A little festive decor can go a long way when it comes to conjuring the holiday spirit in your space. Hence, when shopping for trimmings, quality truly always trumps quantity. This year, amp up your decor with high-quality pieces so you’ll have it for years to come!

Head to these Toronto stores to deck the halls in style with unique decorations.

Canadian Tire

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Canadian Tire (@canadiantire)

It’s Christmas year-round at Canadian Tire as there’s a team that’s solely dedicated to designing Christmas decor literally 365 days a year. If you thought that Canadian Tire was simply the place to stock up on wiper fluid and get your tires rotated, then think again because it’s filled with not only beautiful holiday decor, appliances, outdoor furniture, kitchen essentials, and much more.

West Elm

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by West Elm Canada | Furniture (@westelmcanada)

The modern, design-forward branch of Williams Sonoma turns into a one-stop-shop for holiday decor around this time of year. You can find basically everything you need to add sparkle to your tabletop and bar cart (entertainers, a walk around West Elm in December is mandatory even just for inspo), mantel, front door, and beyond. You’ll also be able to cross a few names off your list if you’re shopping for gifts. 

DeSerres

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DeSerres (@deserres)

This art supplies and hobbies store wants you to ‘create your own holidays’ and offers everything you and your family need to do it. Shop paper and wood ornaments, garlands, DIY mantel-pieces, advent calendars, and a solid selection of seasonal lighting. If you need to keep kids busy over the holidays, DeSerres can certainly help. 

Midoco 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Midoco Art & Office Supplies (@midocotoronto)

Midoco is known for its stationery and art supplies, but the store also stocks some quirky holiday gifts, decor, cards, and wrapping paper come the festive season. If you’re hosting kids over the holidays, or just want to add some whimsy to your table setting, shop the creative decor and party favours here. 

Michaels

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Michaels Stores (@michaelsstores)

This beloved craft supply emporium offers indoor and outdoor decor for all holidays, as well as Christmas trimmings like wrapping paper, cards, and stocking stuffers. The holidays are prime time for Michaels – come early on a weekday morning if you can and avoid the crowds. 

Spruce

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Spruce: Home & Lifestyle Goods (@sprucetoronto)

Come to Spruce to invest in a few key items to create that ambiance of hygge, the quality that makes your space feel cozy. It’s all about uniquely curated home goods here, so if you’re wanting some sculptural candlesticks, festively painted plates, wooden advent calendars, or the like, you’ll definitely cherish whatever it is that you buy here. 

Indigo

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Indigo (@indigo)

Indigo brings out an inventive, elegant selection of holiday decor from coasters, glassware, and spice mixes, to candelabras and art prints right. The merch here is perfect enough to find nice host gifts for whoever you may need one for, but also artful enough to offer some beautiful gems you’ll continue to bring out year after year. 

CB2

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by cb2canada (@cb2canada)

Leave it to CB2 to stock holiday decorations that fits in perfectly in your chic condo. Expect to shop items like wreaths, trees, mantle sets, and entertaining provisions that are hip, modern, and offbeat enough to be noticed by your guests in a good way, of course.

IQ Living

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by iQliving (@iq_living)

Find all the functional accessories you need to make the season bright at iQ Living on the Danforth. Whether you’re after entertaining supplies, bakeware, barware, stemware, stocking stuffers, or gifts, it’s all here.

Blue Banana Market

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Blue Banana Market (@bluebananamarket)

If you’re looking to get in the spirit, come to Blue Banana Market in Kensington Market. This lofty space pulls together handmade holiday decorations, one-of-a-kind gifts, and curio from over 200 artists and makers. There’s a ton to explore here and it’s like an elevated flea market, but a lot more whimsical. 

Brika

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BRIKA (@shopbrika)

Shop unique holiday decorations, handmade gifts, and homewares like coasters, trays, and cushions and throw blankets are all made with a lot of love at Brika. Market founders and owners Jen and Kena have combed through the city’s finest so you don’t have to. 

Articles You May Be Interested In:
11 Toronto Holiday Markets To Visit This Season
IKEA Is Hosting Swedish-Style Christmas Buffets Across Canada
6 Places To Buy Unique Engagement Rings In Toronto
12 Of The Best Holiday Beauty Gift Sets To Buy
Here’s How You Can Get Into The Toronto Christmas Market For Free This Year

Been meaning to decorate your patio since the start of summer? There’s no time like the present to take on the task. Put in the work now so you can enjoy the last of the summer’s rays and those cool, breezy evenings while you still can! You can outfit your space with unique patio furniture with the help of these Toronto stores, so you don’t have to go very far, either.

Wickerpark

Here are the best stores to hit up to get unique patio furniture in Toronto!

WickerPark® Patio Furniture Store

Outdoor couch with coffee table and end table on a deck
Courtesy of WickerPark® Patio Furniture Store

WickerPark® Patio Furniture Store is a Toronto & Mississauga business that offers quality patio furniture, at an affordable price. Using the best in market materials like Rust Proof Powder Coated Aluminum Frames, Polyethylene All Weather Wicker, High-Density Quick Dry Foam, Cushions & Pillows with High-Grade Piping and Zippers, everything is made using industry-leading Sunbrella Fabric.

WickerPark® makes their furniture locally allowing them to offer over 500+ Sunbrella Fabric options, and a promise to support the local economy, and made with love in Canada! WickerPark® also boasts a 3-5 business day turnaround on 19 Sunbrella Fabric options.

In summary, you can feel good about supporting the local economy and shop products made of the highest grade materials. All of this at mid-market pricing, with most sectionals offered under $2,000. Check out www.wickerpark.ca.

West Elm 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by West Elm Canada | Furniture (@westelmcanada)

The Brooklyn-born chain, West Elm, has two locations in Toronto, Liberty Village, and midtown near Yonge and Eglinton, and it’s where modern design meets functionality. The selection of outdoor furniture here suits families in the GTA who have big backyards (think: dining tables, bench sets, sleek sofas, and 3-piece sectionals), but also caters to tiny condo balconies, with tinier set options. If you’re into boho-chic and fair trade is important to you, West Elm will have what you need. 

CB2

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by cb2canada (@cb2canada)

The Crate and Barrel sister store, CB2,  stocks trendy, modern pieces for style-forward, young-at-heart folks. If you’re in search of some artistic statement pieces to decorate your condo balcony, start here — even if it’s just for inspiration. CB2 is filled with items inspired by high-end luxury travel stays and wellness trends du jour (onyx salad bowl, anyone?) Fire up your patio season hopes and dreams with a stroll around the Queen West outpost.  

Style Garage 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Stylegarage (@stylegarage)

Style Garage designs and builds timeless furniture with locally sourced, sustainable materials. The two-story, 8,400-square-foot showroom on Ossington has an expertly curated selection of outdoor tables, lounge chairs, chaises, and benches. This furniture is built to be timeless, but if you like a hint of retro-chic, you’ll like what you find here. Shop the store’s offerings, or get a custom piece made to order. 

Fresh Home and Garden

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fresh Home and Garden (@freshhomegarden)

If you want really want selection, start your mission at Fresh Home and Garden’s Distillery District store on Eastern Avenue. This is a 1,860-square-foot home and garden furniture emporium which brings together offerings from high-end furniture brands from all around the world. Known for being ‘the most comprehensive collection of luxury outdoor furniture in North America,’ you’ll want to set aside some time so you can browse everything. You’ll find all manners of outdoor dining, seating, and accessories, here. 

Inside Out Patio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by InsideOut Patio (@insideoutpatio)

This Canadian company has six locations in the GTA and it’s really a one-stop shop for any and all of your patio needs. Choose your perfect set-up from a selection of hardy outdoor sectionals, lounge chairs, and dining sets in various materials in sizes to suit your backyard or condo balcony. Also, shop outdoor living supplies like grills, fire bowls, and accent or landscape lighting, if that’s on your list. To start and finish the job, come to Inside out Patio.  

DOT-Furniture

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by DOT Furniture (@dot_furniture)

This company is the self-proclaimed ‘patio expert,’ so you can be sure your porch and patio will be in good hands here. Reputation is king for DOT, which began as a small hardware store in Oakville and has grown to 22 stores in southern Ontario. DOT’s stock of outdoor furnishings spans solutions for homeowners with families to accommodate, to singles wanting to make the most of a small space, and budget. If you have no idea where to start, bring all your questions here. 

Jardin Deville

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jardindeville1956 (@jardindeville1956)

If you’ve been dreaming of turning your outdoor space into a Scandinavian-style spa set-up complete with parasols, pavilions, and elegant lounge chairs, Jardin Deville can make your dream a reality. Really, just a walk through the showroom on Sherbourne St. could be dangerous. Come after payday and splurge on one or two stunning, built-to-last statement pieces here and invest in your space.  

Articles You May Be Interested In:
8 IKEA Shopping Secrets To Know The Next Time You Shop
10 Stores To Shop For Trendy And Affordable Furniture In Toronto
6 Of Toronto’s Best Cocktail Supply Stores For At-Home Connoisseurs
10 Of The Best Toronto-Based Etsy Shops For Home Goods
10 Cozy Home Items You Can Buy From Indigo Under $40

Every once in a while a room in your home will need an update. Your bathroom is one of the most important rooms in your house, and it’s a room that your guests are very likely to visit. Basically, we all want to feel satisfied with the appearance of our bathrooms and want it to feel put-together as well as welcoming. If you’re looking for a bathroom update and don’t have the time or money to do a complete renovation, don’t worry, you have options.

There are so many things you can do to your bathroom to update it without having to actually totally gut it. Sometimes a fresh bathroom update can be all in the little things you can buy to spice it up. We all have different sized bathrooms, and these products all would work in any sized bathroom to give it the update it needs!

Articles You May Be Interested In:
I Updated My Kitchen For $50 At Dollarama, Here’s What It Looks Like
10 Of The Best Selling Homewares On Amazon To Buy
16 Holiday Gift Ideas We Found At WINNERS, HomeSense & Marshalls At Heartland Town Centre
6 Essential Kitchen Appliances That Are Worth The Counter Space
The Ultimate 2019 Holiday Gift Guide

Summertime is in full swing in Toronto, which means it’s time to revamp your outdoor space and make it your own. Spruce up your balcony or backyard for sunset cocktails and mid-summer dinner parties. If you’re looking for cute accessories, furniture pieces, lighting, planters and more, these are the top ten spots to check out:

1. Homesense

A post shared by HomeSense (@homesensecanada) on

2. West Elm

A post shared by west elm (@westelm) on

3. Ikea

A post shared by IKEA Canada (@ikeacanada) on

4. Winners

A post shared by WINNERS (@winners) on

5. CB2

A post shared by CB2 (@cb2) on

6. Canvas (Canadian Tire)

A post shared by Tracy Platt (@louloujamescreative) on

7. Lowe’s

A post shared by @lowes_canada on

8. The Brick

A post shared by The Brick (@brickwarehouse) on

9. Hauser

A post shared by Hauser (@hauserfurniture) on

10. Ebay.ca

A post shared by eBay Canada (@ebaycanada) on

Featured Image: Instagram/@homesensecanada

Where do you shop for your patio furniture? Let us know in the comments.

Posts you might be interested in:

10 Things Every HomeSense Shopper Needs To Know
Where To Shop For Affordable And Trendy Furniture In Toronto
Canadian Shopping Websites You Should Know
7 Super Affordable Ways To Give Old Furniture New Life
10 Things Every Canadian Tire Shopper Needs To Know

With sky-high rents and living expenses in the city, making your house a home isn’t always easy — and making over an entire space at once isn’t always financially feasible.

When it came to redecorating my place — which, thanks to limited windows and poor lighting, felt small, dark and dreary — I decided to take a slow and steady approach. Instead of splurging on big ticket items like a couch, TV stand and a coffee table all at once, I patiently waited for steals on my ‘dream’ pieces to build my perfect living quarters.

With that being said, it’s important to remember that if you’re redecorating a place on a budget, not everything needs to be shiny and new. By taking advantage of Facebook groups like Bunz Home Decor Trading Zone and my neighbourhood buy and sell, I was able to purchase normally pricey pieces for less than retail. You can also find different steals and deals on decor and more at retailers across the city (re: our top 10 favourite places for affordable and trendy furniture).

Here are 6 items that I chose to save on:

Decor: These items are easy to save on and you can collect them along your home decor journey. I purchased decorative little trinkets like clocks, lanterns and more from IKEA, and paired them with old magazines and souvenirs from my travels like posters and other knick knacks.

Bed Frame & Headboard: Instead of buying a fancy bed frame, I purchased a basic steel one for about $80. While I bought mine new, you can find used ones for less on sites like Kijiji and Craigslist. To jazz up an otherwise boring bed setup, I created my own simple headboard using these DIY instructions, though Pinterest has tons of DIY inspiration that’ll save you a couple of bucks.

Textiles: When it comes to bed sheets, cushion covers, and decorative throws, it’s best to save. I was able to find the softest sheet set (which included 1 flat sheet, 4 pillow cases and 1 fitted sheet) on Amazon.ca for just $38, and a duvet set (which included 1 duvet cover and 2 pillow cases) at H&M Home for $39.99.

If you’re looking for a simple way to switch up your living room’s look, try swapping out your cushion covers. H&M Home has a variety of covers in different sizes, textures and designs. I purchased velvet covers for just $12.99 each, and H&M’s selection is all priced at $49.99 and less.

Faux fur throws add texture and luxe to otherwise boring spaces — I like to use them on chairs, my couch, and even my bed. These faux fur throws are a great find, and you can typically score them at Marshalls, Winners and HomeSense for between $29.99 and $39.99.

Couch and seating: While some say a couch is worth the splurge, I say save on this piece of furniture — especially if you aren’t living in your forever home, yet. I was lucky enough to inherit my couch from my partner’s parents, but I often see deals in my neighbourhood’s Facebook buy and sell group from condo dwellers who are moving constantly. Just be sure to check the couch for flaws (and dreaded bed bugs) before you hand over the cash, and that you have affordable means to transport it. Because the space is small, I opted for two Eiffel chairs instead of a loveseat sofa. The chairs, which are reminiscent of Eames, were just $49 each from Structube. Along with Structube, retailers like IKEA and Small Space Plus are good spots to scope out for affordable apartment-friendly furniture on offer.

Coffee Tables: After much deliberation, I decided to wait for a good deal to pop-up before I replaced my basic IKEA coffee table. I was lucky enough to score a major deal on these West Elm marble coffee tables (which regularly retail for $279) for just $40 each from a Facebook friend who was looking to move them quickly. Facebook friends and buy and sell groups are treasure troves for home buys — you just have to keep your eyes open.

Rug: While you could opt to spend $300+ on a rug for your space, I chose to save on mine. For just $200, I was able to find a faux cowhide rug at HomeSense that really warmed up the place — but other than the price, what I especially love about my synthetic rug is that though the colour is light, it is almost indestructible. Mud, spaghetti sauce and red wine have all come off with ease.

Depending on the style you’re looking for, places like HomeSense, Marshalls, Winners, IKEA, and even Walmart and Costco have deals for under the $300 mark.

Here are 5 items that I chose to splurge on:

Light Fixtures: Another way to instantly change the vibe of a room is to purchase new light fixtures. But with that being said, finding cheap light fixtures isn’t always easy, which is why I chose to splurge at Home Depot, where light fixtures average between $100 and $600.

TV Stand: To match my clean white theme, I decided to splurge on a brand new TV stand. Sticking to lower budget, I was able to score this one from IKEA for $249, which is well worth the price — my last IKEA media stand lasted me 7 years, and has since been passed down to a friend. Again, if you’re looking to save on this purchase, keep an eye on Facebook buy and sell groups, and resale websites like Kijiji and Craigslist.

Mattress and Pillow: I once heard that you should always pay good money for anything that keeps you separated from the ground, including shoes and mattresses, and I’ve lived by that rule ever since. A good sleep is essential for quality life, and for something that you spend 8 hours (more or less — we’re not judging) on, a splurge is well worth it. Casper was a natural go-to for me; I live in a tight space and manoeuvring a mattress in full form would not have been pretty. Luckily, the mattress is delivered straight to your home within days of ordering, vacuum sealed in a neat package. While the company (which was voted one of the best inventions of 2015) offers 100 days to test and try, I won’t be returning the mattress ($1075 for a full) anytime soon. Built with memory foam and a springy top layer, the mattress is soft, yet firm at the same time. Add on two pillows, which in my opinion are worth the $80 price tag, and you’ll be a regular sleeping beauty.

Dresser & Night Stand Table: With limited closet space, purchasing a dresser and night stand table was a must for my apartment. While I say I splurged on these items, neither broke the bank. I went to the trustiest source for affordable furniture: IKEA. My basic dresser was $119 and my night stand was just $69.99, but once more, you can find these items for much less by purchasing second hand.

Diffuser: I am absolutely obsessed with my Sage Wellness diffuser, which enhances the atmosphere with relaxing scent and acts as accent decor. At about $110 for the actual diffuser and $44 for a set of scents, it’s a bit of a splurge, but well worth it. Alternatively, you can find cheaper diffusers at stores like HomeSense, Winners and Marshalls.

What other items should you splurge and save on in your home? Sound off in the comment section.

Posts you might be Interested in:
Where to Shop for Affordable and Trendy Furniture in Toronto
30 Nights with Casper, Getting the Best Sleep with the Best Mattress
This is the Best Time of Year to Buy Almost Anything
7 Super Affordable Ways to Give Old Furniture New Life
IKEA Has Released a Furniture Collection For Your Furry BFF

Popular furniture and home goods store West Elm will be opening it’s second Toronto store, and it’s moving uptown! The new West Elm location will be housed in 2434 Yonge Street (formerly Restoration hardware) and will span an impressive 16,295 sq ft.

The new store is expected to bring approximately 30 jobs to Midtown Toronto and support seven
Toronto-based makers and designers, offering customers an array of locally made products alongside
the brand’s spring assortment of home furnishings and décor.

West Elm North Toronto will offer their standard collections as well as Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s cross-brand design consultation program Design Crew, which pairs customers with experts who can provide design and installation services.

The new Midtown location comes three months after the launch of parent company Williams-Sonoma, Inc.’s e-commerce websites in Canada. “Through the success of our first Toronto location and launch of WestElm.ca, we recognize the Canadian
market’s enthusiasm for our unique assortment of modern and affordable products,” said West Elm President Alex Bellos. “We are excited to bring the West Elm experience to a new community in Toronto and help more customers express their personal style at home through our inspiring visual displays and expert design services.”

If you are around the Yonge Eglinton area and want to check it out, West Elm invites the local community to join their new North Toronto store team for a grand opening celebration with special opening weekend promotions, music, cocktails and light bites on Wednesday, February 14 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will benefit the local non-profit Design Exchange, a museum dedicated to making design more accessible through experiences and
education. To RSVP, please visit westelmtoronto.splashthat.com.

If you can’t make it tonight, Tomorrow,   On Thursday, February 15, the first 300 shoppers with a $50 minimum purchase will receive a limited edition West Elm North Toronto tote bag.

 

By now, you’ve probably heard about the mattress company that’s turning the industry on its head. The company was named one of the top inventions by TIME and one of Fast Company’s most innovative companies in the world. Since launching in 2014, they have sold over $100 million in mattresses across North America.

It’s safe to say that Casper has simplified the way we buy mattresses by delivering them in a neat little package straight to our homes. Say goodbye to struggling to get too-big mattresses into our bedrooms and hello to cushy memory foam-latex beds. Oh, and did we mention they’ve got some major celebrity clout, too? Casper is backed by Leonardo DiCaprio, Ashton Kutcher, Adam Levine and Tobey Maguire.

And while the purchasing process for Casper mattresses is already pretty simple, especially with a 100-day full-money back return policy, the good people at Casper are giving hesitant Torontonians the opportunity to test the mattresses out IRL.

casper

Inside West Elm Liberty Village (Image: Amanda Phuong)

They’ve recently partnered with West Elm in Liberty Village to sell their mattresses in-store, a first in Canada for Casper. The mattresses are available in sizes twin ($725) to California king ($1275), and mattress foundations will soon be available in-store as well. The cash-and-carry concept has been available in West Elm stores across America since last summer and has seen major success.

Online, alongside the mattresses, Casper also sells a line of dog beds, sheets, and pillows.

If you haven’t had the chance to check out a Casper mattress yet, head to the West Elm in Liberty Village to check them out or book a bed at the Thompson Hotel for Casper’s sleep-in JUNOS viewing party, complete with complimentary drinks and apps! Reserve your bed here.

Have you tried Casper yet? What do you think? Let us know in the comment section below.

Featured Image: Instagram/@Casper

Posts you may be Interested in: 
30 Nights with Casper, Getting the Best Sleep with the Best Mattress
Need a Nap? Snooze Rooms are Popping up All over Toronto
Sears in Hot Water Again, Retailer Faces Lawsuit for Copying Sleep Country’s Marketing
IKEA Wants People to Shop Having Sleepovers in their Storees 
The Best Places to Shop for Cheap Home Furnishings in Toronto

In the mood for a little weekend shopping? As always, we’ve got you covered! We’ve rounded up the most noteworthy sales happening online and around the city of Toronto.

West Elm 

West Elm is expensive but you can’t deny they’ve got some good stuff. Luckily, their sales make the prices a little more bearable! Right now, the home retailer is taking 20-30% off for their Mega Stockroom Sale. Shop sofas, chairs, home decor and more for a discount in-stores and online. Check out the sale here.

Vitaly

Modern gents will want to check out the Vitaly Sample Sale happening this weekend, Friday, March 3rd to Sunday, March 5th. Located at the Vitaly Compound at 505 Queen St. West, stop by the sale to shop unreleased samples and huge discounts. Quantities are limited so get there early! Get full sale details here.

Shopbop

A little incentive to spend more never hurt nobody! Okay, well actually maybe our wallets but let’s not think about it. Shopbop is hosting spend more, save more sale on their website right now. Whether you’re shopping full-price or sale, spend $200+ and get 15% off, spend $500+ and get 20% off, spend $800+ and get 25% off. Treat yo’self to a little designer and check out the sale here.

Banana Republic

Just ’cause you’re at work doesn’t mean you have to dress boring. Step up your workwear game and shop Banana Republic’s current sale. They are taking up to 40% off pants, shirts, sweaters, and dresses for men and women. Plus, there’s free shipping on all orders $50+. Check out the sale here.

Le Chateau

If you’re looking for a major deal, you’ve come to the right place. The Le Chateau Outlet is always on sale and they always have great deals. Right now, everything is up to 70% off with shirts for women starting at just $10 and footwear for women starting at just $20. And fellas, don’t worry. They’ve got you covered, too. Prices for men start at just $20 and that’s including denim.

Toronto Vintage Clothing Show

For one weekend only, shop all things vintage! All of your favourite eras will be represented and if you’re looking for a designer bag, this could be the place to score. The Toronto Vintage Show has everything from streetwear to Chanel. Get full details about the sale here.

Did we miss any of the best sales happening this weekend? Share them with us in the comment section.

Featured Image: Instagram/@VitalyDesign

Posts you May be Interested In: 
CONTEST: Win 1 of 10 Tickets to the One of a Kind Show Spring 2017
Coming Soon: The Frank + Oak Warehouse Sale Toronto
This is the BEST Online Shopping Hack
10 Free Events in Toronto and the GTA this March 2017
Top 12 Places to Shop Online and Offline for Plus-Size Clothes