MASSIVE CLEARANCE DEPOT
This beautiful five-piece dining set boasts a tempered 43-in round table with chrome legs and four stylish chairs for only $399, until July 13, 2013. “Like” MCD on Facebook and receive a $10 coupon visit Facebook.com/MassiveClearanceDepot.
45 Woodbine Downs Blvd. Etobicoke | 416.213.1001 Visit massiveclearancedepot.com

ADORNMENTS ON QUEEN
Gorgeous 28-in diameter bistro table, distinguished by cut silhouettes of a graceful Fleur de Lys emblem! The metal finish features a coppery over-tone. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, only $178. The design is echoed in a coordinating armchair for $189. For a limited time HD&R readers receive 20 per cent off both items. Offer valid from May. 18 to June. 30, 2013.
338 Queen St E., Toronto | 416.955.4791
Visit adornmentsonqueen.com

AUDIO ONE
Give your home subtle light and superior dependability that you can count on night after night, with Coastal Path Lights. These path lights are offered in different finishes and sizes for greater personalization of your outdoor living space. Constructed of solid brass, these lights will be an integral part of your landscape design for many years. $229 per light.
3200 Steeles Ave W., Concord | 416.665.0749
Visit audio-one.ca

METROPOLITAN TILE & STONE
The stunning Bliss Glass Slate / Quartz Blend Mosaic comes in six gorgeous shades. This 5-by-8 x 5-by-8 mosaic is fabulously priced at $7.50 per sq. ft. If this mosaic doesn’t strike your fancy, come in and see their newly renovated showroom with thousands of tiles to choose from. Offer valid from May. 18 to July. 12, 2013.
330 EDGELEY BLVD., CONCORD | 905.660.6443
Email: info@metropolitantile.ca

X-TILE CANADA
Changing up your floors is a breeze with X-Tile’s Easy, Habitat, Serena and Touch series that now come in 17 beautiful colours. This contemporary and versatile look will give the impression you spent a lot more than you did on your flooring. At $1.99 per sq. ft., this is X-Tiles’ best deal to date! Offer valid from May. 18 to July. 12, 2013.
78 Signet Dr., Unit 6, Toronto | 416.749.7111
563 Queensway E., Mississauga | 905.949.8453
Visit x-tile.net for Showroom Hours

CHOICE LEATHER
Take advantage of their moving sale and save up to 45 per cent on new orders and existing inventory. Don’t forget to visit their new location after June 30, in the Design District at 115 Miranda Ave.
490 NORFINCH DR, Toronto | 416.781.0107
Visit CHOICELEATHER.COM 

SIGNATURE VANITIES
The two-toned marquetry veneer of this Clarendon vanity offers a bold contrast to the chrome plated decorative feet. With a large internal drawer, this 36-in vanity has great storage, striking design, and will fit in nearly any bathroom. Starting from $2,299.
1950 HIGHWAY # 7 W, UNIT 15., concord | 905.669.7966 Visit SIGNATUREVANITIES.ca

ARROW FURNITURE
This sofa is made of 100 per cent top grain leather. The modern straight back design, tufted seating, rich brown leather and great lumbar support all for only $899. Offer valid from May. 18 to June. 30, 2013.
For locations visit arrrowfurniture.com

Pick up our June/July issue Saturday, May 18, 2013! Get ready to summer-ize your home with the latest products, expert advice and inspiring ideas. Plus, don’t miss our interview with the dynamic duo the Kitchen Cousins – who share tips, tricks and trends on kitchen renovations.

We’ve teamed up with paint and wallpaper experts Farrow & Ball to give you an inspiring
do-it-yourself drawer project for your home!
by Sara Duck

01  Give the inside of your drawer a good wipe to ensure a clean surface.
02  Measure the inside of your drawer.
03  Using your wallpaper off cuts, cut a shape to fit.
04 Place or paste your wallpaper into the drawer, and if you’re using paste, leave to dry.

Tips:

*This is a great way to put your wallpaper off cuts to use. To add an unexpected twist to your drawers, bold colours and intricate patterns work really well.

*The pattern will look best if it’s central to the drawer, so bear this in mind when you’re cutting it out.

Yes, we do love our moms. For all they do, for all they teach us, and for always being there – we love them each and every day. Seems fair that one day a year we shower her with love, attention, affection – and gifts!

Don’t know what to get mom? Skip the annual box of chocolates and go right for something she will really enjoy. Here are some of HD&R’s favourite finds for mom:

FRAMED

Freshen up mom’s walls with a great frame. Finish it in sentimental form with a photo of you and mom.

IKEA Kullsta and Kvill Frames $6.99-8.99 ikea.ca

SERVED

How long has she had the same boring glassware? With a new tray, a stay-cold-and-tastey pitcher and some funky glassware, mom will treat herself to a refreshment more often.

Now go make her breakfast in bed!

CB2: Bright double old fashioned glassware $6.95; Acrylic bed tray $89.95; Ceylon pitcher $29.95 cb2.com

POTTED

Flowers and potted plants a0re a Mother’s Day cliché. Nothing wrong with a cliché – as long as you add your own personal twist. Try arranging your fabulous flora in one of these:

Homesense: Crown planters in various sizes $14.99-$16.99; Aqua glass vase $16.99 homesense.ca

FEATHERED

As lovely as they are comfortable, toss pillows are always a great way to make a statement. And this Spring’s statement has wings!

West Elm: Silk pillow covers $41 each westelm.com

SPARKLED

Show her you care, in sterling, 14 karat, platinum and princess-cut.

Tiffany & Co.: Mother’s Day Collection $85-$10,500 tiffany.ca

PATTERNED

A rug, why didn’t you ever think of it? A great way to add a little whimsy, this year’s favourite patterns include chevron, stripes and ikat.

Dwell Studio: Rug collection from 2′X3′ to 9′X13′ $98-$1,610 dwellstudio.com

With the warmer weather coming, many homeowners will be thinking about renovations. What are your top five tips to consider before you think about a home renovation?
A  1 | Assess the relationship you have with your home. Is this a starter home? Something that you will be living in for a few years then moving on, or do you plan on retiring in this home?
2 | Devise a plan that includes all of the changes that you would like to make to the home. Everything from the basement, kitchen, exterior, flooring, and maybe even increasing the square footage of living space (addition) should be included. Include everything that you would like to do now and possibly in the future as well.
3 | Assess the return on investment for what you are proposing to do, unless money is not an issue. Some renovation projects make sense in the heart but not in the wallet.
4 | Get inspired! Visit home shows, research the internet for great design ideas, be creative, find what defines you and inspires you. There is a plethora of choices in materials and finishes out there and some of them are waiting to be mixed and matched together to become a part of your home.
5 | Who will do the work? Renovations take time, experience, tools and patience. If the scope of
work is beyond your DIY skills, hire a professional. Visit renomark.ca for a list of qualified contractors in your area.

Q More and more homeowners are choosing to go Green at home. When it comes time to renovate, does going Green versus a regular reno mean that homeowners need to spend a lot more money to make it planet friendly?
A Yes and no. Initially, the up-front cost of the “Greener” alternative is typically higher across the board. But when it comes to mechanical and insulation components of a home, there is also the operation cost to consider and when you do that you will find that on a long enough time-line (10 to 30 years on average), the cost is
typically off set by the savings incurred by lower consumption costs.

Q Do you recommend energy-efficient appliances? Why?
A Absolutely. As the name infers, efficient use of energy is better for the environment and it is also better for
your wallet.

Q There is a lot of reno waste after projects, is there practical ways a homeowner can get rid of the waste with little or no impact on the environment?
A There is definitely a fine line in there, speaking from experience. It is very convenient to haul in a large dumpster (or a few) and load it up with all of the things that you don’t want anymore and have the disposal company truck it away. But with a little bit of realistic foresight and planning, you can effectively separate the waste into a few basic categories: things that you can sell/give away for free, cardboard, recyclable waste, metals (copper, steel, etc.) and general waste. By doing this, you can effectively save 10 to 30 per cent of the waste that ends up at the landfill from any average renovation project.

Peter Khatami
Peter is co-owner of Nostco Construction, a design/build, project management and contracting firm serving residential and commercial clients throughout the GTA. With more than 10 years of industry experience, Peter prides himself in working tirelessly on behalf of his clients to transform vision to successful reality on every project. nostco.com

By Erica Gelman

We’ve all heard of “spring-cleaning” but lets get serious, what’s a good a clean without a little transformation? This spring, don’t just clean and get organized but give your home a new look and freshen up your space all at once. Spring is the perfect time of year to revive your home from the dreaded cold winter, especially the one we just had.

Someone once told me that conquering clutter is therapeutic, and while I believe that to be true we like to think that the real benefit of spring cleaning is the clean slate you now get to decorate with. I know what you must be thinking and you’re not alone. The thought of organizing seems so overwhelming and maybe even daunting. Just remember, it doesn’t have to be completed in one afternoon, let yourself start slow and tackle one room at a time.

If you’re puzzled and can’t figure out where to start I would suggest your most used space; be it the closet, the kitchen, the bedroom or maybe it’s the dining room that has somehow become the storage centre. There’s a “one year” rule that we like to implement with our clients. Often, just before starting a design or decorating project our clients begin by discussing how unorganized their home feels and by starting a house project they feel like they allow themselves the opportunity to re-organize or de-clutter. We suggest that if something hasn’t been used in the last year, its probably time for a new home or possibly the garbage bin.

However, you don’t have to remodel your kitchen to obtain a cleaner feeling in your space. No one ever said this has to be an extensive “project.” There are some fantastic storage solutions that fit right into your current kitchen. For instance, Gliding Shelf Solutions is a local company who can retrofit your existing cabinetry and add more storage, more than you ever dreamt of. I would recommend taking everything, yes, everything out of your cabinetry and really plan on how you intend to use your space. Imagine how beautiful your countertops become once you’ve found a home for all those displayed knick-knacks.

The same rules and principals can apply to your closets. As most of us are tight on storage space, why waste valuable real estate? This type of cleaning may require a purge but trust me you will thank yourself later. Did you know that cleaning your closets could actually save you money? Try separating your clothes into seasons if you intend to keep some in storage. Otherwise, colour blocking your wardrobe is ideal and it will benefit you everyday to know exactly what you have and maybe what you have too much of.

Yet, as I mentioned the real fun behind spring-cleaning is the transformation. If it’s small and relatively inexpensive changes you are looking to make then I would suggest looking at fabric. Imagine sprucing up your dark sofa or bedspread with bright pillows that are light in texture and soft to the touch. If you’re handy or a skilled DIYer maybe a crisp room colour will get you in the spirit of a new season. Imagine how renewed your organized kitchen will look with a fresh coat of paint.

Embrace the warm weather and let yourself translate the essence of a new season in your home. It may take some work but it will also take the weight off your shoulders to rid yourself of clutter and start fresh.

Toronto-based designer Erica Gelman, Principal of Erica Gelman House Of Design. Specializes in both large and small scale residential design projects throughout Toronto and the GTA. Known for enhancing and creating new possibilities in every space of your home. House Of Design ericagelman.com

Winter is over. Spring has sprung. Time to dust off the annual chore list. Before you roll up your sleeves and tackle the dirty work, though, you should review (and save) this spring safety checklist, compiled with input from our friends at the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA). It will ensure your seasonal spruce-up is a blooming good time–and not a bundle of accidents waiting to happen.
» If electrical work is in your plans, consult a licensed electrical contractor. They will ensure your spring-renovation projects are completed in a safe manner, consistent with codes, protecting you and your family from electrical shock and fire hazards. Licensed electrical contractors are the only ones who you can legally hire to do such work in your home in Ontario.

» Spring is the perfect time to build something new, but you may be in for a shock if you aren’t aware of underground hazards. Check with your local utility companies to mark underground electrical wires or gas and water mains before you start any digging. Avoid doing any work directly under or beside these areas.  Remember: Always call before you dig.

» With flowers soon to bloom, your green thumb is likely itching. Be sure to plant large shrubs and trees at least three feet (one metre) away from hydro poles, powerlines and other utility equipment. Keeping clear access to utility poles allows professionals to safely perform inspections and repairs – and will prevent much bigger headaches down the road.

» Before entertaining in your backyard, make sure
your outdoor recreation routine involves a thorough inspection of your yard. If there are tree limbs within three metres of powerlines anywhere on your property, contact a professional to clear them.  Do not attempt to do it yourself.

» What better time than spring to dust off your barbecue, outdoor appliances and garden and power tools? Before you use them, check if any of the electrical cords have cracked or frayed, or if plugs have broken. If so, repair or replace the tool.

» Never stand on wet floors or moist grass when using electrical tools. Wear rubber-soled shoes when using them, as the wet ground can conduct electricity. Keep your outdoor tools unplugged in a safe and dry area when not in use.

» If you’ll be doing any outdoor cleaning or maintenance using a ladder, watch out for overhead wires. Placing any ladder near powerlines is dangerous, even if it’s not metal. Be aware of where powerlines are located–and keep at least 10 feet (about three metres) away.

Once you’ve checked all the items off your spring-cleaning list, sit back, relax and enjoy the season!

For even more tips on how to stay safe around your home visit powerlinesafety.ca

Image spring 2013 ready-to-wear Louis Vuitton collection. Photo by Chris Moore, catwalk Getty Images.

by Sara Duck

Checks, floral, ikat, chevron, we adore it all! There is no doubt that patterns are hot this season. So give your space an instant update with a patterned accent chair. We love the idea of adding these hot seats in your living room or one at each end of your dining table.

Avery Accent Chair. $799. Visit urbanbarn.com

With the onslaught of technical advances, home automation is becoming mainstream in today’s renovation industry.

There is no doubt that smart homes are becoming mainstream in new-home construction and renovations.  In today’s modern age, technology influences practically every aspect of our home environment. However, home automation technology evolves at such a rapid pace that most homeowners are left wondering how to plan ahead in order to include it in their homes.

Many homeowners are not aware of the enormous benefits of home automation, and therefore do not consider it when renovating their existing home or building a new one. The main stumbling blocks when it comes to the installation of home automation are education and misconception of costs. One only has to look at the pace at which technology is being brought into our homes and our daily lives to understand that it would be wise to plan for not only future developments but those that exist today.
If you do not have the budget to invest in a home automation system right away, you can design your home in such a way that you could integrate one seamlessly when your budget allows. One of the optimum times for this is during renovation to ensure the infrastructure (pre-wiring) for home automation is put in place.

A home automation system is a system that provides you with remote or automatic control of things around your home. Home automation systems can give you the ability to control home functions remotely from anywhere in the world using a tablet or smart phone with internet access.
Today’s homeowners are looking at state-of-the art home automation systems as a means of managing their home’s daily functions in the most economical and energy efficient manner with ease of use. Home automation systems can do this by controlling a number of systems and appliances within the home in the most effective and economical way, including lighting systems, audio and visual equipment, heating systems, security and many more.

The main aim of any well designed home automation system is to create a flexible, practical and user-friendly environment – allowing even the most non-technical people to easily operate the most technically advanced systems.

By designing and including an infrastructure that is capable of being readily upgraded, a smart home can easily maintain pace with advances in technology.

The bottom line is that to achieve optimum results, it is essential that your home automation system is designed, installed and programmed by an experienced home automation professional. This will not only ensure that all the electronic devices and control software are integrated seamlessly, but it will also mean that the system meets your individual aesthetic and functional requirements.

by Yanic Simard

Generally thought of as a playful background to the home’s interior, wallpaper has been around for many, many years — dating back to the 16th century, and today it is more popular than ever. Wallpaper can inject so much more personality into a space in the form of pattern, texture and colour, which you can’t always get with a paintbrush and roller.

Types of Wallpaper
Wallpaper is available in several different materials, each
with its own characteristics.
Vinyl: The most basic type of wallpaper, easy to clean, hang and remove, and great for moist areas such as bathrooms.
Embossed: Textured paper which can usually be painted and is excellent for covering up walls with imperfections. Easy to install and easy to clean.
Foils: Metallic-looking wallpaper that will add brightness and sparkle to any room. Looks best installed on flat walls with no flaws or damage. Can be difficult to hang, though it is fairly easy to clean.
Grass cloth: Woven out of long strands of grass, this extremely textural wallpaper has an organic quality like no other. Very difficult to hang and tough to remove.
Textile: Fabric type of wallpaper which can be more difficult to both clean and hang, but adds great texture and depth to a space.
Flocks: Velvet or velvet-like raised designs on vinyl type paper. It can add great personality and esthetic to any room however not all types are washable. This paper can be tricky to handle and difficult to hang.

Choosing the Right Pattern
If your furnishings and décor are already complete, then you want to select a paper that complements the existing colour and style as well as the size and shape of the room being wallpapered. If there are already other patterns present in the area then be sure to choose a harmonizing scale. In terms of the room to be wallpapered, keep in mind that horizontal patterns will make a room appear wider, and vertical patterns will make ceilings feel taller.

Where to Wallpaper
In the ‘70s, your house wasn’t quite up to par unless you covered every square inch of every wall with wallpaper. Today that’s hardly the case —however if you’re using it in a smaller space such as a powder room, I still say to go for it. One feature wall is usually all you need to make a room pop, like behind the bed in a bedroom. Also, consider wallpapering the ceiling to create high impact and style.

Measuring for Wallpaper
Measure your walls carefully to calculate the amount of paper you’ll need to cover the desired area. Standard rolls measure 11 yards in length, 20.5 inches in width, and wide width rolls are sometimes available which are the same length but measure 27 inches in width. I always recommend adding one extra roll to the amount you require just in case. The experts where you’re buying the material should be able to assist in the calculations to be sure.

Once you see what paper can do for your walls, you may instantly reach for the paste rather than a brush the next time you need to freshen up a room.

Yanic’s Favourite Wallpaper Lines
›› Trove available through Industrial Storm.
Visit troveline.com, industrialstorm.com
›› Concrete Wall by Tom Haga. Visit concretewall.no
›› Tracy Kendall available through Hollace Cluny.
Visit tracykendall.com, hollacecluny.ca
Yanic Simard
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 has appeared as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine.
For more information visit tidg.ca