Smart home technologies provide a quick and simple solution for a range of tasks. But is this trade-off for a snap-of-the-fingers convenience creating a strain elsewhere?

Security vulnerabilities within some devices, or at least the way in which they are set up, may be keeping the door ajar, allowing access for cyber criminals.

Seven years ago, Vancouver-based interior designer Jamie Banfield wasn't really thinking about buying a new home. That all changed, however, when he and his partner were introduced to a two-bedroom-plus-den apartment for sale in South Surrey that they couldn't pass up.

There is one thing we often do by accident with houseplants in winter, and in my sister's case, it resulted in plant death when she tossed her plant out into the snow last week.

Overwatering kills houseplants.

Most of us remember mom reminding us to turn off the lights when we left the room or to make sure the door was shut properly when we came in from the cold. It turns out she was right.

With just a 10 degree drop below zero, a typical Albertan household could see their electricity consumption go up by about eight per cent and natural gas consumption go up by about 40 per cent.

As winter sets in, why not enjoy the cozy warmth of cooking with gas?

Whether it's creating a gorgeous new kitchen, rejigging a floor plan or creating a home from scratch, Vancouver-based interior designer Jamie Banfield is all about getting to know what makes his clients tick and translating that into a tangible design.

The most exciting January event for me is not the most obvious.

The thing that thrills me each and every new year is when my old-school seed catalogues start arriving in the mail. I read them in the car as we travel or by the fire as we visit. I lay them out side by side with friends and compare listings. I highlight, circle and make notes as I go. Seeds bring the promise of flowers and food in the future, and the catalogues are the vehicle that delivers that promise.

When it comes to fire safety in the home, properly functioning smoke and carbon monoxide (CO) alarms are the best early-warning systems.

According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFRA), 60 per cent of fire deaths at home occur in structures with no working smoke alarms or no smoke alarms altogether.

If you are a Calgary gardener looking to find a better place to grow in the city, take a closer look at properties in the southeast.

Bathrooms have obvious practical uses, but for many people, they are also a place for relaxation and rejuvenation.

This need for both style and function is why a complete bathroom remodel is a popular renovation, especially for ensuite baths.