Steven Sabados on this year's fall decor trends, his new rug line and some serious travel inspo

Carving out some time to sit down with Steven Sabados this summer is no easy feat. Canada's decorating TV darling has been keeping himself very busy since wrapping up the final season of The Goods. We sat down with him on the patio of his Toronto loft for a glass of wine and some great conversation about decorating for fall, including his latest designs and favourite fall trends.

What trend are you loving right now?

The continued push for individuality in spaces will always be my #1 trend. Gone are the days of trying to impress the neighbours with our spaces, we have to trust our own instincts. I have definitely been guilty of this; back in the day everything had to be perfect and painstakingly placed. When Christopher and I were doing Designer Guys, not one green apple could be out of place…every room had green apples.  That was then, but now I much prefer a space that is artfully curated where pieces have been collected over time.

What can we expect as other S&C pieces roll out? Any new trends on the horizon?

S&C has always been known best for its neutral palette, but I find myself branching out into far more texture and colour.  I am in the process of picking fabrics for the fall furniture line and my focus has been pattern play, or better yet, some pattern clashing.

What has been keeping you busy this summer?

Summertime always has me looking forward to working on my S&C product line because the rest of the year has me focused on television. When I'm not immersed in design magazines, you can find me on this patio tending to the garden and definitely entertaining. Many Canadians complain about this heat wave we are having, but I say bring it on! I try and spend as much time as possible outdoors especially when I can't find time to get away to my home away from home – Barbados.

What can we expect from your upcoming product line?

I am most excited to announce my newest partnership with Renwil. We are starting our partnership with the launch of an extensive rug line completely inspired by my travels. Travel inspires everything I design, and just like everything else in the line, the rugs will have something for everyone: hand knotted pieces, printed flat weaves and hide rugs in various sizes. The complete line will be up on stevensabados.com as of October.

Why is travel so important to your creative process?

Experiencing the culture, colours, sights, smells and food from the places I travel is my biggest creative influence. If it is possible, I much rather see a place for myself rather than through the pages of a magazine.

Where to next?

I've just come back from Iceland, completely surrounded by nature. It felt like Portia [Executive producer on The Goods] and I had the whole countryside to ourselves. It was spiritual and totally calming, so now I would like to experience the complete opposite. Marrakesh is on my bucket list and I am definitely looking into it for an upcoming trip. It would be heaven for me to get lost in the markets and experience the endless inspiration that could bring – such sensory overload!  The next trip actually on the books is a return to San Miguel for the Day of the Dead at the end of October.

What are your most recent home décor purchases?

My most recent and favorite is a floor lamp called 'Good Boy'; it is a fantastic balance between design and humour.  It is by English artist who goes by 'WhatsHisName' and took the better part of a year to get, but totally worth the wait.

I have also just added the S&C Marmor rug and Bamboo Table to my master bedroom. The perks of having a product line, I get first dibs on samples. ☺

What trend should just go away?

The one trend that should really disappear is Avocado Toast. Really?! Why spend $14.00 on avocado and a piece of bread at a restaurant. Just make it at home.

Can you give us your best styling tip?

Unneeded clutter is my biggest pet peeve, especially in the kitchen. I definitely think fridge magnets should be outlawed — the fridge is not a bulletin board! I realize this may not always be practical, but I think that countertop appliances should live in the cupboard and be brought out when needed. My toaster, blender, stand mixer, everything has a placed behind closed doors and I bring them out when I need them.

You have shared a little bit of your journey going back to school on Instagram, can you tell us why you decided to go back?

I firmly believe you can teach an old dog new tricks. I find it refreshing to learn new techniques and hone some lost & buried skills.  I am most attracted to the life drawing class I am taking now because art, like many things, is a practice you never really feel like you've mastered it. I get that same feeling from other things, like yoga or cooking, I am always practicing at it. At the end of the day, I love being in a classroom environment surrounded by creative people.

Can we expect a gallery show?

I'm not quite there yet, but I have decided to release some artwork as part of a new product line called STEVEN Sabados Studio. They are original reproductions and will be available early 2019.

Will we see you on TV again?

I do have a few ideas under way, so you will have to stay tuned.

Lindsay Agnew cut her teeth working in the background of design shows both big and small, she has now set her sights on bringing her know-how and impeccable taste to everyone. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram.