Many interior design trends this year are moving towards creating a cozy atmosphere in the home. People are spending a lot of time at home and are looking to give their space a sense of warmth and comfort. If you're looking for ways to make your home cozy, you've come to the right place. Here are ten ways you can make your home cozy.

1. Add soft textures to your space.

• Nothing feels cozier than a nice, soft, warm blanket.
• Adding soft materials in the way of pillows and blankets is an excellent way to create a warm and comforting space. 
• A new way of incorporating pillows in your home is floor pillows. This growing trend allows for more seating space and gives your home a warm and welcoming feeling. 
• If you want to take it a step further, include soft furniture pieces made of materials like velvet or faux fur. Make sure your couch not only feels soft but is truly comfortable for lounging.
• These feel-good fabrics will not only make your space cozier but will also make for beautiful accent pieces.

2. Use colours to establish a cozy feeling.

• The colours you choose to paint your walls or decorate your space can influence how a room feels.
• Choosing light and bright colours can easily make any room feel much bigger and open. 
• To make your home cozy, use darker colours or tones to create a sense of intimacy. Darker colours make surfaces feel closer than they are, which gives your space a warm and cozy mood.

3. Play with warm and cool tones.

• Warm and cool tones evoke different emotional responses.
• Take advantage of this when you're selecting colours for your home.
• Warm colours such as red, yellow, and orange are known to create energy and excitement. In contrast, cooler tones such as blue, violet, and green offer a restful and comforting feeling. 
• Keep this in mind when decorating your space. If you're looking to create a calming atmosphere, consider using darker and cooler tones when selecting colours.

4. Lighting is everything.

• The type of lighting you have in your room can dramatically change its aura. 
• Use warm white lights to create a relaxing and cozy feeling. This type of light is much softer on the eyes and is best for family rooms, living rooms and bedrooms. 
• Avoid using cool white lights in places you want to have a cozy atmosphere. Cool white lights are very bright and promote productivity and concentration. Using this type of light will certainly keep you wide awake.
• If available to you, add lights with dimming features. Doing so will save your energy costs while giving you total control over the brightness of your space.

5. Add large area rugs.

• Every room can benefit from a large area rug.
• Adding a large area rug, especially on a hardwood floor, is an excellent way to warm up your space.
• Area rugs give you the opportunity to showcase your style and personality. They offer a focal point for the eye and act as art for your floor. 
• If you're feeling creative, try layering a solid coloured rug with a patterned rug. This will make your space both trendy and comforting.

6. A touch of nature.

• Flowers and greenery not only create a calming energy in your home but are very important for your well-being. 
• Plants are known to purify the air we breathe and reduce stress. 
• If you're looking for large plants to add to your space, consider a Yucca or Bird of Paradise. These beautiful plants are the perfect way to add a touch of green to your home.
• Small succulent plants are also an excellent way to bring nature home with a splash of colour. 
• Flowers and plants in your home instantly create a feeling of warmth and welcome. 

7. Highlight your fireplace.

• Bring attention to your fireplace by adding pieces of decor to the mantle or its surrounding area.
• Use this opportunity to show your personality and style.
• Adding decor pieces like a vase or candles will really tie your room together. 
• To draw eyes to your fireplace, try adding a large focal piece like an art print or a mirror. 
• Another beautiful way to highlight your fireplace is by adding a bookshelf and an accent chair right beside it. Finish off this cozy look with a soft pillow and throw blanket.

8. Wood pieces add warmth.

• Having wooden elements in your home immediately creates a sense of warmth. 
• Try out some wooden flooring, shelves, or furniture to give your home a lovely, cozy feel. 
• You can also add accent pieces made of wood, which will provide more texture in your space — for instance, wooden bowls or trays.
• Many designers suggest blanket ladders to make your living space cozy. These make for beautiful wooden pieces that invite your guests to grab a blanket and cozy up anytime. 

9. Fresh scents and fragrances go a long way.

• Having a good-smelling home will make you never want to leave.
• Use candles or wax melts to give your home a fresh smell. Another popular way of adding fragrance to your home is by using an essential oil diffuser. 
• Diffusers are great for adding a bit of moisture to the air with a fresh and natural scent. They also make for beautiful decorative pieces. 
• Try out different scents for each season. A gentle cinnamon smell in the winter will leave your home feeling festive and cozy.

10. Decorate with light fixtures.

• Finish off your living space with lamps, string lights, or candles.
• Light fixtures allow you to highlight certain features in your home. 
• Use lampshades made of soft materials like linen to soften the light in the room. 
• Large floor lamps also make for a beautiful decorative piece that provides just the right amount of light.

You may be looking into selling your home or perhaps on the market to purchase a home. This being said, it is important to make sure that you have taken the necessary steps and precautions with your home. Having a home inspector helps in taking the guesswork out of if the home is up to par to be on the market. A home is an investment, make sure that all is in order before putting it on the market and before purchasing a new home. A home inspector can assist with that. You may be wondering what home inspectors do and how long it may take them to accomplish their tasks. Another question you may have is what to look for in a home inspector. Although the official home inspection itself may not take very long, there is still a process that you need to go through prior to the home inspection. Continue reading for a look at what home inspectors do and the approximate timelines!

Choosing Your Home Inspector

It is important to select a qualified home inspector. A qualified home inspector may have an Canadian Association of Home & Property Inspectors (CAHPI) certificate. Home inspectors should possess knowledge regarding residential structures as well as some knowledge surrounding real estate. Something to consider when seeking a home inspector is their experience, their reviews and if they have insurance. You may need insurance to protect yourself in the event the inspector misses something. Another method to consider is asking friends or family to refer a home inspector for you.

When Should I get the Home Inspected?

As a buyer, it is recommended to have the home inspected as soon as possible. Try to select a home inspector prior to creating and offer and contract so that the inspector is available for you. Often the home inspection happens 5 – 14 days following an accepted selling and buying contract.

How long does the inspection take?

There are various factors that can influence the duration of the inspection. Depending on the expertise and knowledge of the inspector, the duration may vary. However, on average an inspection can be completed within 2 or 3 hours. Another factor is the size and the age of the home. Keep in mind that if the home is larger than average, this process can take longer. Additionally, an older home may have more damage, outdated plumbing and electric systems. The inspector needs to assess electric systems, damages and code violations. Be sure to allow them time to proceed and inspect thoroughly.

Do I Need to Attend the Inspection?

It is recommended to attend the inspection. In order to gain a better understanding of the house you are looking to purchase; it would be wise to attend the inspection. Attending the inspection during daylight hours is also recommended, in order to get a better sense of the house and its positive and/or negative components. Also, when attending the inspection, you can gain additional insight by speaking with the inspector and asking any questions you may have. It’s best that you completely understand the condition of the home you are investing money your into.

What should I Look for in a Home Inspection?

In addition to searching for a professional and knowledgeable inspector, you should also look into what services they offer. Your home inspector should be inspecting the following:
Plumbing, electrical, structure, foundation, basement, roof, heating, cooling, ventilation, drainage, windows, kitchen, bathrooms, gutters, driveways, decks, doors, walls, ceilings and more!
There is a lot of ground to cover during the inspection and you want to ensure that you are covering your bases. Following the inspection, some inspectors may provide a checklist with little to no additional information. When you and the inspector are finished with the home inspection, ask them to provide both oral and written report on the home. This way you can have a conversation with the inspector and also have a written piece to turn back to if needed.

Knowing where to start with home buying, selling and inspection can be difficult to wrap your head around. When working with Elviano we aid in managing your property by performing regular inspections. This will help in maintaining the value of your home over time. Contact the professionals at Elviano for support in planning, building and assessing your home. Here at Elviano we are a team of expert and professional architects and designers. We can support you in building your dream home or assessing and renovating your current home. We are a full-service contracting business serving the Greater Toronto Area since 2006. Our knowledge and expertise have led us to be a trusted contracting business in our area. If you are interested in building a home or renovating your home contact us at (416) 901 5001 or Toll Free at +1 888-ELVIANO.

Hiring a property management company comes with many advantages. The company you hire is responsible for supporting your property and making decisions on your behalf. That being said, it's critical that you have all the necessary tools and information when choosing a property management company. 

1- Understanding Property Management Fees.

• As you begin interviewing different property management companies, take note of the types of services each firm offers. 
• Compare the prices offered by each firm, but don't hire a firm solely based on their low price points. A lower price may suggest a lack of quality in their services.
• Make sure the services offered by the property management company meet your needs. 
• To better understand the cost given to you by a prospective firm, ask them to break down the fees.
• Management fees have a typical range of 4-12% from rent every month. The management fee depends on the number of properties or units they will be managing. Additionally, the location of your property or properties is likely to dictate the cost.
• Vacancy fees are uncommon, but some property management companies may charge a monthly fee for a vacant unit. These charges cover expenses related to finding a new tenant for your property.
• A start-up fee is an additional cost for setting up a new account with the firm. 
• The property management company may charge you for leasing fees. These costs cover the time and effort related to finding a new tenant. Inquire about the cost of the leasing fee and the conditions of these fees.
• There are several other fees to look out for when choosing a property management company. Make sure you are aware of the fees that make up the total cost. You can also negotiate with the firm to get a better rate. 

2 - Handling Property Finances.

• Property management companies are responsible for managing rental income, maintenance fees, reserve funds, and more.
• The firm you hire will be making many decisions about your property's finances on your behalf. That being said, you need to trust the company you choose to hire. 
• There are several details to discuss with the property management companies that you interview. For instance, how they handle monthly payments and their method of paying property owners. 
• Property management companies are responsible for sending reports that provide details about collected rent, property management fees, maintenance, and more.
• Ask the firm to see a sample report to better understand what to expect every month. 
• Discuss any other payments the firm will process, such as security deposits and maintenance fees. 

3 - Determining Rental Rates.

• A good property management company will have a thorough understanding of setting rental rates. 
• Determining the cost of rent requires a proper understanding of the local market and the average rates of other similar properties. 
• The rental rate you choose can also affect the value of your property.
• Discuss with each firm how often they perform rental rate surveys. Typically, these surveys are conducted annually. If your property is often vacant or undergoing many lease renewals, it's likely time to revisit the rental rate of your property.
• In terms of dealing with tenants and issues regarding payments, it's important to find a company that can reason with the tenant and remain adamant about receiving rent payments. 
• Discuss the company's policies around collecting rent payments from tenants and determine if it's the right fit for you.

4 - Maintaining Your Property.

• Property maintenance is critical, especially for increasing its value over time.
• Maintenance of your property requires the cooperation of tenants as well since any repairs should be dealt with promptly. 
• Property management companies have different systems in place to allow you to track maintenance requests and repair costs. 
• Discuss additional details surrounding repairs. For instance, some firms may have a maintenance team responsible for repairing the properties they manage. 
• Finally, determine if the firm offers any recurring maintenance such as shovelling the snow or mowing the lawn. While these services may carry additional costs, they are beneficial for the overall maintenance of your property.

5 - Finding the Right Tenant.

• The most valuable service a property management company can offer is attracting tenants. 
• Determine how each firm your interviewing advertises their rental listings. Go a step further and locate some of their current ads to see if they catch your eye.
• Discuss how long it takes on average to find tenants and fill vacancies. This should not take longer than one month. 
• Presentation of your property is extremely important when it comes to showings. Find out how the property management company prepares for showings, as this is often when potential tenants decide if they want to go ahead and begin renting. 
• Enticing tenants to rent for long periods of time should be a priority for the property management company. 
• There are many measures put in place by companies that prioritize tenant retention. Such efforts include fast responses to tenant needs and regularly asking for their feedback. 
• In terms of finding the right tenant, many companies have screening processes to ensure they choose the best tenant possible. 
• Ask the firms you're interviewing about their tenant screening process and what they are searching for in an ideal tenant.

6 - Get to know the company before making a final decision.

• Ask each firm for a bit of background information, such as how long they have been operating. It's best to hire a property management company that has many years of experience.
• Discuss the types of properties they have been managing. If a firm focuses only on condominiums and you're looking to rent houses, you may want to find a firm with more experience in house rentals. 
• Finally, get to know the property manager that will be managing your property. Determine how long they've been working with the firm and ask about their prior experience managing properties.

Selecting a property management company should not be rushed. Avoid making a quick decision without genuinely getting to know the company you're planning to hire. It's important to find a firm that is a good fit for both yourself and your property.

 

Toronto Housing Market in Spring 2021: A Seller's Market

• The Toronto housing market is favouring sellers this spring due to low inventory causing prices to rise.
• In 2020, the average price in the Toronto housing market increased to $918,883 from $819,832 in 2019.
• The average price of all property types increased by 12% in 2020 due to growing demand.
• This spring, Canadian economists are anticipating a 5% increase in average home prices in Toronto. 
• As Toronto's housing inventory continues to decline, prices are expected to continue to rise.
• The luxury housing market in Toronto has not been impacted by COVID-19. 

Who is Shifting the Demand? 

• Buyer demand has been largely influenced by changes in lifestyle due to COVID-19.
• Working from home is drawing buyers towards purchasing larger homes farther from the city. 
• Consequently, Toronto's condominium supply has seen an increase. Therefore, the condo market in Toronto is currently in favour of buyers.
• Economic factors like low interest rates are also helping buyers remain interested and active in the housing market. 
• Working from home is allowing people to save on commuting, which is keeping the demand going.
• Remote work is now widely available and pushing buyers towards affordable homes away from the city and farther from their workplace. 
• Homebuyers are looking for larger homes and more greenery.
• Immigration has been largely impacted by COVID-19, also leading to decreased demand in the condo market.

The Toronto Condo Market Bouncing Back.

• Since the beginning of 2021, there has been a growing interest in condominiums. 
• The number of condos going up for sale is also slowing down.
• As the economy begins to recover and vaccine roll-out continues, the condo market will likely gain more and more interest. 
• The large availability of condos is driving prices down, allowing buyers and renters to take advantage of these markdowns. 
• If condo supply continues to decrease, we're likely to see prices rise later in 2021 and 2022. 
• Now is the right time to buy or rent a condo in Toronto as prices are expected to climb.

The Rest of 2021.

• The housing market is expected to remain in favour of sellers for the remainder of 2021.
• Urban-to-suburban buyers are driving the housing market. 
• The available supply of housing is likely to remain low, causing prices to continue to rise. Home prices, in particular, are expected to remain high.
• Due to the affordability of condos in Toronto, there will likely be lots of activity in the condo market. This is enticing first-time homebuyers to purchase condos in the city. 
• Mortgage rates are expected to remain affordable. With the current low interest rates, purchasing houses is more attainable. These low interest rates are likely here to stay until the year ends.
• Immigration is likely to drive condo prices up next year as people will be moving to Toronto for education purposes. 
• The price of housing is expected to rise by four to six percent this year. 

We believe that your bedroom should envelop you with coziness, relaxation and calmness, just like this bedroom.

This master bedroom seamlessly blends a classic, simple look with a contemporary style. It encompasses an array of comfortable, intimate features:

• Reading nook
• A window-side desk
• Two chairs in front of the fireplace
• A flat-screen TV

And of course, the room has a spacious walk-in closet and lavish, sparking ensuite. What's your favourite feature in your bedroom?

This home encompasses an array of water-related features! Not only does it have a pool and hot tub outside, but during the chilly winter months, you can bath in the indoor jacuzzi. The surrounding windows allow you to appreciate the trees laden with snow from the comforts of your home while soaking alongside friends and family in a luxurious hot tub.

Would you like one of these in your home?

When we created this library, we believed in marrying a timeless design with modern necessities that make working easy. This fireplace will keep you cozy during cold winter nights when you need to work late, while the TV provides you with a much-needed work break. Once you sit down, you won't have to get up for a long time.

We wanted this library to be a place where your body can relax and feel at ease while you work or study.

Skylight, skylight won't you make my house so bright? This skylight may have been difficult to install, but the natural light lighting up the area paired with the marble, weightless look of the Venetian plaster made the installation worth it!

From a perfectly sized dishwasher to encircling stools to shelves that can hold an infinite amount of alcohol, this private bar has everything you need. You can even use the tabletop stove to make scrumptious appetizers for your guests! But that's not all... The best part about this bar? You can open the patio doors to the pool and hot tub, so your friends and family can easily meander from the bar to the pool and back.

What do you think about this fully stocked in-home bar?

When it comes to developing homes, we like to get creative! In this home, the marble mantel, the brick from the cellar, and the handles come from the original home --- these stunning pieces are around 100-years-old.

We like the idea of marrying the old with the new! We believe the modern style paired with historic furniture and accessories helps to create a cozy atmosphere within this home! Would you agree?