Martin Slofstra

2 weeks ago | torontosun.com | Sara Duck |Martin Slofstra

Inspired by the Nordic tradition of hot and cold therapy, we decided to bring a touch of Scandi wellness to our home. What began as a creative project during lockdown has become a lasting ritual that continues to ground us, restore us and bring a little calm to even the busiest days. Call it the “Covid effect,” but for many, creating wellness at home has shifted from novelty to necessity.

2 weeks ago | torontosun.com | Martin Slofstra

Priorities are undoubtedly changing, and, accordingly, consumers are appraising ways in which to moderate spend, without compromising style. To this end, we’ve assembled a precis of simple things to keep your home space abreast of style, without breaking the bank. 1. First up, you don’t need a degree in interior design to operate a paintbrush: you might be surprised by just how much a lick of paint can muster an entirely new aesthetic.

3 weeks ago | torontosun.com | Martin Slofstra

For those of us in older, smaller towers (at 39 floors up, in downtown Toronto, we’re hardly vertiginous by today’s standards) the foregoing ingenues can undermine perceived desirability. With a little planning, however, older versus newer competition can be redressed. Even ugly ducklings, under our guidance, can morph, without eye-watering investment, to become beautiful swans.

4 weeks ago | torontosun.com | Martin Slofstra

Time spent in pursuit of leisure – at the cottage, in a trailer or simply pottering in the garden – does something for the psyche that’s underscored by mind salving adventure and emotional repair. It’s why the greenhouse (as well as being home to your seedlings) can be a disencumbering haven as clocks tick faster. It’s why the garage, more than somewhere to station your car and stash your tools, can feel like a portal to an escapist dimension. It’s why walking barefoot on grass feels curative.

1 month ago | torontosun.com | Martin Slofstra

We certainly don’t wish to jinx the currently temperate barometric gauge, but have you looked outside lately? Blue skies? Sunshine? It’s little short of bliss, if somewhat unseasonal. Yes indeed, across Canada, patio season has begun in earnest. And for that al fresco opportunity, we’re wildly grateful. Long may it continue… Sunshine in mind, we’re turning our attentions to the great outdoors. Without further ado, herewith a roster of patio pointers and back yard tips.