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I love when the weather starts to warm up in Vancouver because it means lots of days spent chilling with friends on a patio, sipping drinks and chatting. It’s one of my favourite things to do. It’s so nice to just enjoy the sunshine and relax outdoors – whether it’s at your favourite restaurant or at home.

An at-home patio is especially great because I feel that you can be more comfortable and you don’t have to worry about taking up a table for too long. You also have the freedom to move around instead of staying seated at a table.

I think you can tell that one of my favourite areas in a home is the patio. So, imagine my delight when I saw this photo gallery of patios in Home and Garden:  http://houseandhome.com/design/outdoor-living-10-looks.

Those photos make me wish that I can transport myself to one of the patios, invite some friends over, and just lounge all day.

Every year, I have a hard time trying to find a gift for my mom (other than the usual flowers). This year, I’m loving the colour trends for Spring, so I was pretty excited when I came across Mother’s Day gift ideas on Style At Home’s website: http://www.styleathome.com/shopping/gifts/mother-s-day-gifts-ideas-under-50/a/41987.

Why not pick something to update her home decor that she’ll love?

I personally love this mug:

I think the kitchen is one of the most important rooms in a home. It is not only a place where we cook or bake; it can also be a place of social gathering.

In my family, the kitchen is not only a place where we cook - we also do a lot of bonding with friends and family there. We chat over hot cups of tea or bake cookies together. So, it is important to have an inviting kitchen where you feel like you can stay for hours on end.

I think a lot of people share this sentiment and it shows in how they have chosen to design their kitchens. For instance, a lot of people choose to have the dining area inside their kitchen rather than have it as a separate room. And for bigger kitchens, many choose to have an island with chairs so guests can gather. This ensures that the conversation continues while you check on the food.

Of course, the kitchen is still used when we don’t have guests over and it can be a relaxing place for when we’re alone. Here’s an article I came across on how some owners have turned their kitchens into a “tranquil modern retreat”. It shows how your kitchen can be both functional and chic. Your kitchen should reflect your needs and your style.

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/decor/kitchen-and-bath/modern-kitchens-serve-up-a-lot-of-style/article2415168/

With the weather warming up, many people are ready to start some gardening. Seeing the flowers bloom and the many vibrant colours around my neighbourhood always puts a smile on my face. My favourite are the colourful tulips.

I think a well-kept garden and lawn is important to the overall appearance of your home – it’s one of the first things people notice, after all. It’s no wonder so many people spend so much time working on their gardens.

Do you have a green thumb? What are some of your favourite plants for your garden?

Spring 2012 is all about bold colours and floral patterns. This year’s “it” colour is bright orange – sure to liven up

Add some punch to your living room with some vibrant cushions or brighten up your room with some beautiful floral bedsheets.

Spring is all about having fun and being playful so don’t be afraid to experiment with colours and textures.

 Photo from Canadian Living.

Check out these photo galleries from Canadian Living and Vancouver Sun for more great ideas:

http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/home_and_garden/photo_gallery__12_exciting_spring_decor_items_we_love_for_2012.php

http://www.househunting.ca/vancouversun/decorating/Gallery+Spring+inspired+decor/6133827/story.html

An article on Vancity Buzz states that the Vancouver housing market has been “crazy” for a while now, “however, this takes crazy to a whole new level, as an East Vancouver basement suite near Kingsway & Knight (not exactly a quiet intersection) has sold for approximately $590,000.”

On a 33 x 120 lot, the owner is listing the main floor home for $1.2 million, and the basement suite for $590,000. The interior finishings for both units are top-notch, with the newest flooring and appliances, as well as materials in the bathrooms.

This triggers the voice of many homeowners and housing market economists to emphasize on the surrealism of the market right now in Vancouver. A lot in the busiest intersections of eastside Vancouver can sell for over a million dollars, experts only see the trend going worse from here.

The original article and photo credits belong to Vancity Buzz: http://www.vancitybuzz.com/2012/02/east-vancouver-basement-suite-sold-for-590000/