Decorating & Design
A beautiful beach cottage
A beautiful beach cottage of
Cottage style This small shingled cottage -- just a shack, really -- that belongs to Fiona Duff Kahn and her husband, Robert Kahn, is a miraculous holdout from the developers' wrecking ball that has leveled so many of its compatriots among the increasingly valuable properties of New York's fabled Hamptons. It helps that it is in Wainscott, a tiny, low-key community sandwiched between East Hampton and Bridgehampton that until recently wasn't really on the Hamptons radar. Nestled on a small piece of property shaded by giant pines and thick rhododendrons that borders on a farm, the house has expansive views that belie its small size. It's within biking distance of the beach, and when it's quiet, you can hear the ocean, but it feels more like a cabin in the woods.The house was most likely a prototype of a 1940s Abercrombie & Fitch kit house that came in numbered pieces with slots. "There's not a nail in the house," says Fiona. Just 700 square feet with two bedrooms, it was built in 1947, and a spacious screened porch was added in 1952, which granted another 400 square feet of living, lounging, and dining space to the tiny bungalow.Fiona's husband, Bob, is an architect, but this house is more her domain, left deliberately unimproved, to keep life as simple as possible. There is no electricity on the porch, which invites "beautiful dinners where the whole place is lit up by candles," and there's no heat, so it's purely a summerhouse, with a cast-iron stove for chilly nights in spring and fall.Excerpted from Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages by Mary Emmerling Copyright © 2008 by Mary Emmerling. Excerpted by permission of Random House of Canada Limited, on behalf of Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Summer living "The house is underbuilt, whereas houses today tend to be overbuilt and all sealed up," says Fiona. "The walls were unfinished; you could see the studs, which are only one-by-twos. The asphalt roof had been repaired with heavy-duty aluminum foil! There was nothing but brown kraft paper lining the inside of the clapboard exterior. It felt almost porous." Fiona did make a few changes to the house: "Everything was brown, and you couldn't see a thing without turning on the lights," so she added bead-board paneling inside and painted it white, which brightened up the interior significantly, and then chose a friendly palette of 1940s colors for the floors, furnishings, and curtains. The living room floor is robin's-egg blue, the guest room floor mossy green, and the bedroom floor calamine pink; there are touches of forest green (on a vintage refrigerator and claw-foot tub), and yellow and cheery red gingham on the ruffled curtains. Furnishings were either in the house already, or are tag-sale or flea-market finds, an amiable beach-house jumble. There are no modern conveniences like a dishwasher, washer and dryer, or TV, which suits them just fine. Life steps back half a century here to a simpler time when clothes dried on the line and kids entertained themselves collecting shells, building sandcastles, or playing cards.To Fiona and her family, including her four-year-old daughter, Kiki, the house feels larger than its diminutive size because "there are so many different places to hang out -- the porch, the living room, a hammock and swing on one side of the house, and Adirondack chairs and picnic table on another," says Fiona. "The porch is a perfect napping spot -- you just get into the hammock and pretend you are going to read in the perfect green, shady light." They never know what the farmer next door is going to plant. Some years it's corn; this year it was a remarkable field of big sunflowers that made them feel as if they were living in Provence. The house has the feel of serendipity about it, probably because Fiona and Bob have put such a light footprint on it. "It feels like we inherited it in a way," says Fiona. "You get to know the people who lived here before you through a house, while in the process, you make it your own."Excerpted from Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages by Mary Emmerling Copyright © 2008 by Mary Emmerling. Excerpted by permission of Random House of Canada Limited, on behalf of Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Winter living The house has the feel of serendipity about it, probably because Fiona and Bob have put such a light footprint on it. "It feels like we inherited it in a way," says Fiona. "You get to know the people who lived here before you through a house, while in the process, you make it your own."
- Credit
- Mary Emmerling
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Inside design: Brad Lamb Inside design: Brad Lamb
Inside design: Brad Lamb ofpage 1 Toronto real estate expert Brad Lamb, of Brad J. Lamb Realty, has sold more than 14,500 condominiums worth $3.5 billion over the past 20 years. His show, Big City Broker (HGTV), has exposed millions to the underbelly of condo and loft sales and development in urban centres. Here, he shares his insights on the future of Canadian cities. Style at Home: You’ve said that if we want Canadian cities to be world class, we have to get over our disdain for density – which comes naturally to us in a country with such vast unpopulated areas.Brad Lamb: If we want Canadian cities to compete with New York, Tokyo and London, they’ll have to grow. But they have to grow up, not out. If you look at how people live in major European cities – Paris, Prague, Rome, London – you’ll see that they live in apartments, not houses. That’s where we’re heading. There’s an expectation – and it’s a governmental one – for Toronto to become a city of seven million, and that’s just one Canadian city. In order to do that, we need unabated growth. But where will all those people go? We can’t sprawl anymore.S@H: Why, theoretically, can’t we continue to sprawl, building out, away from the city core?BL: People move out of cities so they can have more space. Yet a suburban home sits on the same real estate that a high-rise condo could sit on, so the resources for 150 families are being used by one. Then, consider the water being consumed to water the lawn, the pollution being created to mow that lawn, the emissions of all those cars carrying people to jobs in the city. The future of mankind – and the planet – belongs in cities where we can get rid of cars, walk everywhere and live on top of each other to conserve resources.S@H: What do you think is standing in the way of that vision?BL: When I moved [to my current office on] Toronto’s King Street West five years ago, it was a ghost town. We saw the potential for a neighbourhood. In the past four years, several thousand homes have been built. You can’t build homes for thousands in an urban area unless you go up. But Toronto is still a low-rise, sprawling city, and the biggest problem is the inability of its citizenry to understand density. They’re so afraid of it. People get stuck. The bylaws may say six floors – why go to 10 floors? There’s an economic requirement to build 10 floors; we have to go up. If we’re going to succeed, we have to look beyond our fears. page 2 S@H: So describe the Canadian city of the future.BL: In five or six years – and we’ve only got five years until all the land runs out – our major cities will be like Tokyo or New York. As for the look, well, I hope it will be a mix of historic buildings and new, modern façades. People who don’t understand modernism want history; they want us to build something that looks 200 years old. Good architects want to build in the style of their time, which is modern. You can’t ask talented architects to copy. We need to let them express themselves; that’s the only way we’ll get something fresh and exciting. Condo savvyWe asked Toronto condo king Brad Lamb for his key dos and don’ts of new-condo purchasing.DO try to specify where you’d like electrical outlets to be, as well as junction boxes. “Lighting plans are sometimes flexible. Request where you want them to be located, but be prepared to be turned down,” Brad says. DON’T expect to change floor plans. “Builders have to create vertical stacks for gas and plumbing, so each floor has to be identical,” says Brad. “Besides,” he adds, “some of the most talented designers in the country have created those floor plans, so most of the time you can bet that they’re pretty efficient.” DO keep in mind that builders move people onto floors as they’re completed. Until the top floors are finished, you may be living for some time in a construction site.- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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25 autumn accessories 25 autumn accessories
25 autumn accessories ofpage 1 As the seasons change from summer to fall, so must your home accessories! It’s time to pack away the lemonade pitchers and the cool coloured decor and create warmth in the home with rich colours and cosy accents.Here are 25 home accessories that will transform your home from summer retreat into a comfy haven for the crisp days of autumn. CandlesAn essential item for autumn, candles create a cosy atmosphere in your home through their warmth and accent lighting. These eco-friendly candles from Pier 1 are made from soybeans, a renewable resource, and come in a variety of delicious scents ranging from Chocolate Suede to Toasted Sugar. ($23 each) Mixing BowlsBringing out autumn coloured kitchen prep accessories is a subtle way to suit your home to the season. Tag‘s new multi-harvest prep bowls can be used to prepare your autumn pastries or to display your freshly picked apples. ($15 per set of 3 ) Cake standNo smell is more familiar and delicious in the fall than that of homemade apple pie fresh from the oven. The classically chic Emma cakestand from Pottery Barn is the perfect pedestal for your yummy baked goods, or could be used as a lovely stage for your table’s centerpiece. ($65) PillowsAdding seasonal themed items to your living room is as easy as changing up your pillow covers. Although not autumn-coloured, these covers from Accents de Ville are modernly chic with their embroidered leaves and trees. (MSRP $43 each, includes filler) Place cardsSetting an autumn table, whether it be for Thanksgiving or a Sunday dinner, is not complete without place cards to seat your guests. These sweet apple place cards from Pierre Belvedere add a bit of bling to your tabletop with their crystal and silver design. ($25 per set of 6) page 2 Home Fragrance OilsAutumn weekends are the perfect time to relax indoors and curl up on the couch with a good book or movie. The Body Shop’s new line of aromatherapy essential oils are designed to create that relaxing atmosphere through their soothing scents, which range from Deep Sleep to Total Energy. ($20 each) BeddingKeeping yourself warm and toasty in bed feels like a great luxury when escaping from autumn weather, and nothing is more luxurious than Restoration Hardware’s Italian pinstripe sateen duvet cover. As beautiful as it is comfy, this classic duvet cover comes in colours ranging from taupe (shown) to marine blue. ($299 full/queen) StorageChanging up home accessories for each season is an easy way to update a home, but you’ll also need space to store the replaced items. These mahogany-stained palm leaf ottomans from Tag come in a set of two and are a style savvy storage solution for out-of-season throws or pillows. (MSRP $125) Magnets Placing a lot of little autumn-themed home accessories throughout your home really does make a difference and means that you don’t have to break the bank on purchasing larger items. These cute leaf magnets from Accents de Ville bring the outdoors in without having to bear the cool weather. (MSRP $5 each) ThrowsThe best part about the cooler fall weather is cuddling with loved ones on the couch under a soft throw. The Karma (left) and Elisa (right) throws from Accents de Ville are super stylish and their neutral palette makes it easy to transition them into any existing colour scheme. (MSRP $70 each) page 3 Cheese spreadersMake your autumn wine and cheese party super stylish with these cheese spreaders from Indigo Books & Music. With faux wine-cork handles, these spreaders come in a set of 4 and are sure to make an impression. ($13 per set of 4) Salad ServersJust because summer is over, doesn’t mean that you can’t enjoy a great salad in the fall – it just means you need to update your salad servers. These twig- handled servers from Abbott present the perfect way to serve up your autumn salads to guests. ($20 a pair) KettleDelicious hot chocolate or soothing tea is a great way to keep cosy whether in your home or outside. Cusinart’s PerfecTemp kettle has a built-in gauge to ensure the proper heat level for every type of hot beverage – take your pick of red, white, or black! ($100 US) Sauce boatA Thanksgiving dinner just isn’t the same without gravy for the turkey, so why not house it in this white ceramic sauce boat from Williams-Sonoma? This curvy beauty is Italian-made and comes with an oval server to prevent drips on your tablecloth. ($60) PlacematsAdd a little shimmer to your home decor with gold table linens for fall entertaining. These pretty Harman Marseilles placemats from Kitchen Stuff Plus can light up any tabletop this season. ($5 each) page 4 Large Bowl A large wooden bowl is a fabulous home accessory for displaying your centerpiece of miniature gourds, or for filling with rich scented potpourri. Ten Thousand Villages' mango wood platform bowl is beautifully hand-carved by Indian artisans, and you can feel even better about your purchase as the company is renowned for their fair trade policies. ($35) Fireplace GuardThe end of summer bonfires at the cottage doesn’t need to mean the end of cosying up by the fire altogether. The Campaign Hearth flat screen from Restoration Hardware is the chicest new fire accessory there is, guarding the flames whilst still allowing the fire to warm your home. ($299 US) VaseWhen decorating for the seasons, it’s a great idea to check out the budget-friendly stores, like IKEA. This cream-coloured Havtorn Farm vase stands tall and would look picture perfect with some faux wheat sheaves or tall berry sprigs. ($40) Pinecone décor accessory Who says all home accessories have to be functional? This white ceramic pinecone with an antique finish from Abbott offers nothing to your home but style and a modern touch of autumn. ($15) WreathNo longer just for the holiday season, wreaths have become a great accessory for sprucing up your home interior. This orange berry wreath from Pier 1 would add a hit of autumn colour to any home, whether it’s placed above the fireplace or hung on the wall in the foyer. ($45) page 5 Napkin RingsA little bit of kitsch in the home never hurt anyone - just don't overdo it! These cute turkey napkin rings from Accents de Ville provide just the right amount of seasonal charm for your Thanksgiving tabletop, adding a little fun to your holiday. (MSRP $4 each) TrayIf you can’t bear to part with your cosy bed on a Sunday morning, a serving tray for your breakfast is the perfect way to enjoy the best of both worlds. The Tava tray from Pottery Barn comes in a honey or espresso stain, and is handcrafted with rattan, an entirely natural and eco-friendly material. ($72 each) MirrorA staple of home accessories, a great wall mirror can transform a space, whether it’s acting as a focal piece or simply opening up the area. This ornate mirror from HomeSense will spice up any wall in your home, and its deep red colour can carry it over to the holiday season as well. ($50) Floor rug Changing up your flooring for the seasons is another way to freshen up your home, whether it be with an area rug, a runner or a bathmat. Pottery Barn’s new Harvest Leaf rug brings the beauty of the changing leaves inside your home with its woolen texture and brown tones. (5x8 $399, 8x10 $599) DoormatWhen decorating your home for the seasons, do not forget to change up your exterior décor as well. The Elizabeth doormat from Accents de Ville greets your guests with some autumn charm. (MSRP $30)- Credit
- Lauren McPhillips
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Bargain beauty: Decorating for less Bargain beauty: Decorating for less
Bargain beauty: Decorating for less ofDecor on a budget Savvy shopper Marny Pelletier is proof you don't need to spend a lot of money to get stylish results. By combining thrift shop finds and creativity, she has decorated the Kitchener, Ont., home she shares with husband Glenn and their children for less than some people spend on one room. Looking for ways to cut costs after she decided to stay home with daughters Lucy and Ellen, Marny turned to discount stores and yard sales to furnish her house. "I go to Value Village and local thrift shops a lot," she says. "I've also shopped at Habitat for Humanity ReStore." And she's a regular at country auctions. "Especially small ones the dealers won't be at – that's where to get real bargains." Marny sometimes discovers her treasures in roundabout ways. She found her dining room's 100-year-old table for $80 at an auction sale in a barn. Piled with toys the owner was selling, the table initially went unnoticed. She almost got it for a mere $5, until a dealer spotted it, too, and bid her up. The beauty beneathThe ability to see beauty hiding beneath a grimy exterior led Marny to her collection of wartime cigarette boxes, found covered in dirt in a garage sale bin. "I cleaned them up and placed them throughout my house to hold buttons and other things," she says. "They add character and texture. And every- one who sees them seems to have a story, like remembering how their grandfather had similar ones." Marny has even turned her love of the hunt into two home businesses. Seven years ago, she started Reinventing Interiors, helping people creatively repurpose items and refurbish flea market finds. For Throwbacks, the pillow company she runs with a friend, Marny seeks out vintage textiles and buttons to fashion into unique cushions like those on her sofa, one of which she made from an old chenille coverlet. What started out as a necessity has become a happy way of life. "I've often wondered, if I had a lot of disposable income, what would I really change?" Marny says. "I might make some fun architectural alterations, but I don't think I would change the major pieces because they have a history – there's a story behind them." Tips for treasure hunters It's yard sale season! Get the most out of it with advice from Jo-Anne Lauzer, publisher-editor of the B.C.-based website secondhandsavvy.com.Bring along• A measuring tape, blanket to wrap purchases, screw- driver. • Small bills and coins – most sellers won't have much change. • Lists of the items and sizes you need. • Pen and paper so you can leave your name and number. If something is beyond your budget, the owners might be willing to call and make a deal if it's not sold by end of day. Garage sale etiquette• If the ad says no early birds, don't show up an hour early. • Always check if prices are negotiable before haggling. It's best not to negotiate on items under a dollar. • Make sure items work and all the pieces are intact before you buy. • Avoid making negative comments while browsing. People get attached to the strangest things and feelings can be hurt. • A friendly smile and hello goes a long way – it is a social outing after all.- Credit
- Tracey Williams
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6 beautiful blooms 6 beautiful blooms
6 beautiful blooms ofBeautiful blooms Spring or summer, fall or winter, fresh flowers are a delightful way to add colour and life to your home. Decorate mantlepieces or create centrepieces with these six simple projects. Pretty in purpleHydrangeas are back in style. Show them off in round vases of various sizes (available at most florists and dollar stores). For this simple look, snip flower heads, using one per vase. Hydrangeas tend to be very thirsty; keep them well hydrated with just a little water at a time, which will prevent waterlogging. Styling tip: A trio of flowers in vases has more presence than a single arrangement. Place them in a row on a table or shelf. Red headsMake a big statement with a little bunch of anemones arranged in a large glass vase. Tie stems together with twine and nestle them in some water. Styling tip: Play with scale by placing small flowers in big vases – you can display them in a large space and the flowers won't get lost.Orchid magicFor a striking silhouette that will look elegant on a table or mantel, fill a tall vase with water (to within two inches of the top) and invert a stem of orchids, leaving the stem partially exposed. A stem of cymbidiums will last for about a week under water and costs around $30. Orchids come in subtle pinks and whites, as well as vibrant chartreuse, fuchsia and spotted yellow. Styling tip: Pile orchid blooms in a jar and fill with unscented bath oil; use the oil or just display the jar in your bathroom. Beautiful Blooms page 2 Lofty liliesNot only do lilies smell beautiful, but they're graceful looking, too. Use flowers that are the same height as your vases; for impact, sit two tall cylinder vases on your dining table. Styling tip: For an Asian feel, mix lilies with bamboo or ornamental grasses.Ever greenDon't limit your creativity to just flowers. Ornamental leaves, which are works of art, are available at floral shops and lend a modern, sophisticated touch to any table. Choose broad leaves from anthuriums, philodendrons, soft shield ferns or tulips (or from any flowers you like), curling one inside each bud vase, then adding water. Styling tip: Create interest with leaves of varying colours. Some varieties of hostas have contrasting stripes, as well as long narrow leaves.Mum's the wordRegular chrysanthemums positively blossom when presented in a low tray or vase. If using the ragged fringed type (shown here), choose one colour; if you prefer the regular kind, mix different colours. Snip off stems before filling a tray. Have more fun by arranging mums in rings of colour. Styling tip: If a flower head accidentally falls off, float it in a bowl and display on a side table or in a room for a hit of colour.- Credit
- Sabine Pick
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Inside design: Thomas O'Brien Inside design: Thomas O'Brien
Inside design: Thomas O'Brien ofInside design: Thomas O'Brien Style at Home: You originally went to New York to go to art school. How does that artistic background influence your work in design?Thomas O’Brien: Obviously art is about beauty, but beyond that, I think it taught me to appreciate individualism. I like things to be authentic, and my interiors aren’t designed to be perfect. These days, design is more about being unique; it’s about having rooms with personality, not rooms that look like everyone else’s. S@H: When you talk of bringing personality to rooms, do you mean, for instance, incorporating collections?TO: Yes, but not just that. The art and furniture that people are drawn to say a lot about who they are. I start there. It’s important to include pieces a client already owns. Existing art, collections and special furniture pieces define a room and give it charm. There’s so much variety in the market now. It’s almost obscene how much there is to choose from. Customizing, or personalizing, is more and more important. My own furniture line [visit hickorychair.com for Canadian dealers] was designed with a blend of styles so it could work with someone’s antiques or other pieces the client already owns; it’s not designed to work only with my things, because I want consumers to be able to express their own personalities.S@H: Let’s talk about the Thomas O’Brien range of products. Your look has been described as “soft modern.” Do you think that’s fitting?TO: People have been calling my work soft modern, or warm modern, for a long time, and I guess it’s apt because, while highly stylized modernism doesn’t interest me, I do appreciate a modern attitude to putting things together. Inside design: Thomas O'Brien S@H: What does “modern attitude” mean exactly?TO: I love antiques and vintage things, and there’s a way they can be put together with more contemporary pieces that works. That’s modern. S@H: That’s also a more practical approach, isn’t it?TO: It’s more practical and it’s more green.S@H: What role does practicality play in your work?TO: A timeless look is essentially practical because you aren’t starting from scratch every time you want to redecorate. You aren’t buying all new pieces and reupholstering everything; you’re just working with iconic pieces and then adding or subtracting an item or two. I also think it’s important to be realistic about how rooms are used. In the dining room, for instance, it’s practical and normal to have a wireless setup and a laptop or computer: why not make the room useful beyond dining by creating a space that’s both an eating space and a work or recreation space? We have to get our mind around the fact that the way we use rooms is changing and that our design of those rooms needs to change accordingly.S@H: What else do you think we need to get our head around?TO: The staple-gun world is impermanent, and quick fixes aren’t what having a home is about. Some TV shows do a disservice by making [decorating] all about quick and easy fixes. Instead, I think there’s a new generation that’s learning how to give that special touch – that edge – to a room. That means embracing highly specialized trades, people with special skills. In recent years, craftsmen specializing in custom metalwork, for example, have been used in a very limited way. Now I think there’s a new demand for those trades. Those quality touches are what will really make a room unique- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Eco products for your kitchen Eco products for your kitchen
Eco products for your kitchen ofeco products page 1 Ultra efficientFagor’s Energy Star-rated Tall Tub dishwasher is equipped with an “eco sensor” to monitor water quality and adjust consumption, conserving water (the tub is filled with fresh water only when necessary) and energy. And the tall tub interior means you can squeeze in bigger items and fit everything in one load. $1,400 US, Fagor, fagoramerica.com for retailers. Live lightlyCrafted from bamboo, the Calvino pendant from Propellor Design is one of the bright eco options in the company’s Furrow line of custom light fixtures. The pendants are finished with 100% nontoxic walnut oil and lit with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. $295 (one pendant), $560 (two pendants), Propellor Design, Vancouver, 604-682-6665; propellor.ca. Renewable resource Woven bamboo flooring from EcoTimber is formaldehyde-free and can be sanded and refinished like hardwood. The bamboo used in it is sustainably harvested, renewable and grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers. $6 per square foot, Ecotimber, ecotimber.com for retailers.Tip: Bamboo swells when damp, so a great way to care for your flooring is to place a nonslip area rug in front of the sink or refrigerator, where spills may occur. eco products page 2 Eco oven The Diva 365 Induction range provides double the energy efficiency of a conventional oven by combining a 36-inch stainless-steel electric convection oven with an induction cooktop. The cooktop includes a large 3,600-watt centre burner and four smaller side burners. $9,995, Diva de Provence, 888-852-8604 or divainduction.com for retailers. Sustainable shuttersRecyclable Envirogreen shutters from Maxxmar are made of VOC- and formaldehyde-free PVC. Resistant to stains and moisture, they’re produced using a sustainable manufacturing process that includes taking advantage of outdoor temperatures as part of an energy-saving cooling process. From $895, Sun-brite Drapery, Toronto, 416-741-9430; Sunbritedrapery.com Can’t touch this!Kohler’s Wellspring Traditional Touchless electronic faucet reduces water waste by running only when an object is in front of the sensor, plus it stops automatically after two minutes, even when activated, to prevent overflow. The faucet is powered by a recyclable lithium-ion battery, and temperature is controlled by a valve below the counter. From $1,033, Kohler, 800-456-4537 or kohler.com for retailers. Have a fabulous eco product? E-mail naturalchic@styleathome.com.- Credit
- Sydney Loney
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Design lesson: Dream kitchens Design lesson: Dream kitchens
Design lesson: Dream kitchens ofPage 1 With smart layouts and well-designed appliances and tools, modern kitchens increasingly level the playing field between amateur cook and gourmet chef. Do you long for a gorgeous kitchen that helps you multitask effortlessly and entertain like a Food Network pro? Task-oriented upgrades provide the support you need to make those dreams come true. Here are some worth considering. AppliancesDouble the width inside your fridge so it holds party platters with ease. The French door refrigerator is one of the nicest-looking appliances to hit the market in a long time. Jenn-Air has a bronze version as an alternative to stainless. Whether you’re preparing dinner for a family of four or orchestrating an elegant brunch for 20, the right dishwasher eases cleanup. Consider two dishwashers for large party entertaining, busy households and kosher kitchens. Or for smaller households, choose a model with two drawers for independent operation of upper and lower sections (an energy saver). Cleaning & recyclingLaundry in the kitchen? Why not? I’m all for eliminating unnecessary steps. A small-capacity washer and dryer (or an all-in-one combo that fits under the counter) will put clean dishtowels at your fingertips. Get serious about garbage and recycling with the addition of chutes that lead from the kitchen directly into covered waste bins outside or in the garage. It sounds complicated but isn’t. Consult a qualified builder to link interior and exterior through a small hole at counter height. And if your bins don’t already have wheels, install them so it’s easy to roll garbage and recyclables to the curb. If a chute isn’t possible, make an undercounter disposal centre work for you: keep bins handy but out of sight with a cupboard slide-out system. Look for options at home supply centres or container and storage solution stores. Page 2 Cabinetry, countertops & storageStart by rethinking old standards. Taller kitchen counters (42 inches rather than 36 inches high) provide more cupboard and drawer space, and eliminate unnecessary bending, especially for those who are taller than the average man or woman. To create a seamless, easy-to-navigate kitchen, opt for integrated appliances that don’t jut out beyond cabinetry. Continue the seamless appearance with stone countertops. Granite provides impervious service, but some find its appearance too heavy. Engineered products like Silestone and CaesarStone work equally hard and come in a variety of colours. The ultimate luxury for those who love to entertain is surely the butler’s pantry, ideally located between the kitchen and dining room. It’s the perfect spot to store wine and crystal drinking glasses, silver flatware, and tabletop accessories like placemats and candlesticks.Personal enjoymentCoffee lovers want – make that need – a built-in espresso maker like the popular Miele system. Locate it near the breakfast table, where it’s guaranteed to keep mealtimes percolating.Store wines in a freestanding or undercounter wine fridge. Intro models are 15 to 24 inches wide and start under $300. Sophisticated versions have independent temperature zones for red, white and sparkling.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Bedroom save or splurge Design lesson: Bedroom save or splurge
Design lesson: Bedroom save or splurge ofDesign lesson: Bedroom save or splurge The thrifty cook knows when ordinary olive oil suffices and when it's necessary to uncork the "good stuff." After all, there's no point wasting expensive extra-virgin on the kids' chicken fingers. The same principles that stretch the family food budget also invigorate the household decorating fund. There are times when you simply must splurge to create the impact desired and other times when it's perfectly reasonable to save a few dollars. Below I've highlighted areas where it's possible to save and others where spending pays off when it comes to decorating your bedroom. Most of these tips work for every room in the house. Where to splurge• Fine bedding is the last thing you feel as you drift off and the first thing you're aware of as you awake. Don't settle for anything less than the absolute best you can afford.• Couture pillow fabrics transform even the most generic bedding into a custom-coordinated style statement. Source quality remnants from fabric retailers like Department of Interiors in Toronto, where the selection includes high-end fabrics priced well below wholesale. For an 18-inch square pillow, you'll need only about three-quarters of a yard of fabric, so go ahead and treat yourself. • Quality upholstery is always a smart investment. A classic lounge chair, like the William Birch-style one in the corner, can be repurposed at any time in any room in the house.• Original art is a worthwhile investment that injects a room with personality -- a key ingredient for truly successful design projects. Although you're likely to spend $200 and up for small oil paintings, there are other affordable options, like original prints, photography and watercolours. Attend local art fairs and annual exhibits of projects by fine arts students. Where to save• Ready-made draperies offer considerable savings and work well for most relatively standard windows. Visit retailers like Invu Drapery Company (three locations in Ontario), where there's a vast selection of fabrics and drapery headers, or design studios that offer ready-made as well as custom, like Kimberlee's Decorating in Edmonton. Before shopping, take detailed measurements of the window and its exact location within the full wall.• Affordable lamps are available at large retailers across Canada. HomeSense, The Home Depot and IKEA have excellent selections. • A headboard frame you cover yourself -- in an affordable linen or cotton -- is a budget-friendly alternative to buying a handcrafted solid wood bed frame. You won't sacrifice an ounce of style, and you'll love it if you read in bed.• Garage sale finds like side tables are instantly renewed with spray paint. Opt for fresh white to improve the style quotient. Add new hardware, and you'll save big without skimping on style.• Accessories are readily available at any price point, so here's where you can be thrifty. Wait for sales, buy end-of-season remainders and source retailers like HomeSense for great bargains.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Decorating on a budget: Cheap chic Decorating on a budget: Cheap chic
Decorating on a budget: Cheap chic ofTips 1-5 Decorating is an act of passion, not just pulling out your wallet -- so don't worry if your budget's a little tight. Margot Austin, Senior Design Editor at Style at Home gives her tips for decorating on the cheap. You'll love the results.1 Train your eye: Know what great high-end design pieces look like so that you can have them in mind while hunting at discount or big box stores, flea markets or thrift shops. 2 Be patient: Wait for floor sample sales (usually July and/or January) to get good deals and don't feel like you have to race to finish your space. You want to find the right thing at the right price, not just anything at the right price. 3 Paint a piece of furniture (or a few) glossy black. This works on junk shop finds or new pieces with cheesy finishes. 4 Spend some money: All on-the-cheap rooms just look cheap, not chic. Every room needs a few splurges - special pieces that announce their quality. Decide what “splurge” means to you and do it! 5 Just say no to boring mass produced “art”. Instead, get creative with large collages made from wrapping paper, wallpaper scraps or maps. Paint a large canvas with leftover paints. Pop kids art into off-the-shelf frames with mattes. Hang a beautifully patterned fabric from wooden dowels. Tips 6-10 6 Go big with accessories. Many tiny items make a place look cluttered and cheapy. Instead opt for overscale accessories like standing floor vases, plump floor cushions, pillar candles rather than tea-lights. 7 Use texture: Combine shiny, matte, soft and rough natural textures to add richness to a space. Sparkle always adds a dash of glamour. 8 Don't scrimp on the size of your area rug. Many nice rooms are ruined by the use of a postage-stamp sized rug. Can't find one big enough and don't want to spend the earth: go to a broadloom store and order a piece to be cut and bound (choose a sisal look-a-like in wool or sythetic fibre). 9 Do what I did - decorate with black and white. Just like with fashion, these colours (or non-colours) never look tired and combined can result in dramatic spaces that look like their total price tag was much higher that the actual cost. 10 Buy gutsy lamps. Lighting is often an after-thought when decorating on a budget but spindly, too-small lamps are a common faux-pas. Instead, layer your lighting (overhead, task, ambient), switch bulbs to halogen or natural daylight bulbs and buy lamps that have a sculptural appeal.- Credit
- Margot Austin
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A beautiful beach cottage A beautiful beach cottage
A beautiful beach cottage ofCottage style This small shingled cottage -- just a shack, really -- that belongs to Fiona Duff Kahn and her husband, Robert Kahn, is a miraculous holdout from the developers' wrecking ball that has leveled so many of its compatriots among the increasingly valuable properties of New York's fabled Hamptons. It helps that it is in Wainscott, a tiny, low-key community sandwiched between East Hampton and Bridgehampton that until recently wasn't really on the Hamptons radar. Nestled on a small piece of property shaded by giant pines and thick rhododendrons that borders on a farm, the house has expansive views that belie its small size. It's within biking distance of the beach, and when it's quiet, you can hear the ocean, but it feels more like a cabin in the woods.The house was most likely a prototype of a 1940s Abercrombie & Fitch kit house that came in numbered pieces with slots. "There's not a nail in the house," says Fiona. Just 700 square feet with two bedrooms, it was built in 1947, and a spacious screened porch was added in 1952, which granted another 400 square feet of living, lounging, and dining space to the tiny bungalow.Fiona's husband, Bob, is an architect, but this house is more her domain, left deliberately unimproved, to keep life as simple as possible. There is no electricity on the porch, which invites "beautiful dinners where the whole place is lit up by candles," and there's no heat, so it's purely a summerhouse, with a cast-iron stove for chilly nights in spring and fall.Excerpted from Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages by Mary Emmerling Copyright © 2008 by Mary Emmerling. Excerpted by permission of Random House of Canada Limited, on behalf of Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Summer living "The house is underbuilt, whereas houses today tend to be overbuilt and all sealed up," says Fiona. "The walls were unfinished; you could see the studs, which are only one-by-twos. The asphalt roof had been repaired with heavy-duty aluminum foil! There was nothing but brown kraft paper lining the inside of the clapboard exterior. It felt almost porous." Fiona did make a few changes to the house: "Everything was brown, and you couldn't see a thing without turning on the lights," so she added bead-board paneling inside and painted it white, which brightened up the interior significantly, and then chose a friendly palette of 1940s colors for the floors, furnishings, and curtains. The living room floor is robin's-egg blue, the guest room floor mossy green, and the bedroom floor calamine pink; there are touches of forest green (on a vintage refrigerator and claw-foot tub), and yellow and cheery red gingham on the ruffled curtains. Furnishings were either in the house already, or are tag-sale or flea-market finds, an amiable beach-house jumble. There are no modern conveniences like a dishwasher, washer and dryer, or TV, which suits them just fine. Life steps back half a century here to a simpler time when clothes dried on the line and kids entertained themselves collecting shells, building sandcastles, or playing cards.To Fiona and her family, including her four-year-old daughter, Kiki, the house feels larger than its diminutive size because "there are so many different places to hang out -- the porch, the living room, a hammock and swing on one side of the house, and Adirondack chairs and picnic table on another," says Fiona. "The porch is a perfect napping spot -- you just get into the hammock and pretend you are going to read in the perfect green, shady light." They never know what the farmer next door is going to plant. Some years it's corn; this year it was a remarkable field of big sunflowers that made them feel as if they were living in Provence. The house has the feel of serendipity about it, probably because Fiona and Bob have put such a light footprint on it. "It feels like we inherited it in a way," says Fiona. "You get to know the people who lived here before you through a house, while in the process, you make it your own."Excerpted from Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages by Mary Emmerling Copyright © 2008 by Mary Emmerling. Excerpted by permission of Random House of Canada Limited, on behalf of Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Winter living The house has the feel of serendipity about it, probably because Fiona and Bob have put such a light footprint on it. "It feels like we inherited it in a way," says Fiona. "You get to know the people who lived here before you through a house, while in the process, you make it your own."- Credit
- Mary Emmerling
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Eco-friendly design Eco-friendly design
Eco-friendly design ofEco-friendly design Downtown Toronto may be the last place you'd expect to find blossoming with green ideas, but Daniel Libeskind has planted a seed that's soon to grow into a 57-storey testament to eco-friendly design. Libeskind, an internationally-renowned architect, is the visionary behind the L Tower, a condo development that will sweep gracefully skyward from the Sony Centre for the Performing Arts at Yonge and Front streets. The goal? Gold candidacy for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) -- North America's green building rating system. The structure will house 496 suites -- all with low off-gassing carpets, paints and adhesives, and kitted out with low-flow plumbing and Energy Star appliances. STYLE AT HOME sat down with Libeskind to talk about what it means to be green, and how environmentally conscious architecture is just as important to a home as eco-friendly interiors.STYLE AT HOME: What are some common misconceptions about green design? DANIEL LIBESKIND: That it's expensive, uninspired and conventional looking. Buildings can be very stylish, sophisticated, elegant and contemporary, as well as be responsible to the environment. S@H: Was it a challenge to incorporate the criteria for LEED Gold certification into your vision for the design of the L Tower?DL: No. I saw it as a fantastic opportunity. Promoting sustainable, high-density living in the downtown area -- an area where people can use bicycles and mass transit, saving energy that they might normally use by commuting from the suburbs -- in itself makes a huge statement. Incorporating elements into the design, like reducing wasted energy with high-performance glazing, capturing and re-using rainwater for non-potable applications, purchasing greenpower, dual-flush toilets, water-conserving front-loading clothes washers, low-flow showers and the use of local materials in construction instead of importing them from far-flung regions combine to make for a very responsible building that meets LEED standards.S@H: The selection of a location for the L Tower also carried with it some added environmental responsibilities. For instance, you made sure the existing green spaces surrounding the tower -- Berczy Park, for instance -- wouldn't be adversely affected by the tower. DL: That's a key component of the design. First of all, we located the tower in the corner of the site that was farthest from Berczy Park. And then the shape of the tower, the curvature, was designed in response to angles of light so that the tower wouldn't throw any shadows that interfered with the park. The curve isn't just a shape that's aesthetic, but one that's environmentally friendly in terms of thinking of public spaces. Responsible design also means taking responsibility for the existing green spaces.S@H: Going beyond interior appointments -- low off-gassing carpets and paints, energy-efficient appliances, and water-saving plumbing -- what are some environmentally sound construction options for a home or condo? How do you get green bones?DL: A green building is one that doesn't take the environment for granted. It considers the quality of the materials used and their sustainability, and the long-term durability of the structure. An architect has to ask, "Are we going to craft the building in a way which will make it still habitable 20, 30 or even 50 years from now?" Again, I think building a high-density condominium in the downtown core such as the L Tower is itself a new response -- locating the structure so that people can walk or use public transit -- collectively sharing more of the responsibility, rather than building a house in the country where you still need a car, which wastes gasoline and pollutes the environment.The L Tower, units from mid-$200,000, 877-577-2533, Toronto, 416-777-2533; Ltower.ca. Studio Daniel Libeskind, New York, 212-497-9100; daniel-libeskind.com.Developers: Castlepoint Realty Partners Ltd., Fernbrook Homes and Cityzen Urban Lifestyle.- Credit
- Brett Walther
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What today's windows are wearing What today's windows are wearing
What today's windows are wearing ofWhat today's windows are wearing Draperies are back. In the '80s, opulent swagged draperies loaded with fringe and tassels and topped with elaborate valances made some windows seem like perpetual debutantes. As the '90s progressed, there was a move away from excess. Minimalist decorating schemes led to a desire for plantation shutters, bamboo blinds, Roman blinds and tab-topped panels in cotton or velvet. The latter, simple and affordable, became ubiquitous. This is what today's windows are wearing: 1 Exquisite gossamer sheers - worlds away from the familiar frilly or harsh-textured polyester ones – now have subtle iridescence and are interwoven with unexpected materials, or have embossed or printed patterns. 2 Velvet is a continuing trend. Designer Scott Yetman feels that velvet is the best material for drapery. "In art class, you're often given a folded piece of velvet to draw, because of the way it catches the light," he says. 3 Sheers in dramatic colours like cocoa and smoke are a trend, as is combining two tones of sheers. 4 Patti Watanabe of The Work Room in Toronto notes that longer, looser pleats (five to six inches long) are now popular – they look less prim and proper than shorter, tighter ones. Double, rather than triple, pleats are used for the same reason. 5 Draperies with grommets, a simple treatment, are a continuing trend. 6 Extra-long fabric puddled on the floor has been replaced with floor-length draperies. But Scott Yetman likes drapery fabric to puddle just a little – a few inches – the way that well-tailored trousers "break" over a shoe. 7 Fun patterns that exhibit a sense of whimsy are becoming more popular. Valentina Manzo of Kravet/Lee Jofa Showroom in Toronto says that zebra stripes and giraffe spots are emerging patterns. Kravet also offers a sheer with single feathers stitched in at random intervals – a look that's whimsical but also modern, even Zenlike. 8 Rather than lavishing fabric on swags and valances, designers have turned their attention to creative hardware. Rods, finials and tie-backs in wood, metal, glass or ceramic are treated almost like jewelry.- Credit
- Kateri Lanthier
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Buying guide: 11 flooring options Buying guide: 11 flooring options
Buying guide: 11 flooring options ofVinyl, linoleum, ceramic, porcelain, laminate 1 VinylPros• Huge selection of styles and colours. Available in tiles or sheets.• Low price, low maintenance. Double-thick vinyl is ideal for damp areas like bathrooms. Tiles are easy to DIY if the subfloor is level.Cons• Vulnerable to scratches, tears, stains and wear. Cost: $2 to $9/sq. ft. 2 Linoleum Pros • Huge selection of styles and colours. Available in tiles or sheets.• Natural, biodegradable and hypoallergenic, composed of flax and natural resin. Does not trap dust or bacteria, which helps air quality. Low maintenance, durable and mildew-resistant.Cons• Does not suit all decors.Cost: $6 to $13/sq. ft.3 Ceramic tiles Pros • Huge selection of colours, styles and sizes. • Can easily be coordinated with tile backsplash.Cons • Can cause discomfort to legs and back after prolonged standing. • Not all tiles are equally wear-resistant; high-traffic areas like kitchens call for stronger ceramic. Can crack or chip. Needs a level subfloor. Cost: $5 to $20/sq. ft. 4 Porcelain tilesPros • The look of stone, for less! Huge selection of colours and designs.• Stronger than ceramic; durable and low maintenance.Cons• Can cause discomfort to legs and back after prolonged standing. Cost: $6 to $14/sq. ft. 5 LaminatePros• Great selection of styles and colours. Looks like wood, stone, ceramic. • Resists stains, scratches, dents, even cigarette burns. Relatively easy to DIY, often directly on top of existing floor.• Click-into-place styles can simply be dismantled and taken with you when you move. Good-quality laminate can last up to 25 years.Cons• Not recommended for bathrooms or other damp areas. Must be replaced when worn.Cost: $4 to $10/sq. ft. Wood, bamboo, cork, natural stone, concrete 6 Hardwood Pros• Oak and maple are the most popular. New : pre-oiled exotic woods, now available with semi-gloss and gloss finishes. • Creates a warm, natural atmosphere. Never goes out of fashion. More comfortable for legs and back than harder surfaces. Durable if properly sealed. With oiled floors, a sanding and a coat of mineral oil will hide scratches. Look for longer boards to avoid a patchwork effect.Cons• Requires resealing every few years, but floorboards with a factory-sealed finish can be extremely resistant if they're good quality. Dirt can accumulate in too-wide joints between boards.Cost: $6 to $15/sq. ft. 7 Engineered woodPros• An alternative to hardwood and laminate, it is also a more versatile option.• Produced by adhering sheets of real wood to a composite surface. Does not expand or contract with temperature changes. Sold prefinished. Can be glued or clicked into place directly over concrete or an acoustic underlay.Cons• Less durable than hardwood. Cannot be sanded more than twice.Cost: $7 to $20/sq. ft.8 BambooPros • Gives decor an exotic accent. Beautiful blond tone with natural striations. Carbonization process deepens grain and colour. Some natural shades available. • Environmentally friendly: Bamboo is a renewable, rapid-growth plant. Harder and more resistant to dampness than wood, making it particularly suitable for the kitchen and basement.Cons• Relatively limited selection of shades.Cost: $7 to $10/sq. ft. 9 CorkPros• Available in either tiles or interlocking planks to make a floating floor. Good selection of colours and styles, allowing you to create a one-of-a-kind design.• Warm and cushiony on bare feet. Hypoallergenic and mildew- and dent-resistant, making it suitable even for bathrooms. As durable as wood, but an extra application of sealer is recommended in damp rooms.Cons• Does not go well with all decors. Less popular than wood.Cost: $7 to $16/sq. ft. 10 Natural stonePros • Slate, marble, limestone and sandstone are popular choices.• Slab marble and limestone are not especially hard-wearing, but tumbled (travertine) marble is highly durable.Cons • Can cause leg and back discomfort after prolonged standing. Because it is a natural material, stone can contain imperfections (texture, colour, veining). • Needs regular sealing. Cost: $10 to $30/sq. ft. 11 ConcretePros• Provides the industrial look that's increasingly popular. • Perfect for lofts. Good selection of colours and finishes. Cons• Can cause leg and back discomfort after prolonged standing. Surface receiving the concrete must be properly prepared. • Needs yearly resealing. Cost: About $13/sq. ft.- Credit
- Name of the author
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Privacy with a view Privacy with a view
Privacy with a view ofWindow wonders Q Our front window needs a window covering that will allow us to enjoy the view but also ensure privacy. Any ideas what would work best?-- Hannah Coleby, London, Ont.A Your front and side windows are two very different styles -- the smaller one has mullions while the front is a single pane of glass. For the front window, I suggest a window covering that stacks to the bottom, allowing light and the view through the top of your windows and maintaining your privacy. A Silhouette window shade from Hunter Douglas is versatile enough to meet your needs, and its sheerness will diffuse the incoming light. To soften the overall look of the window and provide some colour, I'd suggest adding a soft fabric valance or Roman-style blind to the top of the window. If privacy isn't an issue with the smaller window, then simply hang a fabric valance that matches the living room window in order to link the two, and keep the side window uncovered to show off its charm. Exemplary exteriors Q What paint colour do you think would work best for my varnished-wood front door? The exterior of my house is painted sage green and beige tones. -- Lucy Da Costa, TorontoA Ideally, the colour of your front door should complement the colours that you may want to consider changing as your decor evolves. Painting the walls will help in the short term, but replacing the carpet will make the biggest difference, since the seafoam green colour dominates the room and prevents you from updating the room's look. For now, paint the walls a taupe colour with a hint of green like White Sage 410-2 from Pittsburgh Paints; it will help neutralize the carpet and blend with its green tones.When the time comes to replace the carpet, choose a more neutral colour like light camel or caramel for a warm tone that will look great with your existing furniture. In your overall decorating scheme, be sure to restrict unfashionable colours like peach and seafoam green to lamps, throw pillows and any artwork -- these accessories can all easily be changed as home decor trends change.- Credit
- Karl Lohnes
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Design lesson: Small is beautiful Design lesson: Small is beautiful
Design lesson: Small is beautiful ofDos and don'ts for small spaces If you live in a modest-size house, condo or apartment, chances are you're keenly aware of the limitations of small-space living. Don't despair: designers have a stack of tricks for making close quarters appear more spacious. The strategies below will help you make less seem like more!DO hide storage in plain sight. Look for coffee or end tables with storage beneath, bookshelves that run from floor-to-ceiling, and armoires to house anything from linens to entertainment units. DO create a seamless flow by covering furniture and walls in a single, unifying colour or pattern. The cohesiveness can visually stretch a space. DO visually enlarge floor space by installing wall-to-wall carpeting rather than laying down multiple area rugs. DO choose an ample two-seater sofa rather than a three-seater. You'll have room for an end table, and guests rarely occupy all three seats, so that third one is often wasted, anyway. DON'T inadvertently emphasize low ceilings by choosing too-tall sofas and chairs or by highlighting wainscotting or chair rails. Instead, to open things up, aim for long low lines with major furniture and either eliminate chair rails and wainscotting or paint them the same colour as the walls. DON'T block off open spaces. Choose furniture with legs rather than skirts, and console tables rather than chests of drawers. A low bookcase can act as a room divider between the living and dining areas; a glass coffee table allows the eye to travel unimpeded through the space. DON'T underestimate the space-amplifying power of wall-to-wall mirror. Kimberley's guide to adding impact to small collections Using creative design strategies, you can give even the most diminutive items the prominence they deserve. These four simple ideas have enormous style potential -- any one will make a big difference in your small space.1 Photographs and paintings They trick the eye into perceiving even small rooms as gallery-like and spacious by using wide mats and large frames, both of which are often associated with more important pieces of artwork. Use artwork to create focal points in a room, but surround each piece with visual breathing space rather than crowding them together.2 Sculpture or pottery Rather than hiding impressive pieces, create an arresting display by placing a sculpture or unique item of pottery on a plinth (a platform built to add height and prominence to displays).3 Windows Hang draperies outside window frames and as high as possible in order to stretch their perceived size. Keep draperies the same colour as the surrounding walls to increase the impact and make the wall appear larger. Using fabrics with vertical stripes can add height, too.4 Small furniture Accent with high-contrast detail. Take, for example, a small bergère upholstered in pale yellow; it will assume larger visual proportions if outlined in piping in a contrasting colour like black.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Small space strategies Design lesson: Small space strategies
Design lesson: Small space strategies ofSmall strategies Soaring real estate prices have led to smaller houses and condos, and the need for inventive solutions to space limitations – one of the fundamental issues in design today. Dare to dream big and your rooms can be a triumph of style over size. Principle: Built-ins and modular furniture units maximize storage and provide custom solutions for even the tiniest of spaces. The smallest rooms often end up as home offices and can benefit from built-in or modular furniture that effectively utilizes vertical and horizontal space. Here, built-ins like the bookcases in the foreground provide valuable storage, contain clutter (essential in small spaces) and define the room without enclosing it. If your storage needs grow, it's easy to add more shelves to the back wall thanks to the many affordable options available. Principle: Streamlined furnishings, mirror and glass emphasize available space. In order to visually expand a room's size, designers and architects include negative space (the areas of emptiness that surround furniture) wherever they can. By choosing furniture with legs rather than skirts, incorporating glass where possible, and adding reflective elements like mirror, crystal and silver to an interior, you can amplify available light and space to create an expansive feeling.Principle: Monochromatic colour schemes visually enlarge a space. Monochromatic colour schemes, in which all colours are close in tone and value, do an impressive job of visually expanding a room. The reason? When there's no contrast (the strong distinction between two values like black and white), the eye is able to move through a room uninterrupted, which creates the illusion of additional space. In this cosy bedroom, bronze greens dominate the colour palette and are punctuated with pewter, which has a nearly equal value. Since a monochromatic decor also emphasizes the various textures within a room, it creates an overall mood that's restful and sensual. Principle: Multipurpose furniture creates flexibility within a space. Today, rooms are often required to serve more than one function. For instance, a guest may be temporarily housed in the living room or home office. In this library, a large daybed provides ample seating where visitors can curl up and read or enjoy a board game. Once the cushions are removed, it's a comfy bed with a softly upholstered wall for leaning against. Dos and don'ts The dos and don'ts of flexible furnishingsDO choose furniture that does double duty. A coffee table that rises to eating height, for instance, or a pair of console tables that can be pushed together to form an impromptu dining table. DO use chairs rather than sofas for maximum flexibility. They require less space and can also be moved around more easily. DO consider a Murphy bed when a room has to accommodate an overnight guest. Because it's stored in the wall, a Murphy bed is ideal for occasional use and is a discreet addition to just about any room. DON'T opt for a sectional with arms, which limits the way it can be positioned. Select an armless version, which is easier to get through doors and into apartment elevators. DON'T overlook an island, which works not only in a kitchen but also in an office, laundry room or crafts room. Choose one with wheels; it can be set against a wall when not in use. DON'T allow clutter from a home office to ruin the enjoyment of a room that's also used after business hours. Pick a storage unit that can be fully closed to hide work come the weekend.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Design lesson: Bring on the sun Design lesson: Bring on the sun
Design lesson: Bring on the sun ofWelcome light We're never happier than when the sun is in full force. It's wonderful to feel its warmth on your face while strolling outdoors, and also very satisfying to enjoy the sunshine indoors. Here are easy tips for doing just that.Kimberley's guide to summer styleSummer style has a relaxed, carefree attitude; its casual veneer conceals the hard-working materials and furnishings that make it low maintenance. Give your home that laid-back cottagey feel year-round with these light touches.Flooring has to be quietly purposeful, easy to care for and able to withstand wear and tear. Varnished hardwood like maple requires little maintenance. Ceramic and stone tile (paired with rush matting, coir, sisal or, my favourite, seagrass), linoleum and sealed cork are all suitable flooring options.Furniture that's simple and unpretentious -- locally made or comfortably worn in -- is a good choice. Look for items where detail carving is either kept to a minimum or loose in style. Painted wood furnishings in mint, coral, icy blue, shell pink or sand are refreshing. White is in a category of its own -- a variety of shades can be used to decorate your entire home. Wicker armchairs, settees and tables -- sometimes painted in crisp white or in more natural honey tones -- capture summer's easygoing spirit.Patterned textiles like faded florals, ticking and cabana stripes, playful plaids, crisp checks and pictorial cottons and linens lighten up a room. Keep it bright Dos and don'ts of sunny interiorsDO ensure that your windows are clean inside and out, and that your hedges and other greenery have been trimmed. If your windows can't accommodate wash-from-within methods, make outdoor cleaning a weekend project or hire a professional company. To facilitate future cleaning, install windows that rotate inward, which are available from window manufacturers. DO choose window treatments that let in light. When pulled aside with a tieback or hanging in straight panels at window sides, full draperies needn't interfere with sunlight filtering in. Sheer fabric provides a modest amount of privacy; warm pale colours help enliven the grey light of drizzly days. DON'T paint windowsills and surrounds dark colours, which absorb light. Instead, opt for light-reflecting colours like ivory, cream and white. DON'T choose dark colours for the walls of rooms used during the day. To paraphrase interior design legend Eleanor McMillen Brown, every room needs a touch of yellow. Good advice if you love the idea of sunshine indoors. Any warm, pale colour will give you the desired result. DO include reflective materials like chrome, nickel, brass, silver, crystal and glass, which bounce light into a room. Mirrors, a designer's not-so-secret weapon in the fight to expand space, are a really great option. Pick tiles with a shiny surface for a kitchen backsplash or bathroom shower surround. DON'T use an abundance of patterns. As a general rule, patterns absorb more light than solid fabrics.- Credit
- Kimberley Seldon
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Picnic essentials Picnic essentials
Picnic essentials ofPicnic blanket Beautiful weather means one thing: It's time to breakout the picnic gear. Eating al fresco is truly one of summer's fleeting pleasures, so make the most of it by whipping up a feast and finding a grassy spot for an outing with the family. Don't have any gear? Here's what you need to get your picnic on its way.1 Pack a pretty, comfy blanket Make sure you pack something to sit and sprawl out on with your food. Sure, you can use that old sheet from the bottom of the linen closet, but if you want to add sophistication to your picnic, go for a pretty blanket. Comfort is a factor too, since it's summer and your bare legs will be on it. Go for something that's soft yet thick so errant twigs or grass don't poke through. This blue, ivory and camel plaid fringed blanket from Plum Gift Co. is perfect, available for purchase online. $79.95.2 Go for a woven picnic basket You don't want to disappoint Yogi Bear, do you? Baskets are a beautiful and functional way to cart around dinnerware and really feel like you're getting that authentic picnic-in-the-park experience. A woven basket in particular is always chic, but more importantly, this one is lightweight and easy to reach into. This basket from Williams-Sonoma (williams-sonoma.com) has an open compartment for your wine bottle or baguette. $49.95USD. Picnic dishes 3 Bring dishes When picking your picnic dishware, give a thought to what you'll be serving. If you're doing a potluck-type get-together, go for big dishes as picnickers will want to put a little of everything on a plate. Tapas-style meals mean you can bring small plates instead. And you certainly don't need all-new dishware: Bring your household dishes if adults will be at your picnic. However, if the kids are coming, bring unbreakables like cheap'n'chic plastic or melamine dishware. All-white dishes like this melamine set from Loblaws will look chic for years. From $1.99, loblaws.com for stores.4 Don't forget the portable weather-resistant radioRemember mom and dad's scratchy transistor radio? Get a light, stylish, weather-resistant version to bring with you to the park, no batteries needed. To get your groove on, any radio will do, but if you want to make an investment, this sturdy little Pal radio by Tivoli comes in conservative colours like black, and fun colours like red, pink, blue and other candy-like hues. It also boasts the best sound quality and reception going. Approximately $200, baybloorradio.com or cpused.com Picnic cooler 5 Decide on the tableware you'll needCutlery may or may not be necessary; it depends on what you're serving (though our advice is to try to make something that doesn't require knives and forks). If you're bringing wine, then you'll need drinking glasses - it doesn't have to be stemware, tumblers are fine. However, if you're going with soft drinks and small water bottles, you won't need them. Also useful: a small cutting board and knife that come in handy for cutting cheese and bread. Moist towelettes are also handy for wiping hands before eating, and don't forget the package of pretty paper napkins! Shown: Syntes Konst 50-pack napkins from IKEA (ikea.ca), $2.99.6 Fill up your cooler or mini-fridgeUnless it's red wine, you'll want to chill it. Bring more than one drink per person and lots of extra water. There are lots of options for keeping your drinks cold, from good old-fashioned Colemans to collapsible coolers. Or, get this new technology that'll have your pals oohing and ahhing...a cute mini-fridge on wheels! This Mobicool wheeled 18-litre fridge is available at Canadian Tire (canadiantire.ca), $149.99. Happy picnicking!- Credit
- Helen Racanelli
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