It’s the little things
Colin and Justin round up a Top 10 list to revamp your home
Sometimes, when chasing decorative change, it makes sense to start from scratch. On other occasions, to brighten a dark corner or enliven a tired scheme (budget and time constraints in mind) all it takes is one key item. Here’s our guide to step up your game, this season.
Counter measures. If a full-scale kitchen reno isn’t a priority, an auspicious tweak can make all the difference. New counters, for example, will update, but whilst granite and marble mark easily, quartz could be the perfect solution.
For Canadian-made composite worktops, visit www. hanstone.ca. Based in London, Ont., these guys merchant hardwearing counters in countless “real stone” lookalikes.
Cutting a rug. We love Dash and Albert, long since a go-to for “area” carpets, whether indoors or out. From geometric to traditional, D+A have options to suit, but we particularly like their striped and banded rugs.
Outstanding quality, fair pricing and non-faddish styles (that transcend seasons and time) make them a go-to for many of our projects in Britain and indeed Canada. Visit www.annieselke.com for more info.
The outdoor chair. Get your Canadian on with a Muskoka/adirondack chair from www.ikea.com. “Kloven” is a faithful reproduction of a classic seating staple and comes in three colours: dark brown, pure white and strident red.
Positioned on your deck, patio or around a fire pit, this outdoor chair will reinvigorate your project for minimal spend.
The go-to desk lamp. Searching for a stylish lamp? Try “Morgan” from Crate & Barrel. Strikingly handsome, the black steel, cone-shaped shade contrasts nicely with a timber handle which pivots for adjustability.
Where to position? Well, pretty much anywhere — the Mid-mod design would look great on a desk, paired as nightstand illumination, or arranged at either end of a console. Flick the switch at www. crateandbarrel.ca.
A fan to blow you away. We love “blurring” indoors and out with products that create continuity. One such item (available from Canada’s Fan Shoppe: www.fanshoppe. com) is Fanimation’s Triaire Custom 56” — a jet-toned ceiling fixture that positively oozes glamour.
Perfect indoors but, thanks to its “wet rating,” it can also be used outdoors (in a covered porch, for example) to keep you and the family cool as summer heats up.
The ultimate outdoor shower.
With many of us adapting our gardens to serve as staycation backdrops, Rubinet’s “Pressure Balance Outdoor Shower” is one of the leisure market’s most functional products.
Solidly constructed, and available in myriad metal or painted options ( www.rubinet.com), the stylish piece is plumbed to accommodate hot or cold water from a circular 10-inch rain head or via the convenient handheld wand.
Fires of imagination.
The Geo Fire Bowl is gently textured, with a bed of river pebbles through which flames dance. Safe indoors or out (position on a flat surface and never leave unattended) it comes with three cans of fuel.
The market is saturated with legions of homogenous round bowls, but this faceted, geometric gem really stands out. Visit www.luxuryfirecanada.com.
The perfect lumbar cushion. Small, rectangular lumbar pillows are especially comfy as they support the lower back region. Which brings us neatly to “Diamond and Pompom,” a decorative cushion featuring textural tassels positioned within a pleasing crisscross grid. Measuring 35 by 71 centimetres, it costs $50, via www.simons.ca.
Ribbed for extra pleasure. Homesense have an amazing “Washed Wood” carved sideboard, a four-door beauty imbued with casual flair, ashy tones and ribbed timber doors (www.homesense.ca).
What goes around comes around. “Hip to be square”? Nah, that’s old news. These days, round coffee tables are grabbing the limelight. Free your inner bohemian and embrace the driftwood and latticework style of “Avaline” in Portica Stone at www.urbanbarn.com.
Whichever item inspires you, one thing’s certain: add it to your home or garden and you’ll rocket up the style charts as quickly as temperatures rise. More hot décor news from us next week.