Month: July 2026

 I Celebrate Canadian All Year Long

We just finished celebrating Canada Day and while the fireworks may be over, my appreciation for Canadian businesses continues year-round.

From home décor and design to food, skincare and travel, there are so many incredible Canadian companies creating products that are thoughtful, well-made and genuinely enjoyable to use.

Whenever possible, I try to support Canadian businesses throughout the year, and these are a few favourites that have earned a permanent place in my home and everyday life.

Brüst Cold Brew Latte

A great breakfast on the go that still feels like a bit of an indulgence.

Umbra

I’m obsessed with great design, so naturally I’ve accumulated quite a collection of Umbra products over the years. A few favourites include the Sticks Wall Hook, Prisma Picture Frame, Penguin Soap Pump, Zoola Bunny Ring Holder and Touch Trash Can.

Honey’s Ice Cream

The very best non-dairy ice cream I’ve come across. The cashew cream base gives it the thickness and texture you actually want in an ice cream cone.

David’s Tea

In my house it never went away, but it’s coming back in a big way! My seasonal fave is Just Peachy. It makes a fantastic iced bevvy.

Three Ships Beauty

Female-founded Canadian skincare? Yes please! I’ve been an avid user for years and if you haven’t tried it yet, their trial kit is a great place to start.

Hush Sheets

I’m often too hot when I’m sleeping and I know I’m not alone. I’ve been loving the cooling bamboo sheets from Hush.

Monos Luggage

When I’m packing for a trip, I want to get every last pound I can into my suitcase. That means finding luggage that’s lightweight without sacrificing quality. My Monos Check-In Large holds everything I need, handles cobblestone streets with ease and still keeps up with me.

Sève de Mars Maple Syrup

What could be more Canadian than maple syrup? This Quebec company takes it a step further with flavours like whiskey, rum and bourbon.

The Lemon Square

I ALWAYS get one of these treats when I go to the One of a Kind Show. The good news is they ship too. It’s lemony perfection.

Design matters to me. Quality matters to me. Supporting Canadian businesses matters to me.

Thankfully, there are plenty of companies creating products that check all three boxes.

The Difference Between Wanting a New Kitchen and Being Ready for One

Most people know when they want a new kitchen.

Usually it’s somewhere between the overflowing drawers, the lack of storage, the awkward layout or simply feeling tired of looking at the same space every day.

Being ready for a kitchen renovation is a little different.

After 20 years of designing kitchens, there are three things I want every homeowner to have in place before we begin:

1. You have your finances in order. A kitchen renovation is a significant investment. Having a realistic budget established from the beginning makes every decision easier and helps ensure we’re designing a kitchen that aligns with your goals.

2. You know what’s not working. You don’t need to have every design detail figured out, but you should have a clear sense of what you’d like to improve. More storage? Better flow? A larger island? Understanding the challenges helps me create solutions that actually make a difference in your daily life.

3. You’re ready for the disruption. I’ll be honest. Renovations aren’t glamorous while they’re happening. There will be dust, noise and a period where your kitchen is out of commission. My job is to guide you through the process and keep you informed every step of the way, but a little patience is part of the journey.

A little preparation goes a long way. If you’re starting to think about what’s next for your kitchen, I’d love to help you explore the possibilities.