Have it, want it

I made Pear Butter on the weekend, I know, very Martha of me, but we ended up with two bags full of ripe pears from my in-law's garden and I had to think of something. Apparently I'm part of a trend, lol; a new generation getting into preserving, canning and pickling and all that jazz. I have to tell you, listening to my Italian contractors talk obsessively about the best way to make and can tomato sauce (the trick, apparently, is to let the tomatoes dry for a day or two to concentrate the flavour) I'm not the only one. My trick for the Pear Butter (it's all in the pureeing) was the indispensable and goodlooking Ikon Blender from Breville - Check out their line if you're hunting for well-designed countertop appliances.

Otto can't make a smoothie, but how about a shot of espresso? This little guy is the very racily styled  '08 Australian design award winning stovetop espresso machine that has caffeine fanatics drooling. You'll have to sign up online and wait a little for an Americano, since the first orders ship out in November.

Oh and btw, the Pear Butter is delish.



Pillow talk

What can I do to make my sofa look better? Well, the first thing you can do grab the pillows the sofa came with, y'know, those matching ones, unzip and keep the fills (you never know when you might need them) and then drop the old pillow covers off at a charity shop. Honestly, it's for the best.

Just like the current penchant for vintage one-of-a-kind lamps the world of pillows has shifted from matchy-matchy to something altogether more unexpected. Pillows, please and thanks, do not have to match your sofa, so step up the sophistication and get shopping! Now, if you're a 'Paris apartment' type the pillows below might not be for you, but they are ever so mid-century cool, and have the history to back it up. This is the Art Collection, a line of vintage prints re-issued by Swedish textile firm Ljunbergs that Design House Stockholm has run up into a swanky line of pillows. Luckily they're available online here, and just think how they'll gussy up your beige sofa!


Watch the birdie

Cute, yes, but covetable design objects too. These birds were first designed back in 1959 by Kristian Vedel and have now made it back into production through Architectmade, a v. cool Danish firm that's carefully bringing design classics back to life. Each bird is handmade in oak by a wood turner in a small village in Denmark, there are 3 sizes (representing 3 generations), and the body can be flipped and the head moved to give these little sweeties as many different personalities as you might like.

If you fancy picking up your own little flock check out Ella + Elliot for more info.

 



Art happens

Last night was the opening of Art Interiors 15th anniversary show which had the fun concept of letting 15 folks, me included, pop in and pick out a piece that they loved. Art Interiors is a very modern style of gallery - an un-fusty, relaxed and very un-intimidating place to visit that is usually stacked to the rafters with artwork large and small. You can even register here (I'd rather get art as a gift than a set of pots and pans any day). Looking around at the gallery walls the results couldn't have been more diverse, but the most interesting thing for me was reading each and every quote that gave the reasons why the piece was chosen. Art makes such a personal statement and is an integral part of any interior - 'the cherry on the cake' as one person said - so seeing what Suzanne Dimma, Samantha Pynn and Brian Gluckstein might actually hang on their walls is very cool indeed.

The show runs from September 26th to October 7th - Have a look below at the photography piece I picked, by artist Alex Taves; I was drawn to the dreamy blurry colours and the way it brought back childhood memories of travelling abroad (and that's just how everything looks once my specs are off).

Sneak peek - Crate & Barrel

Today started off with the best of intentions and then slipped into something akin to a Keystone Cops movie, except my car chase involved multiple stops across the city picking up props for a photo shoot while fielding phonecalls and e-mails. Fun? Let's just say I'm glad to be home.

Okay, back to the beginning - The Crate & Barrel press preview this morning! All I can say is that I was like a kid in a candy store, wide eyed at all the beautifully stocked shelves and making mental notes as to what was a 'right now' purchase and what could be grabbed 'later'. I was impressed with the bang-on colour choices and how they really seemd to speak to everyone from contemporary, to trad, to eclectic; and all done with a particular C&B sensibility.

Here are my 3 top picks -

#1 Decorative Globes - Practically every design editor had stashed a bunch of these in their shopping basket. They'd sit v. pretty nested in a bookcase or would look marvy stacked in a bowl (definitely this season's alabaster egg...). From $6.95.

#2 Mistral Pillow - Flame stitch is having a major moment (I'm seeing it everywhere) and this pillow is a smashing example. The colours have a warm Fall vibe, jewel-y but not too much, so grab a couple for your sofa. $46.95

#3 Alpha Table - A kind blogger sent me a link to this (thanks Kareena!) so I was jonesing to see it in person. It has a hot 70's feel (in a good way), but to make it totally mine I would have it sprayed out in white. $995


Good shop, good cause

Everyone is buzzing about Crate & Barrel opening in Toronto at Yorkdale this week, on the 25th to be exact. I'll luckily be getting a sneak peek , but if you fancied a swanky night's shopping in advance of the hoi polloi on Thursday morning then I've got a bit of news for you.

Crate & Barrel will be hosting a special Private Preview Party to benefit Toronto's Ronald McDonald House on the evening of Wednesday Sept 24th. A $50 ticket will get you cocktails and appetizers, with a little music to while away your shoptastic time and complimentary valet parking (so you won't be struggling across the lot with all those bags). Click here for more info (the page link is on the right) and to buy your tickets.

And so to bed

Have you ever had a wander round Elte? It's such a treasure trove of a store that just seems to go on for miles and miles, and, with discoveries around every corner, you might just need to stop into their cafe for a reviving shot of espresso. I was scouting there recently for projects for CityLine, mulling things over and generally lollygagging around, when a lovely line of bedding snapped me back into focus.

Clean, crisp and bright with graphic trellis-y patterns they were just a breath of fresh air. The line is LULU DK MATOUK, and it's the latest endeavour from the multi-talented designer Lulu de Kwiatkowski. Take a boo below and tell me you couldn't do with an extra hour or two of hitting the snooze button (I'm totally loving the cool-as-a-cucumber navy and white combo). Oh, and for more Lulu, hunt for her new self-titled book from AMMO Books.

I heart Kelly

Kelly Wearstler is taking over the world, and believe me, the world will look all the better for it. The fashionable Ms. Wearstler, who's portfolio hits all the top notes, is one of my favourite interior designers; swanky hotel design (The Viceroy, The Tides and Avalon to name a few, click here to take a look), a collection of carpets for hot Brit firm The Rug Company, a chic design boutique in Bergdorf Goodman, and, not forgetting her sassy judging duties on Bravo's Top Design - Honestly, how does she find the time? I'm always slipping her work into Flare, and if you check the Oct issue of Canadian House & Home you'll find an interview with KW on pg 58 (love the shoes and that wonderfuly wacky chair).

And there's more... A new fabric collection for Groundworks at Lee Jofa. I had the chance to check it all out yesterday at the new Kravet/Lee Jofa showroom and was totally wowed. The look is modern with strong Asian influences that put me in mind of wood block prints, lacquerware and vintage kimonos, all nicely rounded out with flame stitch and Ikat patterns. You'll definitely see some of this fabric at work in my new place...


Fashion tech

First off, thanks to the witty and well dressed folks behind Fashion File's cool blog for giving me a mention. Check it out for their behind-the-scenes insight on what's happening on the street and on the runway!

More on the fashion front - HP hooked up with designer Vivienne Tam on a swanky new Special Edition clutch-sized laptop that debuted in Tam's NY Fashion Week runway show. I'm loving the signature red case with it's funked-up floral motif (imagine it as wallpaper, mmm) that picks up on prints in the collection - definitely more chic than geek. The word is that you'll be able to get your well manicured hands on it in October.

Spanish Eccentric

Maybe it's a Brit thing -  I'm always inspired by eccentricity, and in the design world who better expresses it than one of my current faves - Jaime Hayon. Wacky, surreal and downright fabulous are trademarks of his style; this guy creates his own rules and follows his own very odd heart (can you imagine any other designer having a shot taken wearing a pink fuzzy bunny suit?).

Hayon and Camper Shoes are a smart fit - both are edgy yet iconic Spanish brands - so it was only natural that a sneaker collection from the witty designer ended up hitting stores;  "a sporty shoe with a touch of elegance" is how he descibes them. And, since I'm such a sneakerhead, I'd love one in every colour....

Take a look below at the shoes and check the quilted detail on the sole and how it picks up throughout his work. Following on is a store he designed for Camper in Paris and a v. glam restaurant, La Terazza del Casino, in Madrid.

Just smashing

The ceramic stool/end table has turned into quite the must-have decor item for today's spiffy home. Originally found in a traditional drum shape and patterend in blue and white (or a riot of Asian blooms) they've hit just about every level - Check out the House & Home collection at The Bay for one in white and also the on-trend metallic Convex Drum Table from the soon to open West Elm. And, while these chic multi-purpose stools hit the Eclectic nail on the head, if you're a bit more clean-lined and modern, are you completely out of luck?

Nope! I just checked out Avenue Road (it's a bit off the beaten track but well worth the trip), where they showcase lots of yummy and v. luxe collections, and discovered a new line of tables from Christophe Delcourt. IKO, OKO, OBI, OUM and OUK are the four styles that can be ordered in a whopping range of 18 glazes, including metallics, brights, and, of course, white. Chic and modern indeed.

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Does it come in white?

Yesterday was a very bad day. I cracked my laptop screen (don't ask), had a very dodgy haircut that I had to 'fix' by hacking at it with a pair of kitchen scissors, and then discovered that a very lovely Kohler sink I needed for a kitchen reno was smashed and had to be replaced asap. Bad things definitely run in three's...

Luckily for me David is an IT superstar and managed to get everything off the old laptop and onto a storage drive, all the while with only a 2 inch square bit of screen that was still visible. So we hit Best Buy , where I was blown away - since I'm of course thinking 'design first' - by all the laptop colour and styling choices available. One with a swirly pattern was quickly dismissed, and then I was trying to wrap my head around the HP Special Edition Thrive in Dynamic Bronze (more of a coppery tone really) when something else caught my eye - It was the v. cool HP Special Edition Influx in Ceramic White (glossy white with a subtle pattern). No more boring old laptop for me, and of course I've promised not to break this one.

The lamp house

As David reminded me, we already have 6 table lamps and one floor lamp in our space-challenged apartment, so why had another one appeared? Well, I explained, we'll soon be in the new house and then we'll really need them, and besides, the one I just dragged home from Goodwill was too, well, good to pass up.

Take a look at the snap below, how could I say no; love that patterned white ceramic base, and all for only only $9.99. And the fabric sitting under the lamp is a recent vintage find too (Value Village) - It's a faux bois design that feels a bit like a Vera print, and will probably end up as pillows or a chair seat. The thing is (and David knows) that I can hardly pass a vintage store, charity shop, junk market, garage sale, church sale, street sale or jumble sale without being magnetically drawn in. It must be genetic, my sister Lucy is the same (you should've seen what she snagged at Porte de Vanves), and my Mum is on par with us except her 'fix' is with auctions. Honestly, it's a problem. LOL. Luckily it isn't all one way - David is always looking to add a gem or two to his vintage LP collection...

Good cause, good design

RugMark is a brilliant organization, working to end child labour in the carpet industry and to provide a chance at educational for kids in India, Nepal and Pakistan. Bev Hisey's rugs (who I've featured before, take a look here) are certified by RugMark, and I was excited to see an e-mail pop up from the wonderful folks at Creative Matters, who are working on a cool project with them.

RugMark's annual fundraising raffle features a gorgeous hand knotted wool and silk carpet, custom designed by Creative Matters, and valued at $5,350. Called 'Hariti' (Tibetan for Protectress of Children), it was inspired by a snap that Creative Matters partners, Carol Sebert and Donna Hastings, took while visiting Nepal. Take a look at the folds of fabric and sparkle of a pin in the little girl's jacket and you'll see the inspiration for the rug design on the right.

One ticket is $25, or buy two for $50 and you'll be paying for a year's worth of schooling, uniforms and textbooks for a child. Click here to buy (lots) of raffle tickets.

Chaud spot

One must-see Parisian spot, kindly offered up by Nelly Rodi as her favourite interiors store, is Caravane. It chicly hits the mark between modern, ethnic and handmade with deep and simply styled sofas upholstered in linen, brightly patterned pillows and unusual accessories.

Caravane has three stores to check out - There is the first store at 6, rue Pavée, then Caravane Chambre at 19, rue Saint Nicolas and finally Caravane Emporium at 22, rue Saint-Nicolas. All very inspirational! Look for more on Paris, and where to shop, coming soon.



Splash pad

With all the stuff I'm working on right now, things are varied to say the least - In no particular order (and without giving too much away); fairies, christmas trees, bedrooms, bathrooms, sofas and washers and dryers. Ah, the life of a freelancer!

Other than all of the above (it's making my head swim) I've had my mind on bathrooms. We have 3 in the new place to re-configure, re-design and re-consider. Size, space and style are all at play, let alone actually deciding on fixtures and tiles. Phew. So, I'm on the hunt for inspiration and found quite the sophisticated spot while flipping through Home Depot's new DreamBook magazine. Love the dark grey stone tiles and that free-standing bathtub is definitely an ultra glam statement. Take a look -

The getaway

An oppurtunity came up to escape the daily grind in Toronto and head to Palm Springs, California, (thanks T,D and J!) and we jumped at it. We're back at a fave place The Horizon Hotel for a couple of days, and well, we're loving it. The hotel was designed back in 1952 by architect William F Cody and was quite the spot for Hollywood starlets in it's day - it's all low-slung black and white buildings surrounding an anguler pool - V. cool indeed, and if you're ever out this way we highly recommend it.

Looking around I'm very inspired, so I'm trying to find ways to make our very dumpy back yard (look here) have the same feel. Hmmm, we probably can't do palm trees and cacti, a pool would blow the budget, and our view is of the back of a victorian semi, not the mountains...

Tick tock

Fonts, lettering and any kind of graphic layout just always get my attention when it comes to design. Back in my teens I had to choose between graphics and fashion - I chose fashion (fool!) and now look where I am, lol. Our old place had a few great graphic pieces that always got lots of attention, like the Last Night A DJ artwork that hung above the fireplace (take a look here). I guess the graphic thing runs in the family; my brother is head of Typography & Design at a top London ad firm (thanks again Christian for the sweet logo design you did for the blog!). He's also responsible for buying us the Last Night A DJ print as well as some other great pieces he's found for us over the years, hmmm, perhaps he should consider a second career as an art adviser?

The pic below shows a very modern take on an old fashioned flip-style digital clock that has a scattershot approach with lots of different fonts. The Font Clock is from Established & Sons, an ultra edgy Brit firm, and is designed by Sebastian Wrong. In Toronto check out Ministry of the Interior, they carry the line, as well as a mondo selection of other interesting gear.

 

Sweet petite

Who doesn't love a makeover? Canadian House & Home must've figured out that just about everyone does, as their Makeover special issue has just hit newstands with a resoundingly pleasing thud. There's ton's of great stuff to check out, but my fave is the feature produced by design smarty-pants Stacey Smithers. It's a quiet riot of creamy greys, warm acidy yellows and spicy pinks (yummy) that all adds up to quite the chic look - I could totally move in.

Now, fairs fair - Stacey is a mate of mine (I can hardly think of anyone else I'd rather share a highly calorific meal with, lol), but this place is quite the marvel compared with it's grubby past. You'll have to check the mag for those scary before shots, but take a peek below to get a taste of a young couple's sweet new home. Photography by Donna Griffith.

Global view

I have a feature coming up for the National Post's Post Homes magazine for September that I've spent a fair bit of time working on this week. Much of that time has me searching through online catalogues to see what's new and what will fit the feel and direction of the story. Mostly it's point, click, snore - especially when I can't find exactly what I'm looking for. Design Within Reach is always a go-to site for me because, well, they just have the right stuff - A well edited and stylishly modern collection of 'tools for living' (I cribbed that from their website, lol, but I think it says is all!).

The globes below are new additions at DWR, and I'm very glad for their arrival. Set on a vintage credenza or stashed in a bookshelf, they're just the ticket for a well-travelled, modern design object. The mint globe has a slight 40's feel, while the black is all business.