Design Ideas To Enhance Your Home: Luxury Real Estate
Over the last year and a half, the majority of people have spent more time in their homes than ever before – and it has many asking themselves. What new designs or trends can I incorporate into my home and/or luxury real estate? Most of us are bored of the same old 4 walls, and the same furniture that has been sitting around for years. If this sounds like you, it may be time to rethink some of the design elements in your home to spruce things up!
The “home” is an integral part of many peoples’ lives, whether it is a condominium, townhome, detached house, or luxury real estate – it is a place that, ideally, instills a sense of calm and regeneration after a long day. It is said that you are the product of the 5 people you spend the most time with, but the same could be said for the spaces you surround yourself with as well. Design can alter the way you feel and ultimately how you live.
We have included a few inspirational ideas to assist you in elevating your space.
1. Make It Harmonious
Simple design elements and the perfect placement of meaningful accessories can completely change how space feels when you enter it. Artistic and/or personal items thoughtfully placed can create a positive association with the room you’re in. Another great idea is to incorporate a candle or a diffuser with lavender or some other relaxing scent to create a sense of zen. Make your home feel like you are meditating, or at a spa.
2594 Bluffs Way, Burlington
Listed by Alex Irish – $4,489,000
2. Create A Space That Feels Like A “Stay-cation”
With the right fencing, landscaping, and design you can create a fabulous backyard oasis that is as private as it is beautiful. It is important to feel and experience a “change of scenery” every once in a while to recharge your batteries! You can transform the home to be the much needed retreat you have been dreaming of.
65 Cox Drive, Oakville
Listed by Alex Irish – $7,500,000
Straight out of a magazine, this photographer/designer’s own home has the attention to detail that only someone with a critical eye can envision. Everything is bespoke & nothing has been overlooked. This modern icon is the collaboration of creative minds: Designer RP Design, architect Gren Weis & builder Whitehall Homes. Over 7,900 sqft. of finished living space situated on an impressive 100 x 175 ft lot surrounded by towering pine trees & backing to a lakeside estate.
3. Make Every Day Count
Life is much simpler when you and your family are in good health – and keeping up with good health comes down to keeping it consistent! When your home provides you with all of the key essentials, this will set you up for success day-to-day. With the kitchen being the heart of the home, this is a wonderful place to “recenter” oneself. A properly set up kitchen will make it so that healthy home cooking is a priority for you and your family. Can’t make it to the gym? Or are the gyms still closed in your area? Consider setting up your own home exercise room to take advantage of the convenience of “at-home-fitness”. Keep in mind that you want things to be organized, clean, streamlined and functional to make it so that all excuses for procrastination are out of the equation.
65 Cox Drive, Oakville
Listed by Alex Irish
There are many things you can do to elevate your space to make it feel like luxury real estate at any price point. Why not make your home a place where you can feel comfortable and at ease to unwind & spend time with family! A few simple, inexpensive changes can make the world of difference.
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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.