Style at Home

Home Style - Style at Home

You've probably just finished reading about my latest love. And here's another one: I love this Reiko Kaneko Heart mug and think it would be a unique expression of affection this Valentine's Day.

Perhaps you've got a friend who's made the move into her first place, or perhaps you know someone who enjoys a daily cup of coffee or tea. (Uh, hello, isn't that all of us?) So why not give the gift of Reiko Kaneko this Valentine's Day? The design of their Heart mug is darling, and the cup is made in Stoke on Trent of real Bone China.

Above all else, this gift will show you've done some thinking, and it will leave the object of your affection thinking of you each time she uses her Heart mug!

Heart mug, about $24 (CDN), Reiko Kaneko

Home Style - Style at Home

Since my schedule's become somewhat hectic — I'm working full-time and now studying for a second undergrad — I'm learning to savour those short but sweet (and rare!) moments when things are quiet. One pastime that really allows me to slow down and soak in my surroundings is a cup of tea. I'm more a classic English Breakfast or Earl Grey fan; I'm not crazy over all the flavoured and herbal teas out there. And, I always always enjoy a cuppa in a delicate Bone China cup; I'm not a girl who can take it in a paper cup or to-go mug.

With that in mind, you can imagine the absolute thrill I experienced when I spotted this Reiko Kaneko Lip Tease tea cup on my girl Dallas Shaw's blog. Simple and sweet, the Lip Tease teacup by Reiko Kanedo is delicately rimmed in gold (or platinum), with a pretty pout artfully accenting the Bone China cup.

Besides the fact that they make absolutely adorable ceramics infused with Japanese character, what I'm loving about Reiko Kaneko is the fact that their ceramics are entirely produced in Stoke on Trent. This is important because an increasingly large portion of the ceramics industry is outsourced and now made in foreign countries that don't always have the same health and safety standards as our own. Reiko Kaneko creates current designs through traditional means. (It's a rare thing today, you know).

Not a lover of tea? Have no fear! The Lip Tease design is also available in a Bone China coffee cup. Love! What a thoughtful gift idea!

Lip Tease Teacup and Saucer in gold, about $45 (CDN), Reiko Kaneko

Home Style - Style at Home

Whist staying in Toronto recently for business, I had what I thought would be the privilege of staying at the exclusive Thompson Toronto. I was positively thrilled at the prospect of staying at the Thompson — having heard rave reviews from some admired colleagues in the industry — so I was positively flushed with excitement as I pulled up to valet. Located in one of Toronto's most multifaceted neighbourhoods (King West Village, hellooo), the Thompson is a vision in architecture. Dreamed into design by Studio Gaia, the architects behind Tao Las Vegas, the BondSt Restaurant, and Donovan House, the Thompson Toronto features a clean, glassy exterior (all 102 guest rooms boast floor-to-ceiling windows) and a brooding, mod-inspired interior.

Valet parking was reasonable; the attendants were extremely attentive, and check-in was smooth (although the maître d' was abrasive and arrogant at best). The first thing I noticed when the valet opened the door to my room (I stayed in the King Superior) was the dirty floor. Perhaps the dark engineered hardwood had something to do with it, or perhaps it was just dirty, but this was the first suggestion about how the rest of my stay should unravel. Admittedly, I was pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the bathroom, but let's face it, dirt is easily disguised on a white marble floor.

Besides the floor, the general layout of the room was appealing. A contemporary design, the King Superior room was streamlined and featured dark paneling juxtaposed with crisp white walls and mirrors. The marble bathroom with heated floors had pocket doors and was surprisingly spacious for the small, shoebox-sized room. Despite my disappointment with the unclean floor, all was well as I headed down to dinner.

Thompson Toronto is definitely a social hot-spot, and as such, it offers three distinctly different dining facilities to appeal to all tastes. There is The Counter (for those wishing to transport themselves to a classic diner and consume some serious comfort food), Scarpetta (which boasts Chef Scott Conant serving up some of Toronto's best Italian food) and Wabora (known mostly for its sushi, and for being one of the only restaurants in the city boasting a Robata grill). Given my love for comfort food, I ate at The Counter and indulged in their speciality deluxe mac and cheese and turkey burger with fries. Both dishes were delicious and did not disappoint. Later in the evening, after some exploring of the rooftop bar and pool, it was time to enjoy some conversation and a cocktail at the Lobby Bar. Mark my words, this was one of the only aspects of the Thompson that did not disappoint. Out of the entire hotel, the Lobby Bar of the Thompson is a hopping place. The living room where hotel guests and locals come to imbibe in style, Thompson's Lobby Bar has an ambiance that's unmatched. If only I could've spent the entire evening in the lobby, rather than heading back up to my room.

After a piping hot shower, I turned back the Sferra sheets on the bed, and was absolutely appalled to discover a hair. Disgusting, but possibly excused by the fact that the housekeepers who make the bed probably have hair and it was probably from one of them. Even more disgusting, though, were the holes in the linens. I don't care if a hotel has Italian sheets with a 1000 thread count; if the sheets have holes that's entirely unacceptable. Given my non-confrontational manner, I excused this in my mind, given the late hour and my exhaustion, and making a mental note that this would be only a one-time issue that I would mention upon check-out. And so my restless night began. Hearing every possible noise — both from inside and outside the hotel — and tossing and turning on Sferra sheets with holes, I woke up the next morning more exhausted than when I had first went to bed, and with a headache to boot.

The rooms leave much to be desired, but my stay at the Thompson Toronto was not a total loss. I did learn that the smart people limit their stay to the Lobby Bar and Scarpetta, which is precisely what I plan to do next visit.

For more information on the Thompson Toronto, or to book a stay of your own, visit Thompson Hotels

Home Style - Style at Home

Remember back in October when I asked you to help me choose the perfect chaise lounge? Well, ixnay the chaise lounge because my space isn't large enough to accommodate such a healthy piece of furniture. I'm back to the drawing board, this time searching out a smaller, more modest accent chair. I spent the weekend searching both online and in store, and so far these three chairs are still in the running.

• Madison Accent Chair ($439.99 for 2, Costco): This accent chair has a traditional shape with a contemporary twist. The nailhead trim and tufted back speak of the chair's quality, and the chenille fabric (which comes in either black and taupe damask or grey and blue damask) draws the eye in. The frame and the legs of this chair are done in birchwood, and that looks fantastic balanced with the plush, printed chenille. The bonus with this set from Costco is that while I'd use one chair in my bedroom now, having 2 makes for versatility in the future, as these chairs could be used in a sitting room or at either end of a long dining table.
• Emilia Zebra Accent Chair ($189.99, Costco): Talk about stylish! This zebra printed accent chair would certainly make a statement no matter where in the house it's located. The lines and shape of the chair are clean, allowing the zebra print to take the spotlight. I love the piping along the edges of the chair. A hardwood frame and walnut-finished wood legs make this a piece of furniture that you'll keep for ages.
• J R Home Collection Mircofibre Armless Accent Chair ($99, Home Depot): Shaped more like Costco's Emilia chair, this armless accent chair at Home Depot is the most affordable of the trio we've looked at today. While I'm not usually crazy over mircrofibre, I do love the way this simple chair is upholstered. With piping along every edge, and a matching lumbar cushion, this J R Home Collection chair will give you good value for your dollar (a bonus for those on a budget). Like the other two chairs from Costco, this accent chair features dark wood legs and a solid frame.