Decorating & Design
March 8, 2021
These 6 Female-Founded Canadian Brands Are Changing Bedtime For The Better
Treat yourself to some luxurious linens and feather-soft sheets with these six female-founded Canadian brands defining the future of bedding.
“I aim to help people dress their homes the same way they do their wardrobe,” says founder Laura Nezri Chetrit. Based in Montreal and produced in Portugal, Maison Tess creates luxury stonewashed linens that are both socially responsible and stylish. Nature-inspired hues like Moss, Clay, Latté and Amber from The New Neutrals collection are all about finding comfort at home. “I realized that the home rapidly became one of those sacred places where one could be free and safe,” she says.
Founded by Vancouverites Oana Papuc, Anna Heyd and Vivian McCormick, this buzz-worthy company creates perfectly wrinkled French linen bedding in a variety of timeless colors, plus additional seasonal colors introduced twice a year. Their kitchen line, in collaboration with entrepreneur Jackie Kai Ellis and Apt La Fayette, which launched last year, continues to be a huge hit. “Our business is the intersection of our deep love of sleep, our shared passion for beautiful things and a thoughtful design aesthetic.”
With a background in textile design, Colombian-born Sheryn Saab made it her mission to make mornings better when she started Toronto-based bedding company envello. “We spend a third of our lives in bed, and yet so few of us give enough thought to where we lay our heads every night.” she says. “Given the impact that bedding and sleep can have on everything from our moods to energy level, it just can’t be overlooked.” Available in three fabrics (cotton percale, chambray and sateen) and a range of neutral and bright hues, envello’s products are ethically manufactured and come in recyclable packaging.
Founded in 1981 by Peggy Byron, Au Lit Fine Linens is a staple in the design world for a reason. “For me, it’s not just about selling bedding, it’s about changing the way people sleep,” says Peggy’s daughter Joanna Goodman, who has taken over the family business. There truly is something for everyone: from washed linen to trad embroidery and dreamy floral prints. “After a year of isolation and the recent popularity of gray across all home decor, we couldn’t be more excited to kick off spring with a palette of fresh, inspiring colors.”
Environmentally friendly stonewashed linen bedding made from flax that’s grown, woven and sewn in Western Europe, making it durable and breathable. Vancouver-based Janine Bouchard worked in apparel before launching Last Light, and calls herself a “textile nerd.” “I love timeless, natural colors that are inspired by the West Coast and will still look beautiful in 10 years,” says Janine.
Sustainable and luxurious GOTS-certified organic cotton bedding sourced from Quebec and made in Toronto. Everything from duvet covers to crib sheets are offered in three goes-with- everything hues — Snow, Slate and White Sand. Fun finishing touch: For bed-making ease, discreet labels mark the short and long sides of fitted sheets. “My inspiration comes from creating a sacred space for people to rest, recover and savor the ritual of bedtime,” says founder Nicole Bernstein.