Debbie Travis and (lucky) me
By Susan Legge, Editor-in-Chief, homeTRADER
Had a great interview with design guru Debbie Travis – one of my favourite designers and a true pioneer. I’d met Debbie several years ago in Toronto at the launch of her first collection for Canadian Tire. Today, Canadian Tire was showcasing Debbie’s new holiday collection in style atop the Soho Metropolitan in downtown T.O.
Even if it feels like it’s 100 degrees outside, you know you’ll be seeing signs of Christmas in retail stores any day now. The media is often given a preview of seasonal items months in advance to help them prep.
Don’t hate me for posting this in August! Tuck these tips away day, and do be sure to read about Debbie’s new show below.
Six holiday decorating themes make holiday decorating easy
The Debbie Travis holiday collection showcased six themes inspired by Debbie’s most memorable family moments and the latest decorating holiday trends:
1. A Canadian Christmas – think woodland animals like moose, plaid prints, berries and all things “Canadian”
2. Winter Forest – a “masculine” theme thanks to a frosty palette and blue tones
3. Once Upon a Time – a Victorian theme, with whimsical fairies, butterflies and pastel-coloured roses
4. Masquerade Ball – emerald, port and regal purple accessories such as masks and harlequins trimmed with gold, gems and beading
5. Pistachio – Accents of pistachio green play off the deep browns and classic ivories and
golds providing a fresh new look
6. Peppermint – a modern play of red and white featuring stainless martini shakers and margarita glasses (this is Debbie’s personal fave of the themes)
An ornament from Once Upon a Time theme
Each theme offers a coordinated assortment of ornaments, garlands and tree-toppers to suit any style and budget. Prices range from 99 cents to $6.99 per ornament and a boxed assortment of items is also available.
Debbie’s tips:
• When trimming the tree, plan to hang 10 items for every foot of space (that’s approx. 30 cm)
• Create core themes in sets of five’s, three’s and two’s (depending on what “goes” together) when hanging items
• Every square foot of tree space should include lights, accents and a set of core theme items based on the ratio the above
• When entertaining, use ornaments off your tree as take-away gifts for party guests to remember the occasion
Debbie’s new reality TV show
Also new this year from Debbie is her prime-time show, All For One with Debbie Travis premiering this fall on CBC Television.
The reality series celebrates the nation’s “unsung heroes” says Debbie. “Think of it as honouring the hero of the community. It’s like a modern-day barn raising where the entire community pitches in and everyone is given a certain job to do.” The hero’s home receives a massive reno, with materials and design provided by Debbie and the sweat equity of the community being used to get the job done. The challenge is each renovation must be completed in just five days! There are some very heart-wrenching moments says Debbie – even the Canadian Army makes an appearance in one episode, but she won’t say why. Debbie found the whole experience filming the show life altering – and so did the production crew. The show is essentially an inspiring look at the individuals who go above and beyond and make our country an exceptional place to live. The heros were found in locations such as Oakville, ON, North Preston, NS and Montreal, QC. Watch for it on CBC this fall.
August 12, 2010
Exclusive discounts and deals for our readers!
August 30, 2010
Home and Décor’s own Sara Duck asked designer Sarah Richardson a few questions as part of the Häagen Dazs-sponsored Passion Profiles series.
The series uncovers the passions of some of Canada’s most intriguing personalities, such as singer Jann Arden and Mark McEwan on video. From food to music to design, the profiles offer an intimate look at what inspires them.
To check out Sara Duck’s questions and see Sarah Richardson’s video click here or read the Q+A only below.
Sara Duck at Homeanddecor.ca asks…What or who is your biggest design influence in your life?
Sarah: From an early age, it was my mom. She was my biggest design influence. She inspired me with her creativity. I think that if my mom were doing what I’m doing now, if she started her career at a different time, I think she’d be doing something more like what I’m doing. So I kind of think that I’m doing it for both of us!
Sara Duck at Homeanddecor.ca asks…What drives you to get up each morning?
Sarah: There is a whole world of design out there and there’s new challenges. I don’t need anything to drive me to jump out of bed. I think I have the best job and absolutely love what I do. The days go by so quickly, I never look at my watch. I look at my watch only to think uh-oh how much time is left to get done what I want to do. I never think about it in terms of is this day over yet? So I think that time flies and I am always excited for what lies ahead. You never know what will happen on any given day.
Sara Duck at Homeanddecor.ca asks…What do you want to be remembered for?
Sarah: I’d like to be remembered for thoughtful design. I’d like to be remembered for doing something that was original and creative. I want solutions that last, that are meaningful and that make people happy.
August 12, 2010
By Sara Duck
Love, love, love the idea of keeping your home neat and tidy while still being chic with these niffty storage trunks in classic white. Very vintage-inspired, these trunks will look Mad Men-esque placed in a home office or on display in a living room. Don Draper would be pleased. From $25. Visit homesense.ca
August 10, 2010
By Susan Legge
Editor in Chief, homeTRADER
Canadian television and design sensations Steven Sabados and Chris Hyndman will be launching Trend Wines this fall.
Steven Sabados (left) and Chris Hyndman
“Designed to be fabulous” – the first two wines in the Trend Wines Collection are scheduled to be released this fall in 100 LCBO locations across Ontario.
These unique blends were designed to reflect Steven’s love of Chardonnay and Chris’ affection for Merlot, as well as their desire to create versatile wines that would be perfect for any lifestyle.
“The un-oaked Chardonnay-Pinot Grigio blend he created for us has fresh, fruit flavours that make it a refreshing aperitif, and it also pairs well with white fish, poultry or salad greens. The Merlot-Cabernet blend has aromas and flavours that are sensational. We love to serve it on its own, with cheeses, or at dinner with grilled meats,” say the duo.
Trend Wines will be available in September
This new partnership with Reif Estate Winery in Niagara was inspired by the international designers love for entertaining and designing all things fun and fabulous. It seemed a natural progression to expand their home decor line, S&C Collection, to include quality VQA wines at an affordable price.
The CBC co-hosts of a lifestyle talk show sought out winemaker Klaus W. Reif, near Steven’s hometown of Niagara Falls.
The wines are a new undertaking for a team best known for their television shows, the original Designer Guys, Design Rivals and So Chic with Steven and Chris. These beloved design experts have appeared regularly on the talk show circuit including The Oprah Winfrey Show.
August 5, 2010
By Kim Carlton
After being used and abused by two humans, a cat and a baby, my condo’s three-year-old white carpets needed a good cleaning before we put it on the market. I had heard about this machine called the Rug Doctor that you could simply rent at the grocery store and use to clean your carpets yourself, so I thought I would try it out before going through the hassle and expense of hiring a professional. I rented one at the local moving truck company location and picked up the Oxy-action cleaning solution (that you have to buy separately). You plug in the machine and fill it up with solution and water. It then works like a regular vacuum cleaner, you run it over small sections of the carpet and it washes them, and the dirty water fills into the bottom compartment. You don’t want to keep going over and over the same area as it would leave your carpet extra soaking. It leaves the carpet damp, so be sure to leave your home with the windows open, so it can dry. I would recommend vacuuming with your regular vacuum first if you have a lot of pet hair embedded in the carpets. The results were quite good – maybe not quite as thorough as having them done by a professional company– but great if you need a quick and easy solution.
August 4, 2010
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July 30, 2010
By Susan Legge
Are you looking for ways to help save the environment and also save money on your utility bill?
Some companies are taking notice of the demand for water saving fixtures and are creating new products with conservation in mind. Companies like Price Pfister, who was one of the first faucet companies to partner with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) WaterSense program out of the U.S., are catering to those looking for ways that they can help be more environmentally conscious.
Here are some tips on how to conserve water in the home by just making a few changes:
· Installing water efficient faucets can save 2,500 gallons per month.
· Installing water efficient showerheads can save 500-800 gallons per month.
· Fixing leaky faucets or plumbing joints can save 20 gallons per day for every leak stopped.
· Turning off water while brushing your teeth can save 3 gallons each day.
· Shortening showers can save 700 gallons per month for every minute
By switching to water efficient plumbing fixtures, the average household can save $170 every year on its water bill. You can use the EPA water saving calculator http://www.epa.gov/watersense/calculate_your_water_savings.html to see how much money you can save each year by changing your faucets and shower heads.
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Price Pfister’s traditional water-pump inspired Ashfield model can reduce water consumption by approximately 30 per cent without compromising your water experience
July 29, 2010
By Sara Duck
One of my favourite trend previews in the industry is the one from HomeSense. Twice a year its showroom is transformed into inspiring vignettes that showcase all the drool-worthy products soon to hit its stores. I of course eagerly attend to find out the latest trends so I can then report back to you, our beloved reader! I haven’t met anyone who isn’t absolutely mad for the fabulous finds and this fall season is no exception. Here is just a little sneak peek at what you can expect to see in stores starting this September.
Exotic Flavour: From eyelet metal hanging lanterns to colourful throws and embroidered pillows, it’s all about eclectic and vibrant pieces being paired together.
Cool Britania: Call me biased (I’m a true anglophile at heart), but I think a touch of British flair is always in vogue! As you can tell by the photo, don’t be afraid to display the bold union jack in a living room set-up, or for a more subtle approach, take a cue from the flags colours and accessorize to fit.
Vintage Office: Maybe it’s because I have Mad Men on my brain (Season 4 starts on Sunday!) but this set-up looks like it’s channeling the vintage vibe. I love the green wallpaper mixed with the dark furniture and the zebra-print rug. Oh and those clocks! What a fab idea to create an art wall using clocks of different styles and sizes mixed in with black and white framed photos.
July 22, 2010
By Susan Legge, homeTRADER Editor-in-Chief
No snow in T.O. on this balmy July morn, but the The Spoke Club was ready for a winter holiday celebration thanks to the chic vignettes stylist Arren Williams created for the preview of inVU Drapery Co.’s Winter/Holiday 2010 collection.
CEO of inVU Drapery Co., Lisa Nicholl, gave us the tour.
She’s been around the globe getting inspired for the upcoming season by seeing what’s new in the world of fashion and by adding the occasional antique piece of furniture or decorative tribal Suzani throw to her stores’ collections.
Yes, yes, it’s only July – but a look-see at the upcoming patterns, textures and colours are a good reminder that not everything you buy needs to be classified as a “Christmas decoration” when you’re out shopping.
In fact, quite the opposite is true.
As Lisa noted, most all of these pieces can be featured in your home all season long. All that’s been added is a little sparkle and shine.
Above, a “Black Tie Affair” using metallic pieces, mirrors and glass goes into holiday mode when giant magnetized snowflake ornaments are added to the Ghost chairs and Jonathan Adler-inspired glossy white porcelain pineapples and tableware are matched with silver-trimmed bowls. Modern, sleek and easy!
The classic ghost chair below retails for $249.99 and Lisa is getting the latest ’spindly-leg’ ghost chairs in-store later this fall.
Below, Lisa in the second vignette: a candy-cane inspired Home for the Holidays theme. Loved this “Ready-to-Wear” Madeline lined cotton drapery panel in Rouge which retails for $299.99.
Matching Madeline accessories such as pillows and reversible stockings are also available to pull this look together for the holidays – sweet!
Visit www.invudraperyco.com for locations.
July 21, 2010
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