Marc Atiyolil attends TIFF Events, CityLine & more.
Canadian Home Trends Editor Marc Atiyolil was in Toronto last week for the opening of the Toronto International Film Festival. Marc had the opportunity to take in a number of events along with Glen Peloso (Host of Restaurant Make-over and Take This House and Sell It), Sharyn Smith (Eventful PR), Tommy Smythe (Sarah’s House and Sarah’s Cottage), and Ambrose Price (Host of The Decorating Adventures of Ambrose Price). Mark also had a chance to visit with Tracy on the CityLine set and with Brian Gluckstein who is featured on our August/September cover.
The Holt Renfrew Party – Sept 12, 2009
Marc Atiyolil attended the Holt Renfrew TIFF party on Saturday night where an exclusive guest list including celebrities and press were treated to a catered menu, cocktails and entertainment including an introduction to the two short films being premiered by Holt Renfrew at TIFF 2009, a music set with the Stills and tunes spun by MTV’s Alex Chung.
In this photo: Ambrose Price, Tommy Smythe, Sharon Smith and Glen Peloso.
In these photos: Marc Atiyolil with Sharyn Smith and Glen Peloso. Marc Atiyolil with Ambrose Price and Glen Peleso.
Liberty Grand Event September 2009
In these photos: Marc Atiyolil with Glen Peloso. Marc Atiyolil with Sharyn Smith.
Hats on for Awareness Event September 2009
Hats on for Awareness help on September 11, 2009 is a fundraising event for the Centre for Addiction & Mental Health.
In these photos: Glen Peloso and Sharyn Smith.
Marc visits Tracy and the CityLine Set September 2009
Marc visits with Brian Gluckstein in Toronto September 2009
Design Elements in Harmony
I wonder how many people walk into a room and automatically try to redecorate the room in their minds. For instance just the other day, I was walking through a friend’s living room and thought to myself, “Wow, this space would look great by simply rearranging a few pieces of furniture”. I have often laughed with friends about spaces I have seen through the years and how I would have loved a few minutes to rearrange the furniture in the room and add a few simple accessories. I have said many times “I wonder if I moved the homeowners’ furniture without them noticing little by little every time I visit their home and one day their furniture would be in its rightful place.” Of course, with my amazing luck, I would get caught in the act and would have to explain why I am pushing their sofa to the other end of the room while they are getting me a cup of coffee. I would then have two options: confess everything and explain to them the fundamentals of design, or amusingly state that I am trying this new fitness program and that they should give it a try by moving their furniture so that their room becomes esthetically pleasing.
Although furniture is a big part of a room’s design, it is not everything. Good design also consists of setting a mood, keeping all your design elements in harmony and selecting a colour palette that compliments the overall look. (Read Colour Swatch on page 30) Your colour palette sets the personality of the room. It should truly speak to your design style such as the Brian Gluckstein space featured in this issue which features a neutral colour palette which is very much Gluckstein’s design style. (Read Brian Gluckstein’s Designer Wisdom on page 46)
With every style we must consider the room’s layout and available space. The 6,500 square ft. home designed by Michelle Ardiel is directly reflected in her modern sleek design style and open concept layout. (Read Home To Stay on page 22) While not all of us have over six thousand square feet of available space, we must make do with the space that we have available to us, adapt and express our personality through the design of our space as an artist does with a blank canvas. If you are unsure where to start, our design quiz on page 49 will guide you in the right direction.
Not all of us have a natural knack for design but we all have the opportunity to learn. Therefore, next time you are moving someone’s furniture while they are getting you coffee, consider asking them to step back into the room and offer them a few pointers. If you are the one getting the coffee while a design crazed maniac is rearranging your furniture, please forgive us as we are only trying to help.
Summer Is Great for Weekend Projects
Summer is great for a weekend project. I myself have been enjoying this gorgeous summer weather with a restoration project. I am in the midst of restoring a beautiful dining room table and chairs to be placed in a 1950’s dining room. The space was renovated with all the original moldings, casings and wooden floors. I loved the idea of capturing the true essence of the room and recreating what the craftsmen were trying to achieve at the time of the house’s construction.
The project itself is going according to plan with the table refinished and two out of six chairs reupholstered and refinished. The room has been repainted a beautiful earthy green with a dark sunny yellow as the accent colour. The entire room’s trim is done in a crisp white to give the space a clean look. Chandeliers were restored and accented in gold with the ceiling medallions sporting the same gold and white finish. Ivory window covering were installed to complete this Traditional design. The elements of design of the overall space complement each other and come together in a unique way.
Canada has been gifted with many talented designers in all provinces and territories. In the pages of this June/July issue of Canadian Home Trends Magazine, relish beautiful spaces ranging in style and colour. I am confident all our readers will find a space that truly speaks to their tastes.
One of the spaces featured was designed by Glen Peloso of HGTV’s Restaurant Makeover and Take This House and Sell It. Glen, one of Canada’s most talented and versatile designers will walk us through his latest project in Toronto. It is truly a must read.
Summer is short and sweet; therefore enjoy your summer projects while the weather permits. If you are planning to visit your vacation home, bring your Canadian Home Trends along. It makes a great read on the dock on a nice sunny day.
Porch Envy – A Glen Peloso Project
The front porch is making a come back! – It seems a bit odd to say because who would ever have thought the front porch went out of fashion but more new homes are designed with large porches and they are important to buyers
The front area of the house is really the transition area of the house as it is a hybrid of the outdoors and the indoors and while it seems strange to say, it is important to create a space in the greenery that is also green. It isn’t difficult to do, simply look for furniture that is made with recycled materials like recycled plastics from the many bottles of water that get consumed in North America. Not only is the furniture very durable but it is also great looking and will last for years. Simply change up the cushions and you have an entirely new looking set for the porch –
Container gardening is also fantastic as it can provide some great focus to the front of the house while defining the entrance way to the space. I think it is great to use indigenous plants as they require less watering and we are sure that they can survive in your small eco system in the country
Accessorize, with the things that you love when you go to the store, and realize that they can be changed next summer. Better yet to use things that are repurposed to create beauty – an older watering can filled with flowers can look fantastic. Iron or recycled plastic urns make a beautiful delineation of the front entrance and can also add grandeur to the front of your home.
While you are out on the new front porch enjoying nature be sure that you also plan to be kind to nature at the same time! It’s not only nice for your neighbours it’s also kind to mother nature! – enjoy the sun–
Text By Glen Peloso
Be bold, be creative, be unique!
I am a firm believer that home décor is an expression of one’s personality and style. What better way to express who you are and showcase your dynamic personality to the world than by adding colours, textures and prized possessions to your home. Your home is the one place where you get to personalize everything to the last drop of paint.
The design of your space enables you to perceive a somewhat personalized image of yourself and highlight certain qualities that would be otherwise unseen such as your impeccable paintings from college that you stored away in the attic. The key is to establish a personal connection with your space and make it your own. This is the one place where you spend most hours of the day therefore why not enjoy it?
In this issue, I had the opportunity to interview some of Canada’s most talented celebrity designers. Glen Peloso of Restaurant Makeover and Take This House & Sell It and Steven & Chris from the Steven & Chris Show on CBC have given us an inside look at what they believe are the hottest trends for 2009 and a personal look at the trends used in their own homes. These Q & As are both must reads for any home décor enthusiast.
Canadian Home Trends magazine has integrated a “100% Canadian Source Guide” in its current issue. This will enable you, the reader to contact different suppliers and purchase more easily the Canadian products featured in our editorial pages. We have many beautiful spaces to source with two of them showcasing rooms designed by Glen Peloso himself.
Our current issue of Canadian Home Trends Magazine has many pages of informative and interactive articles. I hope it will inspire you to express yourself and free your inner designer.
