Posted on
November 5, 2023
by
Marie Taverna
Crafting a colourful space you’ll love for years to come
Crafting a colourful space you’ll love for years to come
 GlucksteinHome Monroe sofa, Zana coffee table, Monroe nesting tables, Monroe area rug
If you know Brian Gluckstein, you know that he’s renowned for his timeless neutral interiors. But the designer is also an expert at using colour to create a thoughtfully designed, trend-proof space. In this stylish living room, we see colours take centre stage in a beautifully balanced way. It’s a happy space that’s decorated with colour and a room we can see ourselves living in for years to come.
So how exactly did Brian create this fresh and colourful yet liveable space? We’re sharing a few of his tips to incorporate colour into your space like a pro:
1. START WITH THE ART AND RUG
Starting with larger pieces like the art and rug can help you lay the groundwork for decorating the rest of the room. Draw on coordinating colours from these pieces to help you determine upholstery and paint finishes for a balanced, well-crafted space.
2. CREATE A MOODBOARD OF WHAT YOU LIKE
Start a Pinterest board or Saved collection folder on Instagram of colourful rooms you love. This will allow you to organize your thoughts and give you a clearer vision for the design of the room. Reflecting on what you’ve collected and identifying common themes in your saves will be a helpful indicator of what you really want.
3. TAKE NOTE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS
When choosing colours to decorate a room, it’s important to take note of the surrounding exterior. Is there a red brick building that will cast warm hues through your window or plenty of trees that will add coolness? Even for the most confident of designers, it’s a good idea to buy tester pots of paint to see how it reads in the room before investing plenty of time and money.
4. COLLECT MATERIAL SAMPLES
Think of them as tester pots for fabric. Collect swatches of upholstery, drapery, and cushion options to test with one another and make sure your finishes coordinate with each other as well as connect back to larger pieces like the area rug and artwork.
5. THINK ABOUT THE LIGHTING
Particularly when decorating with colour, the colour of your light bulb can affect how colour looks in the space. We typically want warmer bulbs in spaces where we’re going to spend time relaxing, like the living room or bedroom, whereas cooler lights improve focus in working areas like an office or kitchen. Test out your lighting against fabrics and paint to make sure you’re happy with the final result.
Photography courtesy of Hudson’s Bay
Posted on
November 5, 2023
by
Marie Taverna
 GlucksteinElements Windermere pendant lights; GlucksteinHome Quincy dinnerware, Milano serveware
Your kitchen is the heart of your home, where delicious meals are prepared, memories are made, and conversations flow. Over time, your kitchen might start to look a bit dated, but you don’t need a complete renovation, or substantial investment, to breathe new life into this vital space. With some budget-conscious ideas, you can create a kitchen that’s both functional and stylish, tailored to your specific taste. Read on for affordable, easy updates that will transform your kitchen into a space that’s both contemporary and welcoming.
1. REFRESH YOUR CABINETS WITH PAINT
If you have well-maintained wooden cabinets that feel a bit outdated, a fresh coat of paint can work wonders. Opt for classic white or neutral hues for a timeless look. Alternatively, introduce a touch of personal style with bolder colour choices like deep blues or rich greens, creating a stylish statement without the need for cabinet replacements.
2. ELEVATE YOUR HARDWARE
Upgrading your cabinet hardware is a subtle yet impactful way to update your kitchen’s aesthetic. Replace standard knobs and pulls with more elevated options, like sleek, modern handles or transitional designs. Select finishes like black, nickel, chrome, or brass to maintain a timeless appeal, and don’t hesitate to mix metals throughout your space for an eclectic touch.
Brian’s Tip: For a quick and easy kitchen refresh with big impact, change your cabinet hardware to matte black and swap in a new faucet to match.
3. PERSONALIZE YOUR BACKSPLASH
Beyond its functional role, the backsplash serves as a canvas for personal expression. A simple, white subway tile can lend a modern touch to your kitchen. However, if you’re inclined to make a statement, explore mosaic or glass tile options to introduce a more dramatic moment.
4. INVEST IN YOUR COUNTERTOP
Consider upgrading your countertop material, especially if you’re currently working with laminate. Stone or quartz countertops not only enhance the aesthetic appeal but also elevate the functionality of your kitchen, giving it a luxurious and contemporary feel.
5. FLOORING CHOICES
If you have an older ceramic tile floor, consider updating it or replacing it with wood for a warm and inviting feel. For a more affordable and easy kitchen update, add a runner rug. It not only adds character and style, but a welcoming and cozy texture to your kitchen. Plus, in an open-concept home, a runner can help define the kitchen area.
6. ILLUMINATE WITH PURPOSE
Enhance your kitchen’s lighting to optimize both functionality and style. Consider adding pendant lights above your kitchen island, transforming it into a focal point that makes a style statement. Choose a light in a design that matches your kitchen’s aesthetic, whether sleek and modern, classic, or eclectic.
Consider adding under-cabinet lighting, which makes it easier to work in the kitchen with a well-lit workspace. LED lights under the cabinets are easy to install and provide practicality, making food preparation a breeze.
7. UPDATE WINDOW TREATMENTS
Bright and sunny kitchens are inviting and uplifting spaces. You can achieve this by updating your windows with sheer drapery panels. Try a fresh white sheer or a natural tone linen-like texture. Airy, sheer panels, paired with stylish drapery hardware, can elevate the overall look of the room while allowing an abundance of natural light to filter through.
Photography by Stacey Brandford
Posted on
November 5, 2023
by
Marie Taverna
GlucksteinHome Woodland Sparkle Christmas decor collection
Bring warmth and festive cheer to your neighbourhood
Decorating your front porch for the winter holiday season is a delightful way to spread cheer and warmth to your neighbourhood as the days grow shorter and colder. Whether you’re celebrating a holiday or simply enjoying the spirit of the season, there’s no better way to brighten up your surroundings than by embellishing your entryway. From elegant garlands to creative wreaths and the soft glow of lanterns, there are countless ways to transform your exterior into a winter wonderland. By incorporating these ideas, your porch will not only welcome friends and family but also make a charming impression on everyone who passes by. So, embrace the spirit of the season and read on for ideas to decorate your front porch for the holidays.
WRAP RAILINGS WITH GARLAND AND LIGHTS
Start by enhancing the architectural features of your porch. Wrapping your porch railing with garland is a classic and elegant way to create a festive atmosphere. Add twinkling lights to the garland to bring a warm and inviting glow to your home.
HURRICANE LANTERNS WITH LED CANDLES
Flank your front door with large glass hurricane lanterns featuring LED candles. Lanterns not only provide a cozy and welcoming ambiance but also add a touch of sophistication to your porch decor. Opt for flameless LED candles to ensure safety and longevity throughout the holiday season.
ADORN YOUR DOOR
Your front door is the centrepiece of your porch, so make it shine! Hang a traditional holiday wreath, or get creative by choosing something unique like a twinkly star or festive bough. Wreaths can be personalized to match your decor style, whether you prefer a classic evergreen wreath or one with more colourful accents and ornaments.
GARLAND AROUND THE DOOR
When you decorate your porch for the holiday season, don’t stop at the railing – extend the festive look of garland to your front door as well. Encircle your doorframe with a lush, green garland and consider weaving in lights and ornaments. The combination of greenery and twinkling lights will add a festive touch that’s hard to resist.
 GlucksteinHome Very Merry Christmas decor collection
LAYER IN EVERGREENS
For an extra touch of charm, consider adding small real or faux evergreen trees next to your front door. Real evergreens can be planted in your garden after the season is over, offering a lasting memory of your holiday porch decor. Alternatively, faux evergreens adorned with twinkling lights create a magical and low-maintenance look.
Hudsons Bay Company
Posted on
November 5, 2023
by
Marie Taverna
Fraser Valley real estate market weakens as sales and prices continue to edge downward
SURREY, BC – Property sales and new listings in the Fraser Valley fell again in October as consumers continued to put home buying and selling decisions on hold in the face of elevated interest rates.
The Fraser Valley Real Estate Board recorded 970 transactions on its Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in October, a drop of 12 per cent from the previous month and the fourth consecutive decrease since the 12- month high of 1,935 sales recorded in June.
At 2,535, new listings also fell again, decreasing by 11 per cent from September and by 28 per cent since peaking in May at 3,533. “What we’re seeing in the Fraser Valley and indeed across the province is the impact of sustained high interest rates on the overall market,” said Narinder Bains, Chair of the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board. “This has been the case since the latter half of the year so far, and we anticipate the trend will continue until we start to see some downward movement in the policy rate.”
Active listings in October were 6,580, up by less than 1 per cent over last month and up by 17 per cent over October 2022. The sales-to-active listings ratio was 15 per cent, creating balanced conditions in the overall market, with detached houses dipping into buyers’ market territory at 12 per cent.
The market is considered balanced when the ratio is between 12 per cent and 20 per cent. “As the market continues to adjust to the new rate realities, pricing and financing strategies become critical,” said FVREB CEO, Baldev Gill. “A knowledgeable professional REALTOR®, armed with the latest comparative market data and neighbourhood insights, can be the key to determining optimal market timing.”
Overall benchmark prices continued to slide for the third month in a row, losing 1.4 per cent compared to September.
See below for price changes by housing category. MLS® HPI Benchmark Price Activity
• Single Family Detached: At $1,503,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB single-family detached home decreased 1.5 per cent compared to September 2023 and increased 4.8 per cent compared to October 2022.
• Townhomes: At $845,300, the Benchmark price for an FVREB townhome decreased 0.4 per cent compared to September 2023 and increased 4.7 per cent compared to October 2022.
• Apartments: At $545,400, the Benchmark price for an FVREB apartment/condo decreased 0.1 per cent compared to September 2023 and increased 3.7 per cent compared to October 2022.
Posted on
November 5, 2023
by
Marie Taverna
Metro Vancouver housing market holds steady in October
An increase in newly listed properties is providing more choice to home buyers across Metro Vancouver, but sales remain below long-term averages.
The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) reports that residential sales in the region totalled 1,996 in October 2023, a 3.7 per cent increase from the 1,924 sales recorded in October 2022. This total is 29.5 per cent below the 10-year seasonal average (2,832) for October.
“With properties coming to market at a rate roughly five per cent above the ten-year seasonal average, there seems to be a continuation of the renewed interest on the part of sellers to participate in the market that we’ve been watching this fall,” Andrew Lis, REBGV’s director of economics and data analytics said. “Counterbalancing this increase in supply, however, is the fact sales remain almost 30 per cent below their ten-year seasonal average, which tells us demand is not as strong as we might expect this time of year.”
There were 4,664 detached, attached and apartment properties newly listed for sale on the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) in Metro Vancouver in October 2023. This represents a 15.4 per cent increase compared to the 4,043 properties listed in October 2022 and is 4.8 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (4,449) for the month.
The total number of properties currently listed for sale on the MLS® system in Metro Vancouver is 11,599, a 12.6 per cent increase compared to October 2022 (10,305). This change is also 0.6 per cent above the 10-year seasonal average (11,526).
Across all detached, attached and apartment property types, the sales-to-active listings ratio for October 2023 is 17.9 per cent. By property type, the ratio is 12.9 per cent for detached homes, 20.9 per cent for attached, and 21.5 per cent for apartments.
Analysis of the historical data suggests downward pressure on home prices occurs when the ratio dips below 12 per cent for a sustained period, while home prices often experience upward pressure when it surpasses 20 per cent over several months.
“With more supply in the form of resale inventory, and weaker demand in the form of slower sales, we’ve seen market conditions overall adjust towards more balanced conditions. It’s noteworthy that the multifamily segment remains more active than the detached segment at this time,” Lis said. “While the highest borrowing costs we’ve seen in over a decade continue to constrain affordability, a silver lining for buyers is that price increases have abated with these more balanced market conditions, meaning purchasing power is holding steady for the moment.”
The MLS® Home Price Index composite benchmark price for all residential properties in Metro Vancouver is currently $1,196,500. This represents a 4.4 per cent increase over October 2022 and a 0.6 per cent decrease compared to September 2023.
Sales of detached homes in October 2023 reached 577, a 0.7 per cent decrease from the 581 detached sales recorded in October 2022. The benchmark price for a detached home is $2,001,400. This represents a 5.8 per cent increase from October 2022 and a 0.8 per cent decrease compared to September 2023.
Sales of apartment homes reached 1,044 in October 2023, a 4.9 per cent increase compared to the 995 sales in October 2022. The benchmark price of an apartment home is $770,200. This represents a 6.4 per cent increase from October 2022 and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to September 2023.
Attached home sales in October 2023 totalled 356, a 6.6 per cent increase compared to the 334 sales in October 2022. The benchmark price of a townhouse is $1,100,500. This represents a 6 per cent increase from October 2022 and a 0.2 per cent increase compared to September 2023.
Download the October 2023 stats package.
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The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.