Dream On: 7 Amazingly Ridiculous Features For Your Home

For most, home improvement projects are rooted somewhere in between dreams, budgets, and practicality. Homeowners responsibly create rooms they love. But what if money, space, and time weren't a factor? The renovations you decide to undertake might become very lavish. You may find yourself putting extravagant, luxurious, over-the-top items and features in your home and garden. Need some inspiration for this fantasy? Check out these seven amazing but ridiculous things for your property.

1. Hammock Floor - Great for sitting, napping, and hanging out, the hammock floor is a must-have when you could have it all.

Image via Apartment Therapy

2. Swimming Pool Movie Theater - The swimming pool movie theater is two luxury features in one - what could be better?

Image via Ebaumsworld

3. Secret Room - Inspired by Batman and Harry Potter, every child has dreamed of having a secret room in their home. Make the fantasy come true!

Image via The Huffington Post

Ok, we'd probably try and do this even if we did have some pretty severe budget and space limitations!

4. Staircase Slide - Why walk down the stairs when you can slide down the stairs? Think of all the time you'll save!

Image via Yahoo News

5. Swimming Pool Balcony - The awesomeness of the swimming pool balcony is pretty self-explanatory.

Image via My Modern Met

6. Clear Bathtub - For some reason, when things that aren't normally see-through are see-through (especially when they contain water) they are 50 times cooler.

Image via Imgur

7. Green Roof - Imagine all the activities you could do up there! Golf, picnics, star gazing, the list is endless.

Image via Ecofriend

These are some pretty outrageous home improvement projects, so we have to ask: if you didn't have any constraints, would you actually try any of the upgrades we listed? Or is there a different project you'd undertake?

Planning a more practical renovation? Make sure to head to the Marketplace Events home show nearest you for design inspiration and advice. Check out the shows that are happening in your area - US Shows & Canadian Shows.

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10 Ideas for YOUR Outdoor Living Space

While it may be a little too cool to relax outdoors at the moment (depending where you live), it's never too early to start planning your great spring/summer escape!  Before buying new furniture, think about how you'll be spending time in your yard this summer.  Are you looking to catch some rays, play soccer with the whole family, or entertain small groups?  Regardless of the pastimes you choose, there are plenty of outdoor living possibilities for everyone.  Take a look at some of our great examples below! 

10 IDEAS: Outdoor Living Spaces    

1. The Shady Chill Zone

2. The Comfy Townhouse Front Porch 

3. The Party Central Pergola 

4. The Bright & Cheery BBQ Escape

5. The Grown Up Patio Lounge

6. The Family Fire Retreat

7. The Zen Condo Balcony 

8. The Dreamy Hot Tub Oasis 

 9. The Elegant Tea Party Retreat

10. The L-Shaped Reading Sectional 

What are you planning for your outdoor living space? Tweet

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Yard Crashing: Cristina's Backyard Makeover

Recently, our friend Cristina B. of Toronto devised the perfect plan for making over her backyard.  Naturally, Cristina turned to some of Toronto's National Home Show and Fall Home Show exhibitors to get the job done right.  Take a look at her whimsical makeover below! 

From Cristina: 

"I moved into my house almost two years ago and had a large backyard that needed A LOT of work but I really saw the potential, and wanted to make a little backyard oasis.

BEFORE...

"First things first you need to have a hammock, so my dad and I decided to build a pergola using cedar logs so that I had somewhere to hang my  hammocks (which I made from outdoor fabric from IKEA).

"I then did a lot of work replanting and arranging the flower beds and started a vegetable garden which has worked out fabulously. Put in a little play house in the back for a bit of fun, and low walkway deck.  I bought some trees and plants from Sheridan Nurseries to add some green and color.

"I then decided that I wanted grass but didn't want to have to mow it…so I went for artificial turf (check out Southwest Greens if interested). And nowadays this stuff is amazing it looks real and feels great and no real maintenance I highly recommend it!

"I also wanted a fire pit so decided to get a circular stone pattern to put underneath which looks great. I got the stones from Stone Link and ended up getting matching stones for a walkway and border. 

AFTER!

"I can’t even describe how different it looks. Big thanks to my dad who pretty much did all of the work, although I think I was a great little helper, he made all my back yard dreams come true!"

 - Cristina B.

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