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INSPIRED BY THE SKIN MICROBIOME.

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CANADA’S

GIFT GUIDE

great FINDS

Celebrate FOOD, FAMILY & a fresh new FESTIVE PALETTE

50

SHADES of GREIGE

trend alert

COUCHES WITH CURVES

^

WE HOLIDAYS FILLED WITH PLUMS AND PINKS

styleathome.com

34

NOVEMBER 2019 HOMES 64 A STABLE SOLUTION

COLUMNS 09 STYLE NEWS

It’s not everyday that a designer is presented with an opportunity to transform her family’s oncebeloved horse stable into a cosy retreat.

The best home decor products, the hottest trends and the most inspiring ideas.

72 FROM TRADITIONAL

Add a fresh spin to this classic French Crêpes Suzette dessert.

TO TRANSITIONAL Fate—and a few favourite pins on Pinterest—brought designer Brittaney Elgner and two Ontario homeowners together to dust off their old home and create an airy, open one.

20 DESSERT OF THE MONTH 26

HIGH OR LOW We designed a comfy, elegant living room with two different budgets: one plump and the other lean. Can you tell which is which?

82 GOING DUTCH

72

In this stunningly subdued rustic-modern farmhouse, a pared-down approach proves that less really is more, even at Christmas.

What’s more welcoming in an entryway than an adorable basset hound?

48

92 Settle in for this succulent rabbit and sour cherry ragout, perfect for snowy nights.

DECORATING 16 SHABBY CHIC

To get a country-style table with a vintage feel, lean into “mismatched” dishware.

22 SOMETHING BLUE

A mod blue backsplash and fresh new floorplan crank up the cool to make a once-tiny kitchen feel spacious and bright.

30

HEARTH AT HOME Seven stylish ways to up the fireplace.

50

34

VISIONS OF SUGAR PLUMS Muted shades of plum and pink, a mix of old and new, and generous dashes of gold hearten a family home with contemporary flair.

56

MODERN HOLIDAYS For these ultra-contemporary homeowners, holiday cheer is chic, minimal and totally in tune with their black, white and blond wood colour scheme.

FOOD 92

WEST COAST CRAVINGS DL Acken and Emily Lycopolus tempt us with flavours from local forests, farms, fields and sea in their new cookbook, Cedar + Salt.

REGULARS FROM OUR EDITOR

96 SPOTLIGHT 98

06

WORKBOOK

40 GIFT GUIDE

The ultimate guide to kick-start the holday gift-giving season and perfect to offer hints for receiving.

48 THAT’S A WRAP

Purchasing the presents is only half the battle—oops, we mean fun! Take inspiration from these easy-to-follow gift wrap examples.

50 PURE & SIMPLE

A chic, modern renovation is a striking backdrop for a playful holiday scheme by designer Ami McKay.

ON THE COVER Generous dashes of gold hearten a family home with contemporary flair.

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Alex Lukey

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FROM OUR EDITOR

TIME TO BE grateful

veronique.leblanc@tva.ca facebook.com/styleathome @styleathome instagram.com/styleathome

6|

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

PHOTOGRAPHY, ANDRÉANNE GAUTHIER

With so much going on these days, there’s something very comforting about taking the time to pause and ponder the significance of Thanksgiving. As much as it brings to mind gathering around the table with family and friends, it’s also a time to take a breath, pause and reflect before going head-on into the upcoming holiday season. For me, Thanksgiving is about being welcoming and grateful. It’s also a chance to let loose and go glam with a few choice bourbons and some bubbly for the bar. Cocktail connoisseurs can rejoice too: We’ve curated the perfect bar carts (p.98) to entertain from home.

My family will tell you I was born to host the holidays.

Not just because of the delicious leftovers (I’m already craving that day-after turkey and cranberry sandwich), but because I love the hustle and bustle of the day, the crowded kitchen as family and friends fight for the best seats of the house: the island stools, and the anticipation for the seemingly endless celebrations ahead. It’s a tradition of ours to take down the stashed boxes of holiday decorations early and dream up our colour scheme and decor. Whether you like your holidays ultra-traditional, super minimal or are ready to take a more modern plunge, there is something here for everyone. Enjoy!

Sleeping beauty

Toronto, ON

Spadina Bedroom Walmer Table Mayberry & Saratoga Chairs

Custom. Canadian. Solid Wood. Since 1974.

Toronto (905) 475·2488 Toll-Free (1·866) 475·2488 Worldwide Shipping Available

at your

service As a Style at Home subscriber, you can expect the best in subscription service. If you have any questions about your subscription, please get in touch with us at the website, phone number or address listed below. In order to help us locate your file, please provide your current mailing label or the information on it.

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VOLUME 22 ISSUE 9

Vice-President, TVA Publications Lyne Robitaille Content Director Véronique Leblanc Features Editors Joanna Fox, Marci Stepak, Art Director Isabelle Dubuc ONE EASY WAY TO REACH US: FIRSTNAME.LASTNAME@TVA.CA PRINTING Printed at Transcontinental RBW Graphics, a division of Transcontinental Printing 2005 G.P., 2049 20th St. E., Owen Sound, ON N4K 5R2.

All reproduction requests must be made to COPIBEC (paper reproductions at 800-717-2022) ISSN: 1915-8998 DISTRIBUTION Distributed by Coast to Coast SUBSCRIPTIONS: 416-380-7423, STYLEATHOME.COM STYLE AT HOME, Sub. Dept., P.O. Box 814, Markham Station, Markham, ON L3P 7Z6. Send address changes to the post office box address above, including the mailing label from your latest issue. Allow eight weeks for changes.

SUBSCRIPTION PRICES Canadian subscriptions: 1 year = $34.95 (plus taxes) U.S. subscriptions: 1 year = $90.00 (payable in advance) International subscriptions: 1 year = $180.00 (payable in advance) Digital editions are available on Molto, Zinio, PressReader and Ebsco.

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Canadian Postmaster: Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to Style at Home, 123 Front Street West #909, Toronto, ON, M5J 2M2. Publications Mail Agreement 41557548, PAP Registration 08282. Postage paid at Gateway in Mississauga, ON. U.S. Postmaster: Send address changes to Style at Home, P.O. Box 766, Buffalo, NY 14240-0766. Periodicals postage paid at Buffalo, NY USPS731-350 OUR PRIVACY POLICY The reproduction of written material, illustrations or photographs from this magazine is prohibited. Although all possible precaution has been taken to ensure that the information contained in Style at Home is accurate, it is understood that the magazine cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions that may occur in relation to the use or presentation of this information. The articles in this magazine are the exclusive responsibility of their authors.

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PRODUCTION Director of Operations Johanne Perron Production Coordinator Martine Lalonde MARKETING, COMMUNICATIONS & EVENTS Senior Marketing Director, Publications Martine Aubin Director, Newsstand Sales Michel Nivischiuk Director, Subscription and Circulation Evelyne Labonté ADVERTISING SALES, TORONTO 416-227-8248 (patricia.mixemong@quebecormedia.com) General Sales Manager Patricia Heckmann Senior Director, Media Solutions Jérôme Leys Sales Expert Magazines Cathy Ellis, Andrea McBride, Vanessa Watson Advertising Coordination Team Leader Maddie Belanger Advertising and Traffic Coordinator Yvonne Peden ADVERTISING SALES, MONTREAL 514-598-2880 (ventespublicitaires@tva.ca) Senior Director, Magazines & Newspapers Kimberley Rouse Senior Advisor Magazines & Newspapers Annie Bergeron Sales Expert Magazines Nathalie Beaulac, Vickie Bouthillier, Manon Labelle, Lucie Lacroix, Stephanie Magnan Coordinators Mélina Delorme (on leave), Rosina De Rose, Maria Perrotti QUEBEC CITY AND REST OF QUEBEC 418-688-9330 ext. 7500 General Sales Manager Nathalie Langevin ADVERTISING SALES, USA AJR GROUP 212-426-5932 CONTENT MARKETING & CREATIVE MEDIA SOLUTIONS Brand Manager Mieka Jansen Media and Content Strategist Jeremie Marcoux Project Management and Production Inga Tangreda, Kathryn Walsh SENIOR MANAGEMENT, TVA GROUP INC. President and CEO of TVA Group Inc. France Lauzière Senior Vice-President and Chief Operating Officer Martin Picard President of Human Resources Jean-François Reid Vice-President of Communications Véronique Mercier Vice-President of Finances Anick Dubois

style news PAINT ETHTETE PAL OF MON T H

E ICE Premier YE LLOWK NIF , Tire an adi Can 18, PR16Y Canadiantire.ca.

WE’RE INSPIRED BY...

“Greige” is often mistaken for a portmanteau of grey and beige but the word actually refers to the colour of raw silk… timely indeed, with natural tones being all the rage!

PERFECT MATCH HTNING Beauti-Tone WHITE LIG D4-7-0187-0, Home are.ca.

Hardware, homehardw

PHOTOGRAPHY SIMONS

ER Sico paint GREY PE PP . om o.c 6182-52, Sic

Neutral greige makes for perfect pairings all around the colour wheel: white, black, blue, pink, and orange, included.

STYLE NEWS 1

3

2

6

FIFTY SHADES OF GREIGE 5

1 Infiniti Grande Curve Back Sofa, 100% polyester Synergy fabric, 98” x 48.5” x 34.5”, Crate&Barrel, $1,899. 2 Tasseled cushion cover, 100% cotton, Zara Home, $29.90 3 Quilted bedspread, woven cotton exterior with 100% polyester padding, 102” x 102”, H&M Home, $129 4 Pepo Jar by designers Daniel Debiasi & Federico Sandri, ceramic, 7” diameter x 19” tall, Jamais Assez, $567 5 Poster on FSC-certified paper, 12” x 16”, H&M Home, $14.99 6 Rolf wall clock, concrete, EQ3, $64.99.

4

Set the scene with an abstract surface sculpture of illumination.

BRIGHT IDEA

Function meets funky!

We are all aglow with the new, abstract wall sconce from SONNEMAN—A Way of Light. Using indirect LED illumination, the prismshaped reflector is equal parts lighting and art, casting a mesmerizing glow while simultaneously serving as a captivating wall sculpture. sonnemanawayoflight.com

10 |

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

WELL- EQUIPPED FROM

$36,695‡

HOW KIDS SEE THE SUBARU ASCENT. The New 3-Row Subaru Ascent.

The Perfect Family SUV for your Mostly Perfect Family.

Learn more at subaru.ca/ascent

*Available with 7 or 8 passenger seating capacity. Some features described or shown may not be standard features or equipment.MSRP of $36,695 on 2020 Ascent Convenience CVT (LT2 C8). MSRP excludes Freight & PDI of $1,800. Taxes, license, registration and insurance are extra. $0 security deposit. Model shown is 2020 Ascent Limited CVT (LT2 L8) with an MSRP of $47,495. Dealers may sell for less or may have to order or trade. **EyeSight® is a driver-assist system, which may not operate optimally under all driving conditions. The driver is always responsible for safe and attentive driving. System effectiveness depends on many factors such as vehicle maintenance, and weather and road conditions. See Owner’s Manual for complete details on system operation and limitations. See your local Subaru dealer for details. Ascent and Subaru are registered trademarks.

STYLE NEWS

1

LIGHT BRIGHT Be it ultramodern, chic, or rustic, your lighting should set the tone, both for mood and style.

1 Sputnik miniature ceiling lamp, $89.99, bouclair.com 2 Antler pendant light, $729, cb2.com. 3 Ophelia & Co. Kacie chandelier, $369.99, wayfair.ca.

IN THE MOOD

2

Turn your bathtub from blah to blissful with the new collection of freestanding tubs from the made-in-Quebec Wetstyle Mood collection. Designed with dual inclined backs, one position is perfect for reading, while the other is designed for you to sink deeply into the soft suds and embrace the warmth of the tub. wetstyle.ca.

CURVES FOR DAYS THE ELEGANT SILHOUETTE OF THIS VELVET SOFA SITTING ATOP GOLD-PLATED LEGS IMPARTS CLASSIC SOPHISTICATION TO ANY LIVING ROOM, ALL THE WHILE SYNCHING UP WITH BOTH OLDER AND MORE CONTEMPORARY PIECES. PURE MAGIC. Laurence, $1,199, structube.com.

TOASTY WARM THIS CERAMIC DE’LONGHI HEATER IS EXCELLENT FOR MAKING LESS INSULATED SPACES COMFORTABLY WARM. COMPACT AND EASY TO CARRY THANKS TO A GENEROUS HANDLE, YOU CAN SLIP THIS HEATER INTO THE SLIGHTEST OF SPACES—THINK DORMS AND BATHROOMS. $59.99, delonghi.com.

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STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

The softened angles are perfect for socializing.

3

STYLE NEWS

TAKE SOLACE

Soda snobs will delight in the tickle-your-nose bubbles.

Up your bathroom selfie game with the new picture-perfect collection from Native Trails. The striking, new sustainable Solace bathroom sinks are clean, contemporary and the perfect backdrop for your Instagram feed. Hand-crafted using a sustainable blend of natural materials, the eco-friendly, artisan-crafted sinks pair perfectly with the matching Solace oak wall mirror. nativetrailshome.com

ECO-FRIENDLY THE AARKE CARBONATOR IS FAMOUS FOR ITS STREAMLINED DESIGN, WHICH USUALLY TRANSLATES INTO PRIME COUNTERTOP REAL ESTATE. SODA-STREAM-BOTTLE COMPATIBLE, THIS LITTLE MARVEL DOESN’T REQUIRE AN ELECTRICAL OUTLET AND ITS PER-LITRE OUTPUT WILL COST YOU UNDER FIFTY CENTS A POP. Available in several luxurious finishes, including stainless steel, matte black, copper, and gold. $299, lestouilleurs.com.

LOST & FOUND HOW MANY TIMES HAS YOUR DAY BEEN DISRUPTED BY A FRANTIC, FRENZIED HUNT FOR YOUR PHONE, WALLET OR KEYS, LOST IN THE DEPTHS OF YOUR PURSE OR BAG? WITH A QUICK, DOUBLE TAP, THE TILE TRACKER CAN CUE YOUR CELL PHONE TO START RINGING (EVEN IF IT’S ON SILENT!) OR WARN YOU WHEN YOU’RE ABOUT TO LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT YOUR WALLET. thetileapp.com

14 |

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

Thanks to Bluetooth and GP S, your life just got a little easier.

DECORATING

Shabby chic STYLING JULIE LAPOINTE PHOTOGRAPHY TANGO PHOTOGRAPHY

To get a country-style table with a vintage feel, lean into “mismatched” dishware. This is the perfect opportunity for you to use those rarely-used items handed down from grandma.

DO MORE FOR

YOUR WHOLE MOUTH

Specially formulated Colgate Total* toothpaste helps prevent gingivitis, cavities, plaque build-up and sensitivity.

Plus, it fights tartar build-up and bad breath. And, it does it all while whitening teeth.

Finish off your routine with Colgate Total* mouthwash for a fresh, confident smile.

Always read and follow the label.

©2019 Colgate-Palmolive Company

9 7 8

STYLIST TIPS

/ Stoneware bowls, porcelain pitchers and cut-glass glasses converge to create a rustic-yet-refined look. Embellish with untreated wooden accents. Wood and bark colours will make the soft and natural shades of the porcelain and linen pop.

1 4

/ The lace table runner is by far my fave. Crochet or macramé, use it to gently elevate your table and take you back in time.

6

2

11

3 10

5

12

13 1 Ceramic OIL DISPENSER, Chic & Basta, $53 2 Linen TABLECLOTH, H&M, $59.99 3 Ceramic CREAMER, Chic & Basta, $26 4 Stoneware PITCHER, VdeV, $28.50 5 Small green ceramic PITCHER, VdeV, $18.50 6 Glass JAR with wooden cover, Zone, $9.75 7 Bark-edged wooden CHEESE BOARD, Indigo, $34.50 8 Cotton TABLE RUNNER, H&M, $29.99 9 Marble and copper CHEESE KNIVES, Indigo, set of 3, $39.50 10 Stoneware and recycled earth BOWL, Chic & Basta, $17 11 WATER GLASS, Crate & Barrel, $9.95 12 WINE GLASS, VdeV, $6 13 Ceramic PLATE AND DESSERT PLATE, Ikea, $5.99 and $4.99 14 Stainless steel CUTLERY, Ikea, $29.99 for 20-piece set 15 Stoneware BOWL, H&M, $12.99 16 Linen NAPKIN, Zone, $7.50 17 Stainless steel STEAK KNIVES with plastic resin handle, Zone, $49 for set of 6 and block.

15

16 17

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STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

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DECORATING

1

4 3 2

get the LOOK

5

6

1 APPETIZER PLATES, CB2, $7.95 2 WINE GLASS, Zara Home, $9.90 3 Oval ceramic PLATE, Atelier Trema, Chic & Basta, $26 4 Wood PLANK, Crate & Barrel, $59.95 5 Glass VASE, CB2, $29.99 6 Laminated cork PLACEMAT, H&M, $12.99 7 Set of 3

11

CHEESE KNIVES with stone handle, CB2, $99.95 8 Ceramic CUP, H&M, $7,99 9 Teak and resin SERVING BOWL, CB2, $74.95$ 10 Cotton NAPKINS, set of 2, Zara Home, $9.90 11 Wooden CANDLEHOLDER, Crate & Barrel, $12.95

10

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STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

STYLE AT HOME X THE HOME DEPOT CANADA

KITCHENFIX

Craving a magazine-worthy kitchen makeover without the hassle of a lengthy full-blown reno? Style at Home has you covered.

We’ve partnered with The Home Depot Canada, the country’s go-to one-stop-shop for home improvement, to serve four stress-free high-impact ways to spruce up your cooking space.

1

CUE NEW COUNTERS

Be it pasta sauce or red wine, your kitchen has indulged you, and perhaps your counters show it. With available installation options, The Home Depot Canada makes upgrading your countertops a cinch. Whether you love the swanky feel of natural stone, the durability of quartz and solid surfaces, the budget-friendliness of laminate or—for the DIY-er—the industrial appeal of butcherblock, there’s a surface to satisfy your kitchen’s functional and aesthetic needs.

We love the contemporary vibe of this dynamic concrete-look countertop.

2

3

RE-FACE THE CABINETS

Why replace when you can re-style?

Instead of ripping out old cabinetry, give it a fresh look with new custom-fit doors and drawer fronts in on-trend profiles and finishes (like classic Shaker in aloe green or mod slab in midnight blue). The best part? The process— which includes overlaying the existing cabinet box exteriors to match—only takes a couple of days from start to finish. To learn more and explore the endless options to choose from, book a free in-home consultation with a specialist.

LIGHT IT UP

To make your shiny new space positively sparkle, up your lighting game by incorporating cabinetry valances for concealed illumination as well as updating your pendants, sconces and other fixtures with the latest styles.

4

Personalize the chic look with optional valances, glass fronts, crown mouldings, hardware and more!

WOW THE WALLS

Take inspiration from your fab new cabinets and counters and make a stylish splash on your backsplash, too. Create a seamless effect by extending your countertop material right up the wall, or make a bold contrasting statement with paint or by choosing from the wide range of tiles in varied materials, colours, textures and sizes. Not sure which to pick? Head to your nearest Home Depot Canada and consult an Orange Apron associate.

Explore cabinet refacing, countertops and other ravishing kitchen refresh solutions at homedepot.ca. To help bring your vision to reality, speak to an in-store associate today.

DESSERT OF THE MONTH

Crêpes PHOTOGRAPHY MAYA VISNYEI STYLING CLAIRE STUBBS

INGREDIENTS MAKES 16 SERVINGS

SAKE-SOAKED ORANGES 2 tbsp sake ¼ cup granulated sugar 4 oranges, segmented CRÊPES 2 cups all-purpose flour ¼ cup granulated sugar 3 tsp matcha powder (optional) 2 cups 2% milk 4 large eggs 2 tsp vanilla 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted SUZETTE SAUCE 1 ⅓ granulated sugar ¼ cup water 1 cup orange juice ASSEMBLY ¼ cup orange-flavoured liqueur

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STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

This fresh spin on a classic dessert is inspired by chef Romain Avril of Toronto’s Lavelle restaurant (pro tip: he uses matcha in his).

DIRECTIONS Sake-Soaked Oranges In large microwaveable bowl, combine sake with sugar. Microwave on medium until sugar is dissolved, 45 to 60 seconds. Add oranges; stir to coat. Set aside.

Crêpes In large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar and matcha powder (if using). In separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs and vanilla; pour over flour mixture, whisking until smooth. Strain through fine-mesh sieve into clean bowl; cover and let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.

Heat 8-inch nonstick skillet or crêpe pan over medium-low heat; brush lightly with some of the butter. Pour scant 1⁄4 cup of the batter into pan, swirling to coat bottom; cook, turning once when edge begins to curl, until light golden, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to plate; cover to keep warm. Repeat with remaining butter and batter.

Suzette Sauce In heavy-bottomed saucepan, stir sugar with water over medium-high heat just until sugar is dissolved. Boil, without stirring, but brushing down side of pan with pastry brush dipped in water, until mixture turns light amber, 9 to 11 minutes. Remove from heat; averting face, stir in orange juice until smooth. Return pan to medium-high heat; cook, stirring occasionally, until mixture is reduced to 1 1⁄4 cups, 6 to 8 minutes. Transfer to heatproof bowl.

Assembly In large skillet, heat Suzette Sauce over medium heat for 1 minute. Reduce heatto low; add 1 crêpe, turning to coat. Using tongs, fold crêpe into quarters; transfer to large serving platter or roasting pan. Repeat with remaining crêpes; top with drained SakeSoaked Oranges.

In small saucepan, heat orange-flavoured liqueur over medium heat for 1 minute; remove from heat. With long match or barbecue lighter, ignite; while flaming, pour over crêpes. When flame goes outs, serve immediately.

TIP

Make ahead: Cover cooked crêpes with plastic wrap; refrigerate for up to 24 hours.

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

| 21

DECORATING

Something

BLUE

A mod blue backsplash and fresh new floorplan crank up the cool to make a once tiny kitchen feel spacious and bright.

TEXT CHRISTY WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY JOEL KLASSEN

Let’s face it: few homeowners are crazy about a closed-off kitchen. Throw small, awkward and cramped into the mix and it’s a recipe for, if not disaster, then certainly impracticality. That’s why Jeff Snyder and Tracy Campbell, the owners of this Calgary abode, hired designer Alykhan Velji to mastermind a gutsy reno. “They wanted an open-plan kitchen with space for entertaining and lots of storage,” says Aly. Knocking down two adjacent dining room walls dialed up the space, but the blank canvas presented a new challenge. “Each area had to have its own focal point. I wanted an open-concept but with character and colour,” explains Aly.

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

| 23

DECORATING

24 |

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

BELOW Aly’s ingenious way to demarcate the open-plan dining area? Paint! “The dark charcoal creates a visual divide where there is none.”

This storage spot also acts as a bar Aly carefully punctuated with floating shelves, a mirrored backdrop and glass-fronted cupboards. “These elements keep it feeling airy, rather than full-height solid cabinets, which would have been oppressive,” says Aly. The designer chose matte black pulls here, as in the kitchen, saying,

“Consistency is key in an open-concept home.” The oval marble table riffs on the mid-century aesthetic and feels lighter than a rectangular form.

Upholstered chairs and soft linen drapes factor in inviting texture, while brass accents in the light and barware inject sparkle and warmth.

PENDANT LIGHT, Troy Lighting; TABLE, CHAIRS, CF Interiors; DRAPES, Tonic Living; BAR CABINETRY PAINT, General Paint.

LEFT “The kitchen mixes timeless white and grey with matte black and a bold hit of blue,” says Aly. Contrasting caramel leather stools layer in warmth and natural texture. “I love how striking they look, offset by the blue backsplash. It’s a great mid-century modern vibe.” Look closely: the ceramic tiles have a slightly raised oval design for added depth. Aly enclosed the hood fan with black shiplap that pops off the white cabinets but is still in sync with the dining area’s millwork. The pendant lights have two-tone ceramic shades that impart interest without being overwhelming.

CABINETRY, Made to Design Woodcraft; CABINETRY PAINT, Sherwin Williams; HARDWARE, Emtek; BACKSPLASH, Daltile; COUNTERTOPS, Alberta Marble and Tile Co; SINK, FAUCET, Robinson Lighting and Bath; FRIDGE, STOVE, DISHWASHER, Trail Appliances; FLOORING, Smith Bros. Flooring Ltd; RUNNER, HomeSense; PENDANT LIGHTS, CB2; STOOLS, West Elm.

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

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HIGH OR LOW

high OR low?

26 |

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

This playful, luxe-layered living room was designed with two different budgets: one plush, the other prudent.

Can you tell the difference?

PRODUCER JULIE LAPOINTE PHOTOGRAPHY TANGO

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

| 27

HIGH OR LOW

1

HIGH$

3,530

$270 1 Metal LAMP, Bouclair, bouclair.ca.

$949

$30

2

2 Sectional SOFA, cotton and polyester, IKEA, ikea.ca.

3

4

6 Acrylic THROW, H&M Home, hm.com.

5

$26 3 Velvet CUSHION COVER, $12.99; INSERT, $12.99, H&M Home, hm.com.

6 7

$26

8

$29 7 Ceramic planter, Buk & Nola, buknola.com.

$1499

4 Velvet CUSHION COVER, $12.99; INSERT, $12.99, H&M Home, hm.com.

8 Stainless steel and marble COFFEE TABLE, EQ3, eq3.ca.

$42

9

5 Velvet CUSHION, Buk & Nola, buknola.com.

$600 9 Wool RUG, 6’ x 9’, EQ3, eq3.ca.

Featured in both interiors: Beau Green paint (2054-20), Benjamin Moore • Geometric throw and ceramic planter, Zone • Parrot cushion and rabbit lantern, H&M Home • Felt crown, 16” in diameter, Indigo.

LOW $

1

1,408

$129 1 Iron LAMP, Structube, structube.ca.

$699 2 Polyester sectional SOFA, Structube, structube.ca.

$15

2 3

6 Acrylic and cotton THROW, IKEA, ikea.ca

4

5

$18.

$19

7 Ceramic PLANTER, H&M Home, hm.com.

3 Polyester CUSHION, Zone, zonemaison.com.

$6

7

6

8

8 Stinless steel and marble COFFEE TABLE, Structube, structube.ca.

4 Polyester CUSHION, IKEA, ikea.

$15 5 Ramie CUSHION COVER, $9.99; INSERT, $5, IKEA, ikea.ca.

$299

9

$149 9 Polypropylene RUG, 7’ x 8’, IKEA, ikea.ca.

TURN THE TABLES

1

It may not be the main feature, but a well-curated coffee table is the perfect complement to any living room, whether the vibe you’re going for is classic, contemporary or cool.

1 Manor Carved RUG, wool and nylon, 5’ x 8’, $379, Pier 1 Imports.

2 Code RUG, cotton, 6’ x 9’, $499, cb2.com.

3 Spring Geo RUG, polypropylene, 5’ x 7’, $255, Zone.

HIGH

599

$

Steel and marble COFFEE TABLE, CB2, cb2.com.

Pull the rug out A must for comfort, a rug is a posh way to demarcate your relaxation area. The geometric pattern—monochrome or otherwise—keeps the rug in line with the space’s aesthetic, all the while bringing personality and punch along for the ride.

499

$

EVO lacquered MDF and steel COFFEE TABLE, $499, Structube, structube.ca.

2

470

$ 3

Metal and white Italian carrera marble COFFEE TABLE, Élément de base, elementdebase.ca.

$

89,99 Steel and tempered glass COFFEE TABLE, IKEA, ikea.ca.

LOW

Showstopper Sofa This leading living room piece must be

chosen with care: chaise lounge on the left or the right? Deep seats or not? It’s all up to you, your comfort criteria and the space.

Measuring the room prior to shopping for your sofa is key—in storerooms, they tend to look smaller than they actually are.

Burrard wood and fabric sectional SOFA, $2,399, article.com.

CLEAN LINES GIVE THIS SOFA AN AIRY PRESENCE. STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

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DECORATING 101

Up the pleasure and peacefulness of being fireside by highlighting your hearth, playing with surfaces and adorning it with well-placed accessories. Whether your current décor is modern, classic, urban, exotic, contemporary, chic or eclectic, it really doesn’t matter. TEXT EMMANUELLE MOZAYAN-VERSCHAEVE

Hearth at home

1

Monochrome White painted brick in juxtaposition to the wide, smooth-finished, ebony frame makes the fireplace the focal point of the living room. The circular mirror above attracts attention to the area too, owing to its black outline.

The roundness of the mirror, as well as the vases, serves to soften any of the room’s sharp angles.

2

Authentic Imparting both grit and class, this floor-level linear fireplace is one-of-akind with its ample ebony surround and the imposing wall trophy above.

The central part of the encasement is composed of wide, height-creating vertical bands. The way this fireplace contrasts with the space’s white walls and storage makes it all the more eye-catching.

PHOTOGRAPHY NATALIE CINELLI (1), STOCKSY (2), NICOLE COHEN (3)

3

Majestic This ornate hearth knows how to honour tradition and think creatively at the same time.

Using an eclectic collection of unhung art, mirrors and freshly-cut flowers on the mantle, the cheerful fireplace and the nearby furnishings create a playful, unexpected and modern twist.

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5 Accentuated A modicum of glass highlights the hearth alongside its copper-coloured encasement, which boasts intricate tone-on-tone motifs that are reminiscent of more Asian origins. A perfect choice, since a frame anywhere near this fireplace would tip the scales in the wrong direction. The angled set up is ideal for creating an über-cozy effect, while also making good use of the space by maximizing square footage.

4

Proportionate Contrasting the white wall, marble panels were installed around the fireplace to create proportional harmony with the television. The slender shelving to the right and skinny lamp to the left fill out the space without crowding it.

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7 Elevated The fireplace is located at eye level so those seated at the table get optimal visual exposure. It’s embedded in concrete finish for a natural and contemporary feel.

The two narrow niches, which double as a showcase

PHOTOGRAPHY STOCKSY (5,6,7), ALEX LUCKEY (4)

for fabulous finds, keeps the look from feeling cold.

6

Varied The black painted surround brings this gorgeous old fireplace into the present and finds further enhancement by way of warm, natural, ambient brick. To strike proper fireside balance here, playing with shapes was key, hence the round cart and side table.

DECORATING

Muted shades of plum and pink, a mix of old and new, and generous dashes of gold hearten a family home with contemporary flair.

Visions of sugar

PLUMS TEXT CHRISTY WRIGHT PHOTOGRAPHY ALEX LUKEY STYLING MORGAN LINDSAY

OPPOSITE The soft wrapping paper palette also inspired the holiday dining table.

The pink corduroy chairs are on point year-round and lend themselves perfctly to the home’s holiday palette.

PAINT, Benjamin Moore; WRAPPING PAPER, Minted; PENDANT LIGHT, Rejuvenation; TABLE, PLANT, Ikea; CHAIRS, PLANTER, HomeSense.

LEFT “My Christmas dining table is all about layering, and my sisterin-law helped me pull it off,” says Vanessa.

“We mixed new dishes and flatware with my grandparents’ candlesticks and DIY ornament place settings.” The settings feel special, while eschewing formality.

PLATES, GLASSES, H&M Home; FLATWARE, CB2.

“Stick to tones that match your décor” BELOW Vanessa’s floral secret? “Stick to tones that match your décor but mix in different elements.”

Here the DIY arrangement of full-blown roses, berries, thistles and greens cultivates a professional florist vibe at a fraction of the cost.

T

here are couples who meet in university, locking eyes over a shared sonnet, bonding when they crack a difficult equation or connecting when they show up in identical concert tees. Not David and Vanessa Lindsay. “For us, it was Christmas,” says Vanessa. “We both loved it so much that we started decking out our dorm rooms for the holidays as soon as Halloween was over!”

While some things have changed since their school days—they’re now married, owners of a 1920s-built semi in downtown Toronto and parents to baby Charlotte— their November 1st holiday launch remains the same. “We spend the entire evening decorating, listening to carols, sipping wine and nibbling on charcuterie. It’s festive, fun and we really put effort into it” says Vanessa cheerfully.

When Vanessa and David bought their house four years ago, it needed some of that effort. While they adored its character and original details like the dreamy stainedglass windows that flank the living room fireplace, they craved a more contemporary feel. Plus, the space hadn’t been updated in over 50 years, so they were confident in their decision to gut it, while being careful to salvage whatever original mouldings and gumwood trim they could. All were brightened with fresh coats of paint that David jokingly refers to as, “50 shades of white.”

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“I never like to impose colours that don’t complement the décor" That reinvigorated backdrop became a holiday influencer. “I never like to impose colours that don’t complement the décor,” says Vanessa. “Green and red are great but wouldn’t go with our light aesthetic, so in came plum, pale pink and gold plum.” The sidestepping of classic hues still incorporates traditional meaning. “I have so many treasured tree ornaments that I inherited from my grandparents and one of my favourites is a dove that’s gold.”

The metallic accent sparkles beyond the tree, repeating throughout the space for decorative continuity. It’s also a link between Christmases past and present: This is a home where heirloom brass candlesticks share the tabletop with brand-new gold-tone flatware.

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A window wreath suspended by a pink ribbon, fresh paper whites and an arrangement of dried winter berries ensure that the kitchen got the home’s holiday memo. “We spend a lot of time in the kitchen over the holidays so it’s important that it feels as festive as the rest of the house,” says Vanessa.

CABINETRY, Ikea; HARDWARE, Lowe’s; APPLIANCES, Caplan’s.

ABOVE The perfect accompaniment to tree trimming and easy entertaining, a charcuterie board is one of Vanessa’s holiday traditions. Adding sprigs of fresh rosemary is a genius way to reflect the holiday greens throughout the space.

OPPOSITE, FAR LEFT Scale is everything and Vanessa masters it with her placement of the wreath above the dining room’s bar cart. “It’s not too high up, and I let the panelling act as its frame.” An all-green arrangement references the tree and garland in the living room and acts as an organic counterpoint to the cut-glass Tiffany decanter.

WREATH, HomeSense; BAR CART, West Elm; DECANTER, Tiffany & Co.

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Vanessa tempers the glitz with fresh flowers and natural greenery. “We always have a real tree that I complement with simple pine-bough wreaths hung in every room on the main floor,” she says. The mantel also sports some greenery, but less ornaments than the year before. “A few boxes of decorations remained unpacked because we had our arms full with Charlotte, so the mantel garland isn’t as embellished as it would normally be.”

Not that anyone will notice when they welcome David’s family to a traditional turkey dinner. Vanessa’s family is on the East Coast but they’ll be here in spirit, thanks not only to her inherited ornaments, but also her grandfather’s stuffing, a crowd-pleaser she makes according to his handwritten recipe. “It has a secret ingredient I can gift: St-Hubert barbecue sauce!” It’s a fitting condiment that bridges the gap between the couple’s old student days of takeout food and new Christmas traditions as a young family.

ABOVE David and Lindsay enjoying baby Charlotte’s first Christmas. Look closely at the tree—the heirloom dove ornament at the front is one of Vanessa’s favourites and was the inspiration for her holiday colour scheme.

BELOW A golden shell dish proves that Christmas colours needn’t be prescriptive.

It has an airy, year-round feel yet is a playful complement to the gift wrapping and ribbons.

DISH, H&M Home.

FOR SOURCES, SEE OUR WORKBOOK

ABOVE “I saw this floral wrapping paper online and it set the tone for the holidays,” says Vanessa.

“I love the plum tones and it was my jumping-off point. I picked up bits of its colour throughout the living and dining rooms—it was like it was made for our house.” It also gave Vanessa some artistic license. “I wrapped some boxes entirely, used the paper as a runner on others, mixed in pink striped paper, and left some boxes just plain and dressed up with a satin ribbon.”

GIFT WRAP, Minted.

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STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

Awash in tantalizing tonal colours, glittering touches, and real greenery, the living room feels both contemporary and Christmassy. “Just add sparkle!” says Vanessa. “The twinkly lights and gold touches are my holiday secret to making any palette look festive.” The vintage armchair and interplay of fresh greenery have a nice layered effect and create a dynamic foil to the contemporary furnishings.

SOFA, EQ3; TABLE, RUG, West Elm.

“Twinkly lights and gold touches are my holiday secret"

GIFT GUIDE

3 1

4

2 5

The ultimate guide to kick-start the gift-giving season with style and a little bit of shimmer.

gift guide

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7 9 8

Gold moment

1 AUDREY TABLE LAMP 23 in, $65, Structube; 2 ANIMALIA COASTERS, 78$, Jonathan Adler; 3 Double Layer Metal CEILING LAMP, $79,99, Bouclair; 4 Scented CANDLE, $12,99, H&M Home; 5 Copper MUGS, set of 2, $19,99, HomeSense; 6 Crystal glasses, set of 4, Sophia Tumbler, $330, Aerin; 7 Vlad beetle BOTTLE OPENER, $26,95, CB2; 8 Gold and GLASS TRAY 16 in, $49.99, CANVAS; 9 Three wise monkeys resin STATUETTES, $14,99, Bouclair.

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14 11

13

12 10

15

16

True blue

10 Westwind toile TRAY, 18 in., $98, Serena and Lily; 11 Emerald cast iron KETTLE, $24,99, Winners; 12 Claude Monet Water Lilies UMBRELLA, $40, Art Gallery of Ontario; 13 Retro portable bluetooth SPEAKER, $19,99, Marshalls; 14 Patterned lucite TRAY, monogramming, $100, Mark and Graham; 15 Botanica PITCHER, $58, Anthropologie; 16 Audrey glass bud VASE, $12, Rejuvenation; 17 Majalisa, CUSHION COVER, $5,99, Ikea; 18 Viola mother-of-pearl cheese KNIVES, set of 3, $29,95, CB2; 19 Retro

17

wireless KEYBOARD, $24,99, Marshalls.

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GIFT GUIDE

22

20

21

23

25

24

28

Total texture

26

20 Pastel speckle MUGS, $10 each, West Elm; 21 Full dose square TRAY, $38, Jonathan Adler; 22 Ersilia SALAD BOWL, Seletti’s collection, 10.5 in, $248, Bergo Designs; 23 Horoscope TEA TOWELS, $12 each, West Elm; 24 Tapestry BLANKET by viso, V37, $297, Goodee; 25 Blake marble SERVER, $39,95, CB2; 26 Enjoy bistro tile CANISTER, $24, Anthropologie; 27 Tally CUSHION, 17.5 in X 17.5 in, $19, Structube; 28 WALL ART, Laurent 1, Agia Sophia, V. Klauss artist, 31 in x 66 in, price on request, Avenue design.

27

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29

30 31

32

Animal instinct

29 Optic stripes GLASS BIRDS, $19 each, West Elm; 30 Naughty and nice PET BOWLS, $12,99, Winners; 31 Hunting mouse CAT TRAINER and treat dispenser, $19,99, Winners; 32 Custom pet portrait, $65, Shana Patry, Etsy; 33 Kat led LAMP, 14 in, $19, Structube; 34 Llama wall CLOCK, 12 in, $9,99, HomeSense; 35 Canvas CUSHION $12,99, H&M Home; 36 Elephant SALT AND PEPPER set, $48, Jonathan Adler; 37 Ceramic dog treat JAR, $19,99, Marshalls.

33 34 37

36

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GIFT GUIDE

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40 38

41 42

45 43

Kid friendly

38 Table LAMP, $39,99, Ikea; 39 Ziffa, the Nubian GIRAFFE by Carapau, 12 in, $133, Goodee; 40 TOOTH TENT, $38, Anthropologie; 41 Pom-pom and bell GARLAND, $9,99, HomeSense; 42 Paper-mache MASK, $34 each, Pottery Barn kids; 43 MOBILE, Elephant, $86,99, Elte; 44 Owl table led LAMP, $9,99, Ikea; 45 Little llama kids QUILT, Jane Newland, $98 for toddler, Anthropologie.

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49

47 46 48

Girls night

46 Camiri CUSHION, 17.5 in X 17.5 in, $22, Structube; 47 Claudia Pearson City TEA TOWEL, $18 each, West Elm; 48 Makeup carry-all ORGANIZER, $39,99, Winners; 49 LED decorative heart, $19,99, Bouclair; 50 Pineapple SHAKER, Summit TM, Viski, $86,99, Wayfair; 51 CERAMIC CATCHALL, monogramming, $35 each, Mark and Graham; 52 Tara Lilly Backyard Tamsin KIDS CHAIR, $68, Anthropologie; 53 CROWN CANTEEN, Jean-Michel Basquiat X Corksickle, $75, Art Gallery of Ontario; 54 Peel pink glass BOWL, $14,95, CB2.

50

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GIFT GUIDE

55 57

56 58 59

Boys club

55 Cruz BULLDOG decor, $79, Urban Barn; 56 Untitled Skull CANTEEN Jean-Michel Basquiat X Corksickle, $75, AGO; 57 Corrine Hunt Namwayut Recycled glass SERVERS, $52, AGO; 58 HORN PLAYERS, 1983, by the Skateroom, Jean-Michel Basquiat, $736, Goodee; 59 200-Game MINI ARCADE, $24,99, Marshalls; 60 WI-FI decorative PILLOW, 18 in X 18 in, $19,99, Bouclair; 61 Canadian-made LAPTOP BAG, $49,99, Marshalls; 62 Handcrafted wooden 3-in-1 GAME BOARD, $79,99, HomeSense; 63 CAGED BULB with led light, $19,99, Bouclair.

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STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

OF THE

2020

COLOUR

YEAR

Honey I’m Home

Honey I’m Home. Liquid amber for your walls. This warm, golden hue reflects the resurgence of camel in fashion and home. Bold and beautiful pure hue without being raw. How sweet it is.

Available exclusively at Home Hardware and Building Centre locations.

Actual paint colour may not be as shown. beauti-tone.ca

SC193-3

DECORATING

Purchasing the presents is only half the battle—uh, we mean fun! Not to worry. With just a bit of imagination, the possibilities are endless. Take inspiration from these easy-to-follow examples.

Take it to the next level with a customframed pic of the gift-getter.

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A THAT’S WRAP

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

2 3

2. GIFT CARDS

Is there anything a glue gun can’t do?

Easily create these cute, custom tags.

1. HODGEPODGE

ALL NATURAL Coloured string, a wooden tag, a letter, and some seasonal holly enhancement. COPPER LEAFING Apply metal leaf adhesive to the carboard and let sit 15 minutes.

Then apply copper leaf, brushing lightly to remove any excess. QUICK AND EASY A craft paper tag and stylized letter united by a leather string. METAL TAG Take permanent marker to a metal tag and glue it to paper covered in little copper cardboard discs. BIG BELL A squirt of spray paint for the bell, slap a letter onto it, and that’s all, folks!

BLOCK LETTER Perfect for easily ID’ing the recipient of your gift, plus it’s reusable. Go ahead and paint it, should the fancy strike. PLAYFUL A string, a tag and an adorable little wooden clothespin to hold it all together.

Cut the cardboard as big or small as you want it and machine sew a seam. For the tree, cut the trunk and branches from brown cardboard, then glue everything together. Adorn your tree with ornaments with a little hot glue. Top it off with handwritten holiday wishes or print them on cardboard with ink and a rubber stamp.

3. RETRO Wrap your presents and hold them together with grosgrain

ribbon, creating fabulous DIY bows using any excess. For the tag, use a rubber stamp and ink to print the pattern, hole punch the shape and attach to your desired gift.

4. CRAFT After carefully wrapping your present with craft paper and ribbon, use a paint pen to delightfully scribble, draw out a pattern or jot down your holiday wishes. You can also use coloured pencils. A touch of (real or faux) fir gives your gift that natural feel.

4

DECORATING

PURE & SIMPLE

A chic, modern renovation is a striking backdrop for a playful holiday scheme by designer Ami McKay. TEXT KATIE HAYDEN PHOTOGRAPHY JANIS NICOLAI STYLING AMI MCKAY

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As

world-class competitive badminton players (and now a coach and businessperson, respectively), Anna Rice and Bobby Milroy aren’t afraid of hard work. But partway through renovating their 2,400-square-foot boxy, undistinguished “Vancouver special” in the Trout Lake neighbourhood, they realized that they couldn’t manage the reno on their own and called in assistance from designer, Ami McKay, of Pure Design. The multi-year project saw them gut the house, move the three bedrooms and main bathroom downstairs, and the kitchen, dining and living rooms up top. With the budget tight, they invested in making the main living spaces open-concept so that they felt more spacious. As Ami explains, this would get more light flowing through and maximize the lovely views of Trout Lake and the park across the street.” Then they perfected the backdrop, layering in sleek, modern elements like a custom kitchen, handsome (but inexpensive) vinyl-plank floors, a concrete fireplace façade and floating fir shelves. Here, Ami decorated the home for Christmas in a suitably playful, modern way.

OPPOSITE Simplicity defines the interior design. “We kept the base light and natural,” Ami says. “Then, we made it fun, colourful and happy.” The dining area’s banquette extends out from the kitchen, offering space-saving seating for a crowd and storage underneath.

A curated selection of pillows injects contemporary flair, while sprightly gnomes (above) from Denmark imbue a magical Christmas mood. Ami made the simple garland with fir and eucalyptus sprigs; for the rest of the year, this wire holds children’s artwork.

TABLE, Bryght (now Article); LIGHT, 18Karat; PILLOWS, handmade GNOMES by Maileg, Nineteen Ten; TEA TOWEL, HomeSense; VASE, GLASSES, Oak + Fort; PURPLE PILLOW, RUG and WEAVE, Pure Syrian Collection.

ABOVE Designer Ami McKay took a lighthearted approach to decorating the house for Christmas—in part to appeal to Anna and Bobby’s children, Noa, 5, and Robby, 7. “It’s all about joy,” Ami says. “This house is pure joy.” In the kitchen, for example, quirky bearded gnomes, found by Anna at a Christmas market in Copenhagen, preside over the counter by the sink. The room’s contemporary flat-front

cabinets, custom-built by Anna and Robby’s millworker, have tidy integrated pulls.

Finished in white, the upper cabinets blend into the backsplash—long, textural subway tile installed in a herringbone pattern—for an airy look. Floating wooden shelves let Anna, a two-time Olympian, display treasured collectibles.

A new clerestory-style window lets in natural light but avoids views of a neighbouring wall.

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Artful earthenware vases handmade by California ceramicist Gopi Shah enhance the Christmas mood with their sweet heart-shaped faces. For Christmas, Ami dressed them up with pine and eucalyptus clippings.

Thoughtful elements like the white walls and fir floating shelves form a crisp backdrop against which the owners can display a changing array of contemporary furniture and accessories as they invest in new pieces over the years. For the holidays,

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Ami swapped out the usual collectibles displayed on the floating fir shelves for seasonal adornments like pint-sized bottlebrush trees in jewel tones. Along with the vivacious tassels on the stockings (right), these tiny trees were a jumping-off point for the Christmas look Ami created. “The wooden trucks are built by an old man on the North Shore,” she says.

VASE, Anthropologie; TRUCK, Bill Chalmers; BOTTLEBRUSH TREES, Michaels

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

In

the living room zone, elements like the durable new vinyl-plank flooring set in a herringbone pattern to give it that chic, of-the-moment look, along with the austere concretefinished chimney breast, establish the basis for the breezy, new, contemporary look.

LEFT Stockings hung from a wire slung across the chimney breast herald the holiday season in the living room area. A plate on the coffee table is piled high with Christmas cookies for friends and family, while Santa gets his own wee snack by the gas fireplace. A patterned wool rug is colourful and spill-friendly underfoot.

RUG, CB2; GAMES, HomeSense; CANDLESTICKS, The Cross; CHALKBOARD, SIDE TABLES, Gautier Studio; MUG, Nineteen Ten; FLOORING, EZ-Grip; STOCKINGS, Anthropologie.

ABOVE The home’s minimalist modern design carries into the main-floor bathroom, where an angular vessel sink sits atop a simple fir countertop, lit by a punchy highlighter-yellow pendant light designed by Mattias Ståhlbom for Muuto.

A handful of Silver Dollar eucalyptus, with its slightly frosted hue, adds a hint of Christmas in the utilitarian space. A glass-panelled door lets natural light into the space.

LIGHT, Vancouver Special.

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A stuffed monkey pulled out of five-year-old Noa’s bedroom and plunked under the tree atop a stack of gifts brings a little extra whimsy to Ami’s holiday decorating scheme. Delicate pink twine (it’s actually biodegradable!) unifies gifts wrapped in an array

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of recycled papers like the low-key dotted kraft paper, unpatterned newsprint and lively green wrap found at a dollar store. Sprigs of greenery tied onto a few packages add a fresh, natural look.

PINK CORD, Michaels.

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

of hot pink put a fashion-forward spin on Christmas in the living room area. “We wanted a Scandinavian feel, so we used pale colours and natural elements as our base, and then we chose some bright colourful tones to add in,” Ami says, who offers designers’ tip for choosing a tree. “I love to do two trees— it’s my signature move, and a good way to fill up a space,” she says. “I always love a Charlie Brown tree: A tree where you can see the lines of the branches, see through it, and see the pieces you put on the tree.” A vintage Beni Ouarain rug, crisscrossed by magenta stripes, feels cozy and casual underfoot in the family-friendly room, and vibrant garlands (made by Ami out of felt balls) adorning the trees riff on the colours of the stocking tassels across the room.

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DECORATING

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STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

The joyful anticipation of hanging the final, sparkly star atop the Christmas tree is even more exciting when it’s the first Christmas Eve in a new home. Anna and Borys moved in just before Easter, so the house has already enjoyed its inaugural celebrations. However, Christmas is a special time for this family, and they wanted to make sure the modern aesthetic would blend seamlessly with traditional Christmas customs as well.

PHOTOGRAPHY LEO ZAPPERT, PHOTOFOYER

MODERN HOLIDAYS

WHITE, GRAPHITE, BLACK,

colors so dear to Ewelina, matched the simple and timeless elegance of the house. The main floor palette plays up the minimalist, modern vibe, while maintaining the relaxed mood that Anna and Borys sought for both quiet evenings and weekend entertaining.

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THEY TOOK CARE OF EVERY DETAIL WITH GREAT CARE

Borys recalls how it all began. “I didn’t want to use the help of an architect,” he explains.

He initially felt that it was money “down the drain”, and they could do it themselves. Yet, the house needed lots of loving (and professional) care: electrical, heating, plumbing, and new floors and paint. Reality soon sunk in and they realized professional help was, indeed, required.

With the help of a good friend, they finally found an architect—Ewelina Jankowska, at Ipnotic Architecture Studio. For an architect, it is always particularly challenging to walk into a project mid-way, when multiple people may have touched the project and there is a lack of consistency and harmony in the space. Since the house did not have existing stairs, Ewelina was able to use that as a jumping off point to create a cohesive flow and striking focal point.

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Holiday decorating is a family affair, with everyone participating in the festivities. Their daughter prepares the small stable herself, using cardboard, real hay and hand-sewn costumes for the characters.

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STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

HOLIDAY DECORATING IS A FAMILY AFFAIR The minimalist simplicity creates the perfect backdrop for this family’s holiday preferences, and all that is left to do is tie the ribbons on the gifts, light the candles and pour the eggnog.

TIME FOR WISHES Anna and Borys stray from their modern sensibilities for the holidays though, preferring a more traditional Christmas setting. Their large, festive table is typically set for 12, with extra seating for last-minute unexpected guests.

This is a trinket and tinsel-free home, with the family preferring to adorn the tree with understated ornaments instead. Care is taken to preserve the real tree so that it can be replanted in their garden come springtime.

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NOVEMBER 2019

DEC(ORATE) THE HALLS

There ‘s something about November that invites nesting. As our tastes in the kitchen turn to traditional, warming dishes, our decor taste starts to favour the familiar and the festive. With the upcoming holidays teasing us with twinkly lights and sparkly accessories, holiday decor can do no wrong—and if you’re allergic to red and green, you’ll love the soft plums and rose golds captured in this month’s issue.

COSY RETREAT

A Stable Solution

It’s not everyday that a designer is presented with an opportunity to transform her family’s once-beloved horse stable into a cosy retreat.

TEXT BRENDA L MORRISON PHOTOGRAPHY STACEY BRANDFORD STYLING MORGAN LINDSAY

OPPOSITE This is where everyone congregates to unwind and catch up. A sense of calm is derived from the extensive use of natural materials, both old and new. In fact, it’s often difficult to discern which is which. For example, the magnificent sliding barn doors appear to be custom built but are, in fact, close to seventy years old! The original pine was in such pristine condition that all it required was a thorough cleaning and some lacquer. Similarly, one might assume the flooring to be original when it’s brand new— smooth flagstone was laid overtop the existing concrete floor—as is the wall, which was custom designed to incorporate a gas fireplace (the only source of heat in the building). The flagstone floors keep cool, which is great in the summer, but come winter they can get quite cold; so new and vintage rugs, while a decorative touch, are also practical. There are baskets full of spare

blankets and throws scattered about to keep everyone warm and comfortable on cold nights. The furnishings are both affordable and versatile, with many multipurpose pieces: the pull-out couch converts to a double bed and the homemade side tables are often used as stools for extra seating. “With a deep-seat couch, a blazing fire and a glass wine in hand, it’s hard to leave after the holidays.”

COUCH, CHAIRS, Ikea; RUGS, Ikea and vintage; PILLOWS, Tonic Living; CHRISTMAS TREES, Bradford Greenhouse; TRACK-DOOR HARDWARE, original; PENDANTS, Restoration Hardware; WOOD ORNAMENTS, GARLAND, Target.

RIGHT No longer used for dashing through the snow, an old horse sleigh found when clearing out the stable is a charming nod to the building’s provenance.

CHAIRS, Bradford Greenhouse; CUSHIONS, Urban Barn; WREATHS, Bradford Greenhouse.

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Built in the 1950s, the single-story structure was constructed specifically for keeping horses, complete with individual stalls, but in recent years the stable has been used solely for storage. With designer Ashley Montgomery taking the lead, her family’s goal was to create a relaxing retreat that sleeps up to ten comfortably—perfect for friends and family to get together.

Ashley, her siblings, and their own families, can visit anytime without worrying about getting in the way or creating extra work for their parents. Much like a summer bunkie up at someone’s cottage, but with the added convenience of a kitchen and bath, they can stay for days without even venturing outside, which is great whenever they get snowed in. “It’s just outside Toronto, so it’s the perfect distance to get away on a moment’s notice. We go up as often as we can, and always for the holidays,“ says Ashley.

Staying true to her eclectic style of mixing vintage with modern, Ashley also incorporated ingenious repurposing to the mix. The result is an exceptionally well-curated collection of furniture, décor and one-of-a-kind ephemera, much of which has cherished ties to family members. “There’s a special sense of pride that I feel for this project. In fact, it wasn’t so much a project as a labour of love, one I worked on even while pregnant (with my son Aiden),” says Ashley. “There’s no television or WiFi, so it’s truely an off-the-grid retreat.”

RIGHT “The holiday décor is right at home with the year-round décor. Nothing is distracting or looks out of place,” says Ashley.

There are already hits of green and gold throughout. Come Christmas, she adds even more gold accessories, such as antique candlesticks, while also using fresh, fragrant pine, spruce and eucalyptus. “When I come up for the holidays, I keep things simple—it’s the one time of the year I’d rather be spending time with family than decorating.”

OPPOSITE The openconcept kitchen makes entertaining easy.

Taking inspiration from muted neutrals of the stonework and the warm wood tones,

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Ashley kept to a simple yet sophisticated colour palette, bringing together creamy whites, rich caramel and jet black. She kept to these colours for all six main rooms, helping the space feel unified. In the kitchen, she opted for black window frames to match the rest of the hardware. Especially noteworthy is the magnificent black corrugated metal ceiling. The cohesive colour palette allows the flexibility to move pieces around to change up the look: Often a pitcher from the kitchen ends up filled with flowers and relocated to the master bedroom.

CABINETS, PLATES, CHARGER, Ikea; NAPKINS, Target.

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

LEFT Ashley brought a number of pieces of family furniture out of storage, including the bathroom vanity that was once her brother’s desk. Subway tiles are a timeless choice and the black grout keeps things modern. Tying in with the rest of the space, the bathroom ceiling is painted black.

PAINT, Benjamin Moore; MIRROR, Rejuvination; SCONCE, Restoration Hardware; FAUCET, Brizio; SOAP DISPENSER, CB2; TRAY, Ashley Montgomery Collection.

Staying true to her eclectic style of mixing vintage with modern, Ashley also incorporated ingenious repurposing tricks to the mix.

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HOME

“Because everything fits into the same colour scheme, I often move things around from room to room to freshen things up.”

Inside are decorative nods to the horses that once lived in the stable and roamed the family estate, including a framed photograph of the horse Ashley’s mom once rode.

LEFT Ashley left the original stall walls intact. The top of the side walls are open, with original metal framing.

Where once a horse would rest after dashing through the snow, now there is sleeping for four with the clever use of two comfy twin bunk beds. “It’s been a late-night hit when I’ve had some girlfriends up for a weekend,” says Ashley.

BUNK BEDS, Wayfair.

OPPOSITE Occupying one of the original horse stalls is a timeless, queen-sized brass bed, originally a wedding gift to Ashley’s parents. Ashley had it hauled out of storage

and polished up as good as new. The original door to the stall slides along a black track. To one side was a sink and trough for a horse to drink and feed from. She chose to keep the metal sink as a decorative element (the patina is exquisite) while covering the trough over for muchneeded shelf space.

Homemade burlap curtains offer a sense of warmth and privacy. The bedskirt allows for convenient out-of-sight storage under the bed.

LIGHTING, L’Atelier; PILLOWS, Tonic Living.

FOR SOURCES, SEE OUR WORKBOOK

“The holiday style is right at home with the year-round style. Nothing is distracting or looks out of place.”

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FRESHER AND CHICER

FROM TRADITIONAL TO TRANSITIONAL TEXT KATIE HAYDEN PHOTOGRAPHY ROBIN STUBBERT STYLING ANN MARIE FAVOT

Fate—and a few favourite pins on Pinterest—brought designer Brittaney Elgner and two Ontario homeowners together to dust off their old home and create an airy, open one.

While the sofas have classic lines and a deep traditional colourway, their cozy velvet upholstery and plump cushions invite guests to make themselves at home.

Stylish sculptural lighting—a floor lamp by Kelly Wearstler and sconces by Aerin—make the space feel updated and luxe. Gold giftwrap ties into the gold and brass accessories found throughout the main floor.

PAINTING, Loch Gallery; SOFA, Muskoka Living Interiors; LINEN THROW PILLOW, Elte Mkt; RUG, Nourison; MOHAIR THROW PILLOWS, FLOOR LAMP, Cocoon; SCONSES, Restoration Hardware; PAINT, Benjamin Moore.

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It’s said that absence makes the heart grow fonder. In Debbie Leiningen’s case, it also made the eye grow sharper. When Debbie and her husband Hermann returned to their southeast Oakville, Ont., home in 2017 after living in London, England, for three years, she was struck by how dark, dated and heavy her house felt.

It had been 15 years since they bought and decorated it, and they’d lived overseas twice—in Lausanne, Switzerland, before London, for Hermann’s job.

Coupled with the fact that their three daughters (Tatiana, Nadia and Alexa, 29, 27 and 21 respectively) had moved away to go to university or get married, it was enough to motivate Debbie to start researching kitchen cabinetmakers and floor refinishers. She has long had a passion for interior design, decorating her own homes over the years, and helping friends redo theirs. She felt that overhauling her “past-its-prime” kitchen and lightening up the medium-toned oak floors throughout the main level would go a long way toward creating the lighter, more contemporary look she craved for the 4,200-square-foot home.

But when she was researching favourite styles and finishes on Pinterest, destiny intervened. Debbie stumbled across a foyer that looked surprisingly similar to hers, just fresher and chicer. It was just the look she was after! A few weeks later, that Pinner named Brittaney Elgner hung out her virtual shingle, announcing to her followers that she was launching an interior design firm, Olly + Em. And as fate would have it, Brittaney also lived in Oakville, and the house Debbie had so admired was Brittaney’s own.

“Debbie had stumbled across me on Pinterest, and we actually live right down the street from one another,” Brittaney says. “It’s such a small world!”

LEFT Light-enhancing details like filling in one wall panel with mirror, installing the elegant Presidio sconce on top of the mirror and using glass shelves inside the handsome built-in cabinet that house Debbie’s fine china and silver, keep the dining room feeling bright and airy.

OPPOSITE In the formal dining room, the furnishings are edited but striking: an unusual Roche Bobois table inlaid with stone, plush royal blue dining chairs, a lively painting by Lucie Leduc and a dramatic chandelier that feels at once medieval and modern. A handful of eucalyptus that looks like it’s dusted in snow and a wreath resting casually on the sideboard quietly nod to Christmas.

TABLE, HUTCH, Roche Bobois; ART, In2art Gallery; CHAIR FABRIC, Kravet Canada; CHANDELIER, Arteriors; SCONCE, Presidio; VASE, Cocoon; HARDWARE, Oakville Fine Hardware.

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IN THE FORMAL DINING ROOM, THE FURNISHINGS ARE EDITED BUT STRIKING.

ROOMY, UPHOLSTERED CHAIRS ENCIRCLING THE RUSTIC TRESTLE TABLE INVITE LINGERING.

LEFT When Debbie and Hermann bought the house, the builder had already installed the kitchen directly beyond the foyer. Based on a European tradition, Debbie had them shift it (to the right) so it’s not visible from the entryway. Simple changes like recovering the bench in a dynamic geometric fabric and swapping simplified iron pickets into the stair railing took the foyer from traditional to transitional.

BELOW The breakfast table is dressed for Christmas with a garland of eucalyptus greens dotted with matte and shiny pink balls. Cutlery, glassware and china in modern shapes and shades keep the elegantly decorated room from feeling fussy or old-fashioned.

TABLE, Winterberry Lane; CANDLESTICKS, Elte; CUTLERY, IKEA; PLATES Zara.

UPHOLSTERY, Kravet Canada; FLOORING, Antique Hardwood Flooring.

LEFT Tucked between the kitchen and great room sitting area, the breakfast room, which offers expansive views of the backyard, is a favourite gathering place. Debbie looked to Belgian kitchens for inspiration. “They’re classic, clean and timeless,” she says. “I’m also influenced by French style, the herringbone floors, the panelled walls.”

Here, roomy upholstered chairs encircling the rustic trestle table invite lingering, and cabinets nearby are fitted with a wine fridge for easy access while dining. Artful black candlesticks and a pared-back lantern fixture anchor the room’s pale palette.

TABLE, Winterberry Lane; CHAIRS, Woodbridge; CHANDELIER, Cocoon; CANDLESTICKS, Elte; CUTLERY, IKEA; DISHES, Zara; DRAPERY, Qdesign; FLOOR FINISH, Rubio Monocoat.

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What started off as a kitchen renovation quickly snowballed into taking all of the main floor down to drywall. “The house has a traditional architectural feel to it. We wanted to lighten and brighten that,” Brittaney explains. As planned, they refinished the floors—sanding off the stain and sealing them in a clear coat. They swapped out too-formal stone flooring in the foyer for pale oak floors in a chevron pattern. “Then, we did a lot of editing,” Debbie says. “We kept just the things we loved, things that were either beautiful or practical.” They freshened up the palette throughout, and updated all the lighting, a crucial step in achieving a savvier look, Brittaney says. “We pushed the envelope and did fresh, contemporary light fixtures to balance the home’s traditional feel,” she explains.

OPPOSITE The paint colour, Cloud Cover by Benjamin Moore, that Debbie and Brittaney chose for the kitchen cabinetry has a chameleon-like quality.

“It reads as grey some days, and has this beautiful warmth to it on others,” Brittaney says. A pretty Palladian-style window over the farmhouse sink looks out on the backyard.

CABINETRY, Top Notch Cabinets; COUNTERS, BACKSPLASH, Neolith; SCONCES, Muskoka Living Interiors; HARDWARE, Oakville Fine Hardware.

ABOVE A tall new cabinet designed by Brittaney in the kitchen displays Debbie’s more casual serving pieces. The door alongside that leads to the laundry room. A key move in brightening and modernizing the home was sanding down all the floors, which were a mix of red and white oak all stained a medium tone, and sealing them in a colourless finish.

FLOOR FINISH, Rubio Monocoat; COUNTERTOP, Neolith; STOOLS, House Warmings; CABINET FABRICATION, Top Notch BOWLS (TOP SHELF), Elte Mkt.

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RIGHT Debbie wanted a white kitchen, but everyone does a white kitchen, so we did something a little bit more elevated and special,” Brittaney explains. “We just kept adding elements—the Wolf stove, the brass pulls with Lucite in them, the linen on the barstools, those unexpected contemporary pendants by Kelly Wearstler—to create interest and warmth to the space.” The island’s waterfall counter is made of Neolith, a lightweight, durable sintered surfacing.

VASES, Elte Mkt.

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

“WE KEPT JUST THE THINGS WE LOVED, THINGS THAT WERE EITHER BEAUTIFUL OR PRACTICAL.”

The construction took three months and was completed in the summer of 2018. “Brittaney took the project to the next level. She’s a lover of beautiful things, and it was a great collaboration because of different things that we each brought to the project.”

The redesign took the home from traditional to transitional, exactly what Debbie had wanted. “It feels much more casual. It has a pareddown simplicity,” she says. “And it feels really liberating to live with only the things we love most. It feels lighter, airier and more relaxed.”

For Debbie, the redesign was also conceptual. “It was time to change the way we use the house. It went from a childhood home to a more grownup home. Now, it’s a gathering place. We still spend lots of time together. They’re all over for dinner tonight, for instance,” she confides.

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“And we host all kinds of celebrations here: graduation parties, engagement parties. And we love to be able to do that.”

This will be the second holiday season the family spends in the revamped space. Brittaney and Debbie think the rooms look best dusted in just a light sprinkling of Christmas—armloads of beautiful natural greenery, and a few ornaments and gifts in gold and blush wrap to tie into tones of the decor. “We have four birthdays around Christmas with big fam jams. And in between all those celebrations, everybody sleeps here on Christmas Day, so December really is a huge month for us to entertain.” Luckily, Debbie and Brittaney have decked the halls and decorated them perfectly.

“IT FEELS MUCH MORE CASUAL. IT HAS A PARED-DOWN SIMPLICITY.” LEFT Protea flowers bring the pink Christmas theme colour into the kitchen and great room.

ABOVE, RIGHT Brittaney gave Debbie and Hermann’s great room fireplace a lighter, more timeless look by stripping away a heavy stone surround, boxing out the fireplace in drywall and moulding, and adding a simple Graffiti marble facing and framed panel of the antiqued mirror above.

Bold, dusty pink protea flowers pick up on the hue

of the sofas, adding a modern hit of Christmas.

Shutters on the windows flanking the fireplace were removed, brightening the room dramatically.

MANTEL, JM Butler; VASE, Hofland; STOOL, Cocoon.

Hardware; PAINT Benjamin Moore.

FOR SOURCES, SEE OUR WORKBOOK

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RUSTIC-MODERN

Going

DUTCH

In this stunningly subdued rustic-modern farmhouse, a pareddown approach proves that less really is more, even at Christmas.

TEXT IRIS BENAROIA PHOTOGRAPHY ROBIN STUBBERT STYLING CHRISTINE HANLON

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These Dutch dairy farmers live in a captivating, minimalist farmhouse on 100 acres in Bruce County, just outside of Walkerton, Ont. Here, a putty-and-grey palette, rustic family heirlooms, matte metals and giant urns bearing foraged greenery feel lifted right out of an Old Dutch Masters painting.

LEFT From the concealed hood vent to the flat-front cabinets, the kitchen’s lack of ornamentation has a muted elegance. A texturally rich wreath from Holland quietly signals the season. Evergreen branches are a happy splash of colour tucked into the two heavy concrete vases that Diana brought back from Holland.

COUNTERTOP, Caesarstone; PAN, gift from parents; POTS, Amazon.

OPPOSITE The painterly composition speaks to Diana’s pared-back style.

Though plain, the interest arises from the varying shades, shapes and textures found in the tall concrete finial, concrete ornament and wooden vase.

The sawhorse-style table evokes rugged, natural beauty in the kitchen.

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OPPOSITE Diana originally wanted an island but the space was snug; adding the sawhorse-style table evokes rugged, natural beauty in the kitchen.

“It’s one of a kind because it’s very long,” says Diana.

“I love antique furniture.

I like a mix of furnishings.

Many of the pieces were brought over from Holland and have been in the family for years.”

TABLE, Shakespeare Antique Centre.

BELOW Clutch, the Basset hound (one of the family’s four dogs), is an adorable welcome in the patio’s entryway. “I designed the shelf, which my son, Gerjan, made when he was 13- years-old,” says Diana. Barely there branches befit the serene scene.

WICKER CHAIR, antique, homeowners’ own; GREY BLANKET, sheep skin from Europe; PILLOWS, Walmart; CEILING LIGHT, from Holland’s HK Living; TEAK WOOD TABLE from Europe.

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It’s a fitting comparison, considering the Weerts, including their children—Robine, 13, Antoine, 16, and Gerjan, 19, are from Holland.

“I brought a lot of the pieces over when we emigrated,” notes Diana of the move a decade ago. “We were farmers back there, too, with a huge old house. I love furniture and design, especially when it’s a mix of country, rustic and modern.”

The family also shares their sofas with four dogs and two cats. And Antoine has two Galloway cows (the only pets in the household that don’t get lounge rights on the sofa). A barn nearby houses 100 Holstein dairy cows.

Despite having no formal training, Diana herself devised the interior look for the open-concept bungalow, with help from Whitechurch Contractors.

“I actually hate bungalows,” laughs Diana, “No matter how old or new, I don’t like that they’re flat and low but if you find a farm you like, you go for it. You can always renovate the house.”

That was the case when the Weerts moved to Bruce County; they lived on another farm for five years before snagging the 3,300-square-foot house in 2015. “It was badly dated,” says Diana of the two-month-long renovation. “The floors, kitchen cupboards and vanities were all honeyoak wood, and the layout was crowded and boxy. Everywhere you turned were small rooms, walls and doors.”

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Laden for a feast, the black ceramic tableware and wispy Christmas greenery (note the large knot of greenery draped on the mirror!) is earthy and eye-catching. A prominent pendant from Restoration Hardware is a showstopper that anchors the scene. “We put in the propane-burning fireplace for warmth and coziness,” notes Diana. “The kitchen is our favourite place because there’s a big patio door on the right, where two windows let in lots of light.”

CHAIRS, Wayfair; TABLE, wedding purchase; PLATES, Kitchen Cupboard; SHEEPSKIN, from Europe.

“We put in the propane-burning fireplace for warmth and coziness�

RIGHT Some of the family’s treasured keepsakes from Holland are shown here.

The beautifully worn cupboard behind the sofa is an antique food pantry. The wooden baskets on top are old Chinese grain carriers and the table is a wooden wine pedestal table.

OPPOSITE Made for snuggling, the gorgeously grey living room features generously-sized bucket chairs and a plush velvet sofa. The Christmas decor seamlessly blends with the simple style. For a festive touch, Diana hung two bells on a cutting board.

VASE, from Holland; LIGHTING Home Hardware.

CHAIRS, Wayfair; COFFEE TABLE, PANTRY, from Holland; SOFA, Article.

BELOW Kraft paper and raffia string are a simple solution to wrapping gifts when you’re allergic to traditional Christmas colours.

VASE, Pottery Barn.

Such visual clutter deprived the two-bedroom house, which was built in 2000, of natural light. “The living room only had one window,” recalls Diana. “We’re in a pastoral setting with lots of beautiful fields, so it was a shame to block the view.”

So she rejigged the layout to capture the farm’s scenic landscape, demolishing walls for a better, sleeker flow. She also added hefty wood beams to trick the eye into thinking the farmhouse is of a much older vintage. “The beams are for decor only.

I bought them off of Facebook Marketplace,” says Diana, whose love of design started early.

“My mom was always painting kitchen cupboards and sewing curtains. As a child, I painted little curtains on the windows of my Lego house with Wite-Out—that made my brother nuts.”

Fast-forward to this house, where Diana custom-mixed the paint, but not with stark white. “White reflects the snow, making you feel cold,” she says. “I used Pure & Original’s fresco lime paint to give the walls a warm, velvet look. Moody colours make a home cozier, especially in winter.”

Come Christmas time, Diana’s love of cozy spaces extends to the way she decorates for the season. Sheepskin rugs casually slung over benches and chairs make for a warm ambience, as well as pampered seating that not only pleases the humans but the pets, too.

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“If I put up glitzy green and red ornamentation, it wouldn’t suit the calm, rustic decor”

Throughout the home simple ornamentation—a solitary wreath from Holland pinned over the hood vent, a Christmas tree proud in natural hues—makes it feel festive but not fussy. “If I put up glitzy green and red ornamentation it wouldn’t suit the calm, rustic decor,” says Diana. “And I would feel sick of it after a couple of days. I prefer greenery that I find outside, or sometimes I’ll buy some cuttings,” she says, adding happily: “I never tire of it. It stays up right until the end of January.”

“We accidentally hit a deer and thought this would be a nice way to honour it.”

RIGHT “We accidentally hit the deer on the road and we thought it would be a nice way to honour the animal,” says Diana. “The dresser is a really old piece of farm equipment used in Holland to store livestock feed.”

LANTERNS, Nature’s Nest.

OPPOSITE Letting the vignettes have breathing room allows you to enjoy each piece, from the group of earthenware to the homespun wreaths. A radio and a television are stashed inside the traditional armoire from Holland, which is about 60 years old. “We don’t like huge TVs and electronics out in the open,” says Diana.

A wooden board with bells subtly say, “It’s Christmas.”

FOR SOURCES, SEE OUR WORKBOOK

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FOOD

West Coast cravings

AGED CHEDDAR, SMOKED HAM AND APPLE GALETTE (recipe p.94)

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With its sprawling, boat-lined harbours and abundant farmlands, Vancouver Island is the perfect backdrop for culinary expression. From foraging fiddleheads to harvesting Fanny Bay oysters, West Coast authors DL Acken and Emily Lycopolus tempt us with flavours from local farms, forrests, fields and sea in the newly released cookbook, Cedar + Salt.

RECIPES DL ACKEN & EMILY LYCOPOLUS PHOTOGRAPHY DL ACKEN | STYLIST AURELIA LOUVET

SWEET CORN AND BACON CHOWDER

SWEET CORN AND BACON CHOWDER SERVES 4–6

6 1 1 2 1 6

slices thick-cut bacon cup diced cooking onion medium red bell pepper, diced cloves garlic, minced tsp chili powder cups fresh corn kernels (cut from about 12 ears), divided 6 cups chicken stock, divided 4 medium yellow potatoes, peeled and diced Coarse sea salt and ground black pepper Pinch of paprika

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot over mediumhigh heat, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon from the pan and set aside. Turn down the heat to medium and add the onion and bell pepper to the bacon drippings. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until the onion starts to soften. Add the garlic and chili powder and sauté, stirring constantly, for 1 more minute.

Add 3 cups of the corn kernels and cook for another 3–4 minutes or just until the kernels

begin to soften and turn a deep yellow colour.

Add 3 cups of the stock and the potatoes and bring the soup to a low rolling boil.

In the meantime, place the remaining 3 cups of corn kernels and 3 cups of chicken stock in a blender and purée on high speed until smooth. Add the puréed mixture to the soup pot and heat through until the potatoes are soft. Season with salt and pepper to taste and sprinkle top with a pinch of paprika.

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AGED CHEDDAR, SMOKED HAM, AND APPLE GALETTE SERVES 6–8

To make the pastry, place the flour, thyme and salt in a food processor. Pulse once to combine.

Add all the butter and pulse a few more times until the mixture is crumbly and the butter is cut down into pea-sized pieces. Add the cold water, 1 tbsp at a time, pulsing in between to bring the dough together.

Dump the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and form it into a disc. Wrap it tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

To make the filling, first melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat and add the flour.

Stir to combine and cook until the flour begins to brown and has a slightly nutty aroma. While whisking constantly, add the milk and continue to stir until the roux thickens. Remove from the heat and add the grainy mustard. Set aside.

In a large bowl, place the cheese, ham, apple slices, lemon zest and a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss lightly just to combine.

Place the dough on a well-floured work surface and roll it into a 12-inch circle. Transfer the dough to the prepared baking sheet.

Spread the mustard roux over the middle of the pastry, leaving a 2-inch-wide border along the perimeter. Top with the cheese, ham, and apple mixture. Fold the bare edges of the dough in towards the centre to form a rustic crust.

Make an egg wash by beating the egg with the milk. Brush the crust with the egg wash and bake the galette for 25–30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.

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RABBIT AND SOUR CHERRY RAGOUT Remove the galette from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Leftovers will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

RABBIT AND SOUR CHERRY RAGOUT SERVES 4

4–5 lb whole rabbit 2 tsp coarse sea salt 2 tsp cracked black pepper ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 leek 1 large yellow zucchini or summer squash 2 cups halved radishes 2 cups pitted sour cherries 1 cup rosé wine 1 cup chicken stock 2 tsp fresh summer savoury 1 tsp marjoram leaves 4 thyme sprigs 1 bay leaf 1 cup garden peas Cut the rabbit into six pieces. Pat dry. Sprinkle with the salt and pepper and gently rub them into the meat.

In a skillet over medium-high heat, warm the oil. Working in batches so you don’t crowd the pan, sear the rabbit pieces until well browned, 3–5 minutes per side. Put the meat on a plate and leave the drippings in the pan. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Wash the leek and zucchini well. Slice the leek into thin rounds and the zucchini into ¼-inch-thick half-moons. Sauté the leek over medium heat in the drippings in the skillet until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the zucchini and radishes and sauté for 2–3 minutes, until lightly seared. Add the cherries, wine, and stock. Turn up the heat to high. As soon as it reaches a boil remove from the heat.

Place the rabbit pieces in a roasting pan just large enough to hold them without crowding, pour the sauce overtop, and sprinkle the herbs overtop. The sauce won’t fully cover the meat.

Cover tightly and roast for 1 hour.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes to cool and set slightly. Remove and discard the herbs. Using two forks, pull the meat off the bones, shredding it directly in the roasting pan. Fold the peas into the meat.

Serve immediately. The peas will cook from the heat of the ragout and stay firm and bright.

This will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

REPRINTED WITH PERMISSION FROM CEDAR AND SALT BY DL ACKEN AND EMILY LYCOPOLUS, 2019 TOUCHWOOD EDITIONS. COPYRIGHT © 2019 BY DL ACKEN AND EMILY LYCOPOLUS.

PASTRY 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tbsp thyme leaves 1/2 tsp fine sea salt 1/2 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes 5–6 tbsp cold water 1 large egg 1 tbsp milk FILLING 1 tbsp salted butter 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 3/4 cups milk 2 tbsp grainy mustard 2 cups grated aged cheddar cheese 1 cup (1-inch) cubed smoked ham 2–3 large baking apples, cored, cut into ¼-inch slices (peel left on) 1 tsp grated lemon zest Flaked sea salt and cracked black pepper

HUCKLEBERRY HAND PIES MAKES 8 HAND PIES

2 2 2 2 1 1 1 2

cups huckleberries tbsp icing sugar tsp cornstarch tbsp lemon juice (14 oz/397 grams) box puff pastry dough, thawed egg tbsp cold water tbsp coarse golden sugar

Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the huckleberries, sugar and cornstarch in a mixing bowl and stir to combine.

Add the lemon juice and let sit for 5 minutes to macerate.

Unwrap the pastry dough and lay the two sheets out on the prepared baking sheet. Cut each piece of pastry into four squares and place a heaping tablespoon or two of huckleberries right in the centre of each square.

Lightly beat the egg and water together in a small bowl to make an egg wash and brush the edges of the squares with some. Fold over the pastry to enclose the pie filling pressing lightly to seal. Brush the tops of the pies lightly with the remaining egg wash and sprinkle with the golden sugar.

Bake for 20–25 minutes or until the puff pastry is golden brown. Let cool on a wire rack for at least 10 minutes to ensure the filling is cool enough to eat.

These keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

HUCKLEBERRY HAND PIES

Find more delicious recipes in Cedar + Salt (TouchWood Editions, $45) and on instagram: @oliveoilcritic @DLAckenPhotos

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WORKBOOK

SOURCE GUIDE

Where to find the products featured on our pages.

18karat store 18karatstore.com

A

Alberta Marble and Tile Co; albertamarble.com Amazon amazon.com Anthropologie anthropologie.com Antique Hardwood Flooring. antiquehardwoodflooring.ca Arteriors arteriorshome.com Art gallery of Ontario ago.ca Article article.com

CF Interiors

Home Hardware

Minted

cfinteriors.ca

homehardware.ca

minted.com

Chic & Basta

HomeSense

Model Space Design

chicbasta.com

homesense.ca

modelspacedesigns.ca

Cocoon

House Warmings

Montauk Sofa

cocoonfurnishings.ca

housewarmings.ca

montauksofa.com

Crate & Barrel

I

Morba

ikea.com

Muskoka Living

crateandbarrel.ca

D

Indigo

daltile.com

chapters.indigo.ca

Debiasi Sandri

In2art gallery

debiasisandri.com

in2artgallery.com

nativetrailshome.com

De’Longhi

J

Neolith

jamaisassez.com

Nineteen Ten

delonghi.com

Delta Faucet

ateliertrema.com

E

Benjamin Moore benjaminmoore.ca

Bergo Designs bergodesigns.ca

Blanco blanco-germany.com

Bouclair bouclair.ca

Bradford Greenhouse

caplans.ca

Elte

K

Oakville Fine Hardware

elte.com

Kravet Inc. Elte MKT eltemkt.com

Emtek emtek.com

EQ3

kravet.com

L

lestouilleurs.com

Linen Chest

G

linenchest.com

Goodee

lowes.ca

M

Made to Design madetodesign.ca

H

markandgraham.com

Marshalls marshalls.ca

homedepot.ca

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phillipjeffries.com

Pier1

Pink & Brown

Plancher 2000 plancher2000.ca

Pottery Barn potterybarn.ca

Pure by Ami McKay purebyamimckay.com

Q

Q Design qdesigncentre.com

Michaels Canada The Home Depot

Phillip Jeffries

pinkandbrown.com

Mark and Graham

CB2

P

Lowe’s

goodeeworld.com

H&M Home

oakvillefinehardware.com

pier1.ca

eq3.com

generalpaint.com

Oak & Fort

Les Touilleurs

hm.com cb2.com

O

oakandfort.com

General Paint

Caplans

jmbutlerltd.com

jonathanadler.com

C

canadiantire.ca

nineteenten.ca

JM Butler

Jonathan Adler

gautierstudio.com

Canadian Tire

neolith.com

elementdebase.ca

Gautier Studio

caesarstone.ca

Native Trails Home

Élément de base

bradfordgreenhouses.com

Caesarstone

N

Jamais Assez Boutique deltafaucet.ca

B

muskokaliving.ca

Daltile

Atelier Tréma

Avenue design avenuedesigncanada.com

morba.ca

IKEA

michaels.com

R

Sherwin-Williams Paints

Target

sherwin-williams.com

target.com

rejuvenation.com

Sico

The Door Store

sico.ca

thedoorstore.ca/

Simons

Tiffany & Company

simons.ca

tiffany.ca

Smeg

The Cross

smeg.com

thecrossdesign.com

Smith Bros. Flooring Ltd.

Tile

smithbrosfloors.com

thetileapp.com

SONNEMAN

Tonic Living

sonnemanawayoflight.com

tonicliving.ca

Structube

Top Notch Cabinets

structube.ca

topnotchcabinets.com

Style Garage

Trail Appliances

stylegarage.com

trailappliances.com

Sunpan

Troy Lighting

sunpan.com

troylighting.hvlgroup.com

Winterberry Lane

T

U

winterberrylane.com

taappliance.com

greatlighting.com

Zara Home

Tania’s Drapery House

Urban Barn

taniasdraperyhouse.com

urbanbarn.com

Rejuvenation

Vancouver Special

Renwil renwil.com

Rev-A-Shelf rev-a-shelf.com

Robinson Lighting and Bath robinsonlightingandbath.com

Roche Bobois roche-bobois.com

Rona rona.ca

Rubio Monocoat rubiomonocoatusa.com

S

Serena and Lily serenaandlily.com

TA Appliances

Universal Great Lighting

Shakespeare Antique Centre landandross.com

Shelter Furniture

shop.vanspecial.com

VdeV

Restoration Hardware restorationhardware.com

V

vdevmaison.com

W

Walmart walmart.ca

Wayfair wayfair.ca

West Elm westelm.ca

Wet Style wetstyle.ca

Winners winners.ca

Z

zarahome.com/ca

Zone zonemaison.com

shelterfurniture.ca

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

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SPOTLIGHT

Peekaboo acrylic tolling two-shelf bar cart, $549, CB2, cb2.com

Waville metal bar cart, $589, Wayfair, wayfair.ca

Manor park metal & faux marble modern industrial bart cart, $279, Walmart, walmart.ca

Eight Shaken, not stirred

BAR CARTS

Baird metal rolling bar cart, $329, Wayfair, wayfair.ca

These small stations serve up all kinds of glam. Bar carts are a cocktail connoisseur’s best friend and double as a stylish display spot.

Astra brushed brass finish bar cart, $1,255, Elte, elte.com

Bamboo bar cart, $129, HomeSense, homesense.ca

Ernest chrome bar cart, $299, CB2, cb2.com

Albany brass bar cart, $1,695, Elte, elte.com

98 |

STYLEATHOME.COM NOVEMBER 2019

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