Prepare to be amazed by landscape architect Ron Holbrook's lush makeover of a downtown backyard, which includes an all-weather Asian-inspired loggia, an outdoor kitchen and a sleek dining area that's perfect for alfresco lounging and entertaining. In the loggia, sectional seating surrounds an outdoor fireplace, with wood shutters to keep the elements out year-round. Quality finishes like Brazilian ipe wood, smooth Corian and Algonquin limestone lend a contemporary and timeless style to the kitchen and dining areas, while a garden full of peonies, hydrangeas, delphiniums and phlox adds colour. Find out why you must read H&H style editor Michael Penney's three all-time favourite design and decorating books: Martha Stewart's Gardening, Thomas O'Brien's American Modern and House Beautiful's Colors For Your Home. Plus, food editor Amy Rosen joins Toronto's "queen of cakes", Dufflet Rosenberg, as she demonstrates a recipe for strawberry almond cake.

Michael Penney's Favourite Books