in si de ha lto n. co m O ak vi lle B ea ve r | T hu rs da y, S ep te m be r 20 ,2 01 8 | 26 Cosy up to cost-saving home upgrades Keep your home comfortable and cosy this winter with the Home Reno Rebate. You can get up to $5,000 back from Union Gas in partnership with the Government of Ontario. Get up to $5,000 back for your home renos How can I get started? Call a certified energy advisor in your area before starting renovations. Visit uniongas.com/homerenoprogram to find one near you. Complete at least two eligible renovations. Get a post-renovation energy assessment. Visit uniongas.com/homerenoprogram to contact a local energy advisor. Limited time offer. Program enrollment and rebate payment subject to availability of funds. Some conditions apply. Please go to uniongas.com/homerenoprogram for complete terms and conditions. This program is delivered by Union Gas in partnership with the Government of Ontario. Non-Union Gas customers, as well as homeowners who heat their homewith oil, propane or wood, must complete their pre-renovation energy assessment by October 31, 2018 to participate in the program.© Union Gas Limited 09/2018 Advertorial Craving a major makeover but need to keep it affordable? These clever design ideas will help you create a new look in any space for an updated aesthetic that doesn't break the bank. Focus on shapes, not fabric Many of us fall in love with a luxu- rious texture or pretty pattern and commit to a big-ticket item because of it. But if you look at the shape of furniture first, you can concentrate on the overall silhouette and struc- ture of the piece and can easily reupholster it with the exact fabric you want. Elevate your artwork Art doesn't need to be fancy or expensive to look amazing. Simply get creative and don't be afraid to experiment with your own photogra- phy or DIY projects you can find on- line, like printable prints or pressed flowers and greenery. A thick, white matte and sharp black frame can make any piece look gallery-ready. Mix high and low As with your wardrobe, you need to be strategic about purchasing quality investment pieces that you can then accessorize with trendier items. In your home, this might mean splurging on a good couch you can comfortably sit in for hours and quality window treatments that are high in performance and dura- bility. Mix it up with more budget- friendly décor -- like throws, vas- es and candles -- that you switch up seasonally or when the mood strikes. Customize with trim Personalize everyday items with attention to details, like the trim. Whether it's painting your base- boards in a crisp white or adding trim to a lampshade or pillow cover, these small projects upgrade ordi- nary pieces and are stylish finish- ing touches that complete a space. Transform your lighting Natural light makes any space appear larger, brighter and more inviting. At the same time, you also want to be able to shut out glare for a good night's sleep or to watch a movie on your home en- tertainment system. For this flex- ibly and control, consider Hunter Douglas' Vignette Duolite Roman shades. Their revolutionary design combines a light-filtering or sheer front shade with a room-darken- ing back panel that both roll on a single roller so you can achieve the perfect ambiance and set the mood day or night. (NC) Big design ideas with a small budget