Elizabeth LaPointe - Royal LePage Realtor

05/14/2026

05/14/2026

Curb appeal. A wreath and spring flowers?!

05/14/2026

What makes a home welcoming? Curb appeal is so important. Let’s share your favourite ideas. Here’s mine. A bright wreath and spring blooms.

05/09/2026

Summer Fun in Your Neighbourhood

Starry nights and fresh air make summer the perfect time for parties. From a friendly neighbourhood gathering to an afternoon pool party, here are five themed ideas to get you started.
Movie Night Under the Stars: All you need for a night with your favorite Hollywood stars in your backyard is an inflatable screen and projector, a cozy area for seating and, of course, popcorn.

Neighbourhood Block Party: Invite the neighbours to bring a chair and a potluck dish to share for a summertime gathering on the street. Plan games for the kids and invite your local fire or police department — just don’t forget to apply for a permit to set up roadblocks.

Elegant Garden Party: A traditional garden party will give your backyard an air of sophistication. Serve your guests an assortment of appetizers and finger foods on crisp white linens with extravagant centrepieces.

Old-Fashioned Campout: Set up a tent, bring out sleeping bags, lawn chairs and a firepit, and you’re well on your way to late-night marshmallow roasting in your own backyard.

Backyard Pool Party: Make a splash with your next pool party by designing your games, food and decorations around a theme. Ask guests to come in costume and be ready with swimming pool games for kids, like sponge tag or noodle jousting.

05/04/2026

Spruce Up Your Yard With a Water Feature

Water features create movement and generate calming sounds. If you’re unsure about what kind of water feature fits your style (and your home’s landscaping needs), here are some options to consider.
Water Wall
A water wall can be an alluring focal point either indoors and outdoors. These structures can be almost any size — and you could even integrate one into a shower, pool or spa area.

Pond
You can add a pond deep in a lush garden or build one to serve as the main visual interest at the entrance of your home. Ponds can be home to koi fish and plants like water lilies, cattails and irises.

Waterfall
A waterfall set over carefully placed rocks or near an outdoor entertaining area can be a great way to add drama to your landscaping. And, in addition to their beauty, waterfalls create calming soundscapes.

Rill
Water rills are shallow channels that flow throughout gardens and green areas. You could choose to have them meet at a pond or fountain, too.

Birdbath
Birdbaths can be a smart and low-maintenance choice. Placing one near a bay window or porch may provide great entertainment as the birdbath draws in a wide array of local wildlife.

05/04/2026

Spruce Up Your Yard With a Water Feature

Water features create movement and generate calming sounds. If you’re unsure about what kind of water feature fits your style (and your home’s landscaping needs), here are some options to consider.
Water Wall
A water wall can be an alluring focal point either indoors and outdoors. These structures can be almost any size — and you could even integrate one into a shower, pool or spa area.

Pond
You can add a pond deep in a lush garden or build one to serve as the main visual interest at the entrance of your home. Ponds can be home to koi fish and plants like water lilies, cattails and irises.

Waterfall
A waterfall set over carefully placed rocks or near an outdoor entertaining area can be a great way to add drama to your landscaping. And, in addition to their beauty, waterfalls create calming soundscapes.

Rill
Water rills are shallow channels that flow throughout gardens and green areas. You could choose to have them meet at a pond or fountain, too.

Birdbath
Birdbaths can be a smart and low-maintenance choice. Placing one near a bay window or porch may provide great entertainment as the birdbath draws in a wide array of local wildlife.

05/01/2026

Enjoy Your Outdoor Space This Summer

Stay cool and comfortable spending time outside with friends and family by adding shade to your yard or patio with these ideas.
Overhead Patio Coverings
One popular way to create shade is to string up outdoor fabric and make a retractable awning or canopy. Shade sails are another versatile and inexpensive way to diffuse the sun’s rays. If your outdoor space lacks the columns or posts to attach fabric, a large area umbrella is always an option.

A Natural Solution
Potted citrus trees can be moved around as the sun shifts to naturally block it. Wood structures such as a trellis or pergola also make a beautiful statement while creating shady areas. Both are designed to support climbing plants like ivy, morning glory, clematis and bougainvillea.

Surrounded by Shade
For a more closed-in arrangement, try canvas curtains, bamboo blinds or solar shades. Each is adjustable, making it a breeze to raise them up or down (or to the side), depending on the sun’s position and your desired level of coverage.

Whether you’re looking to dine alfresco, relax outside with a good book or visit with friends and family, a covered patio is an ideal spot. Just remember: Before you put up any structures, review your homeowners association or rental agreement, as some options may require permission.

04/15/2026

Find the Right Neighbourhood

If the area doesn’t meet your needs, even the perfect home may fall short. Your neighbourhood affects daily routines and long-term plans, so consider a few key factors to make sure it’s the right fit for your lifestyle and household.
Cost of Living

Are the property taxes and HOA fees trending upward? Are there mostly trendy boutiques and high-end businesses in the area, or does it have a good mix of local and national retailers? Planned commercial development could affect the long-term affordability of the area. However, having more access to retailers and entertainment could enhance your lifestyle.

Commutes and Social Life

How close do you want to be to the friends and family you visit the most? How far are you willing to drive to get to the restaurants, parks, or stores that you frequent? It’s understandable to put your work commute first, but don’t forget the other places you visit regularly.

Long-Term Goals

How does the community fit into your future goals? Are there good schools, parks or sports leagues for your family? A thriving community adds to your quality of life, and it’s a good sign for future home values.

Want to try before you buy? Where possible, consider renting a unit in the area for a few days through a short-term rental site. Experiencing the neighbourhood like a resident can help you to decide if it fits your current and future needs.

Not sure about which neighbourhood would work best for you and your family? Give me a call Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657 and we can explore your options.

04/06/2026

Update an Aging Home

Tired of your home looking off-trend and out of touch? Investing in an older home and want to bring it up to speed? Whether your space feels dated or you simply want to refresh its style, you don’t need deep pockets to do either. Make a big impact without spending a lot of money with these updates.
Repaint. Paint trends come and go, so consider giving the walls a facelift with a more modern tone.
Change light fixtures. It’s time to retire out-of-style light fixtures and replace them with pendant lighting or another popular look.
Update your hardware. You’d be surprised at how easily doorknobs, handles and drawer pulls can start to look aged.
Install a kickplate. If you want to boost your curb appeal but can’t afford a new door, consider installing a kickplate for an instant, affordable way to add visual interest.
These upgrades may seem minor, but when done properly, they can have a serious impact on your home’s aesthetic.
Thinking of selling? Give me a call and we can explore what will give your house the best impact. Elizabeth LaPointe 416-710-2657

01/03/2026

Interior Design Trends Making a Buzz in 2026



Tired of looking at the same old walls? Maybe your home could use a little makeover. If you are considering giving your home a makeover this year, there are a variety of interesting interior design trends making an impact in 2026 that you could try, such as:
Sustainable, eco-friendly materials, like stone, reclaimed wood, recycled glass, and upcycled items such as vintage furniture.
Warm and earthy colour palettes such as off-whites, eucalyptus green, oiled bronze, terracotta, and soft blues are in vogue. They offer a sense of tranquility and timeless sophistication.
Nature-inspired design, like botanical motifs, houseplants, living walls, and maximization of natural light, which help evoke a calm and organic ambience.
Handcrafted, artisanal, bold pieces. There’s a renewed appreciation for nostalgia and character of carefully curated handmade items, found treasures, and antiques.
Statement lighting fixtures for their visual interest and focal point qualities.
Functionality for work-life balance, such as with flexible room dividers, convertible furniture, and integrated storage solutions, are increasingly valued for supporting adaptable, harmonious living environments.
Smart technology integration, such as with thermostats, lighting systems, and appliances with smart features. If you are in a condo, you may need to check building compatibility and get condo board approval for some smart home technology.
In essence, this year’s trends are all about leaning into comfort, connection, and charm — perfect for transforming a home into a true haven that reflects both style and substance.
Don’t know where to start? Give me a call and we can explore your options. Elizabeth LaPointe. 416-710-2657