Category: Blog Posts

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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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.

“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.

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.

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.”

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

House & Home

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

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.

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.

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.

Hot Lips Margarita

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

Get the recipe here.

Pomegroni Cocktail

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

Get the recipe for Pomegroni Cocktail.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Closet Doors

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

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.

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.”

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.

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

“I serve this crispy cauliflower salad with a jalapeño, chive and sour cream dressing that is lip-smackingly good. And if you are feeling cheeky and love a bit of blue cheese, try crumbling some over the top before you eat.” — John Gregory-Smith

The post Crispy Cauliflower Salad appeared first on House & Home.

“I am fully obsessed with gnocchi traybakes, and if you haven’t tried one yet, this is your sign to dive in. It couldn’t be easier: start with shop-bought gnocchi and toss them straight into a roasting tin — no need to pre-boil — with tomatoes, onion and chorizo.”

The post Crispy Gnocchi appeared first on House & Home.

“The secret lies in the marinade: a fragrant blend of shawarma spices like baharat and sumac, all bound together with everyone’s favourite: mayonnaise.”

The post The Greatest Chicken Shawarma Salad appeared first on House & Home.

In U.K. chef John Gregory-Smith’s latest cookbook, The Greatest Traybake Cookbook Ever, the bestselling author proves you can make an entire meal with just an oven and roasting tin. Try The Greatest Chicken Shawarma Salad, Crispy Cauliflower Salad and Crispy Gnocchi with burrata and green pesto.

Find these three simple recipes below!

The Greatest Chicken Shawarma Salad

“Every now and then I get completely obsessed with a recipe and I can’t stop making it, and this is one of those. Say hello to the most delicious, juicy chicken dish you’ll ever cook.” — John-Gregory Smith

Crispy Cauliflower Salad

“I wouldn’t often put the words indulgent and salad together but here we are. This recipe is truly knockout.” — John-Gregory Smith

Crispy Gnocchi

“As it bakes, the onion and tomatoes create a rich sauce that makes the gnocchi soft and tender on the bottom, while the top turns golden and crispy.” — John-Gregory Smith

The post 3 Easy Recipes from The Greatest Traybake Cookbook Ever appeared first on House & Home.