Home Connection June 2026


SMART STORAGE SOLUTIONS FOR A MORE ORGANIZED BATHROOM

Bathrooms work hard, from handling morning routines, to evening wind-downs and everything in between. Yet, they’re often the rooms that struggle the most with storage. If your countertop feels crowded or your vanity is overflowing, a few simple organizational upgrades can make a dramatic difference. With the right storage ideas and layout tweaks, you can create a space that feels calm, functional and beautifully put together.

HERE ARE PRACTICAL, DESIGN-FORWARD WAYS TO MAXIMIZE STORAGE IN A SMALL BATHROOM

If you’re planning an update, deep drawers can outperform standard cabinets in almost every way. They pull out fully, making it easier to see what you own and to store items upright instead of piling them. A custom notched top drawer can fit around your sink plumbing, turning awkward space into usable storage for makeup, skincare or grooming tools.

Working with existing cabinetry? Use adhesive hooks or slim organizers on the inside of cabinet doors to hold brushes, hand mirrors, small bottles and other grab-and-go items.

    CHOOSE A MIRROR THAT DOUBLES AS HIDDEN STORAGE

    A medicine-cabinet mirror is one of the easiest ways to add storage without taking up floor space. These mirrors discreetly house everyday essentials, like cotton pads, dental care products, first-aid items and hair accessories, keeping the room looking clean and uncluttered.

    For a more modern feel, consider a frameless design or a mirror with built-in LED lighting.

      PRIORITIZE WHAT YOU ACTUALLY USE

      In a small bathroom, minimizing what you store is just as important as adding new storage. Clear out expired products, relocate bulk cleaning supplies and move large packs of toilet paper to a hallway closet or basement.
      Keep a few spare rolls accessible by placing them in a decorative basket on the toilet tank or a shelf. This frees up valuable under-sink space and gives the room a tidier look.

        MAXIMIZE VERTICAL SPACE AND OVERLOOKED WALLS

        When floor space is limited, think up, not out. Install floating shelves or a compact cabinet above the toilet to house towels, guest toiletries, backup products or items you don’t reach for every day.
        In an unused corner, a ladder shelf or a slim vertical tower creates storage without crowding the room.

          BRING ORDER TO THE INSIDE OF YOUR CABINETS AND DRAWERS

          The secret to long-term organization often happens behind the scenes. Use stackable bins, drawer dividers, pull-out organizers or tiered trays to group similar items and maximize vertical space.
          Clear containers make it easy to see when you’re running low on essentials.

            THESE SIMPLE ADDITIONS CAN MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN A SMALL BATHROOM:

            • Over-the-door organizers for towels, robes or hot tools
            • Shower niches or hanging caddies to keep bottles off ledges
            • Slim rolling carts that tuck into tight gaps between fixtures
            Your bathroom doesn’t need a full renovation to feel refreshed, just thoughtful storage choices, smart organization and a few well-placed design elements.

            HOME SALES INCREASE IN MAY


            Home sales grew steadily month over month with 776 homes changing hands via the Multiple Listing Service® (MLS®) of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). That was up 8.8%, compared to May 2025, and an increase of 138 more units sold over the previous month.“It’s an encouraging sign, as we head into the summer season,” said Robin Tiller, LSTAR’s 2026 Chair. “Since the start of the year, we’ve consistently seen month-over-month gains in sales. Activity is right on par with the last five years.”
            Average sales price took a healthy jump in May. It was $662,292, up from $618,665 in April. The London region saw noticeable month-over-month gains. In London South, the average sales price was $677,226, up from $626,840 the previous month, as well as London East, with an average price of $476,844, up from $450,793 in April.“The sales-to-new listings ratio was 42.8%, up from 36% recorded in April,” Tiller said. “According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 45% and 65% indicates conditions of a balanced market. We also saw inventory levels beginning to stabilize in May, with 4.3 months of inventory, down from 4.5 months of inventory compared to the same time in 2025. That’s down from the 5 months of inventory recorded in April.”Source: https://members.lstar.ca/members/resources/communications/home-sales-increase-may | June 2nd, 2026 – London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®

            SEASONAL GARDEN TIPS FOR HEALTHY GROWTH

            As temperatures rise and gardens move into their peak growing season, a few simple maintenance habits can help plants stay healthy, colourful, and productive. Consistent care now can reduce stress on plants during hot weather and help your outdoor spaces look their best throughout the summer.One of the most effective gardening practices is watering deeply rather than lightly sprinkling the surface. This encourages stronger root systems that are better able to withstand dry conditions. Adding mulch around garden beds can also help conserve moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce the time spent weeding.
            • Water early in the morning to reduce evaporation and allow foliage to dry during the day.
            • Apply 2 to 3 inches of mulch around plants, keeping it away from stems and tree trunks.
            • Remove faded flowers from annuals and perennials to encourage continued blooming.
            • Pull weeds while they are young, before they have a chance to spread seeds throughout the garden.
            A little attention each week can go a long way. Regular watering, deadheading, weeding, and mulching can help create a healthier, more vibrant garden that remains enjoyable well into the season.

            HAM & ASPARAGUS BUNDLES

            YIELDS: 4 SERVINGS
            PREP TIME: 15 MINS
            TOTAL TIME: 30 MINS
            CAL/SERV: 408

            INGREDIENTS

            • 1 lb. asparagus, woody ends removed
            • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
            • Kosher salt
            • Freshly ground black pepper
            • All-purpose flour, for dusting
            • 1 sheet crescent dough
            • 2/3 lb. sliced ham
            • 1/2 cup grated parmesan

            INSTRUCTIONS

            1. Preheat oven to 425° and line a medium baking sheet with parchment paper.
            2. In a large bowl, toss asparagus in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
            3. On a lightly floured surface, roll the crescent dough out to a large rectangle. Square off edges and cut the rectangle into 1/2" thick strips.
            4. Wrap 4 to 5 asparagus in one slice of ham, then wrap from top to bottom in a spiral and place on baking sheet, seam side down. Top each bundle with parmesan.
            5. Bake until crescent is golden and asparagus is tender, 12 to 15 minutes.
            Source/Image: delish – https://tinyurl.com/4wcw9wun