Hidden (Art) Agenda

Going through a reno myself, I find that guests will usually give you a free pass when it comes to a messy place. Bare walls, on the other hand, are an inexcusable faux pas. But art pieces that are attractive, original and inexpensive are hard to come by. That’s why I’m super psyched for Toronto’s Whodunit? Mystery Art Sale taking place November 22nd (a public preview of the art will be held from November 19th-21st). Presented by Orangina and the Ontario College of Art & Design (OCAD), the event promises over 1,000 original works of art from OCAD students and Canadian designers, celebrities and established artists. Each and every piece will sell for only $75, with proceeds going toward OCAD and its emerging artists. The twist? All of the art will remain anonymous until it is purchased on November 22nd! Bonus: Admission for both the public preview and the art sale itself is free!
– Amy Thrasher, Editorial Intern

Whodunit? OCAD Mystery Art Sale, 100 McCaul Street, Toronto.

Public Preview:
November 19 & 21, 12 p.m. – 8 p.m.
November 20, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.


Art Sale:
November 22, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Bowled by Felt

I recently stumbled upon Etcetera Media while shopping for a new laptop sleeve. My hope was to find something simple and streamlined, yet distinct from the sea of black nylon zip-arounds I’ve found myself wading in. The clean, contemporary style of Boston-based designers Kelly Smith and Chris Grimley caught my eye – their colourful line of bags and home goods are made by local craftspeople with thick, industrial wool felt. Each design has a distinct look and pleasant tactile appeal. In addition to my new laptop sleeve, I’ve also fallen in love with their loaf bowl – a large, reversible, dual-colour basket – perfect for cradling fruit, bread or anything else you want to display. Drop by etceteramedia.com and check out some of their other cool products (including a book box, coasters and a wine rack).
- Jasmine Li, Online Editorial Assistant

Loaf Bowl, about $75, Etcetera Media, available at Ziggy’s At Home, 794 College St., Toronto, 416-535-8728.

Sofa So Good

When those in the know in Toronto need their fine upholstery cleaned and cared for, they call a wonderful man named Don Davis. His company, Victoria & Co.: The Upholstery Cleaning Specialists, has been going strong for over twenty years and he’s definitely a well-respected expert in the field. Recently, Don went green, but he wasn’t happy with the products available on the market. So he developed his own. He often left them behind as a gift of appreciation for his clients, and they’ve been such a hit that he’s started to sell them online. Spot cleaners, odour neutralizers, cleaning super sponges, essential upkeep mists – all of his trade secrets are available in refreshing, natural scents and cute, old-fashioned-style packaging designed by his daughter, Francheska Davis. Our style director Catherine Franklin is a fan of the English lavender scent, my top pick is citrus peel. I use it on my sofa and bed linens – they’ve never been fresher or less wrinkled!
– Andrea Mills, Senior Editor, Home

Victoria & Co. Purifying Odour Neutralizer in citrus peel, $12 (240 ml), victoriacoproducts.com.

Dark Decor

I’m probably the biggest Halloween skeptic there is. Sure, it’s fun to get dressed up and it’s an excellent excuse to party, but decorating with the typical pumpkin and spider-web decorations year after year can get predictable. After finding these fabulously spooky accessories from Pottery Barn, I was inspired to shake things up and throw a dramatic, gothic Halloween party. The best part? Virtually no prep time. To set the Addams Family-esque mood, grab some black or deep red velvet from your local fabric store and drape it over the snack and bar tables. Place your everyday candle holders, or better yet a candelabra, with black tapers on top. Set up a drink-creation station with Halloween-candy garnishes (black licorice, puréed fruit, grapes and berries) and beverages (the alcoholic type). Complete it with these ghostly double-old-fashioned glasses. If you’re like me and eyeball martinis aren’t really your thing, leave the gory creativity to your guests.
- Emilie Dingfeld, Editorial Intern

Black taper candles, $15 (set of 8); skull double-old-fashioned glasses, $35 (set of 4); skull votive holders, $28 (set of 4); candelabra, $99, all from Pottery Barn,potterybarn.ca.

Nuts for Pistachio

I’ve had a hard time starting this post because I can’t decide which is more intro-worthy – Pistachio’s beautiful boutique and the items it carries; or its rigorous environmental credo. Its flagship retail location was designed with the earth in mind, incorporating locally quarried ‘Silverwater’ stone, repurposed wood floors, Urban Tree Salvage furnishings and an outdoor awning designed to reduce solar heat gain. Inside, beautiful stationery, pencils, soy candles, apothecary items, throws and organic chocolate are just a fraction of the coveted finds. Every item adheres to the company’s belief that being environmentally responsible doesn’t have to mean sacrificing style or the things you love. It just means making smarter choices – and supporting your community, which Pistachio does by donating a portion of its sales to Evergreen Brick Works (evergreen.ca). If you can’t make it to Toronto’s Yonge/Eglinton strip or Yorkdale Shopping Centre (store opening November 15), head to Chapters and Indigo stores for Pistachio’s paper collection.
- Andrea Mills, Senior Editor, Home

Pistachio, 2433 Yonge St., Toronto, epistachio.com; chapters.indigo.ca.

Haute Organic

Recently I discovered Raksha Bella Organic Textiles and have completely fallen in love with the company, their philosophy and, of course, their beautiful bedding. The name combines the Sanskrit word for protection (raksha) and the Latin term for beautiful (bella), and their mandate follows suit. The patterns are all hand-blocked on 100% Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certified cotton and made by women who are self-employed through a Nobel Peace Prize winning program that arranges micro-loans for women living below the poverty line. Their mills and production facilities follow fair-trade labour practices and provide benefits like health care, housing and education. The exquisite collection’s patterns and colourways are timeless and have convinced me to break out of my all-white bedding habit.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Tree of Life quilt in canton and mimosa (top); and Raj Paisley in indigo (bottom), about $375 each (king), Raksha Bella Organic Textiles, rakshabellaorganic.com.

Shop Talk

The stock market may be on shaky ground, but if the recent surge of U.S. chains opening in Canada is any sign, the home-design market can’t be in bad shape. In Toronto, you can head to Bed Bath & Beyond, Crate and Barrel, and as of October 16, the Williams-Sonoma-owned West Elm. Their location in the hip and still-rough-enough-around-the-edges-to-be-cool Liberty Village is sure to corner downtown’s colossal condo market – and for good reason. It’s a one-stop shop with great finds from furniture to tableware to organic bedding to curtain rods to light fixtures – all at very reasonable prices. Think Pottery Barn but younger and cooler. The store also features a virtual space planner so you can map out your new West Elm pieces within the dimensions of your rooms. And if you can’t fit it all into your compact hybrid, there is a delivery and assembly service that will set everything up wherever you want. It’s a good time to be moving after all!
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

West Elm, 109 Atlantic Ave., Toronto, westelm.com.

Devise a Master Plan

Here in the home department, we all agree that you can easily create your own inspiration binder. But for renovation novices, it helps to have a little guidance. This three-ring book is jam-packed with folders, graph paper, charts for you to fill out and, most handily, tips and checklists for hiring architects, contractors and designers, and for planning your budget. The book is American, so a lot of the listed websites and phone numbers for information aren’t relevant, but it’s a useful starting point. You can always take out the sections you don’t need and add in your own tears and printouts. There are plenty of pages for notes and a monthly view calendar.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

The Home Renovation Workbook: A step-by-step planner for creating the home of your dreams by Jain Lemos (Chronicle Books, 2001), $30, chroniclebooks.com.

Power of Purchase

Aid to Artisans – an international, non-profit organization that helps artisans in developing countries learn business skills, and links them to new markets and buyers – is gaining style status not just for its compassionate and clever mission but also for the savvy designs its artisans produce. Their pieces have been showcased in various magazines, including Wish (we featured a Tatu table by Artecnica in our Summer ‘07 issue). While assisting artisans economically, the organization has also accomplished a long list of impressive improvements, such as removing the lead poison from glazes used in Mexico, to helping women suffering from HIV and AIDS in South Africa, to helping redesign traditional clay planters in El Salvador for better marketability. Each purchase funds these critical projects. Check out their website to donate, volunteer, sponsor an artisan’s training, or just to buy something from their easy online shop. Every little bit counts!
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Tandem Tagines from Morocco, about $27, aidtoartisans.org.

Store Opening Alert!

Yes, the rumours are true – Crate and Barrel is opening its first store in Toronto (our fingers are crossed for more stores across Canada soon) on September 25th. Because I’ve spent countless hours in the New York and Boston locations, I know first-hand that there is something for everyone at this design mecca, from stylish, big-ticket items (read – couches, tables and beds), to smaller, grab-and-go accessories. Oh, and let’s not forget the fabulous kitchen collection! I have my eye on this gorgeous, Asian-inspired cabinet – what a unique piece for storage and display. If you want to know what the buzz is about, schedule a shopping spree to Yorkdale Shopping Centre and see for yourself. But be warned, if you’re not partial to big crowds, you may want to wait a week or two. Tip: Brides-to-be, behold one of the best places to register for gifts!
- Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Mandarin Sideboard, $1,100, Crate and Barrel, crateandbarrel.ca.

Twine in a Tin

Though I still don’t have a plot of earth to call my own, I’m always inspired by Food Associate Tory Healy’s daily updates on her cucumbers, tomatoes and latest adventures with fingerling eggplant. While searching at Design Within Reach for some kind of cutting-edge, clever design they’re famous for, I spotted this jute twine by Sheffield, England’s Burgon & Ball. The tin almost looks too pretty to be functional, but inside is a 120-m roll of heavy-duty, green jute twine with a cutter built right into the lid – definitely ‘cutting edge’ and clever. And whether or not you’re a gardener, it’s great for gift-wrapping too!
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Burgon & Ball Green Jute Twine, $15, Design Within Reach, dwr.com.

Getting Hooked Up

Recently, our Deputy Editor Doug Wallace asked me where he could get a cordless TV to mount on his wall. I was confused and replied that you can mount almost any television on the wall with the right brackets. He answered, “Well, how am I supposed to do that and what do I do with all the wires?” They were excellent questions and ones that Future Shop obviously hears a lot. In response, they’ve recently launched a new service called ConnectPro – perfect for anyone without a contractor, designer or skilled handy man on their speed-dial. A free, in-home consultation will help you map out where you should put your home theatre system, even if you didn’t make the purchase at Future Shop. Then, for a fee, they will install it, hook it up and make sure it works. I think Doug is prepared to wait for a cordless TV he can hang anywhere, but if your needs are more immediate, this is a great solution. Bonus: The pros help with computers and car audio systems too!
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

ConnectPro Installation Services, future.ca/connectpro. Sony 32” Widescreen LCD HDTV, $800, Future Shop, futureshop.ca.

Objects of Affection

If you’re in Toronto this weekend and still haven’t seen the revamped Gardiner Museum – Canada’s only museum of ceramics – check out Object Factory. It’s the first major museum exhibition that showcases state-of-the-art, modern production technologies and their impact on craft, art and design, and how this encourages a shared inspiration between artists, designers and manufacturers. While you’re there, definitely stop in at the retail shop that is always full of beautiful jewellery, pottery, and glass and wood items. Since you’re in the heart of Toronto International Film Festival territory, enjoy the sun and some bubbly on the terrace and debate the aesthetics of the Royal Ontario Museum’s crystal addition, or whether that really was Brad Pitt who just walked by.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Porca Miseria porcelain and metal chandelier, by Ingo Maurer, 1994. Photo by Tom Vack.

Object Factory: The Art of Industrial Ceramics, to Sept. 7 at the Gardiner Museum, 111 Queen’s Park, Toronto, gardinermuseum.on.ca.

Smooth Moves With a Smart Tool

If you were intrigued by the do-it-yourself, slatted-wall project from The Style Dept. in the latest issue of Wish, but weren’t sure how to get the right placement of the vertical boards into a stud, you may find this new device from Stanley helpful. The tool's "OnePass" stud sensor detection technology will quickly identify the 2 x 4 support boards behind your wall so you know where you can safely nail. It's the width of a standard 2 x 4, and accurately scans for the centre of the stud. It can read through drywall, concrete and latticework and also scans for electrical wires so you can avoid drilling or hammering into them. And, you guessed it, OnePass technology can do all that in one swift swipe.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Stanley FatMax Stud Sensor 400, $40, stanleytools.com; available at major hardware retailers.

Paint with a Conscience

What’s not to love? The colours are stunning, the quality is superior, and it’s all environmentally friendly! Boomerang water-based paints (latex, stains and alkyds) are made from unused portions of recovered domestic paint and stain, and contain a low amount of VOC (a hazardous compound, regulated in paint by Environment Canada). Plus, it’s half the cost of a regular can! But don’t take my word for it, try it on your walls, deck or home exterior and see for yourself. Although the paint is currently only sold in Quebec, it will soon be available to eco-conscious shoppers nationwide.
Cool Fact: In 2006, manufacturer Laurentide Inc. collected 2,400,000 litres of paint that was recycled under the Boomerang brand.
- Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Boomerang, about $15 (3.78-l can), boomerangpaint.com. Available at The Home Depot, homedepot.ca.

LIV Style

The cozy luxury of bedding store, Au Lit Fine Linens, has just been translated into a new lifestyle shop, LIV by Au Lit. The sister operation first opened its doors three months ago at the former Nestings Home Furnishings location on Eglinton Avenue West. The warehouse-like first floor is arranged with a maze of beautifully displayed scenes featuring home ware that leans toward a shabby-chic/French-country style. Etched glasses, elegant linens and scalloped-edged dishes are presented alongside romantic furnishings with linen upholstery, caning or ornate moulding. The lower level is chockablock with even more Louis XVI-inspired pieces. Not just a home store, LIV also carries an exclusive line of trendy clothing, jewellery and leather handbags. Comfy t-shirts, beautiful summer dresses and pretty beads are sure to catch your eye.
- Leah Weber, Home Market Editor

Yedi cup and saucer, $8, LIV by Au Lit. 418 Eglinton Ave. W., Toronto, 416-481-2300, livbyaulit.com.

Know of a new shop opening in your city that you think we should cover? Email us at webeditorial@wish.ca.

Old-Fashioned Timer, New Look

These delicate, hand-blown sand hourglasses immediately caught my eye at the Indigo Fall Preview. Two sizes (the small runs for 15 minutes and the large for an hour) and four, pretty sand colours make these functional beauties perfect desk accessories. They’re also great in the kitchen, on a bedside table or even in a playroom – just make sure they’re up high and in plain view. I think the two sizes look great side by side and what’s more? You’ll be showing off homegrown talent – these treasures are Canadian made!
-Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Ergo Decorative Sand Hourglass, $15 for small, $38 for large, at select Indigo and Chapters stores, chapters.ca.
 Read more »

Sleeping with Swedes

Quality sleep is essential to our health and two Swedish companies are out to set us straight on the necessary equipment to achieve it. New to Toronto’s Distillery District is luxury bed maker Hästens, the family-owned company that still makes their signature blue-checked, horsehair mattresses by hand in Sweden and sells them for between $3,800 and $69,000 (Their biggest seller is about $30,000). If that’s not in your budget, Ikea has just launched a new sleep series that features pillows, comforters, duvets and Canadian Physiotherapy Association-approved mattresses. They’ve done their research on how people sleep and taken advantage of advances in foam and latex materials. As usual, they’ve come up with the smartest designs for the lowest prices. I haven’t decided which mattress is right for me yet, but I love the Mysa Ronn 1+3 quilt ($80): with a thin quilt that can be used on its own during the hot summer months; a thicker partner for fall; and the combination of the two for maximum winter warmth, it's a three-in-one quilt for all seasons.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Gosa Syren standard pillow for back sleeper, $14; Ikea 365+ Mjuk ergonomically-shaped pillow, $25; Gosa Raps standard pillow for back sleeper, $40; all Ikea, ikea.ca.

Art-apalooza

It seems art exhibitions are quickly becoming the ‘in’ way for aficionados and first-timers alike to scope out the work of both established and up-and-coming artists. Starting today, Nathan Phillips Square, located in the heart of downtown Toronto, will be transformed into a canopied outdoor art fest. Inspired by an outdoor art fair in New York City, the Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition has been going strong since 1961 and includes photography, painting, drawing, sculpture, wood and ceramics. I'm in love with this watercolour by Alison Baldock and I’ve been dreaming of starting my own collection lately. Lucky for me, the weekend weather forecast looks promising (I’ll go regardless – this is a rain or shine event). Maybe it doesn’t compare with a weekend at the cottage, but complete with roasted corn, ice cream and a beer tent, it’s like the CNE for adults (only here, entrance is free!).
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

“She Watched as the Butterfly Softly Moved its Wings Back and Forth,” by Alison Baldock, 2008, watercolour paper on panel, alisonbaldock.com.

The Toronto Outdoor Art Exhibition, torontooutdoorart.org
July 11-13, Nathan Phillips Square

Cold + Warm = Cool

It seems like ages ago when I first came across this faucet looking for bathroom products for our June issue. Now that summer is (finally!) in full swing, it’s the perfect time to take advantage of this backyard bonus. Moen’s innovative outdoor faucet is the first with only one handle that gives you both hot and cold water. You only need one common line for the water flow (most outdoor hot-cold taps require two) so it’s easy to install, plus it comes with a frost-free cartridge and indoor-outdoor water separation features. The faucet is also family friendly: the temperature can be adjusted easily and there’s an automatic stop feature so it doesn’t burn little ones’ hands.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Moen Hot and Cold Outdoor Sill Faucet, from $94, at major bathroom, kitchen, home centre and hardware retailers; moen.ca.

Thrill of Brazil

Considering its long, impressive history of award-winning modern design and architecture, Brazil seems to get little international recognition. However, the current collection at Toronto’s Avenue Road could help change that. Featuring new and vintage pieces by some of Brazil’s top designers like Isay Weinfeld and Jorge Zalszupin, the gallery-like showing against Avenue Road’s all-white walls highlights the use of wood, neutrals and sensuous shapes with modernism’s signature clean lines. Each is a (pricey!) work of art that could still be comfortable in an everyday space - especially if that space is amidst the blue sky, palm-treed, oceanfront backdrop of beautiful Brazil. The collection is worth visiting – if for nothing else but to dream.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Light Weight

When you’re in need of some impromptu guest seating (indoors or out), these fun-coloured and super-sturdy stools are a lifesaver. Believe it or not, they can hold up to 225 pounds but only weigh just over a pound! They also fold up neatly and have a convenient handle for easy transport. If you happen to venture into the wilderness this summer, they’re easy to clip onto a backpack and make for comfortable seating around a cozy campfire (your log-perched friends will be green with envy). But let’s be honest, what we like most about them is that in black, yellow, red and blue – they’re so great looking!
- Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Folding stool, $13 (plus about $18 for shipping), The Spoon Sisters, 800-716-4199.

On the Ball

When famed inventor and entrepreneur James Dyson developed a canister version of the vacuum of all vacuums, I was pretty excited at the prospect of storing it in my apartment’s small front closet. However, it takes up a whole lot of ground space, the long hose is a pain and it must weigh at least 200 pounds. I vacuum everyday, so it is a tiring production. But I’m happy to report I’ve finally found the right Dyson for me – the new Dyson Ball DC24. It’s light (just over 11 pounds) and easy to manoeuvre because it spins on, you guessed it, a ball. Another handy feature for both usage and storage is the narrower-than-usual head, which is only 28 cm wide. It’s all the power of a Dyson, but in a mini. And I can take it out or put it away in five seconds flat. There’s no doubt they’re pricey, but whichever Dyson you choose might just be the last vacuum you ever buy.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Dyson Ball DC24, $500, at major retailers, 877-397-6622, dysoncanada.ca.

Go Go Gadget

Now that the first long weekend of the year has passed, it’s officially summer. If that means camping season to you, this is the gadget to get. Winner of the coveted IWA and Outdoor Classics Exhibition “knife of the year” award, Swiss Army’s new Rescue Tool is sure to get you out of a bind. It’s easy to find in the dark and includes a locking blade, two screwdrivers, crate opener, wire stripper, the list goes on. I’m not sure how necessary the window breaker and seatbelt cutter are in most cases, but there is a (really creepy!) video on Youtube where you can see them in action. In my books, the biggest bonus when you’re in the middle of the woods? The bottle opener, the toothpick and the tweezers.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Rescue Tool, $100, Victorinox Swiss Army, 800-665-4095, swissarmy.com.

Home Theater Heaven

With this new home-theater system, who needs the cinema? On a recent whirlwind press trip to New York, I previewed all the new Samsung products hitting the shelves in Canada. One of the most amazing was the Home Theater Sound Bar. This self-contained system (with an integrated DVD player, wireless subwoofer and Bluetooth connectivity) will give you the effect of surround sound (really, it’s true!) without the unruly wires, multiple remotes and scattered speakers. The fact that it can connect with any audio Bluetooth device for wireless music is great for parties and it also works with camcorders, so you can watch home videos on-screen. If that’s not enough, the black, flat-panel design works with any room. Check out Samsung’s new Touch of Colour TVs as well, with a sexy hint of red in the frame.
- Hannah Bank, Assistant Home & Food Editor

Samsung HT-X810 Home Theater Sound Bar, $900, samsung.ca.

Cling On

A while back at the National Home Show, I stopped by a booth showing kitchen and bathroom accessories made by Griipa for Umbra. The suction cup hooks that are the basis of the collection were what impressed me the most (I can’t believe I didn’t know about them before!). They are basically a rubber suction that you press to the wall – each one can hold up to 15 pounds, so if you need to hold more weight just add as many hooks as necessary. Because there is no adhesive backing, they don’t leave marks and never lose their holding power. They will stick to any glossy, flat surface, making them great for hanging artwork without banging up your walls. And they last for pretty much forever.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Cling single hook, $5, Umbra, umbra.com.

Squeaky Green

Wish Home Associate Andrea Mills has made no secret of her love for Method, and if you’re anything like her, you’ll love this new book penned by the People Against Dirty. The brand’s co-founders, Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry, have transformed ordinary household products into cleverly packaged, toxin-free, must-have cleaning accessories worthy of display on your countertop. Their spiral-bound volume is chock full of useful tips, handy solutions, and a comprehensive room-by-room cleaning guide – everything you need to bring an eco-friendly sparkle to the dustiest corners of your home. To find out more, visit their website at methodhome.com.
- Jasmine Li, Online Editorial Assistant

Squeaky Green: The Method Guide to Detoxing Your Home (Raincoast) by Eric Ryan and Adam Lowry. Available at select Chapters and Indigo stores, chapters.indigo.ca.

Inside Out

Spring has finally sprung, the sun is out and the weather is just right for letting your clothes dry in the sun – plus line-drying your delicates is something you can’t really avoid. Instead of monopolizing your backyard, or leaving you to negotiate a bathroom full of dripping delicates, you can hide this dryer at the side of the house, put it in the garage, on your balcony or in your laundry room – it fits almost any space, as long as you have a wall to attach it to. It stretches out to 25 metres, so it can hold large laundry items, and rotates like a traditional clothesline. When you’re done, it folds up neatly, so you don’t have to set it up and take it down each time.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Brabantia WallFix dryer, $170, exclusively at Canadian Tire, canadiantire.ca.  Read more »

Green Clean

Nix harsh cleaning chemicals with this nifty natural cleaning kit. It comes with cleaning essential oil, spray bottles, a scrub jar and brush, mixer, microfibre cleaning cloth and storage bag. It also has recipes for three natural, antibacterial cleaners to tackle dirt, mould, mildew and household grime.

Eco-Me Home Kit – Starter Set, $26, eco-me.com.

Haute Design

If there is a design equivalent to the top Fashion Weeks around the globe, it would be the Salone Internazionale del Mobile in Milan and the International Contemporary Furniture Fair (ICFF) in New York. This spring, Vancouver’s Molo Design will be showcased at both, as well as in a special exhibit with renowned German lighting designer Ingo Maurer in Milan. This materials-research-driven design duo works back and forth between architecture and furniture design projects, and is definitely one to watch. Softlight is the latest addition to Molo’s award-winning “soft” line, and like their softseating and softwall, it is made from paper in a layered honeycomb structure, so it is flexible, strong and can be configured into a variety of shapes. It is also 100% recyclable and folds up for compact shipping.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Molo softlight, available in June, molodesign.com.

Out to Dry

Toronto Hydro Retractable Clothesline, Free!, torontohydro.com/loadoff.

Instant Energy Saver

Did you know that even when TVs, computers and kitchen appliances are turned off, they still consume power unless you unplug them? This wasted energy is called standby power. But now you can reduce your standby energy waste with the new Belkin Conserve Surge Protector. This powerbar has a remote control so you can shut everything off with the touch of a button. In stores this summer.
- Sarah Rogers, Online Editor

Belkin conserve surge protector, about $50, belkin.com

Mad for Method

I first mentioned Method cleaning products in our March 2006 issue, and I still love them just as much today (luckily they are now more widely available in Canada, too). Since then, the company has grown at breakneck speed, expanding its product line and finding even more ways to reduce their carbon footprint. Method is now a carbon neutral producer, meaning they completely offset their emissions by planting trees and buying solar and wind power for electricity. Their multi-purpose cleaning wipes are still my favourite. Completely non-toxic and made from biodegradable fibres, they are perfect for making my bathroom spotless in no time and the best way I’ve ever found to wipe down my yoga mat.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Method pink grapefruit cleaning wipes, about $5. Visit methodhome.com for retailers across Canada.

Livin’ in the City

I often wonder about the homes of people around the world. When my friend Lisa at Indigo showed me this new book a few weeks back, I was so instantly intrigued that she sent it over so I could have a closer look. Given that our new May issue is chock-full of space-saving solutions, I thought it fitting to share a book that showcases how much you can really do in a city-sized space if the sky is the limit.

The Way We Live in the City is a glimpse at decadently designed pads packed within bustling small-space metropolises across the world, from luxe Manhattan penthouses to rustic London walk-ups. For me, living in an industrial loft conversion in Toronto, space is both an enemy and a friend. I am immediately inspired to make amends between the two. This will stir your inner interior designer, or make a great housewarming gift.
- Paul Aguirre, Editorial Intern

The Way We Live in the City, by Safford Cliff & Gilles de Chabaneix (Rizzoli New York), $50, Chapters-Indigo, chapters.indigo.ca.

Crystal Clear

I’ve fallen for this new monitor from Dell that features a “floating” screen. The design is so seamless that the speakers and all of the other high-tech tools you could ever need are built right into the frame. The neat freak in me also loves how it doesn’t create any “visual clutter.”
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Dell Crystal, $1,219, dell.ca.

Cutting-Edge Cool

They’ve come quite far since the Garbo garbage can heydays. We hit the Umbra Concept Store on Toronto’s John Street to check out the launch of the 2008 Umbra catalogue. Co-founder Paul Rowan and his design team were great hosts (my favourite beer!), and happy to introduce Umbra’s new design director Matt Carr, who started working at Umbra almost right out of Humber College design school. And the new 2008 stuff is hot! Umbra certainly has the market cornered on reinventing traditional, everyday objects with new technology and natural materials. Check it all out or visit umbra.ca.
- Doug Wallace, Deputy Editor

Photo by Danielle Matar

It’s One of a Kind

Don’t miss the One of a Kind show this Easter long weekend (March 20-24) in Toronto, a perfect spot to pick up spring fashion accessories, unique gifts or exclusive home finds. And while some artisan crafts do lean toward “Grandma’s house,” you can be safe in the knowledge that there’s something for everyone. Check out Jenna Rose’s trendy silk-screened ottomans and storage bags, Marjorie and Jack’s handbags made from discarded army gear, Kosoy & Buchard’s imprinted pottery, leather bibs from Mally Bibs – the list goes on and on. There are also activities for the children, daycare, fashion shows and seminars. At the Direct Energy Centre. $10/adult, $6.50/seniors and students. Free for children under 12. Visit oneofakindshow.com.
– Leah Weber, Home Market Editor Read more »

Floored

The recent Interior Design Show in Toronto featured a lot of new developments in flooring, like this new FiberFloor from Tarkett. Of course, you can’t beat the real thing, but if wood floorboards aren’t in your budget or DIY capacity, this is a great alternative. Known for their tongue and groove, easy-to-snap-together wood planks, their new offering is glueless flooring made up of 5 different layers that are all certified low in volatile organic compounds (low V.O.C – meaning they don’t emit toxic gases). Plus, it is fully recyclable and uses water-based inks. It’s durable, super-easy to install and the style options are endless, from wood grains to stone tiles to stainless steel to colourful patterns.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

About $2 per square foot, visit tarkett.com or call 800-363-9276 ext.8216 for retailers.

Digging It

When you’re completely sick of winter like I am, one good thing about working on magazines is the long lead time. This means we are looking at summer product previews now. I recently had the pleasure of seeing Indigo’s lineup and was so excited to see these William Morris print garden tools from Wild & Wolf and the Victoria and Albert museum in London. I don’t really have a green thumb but these tools have inspired me to give it a try this year. Look for the line at Indigo Books & Music in April.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

V&A Garden Tool Set in Cray, $36, wildandwolf.com, chapters.indigo.ca.

Mighty Little Magnet

Peg Mighties, $15, Three by Three Seattle, threebythree.com. Available at High-Tech, Toronto, 877-832-7770.

Art Mart

Now that you Torontonians have had time to recover from the Interior Design Show, you should know next weekend (March 6-9) is the first of another event that promises to achieve the same status, minus the weekend-in-a-convention-centre hangover. The Artist Project Toronto brings together more than 100 carefully selected, independent, emerging and established artists to the stylish Liberty Grand to showcase their work to collectors, gallerists, art enthusiasts and anyone looking for something different to do. The atmosphere is not intimidating and is sure to inspire novice and seasoned collectors alike. There’s an opening gala on Thursday night complete with an after-party at The Drake Hotel, and I’m betting Friday night ARTinis and a talk with Mark Challen on how to display your collection will be a big hit. Visit theartistprojecttoronto.com for more information.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Two Streams of Consciousness, Encaustic, mixed media on wood panel, by Nava Waxman.

Get Doorganized

Ever feel like you're forgetting something? Every morning I find myself in a mad dash to gather my keys, iPod, and other gadgets I need for the day – and I almost always end up one short. On a recent weekend shopping trip, the stars aligned and I came across the Doorganizer. Praised by Oprah, this organizer hangs on any doorknob to make sure you won't ignore it. You put things like your cell phone, keys and glasses in the front compartments, and the back has a section for letters, bills, newspapers, and DVD rentals. The “Do not forget” message stitched into the front makes it too cute to walk past!
- Paul Aguirre, Editorial Intern

Doorganizer ©, The Door Knob Organizer, about $17.
The Container Store, containerstore.com, or Chapters and Indigo, chapters.indigo.ca. Read more »

Eye on IDS

It’s here – the much-anticipated Interior Design Show (IDS) 2008. Kicking off last night with a see and be-seen party on the show floor, the doors are open to the public all weekend and it is definitely worth a trip. This is the show’s 10th year and to celebrate they’re focusing on sustainable and Canadian design. While it’s great to see mainstream television personalities like Lynda Reeves, Sarah Richardson, Brian Gluckstein and HGTV’s Designer Guys represented, for Canadian content I’m most excited for the student exhibit and the new collections at Klaus by Nienkämper, including pieces by British designer Tom Dixon, one of the show’s keynote speakers.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Beat vessels in unpolished brass by Tom Dixon, at Klaus by Nienkämper, klausn.com. Visit interiordesignshow.com for more information.  Read more »

Love is (Still) in the Air

The painting Dance (I) by Henri Matisse has always had an effect on me, and I came across it again recently as part of a press release for a mixed-works dance show at the Eva O. Howard Theatre in Edmonton on Saturday, Feb. 23. The evening, a combination of professional ballet companies and young dancers from local dance studios, is hosted by Citie Ballet to raise funds to help support the Zebra Child Protection Centre. With a multi-disciplinary, centralized team approach, it is the only centre of its kind in Canada – providing the environment and nurturing to help young victims of abuse while striving to prevent the added trauma that criminally processing these cases typically involves. Being that I’m from Edmonton (part II), I can guarantee this will be an entertaining night of top-notch performers and a great sampling of some classical and more contemporary ballet – and a great belated gift for your valentine if you’ve been under a rock, or more likely a snow pile, for the last week.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Visit citieballet.com for more info.

Kitchen Party

'Homey' décor in commercial spaces is a trend that seems to have staying power. New restaurants in hotspots like New York (www.bobnyc.com) are embracing décor that is more like a friend's eclectic, old-world apartment rather than a sparse, modern cafeteria. Closer to home, I recently went to a lounge/restaurant opening party on Toronto's West Queen West strip that takes it even further. Called Kitchen, because the party always ends up in the kitchen (stay tuned for our April issue that features a kitchen dinner party based on this same idea), it is a casual, warm and comfortable spot that you can go to anytime, in any outfit. The menu is easy-going tapas-style, and they're refreshingly anti-VIP sections and bottle service. Head to the 'expensive' bar downstairs where drinks cost 25 cents more and check out the arty graffiti wall by Thomas Ruiz.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate.

Photo by Paull Peterson. Visit thekitchenonqueenwest.com.

Off the Wall

Although we've reported that high-stylers are moving pattern from the walls to the floor in the form of a rug (which btw they still are), the wallpaper trend isn't out yet. Umbra has teamed up with Graham & Brown to develop their own collection, my favourite of which is the Dotty in black and white (the one furthest right) for its handmade, henna-looking, textural detail. They are paste and roll, meaning you paste the wall then hang and roll down the paper. This kind of paper is super easy to put up; they hung it for the launch party at the Umbra flagship store on Queen Street in Toronto, and said it took no time at all.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Graham & Brown Wallpaper, Super Fresco Easy, Vogue and Romantic, $30 per roll, at The Home Depot.
Umbra Dotty, $39 per roll, Graham & Brown for Umbra, at Umbra and The Home Depot.
Visit grahamandbrown.com and umbra.com for more patterns and info on pasting.  Read more »

Je T'Aime

Each morning on my way to work, I hear the update on the latest contestants in a radio contest for a trip to Paris (sigh). Lately, it seems anywhere must be more romantic than here in this bitter cold, and this daily reminder has stirred my steadfast love for French country style. If you also love the old-world European look, you’ll be pleased to know boutique JacKryn France has a new website and online catalogue with shipping available across Canada. Check out the hard-to-find lines like bespoke linens from Bella Notte, Tissage Moutet table runners and napkins, and Cath Kidston floral fabrics and gifts.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

jackryn.com

Write On

Lately, I have a thing for sending hand-written letters and cards, which has led me to fall in love with the idea of an old-fashioned writing desk. I don’t think I’m alone in this, because many designers are coming up with some pretty cool modern versions, like this one by Michael Young for Established & Sons. It’s pricey, but still, worth a trip to Ministry of the Interior to see this beautiful specimen, as well as the store’s collection of other hard-to-find-in-Canada lines. For now, I’ll splurge on my habit with custom stationery from a boutique company like Pantry Press (www.pantrypress.net) and Jonesy (www.jonesy.ca).

Michael Young for Established & Sons writing desk, $9,906, at Ministry of the Interior, 416-533-6684, 80 Ossington Ave., Toronto. www.ministryoftheinterior.net.

Pass It On

Hooked Up

With the holidays, over my small apartment is now home to a new iPod Nano (which is amazing!), another phone, more iPod gadgets and, of course, the resulting chargers and cords. Luckily, I found this little holder that will keep my device and cord neatly tucked together and out of the way while it charges. It folds up for easy storage, too.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Cradle charger, $15, Up To You, 416-778-6487, uptoyoutoronto.com.

Sleep Talk

I’ve been looking for a new pillow, so it was my lucky week when the new Obus Forme Comfort pillow landed on my desk. It’s quite firm but comfortable, probably due to the patent-pending grooved contour design. I’m happy to say my stiff neck and headaches are diminishing (I’ve heard side sleepers need a more supportive pillow). It’s the first washable memory foam on the market and is ecologically certified with no carcinogenic dyes, pesticides, chlorinated phenols or formaldehyde. It doesn’t have that funny new smell and the open-cell material makes the cover breathable. The details of why you want a breathable pillow are too gross to share, all you need to know is that this material prevents all of them! It comes with a zippered pillow protector, and you need a larger than standard pillowcase to fit over it properly (though I was able to stuff it into a standard-sized one). I think this might be my best gift of the season!
– Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Obus Forme Ultimate Comfort pillow, $120 at major retailers (Sears, Zellers, Shoppers Drug Mart, Pharma Plus). obusforme.com.

Tag Your Bag

Maybe it’s that I’ve been constantly dreaming of a sunny holiday lately, but I’ve had my eye on these luggage tags for a while and finally found a store in Toronto that carries them – the new Type Books at 394 Spadina Rd. in Forest Hill Village (they still have a location at 883 Queen Street West). If you’re outside of Toronto and looking for a last-minute stocking stuffer, Fred Flare will ship them to Canada for about $35 (including postage). Check out the cute gift wrap they offer, too! I’m sure they will keep me smiling through the hassle of airport check-ins the next time I go away.
Here’s where I wish I was going!
– Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Bob’s Your Uncle Schlep Luggage Tag Set, $15. Available at Type Books, Spadina Store 416-487-8973, Queen West Store 416-366-8973, and at fredflare.com.

Flower Power

One of the best gifts I’ve ever received was a huge bunch of fresh flowers, already arranged in a great vase (in my ideal world I’d have a new arrangement each week). It’s a perfect, thoughtful hostess gift for this time of year when Christmas cocktail parties are getting into full swing. I highly recommend a stop at Pink Twig Floral Boutique on College Street in Toronto. I brought in my own vase for this gorgeous arrangement, but they sell them there, too. The girls are very helpful, creative and friendly and the shop has some other great gifts as well like candles, cushions by Sabrina Linn and more.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Flower arrangement, $50, Pink Twig Floral Boutique, 711 College St., 416-537-7465, pinktwig.ca. Vase, $14, HomeSense, homesense.ca.

Fashion and Function

This is a great gift for any fashionable clean freak (or small-condo dweller). The story goes like this: Legendary inventor James Dyson designed the stage for Issey Miyake’s Spring/Summer 2008 fashion show. Miyake’s collection featured a lot of hot raspberry pink, which in turn inspired Dyson to come up with yet another unconventional, cyclone-technology vacuum. This one is hand-held, making it super compact. It’s also a limited edition (only 500 are being shipped to Canada), giving it even more gotta-have-it buzz.
- Andrea Mills

Dyson/Issey Miyake Root 6, $180.

Available at The Bay the first week of December and online at dyson.com.

One of a Kind Finds

I happen to have fallen for these porcelain bowls by Montreal’s Frédérique Bonmatin, who has a booth at the One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale that started yesterday in Toronto (it runs until Dec. 2). Before you start to feel the inevitable holiday panic, make room in your schedule for this – with its decorating seminars, workshops and fashion shows it’s much more than a gift show. If you’re all about getting your shop on, there are tons of great artisans to check out, lattes and even a parcel check to keep you going. Happy shopping!
-Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Frédérique Bonmatin porcelain bowls, $26 each, Booth T-29.

One of a Kind Christmas Show and Sale, Direct Energy Centre. You can also check out a sampling of gift items at oneofakindshow.com.

Perfectly Personalized

Beautiful linens are an essential for the holiday entertaining season, and at any time of year, so a set of monogrammed napkins or guest towels makes a great gift for your hostess (or yourself!). I like white on white because it is subtle and goes with anything, but you can personalize them with colour if you’re sure of what will match her tableware or powder room. Bonus: This store ships across Canada, which means one less trip to the frenzied mall (but plan for a week to have your order made, plus shipping time).
-Andrea Mills, Home Associate

White linen napkin, $50 for set of 6. Little Monogram Shop, Port Perry, Ont., 800-982-1785.

Three Potato Four Shop

I recently discovered this gorgeous online shop when our copy associate, Rani Sheen, told me about it. If you like collectibles and one-of-a-kind finds, but aren’t really into hunting all over for them, this is the place for you. From dishware and furniture to prints and paper, every section of threepotatofourshop.com has a well-edited selection of great scores.
-Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Super Star

I was out “on the market” the other day looking for ideas for upcoming issues and saw this tumbler made of recycled glass by quirky Spanish designer Agatha Ruiz De La Prada. Sadly it doesn’t fit with any upcoming stories, but I love Spain, I love red wine in short tumblers and I would love to have a collection of these!
-Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Agatha Ruiz De La Prada glass, $20, Ma Zone Home Decor. 63 Jarvis Street, Toronto, 416-868-0330.

In the Bag

It’s been just over a year since U2 singer Bono’s (PRODUCT) RED project landed on North American shores. If you’ve been living under a rock, it’s an initiative that works with some of the world’s largest companies to develop special RED branded products, from which a portion of the proceeds go to African AIDS programs that focus on women and children.

This Mali mud-cloth bag is part of Hallmark’s recent (PRODUCT) RED collection. Mud-cloth patterns traditionally tell stories from Mali history or everyday life. Hallmark chose three designs and produced the bag with the help of Mali artisans. This pattern represents a crossroads, encouraging people with different perspectives to find common ground. It has special significance for women, who are revered as the centre of the family.

The cloth bags are sturdy, making them great for toting lunch or taking wine to a party (leave it there as a hostess gift).
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Mud-cloth bag, $25, Hallmark.

Walk This Way

Being that I grew up in Edmonton, I don’t find it surprising that there are seven galleries within walking distance from each other, all in the hip, downtown Glenora district. This Saturday and Sunday (Oct. 20 and 21), they all open their doors to formal, but unguided walks for the bi-annual Gallery Walk Weekend, so you can tour at your leisure. Featuring up-and-coming Canadian artists who work in wood, glass, photography, metal and more, TU Gallery is a great starting point. Check out its new show, Here TU Stay, featuring the eight artists-in-residence. Before you hit the streets, take a look at our Canada Shops section for some other great stores to hit along the way – further proof that the only thing that’s numb and cold in Edmonton is the weather.
-Andrea Mills, Home Associate

For more information visit gallery-walk.com and tugallery.ca.

Cozy Fall Accent

I love how these faux-horn bowls make me think of fall and cozying up by a fire on a chilly night. They are great for storing everyday jewellery, or as a catch-all for keys and change by the front door.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Faux-horn decorative bowls, $20 and $25, HomeSense.

Magnetic Beauty

I will definitely be ordering some of these magnets, the latest creation of hip Vancouver artist June Hunter. She takes digital snaps in her own garden and transforms them via the wonders of computer into stunning art pieces (some are hung in Vancouver’s recently re-done Hyatt hotel), marble tiles, pebbles, jewelry, postcards and more. The magnets aren’t big, but they’re super strong and make the boards around my desk so much prettier!
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Magnets, $6 each or 4 for $20, June Hunter, 604-551-7758, junehunter.ca

Wall Flowers

Our October feature story was all about trends in paint, fabric and wallpaper, so we’re excited to report that British fashion designer Julien Macdonald* has a gorgeous new line of paste and roll (you paint the wall with paste first, then roll the paper down) wallpapers for Graham & Brown that are now available in Canada. The best part is they are not trade-only, anyone can get them because they are exclusive to none other than The Home Depot.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

Julien Macdonald for Graham & Brown, Ornate Chocolate, at The Home Depot.

*Note: Better known in Europe, Macdonald has held such coveted posts as chief designer at Givenchy and was named British designer of the year in 2001.

K'ush Opens in Toronto

One joke in our office is that when you talk about new Canadian home furnishings, it usually involves pillows. As further evidence, new boutique K’ush promises to soften the rougher edges of Toronto’s gritty Queen Street East strip. They also carry cashmere throws and beautiful candles to make the trip worthwhile. Once you’re in the area, stop at b espresso bar and café for the best vanilla latte in the city. Stroll further down the street and visit Paul at H2O Floral Studio & Home Décor for some great gift ideas and stunning displays.
- Andrea Mills, Home Associate

K'ush Home, 104 Queen Street East, 416-366-5874, kushhome.com

An Inspiring Design Book

An excellent book landed on my desk the other week with a huge thud. Design: Intelligence Made Visible (Firefly Books, $50, coming to bookstores in November) is a dictionary of the best in design from the 20th and 21st centuries, charting designers, design movements and categories of everything from cars to clothes to can openers.

Atmosphere to Go

I’ve always envied travellers with one tidy little suitcase - I’m usually the girl dragging a huge suitcase (that weighs a ton) everywhere I go. One thing I love to bring (that doesn’t take up much room but adds loads of atmosphere to a hotel room) is a travel candle. Check out the new scent from Crabtree & Evelyn in this gorgeous, patterned tin.

Anakkara Amber travel candle, $17, Crabtree & Evelyn. Call 800-555-9751 for stores.

More Than Meets the Eye

Fill these pretty-handled canisters with makeup brushes, pens and pencils, even milk for your morning coffee – they’ll look great on any surface! We love the versatility of these retro-looking containers, and they’re a great gift idea, too. Plus, they are handmade in low-fire ceramic (requires less heat and energy to produce) with a non-toxic glaze.
- Hannah Bank, Home Editorial Assistant

Hobknobs, about $35, available at branchhome.com.