Monica Manaigre, Royal LePage “There is a shared understanding that we are all building something, and we are allowed to do that imperfectly.”

Spring is the season of fresh starts. What are 3 easy things homeowners can do to refresh their home and make it feel lighter, brighter, and ready for the warmer months?

Spring is such a natural reset season, and it doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive.

First, lighten your textiles. Swap out heavier throws, pillows, and even bedding for lighter fabrics and softer tones. It instantly shifts how a space feels.

Second, declutter your surfaces. You don’t need to do a full purge. Just editing down what’s visible on countertops, shelves, and tables can make your home feel calmer and more elevated.

And third, bring in something living. Fresh flowers, a new plant, or even opening the windows more often. It sounds simple, but it completely changes the energy of a home.

If someone is thinking about selling this spring or summer, what is one thing they absolutely should do to prep their home, and one thing they often waste time or money on?

If you’re thinking about selling this spring or summer, the one thing you absolutely should do is prepare your home for how buyers experience it, not how you live in it.

That means clean, decluttered, and thoughtfully presented so buyers can walk in and instantly feel at home.

Where I see people waste time or money is over-renovating before they list. Not every upgrade gives you a return, especially in a more value-conscious market.

Sometimes simple improvements like paint, lighting, and presentation go much further than a big renovation.

What are some of the biggest trends you are seeing in homes right now for spring 2026? Anything people are loving, or anything that feels very "out"?

Right now, I’m seeing a strong shift toward warm, lived-in spaces.

People are loving softer, warmer tones instead of stark whites, natural textures like wood, linen, and stone, and functional spaces that support real life, like home offices and flexible family areas.

What’s starting to feel a bit out is anything overly cold or overly staged. That all-white, ultra-minimal look is being replaced with homes that feel more personal and comfortable. I think we’ve all had quite enough of the Millennial Grey at this point, too.

Buyers are still drawn to beautifully curated spaces, but they also want to feel something familiar when they walk through a home.

If you could give every homeowner one piece of advice to help them love their home a little more this season, what would it be?

Stop waiting for the perfect time or a full renovation to enjoy your home.

Small changes like rearranging a room, updating a space you use every day, or simply clearing out what no longer serves you can completely shift how you feel in your home.

Your home should support your life now, not just some future version of it. I hear all too often once we get a house ready for listing a seller will tell me “I just wish we did this sooner!” Stop waiting for the perfect time, do the little things now to enjoy your home to its full potential.

Plant that garden this summer, colour drench your powder room, replace your tired backsplash; you’ll be so grateful you did.

Since we are all about great Houses around here... be honest: what has made your Knew House House feel like home to you?

Honestly, it’s been the women around the table and what that space allows for.

This group has become a place where I can show up fully as myself. Not just as a business owner or a professional, but as a person navigating both the highs and the challenges of life. There is space to reflect, to be honest about where we are at, and to ask for support when we need it.

What has made it feel like home for me is the level of openness and trust. There is no pressure to have it all figured out. There is just a shared understanding that we are all building something, and we are allowed to do that imperfectly.

It has given me the opportunity to be more vulnerable, but also more present for others. To listen, to support, and to receive people where they are at.

That kind of space is rare, and it is something I do not take for granted.

Meet Monica

Monica Manaigre is a Winnipeg-based Realtor® with Royal LePage, known for her relationship- first approach and commitment to guiding clients through one of life’s biggest decisions with clarity and confidence. With over a decade of experience and recognition as a top 2% Royal LePage agent nationally, she has built her business on trust, education, and long-term connection.

Monica works with first-time buyers, growing families, and those navigating major life transitions, while continuing to grow her presence in the luxury market. She is passionate about simplifying the real estate process and empowering her clients to make informed, confident decisions.

Outside of her business, Monica is a dedicated mom and an active member of her community, serving on the board of Special Olympics Manitoba. She is known for her integrity, consistency, and the care she brings to every relationship, both professionally and personally.