Embroidered Paisley Pillow in Blue. $45. Visit pier1.ca
By Sara Duck
Although the paisley motif is a notable trend in the décor world at the moment, this pretty pattern has been around for centuries and can be traced back to Indian and Iranian origins. Turning up on everything from furniture to pottery, this exotic design can make a bold statement in the home, and can add just the right amount of vibrancy to a room. For example, if your living room is lacking lustre, why not try a set of coloured, paisley printed pillows on the sofa or an upholstered accent chair? Kick your boudoir up a notch by placing a large, beautiful paisley rug underneath your bed. Paisley in key areas of the home that need a little TLC can add an instant update.
December 30, 2011
By Paul Golini Jr.
I have to remind myself that going green isn’t mainstream yet, but sometimes that’s hard to do. Lately, I’ve been feeling like Green technology, Green products and Green ideas are everywhere. This could be the result of my participation in the largest Green building conference to hit our city – Greenbuild. The US Green Building Council’s annual conference brought 25,000 people from the global Green industry to Toronto back in early October.
Or, it could be the result of our continued efforts to Green BILD. The Association headquarters has been retrofitted with energy-efficient windows, and we did a complete lighting overhaul with the installation of motion sensors, timers and setbacks throughout the building.
Earlier this year, we installed 80 solar PV panels on our rooftop, and since then, 8,000 kilowatt hours of electricity have been generated and fed back into Ontario’s power grid. And just last month, we had all of the carpet replaced with a new one manufactured with 20 per cent recycled content. The new carpet also received a Green Label Plus designation, which is a program that tests for, and certifies, low emissions from carpet and adhesive.
BILD has a proven track record of leading by example, and for that, the Association was recently recognized as the EnerQuality Leader of the Year. The Association has undertaken a number of pro-active Green initiatives, including Green education and training partnerships, as well as demonstration projects such as the Archetype Sustainable House.
Our members have also been increasingly keen to get involved with green initiatives. We have a Green Leadership Committee, which has established a Green Renovation Task Force and our Renovators’ Council has a Green sub-committee. Through those forums, there is a sharing of information and access to support Green projects.
One recent example was when our Green Leadership Committee members received first access to a call for submissions by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). The Authority was looking for a general contractor and project manager for its Green Home Makeover as part of its Sustainable Neighbourhoods Retrofit Action Plan in a Brampton community. One of our RenoMark contractors and BILD member companies, Keystone Interiors, was selected and the project is now in its final stages.
At the last Renovators’ Council meeting, Shannon Logan from TRCA and Emilio Cosentino from Keystone, explained all of the new technologies and products installed in the 1980s single-detached home such as new insulation, low-flow fixtures, an efficient heating, ventilation and air conditioning system, water-smart landscaping and much more. Key to their presentation was that any of the retrofits could easily be done to upgrade an existing home. For the next two years,
TRCA will be monitoring the energy and water consumption in the home so that they can share real results with the homeowners, neighbours and anyone who will listen.
I know our members are listening, and it sure seems like consumers are listening. Now all we have to do is continue to spread the word, and before we know it, going Green will be mainstream.
Paul Golini Jr.
Paul Golini Jr. is chair of the Building
Industry and Land Development Association (BILD) and can be found online on
Twitter (twitter.com/bildgta), Facebook (facebook.com/bildgta), Youtube
(youtube.com/bildgta) and BILD’s official blog (bildblogs.ca).
December 28, 2011
Picture courtesy of BoConcepts
By Glen Peloso
WITH THE BEGINNING OF A NEW YEAR, trendspotting is top of mind for the fashionistas –and these style mavens influence the world of home décor as well. It used to take weeks or months for fashion trends to show up in home décor, but in the digital age, social media and other tools are bringing these worlds together almost simultaneously.
Here are my top picks for 2012 home trends:
Materials
We are seeing “reclaimed” materials becoming increasingly popular. Reclaimed woods and refurbished industrial items and materials afford a weathered look that can add texture and interest to your home.
Eras
Silhouettes from the mid-century period remain popular, with industrial designers such as Eames and Mies a source of inspiration. The design trend is to be eclectic in style, where modern elements of clean-lined sofas are mixed with an old soda crate from the 1930s and 1940s or a sideboard from the ’60s.
Fabric & Patterns
When it comes to fabric patterns, we draw from a completely international influence. Think pop art and Bauhaus motifs influenced with a hand-painted look, to washed-out Shanghai flowers with a smoky feel. Internationally, we see many fabrics that have a tribal or ethnic print in a handcrafted detail, as well as bohemian folk art with paisleys. A natural hand-aesthetic feeling, contributed by individual artists as opposed to mass production, is prevalent. Abstract patterns seem to be coming from natural elements such as microscopic close-up cells or organic matter with a tie-died feel.
Colour Palette
The colour palette continues to use a warm grey as a neutral. This is a grey that is sometimes called “taupe,” containing a brown undertone. Accent colours, on the other hand, will include earth tones often seen in of the garden.
Soft yellows, greens, reds and blues are part of the 2012 palette. In the red spectrum, look for fun colour that includes oranges and pink tones. Think pumpkins and the soft red blush of flower petals.
In the yellow family, the golden and sunny hues seen in natural blonde hair and the colour of a marigold will be prevalent.
In the green colour range, we are looking at a hue with a teal tinge, as well as more intense greens found in camouflage or soft leaf greens.
In blues, deep, dark tones head toward charcoal, evoking the mystery of night. These are all colours that can easily be found in nature.
Fashionistas used to tell the world of home décor to catch up, and now that it has, you can anticipate the colour palette and pattern influences simply by strolling down Bloor St. to get your inspiration from a little window-shopping. Enjoy a croissant and café while you’re at it, to make your trendspotting outing much more pleasant!
Glen Peloso
Glen Peloso, design editor at Home Décor and Renovations and principal designer of Glen Peloso Interiors, has been designing spaces for commercial, corporate and residential clients for more than 15 years. You’ll recognize Glen as the host of such television design shows as Restaurant Makeover, Take This House & Sell It and Renovate My Wardrobe, to name a few, as well as from speaking engagements at home shows across Canada. glenpelosointeriors.com
December 26, 2011
Lydia McNutt chats with Peter Khatami, co-owner of Nostco Construction, to get the lowdown on eco-friendly renovations, how they’re done and when you need to surrender your tools to the pros.
Q What are the top three ways to incorporate energy efficiency into your home renovation?
A Use energy-efficient appliances and products. Energy Star is a government-backed program for energy efficiency that was established to make it easy for consumers to identify and purchase energy-efficient products that offer savings on energy bills. Everything from plumbing, roofing, lighting, heating and cooling, insulating, appliances and even electronics could bear the symbol. Look for the logo on your next purchase.
Insulate. Most homes are under-insulated, and
all too often homeowners overlook the importance
of this vital component in the energy efficiency of
their home.
Seal all the gaps that are causing air leaks from your home. This could be as simple as applying caulking around windows and doors.
Q Water- and energy-saving appliances and features for the home are more expensive, but do they pay off in the long run?
A Removing the “eco-friendly” side of the argument from the equation, consider that almost every product in your house has two prices. The first being the purchase price and the second being the maintenance and operating cost. Energy-efficient products can dramatically reduce your utility costs and last longer than “conventional” alternatives. Energy Star products have been evaluated to ensure that their initial additional purchase price is offset by the energy savings of using that product over a relatively short amount of time.
Q Do you have a lot of clients asking for eco-friendly features?
A As much as I would love to say “yes,” the unfortunate truth is that the clients who do are few and far between. I suspect that a lack of consumer awareness about the different products available to us is the main cause.
Q Are there environmentally friendly ways to take care of reno waste?
A Absolutely, and since diverting products away from the landfill is the name of the game, consider donating to charity, selling or giving away as many of your appliances and furnishings as you can for starters. Next, separate your cardboard. You might be surprised but cardboard probably represents about 10 per cent of all the waste from a conventional reno. You can also recycle your plastics and even sell some of your metal scraps. These are all relatively simple and easy measures that we can all take to do our part.
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
December 23, 2011
“Beat the winter blues by creating a warm, country-inspired escape in your home
with lots of texture and rich, brown tones.” – Sara Duck
Totten electric fireplace in rich espresso finish. $500. Visit homedepot.ca
Brooklyn leather armchair. $1,688. Visit potterybarn.ca
Faux Fur Throw by Glucksteinhome. $60. Visit homeoutfitters.com
December 21, 2011
Exclusive deals for our readers!
Alta Moda
Live in comfort and style with the Madrid sectional available in a variety of colours. From now until Jan. 31, enjoy 15 per cent off!
680 Rivermede Rd., Concord | 416.636.5495
Visit altamodafurniture.com
A Special Place
Comfort is key for 2012! Put your feet up and relax in this recliner that doesn’t look like a recliner. Made in Canada and available in a wide choice of leather colours. Regularly $1,499, on sale until Jan. 31, for $1,199.
416.481.2077 | For a location near you
Visit aspecialplace.ca
Selective Ceramics
Perfect for a contemporary or transitional look, these one by two-inch mini-brick stainless steel tiles will look sleek and stylish in your space. Save 10 per cent from Dec. 17 to Jan. 27 2012.
3550 langstaff rd, Woodbridge
905.850.0222 | selectiveceramics.com
Down Under
Down Under’s January White Sale features the amazing 1,000 thread count wrinkle-free sheets. These fine luxury bed linens are crafted from 60 per cent combed cotton and 40 per cent polyester to give you the “crisp clean” look and still get comfort, quality and opulence with fewer wrinkles after washing. Choose from four colours: ivory, white, taupe or grey and dream the night away. Queen is now $99.99 and king size is now $129.99.
For more information visit downunderbedding.com
Designer Window Fashions
From Dec. 17, 2011 to Feb. 17 2012, save on tax and installation
on Silhouette shades when you mention this ad!
2575 DUNDAS ST. W. UNIT 20, MISSISSAUGA.
W 905.608.8889 | E 416.252.3883 | TOLL FREE 1.800.364.2901
Visit WINDOWFASHIONS.CA
FurnitureToronto.com
This contemporary dining table with white lacquer Baydur molded structure, polished aluminum guide bar and tempered glass top will be a short stopper in any space! Sale price: $5,598.10 from Dec. 17-Jan. 27. 700 Kipling Ave. | 416.503.0009 | visit furnituretoronto.com
X-Tile
Check out X-Tile’s newest location in Mississauga. Take advantage
of its grand opening promotion with a free gift with every order,
while supplies last.
563 QUEENSWAY E, MISSISSAUGA. | 905.949.8453 | Visit X-TILE.NET
K-Wood Kitchens
K-Wood Kitchens is not just about kitchens. They have more than 10 years of experience in design, remodeling, manufacturing and installation of custom kitchens, cabinetry, bathrooms and renovations. K-Wood is a one-stop-shop for all your custom creation needs. From Dec. 17 until Jan. 27, receive free under cabinet LED valance lighting with any full kitchen and countertop purchase with installation. 36 Continental Place.. | 416.332.0381 | KwoodKitchens.com
December 17, 2011
You don’t want to miss our first issue of the new year, out this Saturday, Dec. 17th! The January issue takes a look at the upcoming trends for 2012 with expert advice and inspiration from top designers. Also, don’t forget to read the Property Brothers tips and tricks on moving from the suburbs to the big city.
December 14, 2011
Ingredients
›› 1 partially cooked bone-in ham, about 12 lb.
›› Whole cloves for studding
›› 2 cups unfiltered apple juice
For the glaze
›› 1 1/2 cups firmly packed light brown sugar
›› 1/2 cup dark rum
›› Pinch of kosher salt
›› 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
›› Orange or tangerine wedges
or fresh or candied kumquats
for garnish
›› Fresh thyme sprigs for garnish
Directions Serves 8 to 10
1 Preheat an oven to 350F
2 Using a large, sharp knife, cut off the skin and all but 1/4 inch of the fat from the ham, leaving the surface as smooth as possible. Score the top and sides of the ham diagonally in two opposite directions about 1 1/2 inches apart, creating a diamond pattern. Stick a clove into the corners of each diamond. Place the ham on a rack in a roasting pan. Add the apple juice and 2 cups water to the pan. Bake the ham for two hours. After one hour, add more water to the pan if needed.
3 Meanwhile, make the glaze: In a bowl, combine the brown sugar, rum, kosher salt and cayenne pepper and stir until smooth. Let stand for about 10 minutes for the sugar to dissolve partially.
4 Remove the ham from the oven and brush some of the glaze evenly over the ham. Return the ham to the oven and bake for about one hour more, brushing it with more glaze every
15 minutes, for a total baking time of about three hours. An instant-read thermometer inserted near the centre of the meat, away from the bone, should register 130F and the glaze should be golden brown. Transfer the ham to a carving board, cover loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 15 to 30 minutes.
5 Meanwhile, pour the liquid from the roasting pan into a large fat separator or glass measuring pitcher. Let the fat rise to the surface, then pour or spoon off as much fat as possible. Float a piece of paper towel on the surface to absorb the remaining fat. Pour the degreased liquid into a small saucepan and add any remaining glaze to make a sauce. Set aside.
6 Carve the ham. Rewarm the sauce and pour it into a sauceboat. Garnish the platter with the orange wedges and thyme and serve the ham warm with the sauce.
Tip: In this recipe, a spicy-sweet, flavourful glaze is brushed on the ham during baking to give it a burnished, golden brown appearance and to complement the assertive taste of the meat. It also enriches the pan drippings, which are then used to make a sauce. Brush the glaze on the ham partway through baking, not at the beginning, to prevent the sugar-based mixture from scorching.
For more recipes visit williams-sonoma.com
December 9, 2011
By Usheda Akbar-Shanks
The holidays are just around the corner, and for many this is the time for celebrating and entertaining. Whether your entertaining is formal, casual or just hanging out together, preparation is essential.
What’s wrong with my living room?
The first step is to stand back and assess your entertaining space, which is usually the main floor of your house. The kitchen/cooking area, dining and sitting areas need to be coordinated and functional. Are you going to cook while the guests are there and have them help out? Or are you having a formal dinner, perhaps catered? No matter what your personal style and budget, good interior space planning goes beyond materialism. It is preliminary to professional interior design. Why is it that some homes have such an inviting and special feel, while others leave you exasperated? When I walk into a house, I usually scan the ‘horizon’ and assess from a designer’s perspective right away. Though I reserve my judgement, the impression is already made. Keep first impressions in mind when planning for festive entertaining! I have an old friend whose home is always inviting and beautifully put together. Even when she rented a house, her place exuded good taste and felt positively welcoming. When I think about this more, I realize that careful seating and socializing areas were paramount to the feel of her place. A strategically placed antique Chinese table, gilded wall sconces and a centrally located skylight above the couches all added to the charm.
Pinpoint decorating flaws
Irrespective of the material cost of your interior decor, the ambiance it creates is most important. Choose your accessories very carefully. Does your living room exude friendliness and comfort? A great idea is to get a few friends to evaluate each other’s spaces. Exchanging this dialogue will open your eyes to what others are thinking when they come over! If you know there is room for improvement, then preparation is important. If your personal space does not feel like a sanctuary from the world outside, then read on. Could it be that your furniture needs to be re-arranged for entertaining? It’s always a good idea to have proper space planning as a lifestyle option, rather than scrambling to make things work at the last minute. A trained eye is all you need to pinpoint the decorating ‘flaws.’ A good working drawing of your room is essential to proper space planning. Anybody can paint a bright feature wall or toss a few flashy cushions, but the essence of a room stems from its layout. A perfect layout (for your particular room), coupled with proportionate furniture pieces, plus uplifting aesthetic features can tie a room together well.
Ask yourself the following questions:
›› Are you happy with your space’s aesthetic features?
›› Is your furniture size/arrangement adequate for your space and family needs?
›› Do you have enough clearance allowances?
›› Is there room to simplify your space?
›› Can you easily change things around later?
›› How easy is it to maintain?
Space planning as art and science
Interior design and space planning is an art form as well as a science. The exact measurements can simplify your choices, as well as curb any ‘dysfunctional’ decorating tendencies. Some of us will stay with the tried and true. We take comfort in old ways, but this stagnation can breed negative energy. The Chinese call this energy Chi. Changing the orientation of furniture can change the energy flow of your house. Just as a Kung Fu master controls his/her energy and movements to effect an exacting blow to his/her opponent, an interior designer can similarly shift and change the feel of a room by furniture placement. Aesthetics and outward appearance is one thing, but the connectedness and flow of a house is very important. Notice how some rooms just feel right and people gravitate to this room instinctively. Is it the combination of furniture placement, the shape of the room, the orientation of a focal window or a fireplace? It is actually a combination of many elements of design, a merging of the material as well as the mystical elements. The mystical elements are very important during religious celebrations whether it be Christmas, Hanukkah, Eid or Diwali. Higher spirituality essentially merges with aesthetics to create harmony and balance.
Shape shifting
Is your entertaining room L-shaped, rectangular, square, triangular or something in between? Have seating across from each other to facilitate easy conversation. Assign a focal point to the space. Is it your fireplace, a window or the coffee table? Make sure that you leave enough space and physical distance between furniture. Always arrange things from the perspective of the doors and entryways. Is there a clean flow between the front door and the back entrance? How far do the guests have to manoeuvre to get from the couch to the entertaining island? Clear away small obstructions when entertaining. Too much ‘stuff’ can hamper the enjoyment by guests bumping into things and, heaven forbid, knocking things over. It is best to accessorize above the floor, for example ambient lighting above the floor level. Another trick is to have ornaments and artwork placed at higher levels, on the wall or on the fireplace mantel. Presenting your space for holiday entertaining will result in less stress for the hosts and more enjoyment for the guests.
Usheda Akbar-Shanks
Usheda Akbar-Shanks is a freelance writer and designer in Alberta. She writes regularly for Home Décor and Renovations magazine in Edmonton. Usheda has a B.A. in social sciences from the University of Calgary.
E-mail ushanks@shaw.ca
December 7, 2011
by Elisa Krovblit
Old houses always pose interesting problems. After spending enough time problem-solving, I usually reach the conclusion that we need to move. I go to my husband and let him know I’ve figured out the answer.
My explanation is always met with a smile and a head shake. He never seems to think I’m serious.
My latest problem is the lack of a coat closet. It didn’t bother me until this year. We used a hook in the kitchen and hooks on the back of the baby’s bedroom door.
That was before.
Now, with a family of four to manage, it’s mayhem. I’m up to my eyeballs in outerwear. My husband has two parka-type coats. One for cold, which is quite large, and the one for really cold – which defies all reason (I’m just not sure how the man makes it through the doorways with that much puffy going on). I, myself, have a winter jacket, a wool coat, a light coat, a car coat and a sweater coat. Most remain in my closet and I end up not bringing them into the rotation because they’re not accessible on my way out the door. The kids have snow pants and jackets. And then there are hats, mitts, scarves, umbrellas and more.
I’m beginning to believe the Victorians were just an uncivilized bunch. What on earth did they do with all their outerwear?
I’ve also come to realize that the threshold for living without a coat closet is two adults and one infant. That second child of mine put us over the limit.
While wandering around the aisles of my favourite big box store, admiring how the Swedes have brought their design ethic to the masses in pops of bright colours and hard-to-pronounce names, my son became enthralled with little plastic dog behinds.
And there I found my answer. Not that I haven’t seen it done before, but I hadn’t really given it much thought. I’d been resisting the answer. But, without the ability to build myself a coat closet, and without the option of moving, I was going to have to design the wall of hooks. I bought four dog behinds to pacify my boy. They will more than do the trick for the boys and their hoods. But now the hunt really begins, to find hooks worthy of my walls, to find metals and materials, colours and contours that will work together without creating a horror-movies-style death trap should anyone ever fall against said wall.
I’ve been toying with an idea from one of Sara Duck’s TRENDSPOTTING features back from April of this year and I’m debating between a few styles.
I could buy a whole slew of different hooks. I could even spray paint them for monochromatic splendour and match the doggy behinds. Or I could buy a bagful of small chrome circles and drawing a long line with them down the hall, above eye level so as to avoid becoming the urban legend that actually happened.
Not sure if this idea will have me hooked up or if this house is making me come unhooked. Either way, the winter outerwear will be outa my way very soon.
December 5, 2011
Next page
Previous page
