I’m happy to report that my new $20 Ikea ROXÖ table is working out so perfectly on my balcony.
The ROXÖ, $20 (on sale), IKEA
Ikea on sale – what a beautiful summer treat for us!
Double Trouble (a.k.a. my cute little nephews) are in town this week. In honour of their visit, here are two twin beds that I just adore.
via Greige
p.s. Happy July 4th to all our American readers!
The fabulous and talented Debbie Travis rounds off today’s Friday Five. Technically, she’s a Brit, but she’s been part of the Canadian scene for so long that she must surely have citizenship here. I just had to include her in today’s series…accent and all.
Her first show, Debbie Travis’ The Painted House, aired in 1995 and it was here that I learned all about faux finishes. I clearly remember watching her create this Fornasetti dining room and this wild blue wall. It was because of Debbie that I added words like crackle varnish, anaglypta, and battik into my vocabulary.
Debbie Travis is an accomplished artist, designer, author, and business woman. In addition to Painted House, her more recent shows, Facelift and From the Ground Up have been successful in Canada and abroad. She has written many books and has won several prestigious awards. She also has a line of products available at Canadian Tire. Needless to say, Debbie is a woman who wears many hats.
Debbie Travis’ designed kitchen and bathroom
Debbie Travis Expo Cut mirror, $39.99, Canadian Tire
Debbie Travis Tie-Up shade, $24.99, Canadian Tire
Debbie Travis lantern, $34.99, Canadian Tire
In recent years, Debbie has headed to Tuscany and now hosts a Debbie Travis’ Girls’ Getaway. The experience includes 7 nights accommodation at her Italian villa (wow!), delicious meals and drinks, winery tours, and more. La dolce vita, I’d say!
You can learn more about what Debbie is up to on her blog or you can follow her on Twitter.
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Wishing you all a wonderful weekend. Happy Canada Day!
I hope you’re enjoying today’s series of posts and that you’re learning a little bit more about Canadian designers.
Next on the list are Steven Sabados & Chris Hyndman. It’s a two-for-one post because these guys are such a dynamic design team and I just couldn’t bare to break them apart for the purpose of a post.
Johanne & I quickly met Steven and his partner Chris after a Toronto taping of their show, Steven & Chris, a couple of years ago.
Chris, Jordana, Johanne, Steven
Like Brian and Candice, I first learned about Steven Sabados’ talent for design via CityLine (Have I been a long time fan of that show or what?). Steven & Chris were the original Designer Guys and are now the hosts of the Steven & Chris show. In addition to their TV hits, this pair has designed a line of furniture, linens, lighting, and wines, yes wines! These guys are busy!
Trend wines by Steven & Chris, available at the LCBO
I like these guys because they’re friendly, personable, charismatic, and their clean design aesthetic definitely works for me. There’s no fussing around for this duo. Oh – and Steven also spent time in London, Ontario (which is where I am now living). Bonus.
Who doesn’t love Sarah Richardson?
She’s a favourite among many designers, bloggers, and TV watchers. Her home transformations are gorgeous and appeal to so many viewers and DIYers. Sarah’s got a TV show for everyone! Have you seen Sarah’s house, Sarah’s cottage, or her recent installation at the Interior Design Show?
I like Sarah because she seems friendly, she’s got an awesome sidekick (hello Tommy Smythe) and she also looks a whole lot like a good friend of mine. Oh – and she wore Smythe jackets long before the Duchess of Cambridge did.
Here are some of the white rooms she has designed.
mid-century family home
oceanview estate
Sarah’s house – hallway
Sarah’s house – bathroom
(all photos via Sarah Richardson porfolio)
Like the other designers I am featuring today, Sarah has also worked on some beautiful product lines (honestly – where do these people find time to do all of these things?). In partnership with PARA Paints, Sarah has created a designer paint palette of 75 colours. In addition to this colourful endeavor, Sarah has a beautiful collection of indoor and outdoor furniture.
Alexander
Harry
Claremont
Click here to find out where to buy these and other Sarah Richardson products.
Read Sarah’s short diary entries here.