Author: Admin

  • How to Create the Perfect Layered Bed

    A beautiful bed is built layer by layer.

    From breathable, natural fibres to carefully chosen inserts, what lies beneath the duvet is just as important as the finishing touches. Every detail contributes to both the look of the bed and the quality of sleep it delivers. Danielle De Francesco, Co-founder and Principal of Forward Interiors, shares her top tips for creating a bed that’s as restorative as it is beautiful.

    Q&A

    HOUSE & HOME: Describe your perfect bed.

    DANIELLE DE FRANCESCO: White linen sheets and a beautifully draped linen coverlet with an oversized lumbar pillow. In a five-star hotel. Somewhere near the ocean. With the windows open. Following a beautiful meal with loved ones. Maybe a chocolate on my pillow? I could go on!

    Danielle De Francesco, Co-founder and Principal, Forward Interiors

    “Quality bedding is one of the best investments you can make.”

    H&H: How do we bring the look and feel of a hotel bed home?

    DDF: I’d argue the best kept secret to bringing home the hotel look is freshly pressed sheets. There is just something about a hotel bed where the sheets are pulled taught with no wrinkle in sight that feels deeply luxurious.

    H&H: Why is quality bedding worth the investment?

    DDF: Everyone’s day begins and ends in bed, and our bedding plays a much bigger role than many people realize. Beyond aesthetics, it impacts our quality of sleep, but also the health of our hair, our skin and even the way we breathe. That’s why we’ve always believed quality bedding is one of the best investments you can make.

    Natural fibres like linen and cotton in the Hotel 3-Line Stitch Percale collection, bring breathability, comfort and timeless beauty, becoming softer and developing character with every wash.

    H&H: When helping clients create the perfect bed, what’s the first thing you consider?

    DDF: It starts with understanding how someone sleeps because bedding is incredibly personal. The first layer should always be a high-quality sheet set in a material you love, whether that’s crisp cotton or breathable linen. From there, we build with texture and warmth, adding a linen coverlet during the warmer months or a cozy down-filled duvet in winter. The goal is always to create a bed that feels just as beautiful as it looks. Finally, something that isn’t spoken about nearly enough when referring to making the bed is scent. Au Lit’s completely natural pillow mists provide the finishing touch, filling the room with a calming fragrance that transforms the bed into a true sleep sanctuary.

    Layering different textures – not necessarily different colours – is the easiest way to create visual interest while maintaining a calm, tonal palette. Shown here: Washed Linen-Cotton in dark grey.

    H&H: Why are natural fibres your first choice?

    DDF: We almost always gravitate toward cotton and linen. Cotton percale offers a crisp, cool feel, while sateen is warmer and silkier. Personally, I love linen. It’s naturally breathable, drapes beautifully and becomes softer over time. Natural fibres age gracefully, develop character and last for years when properly cared for.

    Designer Danielle De Francesco’s philosophy is simple: less is more. One oversized lumbar – or two kidney pillows – creates a polished look without overwhelming the bed. Shown here: Washed Waffle in Khaki

    H&H: Do you make your bed every morning?

    DDF: Absolutely! I once read that making your bed first-thing means you’ve already accomplished something before your day has even begun, and that idea really resonated with me. It’s become part of my morning routine – and if the day turns into a complete disaster, at least I’m coming home to a beautifully made bed!

    H&H: Finally… let’s settle the decorative pillow debate. How many is too many?

    DDF: At the risk of creating controversy, we firmly believe less is more. We love when beautiful, high-quality fabrics can shine rather than stealing the show. Two kidney pillows – or one oversized lumbar. The end. The debate is over!

    Au Lit Fine Linens has helped Canadians create beautifully layered beds with expertly crafted bedding, natural fibres and personalized guidance for 45 years.

    The post How to Create the Perfect Layered Bed appeared first on House & Home.

  • Veggie Side Dishes You’ll Want To Make On Repeat

    Summer is the perfect time to cook with vegetables — they’re refreshing, crisp and a canvas for plenty of flavour.

    If you can get your hands on them, local, farm-fresh vegetables are even better. We’re sharing our favourite veggie side dishes for summer, including a delicious cauliflower salad, citrusy smashed potatoes and Coulson Armstrong‘s briny beet dish.

    Lemony Smashed Potatoes

    These crispy yet fluffy smashed potatoes are topped with an assortment of fresh herbs. The trick to the best potato is boiling them for 20 minutes before they go in the oven to bake away with plenty of lemon zest and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

    • Source Recipe from Around the Table by Shea McGee. ©2026 by Shea McGee. Used by permission of Harper Horizon, a division of HarperCollins Focus, LLC

    Coulson Armstrong’s Golden Beets with Tonnato

    An upscale take on using tinned tuna, Prime Seafood Palace’s Coulson Armstrong shares the recipe for his best beet dish. Briny capers, dill and trout roe create a beautiful depth that makes the beets sing.

    • Photographer Taylor Renee Whyte

    Summer Légumes Frites

    If you love shrimp tempura, try this crunchy side where cauliflower, green beans, zucchini, squash and eggplant are coated in a tempura-style batter. Marjorie Taylor, co-author of French at Heart where this recipe appears, says lemon wedges provide a hit of brightness.

    • Source Recipe reprinted with permission from French at Heart by Marjorie Taylor and Kendall Smith Franchini. Abrams Books. ©2025. Photography by Anson Smart

    Eggplant with Grapes, Feta and Lemony Tahini

    Serve this silky eggplant on the sheet pan it cooks on, alongside onion, grapes, chili and spiced tahini. A mix of garnishes, including toasted pine nuts, tender herbs, pomegranate seeds and a drizzle of hot honey top off the sweet and savoury dish.

    • Source Recipe from Hot Sheet by Olga Massov and Sana. Lemoine. Copyright 2024 Olga Massov and Sanae Lemoine. Reprinted by permission from Harvest, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

    Crispy Potato Skins with Fried Herb Aioli

    You read that right. When roasted in a cast iron skillet with oil, russet potato skins crisp up to create a mouth-watering bite. Make sure you serve the skins extra hot with a helping of homemade aioli.

    • Source Recipe from More is More ©2023 by Molly Baz. Photographs ©2023 by PEDEN + MUNK. Illustrations ©2023 Claire McCracken. Published by Clarkson Potter, an imprint of Random House

    Kale, Sweet Potato, Date & Walnut Chopped Salad

    Take Clodagh McKenna’s word for it: this kale salad is leaps and bounds beyond a lacklustre salad. The Irish chef’s recipe is full of satisfying textures and sweet flavours that are nearly impossible to get bored of.

    • Source Recipe adapted from Clodagh’s Happy Cooking: 100 Easy, Speedy, Healthy Recipes for Good Mood Food by Clodagh McKenna. Photography by David Loftus. ©2026 by Octopus Publishing Group. Excerpted with permission from Kyle Books. All rights reserved

    Crispy Cauliflower Salad

    This cauliflower salad with jalapeño, chive and sour cream dressing will leave your taste buds happy. U.K. chef John Gregory-Smith loves crumbling on a bit of blue cheese at the end.

    • Source Excerpted from The Greatest Traybake Cookbook Ever by John Gregory-Smith. Copyright © 2026 John Gregory-Smith. Photographs by Martin Poole. Published by Penguin Michael Joseph. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved

    Grilled Asparagus with Hollandaise

    Michelin-recommended restaurant Fat Rabbit’s grilled asparagus dish is fresh and earthy. Chef Zach Smith says hollandaise and asparagus are “a match made in heaven.”

    • Photographer Pat Ozols

    The post Veggie Side Dishes You’ll Want To Make On Repeat appeared first on House & Home.

  • Three Stunning Pools to Inspire Your Country Retreat or Urban Oasis

    Get inspired by three picturesque pools in three unique settings.

    “The owners wanted the pool to fit naturally within the terrain,” says pool designer Peter Brown. Cutting into the hill created a platform so it would be surrounded by nature.

    Open Country

    In 2021, Heather and Rockey Delfino bought their beautiful home in Mono, about an hour’s drive northwest of Toronto, primarily for the views of the sprawling Ontario farmland. “We envisioned the pool as a quiet retreat, a place to take in the landscape and experience the seasons,” says Heather. Set into the hill’s incline, the pool seems like an extension of the land and blurs the boundary between water and horizon. Truckloads of natural boulders were brought in and set into the slope to anchor the space. The steep, difficult grade has now been transformed into a series of terraces on different levels, with flower beds overflowing with lavender spikes and other perennials for colour and movement.

    Next to the pool is a horse barn that was reimagined as a pool house and art studio.

    • LOCATION: Mono, Ont.
    • TYPE: Shotcrete infinity pool with a hot tub
    • DESIGN BRIEF: A pool that takes advantage of the views of the rolling hills and is suitable for small children to play in
    • DIMENSIONS: 37’8″ l. x 19’8″ w. x 8’3″ d. (hot tub is 6′ l. x 6′ w. x 3’6″ d.)
    • POOL CONSTRUCTION: Three months for the pool, plus six months for the landscaping

    “You walk down an 80-foot embankment and, once you’re in the pool area, you’re in your own little world,” says pool designer Peter Brown of BonaVista Pools. An existing barn converted into a pool house serves as a place to gather, dine and relax out of the sun while also housing a sculpting studio. “The infinity-edge pool and hot tub have become the heart of everything,” says Heather. “We share a glass of wine with family and friends here, and we especially enjoy watching the sun sink behind the hills. It’s the perfect ending to a day.”

    • Pool contractor BonaVista Pools
    • Landscape design Sunshine Landscape Design & Construction
    • Photography Jeff McNeill

    Before choosing the pool’s custom finish, homeowner Vanessa Pilon tested samples of different shades of grey over several months to see how water and sun affected the colour.

    Rustic Retreat

    Four years ago, Quebec TV personality Vanessa Pilon moved from Montreal to Sutton to be closer to nature. “I love swimming, but the rivers here are cold,” says Vanessa. She tried excavating test sites for a pond on her mountaintop property, but nature had other plans, so Vanessa decided on a fibreglass pool. “We chose a dark colour — a flashy turquoise looked too tropical for the setting.” Richard Doucet of Mova Pools agreed: “The pool colour was custom developed to Vanessa’s liking to blend in to the Eastern Townships landscape,” he says. Landscaper Frédéric Arsenault of La Roche Posée augmented the rustic feel by siting boulders in a naturalistic way as seating around the pool. “It’s similar to what you’d encounter in a forest setting,” says Frédéric.

    • LOCATION: Sutton, Que.
    • TYPE: Fibreglass pool with a stone grey Diamond interior finish
    • DESIGN BRIEF: A pond-like pool that suits the country setting with family-friendly features
    • DIMENSIONS: 34′ l. x 12′ w. x 4’10” d., with a 7′-long integrated sun ledge, 6’6″ x 17″ benches and a 3″ safety ledge
    • APPROXIMATE COST: $150,000, including furniture

    Vanessa followed his easygoing approach by enhancing the pool with native plants that draw bees and hummingbirds. The shallow sun ledge gives Vanessa’s daughter, Claire, and her French bulldog, Sophie, a safe place to splash around. The pool has become a magnet for her city friends and their kids. Vanessa also enjoys maintaining the garden setting. “In the past, I was into fashion and city life, but there’s something artistic about working with plants,” she says. Her transition from cosmopolitan to country seems complete. “I used to like travelling during the summer, but now I want to stay at home! I went to Greece last year and thought, I could be home right now. ”

    • Pool contractor Mova Pools
    • Landscape design La Roche Posée
    • Photography Guillaume St-Amand and Audrey McMahon

    Homeowner Tara Borg wanted easy-care plants that thrive with little fuss. “We provided a limited planting palette and planted en masse to simplify garden maintenance,” says landscape architect David Taylor.

    Urban Spa

    It started off as a water feature, but it grew into something much more for homeowner Tara Borg. “We really wanted a beautiful landscape design,” says Tara. “I wasn’t a big pool fan because I worried about maintenance, but this pool is so pretty to look at, and it beautifies the backyard.” She consulted with landscape architect David Taylor at Mark Hartley Landscape Architects and made it clear she didn’t want the backyard swallowed up by concrete, or to spend hours fussing over plants. Tara opted for a shotcrete pool because she wanted a slim profile and custom features like a bench for lounging.

    The pool deck, also in sandblasted Algonquin limestone, complements the tones of the rustic back wall with its trio of waterfall spouts.

    A covered porch off the family room is equipped with a fire table and radiant ceiling heaters for cooler nights. Neutral furniture suits the sandblasted Algonquin limestone patio tile. An unobtrusive safety barrier is installed near the house, rather than the pool.

    • LOCATION: Midtown Toronto
    • TYPE: Shotcrete plunge pool
    • DESIGN BRIEF: A water feature and pool that can transition into a hot tub
    • DIMENSIONS: 18′ l. x 8′ w. x 5’6″ d., with a 15′-long bench
    • POOL CONSTRUCTION: Three months
    • APPROXIMATE COST: $110,000*

    Bobo panicle hydrangeas flank the pool while cascading water mutes the sound of the city, boosting tranquility.

    Three waterfall spouts on the raised wall add a gentle cascading sound to drown out traffic noise and add serenity to the backyard. The surprise? Not only does the pool double as a water feature, but it can also be transformed into a hot tub, thanks to hydrotherapy jets and a heating system. Especially when the weather cools, the homeowners like to put on music and turn the pool into a spa. “The compact size is manageable: the pool heats quickly and doesn’t dominate the backyard,” says Tara. “If we’re coming home, we can switch it on remotely through an app so it’s ready for us when we get there.”

    • Pool contractor BonaVista Pools
    • Pool design and landscape architecture Mark Hartley Landscape Architects
    • Photography Jeff McNeill

    The post Three Stunning Pools to Inspire Your Country Retreat or Urban Oasis appeared first on House & Home.

  • The City Column: What To Do In Muskoka

    Ontario’s renowned “cottage country” vacation destination, Muskoka boasts lakes and old-growth forests that have drawn travellers since the Victorian era.

    Beyond the beautiful surroundings, you’ll discover a food, design and arts scene that gives visitors reason to stay longer than a weekend.

    Where to Stay

    New: The Dudley Inn

    Built in the 1980s, this hotel got a makeover just a few years ago, bringing considered design to the roadside motel format. Located in the town of Bala, the inn offers easy access to the three big lakes — Muskoka, Rosseau and Joseph — for boating, as well as Torrance Barrens Dark-Sky Preserve, one of Ontario’s best stargazing destinations. Bright, spacious rooms sleep two to four, and there’s a country farmhouse available for larger groups.

    3440 Muskoka District Rd. 169, Bala, Ont.

    Classic: Windermere House

    This hotel has been welcoming guests to Muskoka since 1870. Its waterfront is Lake Rosseau, so if boating, fishing, hiking, cycling and golf are on tap for your getaway, this is an ideal base. While the hotel’s exterior preserves its roots as a Victorian-style resort, rooms are modern and serene, with garden or lake views.

    2508 Windermere Rd., Windermere, Ont.

    Where to Eat

    New: The Pearl

    This gourmet food market and snack bar in Bala has become a local favourite. The kitchen team sources ingredients from local farms and producers, and stocks its pantry with grab-and-gooptions. For weekend brunch, try the Cinnamon French Toast Bread Pudding or Lox and Cream Cheese Bagel. And for dinner, grab a bite on the waterside patio.

    3047 Muskoka Road 169, Bala, Ont.

    Classic: Crossroads Restaurant

    Family-owned and operated by chefs Richard and Julie Lalonde since 2008, this resto is the benchmark for fine dining in Muskoka — the lakefront setting alone is worth a reservation. Try the Georgian Bay Pickerel or, for something heartier, the Cast-iron-seared Beef Tenderloin. Reservations open 60 days out — it’s best to book ahead!

    2 Cardwell Rd., Rosseau, Ont.

    What to See

    Classic: Muskoka Arts & Crafts

    This gallery has grown into one of the region’s most beloved arts institutions, with two spaces in Bracebridge and a full calendar of shows and workshops. The main event is the Annual Summer Show in July, a juried outdoor festival where more than 200 Canadian artisans set up across a riverside park to showcase pottery, textiles, jewelry, painting and woodwork. The downtown Bracebridge gallery has a busy multimedia exhibition schedule this summer, too.

    63 Manitoba St., Bracebridge, Ont.

    Classic: Muskoka Steamships & Discovery Centre

    Immerse yourself in all things Muskoka at this museum in Gravenhurst. Exhibits trace the history of the area including 10,000 years of Indigenous presence, and settler and industrial development. Visit the Grace and Speed Boathouse, home to North America’s largest in-water collection of restored antique wooden boats, then book a spot on a steamship for an afternoon lake cruise.

    275 Steamship Bay Rd., Gravenhurst, Ont.

    • Photography Clint Spalding

    Where to Shop

    At The Cutter’s Edge, browse custom kitchens and millwork built in-house, plus Jack & Stella is part café, part shop, part community hub. Find great pieces — from quirky ceramics to cottagechic textiles — for entertaining at home. 1004 Bala Falls Rd., Bala, Ont.

    Sandhill Nursery is a beloved Muskoka garden centre. Pick up a fresh bouquet, potted herbs, or find inspiration for next year’s garden. There’s also a café, The Rusty Rake, if you’re feeling peckish. 1686 Aspdin Rd., Huntsville, Ont.

    Simply Cottage is the go-to store for the lakeside living aesthetic. You’ll find furniture for bedrooms, dining and living rooms, and Ontario-made coffee and dining tables with custom sizing available. 339 Ecclestone Dr., Bracebridge, Ont.

    Family-owned HillTop Interiors offers a comprehensive collection of furniture and decorating accents that blends Muskoka cottage style and contemporary design.1150 Hwy 141, Rosseau, Ont.

    The post The City Column: What To Do In Muskoka appeared first on House & Home.

  • Luxe Lakehouse Dining Rooms You’ll Want To Linger In

    There’s nothing quite like gathering around the table at a lakehouse.

    Whether overlooking the water or set in a great room, these luxe dining spaces are made for generous meals, lively conversation and lingering long after dessert.

    For the dining room in this Edwardian lakehouse, the client requested an iconic Swedish kakelugn — an 18th-century ceramic stove — which is an effective contrast to the striking modernist dining table with metallic legs and a Breccia marble top that has a shattered rock–like appearance. “I love being in the dining and great rooms,” says the homeowner. “They have spectacular views of the sunset.”

    • Photographer: Stacey Brandford
    • Designer: Katherine Newman Design (architecture and interior design)

    A striking glass sphere chandelier animates this lofty dining room. “The cottage had to work for 16 people or for two,” says an owner. The former number inspired the expansive dining room and three second-floor guest suites, each with its own stairway.

    • Photographer: Robin Stubbert
    • Designer: Steve Jarrett (architectural design)/Christopher Spraggett (design)

    The pine floors in the original turret were painted white, making this airy, light-filled Muskoka dining room designed by Montana Burnett appear to float in space. Whimsical raffia pendants play up the boho atmosphere. “It feels calming and serene,” says Montana. “I wanted the home to feel modern, but still cottagey.”

    • Photographer: Alex Lukey
    • Designer: Montana Burnett (design)/Brian Pharoah (architecture)

    Wine with dinner? Yes please. This dining table accommodates 14 and it placed next to a custom white oak wine storage system that houses the owner’s extensive collection.

    • Photographer: Niamh Barry
    • Designer: Foreshew Design Associates (architecture)/Brittaney Elgner, Olly + Em (design)

    The dining room in Sarah Richardson’s Georgian Bay cottage is set in the great room, which Sarah opened up to expose the rafters. Rattan dining chairs and a trio of woven pendants bring a relaxed vibe to the space.

    • Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
    • Designer: Sarah Richardson

    Lynda’s lakehouse dining room pairs custom pieces with antiques, bringing a collected feel to the fir-panelled space. “In the dining room, it was the modern country furniture made by skilled American craftsmen in the Hudson Valley that inspired me. Fortunately, we have our own amazing makers at Coolican & Co., here in Toronto, who were able to make our fabulous Claro walnut dining table,” says Lynda. The amber chandeliers are vintage from Stanley Wagman Antiques in Toronto. “They add a hit of grandeur to the room. The armoire is a French country piece I’ve had in every house I’ve lived in. Here, it’s the essential dishes closet,” she adds.

    • Photographer: Stacey Brandford
    • Designer: Lynda Reeves Design Studio

    The post Luxe Lakehouse Dining Rooms You’ll Want To Linger In appeared first on House & Home.

  • 10+ Bright Bathrooms That Are Flush With Colour And Pattern

    Start your mornings off right with a lovely hit of bold hues and intriguing pattern.

    Colourful bathrooms with a monochromatic palette or bold pattern can make a space feel larger, plus the use of tiles allows for a layering of texture. Scroll through for 10+ colourful bathrooms where homeowners took a chance and it paid off in spades.

    In Vanessa Francis’s ensuite, gingham sconce shades are a playful foil for the painterly floral wallpaper.

    • Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
    • Designer: Vanessa Francis

    This pretty-in-pink powder room features Moroccan tile that echoes the front entry vestibule’s peach walls.

    • Photographer: Stacey Brandford
    • Designer: Katherine Newman Design (architecture and interior design)

    In this marble-laden principal ensuite, colour comes courtesy of a moss green armoire, patterned drapes and an upholstered stool.

    • Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
    • Designer: Gillian Gillies

    In this ensuite bathroom, watery-blue walls are calming, with hand-painted tile inspired by a London subway station to add pattern and personality.

    • Photographer Rachel Smith
    • Designer Natalie Tredgett

    In this Vancouver penthouse, the millwork is painted a punchy peacock, while the fluted vanity strikes a calmer note in a pastel pink. Gutsy terrazzo counters are accented by rose gold faucets.

    • Photographer Janis Nicolay
    • Designer Tanya McLean (Mango Design Co)

    “Something fun and colourful” was the design directive for this child’s bathroom by Colette van den Thillart. The super-saturated green tones of the cactus-print wallpaper are echoed by the emerald carpet and a towel holder.

    • Photographer Alex Lukey
    • Designer Colette van den Thillart

    Pretty buttery tile brings sunny vibes to this guest bathroom. Glossy tiles and citrus wallpaper creates a colour-drenched effect that’s effervescent, and perfect for a home in a tropical climate.

    • Photographer Lauren Miller
    • Designer Ashley Montgomery

    In Deputy Editor Emma Reddington‘s kids’ bathroom, she juxtaposes two bold colours to maximum effect, and the fire-engine red fixtures are the cherry on top. The yellow linoleum tile floor, green walls and the red hardware create a riot of colour. “I love the vanity in the kids’ bathroom, with its custom red powder-coated faucet and handles.”

    • Photographer Ema Peter
    • Designer &Daughters

    This formerly white principal ensuite was bland. Now, handcrafted cornflower blue tiles lift the mood and create an atmospheric, aquatic feel.

    • Photographer Donna Griffith
    • Designer Cynthia Ferguson

    Not every colour has to be bright to create impact. In this farmhouse, the walls are washed in a powdery pink paint that mimics the textured look of plaster. When paired with an Italian marble tub, bathroom has a timeless look.

    • Photographer Alex Lukey
    • Designer John Baker and Juli Daoust-Baker with Christine Ho Ping Kong and Peter Tan of Studio Junction

    This dark, leafy Arley wallpaper creates a treehouse effect in this principal ensuite. Gold-toned faucet mirrors the wallpaper’s bronzy botanical leaves. “If there’s a surefire way to make even the smallest room in your home stand out, it’s with wallpaper,” says designer Sabrina Albanese.

    • Photographer Angus Fergusson
    • Designer Sabrina Albanese

    The kids’ bathroom is light and bright with a two-toned tile treatment that pairs denim blue and white tile for depth and contrast. An intricate woodland shower curtain is a pop of pattern.

    • Photographer Niamh Barry
    • Designer Olivia Botrie

    In a principal ensuite designed by Sabrina Albanese, stunning Onice Giallo onyx clads the walk-in shower, while modern botanical wallpaper on a sage-green ground injects a tropical vibe.

    • Photographer Lauren Miller
    • Designer Sabrina Albanese

    House & Home

    The post 10+ Bright Bathrooms That Are Flush With Colour And Pattern appeared first on House & Home.

  • 5 Refreshing Cocktails for Summer Sipping

    Searching for the perfect summer cocktail?

    From Ina Garten’s Pink Grapefruit Paloma to Alex Tognazzi’s Papa Don’t Peach, quench your thirst — and your taste buds — with one of these refreshing cocktails.

    Papa Don’t Peach

    “This cocktail is inspired by the flavours of a grilled peach salad,” says mixologist Alex Tognazzi. The drink combines the sweetness of vanilla, the sharpness of peach and the crisp acidity of Prosecco. A drizzle of balsamic reduction adds tanginess and complements the mint garnish. “It’s light enough to enjoy in the afternoon, yet it has enough character and complexity to drink with dinner,” he says.

    Get the recipe here.

    • Photographer Sophia Hsin

    Pink Grapefruit Palomas

    “Palomas are traditionally served in a glass with a salted rim, as margaritas are, but I always thought that made the drink too salty. I tried a sugar rim but that was too sweet. Finally, I mixed salt and sugar and voilà!” – Ina Garten

    Get the recipe here.

    • Photographer Quentin Bacon

    Meadowland Tonic

    “The combination of floral and grassy notes in this one works together wonderfully,” says Vancouver-based mixologist and bartender Jeff Savage. The drink has a bright, fresh flavour without being too acidic or sweet. Jeff created the concoction with cherry blossom green tea syrup, elderflower liqueur, vermouth and tonic.

    Get the recipe here.

    • Photographer Courtesy of Fairmont Pacific Rim

    Hot Lips Margarita

    A habanero-infused watermelon syrup is the secret to this cocktail’s sweet and spicy base.

    Get the recipe here.

    • Photography Courtesy of: Project Gigglewater

    Pomegroni Cocktail

    Substitute fresh pomegranates for Campari in this cocktail full of flavors by cookbook author Adeena Sussman.

    Get the recipe for Pomegroni Cocktail.

    • Source: Excerpted from Sababa by Adeena Sussman. Copyright © 2019 Adeena Sussman. Photographs copyright © Dan Perez. Published in the United States by Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House LLC, New York. Reproduced by arrangement with the Publisher. All rights reserved.

    The post 5 Refreshing Cocktails for Summer Sipping appeared first on House & Home.

  • Escape to Karine Vanasse’s Chic Farmhouse in the Woods

    Quebec actor Karine Vanasse welcomes us inside her Eastern Townships retreat, designed with H&H A-Listers Maxime Vandal and Richard Ouellette of Les Ensembliers. Featured on Karine’s series Karine et la maison jaune, the beautifully restored property includes a charming farmhouse, with cedar raised terraces and walkways connecting to the converted barn, overlooking tranquil views of the pond.

    Step inside the converted barn, which Karine calls her “outdoor living room,” where a fireplace and oversized doors blur the line between indoors and out. In the main house, she shares some of her favourite design moments, from a striped yellow foyer to a kitchen banquette upholstered in Beata Heuman fabric and a coffee bar tucked behind an antique window.

    Tour Karine’s soulful home, the cover house of our September 2026 issue, and see all the design details in the magazine on newsstands August 3 and available for download August 8.

    The post Escape to Karine Vanasse’s Chic Farmhouse in the Woods appeared first on House & Home.

  • Why Micro Makeovers Are Taking Over

    The most inviting homes rarely come together all at once.

    Instead, they evolve slowly, layer by layer as each room is refined over time. That’s the idea behind the micro-makeover: a series of small, intentional updates that transform a space without requiring a full-scale renovation. Rather than waiting until you have the big budget, the contractor and months to spare, a micro makeover lets you focus on one project at a time. It could be wallpapering an alcove, swapping in a new light fixture, styling a bar cart or creating a reading nook in a favourite sunny spot. Each update helps define your style and creates a home that feels more personal with every addition. Read on for some inspiring micro-makeover ideas that deliver maximum impact, one small project at a time.

    Hallways and other transitional spaces are ideal for a simple refresh. Create a vignette by reworking pieces you already own: a dining chair with fresh paint and new upholstery or a table lamp with an updated shade can feel brand new. Finish the space with books, art and meaningful objects to add warmth and character.

    • Photographer: Valerie Wilcox
    • Designer: Vanessa Francis

    A bedroom micro makeover can be as simple as updating your bedding. Layer mix-and-match sheets, quilts and throws for a relaxed, collected look, then use the 60-30-10 colour rule to create a balanced palette. Start with a dominant colour—such as the sage green shown here—for 60% of the scheme, add a secondary shade like yellow for 30%, and finish with an accent colour, such as a muddy brown tone, for the remaining 10% to bring contrast and depth.

    • Photographer: Astrid Templier
    • Designer: Elizabeth McFarlane

    The secret to a successful micro makeover is keeping the project small. Focus on one self-contained space, such as a mudroom or entryway, so the update stays manageable. Then make a few high-impact changes: a fresh coat of paint, statement wallpaper or new lighting can completely transform the room while adding personality.

    • Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
    • Designer: Gillian Gillies

    A kitchen banquette is an instant invitation to linger. Give the space a simple refresh with a fresh coat of paint, a new upholstered bench cushion and patterned throw pillows. Plate walls are having a moment so consider adding an eclectic selection of objects to one wall.

    • Photographer: Justin Van Leeuwen
    • Designer: Sonya Kinkade

    Have an awkward space you’re not sure how to use? Turn it into a purposeful zone that works for your lifestyle. A small credenza or bureau can add valuable storage, while wall mouldings help define the space and make it feel intentional. A painted ceiling is another simple update that adds depth and helps ground the room.

    • Photographer: Alex Lukey
    • Designer: Denise Roy

    Transforming an underutilized corner into a high-functioning home office is all about thoughtful curation. Pair a generous table (it doesn’t even have to be a desk) with a comfortable chair and an adjustable lamp for focused light. For maximum inspiration, position your setup near a sun-drenched window, after all, a workspace should be a spot where you actually want to linger.

    • Photographer: Sylvie Li
    • Designer: Laurence Pons Lavigne and Mélanie Cherrier

    Sometimes a micro makeover is simply about adding a few pieces of furniture that make your home work better for you. A small bistro table and chairs tucked against a wall can create a new spot for morning coffee, while thoughtful details, like black sconces and decorative accents, can reinforce the mood and style of the space.

    • Designer: Nancy Lemay
    • Photographer: Brooke Stephenson

    A home bar may not be part of an original design scheme, but it’s often these unexpected details that give a home its character. Look to vintage stores for a one-of-a-kind piece, then layer in artwork and a distinctive pendant light to create a space that feels collected and personal.

    • Photographer: André Rider
    • Designer: Camille Daher

    Wish you had a dedicated spot to curl up with a good book? Give a bedroom a dual purpose by creating a cozy reading nook that can be enjoyed at any moment in the day. A comfortable chair, a small side table and a directional floor lamp add warmth and make the space feel inviting.

    • Photographer: Donna Griffith
    • Designer: Barbara Purdy

    The wall at the end of a long hallway is an excellent opportunity to create a memorable focal point. Anchor the space with a piece of furniture, then finish off the vignette with artwork, cherished books and collected objects. Take the update further with a vibrant wallpaper, a newly upholstered seat cushion, and consider architectural details — like the added beams in this room — to give the space even more impact.

    • Photographer: Donna Griffith
    • Designer: Cynthia Ferguson

    The post Why Micro Makeovers Are Taking Over appeared first on House & Home.

  • 5 Unexpected Places We’re Seeing Wallpaper

    Wallpaper has long been a favourite for powder rooms, bedrooms and feature walls, but designers are finding creative—and sometimes unexpected—ways to use it throughout the home.

    Scroll down!

    Closet Niches

    This coat closet was transformed into a cozy reading nook by removing the door and hinges, adding a custom bench and then wrapping the space in an oversized botanical wallpaper.

    • Photographer: Nate Sheets
    • Designer: Kobel + Co

    Closet Doors

    For this children’s bedroom, designer Elyssa Maldoff added charming wallpaper featuring birds and foliage to the bespoke wardrobe.

    • Photographer: Lauren Miller
    • Designer: Elyssa Maldoff

    Kitchen Islands

    To upgrade a white kitchen, this designer added botanical peel and stick wallpaper to create an unexpected layer of personality, and instantly change the feel of the room.

    • Photographer: Tracey Ayton
    • Designer: Quintessential Living

    Interior Doors

    In this pied-à-terre, designer Garrow Kedigian enveloped the foyer in beautiful chinoiserie wallpaper that cleverly conceals the jib door to the kitchen. “I love how the black mouldings and baseboards set off the wallpaper,” says Garrow. “I hate white trim! To me, it feels like you forgot to paint it.”

    • Photographer: Trevor Parker
    • Designer: Garrow Kedigian

    Fireplace Walls

    The library or “monkey room” is in this Rosedale home by Colette van den Thillart features a whimsical wallpaper on the fireplace wall, an unexpected moment for bold pattern. For a cocooning effect, the glazed ceiling mimics gold tea paper.

    • Photographer: Alex Lukey
    • Designer: Colette Van Den Thillart

    The post 5 Unexpected Places We’re Seeing Wallpaper appeared first on House & Home.