Heading north for the weekend? We love a good summer afternoon by the lake — especially when there’s a great book and a cold drink involved. If you’re looking for a hostess gift to offer your favourite FWC (Friend With a Cottage) or simply want to add style and convenience to your own summer home, we have a few ideas.

Here are some local recommendations to help you make the most of your cottage weekend.

Turkish Bath Towels

We love Turkish bath towels because they’re soft and beautiful enough to use as a wrap or throw blanket, but absorbent enough to quickly dry you off after a dip in the lake. Keep a few on hand for guests or in the boat for those spontaneous swims. Pure Boutique in downtown Burlington carries some Turkish bath towels as well as home décor, skincare, gorgeous loungewear, and more. You can also find Turkish bath towels at Centro Garden in downtown Burlington, plus great barware and hostess gifts.

Tote-ally convenient bags

Whether you’re heading out to another cottage, going into town for groceries or simply trying to haul all of your stuff to the dock in one trip, a great tote bag is key. We love a straw option because they’re light, functional, and easy to clean (just shake off that sand and go). Hue La La in Burlington has a San Fran market basket tote that’s perfect for the job. While you’re there, check out their amazing collection of drinkware and décor. For a more casual option that you can roll up and toss in your purse or backpack, try a colourful French market bag from Centro.

Bye bye, bugs

Here in Ontario, there’s a window of about four minutes between blackfly season and mosquito season — so, it’s best to be prepared. Enjoy an evening outdoors without the buzz and bug bites when you use these stunning candles from Housewarmings in Oakville. Their citronella candles are a gorgeous option that keeps the bugs at bay. The boutique also has a wide range of products that would make beautiful hostess gifts, plus high-quality quilts that make any cottage bed feel like a five-star hotel.

Dockside beats

If your perfect summer afternoon involves lying in the sun with a great playlist drifting over the water, you need an excellent portable speaker. There are plenty of great Bluetooth-enabled options but we love the Sonos Roam from Core 1 in downtown Oakville. Charge it up and enjoy hours of tunes on the dock, in the boat, by the campfire or wherever else you find yourself. And if you don’t want to disturb nature (or the neighbours)? Grab some AirPods, too.

Host with the most

If you’re having guests, give them the full cottage experience: days in the sun and evenings by candlelight. These Himalayan candles from Lakeside Livin’ in Bronte are rustic and elegant at the same time, creating the perfect ambiance for any cabin. Use them on the dinner table or in the living room after dark. Lakeside Livin’ also offers amazing nautical themed décor that elevates any space, plus great kitchenware, cozy textiles and other Muskoka musts.

Outdoor accents

Deck out your garden (or garden out your deck) with some large, high-quality outdoor planters from Centro Garden. It’s worth investing in some great vessels that can be updated year after year with annuals — or, plant a few perennials and enjoy that low-maintenance décor year after year. You can’t go wrong with classic greenery, and a rainbow of flowers creates a daily mood boost (especially if they have a great scent, too). Place them in between loungers or on either side of your front door for a welcoming pop.

Now, where’s that cold drink we were talking about?

Move over, Man Caves — it’s time for She Sheds to have their moment in the sun. And if you’ve got a backyard, it may be easier than you realized to create a private oasis just outside your home.

What exactly is a She Shed?

While the term ‘Man Cave’ has been thrown around for years, ‘She Sheds’ are a relatively new phenomenon. There are a few key differences: a Man Cave is typically a basement, garage or other area of the home dedicated to stereotypically male endeavours (picture: a large television for watching sports or playing video games, a beer fridge and some reclining chairs) whereas a She Shed is an out-building that’s designed as a quiet, tranquil getaway for the lady of the house. It may be an office, an arts and crafts room, or a reading nook that doubles as a place for uninterrupted naps. (For the record, we totally support the idea of a woman creating a space to watch sports or a man creating a peaceful backyard oasis. Design has no gender, so go ahead and create whatever space you dream of!)

DIY Design

When basket weaver Amy Billinghurst of Woven Handmade needed a studio space to work in, a She Shed was the perfect solution. “I have a large sewing machine and it isn’t quiet,” she explains. “We live in a very small home, so there wasn’t room for it in our house.” In addition to using the space to create one-of-a-kind beautiful handmade goods, Amy wanted room to display her creations and store inventory. With the help of her husband and other family members, Amy was able to design and build the structure from scratch.

Before getting started, Amy hit the internet for inspiration. “Pinterest was a huge help in the design we went with,” she says. “I had pinned a building with a single pitch roof and dark board-and-batten siding, and I always went back to that image.”

Amy’s must-haves included large windows to let in natural light and fresh air, plus a durable floor. She also wanted a space that could be used in all seasons, so it had to be insulated and hooked up to power. Inside, Amy painted the walls a bright white and added shelving, houseplants, a spacious workstation and more. A solid rock step and rows of gorgeous hydrangeas completed the exterior look.

“Proximity to your house is key,” Amy says. This won’t be a problem in most urban or suburban areas, but if you’re building a She Shed on a more expansive rural property, consider a location that’s close to your main house. This will help you get the most use out of the space, particularly in the evening or throughout the cold months. 

Keep it simple with pre-fab options

Not everyone has design and construction skills (or the patience) to build a She Shed from the ground up. In this case, pre-fab options are the perfect solution. Vendors like LivPods offer stunning, modern, modular structures that are built in their Canadian production facility, shipped whole and installed by crane (yes, crane) in your backyard. For a more traditional wooden shed structure, consider Grand River Sheds — they offer customizations and will build your shed on site in just one day. Or, order a kit from Cedarshed Canada and build it yourself! Just be sure to check with your local bylaw regulations and get a permit if required.

Links:

LivPods – Livpods.ca

Grand River Sheds – Grandriversheds.com

Cedarshed Canada – Cedarshed.ca

Shopping for furniture and home accessories can be a lot of fun — but sometimes, it takes extra effort to bring your vision to life. Your dream pieces may be over budget or out of stock, the big box stores might not have the quality or character you’re after, and custom pieces may not be in your price range at the moment. If these are your problems, consignment may be the solution—and fortunately, there are plenty of great places to shop in Halton.

High quality, lower prices

Consignment shops often carry vintage items as well as high-end pieces that have been gently used. You may be able to purchase a gorgeous sofa or accent chair used to stage a home or a bedroom set from a guest room. “In Burlington, most of my consignment items come from high-end homes with excellent furniture,” says Lesley Charest of Zoey’s Consignment on Fairview. “Because the items come from larger homes, consigners may not have used the furniture  daily — sometimes, barely used. You can’t tell the difference between that piece and something you went into a conventional furniture store to buy new.”

When you buy high-end pieces on consignment, they usually aren’t “cheap” — for example, a lightly used sofa that initially cost $7,000 may be on consignment for $4,000 — but the value is outstanding. You also may be able to find professionally curated collections. “A lot of my high-end consignors use designers, so you’re getting pieces that have already been coordinated,” Charest says.

In addition to second-hand and vintage, some consignment stores sell brand name overstock or online returns that are essentially new. And now, with supply chain issues causing significant delays among retailers, consignment has an added appeal: if it fits in your car, you can walk out of the store with it. (And if it doesn’t? You can usually arrange delivery within several days.)

Reduce, reuse, recycle

Consignment offers plenty of aesthetic benefits, but there are other reasons to shop second-hand. Buying gently used pieces saves money and often allows you to have something you might not otherwise be able to afford. It also helps keep furniture out of the landfill. “People are very conscientious about recycling and reusing, and they’ve realized that consignment is one of the most amazing ways to do that because you can find extraordinary pieces for half the price,” explains Lisa Bogart of Bogart Home and Decor in Bronte. “For environmental and economic reasons, it’s a win-win.”

Jacky Bernier of The Millionaire’s Daughter in Oakville feels that more customers embrace this mindset. “Instead of buying new, people are consciously looking for something out there already.” 

Trends and tips from the pros

Charest says that while every client is different, interior designers often look for interesting pieces to add to a home’s decor. Upholstered furniture is also in high demand right now. Bernier sees increased demand for chandeliers, accent pieces, and patio furniture. “They all want a unique, one-of-a-kind feel,” Bogart says. “People are trying to personalize their space. You want something meaningful to you — to come home and be like, I love that.” 

Ready to get started?

Here are a few tips from our experts:

• Start with your rug and then add complementary pieces, says Charest. If you aren’t adding a rug, start with the primary furniture items and add accessories.
• Bring photos and measurements with you when you shop! Charest says that if a sofa can’t get through the door to your house, it isn’t the sofa for you.
• Whether it’s furniture or accessories, make sure you love it before you buy it, says Bernier. Have a vision for your home and collect items that bring it to life.
• Take it slow, says Bogart. Buying ten pieces at once doesn’t nurture your soul like collecting treasured pieces over time.
• Our experts say, don’t be afraid to mix eras or add interesting, eclectic pieces to your home. This is a way of making your decor interesting. 
• Look for high style and quality. “Consignment makes great  design more accessible,” Bogart says. “It’s critically important to love your space, but you don’t have to spend oodles of money. Just buy stuff that you love!”

Local Links

Bogart Home Décor and Consignment: Bogarthome.com

The Millionaires Daughter: Themillionairesdaughter.com

Zoey’s Consignment: Zoeys.ca

When you’re shopping for new furniture, your first instinct may be to head to a big box store or maybe a high-end retailer you’ve heard good things about. Both of these are valid options, but don’t overlook another choice: custom pieces designed specifically for your home. While the idea may be intimidating, going custom may be easier and more accessible than you’d think. Here’s what you need to know plus expert tips to help you get started.

The benefit of going custom

The main benefit of going custom is getting exactly what you want — the right size, scale, colour, material and function for your home. While there are some beautiful mass-produced items on the market, they don’t work in every space, explains Jim Anderson of Anderson’s Interiors in Burlington. When you order a custom sofa, for example, you choose everything from the style and fabric to the specific dimensions of the piece and the firmness of the cushions. “It allows me to sit with a client and design something to their specific needs,” Anderson says, noting that older clients may prefer a firmer couch and other clients may need something compact or oversized.

Jim Hobbs of Joshua Creek Furniture in Oakville agrees. “I’d recommend custom furniture to those who cannot find a standard piece to work for them or desire an item that is unique,” he says. Both Joshua Creek and Anderson’s offer custom pieces with design support in store.

While custom chairs, sofas and tables are a common request, consumers can order custom media consoles, end tables, headboards, full beds and more. “If it can be made out of wood, it can be custom,” Anderson says.

When it comes to large pieces, avoid online

Online retailers may have great photos and tempting prices, but you often get what you pay for — or worse. “We hear it every day from customers — they made an error buying online,” Hobbs says. “We all know things look good in photos, and in reality it’s a different story. Furniture is a big investment and you want to invest wisely.”

To avoid regret, start your shopping journey in person. Ideally, you’ll be able to touch and feel various samples and even sit on furniture that’s been made by the same supplier.

Canadian-made quality that lasts

Another benefit of custom furniture is the quality, particularly when you’re working with Canadian makers. Custom pieces are typically made with great care, so they look amazing, last longer and provide better long-term value. Buying custom also supports local makers and woodworkers.

One local furniture provider is Steve Culumovic of Blue Skies Woodwork in Burlington. Culumovic builds custom furniture and cabinetry for clients and agrees that going custom is an investment in craftsmanship. “The value of hiring a custom maker is in how the furniture is made,” he says. “The piece can be better built with better joinery choices. The maker can also pay closer attention to wood grain and colour, which is something not done in a factory setting. There is more care and attention paid in a custom shop which results in longer lasting and more appealing pieces of furniture.”

And, if your style preferences change in the years to come, you can refinish or reupholster a high-quality piece at a fraction of the cost of buying new.

Can you afford to go custom?

Custom furniture isn’t cheap, but it’s not just for wealthy households. Anderson notes that a lot of his custom furniture clients are retirees who have downsized and have a bit of extra cash flow from the sale of a home. They know what they want, and they’re willing to invest in that perfect piece for their new condo or other living space.

Generally, a custom piece is going to cost significantly more than something from a big box store. However, if you’re comparing the cost of custom to buying off-the-rack pieces from high end furniture brands, the difference may be less than you’d think — and in some cases, it’s actually less expensive, Anderson asserts. This is due to rising costs related to the pandemic including material expense, supply chain issues and more. Hobbs agrees, saying, “Canadian-made furniture is great value these days.”

It’s also important to consider how length of use factors in. If you pay $1500 for a sofa that’s going to fall apart in a few years, you’re not actually spending less in total than someone who buys a $4200 custom sofa that lasts well over a decade. Keep this in mind when making decisions — if you can swing the upfront cost, you’ll get better value (and a more beautiful home) in the long run.

Local Links:

Anderson’s Interiors || Andersonsinteriors.ca

Joshua Creek Furniture || Joshuacreekfurniture.com

Blue Skies Woodwork || Blueskiescustomwoodwork.com

It doesn’t always take a full-scale renovation to breathe new life into your home. Sometimes, all you need is a single wall and a vision. A feature wall can add style and character to any space, and creating one doesn’t have to break the bank. Just choose a focal point and run with it! This design feature works particularly well in living and dining rooms, but you can add a feature wall to a bedroom, a bathroom, or even an entryway. 

Creating a feature wall in your home can be as simple as using a complementary shade of paint to create contrast, but you won’t regret going the extra mile. Whether you DIY or hire a pro, here are five ideas to inspire you.

Wallpaper

Once considered a relic of decades past, wallpaper has come a long way in recent years. There are beautiful, high-quality wallpaper options available in a variety of styles and colour palettes. Go for a bold floral or tropical foliage pattern, something subtle and elegant, a contemporary look, or a charmingly vintage take. Choose a complementary paint colour for the remaining walls and suddenly, you’ve got a boutique hotel vibe at home. Southside Paint and Wallpaper in Milton has an exceptional selection of wallpapers to choose from. Ask their design team for recommendations — they’re always happy to help!

Reclaimed Wood

Looking for a feature wall option that’s warm, inviting, maintenance-free, and extremely durable? We’ve got you covered. “Reclaimed wood has a ton of character,” explains the team at Loft Doors in Burlington. “Each piece is unique and full of rich history.” 

While they’re commonly installed in living rooms and other common areas, a reclaimed wood accent wall works in any part of the house — even on the ceiling! “It’s sure to be a conversation piece,” Loft Doors asserts. Plus, it’s a great way to repurpose those beautiful old planks of wood.

Stone or Tile

From natural stone to beautifully patterned porcelain tiles, just about anything you can use as flooring can be turned into a feature wall. The team at Inspired Flooring in Burlington suggests coming into their showroom to see what’s available and get expert advice for your project. It helps to touch and feel your options and get a good look at the materials in person. Spanish tile is a popular product but you could also use contemporary geometric tiles, sleek glass tiles, or a gorgeous piece of marble. Some clients like a herringbone or chevron tile pattern while others prefer traditional lines. And if you have a fireplace to work around? Even better!

Panels, shiplap, or wainscotting

Wainscotting is ideal in a home with a classic or transitional aesthetic, and shiplap is perfect if you love a beachy or farmhouse design. You may also consider adding some custom paneling to your home for a luxurious, timeless take on an accent wall. Think of it as a low-key coffered ceiling for your walls — it’s an elegant way to add visual interest while maintaining a monochromatic look. A local contractor or millworker should be able to provide recommendations and a quote for this type of design element.

Living Walls

A living wall is an extraordinary design element that makes any space pop. This feature involves adding greenery to the wall itself, creating a lush look and feel that’s truly unique. There are two common design options, says Hasmig Royan of Green Garden Succulents. Most clients choose to go with a preserved moss wall as it looks amazing and requires zero maintenance. “There are all sorts of different designs, colours, and textures you can work with,” Royan explains. “It’s very versatile.” Because the moss is preserved, it doesn’t require sunlight, water, or caretaking — and it looks spectacular.

A second option is a true living wall featuring a variety of succulents, ferns, and other tropical plants. This type of wall requires both sunlight and water (it really is alive!) so it’s not nearly as low maintenance. But if you’re up for the task of tending to it, a living wall makes an unforgettable statement piece! 

Local Links:

Southside Paint and Wallpaper

Facebook.com/southsidepaint

Loft Doors

Loftdoors.com

Inspired Flooring 

Inspiredflooringinc.com

Green Garden Succulents

Facebook.com/GreenGardenSucculents