The best living rooms offer a place to lounge, entertain and reflect your personal style.

Take cues from these curated rooms where homeowners combined comfortable seating with their personal collections for a cool and collected look. “Introducing furniture, textiles and lighting that blend old and new creates a multidimensional story in a living room,” says a designer Haley Dermenjian of TOM design studio. Scroll down for some of the best living rooms that master the mix.

In designer Lyndsay Jacobs’ living room, a newly upholstered sofa from Kijiji, vintage chairs and objets from the couple’s travels give the space a layered look. Salvaged stained glass from the original house adds to the heritage feel.

In this modern vacation home on Osoyoos Lake, a soaring concrete-plaster fireplace draws the eye to the double-height ceiling. The curved sectional can seat a crowd, the custom coffee table is a sculptural focal point and the jute rug adds texture.

A vintage Louis XIV marble mantel — a secondhand find — grounds this living room, while modern art is an effective contrast. “My palette tends to be tonal and quiet, with subtle variations that build harmony,” says designer Clarisa Llaneza. “It’s layered and grounded, with textures and tones that invite you in,” she adds.

Designer Sharon Mimran’s condo is filled with an eclectic mix of things she loves, and possessions collected and relocated from previous homes. Once a treasure, always a treasure is an adage that runs deep. Vignettes with her collections are everywhere in her house, including vintage models of Mexican aqueducts displayed in the living room.

A mix of old and new come together in designer Amanda L. Hoyle’s Notting Hill flat. The painting that hangs in the living room inspired the home’s palette, while a contemporary statement light adds an unexpected element against the original cornicing.

The furniture in this living room by Elyssa Maldoff was chosen for its sculptural appeal — boxy kitchen chairs are a nod to Parisian design, and the family room’s custom bouclé lounge chair was inspired by the retro aesthetic of the 1950s.

Sometimes, a finished project can feel like a showroom, but H&H Deputy Editor Emma Reddington’s ability to weave in the vintage, the new and her own personal objects feels so natural and true. In her living room,  Frank Gehry’s Wiggle stool and Isamu Noguchi’s Akari 75A paper pendant add whimsy to the otherwise disciplined decorating.

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Designer Jamie Polan’s living room highlights a mix of items that bring instant character to the neutral space. An oversized rattan pendant doesn’t obscure the view, while a framed blanket above the sofa is elegant — and budget-friendly — art.

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In this living room in Kistilano, designer Ben Leavitt of PlaidFox Studio incorporated shades of vibrant blues and purples inspired by the original stained glass windows. “We wanted to update the house sensitively for a modern family who love color,” says architect Jason Skladan.

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The traditional yet modern vibe in this living room designed by TOM Design Studio is well-considered and curated. “I always like a little punk with my pretty,” says Tommy, noting details like the custom graphic drapes in the living room. Associate designer Haley Dermenjian loves the meshing of different styles and eras. “Introducing furniture, textiles and lighting that blend old and new creates a multidimensional story,” she says.

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A living room in designer Natalie Tredgett’s family home is a lesson in modern English style. “I try to put a bit of chintz in each project I do,” says Natalie. “It’s even better next to a contemporary piece.”

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Gillian Segal designed this curated living room with a mix of curvy furniture, petite art and conversation-worthy lighting including a single wall sconce.

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This couple’s shared style is reflected in the art and furniture they’ve collected over decades. “It was just so lovely — it’s a fine chenille in a warm oyster color,” says designer Neil Jonsohn of the low-slung sectional snagged on a shipping trip with homeowners Debra and Barry Campbell. Its profile and brushed brass feet complement the Paul Evans coffee tables. The table lamp is a brass Stiffel from the 1940s.

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Designer Farah Altoumah selected the living room furniture in this condo to mimic the unique buildings along the Toronto skyline, from the Bubble Sofa to the Origami Chair.

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“More than simply good aesthetics, I want every home to reflect the personality of its owners,” says Jessica McGouran of Jessica Leigh Interiors. A Pinch pendant anchors the room, while a geometric rug brings a dose of pattern to the space. “The light is made from shaped banana fibre and brings in great texture,” she adds.

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“We aimed for sophisticated and cosmopolitan,” says designer Kelly Reynolds of this Vancouver pied-à-terre. The living room offers a panoramic view of the Burrard Street Bridge and English Bay beyond. An ombré rug brings in the blue, green and gold hues of the outdoors. A cool mix of tables, art and seating brings character to the all-white envelope.

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In this fabulous living room, designer Colette van den Thillart turns a garage into a “garden room” that seamlessly connects to the outdoors. An encaustic cement floor tile, green sofa and Art Deco-inspired chandelier add cheer and whimsy to the space.

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The post 10+ Living Rooms That Master The Cool, Collected Look appeared first on House & Home.

A historic site in Ontario’s Prince Edward County is entering a new chapter — one designed around the way people want to live today.

Set within Base31, Base Living brings a new residential community to one of the County’s most distinctive destinations, connecting thoughtfully designed homes with trails, green spaces, arts, culture and year-round experiences.

From Airbase to Homebase

Once a Second World War airbase, the site has been reimagined as Base31, a year-round hub for arts, culture and entertainment. Now comes its next chapter: Base Living, a new series of villages beginning with Hilltop, opens for sale this fall.

Hilltop is designed around people first, with walkable streets, front porches, trails, green spaces and thoughtfully designed homes creating more opportunities to spend time outside and connect with the neighbourhood around you.

At Hilltop, more than 10 km of trails invite residents to get outside and explore, while varied finishes and transitional architecture gives the neighbourhood personality.

Room to Connect

At Hilltop, connection starts right outside your door. Covered front porches bring life to the street, while generous backyards create space for everything from quiet mornings outdoors to dinners with family and friends.

Grow Together

The community garden creates another place for neighbours to come together — whether growing something for dinner, spending an afternoon outdoors or simply connecting with the people who live nearby.

More to Explore

Live Connected to Base31

At Base Living, the neighbourhood extends beyond home. B31 District brings arts, culture, food, entertainment and year-round experiences close by, creating a place where there is always something new to discover.

It means residents can enjoy the space and comfort of home while staying connected to an evolving destination unlike anywhere else in Prince Edward County.

Register now for grand opening details and priority access to Hilltop, the first village at Base Living.

The post A New Way to Live in Prince Edward County appeared first on House & Home.

As a restauranteur in Toronto, David Schwartz’s work is never done.

Between being the co-founder and culinary director of Big Hug Hospitality, the company behind Sunnys Chinese in Kensington Market and Mimi Chinese near Yorkville, and the owner of Linny’s on Ossington Ave., you’d think that, by the end of the day, David would hang up his chef’s apron and lay low. Instead, he often rolls up his sleeves, sharpens his knife and gets cooking — for his friends and family.

David, his wife, Lee-Tal Hatuka, and their one-year-old son, Sid, live in a cool converted loft in Kensington Market that’s decorated in a warm palette of wood tones, creams and considered pops of colour. Lee-Tal is an artist, and her contemporary abstract paintings take centre stage. The couple enjoys hosting, especially in the summer, when they can pull out the charcoal barbecue.

For the first time, David is sharing his best barbecue recipes. His summer menu is a subtle nod to the food at Linny’s, a deli steakhouse dedicated to his late mother that serves refined, pared-back dishes. At home, he sets the table with the same meticulously shined silver that can be found at Linny’s, along with crisp linen napkins, elegant candlesticks and simple white plates. “My approach to cooking at home has some of the same routes we take in our restaurants, although it’s less thematic,” says David. “I start with ingredients and then work my way from there. In the summer, it always begins with the best vegetables I can find.”

Runner Beans finished on the grill, tossed in a silky Brown Butter Vinaigrette and topped with thinly shaved Comté cheese are tasty and toothsome. David’s Cabbage Salad with Radicchio, Sunflower Vinaigrette and Nigella Seeds has a flavourful punch that cuts through some of the richer dishes including Slow-roasted Lamb Shoulder with Grilled Vegetables and Potatoes with Yogurt and Berbere Spice. “A slow cook in the oven breaks down the lamb and results in a super-comforting texture,” says David. “Then, I finish it on the charcoal grill alongside peppers and onions.”

When David talks about food, his eyes light up. He’s built a career by offering great Chinese food. The atmosphere at Sunnys is playful and high-energy, and Mimi is its higher-end counterpart. “It’s a tale as old as time: chefs turn away from their own food culture and dive into another one,” says David. “I went down the Chinese food rabbit hole and became completely enamoured with it. I really do think it’s the most historically deep and diverse food culture that exists.”

Despite finding major success at a young age — this 34-year-old chef opened his first restaurant at just 29 — David still gets asked what a Jewish guy from Toronto is doing running fancy Chinese restaurants. The truth is, Chinese cuisine has an emotional tie that has drawn him in from a young age. His mother, Linda (Linny) Pach, passed away from cancer in early 2003 when David was 10, and some of his earliest memories are meals spent with her at Chinese restaurants, crunching into delicious egg rolls. For him, Chinese food is comforting and nostalgic.

The rare times that David isn’t in the kitchen, you’ll find him at Restaurant 20 Victoria, Takja BBQ House or Dreyfus — his favourite upscale dining spots in Toronto. For a quicker nosh, he loves Northern Dumpling Kitchen, Kensington Jerk & Pasta and Emmer bakery. Though Toronto ranks high on his list, Tokyo, New York City and Chengdu, China, reign as David’s top culinary cities in the world. “Toronto’s fine dining scene is finally starting to prioritize quality over quantity,” he says. “I think we’ll continue to see restaurants become more focused and mature.”

Here at home, David makes the perfect grilled bite: he tears a piece of bakery-fresh, fluffy flatbread, fills it with gorgeous lamb and drizzles on his Green Herb Sauce along with his favourite fermented hot pepper sauce. The sides — potatoes, beans and cabbage — are an elevated trio that hit all the right notes to round out a summer barbecue: savoury, tangy and fresh.

The post David Schwartz Fires Up the Charcoal BBQ and Shares His Best Recipes appeared first on House & Home.

Designer Clare Forndran of Forward Interiors and her fiancé, Lucas Fegaras, felt fortunate to snag a unit in Toronto’s coveted Creed Building four years ago.

The 1930s Art Deco building was originally a fur storage warehouse and now has 19 residential lofts. Clare wanted to reestablish the loft’s character, so she installed herringbone floors and panelled the principal bedroom in oak. She designed many custom pieces and, in an unexpected move, wrapped the kitchen cabinets in unlacquered brass. “This apartment is a canvas for creative experimentation, and it’s evolved with me over the years,” says Clare.

HOUSE & HOME: What attracted you to the building?


CLARE FORNDRAN: The location, which has proximity to all of our favourite shopping and restaurants, and the beautiful tree-lined streets for walking our dog, Worf.

H&H: What are the main considerations for living in a small home?

CF: Ultimately, it comes down to the layout. Is there a natural flow to the space? Does storage feel intuitive? Is there a sense of discovery as you move through the space? Are there opportunities to create beautiful sight lines?

H&H: How long did the reno take?


CF: Two years from beginning to end, but it was done in phases, which extended the timeline.

H&H: What was your biggest splurge and save?


CF: The biggest splurge was our brass kitchen. The kitchen was constructed by our millworker, then shipped to a blacksmith who wrapped each piece in real brass and applied the patina by hand. Then, the millworker did the installation. The process was costly and it doubled the production time for the kitchen, but it brings me joy every day so I don’t regret it.

H&H: How many people can you host?


CF: I frequently host dinner parties or book club meetings for six to eight comfortably. For informal gatherings, the space can accommodate a lot more.

H&H: Do you ever feel claustrophobic or cramped?


CF: Never! Our space has an abundance of natural light, and the new layout creates enough separation so it always feels like you can “get away” for a change of scene. The second floor is ideal if you need a quiet spot to work, or want to have a drink on the terrace with friends.

H&H: What’s your favourite feature?


CF: The brass kitchen is a favourite, but if I were to choose a second, it would be the oak-clad walls in our principal bedroom. The wood panelling is unexpected for a loft and makes it feel like a sanctuary.

H&H: Do you have any advice for small-space living?


CF: There’s a misconception that opening everything up will make a space feel larger: this is rarely the case. Spatial separation and a feeling of discovery in a space psychologically increases its size tenfold.

The post A Designer Artfully Reimagines Her Loft in a Storied Toronto Building appeared first on House & Home.

With a focus on material and process, Nadia Myre creates intricate works that explore identity, memory and belonging.

Born in Montreal, she’s an Algonquin member of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation and maintains a strong connection to the community alongside her studio practice. While her earlier work includes sculpture and installation, in recent years, she’s turned to beadwork and weaving. Drawing on the significance of bead weaving in Nadia’s Indigenous heritage, her work is informed by wampum, traditional shell beads, which connects her practice to history and storytelling. Nadia’s careful, meditative approach transforms unexpected materials into detailed pieces that carry both personal and political meaning, inviting viewers of her work to reflect on resilience and the evolving nature of cultural identity.

Nadia studied at Camosun College and Emily Carr University of Art + Design before completing her MFA at Concordia University. She has exhibited extensively, with more than 25 solo exhibitions in the past decade alone. Her work is held in major public collections including the National Gallery of Canada, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Canadian Museum of History. She’s represented by Blouin Division with galleries in Montreal and Toronto; her pieces typically begin at around $15,000 and range to around $85,000 for larger works.

Nadia’s practice unfolds through a process of observation, discovery and transformation. A pivotal moment came during her time in London, U.K., when she noticed small ceramic fragments along the banks of the River Thames. Drawn to their form, she collected them, later discovering they were remnants of clay tobacco pipes. Back in her studio, these fragments became the foundation for a new body of work.

She was drawn to the idea that an object can feel both familiar and not entirely recognizable, something that sits between artifact and abstraction. Over time, the clay fragments began to take on the form of beads, naturally aligning with her visual language. She started producing her own ceramic beads, describing them as “elongated pixels.” Creating these time-intensive, handmade elements offered her greater control over scale, texture and composition, expanding her pieces beyond traditional beadwork into something more fluid and expressive.

Each bead is handmade, with pigment worked directly into the wet clay. Subtle variations emerge through marbling, striations and shifts in tone, giving each bead distinct character. “I’m always exploring different processes in the studio and, in doing so, uncovering something new,” says Nadia. These works are defined by care, complexity, and a tactile, hands-on approach.

What first drew me to Nadia’s art was her use of colour, a mix of jewelled and dusky tones. Her compositions evoke the natural world, with hints of landscape and the occasional horizon line reminiscent of a sunrise or sunset. She integrates terracotta hues and warm golds to create the impression of a glow across an open sky. I love the interplay between glazed and unglazed ceramic surfaces that adds dynamic contrast, with glossy finishes catching light and matte textures absorbing it. This variation creates a subtle sense of dimension, giving the works a sculptural presence that almost extends beyond the wall.

Some pieces even take on a three-dimensional quality, recalling rolling waves, vessels or open weaves. Encountering Nadia’s work often sparks curiosity, as though you’re looking at something familiar but not entirely understood. That sense of tension sits at the heart of her practice, encouraging viewers to pause and engage more deeply with what they see.

Nadia has two exhibitions coming up in early fall 2026: one at the Montclair Art Museum in Montclair, N.J., and one at Macaulay + Co. in Vancouver. She also has a permanent installation on view at the newly renovated Gardiner Museum in Toronto.

The post Nadia Myre’s Evolving Body Of Work Is Shaped By Process, Place And The Power Of Materials appeared first on House & Home.

What’s for dinner? Once the school year beings, this quickly becomes everyone’s favourite question.

We’re sharing crowd-pleasing chicken dishes that are versatile and delicious. From Cory Vitiello‘s roast chicken with potatoes to Trish Magwood‘s Mediterranean chicken with pomegranate, add these comforting chicken recipes to your weeknight rotation.

Mom’s Benihana Chicken Fried Rice

If you have day-old leftover rice, this family recipe from Maxine Sharf is perfect. With soy sauce, butter and sesame seeds, leftover rice is transformed alongside cubed chicken breast to make a comforting and nutrient-packed meal.

School-night Chicken “Milanese”

The classic Italian dish of milanese is typically made with breaded veal, but this dish calls for humble chicken breast instead. It’s a super simple recipe that can be achieved without a lot of time or effort.

Vij’s Chicken Korma

From Vancouver chef Vikram Vij, this korma with turmeric and red chili powder is bursting with flavour. Served hot with rice or naan (or both!), this chicken dinner is fragrant and filling.

Cory Vitiello’s Chicken Over Boulangère-style Potatoes

A whole chicken and thinly sliced potatoes roast together in a casserole dish, with the potatoes soaking up all of the delicious chicken drippings. Any remaining juices can be spooned over plates for a flavourful, protein-forward main that looks impressive.

Sheet Pan Lemon Chicken

The ultimate weeknight meal, She McGee’s citrusy sheet pan chicken is baked up with brussels sprouts. Oregano leaves and Parmigiano-Reggiano are the crowning finishes — herbaceous, salty and absolutely delicious.

One-pot Chicken Tagine

Don’t be intimidated — most of the time this recipe takes is spent cooking in a very hot oven. Chicken supremes, otherwise known as airline chicken breasts, are coated in a deep, spicy marinade before joining saffron, smoked paprika and hot stock in a large pot.

Chicken Salad with Coconut Crunch

Forget boring, one-note salads; this one from Molly Baz is a flavour bomb with layers of texture. Plus, it uses shredded leftover chicken, but you can also use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Molly’s Coconut Crunch granola topper is great to have on hand for garnishing otherwise plain dishes or even to snack on.

Crispy Chicken Thighs Over Vinegar Beans

Well-seasoned chicken thighs are fried skin-side down until juicy and crisp. They’re paired simply with butter beans, onions and olives for a warming, cosy meal that’s easy to enjoy any time of year.

Grilled Chicken with Lemongrass and Siling Labuyo Chili

Lemongrass-marinated bone-in chicken thighs are brought to life with a bit of spice and Vietnamese flavour. Serve the grilled meat with broken rice — fractured grains that absorb more liquid — or noodles.

Pot-roast Chicken

Pull out that whole chicken at the back of your freezer and make this five-ingredient recipe from Jamie Oliver. After a few steps of prep, pop the chicken in the oven to get golden for 75 minutes, make a herb salsa, and get on with your evening.

Couscous & Chicken Bake

If you’re feeling lazy but still want a home-cooked meal, this one is for you. Marinade a mix of chicken thighs and drumsticks in jarred peppers and tzatziki, brown and roast with cooked couscous, and you’re left with a beautiful Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Chicken Ramen-noodle Soup

Elevate a package of ramen noodles by discarding the flavour pack and building your own with plenty of aromatics, vegetables and skin-on, bone-in chicken breasts. Ina Garten says the noodles make an easy and delicious addition to chicken soup.

Blackened Chicken with Caramel and Clementine Dressing

Vibrant flavour, stunning presentation and a sweet aroma are the result of this chicken dinner straight from the Ottolenghi Test Kitchen. Although it may require some extra effort than a one-pan meal, this recipe is absolutely doable on a weeknight (and great for leftovers, too).

Simple Middle Eastern Chicken

Trish Magwood and her family love this super simple Middle Eastern-inspired chicken bake. It’s garnished with pomegranate seeds for an extra pop of juiciness, and served alongside a yogurt-based dip that’s as refreshing as it is rich.

Nonnie’s Sticky Apricot Chicken

Sweet and savoury — and sticky in a good way — Tieghan Gerard shares the recipe for apricot chicken, great for dinner after a busy day. The main ingredients — Thousand Island dressing and apricot preserves — might sound like an odd pairing, but, once you taste the final result, you won’t question it again.

Salt-and-Pepper Wings

Sometimes, it’s a wing night. Try out these baked ones — they’re uber straightforward and seasoned to perfection. Be sure to refrigerate the uncooked wings for an hour or two to dry out the skin for a crispier exterior when they bake up.

The post What’s for Dinner? Add These Chicken Recipes to Your Weeknight Rotation appeared first on House & Home.

Art does more than decorate a room — it sets the mood, tells a story and sparks instant conversation.

From bold statement pieces to quieter works that draw the eye in, these designers know how to make art the hero of the room.

Sharon Mimran’s biggest collection is her art — myriad paintings and photos, mostly of famous figures, that you’re met with the moment you walk into her glamorous condo. She says the seven-foot tall Black Dress lithographs by Alex Katz are some of her most important pieces.

A portrait of Bob Dylan hangs prominently in the dining area of her condo.

A larger-than-life, sparkly pink grenade print hands in the principal bedroom between the couple’s closets. It was a birthday gift from Sharon’s husband David.

The art in George Yabu And Glenn Pushelberg’s modern beach house, including the large painting in the living area, has subtle coastal style.

Contemporary figurative art adds a compelling focal point in designer Alana Firestone’s den.

A tired passageway is updated with bright original art by Ottawa artist Karen Bramhill.

Colette van den Thillart, pictured here with Lynda Reeves in the garden room of our December 2023 cover house, when she was named House & Home’s Designer of the Year.

Modern art is an effective contrast to a vintage Louis XIV marble mantel in this living room.

Cool art adds a playful element to this principal bathroom.

Vibrant art adds a dose of colour to the dining room.

Toronto Artist Anna Church in her own living room, pictured with an original work. Anna’s art is a mixture of sculpture and photography that she dubs “sculptography.”

The post 10+ Rooms Where Art was the Hero appeared first on House & Home.

Summer may be winding down, but Canadians know the best way to squeeze every last drop out of the season is to entertain al fresco. We’ve gathered tips from some of the most picturesque outdoor table settings to inspire your next gathering. From using fruit in place of floral arrangements to other budget-friendly ideas, these lessons offer practical ways to boost visual appeal when entertaining.

Use The Garden As Inspiration

Part of the beauty of entertaining outside is being surrounded by the beauty of nature. Cut flowers from your beds for floral arrangements or augment them by snipping herbs or branches. On the patio table of this Connecticut country house, a petite myrtle topiary standard, garden trug filled with herbs, basket of peaches, and cement artichoke finial, nods to the garden, while a smattering of terracotta pots have a casual, potting shed vibe.

Keep Centrepieces Low

Avoid blocking sightlines with tall floral bouquets, a grouping of bud vases augment the beauty of the centrepiece. This Toronto home’s European-style terrace is simply dressed: the flowers are all white and two symmetrical topiaries lend a formal air without the fuss.

Bring Your Collections Outside

Designer and homeowner Michelle Hurley, collects blue and white ceramics. When she entertains in the backyard of her West End Toronto home, she dresses the table in some of her cherished blue and white pottery (she likes to focus on one colour palette). Her vases accent the Blue Willow tableware and woven blue chargers. “We eat on the patio almost every day from June to September,” says Michelle. “Being able to create this sanctuary within the city brings us a lot of joy.”

Layer in Beautiful Linens

This dramatic table in the Eastern Townships garden of designers Maxime Vandal and Richard Ouellette is casually dressed with linen runners and napkins in tones that mimic the worn wood of the table, and allow the grain to peek through. Linen tablecloths have an appropriately rustic feel for outdoor dining (layer in elements like cutting boards and handcrafted ceramics for tactility). Consider styling the napkins as well, in this case a chive flower is tucked into the napkin ring, or place napkins under plates for a more tailored look.

Use Seasonal Produce

Toronto designer Sarah Walker of The Curated House created an airy al fresco table in her backyard from budget-friendly, freshly plucked elements. This kind of arrangement is no fuss, just clip branches from your own garden and visit the farmers’ market (or your kitchen counter) for fruits that remind guests of the season. Try scattered, peaches, lemons or even vine tomatoes, and incorporate fresh herbs such as rosemary and mint in small bowls for fragrance.

Add Charger

Charger plates ‘anchor’ place settings, and frame pretty dishware to define each place setting and complements plates and table linens. Use rattan place mats for a summer-y note that suits outdoor dining.

Bring Back the Salt Cellar

Salt cellars are a stylish way to serve salt at the dinner table to season grilled meats are a popular summer fare. They fell out of favour early in the last century, muscled out by salt shakers but this collectible is staging a comeback because it’s handy for dispensing large flaky sea salts, like Maldon or coarse Fleur de Sel. These flakes can’t fit through shaker holes and the outdoor humidity can clog the grains. Choose a salt cellar with a spoon so guests don’t have to use their fingers.

The post Lessons Learned from Beautiful Outdoor Tablescapes appeared first on House & Home.

EX60, Volvo’s newest fully electric vehicle, is an expression of the brand’s enduring appeal to Scandinavian design. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered to create an interior that balances innovation with timeless appeal. House & Home’s Gillian Atkins sat down with Rekha Meena (below right), Head of Colour, Material & Finish Strategy (CMF) and Cecilia Stark (below left), Senior Design Manager, CMF Strategy, to explore the philosophy behind Volvo’s distinctive design language and the colours, materials and finishes that bring it to life.

Q&A

HOUSE & HOME: If form follows function, how does designing for a new electric vehicle influence your approach?

Cecilia Stark: The increased interior space of an electric car brings new design considerations.

Rekha Meena: More room allows for a wider, less cluttered dashboard and a centre-mounted glove box, so the driver no longer needs to reach across. There’s also more storage in the centre console. All of these elements are considered early on.

HH: How does sustainability shape your selections?

CS: At Volvo, we’re committed to sustainability. In addition to leather, we offer materials such as Nordico, a premium leather alternative, and traceable and responsibly sourced natural wool upholstery.

RM: Material choices are also about wellness – materials that are good for skin, comfort and air quality.

HH: Where do you draw your inspiration for colours and materials?

CS: Our unique Scandinavian design heritage is our baseline, alongside architecture, fashion and in some projects, bolder textile references.

RM: Our inspiration starts with the Scandinavian landscape — not just light woods and neutrals, but the richer colours found in Nordic earth, trees and sky as they change through the seasons. The Cardamom interior “room” was inspired by ripening barley and spices; nearly all our colours trace back to nature.

HH: Can you explain what “rooms” are?

CS: Previously, customers could mix and match individual materials and colours — paint, wood, upholstery, carpet — which made design difficult to control and sometimes could result in mismatched combinations. Now we design each car as a room, curating coordinated material sets that give us creative freedom within a cohesive palette.

RM: The Cardamom interior, for example, is composed of a spice, bark, and herb palette — a modern take on brown: warm, earthy mid-tones that feel sporty yet calm, fashion-forward but not trendy. All together, it works like a timeless, well-designed room — just on wheels.

HH: What kind of driver are you designing for?

RM: There’s no one-size-fits-all Volvo driver. We design for individuals and for generations within families.

CS: Volvo intentionally positions itself as a small, different brand: we don’t want to follow the crowd and we do things differently on purpose. Our drivers appreciate that difference. They want technological innovation — the EX60 has the longest range to date — but they also embrace the authentic, calm, timeless aesthetic that has become synonymous with Volvo’s identity.

H&H: How else does the EX60 bring the Scandinavian landscape into the cabin experience?

RM: Interior illumination plays a key role in the overall experience of the car. When you open the door, the lighting creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Inside, LED lighting is designed to mimic natural sunlight, using less blue light to support a calm, comfortable experience cross different driving and light conditions.

CS: The EX60 also introduces a new level of ambient lighting designed to enhance both usability and emotional well-being. It features six ambient light themes inspired by Scandinavian nature — Northern Lights, Midsummer, Forest Bath, Archipelago, Autumn Sunset and Moonlight — creating an atmosphere that feels warm, intuitive and calming throughout the cabin.

The post Designed to Move You appeared first on House & Home.

Today’s kitchens are expected to do more than ever before. It is where meals take shape, conversations unfold and moments are shared. Performance, once defined by output alone, now extends to how seamlessly a space supports the rhythms of everyday life – and how it makes us feel.

For 110 years, Thermador has helped define this evolution, not by following trends, but by setting the standard for what the kitchen can be.

From its earliest breakthroughs to today’s design-forward appliances, Thermador’s legacy has always been rooted in one idea: innovation should make life feel effortless. This philosophy continues to resonate in kitchens that are as much about gathering as they are about cooking; spaces where performance and beauty carry equal weight.

That legacy continues with the introduction of Thermador’s new 30-inch induction range – a refined expression of professional performance, reimagined for modern living. Designed with a smaller footprint, the range is thoughtfully suited to today’s urban homes and open-concept spaces, where every element must balance function with form. Its presence is understated yet purposeful – an appliance that complements its environment while quietly elevating it.

At the heart of the range is a 4.6-cu. ft. oven with 11 cooking modes, offering flexibility for every meal from weeknight dinners to more ambitious menus. On top, the induction cooktop delivers cooking precision in a way that feels almost intuitive. Its extra-large flexible cooking zone accommodates oversized cookware while a suite of smart features works intuitively in the background, supporting a more fluid way of cooking.

HeatShift® allows you to move seamlessly from a high-heat sauté to a gentle simmer simply by shifting your pot. MoveMode® follows a similar logic, automatically adjusting heat levels as cookware moves across the surface.

There’s also an emphasis on speed and efficiency that feels very relevant now. Induction technology brings water to a fast boil and responds instantly to temperature changes, reducing the pauses that interrupt the rhythm of cooking. The result is time reclaimed – moments that can be spent setting the table, finishing a dish or simply being present.

These innovations work seamlessly in the background, making cooking feel easy and effortless.

 

After 110 years of innovation, Thermador continues to look ahead for new ways to shape kitchens that are more responsive, more efficient, and better suited to how we cook and gather today. It is an approach rooted not only in performance, but in possibility: creating spaces where beauty and function are not separate, but inherently connected.

To learn more about the new Induction Range collection, visit Thermador.ca. You can also experience Thermador craftsmanship firsthand at Thermador Experience & Design Centres in Toronto, Montreal and Vancouver or book a virtual appointment.

 

The post Defining The Modern Kitchen: For 110 Years, Thermador Has Shaped How We Cook. Its Newest Induction Range Reimagines Performance For How We Live Today appeared first on House & Home.