Overflowing with natural beauty, Manotick is one of the best communities in the Ottawa area to call home. While there are some new developments, many of the properties in Manotick were built in the 80s and 90s. If you live in one of these older properties, taking on the right home improvement project, big or small, can make your house feel brand new. 

Whether you’re looking to refresh the house you’ve lived in for years or want to make your new home feel more like you, home improvement projects are a great way to personalize your living space.

If you’re not sure where you’d start with renovations, we’ve got a few ideas to help get you started. 

New to Manotick? Check out these handy resources. 

• Everything to Know About Rural Ottawa Living 
• Best Spring Activities in Manotick 
• Shopping Local in Manotick

1. A Kitchen Refresh 

For many people, the kitchen is the heart of the home. It’s where we make our favourite meals and connect with family and friends. A great kitchen can be the centrepiece of a great home. 

One of the most exciting things about upgrading your kitchen is the seemingly endless possibilities. It’s also an area where a little work goes a long way. For example, swapping out your original countertops for something more modern can give the kitchen a whole new feel. Choosing a new colour of paint for your cupboards and cabinets will have the same effect. 

Upgrading appliances can not only make your kitchen feel new, but it can also help you save on energy costs. Switching to a modern dishwasher alone can save up to 5000 gallons of water every year. 

2. Locally Inspired Decor

One of the easiest and most flexible ways to upgrade your living space is to style your home with decor. Encompassing everything from paint to furniture and cushions and throws to wall art,
home decor allows you to create your ideal atmosphere. 

When you moved to Manotick, you likely fell in love with its natural beauty and local landscape. Whether it’s the lush greenery of parks and trails, the Rideau River or the eclectic downtown core lined with
cafes and boutiques, why not celebrate the community with your decor? 

Manotick is home to many local artists and photographers who pull inspiration from the community. To discover local artists, we recommend checking out the Manotick Art Association and exploring the various artist’s galleries. We recommend watching their social media for opportunities to attend their art shows and sales.

Purchasing local artwork will elevate your home and support artists in the community. One of our favourite local artists is Courtney of Courtney Michelle Fine Art Studio, who specializes in landscape paintings and prints. We encourage you to check out her website and elevate your home décor with the addition of one of her prints or paintings!

Furniture made with local resources will also complement Manotick’s landscape. Atmosphere & Bois in Manotick offers a broad selection of reclaimed wood that is revived into tables, lamps, wall panelling and more! If you prefer a more subtle approach, simply choosing a nature-inspired colour scheme for your decor can help your home feel connected to the local landscape.

If it fits your budget, an interior designer or decorator can help you reimagine your living space and make the most of your home. We enlist the help of Pillows and Paintings when preparing our clients’ homes for the market, but they also with homeowners who are staying (instead of selling!). Visit their Instagram for inspiration!

3. Build Your Outdoor Oasis

Sprucing up your home isn’t limited to indoor projects. Upgrading your outdoor spaces can not only encourage you to enjoy more time outside, but it can also give you the chance to explore new hobbies.

To set the scene in your outdoor oasis, consider installing raised garden beds. In recent years backyard farming has exploded in popularity, with many homeowners growing their own produce, herbs and cut flowers. If you consider yourself a green thumb, this might be something you already do – if not, it could be an exciting new venture to try! If backyard farming does not appeal to you, we would encourage you to visit local garden centres to gain inspiration for your outdoor spaces. Adding a few plants to your outdoor living spaces, or annuals and perennials to your landscaping can have a big impact.

A deck or patio is a versatile space for outdoor entertaining!  Whether it’s the place-to-be during outdoor gatherings or where the best barbecuing in the neighbourhood happens, your deck is the centre of your outdoor oasis. Updating your deck is a great way to maintain its longevity into the future. Replacing old or broken boards and applying a fresh coat of semi-transparent stain can have your deck feeling good as new and extend its life. 

If you’re looking to spend more time relaxing outdoors during the warmer months, buying a set of comfortable outdoor furniture can be a worthwhile investment. It’s important to remember to protect outdoor furniture from the elements before winter so they’ll still be in great shape next summer. 

Interested in Freshening up Your Outdoor Space? Check Out These Blog Posts. 

• Essentials For a Welcoming Front Porch
• 12 Ways to Design a Low-Maintenance Garden

While we’ve only covered a few here, there are countless ways you can upgrade your home in Manotick. Upgrading your living space can not only make it feel more like home, but it can also help you save money and energy in the long term. 

As local experts we know everything there is to know about Manotick. If you have a question about your home or community, reach out we’re here to help.