Decorating & Design
August 26, 2020
Vote For H&H’s 2020 Home Of The Year!
In 2020, we featured a range of homes from coast-to-coast (and as far away as Bali), and now we want to know your favorite. Whether it was a designer’s chic pied-à-terre in New York City, an alpine getaway in the mountains of Whistler, an idyllic Quebec cottage or a historic seaside house in Nova Scotia, these homes received the most letters and attention from our readers. But it’s your turn to weigh in for your top pick — click the “Vote Now” button — and tell us why in the comments! The winning house will be announced in our December issue, on newsstands from November 16.
Voting is now closed. Thank you to all who participated!
A Chic NYC Apartment
The Homeowner: Colette van den Thillart
Why We Love It: The designer asked New York artist Kenneth Widener to paint Cocteau-style “tattoos” to complement her eclectic 1,000-square-foot apartment already packed with artwork. Every piece of art on the living room gallery wall has a personal connection, including the photo of a falling man taken by Colette and printed on acrylic.
An Updated Chalet In Whistler, B.C.
The Homeowners: A couple with two grown children
Why We Love It: Nestled in the mountains, this 2,400-square-foot townhouse had been used as a weekend escape by a family for 27 years. Designer Alda Pereira transformed it into a cozy spot for après-ski cocktails with new furniture to update the main living area and dark beams for drama, bucking the trend for blond woods.
A Cool Victorian In Toronto
The Homeowners: Sarah and Adam Cooper
Why We Love It: Sarah and Adam asked their friend, designer Arren Williams, to revamp their gorgeous but dated 135-year-old clapboard house in Toronto. A wall was removed to open up the living room to the dining area, which also brought in more natural light. A new chimney breast and fireplace give the living room a sense of place.
A West Coast Ranch-Style Home
The Homeowners: A couple with two children
Why We Love It: When the homeowners first bought their 1940s-era ranch-style home in Eagle Harbour — a seaside community nestled in West Vancouver — they were drawn to its original details, charm and history, and its proximity to the ocean. Pure Design Inc.’s Ami McKay opened up the kitchen and living room, and replaced the almost-black-stained wood floors with white oak planks.
A Budget-Friendly Home In Toronto
The Homeowners: Two professionals with two children under six
Why We Love It: Designer Allison Willson radically revamped a home in Toronto’s sought-after Moore Park neighborhood without removing a single wall, and the results are extraordinary.“Including a mix of new and vintage pieces, patinated accents, different textures, and playing with simple and ornate forms add to a more collected look,” says Allison.
A Renovated Cottage In Quebec’s Eastern Townships
The Homeowner: Caroline Bouffard
Why We Love It: The designer’s charming cottage on Lac Libby is low-key and totally comfortable. A black and white palette and plenty of panelling are timeless looks that give the interior a fresh appeal.
A Charming Century Home In The Maritimes
The Homeowners: Colin Blanchard and Kenneth McRobbie
Why We Love It: The designers behind homeware store 31 Westgate in Halifax, Nova Scotia, found their dream heritage home in LaHave, about an hour away. It’s full of antiques, which suit the home’s graceful good looks. In the living room, a vintage table was cut down to coffee table height.
A Compact Calgary Apartment
The Homeowner: Anonymous
Why We Love It: Designer Nam Dang-Mitchell put her mark on an apartment in Calgary’s historical Bannerman Block building. Nam built custom banquettes topped with cushions on either side of the support pillar that juts awkwardly into the living room to maximize space. See this home in our September issue, on newsstands now.
A Glamorous Toronto Penthouse
The Homeowner: Justine Deluce
Why We Love It: This 2,370-square-foot, three-bedroom apartment is set in a chic midtown Toronto neighborhood, with soaring 12-foot-high ceilings. Three different kinds of seating make the living room flexible and functional, notes designer Anne Hepfer. “Justine can seat a lot of people, but it doesn’t feel like a lot of furniture,” says Anne. See this home in our September issue, on newsstands now.
A Loft In Montreal’s Old Port
The Homeowner: Christiane Germain
Why We Love It: Designer Jane Charron softened and modernized the look of hotelier Christiane Germain’s 1,700-square-foot apartment. She transformed the gritty, industrial vibe with exposed ductwork and concrete pillars with a fresh palette, lots of art and sleek furniture, like these hot pink velvet tub chairs. See this home in our October issue, on newsstands from September 7.