Calgary communities that provide convenient access to desirable amenities and major roadways are leading the way in growth.

Home renovations are now a multi-billion-dollar industry in Canada, with a domino economic impact for various related businesses.

It's not uncommon for those who make the move from the "big city" to the idyllic shores of Lake Chestermere to never look back.

Take, for example, Colleen and Mathew Jones.

With its roots in southern Alberta's agriculture and ranching history, Claresholm is a town with plenty of old-world charm. It's also a place that embraces a strong sense of connection and community – just ask anyone who lives there.

When it cools off outside, it's time to warm up inside with a seasonal update to home décor.

"Fall is a great time for design in general because you can start to layer," said Alykhan Velji, principal and senior designer for Alykhan Velji Designs. "Just like in fashion, where you can start adding scarves and such, with an interior you can start adding more textural items – layering on more pillows, throws and artwork."

Here are three of Velji's top design trends for fall:

There aren't many large cities in the world where you can step out your front door and walk a couple minutes to one of the best trout fishing rivers in the world. Here in Calgary, however, the words "any luck?" are heard frequently on the banks of the Bow River and, to a lesser extent, the Elbow.

Are you a prospective homebuyer? Onto your second or "forever" home? Whatever your situation, preparing for homeownership requires you to arrange your finances so you can put your best foot forward dealing with your mortgage, taxes and home maintenance.

Before you start the process of looking for a home, consider the following:

When custom-home designer Kathy Yuen purchased her first home 13 years ago, she quickly realized it wasn't the perfect fit.

"I think your first home really teaches you what you like and what you don't like," she said.

When Todd Hirsch went looking for his first home in 1994, he remembers telling his REALTOR® he wanted something that was new or recently updated.