Innholdsfortegnelse for January/February 2026 i House & Home

If you’re noticing that the colour brown is suddenly everywhere, you’re not alone. I almost never bought brown clothes. Black was always the basis for my wardrobe. The brown options in the stores seemed limited to dull, somber, dark browns. Now, all of that has changed! There are so many deep, gorgeous browns on the market in every category that they feel irresistible. Clothes, purses, shoes, floors, furniture and, of course, paint, all seem to be available in rich, beautiful versions of brown and russet. For a car brand to adopt a new colour with its long lead times means that the colour forecasters need to have a really good crystal ball…. This year, they were bang on. I’m especially struck by the new Volvo XC60 (page 20) in Mulberry…

WHERE TO STAY New: Nita Lake Lodge Sitting at the edge of Nita Lake on the outskirts of town, this hotel is a chic take on the mountain lodge. Some suites come with fireplaces, soaker tubs and heated floors. Choose a guest room with your preferred view — the glacier-fed lake or old-growth forest — and have an après-ski snack or cocktail lakeside at The Den. You’ll want to save time for the spa. 2131 Lake Placid Rd., nitalakelodge.com Classic: Four Seasons Resort Whistler Named 2025’s top resort in the country by Travel + Leisure, Four Seasons Whistler is a leading destination for visitors in search of luxury after a day on the slopes. Located at the base of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, the hotel offers majestic views and close…

KIDNEY BEAN SOFA Curvy seating in soft, textured fabric still resonates. AMBER-HUED SCONCE In singles, pairs or multiples, the round, coloured sconce is on our want list. SMALL-PRINT WALLPAPER† Allover florals in neutral tones are a good canvas for layering. SPOOL-LEG DINING TABLE Mix trad or modern dining chairs with this sleek table.…

WHEN ARCHITECT RICHARD WENGLE introduced designer Elyssa Maldoff to a Toronto couple, it felt like kismet. Elyssa and her firm, Design State, had caught the architect’s eye for her livable yet luxurious spaces that perfectly jibed with the couple’s fashion-forward style. “When we met, my clients were always dressed impeccably,” says Elyssa. “I wanted to design a refined, transitional home that reflected their personal style.” The homeowners have two young daughters and, after 15 years in their previous residence, they were ready to create a home that truly reflected them. Their 4,870-square-foot custom new-build is in Toronto’s sought-after Lytton Park. “We loved the neighbourhood,” says one owner. “It felt like the perfect place to build the house we always imagined.” For the interiors, they craved comfort and elegance. “We like…

No.1 INTERIOR WINDOWS Open-concept floor plans aren’t going anywhere but, in some cases, it’s nice to have boundaries. Quebec designer Audrée Kemp Bélanger advocates for glassenclosed pantries instead of traditional drywall for her clients. Glass allows light to travel through a space, but it also provides privacy when required. No.2 ART DECO REVIVAL Get ready for the return of bold geometrics, glam lacquered and mirrored finishes, burled-wood and cool metals including chrome and stainless steel — all are hallmarks of the decadent Art Deco era. Consider this trend a luxe antidote to the minimalist, neutral interiors of recent years. No.3 Slow Decorating It’s not always easy to pump the brakes on impulsive purchases, but slow decorating encourages a mindful accumulation that prioritizes patience, sustainability and intentionality. Designers are noticing clients gravitating…

I’ve been a big fan of H&H for years, and I remember way back when Tommy Smythe just started. I first saw him on your Ask a Designer page. Even then, I could tell he had a good eye for colour and design. Now, he’s Designer of the Year! Well done, Tommy! Keep up the good work. —SUSAN SHELDON, Nanaimo, B.C. I enjoyed reading your Designer of the Year feature (Nov 2025) showing Tommy Smythe’s wonderful design work. This project is beautiful in a very unique way: the bold colours, furniture, lighting and art are all so artfully done and in keeping with the period of when the house was constructed. The one feature I found puzzling was the placement of the fireplace and mirror backdrop. The mirror catches the…

ALL FIRED UP Napoleon’s Elevation X electric fireplace has an LCD screen that displays ultrahigh-quality video of glowing logs and flickering flames to give the look of a wood or gas fireplace. Plus, it delivers cosy heat and crackling sounds — all without emissions, venting or a gas line. $3,900. Napoleon. Spray Away The Everywhere mist by Lohn can be used on your clothes, linens and body for an instant refresh. Developed by co-founders Katerina Juskey (pictured, left) and Victoria Mierzwa, the mists are delicately scented, phthalate free and come in travelfriendly, reusable and recyclable bottles. $38 each. Holt Renfrew. Flora & Fauna Forest animals and foliage come to life on Boråstapeter’s Under the Elder Tree wallpaper, crafted with FSC-certified materials. The Swedish brand has its own water treatment facility,…

In this cottage-style bungalow belonging to designer Colin Baird, the principal bedroom is dressed in moody hues. The panelled walls are painted in on-trend sage green, and the bed is dressed in tan, taupe and cinnamon–coloured linens. It’s the perfect background for the drama of Blue Botanical, one of the Scotties® ’ Supreme tissue boxes in the H&H Designer Series. It’s one of six patterns that will bring colour and style to your rooms with ease. It’s amazing how one simple accessory can make all the difference. FIND YOUR STYLE: Get your own Scotties®’ Surpreme H&H Designer Series tissue boxes at select retailers. Visit Scotties.ca for more information. ©Kruger Products Inc., 2026. ®’ Scotties is a registered trademark of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide Inc., used under license.…

SILHOUETTE Benjamin Moore’s 2026 Colour of the Year dives into the dark end of the spectrum with a commanding charcoal-espresso shade inspired by haberdashery. Applied on walls, it makes neutral furniture and rugs pop and, in this room, it shows off the lines of a shapely settee. “My colour pick for this year is a charcoal chocolate: something deep, charred and muddy”—Brian Mc Court, designer SAIL CLOTH To make rooms feel less stark and more cosy, this white is grounded by a warm beige undertone. In a living room, it works in concert with timeless touches such as burnished metals, warm woods and bouclé. DAY SPA Traditional blues are a go-to in English kitchens, but in this showroom space by deVOL Kitchens, a navy that edges closer to a blackened…

AS SHOWN ON PAGES 78 TO 82 Cory Vitiello’s Chicken Over Boulangère-style Potatoes SERVES 4 1 whole chicken (about 3 lbs.)5 tbsp unsalted butter, softened, divided3 sprigs rosemary, chopped, divided3 tsp kosher salt, divided1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper, divided1 tsp granulated sugar4 medium Yukon Gold potatoes, thinly sliced2 medium shallots, thinly sliced3 cloves garlic, crushed2 oz. (about ¼ cup) diced pancetta4 sprigs thyme3 slices lemon SEASON CHICKEN 1. Pat chicken dry. Rub 3 tbsp of butter under skin. 2. In small bowl, mix ½ tbsp of rosemary, 1 tsp of salt, ½ tsp of pepper and sugar. Season inside and outside of chicken, then refrigerate uncovered for at least 30 minutes, or overnight. ROAST CHICKEN AND POTATOES 1. Heat oven to 400°F and butter medium casserole dish. Layer thin…

SHOP COSENTINO COMES HOME At the corner of Frederick and Front streets in the heart of Toronto’s downtown design district is Cosentino’s new flagship store. Its 4,500 sq.ft. of dazzling displays feature the retailer’s three global brands: Dekton, Silestone and Sensa, plus the new Éclos collection, a line of environmentally responsible, zero-crystalline silica surfaces. The new space was designed in collaboration with Dubbeldam Architecture + Design to deliver an immersive experience that shows off innovative applications such as round islands, Zoe Top integrated sinks and rooms that include products from Cosentino’s partner brands: appliances from Gaggenau and Pitt Cooking, lighting from Vibia, furniture from Andreu World, rugs from Naturtex and Gan, textiles from Gancedo and Crevin, wireless charging from FreePower, fireplaces from Planika and faucets from Kohler. The new library…

Asked to design a kitchen that felt “elevated but easy,” Olivia Botrie, principal designer at Dart Studio, turned to natural materials, a restrained palette and streamlined functionality. Warm wood tones, brushed brass and softly-veined porcelain bring depth and texture, while Bosch built-in and undercounter appliances integrate effortlessly into the design. The result is a space that pairs timeless beauty with discreet innovation. OLIVIA’S APPLIANCE PICKS • Bosch 800 Series Induction freestanding range • Bosch Benchmark® Built-in Panel-ready Bottom Freezer refrigerator • Bosch 300 Series 24" dishwasher OLIVIA’S TIPS FOR SEAMLESS DESIGN • Panel-ready appliances visually disappear, keeping the look of your millwork seamless. • An induction range’s flat top sits flush with the counter, providing a smooth, continuous line. • Clad the range hood in the same material as your…

GREENHOUSE LIVING Greenhouses aren’t just a place to grow plants anymore. When heated, they double as studios for activities like yoga, art or even entertaining. Try the trend with a kit from Canadian companies such as Backyard Discovery Canada, Backyard Greenhouses and Canada Greenhouse Kits; all are designed to withstand winter winds and snow. KUSUMI COLOURS Much like the dirty pastels trending in interior design, the Kusumi plant palette consists of faded pinks that look as if they’ve been dusted with ash. These plants are a fresh take on traditional bright pinks; the Instagram-filter softness creates a romantic, vintage look in the garden. Quirky Houseplants The 2026 Garden Media Group trends report lists houseplants as the new collectible. Consider hunting down Lithops, African succulents known as “living stones.” With more…

1. High-gloss Rooms A designer favourite, high-gloss finishes instantly impart glamour. To add even more impact to high-gloss walls, designer Tamara Kaye-Honey painted out all the millwork in this home office to rich effect. “Deep claret in a high-gloss finish and collected vintage pieces reveal our reverence for craft and the art of tension — a space is designed not just for how it looks, but for how it makes one feel. To me, beauty is sensory, soulful and ever so slightly undone.” 2. Unexpected Pairings Spin the colour wheel and play matchmaker with shades that don’t sit right next to each other. Surprising combinations amp up the inherent intensity of each colour, making them look livelier. Or, create a signature mix by pairing two shades that seem destined for…

WHEN JENNICA AND JAMSHEED POCHA first stepped into this Georgian-style house in Toronto, they felt an instant spark of déjà vu. “It reminded me of my parents’ house in London,” says Jennica, who grew up on a leafy street in Chelsea. Though the magnolia walls and floral drapes gave the place a certain 1990s English style, the couple could see the potential for something special. With two young sons, they also needed to balance polish with play. “We wanted an elegant home with space to entertain, but we also wanted a place that had a good flow for everyday family life,” says Jamsheed. “We were looking for a hotel ‘members’ club’ feel mixed with a casual, fun and eclectic style where the kids could still have breakfast in their pajamas.”…

“There’s nothing more seductive than a perfectly roasted chicken, and this recipe doesn’t disappoint. It’s food that wants attention, not tricks.”—Cory Vitiello CORY VITIELLO Executive director of concept and culinary development at LFG Growth Partners, including The Chase and The Frederick, Toronto TREND: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS In Cory’s experience, some of the country’s most respected chefs are moving toward humble, ingredient-driven cooking. “The movement is really about technique and craft, and that will outlast whatever food is trending every month,” says Cory. In his stellar roast chicken dish, Yukon Gold potatoes cook in a thin layer underneath the chicken, soaking up all the delicious drippings. PREDICTION: REVAMPED SCHOOL LUNCHES Kids can be picky eaters, and presentation plays a big role in shaping their tastes. Cory describes feeding his seven-year-old as “humbling”…

1stDibs, 1stdibs.com Acre Made, shopacremade.com ADH Fine Hardware, adhhardware.ca Alteriors, (613) 722-1661 or alteriors.ca Arcadia Modern Home, arcadiamodernhome.com Audrée Kemp Bélanger, AKB Design, akbdesign.ca Backyard Discovery Canada, backyarddiscovery.ca Backyard Greenhouses, backyardgreenhouses.ca BC Greenhouse Builders, 1-888-391-4433 or bcgreenhouses.com Behr, behr.com Benedict Lim, thelunchlady.com Beni, benirugs.com Benjamin Moore, 1-855-724-6802 or benjaminmoore.ca Bernhardt Furniture Company, bernhardt.com Best Buy Canada, bestbuy.ca Black Rooster Decor, (416) 465-7778 or blackroosterdecor.ca Blanco, 1-877-425-2626 or blanco.com Bradley Van Der Straeten, b-vds.co.uk Brian McCourt, Brian McCourt Design Build, brianmccourtdesigns.com Canada Greenhouse Kits, canada-greenhouse-kits.ca Canapy Furniture, (437) 429-5877 or canapyfurniture.com CB2, cb2.ca Charlotte Smiley, charlottesmiley.com Clare Forndran, Forward Interiors, (416) 787-2423 or forward-interiors.com Claudio Aprile, claudioaprile.com Cloverdale Paint, cloverdalepaint.com Cori Halpern, Cori Halpern Interiors, (416) 315-2674 or corihalperninteriors.com Cory Vitiello, instagram.com/coryvitiello Coulson Armstrong, instagram.com/coulsoncooks Cynthia Ferguson, Cynthia Ferguson Designs, (647)…

PARIS MODERN Pages 44 to 51 Architecture, Richard Wengle Architect, (416) 787–7575; design, Elyssa Maldoff, Design State, (416) 804-6629 or designstate.ca. PRINCIPAL SUPPLIERS Allied Maker, alliedmaker.com Atelier Arking, arking.ca Benjamin Moore, 1-855-724-6802 or benjaminmoore.ca Bocci, bocci.ca Design State, designstate.ca Gabriel Scott, gabriel-scott.com Ginger’s, (416) 787-1787 or gingers.com Gubi, gubi.com Hollace Cluny, (416) 968-7894 or hollacecluny.ca Lulie Wallace, luliewallace.com Phillip Jeffries, phillipjeffries.com Pierre Frey, pierrefrey.com RH, Restoration Hardware, rh.com RHome Custom Built, (416) 671-3052 or rhomecustombuilt.com Sherwin-Williams, 1-800-474-3794 or sherwin-williams.com Builder, RHome Custom Built; wall colour, White Dove (OC-17), Benjamin Moore. Page 46: Top right: Light fixture, Allied Maker. Bottom left: Mirror, Gubi; sconces, Bocci. Page 47: Pendant, Hollace Cluny; dining table, Atelier Arking; dining chairs, RH. Page 48: Chandelier, Gabriel Scott; faucet, Ginger’s. Page 49: Top right: Green cabinet colour,…

Q I need advice on how to refresh the front of my house. I’m planning to repaint both the siding and the shutters, but what colours would work? Also, one shutter is missing, which makes me wonder if the house might look better without shutters. Do you have any ideas for the front door? Is there a particular style that would better suit the architecture of the house? Overall, I want to enhance the home’s charm and curb appeal. — L.B., Montreal A You can go two different ways to update your façade. The first option is a simple yet classic refresh, which involves replacing the missing shutter and choosing a new paint palette such as Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee for the siding and an off-black like Wrought Iron for…