LIST WEEK AT THE STAR
2009's best products
December 19, 2009
Vicky Sanderson
SPECIAL TO THE STAR
As I sift through piles of press releases and sample items that litter my office (or, as I affectionately call it, the vortex of chaos), I'm reminded of the products that made my life easier this year, or healthier, or prettier – and a few I merely coveted. Here, in no particular order, is what I loved in 2009:
1
Daylight floods through the Velux sun tunnel that was installed in a dismal hallway. So I no longer have to turn on a light every time I look in the linen cupboard. On clear nights, there's even enough moonlight to make nocturnal visits to the bathroom a little safer.
2
The Breville Variable Temperature Kettle gets a
workout in my house. Five settings brew at the exact temperatures for
green, white, oolong and black teas, while a Hold Temp feature
maintains the water at that temperature – perfect for those times you
decide on a second cup.
3
Doing a bedroom reno this summer reminded me of how very useful the
Stanley Fubar is. Basically a demolition bar,
it's great for knocking down plaster walls, ripping up floorboards and
removing nails. It really is my favourite tool, because while I'm not
very good at building things, I'm damn good at wrecking stuff.
4
I'm crazy for Marie Bohm's fused glass pieces and
like the look of Racquel Youtzy's new reusable glass drinking bottles.
5
NatureClean's range of eco-friendly
cleaners, laundry detergents, room deodorizers and personal-care
products have become household staples for me. This company has an
interesting history and great products, the majority of which are
locally made.
6
I love good bed linen, and the best buy I've found this year is the
Ultimate Luxury Hotel Collection in the sateen finish from Bed Bath
& Beyond. The 100 per cent cotton, 620
thread count sheets come in lovely colours and a set of any size –
full, queen, or king – sells for about $120.
7
I'd happily take just about anything from Hollace Cluny, the toney home furnishing store in Rosedale. But if I could have just one item, it would be a resin bowl, vase or platter by Vancouver designer Martha Sturdy. I adore Sturdy's work, which is superbly shaped and has a subtle luminosity that seems to come from within.
8
Since I use my KitchenAid Artisan series stand
mixer on average three times a week, I happily allow it to occupy real
estate on an overpopulated kitchen counter. The only reason it would
ever get evicted? If somebody gave me the 90th Anniversary model, which
comes in a glossy candy apple red and has a glass bowl.
Vicky Sanderson's Hot Home Products runs Saturdays in New in Homes & Condos. vswriter@sympatico.ca.
Read Vicky's On the House blog.
Toronto Star