The Color House At Home Fall 2020

THE COLOR HOUSE OUTRAGEOUS ORANGE 2013-10

CRAFT YOUR OWN WOODEN GAMES FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO ENJOY

CHANTILLY LACE OC-65

SOUP'S ON! FROM THE GARDEN TO YOUR TABLE

ADD A POP OF COLOUR FROM CHAIRS, TO DRESSERS, TO DOORS

BRINGING VACAY VIBES HOME: TAKE TIME TO REINVENT YOUR HOME AS A STAYCATION ADVENTURE DESTINATION

$10 OFF

A GALLON OF REGAL SELECT RETAIL ONLY Limit 1 coupon per customer | Not redeemable for cash | Not valid with other discounts Expires: December 31, 2020

Trusted for More Than 50 Ye

TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU, VISIT:

THECOLORHOUSE.COM

HOW MUCH PAINT DO I NEED? Follow this formula to estimate the paint requirements of your project.

You’re nearly finished painting when you look down into the almost empty can and realize – yikes! You won’t have quite enough paint to finish the job.

Estimating the amount of paint you need is as important as choosing your color scheme. Save yourself time and a panic attack by taking the guesswork out of your paint requirements using a calculator similar to the one on this page. It’s as simple as measuring the dimensions of the room being painted to find the surface area.

STEP 4: Add Total Doors plus Total Windows to = Surface Not to Be Painted.

STEP 5: Subtract Surface Not to Be Painted from Total Wall Surface = Total Surface To Be Painted.

STEP 1: Measure the Walls Wall 1 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

STEP 6: Divide Total Surface to Be Painted by

Wall 2 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

the Spread Rate* = Amount of Paint Needed

Wall 3 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

Wall 4 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

Add together to find Total Wall Surface = _____ ft.

For Each Coat. *SPREAD RATE: The spread rate is the recommended yield you can expect from a can of paint. Typically, a U.S. gallon of paint will

STEP 2: Measure the Doors Door 1 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

Door 2 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

cover 350-400 square feet. As coverage may vary depending on paint product and thickness of application, check your paint can label to determine the spread rate before purchasing.

Add together to find Total Door Surface = ____ ft.

PRO TIP: It’s wise to buy a bit more paint than STEP 3: Measure the Windows

you think you will need for the job. This way, you can ensure you will not run out of paint

Window 1 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

before the job is done, plus you’ll have leftover

Window 2 Width: ___ ft. X Height: ___ ft. = _____ ft.

paint for touch-ups.

Add together to find Total Window Surface = _____ft.

Don’t run out! Let The Color House help calculate the right amount for you

P G. 52

SPACES: Real-home redesigns with wall-to-wall ideas you can use.

32

THE BUCKTOWN BEAUTY Eclectic musings in colorful hues.

40

THE HOME THAT CAME INTO ITS OWN Good bones meet great style.

46

CANADIAN CHARISMA Rustic appeal inspired by the North.

52

HEAVEN IN THE HAMPTONS A vibrant take on coastal chic.

62

NEW STYLE, OLD CHARM Cozy character with staying power.

Check out more colorful and inspiring spaces starting on page thirty-two.

Products featured in At Home are available at The Color House, some by special order.

FA L L 2020

5

Sand Faster, Leave a Better Finish

Love the designs within our pages?

Connect with the talented folks behind the gorgeous spaces.

9-inch Radial Sander and Net Abrasive Sanding Discs

THE BUCKTOWN BEAUTY

HYDE® now offers a 9-inch Radial Sander engineered to allow pros to sand large areas with greater ease. This is the lightest radial sander on the market. It has a unique pivoting hinge and round shape that prevents flipping.

Studio Sven Lauren Svenstrup hello@studiosven.com studiosven.com

©2020 Hyde Tools, Inc. All rights reserved.

PG 32

HYDE® Net Abrasive Sanding Discs are made with an open weave that minimizes “loading up” of the material, all but eliminating clogging even when used on painted wall preparation jobs.

Unlike conventional sanding screens, they leave no pattern or uniform scratch lines that show up after finishing.

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• Last 5X longer than sandpaper • Can also be used with dust-free sanders

Canvas Design Studio Danielle Pollock canvasdesignstudio.ca HEAVEN IN THE HAMPTONS PG 52 custrelations@hydetools.com 800.872.4933

PG 62

JIM TAYLOR

ARTHUR LIFFMANN

DARREN GRUNERUD

OLIVIA HIEBERT

NOREEN MCKENZIE

6

ISSUE 8

D2 Interieurs Denise Davies denise@d2interieurs.com d2interieurs.com NEW STYLE, OLD CHARM

CARLEE BAIGRIE

MARISA CURATOLO

Amanda Hamilton Design Amanda Hamilton hello@amandahamiltondesign.com amandahamiltondesign.com

PG 46

CONT R IB U T OR S

TWILA DRIEDGER

PG 40

CANADIAN CHARM

Net Abrasives 09919

THE HOME THAT CAME INTO ITS OWN

Folkway Co. Design & Wares Sommer Tate design@folkwayco.com folkwayco.com

CON TEN TS

FALL 2020

Bahia Taylor Editor in Chief Co-founder

Photo Credits: Viking Projects, Apricot Lane Farms

©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint.

Leigh McKenzie Creative Director Co-founder Carlee Baigrie Contributing Writer & Editor Olivia Hiebert Graphic Designer Melanie Truman Project Management Graphic Design Styling Gallon Creative www.galloncreative.com Owned and Published by: Gallon Creative For inquiries, please contact us at hello@galloncreative.com 5 Scurfield Blvd #25 Winnipeg, Manitoba R3Y 3G4 www.galloncreative.com hello@galloncreative.com Cover Photography - Viking Projects www.vikingprojectsco.ca While every effort has been made to ensure that advertisements and articles appear correctly, At Home Magazine cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage caused directly or indirectly by the contents of this publication. All material is intended for informational purposes only. The views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily those of its publisher or editor.

22

CRAFT TABLE: DIY? WE SAY Y-E-S!

P. 22

BACKYARD GAMES: A homemade take on traditional family fun!

26

HOT SPOT: High standards and strong ethics breed beautiful results.

A FLOURISHING FARM FANTASY Apricot Lane Farms has harnessed the power of nature.

70

CHOW: Just thinking about it is making us hungry.

P.26

A BEAUTIFUL HARVEST Recipes to savor the season's final harvest.

76

EXPLORER: Pack your sense of adventure and let’s go.

VACAY VIBES Finding adventure close to home.

Finishing Touches p. 86 Lucerne AF-530

82

TOOLBOX: Helpful resources for any homeowner.

FABRIC DECODED Fabric basics 101.

All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part prohibited without written permission from the publisher.

Typeset in Adobe Garamond and Avenir Printed in Canada

FA L L 2020

7

WE L C O M E

T

he world is a very different place today than it was when we released our last issue. Seemingly overnight, our lives changed and the very definition of home shifted along with it. As storefronts and offices closed their doors and employees were sent home with desktops and no real concept of when they’d return, we gained a new appreciation for the spaces we inhabit. Our homes have always served as our sanctuaries, but we had to rely even more heavily on that sense of safety and comfort through the last several months. And our homes now have to wear multiple hats: workplace, gym, school… the list goes on. But like all change, this pandemic has illuminated slivers of joy as well, opportunities to relish in togetherness and soak in each other’s company. And with the weather and the colors shifting into Autumn (aka the perfect season for nesting), there’s never been a better time to embrace your inner home-body.

We hope this issue brings you some direction on those boredom-filled days, when you’re aching for the tropics or just a night out on the town (check out pg. 22 for the best DIY yard games we could find!). We hope it brings you inspiration in the spaces we’ve profiled, from the cozy Canadian charm of Canvas Design Studio’s latest project (pg. 46) to the posh elegance of Amanda Hamilton Design’s subtle take on luxury (pg. 40). We hope it helps you find comfort in times of uncertainty, even if it’s in the simplest of pleasures, like chef Marisa Curatolo’s Pumpkin and Sweet Potato Soup recipe (it’s a must-try — pg. 71). But most of all, we hope you find ways to bring the beauty you find between these pages into your own life, your own home.

P. 3 2

Take good care of each other, and stay inspired.

FALL 2020

THE COLOR HOUSE OUTRAGEOUS ORANGE 2013-10

When you find the perfect color, nothing else will do.

CRAFT YOUR OWN WOODEN GAMES FOR FAMILY AND FRIENDS TO ENJOY

Perfection comes from our paint and our proprietary Gennex® colorants, together, creating results that are breathtaking.

Rely on Benjamin Moore for premium quality and Gennex Color Technology, which makes our long-lasting colors, all 3,500 of them, one-of-a-kind.

CHANTILLY LACE OC-65

Unmatchable.

THE COLOR HOUSE AT HOME

WALL: Stormy Monday 2112-50, Aura® Eggshell

$10 OFF

A GALLON OF REGAL SELECT

SOUP'S ON! FROM THE GARDEN TO YOUR TABLE

RETAIL ONLY Limit 1 coupon per customer | Not redeemable for cash | Not valid with other discounts Expires: December 31, 2020

FROM CHAIRS, TO DRESSERS, TO DOORS

FI ND A

for More Than 50 Years BRETrusted AKD O WN

O F TH I S CO VER ©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Aura, Benjamin Moore, Gennex, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore® paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint. 7/20

BRINGING VACAY VIBES HOME: ISSUE EIGHT

THE COLOR HOUSE TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU, VISIT: THECOLORHOUSE.COM

20-277650_At Home Magazine_8.375 x 10.875.indd 1

P.7 0

7/13/20 10:35 AM

TAKE TIME TO REINVENT YOUR HOME AS A STAYCATION ADVENTURE DESTINATION

O N P. 92

TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU, VISIT:

THECOLORHOUSE.COM

Paint Like No Other

®

The workhorse. Regal Select repels stains and cleans up easily without damaging walls.

Stop by or call.

We’re here to help!

©2017 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore, Paint like no other, REGAL and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co.

8

ISSUE 8

Jacob Hand, Brian Johnson

ADD A POP OF COLOR

With unlimited colors, you can match any mood.

P. 22

NATURALLY PERFECT ™ WOOD PROTECTION THAT LASTS For decades, home owners and builders have chosen Sansin Enviro Stains to protect interior cabinetry, floors, walls and furniture. Known for their extraordinary beauty, proven performance and ease of application, our Purity Interior formulas deliver exceptionally even color with zero harmful VOCs, in a wide range of popular colors and finishes.

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Jean Hauser, President

OUR STORY Jean Hauser was in a 20-year courtship with the home decor industry before taking the plunge as the full-time owner of the family paint business, an opportunity that married her love of color with her passion for design.

Hauser, who holds a degree in fashion merchandising and a certificate in interior design, inherited ownership of The Color House, the business started by her father-in-law over 50 years ago and where she worked alongside her late husband for two decades.

“Back when I began at The Color House, there was no design team, no color consultants,” Hauser recalls. “My background in design allowed us to build a whole new side of the business, pushing us to evolve beyond paint and wall coverings and offer customers much more in terms of planning spaces that reflected their personality and lifestyle.”

A certified Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), The Color House is Rhode Island’s leading paint and design retailer offering full-service design, color consultation and expert color matching in addition to Benjamin Moore paint, tools and accessories, wall coverings, window treatments, fabrics and custom upholstery.

real estate to give up in a retail location, it shows how much The Color House is fully invested in being design-oriented experts.”

Another distinction of The Color House is that unlike big box stores and large retailers that focus mainly on contractors, Hauser’s team concentrates on a different demographic.

“While we love our contractors, it’s not really who we’ve built our showrooms or our website for – it’s for the home owner who wants to put a personal stamp on their own space, whether they do it themselves or hire a design professional to help them create a palette that will pull together a room or their entire home,” she says, giving full credit to her team for The Color House’s excellent customer service.

“Our people really know what they’re talking about. We take the time to get to know our customers and understand their needs so that we can help them calculate how much paint they need, the right finish to use or how to properly prep their walls. Even if they come to us for color advice because they’re feeling overwhelmed by all the options, customers know we will always guide them toward the best choices.”

“Every project our customers bring in is important to us,” Hauser says.

“We know they want to get it right the first time, so it means a lot that they trust us to provide them with the proper products and advice.”

Although her full-time commitment to running The Color House and to serving as committee chair for AllPro® Corporation requires Hauser to leave consulting in the capable hands of her design team, she continues to find creative outlets in other parts of the business.

Wanting to further expand the business after taking full ownership in 2016, Hauser and her team of 25 employees set out to renovate the existing stores in Cranston, North Kingstown and Wakefield. The team opened their fourth location in Middletown in 2018, and just opened their fifth location in Smithfield in March, which is a feat under good marketplace conditions (nevermind a global pandemic).

“I think about design in every aspect of what we do – from what our showrooms look like to the quality of product we carry and how it gets merchandised. I try to look at things from a woman’s point of view as well as from a designer’s point of view. If I was a customer, what would I like out of The Color House experience? From there, we always strive to deliver something bigger and better.”

“We are so proud of our beautiful in-store showrooms, which are purposefully designed and very inviting so that people want to spend time here,” she says, drawing attention to the enhanced lighting, attractive wood flooring and expanded Benjamin Moore Color Center that gives customers an unparalleled experience.

The Color House invites customers to visit their beautiful, newlyrenovated Benjamin Moore design showrooms for an unparalleled instore experience. Our team is well-equipped with the expertise and talent to make any project into a masterpiece you will fall in love with for years to come. Your project is our focus – we’ll make it happen!

“Two of our showrooms have designated spaces for our design team to work and to meet with clients. While that may sound like a lot of

TO CONTACT JEAN HAUSER: Jean Hauser, President, THE COLOR HOUSE | jean@thecolorhouse.com FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COLOR HOUSE PLEASE CONTACT: Sebastian Tonkovich: sebastian@thecolorhouse.com | 201.525.1593

WOMEN IN BUSINESS The Color House Breaks Barriers The Color House Is First Of It’s Kind To Be Certified A Woman-Owned Business Enterprise “I believe in women supporting women,” announces The Color House president, Jean Hauser, in a press release celebrating the company’s recent certification as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE).

“Whether that means partnering together, promoting one another, or providing whatever support and resources we need to be successful.”

business,” shares Hauser. But she and her team do more than just talk to talk when it comes to uplifting others and being an ally for women in business. “It is also a reflection of The Color House as an inclusive team that appreciates the diversity of every customer who walks through the door.”

In addition to leading the phenomenal growth of The Color House, a certified Woman-owned Business Enterprise (WBE), Hauser is a trailblazer in the paint industry. She is the first woman to serve as committee chair for ALLPRO® Corporation, a business-to-business purchasing cooperative for the international paint and decorating products industry.

“I strive to bring value and service to the community while assuring customers that shopping local does not necessarily mean product is more expensive. I aim to deliver the highest quality of product and service, while competing with the big box stores, in a welcoming and professional environment.”

When Hauser inherited the business from her late husband in 2016, she was determined to make her mark on the industry, and uplift the other women in business around her while she does so. “The WBE certification demonstrates how proud we are to be a woman-owned

Hauser and her team are always looking for ways to give back and uplift others, particularly women, who are underrepresented in roles like hers. To date, The Color House is the first and only Rhode Island paint and design retail supplier to hold the WBE certification.

TO CONTACT JEAN HAUSER: Jean Hauser, President, THE COLOR HOUSE | jean@thecolorhouse.com FOR QUESTIONS ABOUT THE COLOR HOUSE PLEASE CONTACT: Sebastian Tonkovich: sebastian@thecolorhouse.com | 201.525.1593

BENJAMIN MOORE

Color Portfolio App Simplify the process of selecting a new shade and say goodbye to guesswork: the new Benjamin Moore Color Portfolio App is the only thing you’ll need to plan your next project—all from the palm of your hand! In the new app, you can save and match colors, share images with clients or colleagues, browse virtual fan decks, and experiment with photo/video visualizers that allow you to take an image of a room and virtually “try on” different colors.

Download the app on the app store!

Talk to your experts at The Color House about how to maximize your in-app experience!

CURIOUS ABOUT COLOR CONSULTS? So much goes into creating a beautiful space, but the right paint color can often pack the biggest punch. It’s arguably one of the most impactful decisions made in the design process (and also the most laborious), and we can help make sure your paint project goes off without a hitch. As a paint retailer, we are obsessed with color. We live and breathe it, and we take any opportunity we can to put that passion and knowledge to use, particularly when it helps bring a customer’s vision into reality. We love educating our customers about the nuances of tone, chroma, and everything in between so that you can ensure your chosen shade is around for a long time.

TALK TO THE EXPERTS AT THE COLOR HOUSE TO BOOK YOUR COLOR CONSULTATION TODAY!

Shop Small.

Shop Local.

We’re in your neighborhood.

Click & Collect

We’re open online 24-7 and here to serve your paint and décor needs.

THECOLORHOUSE.COM

DESIGNER P.48

inspiration FATIGUE GREEN 2140-10 Earthy, understated, and easy-going, this shade calls toward the great outdoors while still maintaining neutral status through its grey undertone. Fatigue Green feels like an ode to nature: soothing and subtle in all the right ways, but dark enough to offer some moody and sultry ambiance. Reminiscent of the forest floor, this sleepy green promotes tranquility and growth, things we could all use a little more of in our lives.

P.67

SAILOR’S SEA BLUE 2063-40 A fun and playful blue that still feels mature and elegant in the right contexts. With its openness and optimistic sensibility, it makes any room feel bigger and brighter. It has just the right amount of pep in its step to hold its own as an accent, but sophisticated enough to make sense in a higher-traffic area too. This bold blue is the perfect shade for cabinets, a fresh coat on an old piece of furniture, or a floor-to-ceiling wall color, tempered with light and airy neutrals.

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ISSUE 8

P.56

HOT LIPS 2077-30

Bubbly, bright, and fun, this playful pink is brimming with personability and just the pop of color your home needs. So often, we shy away from overtly feminine colors in common spaces in the house, but we’ve always thought the bolder the better. Use Hot Lips to experiment with vibrant hues.

Try it on a chair frame, as pictured here, a built-in shelving unit, or an accent wall in a

©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint.

bed or bathroom.

DISTANT GREY 2124-70

Just the contemplative and breezy subtlety we all crave to come home to after a long day. This neutral is highly versatile, but it still brings some complexity and interest through its undertones. Rustic and light, it’s at its best as an all-over shade in an openconcept space, so the room can be enveloped by its soothing glow. Pair with a soft white trim to optimize this shade’s warmth.

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We are community supporters.

We are also community supported.

Independent retailers like us are proudly loyal to our local neighborhoods. Whether it is supporting first responders or youth sports, nothing makes us feel better than giving back to the people and communities who shop with us.

As you are working on your home projects or buying supplies for your business, please shop local, and support the businesses that support you.

Your business matters here.

EVERY JOB NEEDS A GATOR Because Gator® has the right sanding tools for every situation. Whether you’re sanding by hand or with a power tool, Gator products are engineered to be tough, long wearing and consistent for a professional finish. Proudly found at participating ALLPRO® stores.

For more products & tips visit

GATORFINISHING.COM

Tough Sandpaper. Smooth Finish.®

Be social with us!

©2020 Ali Industries, Inc. All rights reserved

It’s 92° outside,

but your energy bill doesn’t have to know Graber Cellular Shades provide high quality, high style and unsurpassed energy savings —so your clients can delight in their homes, no matter the season.

Sell Graber Custom Window Treatments 844.285.4877 | www.graberblinds.com/for-dealers

CRA FT TABL E

DIY wooden yard games

22

ISSUE 8

W

ith social distancing, we’re all trying to find fun and creative ways

to pass the time while staying close to home. And hey, if it brings the family together and gets everyone smiling, even better! Gather the gang

for

a

nice,

old-fashioned

afternoon of yard games, with a few fun twists that will have everyone engaged.

Whenever

you

can

manage to get everyone away from screens, out in nature, and living in the moment, there’s always a degree of nostalgia attached. Embrace it, and get everyone involved with the creation of the game too. Often times that can be just as fun as the finished product!

C OLO R CO DE D G IAN T J E N GA This one breathes new life into a familyfavorite by bringing it to a larger scale and adding a little dose of vibrancy.

SUPPLIES:

STEP BY STEP

• Cut your 2" x 3" boards so that they Sandpaper/Sanding block are 7.5" long. You should end up with 54 jumbo Jenga pieces!

5 @ 2"x 3"x 8' boards Paint/Stain

Paint Brush

• Sand each block so that there are no splinters and edges are smooth.

A Die

• Separate your pieces into six even groups.

When it’s your turn, roll the die and

• Paint or stain each group of pieces a different color — keeping one of the groups plain wood. Latex paint will work fine, but it won’t cure for a few weeks.

Stain will dry faster.

draw a piece with the same color as the

• Protect with a clear coat of polyurethane.

Groups of color-coded pieces correlate with a number on each side of the die.

corresponding number.

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D OMI N OS

Many a Saturday afternoon have been spent laughing on top of a carpet laying out dominos, arranging them in new configurations, or strategizing over which piece to lay where. If you’re playing the game the traditional way, it’s also a great way to brush up on the kids’ mental math skills.

SUPPLIES:

STEP BY STEP

Printable Dominos Scorecard (can be found online)

• Cut your 1" x 4" boards into 6.75" pieces using a miter saw. You should be

4 @ 1"x 4" boards

• Using sandpaper or a sanding block, eliminate any splinters and sand until

Sandpaper/Sanding block Printable Domino Set Stencils (can be found online) X-acto Knife Paint Painters Tape

able to get 12 dominos out of each board, with a total of 56 (one to spare!). edges and surfaces are smooth.

• Secure the printable domino stencils onto the cut and sanded 6.75" boards.

• Using an X-acto knife, carefully cut along the outer edge of the stenciled dots and line through the center.

• Paint the inside of the stencils and let dry.

• Protect with a clear coat of polyurethane.

24

ISSUE 8

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Seymour of Sycamore, Inc. is proud to be a vender partner with ALLPRO for over 25 years! ®

FA L L 2020

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Photo Credits: Apricot Lane Farms

HOT SPO T

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ISSUE 8

A Flour i s h i ng Far m Fan tasy Apricot Lane Farms has harnessed the power of nature to turn dry desolate dirt into a nutrient-rich and eco-friendly plant paradise Text: Twila Driedger

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M

Photo Credits: Yvette Roman Photography, Apricot Lane Farms

ost fairy tales are full of princesses, dragons, fairies, goblins, and magical creatures.

Not for John and Molly Chester, a docu-series director and a private chef; their dream was much different. The couple pictured a lush landscape, full of fruit trees, wildlife, verdant plant vegetation, and everything living in harmony.

For the Chesters, the dream was a culinary, eco-friendly farm fairy tale.

However, everyone told John and Molly that their idea was crazy, that giving up their Los Angeles lifestyle and attempting to farm over 200 acres with traditional methods would be reckless, if not impossible.

But the Chesters persevered.

They read every farming book they could get their hands on and developed a business plan that would bring their biodiverse farm fantasy to life.

Fast-forward nine years and they’ve transformed the once dry, nutrient-depleted former horse ranch known as Apricot Lane Farms into a fertile and fruitful paradise, rich with more than 100 vegetables, 75 varieties of certified fruit including avocados, stone fruits, and citrus.

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ISSUE 8

Photo Credits: Apricot Lane Farms

The self-sustaining, 213-acre farm features every animal in a children’s book, all with a particular purpose.

Pyrenees Mountain dogs guard the sheep, workhorses help move cattle and sheep across the farm to fresh pastures, Khaki Campbell ducks eat the snails that devour the tree leaves, and guinea fowl assist with pest management. Pigs are crossbred, chickens lay a variety of highly-desired eggs sold in a matter of minutes at farmers’ markets, a small herd of Scottish Highland cattle graze pastures and produce manure for the compost, and Dorper lambs forage on fresh green pastures and orchards.

All these things, including plants, cover crops, and even manure, act as layers, working in harmony to create an enormous and effective micro-ecosystem. That’s right; the animals’ poop

is pure gold to the Chesters, promising to infuse beneficial micro-organisms into the soil.

“You’re always trying to figure out what purpose something serves and how you can channel it into that purpose so that it takes the pressure off of everything else and things can fall into alignment,” Molly explains. “You have to watch and be observant. Something is always going to be causing “problems” but they’re not really problems, they’re just teaching you what the land needs. They’re your next place to find greater harmony.”

Problems have been prevalent since the get-go. On their journey to achieving the holistic farming approach, the Chesters had to overcome season upon season of setbacks – difficulties that were documented in real time for John’s award-winning documentary, “The Biggest Little Farm.”

The only thing better than your classic white subway tile back splash is knowing that you are supporting a company that takes their impact on the environment seriously.

FA L L 2020

29

had the opportunity to ditch their regular commute and trade their busy schedule for more time spent digging in the dirt. The downtime has cultivated an interest in diversifying gardens and growing produce.

When people come to Apricot Lane Farms, or watch “The Biggest Little Farm”, they get an inside look at what it takes to farm with a regenerative focus.

“I hope that all the viewers will see that a collaboration with nature offers infinite possibilities – those possibilities that have evolved to perfection over billions of years of evolution.

They’ve never stopped working for us, maybe we’ve just been too distracted from seeing them,” explains John.

Food grown and products produced on the farm are sold at farmers’ markets and at local grocers, and are available for purchase online. A number of restaurants throughout Los Angeles also use the farm’s food in their cuisine. The team’s commitment continues to be on producing delicious tasting traditional foods like juicy peaches and orchard-picked lemons.

Molly leads the culinary team at the farm and continues to believe that the health of the food is found in how it’s farmed.

Recipes like Apricot Lane Farms Lemonade, Coconut Banana Muffins, and French Cut Green Beans with Bacon abound on the farm’s website, promising to be more flavorful because of the simple recipes and high quality ingredients.

Photo Credits: Yvette Roman Photography

“One of the really inspiring things about farming in this way, where we prioritize the cultivation of beauty, is the amount of inspiration and energy we get, even in the throes of some of the most difficult challenges and struggles,” John says. “If you wake up every day and you’re inspired in some visual way – by the type of cow that you farm with or the crops that you intermingle in the fields – if you’re constantly reminded of the remarkable beauty and complexity of nature, then it’s a place you want to be, it’s a place you want to solve problems.”

While difficulties have been as dominant as the dry and desolate dirt, in time, the Chesters turned their earth into nutrient-rich soil using regenerative farming techniques, a process that cycles the nutrients to nourish the plants, enhance the flavors, and restore the environment.

“I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what I wanted to see at the farm. It’s been fascinating to see how that has evolved and deepened within me. You get intimately intertwined with nature and your surroundings,” adds Molly.

Their operation is inspiring people who are looking to expand their garden to grow great tasting and nutrient-dense food, apply eco-friendly farming techniques, or simply start with planting pots on the patio.

Over the last few months, with the stay-home orders, social isolation, and global uncertainty, many people have

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Photo Credits: Apricot Lane Farms

The Chesters refuse to compromise the health of the land, its wildlife or the humane treatment of the livestock, so all foods raised and grown are nurtured without the use of pesticides, soy, hormones, or other chemical inputs.

Their practices are helping to awaken a movement towards more traditional farming methods, thanks in part to the film, and also because people are ready to get back to the earth’s roots.

“The most delightful part of farming for me is that there is an innate freedom within it and a daily experience of beauty, especially at this farm because it’s so beautiful. Everywhere you turn there’s a flower that blows your mind or butterflies in the air or the grass looks extra green because of the way the sun is hitting it. Nature is your boss and you’re doing what needs to be done to make it all work.”

Tending to a farm – even a garden – is hard work, especially when it’s integrated inside a reawakened ecosystem.

But according to Molly, it’s worth it.

“This work gives me purpose and meaning and a reason to wake up in the morning,” Molly adds. “I hope that that’s inspiring to other people.”

Just taking in the photos of the picturesque plantation is inspiration for the greenest green thumb.

The farm is a feast for the eyes and sweet for the senses, with lambs and their canine protectors frolicking in a meadow

bursting with wildflowers and a lane lined with apricot trees.

“I think that experience has awakened my spirit to a connection with nature I didn’t even know I was missing. That’s been really beautiful,” Molly says. “And it’s been wonderful to see dreams become reality and to see how working with a team forms something bigger than you could’ve imagined.”

For Molly, seeing her fantasy come alive was more remarkable than she originally anticipated. The interconnected beauty of the entire ecosystem working as one has captured her heart.

“To be honest, the farm has exceeded my wildest dreams and that’s been humbling and awe-inspiring.”

Apricot Lane Farms is located 40 miles north of Los Angeles and 20 miles east of Ventura in Moorpark, CA. Their team has been charged with the mission of creating a well-balanced ecosystem and rich soils that produce nutrientdense foods while treating the environment and the animals with respect. More about the farm, including resources and recipes are available through their website apricotlanefarms.com or check out the documentary The Biggest Little Farm on Netflix.

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TH E B U C K T OW N B EA UT Y This stunning remodeled Bucktown residence was the perfect place to show o Studio Sven clients' remarkable vintage collection, bringing it to new heights in the context of designer Lauren Stvenstrup’s imaginative and colorful vision.

Design: Lauren Svenstrup, Studio Sven Photography: Jacob Hand Text: Carlee Baigrie

Effortlessly chic, undeniably cozy, and brimming with optimism: Studio Sven created the perfect landscape to showcase this posh client's expansive array of ecclectic treasures.

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Studio Sven manages multiple patterns and prints with ease, shifting the scale so that they compliment rather than compete.

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hen Lauren Svenstrup of Studio Sven first began her fine arts degree, she didn’t yet have a clear picture of what exactly she’d do with it. “I always knew I wanted to do some sort of design,” recalls Lauren, citing a lack of understanding for what the job of an interior designer actually entailed as the main reason for her meandering path to where she is now. Dabbling in industrial and furniture design before remembering an offer her Aunt, an interior designer working on the commercial side of the business down in Texas, had made her years earlier in high school. “She told me if I ever needed an internship to let her know, so my junior year of college I up and went down for two summers and interned at a design firm.” During those summers, Lauren’s passion for interiors flourished as well as her understanding of the role. “It’s like you’re a jack of all trades but a master of none,” she explains. “I can design a piece of furniture and sub-contract that out to a beautiful artisan. I can commission a custom

Matching stools provide the obligatory space to throw discarded clothes in a pinch. While elegant fixtures like a gold chandelier offer luxury in bounds.

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piece of art. I can work with a brilliant architect. You are the curator of all of this, and you work with people to bring your vision to life.” Lauren continued to work for the Texas design firm after graduation until the economy crashed.

After a few years spent as a design director of a Chicago firm, she decided it was time to branch out on her own and started Studio Sven. Ultimately, Lauren feels the time she spent figuring out which avenue to take enhanced her abilities as a designer: “I’m really glad I had the experience in all these different areas because I think it has helped me hone my view and my method of design now. I think about things from a different perspective than if I were just coming from interiors.”

Lauren’s diverse background also taught her to approach projects with a “human centered” mindset, which essentially is about “looking at how people interact with the spaces around them and the objects that are in their lives.” Studio Sven strives to ensure that their design enhances their clients' lives not just their homes. That starts with an in-depth onboarding meeting that allows Lauren to really get to know her clients, because ultimately, “it’s not a beautiful space if Fun patterned upholstery on these dining chairs lend the space a playful dose of color, while a metalic-sheened bench compliments the chairs' gold frames.

Small spaces are the perfect place to play with a bold wallcovering. Svenstrup opted for a dramatic black and gold print to backdrop a textured oval mirror.

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they can’t maintain it.” “We talk through every aspect of their home. Who wakes up first?

Where do you put your toothbrush? Do you sit on the sofa together? We want to make sure we’re not going to present them with options that aren’t going to meet their lifestyle.” This initial meeting also allows Lauren to figure out who is in the driver’s seat of which aspects of the project, who cares more about which elements, and who their point person should be for check-ins. The nitty gritty of their approach is embracing the challenges their clients face and implementing elements that help ease those burdens. “The thing I learned long ago,” Lauren shares, “is that it’s a process for us but it’s an experience for them.” Studio Sven appears to have a deep understanding of how to customize this process and how they convey their ideas to each individual, to make it work for them.

This particular project, a moderately sized (roughly 2,400 square feet) home in the Bucktown neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois, was no different for Lauren. When Studio Sven got involved, the clients, a family of three with another on the way, had just moved in, with all their belongings, including the client’s expansive (and expensive) vintage collection. Lauren knew she wanted the design to start there, and went straight to work taking inventory of everything. “It was like being at the best estate sale” recalls Lauren. “She had great taste to begin with, she just didn’t know how to bring it together.” Elaborating on her clients’ personal tastes, which were largely dictated by the wife, the more involved of the couple, Lauren describes their style as eclectic with a strong affinity for color. The previous homeowners had just had the entire home painted, so satisfying that need for vibrancy meant that Studio Sven would have to get creative when it came to incorporating pops of bright patterns and shades. The open floor plan was somewhat of a road block: “we had to break up the walls with colorful patterned draperies, and work to create separate spaces that still felt cohesive.”

Because she was dealing with a younger family, Lauren wanted to focus on communicating “something that was young and fun for a family. Hit those two needs of having it be a space that the adults feel comfortable in and isn’t too over run by the children’s stuff, but still having bright colors and patterns so that it felt easy and comfortable for both demographics.”

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A prime example of that balance she struck is in the dining room that effortlessly fades into a play area for the younger ones. Flexibility is always a key concern for families, which jived well with Lauren’s overall philosophy.

“Design is a very fluid process, and if we make decisions too quickly, it doesn’t allow the flexibility for things to move and change as they need to.”

Lauren operates under the assumption that nothing is final until it's final, ensuring everything down to furniture, décor, and color palette, are selected ahead of time. “Value engineering is a big part of design…I never want to be backed into a corner with a project.” A big part of those last-minute changes come down to budget, which Lauren describes as a fun challenge. “You get to be a little creative in different ways.

It was a lot of hunting, I found the dining chairs on Craigslist and then had them reupholstered in a beautiful expensive fabric. The china hutch was also from craigslist. It’s finding the right places to bring in the brand new expensive pieces and then making it work in other aspects.”

Closing this project out came down to a pinch, with Lauren putting finishing touches on the home on the evening before the family's newest addition arrived. “We cut it close on that deadline, but we made it!” When they did arrive home with their new baby and toddler in tow, they were thrilled with the results, due in no small part to Svenstrup’s ability to listen and transcribe her clients' tastes with expert precision.

No room is exempt from the glow of the clients' collection of hidden vintage gems and Svenstrup's youthful color palette.

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THE HOM E THAT CAM E INTO ITS OWN Design: Amanda Hamilton Design Photography: Amanda Harrison Design Text: Carlee Baigrie

Sprawling alongside the Elbow River in Calgary, Alberta, is Riverdale Avenue, a highly coveted street flush with charming homes, one of which, Amanda Hamilton of Amanda Hamilton Design had the pleasure of breathing new life into for a second time.

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n 2011, when Amanda’s client called her for a site visit, she immediately realized her history with the home, it having belonged to a previous client of hers. She was happy to be reuniting with a space which she describes as having “beautiful bones” and a “classic, symmetrical layout” but admittedly, “dated with very traditional finishes.” The home needed to be upgraded to suit her new client, whose tastes leaned more toward elegance and simplicity. “She loved fashion,” Amanda recalls, adding “but she would do it in a way that was not contrived. Her palette was almost monochromatic.”

Amanda is always happy to follow her client’s own personal style. In fact, her firm prides themselves on not having their own “signature style” that they deploy to guide their projects. “We work in multiple industries: developments, residential, and commercial. The only thing we don’t do is bad design.” Amanda knows a thing or two as well about following the beat of her own drum. After graduating from Mount Royal University's condensed three-year program, she landed a job with a big firm in Calgary, but she couldn’t escape the draw of starting her own business.

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A coffee table covered in books, wares, and fresh flowers makes for a perfect focal point of this classic formal living room.

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After moonlighting with her own clients in the evenings for several months, she eventually made the brave next step of branching off on her own, despite an economic downturn.

Thankfully, she had already begun to build up her client list, and landed with her feet planted firmly on the ground.

It’s possible, if not likely, that this commitment to authenticity is what gives Amanda her remarkable ability to draw out her client’s personal style. “Sure, almost all of our projects are inspired by travel and life, connection and communication, but I’m also very inspired by the client on an individual level. We spend a lot of time at the beginning with our clients having conversations that might feel a little more intimate than what you’d expect.” Her clients drive the process based on their level of involvement and experience, and Amanda ensures she has the flexibility in her framework to accommodate the idiosyncrasies of each client, adjusting her tactics to suit each individual.

For this particular client, that meant “creating a platform for her to express her style.” The homeowner had impeccable taste and was always polished in her appearance, Amanda wanted to give her a space that would reflect that. She wanted “a beautiful city home that felt quiet but also very luxe.” Because she had such a developed sense of her personal aesthetic, she was very thoughtful about the decisions that were being made. “She was very nervous about layering in accessories and styling… she was concerned about her house looking like a show home” wanting it to look “curated and intentional” but never cookie-cutter or derivative. Amanda remembers striking a deal with her involving throw pillows, promising to reimburse her for each one if she didn’t like the end results.

Circular windows balance out the sharper, more modern lines that blanket this living space, while a classic palette of subtle neutrals keeps things feeling sophisticated and stylish.

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“YOU HAVE THIS NEAT DICHOTOMY BETWEEN THE FRONT OF THE HOUSE BEING MORE FORMAL AND ENTERTAINING AND THE BACK OF THE HOUSE BEING MORE CASUAL AND FAMILY-CENTERED. THERE’S THIS NICE TRANSITION BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE.” “She didn’t want any pillows!” Thankfully, the client adored them once she saw the finished space, and slowly started to trust the process. “I saw her gain more confidence in making those decisions” says Amanda. “I always love that process where you’re pushing your client out of their comfort zone….Hopefully they learn something, enjoy the process and want to do it again.” Indeed, the client went on to find a love of property and real estate, working with Amanda on several other projects in neighboring areas to revamp and resell. Really, this project marked the start of “an exploration of her style through design.”

The results were stunning: marble surfaces sweep over the home adding just the right depth and dimension to an otherwise predominantly white canvas. Dark cabinetry was selected for the kitchen, which really anchors the main living space, preventing the bright whites and ample natural light from rendering the space too plain or ethereal. These cabinets are also arranged in a symmetrical “U” shape, centered around an island that’s perfect for prepping while staying in the loop with company. Wainscoting along the dining room walls provides that sense of formality that is perfect for entertaining. Fun pops of color and gold metals deliver luxury in bounds, while still feeling understated and warranted.

The home had always had beautiful bones, though, according to Amanda, and that was never something she wanted to play around with.

Each of the four upstairs bedrooms include their own walk-in closets and bathrooms, and the main floor has two powder rooms (a rarity for a home of only roughly 3,000 square feet). In fact, it is actually its layout that makes it appear so expansive. “You have this neat dichotomy between the front of the house being more formal and entertaining and the back of the house being more casual and family-centered. There’s this nice transition between public and private.” Although the client has since moved on to Toronto, Ontario, the Riverdale home still sits on the property, with new tenants living within its walls, undoubtedly with some evolutions to its designs, as all homes must eventually give in to the tendencies and tastes of their owners. Amanda is admittedly curious as to what the new owners have changed and what has stayed the same, but is just as happy to imagine her designs serving another family, melding together the remnants of a home’s past lives with its future lives. One thing that is certain and unchanged is that its back facing windows still look out onto the thick stream of the Elbow River, meandering its way through the city, passing by rows of the beautiful character homes that line its banks.

Top: This entryway keeps things simple with streamlined benches, closed storage options, and a beautiful art piece to center the scene.

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Canadian Charisma Design: Danielle Pollock, Canvas Design Studio Photography: Kassandra Donaldson Text: Carlee Baigrie

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Danielle of Canvas Design Studio in Winnipeg, Manitoba brings her talents back to her home town with a subtle, understated color palette and warm wooden earthy tones.

Her intimate knowledge of local cultures allows her to incorporate local talent and makers at every turn, creating the perfect backdrop for a family to practice togetherness.

Earthy tones and rustic vibes rule the roost in this Canadian classic family home.

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Sporting a green inspired by nature and browns reminiscent of wooden hues, this cozy living space is the perfect spot for family to gather.

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estled in the quiet oak-tree lined neighborhood of River Heights in Winnipeg, Manitoba, sits the Canadiana-inspired home of Canvas Design Studios’ latest clients. The home is filled with tiny treasures reminiscent of the prairie landscape and the cultures embedded within it, down to its earthy appeal, cozy pillow-clad corners, and stunning natural light. With a color palette heavily inspired by nature (the restorative calmness of a muted green sweeps across the main living space and there are house plants scattered throughout), this home is undoubtedly a product of its environment.

The designer, Danielle Pollock, who graduated from the University of Manitoba’s Faculty of Architecture, had recently returned to her hometown of Winnipeg to start her own firm. “I moved out to Toronto shortly after graduating. It was an extensive job search in quite a big city with a lot of design firms, but I ended up in amazing position at a boutique firm as a junior designer. I gained a lot of experience, and eventually, the confidence to move home and start my own business.” The clients, a couple with two kids who had already fled the nest (but who still visit often), and two still at home, were looking to upgrade their home that could “accommodate a large busy family and be a cozy place to entertain as they grow”. “These clients contacted me before connecting with any contractors, which I would highly recommend.

Renovations come with so many challenges, hiccups, and unexpected situations so it’s always better to try to get all your ducks in a row before demolition.”

Elaborating, Danielle shares “I try to collaborate with my clients and achieve a space that’s both functional for their everyday needs and beautiful at the same time.” Being there from the outset helps define the direction early on, “that way all the little details can be thought out from the start.”

The home was already well-loved and held a lot of character in its bones, so her task was mainly to elevate and upgrade the existing feel while adding functionality wherever possible. After years of dogs charging in over hardwood floors and six people living out their lives within its walls, the house needed a few cosmetic facelifts. But Danielle is careful to clarify that it had a lot of potential: “it was a large space with…a lot of elements I wanted to save and make extra special.” One of those elements was the family’s extensive art collection. One piece in particular, struck Danielle and guided her inspiration for the home’s living room. Among their many pieces, Danielle connected to a painting done by a local artist of a nearby lake which held a particular significance for both the homeowners and Danielle. “I knew that piece needed to sit on a dark wall so it could really pop. It was really fun to jump off of.”

Below the painting sits a stunning custom fireplace, which is bordered by a convenient wood stack built-in. The raw wood stack lends that rustic sensibility, softening the modern and clean lines that outfit the home. “On the opposite side of the wood stack” explains Danielle, “we put up these floating shelves for them to display their Inuit soapstone cravings which really created this Canadiana feeling.” The project truly was an amalgam of local talents, something Danielle gravitates toward whenever possible due to her love of trying new things and testing out her oftentimes bold ideas. “I love meeting with new trades and local makers and trying to incorporate them into new projects. It’s so beneficial to collaborate and learn from them and their experiences.” It made sense to Danielle that a family with such strong Top: A glass sliding door allows for easy entertaining with the option of privacy in more formal situations.

Bottom: A stunning barn door adds character and additional privacy, while a wooden console table provides a rustic touch.

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roots would want to see that reflected within the walls of their home. The clean lines, subtle earthy tones, and remarkable attention to the small details that constitute that often ineffable feel of uniqueness, conspire to create a tranquil environment to house their memories and their connections to the world around them.

But all those final details were worked out in the final stages, with Danielle preferring to begin with “baselining” a phase in her process that refers to her initial focus on the layout alone. “Usually I have no idea what the floors or the millwork or the paint colors will look like in the beginning….I start with the floorplan and I pull elevation from that. In some projects I build 3D models which helps the clients really visualize the space, but I start with the function and then layer on more of the fun stuff.” One of these elements designed specifically for functionality in mind is the glass slider that separates the living room from the rest of the house.” This means they are able to close off the kitchen and hide any mess but still feel connected to the rest of the house. Additionally, Danielle had to think about the drastic temperature and seasonal changes that occur every year, something that was easy to keep top of mind considering she grew up in the neighborhood. “When you work with great trades that are patient and detailoriented that really helps.”

The house came together seamlessly in the end, with its muted hues and cozy aesthetic dominating throughout the space. For Danielle, it all came together when shortly after the big reveal, which admittedly wasn’t a big surprise considering how involved (but trusting!) the clients were from the get go, they were able to host a large family gathering, putting their new found functionality to the test.

Needless to say the clients were happy with the results and look forward to living out their lives amongst its easy going charm, all while perched beneath the canopy of mature oak trees that line their storybook street.

Top: White floor to ceiling cabinets are balanced with vibrant pops of color that still manage to fit into the home's nature-inspired palette.

Bottom: Structured stools donned in brown leather contrast the island's rich blue-green base. A strip of open shelving provides the opportunity to show off cook books and more aesthetically pleasing wares.

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HEAVEN IN THE HAMPTONS Design: Denise Davies, D2 Interieurs Photography: Alexandra Rowley Text: Carlee Baigrie

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Denise Davies of D2 Interieurs, a firm that’s been making waves in the industry with their bold and colorful spaces, transforms this dark and dated Hamptons residence into the perfect beachside getaway.

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lthough cozily situated in the West Hamptons neighborhood amongst white-picket fenced summer homes, this home feels a far cry from the cookie-cutter vacation homes you’d expect to find along the Eastern coastline. Missing are the iconical nautical stripes, the typical arrows washed in sea-green pointing toward the ocean, the obligatory sea-shell theme of every interior design career bathroom. In theseMel beach Bean’s house staples place are vibrant colors, playfulwas patterns, and—even amongstborn all thisout boldness—decidedly sophisticated rooms promising of boldness, so it makes sense rest and relaxation. Despite its daring nature, the stunning space still achieves the that her suit a busy zen vibe that New Yorkers flock projects toward everyseem chance to theyfollow get. The client, professional working in a demanding job in the financial sector, needed with the same adventurous energy a similar reprieve from the wonderful but chaotic bustle of the city. A place where family that to beyear-round ignored. and friends from near and refuses far could gather and feel at home.

When the client purchased the property, she had already shared a decades long friendship with Denise, so bringing her and her firm on board was a no-brainer (the two are currently working on their second collaboration: her primary residence in The Big Apple). The Hamptons house offered Denise a chance to get creative and take some risks, to play and experiment, since this home would work as more of a vacation space for the clients.

Denise’s love affair with the brighter things in life began at a young age.

She grew up basking in the neon lights of Miami in a vintage art deco home.

Encouraged by her mother, a talented artist, she began cultivating her tastes and creative prowess. Although she and her firm have developed a reputation for

Left: Bright and bold is the theme in this vibrant home, complete with fun patterns and unexpected shades.

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Undeniably optimistic and consistently playful, this home breaks conventionality in favor of originality. Cue the sunshine!

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their fearless use of color, there is obviously a method to her madness. Denise is careful to never limit the spaces she creates by incorporating too much saturation. “I’m really just popping in color with accessories and art,” she shares. Strip away the more transient elements, and you’re left with a mostly neutral base, leaving room for new pieces to be layered in and allowing the space to evolve with the client overtime.

Denise describes herself as an independent thinker, someone who isn’t afraid to venture outside the box—traits that are evident in Denise’s projects. Although she often uses her “joie de vivre” and infectious energy to coax her clients out of their comfort zone, the spaces she creates are always reflections of her clients’ aesthetics. “A home should look well curated,” explains Denise, but “not like the designer just left the room.”

Denise achieved this effortless appeal in the Hamptons residence by “balancing a mix of modern and organic materials.” A part of that balancing act involved bringing the beauty of the outdoors inside as much as possible. “My inspiration was the natural surroundings of the home,” shares Denise, with the ocean blues reflecting throughout the home Every corner is utilized to display colorful bursts of energy.

Neutrals and symmetry take over in this sunny spot layerd in texture and sundrenched textiles.

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in little pops of color, and the greenery drawn from the foliage of century-old trees that line the property.

One of the challenges of working with this house was the lack of natural light due to the direction the home was facing. To combat that, Denise placed strategic lighting solutions throughout the home that gave the illusion of natural light. “Then, we kept the general interior of the home light and airy.� Customizations like these are common for D2 Interieurs, filling in the blanks where they can’t find the right piece for a project.

Beachy bohemian vibes reign supreme in this blushing bedroom. Texture is in no short supply, and neither is color, despite its crisp white interior walls.

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A quiet corner to read, send out that last email, or just admire the rest of the room.

Hot pink isn’t necessarily what you would expect to see in a common space like this, but paired with deep emerald tiling and Mel’s expert eye, it feels perfectly placed.

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When D2 began this project, they wanted to create a place where the client could unplug and unwind, a place that felt luxurious but livable with a beachy vibe that didn’t feel too overdone. Denise delivered on all fronts, sharing “you can’t help but walk into that house and have a happy weekend. It’s like stepping into another time.”

The client was thrilled with the results, and is eagerly awaiting the big reveal of her New York residence, which we can only imagine will be of equally vibrant and beautiful proportions.

The backyard feels effortlessly zen, complete with loungers to bake in the sun and a pool house to rest and chill out in, after a day outdoors.

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NEW STYLE, OLD CHARM Design: Sommer Tate, Folkway Co. Design & Wares Photography: Jen Morley Burner, Burner House LLC Text: Carlee Baigrie

Timeless, sophisticated, and brimming with understated charm, Folkway Co. designer Sommer Tate creates a stunning collaboration of old world character and new world elegance.

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Riddled with natural textures and hues, this home marries modern and classic design with ease.

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olkway Co. Design & Wares’ latest clients had been dreaming up their new renovation for years before Sommer Tate, the designer on the project, was able to bring it into reality with the help of Jon Hyams of JCHyams Architecture and Andrew Godwin of Godwin Remodeling.

Godwin had worked with Folkway Co. a few times prior, and thought of Sommer after hearing the client’s vision. “They knew what they wanted, but they needed some help getting there.”

The team of three sat down in the original space to draw out its full potential. “It was really fun to sit down and get to do it together. Because I’m always coming from a function and aesthetic point of view, and the architecture is coming from a similar perspective but just in a different way. And then the contractor is thinking more practically. So it was a great team.”

What they fashioned from the home’s bones, their client’s vision, and their execution is an elegantly understated abode that is “fresh and functional,” filled with muted hues and subtle rustic touches, blanketing each room in a generous dose of character and charm.

Warm wood compliments crisp white, while a built-in wall unit offers a stylish storage solution.

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Sommer reveals that this room took some time to find its final form, with Folkway Co. conjuring upwards of ten different ideas of how to tackle this off-centre fireplace.

Eventually, they landed on embracing the lack of symmetry.

“They wanted something timeless,” shares Sommer, something that would last them for years to come. After waiting so long to get the wheels turning on the creation of their dream home, they wanted this work to last them well into the next decade. But amidst all the updates and upgrades, they still wanted to retain a certain texture of the lives they’d lived within its walls; they didn’t want to erase its past. “They wanted a mix of the old and the new—a lot like the projects I typically like to do.” Sommer has always found herself gravitating toward an aesthetic that amalgamates modern and vintage, praising the character and charm the juxtaposition lends to spaces.

Sommer segued into the big bright world of design through a somewhat unconventional route. After serving in the air force as a logistic coordinator for several years, it dawned on her that she needed to find a more creative outlet to satisfy her passions. Following her intuition, Sommer earned her certification for interior decorating and began working for a home builder. “I realized I love architecture and [design]… and then I left that company and started one of my own.”

Since first branching off, Sommer’s work has focused on residential spaces, helping her clients bring visions of their sanctuaries to life.

Although Sommer’s signature style of old world meets new is evident in most of her projects, she “never want[s] a space to feel contrived or like a show room.” In an effort to achieve that sense of unique-ness, she opted to layer in eclectic touches, calling the final product “a new take on traditional.”

To create this sense of character, Sommer approached the project with an emphasis on details that added interest.

Sommer assures that “it was always a nice house” it was just lacking in character, which was something Sommer was well poised to provide. Wherever possible, Sommer added one-ofa-kind touches such as the door to the pantry, which features a fun brass mail slot and mis-matched vintage reproduction door knobs. She also opted for a V-Groove ceiling in the kitchen, a room that unintentionally became the focal point of the home, a gathering point for all the residents to regroup and reconnect. “Architecturally, that ceiling was going to be eight-feet no matter what, so we wanted it to feel purposeful

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“ FILLED WITH MUTED HUES AND SUBTLE RUSTIC TOUCHES [THAT BLANKET] EACH ROOM IN A GENEROUS DOSE OF CHARACTER AND CHARM”

and interesting and cozy… it made it feel bit cottagey and charming.”

But while the standout feature of the home is its easygoing beauty, much of the design work revolved around function. “They have three girls…and they also homeschool the youngest, so there were some very specific spaces we had to make work for those purposes,” shares Sommer. There was also a sunroom that hangs off the living room that was largely going unused, and naturally, Sommer transformed the room into a multi-functional learning space, that doubled as a hang-out for teens to relax with friends in the evenings.

Originally, the clients were concerned about the brick featured in the sunroom not being uniform to the brick in the living room, particularly with them being in such close proximity. “But for me it gave another feeling of an old home, because in old homes you add on to it over time and you lend a sense of character that way. They ended up working together really well.”

Unsurprisingly, the clients fell in love with the renovation, texting Sommer several times since its completion stating their amazement that they have the privilege of living in the home she crafted. The entire project took six months from start to finish, with the clients moving out to expedite the process and minimize the amount of disruption to their lives. “It was so fun to bring it to fruition for them because it was something they wanted for such a long time,” gushes Sommer. Evidently, it was worth the wait.

Top Left: A dramatic shade makes a rare appearance in this neutral dominated space, making an even bigger splash.

Bottom Left: A pantry door sports a unique detail: like a relic of the fixture's past life.

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D L !

O K O B O L NEW SA

EAT R G ME

CT

U PROD

SINCE 1851

The Wooster Brush Company • Wooster, OH • 800.392.7246 • woosterbrush.com

CHO W

A Bountiful Harvest Savoring the Best of the Season’s Final Crop

Photography by Brian Johnson Recipes and food styling by Marisa Curatolo

Good taste and tasting good: everything looks and tastes delicious when cooked in well-seasoned pots and served with old silverware.

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Sweet meets savory with this robust pumpkin and sweet potato soup, spiced with curry and sweetened with apples and honey.

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A mix of spices and a bright splash of fresh lime give our black bean and red pepper soup a full and complex flavour.

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CURRIED PUMPKIN AND SWEET POTATO SOUP (pictured on page 69) 3 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 onion, roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons curry paste 1 sweet potato, diced ¼ cup white wine 2 cups canned pumpkin puree ½ cup apple sauce 3 cups good quality chicken stock ¼ cup honey ¼ cup 35% cream Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Sour cream, to garnish Fresh thyme, to garnish In large heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook until golden; add garlic and continue to cook for 1 minute.

Add curry paste and sweet potatoes and cook for another 10 minutes.

Add white wine, pumpkin puree, apple sauce, chicken stock and honey. Bring to boil; simmer for 30 minutes or until sweet potatoes are tender. Puree soup with hand blender. Return soup to saucepan; add cream and heat through. Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with sour cream and fresh thyme.

Serves 6.

BLACK BEAN AND RED PEPPER SOUP (pitcured at left) 2 tablespoons canola oil 1 medium onion, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped 1 large carrot, peeled and chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 teaspoon ground cumin ½ teaspoon paprika ½ teaspoon salt 2 15 ounce cans cooked black beans 1 14 ounce can chicken broth Freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice Fresh corn, sliced tomatoes, feta cheese and parsley, to garnish

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat; add onion and cook 5 minutes. Add bell pepper, carrot, and garlic; cook 5 minutes or until tender. Mix in black beans and chicken broth. Bring soup to a boil.

Reduce heat to low. Simmer 20 minutes. With hand held blender, puree half the soup until smooth.

Garnish with corn, tomatoes, feta cheese and parsley.

Serves 4.

BAKED ONION SOUP (pictured at right) ¼ cup unsalted butter 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 shallot, finely chopped 1 leek, white parts only, finely sliced ½ cup dry sherry ½ cup dry white wine 4 cups good quality chicken stock 1 tablespoon coarse salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground pepper 8 slices French bread 2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese

Rich Gruyere cheese on toasted french bread is a decadent treat atop our baked onion soup or enjoyed simply on its own with a glass of wine.

In large skillet, melt butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onions and cook for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

Add leeks and shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, until onions are very soft, 20 to 25 minutes.

Add sherry, white wine, chicken stock, salt and pepper. Bring mixture to boil; lower to simmer and cook 10 minutes longer.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Place bread on parchment-lined baking sheet.

Bake until bread is crispy, about 3 to 5 minutes; set aside. Divide soup among 6 ovenproof bowls. Place bread on top and sprinkle with cheese. Bake 15 to 20 minutes, or until cheese is melted.

Serves 6.

** Rib Recipe Continued on Page 73

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SPELT CRACKERS

Homemade spelt crackers with a hint of dill deliver a savoury, satisfying crunch, and pair beautifully with our herb cheese spread.

Spelt flour is a popular whole grain flour. Spelt contains gluten and can be substituted where whole wheat is called for. It does not need to be kneaded for a long time and it's important not to over mix.

1 ½ cups ground spelt flour, plus more ½ teaspoon fine sea salt 1 ½ teaspoon dried dill 6 tablespoon unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons at room temperature and 2 tablespoons melted ½ cup yogurt Put flour into large mixing bowl and whisk in salt and dill. Beat in 4 tablespoons room temperature butter until flour resembles cornmeal in texture.

Beat in yogurt until mixture forms thick dough.

Cover bowl and place in warm place in your kitchen for at least 8 hours or up to 12.

Position racks in lower third of oven.

Preheat oven to 450°F. Divide dough into four portions. Sprinkle work surface with flour and roll out each piece of dough to ₁⁄₁₆-inch thickness. With a pizza cutter or sharp knife cut dough into 1 ½ inch squares. Place squares on parchment lined baking sheets, about ½ inch apart.

Brush squares with melted butter and prick them with tines of a fork. Bake for 6 to 8 minutes, until crackers are slightly golden around edges. Cool on wire rack. Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

HERB CHEESE SPREAD 6 oz soft goat cheese, softened at room temperature 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp chopped fresh thyme 2 teaspoon chopped parsley 2 teaspoon chopped chives In medium bowl, combine all ingredients.

Place in small crock or ramekin.

Serve with spelt crackers.

Serves 8.

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(Continued from Page 71)

Leek and potato soup is a hearty and traditional fall favourite; ours is topped with savoury homemade garlic croutons.

LEEK AND POTATO SOUP (pictured above) 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 large leek, white parts, chopped 4 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed ¼ cup dry white wine 5 cups chicken stock 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, plus more to garnish ¼ cup milk Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste Homemade croutons, recipe below, to garnish Chives, to garnish Freshly shaved Parmesan cheese, to garnish In large heavy saucepan, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add leeks and cook until golden, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add potatoes and cook for another 10 minutes. Add white wine, chicken stock. Bring to boil; simmer for 30 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Puree

soup with hand blender. Season with salt, pepper and thyme. Return soup to saucepan; add milk and heat through. Garnish with croutons, thyme and Parmesan.

Serves 4.

GARLIC CROUTONS 1 loaf country bread ½ cup olive oil 6 cloves garlic, peeled For garlic croutons, place garlic and olive oil in small saucepan over low heat. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes or until garlic is soft. Remove saucepan from heat and allow garlic to cool in oil.

Meanwhile, cut loaf into cubes. Heat garlic oil in large skillet pan over medium high heat. Add bread and toss. Cook croutons until golden and crisp, tuning often, about 12 to 15 minutes.

Remove from heat.

Marisa Curatolo is a Paris-trained chef, food stylist and culinary instructor. She inspires cooks with her simple, easy recipes that are beautifully presented.

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E XPL O R ER

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bringing vacay vibes home

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Take the time to reinvent your home, imbibe it with a new energy that promotes self-care. It may have served as a refuge for many years, but leaving it merely as a place to rest your head is a waste of its potential. Often it’s the little things that make the biggest impact, so it’s just about finding those little pockets for improvement. Your home can be a place of magic and adventure too, you just have to switch your perspective.

A

s the global pandemic took its hold and borders began closing, home took on a new weight in all of our lives. In fact, it seems to be the backdrop of almost everything we do now. We’ve adjusted our living rooms and kitchens to accommodate large monitors and zoom calls, and we’ve learned to forego date night out and order in instead. Even in some places as restrictions loosen, for the exception of work related travel, we are at the very least confined to our home towns.

While some have found peace in the quiet coziness of quarantine life, this new way of being poses a particular challenge to wanderlust-ers, those who ache to experience new cultures, explore beautiful places, and meet new people. If this sounds like you, know that our hearts are with you: the struggle is real. Even those not especially afflicted by the travel bug are worn down by the mundanity of staying put. We’re all eagerly anticipating a day in the undetermined future where it’s safe to return to jet-setting, but until then, we’ll have to learn to make the best of what we do have.

While strict travel bans remain in effect, we have to lean into our creativity and discover how to incorporate rest and play—two very crucial elements of a balanced life, particularly in a world where the bad news never stops coming—into our everyday lives and into our homes. We’ve made space to bring our work lives into our houses, and now we have to learn how to bring the vacay vibes home too. It might not be the yacht week in Croatia, but it’s a lot better than reaching the end of Netflix’s content (we’re not judging—we’re speaking from experience).

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H E R E A R E A F E W WAYS YO U C A N M A K E H O M E F E E L A L I T T L E M O R E CO N D U C I V E TO A Z E N M I N D S E T , A DV E N T U R E , O R W H AT E V E R YO U S E E K O U T W H E N YO U V I S I T A N E W P L AC E .

HOST AN AROUND-THE-WORLD BAR CRAWL: This one takes a fair amount of preparation and planning, but it’s a great way to satisfy your craving for bar nights and fancy cocktails (without the burden of paying $15 per cup).

It works best if you can divide and conquer, so have everyone participating (it could be your household, roommates, or a close circle of friends depending on the severity of the outbreak where you live) tackle one aspect of the evening.

Assign everyone a room in the house and have them provide a drink, music, and a snack aligned with a destination they’d like to visit. Bonus points for decorations!

DIY SCAVENGER HUNT: Quarantined with kids? Keep them active and imaginative with a neighborhood scavenger hunt. Create a list of coveted items or tasks that they must provide photographic evidence of completing or finding for a fun prize at the end. It’ll help get them off their screens and into nature, and it might even buy you a little bit of alone time, which we all know is few and far between in a house converted to an all-purpose building.

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SPLURGE ON NEW BEDDING: Nothing says luxury quite like a high thread count. Scour the internet for your dream bedding and don’t think twice. You spend way too much time between the sheets to settle on stiff fabrics.

Especially while bamboo cotton exists. It’ll help set the tone for pampering and you’ll gain a new appreciation for bed time.

HOST YOUR OWN FILM FESTIVAL: Cannes was canned and Hollywood is practically at a standstill, but the upside is that a lot of great filmmakers have been forced to get their content seen through other means: online. Gather your housemates or a few friends and have everyone pick a film to stream. If you’re not quite ready to see friends or your city’s government has deemed even small gatherings unsafe, it’s just as easy to arrange via video chat. Take time between each screening to discuss the ethos of the film. Vote on everyone’s favorite (no voting for your own!) and have everyone pitch in on a prize for the winner.

ELEVATE YOUR DAY DREAMS: If you have a particular destination in mind that you’ve been dying to visit, get a leg up on your planning (and fantasizing) by visiting your local bookstore (or amazon.com/.ca) and find a book set in the city you’re hoping to visit. It’ll immerse you in the culture and make you feel as if you’re already there. Keep a list of landmarks or locations mentioned in the book and you’ll be able to create your itinerary in no time once the time arrives to book those flights!

ALAMY

SPA DAY: With so many DIY mud mask recipes and relaxing Spotify playlists, it’s easy to create your own little spa day from the comfort of your home. Go all out with it and invite a friend over to trade pedicure (and massage) services, cut cucumber slices to rest over your eyes while your feet soak, and set the tone with ambient lighting (if you don’t have dimmers, throw a scarf over your lampshade and enjoy a day of total bliss.

Top 5 Travel Reads: On the Road by Jack Kerouac An American classic that follows a pair of friends as they hitch-hick across rural America in the 1940s. Obviously, hitch-hiking is a no go mid-pandemic, but Kerouac has such a way with words that draws you in and makes you feel connected to the places they visit and the people they meet.

In a Sunburned Country by Bill Bryson

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Bryson is an excellent storyteller, and his wit leads readers across Australia’s wild landscape. It’s jammed with interesting facts and trivia that will help you blend in with the locals when you finally make it over there, and he really helps give you a sense of the places and cultures.

Eat, Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert An extraordinarily insightful read about a woman who leaves her life behind after a failed marriage and explores Italy, India,

and Bali on a spiritual quest. She immerses herself in the cultures of each place, providing readers the opportunity to indulge alongside this novel’s soul-starved protagonist.

Brooklyn by Colm Toibin Popularized recently by a feature film starring Saoirse Ronan, this book does an excellent job of setting the scene of Ireland in the 1950s, following its main characters journey as she departs her homeland for Brooklyn, New York. A great read for anyone planning on visiting either location.

The Island by Victoria Hislop This story follows a young woman on a journey to discover her mother’s mysterious past, with only a location to go off of. She travels to the small island of Crete where her mother grew up and begins to look for answers among the beauty of Greece.

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T OO L BO X

PICKING THE RIGHT FABRIC FOR THE JOB

iStockphoto

Once the frame, padding, springs, and webbings are approved and in good repair the exciting process of selecting a new fabric for your beloved sofa or chair can begin. While many varietals of fabric choices abound, constructed from even more types of fibres, there’s no need to feel fabric overwhelm. Choosing wisely can be both fun and easy with fabric basics 101 up your sleeve‌ or in your sofa cushion!

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There are two basic types of fibres used to make fabric – natural and synthetic – and both have their positive qualities. There are also many blends of the two.

Knowing a few of the basics will help you make a fearless fabric selection.

THE NATURALS

Cotton: An extremely versatile option among the strongest of the natural fibers. Cotton accepts dyes incredibly well, so color options are endless, and it breathes very well making it quite comfortable.

Cotton is a great choice for dining or occasional chairs and for curtains and casual window treatments. For extra durability choose a cotton-synthetic combination.

Linen: Composed of vegetable fibres, linen has an inherent old world yet fresh quality and is a very strong fabric. It possesses a healthy stain resistance but wrinkles most easily. Linen is also one of the most sustainable fabrics to manufacture.

With its lighter hand and casual nature linen is synonymous with relaxed spring and summer vibes. Casually elegant and luxurious at the same time.

Silk: Silk often receives a bad rap as it is susceptible to both sun and moisture damage. However, when used where it can avoid these pitfalls, silk can be a wonderful investment.

From light-handed to a heavy raw weave silk makes gorgeous window treatments and cool comfortable throw pilows. It is very long-wearing and makes for a durable upholstery fabric as well.

Wool: The workhorse of the naturals, wool is an extremely long-wearing fabric. Warm and durable, yet breathable, wool will last for generations.

THE SYNTHETICS

Acrylic: Acrylic is colorfast and resists stains very well. It also has sun-resistant qualities. It can be difficult to clean if required and it can also pill. Acrylic is often blended with natural fabres to add durability.

Polyester: Polyester also offers fade-resistance but is very warm and offers no breathability. It is also difficult to clean. It’s often used as part of an upholstery blend.

Nylon, Acrylic and Olefin: These three man made wonders are all incredibly durable, easy to clean and make for fabulous heavy-use upholstery solutions. They are commonly found as blends.

Wear and tear in the form of kids, pets, company and everyday use makes fabric durability a very important consideration. Durability is determined by how fabric rates in a double rub test, which is a back and forth motion that mimics the wear and tear of someone sitting on an upholstered seat over time. The higher the number of double rubs (such as 100,000 vs 25,000) the better the fabric will perform in terms of quality and durability. Special treatments may also be administered to a fabric to improve performance in areas like stain resistance or UV resistance to reduce fade.

FABRIC TYPES

Velvet: A pile that’s cut at uniform lengths to create an even

Basketweave / Tweed: These textured woven fabrics

overall surface that is luxuriously soft with a sheen. Very durable and great for heavy flowing draperies, as upholstery it ages magnificently.

camouflage stains very well and are hardwearing and durable.

Useful in a variety of upholstery applications appropriate to their double count.

Chenille: Excellent fabric choice for heavily used pieces.

Jacquard: Typically a heavier fabric with yarn dyed fibres

Similar to velvet, it has a cut pile that aids in abrasion resistance and comfort.

Ultrasuede/Microfibre: A polyester multi-weave fabric with a surface abrasion treatment giving it a fuzzy and soft pile that imitates suede, an excellent choice for heavy family use and pets. It’s very strong, abrasion resistant and easy to clean.

that create a pattern. Made on a Jacquard loom (invented

by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801) a Damask is a common variety that has a flat look on the pattern itself but a glossy look for the background. Often used for both drapery and upholstery.

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BOOKCASE Lucerne AF-530 ADVANCE® Semi-Gloss

FINISHING TO U C H E S

DOOR Soot 2129-20, Aura® Grand Entrance®, Satin

©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint.

A Guide to Sheen Selection

W

hen concepting the design vision for a space, color is often a driving influence – from flooring and furniture to walls and trim. With thousands of nuanced colors to choose from, designers consider color options against a myriad of factors and the impact they have on the space. These factors include architectural structure, varied textures and surrounding hues from other design elements, lighting conditions and the overall ambience intended for the space. Amidst these considerations, a critical component of color in design lies in the gloss or sheen selected for the painted surfaces.

The terms gloss and sheen are commonly used interchangeably, which is incorrect by definition. The difference between gloss and sheen is based on the angle used to measure light reflectance from the surface of the coating into a receptor. The receptor measures the intensity of light in units and glossier surfaces yield higher readings.

Gloss is used when referencing satin, semi-gloss or high gloss finishes, while sheen is more accurately used to measure lower finishes such as flat, matte and eggshell.

Painted surfaces interact differently with light depending on the sheen or gloss level, making the finish a determining factor in how the color and overall space will appear. When considering which finish is right for a job, there are four key factors designers should examine:

GENERAL APPEARANCE: The visual aesthetic of a glossy wall is far different than a flat wall. What look are you trying to achieve, and how does this cooperate with surrounding design elements? Further, consider the condition of the surface – lower sheens are a better option for hiding wall imperfections due to their lack of light reflectance.

BACK OF SHELVES Exhale AF-515, Regal® Select, Matte

FUNCTIONALITY: The way a space is used may influence the selection of a particular sheen. Generally speaking, bedrooms are often designed to foster relaxation and soothing environments. For this reason, flat and matte finishes are commonly used to diffuse light and soften the appearance of a room, delivering rich color and a smooth, subtle look.

DURABILITY: While all premium paint finishes are designed to be durable, some gloss and sheen levels are more desirable for higher traffic or usage situations. For example, higher gloss levels are typically used on trim, windows and doors to withstand wear-and-tear from frequent use.

COLOR PERCEPTION: Since light has a direct impact on color, gloss or sheen will affect how the color looks throughout the day. Generally speaking, a higher gloss that reflects more light can make colors appear more vivid and bright while lower sheens will absorb light and make certain hues feel darker.

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WALLS Plum Martini CSP-540 Aura® Eggshell

TRIM Stoneware CSP-245 Aura® Semi-Gloss

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Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore(R) paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint

©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint.

Historically, guidance around the use of gloss and sheen had been limited to specific areas and use-cases – such as semi-gloss paints being the standard for bathrooms because of the moisture and humidity. In recent years, the paint industry has benefited from significant advances in paint technology and today’s products have alleviated many of the traditional rules around gloss and sheen. For example, Benjamin Moore Aura Bath & Spa is available in a matte finish and is designed to repel moisture and resist mildew in bathrooms and home spas.

While there are still some generalizations when it comes to selecting the right finish for a surface, design preferences and visual aesthetics are stronger influences behind a selection compared to restrictions based on functionality. Innovations in paint enable architects and designers and home owners to expand their creativity and achieve a desired look, without sacrificing quality and key performance attributes.

WALL Flint AF-560, Aura® bath & Spa, Matte

TRIM Simply White OC-117 Aura® Semi-Gloss

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WALLS Caliente AF-290, Aura® , Matte

ALCOVE & CEILING White Opulence OC-69, Aura® , Matte

F I N I SH I NG T OU CHE S Flat/Ultra Flat

Lowest level of sheen – ideal for hiding wall imperfections and seamless touch-ups

Ceilings and low-traffic areas

Matte

Slightly more sheen than a flat finish, with very little reflection that creates a velvety look

Living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms

Eggshell

Slight sheen with a smooth and elegant appearance – washable with good stain resistance, yet still forgiving of wall imperfections

Living rooms, dining rooms, foyers, bedrooms, hallways, kitchens

Pearl/Satin

Durable medium sheen finish that lends itself well to areas where washability is important

Hallways, family rooms, kitchens, trim, bathrooms, playrooms, doors

Semi-Gloss

Reflects light and draws the eye, with high resistance to moisture and stains

High-traffic areas, trim, doors, cabinets/millwork

High Gloss

Highest degree of reflectance and highly durable, creating a formal and polished look; least forgiving of wall imperfections

Trim, doors, cabinets, furniture

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©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint.

DOOR Stone 2112-40, Aura® Interior, Semi-Gloss

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COV ER FORM U L A

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OLD NAVY 2063-10

M

ore and more, we are leaning into the practice of using the spaces around us as a medium for self-expression. And more and more, as we embrace even the quirkiest parts of our personalities, our spaces are sporting more colors than ever. Neutrals still have their place, but the real stars are the colors that pack a punch and tell a story. It doesn’t always have to be bold or courageous in execution — sometimes the biggest impact is made in the smallest of details.

PEONY 2079-30

©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint.

SUN PORCH 2023-30

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OUTRAGEOUS ORANGE 2013-10

CHANTILLY LACE OC-65

O

ne of the most efficient ways to bring in a little boldness is to get out your paint brush and give a little love to an underused piece of furniture. Working with a removeable fixture in the home affords you the flexibility to take a risk you might not normally. Be impulsive and let yourself fall head over heels for an out-of-the-box and adventurous paint color, pick out a few complimentary accessories to style atop its surface, take care your wall color is a balancing neutral, and you’ll be off to the races with a bold new look.

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©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint.

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STYLE TO ST EA L

Stick-tuitive Style

P

eel and stick wallpaper is a stylish, economical, and simple way to transform your home with minimal effort, time and supplies plus it carries the added bonus that when you tire of that look there’s a simple do-over with a fresh new vibe that’s just as easy!

For instant design gratification try your hand at adorning accent walls, furniture fronts and bookcase backs, and niches with peel and stick papers. For further adventure you can tackle your backsplash, refrigerator or closet door and even stair risers giving tired pieces and boring spaces a new lease on life without picking up a paintbrush.

Not all peel and stick wallpapers are created equally; look for a reputable brand that is sure to stay put for as

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long as you want, but will remove without sticky residue or damage to your walls. Contact paper and poor quality products may either fall off in a short time, or – worse – fuse to your walls over time, resulting in severelydamaged walls upon removal. Look for peel and stick wallpapers made with specialty adhesives that have been specifically engineered for wall applications. As such, they will never leave a sticky residue and will never damage your walls or pull your paint off.

Check out the myriad peel and stick wallpaper options by York Wallcoverings available through your independent paint retailer for color, pattern and design selections that reflect your true style!

©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint.

ID19392

ORANGE BURST 2015-20

IM Pattern #P

PLANETARY PLANS

Earthy neutrals add warmth to any space while vibrant accents used sparingly bring whimsy.

“The Force is strong with this one.” Give your walls an intergalactic transformation that is sure to please Star Wars fans of all ages!

A modern and fun take on the movies, this blueprint pattern is light-hearted yet more sophisticated than typical licensed options.

WATERFALL 2050-50

Pattern # RMK11460RL

Prussian Blue CW-625

POLYCHROMATIC PRINT Choose a variant, rather than an exact match, of a color in your paper to create a layered and relaxing effect.

The prismatic effect of the kaleidoscope produces beautiful patterns that are incredibly interesting and soothing when executed in a muted palette of pretty aqua and svelte salmon. This lovely pattern is softened with floral motifs which lend it a vintage cottage vibe.

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Choose a warm white for a soft and antiquated feel.

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K10969W

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FLORAL WHITE OC-29

CHALK TALK

SHELF LIFE

Turn your basic bookshelves into a masterclass in shelfies by lining the back of bookcases with interesting paper. The chic paddles of prickly pear cacti are a perfect alternative to overtly feminine flowers.

Harrisburg Green HC-132

SUPER WHITE OC-152

A brilliant white suggests clarity and simplicity and emphasizes the intensity of colors around it.

Pattern # RM K1

1352WP

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ISSUE 8

©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Benjamin Moore and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint.

Utilitarian need not be style impaired.

Create a message centre with all the charm and old-school appeal of traditional blackboard in a matter of minutes.

Decorate, organize and inspire (because who doesn’t love an inspirational quote?) with one fell design swoop!

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A BRITISH WALLPAPER BRAND SINCE 1990 Offering an unrivalled choice of statement designs.

Galerie Wallcoverings delivers visual interest, rich textures and unique patterns that will transform interiors with a cool and calm finish.

www.galeriewallcoverings.com 800 985 9151

@galeriehome Featuring the Bazaar collection

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PA RT IN G S HO T

It's said mother knows best, and when that mom is Mother Nature herself you simply can't go wrong in taking a color cue or two from her majesty.

When building a decorating theme and color scheme that is sure to please through every season the best source can be right outside your door. Glean inspiration from the natural world that surrounds you in the form of flowers and foliage to water and rocks. A jaunt through a botanical garden, farmers' market, the beach or the produce aisle are all cornucopias of color from which to draw upon.

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The best paint jobs start with No two surfaces are alike — that’s why starting with the right prep can make all the difference. With a family of tapes designed specifically for your surface, Scotch® Painter’s Tape helps you prep right for professional-looking results.

© 3M 2020. All rights reserved. 3M, Scotch, ScotchBlue, Edge-Lock and the BLUE color of the tape are trademarks of 3M.

UNMATCHABLE When you find the perfect color, nothing else will do.

Perfection comes from our paint and our proprietary Gennex® colorants, together, creating results that are breathtaking.

Rely on Benjamin Moore for premium quality and Gennex Color Technology, which makes our long-lasting colors, all 3,500 of them, one-of-a-kind.

Unmatchable.

WALL: Stormy Monday 2112-50, Aura® Eggshell

©2020 Benjamin Moore & Co. Aura, Benjamin Moore, Gennex, and the triangle “M” symbol are registered trademarks licensed to Benjamin Moore & Co. Color accuracy is ensured only when tinted in quality Benjamin Moore® paints. Color representations may differ slightly from actual paint. 7/20

THE COLOR HOUSE TO FIND A LOCATION NEAR YOU, VISIT: THECOLORHOUSE.COM