House & Home March 2021

HAVE YOU EVER READ AS MUCH about kitchens as you have this past year? It seems that every design section of every newspaper and magazine we pick up has a story about making your kitchen better, creating the perfect dining nook and why you need the latest rice cooker. It’s true that we owe our kitchens a debt of gratitude for serving us so well. And so, it’s especially satisfying to be able to deliver this great package, dense with product info and inspiring real-life examples of swoon-worthy kitchens. I thought by now I knew exactly what I wanted in my own country kitchen reno (see page 28). But there were a few things in this issue that stopped me in my tracks and made me rethink some key details just in…

You may have heard that Holly Dyment, one of Canada’s most talented designers, left us this past November at the age of 61, after a heroic battle against lung cancer. I knew Holly from the very beginning of her long career as an incredibly talented colourist and interior designer. In the summer of 1994, Holly won our Style Search contest and graced our cover with her then four-yearold son, Andrew. Her exuberant, original mix of vintage and new elements in rooms that were a riot of rich colour and charming details captured our eyes and our hearts. Over the years, Holly continued to evolve as an interior designer until she made her leap to jewelry design. Inspired by trips to India, she worked with talented artisans and built a hugely…

As I live in an isolated but beautiful area, H&H gives me an opportunity to view diverse homes from across the country and find out about recent products. I’ve been expanding my recipe collection, and the Le Killer Chocolate Cookies recipe in “Food News” (November 2020) was a huge hit with my family. It’s definitely a keeper! — BARB MADDEN, Sioux Narrows-Nestor Falls, Ont. Your cover photo for the November 2020 issue is terrific! The “Home for the Holidays” spread is one of my all-time favourites. I would love to see more of this kind of presentation: it’s real and wholesome — a great choice for “House & Home of the Month”! — BERYL MACDONALD, Calgary While I can appreciate the minimalist looks you’ve showcased in recent years, the traditional homes in…

KONSTANTINOS PIGADAS Photographer, “Following Now” (page 40) The New York–based photographer specializes in homes, hotels, restaurants and yachts. His work has been published in more than 150 design and architecture books and magazines across the globe. Your dream kitchen has… A lot of daylight and spectacular views of the sea. One gadget, tool or appliance every home cook needs? A good wine bottle opener is a must-have. STACY LEE KONG Writer, “Personal Style” (page 46) The seasoned writer and editor has worked at many of Canada’s top magazines. Kitchen trend you’re loving right now? Navy millwork. I’m really feeling dark, dramatic cabinets balanced with white counters and a light-coloured backsplash. Kitchen splurge that’s worth every penny? A sparkling water faucet — you’ll never run out of fizzy water again! JANIS NICOLAY Photographer, “Worth the Wait”…

“MY FAVOURITE THING IS TAKING SOMETHING THAT NO ONE WOULD WANT AND FINDING THE BEAUTY IN IT”— Alexis Dodd WHO: Designers and makers Alexis Dodd and Fred Masaro, Steelwood Design WHERE: North Vancouver, B.C. CONNECT: steelwooddesign.com, @steelwooddesign THE SCOOP: This father-daughter team handcrafts repurposed wood charcuterie boards, serving trays, bowls and utensils in eye-catching shapes. “Old wood is so much better than new wood — I’ve gone to some crazy places to find it,” says Alexis. TREE HUGGER CRED: Every last scrap of antique oak, maple, walnut or ash Alexis and Fred get their hands on is given new life. “We started making spoons because we had all these little pieces of wood that were still stunning,” says Alexis. Conveniently, the eco-friendly ladles function as sculptural bowls for dip and olives…

Designer Arren Williams is following his mod collection of furniture for Hudson’s Bay with cheerful pieces for bath and bed. Cotton shower curtains in graphic prints bring fresh energy to bathrooms and can be paired with matching beach towels. “An eyepopping shower curtain is an instant mood-lift to your morning routine,” says Arren. Or wake up a bland bedroom with a duvet set, throws or accent pillows in happy hues such as saffron, turquoise and red ochre. Text by Harleen Sidhu (Profile)/Kimberley Brown (Colour Wash)/Photography by Janis Nicolay (Profile, Fred and Alexis’s portrait, spoons, product)/courtesy of Steelwood Design (Profile, Paltrow kitchen)/courtesy of Hudson’s Bay (Colour Wash)…