Design & Decor Blog

I was watching CBC’s The Hour the other day, and host George Stroumboulopoulos’ running gag of referring to himself as “Canada’s boyfriend” actually made me think. He’s very likely the most talented interviewer on television at the moment, has a wicked sense of humour, and seems fiercely intelligent. But if George really was my boyfriend, I pondered, my first order of business would be to ditch those dreadful red pleather chairs on his set.

I doubt any single piece of furniture in this country has supported as many famous bums as this chair, and apart from George, it’s probably The Hour’s most recognizable icon, but let’s face it - his set’s in need of a new hot seat. And one that’s less fire-engine-red.

But what to replace it with? In my opinion, the red is a little too in-your-face (not to mention severely limiting as far as guests’ attire is concerned – what exactly does one wear so as not to clash with cooked-lobster?), so I’d go for something neutral or achromatic. Having said that, the lines of the current chair are pretty much spot-on, and entirely appropriate to the rest of the set design: clean and contemporary, with a bit of sparkle-and-shine in the polished chrome finish leg. What I’d also like to see is a chair that’s designed by Canadians. Honestly – what a fantastic opportunity for the Ceeb to promote domestic design!

With that shopping list in mind, one chair immediately sprang to mind…

Bye bye, retro kitsch; hello Trudeau! The Trudeau armchair from Toronto-based furniture designers Gus Design Group is a clean and contemporary Canadian classic that could be seamlessly integrated onto the existing set. The arms are more slender than the red chairs, which would allow more guest than chair to dominate each camera shot, and it’s still got that slightly industrial stainless steel base that’s in keeping with the red model.

For an even warmer option, what about Gus Design Group’s Spencer chair?

The button-tufting is such a gorgeous detail, and lends the chair a really comfortable look while retaining the clean lines of the original. I can totally see celebs feeling at home in this number.

Whaddya say, George? Give me a ring if you’re interested. lol