Extend summer with an outdoor fireplace that adds warmth and ambience.
Oxner outdoor round fire table in natural. $5,849. westelm.ca
Get the look
Anna G. corkscrew by Alessi. $150. finnishdesignshop.com
Gatsby acrylic wine glass in bottle green by KSP. $8. kitchenstuffplus.com
Stainless steel ice bucket. $60. hm.com
Stemmed tumblers set by Jonathan Adler x Michaels. $40. michaels.ca
Stacking acrylic wine glasses. $12 ea. crateandbarrel.ca
Sharp choices
For the everyday home cook, a well-chosen knife set can make meal prep faster, safer and far more enjoyable. Rather than focusing on the number of pieces, look for a collection anchored by the essentials: A chef’s knife, a paring knife and a serrated bread knife. Think about comfortable handles, balanced weight and high-quality steel, which will have a greater impact on performance than an oversized block filled with rarely used tools. The right set should feel versatile enough to tackle everything from weeknight vegetables to weekend roasts with ease.
- Global classic Ikasu X knife block, set of 10 in acrylic. $1,014. williams-sonoma.ca
- Seven-piece knife block set in nature. $400. zwilling.com
- Forged steel 10-piece magnetic block set in acacia by Schmidt Brothers. $300. crateandbarrel.ca
Lounge in style
With its iconic Hudson’s Bay stripes and warm wood-look finish, this folding beach chair brings a touch of heritage charm to days spent by the water. Lightweight and comfortable, it’s perfectly suited for cottage escapes, poolside lounging, and laid-back summer weekends.
Folding beach chair in stripes by Hudson’s Bay. $130 each. canadiantire.ca
Marble moment
From coffee tables to side tables, marble brings timeless style and natural beauty to a room. Its distinctive veining adds subtle texture and visual interest, while the stone’s enduring appeal makes it an easy fit in classic and contemporary spaces.
- Tulip round table in Carrara. $1,919. roveconcepts.com
- Delaney marble console table. $749. potterybarn.ca
- Almera white side table in white. $979. cb2.ca
- Enyo rectangular marble coffee table in black. $2,599. cb2.ca
Fall trend alert
Banquette seating, curved silhouettes and warm wood tones continue to define fall 2026 interiors. Here, a rich blue upholstered banquette adds depth and comfort, while the rounded pedestal table and sculptural pendant light soften the space. Layered with natural materials and a restrained palette, the look feels contemporary and inviting. Build your own Vivienne tufted banquette. From $675. westelm.ca
Thoughtful cleaning
A clean home starts with smart choices. Eco-friendly cleaning products are designed to tackle everyday messes while minimizing environmental impact. When shopping, look for concentrated formulas, refillable bottles and jars and thoughtfully sourced ingredients that help reduce waste over time. Many options also avoid unnecessary dyes, synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals, creating a fresher indoor environment. Small changes to your cleaning routine can add up, helping you care for your home with a little more intention.
- Plant-based multi-purpose concentrate cleaner refill in citrus and green tea by Mean Green. $16. canadiantire.ca
- Disinfecting all-purpose cleaner in natural orange by Eco-max. $5. well.ca
- All-purpose plant-based cleaner in citrus scent by Guests on Earth. $21. healthyplanet.com
Paint in tiny spaces
When it comes to small spaces, bigger isn't always better. In fact, some of the most memorable rooms are the smallest ones, such as a powder room tucked beneath a staircase, a reading nook, or a compact home office wrapped in colour. According to interior designer Jane Lockhart, deep, saturated hues can transform these overlooked corners into standout design moments.
“Rich colours don't make spaces feel smaller,” says Lockhart. “They define a room or nook, giving it a strong identity within the overall composition of the home.” Rather than closing a space in, darker shades can add visual depth, creating the perception of a larger, more layered interior.
One of her go-to shades is Benjamin Moore Wenge AF-180, a deep, intense brown that brings warmth and sophistication to walls. “Its rich neutrality allows furnishings, artwork and architectural details to stand out,” she explains. “It strengthens the visual story of the room.”
For homeowners willing to embrace a bolder look, Lockhart suggests leaning into dramatic colours. Bold shades can turn a modest room into what she describes as a personal “jewel box” – intimate, enveloping and full of character. “A deliciously dark colour creates a comforting retreat from daily life,” she says.
The takeaway? Small spaces offer the perfect opportunity to take design risks. A richly coloured room may occupy only a few square feet, but its impact can resonate throughout the entire home.
Sicilian splendour
Rooted in the centuries-old tradition of Sicilian maiolica, this ceramic stoneware celebrates colour, pattern and craftsmanship. From bold florals to intricate mosaics and fruit-inspired motifs, each piece turns even the simplest meal into a special occasion. Dinnerware collection. From $29. williams-sonoma.ca