The Joy of Living

By Edilka Anderson

Wouldn’t it be nice if regardless of what was going on in the hectic world around us, we could escape to spaces and places where we could be happier, healthier and more productive?

The way we design and furnish our homes not only has an influence on our quality of life and ability to get things done, but it also plays a significant role in our personal well-being, family relationships and day-to-day experiences. 

Careful planning is integral to setting the tone, vibe or mood for an entire home, individual room or workspace. This allows small touches to showcase an individual’s personality, create positive energy and add some warmth to a space. Be it a glamorous, elegant, bold or cozy style that you’re after, there are limitless options to incorporate furnishings, lighting and accessories to satisfy your imagination and creativity. 

Attention needs to be paid when selecting key pieces such as a dining table. Its multipurpose role will include your daily meals, family game night, and casual drinks and chats—making it worth its weight in gold. 

Bold statement pieces make a personal footprint, add character and, often, offer a little bit of cheeky fun. Consider selecting original artwork, handcrafted sculpture or retro piece of furniture, or something as easy as a vibrant throw pillow. 

When it comes to crafting a calming space, consider elements such as neutral colours, soft lighting and a comfy chair to read in. If you need to escape even further, fashion your own spa-like en suite with simple touches such as plush towels, dim lighting and scented candles—and don’t forget a “do not disturb” sign!

Your home is your castle and your ultimate sanctuary. Take time this Fall to think about what you’d love to do to make it more classy, comfortable and, ultimately, more you. Visit the fearless interior design team at KARE Toronto to help you get started.

karedesign.ca

My “must dos” 

• Plan your joy. Remember, design impacts our well-being. • Chill. Prioritize one area at a time so that stress doesn’t take over. • Build positivity. Use visual objects, sounds and scents to transform your mood. • Appreciate the small things. • Include keepsakes.

Get our newsletter

Get monthly updates with unique HomeFront updates and stay up to date with tips and trends

Liquid Assets snuggles up inside

With snowy weather upon us, it’s time to find ways to stay warm and cozy at home. 5 Tips to get the look Bring out your soft and colourful throws. Robes and slippers will be your best friends. Stock up

Food Lovers’ Library

Last Minute Dinner Party By Frankie Unsworth Too often social occasions turn into fussy affairs, leaving you frazzled. This book offers a hassle-free approach to entertaining, championing simplicity with quick post-work dinners to deceptively simple, but nonetheless showstopping suppers. Publisher:

A shot in the arm with healthcare tech

From scrappy startups to billion-dollar businesses, innovators in the Great White North have developed cutting-edge healthcare solutions that can make a difference in our lives. While it’s so typically Canadian not toot our own horn, its become abundantly clear that

Spa Diaries

Aufguss World Championships Each year, sauna masters from around the world gather to express their unique stories using aromatic infusions, music, lighting and costumes. This year’s competition at the Netherlands, Thermen Bussloo named Italy’s Michael Niedermair the winner. For those

HF Travels

Jupiter New York City Rinkside at the Rockefeller Centre, we find a boisterous uptown vibe as locals snuggle into upholstered booths and chat at the bar counter that surrounds the open kitchen. We’ve been sent here pre-theatre by friends of

How to catch a whale

It’s not as easy as it looks. Whales are big but the Saguenay River and St Lawrence are much bigger. Way bigger. So as novices, one needs to know where to “hunt” for them so to speak. The ferry chugging