Oh, the angst of choosing paint colours; will the hallway be lilac or minty green?

Let Avril Loreti’s paint chip placemats and napkins inspire you. They come in four colour palettes (blue, green, orange, purple) and are bound to bring on a debate.

For the powder room, he likes ‘sunshine soak’, while you prefer ‘gelato al limone.'

Why not both? —Athena Tsavliris

See wesbite for stockists www.avrilloreti.com or visit Loreti’s Etsy store.

Our love affair with macFABhome has been piqued by a bright pink basket.

A more modern take on the traditional woven model, the giant Banana Bag ($349.99) is made in Germany from 100 per cent wool felt. Lined in vinyl, it’s perfect for storing firewood or piles of merino blankets. We’re also gaga for the growing collection of restored vintage pieces showcasing macFAB’s luxurious fabrics and draperies.

Think oversized claw foot ottoman covered in Designers Guild cut velvet and 1860 settee in boldly striped turquoise on linen – just the thing for when we’re faint with amore. —Marianne Wisenthal

macFABhome, 734 Queen Street E., Toronto, 416-546-7325.
macFAB, 755 Queen Street E., Toronto, 416-922-6000, www.macfabfabrics.com

Flick through the pages of a luxe décor magazine and you’ll find headboards covered in embroidered Bedouin fabric that came from the pantaloons of a Tunisian wedding garment.

In our world, a simple wall decal will do. These ones from Blik bring the whimsy and extravagance of Neo-Baroque or Gothic Mid-Century, let’s say, for a smidgen of the cost. In fact, at $40 a decal, you could change your headboard seasonally.

This summer, we’re going for the clean minimalism of the Nessa in sunflower yellow and pairing it with crisp white linens, a Kantha bedspread and mismatched pillows.

Very Elle Décor, non? —Athena Tsavlaris

Blik, www.whatisblik.com

Wedding season is upon us and I’m a big fan of personalized gifts. When else does a couple manage to rack up piles of monogrammed towels, sheets and plates?

These beeswaxed coasters ($30 for six) from local fashion line Metsa, are sewn from the offcuts of the clothes. Send in the name/s of your couple and see it stamped on the back.

It’s such a simple gift, but they’ll think of you every time they sit down for a bevvie.

Cheers to that. —Athena Tsavlaris

http://metsadesign.com

While the glitterati are flocking the French Riviera, we’ve had our nose pressed against la vitrine at Beaufort Décor.

This pretty east end shop stocks French-inspired homewares like black and white toile-patterned plates, apothecary jars ($20) and red metal lanterns that have us dreaming of al fresco evenings in Provence. We also fell for a repurposed Chippendale chair painted jonquille and geometric-print Alexandra Rose pillows (from $20) designed by the owner’s daughter.

Queen and Coxwell isn’t quite la Boulevard de la Croisette but it’ll do. —Marianne Wisenthal

Beaufort Décor, 1584 Queen St. E., Toronto, 416-850-7628, www.beaufortdecor.com