"Bringing the outdoors in" is Our Kind of Language!

Image Montage by Wo-Built: Wo-Built and PeapodLife Logos + “pPodLite” Rainforest Ecosystem alongside Full-page Article from The Toronto Sun’s New Homes and Condos Section: “Bringing the outdoors in” by Erica Geldman, “Condo Chic.” 

Source: virtual.homes-extra.ca: Toronto Sun: New Homes & Condos: Condo Living

"Bringing the outdoors in" - The Toronto Sun Lives up to its Name

"The Light which shines in the eye is really the Light of the heart."

~ Rumi, Ancient Sufi Poet

Source: allgreatquotes.com: Love Poems of Jalal ad-Din Rumi

We love light. Natural, full-spectrum, warm, inviting, comforting, Vitamin-D-enriching, plant-nourishing, soul-rejuvenating, glorious light.

So here’s a shout-out to Erica Gelman of The Toronto Sun. Her recent “Condo Chic” column in the paper’s New Homes & Condos section (Friday July 19th & Sunday July 21st, 2013), simply entitled: “Bringing the outdoors in” was right up Wo-Built’s alley.

Erica’s argument in a nutshell?...

“...we can’t always rely on Mother Nature to provide us with ideal outdoor weather. … Why not design spaces that allow you to bring the outdoors in and enjoy summer living all year round [and]…rejuvenate in your own oasis all year long.” 

~ Erica Gelman, “Bringing the outdoors in, ” Toronto Sun

Wo-Built couldn’t agree with you more, Erica!  That’s why we began PeapodLife Building EcoSystems & Technology: to create Advanced Human Habitat that makes your home literally feel like it’s situated, not just in the woods, but in a rainforest!

Erica suggests “choosing pieces that reflect the outdoors will automatically refresh your home,” even if it means simply “having fresh flowers on your kitchen table.” (Erica Gelman, “Bringing the outdoors in, ” Toronto Star) PeapodLife Rainforest EcoSystems do much more than that! Just look at a smaller “pPodLite” systems:

Image: PeapodLife Composite photo rendering: “pPodLite” Rainforest EcoSystem spruces up drab interior.

Bromeliads, orchids, and lush moss leap from the one-of-a-kind Living Wall Ecosystem, filling your senses with a symphony of colour while trickling waterfalls gently fill your ears with the sounds of life.

All the while, the high-order ecosystem scrubs the air of toxins, allergens, VOC’s and those nasty “I’m stuck inside a building” aromas that can ruin your outdoors-indoors experience. Ecosystems produce air naturally, and can make your indoor air quality up to 10 times fresher and cleaner than outside!

If you’ve got the budget and are looking for something a little more dramatic, an addition or complete re-design and re-build of your home is no problem for Wo-Built. We specialize in taking older Toronto properties and giving them spectacular contemporary overhauls: 

Image: Complete Overhaul & Second Storey Addition Before & After by Wo-Built

As you can see from the before and after photos, above, Wo-Built is known for delivering:

• High ceilings
• Lots of natural light
• Plenty of practical, useable space
• Innovative designs (no cookie-cutter approach here)
• Pleasant design & build experience with a woman-owned company

Image: Kitchen Makeover Before & After by Wo-Built

For more information on how Wo-Built can help you get more outdoors, indoors, visit our website.

To literally get the best of nature into your home, office, spa, etc., visit peapodlife.com today.

Why Go Green with Plants?

Image Montage by Wo-Built: Indoor Landscapes
Image Credits: Travels with Zen-Aida +
Plantscape - Interior Plant Service, Indoor Office Landscaping

The Benefits of Indoor Garden Living Spaces

I have rediscovered my love for plants, or shall I say, my passion for making my home and office overflow with plants.

They seem to be multiplying (each time I go to the local garden center some seems to find themselves in my cart on the way out); they are on desks, tables, window sills, hanging from the ceiling etc.

Frankly they are starting to be in the way of everyone, but somehow we all accommodate the plants. So they are shifted about a bit, the work space is adjusted, the mountain of paper is redistributed around the plants and what does it matter that the floor is being utilized to the maximum.

Everyone loves being around the plants, they bring life into the space, especially at this time of year. The cold, grey and dreary time, the winter time, the short day time. The blooming Christmas cactus is a real treat to look at. We like our medicinal Aloe Vera plant, we do not just have ornamental plants, such as our Revolutions Croton (love the decorative curly leaves).

So what you say, they have a lot of plants. Why write this in a post? Quite frankly, who cares?

We all should care. Studies have shown that plants are beneficial to our moods. There is even a term for this: the biophilia hypothesis. According to Wikipedia the hypothesis suggests that there is an instinctive bond between human beings and other living systems. Biophilia means the love of life or living systems and was popularized by Harvard University myrmecologist and conservationist E.O. Wilson.

The need for connections with living systems is deeply rooted in our nature. As we have lost the day to day interaction with plants (we spend most of our time in enclosed buildings), it is becoming very important that nature is brought back into buildings. We have a solution in our PeapodLife concept.

We have written several articles about the PeapodLife concept and how it is beneficial for the indoor environment and we would like to invite you to review previous articles:

• wobuilt.com/blog: Plants, People and Music Part 1: Listen for Life
• wobuilt.com/blog: Plants, People and Music Part 2: Plants Make Music?
• wobuilt.com/blog: Living with Plants inside an enclosed Ecosystem: Doctor Tested and Approved
• wobuilt.com/blog: The Next Big Thing in “Cleansing” ... Your House; House Plants
• wobuilt.com/blog: Plants, Water, Microwaves, and Wo-Built: Quality of Space = Better Quality of Life
• wobuilt.com/blog: Health and Wellness through Indoor Garden Living Spaces
• wobuilt.com/blog: Indoor Landscapes: Companies See the Light of a whole New Level of "wow, cool!"
• wobuilt.com/blog: Become a "Top Employer" – Install an Indoor Ecosystem!

Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Happy Diwali: Festival of Lights

Collage: "The Children's Book Of Celebration" 2011
Publication of Regional Maple Leaf Communications Inc.
Illustrations by Cecilia Camet
Credit: regionalmapleleaf.com

Today is the Hindu holiday of Diwali, the Festival of Lights. I first experienced joyful Diwali or Deepavali celebrations in Singapore when I lived there. The festival of lights definitely owned up to its name with lots of fireworks, colour and light. As a lighting designer and member of IESNA I knew the colorful light displays were a treat to look at. When the Children's Book Of Celebration put our advertising on the Diwali's page, fond memories of the festivals came back.

I love the idea of decorating your home brightly and even doing home renovation prior to an important festival. For me it gives a sense of renewal, happiness, joy and new beginnings. When I look at my own home the best value is always painting; it freshens up the space, gives it a new look and feeling and it is not expensive to do. I also dust off my knick-knacks and change them around to uplift my space.

In the past some of our guest bloggers and decorator gurus had great and inexpensive ideas on how to brighten up your spaces for any occasion. Please click here to read a great article Unique Spaces – Is your home really you? by Ayanna McAlmont, with her guides to homeowners to have homes which reflect who they are at heart. And check Hayley's Hot Tips on Home Decor: Add a Little Bit of Magic into Your Home.


We wish everyone a joyous Diwali and a happy prosperous New Year.


Martina Ernst
President/CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Home Decor: Hailey's Hot Tip of the Week: Save Energy and Money This Holiday Season

Save Energy and Money This Holiday Season
Credit: MS Office ClipArt MC900439781, MC900445432
2010 @ wobuilt.com

Save a bundle over the holidays using these simple energy saving ideas:

• Cold water for laundry
• Timers for lights
• House temperature down
• Full load (dishwasher / washing machine)
• Water heater temperature down

[ V ] Do all your laundry using only cold water (unless you are sanitizing items like cloth baby diapers).

[ V ] Make sure your porch light and holiday lights are all on timers.

[ V ] Turn down the thermostat as low as you can adjust to. We keep ours at 69 degrees rather than some homes at 72, and we use each other and cozy clothes to stay warm.

[ V ] Don't run your dishwasher or your washing machine until you truly have a full load, as you'll use the same energy either way.

[ V ] Turn down the temperature of your water heater. Wait an hour. Stand at the tap; let the water reach it's hottest point, and test it with your finger, carefully, and then your wrist. If it's too hot to bathe in, why waste energy and money heating the water that hot, only to have to cool it down. Instead, lower your water heater temperature until the hottest temperature you can get from your taps is just perfect for bathing or showering, without needing to cool it down.

Enjoy the season!

Hayley Snider
Snider Homes

2010 © Hayley Snider

Home Decor: Hailey's Hot Tip of the Week: Add a Little Bit of Magic into Your Home

Home Decor: Hailey's Hot Tips
Add a Little Bit of Magic into Your Home
Credit: MS Office ClipArt MR900116588
2010 @ wobuilt.com

Hailey's hot tip of the week:

• Add holiday flair around the home this season
• Make affordable decor changes to suit the season
• Add a little magic to any tree in your home
• For those of you who are missing the tropics and the warm weather

For holiday flair around the home this season, try these tips:

[ V ] After dinner each night, or anytime your oven is on, cut apples into wedges, put them on a baking tray, or into a glass Pyrex baking dish, drizzle with orange juice, sprinkle with plenty of cinnamon and a touch of maple syrup, then bake at 350 degrees until they're soft and your entire home smells like fresh baked apple pie.

[ V ] For affordable decor changes to suit the season, visit your favourite paper store or art store and pick up a few sheets of seasonally inspired wrapping papers, or Japanese/handmade paper. Use this to fill frames around the home.

[ V ] Add a little magic to any tree in your home! Have some extra holiday lights and no where to put them? Why not give your potted plants a glow this year and light them up too! It uses less electricity to light your home in the evenings by the glow of your trees, then by turning on those halogen pot lights above you.

[ V ] And for those of you who are missing the tropics and the warm weather that now seems so far away, take a visit to your local Loblaws, Super Store, or Fortinos for a gorgeous fresh tropical floral bouquet at only $19.99. With vibrant reds and greens, not only are the colours perfect for the season, but it's more original than Hollies on the table and will remind you that warmer days will be back again soon.

Happy Decorations.

Hayley Snider
Snider Homes

2010 © Hayley Snider

Home Décor: Hailey's Hot Tip of the Week: Intro

Home Decor: Hailey's Hot Tips
Photo: Hayley Snider, Snider Homes and SMS Interiors
2010 @ wobuilt.com

A while back we mentioned that Wo-Built went into partnership with Snider Homes to be able to give great value to renovation projects. As a Design & Build Contractor we love to partner with companies that have the same values as Wo-Built and help us serve our clients well. From Snider Homes each member is bringing something special to the mix. We were well impressed with Hailey Snider's ability of home-staging, interior decorating, room organization, decluttering, and rebranding your personal or business space.

We know you'll enjoy tuning in every Wednesday, for Hailey's Hot Tips of the week, to help you truly love your home or work space. From decor ideas to cost saving tips, and a chance to get free online advice for our top 3 reader responses - it's worth taking a minute out of your busy week, to stop by the site and see what's new!

From all of us at Wo-Built Inc and Snider Homes we wish you all the magic of the season, and a wonderful New Year!

Martina Ernst
CEO
Wo-Built Inc. - Innovative Design and Build

Reminder: Wo-Built's Home Design Workshop Tonight!

Screenshot: Twitter Reminder: Wo-Built's Home Design Workshop Tonight

As a reminder, Wo-Built's workshop on colours, materials & textures applying our design philosophy tonight @ 7pm @ Wise Daughters http://tinyurl.com/cjntmq

See you there!

we tweet @ twitter

Paint Colour Trends 2008... Are you making the most of your investment?

Paint Colour Trends
Images No: 0510560, 0746540, 0313295 from Canstockphoto
Copyright reserved

In our recent past minimalist trends in decorating dictated only a whisper of colour for the walls. Pale and neutral prevailed, but that has changed and colour has regained importance. Changing paint colours is the most effective way to inject newness into our environment. After all, as far as interior paint colour goes, investing in an sunflower yellow wall is not as major a commitment as buying a sofa in that hue!

New trends in paint colour for interiors indicate greens are still vital. The colour of nature and growth, the newest greens echo the colour of chlorophyll, like the first sprouts of spring, or green bamboo, or that slice of lime in our gin and tonic!

Orange and red have joined forces to create new looking tones of persimmon, copper & coral. Interior paint colours are becoming less & less shy as colour theory and colour psychology have been introduced to the mainstream.

Yellow alert! As a trend yellow is more important than ever. Try a sun yellow room, or a marigold wall, or at least some yellow accessories. The newest yellows have a lot of punch, and work best when grounded with a neutral...such as grey. Take a look at Glidden’s “Ginger Ale”. Glidden cited ”Ginger Ale” as their #1 trend colour for 2008 (think buttercup).

Blues have been strong since the turn of this century, but in 2008 all types of aquatic blue tones are strong. The best ones have some warmth in them and look like blue tones pulled from nature....blueberries, the Atlantic Ocean, the Prairie sky, the periwinkle flower.

Graphite, Flannel, Silver... all rich sounding names for the latest rich neutrals, look best in anything from icy pales to dark midtones. Pair the deep grey tones with soft coral or pale yellowy greens for the newest combination. Pair icy silver grey with warm golden yellow. Look to black as an accent colour for smaller pieces and accessories for interior layering.

Next time I’ll talk about exterior paint colour. In the meantime have some fun with paint colours inside your home .... it’s a reflection of you!

_______________________________________________________
This article was contributed by Sylvia O’Brien, colour consultant and creative director of Colour Theory, a Toronto based firm that helps clients pick the perfect colour for paint, flooring, cabinetry, countertops etc. for their living and working spaces. Colour Theory helps clients pick colour for interior and exterior paint, flooring, cabinetry, tiles, countertop, roofing, siding, aluminum, vinyl and hard landscaping.
To learn more call 416-766-6789 or go to www.colourtheory.net

links:
Wobuilt Inc.: How many paint colours?!
by Sylvia O’Brien

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Top Renovations That Increase Home Value

Collage: Wo-Built's Renovation Projects: the Ranch and the Tower
Interesting Bungalow Additions with Architectural Merit.
Credit: MS Office ClipArt: Silhouettes

With warmer weather the spring bug strikes. … people start thinking about ideas to improve their homes.

Most often asked is whether money spent renovating can be recouped in increased property value, and which projects increase value the most ???

The key factor is to ensure that renovations increase at least two of three elements: comfort, convenience, luxury. Both aesthetics and function should also be improved with the work.

Return on investment is tied to increasing the desirability of a property to buyers. In established neighborhoods - the character of older buildings, complete with modern conveniences, is most desired.

Renovated Homes sell better than less expensive ones that require work……Few want the inconvenience of upgrading.

If you are brave enough to do it–the investment pays off !!!!

The top renovation areas that increase home value are :

1. Upgraded kitchens and bathrooms.
2. Upgraded architectural elements- windows, porches, skylights, front entries.
3. Upgraded Lifestyle features that:
a. Add comfort - whirlpool tubs, fireplaces, heated floors.
b. Add convenience laundry rooms on a main /upper floor, extra storage, walk outs.
c. Add luxury - steam shower, body jets.
4. Upgraded materials & finishes - wood floors, granite countertops.
5. Upgraded landscaping - decks, patios, water features.

Cost vs. Return on Investment

Adding an extra bathroom: quickest, and highest level of return…. A bathroom on each level is most desirable.

Updating a kitchen: the investment is returned completely in a short time - if reasonable quality items and good design are used.

Upgrading a bathroom: provides an excellent return over time, - especially adding luxury features - separate shower, whirlpool bath.

Additions vs updating existing areas - more space adds most value…. unless existing space is unusable-i.e. unfinished basements.

Now you know your money will be wisely spent there is no reason to hold back ... get out the measuring tape and begin your plans ... Happy Spring.

__________________________________________________
Sheila Doris has been an interior designer for over 25 years and is a member of A.R.I.D.O. She specializes in residential work, and writes about design and renovation. Her company S.I.Design offers a tips & techniques newsletter @ s-I-design.ca.
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Unique Spaces – Is your home really you? - Part 2

Photographer: Roberto Anguita Escribano, copyright.
Used with permission from www.istockphoto.com.

If you want to be the real you in your life and home, ask yourself what kind of person do you want to be and how do you want it represented in your space? What are your values and passions?

More specifically:
What are some things that you enjoyed doing before you got caught up in life?
What do you enjoy to do now?
What are your hobbies? Favourite topics of conversation? Types of books you like to read?
These questions can give a coach or professional insights into who their clients are as well as help them remember what they’re about.

Self Care and Personal Energy.

Some people have asked me “What does this have to do with our environments?” I always say, “A lot!” Our outside world is a reflection of us. If you have great energy you’ll attract situations, people and things with great energy. With great energy, we become less tired and have the drive and motivation to do anything in our lives without excuses.

If you don’t take care of your health and well-being, START!
No daily pleasures? Figure out what they are and ENJOY THEM!
If you don’t engage in activities that make your heart sing and make time fly, MAKE TIME FOR THEM!

Insight and Clarity

Once you have greater clarity about whom you are and have the energy to be it consistently you can now translate it to your space.

Pick and choose items that hold positive meaning and association for YOU at all times so that you feel good energy and keep your focus on things and circumstances that will draw more good things in your life. Honour the items you do choose. Remember your space is about you so don’t be afraid to let it shine!

_______________________________________________
Ayanna McAlmont is a Home and Life Guide based in Oakville, Ontario. In her company Blue Door Solutions, she guides homeowners to have homes which reflect who they are at heart. She says ”when your inner world changes, the outer world will change to reflect who the person has become.” Visit her at http://www.bluedoorsolutions.ca/ or contact her on ayanna@bluedoorsolutions.ca.

copyright Ayanna McAlmont Blue Door Solutions 2007 Articles can be used only with permission by the author

Further article by Ayanna McAlmont: Home Staging -A Case Study for Success

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Unique Spaces - Is your home really you? - Part One

Photographer: Roberto Anguita Escribano, copyright.

Used with permission from www.istockphoto.com.

Do you know how much Canadians spent on home renovations last year? A whopping 32 Billion dollars!! We live in a time where we want our homes to be our castles, and proof of this lies in the fact that there are a glut of home design, makeover and do-it-yourself shows on TV. It’s no surprise when we all watch the same shows, read the same publications and shop at the same stores and as a result we see homes looking the same without the unique mark of homeowners.

So how can one add more uniqueness to one’s castle?

The first step for those seeking professional design services, interview builders, contractors, designers and decorators who will focus on you – your dreams for yourself and family, who you are as people, things you enjoy doing so your home screams you!

What are some of the ways which can express these qualities?

We can do it decoration by using art, collections, photos or colours that we love and are personal to us.

Know how you would love your house to feel when you step inside.

Is it loving, comfortable, social, fun, energizing or comfortable?

Are there certain environments that you want to use as inspiration in your home?

Some examples are the beach, urban, pastoral, country, high tech or ethnic.

What energizers will enhance your home?

Is it running water, crystals, shells, plants, mirrors, light scents or sounds?

We can even go deeper than this. The question to ask is who are the home owners at heart?

Read more in "Part 2 Unique Spaces – Is your home really you?"

________________________________________________
Ayanna McAlmont is a Home and Life Guide based in Oakville, Ontario. In her company Blue Door Solutions, she guides homeowners to have homes which reflect who they are at heart. She says ”when your inner world changes, the outer world will change to reflect who the person has become.” Visit her at http://www.bluedoorsolutions.ca/ or contact her on ayanna@bluedoorsolutions.ca.
copyright Ayanna McAlmont Blue Door Solutions 2007 Articles can be used only with permission by the author

Further article by Ayanna McAlmont: Home Staging -A Case Study for Success

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