A tiny virus you can only see under a microscope has had such a huge, unprecedented impact on every single industry in our economy. For the real estate industry, COVID-19 has changed the way people buy and sell homes, and it has also changed the way people look at their homes.

For many, the pandemic forced people to re-evaluate their homes. Some made changes inside their home, by renovating it to make more room or create a home office. Others moved to a new home in an entirely new place.

Throughout the last two years, the housing market in Canada and more specifically, in the GTA, has remained strong – and perhaps what’s more interesting about the effects of COVID-19 on the real estate market is the study of human behaviour.

Deemed an Essential Service

From the start of the pandemic, construction and real estate were deemed essential services and operational with strict guidelines. This meant that the homes promised to people who had purchased them prior to the pandemic, would still see their homes being built.

It also meant construction and tradespeople remained employed. In the GTA alone, the building and renovation industry provides more than 230,000 jobs across the region and $26.9 billion in investment value, according to the Building Industry and Land Development Association (BILD).

Unpredictable Effects

Since the spring of 2020, sales have not slowed. In the new construction homes sector, it is a story of demand outweighing supply.

“While available inventory is relatively low for both new single-family homes and new condominium apartments, the current supply dynamics are different for each sector,” said Edward Jegg, Analytics Team Leader at Altus Analytics. Jegg was commenting in November 2021 after a report entitled, New Homes Monthly Market Report, was released by Altus Group, BILD and the Toronto Real Estate Board.

“There is very little new single-family product making it to the market, which is driving prices to new records. In contrast, there are significant levels of new condominium apartment product being launched, but strong demand means it is being bought up relatively quickly,” he added.

Rising Price of Real Estate

The benchmark price for new single-family homes reached another record high of $1,573,764 in September, which was up 33.5 per cent over the last 12 months, according to the Altus Group, BILD and the Toronto Real Estate Board report.

The benchmark price for new condominium apartments eased in September compared to the previous month, to $1,036,831, which was up 2 per cent over the last 12 months.

“At a time when new housing supply is being rapidly absorbed by the market, it is more important than ever for municipalities across the GTA to remove every roadblock to bringing more housing online,” said Dave Wilkes, BILD President and CEO said in a release about the report.

REPORT LINK: https://bildgta.ca/Assets/misc/Altus%20Data%20Solutions%20media%20backgrounder%20October%202021_pp.pdf

New Buying and Selling Tactics

A few years ago, if you had asked a home builder if people purchased their new home online, the answer would have been a definitive ‘no.’

Researching homes and communities online? Yes.

Watching videos of properties and taking virtual tours? Yes, video ads and virtual tours were starting to gain popularity in the resale market and on the new construction side as well – but not as much as they are today.

Now, many real estate developers who launched new communities in 2020 and 2021 will tell you that they sold home almost exclusively online.

Instead of traditional print, signage and sales office advertising, digital and email marketing campaigns were deployed to reach people where they were already spending time – online.

Instead of holding grand opening events at sales centres where purchasers would line up for hours to get in, virtual sales events were held and digital site plans that updated availability in real-time created the familiar exhilaration of buying a new home in a new community.

Changing with the Times

At different points over the last two years, sales offices could open and events could take place, but it was almost always by appointment and outdoors whenever possible to keep staff and clients safe and comfortable.

In many ways, the pandemic changed the way the real estate industry does business. From personalizing the home buying experience to offering various communication options, to conducting marketing and sales online – right through to accepting electronic signatures on digital sales documents.

The demands of interacting over a screen during these unprecedented times has made futuristic aspects of the industry speed up and actually come into play today.

Robust Real Estate Market

Overall, the real estate market in Canada, Ontario and the GTA have remained robust throughout this public health crisis and the early economic fallout.

Early on, the government offered financial relief to Canadians impacted by the pandemic, the Bank of Canada reduced its key interest rate to stimulate the economy and residential sales and prices posted record growth in 2020 and into 2021.

In Ontario, the GTA remains one of the most desirable places for people to invest in real estate, live, work and raise a family.

In the 12 months between July 2019 and July 2020, a net 60,000 people, left the City of Toronto and Peel Region for other parts of the province. This represents primarily children under the age of 5 and their parents, who moved in search of family-friendly housing and lower costs, since working remotely replaced a long commute.

A research paper published by Ottawa-based Smart Prosperity Institute and the Ontario Home Builder’s Association states that Ontario’s population is forecast to grow by more than 2.2 million people over the next decade, and it is estimated thatthe nation’s most populous province will need approximately one million new homes by 2030 to meet that demand.

The last few years have proven that the demand for housing remains robust in Toronto, the GTA and across southern Ontario, and that the real estate industry is dedicated to innovating, adapting and building homes for people and families across the province.

Smart Prosperity Insitute/OHBA release link:

https://www.ohba.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/ontario-needs-one-million-new-homes-in-the-next-ten-years.pdf

There are many benefits of owning a home over renting and some of the biggest ones include building equity and investing in your future, as well as making your house a home, putting down roots and enjoying a sense of community. We’ve rounded up some of the key benefits to owning your own place, whether it’s a townhome, a suite in a condominium or a single family home, investing in a home is a smart move that will provide ever-lasting value to you and your family.

Here are Six key benefits to owning a home over renting:

1) Building Equity

In Canada, and more specifically in the GTA, buying a home and investing in real estate is one of the safest investments you can make. The real estate market in Toronto and the surrounding area is extremely robust and choosing the right location, price point and home will help you build equity quickly.

By paying down your own mortgage, instead of renting and paying someone else, you are investing in your own security. As you make payments, you build equity and that offers you financial freedom in that you can borrow against it to renovate, pay for a child’s education or even start your own business.

2) Personalizing Your Space

When you rent a space, you are usually allowed to make cosmetic improvements. A fresh coat of paint, window coverings and furniture, but you don’t normally invest in large renovations or structural changes to improve the functionality and liveability of the home unless you own it. When you own your home, you invest to make it better for your day-to-day and you also keep it in good repair should you want to sell it one day.

One of the biggest benefits to buying a new construction home is your ability to personalize and customize your space from floor to ceiling. After you sign a purchase and sale agreement with a home builder, you meet with their design team to select finishes. These can range from flooring to cabinetry, to paint colours, countertops and bathroom accessories. You put the finishing touches on every room in the house before it is completed and you move in.

3) Return on Your Investment

A recent study, conducted by Royal LePage, found that for those who are able to secure a sufficient down payment, it is more financially beneficial to buy a home in Canada than to rent over the long term. The scenarios assume the owner is able to provide a 20 per cent down payment, which can be aspirational for some but also acquired through a strict savings plan. Home ownership has been profitable for Canadians and many people factor the value of their home into their retirement planning.

In 91 per cent of cases studied, the net cost of ownership (the total ownership cost minus the saving that occurs through principal repayment) is lower than the cost of renting. In the report, this factor is referred to as the ‘ownership advantage.’ As of the second quarter of this year, on average the net home ownership cost was $769 per month less than the cost of renting an equivalent dwelling.

Perhaps more interesting, the calculations found that even with a 10 per cent decline in home prices, approximately half of the homeowners studied would still see a positive rate of return on investment, while the other half would break even or see a modest loss as an investment.

LINK TO REPORT: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/buying-vs-renting-study-homeowners-come-out-in-front-financially-in-more-than-90-of-scenarios-analyzed-839673908.html

4) A Community to Call Home

When you move into a home, you are also moving into a new neighbourhood. You get to know your neighbours, the schools, the shopkeepers and coffee baristas, and you start to put down roots as your community becomes your home.

As a renter, there is a sense of community in some places, but often the transient nature of rental properties can make it difficult to feel rooted. When you own a home, especially a newly-constructed home in a brand new community, you immediately feel a sense of ownership and pride. Having a community to call home is one of the key benefits of owning a home.

5) Flexible Finances

With a fixed-rate mortgage, you can predict fairly exactly how much you’ll need to pay each month. It’s important to note that with homeownership, there are other costs to consider such as property tax, insurance and other owner-related costs. However, as you build equity, you earn the flexibility to use that money to improve the property or even purchase another one.

Additionally, depending on the type of home you buy, you also have the opportunity to rent part of your property and generate some extra income. This provides more financial flexibility and can accelerate paying down a mortgage or help you invest in more properties to further build equity.

We know this is a list of five key benefits to owning a home, but we had to add a 6^th :

6) Home Maintenance

You may be wondering why that’s a benefit. When you rent, yes, the landlord is in charge of maintaining the home and fixing and repairing anything that breaks. However, it is done on their time and with their money. When it’s your home, you can schedule the contractor, the repair timeline and invest your money.

You can have a leaky roof, broken showerhead or an appliance replaced when you want it done and you can choose the replacement materials that you want. Having a financial expert in your corner will help you have contingency plans in place for home maintenance that may catch you off guard. Also, if you purchase a new construction home with a warranty, you have one, two or seven years of coverage for repairs that will make sure your home is as good as new.

In every corner of the GTA, there are magical and festive events to explore. From enchanted forest walks to train rides with Santa, there is something for everyone. Take the family to visit a new town in the GTA, enjoy a hot lunch and stroll the main street shops. We have compiled a short list of some interesting sites to see if you’re planning a holiday staycation here in the GTA through December and over the winter break.

Magical Christmas Forest at the Kortright Centre

Take the entire family to a Magical Christmas Forest at the Kortright Centre in Vaughan until December 23. The Magical Christmas Forest at the Kortright Centre is a self-guided experience in a winter wonderland filled with lights, Santa in his cabin, festive music, bonfires, children’s activities and hot chocolate for the whole family! There are select dates and times and advance tickets are required. The cost is $29 for adults, $24 for children over 1 year old. It is an outdoor event so dress for the weather. Food is also available for purchase, proof of vaccination required for dine-in option, take out also available.

More information is here: https://trca.ca/events-calendar/#event=magical-christmas-forest-2021;instance=20211209164500

Polar Winter Festival

Experience the joy of the holiday season at Toronto’s biggest walkthrough winter festival. The Polar Winter Festival isn’t your average holiday market. From selfies with the real live Santa Claus to larger-than-life holiday decor, this is a Christmas festival designed to transport guests to an enchanting winter wonderland. On until December 26, rain, snow or shine, you can buy tickets for specific start times, and head to Bandshell Park at Exhibition Place in Toronto for the full experience. Guests can experience the entire park at their own pace with no set exit time.

More information is here: https://www.polarwinterfestival.com/experience 

Outdoor Christmas Market on the Farm

Until December 22 at the Niemi Family Farm in Mount Albert, you will find lovely handmade crafts, traditional Finnish baking, premium Ontario-grown Christmas Trees and more! Meet the Santa himself at the middle of the Christmasland. You can purchase stocking stuffers, crafts, decor, candles, bakery goods and so much more. Take home a freshly-cut local Christmas trees, a handmade wreath, outdoor arrangements, garland and branch bundles. Enjoy hot chocolate, coffees, and a magical and safe outdoor space. Tickets are $14.99 for everyone two years old and up.

More information is here: https://www.facebook.com/niemifamilyfarm

Horse-Drawn Carriage Ride in Port Perry

Enjoy a cozy horse-drawn carriage ride around historic Downtown Port Perry this holiday season. While in Port Perry take in lunch at one of our many cafes or farm-to-table restaurants, or visit the shops and check off everyone on your list. Every weekend in December until December 24 at 226 Queen Street in Port Perry.

Ride the Festive Rails

Enjoy a visit from Santa as you and your loved ones take a ride on the Christmas Trains that take you along the snow-laden countrysides of Ontario. In Port Stanley, enjoy a ride through Elgin County in early winter from the warmth of a heated car. Santa has treats for the kids! Watch your children’s anticipation grow as we near our destination to meet Santa. From the Port Stanley Terminal Rail, Bridge Street and on until December 19, you can book tickets online with a cost of $9-14.

More information is here: https://www.todocanada.ca/city/london/event/santa-treats-train-rides/

The Nutcracker – The National Ballet of Canada

James Kudelka’s ravishing and gloriously re-imagined version of the evergreen Christmas spectacular was created for The National Ballet of Canada in 1995 and it remains an unparalleled holiday entertainment for both children and adults. Replete with Kudelka’s signature dynamic and exuberant choreography and gliding with wonderful ease from whimsical and often boisterous comedy to breathtaking spectacle and touching emotion, the ballet is a feast for both the senses and the imagination. With its non-stop dancing and magnificent sets and costumes designed by Santo Loquasto, with lighting by Jennifer Tipton, The Nutcracker is an unforgettable tribute to the imagination.

The Nutcracker will be presented with some adaptations to ensure the safety of all involved. All the children’s roles will be performed by students of Canada’s National Ballet School, with no external performers. There will be no children under the age of 12 in the production and all performers and crew will be fully vaccinated. Runs from December 10-31 at The Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts at 145 Queen Street West in Toronto. Cost is $30-190.

More information is here:  https://national.ballet.ca/Productions/The-Nutcracker

Light Up The Dark at Aga Khan Museum

The Aga Khan Museum’s breathtaking exterior transforms into a magical map-scape of colour and light on four evenings in late December. The Museum’s Light Up the Dark celebration returns with spectacular new light projections created by OCAD University students. Enjoy coffee or chai as you feast your eyes and ears on the entertainment. Or sample irresistible flavours from South Asia, the Middle East, and North Africa at Diwan, the Museum’s renowned restaurant.

The Museum’s galleries will be open until 9 pm for the festivities. Seize this opportunity to explore Hidden Stories: Books Along the Silk Road, the new Sound and Music rotation in the Museum Collection Gallery, gaze in awe at Ghazaleh Avarvazamani’s stained-glass installation, and spell out your idea of Canadian identity with Rust Garden.

Light Up the Dark runs December 27 to 30 from 6 pm to 9 pm. The outdoor projections and admission to the Museum’s Collection Gallery are free. Tickets to the galleries are $10 per person for regular admission all day long throughout Light Up the Dark. Walk-in tickets to the galleries are free after 4 pm on Wednesday, December 29 (subject to availability).

More information is here: https://www.agakhanmuseum.org/programs/light-up-the-dark-2021

Visit the Animals

There are quite a few options for those who want to visit zoos or a petting farm during the winter break. Toronto Zoo, Reptilia with locations in Vaughan and Whitby, Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park in Orono are all great visits any time of the year.

Toronto’s High Park Zoo and Riverdale Farm are free to visit and open daily including Christmas Day. The 150-year-old barn at Bronte Creek Provincial Park has a petting zoo and is open during holidays. During the holidays, you can explore decorated holiday trees at High Park Zoo.

Toronto Zoo’s Terra Lumina is open during the holidays where you can enjoy an immersive experience along a 1.5 km walking path that travels into the future and back.

Spending Time with Family and Friends

There are so many things to see and do around the GTA, and all will be enjoyed with the company of family and friends. Spending time together – wandering well-lit forests or skating along trails or while taking in a special performance – is the best way to spend the holidays.

Decorating your home for the holidays is fun for the whole family. It is something you can do together, from planning which room will get the full treatment to hanging twinkle lights, dressing up your windows and adding sparkle as you go.

The holiday season is here and there’s never been a better time to get into the spirit and decorate your home, both inside and out. We have curated 5 Holiday Décor Ideas for you to use as inspiration to brighten up your home and bring some joy to you throughout the season.

SILVER, GOLD OR BOTH!

Add a dash of silver or gold – or both – to your décor to instantly elevate the mood in your home. Brass and copper also work well as metallic accents that create an elegant aesthetic. They draw the eye and bounce light around the room, which can make your space feel bigger.

You can go for a monochromatic look and select different shapes and styles of ornaments for your tree. Display candleholders as centerpieces and introduce metals into your table settings with gold or silver chargers. Add oversized metallic bows to your window treatments for a magnificent touch. Metallics really shine when placed with bold and rich colours such as emerald green, deep reds and winter whites. Here’s the best part: you don’t have to choose just one metallic. Go ahead and mix and match and have fun with it – that’s what it’s all about!

WINTER WONDERLAND

Have fun with a winter theme by bringing the outdoors in. Opt for a white, gold, and silver palette. This is an easy and cohesive way to introduce the natural materials that are also everywhere this year. Use natural oak, a birch tree arrangement, white or off-white porcelain, and a small amount of gold and brass, plus a lot of greenery, to make a beautiful winter wonderland that is warm and cozy. Pull some soft material and dabble decorative snow across your fireplace mantle. Top it with a miniature village and toss a faux fur area rug on the floor below. Cut out snowflakes from textured paper and hang them on a tree or in your windows. The best way to bring the outside in, without the chilly temperatures, is to celebrate the season with winter wonderland décor.

LIGHT IT UP

Lighting is the foundation for all of your holiday décor – both inside and out. The secret to success when decorating a tree is to use two layers of lights. One layer is deep in the branches and lights up the inside and another is strung closer to the middle of the branches. This illuminates its fullness and makes the tree shine much brighter.

Outside, hanging twinkle lights along a front porch, twist them around railing pickets and line your balconies. This can make your home instantly feel festive. You can even use indoor string lights to frame your windows without having to get out the ladder! Always make sure you have the right lights: use string lights labelled for outdoor if you’re trimming an outdoor evergreen or hanging them from your roof. Inside your home, there are many ways lighting can be used to create ambiance in whichever room you choose. Whether it’s with candles, LED lights, lamps or fixtures, your home will feel much more festive with the flip of a switch.

BRING IN MORE GREENERY

Gardening and indoor plants had their moment in 2021 and the holiday season is a great time to add some extra greenery into your décor plans. In addition to winter weather flowers in vases, consider a poinsettia tree as a centrepiece, adding sprigs of holly to end tables or bookshelves and hanging wreaths on any door really, not just the front one.

Take some time to spruce up your front walkway or yard with some winter landscaping and if you’re adding lights to trees and hedges, make sure they are outdoor lights that are ready for the weather. Inside or out, birch tree arrangements and evergreen wreaths are simple projects that the whole family can help create and instead of fresh cut flowers, consider a potted plant that will continue to brighten up your home into the new year.

KEEP IT SIMPLE AND DIY

The holidays are a great time to exercise your crafty side and if you want to decorate with simple, DIY touches, this is the year to try it! Go traditional by stringing popcorn garland or modernize it by using ribbon, painted ornaments or links of colourful paper rings. Collect pinecones and sprigs of evergreen while out for a walk and use them for a festive wreath.

Raid your recycling bin and turn those cardboard boxes into a kid-sized gingerbread house that’s decked with colourful crafts. Arrange holiday cards from loved ones in the shape of a tree on a bare wall, or hang them from a string across the front of a fireplace mantle. Looking for an original centrepiece? Pick up an easy-to-find gingerbread house kit and make it your own by adding treats from your own pantry. Keeping your holiday décor simple with some DIY touches is a great way to cut back on clutter and get creative.

YOUR DÉCOR STYLE

Choosing a different décor style around the holidays can be a fun and easy way to try out new ideas and after all, the biggest holiday décor trend this season is pwersonalization. Making your home look and feel festive is all in how you define it. Go big and bold or stay simple with a side of DIY. Whether it’s introducing some metallics to amp up your home décor, bringing a winter scene inside, getting crafty, or adding greenery and lighting to brighten your day, the holiday season is the best time to get inspired and add some style to your home.

Simply put, investing in real estate is smart and there are many advantages and benefits, depending on the location, how long you keep your properties and the value at which you buy in. It can be one of the most lucrative and safest investments you make. Here in Canada, and more specifically, in the Greater Toronto Area, the real estate market is robust and there are ample opportunities to invest in a primary residence, a vacation property, or to generate rental income.

Here are five key advantages of investing in real estate:

Real estate values increase over time.

You’ve heard the old adage: location, location, location. As the most important consideration when investing in real estate, it is certainly one of the top reasons real estate values increase and one of the most important points to research if you are looking for swift appreciation in value.

The GTA is one of Canada’s most active housing markets and year-over-year, the average selling price of real estate increases. In November 2021, the Toronto Real Estate Board reported that the average selling price for all home types combined was $1.1 million – up by 21.7% compared to November 2020. The condominium and townhome segments had a lower average price point, but still experienced acceleration in price growth, according to the report. https://trreb.ca/index.php/market-news/market-watch ]

Real estate offers a lucrative, predictable and safe place to invest your money.

In Canada, investing in real estate is one of the safest options for those looking to increase their net worth. Investments can range from land to residential to commercial properties and there are plenty of options that result in lucrative, predictable and safe outcomes. The real estate market is robust across Canada and in places like the GTA, homes are seeing appreciation in value on a month-to-month basis.

According to an article in Canadian Real Estate Wealth magazine, even if you plan on living in your investment and making it your principal residence, your property will increase in value over time and you’ll get a decent return on your investment – especially if you undertake projects that help increase value like finishing a basement or renovating and updating your kitchen. These updates can be helpful if you’re looking for an investment that will expand your portfolio and net worth, while also helping others by providing options in Canada’s competitive rental market. With a selection of real estate options here, these opportunities present a safe, predictable and lucrative places to invest.

You can take control of your investment.

There are many ways you can control a real estate investment. Finding the right location, where property is undervalued and has potential to appreciate is one lever you can pull. Another one is finding a property with low taxes and you can also engage financial experts to help you access a lower interest rate to keep your costs low and your return-on-investment high.

With real estate, you can sell and realize your returns. The best way to gauge what your property could be worth is to watch what else sells in the neighbourhood. Keeping track of comparable real estate will help you keep control of your investment and help you make an informed decision about buying and selling.

It thrives with a booming economy.

Real estate in a booming economy like Canada’s is a sure bet. A smart investment begins with research and when deciding to buy a residential property, it’s important to decide what type of home you are looking for and where you want to invest. Some questions to consider are: who will be living here; what do you want in a community; will someone else live here and what would attract them to the area.

Across the GTA, there are many choices. From condominium suites to townhomes to semis, to single family homes and luxury estates, you can find it all. If you are interested in new construction homes, your investment will begin to appreciate right away. In most communities, the lowest price you will find for real estate is in the pre-construction segment.

Your investment supports the community.

Canada is growing and the major metropolitan areas, like Toronto, are challenged to keep up with the demand. While the market is thriving and abundant with options, you can purchase property at a good price. Consider buying a property in areas that are undervalued as their prices will be lower and the rate of growth will be higher.

Investing in areas where there may be fewer amenities is an investment in the community. As more people come to the area, more amenities like shops, restaurants, recreation centres and parks will follow. Buying in these areas also boost the economy and help smaller neighbourhoods grow into vibrant centres.

In the case of new construction and investing in a new community, your investment supports the growth goals set out by local government. They plan for people and homes. Investing in a new construction home will get that community built faster, along with a variety of planned amenities nearby. This also helps the surrounding communities and brings more businesses, services and amenities to serve the larger population.

Investing in the Future

Investing in the real estate market can be an exciting decision and it’s one to do with a team of experts who can advise you and provide the most up-to-date information to help you make the best decision for your situation.

Seeking help from a professional in the real estate market and a financial expert can set you up for success. Doing your research on the type of property that would make for a smart investment and the right location for your goals is also important.

There are many advantages and benefits to investing in real estate in Canada, and in the GTA, there is an abundance of choice. Understanding the market and investing in your future supports the community’s growth while generating returns for years to come.

Many of us have been working from home for a while now and there’s never been a better time to turn that office space into a cozy winter escape. As the weather turns colder and the snow falls outside, you might be staying inside more. With just a few small changes, you can make a big difference. Here are some helpful tips that will help you brighten up your space while enhancing the warmth and comfort of your home office:

Layer Some Cozy Textures

The quickest and easiest way to refresh your workspace for the chilly season is to bring in some soft, fluffy textiles to warm up the room. Layer a faux-fur fabric over your desk chair, add a shag rug under your desk to warm up those toes or lean a rustic ladder against the wall and place a few throw blankets over the rungs – decorative and practical!

Change Up Your Zoom Background

We know you can digitally switch up your background, but what if you didn’t need to? What about changing something on the wall behind you? Find a big, bright piece of art – maybe you have one somewhere else in your home – and hang it behind your seat. Consider floating shelves, where you can lean framed photos and place small plants to add depth and interest. An ornate feature wall will put a smile on your face when you walk into your home office and delight your meeting mates too!

Room with a View

Whether you’re just moving into a new home or you’ve been in your house for a while, the space you choose for a home office should be one with a lot of natural light. If you’re thinking about where to place your desk, directly under a window is always a good choice. What’s stopping you from moving the furniture around if you’ve been in your home office for a few months already? Switch it up so that you make the most of the view from your desk.

Good Lighting is Key

You don’t need an expensive ring light, you just need some natural light and a few different types of lighting in your office. Consider a stylish desk lamp, a soft light or two in the corners and a beautiful light fixture above. Maximizing light from multiple sources will brighten up your space and your day!

Get a Little Greener

Bring some green into the room with some potted or hanging plants and fresh cut flowers. With some nature around you, your office space will be more colourful, fresh-smelling and inspirational. If you’re not a green thumb – just grab a few artificial plants for the added dash of vibrancy to your space, we won’t tell!

Try a New Window Treatment

The way you treat the window in your home office can go a long way in keeping you warm and cozy in the winter. Window treatments can help the room retain heat, especially if you close the curtains when the sun goes down and we recommend a neutral or sheer window treatment that lets in natural light during the day.

Design an Art Gallery Wall

A gallery wall can really brighten up your office. By displaying your own or your kids’ artwork, you can add a splash of colour and you don’t even have to spend a lot. Grab 4-10 picture frames, depending on your wall space. For a more refined look, find a few sizes of frames in the same finish. For a more eclectic look, use different shapes and colours of frames.

Accessorise with an Electric Fireplace

Adding an electric fireplace to your space has become easier as the size and style of this accessory now varies widely. From small free-standing ones, to one encased in a sideboard with shelving on either side, to corner units, you can find the perfect one to warm up your home office.

Cozy Socks or an Area Rug

Bring comfort and warmth underfoot on chilly days with an area rug that is just a little larger than the size of your desk. For a modern and trendy look, try a bright colour or print. For a classic and elegant look, go with a solid neutral shade. If you prefer a woven rug over a shag, you can always wear a pair of cozy socks to keep your toes toasty.

Fresh Coat of Paint

There’s nothing like freshening up a room with a fresh coat of paint. Who says you have to do it in the spring? Paint colour can make a small space appear even smaller, so for a cozy home office that you want to feel spacious, select a soft colour palette with subtle shades to keep it feeling open and light with a touch of warmth.

Colourful Sofa or Armchair

If you have the space, why not add a comfortable sofa or armchair to your office space? Choose a bold colour, if you dare. It will be the perfect spot to step away from your desk, take a call or catch up on your reading.

Bring Your Own Sunshine

The perfect gift to yourself and your home office is a sun lamp. They don’t take up a lot of room and can help on those dark, dreary winter days when the sun just won’t shine, a sun lamp can help your body make vitamin D and improve your mood.

Fill a Bookshelf

From a small shelf to built-ins along the wall, filling a bookshelf in your home office can make it instantly cozier. By adding some personal touches to the shelves, such as a small plant or a framed inspirational quote, you can create a beautiful library display.

Making Small or Large Design Decisions

With just a few changes, you can make your home office a cozy winter escape. Whether you make small or large design decisions, the impact will be significant in the way your home office can really work for you during the winter – and by making your space warmer and cozier, it will feel like you have your own personal winter escape right in your own home.