THE STORY YOUR HOME TELLS
Your home is more than just walls and a roof — it’s a living scrapbook of your life. Every piece of furniture, every framed photo, and even the wear-and-tear of daily life tells a story about you and the people who have shared your space.
THE SENTIMENTAL SIDE OF HOME
Look around — do you have a favourite chair that’s been with you for years? A handmade pottery dish from a vacation? Homes reflect the experiences and milestones of the people who inhabit them.Rather than aiming for perfection, embrace the marks of life including scuffed floors from playing with kids, bookshelves overflowing with well-loved novels, or the backyard tree where every summer barbecue took place.CREATIVE WAYS TO SHOWCASE YOUR STORY – WANT TO MAKE YOUR HOME’S PERSONALITY SHINE? THE MORE YOUR HOME REFLECTS YOUR JOURNEY, THE MORE IT FEELS TRULY YOURS.
Try:- MEMORY WALLS: Create a photo collage of places you’ve lived, travels, or family portraits.
- UPCYCLED HEIRLOOMS: Refurbish inherited furniture to merge old and new generations.
- STORYTELLING DÉCOR: Every object should have meaning — whether it’s a vintage record player passed down or a bookshelf filled with stories that shaped you.
WHY CERTAIN SPACES FEEL LIKE HOME: THE PSYCHOLOGY OF COMFORT
Why do certain homes feel warm and inviting while others feel cold and unfamiliar? There’s more to it than décor — science plays a role in how we experience “home.”THE INFLUENCE OF COLOURS, TEXTURES & LIGHTING
- COLOURS: Warm tones (like beige, soft reds, and deep greens) create comfort. Cooler tones (gray, stark white, metallics) can feel formal and distant.
- TEXTURES: Cozy materials — like woven blankets, wooden furniture, or soft rugs — make spaces feel lived-in. Sterile spaces with too much glass or sharp angles often feel unwelcoming.
- LIGHTING: Natural sunlight boosts mood. Soft, dim lighting in the evenings mimics candlelight, making a space instantly more relaxing.
GENERATIONAL SHIFTS IN "HOME" PREFERENCES: THE IDEA OF HOME CHANGES WITH TIME.
While older generations favoured enclosed rooms, modern buyers prefer open-concept living.Minimalist designs are rising in popularity, but nostalgia-driven interiors — like vintage wallpapers and rustic kitchens — are making a comeback.What makes a space feel homey ultimately depends on the emotional connection between people and their environment.JUNE HOUSING MARKET SHOWS SIGNS OF STABILITY
Despite ongoing uncertainty with U.S. tariffs and the global geopolitical climate, the local housing market continued its
steady streak in June, with 745 homes exchanging hands via the MLS® System of the
London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). Housing supply showed signs of stabilization, with almost four and a half months of inventory last month, unchanged from the inventory recorded in May.“We continue to see the trend of more new listings coming on the market, which helps explain the healthy level of housing stock across our region,” said Dale Marsh, 2025
LSTAR Chair. “In June, there were 1,814 new listings, up 10.5% compared to the same month a year ago, with an overall sales-to-new listing ratio of 41.1%. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), a ratio between 40% and 60% is generally consistent with a balanced market.”WANT TO KNOW HOW JUNE’S MARKET AFFECTS YOUR NEXT MOVE? I’M JUST A MESSAGE AWAY.
Source:www.lstar.ca/story/june-housing-market-shows-signs-stability– July 3, 2025 London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS®
Your home’s story doesn’t end at the back door.
In the summer months, our outdoor spaces become an extension of our living areas — and a perfect canvas to showcase who we are. Whether it's a cozy porch swing where you sip your morning coffee or a rustic bench nestled in your garden, these moments of outdoor living help write the chapters of summer memories.Just like the rooms inside your home, your backyard or porch can reflect your personality, history, and creativity. The key? Adding small, meaningful touches that tell a story and invite relaxation.CREATE A STORY STONES GARDEN PATHWAY
• Collect smooth stones from your yard or a local garden centre.
• Using acrylic paint or permanent markers, decorate each stone with symbols or words that represent your family - like a heart for love, a sun for warmth, or a cottage for your favourite getaway spot.
• Arrange them in a line leading to your garden, patio, or porch.
• This whimsical path not only adds charm — it starts conversations and helps build traditions. Kids, guests, and grandparents can contribute, adding to your home’s unique outdoor story over time.
BACKYARD BLISS
TELLING YOUR STORY OUTDOORS!
Your home’s story doesn’t end at the back door.In the summer months, our outdoor spaces become an extension of our living areas — and a perfect canvas to showcase who we are. Whether it's a cozy porch swing where you sip your morning coffee or a rustic bench nestled in your garden, these moments of outdoor living help write the chapters of summer memories.Just like the rooms inside your home, your backyard or porch can reflect your personality, history, and creativity. The key? Adding small, meaningful touches that tell a story and invite relaxation.CREATE A STORY STONES GARDEN PATHWAY
• Collect smooth stones from your yard or a local garden centre.
• Using acrylic paint or permanent markers, decorate each stone with symbols or words that represent your family - like a heart for love, a sun for warmth, or a cottage for your favourite getaway spot.
• Arrange them in a line leading to your garden, patio, or porch.
• This whimsical path not only adds charm — it starts conversations and helps build traditions. Kids, guests, and grandparents can contribute, adding to your home’s unique outdoor story over time.
GRILLED PEACH CRISP FOIL PACKS
Prep: 25 Min. Yield: 4 Servings Cal: ≈ 270 Per ServingINGREDIENTS
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- Pinch kosher salt
- 4 ripe peaches
- 4 tablespoons granola
- Four 1/4-cup scoops low-fat vanilla frozen yogurt, optional
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prepare a grill for medium-high heat. Cut four 12-inch square pieces of heavy-duty foil.
- Toss together the sugar, butter and salt in a small bowl.
- Cut the peaches in half and remove the pits. Stuff each half with some of the brown sugar-butter mixture.
- Put two peach halves, stuffed-side down, in the center of each piece of foil. Gather up the sides of the foil and crimp the edges tightly to make 4 purse-shaped packets.
- Put the packets on the grill, close the lid and cook for 15 minutes, changing the position of the packets on the grill about halfway through. (You can remove and open the packets to check their progress at any time. Be careful of the steam.) Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes.
- Carefully open each packet (hot steam will escape) and use a spoon or fork to flip the peach halves over, they should be tender with a caramelized sauce. Top each serving with 1 tablespoon of granola and a scoop of frozen yogurt if desired.
*Not intended to solicit properties currently listed for sale and/or buyers or sellers currently under contract with a brokerage.
*Information provided is for general purposes only. Readers should independently verify tips, advice, or suggestions. Outcomes may vary.
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