Mid-century charm
By Sara Duck
Jackie O, the ultimate mid-century style icon! Jackie O Poster. $189. Visit cb2.com
Leave a Comment September 30, 2011
Filed under: STYLE FILE
Smart Shopper/October
Exclusive discounts and deals for our readers!
Majestic Marble
Give your kitchen a clean and sophisticated look by opting for a granite countertop with under-mount sink. From Sept. 24 until Oct. 21, Majestic Marble is offering a polished sink cut out free with every granite countertop order!
399 Applewood Cres., Concord
416.665.4040 | Visit majesticmarbleimport.com
Green Furniture
Add some design flair to your living room with the Atlanta coffee table (GF-L18). Leg colour is available in high gloss dark brown, white and two colour mix to match your décor needs. Originally $320, now on sale for $160! To receive this fabulous offer, please bring this issue of HD&R from: Oct. 1 to 31.
1248 Dundas St., E, Unit 6, Mississauga, 905.232.8520 | Visit green-furniture.ca
X-TILE CANADA
X-Tile Canada is known as a ceramic tile retailer and wholesaler with a wide range of unique ceramic, glass, metal, porcelain tiles, and natural stone and mosaics. For the month of October, save 20 per cent off the Flatiron Series tiles.
78 Signet Dr., 416.749.7111 | Visit x-tile.net
A Special Place
This chic electric fireplace will add warmth and pizzazz to your bedroom or living room. Available in many finishes including a new grey wash with glass crystal fireplace! Regularly $1,439, on sale until Oct. 31 for $1,149.
416-481-2077 | For a location near you Visit aspecialplace.ca
Maple Drapery
Dress your home for every season simply by changing your pillows and home accent pieces. Go in for a visit and take advantage of beautiful designer fabric pillows, $25 each or three for $60. New fall home accents arriving daily. See ad on page 46 and check out their great offer: 50 per cent off custom drapery hardware with every Dwell Drapery order.
8481 Keele St., Unit 11A, Concord 905.660.7290 | visit mapledrapery.com
Arrow
This retro style chrome dining table has a
39-in. glass top and sells for a great price at $369, until Oct. 30.
416.743.1530 | For a location near you
Visit arrowfurniture.com
DECORIUM
Chic and modernly beautiful describes this Moderno white lacquer bedroom collection. The unique footboard gives this collection an uplifting bedroom experience.
Queen Bed. $1,599; King Bed. $1,799. Decorium is offering 25 per cent off from Sept. 24 to Oct. 21.
363 Supertest rD., 416.736.6120 | Visit decorium.com
Leave a Comment September 24, 2011
Shopping for the perfect antique
By Yanic Simard
Shopping for antiques is always fun and exciting and can build up quite
an adrenaline rush. Imagining where the piece came from, who it belonged to,
what it was used for, the feeling you get when you have to have it, and you better grab it right away because someone else will – remember you snooze you lose! Though it can be quite an adventure going through these museum-like shops, having some tips to go by while scouting for pieces is extremely significant, to help avoid disappointment and encourage a smart purchase.
1 Do not spend a fortune on an antique unless you know what you are buying.
Beware of reproductions and re-makes. If you’re looking to buy a true antique, take the time to do your homework first. You want to feel good about what you take home. Just because a piece is expensive, doesn’t mean it’s real. There are several online resources available which give tips on how to determine whether a piece is real, and on what a fair price would be for the item. You may have found a quality piece signed by the designer, but again, do your research first. This will help you avoid disappointment and encourage a confident and educated buy.
2 Purchase what you love.
Buying what you love can be just as important, if not more, than buying something that is genuine. Don’t buy a piece if it doesn’t appeal to you. It will just sit on the shelf and collect dust. Invest in pieces that reflect your personal style and mean something to you. It will make learning about their history much more of an interesting endeavour!
3 Restoration
Just because a piece looks “old” doesn’t mean it’s the perfect antique. It may be in very poor condition and in need of a bit of work. Always fully inspect the item before deciding to buy it. Open its drawers or doors, examine the bottom of it, check that its legs or arms are steady, pick up the piece to see if anything falls off, run your hand against the surface. If an antique is chipped, torn or cracked in any way, it may decrease its value drastically. It’s a good idea to ask the seller how and if it can be reconditioned. It’s always good to know what to expect ahead of time, so that way you know what you’re in for once it’s yours.
4 Shop in the UK
The UK is known for its authentic antiques, so if you’re a serious antique shopper, I would suggest taking a trip. The UK has a prominent history in trade and invention, and many of the pieces from these times remain in the region.
5 Look outside the “Antique Shop.”
Antiques and unique collectables are everywhere. I found an amazing elaborate gilt side table for my place curb-side! Check out garage sales, flea markets, and even local malls sometimes hold antique bazaars. Browse often and compare – the more you search the more you’ll know.
Yanic Simard
Yanic is the principal designer of the Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Simard often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination design techniques in developing unique designs. Simard has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine.
For more information
visit tidg.ca.
Leave a Comment August 16, 2011
High-sea style
“Let Cape Cod be your inspiration for a nautical adventure in the home”
-Sara Duck
Wheel Cocktail Napkins by Thomas Paul. $24. Visit burkedecor.com
Anchor Rug. $650. Visit jonathanadler.com
De Vincennes Dinner Plate, Octopus. $24. Visit anthropologie.com
Leave a Comment May 23, 2011
Inside and Out with Kelly Deck
By Lucie Grys
After hosting a successful show on HGTV called Take it Outside, Kelly Deck is turning her energies to new and invigorating projects – both inside and out! As principal at Kelly Deck Design, she is working with higher-end clientele and transforming their homes and vacation spots into dream spaces with a nod to personality, charm and eclecticism.
Q: How did you get into the world of design?
A: I really came in through the back door. I went to a school for Fine Arts and did a lot of painting, ceramics and sculpture. I also grew up around a lot of construction which always helps when it comes to big design projects.
Q: What are some of the biggest influences on your work? Do you have a design philosophy?
A: Kelly Deck Design is a West Coast firm based in Vancouver, British Columbia and we take a lot of pride in that. I’m not a purist when it comes to design – I’m more of a sensualist. I believe that a home should be a living and breathing expression – that it should be beautiful as well as functional. I love modern, eclectic homes that haven’t taken an academic approach to design. Since everyone lives differently, our firm doesn’t design with one specific look but we look at design from the approach of relaxed sophistication. We do draw a lot of inspiration from the landscape with colours and forms, but we just don’t do it in a cliché type of way. Wood is great – just not everywhere!
Q: When designing a space, where should you start? Is there a flow to creating great-looking spaces?
A: I believe in something called the “whole home” concept. Basically, it means that your home begins the moment you step off the street and onto the path leading to your front door. Everything is an expression of who you are and how you live. If I am working on an outdoor project, I always visit the inside of someone’s home to see how they live because any outdoor space should be an extension of indoor living. When you design outside spaces, people feel exposed, so it’s important to create an environment that is comfortable – whether it’s a big space or a small one.
Q: What should you look for when buying outdoor furniture?
A: I always flip over a chair to see how it’s made before I buy it. I like to see how the binding is done, and if it’s durable enough to handle a big guy for more than one season. I look for products and materials that won’t fade, and the higher-end lines on the market will have all of the ratings to compare. It’s really important to buy a reputable product from a store that backs what they sell. Since so many furniture items are made offshore, you really have to be careful and buy with longevity in mind. Products made from PVC and aluminum don’t break down and if they end up in a landfill, it’s not the best situation. Teak is a great investment, but you do need to maintain it each season.
Q: Do you follow trends or make your own?
A: To be honest, I’m not big on trends simply because they aren’t sustainable or ethical. Since we are all watching our pocketbooks, and more and more of us are conscious decision makers, buying for the long term is really the best approach. If you want to get trendy, use some hip planting material like a great succulent, plant trendy colours or recover your existing cushions with a new outdoor fabric. So many outdoor fabrics are indistinguishable from indoor ones that I have even used an outdoor fabric on indoor dining room chairs, making them super easy to clean. Recovering your existing furniture is a great way to refresh a space without having to invest in new pieces.
Q: For those on a budget, how would you suggest creating a great space?
A: Whether it’s indoors or out, I am a big believer in buying what you can afford and planning with a long-term vision in mind. And watch the sales! A lot of outdoor furniture goes on sale in August, so be patient and know what you want. The biggest misconception about outdoor spaces is that you can design them on the cheap. Outdoor living should be an extension of your interior so don’t be afraid to invest in long-lasting pieces, just like you do for your home. If you can’t afford the whole look right off the bat, buy the quality pieces that you can afford right now and plan for the rest. It’s worth it in the long run. It’s what I do with my own place.
Kelly Deck, host of HGTV’s Take It Outside, has been a fixture on the West Coast design scene for more than five years. In addition to her work on Take It Outside and with her private clients, Kelly is regularly quoted in newspaper and magazine articles, interviewed on local and national television shows and gives presentations at home shows across the country. kellydeck.com
Leave a Comment April 29, 2011
Home décor trends for 2011
The key to success in introducing seasonal trends to your home’s décor is start small and work with what your home already offers. Frank Turco, senior manager of trend and design, The Home Depot Canada, highlights this year’s top trends and some simple ways to make them a part of your home’s décor:
Black is back | Black and smoked finishes are back in kitchens, furniture, lighting fixtures and accessories. Whether replacing your old fridge with a sleek black one or simply opening up a space with glossy black framed mirrors, throw a little black into the mix.
Private screening | Many of today’s homes offer an open and airy layout concept, making room dividers an option to create some privacy where needed. Some stylish alternatives to the traditional include mirrors and drapery. If lack of storage is a factor, consider a shelving unit that is open on both sides so that various décor items, baskets and books can be stylishly stored while functionally working to divide a room.
Utilitarian | Military trends that have been so popular on fashion runways have also entered the home for 2011. Pairing industrial-style accessories such as the Progress Lighting’s Brookside Collection Brushed Nickel one–light Mini Pendant with contemporary home décor can add a chic update.
New laundry | Laundry appliances have gone from functional to fashionable. With stainless steel finishes, advanced LED technology and silent load capabilities, appliances are being taken out of the back room and placed in kitchens to show them off and open closets for more accessible usage.
The Home office | Today’s home offices are versatile in look, function, form – even location. When decorating the home office, think beyond the typical filing cabinets and look to incorporate floating shelves, brightly painted peg boards and even decorative light fixtures. If you are tight on space consider an office closet. Simply add shelving to create storage, a small desk and wall paper for a little décor.
For more décor tips and project ideas visit homedepot.ca/designcentre NC
Leave a Comment April 25, 2011
Clean, Pure & Simple Style
By Lydia McNutt
Umbra designer Alan Wisniewski gives us the scoop on his latest products, how he broke into the world of design and where that world is headed in 2011.
You could say design was Alan Wisniewski’s calling. He knew from an early age that creating things was his thing, and lucky for him (and the rest of us décor enthusiasts) the road led him to Umbra.
This inspiring design environment encouraged the concept of “free thinking” and three years later, he’s creating some of Umbra’s most-memorable designs to date.
“My parents always told me I was a bit different growing up, taking things apart, examining them and putting them back together,” Alan recalls. But it wasn’t until his high school art teacher encouraged him to explore industrial design further that he seriously considered his hobby as a potential career. “After doing some research and talking to some people in the industry, I knew this was what I wanted to do.”
Getting his foot in Umbra’s door wasn’t easy, nor was it expected. “I actually heard of Umbra through my girlfriend’s mother, who is very into design,” explains Alan. “She had bought a Bungee card holder and I was amazed by the concept, esthetic and quality. From there I contacted the company persistently looking for any opportunity.”
The persistence paid off and after three years with Umbra (a time that has felt like just one, Alan notes) he is content doing what he calls his “dream job.” “What I love about our team is that the creativity is always flowing and they really encourage us to just let our minds go wild. No matter how ridiculous the idea, it can lead to something huge.” And in Alan’s case, it has!
Check out some of Alan’s favourite designs
Alan’s inspiration crosses the nature-technology divide, which keeps him on top of the trends while staying true to his style. “I find design inspiration everywhere, from nature and my surroundings to magazines, blogs and other media. My mind is always in design, even when trying to sleep. I really love to come up with new ideas and have fun doing so.”
Alan’s design philosophy is to live design every day. His career is not just 9 to 5. “My mind is always examining and thinking, looking at everyday objects and trying to reinvent them. I love what I do and take real pride in the products I design. It’s so thrilling to see an idea go from a thumbnail sketch to being in people’s homes.”
Describe your style in three words:
“Clean, simple, pure.”
Alan’s designs find the delicate balance between fashion and function – not an easy feat, and it’s also what makes them so popular. “If a product has too much of either, it may not speak to people. If a product performs its function
well and looks great doing so, I consider that a great product.”
Finish this sentence: “2011 is all about . . .”
“2011 is all about taking cues from nature in a modern way. We have much to learn from nature in how things are made and all its amazing forms and colours. Product design has come a long way in that people expect more than strict function – they want products that have personality and become things they want to use and make them smile whenever they interact with it.”
The Perch birdie collection adds a whimsical flair to everyday objects that make you smile. They were designed to capture the cute playfulness of city birds everyone can relate to and enjoy.
The Suspend mantle clock is part of the U+ studio collection and it features a floating time piece within a glass bell jar. “I think this clock really makes people take a second look and creates a magical feeling every time you look at it.”
The Handisleeve coffee sleeve is designed as an accessory to your “to-go” coffee cup. The reusable sleeve slides onto any-sized paper cup, eliminating the need to double-cup to keep your hands from being burned. The bonus is the built-in handle, which allows you to hold the cup the way you would a mug at home.
Leave a Comment April 13, 2011
Tea Time!
By Sara Duck
Celebrate the royal wedding by throwing a vintage-themed tea party in your home, fit for a princess!
Do you fancy yourself an Anglophile at heart? Do you love a bit of pomp and circumstance? Then no doubt you will be tuning in to see Prince William and Kate Middleton (soon to be Princess Catherine) exchange vows amongst their family, friends and the world on April 29. Get into the stately spirit by staging your own tea party celebration. Sip and nibble in style as you watch the grand procession take place from your home. With inspiration from Table Style by Liz Belton & Rebecca Tanqueray we give you the low down on making your vintage tea party come to life.
1. Choose a fresh and flirty colour theme such as pastels, pink or spring florals.
2. Set a menu. Traditional high tea consists of dainty sandwiches, petit fours and scones with clotted cream and jam. For a more updated approach throw in beautifully decorated cupcakes, French macarons and chocolate covered strawberries. Don’t forget the bubbly! Champagne is an extra special touch for your guests.
3. Serve a variety of loose-leaf tea including black, red, white and herbal.
4. Wash and prep your prettiest tea cups, tea pots, dessert plates, cake stands, cutlery and lace doilies. Go for an eclectic mis-match look to achieve the vintage vibe. If nothing in your house screams Old World tea party, ask your mom and grandmother, head to your nearest charity shop to score some cheap alternatives or invest in some special-occasion tableware.
5. Use a crisp white or cream tablecloth to set the table. Freshly pressed is a must!
6. Use floral arrangements for a pretty table presentation. Choose a couple different blooms such as roses and peonies and place them in vintage silver teapots, creamer and milk sets or china jugs throughout the table.
7. DIY is a great way to bring a personalized touch to a table setting without spending a lot of money. For instance you could wrap thick ribbon around your napkins to hold cutlery in place and garnish with a floral sprig. For an extra-special touch write their name in calligraphy on the ribbon and use it as a place setting.
8. Make your tea party lively! The main attraction will of course be the wedding but in between commercial breaks you could play a fun game of royal trivia (do your research before hand and come up with some juicy questions). Don’t forget to send the winner home with a fabulous prize, such as a pretty box of Harney & Sons tea. Visit harney.com
Leave a Comment April 8, 2011
Korhani at Fashion Week
By Sara Duck
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend a very cool show as part of Toronto’s LG Fashion Week. Canadian company Korhani Home–well known for its fabulous rugs and home products, staged a catwalk presentation to showcase its incredible designs. While a bevy of beauties paraded down the runway, all eyes were on what the models were wearing: rugs which had been creatively cut and sewn together to resemble clothing, and chic clothing at that, portrayed in a variety of styles. The show-stopper included a distinct vintage vibe with a model in ‘50s style dress, hair swept up and a touch of animal print cruising the catwalk with two adorable (and well groomed) poodles. Kudos to creative directors and owners Kirsten Korhani and Moji Korhani for blending décor with fashion, which go together so well.
Leave a Comment April 6, 2011
