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How to: Bring summer into your home How to: Bring summer into your home
How to: Bring summer into your home of1 to 5 When summer finally arrives, we spare no time moving our lives outdoors -- firing up the barbecue, dining al fresco, landscaping the yard, picking fresh herbs and relaxing in the wonderful sun and warm air. However, with so much focus on the great outdoors, it's easy to dismiss simple seasonal ideas that can freshen up the indoors. “The goal is to blur the distinction between the outdoors and indoors,” says Bonnie Trust Dahan, author of Living with the Seasons (Chronicle Books, 2003). “Take a day to think about it and do it,” she says. “It gives a sense of renewal in your house and brings you in touch with the season.” 10 ways to bring the outdoors in1 Change textiles throughoutLighten up any room by exchanging heavy fabrics for breezier ones. In the living room, take down drapes or replace them with an open weave such as chiffon or organza, suggests Bonnie. Change throw-pillow covers and sofa slipcovers in the den, add crisp white -- or bright solid or floral -- percale or linen sheets in the bedroom, use quick-drying towels in the bathroom and opt for natural woven placemats instead of a tablecloth in the dining room. 2 Play with your fruits and vegetablesTurn seasonal produce into a centrepiece for your kitchen or dining table. “Try a dozen lemons in a cobalt blue bowl -- yellow and blue are the colours of summer and it adds a nice citrus scent,” says Bonnie. 3 Let nature take its courseFormal floral arrangements can be too heavy for summertime. Take a cue from the garden and casually arrange flowers as they would grow outdoors, writes Kristin Perers, author of A Home For All Seasons (Ryland Peters & Small, 1998). Toss some fragrant herbs, such as mint, rosemary and sage, into arrangements or plant them in a window box outside a bedroom and enjoy the aroma all night long. 4 Smell like summerPut away products with which you regularly bathe or shower and opt for ones with summer scents, like rosemary bath soap or fruity body wash. 5 Bring the outdoors in“I like to take accents from the garden -- a cachepot, a tool -- and use them out of context in the home,” says Bonnie. “They're little reminders of what's going on outdoors.” Store spatulas or wooden spoons in a terracotta pot, frame a collection of antique gardening tools to create a seasonal wall collage or move patio furniture indoors. 6 to 10 6. Cut a rugWho needs that heavy Oriental rug during summer? Lay down a more natural alternative, such as a sisal rug, or better yet, keep the floors bare. “It's a nice feeling walking barefoot on a hardwood floor,” says Bonnie. 7. Spruce up your cleaningStores like Crabtree and Evelyn sell an array of aromatic cleaning products. Try one infused with delightful seasonal scents, such rosewater linen wash and lavender carpet refresher. 8. Get craftySimple summer shirting can get the creativity going, writes Kristin. Employ the fabric in decorative details like a patchwork quilt or pillow shams. If you prefer more floral works, press petals between two framed pieces of glass for instant art or use them to border a mirror for a touch of summer all year long. 9. Dish it outSummer usually brings with it a playful mood. Mix and match dishes in fun vibrant solids or with funky patterns like stripes and botanic prints. 10. Colour your worldWhen visiting a farmers' market, pay attention to all the wonderful colours that surround you, Bonnie suggests. Then pick a room in your home, designate it the “summer room” and repaint the walls one of those luscious, incredible hues.- Credit
- Heather Camlot
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How to: Make a bed How to: Make a bed
How to: Make a bed ofHow to make a bed: Bed sheets Crisp, clean linens, a fluffy duvet and perfectly plump pillows: These are the makings of a divinely dressed bed and you can achieve one in minutes with a little know-how, some attention to detail and a touch of care. Here's how to beautifully make a bed.Alex Newman, author of Hot Property: Easy Home Staging to Sell Your House for More Money in Any Market (John Wiley & Sons Canada Ltd., 2007) recognizes the power of a beautifully made bed. She believes every room needs a focal point and in the bedroom, the focal point is the bed. "The more beautiful and lavish, the more people will be stopped in their tracks," Alex says.Whether you want to impress prospective homebuyers, wow your visiting mother-in-law or challenge the domestic goddess in you, take some pointers from Alex and your bed-making efforts will result in true beauty. Before you begin, work with bedding that matches or complements the colours in your bedroom and consider whether or not want to show off your bed frame or conceal it with a bed skirt. Hide a metal bed frame with a bed skirt. "Tailored skirts are generally more in vogue, but that doesn't mean the gathered kind can't look good," says Alex. "If you have a sleek Roche Bobois-style bed, definitely no skirt."With bedding that complements your bedroom's decor and a foundation that's skirted -- or decidedly not -- you're ready to make up a perfect bed.How to make a bed: Bed sheetsYour bed sheets make up the base layer of your pretty bed. For maximum appeal, use clean, crisp sheets either fresh from the dryer or freshly pressed. "If you wash your sheets, the dry cleaners will iron them for less than $10," says Alex. She recommends opting for classic white sheets because it "always looks good" and avoiding dark or intensely hued sheets that tend to look dated.Place a fitted sheet on your mattress, tucking each elasticized corner under each mattress corner. Tuck any loose edges under the mattress while smoothing wrinkles as you work. Next, place your flat sheet and blanket, pulling up the flat sheet far enough so there's enough length to fold over the blanket. If you're not using a blanket, Alex suggests folding back the edge of the top sheet anyway for a crisp look. Smooth out any wrinkles and visually check to ensure the overhang on each side is about equal in length. Hospital corners, decorative blankets, pillows and duvets How to make a bed: Hospital corners and decorative blanketsTo fold a "hospital corner", tuck in the sheet and blanket edge along the foot of the bed, pulling the fabric taut so it lies smooth. Next, take a corner of the sheet and blanket, pull it taut and angle it towards the headboard as you tuck it under the mattress, leaving a neat angled edge. Repeat on the other side. Don't obsess over perfect hospital corners, but avoid any bulky lumps and bumps. "As long as it's neat and trim, and carefully tucked in, you're fine," says Alex. "We can't all be nurses, now can we?"There are some blankets that are just too gorgeous to remain hidden under a duvet so go ahead and display these beauties. "Blankets are nice folded at the end of the bed," says Alex. "That suggests a place to relax and read with a cup of tea, while not having to actually climb under the covers." She recommends texture-rich blankets like mohair, cashmere or good polyester facsimiles.How to make a bed: Duvets, comforters and quiltsYou're almost done. With the sheets and blankets dressing your bed, it's time to fluff up your duvet, comforter or quilt and lay it on your bed for its final layer of bedding. Tip: Choose your bedding's top layer according to your room's decor. "Quilts are nice with anything country -- French, Canadiana, Americana," says Alex. "Duvets can go with any decor and have a more modern look, but comforters work just fine."Do a visual check to ensure the duvet, comforter or quilt's overhang is equal in length and no loose blanket or sheet edges are left hanging.How to make a bed: Pillow talkPillows are the perfect finishing touches of a beautifully made bed. Fluff up your pillows and place them at the head of your bed, either propped up against a headboard or laid flat. Use an assortment of pillow sizes for visual interest but don't go overboard. The pillows shouldn't make the bed look too top-heavy or bordello-like, Alex warns.That's it, you're done!When you make up a beautiful bed, your reward is a welcoming retreat where you can revive and restore your energy. According to mattress retailers Sleep Country Canada, you spend one-third of your life sleeping, so devoting time -- and effort -- to make your sleeping area comfortable and pretty is well worth it.- Credit
- Jennifer Melo
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Beautiful movie interiors Beautiful movie interiors
Beautiful movie interiors ofAnd the nominees are... Love Actually (2003) finds Liam Neeson and his son living in a London townhouse that features a smart, modern-yet-comfortable stainless-steel kitchen. And the coral toile sofa in the sitting room at 10 Downing Street is simply gorgeous - as is Hugh Grant sitting on it!- Gail Johnston Habs, Editor in ChiefYou can practically smell the pipe smoke and cognac in Henry Higgins's handsome Victorian library in My Fair Lady (1964).- Susan Rogers, Art DirectorThe sets of Down with Love (2003) are so hip they hurt: Ewan McGregor's bachelor pad features motorized furniture that changes from one thing to another at the flick of a button, and Renée Zellweger's chic apartment beautifully sets off her wardrobe!- Laurie Grassi, Executive EditorThe grand old estate in The Philadelphia Story (1940) is very old money; I especially love the sweeping staircase and pool house. The furnishings in Gosford Park (2001) are great, but best of all are the fabulous dinnerware, silverware and service pieces in the dining scenes.- Margot Austin, Senior Design EditorThe standout in Amélie (2001) is Amélie's bedroom: a meant-for-snuggling wrought-iron bed topped with an orange satin duvet and cushy green pillows, set against a backdrop of decadent crimson wallpaper. With a bedroom like that, who wouldn't get the guy?- Jennifer Krissilas, Copy EditorIn Guess Who's Coming to Dinner (1967), Katharine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy's place is the quintessential San Francisco house with a fabulous view. It perfectly matches their characters - classy yet unpretentious.- Angela Lawrence, Senior EditorIn Jean-Luc Godard's Contempt (1964), Jack Palance has an incredible cliffside mansion on the island of Capri. An exterior wall doubles as a staircase to the roof patio. I also love the curlicued iron bed in Brigitte Bardot's Roman apartment.- Yuki Hayashi, Senior Editor8 Women (2002) is set in a lovely '50s French château, complete with a piano, sumptuous draperies, wallpaper, carpeting, accessories, a fully stocked library and grand staircase. Magnifique!- Denise Barnard, Senior Editor The final nominees are... In Beaches (1988), when Bette Midler finally makes it big, her apartment is a decor disaster. Her extensive collection of self-portraits made me laugh my head off!- Samantha Pynn, Associate Design EditorAt the beginning of Charade (1963), Audrey Hepburn comes home to find her Parisian apartment empty and her hubby gone. There isn't a stick of furniture left, but the architecture's incredible - high ceilings, mouldings, beautiful huge doors and a fireplace.- Josephine Woertman, Associate Art DirectorIn Panic Room (2002), Jodie Foster's Victorian-era Manhattan townhouse has stunning architecture: hardwood floors, French doors, crown moulding, high-ceilings, arched windows, built-in bookcases, fireplaces, and even an elevator.- Karen Williams, Assistant Art DirectorIn Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961), Holly Golightly has a sublime bachelorette pad, complete with hardwood floors, shabby-chic bathtub/sofa and tons of room to entertain!- Helen Racanelli, Feature Writer In City of Angels (1998), Meg Ryan meets Nicolas Cage at a cosy cabin hideaway with an amazing view of the mountains and a backyard lake. There's even an incredible stone fireplace - it's just so inviting.- Heidi Piel, Assistant Art DirectorPierce Brosnan's Manhattan brownstone in The Thomas Crown Affair (1999) is to die for. Its grand entrance, with a cast-iron staircase and artwork, gives it a museum-like feel. If Pierce comes with the house, I'll take it!- Diana Luciani, Editorial AssistantIn Face/Off (1997), Nicolas Cage has an amazing loft with floor-to-ceiling windows and top-of-the-line furnishings. The minute I saw it, I wanted it!- Natalie Moore, Editorial InternThere's a scene in Gone with the Wind (1939) where Scarlett walks up the stairs of the Wilkes' home, while Rhett Butler smiles at her from the bottom. My heart skips a beat, not just because of Rhett's wicked grin, but because I'm enchanted by that staircase!- Natalie Bahadur, Web Editor -
How to: Organize your home office How to: Organize your home office
How to: Organize your home office ofTake stock and get organized Maybe you're not running a Fortune 500 company from your basement, and you don't have employees punching in and making widgets at your kitchen table, but chances are, you and your family still conduct "business" at home. You need a place to sit and deal with bills and peruse your kids' report cards; you need a spot for the computer that's used for online gift-buying, e-mail, or checking out that novel you've always wanted to read. Even if you don't have a lot of square footage, you can carve out an attractive, functional work area for you and yours. Here's how.Make roomBe realistic -- what have you got to work with? If there's not an entire room to devote to it, rethink smaller areas like a corner of the kitchen counter, a nook in a bedroom or a part of the living room. Consider a tall hutch with a pull-out or drop-down cupboard that can act as a writing surface when you need it and flip up when you don't. Even a small closet can be converted into a workspace by removing the door and installing a piece of sturdy melamine or painted particle board across it (for the desktop) and shelves above.According to Sue Bennett of Bennett Design Associates in Uxbridge, Ont., it doesn't matter if you're planning a workspace for children or adults -- standard design principles still apply. The most important one: ample storage. "Plan the desktop over drawers that will accommodate hanging files," she says. And make sure your work surface is between 24" and 30" deep, because you'll need that space to comfortably fit a computer keyboard and monitor. Ideally, the desktop will have grommet holes along the back for electrical cords. Sue also suggests plugging a power bar into your electrical outlet, and then mounting that power bar to the underside of the back of the work surface. "When it comes to home office design, we've also started mounting an extra two electrical outlets high on the wall, behind a small cabinet or door, for all those electronic chargers we all seem to accumulate. This way, the chargers are always plugged in, and you can park your cellphone in a designated, yet hidden, place each evening."Image courtesy of Pottery Barn Take stock and get organized Take stockDo an inventory of furniture you already have. If you're not logging multiple hours a day in the space, an unused dining chair will suffice for your workspace; a small table with shelves or wall-mounted bookcases above makes a compact and efficient desk area; a board over filing cabinets is an economical and practical desk. Whatever you do, look up -- few of us maximize the vertical space in our homes and you need all of it to make the most of your home office.Get organizedDon't let drawers become a jumbled mess of inaccessible items. Consider a kitchen utensil tray to keep scissors, stapler, Post-its and other office essentials orderly and reachable. Pretty glass and ceramic jars work well for pens and pencils. For personal papers, mail, stationery and magazines, use magazine holders in a colour that ties in with the surrounding decor. Hang corkboard or a quilted piece of fabric on the wall above your desk, or on the inside of storage cubbies and between shelves: you can pin notes and papers to it, reducing the clutter on your desktop.AccessorizeColour affects mood, so give your workstation palette careful thought. If you need to slow down and focus on tasks, consider a soothing muted palette of pale shades; if you need to kick-start your creativity with a jolt, deep, vibrant colours may be better for you. You can add colour with paint and with desktop accessories. Besides the overall room lighting, you'll need task lighting, especially near the computer monitor (if you have one) and over the area where you write. If a desk lamp will eat up precious inches, consider a light with a clamp, which you can attach to an overhead shelf. Because the home office becomes part of your home decor, don't forget the small touches. Pictures and plants (a few short bamboo stalks in a small glass is low-maintenance and low-budget) go a long way toward making the space look inviting and flow seamlessly through the house.Image courtesy of Pottery Barn- Credit
- Carmen Taylor
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How to: Create a unique space How to: Create a unique space
How to: Create a unique space ofDesigner tips, working on a budget and favourite projects Even her name is stylish. Based in Victoria, B.C., this interior designer who got her start as a math and architecture whiz, Lana Lounsbury, of Lana Lounsbury Interiors, shares her tips on creating a unique space, how to pick a designer, her fave reads and the fastest way to improve a room. (Read more from Lana in the story Designer Talk).Style at Home.com How would you describe your design?Lana Lounsbury I would describe my aesthetic as modern-traditional with a good dose of boyish. No matter what style I implement I like clean lines with a certain grounded softness to make you feel completely at home in every room. And I add "boyish" because I like architectural elements that have weight and a few rough edges.S@H Whose style do you admire?LL The work of Modigliani. I know it's kind of cheating to name an artist! But his paintings are both modern and personal, even so many years later. It's a quality I strive for in my design work that I don't know if I can ever fully achieve.S@H What tip would you give someone looking for a designer?LL Interview at least two designers. Pay a few design fees in order to get face-to-face interviews. (Click here for questions to ask your designer)Take a chance. If you click with a young designer don't be afraid to use him or her because his or her portfolio doesn't fill a library shelf. If the references are good, you have a good chemistry and they seem to have a vision or a connection with you, then go for it.S@H For those of us on a tight budget, what's the fastest way to smarten up a room?LL Throw something out! It's really the fastest way to make your house look fresh. I know it's hard, but take an armful of ornaments, knickknacks and things that random people gave you that litter the mantle and ledges of your home to the local thrift store. S@H What was your favourite project ever, and why?LL One of my favourite projects was also one of the smallest and one of my first: An ensuite renovation for a retired woman. At our first meeting she told me she wanted to wake up every morning and feel happy and luxurious in a pretty new bathroom. We turned that tiny space into a gorgeous jewel box, like something from an old hotel, but the best part was that she was so happy. She now looked forward to getting up and getting ready in her bathroom. I guess it was at that point that I began to see the therapeutic benefits of design and realized that what I was doing had the ability to really help people. After that job I saw design not just as a way to make something look beautiful, but as a tool for happy, healthy living. Resources and how to create a unique space S@H: Aside from Style at Home, what are some of your favourite decor magazines?LL: I really enjoy Veranda, Dwell and Architectural Digest. Sometimes the designs they feature are incredibly gaudy and over-the-top, or so starkly minimalist it really puts me off. And I love that. I want to feel something when I look at an interior, and then I want to know why I'm feeling it so I can either use those devices to my advantage or avoid them.S@H: What resources do you use on the web for design?LL: The main resource I use for design on the Internet is high-fashion websites. I can view the next season's collections with a single click and about 10 minutes. Contemporary artists and couture fashion designers drive mainstream design in all areas and I want to know first. I want to begin to feel what is coming, what the volumes, the colours and the shapes are going to be in the future.S@H: What about books? LL: The Not So Big House series by Sarah Susanka.S@H: Is there anything you tend to find yourself saying to clients again and again?LL: My pet saying is "What do you want this space to FEEL like?" It always baffles my new clients when I shake my head as they recite the colours and style of tables they think will work, ask them to forget everything they want, and force them to think beyond interiors to the place they want to come home to every day. Is it a jaw-dropping wow for entertaining? Is it a cosy retreat? Is it the neighbourhood gathering place or a sanctuary? S@H: Can you think of three tips to help our readers to create a unique space?LL: 1 My number one tip is don't do all your shopping in one store. There's no way to disguise you bought the rug, lamps and furniture from one place and it will look stale and contrived.2 Experiment with custom. Put your designer, local artisan or spouse to work and come up with unique designs for custom railings, moldings, fireplaces, sculptures and furniture. Anxiety often surrounds custom work because the client can't see the pieces before they are done, but they are always the things that turn out best. 3 Take one medium-sized element, maybe an entrance table or a dining room chandelier, and ask a friend or family member to pick it. Give them a budget and ask them to pick something for you that they love that they want you to have. You'll be surprised at how much life can be breathed into your house by a random object of love.Helen Racanelli is a writer at Style at Home magazine and the editor of canadianliving.com .- Credit
- Helen Racanelli
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How to makeover your cushions How to makeover your cushions
How to makeover your cushions ofYarn, ribbons and felt Choose your fabric...We used cotton cushion covers, but you could also use solid-colour velvet, linen or raw silk ones for endless pillow possibilities. Or go all out with a fun layered look by adding embellishments to striped or polka-dot cushions.Loopy yarnThis project is super-easy – perfect for doing in front of the TV. Try tone-on-tone yarn and fabric combos, or go for high contrast. Different yarns and loop sizes create varied looks, as does pattern: cover the entire surface or create a band of loops (as on the dark cushion), or have fun designing a checkerboard or a large circle or square in the centre. How-toUsing ruler and fabric marker or quilter's pencil, mark evenly spaced grid in pattern desired on cushion cover. Cut equal lengths of yarn; one at a time, fold yarn in half and, leaving three- to five-inch ends, knot to form loop of desired size. Thread unlooped ends through needle; at grid mark on right side of fabric, push needle through to wrong side. Knot ends securely; snip off excess yarn. Running ribbonThese embellishments are so quick to make – you could whip up a few every season for a whole new look. The narrower the ribbon, the easier the sewing. If you choose ribbon more than half an inch wide, consider adding grommets (look for kits at fabric and craft stores) through which to thread it.How-toUsing ruler and fabric marker or quilter's pencil, mark points at desired intervals (evenly or un-evenly spaced) in a straight line across front of cushion cover. Knot one end of ribbon; thread other end through darning needle. Starting from wrong side (so knot is hidden), sew running stitches in and out through marked points. Straighten any twists in ribbon and knot ends on wrong side. Flowering feltEye-popping petals are a cheery antidote to winter dreariness. Follow our basic blossom instructions or use them as a starting point for your own fl oral designs. For a removable appliqué option, sew each flower to a felt circle backing and attach to the cushion cover with a brooch pinback (available at craft stores).How-toUsing pencil and round items like coasters or glasses, for each flower trace five circles (petals) and one smaller circle (stamen) onto felt; cut out. One at a time, hold at edge and fold over left side then right to form cone. Machine-stitch across cone at base. Trim just below seam to square off. Repeat with other circles. Handstitch petal bases (at seam) onto cushion cover to form flower; stitch stamen in centre.- Credit
- Corinna Van Gerwen
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10 ways to live in style 10 ways to live in style
10 ways to live in style ofFind inspiration Sylvie Masse is no stranger to good design. She's the co-owner of Zig & Zag Design, a Montreal-based firm she runs with business partner Nathalie Paulin; their striking furniture and home accessories are featured in boutiques and well-known retailers across the country. Not surprising, the same eye for detail that she utilizes in her profession shows up in her personal life, too. Using her home as an example, Sylvie shares her basic principles of living in style.1 Mix form and familyYou don't have to forfeit style if you have children -- you can have both. Sylvie's suggestion: "Focus on function." To ensure that a living room is both fashionable and family-friendly, she advises decorating with "indestructible" materials: cover sofas with long-wearing upholstery fabric (linen, twill and canvas) and walls with washable paint, and forgo expensive rugs.2 Create focal points For Sylvie, "Awkward spaces cry out to be focal points," so take advantage of unusual areas. Highlight a space with a signature chair or create a vignette with an unused occasional table and a few overlooked accessories. Above all else, "Play with furniture, play with ideas and play with proportion," says Sylvie.3 Keep kitchens neatIn the kitchen, Sylvie cooks up style by keeping clutter to a minimum. "In North America, we tend to collect things we don't need," she says. She prefers what she terms "a more European kitchen design" - clean, simple and clutter-free.4 Make formal casualSylvie believes that all rooms should be used all the time, and is a big proponent of playing down formal spaces. In fact, in her home, it's not uncommon to find her children painting at the dining room table. Her motto: "Make it light and playful." Just add a few casual touches, like an area rug or a cosy place to sit.5 Find your inspirationIf you're looking for creative inspiration, think big, says Sylvie. "Try displaying something totally out of context -- play with proportion, play with colour, play around." Colours and soothing spaces 6 Breathe new life into old furniture "I like to blend antique and contemporary," says Sylvie. To do that, she uses a sense of humour and a laissez-faire approach. Her style is to mix unexpected fabrics and splashes of colour with formal design.7 Play with colourColour unifies a house. When choosing a colour scheme, stay within colour families, says Sylvie. "Think orange, red and fuchsia, or blue, turquoise and green." By keeping within those guidelines, you have the freedom to choose between playing with patterns (as is the case with Sylvie's home, where plaids, florals and stripes are mixed and matched) or working with solid colours. Sylvie suggests using different textured fabrics, such as linen and velvet, to bring depth and dimension to a room.8 Work with whiteWhether you're colour-phobic or a fan of intense shades, Sylvie's recipe for picking a palette is sure to work for you. "Keep the background basic," she says. Sticking to one neutral shade, like white or grey, for walls, window coverings and upholstered furnishings lets you play with colourful accessories. It also lends a sense of calm to a space, creates continuity and a harmonious look, and allows you to change accent colours easily and economically.9 Stick with the traditionalDecorating has as much to do with imagination as it does with consideration. Respecting your home's original character is key. When you do so, not only do you ensure a sense of continuity, but you also create a timeless aesthetic. As Sylvie says of her bathroom, "This look doesn't age, which means I don't have to redecorate for another 50 years."10 Design restful spacesWhen designing a soothing space, Sylvie advises creating a room as "a backdrop." Keep distractions such as patterned fabric, paintings, furnishings and colour to an absolute minimum. Simply put, stick to the basics.- Credit
- Trisse Loxley
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How to: Create a home fragrance How to: Create a home fragrance
How to: Create a home fragrance ofCreating a home fragrance The process of creating a home fragrance is a fine art that master parfumiers can take years to acquire expertise in, yet new scents are constantly being introduced, some of them amazingly true to the items their names evoke. Rick Ruffolo, senior vice-president of The Yankee Candle Company Inc., a major home fragrance manufacturer and retailer, shares some of the secrets that go into creating the perfect scent.Yankee Candle typically introduces some 30 to 40 new fragrances each year, out of as many as 1,000 samples, each one distinct. In order to even conceive of that many different fragrances, inspiration is drawn from a very wide array of sources: the hottest trends of the season in foods, such as a great new spice, dish, or type of cuisine; the season's most popular fine perfumes and fragrances; home decor trends in colour, fabrics and lifestyles; and global inspirations, such as Brazilian Passion Fruit, conjuring up a journey to an exotic locale. At the beginning of each new season, a team of highly trained in-house master parfumiers meets with company product managers to discuss the season's new fragrance concepts. The perfumers then combine a wide variety of different elixirs, both natural and man-made, to come up with fragrances that reflect the original conception.Natural ingredients might include essential oils or actual extracts, such as crushed rose petals. Contrary to popular belief, however, natural is not always best-it may be difficult to produce a consistent result across types of- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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Aromatherapy at home Aromatherapy at home
Aromatherapy at home ofEasy to make home fragrances To find out about more great home fragrances, click hereGive the gift of aromatherapy. Pure essential oils form the basis of these easy-to-make pick-me-up home fragrances and air fresheners. Use recycled containers that have been cleaned and sanitized, or buy new ones from a container store, aromatherapy vendor, glass bottle company or through specialtybottle.com, to store your new home fragrance. Label the bottle and attach a tag on which you've printed the directions for use.Essential oils, which are the fragrant liquids derived from certain plants, trees and grasses, can be purchased at health food stores (usually in the beauty products section), aromatherapy shops and through various online retailers. Since essential oils evaporate easily and can be damaged by light and very hot or cold temperatures, be sure to store them in tightly stopped, dark glass bottles in a cool, dark place.In each recipe, vodka (plain, not flavoured) is added as a preservative and carrying agent. Basically it helps maintain the integrity of the fragrance mix. (You need a high-proof alcohol, so vodka or alcool work but not rubbing alcohol.) Don't substitute gin, rum or other spirits since they have powerful fragrances that would affect the blend.Allergy Note: People who suffer from allergies, asthma, eczema, hay fever and skin sensitivities may need to avoid essential oils; they could trigger skin redness and itching, or other symptoms. Anyone, regardless of their allergic history, should do a skin patch test before using any of these fragrances and sprays.Allow each mixture to sit for a few days before using. When spraying, avoid allowing the mist to fall onto furniture or beverages.Refresh Cologne Purse Spray4½ tsp vodka2 tsp rosewater10 drops bergamot essential oil10 drops geranium essential oil10 drops ylang ylang essential oilAdd all ingredients to an airtight dark-coloured glass container and blend well by shaking. Leave for two weeks for scent to mature, shaking container three times per day during resting period. After two weeks, filter cologne through coffee filter and decant into purse–size spray atomizer.Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spritz pulse points -- sides of neck, inside wrists and inside elbows -- any time you need a scent pick-me-up.De-stress Temple Treatment1 tbsp vodka1 tbsp distilled water5 drops lavender essential oil5 drops peppermint essential oilAdd all ingredients to a small bottle and shake well to combine.Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Massage a couple of drops into temples for relief of tension headache.Citrus Room Spray3 tbsp distilled water3 tbsp vodka10 drops lemon essential oil10 drops orange essential oil10 drops bergamot essential oil4 drops ylang ylang essential oilAdd all ingredients to a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spray through any room to impart a fresh, uplifting fragrance and combat stale odours. Room sprays, linen sprays and car refreshers Lavender Linen Water3 cups distilled water6 tbsp vodka30 drops lavender essential oilAdd ingredients to a sterilized glass or plastic bottle. Cover and shake well. Directions for use: Pour into iron before ironing linens or shirts. Decant into a clean spray bottle and spritz linens as they dry on the clothesline or while you make the bed.Eucalyptus Yoga Mat Spray3 tbsp distilled water3 tbsp vodka10 drops eucalyptus essential oil10 drops lavender essential oil10 drops peppermint essential oil10 drops tea tree essential oilAdd all ingredients to a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spray yoga mat after each use. Energize Car Freshener3 tbsp distilled water3 tbsp vodka16 drops rosemary essential oil10 drops pine essential oil5 drops peppermint essential oilAdd all ingredients to a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spritz car upholstery before each commute and after any road trips. Sweet Dreams Sheet Spray 3 tbsp distilled water3 tbsp vodka10 drops lavender essential oil10 drops bergamot essential oil10 drops clary sage essential oilAdd all ingredients to a clean spray bottle and shake well to combine.Directions for use: Shake well before each use. Spritz pillowcases and linens before bedtime to encourage a peaceful slumber.- Credit
- Margot Austin
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Your pet at home Your pet at home
Your pet at home ofSafety and pet-proofing The era of the pampered pet has arrived: we've welcomed them inside our houses, onto the sofa and even into our beds. You see dogs and cats lounging in picture-perfect rooms in magazines -- no rugs have been chewed, no upholstery ripped, and no stains linger as evidence of delicate digestive systems. How is that possible? I've learned a few tricks since bringing home our French bulldog puppy, Lulu, two years ago, and asked some experts for advice on creating stylish sanctuaries to share with our furry friends. Plus, check out our forums and swap your pet-friendly decorating ideas with other readers.According to dog behaviour expert and University of British Columbia psychology professor Stanley Coren, there are two main issues homeowners face when creating a welcoming environment for their pets. The first is safety, the second, cleanliness. I'd add selecting and organizing pet stuff to that list: even kittens and puppies come with accoutrements that can clutter our living spaces. Safety first“The safety issue,” says Stanley, “is much the same as when you have a two-year-old child: the larger your dog, the higher the objects have to be placed.” Before Lulu came home, we covered unused outlets, tucked away cords and relocated a favourite antique – our bulldog-shape leather footstool was sure to entice our teething puppy, so it now sits on the top shelf of a bookcase. Stanley suggests hiding tempting items behind closed doors (avoid glass doors at pet level); owners of particularly persistent breeds (terrier owners, that means you) may even need to add child locks to restrict access. More stylish solutions to the safety issue include installing hard-wired sconces or swing-arm lamps; adopting a more minimal style and clearing away breakable, chewable clutter from tabletops; and choosing tailored runners or placemats instead of long tablecloths that can be pulled down. Pet-proof floorsWithin an hour of Lulu's arrival, every rug was whisked away lest it be mistaken for the paper-training area. The bare floor look is modern, but I find it a tad cold underfoot. And that's not the only disadvantage.“Wood and ceramic floors are the easiest to keep clean, but large dogs can scratch wood,” says STYLE AT HOME decorating editor Kimberley Seldon, who has tackled the flooring issue personally (she has a pug named Delaney) and professionally. “Then there's ‘the slide factor': Delaney can get up a good run and end up going nose first into a kitchen cupboard.” Kimberley prefers a combination of wood or ceramic floors and area rugs. Patterned Persians, dhurries and Turkish carpets are terrific at hiding stains and fur. But if you prefer a neutral solid-colour rug, “Seagrass is wonderful,” says Kimberley, “because it's made of a waxy leaf that repels moisture and resists stains – unlike sisal, which is very absorbent.” Another innovative carpet option is Interface's Flor system, which consists of carpet tiles that can be combined to cover an entire room or form an area rug. The design possibilities are enticing and the practicality undeniable: if a tile gets soiled, you can remove it for easier stain treatment or simply replace it with a clean one. Designing for the dogs ... and cats .... The right fitFor years, easy-clean slipcovers have been the most popular option for protecting upholstery from pet wear and tear. Vancouver designer Donald Kirkby, who has a Brittany named Trio, is a fan. His are made with his favourite vintage – but washable – textiles.Cat owner Eleanor Jungkind of Elle Maison in Toronto sells a line of furniture with slipcovers (Colexion Perez) because she knows first hand about the havoc that claws can wreak. “My cat, Teddy, terrorized and wrecked my whole place,” says Eleanor. (Teddy modelled for us without incident.)Slick syntheticsIf slipcovers aren't your style, high-tech synthetic fabrics -- one of the strongest trends in upholstery -- like faux suede and leather, are a fashionable option. New York-based fashion designers Mark Badgley and James Mischka chose white vinyl for their sofa, a chic perch for the duo and their two papillons. “Today's vinyl isn't like the vinyl of the past,” says Mark. “It looks and feels great and you can just wipe it clean.” For the upholstered furniture they design for their retail store, Oni One, Toronto designers Elaine Cecconi and Anna Simone offer Not-a-Hide, a faux leather that stands up to pets (even the store's burly mascot, Sparky) in style. “Ultrasuede is also fantastic,” says Kimberley. “Because it's a little slicker than a natural fibre, pet hairs come right off.” Just run a rubber glove over the fabric – the fur sticks right to the glove. Come clean“No matter how well trained your animal is, there are going to be accidents,” says Stanley. He and his wife share their city and country homes with a beagle puppy named Darby, a Nova Scotia Duck Tolling retriever named Dancer and a cat named Loki, so keeping on top of accidents requires vigilant spot cleaning. Though Nature's Miracle or other enzyme cleaners are handy for cleanups, deal with messes before they happen. Store a towel at the door for wiping paws, provide toys for aggressive scratchers and chewers, and groom pets regularly. Purrrrfect pet-cessoriesDespite the growing selection of toys, coats, leashes and other products available, Katrina Herrndorf wasn't thrilled with what she found when shopping for a kennel for her puppy, Chester, a Bernese mountain dog. “Just because you have a dog doesn't mean you have to give up on style,” she says. Sensing a void in the market, Katrina used her training as an architect to design Haus, a kennel/end table, which was launched last spring. The Haus fits pets up to 20 pounds; a medium-size model is in the works. Also jumping on the bandwagon is über-designer Karim Rashid with his Dxg Bxne line of doggy goodies for Canadian manufacturer For the Dogs. Even IKEA has introduced a full range of pet products, including beds, a scratching post and toys.Puppy loveThings are looking up for those of us who enjoy cuddling up to a pet without worrying about the furniture or compromising on style. In our house, we opted for a seagrass mat and have gradually switched our colour palette from pale neutrals to black and white, which is also a good match for Lulu's fur. While we may have given up on some things – silk upholstery, having a spotless home 24/7 – what we've gained in comfort, companionship and sometimes pure joy is easily worth the small sacrifices. I'm sure all pet owners would agree.- Credit
- Margot Austin
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Designer trends Designer trends
Designer trends ofFabric, curves, weathered metals "Fabric is back! Window coverings are getting more luxurious as silks and elaborate sheers are embroidered, dramatically coloured and embellished."-- Lana Lounsbury, interior designer, Lana Lounsbury Interiors, Victoria"Use recessed lighting to illuminate walls; it creates drama and makes a space appear larger. Centre lights only make a room gloomy and small looking." -- Rob Everitt, interior designer, Everitt Design Associates, Winnipeg"On a shady stone patio, try something easy on the toes, like a natural carpet made of mosses and ground cover. It can be cut into any shape, looks like a beautiful overgrown shag carpet, and with a misting of water now and then, it's virtually maintenance-free."-- Sue Bennett, interior designer, Bennett Design Associates, Uxbridge, Ont."Shapes are a key trend. The curve breaks up the monotony of the many linear surfaces in today's modern homes. Look for curved countertops, even cooktops." -- Debbie Travis, designer and tv host, Facelift Productions, Montreal"If bling (think rhinestones, metallics, mirror) is your thing, this is your year! Wallpaper, pillows, china and even bathtubs are ablaze." -- Kimberley Seldon, STYLE AT HOME decorating editor; Interior Designer, Kimberley Seldon Design Group, Toronto"There's a strong trend toward weathered metals, like copper and oil-rubbed bronze -- and there's no better place to use them effectively than outdoors. The natural patina will grow more beautiful with time, and the metals will blend in with nature." -- Vanessa Kiss, designer, Kiss Interior Design Studio, Toronto "Mix it up: a formal mahogany dining table with acrylic chairs; ornate French mirrors and clean-lined leather furniture; and oversize chairs with mirrored tables. There's definitely a loosening of the design rules."-- Jacqueline Glass, interior decorator, Jacqueline Glass & Associates, Mississauga, Ont. Energy-efficiency, outdoor spaces, mixing styles "The trend toward more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly products has given rise to the use of solar shades to maintain the view while keeping heat and glare at bay." -- Catherine Pulcine, interior designer, CPI Interiors, Kanata, Ont."Patios are replacing decks for outdoor living. They need less maintenance and have a longer life. Popular materials include concrete paving stones and natural materials like Tyndall Stone. Movable shading devices for patio living protect skin from sun damage during the day and roll back for evening stargazing." -- Malvine Giesbrecht, interior designer, Synergy Architectural Interiors, Winnipeg"Outdoor living means time to relax and unwind. The flora in an outdoor room should reflect those same themes of easy living and low upkeep; examples include potted gardens, low-maintenance perennials and grasses, and xeric gardens with drought-resistant plants that require less watering."-- Tazim Lal, interior designer, Tazim Lal interiors, Ottawa"What's hot this summer: built-in gas firepits, cabanas with screens or drapes, outdoor gas fireplaces, bars, rustic teak tables, and large lounging beds with lots of pillows." -- Lisa Duxbury, interior designer, Two Degrees Interiors, Winnipeg"Fireplaces, comfortable all-weather seating (especially oversize, cushy sofas), coffee tables, lighting and area rugs can be used to create 'rooms' in our garden retreats. A more casual lifestyle trend has resulted in groupings of soft sofas and chairs replacing the formal dining table on patios and decks."-- Gayle Kiss, interior designer, Kiss Interior Design Studio, Toronto Have a decorating dilemma? Click to read the top 20 decor challenges and expert design advice.- Credit
- Natalie Bahadur
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Fab summer finds under $30 Fab summer finds under $30
Fab summer finds under $30 ofFab summer finds under $30 Summertime, and the living is easy . . . especially when it's easy on your budget. We've pulled together a bouquet of great summer products, all available across Canada and in some cases online, to help make the season's long, lazy days even more fabulous.1 Softer looking than traditional black wrought iron garden accessories and sturdier than plastic, the Rusty Wire Collection adds a touch of Victorian charm and grace to your backyard. The collection includes a pretty wall planter large enough to hold a row of potted impatiens or ivy, standing garden hook for a hanging basket, trellis, topiary stake, obelisk, and a dome wall hanging to place on a fence -- or even indoors. $9.99 - $21.99, GET IT: Home Hardware, homehardware.ca for stores.2 Pretty enough to use indoors or out, Noma's Lexington Collection solar-powered table lamp, available at Canadian Tire ($24.99), lets the power of the sun light your patio table even after dark. The handsome, Mission-inspired lamp features three white LED lights, on-off switch, durable black resin body and white frosted lampshade, and is designed to co-ordinate with the Lexington patio set or light up your life on its own. GET IT: Canadian Tire, canadiantire.com for stores.3 The SOMMAR backrest allows you to bring your own seating to the beach or the backyard, at a relaxing price of $19.99 apiece. Measuring 52 cm by 170 cm, the backrest provides roomy support, and is made of light blue, green, or light orange cotton canvas. GET IT: IKEA, ikea.ca for stores.4 The Home Collection of outdoor games from President's Choice provides hours of fun on the lawn or at the cottage, and they're easy to pack and put away later. The Bocce ball set ($19.94) features metal bocce balls, a canvas travel pouch, and instructions for this classic European game; Classic Ring Toss ($9.94) is easy even for young kids and includes soft nylon rope rings and hardwood posts. Also available: classic croquet and badminton sets ($29.99). GET IT: President's Choice, presidentschoice.ca for stores.5 Home Hardware's Pop-up Sun Shelter ($29.99) is light enough to carry along with you, and provides instant, portable shelter from rain or sun. The shelter is made from washable, aluminized coated denier polyester fabric, with an SPF factor of 50, enough for a full 8 hours of protection from UVA and UVB rays. It also features two pockets for storing what-have you, and even a couple of windows for enjoying the view. GET IT: Home Hardware, homehardware.ca for stores.6 Canadian Tire's melamine Hibiscus dinnerware and co-ordinating Celadon beverage and serving ware, set a backyard table that's elegant and fresh as a cool breeze. The Hibiscus line includes dinner plate ($3.49), side plate ($2.99), bowl ($2.99) and tray ($12.99); the Celadon line features a pitcher ($12.99), martini shaker ($4.99), serving bowl ($12.99) and four sizes of glasses ($2.99-$3.49). Natural bamboo placemats ($3.49 each) and "Temptation" style silverware (20 piece rack, $24.99) add a gracious finishing touch. GET IT: Canadian Tire, canadiantire.com for stores.7 SOMMAR fly swatters are a time-honoured solution to an old summer problem, but with a pretty new twist. Made of polypropylene in a range of summery colours, the swatters feature a bug motif (guaranteed to strike terror into any entomological miscreant), and a handy rolled handle with a hole in the end for hanging up when not in use. At $1.49 for a set of two, bugs won't dare to enter your kitchen again. GET IT:IKEA, ikea.ca for stores.8 This wrought-iron look umbrella candleholder from Canadian Tire ($19.99) is a chic way to light an outdoor supper on the patio. Designed to clamp onto the pole of almost any patio umbrella, it holds 6 tea lights securely, safely, and attractively, and co-ordinates with many styles of outdoor furniture. Use citronella tea lights, and it'll keep the bugs away as well. GET IT: Canadian Tire, canadiantire.com for stores.9 The Joe Fresh Style straw summer hat (President's Choice, $9) features a wide floppy brim and full crown in a decidedly classic, Audrey Hepburn style, for gardening, beachcombing, or lounging by the pool movie-star style. Available in black, natural or cream. GET IT: President's Choice, presidentschoice.ca for stores.10 While away a hot summer afternoon in a hammock strung between a couple of trees-Huck Finn never had it this good. The Dyning hammock, new from Ikea ($29.00) comes in a range of garden-friendly colours and features a tubular powder-coated metal frame for strength and shape, and durable, washable nylon fabric. It's generously sized at 110 cm by 225, so you can even fit in a couple of kids-if you really want to. GET IT:IKEA, ikea.ca for stores.Give your home curb appeal with these front-door solutions from Kimberley Seldon.- Credit
- Martha Uniacke Breen
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Top 10 coffee table books Top 10 coffee table books
Top 10 coffee table books ofBooks 1-5 Good coffee table books serve a number of purposes: they're decorative, informative, attractive and, above all, interesting; they give your guests something to flip through while you're out of the room; they often become a topic of conversation. They also make fantastic gifts for housewarmings or other special occasions. No matter what your interests, there's a coffee table book for you. This selection of 10 books will catch your eye and keep you coming back for more.1 Seeds: Time Capsules of Life by Rob Kesseler and Wolfgang Stuppy(Firefly Books, 2006)The images in this book are astounding, thanks to the latest in microphotography; full-page close-ups of millimetre-long seeds possess an almost alien beauty. These photos are accompanied by text explaining the function of the seeds' design; the book also explains topics such as basic seed botany, the evolution of seeds and how seeds are dispersed and contains a section on seed-inspired architecture. With a preface by the Prince of Wales, a keen supporter of conservation issues, and a chapter on the Millennium Seed Bank, which aims to gather some 24,000 species of seeds by 2010, this volume covers everything you could ever want to know about these astonishingly diverse feats of nature.2 100 More of the World's Best Houses by Robyn Beaver(Images Publishing Group, 2006)This volume, third in a series, presents 100 of the world's most stunning houses. The featured homes vary greatly in style, location, climate and culture, ensuring there's something appealing for everyone. The book includes full-colour photographs of each house as well as architectural plans and drawings, showcasing the best in international residential architecture and offering a wealth of inspiration for anyone interested in decorating and design.3 The Maple Leaf Forever: A Celebration of Canadian Symbols by Donna and Nigel Hutchins, with photography by Matthew Beverly(The Boston Mills Press, 2006)Anyone with an interest in Canadiana will find hours of entertainment in this collection of national memorabilia. From maple leaves to beavers, from hockey to the RCMP, the significance of popular symbols of Canada throughout its history is explored alongside photos of various collectibles. The authors have assembled items as diverse as vintage toys, war medals, old bottles of Canada Dry ginger ale and kitschy souvenirs to create a book that is sure to amuse and entertain.4 Rainforest by Thomas Marent(Dorling Kindersley, 2006)The plants, animals and insects of the world's tropical rainforests jump off the pages of this gorgeous book in a frenzy of colour that is almost overwhelming. Swiss photographer Thomas Marent spent 16 years travelling across five continents to capture these images, which display the astounding biological diversity of rainforests in such places as Indonesia, New Zealand, South America and Madagascar. The book is accompanied by an audio CD of rainforest sounds, and two per cent of the royalties will be donated to the Rainforest Foundation. An added bonus: The book was printed on paper from sustainably harvested European forests, and the publishers promise that no wood from rainforest areas was used.5 Furniture: World Styles from Classical to Contemporary by Judith Miller(Dorling Kindersley, 2005)Covering more than 3,000 years of furniture design, this encyclopedic guide is packed with more than 3,500 photos of chairs, sofas, tables, cabinets, tallboys and longboys, and every other form of furniture that can be -- or has been -- imagined. Along with descriptions of particular furniture styles you'll find profiles of designers, workshops and movements as well as outlines of key periods. Both an indispensable reference book for collectors and a fascinating history for anyone interested in style and design, Furniture won't stay unopened on your table. Books 6-10 6 Canadian Art: From Its Beginnings to 2000 by Anne Newlands(Firefly Books, 2002)This essential reference guide to Canadian art contains information on 300 Canadian artists, from painters in oil and watercolour to sculptors and photographers. Newlands chose to arrange the artists alphabetically, each with more or less the same amount of space in the book, thereby giving no one artist, style or time period precedence over another. This dictionary-like structure makes the book difficult to sit and read, but ideal as a coffee table book -- consider leaving it open on a different page each day to offer a variety of artistic inspiration to your household and guests.7 New Zealand: A Natural History by Tui De Roy and Mark Jones(Firefly Books, 2006)Due to its millennia-long geographical isolation from other landmasses and its lack of mammalian predators until the first arrival of humans about a thousand years ago, New Zealand contains a wealth of flora and fauna unseen elsewhere on the planet. Though many species -- such as the moa, a giant flightless bird, and the Haast's eagle, with its impressive 10-foot wing span -- have gone extinct since European settlers arrived, countless others remain, such as the kakapo, the world's heaviest parrot (which is also flightless) and the tuatara, a reptile that was a contemporary of the dinosaurs and is now the last of its kind. De Roy and Jones have combined their photographs of New Zealand's remarkable beauty with informative descriptions of its natural environment, creating a book that serves as a reminder of how fragile the planet's ecosystem really is.8 Old Ontario Houses: Traditions in Local Architecture by Tom Cruickshank, with photographs by John de Visser(Firefly Books, 2000)Anyone who doubts that Ontario has its own unique architectural style will be persuaded otherwise after perusing this collection of photographs of more than 150 homes dating from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Addresses are varied -- from downtown Toronto to the shores of Lake Erie -- but what they share is the connection they give us to Ontario's past. The author, the editor of Harrowsmith Country Life magazine, found many of the featured houses through his travels along the province's back roads, and a number of them have never before been seen in print -- a testament to his devotion to the subject.9 The World of the Polar Bear by Norbert Rosing(Firefly Books, 2006)The North is an enigmatic place to most Canadians, even foreign, with its vast, treeless spaces and unforgiving climate. It is also a significant place when it comes to global climate change -- it is the polar regions of the planet that are experiencing the biggest rises in temperature and changes to the landscape, threatening the very survival of the polar bear. Photographer Norbert Rosing has spent almost 20 years visiting the western shores of Hudson Bay and chronicling the lives of its animal inhabitants, not just the bears but also the foxes, hares, muskoxen, walruses and other creatures that share the land. This collection of photographs is an intimate portrayal of their existence through the seasons, from springtime mating to a winter on the Arctic ice, accompanied by explanations of how the bears survive and thrive in one of the harshest climates on Earth. 10 One People Many Journeys(Lonely Planet, 2005)This collection of images of everyday life across the globe aims to show, in the words of Lonely Planet co-founder Maureen Wheeler, that "what travel teaches us is that we are all essentially the same. There is not a 'them' and an 'us'; there is really only 'us.'" The stunning photographs capture humanity in all its variations and stages, from newborn babies in Australia and Uzbekistan to funerals in China, Indonesia and Nepal -- and all the events in between -- showing that we are, in fact one people, more similar than we are different.- Credit
- Kat Tancock
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10 quick home makeovers 10 quick home makeovers
10 quick home makeovers ofTips 1 to 5 Everyone wants to redecorate at one time or another. But time and budget constraints often have us putting redecorating on the bottom of our to-do list. If you can't wait another minute to add new life to your home, check out our 10 quick fixes that you can put into action right now. Toss, toss, tossNothing revives a space more than digging it out from under a pile of junk. "Donate old books and magazines to a hospital, send clothing you haven't worn to a charity or a women's shelter, have a garage sale and toss things that are broken," says Carole Cohn, a Montreal-based designer and home fluffer.Bring in new lifePlant life, that is. "We don't use plants as much as we used to and it's a shame. They really bring a room to life," says Carol Thomas, owner of Carriage Way Interiors in Lake Echo, NS. Collect plants from other rooms in your house and group them together in varying heights - one on a chest, one on side table and one on the floor, for example. Add unlit candles or beautiful blue and white china between them to add interest. Tips 6 to 10 Colour your world Strip old wallpaper, then go all out with a new colour scheme. Cohn likes metallic paints and suggests applying them with contrasting colours for walls, doors and moldings; for example, a silver door with black molding and lime or aqua walls if you like to experiment with colour; or a copper door with taupe molding and ivory walls. "Once you're going to change it, get a little crazy - it's only paint," she says. Out with the old If you have remnants of fabric lying around, put them to good use: cover cushions (just fold and tuck, no need to sew) or drape them over a sofa arm. You can also use fabric to embellish cabinets or bookcases, says Thomas. Cut fabric to size, wrap and staple around a thin piece of board, then place it at the back of the cabinet. Add a small lamp to spotlight the fabric's colour and sheen. Bedeck the bathroomUpdate your bathroom by removing the medicine cabinet and replacing it with a large mirror in a gilt picture frame, suggests Cohn. Add matching towel bars and even new taps for your sink. Drape fluffy towels in wonderful colour combinations like aqua and chocolate. Most importantly, if you don't have an exhaust fan, get one. It will eliminate the possibility of mold and mildew. Warm up the roomPlace an ottoman by the fireplace and top it with a short stack of books or magazines, an English teapot and a teacup, says Thomas. "It looks like you were just cozying up by the fire." tips Light up your lifeNew lighting not only modernizes a space but also helps items in a room sparkle and shine. "For kids' rooms, there are great new chrome and glass fixtures that look like trains, planes or helicopters," says Cohn. "It could also be fun to hang a sparkly chandelier in the bathroom." If your lighting fixtures are keepers, make sure you're using the proper bulbs and wattage - most people don't, notes Cohn. Kitchen clean-upIf you don't want to change the whole kitchen, put in new countertops or change cupboard doors and handles, suggests Cohn. "A chocolate-coloured door with long, narrow brushed aluminum handles is really quite attractive." Use your foodWhen flowers are scarce in the wintertime, go to your refrigerator and pull out colourful fruit or vegetables and place them in a beautiful clear glass bowl. If you're having people over, group breads of different textures, like pumpernickel and raisin, on a nice serving plate and place it with a few pretty dishes and cutlery in the middle of a dining table or on a sideboard. "It gives the feeling that you're welcome into my home." Rearrange furnitureCreate a whole new feeling by moving around significant pieces. "Try angling a sofa instead of placing it straight on a wall, or make a conversation area if it doesn't exist - put sofas facing each other, or a couple of chairs facing a sofa," suggests Cohn. She also suggests turning the dining table the other way if the space allows. Or in the bedroom, try moving the bed into the centre of a room or under a window.- Credit
- Heather Camlot
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Colourful expressions Colourful expressions
Colourful expressions ofColourful expressions When you add a colourful display to a plain white wall it lifts your spirits. But take a pass on the prints and posters you see everywhere. Here, STYLE AT HOME shows you four original ways to make your blank walls come alive with personality – without breaking the bank. WallflowersWhat could be more beautiful than dining beneath a shower of flowers? Use a sewing needle to thread flower heads (we used carnations) and greenery onto jewelry cord. For lasting glamour, opt for fabric flowers. Hang garlands using clear thumbtacks.Love lettersPick a word and experiment with different typefaces and colours on your computer. Use repositionable spray adhesive to affix each printed letter to a piece of MDF backed with two one- by one-inch wood strips. Hang using picture-hanging hardware. Use this technique to display enlarged photos of flowers, pets, people or architectural details. colourful expressions 2 Artist in residenceFabulous works of art may already be in your collection. If there's a pint-size Picasso in your family, frame his or her latest works. Have them enlarged at your local copy store and hang them in multiples to make a bold statement. Paintings by Anne Dorward. Paper playAdd a little drama with a strip of wallpaper. Hang paper using wooden dowels or paste a strip directly onto the wall. For high-impact results, choose wallpaper with a large print in bright colours. If you have the space, hang three strips of coordinating papers.- Credit
- Samantha Pynn
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