What’s Hot in Home Decor – Porcelain Mason Jars, Upcycled Lights, Bamboo Colanders and Tulips

Sagaform’s Tulip Series

Nothing says spring is here like a bright spread of Scandinavian-designed tulips. New for 2013, Sagaform worked with graphic designer Lotta Odelius to create the Tulip series, an uplifting collection of housewares that reflects the blossoming of a new season. The floral pattern is reminiscent of Holland’s iconic flower fields, but the repetitious layout is characteristic of the simplicity and minimalism true to Scandinavian design.

The line comprises functional items that centre on life in the kitchen. The storage tins are handy for coffee beans or cookies, and the ultra-feminine apron is a fun flourish for spring baking. Use the matching paper napkins and serving tray for a flowery brunch.

Heydey Design’s Porcelain Mason Jars

The motto at Heyday Design is “Modern porcelain with a vintage beat,” which aptly describes the Vancouver company’s line of charming mason jars. The porcelain creations are modelled after vintage glass mason jars, including Canadian classics like the Crown canning jar, the Canadian Jewel mason jar and the beaver mason jar.

All of Heyday’s porcelain mason jars are coated on the inside with a food-safe glaze and finished on the outside with a white, matte exterior. It would be a shame to hide these beauties in a cupboard, so get creative with their contents. They add lovely mood lighting in outdoor spaces when a candle is placed inside and they make the perfect centrepiece when filled with flowers. From $36; Heyday Design

Carl Hansen & Son’s Egyptian Folding Chair

Designed by late architect Ole Wanscher, the Egyptian Folding Chair was first made in 1957 and is now produced by Carl Hansen & Son. Wanscher modelled the chair after Egyptian seats he became fascinated with on his excursions to Africa. The seat comes in black, cognac or natural saddle leather. From $1,427; Inform Interiors

Owl Umbrella Holder

April showers bring May flowers, but they also bring sopping wet umbrellas into your home. For a cute cover-up to a not-so-cute problem, perch this white, ceramic owl umbrella stand next to your entrance to contain drips and drops during the rainy season.

In the summer months, when Mr. Owl isn’t getting much attention, try filling him with decorative branches and moving him to the living room or an outdoor seating area. $195; The Cross Decor and Design

Propellor Design’s Kilter Lamp

Upcycling was only recently added to the dictionary, but it’s long been a part of the savvy designer’s vocabulary. This month Vancouver studio Propellor Design shows us the epitome of upcycling with its new eco-friendly light fixture, Kilter. Made from the oak hardwood of abandoned shipping pallets, Propellor Design employs skilled joinery and applies hand-finished layers of pure linseed oil and beeswax to bring the wood to life.

Because of its unique origins, no Kilter light ever looks the same, giving your fixture a one-off feel. Propellor Design will also customize Kilter lights at your request. $2,400; Propellor Design

Trudeau’s Stacking Colanders

Colanders are a historically functional kitchen item, and rarely alotted premium tabletop space. But Trudeau’s brightly coloured set of stacking colanders is changing the attitude toward the typically bland accessory. Made from bamboo and melamine, the sturdy set of three ranges in size to wash anything from family-sized salads to single servings of berries. Don’t transfer your produce to a bowl after washing – place a plain-white plate under the colander to catch drips, then let these funky functionals enjoy the spotlight on your table. $29.99; Trudeau

Cathy Terepocki’s Handmade Ceramics

When nature comes back to life in the spring, capture your favourite flowers in a vessel as beautiful as your blooming garden. Canadian artist Cathy Terepocki’s handmade ceramics embody the cheerfulness of the season with drawings that range from birds and bikes to sailboats and cute Canadiana.

Along with her pretty, petite vases, Terepocki creates pots, bowls and mugs that boast equal amounts of whimsy. All of the ceramics are made using a potter’s wheel with porcelain or stoneware, and are then hand painted for a one-of-a-kind touch. From $34; Walrus