Tag: yanic simard
By Yanic Simard
Appliances
As technology advances, one of the most dramatic changes we can see to the modern kitchen is the incredible number of options available for custom and unique range hoods. I love the clean look of pieces such as the Thermador Masterpiece series — when the hood is this beautiful and simple, there’s no need to hide it. Home kitchens are getting more and more like a real chef’s headquarters every day, with restaurant staples such as warming drawers and wine refrigerators popping up everywhere. Microwaves are moving to under the counter, often using a drawer instead of a door to make lifting hot items in and out more convenient. Many companies even make built-in automated coffee machines to get as much clutter off your surfaces as possible—no barista required! Aquabrass makes a great user-friendly version of a pot-filler faucet, called the Zest, which gives you the pull-out multi-functionality of an industrial fixture with a stylish and elegant look appropriate for an inviting kitchen.
Counters:
While we’ve recently seen total integration of cupboards and appliances into one perfectly clean line, a new trend emerging is the return to a more furniture-based look, rather than minimal built-ins. By this I mean you can find little details creeping in that let kitchen cabinets—and especially islands —feel more like stand-alone pieces than part of a continuous set. For example, while most kitchens have the lower cabinets raised off the floor enough to create a toe space, now designers are adding traditional feet to the corners of each section, echoing the look of an elegant vanity. At the same time, ending the countertops flush with the face of the cupboard allows those two elements to merge into a furniture unit, rather than looking like the cabinets and counter are unrelated. At my design studio, we’ve been loving the use of mixed materials for the countertops, pairing quartz and marble to let distinct areas have their own identity. I love working with marble trend and caesarstone—mixing calacatta oro with grey quartz produces a beautiful look, and of course, there is also an infinite array of other possible combinations.
Flooring:
An ongoing trend in both open and closed plan homes, playing against the more furniture-like counters, is a unification of flooring types throughout the space. Running continuous wood flooring from your dining room throughout allows the kitchen to feel less like a separate work space, and more like part of the larger environment. It also avoids unsightly joints between wood and tile, which are often less than ideal. Hardwood or engineered wood may not be quite as durable as tile when facing dropped pots and pans, but the right selection mixed with a little care can yield a more elegant and comfortable floor for the chef of the house to stand on. In the first photo, you’ll see Brushed Oak Luxe Ravensdale from Kentwood — I loved it for this home and it can fit into virtually any style of kitchen, from traditional to minimal. If you do prefer an even softer look, many people are finding an elegant runner rug (much longer than it is wide), following the line of the cabinetry, can add a pleasant visual break to the floor, and be cleaned or replaced in the event of a catastrophic spaghetti spill. This classic Scandinavian style can warm up your space visually, and you can switch out your rug later to get a punch of new colour.
Lighting:
Borrowing from art galleries and museums, some recent lighting trends have focused on making the light sources disappear, so the sparkling surfaces can have all the attention. Traditional style pot lights for the ceiling are nothing new for kitchens—they are very practical sources of direct light for cooking and suit the tasks well, however, new shadow box style pot lights seem to be becoming more popular with their modern style. Lately, many such lights can be found recessed into tiny alcoves in the ceiling, which allows a slightly more extended fixture to angle the light to hit more specific targets. This creates a sophisticated look, and lets you avoid unsightly track lighting. Creating much larger recessed areas over the kitchen island is another popular trend, as this helps define the area as a special gathering place—which is fitting, as despite our plans this is so often where the real party happens! Of course, since the kitchen is such a celebrated space, it also deserves some statement lighting of its own, and many homeowners are electing for grander pieces rather than modest pendants. While your hidden lamps are doing a lot of the work, a brilliant chandelier over your island again helps to define this as a central space, and keeps the room from feeling too strictly functional.
Colour:
My absolute favourite colour of the year, which you can find popping up in designs of every taste and budget, is not just a colour but a precious stone: emerald. As a wall colour in paint or paper, rich jewel greens add a layer of depth and drama to a space, but also allow other lighter colours to breathe —it can be the focus, or a near-neutral backdrop, depending on the shade. Beautiful glass bowls, vases and sculptures can be easily mixed into an existing kitchen space, and since leafy tones are around us all the time in nature, we are instinctively tuned to like greens with almost any colour scheme. Drop by Avenue Road to see their selection of great home accessories (as well as furniture) —I find exciting new things every time I go.
Another trend I’m loving is not just any colour, but actually chrome! Now I know you have probably heard of chrome for appliances, even backsplashes —this is a timeless look. However, lately designers have been applying touches of silvery glamour to the kitchen cabinetry, like the one shown here from adding to the gallery display case aesthetic. Stainless steel complements the cool emerald shades wonderfully, and frames the view through your cabinet windows like an elegant piece of art. (By the way, if you don’t have any windowed cabinets, now is the time. Your beautiful dishes and glassware have been hidden away for too long!) Look to SieMatic, and especially their BeauxArts.02 collection, to put a little metal in your mix.
Backsplashes:
Kitchen backsplashes tend to fall into one of two categories: timeless, neutral looks, or very personal style statements. Having your backsplash retiled isn’t something you do every day, so you need to absolutely love it. A style I’ve found recently is the beautiful diamond “pillow” tile from Deco-Tile. It creates a quilted effect, mixing the soft curves of an elegant sofa with the durability of tile. At the opposite end, companies like SieMatic are creating backsplash “systems” that transform the space into either multi-functional shelves, cupboards, or racks, so you get the most usability out of your space while maintaining a beautiful,
built-in look.
Yanic Simard
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.
January 28, 2013
By Yanic Simard
When it comes to fashion, patterns are mixed together all of the time. So, you shouldn’t be fearful of combining patterns in a room to make it come to life. The trick is to do it tastefully – without creating a décor disaster.
Here, I share my tips for combining patterns the right way:
Begin Bold Start with one strong pattern – strong could mean thick lines, a particularly busy pattern, or very saturated colours – and build upon it.
Balance of Scale The goal is for your patterns to complement one another, not work against one other; try to have an even mix of busy and subtle.
Soften Prints with Solids A fabric without a pattern acts as a staple to all schemes. It’s sort of like the bread to a sandwich – things won’t look (or taste) good without it.
One Colour, Different Shades A more simplified way of mixing patterns is to keep it monochromatic. Select patterns of one colour but choose varied shades (for example, light blue mixed with medium and dark blue).
Don’t over-coordinate You want to avoid having your fabrics too “matchy-matchy.” If you’re using the same or similar pattern in more than one area, limit it to two places and have them spread far enough apart.
My favourite patterns:
Gingham This printed or dyed fabric, which dates back to the 17th century, is known for its checked patterns of white and a single
bold colour (you’ll often catch me wearing this pattern). The size of the checks can vary in size, and the checks can appear in horizontal rows and vertical columns, or sometimes diagonally.
Pinstripe A classic pattern consisting of very thin stripes running in parallel. It is most recognized in men’s suits and is very striking in home décor.
Chevron A repetitive pattern comprised of sharp edges that look like the letter “V” (sometimes called herringbone or zigzag). This is on trend right now.
Textile Tips:
1 Choose soft furnishings that will work in any room of your home, so that when you’re ready to change up your décor you can swap pillows, throws, drapery, etc. from room to room.
2 If you’re just starting to re-decorate a room, a textile that you love is a great way to draw inspiration for the entire scheme. Pull the colours, lines, shapes and feel from the pattern on the fabric.
3 When selecting a fabric, keep its application in mind and consider these two important details:
›› Durability Look at the rub count – if the textile you’re considering is for upholstery and a piece that will be used often, the higher rub count the better. If it’s for drapery, a lesser rub count is suitable. Also, fabric with a higher thread count means a tighter weave, which is key to having fabric maintain its shape over time.
›› Clean-ability Fabrics made of natural fibres will absorb stains much quicker than man-made fabrics, and they will clean up better. Fabrics made with man-made fibres are typically soil-resistant but don’t clean up as well.
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.Yanic Simard
November 30, 2012
By Yanic Simard
I’ve always dreamed of living in a hotel, and during a recent stay at my favourite accommodation in New York City, The Surrey Hotel & Spa, I decided to really take note this time of the unique design aspects that this luxe accommodation exudes. Located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, near the scenic Central Park and many prominent boutique shops, this 1920s style Beaux-Arts designed residential townhouse is one of the finest, quaintest hotels that the city – or the world – has to offer. I wanted to bring it all back with me to share with you and give you a little piece of heaven – a place that you should all treat yourself to and stay at one day.
There are features of the transitional design that stand out immediately, like the extensive artwork collection – particularly the oversized piece of Kate Moss that greets you as you enter the lavish lobby, setting the tone for your entire stay and what’s to come. The subtle and sultry expression on her face says it all. And then there are other features that aren’t so noticeable right away, but when you recognize them you fully appreciate them, and like I’m known to say, “it’s all in the details.”
As you go through the hotel’s common areas and down the halls that lead you to your home away from home, you notice that one common colour scheme is carried throughout. The mix of grey, cream, white and tan with dark and medium-toned woods create a soothing palette that make for a true homey feel, in conjunction with the highly stylish yet extremely comfortable furnishings.
This scheme is carried right down the halls with the painted faux wainscotting through to the hotel rooms themselves, which is where I drew most of my inspiration from and noticed many of the smaller details I made point of earlier.
Not one square foot of the interior of this structure was left unnoticed or untouched. The intricate doorknobs, carefully picked hardware, substantial baseboard, ceiling detail, Art Deco grid vent covers, door profiles and bevelled door panels are just the start of the list of particulars that The Surrey’s got covered. They even matched the subtle chevron pattern of the wall covering material behind the headboard to that of the throw on the bed.
I really adore how they mix the lighting too – each room has a carefully selected array of sconces, floor lamps, table lamps and pot lights, ready to set any mood you like with their pre-set options for activities such as reading or television watching, or you can control them yourself with dimmers and switches conveniently but discreetly located throughout the suite.
The layout and positioning of the furniture is another aspect that I also found to be extremely well-thought out. Each suite radiates the feeling that everything is exactly where it should be, with well-defined areas in a more open type of concept (sitting, working, sleeping, kitchen, eating). Each room feels perfectly filled and layered with pieces – nothing lacking, nothing owing.
And last but not least, the bathroom – or should I say the ensuite spa. These beautifully designed bathrooms are just as comparable to their world-acclaimed Cornelia Spa. Just about every inch of these generously sized rooms are covered by exquisite Calacatta marble — from the floors, the walls and the vanities, the mix of patterns (brick and straight lay) and tile sizes — and they all scream opulence. The oversized mirrors, mix of lighting, rain shower, soaker tub and chrome finishes collectively equal one of the most beautifully designed hotel bathrooms you’ll ever see.
Now that I have found my love for The Surrey, I also find that it’s the main reason I keep going back to New York City – besides my work of course! I’ve always dreamed of living in a hotel. And if I did, it would be the boutique hotel, The Surrey. But for now, it’s just a dream that I can take parts of the luxury boutique hotel home by implementing some of their well-appointed features and design ideas into my own space.
Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard
Yanic Simard
October 22, 2012
By Yanic Simard
Introducing affordable high style into your space is possible, and in more ways than one! Below are my top six decorating ideas that will be kind to your bank account..
1. Multi-purpose pieces
Only purchase pillows, lamps, and throws that will work in more than one room. That way you can change up the look of each room from time to time without spending any money! Now that’s what I call budget-friendly decorating!
2. Extra lighting
Added illumination doesn’t have to be expensive. Go back to the traditional way of lighting with candle wall sconces – no electrician, or hydro needed. Try the electric candles from Candle Impressions (candleimpressions.net).
3. Tired wicker furniture
Don’t know what to do with your old wicker furniture besides throwing it out? Before kicking it to the curb, why not spray-paint it in a bold colour like Benjamin Moore’s Laguna Blue, 2059-30 or Berry Wine, 2003-30? It could serve as an exciting accent piece with an element of surprise.
4. Instantly update backsplash
Bored of your outdated backsplash? Home improvement stores such as The Home Depot sell peel-and-stick backsplash, available in a wide variety of styles and colours to blend into any space. The best part is it’s so easy to do, you won’t need to hire anyone to install it. Simply add it on top of what’s existing if what you have beneath is more or less a flat surface.
Photo compliments of the Surrey Hotel in New York City.
5. Faux wainscotting
Using paint, add a band of what will imitate the look of wainscotting simply by using paint. My favourite way of doing this is using two similar colours but in different tones, usually the darker, more weighted colour for the bottom and the lighter shade on top. The bottom portion should be about 30 inches from the floor, and you can add moulding to separate the two tones if you’d like, or not.
6. Black high-gloss
Painting a piece in a black high-gloss paint finish can look very high-end without the price tag associated. It could be a new inexpensive piece that you bought with a finish you’re not fond of, or it could just be an outdated piece that needs refreshing.
YANIC SIMARD
Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard
September 24, 2012
The colours you choose can dictate the feel of your home – and your mood
by Yanic Simard, photography by Brandon Barre
Colour is a multi-billion-dollar industry. It is also the most powerful aspect in the design world. It can change the way you’re feeling, stimulate thought, increase your appetite – it’s really quite phenomenal.
You’re drawn to colours that you like when you’re shopping for clothing because you know you’ll feel good when you’re wearing them, and the same thing goes for interiors. Statistics show that most people spend about 90 per cent of their time inside, a large portion of which is in their own home. If you live with colours that make you feel good, it will make for a better quality of life.
Deciding which direction to take in terms of colour is where many people tend to panic. My advice is to look through several magazines, tear out the pages that have elements you like, put them all in a folder and, once you have at least 20 different style images, analyze the colours that appear most often. This is a great way to get inspired and decide on colours for your own space.
Paint Particulars
I am very particular about colour selection and when I design a space, I like to keep the walls through any open areas in a consistent hue. My entire place is painted in Benjamin Moore’s OC-23, Classic Grey. It’s a very soothing colour that really adapts to the other colours around it – like a chameleon. It’s a nice hue to wake up to in the morning and to fall asleep to at night. The tone of it varies throughout the day with the amount of light; it’s brighter in the day and much richer in the evening.
When you’re choosing your paint colour, remember: it’s just paint. It’s not permanent and can be easily changed if you’re not happy with it.
People always forget that you can get sample cans from the paint store. Pick up a maximum of three different testers that you like, paint sections of each on different walls (or paint large sheets of white Bristol board and stick them up), and live with them for a few days. (If you give yourself more than three options, trust me, you’ll never decide). Then narrow it down to your favourite two, and then finally pick the one.
Get Used to It
Choosing a colour palette should never be an impulsive decision; you should take time deciding so you know you’ll be comfortable with it. Once you finally do paint the walls, you might still wonder if you selected the right colour. However, keep in mind that you have to give yourself the chance to live with it.
Big changes take time to adapt to. For instance, if you’re going from burgundy to off-white you can’t expect to get used to it within the first few hours.
No-commitment Pieces
Pillows, accessories and other accent pieces give you the chance to have fun with colour, since they’re ‘non-committal.’ I’ve used hints of blue and green throughout my interior. It’s nice to have your entire residence consistent in terms of colour because then you can move pieces from one room to the next and you’ll never have to worry about making sure it coordinates.
Just remember that choosing colours for your home won’t happen overnight. It’s a process that starts with getting inspired; the rest will fall into place. It should be fun, not painful. And if you find that you really can’t do it on your own, it’s probably time to hire a good designer to do it for you.
YANIC SIMARD Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard
August 30, 2012
By Yanic Simard
I’m always on the lookout for the coolest and sought-after trends in the design industry, constantly visiting the newest shops and reading about the next best thing. However, I do have my “go-to” places. Places that even before I walk in, I know that I’ll be leaving with something great — whether it be something tangible or just an inspiration.
1212 Décor
This shop, named because of its location at 1212 Yonge Street, is very different compared to most of the design stores in downtown Toronto. When you walk in you’ll notice the wide array of colour and pattern, which you don’t quite see anywhere else. They’ve got a vast selection of furnishings, accessories, lighting and artwork. They have several room settings located around the shop, which are all pulled together using pieces of furniture that you would never imagine go together, but somehow they do. It’s a great shop for great designer finds, and also great designer ideas.
1212decor.com
Gautier
Premium French furniture has landed in Toronto! With my French background, it’s almost a no-brainer that this was one of my go-to shops. Gautier gives you a feel-good type of purchase, knowing that all wood comes from a sustainable forest and 97% of their production waste is re-purposed. A combination of style, creativity and quality furnishings make up a beautiful line of adult and children’s furniture.
gautier-shops.com
Design Solutions
If contemporary and beautiful pieces of furniture appeal to you, then you need to check out Design Solutions on 143 King Street East. Their new showroom extends over two floors with the natural light pouring in through their huge floor-to-ceiling windows. I’m also very proud to announce that we have just launched my new furniture collection, the Yanic Simard Concept Furniture Line available exclusively at Design Solutions. Get style, functionality and affordability, and completely furnish a one bedroom suite with 21 pieces of furniture for your living room, dining room, foyer and bedroom for less than $10,000.
For just $9,995. you get one high quality sofa, two side tables, two table lamps, one coffee table, one media centre, one lounge chair, one dining room table, four chairs, one bed, two nightstands, two table lamps, one dresser, one wall mirror, and one entry bench.
designsolutionsinc.ca
Design Republic
Known as a “must-visit” destination if you’re in the downtown core of Toronto, Design Republic stands by their mantra of making “furniture for the people.” Most of their styles cannot be found anywhere else due to
the fact that they design and build their pieces themselves. If you’re searching for classic, industrial or modern, they’ve got it all.
mydesignrepublic.com
Snob
No one piece in this shop is alike—everything is handcrafted, mainly from South Africa, and personally handpicked by the shop owner. She travels
to almost 20 countries in a year, looking for unique new items for her design shop. Every piece has a story behind it, which is sure to make you feel good about your purchase. Even including just one item in your home from Snob is a guaranteed conversation piece.
snobstuff.com
Yanic Simard
Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine.
tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard
August 9, 2012
By Yanic Simard
I’m always on the lookout for the coolest and sought-after trends in the design industry, constantly visiting the newest shops and reading about the next best thing. However, I do have my “go-to” places. Places that even before I walk in, I know that I’ll be leaving with something great — whether it be something tangible or just an inspiration.
1212 Décor
This shop, named because of its location at 1212 Yonge Street, is very different compared to most of the design stores in downtown Toronto. When you walk in you’ll notice the wide array of colour and pattern, which you don’t quite see anywhere else. They’ve got a vast selection of furnishings, accessories, lighting and artwork. They have several room settings located around the shop, which are all pulled together using pieces of furniture that you would never imagine go together, but somehow they do.
It’s a great shop for great designer finds, and also great designer ideas.
1212decor.com
Gautier
Premium French furniture has landed in Toronto! With my French background, it’s almost a no-brainer that this was one of my go-to shops. Gautier gives you a feel-good type of purchase, knowing that all wood comes from a sustainable forest and 97% of their production waste is re-purposed. A combination of style, creativity and quality furnishings make up a beautiful line of adult and children’s furniture.
gautier-shops.com
Design Solutions
If contemporary and beautiful pieces of furniture appeal to you, then you need to check out Design Solutions on 143 King Street East. Their new showroom extends over two floors with the natural light pouring in through their huge floor-to-ceiling windows. I’m also very proud to announce that we have just launched my new furniture collection, the Yanic Simard Concept Furniture Line available exclusively at Design Solutions. Get style, functionality and affordability, and completely furnish a one bedroom suite with 21 pieces of furniture for your living room, dining room, foyer and bedroom for less than $10,000.
For just $9,995. you get one high quality sofa, two side tables, two table lamps, one coffee table, one media centre, one lounge chair, one dining room table, four chairs, one bed, two nightstands, two table lamps, one dresser, one wall mirror, and one entry bench.
designsolutionsinc.ca
Design Republic
Known as a “must-visit” destination if you’re in the downtown core of Toronto, Design Republic stands by their mantra of making “furniture for the people.” Most of their styles cannot be found anywhere else due to the fact that they design and build their pieces themselves. If you’re searching for classic, industrial or modern, they’ve got it all.
mydesignrepublic.com
Snob
No one piece in this shop is alike—everything is handcrafted, mainly from South Africa, and personally handpicked by the shop owner. She travels to almost 20 countries in a year, looking for unique new items for her
design shop. Every piece has a story behind it, which is sure to make you feel good about your purchase. Even including just one item in your home from Snob is a guaranteed conversation piece.
snobstuff.com
Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard
Yanic Simard
July 30, 2012
By Yanic Simard
WHAT IS IT?
Global influence is all about infusing cultural elements into your design. This can be costly if you’re looking for authentic pieces, but the trick is to do it in moderation. Bright and vivacious is what the international trend offers, with an energetic colour scheme that breathes new life into the home.
ON THE RUNWAY
The influence of global design first appeared on the runway in 2009 when Ralph Lauren and Givenchy showed off multi-coloured garments with ornate gold jewelry, and the trend has lingered in home décor since then and is stronger now more than ever.
COLOURS
Brown earth-toned hues paired with lively shades of blue, green and yellow will burst through, offering bold personalities to furnishings and accessories.
Paint Colour Choices
Benjamin Moore 2023-30, Sun Porch
Behr, 510B-6 Blue Jewel
C.I.L. 958 Fresh Lime
TRENDING COUNTRIES
Two specific looks are really hot right now – Caribbean and Indian influences. These two looks are completely different in terms of style but are both doing very well in the marketplace.
WHERE IS IT?
These ethnic styles creating a statement are invading wallpaper, tile and fabric, creating a chic cultural look.
Top Shop Picks
Wallpaper Graham & Brown
Tile Anne Sacks
Fabric Kobe
POPULAR PATTERNS
Ikat became huge this year, you can find one to suit any home’s décor from tone-on-tone to contrasting brights, and next year you’ll start to notice Batik patterns making their way in!
MATERIALS
Bone inlay is really stylish right now – you can find it in small doses like on keepsake boxes, or in larger items such as dressers and headboards. Also be on the lookout for distressed mango wood.
SHOPPING
There is nothing like actually taking
a trip to the country that your décor is inspired by and picking up pieces there – instead of purchasing typical souvenirs like coffee mugs, umbrellas and key chains, pick up a set of sconces, a sculpture or a hand painting. Items from afar always make for conversation pieces but if you actually went there yourself and got it, it makes for an even better story – especially if you can talk to the individual who made it.
Shopping
Internationally, Locally!
Haveli Home
“New, reclaimed, recycled
and vintage furniture, home accessories and textiles from
the Indian subcontinent”
2871 Dundas Street West Toronto, ON
Kuda Imports
“Unique reprieve from the ordinary. Boasting an over 20,000 square
foot showroom, Kuda offers select furniture from Indonesia, China, India and Thailand.”
340 Dufferin Street, Toronto, ON.
Yanic Simard
Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard
June 18, 2012
By Yanic Simard
Pendant fixtures are an all-time favourite because they can be installed in any room of the home. They can be casual or formal – dressed up or dressed down. The challenge most people face is deciding at what height to hang them.
Here are some tips to help guide you:
Hallway/Entry Especially in your entry, your pendant light should make some sort of statement since not much is going on in this area of the home. This can be one of the most difficult places to determine how high to hang the light since there probably isn’t a piece of furniture underneath to help judge the distance. A general rule of thumb to follow is to hang it at least eight feet above the floor. If you have doors that swing out toward the fixture, make sure you take note of them so you leave the appropriate spacing for this also.
Staircase If you’re looking to add drama and interest to your staircase, hanging a light fixture is the perfect way to do just that. Having plenty of clearance for walking up the stairs is ultimately all that needs to be considered when installing a pendant here.
Over a Table 28 to 32 inches above the tabletop is where this light fixture will usually hang, though it can be hung lower or higher, it’s more of a personal preference. Keep in mind for conversation, and for serving and passing food, you don’t want it to hang right in your face while seated. Consider mounting two or three pendants above the table for added light and visual appeal.
Above the Kitchen Island Whether it’s an area for cooking or an area for sitting and watching someone cook, kitchen pendant lights are normally hung 28 to 35 inches over the island. It really depends on the function of the island, how the area will be used most often and what you’re comfortable with. Again, hanging two or three pendants in a row can look quite beautiful.
Bathroom Instead of traditional sconces, hanging two pendants on either side of a mirror looks stunning. Choosing a fixture with clear glass will offer more light which is good for makeup and getting ready, while a diffused shade offers a more ambient feel. The middle of the light component of the pendant should hang at where the middle of the mirror is placed, close enough to the wall so no one will bump into it, but not touching the wall itself. If you’re just hanging one in the centre of the room, you again want to make sure it clears the door.
Middle of the Living Room With furniture underneath the pendant, such as a sofa or coffee table, don’t be afraid to hang your light fairly low. Usually the light will be hung over a seating area, which is usually an area for conversation, a spot for reading, watching television or resting – so you want to make sure it’s well lit but not overly bright. I would suggest having this light installed on a dimmer switch so that you have the luxury of setting your own tone of brightness.
Above the bed A pendant light hung above the bed can serve as a lovely focal point for any bedroom. Fixtures here are usually hung rather high so that you don’t end up hitting it in the middle of the night tossing and turning or when you jump out of bed because you’re late for work. Also keep in mind the sight line – if you have a television on the wall in front of your bed, you’ll want to hang it high enough so it doesn’t obstruct your view.
On either side of the bed In place of table lamps, I love the idea of hanging a pendant above each side table. Just like in the bathroom, you want it to be hung close enough to the wall so you don’t hit it, but not so it’s actually touching the wall. I would leave about 12 to 20 inches above the bottom of the side table so that you have room for accessories and books.
Side notes
› Rules are meant to be broken – common sense sometimes overpowers any guidelines, so feel free to follow your own gut instinct when hanging your pendant light!
› It’s a smart idea to consult your certified electrician before hanging any light fixture. There are codes and standards that are required to be met for safety reasons.
Yanic Simard
Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard
June 1, 2012
By Yanic Simard
It’s your favourite time of year. It’s time for spring cleaning, which means it’s time to clear the clutter and get organized!
Bedroom organizing is often last on the list because it’s a room that not many people see, but it should really be a priority because having this room under control will make your life a whole lot easier. And I’ll admit it – usually I’m the one who procrastinates until I have no choice but to do it! There are so many hiding spots and creative storage ideas for those items that don’t have a “home.”
Under the bed
What’s under your bed? If your bed doesn’t have fixed drawers already, make your own “closet on wheels” by attaching casters to wooden boxes. Paint them or stain them to match the colour of your bed to make them disappear into the furniture.
Electronics drawer
Dedicate one drawer in one of your night stands to charge your cell phone, MP3 player, headset and the like. Cut a small hole in the back
of the bedside table to feed wires of the chargers through, and be sure there is an outlet close by. Close the drawer and the mess is gone!
Jewelry & accessory storage
There are many beautiful jewelry boxes and holders that look great on a dresser, if you’ve got the room. If you consider yourself crafty, try making your own!
DIY Project
All you need is an old cabinet door and some kitchen cabinetry hardware: knobs, pulls and hooks. Mount the assorted hardware to the cabinet door as you please and voilà! It’s a beautiful display piece for necklaces, which can hang on the knobs, earrings can rest on the pulls, and bracelets can dangle from the hooks. Mount it to your wall and it can double as artwork.
Umbra’s Little Black Dress 
(pictured above) is another smart and savvy way to store your bling. Shaped just like your little black dress, it’s got clear pockets all over it for storage, and it can all be hung in your closet – out of sight, our of mind, until you need it!
The power of pegboard
Vertical space is often wasted space, and in the closet there is a ton of it! Installing pegboard to the walls in your closet will give you so much added storage you never even knew you had. Add hooks or nails to the pegboard, which will serve as spots to hang your belts, purses and scarves. Paint the pegboard the same colour as your walls for a seamless look.
Seasonal clothing
Soon the summer clothes will be coming out, which means the winter clothes will need to be stored away. Have you ever thought of using your travel luggage as a storage place for these bulky items? When the seasons change, do the switch!
It’s all an illusion
Taking five minutes out of every day to complete simple tasks in the bedroom like making the beds, keeping drawers and doors shut, and neatly folding linens and clothes. This will make your bedroom appear to be a lot more organized and a lot less cluttered.
Yanic Simard
Yanic is the design editor of New Condo Guide and principal designer of Toronto Interior Design Group. Specializing in residential and commercial projects, Yanic often applies his signature high/low and old/new combination techniques in developing his unique designs. He has created designs for clients in Toronto, Montreal and Miami, and appears as a regular guest expert on Citytv’s CityLine. tidg.ca • facebook.com/yanic.simard • twitter.com/yanicsimard
April 27, 2012
