2018
You know him from HGTV’s Love It or List It, Vancouver – but what you might not know is he lives in a 1,200 square foot home. We were lucky to have the chance to chat with Todd Talbot about an exciting new concept that he calls ‘right sizing.’
The idea is that you really think about what you absolutely need in a home, and find a home that fits just that. Todd thinks the idea of a ‘dream home’ only makes people think it’s something they should have, and creates a constant yearning for the next best thing. Right sizing gives you an opportunity to be content and happy with exactly what you already have. The trick is figuring out your lifestyle first and finding a home to match that, not the other way around.
Moving from a home that was 3,000 square feet to a home that is 1,200 square feet brought Todd’s family closer than ever. His two children share a bedroom and bond over their shared space. Without a dedicated play room, the kids play with their toys in the same room as their parents. Homework is done in the kitchen while dinner is being prepared. All of these changes create something we all long for – much more quality time spent with our family.
Being as busy as he is, you would think Todd has an extravagant office with tons of storage and a huge desk. He did in his old home – and never used it! He found himself working in his bed more than anything, again coming back to wanting to be around his family. Now, his bedside table functions as a desk as well, so he can work from his bed without feeling guilt for not using his office.
Dual functioning furniture is a major part of right sizing. His bed folds up to reveal storage underneath, the bench at the kitchen table also has storage, and underneath the stairs functions as a reading nook for the kids as well. They can only keep things that fit in their home – there is no opportunity for clutter to amass, and his children have learned to reduce, reuse, and recycle. For toys, it is a matter of cycling through a few of the kids favorites. This way, they actually play with what they have!
There are so many spaces in our homes that rarely get used and are mainly just to show visitors when they come over. Eliminating these spaces creates a home we will actually use every inch of, and also leaves room in the budget to spend more on finishes. Flooring and tile is something that can get expensive quickly in a large home. With less square footage, you are able to choose top of the line products that you love. Less cleaning also means more time left over to spend time with your family, which is ultimately what we all want at the end of the day.
Catch Todd at the Edmonton Fall Home Show, October 26th to 28th at the Edmonton Expo Center.
What better way to celebrate a birthday party than in your very own teepee?! Kristin (@itsaboserlife) built these all on her own for her daughter’s birthday, and is here to walk you through the process! Also, how amazing is the decor courtesy of Rhonda of @simplygreenstyle ?!
First, the tools and supplies you will need:
4 – 2×4 Wood (4-5 feet long, depending how tall you want your teepee)
1 – Dowel (1/2 inch in diameter and 4-5 feet long, depending how long you want your teepee)
2 – Wood Screws
1 – Shower Curtain
1 – Staple Gun
1 – Drill
We were so excited to be involved in the Rainmaker Rodeo Parade this year, and the day turned out amazing! Tons of people came out, and the weather was beautiful this year! Did you get a chance to check it out? What was your favorite float? We may be biased – but we think ours takes the cake! Take a look at some photos from the day!
With spring underway, construction is in full force in our new neighborhoods! Curious what it would be like living on these streets? Take a look!
Last chance for Lacombe Park Estates! If you’re looking to live in an area surrounded by natural beauty, look no further. There are many lot options here and include walk outs, lots backing onto trees, options for 3 car garage, and green space abound! Here is where we are at the moment…. Visit the community page for more information!
Calling all beach lovers! Now is your chance to live in St. Albert’s first beach community. Exclusive access to the lake, a beach club, endless trails, entertainment + shopping are all within walking distance when you live here. Take full advantage of the gorgeous summers (and winter’s too!) with a neighborhood suited for an outdoor lifestyle. Walkout lots backing a pond + lots backing a park are among the options here for single family homes. Things are coming along nicely! For more information, visit the community page.
I feel like I spend the most money on decor in my living room – does anyone else feel the same?! It is largely used for entertaining, so naturally we want it to look beautifully put together! However, you can do that on a budget. Here are some fabulous picks!
What are your thoughts on these picks? Are there any that you would add? Let us know!
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