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A Pet-Friendly Home in Courtenay, BC

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When renovating a Courtenay home, the major concerns are often making the space more functional, stylish, and cozy. When you have a pet or are planning to get one, some of those design considerations may change to best suit your four-legged family member’s needs.

Here are a few tips to help make your home in Courtenay more pet-friendly:


Avoid carpet flooring

Carpets can gather dirt and stains like no other. Many pets shed, and some may feel the occasional need to relieve themselves in the wrong place. Plus, animals can easily tip over glasses and plates with their tails while exploring tabletops. Avoid a time-consuming and potentially expensive clean-up. Opt for durable and easy-to-clean flooring like laminate, vinyl, stone, or ceramic.

Get washable, wipeable furnishings for your home in Courtenay


When it comes to your couch and other furniture, choose fabrics and textures that are less of a magnet for pet fur. If necessary, somewhat claw-resistant fabrics are a good idea as well. Consider certain types of synthetic fibres that can be more resistant to damage. You may also want to apply a protective layer of wipeable paint… just in case you end up with paw prints on your walls.

Design a ‘pet pad’


As a way to minimize mess and not give the impression that you have a Tasmanian devil for a pet, consider setting up a designated play area for your furry friend. Retrofit a small portion of your home with a comfy bed, bowls for food and water, a storage bin for toys, and scratch pads. If they feel like they have their own space, it may keep your pets from spreading toys around the house and taking things from other rooms. This can also help contain any potential messes in one area of your home… preferably one that has durable floors.

Safety-proof your yard


Outside of your home in Courtenay, plant only pet-friendly flowers and plants in your garden. Avoid toxic vegetation like tulips, lilies, and certain kinds of mulch. Provide your pet with an outdoor shelter and some shade for hot summer days. Ensure you build a sturdy fence around the yard to help keep them from running away. This should also prevent skunks, raccoons, and other critters, including your neighbors’ pets, from setting up shop on your property and harming or disturbing your four-legged friend.

Get in touch with me if you’re looking for more real estate-related advice in Courtenay, BC!

fall decor tips janice leffler courtenay homes for sale

Four home decor trends for Courtenay Real Estate

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The season of pumpkin spice is once again upon us, and so are fall decorating traditions. The transition from summer to fall is a nostalgic time to break out the spooky decor. If dressing up the house with orange pumpkins and burlap year after year is getting stale, there’s no harm in shaking up your fall decorating choices this season.

Here are four new 2023 fall decor trends you can try in your home:

Earthy tones


Fall colours are traditionally defined by shades of orange, red and brown. This year, more earth-like tones are making their way into home, including varieties of sage green, warm beige and caramel, rustic brick red and earthy terracotta. There are many ways you can achieve this softer, more muted fall look. Think coloured glassware, cushion covers, ceramics, blankets and other housewares. They are easy to swap out when the seasons change. If you want to add a contrasting statement piece to your interior this fall, try introducing an eye-catching accent colour with a hint of black, indigo or copper.


Rustic touches

Rustic furniture is a staple in fall design this year. Building off the theme of warm and earth-inspired interiors, distressed or vintage finds will bring a touch of charm to your home. The most economical and environmentally-friendly way to pull off this look is with the help of your local thrift store or online marketplaces. You’re likely to find an array of second-hand furniture, rugs and trinkets. You don’t need to spend a lot to add a ton of character to your space.


Layered textures

As the temperature drops, we tend to layer up with different fabrics to keep our bodies warm; it’s no different for our homes. This fall, mix and match different layers of textures and fabrics for an extra cozy feel. Whether it’s your bedding, accent cushions or rugs, get creative with different textiles, such as wool, knit, velvet, satin and cashmere. If your interior tastes are more neutral, you can still achieve this trend with a monochromatic colour palette to elevate your home.

Fruits and flowers

Move aside pumpkins, fruits are all the rage this year. Instead of opting for your typical array of white and orange gourds, fruits are taking centre stage in 2023. Seasonal fruits, such as apples, figs and pears can be repurposed as place cards. Or arrange them in bowls for a less expected fall centrepiece. Alternatively, you can showcase fruits through decorative flatware and table textiles, such as fabric napkins. If fruits aren’t really your thing, opt for dried florals instead. Pampas grass, sunflowers or wheat stalks will add a touch of ‘cottage’ to your living space.

Bonus tip: Give attention to outdoor spaces

Mild weather is known to last well into fall in this part of the country. This means we can use our beloved outdoor spaces for longer periods of time. Show your balcony, patio or backyard some fall decor love too by dressing it up with lanterns, wreaths and seasonal flowers, such as chrysanthemums or hydrangeas. Add a touch of coziness around your outdoor fireplace or sitting area with water-resistant pillows and blankets in your favourite fall colours and patterns. Property for sale in Courtenay, BC is available year-round because of our temperate climate. Be sure to check back to see what other advice my articles contain.

5 Kitchen Items Homebuyers Never Regret

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You’re searching for a new home and would like an amazing kitchen. You are putting together
a wish list of features you want in the house and in this space.

You may worry that you are being a bit too particular but don’t. According to some, the two
rooms most scrutinized by buyers are the kitchen and the ensuite in the primary bedroom.

This makes sense because the kitchen is usually considered the heart of the home. From
family dinners to the place where people congregate at a party, this room will get a ton of use.
It’s not uncommon for people to purchase a home and begin a kitchen renovation right away.
However, that may not be a project you want to take on. This makes sense. Buying a home is
expensive and a major kitchen remodel can also be expensive.

You may be willing to pay extra for a home with a kitchen that already has many of the things
on your list. Instead of settling for a good kitchen that’s not your dream and having to budget
and plan for future upgrades, you’d like to move right into pure luxury.

Here are five items you would like to have in your ideal kitchen and you may not regret adding
them to your list.

Smart Refrigerators

While they can be expensive, smart refrigerators can serve as the ultimate
convenience.

These fridges come with features like voice control and sensors that detect when food
needs to be replaced. They also have temperature monitors so you can make sure your
food is always stored safely. Smart refrigerators also come with different types of
storage options, such as deep freezer drawers, adjustable shelves and more.

Farmhouse Sinks

Farmhouse sinks are a stylish addition to any kitchen and they come in a variety of
styles and materials.

Since they’re larger than traditional sinks, you’re able to fit more dishes into the basin.
That is a bonus if you don’t want to have to wash each dirty dish immediately.

They also come with a style that adds character to your kitchen. Not only that, but
farmhouse sinks are usually deeper than regular sinks and have more rounded corners
for easier clean-up.

High-End Appliances

Refrigerators with dual cooling systems, induction ranges and ovens that have Wi-Fi
connectivity, these high-end appliances can really bring your kitchen into the 21st
century. They can also add a sense of luxury and sophistication to the kitchen. This
makes it the perfect place to entertain guests and family alike.

Chic and savvy, high-end appliances can essentially upgrade a kitchen without
remodelling the entire space. It’s possible you’ll find houses with newer high-end kitchen
appliances though the space is a bit on the older side.

Built-In Storage

A great way to maximize your kitchen space, built-in storage is a major win.

Having shelves and drawers that are integrated into the cabinetry makes it easy to
organize everything from ingredients to cookware. Not only does built-in storage add
convenience, but it also looks great. It can really enhance your kitchen’s overall
aesthetic.

Kitchen Island

There’s no such thing as having too much space in a kitchen. An island is something
worth putting on your must-have list.

With an island, you can keep all of your ingredients organized in one place. You can
also have a designated spot for prep work. Kitchen islands come in different styles and
finishes so you can find one that looks perfect.

It’s easy to get caught up in an otherwise great home with a mediocre kitchen. Just
remember, this is a space you’re going to be spending a lot of time in for years to come.

You won’t regret holding out for a home that has at least some of these five items. They
will enhance your home. You’ll never wish your kitchen was a little less great. You may
regret saving a few bucks by settling and then feel you need to upgrade.

winter blues in Comox

How to beat the (work from home) winter blues

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Working nine-to-five in winter can be a struggle. Whether you do your job at the office or from the comfort of your home there are challenges. Remote working certainly has its perks. No need for an umbrella or to shovel the driveway early in the morning. It can also present unique problems during the winter months.

Many people who never worked from their Comox townhouse, apartment, or house began doing so in 2020. And many of those continue to perform their jobs from a home office rather than heading to the office. Lack of sunlight, cool temperatures, and shorter days can make your at-home workday feel unproductive and stagnant. Working and living within the same four walls can seem like the days blur together. There is no break in the routine. A few minor adjustments to your townhouse, apartment, or home office space can help. You can stave off that sluggish winter feeling.

Here are a few great ways to help you beat those winter blues when working from home:

Feed your brain images of joy and motivation


Your workspace should spark creativity and energy. Promote an uplifting environment with bright decorative items, inspiring artwork, and images of loved ones. Make the space feel productive in the winter. Add desk organizers, your favourite stationary, or a whiteboard calendar.

Brighten your space to make it your happy place

Your daily dose of sun is a great way to get a boost of vitamin D and serotonin. There are fewer daylight hours during the winter months. That can make it harder to get the rise in serotonin levels required. You can change that by placing your desk in a sunny spot in your townhouse or apartment. If there is a lack of light, mimic natural sunlight by investing in a desk sun lamp.

Add plant-power


Bring some life into your workspace with the addition of house plants. Whether you prefer fiddle-leaf fig trees or tiny succulents, a collection of indoor shrubs can help to lift your spirits. Plants are not just pretty to look at. Many of them provide stress-reducing and air-cleaning qualities, such as aloe vera, snake plant, and lavender.

Enjoy a little aromatherapy

There’s nothing like the smell of freshly brewed coffee to get you up and running. Introduce scents into your at-home office to make the space feel inviting and invigorating. Use a diffuser with your favourite essential oils. Burn a candle to take in your preferred aromas. Certain smells are known to promote concentration and alertness, such as citrus, vetiver, and peppermint.

Bonus Tip

It’s important to take breaks. Even when temperatures are really cold, getting outside can be beneficial to your mood and mental health. Throw on your warm coat and enjoy a blast of fresh air, even for a few minutes, to boost your energy levels. Step out of the comfort of your condo to recharge.

Contact me if you’re looking for a home with a great work-from-home setup! I would love to help you find real estate in the Comox Valley! Please follow along on Google Business to learn more!