Chic in Toronto: The Four Seasons

After two weeks of whirlwind travel to book signings, I'm happy to be sleeping in my own bed.  I will miss turn down service though and the amazing bathtub at the Four Seasons Toronto.  The hotel has only been open since early October and couldn't have been more conveniently located to chic shopping in Yorkville and my book signing at Indigo Books. The hotel was designed by Yabu Pushelberg while the private residences were designed by Brian Gluckstein.  It boasts a Cafe Boulud downstairs that was so packed we couldn't even get in for a drink.  If you're planning a trip to Toronto, I highly recommend staying at the Four Seasons. The Etro bath products alone are worth the trip. 

Rosedale

I've had many full circle moments since starting my blog but I never expected to have one in Toronto.  In 2008, I remember pouring of the new Christian Liaigre book that was published that same year.  I even posted photos of the gardens of one of the projects featured in it called Rosedale.  On the night I arrived in Toronto, I was invited to dinner at that same home.  It is even more stunning in person and I wish I had walked slower to the cocktail area so I could take it all in.  One of the things that Christian Liaigre does better than anyone is juxtaposing clean, contemporary design with antiques and pieces with curves.  Every detail is thought out including the hardware on the doors which we all noticed. My favorite part though which I've never seen anywhere else was the fireplace off the foyer where you take off your coat.  Talk about a warm welcome. 

N.B. Many of you in Toronto know the owners of this home.  Can you please refrain from naming them in the comments.  I'd like to preserve their privacy.  Thanks!

Photos from Liaigre

Tommy's Turf

One of my favorite things that have come about because of my blog has been my friendship with interior designer Tommy Smythe.  I used to watch him on Design Inc. with Sarah Richardson and literally laugh out loud at all his funny quips.  Now I get to experience them in person and this time on his turf in Toronto. Not sure if he'll let me see his new home but I sure am going to try.  Until then, let's take another look at one of his previous chic homes that was featured in Canadian House & Home.  If that Hermes blanket is missing after my trip, I don't know anything about it. 

Photos by Michael Graydon for Canadian House & Home

Toronto Here I Come!

There's that joke that David Hasselhoff is really big in Europe.  Well, I don't joke when I say I'm really big in Canada.  I love my loyal readers to the north and can't wait to visit Toronto this week.  Besides my conversation with Tommy Smythe and book signing at Indigo Books, I look forward to visiting his sister Christie at Smythe and his office at Sarah Richardson Design.  I'm also being interviewed for CBC (talk about nervous!) and hope to stop by Canadian House & Home.  I can't wait to meet all my blog and twitter friends but most of all, I can't wait to luxuriate in my room at the brand new Four Seasons Toronto. Exciting eh?!

Join designer and TV personality Tommy Smythe in conversation with interior designer and style maven Heather Clawson (that's me!) about all things chic and stylish as well as her new book Creativity at Work on Thursday, November 8 at 7:00pm at Indigo Manulife Centre, 55 Bloor Street West,Toronto, Ontario, M4W 1A5.

Photo via Ryan Michael Cheung

Chic in Canada

I was excited to see Christie Smythe and her business partner Andrea Lenczner featured on The Coveteur this morning.  They are the Toronto based designing duo behind the wonderful fashion line Smythe, worn by The Duchess of Cambridge on her trip to Canada last year.  But more exciting to me is that Christie Smythe is the sister of Tommy Smythe who you know from his HGTV shows with designer Sarah Richardson!  Here is a little look at Christie's home with a few pieces that even came from her brother.  As you know, The Coveteur features clothing and accessories over the interior design so I'll have to see if it's been featured anywhere else recently. But it's even clear from these few photos that chicness runs in the Smythe family! 

Photos from The Coveteur