With the coronavirus situation, many of us have been spending much more time in our homes. Whether you’ve chosen to fill this time with baking bread, taking up a hobby, or even powering through Netflix, it’s likely that you’ve noticed a few opportunities for improvement around the house. Although large-scale renovations might be off the table in the short-term, there are many small projects that can make big differences. To help you with these projects, Elle Cherie remains open for business and has many safe, remotely based options to provide.
CREATE SMALL PROJECTS
Based on budget, skill level and the amount of time and effort you’d like to devote to your project, we can create a plan of action to transform your home into a place you’ll want to spend time in – even when social distancing finally comes to an end. In the meantime, here are some ideas to get you started, as well as a list of applicable companies that are still open for business.
The entire look of a room can be transformed with a new coat of paint. Depending on the type of paint you select, there may be no need for a primer coat, which makes the job easier than you’d expect! Experimenting with stencils or wallpaper can create a stunning feature wall and can also be a fun project for the whole family to work on together.
You don’t have to stop at walls – cabinets and drawers can also be painted to update the kitchen or bathroom. To match the new coat of paint, new hardware for cabinets and drawers can easily be added. Small decorative items and home accents, such as art, candles or mirrors can enhance the style and personality of a room. Beautiful and functional, essential oil diffusers such as those sold at Saje purify the air and fill the room with natural scents.
New furniture can have a big impact as well, but keep in mind that most companies are only offering curbside pick-up or are delivering only to your door, so make sure you have a plan to get the furniture into your home and, if applicable, to assemble it.
For others, it’s less about the style and more about the functionality of a room. In this case, installing closet organizers or pantry shelves, or incorporating other storage options, will be helpful in making your space work. Taking time to decide what you’ll be storing, what you need to access regularly, and where items would be most conveniently located is important in the design process.
If you’re feeling confident, now might be the time to change the backsplash in the kitchen, re-tile the shower, or install crown moulding in a room. For projects such as these, make sure you inquire about tool rentals if necessary, as several hardware stores have a waitlist due to higher than normal demand.
Even if you don’t want to embark on a redesign on your own, now is a great time to get started on a renovation project – measurements and details can be gathered remotely. Having extra time to contemplate design options can lead to inspiration and when distancing measures are relaxed, you’ll be first in line and all set to have your home transformed. Also, if your home is currently vacant, several redesign and renovation options are still available, with the consultations taking place online, and contractors being scheduled in different time slots.
To help you get started on your project, we put together a list of Calgary companies that remain open and have options for delivery or curb-side pick-up. Many have added online tutorials and resources to assist with DIY projects.
WHERE TO GET SUPPLIES
To help you get started on your project, we put together a list of Calgary companies that remain open and have options for delivery or curb-side pick-up. Many have added online tutorials and resources to assist with DIY projects.
PAINT, MURALS AND WALLPAPER
Benjamin Moore – benjaminmoore.com
Sherwin-Williams – sherwin-williams.ca
Walls Alive – wallsalive.com
Anewall – anewall.com
HOME DÉCOR AND ACCESSORIES
Outside the Shape – outsidetheshape.com
Guildhall – guildhallhome.com
Dept – thedept.ca
Sage – saje.com
FURNITURE AND DÉCOR
Crate & Barrel, Urban Barn, Structube, Pottery Barn, West Elm and Ikea.
Some of these stores have a long wait time for deliveries, so make sure to inquire ahead of time.
HARDWARE STORES
Home Depot, Canadian Tire, Rona, Lowes.
Besides offering delivery and curb-side pick-up, most home hardware stores are still open to customers, but may have line-ups due to social distancing protocols.