Decorating & Design
Most Recent
-
A beautiful beach cottage A beautiful beach cottage
A beautiful beach cottage ofCottage style This small shingled cottage -- just a shack, really -- that belongs to Fiona Duff Kahn and her husband, Robert Kahn, is a miraculous holdout from the developers' wrecking ball that has leveled so many of its compatriots among the increasingly valuable properties of New York's fabled Hamptons. It helps that it is in Wainscott, a tiny, low-key community sandwiched between East Hampton and Bridgehampton that until recently wasn't really on the Hamptons radar. Nestled on a small piece of property shaded by giant pines and thick rhododendrons that borders on a farm, the house has expansive views that belie its small size. It's within biking distance of the beach, and when it's quiet, you can hear the ocean, but it feels more like a cabin in the woods.The house was most likely a prototype of a 1940s Abercrombie & Fitch kit house that came in numbered pieces with slots. "There's not a nail in the house," says Fiona. Just 700 square feet with two bedrooms, it was built in 1947, and a spacious screened porch was added in 1952, which granted another 400 square feet of living, lounging, and dining space to the tiny bungalow.Fiona's husband, Bob, is an architect, but this house is more her domain, left deliberately unimproved, to keep life as simple as possible. There is no electricity on the porch, which invites "beautiful dinners where the whole place is lit up by candles," and there's no heat, so it's purely a summerhouse, with a cast-iron stove for chilly nights in spring and fall.Excerpted from Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages by Mary Emmerling Copyright © 2008 by Mary Emmerling. Excerpted by permission of Random House of Canada Limited, on behalf of Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Summer living "The house is underbuilt, whereas houses today tend to be overbuilt and all sealed up," says Fiona. "The walls were unfinished; you could see the studs, which are only one-by-twos. The asphalt roof had been repaired with heavy-duty aluminum foil! There was nothing but brown kraft paper lining the inside of the clapboard exterior. It felt almost porous." Fiona did make a few changes to the house: "Everything was brown, and you couldn't see a thing without turning on the lights," so she added bead-board paneling inside and painted it white, which brightened up the interior significantly, and then chose a friendly palette of 1940s colors for the floors, furnishings, and curtains. The living room floor is robin's-egg blue, the guest room floor mossy green, and the bedroom floor calamine pink; there are touches of forest green (on a vintage refrigerator and claw-foot tub), and yellow and cheery red gingham on the ruffled curtains. Furnishings were either in the house already, or are tag-sale or flea-market finds, an amiable beach-house jumble. There are no modern conveniences like a dishwasher, washer and dryer, or TV, which suits them just fine. Life steps back half a century here to a simpler time when clothes dried on the line and kids entertained themselves collecting shells, building sandcastles, or playing cards.To Fiona and her family, including her four-year-old daughter, Kiki, the house feels larger than its diminutive size because "there are so many different places to hang out -- the porch, the living room, a hammock and swing on one side of the house, and Adirondack chairs and picnic table on another," says Fiona. "The porch is a perfect napping spot -- you just get into the hammock and pretend you are going to read in the perfect green, shady light." They never know what the farmer next door is going to plant. Some years it's corn; this year it was a remarkable field of big sunflowers that made them feel as if they were living in Provence. The house has the feel of serendipity about it, probably because Fiona and Bob have put such a light footprint on it. "It feels like we inherited it in a way," says Fiona. "You get to know the people who lived here before you through a house, while in the process, you make it your own."Excerpted from Mary Emmerling's Beach Cottages by Mary Emmerling Copyright © 2008 by Mary Emmerling. Excerpted by permission of Random House of Canada Limited, on behalf of Clarkson Potter. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher. Winter living The house has the feel of serendipity about it, probably because Fiona and Bob have put such a light footprint on it. "It feels like we inherited it in a way," says Fiona. "You get to know the people who lived here before you through a house, while in the process, you make it your own."- Credit
- Mary Emmerling
-
Picnic essentials Picnic essentials
Picnic essentials ofPicnic blanket Beautiful weather means one thing: It's time to breakout the picnic gear. Eating al fresco is truly one of summer's fleeting pleasures, so make the most of it by whipping up a feast and finding a grassy spot for an outing with the family. Don't have any gear? Here's what you need to get your picnic on its way.1 Pack a pretty, comfy blanket Make sure you pack something to sit and sprawl out on with your food. Sure, you can use that old sheet from the bottom of the linen closet, but if you want to add sophistication to your picnic, go for a pretty blanket. Comfort is a factor too, since it's summer and your bare legs will be on it. Go for something that's soft yet thick so errant twigs or grass don't poke through. This blue, ivory and camel plaid fringed blanket from Plum Gift Co. is perfect, available for purchase online. $79.95.2 Go for a woven picnic basket You don't want to disappoint Yogi Bear, do you? Baskets are a beautiful and functional way to cart around dinnerware and really feel like you're getting that authentic picnic-in-the-park experience. A woven basket in particular is always chic, but more importantly, this one is lightweight and easy to reach into. This basket from Williams-Sonoma (williams-sonoma.com) has an open compartment for your wine bottle or baguette. $49.95USD. Picnic dishes 3 Bring dishes When picking your picnic dishware, give a thought to what you'll be serving. If you're doing a potluck-type get-together, go for big dishes as picnickers will want to put a little of everything on a plate. Tapas-style meals mean you can bring small plates instead. And you certainly don't need all-new dishware: Bring your household dishes if adults will be at your picnic. However, if the kids are coming, bring unbreakables like cheap'n'chic plastic or melamine dishware. All-white dishes like this melamine set from Loblaws will look chic for years. From $1.99, loblaws.com for stores.4 Don't forget the portable weather-resistant radioRemember mom and dad's scratchy transistor radio? Get a light, stylish, weather-resistant version to bring with you to the park, no batteries needed. To get your groove on, any radio will do, but if you want to make an investment, this sturdy little Pal radio by Tivoli comes in conservative colours like black, and fun colours like red, pink, blue and other candy-like hues. It also boasts the best sound quality and reception going. Approximately $200, baybloorradio.com or cpused.com Picnic cooler 5 Decide on the tableware you'll needCutlery may or may not be necessary; it depends on what you're serving (though our advice is to try to make something that doesn't require knives and forks). If you're bringing wine, then you'll need drinking glasses - it doesn't have to be stemware, tumblers are fine. However, if you're going with soft drinks and small water bottles, you won't need them. Also useful: a small cutting board and knife that come in handy for cutting cheese and bread. Moist towelettes are also handy for wiping hands before eating, and don't forget the package of pretty paper napkins! Shown: Syntes Konst 50-pack napkins from IKEA (ikea.ca), $2.99.6 Fill up your cooler or mini-fridgeUnless it's red wine, you'll want to chill it. Bring more than one drink per person and lots of extra water. There are lots of options for keeping your drinks cold, from good old-fashioned Colemans to collapsible coolers. Or, get this new technology that'll have your pals oohing and ahhing...a cute mini-fridge on wheels! This Mobicool wheeled 18-litre fridge is available at Canadian Tire (canadiantire.ca), $149.99. Happy picnicking!- Credit
- Helen Racanelli
-
of2008-05-27 2010-07-21 outdoor entertaining summer table top yellow accessories style home guide mustard sunny days decor bright side spritz for samantha pynn img photos biz bright-side-thumb jpg online 2008-05-27 2008-07-21 slideshow- Credit
- Samantha Pynn
-
Everything outdoors Everything outdoors
Everything outdoors ofEverything outdoors Outdoor entertainingOutdoor entertainingCreate a welcoming outdoor haven and entertain your guests in style.Add style to outdoor entertainingA little bit of flair and creativity can go a long way toward creating a fun and relaxing outdoor environment.Fabulous outdoor partiesTurn your summer event into the soiree of the season!Home organization 101: Outdoor entertainingMake summertime livin' easy and breezy with these entertaining tips to keep you organized.Outdoor roomsDesign lesson: Outdoor roomsExtend the season as long as possible by incorporating these great ideas into your garden room.Build an outdoor kitchenCooking outdoors used to mean drenching Dad's charcoal barbecue in fluid and tossing some patties on the grill. Nowadays, the sky's the limit.Outdoor gardening and designGarden trendsTurn your garden into an outdoor haven with tips from expert Kathy Renwald.10 balcony design tipsConsider these important points before embarking on a balcony or terrace design project.Urban garden fix-upA homeowner finds out how to make her outdoor space beautiful.Get organized outdoorsTurn your outdoor surroundings into an organized haven.Roof gardens: 9 expert tipsCreate a rooftop oasis you'll enjoy all summer long.How to build a deckHome improvement expert Jon Eakes provides essential deck-building tips.Hot tubs: Heaven in your backyardThere's been record-breaking sales in outdoor hot tubs in recent years. No wonder! Being able to relax in your very own backyard spa is pure bliss.Poolside perfectionIf you take the plunge and decide to put a pool in the backyard, be sure to consider every angle first.- Credit
- StyleatHome.com
-
Trend watch: Swimming ponds Trend watch: Swimming ponds
Trend watch: Swimming ponds ofTrend watch: Swimming ponds The secret, says David Antcliffe of Ponds In the City in Toronto (pondsinthecity.com), is to create a natural ecosystem that mimics as closely as possible the processes found in nature, which is surprisingly simple if you follow a few sound principles. Instead of a pool chlorinator motor, the pond features a base of rocks and a filter system that together create the perfect conditions for the invisible, odourless beneficial bacteria that are the real sanitizers. Because an artificial pond is a closed system, filters are needed to keep the water moving and oxygenated, but other than that, the process emulates the self-cleaning system of a natural pond. The filters, generally a waterfall-type main filter and a second, submerged type that filters the deeper water of the swimming pond, remove large debris and contaminants and oxygenate the water. A smaller basket filter continually skims the surface to remove small items that collect there, such as leaves, and can be cleaned out by hand every few days or so. In addition, because there are no artificial sterilizers such as chlorine, beneficial bacteria can grow and thrive by attaching themselves to rocks and other underwater surfaces. By consuming organic waste and contaminants the bacteria, in effect, "polish" the water, keeping it crystal clear and perfectly balanced. Installing a pond is the same whether you're putting in a small ornamental version or a larger one suitable for swimming, says David. First, the hole is dug according to your design; his designs all feature a one foot-deep ledge all around the pool, for shore plantings. After the installation of a special high-resistance rubber liner, the pond floor is filled in with carefully placed and sized granite rocks; in place of regular river rocks, he says, you might opt for flagstone to make standing and walking on the bottom easier, or create a pea gravel "beach" at one side. Finally, the rest of the pond is planted, with a combination of deep-rooted and floating aquatic species. The pond's soil-free design makes the root systems very sturdy, says David, as well as making the water clearer and more pleasant for swimming. A fully planted 20' by 25' pond large enough for swimming can be yours starting at around $25,000, depending on depth. Not bad for a little backyard slice of nature.Images courtesy of Ponds in the City.Are you a gardenista? Check out our list of must-haves garden items!- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
-
A porch-perfect makeover A porch-perfect makeover
A porch-perfect makeover ofA porch-perfect makeover Spring is here and it's the perfect time to enhance the curb appeal of your home. Simple upgrades, chic new accessories, pretty plantings, and a fresh lick of paint make the front of your house say, "Welcome home" in style. Here are some of our favourite pick-me-ups for your front walk, porch and door.Knock, knockUS $121wildlifewonders.comSwitching out your doorknocker is a high-impact, low-effort way to give your front door a seasonal facelift. This designer dogwood knocker cast from bronze and brass, is perfect for the garden aficionado and will suit both modern and traditional exteriors. Mail call$99.99canadiantire.comThe Urban large-capacity mailbox has a pretty cast-iron look and ever-hot Victorian styling. And your STYLE AT HOME magazine will be one of the first things to catch your eye when you get home, thanks to the newspaper/magazine rack! Get blooming$39.99botanus.comYou don't have to be a gardenista to create a beautiful porch planter or window box. A pre-selected mix of bulbs guaranteed to complement one another makes planting a snap. The Instant Spring Garden kit includes 18 spring-flowering muscari, parrot tulips, narcissi and hyacinth. Light the way$59.99/set of twoCanada.lnt.comEven if you don't have a long, winding front walk, path lights are a pretty touch; place a few in your front garden as an accent, or put one in a planter on your porch. These pewter-finish solar-powered Teardrop Hanging Lanterns just need to be plunked into the soil, wherever you wish – no cords attached! Light switch$79.98homedepot.caShed some light (and style) with this vintage-styled fixture. The swirled, seeded glass shade and oil-rubbed bronze base add period-perfect detail, especially ideal if you live in a century home. A good addressUS $76.50 houseandgardenaccents.comA cast recycled-aluminum address plaque is earth-friendly and easy on the eyes at the same time. We like the Villa Nova style shown here, but there's one for every home style. Step upUS $39.99stacksandstacks.comThe Cape Cod doormat comes in a range of fresh au naturel hues, giving it a cool, contemporary vibe. Hand-woven in the US from practically indestructible polypropylene cord, it's a chic weatherproof alternative to silly "message" doormats.- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
-
Find the perfect cottage rental Find the perfect cottage rental
Find the perfect cottage rental ofPrimer: Cottage rentals Ah, cottage season. It's part of the romance of being Canadian: heading out into the wilderness to just kick back and chill out, or call in a couple dozen friends and have a party by the dock. Yet only about 10% of the population actually owns a cottage. You know what that means: demand for cottage-owning buddies to finagle a weekend invite from far outstrips supply. That's where rentals come in. For as little as $300 per week (up to over $6,000 per week), you can rent your own retreat. Here's what you need to know to get started.Where to lookWebsites are the fastest and most convenient means of checking out rental cottages. Cottagelink.com has listings for properties ranging from shacks on remote islands to deluxe cottage-country mansions, from coast to coast (and the US as well!) Best part: click on the booking calendar for each property to see what weeks (and in some cases weekends) are left. When to lookHere's some bad news. The best time to start your search is early. Very early. Like, when snow's still on the ground. Once spring fever hits, it's every man, woman, child (and water-loving pup) for themselves. Still, even if the listing you're interested in seems booked solid, email the owner and get waitlisted just in case a renter cancels. TIP: Cottageportal.com has a convenient "Book Last Minute" listing category.ConsiderationsWhile some ads may say "No pets", it's worth emailing the owners to see if they'll relax the rules for you. Offer a damage deposit for your well-behaved pet.If you're the queen (or king) of clean laundry, check where the nearest laundry facilities are. Or rent a house-in-cottage-country rather than a rustic cottage – that way you'll always be close to the ol' double loader.Does the cottage come with a barbecue? If none is provided you'll need to bring a portable one – after all, what is cottaging without barbecuing?Find out about the kitchen and bath facilities. It may be hot where you live, but it can get cold up north. How are you going to feel about cold-water shower facilities then? And if "cooking" dehydrated food over an outdoor Coleman stove turns your crank, great. But if you're into gourmet cooking, look for a full kitchen.Do you need to bring your own linens? TIP: For your own comfort, regardless of what's provided, we suggest traveling with your own pillows.How far away are you from the best things about civilization: hospitals and a quaint retail strip with an ice cream parlour?How close are you to other cottages? Some cottage complexes can get loud at night, what with the raucous kids, partyers and endless rounds of 99 bottles of beer on the wall, by the communal fire pit.- Credit
- Yuki Hayashi
-
10 balcony design tips 10 balcony design tips
10 balcony design tips of10 balcony design tips 1 Check with a qualified professional as to the structural loading capacity of your terrace. Not all buildings can support the same weight loads, and many buildings may not be able to withstand the weight of the materials you are thinking of using. Consider lightweight alternatives to traditional materials.2 Think about how the space will be used in all four seasons. Even if you don't actively go out onto your balcony or terrace in the winter months, it can and should be attractive to look at from indoors.3 Consider what time of day you will be spending most of your time on your balcony or terrace. Do you work during the day? If so, plan your design for nighttime enjoyment. Plan on lighting being an integral part of the design. 4 Plan very carefully. In a small space, every inch counts. Make sure the scale of the various built elements and furnishings is appropriate to the size of your overall space.5 Use "layering" (foreground, middle ground, background) to create the illusion of greater size and depth within your balcony or terrace.6 Choose plant materials that are appropriate to your microclimate. This is as important, or even more important, than when you are planning ground-level planting beds. Your particular exposure (direction you face) and patterns of wind will create a very specific microclimate. Plan on using plants that are at least one full zone hardier than you would if you were down at ground level. Or, integrate annuals and “hot” tropicals into your planting design, knowing that they will be replaced each season.7 Make sure you have thought about water supply. If you have an overhang above your balcony or terrace, your plants will not receive any natural rainfall. Consider installing a drip irrigation system on a timer so your plants won't dry out every time you go away for a day or two.8 When designing your balcony or terrace, and when choosing materials and finishes, remember to link your indoor rooms with your outdoor room(s). Carry the indoors out. This is particularly critical in a small space where continuity and flow are very important.9 Don't forget to include some storage in the overall design. You'll need a place for gardening tools, potting soil, and a host of other odds and ends. Design the space so your gardening will be as pleasurable as possible. 10 If you feel at all overwhelmed or unsure of how to create your ideal balcony or terrace garden, hire a qualified professional, such as a landscape architect with experience in this niche, to guide you through the process. -
-
Site sections Overview
-
Latest issue
The holiday issue
In this issue
Happy holidays!
Gift guide: We shopped till we dropped to find the best gifts for all the home lovers on your list; Going green: Make your home look freshly festive with do-it-yourself projects featuring lush greenery like moss, silver sage, myrtle and ferns; Decor... more -
Quiz
Quiz: What's your kitchen style?
For many, the kitchen is the hub of the home. Find out what style suits you best.
-
Featured Blog
Favourite Things
Latest Posts
-
Poll
Forum Buzz
-
Editor's Picks
