Likewise, when potential buyers tour a new home, it’s these same two rooms that really hold the key to whether they’ll make the decision to purchase, or not.

So, while you can change the look of your living room simply by adding a different sofa or coffee table, it’s not quite so easy to change your bathtub or vanity.  Today’s homebuyers are more discerning than ever, they know what they want, and they look around until they find it. In this, our bathroom-themed edition, you’ll find the information you need to make sure your bathroom meets all your criteria—in both form and function—from design trends, to gadgets, to organic soaps.
And, since you’re all cleaned up anyway, why not head out on the town for a while? Check out all the latest ideas at the Calgary Home + Garden Show (page 14), including some great design tips for your patio from New Home Living columnist and popular local design guru Alykahn Velji.

If you’d rather take a break from the crowds, load up the covered wagon (or SUV) and mosey on out to the town of Cochrane, just west of Calgary on Crowchild Trail North. Soak up some genuine cowboy culture, browse the many small shoppes (often owned and operated by local artisans) and grab some chow. There’s a lot more to do in this community than you might think!

While you’re in the area, drop by the exclusive enclave of Monterra at Cochrane Lakes. The homes out here are truly spectacular, including the Kananaskis, by Prominent Homes. Also featured in this edition are Pacesetter Homes’ Santiago model in SkyView Ranch, and Cardel’s STARS Lottery home, the Cambria, in Chaparral Valley.