Decorating & Design
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Inside design: Eva Lundgreen Inside design: Eva Lundgreen
Inside design: Eva Lundgreen ofpage 1 Swedish textile and graphic designer Eva Lundgreen has created IKEA's children's collections for the past three years. This season, however, you'll find her bold, graphic style making its mark on the IKEA Holiday Collection. Here, she shares her insights into the look of Christmas 2008. STYLE AT HOME Your designs have a fanciful element. Did your work, which includes kids' items, influence the products you created for the collection?Eva Lundgreen Not directly, but certainly memories of the past did. I'vealways been inspired by the countryside. My father is from a rural area near the mountains in Sweden. To me, Christmas is all about being there -- in the snow, with a fire burning in the fireplace to warm you when you come in from skiing. I particularly love the wool blankets that are used in the sleds behind the horses; the colours and textures really inspired me. Old-fashioned Swedish style evokes such positive memories for me. My challenge was to give it a modern twist.S@H How does old-fashioned become new again?EL Swedish Christmas is not about glamour -- it's about simplicity, a keyingredient in modern interiors. So, to start, I took some of the images used in old Swedish Christmas stories, simplified them, then enlarged them so they're more graphic. A red heart is a very typical image and a nice symbol, too. The repetition of bold, graphic images is modern; so is adding unusual colours to the classic red-and-green theme. In this collection, I picked orange, an exciting, contemporary colour that's warm for winter. You'll see orange in my striped textiles. Stripes were very popular in Scandinavian fabrics made a hundred years ago, but there's also something really modern about the look of striped pillows. page 2 S@H The past plays such an important role in the designs of the present and the future.EL You know, my husband and I met at IKEA. We were sent to Italy, wherewe lived for a long time. Now we're in Tokyo. Italy is all about the past; Japan is all about the future. With this collection, I was able to blend those two influences. In general, though, I think we need to remember our history when we move into the future, taking the best parts with us. Today, we want too much. Instead, we need to simplify, to be satisfied with less and to do things more ecologically.S@H Can you walk us through your ideal holiday celebration?EL For me, it requires being in the country surrounded by snow. The whole month of December is devoted to preparing for Christmas. In Sweden, we make little ginger cookies and hang them on our trees. On the 24th, we celebrate with Christmas porridge at lunchtime -- it's a special rice porridge with one lucky almond in it (the person who finds the almond gets to make a wish) -- and then take a long walk in the snow. Later, after a big dinner, we sing songs and dance around the tree. Then, we sit down and have some sweets, and someone dressed as Father Christmas arrives with a big bag of presents for the kids.S@H Oh, so the kids actually see Father Christmas?EL Yes, although they're usually scratching their heads, wondering where Dad has gone! But that's all part of the magic.A taste of SwedenDesigner Eva Lundgreen offers these ideas for giving your home a touch of holiday charm with a Scandinavian twist.1 Choose bold, graphic holiday images, like heart and tree motifs.2 Dress your tree with homemade gingerbread, brightly wrapped candies and heart-shape objects.3 Add nontraditional colours like pink and orange.4 Include stripes for a modern edge. Decorate with evergreens and white candles. 5 Introduce texture with loosely knit blankets and pillows, and a Christmas feeling with embroidered wool fabric.- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Michael George Inside design: Michael George
Inside design: Michael George ofpage 1 He has created florals for A-listers including Giorgio Armani, Calvin Klein, Vera Wang and, of course, his friend Martha (Stewart, that is), who wrote the foreword to Simply Elegant Flowers with Michael George ($30 US, North Light Books, 2008). Michael, who has more than five decades of experience, also owns two flower stores and is the artistic director at the prestigious FlowerSchool New York.Style at Home What is it that flowers bring to people?Michael George It's a quality of life issue, really. Having flowers at home brings us back to the organic side of our reality. We've moved so far away from that. I'm trying to put the "culture" in culture. My approach, which I call quattro stagione, or "four seasons," is a simple way for us to tune into what's real in life and to bring that into our homes.S@H About quattro stagione -- your book explains how to use the four stages of nature to inspire floral creations.MG Well, here's the thing: nature gets it right all the time. When autumn comes and the leaves start to change colours, I watch. Sometimes there's more fuchsia, sometimes more orange. I take my lead from that. When arranging flowers, look at the flower in its plant form, see how it grows, and use that to inspire the form of your flower bouquet. Why overstylize something that's already perfect? The purpose of my book is to demystify flower arranging, as Martha Stewart has. It's not rocket science. I want people to get their hands dirty. You know, when I was going through some bad times, I had this overwhelming urge to weed and work in the garden. Sounds weird, doesn't it? But I needed to get my hands dirty, and while I weeded, I worked things out. The same is true for most people; when you're working with flowers, you're happier than when you're just looking at them.S@H You're talking yourself out of a job here, you know.MG Look, the retail flower shop is dying. You have online services that you can order from, or you can stop at the grocery store or even a corner store to buy flowers. The costs of providing the flower-arranging service and staffing are becoming impractical. You have to move with the times; to stay relevant and survive, you really have to adapt. Evolution is a key word. Today, we're a hybridization of influences -- geographically, politically and spiritually. For instance, recently I was hired to do the flowers for a Jewish-Chinese wedding that took place in 21 Club, a famous nightclub in downtown New York!S@H So what did you do?MG I used roses, rose foliage, and oranges (which mean good luck to the Chinese), and draped the chuppah with a red satin bedspread that had a golden dragon on it.S@H Simplicity is a word that's often applied to your work. Is that what makes your arrangements so modern?MG The simplicity and monochromatic nature of my work is in line with the evolution of fashion and style, which are becoming simpler and more natural. My look is minimal, neat and monofloral, which is what makes it modern. For more great entertaining ideas, pick up the November issue of Style at Home or buy it online! Here’s the link to buy it online: November 2008 Style at Home All images by Brie Williams from Simple Elegant Flowers with Michael George by Michael George with Bob Shuman (Northlight Books, 2008). page 2 S@H In Simply Elegant Flowers, you relate how the time your father spent in postwar Japan influenced his own floral creations. Like father, like son?MG Yes! I was married to a Japanese woman for 10 years, and she had quite a huge influence on me. I learned how to really see the simplicity in the beauty of nature. But I needed to learn how to translate that into arrangements that would speak to Americans, who just aren't culturally attuned to simplicity or minimalism. Abundance is key. I started doing low domes using a single flower type, arranging the stems like pencils in a jar. S@H You've written about how, as a baby, you crawled among the fallen petals and stems at your father's flower shop and how, as you grew, the flowers seemed to speak to you. For those of us who don't speak "flower" as a first language, what advice do you have?MG Handle flowers to familiarize yourself with them, look at them and how they grow, and read books about them. Nothing from nature is undesirable, whether it's grasses, pea pods or berries, so don't rule anything out. S@H Bringing a hostess flowers is never clichéd, is it? How can we kick it up a notch and elevate the ordinary?MG First, don't show up with flowers. We all know what it's like to entertain, and the last thing a hostess needs is one more thing to do. Now she has to deal with them, plus take coats and get drinks. Send flowers or an orchid plant the day before, so you don't risk overflowering the house. Floral 101 with Michael GeorgeThe New York-based star floral designer shares his top secrets for creating his signature arrangements.Put flowers in water right away and, if possible, let them drink for eight hours before arranging. Michael also suggests using a plant food, like Chrysal, to extend the life of your arrangement. Remove all thorns and foliage from flower stems below the water line. Align the tops of the flowers, cutting the stems with an even, straight stroke. Drop flowers into a vase the way you would pencils in a jar. Used to hold stems in place, rubber bands and clear hair ties are key to Michael's look. Position a band at the top of the water line, so it's not visible. By moving the band up or down, you can adjust the diameter of your bouquet.For more great entertaining ideas, pick up the November issue of Style at Home or buy it online! Here’s the link to buy it online: November 2008 Style at HomeAll images by Brie Williams from Simple Elegant Flowers with Michael George by Michael George with Bob Shuman (Northlight Books, 2008).- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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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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A conversation with Nate Berkus A conversation with Nate Berkus
A conversation with Nate Berkus ofA conversation with Nate Berkus Combine talent, a lifelong passion for design and a bit of luck, and you get Nate Berkus, who you probably recognize from his frequent appearances as a design expert on The Oprah Winfrey Show (not to mention his contributions to O at Home magazine) and through his popular collections at Linens 'N Things. Here, Nate shares his thoughts on decorating for fall -- as well as his plans to spend a lot of time reading by candlelight.S@H: Tell us about your fall collection for Linens 'N Things.NB: My fall collection is actually about collecting. I was inspired by the setting of a romantic candlelit library. Rich browns with gold metallic thread as an update to my signature knit throw as well as precious metals are a big part of the feeling.S@H: What were your goals in creating the new items?NB: To continue helping people to create another layer of style for their homes, and inspire them to stay home and read. S@H: What's inspiring you for this fall?NB: I am inspired by literature, metals like gold and bronze, thick knits and deep, deep Venetian orange. I am also inspired by leather, and natural woven baskets. S@H: What are your favourite current decor trends?NB: I like the idea of staying home this fall.S@H: What colours do you look forward to for fall?NB: Rich brown and Venetian orange.S@H: What trends would you like to see disappear?NB: I think that Americana (decoys, etc.) needs a break.Image from Home Rules by Nate Berkus. page 2 S@H: What changes will you be making in your home for the upcoming change of seasons?NB: I will be adding more layers to my bed with thick herringbone sheets and densely woven blankets, and I plan to attempt to do a lot by candlelight. S@H: What are some easy ways people can bring autumn into their homes?NB: Candles. Their warm glow always says fall to me.S@H: What, in your opinion, is the biggest don't when it comes to decorating?NB: Not being yourself. Decorating isn't about keeping up with or being the Joneses. It is about being yourself and feeling at home.S@H: And what is the biggest do?NB: Make your home your own.- Credit
- Kat Tancock
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Design tips from Alfred Sung Design tips from Alfred Sung
Design tips from Alfred Sung ofMass design culture; bamboo towels The very name Alfred Sung is synonymous with design. First there was fashion, then fragrance and now furnishings. The inspirational force behind Club Monaco, Alfred went on to create eponymous lines of clothing, bridalwear and sunglasses, which were distributed across North America. Since 2005, his home decor products have been available in Zellers stores across Canada. We asked Alfred for his take on style for less. STYLE AT HOME: There seem to be more and more high-end designers catering to lower-end price points. Why is that? Alfred Sung: Thanks to magazines and specialty channels, people are more aware of what's happening in the world of interior design. The collective taste level of the country has gone up. That creates a need in the marketplace for beautiful home furnishings and accessories that don't cost a lot. Good design doesn't cost extra and colour is free, so manufacturing products at lower price points is really a matter of choosing the right materials. At Alfred Sung, we've learned to be creative about sourcing materials that save us money. In fact, we employ a person in Asia who spends all his time tracking down new materials and facilities. S@H Can you give me an example of high-style, low-cost materials? AS One of our bestselling items, our towels contain a mix of cotton and bamboo. Bamboo is a good example of a product that's extremely abundant and renewable but also very resilient. (In Hong Kong, bamboo is often used in place of steel scaffolding.) It absorbs moisture and takes colour well, too. By using bamboo in our towels, we're creating an environmentally friendly product that lasts longer and costs less to make. Veneers are another great way of upping the style factor, not the price, which is determined by how much of an exotic wood is used. For example, when you only require about one-eighth-inch-thick veneer, you can keep the cost down. We've just designed a line of chairs with a zebra wood veneer, and our new wood mantel has a walnut one. New technology and machines create these veneers under such incredible pressure that once they're applied, it's impossible to trip them off, so you get a stylish look without sacrificing quality. Similarly, on our leather club chair, which is our hero piece -- a signature item well accepted by the public -- we use high-end leather on the seat, and vinyl on the sides and back, where it can't be seen. S@H How do you design for a mass audience without censoring the design process? Do you find that you have to play it safe? AS We're tough editors and make every effort to maintain the integrity of Sung Design. Whether in fashion or in home decor, my style has always been classic with a modern twist, which is ideally suited to a wide-ranging audience. I've always had an aversion to fads. When I was designing clothes, I designed for the "real" customer. I wanted to create things people could wear without looking like fashion victims. Good taste is subjective. Alfred's tips for style on a budget S@H Does your experience as a fashion designer uniquely qualify you for home design?AS When you're trained as a fashion designer, you know about scale, proportion and, especially, colour. Those skills are transferable to home design. But what happens in fashion usually follows in decor, so having a foot in each field helps.S@H What do you think people should keep in mind when decorating their homes?AS People are gaining confidence in their home decor skills. One of the things we continue to learn is how to create a context for stylish, low-cost products. our next challenge is to show people how to put items together in an inviting way. When we dress, we learn to layer. Dressing a room is no different -- it's good to add layers for interest. That's much easier to do when there are a variety of stylish pieces priced within your budget.Style on a budgetHere are some of Alfred Sung's tips for creating the luxe look for less.• In the living room, choose a sofa and armchair with timeless lines in a neutral palette. "That way, you can keep them for a long time," says Alfred. Then, dress up the rest of the room by layering cushions, draperies and throws in trendy colours. "And for low-cost drama and style, add a cool but inexpensive vase and tea lights."• In the dining room, invest in white dishes. "They're elegant and versatile and will serve you well," says Alfred. High-end restaurants choose white dishes because food looks best displayed on them. Punch up your table with white plates in interesting shapes (square, curvilinear), embellished with colourful serving pieces.• In the bedroom, achieve a luxurious finish with sateen sheets instead of percale ones; though they have the same thread count and price tag, sateen is softer.- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Nickolaos Kon Inside design: Nickolaos Kon
Inside design: Nickolaos Kon ofHow to approach your green space Nickolaos Kon, co-owner of Toronto-based Fossil Landscapes, creates distinctive works of nature, both small and large (he designed the jungle sets for the TV series Relic Hunter). His artistic vision and eco-friendly approach have made him a fave with many, including some STYLE AT HOME staffers, who have turned to Nikolaos for help in transforming their urban patches into verdant havens. And starting this spring, Fossil Landscapes will also sell a line of garden accessories online at fossillandscapes.com. We asked Nickolaos to share his garden know-how. Style at Home: As a landscape designer, you work with nature on a daily basis. How would you describe the average person's relationship with the natural world?Nickolaos Kon: Firstly, I don't think we make full use of our green spaces. Many of us live in cities where we're separated from nature. We have to get into our cars and drive to national parks to commune with it. As a designer, my mission is to integrate nature and urban environments. Our survival as a species depends on it. We need to carve out our own green spaces so we can interact with nature daily.S@H: In your view, what's the best approach to take with our green spaces?NK: I'm a believer in personalizing a garden so you can enjoy it for years – it won't go out of fashion the way a trendy garden might.S@H: How do we personalize a space? Simply use our favourite colours in blooming plants? Or is it bigger than that?NK: First, ask yourself what you love to do. If you love to cook and entertain, then dedicate a large part of your budget to an outdoor cooking area; if you're a workaholic, or if you work from home, then carve out a workspace in the garden; if you love art, incorporate some sculpture. Colour also plays a part. I go into people's homes and see what colours are on their walls and in their closets. I don't replicate that palette outside, but I do try to complement it. And if the interior is modern, I'll definitely adopt a similar aesthetic outside. Not only does that personalize a garden, but it also creates harmony. The garden has to make sense with the house; you want the exterior to flow seamlessly from the interior. I pay a lot of attention to the architecture, too, transferring the lines of the house into the lines of the beds and paths. S@H: In what way has technology allowed you to fine-tune your creative vision?NK: Most of Canada has a short outdoor season, so, for me, anything that maximizes your time outside is important. Outdoor fireplaces allow you to enjoy your space well into the fall. And lighting is critical. Low-voltage, or mood, lighting, will illuminate the colours and textures of a garden into the night, so you can stay outside longer. We're now seeing low-voltage, energy-efficient LED lighting. I also think timers are a must, programmed to turn on the lights in different places at different times.S@H: Have you seen any novel gardens?NK: Like a symphony, a good garden should have rhythm, repetition, harmony, and also a crescendo in the form of a water feature, sculpture or pergola. My favourite gardens have all those elements. As for novel, well, I once walked into a garden that contained a big-screen TV. The homeowners love to sit outside and watch movies. How to enjoy your backyard S@H: In terms of your own designs, what's the most novel garden you've created?NK: I designed a bedroom on a terrace, complete with daybeds and cushions. For another one of my clients, I created a garden with a dedicated yoga area; I laid circular rubber padding and surrounded it with plantings. That's what I mean by a truly personalized outdoor space. Enjoying your backyardWe asked Nickolaos Kon, co-owner of Toronto's Fossil Landscapes, for tricks of the landscaping trade.• Group together like plant species, moving subtly from one grouping to another with slight changes in tone or texture. • Set the stage for a dramatic feature by layering the heights of plantings around it.• Introduce mirrors in order to trick the eye into thinking a space is larger, or a path is longer. • Don't forget the kids. Give them a place to dig, says Nickolaos, or better yet, “create a mist garden for them.” A mist nozzle head (available through an irrigation company) pressurizes water to create a light mist that they'll enjoy; it's also a great way for adults to cool off.- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Debbie Travis Inside design: Debbie Travis
Inside design: Debbie Travis ofStyle for less Painter, decorator, author and media maven Debbie Travis is nothing if not the consummate multitasker. While producing a triumvirate of TV programs -- Facelift (HGTV), Completely Hammered and Debbie Travis' Painted House (both shown on the W Network) -- Debbie's quirky take on the decor show genre has garnered her a total of nine Gemini Awards. Since emigrating from England to Montreal 17 years ago, she's created a body of work known for its do-it-yourself, do-it-with-style approach, which has earned her legions of fans. STYLE AT HOME asked Debbie to share some of her secrets of affordable style.S@H: Let's talk about style for less -- less money, fewer resources -- a notion you championed in Debbie Travis' Painted House.DT: I truly believe that, philosophically and materially, less is more. Being on a small budget is the best gift when decorating. No, really! Save the dollars -- put them in your kids' education funds. Being on a tight budget forces you to be more creative, and the outcome is generally more interesting than a house that's been decorated for you -- a "designer" house that looks pretty but is devoid of warmth and individual personality.S@H: That's a wonderful decorating philosophy. How do we put it into practice?DT:The first thing -- the most important thing -- is to declutter. Ever notice how your house is always at its best right after you move? That's because you've tidied up and purged. It doesn't matter if you have the nicest rugs and antiques money can buy if they're obscured by clutter. Next, I tell people to invest in one really good piece -- a treasure that you saved up for, that you spent an arm and a leg on. Get something of great value that makes you feel good. It can be an armoire, a sofa or a piece of art. Then showcase that piece in a key room to create a focal point. Lots of homes, especially newly constructed ones, just don't have that focal point. It's an approach we all understand, right? I mean, it's like our bodies: everyone has at least one good feature -- a nice pair of legs, a great …. Well, you get the picture. Flaunt your good stuff and, believe me, the rest will be forgiven. Creating a mood with colour S@H: So, start by stripping away extraneous clutter in order to highlight a key piece. Then what?DT: Be clever with colour. Colour has been used since ancient Roman times to create the illusion of wealth. Back then, you could go into the poorest homes and see the walls treated. Today, you can do so much with a $15 can of paint, but people often underestimate the value of colour. They play it safe -- they match everything. I tell people to start by asking themselves what kind of mood they want to create -- cheery, dramatic, soothing, whatever -- and then choose the colours accordingly. S@H: You're a big advocate of the do-it-yourself approach, which has the potential to save thousands in labour costs. But in all honesty, is it feasible for rookies to try some of the transformations seen on Facelift?DT: Until you try it, everything, and I mean everything, looks scary. But with the exception of electrical work and plumbing, I do believe the majority of us can handle most of the things we hire tradespeople to do. The key is to take your time and prepare. Get books, buy videos and ask questions at the hardware store. Most of the botched jobs I see are the result of rushing. You've got to prime the walls, strip the furniture, source the right materials at the right price. That's the boring stuff people race through. But if you take your time and are truly prepared, you can do anything. I get calls from people all the time saying, “I can't believe I did it!” Now, that's worth every penny.- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Jane Cumberbatch Inside design: Jane Cumberbatch
Inside design: Jane Cumberbatch ofThe value of simple living She was once a highly successful, much-in-demand decor editor for British House & Garden, but the pace of life left Jane Cumberbatch so breathless she opted for a slower, simpler existence. Jane has made simple living her mission, and in each of her five books -- including last year's Decorating Easy -- and on her website (purestyleonline.com), she offers "a blueprint for living in the 21st century." S@H: What prompted your quest for a simpler life?JC: My first decorating job was for a big magazine. It was the '80s, and in every house we photographed, so much money was spent on fabrics, ribbons and bows, but it was all tasteless. It was such a consumption-driven society. The obsession to have the latest and greatest had become more important than having a well-functioning, pleasing environment. I began to realize there was another way -- you didn't need to spend a lot of money to have a good-looking home that reflected good values. What could be more beautiful than flowers from your own backyard?S@H: Tell us about the values of simple living. JC: It's not just about aesthetics; simple living is a philosophy, too. Rampant consumerism takes a toll on the environment, so simple living embraces composting; having one car, not two; and buying fresh produce over packaged food (and whenever possible buying locally). What's also intrinsic is a consciousness about not being wasteful. I'm talking about reusing old, discarded pieces of furniture by sprucing them up with a coat of paint, and saving fabric remnants to use on jeans or for other sewing projects. It's a creative way of living, really.S@H: Why do you think the quest for simple living resonates with so many people?JC: I live in London, a rather big city, with three children. That alone is stressful, but then consider we live in a century in which technology is impeding our need for respite. Cellphones and laptops promote the notion you have to be available at all times. I'll admit technology can also help you live simply -- dishwashers, for example, allow you to spend more time doing the things you love. But a bigger impediment is that we live in an era in which there is so much choice it's bewildering. We walk into grocery stores and movie rental shops, and we're inundated with products -- made to believe we need them all. We're seduced by advertising. Shopping has become a hobby. I believe we need to pare down, to seek out what is essential and good to look at. Jane's blueprint for a simple life S@H: What's essential for you and good to look at? JC: I just bought an old house in Portugal, and I'm sitting here right now going over the plans. I'm trying to decide what I really need -- a good supply of hot water, comfy beds and a functional kitchen. I don't need to spend a lot of money on fancy fabrics and endless trinkets that ultimately make you stressed because you have to take care of them. Once you've determined what you need, you can concentrate on finding items that will stand the test of time and are pleasing to the eye. For me, that's a sturdy kitchen table, robust glassware, plain white plates, classic cutlery, and washable paints and slipcovers. The greatest benefit of a simple life is having time to enjoy simple pleasures -- to appreciate life, to feel calm. So anything that makes life comfortable and affords more time to explore worthwhile pursuits is pure and simple living at its best. Simple formula Few, functional and fine -- those are the three "Fs" of Jane Cumberbatch's blueprint for a simple life. Her new line of practical products, including Irish linen tea towels, blue-and-white enamel bowls, and sewing kits, will soon be available at purestyleonline.com. Few Pare down belongings to only those necessary things. You need a sofa, but what about all those throw cushions? Similarly, says Jane, "having two sets of china and three sets of glassware eats up time taking care of them." Functional Ovenproof pots, tumblers that work for both juice and wine -- "multipurpose items are the key to simplicity," says Jane. "Everything I bring into my house must fulfil more than one function." Fine Colour and texture are intrinsic to what Jane calls the "DNA of simple living." She takes her cues from nature, favouring the shades of earth, sky and sea, with pops of colour added (fresh flowers are a great way to do this). Jane also likes "rough log baskets, crisp cotton sheets and frothing soap."Page 2 of 2- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Scott Richler Inside design: Scott Richler
Inside design: Scott Richler ofA background in fashion design An architect by training, a furniture designer by choice, Scott Richler of the Montreal-based firm Jennifer Scott looks at interiors with an artistic eye. The one-time jewelry designer launched his furniture line in 2004 and now offers custom home furnishings and interior design services. At once contemporary and capricious, his pieces have won him both corporate and residential clients. He talked with us about his approach to home decor. Style at Home: You started your professional life in fashion design, but your degree is in architecture. Is it fair to call you a Renaissance man?Scott Richler: [laughing] I'm not sure about that. But yes, after I graduated, I started working for an architecture firm, but on the side, I was designing a jewelry line with my wife and business partner, Jennifer [Kakon]. At that point, fashion was more of a distraction than anything. But for fun, in 2000, we went to an accessories trade show in New York and ran into someone who wanted to represent our line. Three months later, our jewelry was in stores in New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo and, of course, Montreal. Then we expanded into other areas, and soon we had a line of belts, bags and dresses.S@H: How big a leap was it from jewelry to interior and furniture design?SR: It's all related. Once you're accustomed to designing, you get comfortable creating all sorts of things. Good designers see things in ways others don't, and can translate a vision into three dimensions. They're multitalented and capable of crossover.S@H: It sounds as if, in your opinion, good designers push themselves to try new things. Is that why you made the leap?SR: It was a natural evolution. And maybe a little bit of fate. We had a boutique in Old Montreal, and the space next door became vacant. On a gut feeling, I jumped on it, as I had this vision of myself designing furniture.S@H: How does your experience in jewelry infl uence your furniture?SR: I like all my designs to be invested with jewelry-like elements, whether it's the sheen of metal or the details. Our Soho chandelier is totally derivative of fashion – it hangs like a dress and the crystals are interwoven throughout like a piece of jewelry. There's a freedom in fashion design, and we bring that to our furniture in fabric choices and details. That's not to say we ignore function. We experiment, sure, but the art lies in doing so within the constraints imposed by that function. For example, we just created this huge table for a client. It's sturdy quarter-cut oak, but we did a raw steel inlay and then lacquered it so it shone like a jewel. Because of my history, I tend to design backwards: I'll see the intricacy first and design around it.S@H: Does lighting play a large part in your interiors and products?SR: Light fixtures are the jewelry of a room. Any architect will tell you thatlight is an integral part of design: it creates drama and contrast, that "wow." Space is made up of material and light – that's it. There are only two kinds of light: the kind that exists naturally and the kind we create artificially. With light fixtures, we can push the fanciful aspect. It's our opportunity to be expressive.Photo of Scott courtesy of Gabriel Kakon; main image courtesy of Marc Montplaisir Scott's dos and don'ts S@H: How do you light a small space?SR Lighting a small space, or any space, really, is purpose driven. The way a space is lit should be dictated by its intended use. I'd start by lighting the walls of a smaller room to open it up. If you're using conventional recessed lights, place them closer to where the walls and ceiling meet, instead of in the middle of the ceiling. I'd avoid hanging any fixtures that are out of scale. For example, if you hang a chandelier that's too large, it will be obvious.S@H: Do you think we're expressive enough with our design choices?SR I think most people are afraid to express themselves. My biggest sadness is that so many of my clients try to be like their parents. They're in their 30s or early 40s and are demanding a totally traditional home. Now, I have no objection to traditional items, if they're great. But there's no sense spending time and money on something that's ordinary and doesn't represent who you are. Sure, it's much easier to do the cookie-cutter thing – it's safe and fast – but experimenting doesn't cost more. Spending a little time to find similarly priced pieces that are out of the ordinary and are artistic makes all the difference to a room. Take it to the limit!Designer Scott Richler of Montreal design firm Jennifer Scott gives his dos and don'ts for upping the creative quotient at home.Don't hire a designer just because your mother has been working with him or her forever; do find a designer who shares your vision. Do invest in quality – well-crafted and designed pieces will hold their own. Do look for details that make a piece special; don't buy the first thing you see . Do focus on a few key pieces, like a gorgeous coffee table, to add drama to the room; don't overdo it – not all pieces should be stars.Photo of Scott courtesy of Gabriel Kakon; main image courtesy of Marc Montplaisir- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Kelly Hoppen Inside design: Kelly Hoppen
Inside design: Kelly Hoppen ofComfort, simple and sophisticated British interior designer Kelly Hoppen has a truly jet-set lifestyle. After completing the redecoration of Victoria and David Beckham's new Los Angeles digs, Kelly, the author of Kelly Hoppen Home ($50, Little, Brown and Company, 2007), flew home to London for a brief stay -- to service a wide range of residential and commercial clients, teach design at the Kelly Hoppen Design School, and create tableware for Wedgwood. Then, she was off to Barcelona to put finishing touches on a boutique hotel she's decorating, just one of her many international projects. Fortunately for us, Kelly found some time to talk about how you, too, can attain the simple sophistication for which she's famous. Style at Home In the foreword of Kelly Hoppen Home, you reflect on the time you spent at your grandmother's home in South Africa. How did those sojourns influence your decorating approach? Kelly Hoppen While I was writing the book, it became apparent how big a part of my life my grandmother's house was; everything from the antiques to the flowers moved me. But I realized her house was a home that was created over the years, with love. It wasn't what I call an "instant home," with a ready-made lifestyle that doesn't take collections and belongings into consideration. As I get older, I find I'm more in favour of using what you already own and being creative about incorporating items with personal meaning for an eclectic mix of old and new. S@H Comfort is a word we use a lot when talking about our homes, yet it's still so often associated with overstuffed sofas. What does it mean to you? KH It's the complete opposite of overstuffed. But that's my own personal taste. Comfort is a feeling that we all get from different things. It's the same with luxury: for some, it's silk and gold tassels, and for others, it might be flannel. A room has to fit you, just like clothing has to, since what suits one person won't suit another. Figuring out what sits right with you, and with your lifestyle and tastes, is really the biggest secret to successful interior design. I tell my students to approach their rooms the way they would their wardrobe. Once, I had a woman in my class who just couldn't visualize the room she was redecorating, which really upset her. So I went away and thought about how I could help her. I came back and told her she looked good and asked how she'd come up with her outfit. She said, "I was lying in bed, and I pictured various ensembles." I told her to visualize her room in the same way, layering and accessorizing until it felt right. S@H Simple and sophisticated seem to be the watchwords of the Kelly Hoppen look. Are you happy with those descriptions of your work? KH My design philosophy is to create Zen-like, harmonious interiors. Each one has to have a tranquil essence, which is an Asian influence. I noticed that I felt chilled-out in Japan -- a country with a good infrastructure, including highly structured roads and transit lines. That very structure calms and creates harmony, which is liberating. Similarly, my designs are highly planned, streamlined and efficient, which frees up space for fun elements, like a round chair suspended from the ceiling, or an unexpected mixture of textures.Image courtesy of Nick Haddow The Kelly Hoppen style S@H Your name has become an adjective: the Kelly Hoppen style. How do you feel about becoming a brand?KH I love it! Can we say I'm "Hoppen-izing" the nation? We all know that trends come and go, as do stores and designers catering to trends. But then there are brands, like Ralph Lauren and, hopefully, mine that have a philosophy and an accompanying approach that are timeless. Yes, there are changes, and new items being added, but the overall look remains the same. For instance, you know when something is Ralph Lauren, and I guess you know when something is Kelly Hoppen! Doing the HoppenWe asked hot British interior designer Kelly Hoppen to tell us how she creates her signature look.Create a plan, keeping in mind the function of the room and the storageneeds. A well-planned clutter-free room is the starting point for everything decorative.Use taupes and cream, adding metallic and brightly hued accessories.Layer textures, sticking to a monochromatic palette. Sofas and chairs upholstered in suede and velvet look great together. Upping the texture factor is as easy as adding chenille and silk pillows and throws. Introduce the unexpected. "I love circular pieces right now," says Kelly, who also likes interesting doors.Image courtesy of Nick Haddow- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Louise Lipman Inside design: Louise Lipman
Inside design: Louise Lipman ofHow to bring more art into your home Louise Lipman lives and breathes art – literally. Raised by a mother who both sculpted and painted, the Toronto gallery owner was seduced by the smell of paint early on. Her own penchant, though, was for publishing, and in the early 1980s she produced three pivotal books, profiling such iconic Canadian artists as Alex Colville, Christopher Pratt, Mary Pratt, Greg Curnoe and Jean Paul Lemieux. She also has a poster business, and today, through her gallery, Louise Lipman Contemporary Art, she's attempting to make art accessible to the masses. We asked her to act as our guide through the world of art collecting. Style at Home: What, if any, forces are currently shaping the art world?Louise Lipman: Branding. Everything is being branded as soon as it's created, it seems. Fashion is playing a huge part in that, with clothing and home decor labels now collaborating with major artists: Cindy Sherman and Elizabeth Peyton have both created towels sold on target.com, and Damien Hirst is collaborating with Levi's. All of this instant commercial branding popularizes art on the one hand and raises the level of the artist as icon on the other. So art is power now, and it has the power to sell something other than art. Whether or not that's good for the art market really remains to be seen. But there's no turning back the clock now!S@H: For most of us, buying art is a precious investment. So how can we bring more art into our homes?LL: I have a gorgeous Picasso in my bedroom – a woman reclining in a seductive, sensual pose. And it's a poster! When we say "art," we assume we're talking about original canvases. I appreciate original art, but it's not the only way to enjoy great pieces. When we confine ourselves to original art, we're limiting ourselves to having less art in the home. You can buy reproductions as you build a collection. Picasso is an artist I couldn't afford, but a poster or reproduction allows me to gain daily exposure to his images. So many people are snobs about posters, though. They don't realize how vastly technology has changed; posters and reproductions today are being made at a really high level. They may not have quite the same vibration as the original work, but they're better than having no art. S@H: So if we aren't limiting ourselves to originals, the possibilities are endless. How does someone contemplating an art purchase take the first step?LL: Art is about feelings and ideas: the feelings and ideas it generates within you, and the discourse it creates when others view it. When art comes into your home, it should create either harmony or energy. A piece may make you feel soothed or excited, but, bottom line, it should make you feel something!S@H: What roles does art play in the world of interior decor?LL: Art personalizes a room. Art can be the inspiration for the decor or it can be the finishing touch, pulling the room together. In fact, it can make a small room seem bigger and a large room cosier. For example, both a large, open landscape with a remote horizon or a calming abstract painting can open up a small room, particularly if the image isn't framed. Add a mirror across from the art, and you'll create twice the spaciousness. Conversely, a large room can be made cosier with a collection of smaller pieces, preferably framed.Image courtesy of Cam Craig; portrait courtesy of Jim Allen Art buying mistakes S@H: What is the biggest mistake people make when choosing a piece of art?LL: Asking too many people's opinions. Art is too subjective. If someone else doesn't like it, then invite them into a lively discussion about it. That's what art is all about: creating a dialogue, making you think, challenging ideas!On the lookout for artSo you've decided to purchase a piece of art. Where should you start? We asked gallery owner Louise Lipman for some tips.Do your research. Go to galleries, surf the Internet, attend art fairs. Try to develop a sense of the art forms and styles that interest you. Create a budget. When allocating funds to a renovation or decoration project, put aside funds for art, too. Have a figure in mind when you go shopping, but remember that galleries have payment plans, so don't sell yourself or the artist short. Decide where it's going – a public space or a private one? A painting for the dining room will likely be different in mood and tone from one for your bedroom. Think outside the box. Instead of one large piece, invest in three small canvases or a group of photographs. "Smaller pieces can tell a narrative and force the viewer to step up to the artwork to get a better look, creating a moment of privacy in an otherwise cavernous space," says Louise. Test drive a piece before purchasing it. Most galleries will let you take a painting home on approval; it's wise to use that service.Image courtesy of Cam Craig- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: eBay's Shawn Henderson Inside design: eBay's Shawn Henderson
Inside design: eBay's Shawn Henderson ofDecor shopping in the digital world Boasting annual sales of $3.6 billion in its Home & Garden category alone, eBay has emerged as a huge player in home decor retail. But with 100 million auction items listed at any given time, eBay needed a beacon of style to highlight its decor offerings, so in 2006, the online marketplace recruited New York-based interior designer Shawn Henderson of Shawn Henderson Interior Design as its first Home & Garden design director. In addition to media appearances, his job is to educate consumers about design -- using the site as a resource. STYLE AT HOME caught up with the in-demand interior designer to discuss decor in the digital age. Style at Home: How did you become eBay's design director?Shawn Henderson: In 2004, I worked on an eBay showhouse here in New York; everything we used had to be purchased from the site. I was one of eight designers who took part, and that's how I first met the crew. They approached me at the end of 2005, and in 2006, I officially became their design director. I'd used eBay occasionally before the project, but not as much as I do now.S@H: How has the web changed interior design?SH: We're all forced to be techies now. I have 14 years of professional experience, and to see how much the industry has changed is amazing. I'm from the generation that had to get out there once or twice a week and hoof it on the sidewalks to find new sources and meet vendors. Nowadays, my staff still goes out and shops, but with so many trade magazines and resources online, the majority of their job involves sitting at a desk and scouting products online. The web has definitely made the design process more immediate and accessible.S@H: What role does eBay play in your work?SH: A large one, particularly as a source of inspiration. Part of the fun is going on an online journey to explore what's out there. It's a huge learning process, and I'm constantly finding things I didn't know about before. I have clients who shop on eBay and who will send me a link to something and ask, "What do you think?" The shopping experience has gone worldwide.S@H: The web has also opened up new ways of reaching an audience, like your blog, for instance, at blogs.ebay.com/shawn.henderson.SH: Blogging is a great way to keep things current and relevant. I'm inspired by different things daily, and it's nice to be able to share them and feed information to consumers. A recent entry was about sofa depth and how to find the right sofa. That type of practical information helps guide people through the shopping process.Image of Shawn courtesy of Carrington Weems; main image courtesy of Steve Freihon 5 eBay shopping tips S@H: You use your blog to point out on-trend items that can be purchased on eBay. Given the staggering selection available online, is it important to have a navigator?SH: Absolutely. I think shopping online can be very overwhelming for nonprofessionals. I hear that a lot from friends and family -- people just can't make informed decisions. Any time you can narrow down options and point people in the right direction, to that better choice, it's a good thing. When I'm looking for specific items, I come up with a little shopping list. Maybe I'm looking for an Italian brass-and-glass lamp in turquoise, so I start out with those specific terms and try to keep narrowing down my search.S@H: You regularly identify trends on your blog; you recently singled out driftwood, paisley and Danish design. Any predictions for 2008?SH: What I see are continuations of trends that are already in place: first, there's self-expressiveness, which translates into a more eclectic environment in which people showcase their own unique personal style; second, there will be a trend toward a cleaner, simpler, more modern aesthetic. In New York, in particular, a lot of the apartments being built are pretty modern, and I think the younger generation will be drawn to that look, especially in urban areas.S@H: How do you integrate steals from eBay into high-end decor? What's key to creating a seamless look in a space?SH: Regardless of what an items costs, it's about creating balance in terms of colour, scale and the combination of materials -- all the stuff that makes a room successful.5 eBay shopping tips1 Do your homework. If you have questions about an item, e-mail the seller. If you're worried about the colour, ask to see a photo of the item next to an identified paint chip for a truer representation.2 Always look at the seller's feedback information. A seller should have a 98 per cent or higher feedback rating – that's based on buyer satisfaction when dealing with the vendor. 3 If you don't have time to watch an auction, determine your maximum bid for an item and plug in that number in what's called a "proxy bid"; eBay will bid on your behalf until the bidding war reaches your maximum. You have to be OK with losing an item if bidding goes even one cent over your max, though.4 If you must have an item, choose the Buy It Now option, if available. It takes the risk out of the process. 5 Register for eBay's PayPal service -- a secure method of sending and receiving money online. That way, vendors won't have access to your credit card number or bank account information.Image courtesy of Steve Freihon- Credit
- Brett Walther
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Inside design: Swarovski Inside design: Swarovski
Inside design: Swarovski ofThe wonderful world of crystals All that glitters is not gold. Case in point: Swarovski crystal. The family-run Austrian company has carved out a brilliant niche in the market for sparkly baubles for home and personal adornment. We sat down with Nathalie Colin Roblique, the company's creative director of consumer goods, to discuss Swarovski's history and holiday plans. Bring on the bling!S@H How did the company's founder discover the wonderful world of crystals?NCR: The company was founded by Daniel Swarovski, who in 1892 invented a revolutionary machine that could cut crystal. In 1895, he used it to start the business. Still managed by the Swarovski family today, the company, which is based in Wattens, Austria, has thousands of employees worldwide. There are more than 600 people working in product development and creation alone. A visionary, Daniel Swarovski was always thinking of the future, so developing new ideas and products remains important to our company.S@H Since crystal occurs naturally in stone, doesn't that mean there's a finite supply that will eventually limit the number of products you can create?NCR: Rock crystal is rare and occurs naturally in stone. But Swarovski crystal is man-made, so we can produce as much as we want, in proportions you wouldn't find naturally. We have a secret potion; no one (with the exception of the Swarovski family members) knows the recipe, including the employees who manufacture the crystal in our laboratory in Austria. No journalist has ever been allowed into the laboratory, either. I can tell you, however, that the recipe includes sand and water, of which we have a virtually limitless supply.S@H So what are the advantages of working with man-made crystal?NCR: Crystal is known for its brilliance and many facets. But rock crystal can have a sparkle that comes from other minerals that leave trace amounts in and on it. Man-made crystal contains no mineral inclusions, which means it's clear. S@H Besides being crystal clear, are there any other pluses?NCR: Yes. Man-made crystal is a mutable substance that can be made in any colour, and thanks to Daniel Swarovski's crystal-cutting technology, it can be fashioned in any shape. All you need is imagination.Image courtesy of Swarovski Bringing crystal home S@H What's big in crystal these days?NCR: There are a few trends I've noticed. Overall, proportions are changing. In decor, we're seeing a move toward large, organic shapes, so we blew up the proportions of our Silex vase, for example, which is made from one piece of crystal. Right now, we're experiencing a monumental shift in Swarovski's history. We've recently begun collaborating with designers and architects to create products you wouldn't expect to see in crystal, as well as nontraditional versions of typical crystal items. The chandelier designed by architect Daniel Libeskind for the Royal Ontario Museum, which contains 130,000 encrusted crystals donated by Swarovski, is just one example. It illustrates what can come from inspiring partnerships. I'm also working on a new generation of products with a big push in the area of accessories, like watches, jewelry and bags, as well as crystal collections.S@H We noticed you've even partnered with Philips on USB keys like the Active Crystals Heart Beat USB Memory Key (below) and the Active Crystals Lock Out USB Memory Key -- just in time for the holidays!NCR: Crystal is a beautiful substance -- we wanted people to be able to carry it and enjoy it every day. Some cultures believe crystals offer protection. I'm not sure about that, but I do know they create magic! Bringing crystal home STYLE AT HOME asked Swarovski's creative director of consumer goods, Nathalie Colin Roblique, for her top tips for decorating with crystal this season.Think outside the (jewelry) box. You probably already own a crystal-encrusted brooch. "Use it to decorate throw pillows or to tie back curtains," says Nathalie. "In my home, I display my necklaces by hanging them from a shelf." Let there be light. Crystal is most magical when it's close to a light source, so if you purchase only one piece of crystal this season, opt for a candleholder. "For the holidays, we created a candleholder that converts into a tea light holder," says Nathalie. "I just love its multifunctionality."Re-envision the tree. It's the perfect place to add crystal ornaments, which will reflect the tree's lights beautifully. Go big. Add dramatic impact (and be on trend) with a large crystal vase, candleholder or figurine.Image courtesy of Swarovski- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Maximilian Riedel Inside design: Maximilian Riedel
Inside design: Maximilian Riedel ofThe stemless wineglass Ask any oenophile and they'll tell you the name Riedel (which is pronounced "ree'dl") is synonymous with top-of-the-line wineglasses. Maximilian Riedel, CEO of Riedel Crystal of North America, is the 11th generation of Austrian wineglass makers in this family business, which has been in operation since 1756. We asked Maximilian to help us better understand the marriage of good wine and great glassware. S@H It seems that wine was once the purview of the elite, but in the past few decades it has become popular with more people. Do you agree? MR Absolutely. There's no other beverage that goes as well with food as wine. It also brings people together, inspiring conversation and the chance to share. And since we don't open a bottle and bring it to our lips (as we might beer), the vessel that wine is poured into becomes very important. S@H Speaking of vessels, the stemless glass has become wildly trendy. Do you think your grandfather is rolling over in his grave? MR I created the first stemless tumbler in 2004. I wanted something convenient, that could be stacked, put in the dishwasher, and used at the cottage for orange juice or mojitos. It was a major success; I know that, because of the impressive sales numbers and because there are tons of copies. My family's relationship with wine began with my grandfather, who created a Pinot Noir glass in the '50s that's now in the Museum of Modern Art as an example of beautiful stemware. I introduced my stemless line to him just before he died. At first he said, "What? You cut the stem off my beautiful glass?" But then I explained the practicality of the tumbler -- you know, 80 per cent of wineglasses are broken at the stem -- and he understood its purpose. S@H We know wine purists who claim that because you hold the stemless glass around the bowl, the wine is warmed unfavourably. Is that a drawback? MR People think that's the case, but it's not a fact. The stem was created mainly for aesthetic reasons -- to keep fingerprints off the bowl -- and for women with smaller hands. I'd argue that it's important not to overfill a wineglass -- don't pour more than three or four ounces in one. If you do that, warming won't happen. Also, many whites are served too cool, so even if the wine does rise in temperature, that will only bring out its great depth and character. Picking the best glass S@H Your family has championed specific bowl shapes for specific wines. Is that as relevant now as it was when you first introduced the concept five decades ago? MR Riedel's focus has always been on quality and on creating new designs in crystal. The shape of the bowl influences the aroma, depth and dimensionality of the wine. I call the winemaker the musician and the bowl the loudspeaker. But, of course, wines do change (the alcohol levels, and the features of the grape), so we're constantly checking our wineglasses to make sure they're as well matched now as they were when we first made them -- something I don't think a lot of people know. We're also developing new bowl shapes. We just came up with one specifically for the Oregon Pinot Noir. That sounds weird, I know, since we already have more than one great Pinot Noir glass. But the winemakers of Oregon insist their Pinot Noir is different from others. My father, Georg Riedel, conducted panel tastings within the industry before we developed prototypes. Each participating winery voted on which served the wine best, and by process of elimination, we settled on a glass for Oregon Pinot Noirs. S@H Don't tell us that's the next big thing! Do we now need to have a set of glasses for each grape and each region? MR We hope not! We'd never keep up; there are just too many regions. The next big thing for us is private labelling. Wineries come to us for custom-made glasses. For wine lovers, that means that when you buy a case of your favourite wine, you can also buy the glasses created specially for it. We're also debuting a new decanter, and creating giftware sets for the holidays. S@H For those of us who don't have the money or space for multiple sets of glasses, is there one glass (or two) that's best for serving a variety of wines? MR No, because a glass is crafted to amplify the traits of a specific grape. But if you can't afford a range of glasses, I suggest you start building a collection by asking yourself what your preferred grape is. Then, ask your spouse what his or her favourite is, and buy the appropriate glasses.- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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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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Inside design: Barbara Sallick's bathroom... Inside design: Barbara Sallick's bathroom...
Inside design: Barbara Sallick's bathroom... ofWhat has changed in bathrooms and new trends There are some who say that Barbara Sallick is responsible for transforming the way people on this continent think about bathrooms. (Click here for a larger view of image on left). Both the company she founded in 1978, Waterworks (a purveyor of fine bath fixtures and accessories), and her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Designing the Perfect Bath ($16, Perfect Paperback, 2006), elevate the bathroom from lowly utility room to luxury spa. We asked Barbara to help us draw the perfect bath. S@H You call yourself a bathroom evangelist. Why? BS Three decades ago, bathrooms weren't a priority. You had a choice of avocado, gold, white or pink tiles and fixtures, and the rooms were as big as a closet. My father ran a plumbing company, and my husband, Robert, and I started Waterworks to sell bathroom fittings and fixtures similar to what we'd seen in Europe. So we took a leap of faith and opened a showroom in the United States. But when we asked architects to come and see the showroom, they'd say, "Why?" S@H What changed the thinking toward bathrooms? BS A few things. For one, hotels realized they only had two opportunities to impress a guest: in the bedroom and in the bathroom . So those two rooms had to be memorable. Hoteliers succeeded, and people came home and said, "I want that." About the same time, Jacuzzi made a whirlpool bath designed for the home -- they'd formerly only been available for therapeutic use in hospitals. I also think the idea of a big, beautiful bathroom started making sense. With both parents in the workforce, a retreat became important. You couldn't lock the kitchen, but you could lock the bathroom door. S@H We've witnessed a huge movement toward the spa bath. Will that trend continue to be strong? BS Yes. The bathroom as day spa is a more recent phenomenon that's developed in the past five years. Now people aren't thinking so much about the hotel they stayed in but about re-creating the spa they went to. Spas have become more mainstream, largely because we're all so busy and crave tranquility. S@H What are the key elements of the spa bath? BS Everything revolves around water, from the oversize soaker tub, maybe even with a run-off trough to create a waterfall effect, to the highly functional shower with multiple settings and jets. The sound of water is hypnotic, and the feeling is soothing. The bottom line is that the spa bathroom is about personal comfort -- yours, not your family's. Image courtesy of Waterworks Barbara's favourite bathroom and her must-haves S@H Describe your favourite bathroom ever. BS It's funny -- I've been in many, but the ones I remember most aren't the wild ones, but rather those that accomplish serenity. I was in an old country house in Connecticut where the bathroom was built around two red leather chairs. They'd hung a chandelier imported from France and used black-and-white marble throughout. There was a fireplace at one end, and they'd hung elegant art. It was breathtaking. S@H On your mission to make over the bathrooms of North America, what's your biggest obstacle? BS Execution. I see people investing in wonderful, expensive materials and products that are then poorly installed. There's incredibly ingenious technology that manufacturers are using to improve the bathroom. But it's all for nothing if it's not done well. I'm on a real tear about this right now. I'm encouraging people to be tough -- ask questions of potential contractors and tradespeople, and always be sure to inspect their work. On tap Barbara Sallick, founder of Waterworks, offers four must-haves for a modern spa bath. 1 A big tub and/or two-person shower. Barbara recommends one that's well equipped with a hand shower (and a seat for the shower) and that also delivers an appropriate amount of water pressure. 2 A piece of furniture, like an armchair, loveseat or ottoman. "This is a space where you do more than just clean up -- you relax, recline and read. So make sure you have a comfortable spot to sit and a place for a book," says Barbara. 3 Ambient lighting. Dimmers are critical, but also consider floor lamps, table lamps and sconces for lighting up small areas away from the tub. 4 Music. Pipe in soothing sounds by installing speakers, and invest in a small iPod dock or in one of the many new waterproof radios (they can even be hung in a shower). Image courtesy of Waterworks- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Designer organizing tips Designer organizing tips
Designer organizing tips ofOrganization and customization An industrial designer with more than a decade of experience, Kevin Karst has rescued disorganized, disordered and discombobulated homes with both his Karst closet systems (exclusive to Neat Storage Essentials in Toronto) and custom-made cabinetry. We asked the Toronto-based designer to help us make sense of the chaos. S@H: Organizing is a very popular word these days. Why do you think that is? KK: The densification of downtown cores means storage has become more important. Many of us live in much smaller homes -- condos and lofts, for example -- where space is an issue. And as baby boomers age and downsize their accommodations, organization is only going to be a bigger buzzword. Ultimately, it's a good thing. Environmentally, we just can't afford to live in vast spaces; we can't sustain the resources required to build them -- not to mention the energy they use for heating and cooling, and the pollution they create. S@H: What role does sustainability play? KK: It's huge. We industrial designers work with constraints and limitations all the time -- that's called being creative. A green ethic limits materials, which requires inventive design solutions. I prefer sustainable, domestic woods -- maple, cherry, white oak, walnut; they're local, involve less transport, and thus create less pollution. I'd also choose veneers over solid wood because there's a better conversion rate from tree to material (veneers are sliced, not sawed, so more of the tree is utilized). I only use water-based finishes and adhesives; they're healthier for me and for my staff, and no solvents means volatile chemicals aren't emitted into the atmosphere. Being green isn't just an ethical decision -- it's smart business. People will choose the green option, if it's available, even if it costs a little more. S@H: Why is customization important to you? KK: Customization and organization are inherently connected. A person's living space reflects his or her personality and idiosyncrasies. For example, not a lot of standard products will accommodate hundreds of shoes or spices. The custom route is more practical because it allows a designer to make use of every square inch. One big issue is ceiling height. In downtown areas, there's a great deal of variation. For instance, old Victorian houses and loft conversions have higher ceilings than postwar bungalows. And particularly in closets and kitchens, vertical space is very important. Sometimes standard widths don't work, either. You get the best aesthetic effect if, for instance, each drawer front or door is the same width. Midpriced, off-the-shelf cabinetry often allows for three sets of standard drawers, plus a filler, which is just dead space. Custom cabinets can accommodate four sets of standard drawers or three wider ones. Image courtesy of Brian Summers. Keeping organization fresh S@H: Working through an organizational process with a client is an act of intimacy. Do you make new friends?KK: Absolutely. Typically, reorganizing and creating custom solutions happens during renovations, which are already stressful. You have to work well with people to help them survive that. Clients need to feel they can trust you with their secrets, their intimate possessions. Before they even look at my work, they're looking for that connection. Working through a variety of complex ideas during a stressful period means that, inevitably, deep relationships are forged.S@H: How do you keep organizational designs from being the same old, same old?KK: I try to travel a lot and attend trade shows. I read and am a news junkie. I'm interested in the artistic and design culture in Toronto, from galleries and readings to films and the performing arts. I work at the Toronto International Film Festival; I treat it as a holiday because it's so interesting. It's essential for designers to be adventurers -- you can't live in a cave and expect to stay relevant.Organizing 911Industrial designer Kevin Karst's tips for planning a project.Research. Visit shops, showrooms and galleries, and train your eye to recognize and appreciate beautiful, elegant solutions. And remember, good advice may be valuable, but you know your needs best. Consider all available space. Find solutions for those irregular quirky areas over doors, above cabinets or in corners. Besides being functional, these spaces can add unique character.Insist on high-quality materials, fittings and hardware. By choosing the best resources, your organizational systems (cabinets, drawers or closet systems) will last longer.Image courtesy of Brian Summers.- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Lynn Spence Inside design: Lynn Spence
Inside design: Lynn Spence ofWalls and rugs Toronto-based design consultant and style expert Lynn Spence is a regular on Citytv's CityLine. She divides her time between her apartment in the city and a country home, both of which showcase unerringly good design as well as her signature -- sensible, sophisticated style. We asked Lynn to give us a lesson in design basics. STYLE AT HOME: Is there anything basic about good design?Lynn Spence: Yes. If you can't hire a consultant, following a few simple principles that can be applied to any room and any style can help. They're touchstones you can keep coming back to when you aren't sure where to start or when you fall off the rails. S@H: So, what's the first guiding principle?LS: Take stock of the box: you have four walls, the floor is the fifth and the ceiling the sixth. People spend a lot of time worrying about what colour to paint the walls and what to hang on the windows and, in my opinion, not enough time pondering what they're going to put on the floor and hang from the ceiling.The very first thing you should buy is an area rug. Without one, a room will feel empty, and you'll spend time and money filling it up with stuff you don't really need. Plus, a rug is a foundation piece that anchors everything else you add to a room; it dictates where the coffee table should go and the colour of the upholstery, so it's important that you make a solid choice.S@H: What constitutes a solid choice in rugs?LS: First of all, you must be simply mad about it. A good rug is like a piece of art -- it's a big investment but will be with you for a lifetime. I like to see some neutrality in the colours so that, dollars to doughnuts, your sofa will work with it. I always choose one with a border or banding because it makes the piece look finished. I never buy a rug with a centre medallion, which makes it look dated. Finally, my preference is a finer-weight pile because it looks more elegant.S@H: What's next on the list?LS: Once you've addressed the floor, it's time to tackle the walls. No matter how many houses I decorate, they always end up being neutral. That's because I believe that the stuff you put into a room -- the art, accessories and lamps -- should convey all the colour and personality you need. If someone wants more colour, I may use wallpaper in a hallway, behind a headboard, in a powder room or on an accent wall. It adds a second dimension to walls and forces you to become more adventurous. I also love the look of artwork hung on wallpaper -- it's the decor equivalent of dressing in layers.Photography by Andreas Trauttmansdorff Finishing the room PLUS Lynn's decorating no-nos S@H: How do we fill the room? LS: Buying classic furniture is another principle. Whimsy is far better reserved for lamps and throw cushions than sofas and chairs. You want your key pieces to move with you from house to house and from style to style. When the body of a sofa is great, you'll have it forever, though you may have the cushions redone or the piece reupholstered. My two rules are clean lines and small arms. In fact, the smaller, the better. The last thing you want is bulbous arms on your sofa -- they eat up a lot of space, and the look will grow tired very quickly. Same thing applies to chairs -- clean lines and classic shapes. And here's a tip: if you find a chair you love, buy two. Chances are, you'll want to put them together with a small table. If you don't have room for both, stick one in an office or bathroom.S@H: So what part does modernity play?LS: A big one. That's another design basics lesson: have something modern in every room, whether it's a lamp, sculpture or sphere. When you adhere to good, solid design principles, the presence of something contemporary startles and excites. And that's what we want, isn't it? Decorating no-no'sHere are four faux pas Lynn Spence never ever wants to see in anyone's home. (You've been warned!) 1 Wallpaper border or paint techniques "Imagine your walls as a clean canvas," says Lynn. "The goal is not to hide the natural architectural features of a home with these treatments. Instead, let those features stand out." 2 Southwestern decor "I feel anxious just thinking about it," she says. Themes are dangerous and run the risk of becoming tired. Moderation is key. "If you love the look of the south of France, incorporate small touches. Show us your travels by mixing elements into your design basics," says Lynn.3 Swagged draperies "Nothing dates a room more. Polyester sheers are also a don't. Invest in beautiful natural fabrics like silk and linen and let them fall naturally. A drapery panel is the finishing touch on a window."4 Asymmetry "I'm naturally symmetrical. In fact, my New Year's resolution was to become less symmetrical. But you have to master the rules before you can break them," says Lynn. So, if in doubt, even it out.Photography by Andreas Trauttmansdorff- Credit
- Liza Finlay
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Inside design: Judith Miller Inside design: Judith Miller
Inside design: Judith Miller ofThe evolution of modern interiors In her book Influential Styles (Georgetown Publications, 2003), Judith Miller, British author, broadcaster and antiques columnist for Canadian Home & Country magazine, traces design trends, from neoclassical to country, and explains how those styles have shaped modern interior decor. In Tribal Art: The Essential World Guide (DK Publishing, 2006), she looks at the next big trend. The author of more than 100 books, Miller is also an avid collector. We asked her for a refresher course on antiquing and collecting.S@H: Your last book, Furniture, was a look at trends in furniture. What do you see shaping current and future decorscapes?JM: We're seeing the rejection of a number of styles, particularly minimalism -- a look we seem to dally with regularly but which isn't sustainable for the long term. Minimalism will reappear, but we tire of it easily because it's so unforgiving -- where do the books and kids' toys go?We're also seeing the reintroduction of some earlier styles; elements of Victorian and 1950s decor are making cameo appearances all over the place.But I think one of the biggest influences on modern decor is tribalism, whether that's African, Native American or Inuit. Here in Canada, there has been a tremendous increase in the sale of Inuit art, and much of that is being bought by decorators. S@H: Why is tribal art making such an impact on decor now?JM: It's a scary world out there, and there's something reassuring about the honesty and integrity of Inuit and tribal art. These ancient traditions remind us of the existence of fundamental values that are timeless and worthy. S@H: You discuss modern interiors as an amalgam of past and present influences. Do they risk becoming identity-less?JM: Our current sense of style is an amalgam, true, but a unique look -- the one that we'll think back upon as the defining style of the early 21st century -- is emerging. In Canada, I suspect country influences will play a big part in shaping that prevailing style. There's such strong craftsmanship among Quebec furniture makers, and a strong link to French and English country styles of the past. That isn't to say there's anything wrong with mixing and matching styles. I love seeing antiques mixed with modern pieces. We're a generation that loves to sample from a number of styles and eras and, yes, there's a risk to that. Some styles work well together, like art deco and '50s retro, but others, like art nouveau and '50s, don't because they're visually jarring. The trick is to find harmonious common elements. For example, if your decor is classical and you wish to incorporate tribal artifacts, choose unifying colours.Image courtesy of Graham Rae Tips on displaying your collections S@H: What explains our love affair with the past -- with antiques and collectibles?JM: I come from the Scottish Borders, and I have such lovely memories of sun-soaked days playing in the hills. But hold on -- in reality it's an area that has its fair share of rain, so where do those memories come from? It's nostalgia that tints the past with a warm glow. Antiques tell a story of that past. You sit in a 17th-century chair and wonder what it could tell you. We are custodians of antiques. If you're a collector, you're collecting memories. I can tell you where I was and what I was doing when I bought each one of my oriental porcelain pieces. Within my collections are my memories, and that's so precious to me.Showing off your collectionsMaybe you find Royal Doulton irresistible, or you're mad about Murano glass (for more, see 15 ways to show off your collection). Even if the objects of your affection are tiny treen (small domestic wooden items), how do you display them stunningly? We asked Judith Miller for pointers.1 More is more "Better to display your collectibles when you have more than three," advises Miller. "Three could be a mistake, but there's no mistaking 23 -- that's a statement." 2 A group effort A collection isn't a collection if it's scattered throughout the house. "It loses impact," says Miller. Instead, display plates, pins or copper pots as a group.3 Likes attract If you have varied patterns or colours within a collection of, say, plates or figurines, keep similar patterns together, so they're easier on the eye.4 Be a show-off Accent your collection by painting the wall behind it. If your Murano glass is mainly blue and green, create a bold blue backdrop. Or set off your impressive array of African masks with chocolate brown and dramatic uplighting.Image cou