Kitchens & Baths Kitchens & Baths 2021

IT MIGHT NOT SEEM, at least on the face of it, that gorgeous kitchens and bathrooms are the result of relationships, but they really are. I was reminded of that over and over again while working on this issue. At the very beginning of a project, homeowners have to consider how everyone in their household will interact with the space, and each other. Then, a designer enters the picture and really has to get to know their clients and how they live. I’ve even heard of designers asking clients to cook in front of them, so they can get a feel for how they use their kitchen. And if there’s more than one person in the space, a designer might have to juggle competing desires. Melanie Finkleman of Hazel and…

Go behind the scenes and watch as Lynda shares her inspiration for each colour choice in the collection at houseandhome.com/meritkitchens. The Colours The Inspiration As part of their 50th anniversary celebrations, Merit Kitchens has a goal to raise $50,000 for their Pantry Full of Food initiative, directly benefitting food banks across Canada and the United States. Founded in 1971 in Vancouver, B.C., MERIT cabinets are still made in Canada from the best locally sourced raw materials. To this day, the company maintains their time-honoured tradition of hand-finishing. Visit MERIT-KITCHENS.COM to browse extensive styles and colour offerings, and to find a dealer near you.…

R&R A recent study conducted by Houzz found that half of renovators said they intend on using their bathrooms as a place to unwind. We can’t imagine a better spot to relax than in a bathroom from Scavolini’s new Qi collection, with its understated refinement. Through Scavolini. S/H SUPER SOAKER The patchouli, rosewood and oak moss blend in this luxurious bath foam adds aromatherapy to your self-care sessions. Foaming bath by Kropp, $25. Through shophouseandhome.com. S/H SHINE ON Designers think of lighting like jewelry — it pulls a room together. Install a pair of these industrial-style brass pendants over an island to add function and great style. Braswell pendant in Brass. 4½” h. x 6¼" diam. $728. Through shophouseandhome.com. Into the WOODS This great-looking bench is part of a new…

ON THE COUNTER The coating on this microwave’s interior resists buildup and comes clean with a swipe of a damp cloth. Microwave in Black Stainless Steel by LG. $499. At The Home Depot Canada. UNDER THE COUNTER A microwave that’s also a convection oven offers both speed and flexibility. Built-in convection microwave drawer by Sharp Electronics. $3,399. At The Home Depot Canada. OVER THE RANGE This microwave can be activated via voice control or smartphone connectivity. Smart Over-the-range microwave in Platinum Glass by Café Appliances. $1,199. At Canadian Appliance Source. S/H = Buy on shophouseandhome.com…

THIRST QUENCHER Start your mornings with freshly squeezed OJ, ’50s style. Retro-style citrus juicer by Smeg, $240. At Hudson’s Bay. THANKS A LATTE Whip up your morning brew in a jiffy and enjoy the smooth crema. Vertuo Next coffee maker, $199. Through Nespresso. PUPPY PRESENT Make some well-deserved snacks for your furry friend in a matter of minutes. Dog treat maker by Dash, $50. At Indigo. PRETTY PLATES Let the dinner parties begin! Set a pretty spring table with these ombré melamine plates. 6-piece dinnerware service for 2 in Cotton Candy, $50. Through Walmart. SWEET STRIPES Hang this chef-favourite, super-absorbent towel on the stove handle for a subtle pop of colour. Kitchen towel by All-Clad, $14. At Hudson’s Bay. HANDS-FREE Let this ingenious device do the stirring while you tend…

MAGIC MIRROR The ring of warm white light cast by this mirror doesn’t create shadows — making it perfect for applying makeup. Solis mirror, $688. Through Fleurco. SOOTHING SCENT Bring serenity and a touch of whimsy with this green tea and sandalwood fragrance. Muse diffuser by Jonathan Adler x Maison Berger, $124. At Linen Chest. GREEN DAY With its deep jade hue and rich veining, this marble bin is almost too luxe to hold trash. Jules wastebasket, $80. At CB2. SIT BACK Rest a book or a glass of wine on this stool as you relax in the tub. Tulio stool, $179. At Crate and Barrel. PASTEL PALETTE Add subtle colour to your bathroom with towels in beachy tones. Haven bath towels, from $13 each. At Bed Bath & Beyond.…