Andrew Richard Designs

I’m completely settling in nicely to summer now that some amazing weather has come my way. I love spending time on any sort of patio…especially if it has comfortable seating. If I had a large enough patio of my own I would seriously consider this piece from Canadian outdoor furniture company Andrew Richard Designs. And a matching footrest would be nice too.

teak & stainless steel Sillouette Lounge Chair, $3995

p.s. For some outdoor inspiration, check out Andrew Richard Designs’ project portfolio page.

The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Debbie Travis

The fabulous and talented Debbie Travis rounds off today’s Friday Five. Technically, she’s a Brit, but she’s been part of the Canadian scene for so long that she must surely have citizenship here. I just had to include her in today’s series…accent and all.

Her first show, Debbie Travis’ The Painted House, aired in 1995 and it was here that I learned all about faux finishes. I clearly remember watching her create this Fornasetti dining room and this wild blue wall. It was because of Debbie that I added words like crackle varnish, anaglypta, and battik into my vocabulary.

Debbie Travis is an accomplished artist, designer, author, and business woman. In addition to Painted House, her more recent shows, Facelift and From the Ground Up have been successful in Canada and abroad. She has written many books and has won several prestigious awards. She also has a line of products available at Canadian Tire. Needless to say, Debbie is a woman who wears many hats.

Debbie Travis’ designed kitchen and bathroom

Debbie Travis Expo Cut mirror, $39.99, Canadian Tire

Debbie Travis Tie-Up shade, $24.99, Canadian Tire

Debbie Travis lantern, $34.99, Canadian Tire

Debbie Travis lighting

In recent years, Debbie has headed to Tuscany and now hosts a Debbie Travis’ Girls’ Getaway. The experience includes 7 nights accommodation at her Italian villa (wow!), delicious meals and drinks, winery tours, and more. La dolce vita, I’d say!

You can learn more about what Debbie is up to on her blog or you can follow her on Twitter.

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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Happy Canada Day!

The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Steven Sabados & Chris Hyndman

I hope you’re enjoying today’s series of posts and that you’re learning a little bit more about Canadian designers.

Next on the list are Steven Sabados & Chris Hyndman. It’s a two-for-one post because these guys are such a dynamic design team and I just couldn’t bare to break them apart for the purpose of a post.

Johanne & I quickly met Steven and his partner Chris after a Toronto taping of their show, Steven & Chris, a couple of years ago.

Chris, Jordana, Johanne, Steven

Like Brian and Candice, I first learned about Steven Sabados’ talent for design via CityLine (Have I been a long time fan of that show or what?).  Steven & Chris were the original Designer Guys and are now the hosts of the Steven & Chris show. In addition to their TV hits, this pair has designed a line of furniture, linens, lighting, and wines, yes wines! These guys are busy!

Castlefield sofa

ottoman

decorative accessories

Trend wines by Steven & Chris, available at the LCBO

I like these guys because they’re friendly, personable, charismatic, and their clean design aesthetic definitely works for me. There’s no fussing around for this duo. Oh – and Steven also spent time in London, Ontario (which is where I am now living). Bonus.

The Friday Five: Canadian Designer Series – Brian Gluckstein

Happy Canada Day!

In honour of today, Canada’s 144th birthday, I’m going to be doing something a little different with the Friday Five. In a series of five posts throughout the day, rather than in one single post, I will be featuring five fabulous Canadian designers. These  designers, and many many other talented Canadians, bring creativity, beauty, and good design to diverse spaces in Canada and abroad.

First up is the talented Brian Gluckstein.

Brian Gluckstein’s classic aesthetic caught my eye when I first “met” him on CityLine back when Marilyn Denis used to be the host. I am always impressed by his professionalism and style. He has been been named Canada’s favourite interior designer by the readers of House & Home which may not come as a surprise to many readers who know his work.

Forest Hill bathroom

Georgian Estate

Neoclassical home

Brian has a collection of homewares which are available at The Bay. Click here to see the full Gluckstein product line.

Peyton

Studio

As if his interior design company and home collection isn’t keeping this guy busy enough – Brian’s blogging too – see what he’s up to here.

photos via Gluckstein Design Residential Portfolio & Gluckstein Home

Designer Spotlight: Krona & Lion

Krona & Lion is a Toronto-based creative team of four you may have first met at 2010’s Come Up to My Room (Room 211). I wrote about their amazing white flower installation here.

The fantastic four – Fiona, Jonathan, Kristen, Lisa – are designers, illustrators, educators, and all around talented artists. In addition to the success they had at Come Up to My Room, they have also worked on projects with various stylists and photographers.

Their flowers are whimsical and delightful. Their paper flower bouquets are spectacular!

All images courtesy of Krona & Lion.