Choosing the Ideal Winter Window Coverings—Top Tips from the Designers
As a homeowner, there’s no doubt that you take a great amount of pride in how your home looks on the inside and outside. And it’s more than just looks; homeowners are often on a quest to ensure all the design choices they make enhance the comfort level of their home. I mean, what’s a home if it’s not cozy and welcoming?
With that said, there are all kinds of little touches that you can add to your house that will help to make it more energy efficient, homey, functional, and modern. One item that can check off all those items is window coverings. Window coverings can play a huge role in the look and feel of a home, as well as all the other items listed.
Now, did you know that the ideal window coverings in the warm months of spring and summer may not be your best options for the winter months? As winter weather continues throughout Canada and the temperatures plummet, you may find yourself questioning your window covering choices.
When it comes to blinds, drapery, and custom drapery, there are winter options to consider.
Look for Window Coverings that Offer Insulation
One of the biggest complaints that homeowners have in the winter months is the draft that can be felt throughout the home. Even if you don’t actually have a draft, it can still feel chilly and even damp indoors. Window coverings that can block a draft will improve your home’s efficiency and will help keep the warm air in and the cool air out.
To block drafts, look for something with an insulated backing. You will often see this kind of backing on blackout curtains. What’s great about this style of window covering is that it works in the summer by keeping the heat out, and it also allows your air conditioner to better cool the interior of your home.
The Perfect Fit is a Must
No matter what kind of window coverings you choose—whether it is blinds, sheers, or panel curtains—it’s critical that they fit perfectly. If they don’t have the correct fit, they won’t be able to perform properly. Not only that, but they won’t look “right” in the room.
For those with windows that aren’t the standard size, the best option is to go for custom drapery and blinds. These are measured to fit your windows, specifically creating that impeccably designed look. Most places will offer a variety of styles to choose from, also ranging in fabric/material, and colour.
Home Window Coverings
Choose a Trusted Designer
Now, if you don’t want to be stuck updating your window coverings each winter, then you’ll want to look for a trusted and well-known designer. High-quality equals durability and lasting power, so you’ll be able to get a good number of years out of them.
Take Hunter Douglas blinds for example. Hunter Douglas is well known for offering blinds that excel in terms of energy efficiency. These blinds can even help to protect your furniture and carpeting from fading caused by the sunlight.
What About Convenience?
Of course, besides being energy efficient and looking clean, modern, and sophisticated, you also want window coverings that are user friendly and that you don’t have to fuss with. You can’t get more convenient than motorized blinds that are hardwired and battery operated. This works especially well for windows that are out of reach. Many window covering retailers now offer motorized models that can be controlled via an app on your smart device.
Home Drapery
It’s About More than Just Style
As you can clearly see, choosing the ideal winter window coverings involves much more than just what looks good and matches with your décor. By keeping each of these factors in mind, you’ll be able to find options that meet a number of your needs.
Contact Alex Irish for all your Oakville real estate needs
If you’re looking to sell your home or condo in the Oakville area, Alex Irish can get you started. Contact us today and we can help you choose the best sale price, access an incredible pool of potential buyers and, of course, stage your home!
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August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update | Regan Irish
The August 2025 GTA Real Estate Market Update reflects renewed momentum and affordability in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington, and Muskoka. Thanks to steady interest rates and appealing home prices, July proved surprisingly dynamic. Let’s dig into the numbers and what they mean for you.
Interest Rates Remain Stable — Affordability Fueling Activity
In July 2025, the Bank of Canada maintained its key rate at 2.75%, its third consecutive pause. With lower borrowing costs now more accessible, affordability is encouraging a wave of renewed buyer activity.
GTA Market Overview: Sales Surge, Prices Slightly Dip
- Home Sales: 6,100+ transactions region-wide, marking a 10.9% increase YoY and the strongest July since 2021.
- Month-over-Month: Seasonally adjusted sales rose 13% from June to approximately 5,744 units, the biggest monthly gain in nine months.
- New Listings: Up 5.7% YoY, totaling 17,613 new offers.
- Price Trends:
- The MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Composite Benchmark fell 5.4% YoY.
- The average GTA selling price dropped 5.5% YoY to around $1,051,719.
- Word on the street indicates the HPI drifted slightly lower—about $979,000, down 0.2% from June.
What It Adds Up To: Buyers are back in force—sales are outpacing new listings while prices softened, creating renewed market opportunities.
City Highlights
Toronto
A more balanced landscape—but some segments remain soft. Condos and detached homes see inventory rising; semis are steadier.
Oakville, Mississauga, Burlington & Muskoka
While TRREB doesn’t break down by city in these reports, regional trends suggest:
- Mississauga & Burlington: Strong rise in listings and dipping average prices give buyers leverage.
- Oakville: Stability in demand for luxury keeps discounts modest.
- Muskoka: Continued strong interest in sub-$2M waterfront properties should benefit from broader GTA momentum.
What This Means for You
- For Buyers:
Renewed affordability, rising inventory, and favorable interest rates make August a prime time to move. - For Sellers:
A more balanced market—strategic pricing and quick response will be key to success. - For Investors & Cottage Buyers:
Strong July sales in the GTA point to increasing investor interest; Muskoka remains a high-value lifestyle and investment destination.
Work With the GTA Real Estate Experts
Whether you’re planning to buy a Muskoka cottage, invest in a luxurious Oakville property, or explore options across Toronto, Mississauga, or Burlington, now is the time to act.
Regan Irish & Associates specializes in luxury, resale, and investment properties across the GTA and Muskoka. Our market insight and negotiation skills help you get the best results—whether buying, selling, or investing.
1320 Cornwall Rd Unit 103, Oakville, ON L6J 7W5
905.842.7677
Visit reganirish.com
Let’s make today’s market your opportunity—contact us today!
Ultimate Guide to Downsizing Your Home in Canada
Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team Announce Strategic Merger
Two of the most respected names in real estate, Alex Irish & Associates and The Regan Team, are excited to announce a strategic merger that will combine their expertise, resources, and market reach. This partnership of Regan Irish & Associates brings together the strengths of both firms, offering an enhanced real estate experience for clients across Southern Ontario, including expanding into new regions like Collingwood and Muskoka. The merger reflects both brokerages’ long-standing commitment to providing high-quality, relationship-focused service while leveraging new technologies and business strategies to ensure their clients receive unparalleled support.
“Alex is the consummate professional,” said Matthew Regan, CEO of The Regan Team. “She embodies the qualities of a person I would trust with my own home sale, and I am excited to partner with her to combine the best of both our brokerages. Our goal is to create a work culture that allows our agents to thrive, while being confident and equipped to provide the service our clients deserve. Our clients are going to benefit immensely with a wider and deeper net of potential buyers and an even further reach in marketing and advertising.”
Alex Irish, Founder of Alex Irish & Associates, emphasized that this partnership is the next natural step for her business. “By combining our resources and efforts we knew we’d be able to create a better real estate experience for our clients, our agents and business partners.” she explained. “This merger allows me to focus more on client relationships while also mentoring our agents who can continue to offer that same high level of service. Matthew has built a business model that aligns with my long-term vision, allowing us to scale while still maintaining the personal touch. Simply put, we are better together.”
Alex has built her brand over decades, particularly in the Oakville area, where her name is synonymous with excellence in real estate. Her personal approach, based on referrals and repeat business, has earned her a loyal clientele. Matthew has focused on recruiting top agents and scaling his business, growing The Regan Team to one of the top brokerages in Canada. This merger offers an exciting opportunity to grow into new territories. Together, the merged brokerage will have 15 offices spanning from Niagara to Toronto to Muskoka. This expanded presence means more resources for clients, from enhanced marketing capabilities to a wider net of potential buyers.
The merger will officially take effect on October 31, 2024, and the new branding and operations will be rolled out in the coming months.
About Alex Irish & Associates
Alex Irish & Associates, led by Alex Irish, is a highly respected name in Oakville, known for its personalized, referral-based business model and long-standing relationships with clients. Alex has built her brand on trust, excellence, and attention to detail, qualities that will remain at the forefront of the merged firm.
About The Regan Team
The Regan Team has a long-standing reputation for innovation, process-driven operations, and a focus on agent recruitment and development to provide the highest level of service for their clients. Under Matthew’s leadership, the brokerage has expanded its presence across Ontario, providing agents with the tools and support needed to succeed in a competitive market. For more information on this exciting merger, please contact Matthew Regan.