hello sunshine A GUIDE FOR YOUR BRIGHT & HAPPY HOME
2017
www.leons.ca
hello sunshine! When the idea for the “Hello magazine” was first hatched three years ago, we knew it needed to be more than just a how-to guide for styling your home. We replaced the trappings of a traditional catalogue with real families having real moments in their actual homes. What I didn’t expect when we conceived this idea, was how much their spaces would feel like home to me. This issue of the magazine had us jet-setting from coast to coast in search of summertime inspiration. We flew to Edmonton to experience city life and baby snuggles, Ubered to the suburbs of Milton to enjoy some whisky chamomile sippers, and rented cars to drive hours from the airport to the rural countryside in Nova Scotia for some east coast hospitality (and my first-ever lobster dinner!) Meeting and spending time with each of the talented creators on our roster is such a rewarding experience. While I love seeing firsthand the prominent role Leon’s plays in their everyday lives, my favourite moments are the ones that happen between shots: reading to Thalita’s twin toddlers in a tiny tent; bouncing Kristina’s three-month old baby on my knee while perched on the edge of her new navy sofa; making myself at home in Amy’s living room while catching up on emails; fighting with the crew over who’d get to sit in Virginia’s new chair; and chasing chickens around Bethany’s patio before jumping on the trampoline with her three kids.
Surprise!
A really special moment for me in this issue was bringing the team to my hometown of Walkerton to reveal a space that I designed for my parents. My mom and dad give all of themselves to our family and don’t expect anything in return. After a few trying years for them, I was overjoyed to design a room that was both beautiful and tranquil, and the perfect place to relax and unwind.
Parents’ bedroom makeover, pg. 39
As I reflected on how meaningful these behind-the-scenes moments were to me, I knew we needed to find a way to share them with all of you. We’ve created a webisode series that premieres this month, highlighting the amazing, creative people who work on our team and giving you a first-hand look at the faces and places that are involved in getting your sofa into your living room. Most importantly, you’ll get a glimpse at all of those “real” moments that make a house a home. So let us help you set the stage; the rest is up to you.
Autumn
AUTUMN HACHEY / LEON’S CONTENT MARKETING @autumnhachey, @leonsfurniture
www.helloyellowblog.ca IN THIS ISSUE CREATIVE DIRECTION Melissa DiRenzo PHOTOGRAPHY Scarlet O’Neill Wild & Light Studio (pg. 16-17, 26-31, 44, 45) HGTV Canada (pg. 22-23) COPY Sabrina Smelko ON THE COVER LOOK, pg.36
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A GOOD TIME, NOT A LONG TIME
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OUT WITH THE INSIDE, IN WITH THE OUTSIDE Outdoor Living
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INSIDE OUT Sabrina’s Patio
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LETTING CREATIVITY RUN WILD Mercedes She Shed
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FINDING FOREVER IN THE FLEETING Bethany & Art’s patio
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LIVING UP TO ITS NAME Living Rooms
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COLOURFUL & CAREFREE Virginia’s Living Room
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LIVING IN MOTION Kristina’s Living Room
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A SHOW OF HANDS Home to Win Living Room
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EAT YOUR HEART OUT Dining Room & Kitchen Stories
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IT’S WHAT’S INSIDE (THE KITCHEN) THAT COUNTS Thalita & Marquis’ Kitchen
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EBB, FLOW & FUNCTION Amy’s Dining Room
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LEAVE THE REST UP TO US Bedrooms
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A PLACE TO REST YOUR HEAD (AND JUMP ON THE BED) Audrey’s Bedroom
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SAFE HAVEN A Surprise Master Bedroom Makeover
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ROOM TO BLOOM Lady Hayes’ Baby Nursery
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MASTERING THE ART OF REST Thalita & Marquis’ Master Bedroom
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FORM(AL WEAR) & FUNCTION Sabrina’s Dressing Room
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A LAUNDRY ROOM WORTH LINGERING IN Kristina’s Laundry Room
A Good Time, Not a Long Time More than a season, summer is a feeling. It’s roasted marshmallows shared fireside with friends; spontaneous, popsicle-fuelled road trips with family; grass-stained knees, cold icecream and running through sprinklers—and yes, it’s also sunburns, mosquito bites and retreating inside to escape the heat at times. Here for a good time, not a long time, summer is a cold cocktail of memories shared with those you live, laugh and grow with. If all the world’s a stage, home is the backdrop to our lives. The patio becomes an extension of the living room and the dining table becomes host to the weekly garden harvest. Summer is often romanticized—but just like real life, it unfolds in different ways for different people. And it certainly doesn’t come without its share of messy. This season, we proudly invite you into the homes of 10 Canadian bloggers (some mothers and fathers, some business-owners), all whom represent a different slice of this thing we call life. You’ll find yourself knowingly nodding along at one turn of the page, and learning something new and gaining inspiration at another. Let’s raise a glass to summer and welcome it with open arms as our curated team of contributors does the same, inviting you into the spaces they proudly call home in all their lived-in glory.
MARQUIS & THALITA MURRAY, The Unfit Parent, The Learner Observer @theunfitparent, @thelearnerobserver
The perfect summer day starts with an early morning, some coffee in bed while the kids watch cartoons followed by fun in the sunshine exploring our backyard and picking flowers. Marquis would cook us something yummy for dinner, and after the kids are in bed we would enjoy a cool drink on the front porch as the sun sets.
We would turn the alarm clocks off more than once and yet still squeeze all of the summer goodness out of the kid’s summer vacation. We would start with breakfast on the backyard patio then spend the afternoon alternating between a plethora of popsicles and refreshing races through the sprinkler. AMY CARRILLO, Love on Sunday @amy_loveonsunday
BETHANY & ART GIER, This Little Estate @artthislittleestate @bethanythislittleestate
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My perfect summer day includes reading a good book on my sofa or patio. A few hours of painting and creative exploration, then finishing the day with a small backyard BBQ with my closest friends.
My perfect summer day starts with hazelnut coffee and breakfast with TJ and our pup on the patio. The afternoon is dedicated to painting, reading, and working on current projects in my shed. Later our friends stop by with food and drinks and we sit outside enjoying the warm evening breeze until the stars come out.
MERCEDES PAPALIA, The Party Parade @thepartyparade
The perfect summer day has lots of sunshine and is spent with my husband, our son, Jack, and our two dogs relaxing at home or going for a walk in the ravine.
KRISTINA LYNNE, Inspired by Lynne @inspiredbylynne
WE ASKED:
WHAT’S YOUR IDEA OF A PERFECT SUMMER DAY AT HOME? SABRINA SMELKO @sabrinasmelko
I’d enjoy a latte, eggs and bacon on my back patio as Piper runs around with sticks. I’d then do some gardening before hauling out my laptop and writing. For dinner Shawn and I would enjoy a healthy dose of pinot gri before tucking into a charcuterie board with tons of pickles and jams.
SHELLEY HAYES, Lady Hayes @ladyhayes
I would spend the day playing outside in the garden with my girls, having a sunny lunch outside, followed by snuggling up in Coco and Goldie’s room for some fun books and a nice, long afternoon nap.
VIRGINIA FYNES, Fynes Designs @vfynes
My perfect summer day at home would be spent prepping a delicious meal with produce pulled from the garden and something tasty on the BBQ. The children would run through the sprinkler while I entertained family and friends on the patio... sun shining and bug-free of course! 5
Al Fresco for All
There’s no better place to hang out in the summer than the patio surrounded by fresh air and sunshine. Your outdoor space is an extension of you and your home. What’s your outdoor living personality?
THE SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Lots of room for lots of catch up
Aosta 4-Piece Conversation Set
Biscayne 3-Piece Sectional
THE PERFECT HOSTESS Food, friends and wine make you happy
Biscayne 7-Piece Outdoor Dining Set
Pisa Outdoor 5-Piece Dinette
FLYING SOLO
Just some “me time” and a good book for company
Marco Outdoor Swivel Chair in Grey
Orion Chaise Lounge in Blue
Windsor Outdoor Chair
SMALL SPACE DWELLER Small space, easy solutions
Renee Round Ottoman Palm Harbor Storage Bin
Sasha Outdoor Ottoman
Visit us at leons.ca/outdoor to view our collection.
OUTDOOR LIVING
OUT WITH THE INSIDE, IN WITH THE OUTSIDE Where the grass is greener (and your feet, arguably dirtier), the great outdoors becomes an extension of living and dining space during summer months. For some, it offers a peaceful setting to wine and dine al fresco. For others, it’s an energizing escape that inspires creativity. Whatever your affliction, the patio is your prescription. 7
Inside Out
WHERE THE BACK PATIO IS SUMMER’S OFFICE, THE DRINKS ARE STRONG AND THE WIFI IS WEAK
MAKE IT! REFRESH AND
CHILL WITH A HONEY CHAMOMILE WHISKY SIPPER. CLICK HERE FOR RECIPE.
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BY SABRINA In my life, no two days are alike. One moment, I’m hosting a family BBQ and throwing sticks in the yard for Piper. At another, I’m being called to a film set. Call me a glutton for punishment, call me a chameleon (I do love the sun), but I crave unpredictability— that goes for my career, just as it does my furniture. Try as I might to be a resilient Canuck, winter is just not that into me—and I’m just not that into winter. Come summer, I make it my mission to savour every last drop of sunshine by bringing as many aspects of the indoors outside as I can. Windows swing open, laundry dries on the line in the warm breeze, and the back patio becomes my office. The dining table is where I scale email mountains as the sun sets, and the sectional becomes the best place to unwind with friends over cold pitchers of sangria. As the saying goes, life imitates art, and perhaps having pieces that are just as flexible, laid-back and mismatched as I am was how it was always meant to be. 8
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Click here to read Sabrina’s full patio makeover story.
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Letting Creativity Run Wild IN A SHE-SHED BY THE GARDEN BED, CHILDHOOD LIVES ON
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BY MERCEDES
For some, location is the key to finding homehappiness. For others, it’s three bedrooms, two bathrooms. For me, having a personal escape—a small space all to myself—brings me joy. As a little girl, you could often find me in the treehouse in the woods next to my childhood home, and as an adult, the same can be said for the shed in my backyard. My need for an area to express myself in is a must-have, and my shed and the furniture within it play supporting roles to that dream—offering me the comfort, storage and function I need to truly unleash my creativity. In the shed, I let my imagination run wild and give myself permission to dream, write, draw and sing. On the coffee table, I confuse paint water for tea, and on the side chair, I take the opportunity to sit back and watch paint dry—which is quite enjoyable when it’s on canvas. The perfect accompaniment to hot summer days, these pieces also become host to late-night campouts with my niece Ellia under the stars. For such a tiny space, it’s incredible how many memories already fill it.
PAINT IT!
Benjamin Moore Pink Swirl (2171-70)
HACK IT! BRIGHTEN UP YOUR
SPACE BY TURNING A THRIFTED BASKET INTO A PENDANT LIGHT. CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIAL.
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Click here to read Mercades full She Shed makeover story. 11
Finding Forever in the Fleeting WHERE YOU CAN BE BOTH OVER THE MOON AND BENEATH THE STARS AT THE SAME TIME
BY BETHANY
Nestled on a quiet street, a gaze out our windows will reveal nothing but cornfields— if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of vintage planes flying overhead. But more impressive than the view from inside is the view from the patio. As a family that spends a lot of time outdoors, having a communal space to soak in the sun and get the most out of our fleeting Canadian summers truly makes us feel like we live on a luxurious retreat—no passports required! The island-inspired sectional 12
offers a moment of pause before the start of a hectic day, and the Jonathan Outdoor daybed transforms from an afternoon reading (and subsequent napping) spot to an evening snuggle nook under the stars. We once considered this fixer-upper a temporary home, but whether it’s the transformation of the patio or a shift in perspective from the family living under its roof, it’s slowly become the perfect destination for raising our adventure-seeking family.
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PAINT IT!
Benjamin Moore Gentleman’s Gray (2062-20) Benjamin Moore Aurora Grand Entrance in White
BEFORE
Despite being old, forgotten and worn down, this spot of land to call our own, especially in the warmer months, was simply a luxury we couldn’t pass up. All it needed was a healthy dose of attention, lots of paint and a luxurious, island-inspired patio set.
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HACK IT!
WASTE NOT, WANT NOT. BE KIND TO THE EARTH WITH THESE REPURPOSED EGGSHELL PLANTERS. CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL.
Click here to read Bethany and Art’s full patio makeover story. 15
LIVING
LIVING UP TO ITS NAME True to form, the living room is where everything from temper tantrums to date nights unfolds. It’s where we debrief from the day’s work, fold laundry accompanied by guilty-pleasure TV, and where we accidentally spill chips into the cracks of the sofa cushions— if the dog doesn’t catch them first. Despite never being the same space twice, the living room somehow remains our constant. 16
Where Less Really is More BY AMY
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Our living room is truly a multifunctional space. It’s where we curl up to a good movie or baseball game while enjoying some BBQ with friends, play Jenga with our nieces and nephews, and paint and draw until we run out of paper. This room is also my escape after a long day’s work, where I can take the time to just breathe and recharge my batteries. Because my husband and I both work long hours, we really wanted this space to lean towards a minimal aesthetic that felt light and airy. To achieve this, I decided to stick to light furniture and neutral pieces. For the sofa, we decided to go with pieces that weren’t visually heavy, like the Passerina sofa in dove, which is oh-socomfy for movie nights and is the perfect complement to all of our handmade and thrifted treasures that we love to display.
Click here to read Amy’s full living room makeover story. 17
C olourful & Carefree
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PAINT IT! Benjamin Moore Prairie Green (2038-30) Benjamin Moore Citron (2024-30)
BY VIRGINIA
I like change and that includes not only the furniture, but flipping the rooms around too. My children have finally got over the hump of big spills and wiping dirty fingers on the sofa, so I thought it was the perfect time to take our family room out of hiding and make it more of a relaxed common area for both us and guests to feel comfortable. Goodbye grey, hello colour! Our living room is now a space that reflects my colourful and eclectic style while still being kid-friendly and can cheer up any day. The family room is the perfect resting spot to cool off from the hot summer sun. The kids can pull out a
board game to play with friends, or picnic around the coffee table. When the sun goes down, and the bugs get too thick to be around the campfire, the deep comfy cushions on our Brunswick sofa are perfect for those movie night snuggles. As a business owner, I don’t get as much time at home as I did when the children were babies. It makes those times when we do get to spend time together even more special and having a cozy family retreat where I don’t have to fuss over a few popcorn kernels on the sofa makes our time much more relaxing.
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MAKE IT!
LESS IS MORE. UNPLUG FOR A FRIENDLY GAME OF CHECKERS WITH THIS CUSTOM COLOURFUL BOARD. CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL.
Click here to read Virginia’s full living room makeover story. 19
Living in Motion WHERE THE FINAL STEP OF THE RENOVATION PROCESS IS ACTUALLY HIS FIRST BY KRISTINA More than any renovation, what has really transformed our house are those living under its roof. When my husband and I purchased this fixer-upper a year ago, we thought the most significant improvements would happen with the swing of a hammer. But since welcoming baby Jack into the world, home has taken on new meaning. Once a place to simply enjoy our favourite TV shows, the living room now stands up to its name. One minute, the sofa’s armrest holds a mug of hot tea, and at another, it’s a spot for Jack to rest his head. Filled with versatile and resilient pieces, it proudly takes on feedings, crafts, stains and snacks. I once thought elbow grease was the price of admission for a dream home, but the truth is that what makes this place so perfect is the rug which becomes an imaginary highway for toy cars, the coffee table which becomes craft central, and the loveseat—which admittedly sees a lot more love than it does sitting.
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Click here to read Kristina’s full living room makeover story. 20
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Becoming a mother has come with a lot of change. Babies literally take over every part of our lives—including our house—so when we set out to update our living room, Jack became a big consideration in the design equation.
Tips for a Summer living room look
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IN A GREAT ROOM THAT LETS IN THE SUN, WHERE 30 HEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE BY SABRINA Whether crafting an art piece or designing a room, vision is everything. So imagine what happens when 30 HGTV Canada celebrity designers and builders put their heads together to renovate an entire house. On this season of HGTV Canada’s Home to Win, other than a ton of laughs, wisecracks and fun, we collaborated to create a home that’s both impressive and welcoming. As the central hub of the home (and one of the first spaces renovated), the living area set the design tone for the rest of the house. Inspired by its coastal setting, we opted for calm, cool and airy with coastal flair. That meant
tons of warm neutrals, pops of blue and a mix of materials—from wood and stone to cane and rope. A blank canvas, the sofa is host to fun, colourful pillows. As for the coffee table, we combined two to create one magnificent, custom-looking piece! With dramatic and hefty sofa and end tables to ground it all and some handmade DIY touches, this space does justice to its title as the great room. From rough-andtumble family time to parties that flow into the morning, this space is as flexible as it is fabulous. They say many hands make light work—and while that’s true, 30 hands make for one impressive home!
Click here for all the details on HGTV Canada’s Home to Win.
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A Show of Hands
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Come Together
Indoors or out, summertime is full of reasons to come together with good food and friends. Make sure you have enough room and a comfortable seat at the table for everyone.
Carolyn Table
Alliston Table
Fernando Dining Table
Blake Table
Victoria Arm Chair
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Fernando Side Chair
Monique Side Chair
Monique Table
Vivian Side Chair
Richmond Pub-Height Table
Dining tables starting from $349 and dining chairs starting from $99. See more at Leons.ca
GATHERING
E AT YO U R H E A R T O U T The definition of home has evolved over the years, but one thing still rings true: kitchen and dining rooms remain the heart of any household. At the counter, we pile up to prepare dinner—which admittedly involves more talking than food-prep. At the dining table, we gather and gab. Despite being some of the most utilitarian spaces, if kitchen and dining room walls could talk, they’d tell one heck of a story. 25
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It’s What’s Inside (The Kitchen) That Counts IN THE HEART OF THE HOME, WHERE FORM AND FUNCTION MEET TWO UNDER TWO
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BY THALITA As a mother of two twin boys under two, the kitchen is where I hang my many hats. More than a place to prepare meals, it’s a storage spot for baby gear, overflow for laundry, and snack time headquarters.
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While it’s perfect for my growing family now, not long ago, this space was anything but functional. As the central hub of our forever-home, our renovation goal was to create a space that felt grand, airy and open. But more than being good-looking, we needed the space to cater to our family. With function top of mind, our oversized island offers tons of surface area for everything from coffee to crafts—but it’s what’s inside that really counts: tons of storage and the whisper-quiet Frigidaire Gallery® Smudge-Proof dishwasher. With napping toddlers, it’s a game changer plus there’s no do-overs, all dishes come out perfectly clean and dry in ONE cycle. When the boys wake from their slumber, the Frigidaire Gallery® Smudge-Proof™ Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator makes mealtime easy and clean up efficient with over a 100 ways to customize the shelves so it’s easy to be prepared for whatever is on the menu that week. Lastly, thanks to the Frigidaire Gallery® Stainless Steel Slide-In Induction Range only the pans get hot, not the cooktop, making safer for the boys and this multi-tasking mom. With appliances that fit the bill for both form and function, the long journey to creating our dream kitchen has been well worth every sleepless night—both at the hands of the renovation and our two tots.
BEFORE
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THALITA & MARQUIS’ APPLIANCE PICKS Previous page: Frigidaire Gallery® Smudge-Proof™ Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator Above: Frigidaire Gallery® Smudge-Proof™ Stainless Steel Slide-In Induction Range Frigidaire Gallery® Smudge-Proof™ Stainless Steel 30” Range Hood Right: Frigidaire Gallery® Smudge-Proof™ Stainless Steel 24” Dishwasher
Click here to read Thalita & Marquis’ full kitchen story. 28
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E N T E R TA I N I N G
Bitter Sweet
BY THALITA Get in touch with your Brazilian side with this delicious and refreshing cocktail that my Brazilian family has been making for as long as I can remember. It’s the perfect easy Summer drink to make for guests or just for hanging around the backyard. BRAZILIAN LEMONADE 4 limes and/or lemons 6 cups of water 1 cup of sugar ½ can of condensed milk Ice
INSTRUCTIONS Start by mixing the water and sugar together until all of the sugar dissolves. You can keep this ready in the fridge until you actually need it to save some time — the rest is best made just before serving. Wash all of the limes thoroughly because they will be used in their entirety for the drink. Cut off the ends and cut the limes into eighths. In a blender, add half of the limes and sugar water. Pulse until you have a lime smoothie-like consistency. Strain the mixture into a pitcher through a fine mesh strainer and repeat with the second half. Mix in condensed milk, add ice and you’re done!
BY AMY For my husband and I, home is a feeling. As people who love to entertain as much as we love spending nights curled up on the sofa—escaping from our laptops and to-do lists—it was initially tough on us when we traded our 700-square-foot condo for a house. Over the course of our home-hunt we toured more than 30 properties, but when we pulled up to this quaint semi-detached on a tree-lined street, we instantly knew it was the one. What we didn’t know was that it would take far longer to make it feel like home than we anticipated. Outfitted in fresh paint that inspires us and filled with comfortable, neutral pieces that support our busy schedules, the living/ dining area is now our sanctuary. At the dining table, we come together after work to share our victories—big and small. Life may never stop evolving, but when friends pop by for a spontaneous wine and cheese night that trails into the early morning, having comfortable chairs to host us is a small luxury we don’t take for granted.
MAKE IT!
CREATE YOUR OWN MODERN NAPKINS WITHOUT THE HEFTY PRICETAG. CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIAL.
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MAKE IT!
CHANNEL YOUR INNER ARTIST IN LESS THAN 5 STEPS. CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIAL.
Ebb, Flow & Function COME TOGETHER, RIGHT NOW, OVER CHEESE (AND WINE)
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Click here to read Amy’s full dining room makeover story. 31
E N T E R TA I N I N G
Group Snack BY VIRGINIA One of the easiest appetizers to put together at the last minute is a cheese and charcuterie board. There’s something for everyone (and every diet) and they really encourage mingling and conversation. The best part is you can create it with items you can keep stocked in your fridge. Perfect for those unplanned drop-in guests. CLICK HERE to read Virginia’s snack tray tips.
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E N T E R TA I N I N G
Peachy Keen BY VIRGINIA There’s something about the perfect combination of sweet and tart that makes this summer drink so refreshing. Juicy local peaches, a splash of orange and just the right amount of cranberry make this easy cocktail a party favourite! Pour over crushed ice for a slushy treat. PEACH ON THE BEACH 3 oz. cranberry juice 1 oz. orange Juice 1.5oz. peach Schnapps Peach slices Fill a glass with ice cubes, add all the ingredients, stir, and garnish with sliced peaches and a straw for sipping. Enjoy!
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Mix & Match +
Sanford Queen Bed
The only thing that should be matching in your bedroom is your PJ’s. Have some fun mixing and matching different bedroom sets to create your own custom sanctuary where you can relax after a long summer day.
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Coventry Lane Night Table
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Coventry Lane Queen Bed
Tressa Dresser
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Copia End Table
Finley Dresser in French Grey
*Online Only
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Pine Hill Queen Storage Bed
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Pinebrook End Table
+
Tressa Queen Bed
Seville Dresser
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Harlan End Table *Online Only
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Queen beds starting from $349. See more at leons.ca.
Morgan Dresser
RESTING
LEAVE THE RES T UP TO US The bedroom is more than the place where you count sheep and clock sleep. For better or worse, it’s where emails are crafted, memes are viewed, and where—on the rare, joyous occasion— brunch is enjoyed. More than a spot to rest and dream, it’s an escape fit for every king and queen.
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A Place to Rest Your Head (and jump on the bed) BY BETHANY
As our middle child—and the only girl—my husband and I jokingly refer to our eight-year-old daughter as “a rose between two thorns.” The thorns being her brothers and the joke, of course, being delivered with a wink and a nudge. Like many girls her age, she thinks slumber parties are the pinnacle of happiness. Her double bed is more than a place to sleep—it becomes host to all of her gal pals as they giggle into the night, sleepy-eyed and 36
starry-eyed. With storage beneath it for toys and dressup props and a plush Simmons Grande Luxe Plush mattress, it’ll retain its comfort and hold strong—even after ample pillow fights. With the addition of a dresser to home her ever-evolving wardrobe, and a desk for creative projects (which I predict will soon become more of a makeup station than anything else), her tastes may change as she blooms and blossoms, but these versatile pieces will surely stand the test of time.
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MAKE IT!
A FUN AND EASY WAY TO GIVE YOUR FLORALS SOME PERSONALITY. CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL.
PAINT IT!
Benjamin Moore Coral Gables (2010-40)
And with a ten year no cost warranty you’ll be sleeping as easily as Audrey!
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Click here to read Audrey’s full bedroom makeover story. 37
An Ode to Messes and Doll Dresses WHERE ONE SMALL AND MIGHTY THING MEETS ITS MATCH IN ANOTHER BY ART
When I think of messes, my daughter’s bedroom comes to mind. On any given day, her floor is littered with everything from glitter and cut paper to teeny tiny doll accessories. While accidentally stepping on those thumbtack-like doll heels is a pain, she’s a diehard Daddy’s girl so I can’t complain too much.
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Over the years we’ve tried everything to encourage her to clean up and nothing has worked until we met our match: the Dyson V8 Absolute. It’s small and mighty, just like our pig-tailed girl—it’s compact and can easily be maneuvered around tight corners. With an attachment for every possible surface, it’s also our saving grace in the rest of the house where pet hair and dust bunnies reign. The HEPA-filter, cordless feature and smart wall-mounted home base keeps it both tucked away and accessible at the same time. As for our little sprite? Rather than wrestling with a clunky vacuum, she actually enjoys tidying up— although I think her motivation is born out of the fear of losing her doll’s heels because she knows this sucker scoops up everything in its path. An answer to every father’s worst nightmare (a tiny high heel piercing your unsuspecting foot), Dyson really does streamline our lives and keeps this renovation-crazy family as clean as a whistle!
Click here to read the full story. 38
BY AUTUMN
If I’ve learned one thing over the past while, it’s to never take family for granted. After a tough few years filled with one too many scares (and a few lucky breaks), I wanted to do something for my parents to help make their lives easier and more comfortable. So began #ProjectParentReno.
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With a little elbow grease, help from my friends, Bethany and Art, and a whole lot of heart, we transformed my parent’s ho-hum bedroom into a beautiful and relaxing haven. With mixed metals to appeal to my biker dad and tons of eclectic touches for my mom, their master bedroom goes beyond a design update—it offers them an escape and fosters their wellbeing. The bed adds some farmhouse flair, the end tables add some edge and the Simmons Paraside Plush mattress is (quite literally) dreamy! My parents rarely offer themselves the same care and attention they do others, so giving back just a tad of the love they’ve given me over the years warms my heart more than the summer sun. Love you mom and dad!
Safe Haven
BEFORE
WHERE FAMILY COMES FIRST AND REST COMES EASY
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PAINT IT! Benjamin Moore Hail Navy (HC-154) Benjamin Moore White Dove (OC-17)
With conforming back support and motion separation for an undisturbed
Simmons Paradise Plush Mattress
sleep, their new mattress is designed for catching ZZZs.
WATCH IT! Catch the grand reveal reactions in our webisode series!
VIEW NOW
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Click here to read the full story of Autumn’s big bedroom makeover for her parents. 41
Room to Bloom CARVING OUT SPACE FOR SWEET DREAMS AND EVEN SWEETER MEMORIES BY LADY HAYES Inspired by sunshine and the warm breeze of a summer day, our baby Coco’s nursery is a place of peace—but it wasn’t always this way. When my husband and I first found out we were pregnant with baby number two, beyond excitement, we were faced with a tough decision: do we move into a larger home, or renovate our loft to accommodate room for four? Having raised our first daughter in this space, our loft is truly home, so getting creative with
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the floor plan was the only option we could see. With the addition of a darling new crib set, a mismatched dresser and plenty of personal touches, our family home finally feels complete. More than a quiet place for Coco to rest her head and have sweet dreams, this room has become a space where the whole family spends time together. It’s where we cuddle and read books, play dress up and let our imaginations run wild. In this humble room, time is treasured.
MAKE IT! 5 EASY STEPS CREATE A FAUX FLORAL CUSTOM NAME WALL HANGING. CLICK HER FOR THE TUTORIAL.
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MAKE IT!
3 EASY STEPS TO TURN AN ORDINARY BASKET POM-DORABLE WITH A LITTLE YARN. CLICK HERE FOR THE TUTORIAL .
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Click here to see Coco’s full nursery makeover story. 43
FREE PRINTABLE! CHANGE THE WORLD ONE PRINTABLE AT A TIME. CLICK HERE FOR YOUR FREE DOWNLOAD.
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Mastering the Art of Rest
BY THALITA
Our master retreat is a show of simple luxuries—but getting it to this place was a long road that involved a lot of prioritizing. Six months into moving, we were still sleeping on a pullout daybed with a “mattress” that was just 4” thick. Our nightstand was a chair and table we found curbside and, with the addition of two curious tots, this room saw more chaos than rest. Eventually, poor sleep caught up to us and we realized in order to give ourselves some TLC, we needed to give our bedroom some first. The panel moulding from Metrie and rich blue walls add drama—the good kind— and the king bed and 44
rug instantly make it a space worth snuggling in. The Simmons Grand Luxe Mattress’ Plush Ventilated AirCool® BeautyEdge® Foam Encasement enhances breathability and airflow through the mattress, so Mom and Dad can keep their cool all summer long. The nightstands and extra storage at the foot of the bed for blankets, pillows, toys and sheets is outmatched only by the multifunctional sitting area. At any given time, it transforms from a space to fold laundry while the kids watch TV, to a resting zone accompanied only by a good book. Complete with some personal touches and precious moments captured and framed, this room is a reminder that living the dream starts with dreaming.
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5 EASY STEPS TO TURN AN OLD CUPBOARD INTO A TRAY, READY TO SERVE YOUR FAVOURITE PERSON BREAKFAST IN BED. CLICK HERE FOR TUTORIAL.
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Benjamin Moore Wrought Iron (2124-10) Bejamin More Simply White (OC-117)
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Click here to see the full master bedroom makeover story. 45
Form(al Wear) & Function
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WHEN LIFE CHANGES AND YOU TOO NEED A SPACE TO CHANGE BY SABRINA
When it comes to designing a home, one of the most important things to consider is actually what you can’t see: how a space functions for those who live in it. A year ago, I woke up when I woke up and my morning routine involved rolling out of bed, whipping on a hat and tapping on some mascara—and my home catered to that lifestyle perfectly. But as my career shifted from working at home to being on television, having a dedicated dressing room became a priority. Working with my dark and tiny spare bedroom wasn’t necessarily inspiring, but with some creative planning, I was able to find the perfect pieces that satisfy both my tastes and my need for storage. The matching wardrobe, night table and dresser combine to offer continuity and function, at a size the space can actually afford. Layered with fun accessories and décor in contrasting materials and colours, this room proves that pretty is one thing, but a home that supports your ebbing and flowing lifestyle is a real thing of beauty.
Easy Dressing Room Tips
Click here to see Sabrina’s full dressing room makeover story.
PAINT IT! Benjamin Moore Lafayette Green (HC-135)
Pine Hill Dresser
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A Laundry Room Worth Lingering In
10 Tips for a Small Laundry Room
WHERE SHORT-TERM PAIN EQUALS LONG-TERM GAIN—IF ONLY THE CLOTHES FOLDED THEMSELVES BY KRISTINA
Most people would never think about renovating with a newborn—but I’m not most people! Knowing the results would far outweigh the headaches, I tore apart our bathroom and laundry room to create a space that offered more function and storage.
Click here to see Kristina’s full laundry room makeover story.
Electrolux Titanium Front-Load Washer & Dryer Pair with SmartBoost™ technology
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Newborns come with a lot more laundry, so we said “ta-ta” to our our old, apartmentsized machines and “hello” to the Electrolux Titanium Front-Load Washer and Dryer. More than satisfying a day-to-day need, their sleek design ultimately inspired the rest of the space. With the addition of graphic, black and white concrete tile on the floor and white paint on the walls, the space is both sophisticated and fun. And because the machines are stackable without compromising load size, we have plenty of room for extra storage and custom statement pieces. Unlike other washers, the SmartBoost™ pre-mix technology and Perfect Steam™ features help to make sure everything comes out clean the first time, even the big messes made by the smallest family member. Now, everything has a home—and rather than shuddering when I open the door, it’s a room I look forward to being in — if only the laundry would fold itself!
WIN A $3000 ROOM MAKEOVER! Our Hello Blog Team wants to design your neglected and disconnected space to transform it into a place you’ll love! If you’re staring at a less than lustrous living room, or a cluttered storage area that could be utilized better we want to help. Enter Leon’s Hello Sunshine Room Makeover contest and our team will update and upgrade your look, courtesy of Leon’s.
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Winner’s room transformations will be featured in our next issue of Hello Holiday this fall.