Style & Decor Blog

What do Steven & Chris, Peter Fallico and the Suzanne Dimma all have in common?

Now household names across the country, they all got their start on hit shows produced by WestWind Pictures on HGTV.

Here’s the exciting bit… You now have a chance to join their ranks, with WestWind Pictures and HGTV Canada’s new hunt for the Next Big Design Star!

Canadidates have one month to produce a maximum 2-minute video to display their design savvy. The video must have a short intro with the candidate’s biographical details, and then maybe a quick do-it yourself project, or a design-on-a-dime idea. Throw out all the stops and wow the team with your energy, personality and talent (think Mary Tyler Moore show opening credits!), then email the compressed video file to the folks at WestWind by clicking here.

After the November 27th deadline, 20 to 30 of the best entries will be selected, and finalists will be contacted in early December for a live screen test.

Good luck!

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I was chatting with Tommy Smythe from Sarah Richardson Design the other day, and he told me I just had to stop in at Decorum Decorative Finds to check out their malachite accessories.  (Tommy’s crazy about the colour of malachite, and his passion is highly contagious.)

Look at those whorls! The fascinating patterns on this malachite plate remind me of a whacked-out contour map. And that rich blue-green combined with the gold key motif absolutely screams luxe…

A smaller hit of malachite, but no less luxe is this little sphere on a gold dragon/fish plinth. Pure Art Deco deliciousness.

Decorum Decorative Finds, Toronto, 416-966-6829

Did I just hear someone utter “fabulous”?

The hiatus is officially over!

Starting January 4, 2010, Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman are returning to CBC-TV with their eponymous lifestyle show, Steven and Chris.

The guys have spent their summer hiatus traveling the country and abroad, researching the latest trends in lifestyle, decor, food and fashion, and have returned fresh and eager to share their experiences with viewers. First up is a Holiday Special in December, followed by their weekday show in January.

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With the premiere of Pure Design’s sophomore season on HGTV on Tuesday, September 29  at 9PM, Samantha Pynn returns to the small screen to deliver another shot of sustainable style.

What can we expect from round two of Pure Design?

“Our interiors are really awesome this year,” Samantha says. “The spaces are really tailor-made for the homeowners this season, ranging from the most traditional to ultramodern.” And that “liveability” is important, she says. “They’re the ones who have to live in the space, so they have to be happy!”

I weaseled an invite down to the Pure Design Production Office to take a peek inside Samantha’s world of beautiful before-and-after transformations, only to find that her office itself was subject to the makeover maven’s magic wand.

“Before,” says Sam, “this office was really cold and the colour was wrong.” She’s hard pressed to put a name to the hue that adorned the walls – “let’s call it ‘beige’” – and the outdated office fittings were anything but inspiring. “The 1980s ‘working girl’ desk gave me the chills, and we could never find anything – it was a state of complete disorganization.”

But armed with her inimitable style – and some fantastic finds from IKEA – Samantha brought order to chaos.

BEFORE… “Very dingy and damp-feeling”

AFTER!

“I think you can tell this space is very ‘me’!” says Samantha.

A crisp coat of Benjamin Moore’s Dune White CC-70 set the stage for Samantha’s office refresher, and by laying down gorgeous copper-tone seagrass carpet from Carpet One Floor & Home, the room shed all vestiges of its cold, institutional vibe. A new boardroom table flanked by IKEA’s contemporary classic Tobias chairs makes for an inviting meeting space that Samantha’s reluctant to take full credit for. “Pure Design Senior Stylist Malcolm Patterson helped me design the space,” she says. “He balanced my feminine style with some midcentury modern pieces from IKEA.”

And in keeping with Samantha’s environmentally-conscious approach, the old office furnishings found new homes at other offices in the building instead of ending up on the scrapheap.

BEFORE…

AFTER!

The production office is home to Samantha and six of her staff, but everyone’s got ample workspace in the new layout, thanks to new desks (in actuality, four Melltorp dining tables pushed together to form one gigantic worktop), and rolling under-desk filing cabinets from IKEA. The table lamps are from IKEA as well, but Samantha customized them by mixing-and-matching the lamp base with a different shade. “It’s always good to put your own spin on a piece,” she says. “Make it your own!”

The walls are lined with Samantha’s inspiration boards, complete with tears from her favourite photos from Style At Home magazine. The boards themselves are upholstered in pretty lavender fabric from Robert Allen. “I love how the lavender works with the apple green and pink accents in the room,” she says. “I wanted it to feel like a floral arrangement come to life.”

To create privacy without sacrificing natural light, Samantha selected translucent window treatments from Hunter Douglas Canada. Below the windows, acrylic trays from IKEA ensure fabric swatches stay neat and tidy – and save time when Samantha’s hunting for a particular sample, as the clear acrylic means all swatches are visible without having to dig.

Unfinished magazine boxes and filing drawers from IKEA were painted a perky apple green – another case of Samantha putting her personal stamp on mass market merch.

Adjacent to the conference table is this sweet little lounge. I love the Karlstad sofa from IKEA in this Linneryd Natural-colour slipcover, which is paired with the Vejmon coffee table – repainted, of course, this time in Benjamin Moore’s Violet Mist CC-880. Eagle-eyed Samantha fans will recognize the pink tufted chair from her own home, featured in Style At Home back in June 2008. Pretty patterned pillows break up the solid, softly-hued upholstery and add a hint of romance.

And those gorgeous floral arrangements that are among Samantha’s trademark flourishes? “One of our producers has a beautiful cutting garden,” Samantha says. “We always have fresh flowers here at the office.”

You’ll see more of Samantha’s office in Season Two of Pure Design!

Premiering Tuesday, September 29  at 9PM, HGTV

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It’s that time again…

(Me, Style At Home editor-in-chief Jane Francisco, contributing decorating editor Kimberley Seldon and CityLine host Tracy Moore)

Join me, Kimberley Seldon and special guest Samantha Pynn (I’m SO cited to finally be on-air with my old partner in crime!) on the Tuesday, September 29 episode of CityLine. I’ll be setting the table for harvest brunch, and adding to the overall mayhem that’s bound to ensue when you get the three of us together… Can’t WAIT!!!

Here’s one of the plates I’m using in my tablescape… SO dreamy!

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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

Debbie Travis, the doyenne of DIY done right, is making a rare appearance in Toronto!

On Wednesday, August 5, Canadian Tire is hosting “What Women Want” – a day of music, free product samples, large prizes and interactive booths focusing on home decor, organization, kitchen, fitness and lawn and garden. 

Things get rolling at 11AM at Yonge & Dundas Square, with Debbie speaking at 12:30PM, and signing autographs afterwards.

Other special guests throughout the day include artist Walter Campbell, BBQ master Ted Reader, professional organizer Clare Kumar and yoga instructor Cynthia Rose.

What can you expect to see in Debbie’s Canadian Tire product preview? Here’s a sneak peek…

And of course…

Sounds like a great day out with you mom, sis and girlfriends – and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet this decorating legend face to face!

Oh yeah – did I forget to mention it’s FREE?!?! Craziness!

 

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Fans of TLC’s Take Home Chef take note – the small screen does Aussie food phenom Curtis Stone no justice. The guy’s unnervingly good-looking in real life. Not to mention extremely talented at what he does: taking everyday ingredients and whipping them into something truly spectacular.

Curtis was in Toronto recently to introduce his stunning new cookbook (with a slant towards simple cooking methods and ingredients that are easy to come by), Relaxed Cooking With Curtis Stone, and a stunning line of kitchen aids at The Bay. While here, he also offered a cooking class at the lovely Dish Cooking Studio for the press (a group that’s likely more familiar with microwave meals than the nuances of pretty plating).

The first course? Tuna tartar – a brilliant balance of sweet (yummy palm sugar), sour (lime), salt and spice. The tuna was marinaded in the lime juice, which actually has the effect of “cooking” the tuna without ever exposing it to the grill. (It was so good, I ate half of it before I remembered to take a snap.)

Each course was paired with the perfect wine, selected by Curtis. (Which is why the snaps might become blurrier with each passing course…) His linguine was accompanied by a lovely chardonnay, and the lamb ratatouille with a delightful chiraz. “Wine is just another ingredient,” Curtis says. “You wouldn’t put anything into the dish that would conflict with the other ingredients, and the same applies to wine pairings.”

The last time he was in Canada, Curtis toured Niagara wine country, and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. “You have great wines here,” he says.

For the second course, Curtis prepared linguine with pesto and shrimp. This is a little more my style.

If you’ve ever watched Take Home Chef, you may have wondered how it actually works on a logistical level. On the show, Curtis seems to randomly approach a stranger at the supermarket (who always happens to be a gorgeous gal, strangely enough), who proceeds to take him back to her house to cook dinner. Surely it can’t be as random as it appears on-screen? “The producers have a chat with potential girls as they walk into the supermarket,” explains Curtis. “If they’re interested, they’ll tie a ribbon onto their shopping cart to let me know I can approach them in the store.” Aha! 

But has there ever been a case where the show’s set-up backfired?

“Has anyone every seen the show Cheaters?” Curtis laughs. “Every now and then, the girl’s boyfriend would come home from work, and see a film crew set up in their kitchen. They’re very relieved to find out it’s Take Home Chef and not Cheaters – they think they’ve been busted. That’s always fun.” He’s only been kicked out of a house by a jealous hubby once.

And then there was the time when Curtis followed a shopper back to her house, only to find out that she hadn’t paid her gas bill, and the kitchen was without power…

But what’s Curtis’ entertaining style at his own LA home? “The best sort of host is a relaxed one,” he says. “An air of formality can make people uncomfortable. Just like with cooking, you can’t take it too seriously. A relaxed approach makes it personal; a much nicer experience.”

And here’s that lamb ratatouille I was talking about. Basted in dijon, this was definitely my fave course of the evening, and even won over an avowed vegetarian in the crowd (for reals). Right before serving, Curtis burned fresh rosemary to fill the room with the mouth-watering aroma – the perfect sensory complement to the dish.

Ooh, I’m getting hungry all over again just looking at these shots… For these recipes (and hundreds more), check out Curtis’ new cookbook, Relaxed Cooking With Curtis Stone. And for my full Q&A with Curtis, check out the September issue of Style At Home, on newsstands next week!

With a new editor-in-chief at the helm here at STYLE AT HOME magazine, everyone’s clamouring to hear more about Jane Francisco. The former editor-in-chief of Wish magazine (amongst other titles in her impressive 18 years in publishing) will be joining our team in July, and we’re all pumped to work alongside this style-savvy mag-maven. Jane popped by the office this afternoon for an impromptu chat with yours truly, and, wanting you to have a chance to get to know her as well, I asked her a few questions, rapid-fire style!

Here’s Jane on…

Her proudest career achievement (other than becoming STYLE AT HOME’s new editor-in-chief, of course): “At the time, placing runner-up for my work at Venue magazine at the National Magazine Awards.”

Her fave colour: “It changes over the years. Right now, it’s somewhere in the category of ‘orange’. Orange is my new neutral.”

Her style: “I consider myself to be an extreme eclectic. I’m lucky enough to have a cottage, which allows me a second decor personality. I’m interested in a broad range of styles and trends – if I like something, I like it. Not to say that I’m not influenced or interested in trends; but I don’t just stop liking something if it’s no longer ‘trendy’.”

What’s on her iPod: “Mostly 80s stuff. I made up a huge collection that I call “Forgotten 80s” - stuff that’s not played regularly, but totally takes me back. Psychedelic Furs, Level 42, Alphaville…”

Her last home purchase: “Siding for my boathouse on Lake Joseph.”

What’s on her home shopping list: “I’m looking for a really good kitchen table. I want it to have a bit of personality, and to bring the feel of the cottage indoors. Something round and rustic… I’ve also got an oval Saarinen dining table that needs some chairs – something comfortable and upholstered.”

What’s on her nightstand: “I just finished reading The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, so I need a follow-up that’s extremely light. In the pile is Chasing Harry Winston, which might be a nice frothy antidote!”

Karate-chopped pillows or natural, as-is pillow styling?: “Natural!”

Welcome, Jane!

On CityLine, our contributing decorating editor Kimberly Seldon often references her “honey-do” list – a list of home improvement jobs for her honey to tackle. These are those sweaty, messy, not-exactly-glamorous tasks that only kick into high-gear aftera prolonged period of relentless nagging. You know the deal.

I’m sure that at the top of many honey-do lists this summer is the dreaded exterior paint job. The type that involves ladders and a seemingly inexhaustible supply of rollers.

And although I doubt she can come over to personally lend a hand in an exterior paint makeover, Sharon Grech, Benjamin Moore’s colour expert does provide some wonderful tips on tackling one of the most critical stages in the process – choosing the right colour. Here are her five basic cues on exterior hues:

1. Let architecture be your starting point. “For inspiration, look for houses like yours whose colours you admire,” Sharon says. “Or, if you’re interested in historical accuracy or appropriateness, research your home’s period style. Your local historical society may be a helpful resource, as well, as you dig for information.”

2. Consider the roof, driveway and chimney. “These are ‘givens’,” Sharon points out. “They’re existing elements that won’t be painted but that should play a role in determining your colour choices. For a facade that’s partially stone, using a similar colour will add visual harmony. If the fixed colours are intense – a terra-cotta tile roof, for example – a neutral colour, such as sand or a warm white, will bring balance.”

3. Consider the landscaping. Sharon suggests we select colours that fit in with the surrounding palette. “If you have brilliant-coloured spring blooming trees or a sea of green foundation plantings, choose colours that will complement them.”

4. Keep in mind your interior decor. Sharon warns that exterior paint colours that don’t correspond with your interior furnishings can be jarring. “The colours used on the windows or outside shutters, for example, should be in sync with those used on interior window treatments.”

5. Choose a colour scheme that is compatible with the other houses in the neighbourhood. “You don’t have to imitate the palette or application exactly,” Sharon says, “But you can put your own individual spin on similar colour combinations. Regional influences are also bound to affect your choice as you account for local terrain, seasons, interplay of natural lighting, and even history and culture.”

 

Check out how the same facade takes on entirely different looks with different treatments of Benjamin Moore paint, as proposed by Sharon.

Option 1: Go Coastal

Body - Barely Beige CC-140

Trim - Yarmouth Blue HC-150

Door - Blue Nose CC-800

 

 

Option 2: Drawing Attention to the Architecture

Body - Dolphin AF-715

Trim - Gardenia AF-10

Door - Dinner Party AF-300

 

 

 

Option 3: Warm & Classic

Body - Seaside Sand 2110-40

Trim - Muslin CC-110

Colonial Brick 2093-30

 

 

Option 4: Historic Hot Pick (Wethersfield Moss is one of the bestselling Historic Collection colours!)

Body - Wethersfield Moss HC-110

Trim - Roxbury Caramel HC-42

Door - Lenox Tan HC-44

 

For a taste of how your own home would cope with a fresh colour combo, check out Benjamin Moore’s Personal Colour Viewer. A great online tool!