Because you have a green vision, you’re thinking about an oiled hardwood floor rather than varnished. Did you know that your ancestors used this technique? It’s certainly not new. And the results are good enough to install an oiled floor in public. Imagine what it would look like in a private residence!

You’re renovating and you’re faced with a varnished hardwood floor, but you don’t feel like sanding and varnishing it again. You know what it involves: sanding, dust, strong and persistent odours, using chemical products, obligation to live elsewhere while the work is being done and knowing that you have to start over 8 to 10 years later. You therefore opt for an oiled floor.

[caption id="attachment_752" align="aligncenter" width="560"]Plancher bois huile PERMABOIS renovation Permabois[/caption]

You sand to remove all traces of varnish. After a good dusting, you apply three coats of oil specially designed for this purpose. Naturally you need time between each coat. You use a soft cloth to apply the oil on all fours. If this position is too hard, you can buy oiled floors that are ready to install. [……]

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Music rises to the heavens. Anyone who has ever attended an outdoor symphonic music concert or a large rock concert, like Pink Floyd, Metallica or Supertramp knows all too well. Even indoors we have the impression that the music wants to rise.

Danish architect Jorn Utzon completely understood. That’s the origin of his Opera House in Sydney, Australia, whose roof appears to have been designed to let the music escape through the openings. The unique building was inaugurated in 1973, but 40 years later, it is still the envy of architects the world over.

[caption id="attachment_753" align="aligncenter" width="580"]Sydney-Opera-House-ISTOCKPHOTO-inusite iStockphoto LP[/caption]

Everyone interprets the work their own way. To some, it represents a series of shells; for others, sails. Tourists probably have their own serious and outlandish interpretations. Who’s right?[……]

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We often hear that you have to enjoy the moment. But given the ice-cold winter that has lasted since December—until February 13 at least—it’s really tempting just to close your eyes and imagine the soft spring sun shining down. Especially if you’re feeling down.

[caption id="attachment_750" align="aligncenter" width="560"]Cuisine-Couleurs-Printemps-ISTOCKPHOTO-decoration iStockphoto LP[/caption]

The best remedy according to many health experts: action! We start looking for something to brighten up our day. In our houses, we change the décor to give it a spring air.

Spring evokes many images and comforts: snowdrop, daffodil, tender green shoots, buds, soft heat, and murmur of melting snow brooks. In his poem Spring Victor Hugo said: “It seems like everything is laughing, and that the green trees are happy to be together and recite verses…”

To deal with this endless winter, find out what brings a smile to your face and makes you and your loved ones happy.

Here are few ideas:[……]

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[caption id="attachment_731" align="alignleft" width="387"]Surprises Impots Calculatrice ISTOCKPHOTO Finance iStockphoto[/caption]

It seems so easy at first glance! We are preparing to complete our tax return when the accountant suddenly brings us back to earth. “Careful, you’re not really a co-owner in the legal sense of the term.” What? “Another thing, about the old building you purchased, the cost of renovations may be a capital expenditure.” What? “Before I forget, did you know that the money you spent to advertise your space for rent is generally considered a tax-deductible expense?” What?

The temptation is strong to just give the accountant all your papers: “Here, take care of it. It’s too complicated for me!” and wash your hands of it. Then doubt sets in as you lay on your pillow that night. No, you tell yourself, I have responsibilities as an owner, and I will assume them. It’s my duty to understand a minimum of what there is to understand.[……]

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Also known as “gyprock,” “sheetrock” or “plasterboard,” sheets of gypsum are found everywhere in the structure of modern houses. In fact, gypsum has become the reference material over the years. So what could be more natural than to choose this material to finish our walls?

You would think it wouldn’t be complicated to buy this wall component. However, once you get to your building centre, you’re faced with a variety of dimensions and colours. Which one do you choose?

First you have to know your needs. Are you going to use it in a regular room, or a humid area like a bathroom where air quality is very important, or a space that needs to be fire-resistant?

[caption id="attachment_727" align="aligncenter" width="580"]Choix Gypse Murs ISTOCKPHOTO Renovation iStockphoto[/caption]

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[caption id="attachment_728" align="alignright" width="406"]Shaker_Chaises_Wikipedia_Richard Taylor_Inusite Wikipedia (Richard Taylor)[/caption]

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of Shaker furniture is a stark and austere interior that is almost off-putting: brown table and chairs, white wall and wood floors, white basin to wash in, a broom leaning against the wall and a lone ball of wool for a patchwork blanket. The only thing missing is a cat to play with the ball of wool.

Yet Shaker craftsmen are recognized as masters of design among our Southern neighbours. Reputable cabinetmakers attempt to recreate works exposed in various museums. Pieces from the period are worth a fortune.

It’s true that compared to contemporary design highlighted by glass and steel, the Shaker style is a poor child. Simple and minimalist, it’s a perfect example of voluntary simplicity. At least that’s our impression. But take a closer look and the impression already seems more fitting. [……]

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The last Junior World Hockey Championship was held in Sweden’s third largest city Malmö. Most players probably looked up at this building that twists from top to bottom. The top of the building has a 90-degree twist with respect to the bottom floor.

The twist is made up of nine giant cubes. Each cube is composed of six storeys and is angled in relation to the other cubes.

The Turning Torso is a residential building inaugurated in 2005. At 190 metres, it’s the tallest skyscraper in Sweden, and even in Scandinavia. It is the second tallest residential building in Europe.

[caption id="attachment_732" align="aligncenter" width="580"]Turning Torso Suede ISTOCKPHOTO Inusite iStockphoto[/caption]

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