama. Select florals, graphic patterns or bold geometrics in black and white to attract attention. Paint one wall in an interesting colour, or add texture with natural brick or stone.

2. Go Big!

Choose large pieces of artwork and accessories that add to the room, especially if your home has a more contemporary feeling. Edgy contemporary, mid-century modern, Hollywood glam, and coastal style furniture do well with large scale paintings, massive area rugs, huge lighting fixtures, and oversized pieces of sculpture. Keep in mind that one large, statement piece is infinitely better than several smaller pieces.

3. Create a Focal Point in the Room

We know that decorating a room around a focal point adds immediate interest and defines the character of the room. A free-standing fireplace, an elaborate bar, or a cabinet with interior lighting to highlight a collection can become the focal point and add high visual impact. A game table in the entertainment space can become a focal point, just as an executive desk is the attention-grabber in a home office and a large cabinet commands attention in a dining room.

4. Personalize your Space

Include unique items to personalize the room and give them individuality. A traditional stunning grandfather clock can add interest to a home with modern style. Choose an unusual item like a baker’s rack, a floor mirror, or a dramatic folding screen to make your home unique.

5. Choose Quality

Quality shows, and you will want to express your good taste by selecting pieces with elegance. Choosing top quality pieces for the room is especially important when you select your furniture. Investing in name brands with a reputation for exceptional construction and timeless designs can give you the durability and beauty that will last to protect your investment.

Your home deserves only the best and here are the Top 3 of Vaughan’s Best Furniture Stores to shop in decorating your home: Ashley Homestore, La-Z-Boy Furniture Galleries, Stoney Creek Furniture.

Choose the strategies you can live with to give your home that wow factor. After all, as much as you would like to impress your guests, at the end of the day you should look forward to returning to a home that is a welcoming refuge and reflects your personality.

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!

Condo Living represents convenience, security, and comfort. It is the most convenient and luxurious type of living that gives numerous reasons a house will not be able to offer. It’s no surprise that the condo market in Vaughan is not slowing down. It might be time to consider the next phase of your living situation and we think the condo lifestyle has a lot to offer. 

#1 – Live in The Hottest Locations

Living in a condo usually means living near the best places. As soon as a condominium is built, a neighborhood café, restaurant, and pub are usually set up within its vicinity. The best kind of places are the local and independently owned one-of-a-kind shops that give a community its unique flair and personality. 

If you live in Vaughan, check out its quirky coffee shops like Loukoumania Café, Coffee Culture, and Spin Dessert Cafe as well as enjoy a wonderful meal at The Keg Steakhouse + Bar.

What you give up in space when choosing a condo unit over a traditional house, you make up for in its ideal locations and accessibility. Its prominent GTA locations also guarantee that the building’s value can only increase over time, making it a great investment!

#2 – Enjoy Built-in Amenities

A condo is so much more than just a place to live; it’s a home with every amenity you could ever want, mere steps from your front door. Living in a condo brings you immediately closer to a list of luxuries you otherwise wouldn’t have access to in a house or an apartment such as: an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, exercise room, a rooftop terrace & much, much more!

If you’re a full-fledged urbanite who thrives in the hustle and bustle of an urban jungle, you might want to consider investing in a condominium unit in the heart of the city you love. That way, you’ll be able to make the most of what your city has to offer.

#3 – Security & Safety

It’s important to feel safe in your own home, especially when you live in a sprawling city. Condominiums have security systems in place that would be costly to implement in a traditional home. Young professionals working long hours usually monitor who is able to enter the premises of a condominium, and security cameras are installed in all relevant areas within the property.

#4 – Less Effort on Upkeep and Maintenance

When you’re living in a condo, you’ll love the freedom of knowing you’ll never have to be responsible for property maintenance, repairs, and upkeep ever again.  Enjoy the gorgeous panoramic views of the changing seasons without having to think about scheduling time in your day to shovel snow, mow the lawn, or rake leaves.

#5 – Ideal Neighbourhood

As you take advantage of the shared amenities and move through the building, take these opportunities to strike up a conversation while relaxing on the sun deck, or over drinks in the dining room; you may be surprised who you’ll meet.

Condo living is a great place to strengthen social ties, being the perfect venue to gather old and new friends without having to worry about making room in your home!

It takes a lot of work to make your house the perfect balance of scary yet stylish. Whether you keep the spooky decor to a minimum or give your home a complete Halloween makeover, these easy Halloween decorations will give you plenty of options to fit all your Halloween needs. These tips will help you make your house extra fun and spooky this year.

#1 – Make Use Of What You Have 

Get crafty. You can repurpose old wood pallets to make a scary graveyard or empty cans to make lanterns. Check out your scrap bins for miscellaneous materials that would make cool decor this Halloween.

#2 – Get Crafty With Your Home

Window Eyes:

A favorite cute and easy decoration idea for parties or trick-or-treaters is to have ghosts floating about. You can get helium balloons and cover them with a white cloth.

Get Ghoulish:

A favorite cute and easy decoration idea for parties or trick-or-treaters is to have ghosts floating about. You can get helium balloons and cover them with a white cloth.

Make Wreaths:

This is a fun DIY project to get you in the Halloween spirit!  Check out this collection of 14 fall wreaths you probably haven’t seen before.

Decorate Ballons:

Stock up on orange, white, and black balloons and some Sharpie markers. Decorate the balloons with scary faces for a fun and fast decoration idea!

Break out the Brooms:

You might have an old broom in the garage or you can buy one that really looks like it belongs to a witch! Strategically placed, brooms can give the impression that a coven has descended on your home.

Get Spooky with spider webs:

Spider web decor is inexpensive and fun. Drape your bushes and front door with webs and incorporate them into your home decor. Get plastic spider rings that easily attach to complete the look.

Have real spiders? Here’s how to get rid of them to make way for the fake ones!

Don’t Forget the Squash!:

Although pumpkins are the main Halloween fruit, squash can add vibrant color to your decor inside and out. Oh, and they’re awesome on the grill too!

#3 – Make Fun Costumes

As a break from Halloween decor planning, you and your family can decide on your own Halloween costumes. Let your pets play a part too!

Consider dressing up your pet to compliment your Halloween decor. Make sure to consider their safety when choosing a costume. Remember, if they don’t like it, don’t make them wear it!

Consider going completely DIY or you can buy at a store near you, you will find the best Halloween costumes and Halloween decorations that will have you ready for a spooktacular celebration.

Spirit Halloween has a wide variety of Halloween décor, animatronics, costumes, and accessories that are perfect for trick-or-treating or throwing a Halloween party. Get ready to explore our Halloween costume selection featuring witches, zombies, superheroes, and more!

You can find  Spirit Halloween in Woodbridge, Ontario.

#4 – Setup Your Trick-or-Treat Candy Table

We’re loving the idea of creating Halloween trick-or-treat stations in driveways! This idea is also great for parents who want to ensure their children are still practicing social distancing this Halloween. Set up fun Halloween trick-or-treat stations in your own neighborhood. Here are Ideas for Low-contact Trick-or-Treating!

Worried about getting them house clean when the holiday is over? We provide you full access to our exclusive staging, decluttering, moving, packing & cleaning services! Get in touch – We can help!

“You don’t have to spend a fortune renovating or redecorating your entire property, it’s as simple as adding the right accessories. Don’t underestimate the importance of finishing touches.”

It doesn’t matter if your property is for yourself or an investment to sell on, today the internet has taken out a lot of the leg-work of finding the look you want to achieve, you can now create your own mood boards from the comfort of your home!  Once you have an idea of what you are looking for, you can purchase everything off the internet, or if you want to get a feel of the textures and quality of furnishings you can wander around stores and suppliers for inspiration.

#1 – Choose an Accent Colour & Utilise it throughout your home

Choose a colour to carry throughout your home and accentuate it with accessories. Only a pop of colour is needed, for example a splash of dusty gold in an artwork can be repeated through gold cushions on the lounge, gold flowers or vases on the coffee table.

#2 – Jazz Up the Dining Table

A nice table runner or an eye-catching centrepiece can be the difference between your room looking enticing or just average. Fresh seasonal flowers, candles or greenery in a simple vase paired with stylish cutlery and dinnerware helps to create a polished finish.

In these times of uncertainty Prestige Flowers, Vaughan Flower delivery gets your flowers delivered to your doorstep and makes your home designing easy and safe. 

#3 – Spruce up your Bedroom

You can repeat an accent colour that you’ve used elsewhere in the home or mix it up and try adding a contrasting colour to brighten up the space.

Bedroom Furniture Sets..

• Matching bedside tables, lamps, and a dresser will help create harmony in the space.   

• A simple bedspread can be elevated by adding in some scatter cushions and a bed throw.

• You can also add indoor plants on your bedside table

• Repeat an accent colour that you’ve used elsewhere in the home or mix it up and try adding a contrasting colour to brighten up the space.

#4 – Don’t neglect the Bathroom

Scented candles, coloured towels, and soap dispensers are inexpensive additional touches that would keep your bathroom fresh and clean. Hide away all your daily products and add a vase of fresh flowers, some perfumes, and luxe hand soaps to the vanity to create a feeling of an elegant day spa.

#5 – Bring your Outdoor Space to life

It’s important not to forget about the outdoor spaces, so dress them the same as you would inside to create flow and continuity. Scatter cushions across the lounge setting, add small potted plants to the table, and hang up some lanterns to create a relaxing and peaceful ambiance.

Looking for the perfect family home in Vaughan? Get in touch—we know the local market, inside and out!