Celebrity Style
Olympic Champion Tessa Virtue Plays Favorites
Updated on July 31, 2024
Just one year after she and ice dancing partner Scott Moir won gold for Team Canada at the Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, Tessa Virtue isn’t slowing down. From recently wrapping up a cross-Canada skating tour to being the face of Nivea and AirMiles Shops, when the Olympic champion is home, she finds refuge in her favorite things. We recently sat down with our September cover star to break down her decorating essentials, entertaining must-haves and more! Scroll down to discover what Tessa’s loving right now.
“It’s a little bit old school, definitely classic, but with a modern edge,” says Tessa of her design aesthetic. After spending years carefully renovating her century home, she found a way to add plenty of contemporary elegance, while still staying true to the home’s character. Her inviting living room perfectly masters the mix.
Tessa coated almost every inch of the space in Benjamin Moore’s Revere Pewter (HC-172). Her formal dining room beautifully showcases the elegant hue with classic curved chairs, a French-inspired chandelier and a marble-topped hutch.
When Tessa’s not jetting off to an exotic destination or spending long hours training at the rink, taking a long bath in her serene master bathroom is her favorite way to unwind at home. A spacious freestanding soaker tub is a necessity.
“I get a lot of inspiration from France,” says Tessa. “There’s something about the culture and the lifestyle and the overall aesthetic.” In her enviable shoe closet, damask wallpaper pays homage to France’s old-world elegance.
When Tessa has friends and family over, there are only two things she needs: “A fully stocked bar and a good playlist,” she says. “I’m not good with cooking, so those are my necessities.” In her hardworking kitchen, nautical-inspired pendants and coffered ceilings prove that every detail counts.
In Tessa’s kitchen, wooden cutting boards are casually propped on her quartz kitchen counter, near her cookbooks. These olive wood planks capture a similarly relaxed, rustic display.
“I love that brass is back in,” says the Olympic gold medalist. “I’m just decorating a home office and it’ll be white with pale pink and brass accents.” Tessa is inspired by the warm metal’s retro ’60s vibe. These CB2 solid brass letter trays and desk accessories would look perfectly apropos on her desk.
“I’m the least tech-savvy of all time,” she says with a laugh. “Sometimes I feel really proud of myself when I connect my phone to my speaker to play music.” Tessa bought the UE Boom Bluetooth Speaker (shown here in a patriotic red hue) because Scott has one too, and now it’s a must-have every time she plays host.
A quiet night in for Tessa is not complete without a candle (or two) burning, and these Canadian-made vegan coconut wax candles are the perfect addition. Not only do they look amazing sitting next to your bath tub, but each smell reflects a different aspect of the country’s rustic landscape.
“I love thoughtful, unexpected gifts,” she says. “I think writing notes is really important, especially nowadays when it’s all digital and we’re sending emojis.” This floral stationery will instantly upgrade your desk and act as a reminder to send your loved one a hand-written letter.
Toronto’s culinary hotspot Aloette is one of Tessa’s new favorite restaurants. “It was amazing,” she says. “One of the best meals I’ve ever had.” The refined comfort food and elevated diner atmosphere make securing a table hard to land.
One place she always feels at home is at Hôtel Le Germain in Montreal. The boutique hotel is currently under renovation, but we see that the brand new interior (pictured above) — with glossy brass finishes, sumptuous curtains and a blush pink chair — will get Tessa’s stamp of approval.