House & Home Top 100 Canadian Designers - 2024

Once again, I’m honoured and so thankful to House & Home magazine to be included in the HH100 list, their annual Top 100 Canadian Designers list and for their enduring support of Canadian designers from coast to coast.

Myself and all the trades, suppliers and craftsman who work on our projects in the Maritimes and especially here on Nova Scotia’s South Shore greatly appreciate the recognition and support of H&H.

Portrait, Interior Designer Carol Reed for Canadian House & Home Top 100 Canadian Designer's list 2024.

Be sure to check out the full list and more in the November issue on stands now, and available digitally anytime. Congratulations and Cheers to all of H&H 100 Designers of 2024.

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My love affair with Wicker

Summer is the quintessential season for all things wicker, but my affection for this woven material knows no bounds - I believe there’s a place for wicker every season of the year. Wicker has been around for centuries and inherently imbues a timeless character and it can be woven into designs that are contemporary or traditional in style, rustic or refined.

Wicker is all about hand-woven TEXTURE. Wicker refers to all things woven from natural plant material like willow, rattan, reed and bamboo, and today even includes synthetic fibres. The strands can be be left natural and raw for a rustic appeal, or they can be stained, or painted the same as wood. What I love most about wicker is its organic texture instantly brings a relaxed vibe to a space that could feel too stuffy or formal otherwise. The more rustic pieces are imperfect in patina and shape, whereas more refined pieces can look more precisely woven with a tailored look. Anyway its served up, wicker sets a tone that sings out relax and unwind - which is why its perfectly suited to casual laid back living.

We furnished the kitchen dining nook in our Coastal Estate project (above) with an oversized table and these beautiful weathered wicker arm chairs. Designed 7 years ago the space looks as fresh today as it did then, and I can tell you the chairs are so comfortable you can linger around the table with family and friends (or clients) for hours.

If I have my way, I’ll include a woven element in every space, like a touch of black i think every room looks beautifully balanced with some woven texture. Here are some pieces I’m currently sourcing for projects or are on my own wish list including these favourite dining chairs from our Coastal Estate project.

From Left to Right, Top to Bottom:

Stainless and wicker Ice Bucket - my search is over. I have this in my cart for the mini bar in our barn.
Straw Market bag backpack - not just for the market, perfect for picnics or beaches that you walk or bike to. We walk a shoreline path to our beach and with an umbrella and chair to carry, this frees up a hand.
Rattan pitcher - sets the summer time scene on your bar cart or table
Rectangular Rattan Trays - These in any shape are a go-to for me. In the kitchen, on a coffee table, dresser, or console they add texture and order.
Rattan Arm Chair - these are the same as the chairs we used in our Coastal Estate project (pictured above). The texture has such a presence in the space photos don’t do them justice. Incredibly comfortable but do require a lumbar pillow for the depth.
Wicker Panton Style Chair - the iconic panton chair is one of my all time favourites , it can be paired with any style table for a dynamic mix wth a modern edge. This repro version proves that wicker is not just for trad spaces.
Wicker Lampshade - instantly add a bit of wicker to any space by simply updating a lamp with a wicker lamp shade. I also have one of these in my cart.
Woven placemats - banana leaf placemats are a beautiful element on a table and add substantial texture to all the hard surface as well as repetition, pulling the table setting together. The ikea version has been a go-to for years but they’re often out of stock. These ones are available for the same price in packs of multiples.
Rattan wrapped bar cart - tailored and contemporary looking, perfect for small spaces and portable, sets a relaxed vibe for entertaining any time of year. Also great for towels and toiletries in a bathroom, or for a home office printer and supplies. This one is a steal.

These are just some of my current and long time wicker favourites. I’ve created a collection of my Amazon finds on our storefront there, which I’ll always be updating. You can view a collection and links to all my favourites from Amazon and elsewhere on our ShopMy page HERE, previewed in the slider below.

Below is the same table in the client space posted above, set up for a summer brunch. The table is a magnificent 72” diameter, ideal for gatherings with friends or family over leisurely meals. The chunky woven placements beautifully contrast and lighten up the dark wood table and give the setting a casual coastal mood. What could be a better pairing with the blue and white Devon Cottage dishes.

Table top brunch setting with wicker placemats and blue and white dishware

Woven wicker will always be an element i’ll add into a space, in one form or another, and I hope this inspires you to find some ways to bring this natural texture into your home this season or any time of year.

This post contains affiliate links to products I know and/or love, or, are simply inspiring me to want to try them.