Style News: Everything We're Inspired By This Summer

On a roll

British-born, Newfoundland-based wallpaper and pattern designer Kate Golding has just launched the Abundant Springtime Collection, her latest collaboration with Montreal’s Wynil print studio. “My Abundant Springtime Collection is inspired by the overwhelming joy we experience during the spring season,” she says. “I thought, wouldn’t it be wonderful if wallpaper could ignite our senses to think of the beautiful sights, sounds and fragrances that accompany spring moments?” The original designs were hand-painted by Kate using a brush and fine- line pen, and depict horse chestnut blooms, daffodils, robins on branches, and other spring- fresh motifs; the designs were then printed by Wynil. This new collection, like Kate’s previous ones, effortlessly straddles the line between romantic nostalgia and modern design. That may be due to the origin of Kate’s passion for pattern, which stretches back to her being entranced by her granny’s toile de Jouy curtains and textiles. Whatever the reason, we think this new collection is pure happiness and hope, much like the season itself.

Kate Golding’s Abundant Springtime Collection WALLPAPER, $145 per roll, Wynil

Buzz off!

Nothing spoils a perfect midsummer evening outdoors than mosquitoes. And populations of these maddening little creatures have been rising steadily in recent years due to warming temperatures and wetter summers. Thermacell is a rechargeable unit that you place on your deck or patio to effectively banish the little buzzers for more than five hours using refillable mosquito repellent car- tridges. And all without chemical sprays, flames, scents or lotions. (Plus, the unit is a real cutie.)

Thermacell Rechargeable MOSQUITO REPELLENT, $45, Canadian Tire

Fun In the Sun

Personalize a beach or shopping tote with a happy picture – or customize a tote with a photo of your hometown as a gift for houseguests.

Black's, From $28.69

Feeling Fine

When the sun goes down, summer nights can cool quickly. Winnipeg-based Everlayer has cozy, stylish textiles – blankets, towels, coverlets and throws – for a feel-good way to keep warm. Made using artisanal methods from natural fibres like wool, cashmere, hemp, linen and cotton, and to the highest ethical and ecological standards, they’re a perfect pairing of natural materials and sustainability (and that really makes us feel good!). We love their colourful patch- work merino wool throws for covering up lakeside when the sun sets.

THROWS, from $79, Everlayer

Deck in a Sec

The InstaDeck snap-together decking system makes it easy to create a freestanding deck anywhere there’s a level space in your yard, using minimal tools and without the need for a heavy concrete foundation or posts. The system consists of snap-together “tiles” that accommodate MoistureShield deck- ing boards, which come in a range of wood-like colours and looks. According to the company, the system stands up to Canadian winters just fine thanks to its heavy-duty reinforced plastic construction. In areas where frost heave may be an issue, MoistureShield suggests checking local codes and following the same underlayment method you’d use for laying pavers. The system is easy to assemble, disassemble and add on to, and compared to a built-in deck, surprisingly affordable.

InstaDeck outdoor DECKING SYSTEM, from approximately $7 per sq. ft.; DECKING BOARDS, from approximately $19 per sq. ft.; MoistureShield

Counter offer

Caesarstone has launched a new collection of countertops especially made for use in outdoor kitchens. Porcelain is quickly becoming a go-to material for kitchens thanks to its durability and ability to perform both indoors and out. Quartz (formulated in this collection for exterior use) is also popular, as it solidly stands up to the elements, including ultraviolet rays, rain, snow and subzero winter temperatures.

Quartz OUTDOOR SURFACING, from $50 per sq. ft.; porcelain SURFACING, from $20 per sq. ft.; Caesarstone

Hot stuff

“Griddling” – cooking on a carbon steel griddle – is the “it” cooking trend of ’24. Weber’s new Slate Rust-Resistant Griddle, with its roomy 30-inch pre- seasoned carbon steel surface, heats up quickly
and evenly without hot spots, so you can serve up smashed burgers, fajitas, and even pancakes and eggs in a flash. What’s more, the pre-seasoned surface is a breeze to clean (no wire brush and scrubbing needed!) and won’t rust between cooking sessions. Add the Weber Works accessory set and the Slate’s side table turns into a handy extra prep/cook/serve station.

Slate Rust-Resistant GRIDDLE, $850, Weber