Historic Magrath Mansion Open House
There are so many events going on over the next few weeks that celebrate our country’s 150th birthday that it’s very hard to fit even a small number of them […]
Why the Huge Difference in Values between Two Teacups?
A reader recently contacted me with a photograph of a gorgeous tea cup that she owns. (Unfortunately I did not save her photo because I hadn’t planned on writing a […]
Arts and Crafts Furniture- A Great Compromise
There are many reasons for partners, married or not, to disagree, but what kind of furniture to have in one’s home doesn’t have to be one of them. Since I […]
To Restore or Renovate – That is the question
Why did you choose to live in your current home? What was there about the house that made you realize that this was the right place for you? Beyond its […]
Furniture Grime versus Patina
What exactly is patina? This is a question I get asked fairly often when I do talks about antiques. I have to answer honestly and tell the person that patina […]
5 Steps to Cleaning Grimy Antique Furniture
Years ago a client of mine purchased a dining room suite at an auction. It had seen better days to be sure and she was understandably concerned about the high […]
10 Things You Should Know about Selling your Antiques on Consignment
There comes a time in every one’s life that it is necessary to sell belongings – your own or someone else’s. Garage sales are one way but what if your […]
The Parlour
The Evolution of a Room Is the parlour just another Victorian room that is totally irrelevant to today’s homes? To understand how this room evolved into today’s living room and […]
Antique Expert #6 – What is it?
Antique Expert Tip #6: Do you know what a prie-dieu is? Or a barley twist? Read and find out.
Antique Expert Tip #5 – What is it?
Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to go into an antique shop or antique mall, peruse the objects the dealers have for sale, and not have to wonder about where they come from, how old are they, or how were they used?
Small is Big Business
I have always been fascinated by miniatures. They have always appealed to the kid in me, but of course, being me, the miniatures needed to be or look antique. Make no mistake, however – collecting these small objects is big business.
What’s It Worth Today?
We are living through strange times and there is nothing about the worldwide present situation that hasn’t been said before or better by someone else so let me stick to […]
New Old House
It’s not often that I talk about design projects I have worked on, but now with more time on my hands, I decided I might just share a few images with you.
Recent Treasures Found
Just before Covid 19 hit and pretty much closed anything to do with antiques that wasn’t online, I had the opportunity to view several antiques at a 1906 farmhouse just out of town.
A Cuban Cutie
It’s interesting to me how a small group of people can be on the same trip and have markedly different takes on their experiences. This is even if they all […]
An Authentic Beauty
There are many lovely and historic homes in the Highlands neighbourhood of Edmonton. Although this home, locally known as the Holgate House after its original owner and co-developer of the […]
Season’s Greetings
Wishing You all a wonderful holiday season and I hope that 2020 brings you good health, success, and the opportunity for new experiences – even it someone has to talk […]
Memories of a French Canadian Christmas
I was writing a short note in a Christmas card I was sending to an elderly aunt who is not computer-literate and had to look up the word “reveillon” to […]
