Top 5 small appliance trends

Last week, I wrote about pulling out my blender again (now that I know cleaning it won't be a hassle!), and this week I'm thinking about the other handy appliances that help me out in the kitchen. After all, how would I make salsa without my food processor? And, of course, my day wouldn't even be able to start without my kettle!

As for what I should be adding to my counter's roster, Hamilton Beach has released their top five small appliance trends for 2010:

1. Individual portion sizes - meaning you can tailor the ingredients and flavour for each guest.Their example is a single-serve ice cream maker - how yummy would it be to finish off your picnic with custom cones?

2. Dual purpose appliances - think of all the counter space you could save if your blender also doubled as a food chopper, like Hamilton Beach's Smooth Wave Blender with Food Chopper (shown)?

3. On-the-go convenience - coffee makers that can brew two flavours at once, straight into your travel mug? Sounds like a few minutes shaved off your morning routine!

4. Pro looks - home cooks are becoming increasingly keen on tools that look like they belong to our favourite celebrity chefs - and have the power to whip up their recipes (read the full story).

5. Homemade and healthy meals - appliances that allow the health-conscious among us to control the portions and ingredients that go into our food.

Is the economy changing the way we decorate?

While the recession has been declared over, there's still a whole lotta doom and gloom out there. On a large scale, this means many of us are still holding tight to our wallets and maybe delaying some major purchases, but, according to a study by CIL Paints, all that financial turmoil has also been influencing our colour choices.

"Our research found that in good economic times, people tend to favour brighter colours, while in difficult economies, more somber hues like white, beige and grey are the preferred choice," says Jennifer Jones, the brand's marketing communications manager, in a release. Neutrals are often considered a "safe" choice, because they're easy to mix and match - which gives budget-conscious decorators some reassurance that they've invested in something that can last. 

And CIL says their top selling colours this year have been neutral tones, like off-whites, sandy shades and muted greys.

But, Jones says she sees more colour in the future: “Heading into the year 2000, for example, neutrals were predominant in home decor, yet when the fear and uncertainty surrounding the new millennium faded, more vibrant colours began to reappear in homes.”

I'm not so sure if the link between the economy and our colour choices is so concrete. I was a huge fan of purple long before it became trendy (as evidenced by my purple wedding), and have always loved palettes of moody greys and greens, regardless of how well the stock market is doing. What do you think?

Poll results: Bringing baby to the condo?

While more condo developments are offering larger units and other child-friendly perks to try to attract families, only about a third (29 per cent) of Yourhome voters in last week's poll say they'd raise their kids in a condo.

More than half, at 54 per cent, said they wouldn't move baby into a highrise unit, while 13 per cent were on the fence. The remaining four per cent said they didn't know.

There are many perks to a highrise lifestyle, including the ability to be closer to green space, parks and other kid-friendly amenities (sometimes even in the same building) than you may otherwise be able to afford and a low-maintenance lifestyle that means less time doing yardwork and more time playing with the kids. But, it's also quite different from the homes with fences and yards where many of us grew up!

For this week's poll, we're looking at the recent positive news in the market. Multiple offers, competition and sales over asking seem to be coming back (check out What they Got for some recent transactions) after a slow winter, begging the question: Are we returning to a seller's market? Weigh in on the front page, and check back next week for the results.

For some weekend inspiration, check out Colin and Justin's retro-inspired living room transformation, Debbie Travis' blue boy's bedroom and Vicky's tips for choosing drapes!

Poll results: Luxury or space?

Last week, I asked whether you'd rather put your dollars towards luxury or square footage when looking for a new home or condo. (Catch up by reading the story about the trend towards luxury.) And, turns out, Yourhomers are a pretty luxe lot!

The majority, at 49 per cent, said they'd prefer extras such as luxe decor, granite countertops, spa finishes and concierge service over space.

Space was a pretty close second, however, with 44 per cent opting to spend their house money on soaring ceilings, grand rooms and spacious living spaces. The remaining seven per cent said they didn't know what they'd prefer.

Personally, with my current lifestyle I'm all about space. While I adore posh looking spaces and luxe finishes, I really require a space to spread out, relax and work without tripping over Mr. Speedy.

This week, we're looking at another condo trend: family-friendly highrises. With more condo developers offering kid-ready finishes, green spaces and larger units, would you raise your kids in a highrise unit? (Or are you already doing so?) Vote on the front page.

And, for some more Saturday morning reading, check out Colin and Justin's gorgeous green basement transformation, Vicky's picks for stylish solar lighting and a look at whether the housing industry is currently punching above its weight class.

POLL: Has the market hit bottom?

With recent signs of life in Toronto's housing market, including quick sales and studies citing greater affordability, it seemed like a great time to ask Yourhomers if they thought the market has hit bottom — and the majority say no!

More than half, at 55 per cent, of voters said the market will continue to slide. Just under a third, at 28 per cent, said we've hit bottom while 11 per cent say the worst might be over. The remaining six per cent said they didn't know.

Personally, I have no idea whether we've hit bottom and are recovering or if the market is merely having a bit of a spring thaw. Either way, it seemed like a good time for Mr. Speedy and I to buy!

This week's poll continues on the idea of buying a home, looking at a recent trend of people trading in large homes for teensy luxury condos — with astounding price tags. Would you rather put your dollars towards square footage or amenities? Vote on the front page and let me know!

And, for some more Saturday reading, check out the fabulous wallpaper in Colin and Justin's bedroom makeover, get some eco-friendly product inspiration and learn the basics of green gardening (after all, with this weekend's forecast, isn't it the perfect time to putter in your home plot?)

It's Metro Home Show day!

While I am planning on relaxing a little bit this weekend and spending some quality time with family and friends, my main objective for this stat holiday is hitting up the Metro Home Show this afternoon!

I've already blogged about how excited I am to check out the Sony Spaces, styled by Cheryl Tourreneuva (who you may have seen with Colin and Justin on Home Heist) and start storing up some techno-chic inspiration for when Mr. Speedy and I get our dream home (stay tuned for more on that post long weekend).

I'm also pretty stoked to check out the displays by local retailers in the show's CITY BLOX section. Especially in the winter, I tend to stick pretty close to home, which means that I'm missing out on all the trendy shops around the city! As a result, I like the idea of hitting a handful of them all in one place, including the fab source for pillows Kush Home and the eco-friendly Raku Living.

Hopefully I'll be reporting back to you next week with loads of trendy, stylish and/or quirky finds!

The show runs today (April 10) through Sunday.

Is jade hotter than mimosa?

Pantone, the U.S. colour authority, has chosen sunny yellow mimosa as the hottest hue for 2009, spanning the worlds of fashion and home decor.

That said, I don't know if I'd paint a whole wall in that shade — maybe in a kitchen — but the accessories are pretty fab. This optimistic colour is supposed to help lift our moods during these trying economic times.

Meanwhile, CIL Paints has chosen a more earthy hue for Canadian walls: jade green — as shown in the brand's Opal Silk, right — is its choice for 2009's favourite shade.

Why green? CIL says it's intended to help soothe and energize Canadians, as well as reflect a return to nature in light of the ever-growing eco-friendly movement. The brand also says that jade “promotes an atmosphere of healing and optimism.”

CIL recommends pairing jade and tea green, which are expected to be picked up as both main and accent tones, with organic shades such as muted aquas and taupes, warm hues like plum and pink, and saturated shades like coral, grapefruit and kiwi. 

When I redecorate this spring, I think I may opt for jade accents for my bedroom and office, and sunny mimosa for the kitchen and living spaces!

What's your choice for 2009's hottest hue? How do you plan to incorporate it into your home decor?

Realtors get innovative

It seems like I'm posting a doom and gloom real estate market story almost every day. From news that the real estate boom is over to the roof caving in on housing starts, the depressing bits can get kind of overwhelming.

But, the good news is that tough times force people to innovate. And, according to a story in today's Globe, realtors are using social media to take home buying and selling to a new level.

From Twitter (you can follow me here) to Facebook, blogs, Kijiji and Craigslist, realtors are capitalizing on social networks to attract new buyers and sellers without all the traditional costs of printing cards and flyers.

I've certainly noticed this. My Twitter feed is full of realtors and interior designers, many who offer a mix of the personal and the professional in their tweets.

I've even been communicating regularly with two realtors through Twitter's direct messaging, asking questions and getting information for upcoming articles and personal use.

For consumers like me, this is a real boon. You're no longer constrained by trying to get that phone call in while they're still at the office, or stuck missing a call because you're trapped on the subway. You can send out a question on Twitter or Facebook and wait to see who replies at any time of day. You can reply to emails at midnight when you can't sleep, and sometimes you'll even get your answer back within minutes.

What do you think of this emerging real estate model? Do you think it will continue when the market rebounds?

And, for all you Friday afternoon procrastinators, read up on the latest news in Yourhome.ca's real estate section and catch up on Room for Improvement's office overhaul.

More IDS eye candy

There was so much to see and do at the Interior Design Show that I'm still sifting through photos and remembering cute, sparkly and stylish details!

For starters, I loved the display of colourful chairs by Casalife.

While the photo doesn't really do it justice, the pops of pink and orange really stood out among the mostly clad in black visitors, including yours truly.

Casalife also showcased an amazing glossy black dining table, which extended using a cloverleaf mechanism rather than that awful process of pulling the table apart and trying to wedge the new bit in.

Another amazing piece is this stunning "dripping wax"  chandelier,  which I believe is available at Industrial Storm.

Available in black and white, it would add a great pop of drama to any room.

I imagine it in a very luxe dressing room, surrounded by clean lines, glossy monochromatic colours and a stunning shoe collection.

It would also be great hanging over a large dining room table.

And Ma Zone was added to my must-go shopping list with their stunning display of goods in black and purple.

Of course, thanks to this colour combo, their booth had my attention instantly, and the superb glass pieces held it. 

I particularly loved the purple martini glasses, and may soon be stocking my cupboards with a set.

Almost makes me want glass front kitchen cabinets!

I've still got a few more tidbits to share from the show, including highlights from StyleGarage/Gus*, some amazing glass wall art by an artist whose name I must find and a few more snaps here and there. Stay tuned!

And, just in case you haven't already gotten your IDS fix, you can catch up by checking out:

IDS a feast for the eyes
IDS highlight: AM Studio
Me and Karim Rashid
IDS offers inspiration
Swarovski adds sparkle
IDS excitement
Great design, eh?

Interior Design Show highlight: AM Studio

I'm still sifting through my photos from the Interior Design Show and will be sharing my favourites (and the ones that are the least crooked/fuzzy) all week. First up is Toronto-based AM Studio's gorgeous light fixtures.

The studio offers hand-made and customizable light fixtures and glass products.

I was drawn to their booth initially by the pendant fixture pictured at right.

I'd love to see this piece hanging over my kitchen table or in another spot where Mr. Speedy would be unlikely to bash his head on it.

It's simple enough to fit into most decor styles, and has enough of a twist from the traditional to suit my style.  

The booth showcased a lot of stunning pieces, including the sparkly showstopper in the second photo.

This chandelier makes me daydream about glamorous cocktail parties, little black dresses and martinis with a twist.

The second piece, with the coloured glass (my apologies that it's a little fuzzy, I'm an amateur photog working in limited lighting) would be a total stunner over a family dining table or in a kitchen or entryway with a high ceiling.

I'll add more photos throughout the week, so stay tuned. In the meantime, check out what I had to say about opening night at IDS here.