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Stylish Solutions for Those Awkward Spaces in Your Home
Life@Home – April 2021
Every home comes with some awkward spaces – small nooks, tight corners, shallow closets- but that doesn’t mean they cannot be functional. We are sharing our top solutions to transform your “dead zones” into your new favourite spot!
1. Bay Windows
Bay windows are a beautiful addition to any room, but often this bonus space goes unused because of its awkward shape. Instead of installing costly-customized pieces, try adding a small desk or couch. The pop-out area creates the perfect space for a home office or reading nook.
2. Above Kitchen Cabinets
No one can have enough kitchen storage, so why not use the unclaimed space above the cabinets. Show off your stylish dishware, plants, or less-attractive pieces in decorative boxes by placing them on top of your cabinets. This trick is a great storage solution if you are running out of cupboard or countertop space!
3. Narrow Landings
Make the most of your small hallways, entryways, or landings by adding a stylish and functional feature piece. Revamp a cart or side table to fit your space, adding extra storage and flair. Check out these DIY side tables that will fit any style.
4. Under the Stairs
Turn your empty space under your stairs into a reading nook! Add a comfy chair or customized bench to create a hidden reading oasis. Include a bookshelf for easy access to your favourite novels and additional lighting for easy reading. Try this DIY bench for extra storage options!
5. Crammed Spaces
If you are struggling with small, awkward, or limited space in your home, try using the vertical area. Attach floating shelves to display featured pieces or for added storage. Hang mirrors to open up the room and reflect light. Decorate angled walls with your favourite art. And don’t forget about the wall space behind your door – add hooks for jackets, scarves, and other items.
6. Empty Nooks
Whether it is a shallow closet or irregular den, turn this awkward area into a functional home office. Find a desk that fits your space and use the above and side walls for storage, calendars, and motivational art. If a home office is not for you, transform the vacant nook into a bar. Add a stylish bar cart or customize the space with cabinets, floating shelves, and a wine fridge to make this your go-to adult hangout spot.
7. Bare Corners
Corners can be very intimidating to style, but it is time to embrace these deserted edges. Place a statement chair to make the area a feature of the room while being functional. Create a photo collage up the corner walls to add a bold touch. Or use a corner bookshelf as a storage solution while keeping the space open.
8. Remaining Awkward Spaces
We know that every home is created differently, so there are bound to be other awkward spaces that we missed. A turnkey solution for almost any space is to add plants! Plants are a great décor piece as they come in all shapes and sizes and can even hang from walls or ceilings. Plus, studies have shown plants can enhance your mood, reduce stress, and even improve your productivity. If you don’t have a green thumb, consider investing in fake plants – they are guaranteed to last you a lifetime.
Monthly Feature
DIY Project: Style Your Bookcase
Finding the perfect balance between an empty and cluttered shelf can seem like an impossible task. Check out this décor project for the secret formula for creating a flawless bookcase.
Recipe: Vegetarian Enchiladas
Need a vegetarian dish that will also satisfy your meat-loving guests? Try these mouth-watering enchiladas that will quickly become a house-hold favourite.
Image Credits: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6, Image 7, Image 8
CENTURY 21 Advantage Celebrates 110 Years in Real Estate
Owner celebrates anniversary with new office downtown
March 15, 2021— Red Deer – With 110 years in real estate, CENTURY 21 Advantage in Red Deer, Alberta is celebrating its deep roots within the community. Owner Patrick Galesloot hopes to honour the past while growing his company to meet modern needs. “Our goal is to connect with the community in a new way,” he says.
To kick off their 110th year in real estate, CENTURY 21 Advantage moved into a new office space. The locally owned building, Century Centre- formerly the Eaton Centre building- is a heritage building in the heart of downtown Red Deer.
The new space is, in part, to recognize the central role real estate has played in the company’s history. In 1911, local businessman W.J. Botterill opened his first office to take advantage of Central Alberta’s impending real estate boom. With immediate success, Botterill partnered with two associates to form the real estate company Latimer, Botterill, and Hill. The office continued its success and growth throughout the years, changing owners as needed and, in 1976, joined the then young and quickly growing CENTURY 21 brand.
Galesloot has owned the company since 2009, buying the company from his parents, although he’d never imagined following their footsteps into real estate. After graduating university with a Bachelor of Commerce with a specialization in Marketing, Galesloot began his career in the restaurant industry. He realized this work wasn’t his passion, and when his parents suggested real estate, he found his true calling.
In 2002, Galesloot became a licensed REALTOR®, before becoming the owner and broker of record of CENTURY 21 Advantage in 2009. He continuously builds upon the company’s long-founded success by keeping their focus on what they love to do – helping people buy and sell real estate. “Since joining the C21 family it has been nothing short of amazing,” says Patrick.
Their new location in the revitalized downtown area is the newest chapter of the storied business. The vibrant and full of character office will house the 23 commercial and residential agents once COVID safety measures allow.
“When clients come in, we get lots of positive feedback on how the longstanding-building has been maintained,” says Co-Owner De Galesloot. “We take pride in supporting locally sourced, supported and operated businesses to meet all of our business needs. This building and move are exactly what we wanted when we chose a new spot.”
CENTURY 21 Advantage is proud to be locally owned, locally operated and Red Deer-focused and is excited to continue providing the gold standard service for the next 100 years to come.
CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC Tops List of Fastest Growing Franchises
Entrepreneur magazine list ranks brands with greatest growth in past year
March 9, 2021, Vancouver— Entrepreneur magazine has released its annual list of Fastest-Growing Franchises, and CENTURY 21 Real Estate LLC takes the number one spot in the 2021 rankings. The fastest-growing ranking is based on the net total new units worldwide from July 2019 to July 2020. (In previous years, only US and Canadian unit growth was considered—2021 marks the first year that the ranking is based on systemwide growth, in recognition of the increasingly global nature of franchising.)
“This is very exciting news for the company,” says Vice Chairman and CEO of CENTURY 21 Canada Martin Charlwood. “We know this is a great brand to be associated with, and it looks like the rest of the world is seeing the value of the brand as well.”
The success on the global stage is evident in Canada. In 2020, CENTURY 21 Canada had 13 of its existing franchises renew with the company. It also had nine new franchises open its doors, and another two so far in 2021. “We feel we offer the best value for REALTORS®—from technology, to training and culture,” says Executive Vice-President Brian Rushton.
CENTURY 21 has been operating in Canada for 45 years and its franchise owners and Realtors also rank highly in global rankings. In 2020, Mark Li from CENTURY 21 Leading Edge Realty in Toronto was the #1 Producer in the world, and The Goodale Miller Team from CENTURY 21 Miller Real Estate was the number one team. Canada also had seven of the top 21 companies in the world and ten of the top 21 offices.
Charlwood adds, “This past year once again confirmed that owning real estate is very important to Canadians as many people have really assessed their surroundings with purpose, and we are happy to have our Realtors deliver the gold standard to clients from coast to coast.”
New logo and redesign invigorates the brand
The renewed interest in the brand is no surprise to some Canadian network members. Troy Vaillancourt, broker of CENTURY 21 Shield Realty in Cornwall, Ontario, credits the new logo and brand design for modernizing the CENTURY 21 image in consumer’s minds. He had been with another brand for many years when he was approached to be an owner at CENTURY 21 in 2017.
“I originally saw CENTURY 21 as a dated company but liked the legacy it has in Canada and around the world. Once the new brand identity was launched in 2018, I noticed a real shift in the perception of the brand. Now, knowing everything that CENTURY 21 Canada offers to real estate professionals and consumers, it doesn’t surprise me that more people are seeing the value of the company.”
Vaillancourt lives and works in a smaller community and says that he’s certainly seeing how the brand now appeals to a younger demographic. CENTURY 21 has always been part of local communities in Canada, raising more than $11 million for Easter Seals since 1978. “The culture feels like a family business even though we are all independent franchises across the country.”
CENTURY 21 Kingdom Opens in Pickering, Ontario
March 5, 2021, Pickering— Longtime CENTURY 21 Sales Associate Mohammed Ashraf is opening his own franchise in Pickering, Ontario. CENTURY 21 Kingdom is now open on Kingston Road.
Ashraf has been with CENTURY 21 Canada for 18 years—four in Alberta, then fourteen in the Greater Toronto Area. He recently obtained his broker license. Before he was in real estate, Mohammed was in the banking industry.
“I was ready to take the next step in my career,” says Ashraf. “Throughout my life, I’ve developed the skills to manage and inspire others. When you add that to my background in real estate, I know I can be a successful franchise owner.”
Knowing that he wanted to open his own franchise, Ashraf actually left CENTURY 21 two years ago, just to see how other real estate offices and franchises worked. When it was time to open his own, he knew he wanted to return to C21. “What they offer agents and owners is unparalleled. I feel like I’m getting the whole package.”
CENTURY 21 Canada Executive Vice President Brian Rushton is happy to have Mohamed back with the brand. “We love it when our agents stay with us to become franchisees. In this case, Mohamed even looked elsewhere, but realized that we can help him grow better than any other brand.”
Ashraf has ambitious goals and hopes to have 20-25 agents by summer. By the end of the year, he hopes to grow to 40-50 agents. He plans to establish himself in the market by offering great training and an inspiring culture.
How To Make Your Laundry Room More Efficient
March 2021
Do you find you are spending far too much time sorting, washing, and folding laundry? No one wants to be spending their valuable time stuck in their laundry room – no matter how big or small it may be. We are sharing our favourite tips and tricks to make your laundry room more efficient and beautiful, making you look forward to laundry day.
1. Effective & Appealing Storage Solutions
We all know the number of products it takes to get your clothes miraculously clean, but why put these mix-match products on display? Instead hide your cleaning products in matching display boxes, baskets, or crates. For frequently used items, like detergent or dryer sheets, store them in clear jars for a décor piece. Remember to label the boxes and jars for easy access to your needed item!
2. Save Time Sorting
Use labelled baskets to pre-sort your laundry to stay organized and save you time. This easy task can be taught to the whole family, so you don’t end up with one large pile of dirty clothes. For a bonus, put these sorting baskets on wheels to make transporting effortless!
3. Drying Solutions
Hang drying is a must for certain clothes, but not all laundry rooms are equipped for the task. A simple solution is adding tension rods or a fold-down drying rack. Tension rods are a great addition to any sized laundry room, as you can place them practically anywhere. Another solution is a fold-down drying rack – perfect for small spaces as you can hide it when not in use. Check out this DIY drying rack.
4. Put Your Ironing Station on Display
Wall-mounted ironing boards may be a thing of the past, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have an ironing station that’s stylish and easily accessible. Mount an open shelf to hold your iron, spray bottle, cloths, and other needed materials. Add two small hooks below to hang your ironing board. Make your ironing station into a wall accessory by hiding your iron and other materials in display boxes and updating your ironing board cover to match your décor.
5. Create a Folding Area
No laundry room can be efficient if there is no room to fold the piles of clean clothes. Install a countertop over front loading washing and drying machines to create a spacious folding station. If you have another machine set-up, bring in a desk or table that fits your space. Or, if you are limited on space, try a drop-down wall table. This hidden table is perfect for small spaces as you can tuck it away when not in use. Check out this DIY folding table tutorial.
6. Use All Your Space
Make the most of your laundry room – no matter the size – by effectively using the space. Use your vertical space by adding floating shelves or coat hooks to store cleaning products, baskets, or clothing. And don’t forget about your door! Mount plastic shelving inserts or over-the-door organizers for smaller items.
7. Bonus Tip: Keep A Stool Handy
This simple tip will come in handy more times than you could imagine! Having a small stool (or folding step ladder if you are tight on space) will allow you to easily grab those out-of-reach items, saving you time and energy!
Monthly Feature
DIY Project: Make Your Own Laundry Detergent
This cost-saving project will leave your clothes clean and fresh with ingredients you can buy at your local supermarket.
Recipe: Miso Salmon and Peas
This fast and healthy dinner is perfect for a busy night as it can be made in under 25 minutes!
Image Credits: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6, Image 7
New Owner at CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. Brokerage in Haliburton, Ontario
Brandon Nimigon is the new owner and Broker of Record of CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. Brokerage in Haliburton, Ontario. The former owners, Andrew and Anne Hodgson are stepping back from their leadership role but will continue to be sales representatives and help Brandon take over the business they built up over the past several years.
Brandon started his real estate career five years ago with CENTURY 21 Granite with the long-term goal of one day becoming an owner. In November, Andrew and Anne decided they wanted to switch their focus and, while it was earlier in his career than expected, Brandon knew it was the right step for his career.
“Over the last five years and through my recent transition to owner, the vast array of trainings for REALTORS® at any level and the endless support from other C21 members and head office are just some of the reasons why I continue to choose CENTURY 21,” he says. Brandon plans to use the C21 training tools and his own mentoring skills to help get new agents quickly set up for success.
“Brandon has been a passionate and knowledgeable Realtor and we look forward to watching what he accomplishes in his new role.” Says Brian Rushton, Executive Vice President CENTURY 21 Canada. “With his energy and vision, CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group will be nothing short of successful and it will continue to deliver the gold standard to the Haliburton county area.”
The locally owned, CENTURY 21 Granite Realty Group Inc. Brokerage currently has 27 agents in 4 offices throughout Haliburton county. Brandon has the goal of hiring 3 new agents this year and a long-term goal of further agent and office growth. He plans to open new offices in the needed areas throughout the cottage country region.
7 Decorating Mistakes That Make Your Home Look Messy
February 2021
Decorating your home can be a fun activity and use of creativity, but it is easy to go overboard. Simple decorating mistakes can lead to your home looking cluttered and messy. We are sharing the most common decorating errors and their easy fixes to help you achieve an organized and visually appealing home.
1. Overcrowding Open Spaces
Open selves or tabletops are a perfect space to display décor items, coffee table books, or memorable photos, but adding too many pieces can make the display cluttered and overstimulating. Leave open space between pieces. Avoid displaying paperback, binders, or unattractive books. And steer clear of overcrowded pictures by featuring only cherished photos. (For a more artistic look, try candid shots in black and white.) These steps will help you achieve a cleaner look.
2. Adding Too Many Colours
“Less is more” is the mindset to have when considering what colour pallet to decorate your space with. Having too many colours can lead to the room feeling chaotic and overwhelming. Although there is no official limit, try sticking to 1-2 hues partnering them with neutral-coloured items. Pay attention to how much these colours are used and where they are placed to make your space feel balanced and soothing.
3. Consider Your Furniture
Furniture can easily make or break any room, so you must be very careful when picking your pieces and the placement for your space. When you are selecting your furniture make sure each scale is similar, as mixing the sizes can make a room look carelessly thrown together. You must also consider the size of the room because overcrowding a room with large or too much furniture can make the space feel small. Another common mistake is where you are placing your furniture. Arranging these pieces up against the wall can make your room look cluttered. Try pulling the furniture towards the centre of the room to give your space an open, harmonious feel.
4. Hanging Pictures
Photo walls are a great way to feature cherished memories or your artistic style, but if they are not hung correctly it can be an eye-sore getting unwanted attention. Hang your images in an organized and balanced fashion – check out these tips for layout ideas. Before you nail the frames in place, use painter’s tape and scrap paper to test out the arrangement.
5. Hide Technology
Technology is not always the prettiest sight to see, so try hiding it when possible. Camouflage wires, TV components, and remotes in decorative boxes. Recycle tech you are no longer using like your old fax machine, DVD collection, or large stereo speaker, or upcycle vintage items as featured décor pieces. If you really want to hide all your technology, consider a TV that doubles as an art piece.
6. Examine Your Rug Size
A common decorating mistake is choosing the wrong rug size for the given space. A mis-sized rug can throw off an entire room, making it feel small and off-balanced. Consider this size and layout guide when picking a rug to make sure the item is unifying your space.
7. Brighten Your Space
Dark rooms can make your space feel cluttered and messy. Let in natural lighting as a solution to make the room feel open and joyful – it can always help your mental and physical health too! If you are limited on the amount of natural light the room can get, try adding in lamps, mirrors, or bright coloured items as a replacement.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: How To Make Ikea Cabinets Look Like Built-In Cabinets
Create beautiful built-in cabinets without breaking the bank. Check out this DIY project using Ikea Cabinets!
Recipe: Roasted Parmesan Garlic Acorn Squash
This tasty, tender snack is simple and takes under 30 minutes to make!
Image Credits: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6, Image 7
New Franchise: CENTURY 21 Northwest Realty Opens in Kitimat, BC
Kitimat– Annelise Miller and Hayley Vilness are new franchisees, based out of Kitimat, British Columbia. They have been in the real estate industry for about six years and saw the need for competition in their community. They had a five year goal to own their own brokerage, and decided mid-2020 that it was time to start making that dream a reality. While researching their options, they were drawn to CENTURY 21 Canada.
“The rebranding originally caught my eye,” says Miller. “But the more I learned about the company and what they offered to both agents and franchisees, I knew that we couldn’t do this on our own and we’d be so much more powerful with the brand behind us.”
C21 Northwest Realty is opening its doors with six agents in the office. The duo says their goal is to continue to grow while fostering a supportive and successful group within their brokerage.
CENTURY 21 Canada Executive Vice President Brian Rushton says the two owners bring great energy to their business. “We’re always excited to have younger franchisees who will be with the industry for decades to come. Annelise and Hayley were enthusiastic from the very beginning and we look forward to supporting their dream of owning their own business.”
Miller says they are working to introduce the CENTURY 21 name to Kitimat and will continue their launch through 2021. The group of REALTORS® already have a strong reputation in the Kitimat area and look forward to how CENTURY 21 will enhance their ability to deliver the gold standard to clients.
Annelise Miller and Hayley Vilness, Owners, CENTURY 21 Northwest Realty
How to Incorporate the 2021 Colour of the Year into Your Home
January 2021
The Benjamin Moore 2021 colour of the year is Aegean Teal – a rich blend of blue, green and grey that creates a natural harmony. This intriguing balanced, and deeply soothing, colour allows you to take a moment to reflect and reset. It is a versatile colour that works in a variety of spaces and functions and brings stability during uncertain times. As you are spending more time at home, try adding the colour of the year into your home décor for an easy refresh of your space.
1. Paint Your Walls
Aegean Teal is a great paint colour that brings harmony to any room. This colour can be painted on all walls while still bringing a sense of balance and calmness. Or use it on a feature wall to add a pop of colour – try a panelled wall for added texture. Aegean Teal looks especially lush when paired with white furniture or cabinets for contrast.
2. Refresh Your Cabinets
If your kitchen needs a remodel but you are not looking to break the bank, try painting your cabinets with the 2021 colour of the year. Aegean Teal hue cabinets are a quick and easy way to refresh your kitchen – or bathroom, office, and bedroom- while adding a warm elegance. Upgrade to brass hardware for extra depth and to allow the colour to shine.
3. Make a Statement
The 2021 colour of the year makes the perfect statement chair hue. An Aegean Teal chair can be the featured statement piece in any room while bringing a sense of peace and tranquility. Try a couch in the living room, a rolling chair in the office, an ottoman in the bedroom, and barstools in the kitchen to stimulate your energy in 2021.
4. Refresh with Décor
If you are looking for less permanent home design changes, try adding Aegean Teal décor pieces. Lamps, vases, artwork, or curtains are great ways to add pops of colour to your home without a permanent commitment.
5. Revive Your furniture
Aegean Teal is the perfect colour to refresh old or refurbished furniture. The hue works great on coffee tables, side tables, chairs, benches, and more. Pair the piece with white furniture or upholstery to make it the feature of any room. (Check below for an easy reupholstering DIY project).
6. Add a Soothing Blanket
This balanced, soothing colour of the year makes the perfect wash for a cozy throw blanket. Reflect and reset while in the comfort of an Aegean Teal coloured blanket that brings a warm elegance to your living room, bedroom, or office. Or add coloured towels to revive any bathroom.
Monthly Features
DIY Project: How to Reupholster a Chair
Transform your furniture with this easy upholstery DIY project. (No sewing required!)
Recipe: Easy Crockpot Carnitas
Check out this simple recipe for savory crockpot carnitas for your next go-to dish.
Image Credits: Image 1, Image 2, Image 3, Image 4, Image 5, Image 6
New Franchise: CENTURY 21 Maximum Opens in Red Deer, Alberta
C21 Maximum is now open in Red Deer. Construction is underway for a new facility at 3617F 50 Avenue which is set to open in April 2021. Because of the backgrounds of the new owners, the franchise will focus on residential real estate, property management and commercial real estate needs in Central Alberta.
“I’m looking forward to working with my daughter, the Bowness team and Bill Hogg to set our own direction for the next decade,” says Dale. “This is a goal that I’ve always had and to share the work and successes with my partners is so rewarding.” He adds that the relationships and referral networks that they have built with CENTURY 21 helped make the decision to affiliate with the brand an easy one.
“This is a very successful group of people,” says Brian Ruston, Executive, Vice-President of CENTURY 21 Canada. “We value the contributions they have all brought to our network over the past 25 years and we look forward to watching what they accomplish in their new roles.”
Highly Awarded Team
This ownership group includes several successful and awarded agents:
Dale Devereaux – 70 awards since 1996, including the Dick Laughlin Hall of Fame award. It’s the highest honor bestowed on a CENTURY 21 agent and recognizes an excellent track record of quality service, sales production, and performance within their local community.
Tara Devereaux – 17 years experience. 15 awards since 2006 including Centurion Producer.
Dennis & Brenda Bowness – 21 years combined experience. Top 1% in Canada, Brenda has been nationally ranked in both production and units.
Bill Hogg – Specializes in property management. 36 years experience in commercial lending.
