ExpertAdvice

BY NINA QUARK, OWNER HUT K PHOTOS BY STUDIO 78

Sustainability has always been a pillar of ours at Hut K, but we’re seeing more brands taking this into consideration with the pieces they’re producing. Each year, strides are being made to utilize more recycled and renewable materials.

Lighting has largely gone LED- yay for energy savings! This will only continue to pick up speed as it becomes increasingly apparent that we need to take better care of our planet. Investing in high quality pieces isn’t a trend but it’s now more important than ever to help reduce our environmental impact. Purchasing poorly made pieces that need to be replaced every few years is not a sustainable approach.

We view lighting as the jewellery of a space. It has a significant impact not only on the look of your room but how you feel in it. We’re still seeing a lot of statement fixtures balanced with simpler pieces, but we love a layered approach! Maybe you have potlights throughout your home but mixing in a great floor lamp and/or table lamp allows you to really set the mood regardless of what that may be- you can never have too many options!

Hosting is back in full swing for 2023! We finally have our dining rooms reclaimed for dining and people are excited to host in their spaces again. Whether it’s a larger table or more comfortable chairs to hang out and chat all evening, we’ve got options to help revive your spaces for entertaining and making up for lost time!

Gone are the days of all things grey. People are ditching the grey floors, grey walls, grey cabinets and opting for warmer neutrals. People are embracing a more natural aesthetic. I think we’ll continue to see a lot more beiges and browns. White oak has been having a moment and I don’t think that’s going to be slowing down anytime soon.

We’re also going to be seeing a lot more colour and unexpected pops of colour in 2023. People are excited to inject more life and fun into their environments.

This means no more single accent colour but choosing your own palette of colours that play well together. We’re seeing a lot of bold oranges and greens balanced with pale blues, yellows and purples.

You can still achieve a cohesive, neutral feeling space while still introducing small doses of colour. The Scandinavians are the best at doing this so I’m always looking to them for colour inspiration!

2022 was the year of the archway and soft curves. I see this continuing as the 1970’s aesthetic is making a big comeback! We’re seeing this curvilinear approach throughout furniture, lighting and accessories. I love that this style really softens our often more rigid, modern homes.

On that same sentiment, we’re really embracing a more eclectic look overall. I love a space that feels collected as opposed to something that was purchased all at once or as a set. This is also such a great way to introduce vintage or statement pieces. These rooms tell a story and feel way more personal. Things don’t always have to match! You’re allowed to have two different lounge chairs that fit the users each in their own way. Play with scale and texture!

Enhance your workspace with our interior plant design.

by Camila VinCo owner of Green Charm

Founded in 2020, Green Charm began its journey as a plant subscription business. It has since found its roots and bloomed into an interior plant escape business.

Originally from Brazil, I found my love in designing workspaces with plants and helping improve the well-being of people at work. Green Charm now offers a wide variety of LIVE indoor plants, trees and pots to offices and establishments to improve the company’s ENVIRONMENT and employees’ WELL-BEING.

Moving to another country gave me such a strength that nothing seems impossible to achieve. Plants helped me to heal from the pain and suffering I encounter during all these years away from my family, and a beautiful seed was planted and now I am flourishing after so many years of hardship. Plants gave me hope and comfort during these hard times. I believe that nature has a huge impact on our mental health and that we should be surrounded by nature for more hours of our day.

Now more than ever plants are trending. Businesses are becoming more aware of their employee’s well-being and the importance of creating a welcoming work environment. I am extremely happy to be able to do what I love and be part of the change in today’s workspace.

How do we get started?

We take a look at your workspace, listen to your vision or help you to picture one. I analyze your environment and determine what live plants will do well according to your office light, environmental conditions and your plant goals for the office. We then work on a design and implementation timeline together.

We also offer weekly plant maintenance so there is extra work for you or your employees. Plant replacements are included in the plan to ensure your space is always looking its best.

Moving to Canada 9 years ago has led me on this path to make a better future. I am grateful that I have been able to use the healing powers of plants to bring life back to office culture. Let’s work together to make your space beautiful and healthy.