House & Home November 2022

THIS WILL BE my first Christmas without my mom, Vera Louise. She died peacefully this past July, after a long and very happy life, at the age of 88. Growing up, Mom made Christmas a wonderful time in our house. She did it not by cooking or baking. She was not a natural-born cook. Not by beautiful wrappings — she often reused last year’s tissue long before it was eco-savvy. Not by homemade gifts — sewing and knitting were not her forte. She tried to make me mittens one year, but the thumbs ended up bigger than the hands. No, none of that homemaker stuff. Later, when I became “Ms. H&H,” my mom would laugh and tell people that she didn’t know where I got it from, but certainly not from…

House & Home magazine has been a constant delight for decades. I’m an emerging artist, so Artist File always intrigues me. The September article highlighting smaller paintings (“No Small Feat”) is an absolute favourite so far. Thank you for including art and artists as part of the design and decorating conversation. —CINDY LEWIS-HABART, Minto, Ont. Artist File is a great addition to your magazine. Diana Hamm chooses interesting, varied art to showcase and magically articulates exactly what makes it so intriguing. Thanks, Diana! —FAYE BEHNSEN, Campbell River, B.C. I live with my husband and two tween children in a 1,150-square-foot house, so I was particularly interested in September’s Small Space special. The spaces are beautiful, but each has only one or two occupants. Next time, I hope you’ll feature families that demonstrate that living…

GOTTA HAVE IT A lidded vessel candle set in hand-finished cast bronze can be repurposed as a trivet or trinket bowl. SHOP ARCADE HOME After meeting on Instagram through a mutual friend, owners Emily Cade and Melissa Sheppard discovered that they shared not only the same design aesthetic but also a desire to create something different with their individual businesses. Emily, a designer at her eponymous studio, and Melissa, the founder of Curated Content Co., combined their expertise to create Arcade Home. The 2,500-square-foot modern marketplace showcases artisanal furniture and home accessories, and features three sections divided by archways. “I wanted each room to have a different personality that would lead to a unique experience as you move through the store,” says Emily. Sculptural and playful accents are everywhere, including displays of original art…

ONE OF MY FAVOURITE PARTS of the holiday season is the feeling of satisfaction that comes from finding a gift for someone that I know they’ll absolutely love. Presents should be treats rather than necessities: something that the recipient likely wouldn’t buy for themselves. Art-inspired gifts fit this category — they’re always beautiful and often practical, too. Here are ideas for friends and family who love art. I’d gift any of these pieces and would love to receive one or two as well (ahem)! Diana Hamm of WK ART is a Toronto art adviser. A graduate of Sotheby’s Institute of Art in London, U.K., Diana focuses on contemporary art and discovering emerging artists. She also advises private clients on acquisitions and collection-building. Find out more at wkart.ca.…

WHERE TO STAY New: The Goodtime Hotel Miami has seen a spate of new hotels open recently. Check in to übercool The Goodtime Hotel by hospitality innovator David Grutman and musician, rapper and producer Pharrell Williams. The interior design plays with patterns and a beachy palette for a fresh spin on classic South Florida style. 601 Washington Ave., Miami Beach, Fla., thegoodtimehotel.com Classic: Four Seasons Hotel at the Surf Club This glamorous oceanfront hotel has been welcoming guests since 1930. Elegant bungalows and suites boast pool and ocean views, and you can dine at the chic Italian resto or book a treatment at the world-class spa. 9011 Collins Ave., Surfside, Fla., fourseasons.com/surfside WHERE TO EAT New: L’Atelier Miami This lauded restaurant near the airport is a delectable way to start or end your stay, especially since, this…

MAKE A STATEMENT Designed by Studio Giancarlo Valle, this contemporary dining room in New York combines mulberry walls with a burled-oak table, mahogany chairs and sculptural objets. Overall, the aesthetic is layered, warm and inviting. WHY WE LOVE IT Mulberry embraces a duskier decorating style but still offers a hint of festive flair. This moody, sophisticated purple has red undertones and is a refreshing alternative to the deep greens and blues ruling interiors lately. Embellish holiday garlands with mulberry ornaments, then mix in some gold baubles for an elegant contrast. A deep berry-hued runner will dress up your dining table for the season, or make the shade a year-round staple by adding mulberry rugs, vases or throw pillows to your rooms. “AS AN ALTERNATIVE TO BLACK, BLUE OR DARK GREEN, MULBERRY ADDS WARMTH AND…