Page 12 - Canadian House & Home - xxx 2010

EDITOR’S PAGE
FRESHEN UP
Here are a few of the quick
fixes on my to-do list.
Instantly renovate a lamp and
your mood with a plug-in
dimmer switch. Dimma
switch, Ikea.
(6L1-8), Beauti-Tone; Soho pull,
10 H&H FEBRUARY 2010
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Serial Renovator
The other day I was watching a slow-moving BBC drama with my father
when one of the characters began rummaging through her closet in search
of something for her friend to wear to a big event. I knew what was coming.
I turned to my father and jokingly said, “It’s time for a makeover, Dad!”
And from that point on, we were both glued to the TV. After a whirlwind
transformation that involved several dramatic wardrobe changes, the
friend wound up looking amazing and was, of course, the belle of the ball.
One of my favourite makeovers is in The Devil Wears Prada, when
Anne Hathaway evolves from plain Jane to supreme fashionista. It’s just
so exciting to watch someone or something change from everyday to
extra special. When I look at the dramatic before and afters on our pages
this month, I feel the same way — so much potential realized! This is why
I think I’m a serial renovator. When I’m not in the midst of a project I feel
out of sorts. But when I’m mid reno, I’m alive with anticipation. Truth be
told, it’s been a while — and I’m starting to get the itch, looking around
the house at what I can get my hands on. My plan is a few quick fixes to
tide me over until we’re ready to move.
For a year now, I’ve been dying to update my cherry kitchen cabinets
(which were in the house when we moved in six years ago) with a coat of
matte charcoal grey paint and stainless steel pulls. Of course, Arriz is
totally against it (given the choice, don’t most men choose natural wood
over paint?). In my living room, replacing the orange striped drapes with
a new set in either blue or grey velvet or linen will completely transform
the space. Sometimes, strategic redecorating like this can give almost as
much of a lift as renovating. I was so excited when our newest design editor,
Kathryn Bala, found the textured wall tiles below, which I may use for our
ensuite bath — they’re a fresh take on white subway tiles, and can be
installed right on top of old tile. And for the quickest fix of all, check out
Ikea’s Dimma plug (below). It puts any regular lamp on a dimmer — a must-
have for setting the perfect mood. You can get similar dimmers at other
hardware and lighting stores, but of course, I love the name of this one!
In the end, renovating is all about change, and sometimes change is
exactly what we need to get us excited about our homes all over again.
Portrait photography by Sophie Giraud/Hair and makeup by Jenia O’Connor/Photography by Felix Wedgwood (cabinet door, pull)
Textured wall tile will instantly
update my ensuite. Blanco
porcelain tile, Mettro Source.
A coat of matte charcoal paint I’m leaning toward a rich, blogs houseandhome.com
for my kitchen cabinets, and warm grey velvet for my living
new sleek metal pulls. Paint room. Fabrics (from left),
Get style inspiration from Suzanne. Click
colour, Opening Night Designer Fabrics, Robert Allen,
BLOGS, then SUZANNE DIMMA.
Victoria Hagen, Kravet.
Summerhill Hardware.
SEE SOURCE GUIDE
12/9/09 2:56:49 PM
2:56:49 PM