Were you in Milan?

I was not. In fact, during the gigant-o Milan furniture fair I think I had laundry to do, which must've been the reason why I didn't get over to Italy. There was some fabulously barmy and brilliant stuff on show though from, well, just about everyone who's anyone. One of the big names who exhibited was Vitra, who intro'd the new customizable Suita Sofa by Antonio Citterio in a series of cool room sets styled up to give you the design equivalent of the warm and fuzzies. Whadya think? The first is sweet (love the owl pillow), but then, that shade of blue is pretty great in the second shot, not to mention that tie-dyed rug, and oh, last but not least, that lemony yellow is pretty darned fresh and yummy... Check out more on Vitra at plan b. [all images: Vitra]

Webisode 2: A bit of an Ikea design mission

Oooh, I feel like there should be a drumroll or something, since here's webisode #2!!! I thought it would be fun to see if Tamara Robbins Griffith and I could take an Ikea sofa - the really rather lovely Karlstad in white tufted leather - and take it in two different and stylish directions. This is the result - Tamara embraced pink and glamour, while I went for a boho well-travelled vibe. What do you think? Major thanks to everyone involved, especially photographer Angus Fergusson, who's studio we invaded (you can see his fab shots below). Btw, that sofa is so new it's actually not quite in stores yet in Canada, but keep an eye out, it'll definitely be there soon...

No guts, no glory

Sheesh, this week is just running away with me! I've been working on deadlines for House & Home, coming up with some very cool projects for the next few months and working with a client on her lovely Arts & Crafts home. And, on top of all of that, I've been working on getting the house closer and closer to being finished.

One of the exciting things to come home to was the fact that - thanks to the always fab crew at Mieda Design - a fair chunk of our re-upholstery is nearly complete. That onetime grungy 70's gold cord sofa (take a look at the before here) has had the guts ripped out of it and the frame partially re-built (Dan from Mieda explained how sinuous springs can do a real number on a wood frame over the years). I also had the frame built up to increase the seat height and you'll spot the first of the semi-attached waterfall back cushions making an appearance. And yep, that rather vibrant plum fabric you see on the cushion will be covering the whole sofa...

 

Are we sitting comfortably?

I was on set today with The Style Dept crew when talk turned to sofas. It's a dilemma for me since I'm always torn when it comes to such a pivotal choice for a room - Should you go for safe or go for style? It's a tough one since you'll be living with your choice for quite a while (a good sofa should last a decade or two). Style normally wins out, which is why at home we have a low-slung vintage teak number upholstered in chocolate brown ultrasuede, but it could be time for a change, especially for the new place...

Could this be it? The velvet is stunning, let alone the romantic lines and all that wonderful tufting. This is the Samuel Johnson from Brit firm Chesterfield 1780 (yes, they've been making sofas that long), and luckily - if you're totally smitten - they'll ship anywhere in the world.