MARKET WATCH

OUTDOOR

Melamine Shibori PLATE, $5, homesense.ca.

INDOOR 03

SHIBORI AND TIE-DYE

The boho look of shibori and tie-dye patterns brings a casual vibe to the tabletop. Mix blue and white patterns (this summer ’ s favourite palette) with your formal white china or add casual navy blue for drama. Is blue not you? Look for these patterns in your favourite hue: think orange for a citrusy splash or green to match Mother Nature ’ s most abundant colour.

Noritake Hanabi DISH SET, $144 for 12 pieces, wayfair.ca.

04

INDOOR-OUTDOOR COMFORT

Take comfort cues from indoors for your outdoor living space. Cushy soft furnishings and rugs add a luxe touch to the great outdoors. As you would for indoors, look for extra plush, comfortable upholstered furniture. Stylish and durable outdoor fabric, wood accents and swivel chairs (the swivel is having a moment!) create the comfort and style you ’ re accustomed to indoors.

OUTDOOR

Carbonia SWIVEL CHAIR, $2,250, housewarmings.ca. Montauk Jane Outdoor LOVESEAT, $9,000, montauk.com.

INDOOR & OUTDOOR

All-weather braided RUNNER in blue, $215, llbean.ca.

INDOOR

INDOOR

CB2 Flutter Slipcover SOFA, $3,000, cb2.ca.

05

SCALLOPS & RUFFLES

Ruffles and scalloped edges create the vintage charm of a romantic retro cottage. Look for ruffles on almost everything indoors, from bedskirts to trims on draperies and pillows. Outdoors, you ’ll thrill to the scalloped frills on umbrellas, canopies, tablecloths and slipcovered furniture.

DECORATING

DECORATING

Designer Cynthia Ferguson ’ s captivatingly personal Toronto garden delights the senses with lovely blooms, gorgeous colours and the most inviting – and fragrant –spots for lounging.

TEXT CHRISTY WRIGHT

PHOTOGRAPHY DONNA GRIFFITH

A Shade More Inviting

Cynthia planted a birch tree to add shade to her sunny south-facing yard. Its base is punctuated with vibrant impatiens. “They add a fabulous blanket of pink, almost like a carpet. The hit of colour is unexpected in a corner and plays beautifully against the grey deck. ”

Sofa So Good

“I always like to have a sofa somewhere in the backyard. We can squeeze three people together in a pinch and, of course, a sofa provides the option for stretched-out lounging and reading. ”

Table Talk

Cynthia loves to style outdoor tables as if they were inside, and trays are one of her go-to items. “They transport morning coffee, lunch and can hold a beautiful bouquet of flowers and candles. ” She also keeps little luxuries that you’d find in an indoor living room close at hand. “There’s nothing more indulgent than sitting outside and leafing through a fabulous coffee table book. ”

Blue Notes

The garage at the rear of the garden is a visual delight in a pretty shade of blue. “If your garage or shed isn’t attached to your house, treat it like a separate entity. Mine is a lot more country-looking than my midtown home. I love that relaxed vibe for a backyard. ”

On Repeat

The garden looks casual, yet cohesive thanks to Cynthia’s measured approach. “Repetition is key in an outdoor space. In order to create impact, repeat one colour or type of plant. I used multiple boxwoods in terracotta planters to achieve a smart, transitional space between the side garden and back area. ”