BLAST FROM THE PAST
GO BACK IN TIME TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR OUTDOOR LIVING AREA
The weather is warming up, which means it’s the perfect time to think about how you’ll chill this spring and summer.
“Outdoor living spaces continue to be one of the biggest home improvement trends, boosted by Canadians’ quest for all things wellness-related,” said Lydia Thammavong, head of design and styles and trends at Rona. “Not only does outdoor decor provide an excellent way to relax and enjoy nature, but it also expands your home’s usable area, creating a cosy, fashionable environment to entertain family and friends.”
Rona is unveiling three collections: Boho Dream, Cottage Comfort and Coastal Cool. Some of the items featured in the first two collections are in tune with Pantone’s 2024 Colour of the Year, Peach Fuzz (13-1023), a poetic, romantic pink-orange shade with a vintage vibe.
❚ Boho Dream: Inspired by Sahara sunsets, wind-sculpted dunes and fragrant spice blends, this collection features warm and interesting textured materials, matte finishes, natural fibres and artisanal touches. Rich earthy tones of sandy beige, reddish-brown and charcoal black blend with warm coral, terra cotta and muted green accents.
❚ Cottagecore Comfort: As its name suggests, this collection was inspired by the cottagecore trend and features an eclectic mix of romantic, vintage and modern styles. With mismatched tableware, crochet cushions and wildflower decor, it’s a throwback to grandma’s cottage. The collection features natural fibres and eco-friendly materials and a harmonious colour palette of green shades and light neutrals accented with teal, coral and washed terra cotta. ❚ Coastal Cool: Modern and cosy, this collection was inspired by memories of long walks along the coast. The classic nautical blue and white palette is updated with shades of indigo, teal and light ivory, punctuated with dark grey and matte black accents and features seaside textures and patterns.
Both Ikea and The Home Depot are stepping back in time with retro-inspired collections.
The Bröggan collection from Ikea features retro-feel colours and patterns and includes everything from floor cushions and beach bags to bowls and goblets.
“Our new Bröggan collection helps Canadians shift into summer mode with the sunny colours and unique patterns,” says Carmen Ciesielski, home furnishings director at Ikea Canada.
“The collection offers effortless entertaining options for in and outdoors and with its retro-inspired feel, sunny colours and vibrant patterns, you can extend the energy and joy of the summer,” she says of the collection that will be available in April.
“Experience a blast from the past with the return of ’60s and ’70s-inspired decor,” says Cindy Jardim, The Home Depot Canada’s senior manager of trend and design. “With groovy patterns, farout accents and colourful fabrics, you can make your space have that eye-catching, eclectic feel.”
Finally, both The Home Depot and Roche Bobois, a French company that designs and retails furniture and home accessories and has a Toronto showroom, are unveiling rounded silhouettes.
“Curved silhouettes continue into 2024 in a big way,” says Jardim. “Canadians gravitate to curved lines because they add softness and a more organic appeal than straight, hard edges. Whether on furniture, decor accents or in actual architecture, they soften hard edges and add sophistication to any room.”
The Roche Bobois collection features clean lines and contemporary, rounded shapes, offering modular and sectional designs for flexibility and customization. In terms of style, the goal of the collection is to create a harmonious transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. The collection features pastel blends with vibrant accent colours, built-in USB ports and environmentally responsible and durable materials.