House & Home

In my 20s, the first thing I did in every rental apartment I moved in to was paint the walls white and strip away the frills. Ornate kitchen cabinet doors? Gone. I’d much rather live with open shelving. Drapes? Absolutely not. They were far too fussy for my minimalist vision. When Myles and I bought our first house in Toronto, I convinced him to paint everything white, even the dark oak floors, to give the space a modern vibe. All-white interiors were “it.” Armed with a can of paint, you could turn any place into something chic. Fast-forward to 2025 and the pendulum has started to swing in the opposite direction. The once-coveted, all-white interior is slowly being replaced by a rich tapestry of colour, texture and pattern. Kitchens are…

Is House & Home 100 per cent Canadian (from paper to ink to advertisers) with no input from the former United States of America? — KATHERINE SMITH, Calgary Note from Lynda: We’re as upset and shocked as you are at Trump’s threats of punishing tariffs. Very little about our magazine is U.S.-sourced. But, yes, there are some parts that are, and we’re already working hard to replace those with Canadiansourced materials as fast as we can. Please help us stay healthy through this challenging time by continuing to support us, as we continue to be proudly Canadian. In general, punishing small businesses here at home is never the answer. And please, let’s not resent the American people who are our friends and, in many cases, part of our families, who are…

Silva Custom Furniture x Aly Velji The Modern Heritage Collection is a collaboration between Calgary designer Aly Velji and Toronto’s Silva Custom Furniture. The line features 10 customizable pieces including sofas, swivel chairs, ottomans and bed frames, in an array of trad patterns and finishes. Each piece is handcrafted in Canada. Troy Lighting x Chandler McLellan Troy Lighting has launched a new 15-piece collection with artist Chandler McLellan called Sculpting Light. Chandler is an artist, trained carpenter and cabinetmaker with a degree in archeology. Though he’s based in Wyoming, most of the collection is inspired by Chandler’s Scottish roots, with pendants, sconces and lamps in organic shapes that are meant to capture the rugged beauty of Scotland’s natural landscapes. NEW & NOTABLE SWEET RELIEF Enjoy all of the health benefits…

Blue Crush CANADIAN BRAND UMBRA IS GIVING SOME OF ITS CLASSIC PRODUCTS A FRESH LOOK WITH THIS NEW SLATE BLUE HUE. YOUR FAVOURITE ACCESSORIES FROM THE TOUCH BATH COLLECTION ARE NOW AVAILABLE IN THE SERENE COLOUR. TAKING SHAPE Founded by John and Patricia Patkau in 1978, Patkau Architects is known for its minimalist, organic forms. The Vancouver firm has just launched a select line of furniture and lighting. Find pieces such as the Minima lamp, a floor lamp that looks and feels like paper but is made by hand at Patkau’s design lab from a durable and flexible polymer composite. Modular wood mushroom shapes in varying sizes and heights make up the Maitake table, which was conceived by the founders for their own Bowen Island, B.C., home. Equally innovative are…

WHERE TO STAY New: Ace Hotel Toronto Though it opened in 2022, the Ace continues to be one of the hottest hotels in town. Enjoy the stunning interior design by Shim-Sutcliffe Architects, then have a cosy meal at Michelinrecognized Alder. The style is industrial chic, rooms come with records and players, and original art throughout the hotel is by local artists. 51 Camden St., acehotel.com Classic: Fairmont Royal York The grand dame of Toronto hotels, the Fairmont Royal York celebrated its 95th birthday last year and, in 2019, underwent extensive renovations, from refreshing rooms to a beautiful redo of the lobby. Suites exude elegance, with modern furniture and a palette of cool greys, blues and whites. Make time for happy hour at either Clockwork, the buzzy lobby bar under the…

FOR THE LOVE OF RENOVATING By Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum Known as the Brownstone Boys, Barry Bordelon and Jordan Slocum made their name revamping historical Brooklyn properties. But their scope goes beyond that particular slice of real estate. The design duo’s debut book is for anyone contemplating a reno, be it a budget remodel or full gut. The Boys provide guidance on developing a schedule and design concept, with details on how to break down your budget by hard costs including construction, labour and materials, plus soft costs such as architecture and engineering. Apply this know-how to any size of project — house, apartment, condo or single room — and get practical information on refurbishing historical details and refinishing furniture. Union Square & Co., 2024, $50. ISABEL LÓPEZ-QUESADA: TOWN…