Real estate experts have long touted the importance of properly staging a property to look its best when selling, and now a high-tech option has joined the ranks of traditional home stagers.

Despite the gradual reopening of businesses and other public spaces as part of Alberta's relaunch strategy, COVID-19 still loom large in our daily lives several months into the pandemic. As a result, the humble backyard might be where many Calgarians spend much of their time outdoors this summer – whether they're seeking sanctuary or a place for small, physically distanced gatherings with friends and family.

So, there's no time like the present to make the most of that space. Here are six easy ways to spruce up your yard and create the outdoor oasis you've always wanted.

For many people, carpeted bathrooms inspire a lot of disdain, as well as a visceral feeling that something is terribly wrong. Modern-day defenders of this peculiar design choice do exist, but they appear to be vastly outnumbered.

To get to the bottom of things, it's worth exploring how carpeted bathrooms originated, their scarce charms and numerous drawbacks, and what you can do if you're stuck with one in your home.

After an unusual spring spent mostly cooped up inside, summer's onset promises brighter days.

Summer is also a great time to notice the areas around the home that are especially in need of a refresh. This is where Alykhan Velji, principal at Alykhan Velji Designs, is focused for summer 2020.

For many residents of apartment-style condo buildings, a balcony offers a small, private slice of the outdoors – a place to kick back with a book, sip your morning coffee, catch a few rays, or enjoy an al fresco meal or cocktail.

In recent months, the widespread adoption of social distancing and self-isolation to combat COVID-19 has highlighted the importance of private outdoor spaces. For those who have them, balconies and backyards provide a crucial refuge – a safe space to get some fresh air while avoiding contact with other people.

If your go-to excuse for postponing all the do-it-yourself projects you've been meaning to tackle is "I'm never home," you might be changing your tune these days. Have some extra time on your hands and feel like putting it to good use? Then some minor renovating, rearranging or reorganizing could be just the ticket.

How many times has a potential homebuyer driven up to a home, looked at the yard and the building's exterior, and driven away without even getting out of their car? Too many, unfortunately.

As the old saying goes, you only have one chance to make a first impression, and curb appeal is one of the most important factors involved in selling your home. After all, the exterior is often a reflection of what's going on inside the home, so a tidy, attractive yard – both front and back – is a must.

One of Canada's most well-known and down-to-earth construction and renovation gurus, HGTV Canada's Bryan Baeumler has some savvy advice for anyone tackling a home renovation project this spring.