Latest news with #EJMiddelhoven
Ottawa Citizen
02-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Ottawa Citizen
Modern living: Create your own escape
After a harsh winter, you can't wait to create an outdoor escape this spring and embrace the continuing trend of making your outdoor space an extension of your indoor space. Article content Article content 'For many Canadians, the winters can feel everlasting. The moment a glimpse of warmer days come along, Canadians are eagerly preparing their outdoor spaces to get the most of their time outside,' says EJ Middelhoven, head of Communication & Design at IKEA Canada. Article content Article content 'We have been seeing more and more that Canadians are using their outdoor space as an extension of their indoor one. Whether it's having a large yard, a small balcony or a little stoop outside, these spaces serve as meaningful places to enjoy your morning coffee, read a book, spend time with family or just get a breath of fresh air,' he says. Article content 'Another seasonal need around this time are options for extra outdoor storage. For many small dwellings, the lack of a garage or storage unit is common. Many outdoor spaces are used for storing seasonal items such as car tires, seasonal clothing or gardening and lawn equipment,' says Middelhoven. 'Stylish outdoor storage that fits seamlessly into these spaces are important to Canadians and IKEA has lots of options to offer.' Article content Bouclair recently unveiled its outdoor collection. 'Bring a relaxed vibe to your outdoor space with our fresh collection, inspired by Mediterranean charm, natural textures and a tropical-casual feel for effortless style,' says Bouclair designer Bianka Jean. Article content Article content 'This year, it's all about making your outdoor space feel as comfy and stylish as your living room,' says HGTV personality Jo Alcorn, who was on hand for Bouclair's reveal. 'Outdoor furniture is stepping up its game, with a focus on materials that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them, while still looking fab and feeling comfy.' Article content Natural materials are a 'big hit,' she reports. 'We're talking teak, rattan and bamboo. These materials don't just look great outdoors; they also add a cozy, warm vibe to your space. Take Bouclair's Sahara Collection for example. It's all about an organic, laid-back warmth inspired by desert and tropical vibes. The main materials are natural fibres and textured ceramics, with colours inspired by the desert.' Article content Alcorn describes Bouclair's Tunis Collection as a 'little piece of earthy Tunisia, with bold stripes and fresh geometric patterns. A mix of natural fibres and cotton gives it a light, delicate feel. The warm colours are inspired by natural wood, concrete and the blue aqua sky, creating a perfectly balanced look.'
Toronto Sun
24-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Toronto Sun
Create your own escape
Add country charm to your backyard with the Summer Happiness collection. RONA Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. 'Outdoor furniture is stepping up its game' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account After a harsh winter, you can't wait to create an outdoor escape this spring and embrace the continuing trend of making your outdoor space an extension of your indoor space. 'For many Canadians, the winters can feel everlasting. The moment a glimpse of warmer days come along, Canadians are eagerly preparing their outdoor spaces to get the most of their time outside,' says EJ Middelhoven, head of communication and design at IKEA Canada. 'We have been seeing more and more that Canadians are using their outdoor space as an extension of their indoor one. Whether it's having a large yard, a small balcony or a little stoop outside, these spaces serve as meaningful places to enjoy your morning coffee, read a book, spend time with family or just get a breath of fresh air,' he says. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Another seasonal need around this time are options for extra outdoor storage. For many small dwellings, the lack of a garage or storage unit is common. Many outdoor spaces are used for storing seasonal items such as car tires, seasonal clothing or gardening and lawn equipment,' says Middelhoven. 'Stylish outdoor storage that fits seamlessly into these spaces are important to Canadians and IKEA has lots of options to offer.' 'MEDITERRANEAN CHARM' Bouclair recently unveiled its outdoor collection. 'Bring a relaxed vibe to your outdoor space with our fresh collection, inspired by Mediterranean charm, natural textures and a tropical-casual feel for effortless style,' says Bouclair designer Bianka Jean. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'This year, it's all about making your outdoor space feel as comfy and stylish as your living room,' says HGTV personality Jo Alcorn, who was on hand for Bouclair's reveal. 'Outdoor furniture is stepping up its game, with a focus on materials that can handle whatever Mother Nature throws at them, while still looking fab and feeling comfy.' Natural materials are a 'big hit,' she reports. 'We're talking teak, rattan and bamboo. These materials don't just look great outdoors; they also add a cozy, warm vibe to your space. Take Bouclair's Sahara Collection for example. It's all about an organic, laid-back warmth inspired by desert and tropical vibes. The main materials are natural fibres and textured ceramics, with colours inspired by the desert.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Alcorn describes Bouclair's Tunis Collection as a 'little piece of earthy Tunisia, with bold stripes and fresh geometric patterns. A mix of natural fibres and cotton gives it a light, delicate feel. The warm colours are inspired by natural wood, concrete and the blue aqua sky, creating a perfectly balanced look.' When it comes to colour, 'it's all about bold, vibrant colours,' Alcorn reports. 'Picture tropical blues, sunny yellows and lush greens. These colours can instantly make your space pop and create a lively, energetic vibe.' Bouclair's Liberia Collection 'is like stepping into the tropical, bold coolness of Saint-Tropez. Fun colours, toucans and furniture with an embossed ceramic reactive finish make this style stand out. The bold green colour – a current trend – makes this mix feel super fresh and cool.' This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'URBAN TOUCH' The Bogota Collection 'is all about urban sophistication with geometric designs and vibrant graphics.' Alcorn says. 'The mix of line geographic leaf in a black matte finish adds an urban touch, while terracotta infuses a youthful energy.' Bouclair's Corsica Collection, meanwhile, 'captures the Mediterranean spirit with bold, natural elements,' she says. 'Think fresh palm leaves, broken lines and the feel of ocean terraces. Cobalt, a hot trend in the outdoor market, works perfectly with neutrals for a classic Mediterranean feel.' Rona has unveiled three collections. Modern Nature is all about minimalism and organic textures. Cushions feature geometric shapes and florals while a dark, neutral colour palette features green accents. The Urban Travel collection features blue and terracotta accents. The Summer Happiness collection features boho chic and artisanal flair. Soft pastels stand out against a canvas of beige and white tones. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. SIDEBAR Outdoor decorating tips HGTV personality Jo Alcorn, founder and principal designer of Alcorn Home Design & Build, shares some tips and tricks for creating a trendy and stylish outdoor space: Start with a focal point. 'This could be a stylish outdoor chair, a pattern or colour. This piece will set the tone for your space and everything else will revolve around it.' Layer with outdoor rugs and cushions. 'These add comfort and can also inject colour and pattern into your space.' Don't forget about lighting. 'String lights, lanterns or solar lights can create a magical ambiance once the sun goes down.' Incorporate greenery. 'Plants can bring life to your outdoor space. Consider a mix of potted plants, hanging baskets and climbing vines.' Personalize your space. 'Add elements that reflect your personality, whether it's a hammock for lazy afternoons, a pizza oven for family gatherings or a bird feeder for nature lovers.' 'In the end, creating a stylish outdoor space is all about embracing the latest trends while also adding your personal touch,' Alcorn says. 'With the right furniture, colours and accessories, you can transform your outdoor area into a beautiful extension of your home, perfect for enjoying the summer season. Toronto & GTA Toronto Raptors Federal Elections Toronto Maple Leafs Canada
Toronto Sun
24-04-2025
- Business
- Toronto Sun
Colin and Justin: Home Swede home
Designed with optimal comfort in mind, this toffee toned lounge set is part of the latest Stockholm collection at IKEA. Reviews and recommendations are unbiased and products are independently selected. Postmedia may earn an affiliate commission from purchases made through links on this page. eighth iteration of the iconic IKEA brand delivers modern Scandi look This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account When Swedish retailer IKEA moniker a collection in honour of their homeland's capital city, it's likely the resulting merchandise will be somewhat special. Stockholm, after all, is a global centre of style, culture, media and politics – and home of the Nobel Prize – so innovation, economic worth and perceived quality must surely infuse the collection's DNA. The eighth iteration of the iconic IKEA brand delivers modern Scandi integrity via a hundred or so thoughtfully imagined pieces. 'The magic of this collection lies in each piece's ability to beautifully complement every other, as though collected over time,' reports EJ Middelhoven, head of communication and design, IKEA Canada. 'It's important that Canadians know they're getting quality and a price tag within reach.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The compendium fuses furniture, textiles, lighting and accessories, all of which could comfortably feature across multiple zones. Materials are carefully selected for their quality and ability to endure, as well as how well they'll mesh. Solid woods, for instance, pair with touchy feely fabric surfaces and pure wool, whilst linen and genuine leather combine to create unique expressions in handwoven wool rugs and ancillary products. The collection also includes two vintage style glass chandeliers, smartly boxed with white gloves to protect fragile parts during assembly. Detail, huh? Two distinctly different sofas were envisioned to underpin the collection. Designer Ola Wihlborg's wide modular chesterfield (available in four colourways including turquoise velvet) was born from his frustration with upholstery that constantly needs to be fluffed and punched back into shape. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. After developing countless prototypes, the resultant lounger is sleek and generous, with modular form that can be scaled to suit your project. The second sofa, designed by Nike Karlsson, features a solid pine frame and white pillows, and serves as an exploration into seating design without foam. Made from natural materials, it employs woven fabric, linen and coconut fibre to deliver exceptional comfort and timeless appeal. Karlsson also created a sliding-door cabinet, its surface woven from rattan fibres tied, bent and shaped by hand. Rattan also features in the backrest of one of the collection's dining chairs, and in a lounge chair built around a robust rattan frame, topped with a light boucle cushion. With consumers, perhaps more than ever before, looking for standout, pedigree home items, it's important the retail sector offers excitement through understated detail, and with quality materials. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Across the Stockholm range, the real and uncomplicated nature of its component parts shines. Chairs, bookshelves and dining tables reveal detailed craftsmanship and smart construction, with aesthetics that, as far as we see it, look set to transcend the vagaries of style. The collection's bentwood chairs are crafted using a traditional technique where beech lumber is soaked and carefully bent by hand to form soft, rounded arches in arms and back. It's at once sinuous and comfortable, yielding and tactile. A key trend, as we see it, across the design landscape, continues to be 'cottage core', with cabin and farm style now considered feasible in the city. True to this dictum, the forest is a central character in textile designer Paulin Machado's Stockholm offering that includes lampshades adorned in leaf and mushroom prints, and colour combos pulled directly from rolling Scandinavian seasons. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Handwoven, her 100% wool rugs bring nature indoors, with woven birch tree motifs, available in shades of green, grey scale and classic monochrome. Furthermore, Merino wool blankets and pillowcases – in multi-coloured patterns – add welcome pops of unbridled drama. It's always a good sign when, having previewed a new collection, we arrive home as happy shoppers: on this occasion clutching a pair of Stockholm brass stemmed travertine-based table lamps. We can officially report that our home bar has taken on a whole new vibe thanks to the recent purchases, which, at just $79 each, mean we can afford to double pour our cocktails without breaking the bank. And hey (or 'hej' as they say in Swedish), cheers to sensible price points, say we! STOCKHOLM 2025 is available in-store and online at Watch for Colin and Justin on City-tv's Breakfast Television and Colin and Justin's Sub- Zero Reno on Paramount Plus TV. Find the Colin and Justin Home Collection in stores across Canada. Toronto & GTA Toronto Raptors Toronto Maple Leafs Sunshine Girls Crime
