Discover The inspiration Behind Our July 2017 Cover
senior design editor Joel Bray reveals what inspired our July 2017 cover, which celebrates Canada’s 150th birthday.
When Stacey Smithers and I were tasked with developing a room that represents Canadian design for the July 2017 issue, we began by looking back at some very memorable spaces published in house & home that felt distinct to our country. What started as a stack of over 50 images was narrowed down to less than a dozen. here are a few interiors that talked to us the most, and why.
See much more of this space in our July 2017 issue on newsstands from June 5th.
The living room of Canadian textile designer Virginia Johnson strikes the ideal balance between layered and decorated, and clean and simple. A pair of curvy sofas upholstered in a dynamic chintz balance the much more pared-back contemporary envelope. We love Virginia’s log storage niche, and colorful, uplifting artwork hung above the fireplace.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: house & home April 2015
Designer: Virginia Johnson
This epic corner of Canadian designer Jill Kantelberg’s own living room was another standout interior. The strength of the fireplace wall and seamless closed storage allow the rest of the space to be sparingly decorated, although each piece is extremely distinct and captivating. The space is full of subtle luxuries, and is anything but boring.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: house & home June 2015
Designer: Jill Kantelberg
This Princess Margret show home living room developed by Lynda Reeves has always been a favorite of mine. The calm and creamy envelope is very restrained (including the intensional lack of area rug), in stark contrast to the vibrant and unexpected color Lynda introduced through upholstery and accent pillows. and just like the previous two photos, the firewood is on display and looking as elegant as ever.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: house & home October 2012
Designer: Lynda Reeves
The summer home of former house & Home editor-in-chief Suzanne Dimma is a magical place that really captivates the natural charm of the landscape, and the major influence Scandinavian style has had on Canadian design. Pared back to the most vital elements, and then flourished with personal mementoes and artwork, the space feels practically spiritual and is profoundly inspiring.
Photographer: Michael Graydon
Source: house & home October 2011
Designer: Arriz Hassam of arriz+co with Suzanne Dimma
The former living room of Canadian textile guru Ali Yaphe has an amazing sense of scale and strength, but is still very inviting and cozy. The deep-seated line sofa is full of global-inspired textiles, and the soaring Benjamin Ficus makes for some major houseplant envy.
Photographer: Donna Griffith
Source: house & home January 2014
Designer: Mazen El-Abdallah
The summer home of Canadian designer and former shopkeeper Youssef Hasbani is a bright, art-filled interior full of quirky and playful design moves, alongside major antiques and modern furnishings. So often, the magic is in the mix, and this interior is a ideal example.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: house & home April 2014
Designer: Youssef Hasbani
This second floor living room/den by Canadian designer Mazen El-Abdallah is a terrific example of high design and genuine comfort working together seamlessly. A large family-friendly sofa, a no-fuss coffee table, and large-scale, impactful art are among a few of the standout pieces.
Photographer: Alex Lukey
Source: house & home February 2016
Designer: Mazen El-Abdallah
One of the oldest photos in the stack was of this living room by popular Canadian designer Connie Braemar. The term “undecorated” is in some cases used to describe this restrained and extremely elegant aesthetic. We love how the windows were left bare, and the placement of furniture and area rugs seems to break the guidelines in all the best ways.
Photographer: Virginia Macdonald
Source: house & home October 2007
Designer: Connie Braemar