Get your funk on when decorating your dining room
Is your dining room feeling more formal than fun? Perhaps, writes the host of Sarah 101, the second season of which launches on HGTV Canada on Tuesday, you need to re-evaluate the precious real estate occupied by a space that may not be living up to its full, family-friendly potential
What’s better than a souvenir? Decor ideas from your vacation
What does the star of Sarah’s House 4 do when she goes on a tropical vacation? In addition to frolicking in the surf, she takes in a whole host of decorating ideas, of course
7 ways to add a splash of citrus style to your life
Thank Pantone, which pronounced tangerine the colour of the year, for popularizing a whole host of deliciously fruity shades this spring, including zippy yellows and tangy greens
Check into this New York hotel to check out great decor
The Standard Hotel, atop New York’s High Line, offers a host of innovative decorating tips, from maximizing views to minding your pennies. While the design style would generally be described as minimalist and modern, there’s nothing stark or cold about the place. It’s full of character (and characters) and each space offers a different experience (and a few inspiring ideas to add to your design files)
Take-out decor ideas from a trendy Toronto restaurant
The most memorable restaurants pay as much as attention to the decor as to the food. At homey Ruby Watchco in east-end Toronto, the modern-rustic design is as delicious as the dishes – and offers plenty of ideas for your next reno project
Add a colourful ‘shadow’ to your home decor
Spring is coming, so I’m thinking about warmer days, brighter colours and new directions for the months ahead. Last summer, for instance, while enjoying the blissful surroundings of a cottage holiday, I tried my hand at tie-dye. (I soon realized I needed to restrain myself from succumbing to the urge to dip and dye anything that stayed still long enough to be transformed from plain to multicoloured.) I imagine that the haute-hippie vibe that made me swoon for the lighthearted and youthful energy of tie-dye is what also motivated the current movement toward all things ombré. <br> <br>The term ombré is taken from the French word for shaded, and the execution of fabrics, furniture, clothing – and even hair colour – displays a subtle transition from dark to light. While you may not be racing out to dip-dye your locks, you’ll likely fall for the transitional tones evocative of a sunset sky and long to bring a touch of ombré into your world. Here’s a sampling of some current offerings.
Turn your bathroom into a personal spa
You should always think long term when building or renovating a loo. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have a little fun
CB2: Crate and Barrel’s hipster sibling
Housed in a renovated former Toronto dance venue, Crate & Barrel’s younger, trendier sibling offers vibrant contemporary chic at its first Canadian location
Creating a family room that works for everybody
In most households, the main-floor family room is expected to fulfill a variety of roles, from child-friendly play zone during daylight hours to adult-friendly lounging and entertaining area during evenings and weekends. Consequently, navigating the fine balance between a place where young kids can play independently and grown-ups will want to spend time in without feeling like they’re visiting a Fisher-Price showroom can be more than a little challenging. As a strong believer that having children does not go hand in hand with abandoning style, I do feel it’s possible to create rooms that are neither off limits to kids nor dull and utilitarian. The key: durable, multifunctional furniture and materials.
Finding inspiration at the Interior Design Show
The Toronto edition of IDS was full of inspiring ideas for feathering your nest
