Light work

It's been quite mega busy, what with the Interior Design Show (Did you go? What did you think btw?), major painting and priming happening at our place (we've sorted out the main floor, yay! Pics to come...), and then taping CityLine yesterday morning (watch for the show next Monday!). But of course I took time to slack off yesterday and hit my fav Goodwill with my friend Jasmine. I do have my reasons - we still need a long low dresser for the bedroom - but I still managed to find lovely stuff we definitely don't need, like a tooled brass vase-shaped lamp base that sat smartly on a black plinth. All for $9.99. How could I say no? Ummm, I had to, the last thing we need right now is another vintage lamp with 'personality'; if I bought all the ones that spoke to me I'd be tripping over them by now, lol.

While I was sourcing for CityLine I stumbled across this pendant fixture from West Elm and thought it was just so darned interesting that it was worth a post. I'm all over the mix between old and new; it has the feel of one of those star fixtures, but the faceting takes it an entirely different direction.

Dark and cold

Last night, as the temperature dipped once again (ugh), I stopped in at the opening of Radiant Dark, and I have to say, the show is totally worth checking out. The mix of all-Canadian designed pieces on show bridges the line between concept, art and design with some exceptionally cool results. Take a look below for a couple of quick snaps I took -The Stag (Tapestry) by Grant Heaps crosses paint-by-numbers with pixelated 1" squares of fabric stitched together - how cool. And more of Bev Hisey's Dirty Dishes; circular rugs inspired by bacteria, viruses and Petrie dishes. Other highlights for me include the In The Round (Dining Table) by Luflic that pairs felted wool covered legs with a polished glass top, and Propellor Design's Dram (Chandelier) that re-cycles vintage glassware into a very covetable light fixture.

Radiant Dark, organized by the fabulous folks at Made, opens today and runs until Feb 8th, click here for more info.

 

Once more with feeling

Sometimes seeing a classic re-interpreted just makes you go hmmm, and that's what happened when I saw this shot of Bergere chairs; upholstered in a fantastic tropical leaf print and finished with a black frame and nailhead trim. Will we ever get tired of Bergeres? I think they've transcended the trend and have become part of our current design vernacular so, if you want my two cents, 'no' is the answer to that. 

I have chairs on the brain right now - along with lots of other stuff - since I'm on the hunt for occasional chairs for our new place. On my travels I've spied a pair of 40's-ish side chairs in a local mechanic's waiting room (of all places), that I'd love to get a hold of and re-upholster in African batik. Errr, I just re-read that last sentence and think that I might sound potentially certifiable, lol...

Via Swank Lighting's blog

Fresh and Finnish

I'd given you a sneaky look at Marimekko's Spring /09 releases here, but since there's so much smashing gear from them this season I wanted to post more. The patterns range from playful to edgy in colourways that span warm and bright to high contrast black, white and grey. In fact, after looking through their new line and continuing collections, I think we might be picking one of their fabrics as a drapery choice for our new living space (it's a toss-up between Frekvenssi by Harri Koskinen and Marhaba by Ikka Suppanen).

Another hot announcement is the launch of a new line of Marimekko wallpapers, produced by Italian firm Sirpi S.p.a. The papers are expected to hit shelves sometime after April and will be debuting shortly at all the best design trade shows (take a boo at the first shot below to see one of the papers, the following three shots are a taste of Spring). And, talking of wallpaper, if you'd like a Marimekko background wallpaper for your computer click here.

In Canada, touch base with the wonderful Marimekko Vancouver for info on the collections (they can get their hands on the whole shebang) and, of course, to have anything shipped chez vous. [Images: Copyright 2009 Marimekko Corporation. All rights reserved]

   

It's all going O.K.

It's official, Orla Kiely has ruined my weekend - We're heading off for a bit of cross-border fun and of course will be hitting Target, who have just released the fact that they'll be launching an Orla Kiely line of housewares that'll hit shelves Feb 1st. Ummm, I'll be there this weekend, not February!

The line of tableware, storage and even swanky aprons is all happily patterned with her trademark look (yes, the de-lovely pear print makes an appearance) and will most probably sell out within minutes. C'est la vie is all I can say...

Not content with cornering the housewares side of things, Ms. Kiely's line of mid-Century inspired furniture, for Heal's in the UK, has also set hearts a flutter. The rich walnut collection is peppered with Orla's patterns and warm colours, and has a classic style that echoes vintage Brit and Swedish furniture. The Lusk Sofa, as well as the Rowan dining table and chairs (all below) are some of my fave's. And, just to confirm that she obviously plans to take over the world, Bewley's Tea in Ireland recently released a Kiely designed tea caddy for their Gold Blend, which has already been spotted on eBay.

   

Orla Kiely for Target via sfgirlbybay 

Iffy on the table, but the chairs are a go

While the kitchen at our new house is well on it's way to getting completed (yay!) my mind has been wandering to the dining area and how it might get sorted. We'll have a skinny slice of a long table (that at least has been decided, and there isn't room for anything else) but, while I've been saying that wood might be nice, I've been rolling around the idea of something slick and white instead. For dining chairs we'll be doing an eclectic mash-up of painted charity shop specials, that's for sure (I can't abide the red leather dining chair I'm sitting on right now...) but still, I'm in need of inspiration.

Here are a few shots that caught my attention; bits and pieces of which are floating in jig-saw puzzle pieces around my brain, trying to fit together. The first shot is the latest from Marimekko for Spring /09 (more to come on that delicious front), and I'm loving all the colour and pattern. The second feels eclectic with Bruno chairs paired with a white farmhouse table. The third is the freshest gear from e15, who're on their way to show at IMM Cologne, and I'm all about those old Thonet chairs with their blocky white table (and don't even get me started on that great herringbone floor...). In the fourth that rustic table totally works, paired with lots of white and very barmy lighting. And finally, an 'in my dreams' white painted industrial space that rocks out with a Tulip table and chairs. [ Image 2, 4 Mai Linh, 5, Bertrand Limbour. Via Marie Claire Maison]

    

Deconstructing Ilse

The Crown in Old Amersham, the second inn by design guru Ilse Crawford for Dhillon Hotels, recently opened up and has already received raves from the likes of British Vogue. The 16th century half-timbered building now rocks a quiet and thoughtful modern rustic vibe, miles away from its past incarnation which undoubtedly included red velour, flocked wallpaper and polished brass odds and ends. I really dig Ms. Crawford's work (I've waffled on about her before here) and wanted to share her point of view, and deconstruct the look, since it's so on trend.

The interiors of The Crown are pared back with an eclectic mix of furnishings, all tied together in a simple neutral palette. The Durant Stretcher wing chair from Martha Stewart Furniture with Bernhardt (available through DeBoer's) would feel handsome and modern upholstered in grey wool. This Windsor Chair, handmade by John Fowler in Nova Scotia, has a classic silhouette in a dark finish - layer in a sheepskin and you're done. Vintage Ercol chairs are a hot Brit collectible, but the company just launched Originals to re-visit the company's mid-Century heyday. The restaurant at The Crown is all about locally sourced ingredients, with a menu designed by Rosie Sykes, served on hefty earthenware and aged pewter; try this charger from Williams Sonoma. Original wide-plank barnboard (check Revival Flooring) feels fresh with a round braided jute rug from West Elm. Finish it all off with walls in Dauphin Estate Emulsion and trim in Mahogany Oil Eggshell by Farrow & Ball.

    

   

     

   

Black and white and Italian

I love a bit of Piero Fornasetti, the Milanese artist and designer who's iconic imagery still feels as bizarre and fascinating today as it did when his work first appeared on the scene back in the '50's. His most recognizable designs are of a woman's face (apparently a 19th century opera singer called Lina Cavalieri) which became a central theme in a collection called Tema & Variazioni. Over 350 of his designs were originally produced as plates; depicting her enigmatic face in a slew of different aspects - tattooed, swallowed by a crocodile, turned into a butterfly, and poking out her tongue.

Get hooked up with the gorgeous plates at Palazetti, check out the Fornasetti Collection of wallpaper from Cole & Son, visit Fornasetti directly for access to original vintage items, and shop AT Design Home for accessories and more. But the latest news is of a limited edition Blu-ray disc from Detour Designs that takes Tema & Variazioni and artfully animates it into a surreal 50 minute tour de force for your flatscreen (I can't think of a chic-er way to unwind).

Take a look below at the disc and a couple of screenshots, as well as some of Fornasetti's other work.

We'll be there in 8 hours

The weather is getting to me... already. This grey/cold/rain/snow/slush business is just not my cup of tea. Enough of that, how about some inspiration?

We have a dream of one day buying a place in Portugal, so when I saw this place, owned by designer Marina Saldanha and located in Portugal's Alentejo region, I knew I had to share. Love her vibe - all those collected things thrown together in a rustic whitewashed space just works so well. Okay, lets cut the waffling; ignore the weather outside and look at the gorgeous shots below. [photography: Mai-Linh / Box Management]

Via Marie Claire Maison

No milk, just cool gear

I've had a soft spot for the Drake Hotel in Toronto ever since we held my 40th birthday there a couple of years back (it was a raucous, well-attended affair with a hot playlist from DJ D Parie, all jammed in the Underground bar). Now, apart from all the regular goings on at the Drake too numerous to mention, they've taken it upon themselves to open the Drake Hotel General Store in a vacant storefront next door.

The space is so fresh they haven't even had an opening party yet - that happens tonight - but fear not, they're already packed to the gills and the paint has dried. It's kind of a corner store / art installation / quirky design gallery all mashed into one with vintage shop fixtures that look they were grabbed from Goodwill and given a quick wipedown before being pressed into service.

Theirs is quite the kooky selection of goods, from ultra saucy x-rated colouring books to lollipops, clothing and accessories. My quick faves are below - The rhino, grizzly bear and moose shot glasses in goth black glass, the gnome dishware (yes, there's more than the pitcher) and mini wind-up music boxes that play 'Singing in the Rain' and 'Stairway to Heaven'. In other words, while you won't be popping in for a carton of milk, the shelves are stocked with the kind of cool finds that you didn't know you needed, but really, really do. [Images 2 and 3 by Justin Adam]

   

  

 

 

Kitchen Confidential

Can I say how much I love, love, love the way this kitchen for Canadian Family turned out? I had the pleasure of working on the project with Jen Reynolds, CF's editor-in-chief, and the results were shot by the always sassy Michael Alberstat (make sure to check out his portfolio).

Jen's drab old kitchen didn't reflect her century home's feel or her eclectic sense of style (it was as dull as dishwater) so we spent time layering charm back into the space; making sure it worked for her family and had all the bells and whistles Jen had always wanted (like those smashing fridge drawers from GE Monogram). Here's a quick rundown - The kitchen was planned and installed by Home Depot, the antiqued painted cabinetry is by Kraftmaid, those new windows are from Jeld-Wen, the sink and faucets (including the pot filler above the cooktop) are Kohler. As well as the fridges, the oven and cooktop are from GE Monogram (the SmartDispense dishwasher is GE Profile). And finally, that gorgeous Persian rug was lugged back years ago from Iran by Jen's husband Neil!

You'll have to grab the Winter '09 issue for the inside scoop on the whole project, but I wanted to share a few of the shots below.

 

Good cause, good vintage auction

Modern design junkies take note: ModernLove, that fab Winnipeg-based online retailer of hot vintage finds, is at it again with their 5th annual charity auction of 20th Century design and decorative arts to benefit the Canadian Cancer Society. From Nov 28th until Dec 8th Roan Barrion, the dude behind ModernLove, will be listing quite the eclectic slew of items on eBay; some by big names, some just plain so-cool-I-gotta-have-it. And yes, they're happy to ship around the world.

Take a peek below at some of the items that'll be showing up, there's some well swish gear, as well as a limited edition t-shirt emblazoned with the iconic Eames rocker. Check in for more info here, and get ready to bid!

   

 

Vintage bananas

You might have guessed from reading the blog, and if you've seen me working the aisles at charity shops hither and yon, that I am seriously bananas about vintage furniture and accessories. It's an innate thing for me, having been dragged happily along to antique markets and church rummage sales from a v. young age (I started collecting Art Deco at the age of 12). So you probably won't be surprised to hear that I used to live above a vintage store - Zig Zag - in Toronto's Leslieville. The apartment was ridiculously cheap; freezing cold in the winter, boiling in the summer, with only a dribble of water pressure and a crack house for neighbours. Needlesss to say I spent lots of time downstairs in Zig Zag, hanging out with Joe, the owner.

Joe recently closed his last store and moved Zig-Zag a block or so west where he re-opened this past weekend at 985 Queen Street East. He has such a great eye, which is why I was drooling over a pair of swanky mirrored end tables that would look fab in my new place. Joe, can you put them on hold for me? lol. Take a boo below at some of the gear on offer.

Honey, my key won't work

I've featured some pretty amazing interiors in Flare Magazine, but the one below is a total favourite. In fact, when I first scouted it, I accidentally let slip that I might move in and change the locks, lol. This gem of a house, hidden away in a Toronto suburb, is owned by photographer John Cullen and his talented wife, Martine Blackhurst, who's a stylist and vintage shopper extraordinaire.

Of course John shot the place, capturing beautifully all the light and colour that fills each room. Martine is responsible for the wit and style of the interiors; she snagged much of the furniture and accessories from thrift stores, eBay and antique markets, lugging stuff home from as far afield as Mexico. The house has great architectural bones, and luckily most of the bells and whistles hadn't been ripped out or mucked up over the years - like that skylight-topped teak coffered ceiling in the living room, and the old-school glam mirror tiled wall in the dining room (there's another skylight in there too, sigh...).

Click here to take a look at the rest of John's portfolio - his shots of India are mah-vellous. And y'know what? I still might move in...

Old dogs and rockers

Apologies for posting later than normal, today has been a bit nuts-o. The steel beams arrived at the house early this morning so I was hanging around watching the install as long as I could before totally freezing my you-know-whats off (I'll be posting shots of the install later). Now I'm back at my laptop and have just polished off Style Scout for the National Post after running to grab a door handle for a shoot for House & Home. Phew, no rest for the v. wicked...

I thought it would be fun to post a couple of recent vintage finds. The first is a totally cool teak rocker that was quite the steal from a seller on Kijiji. It's destined to be re-upholstered for a mod nursery makeover that I'm working on for CityLine. The second are a pair of beyond fab Foo Dogs grabbed from a local Goodwill. $12 each, you can't beat that with a stick. They'll be used in an upcoming shoot I'm working on with a photographer friend of mine Stefano Barbera. And don't worry, I'll be sharing the shots once they're done.

Turning 40 (and still hot)

The Sacco chair caused a sensation when it was first intro'd by Zanotta in 1968. The designers behind Sacco - Piero Gatti, Cesare Paolini and Franco Teodoro - were inspired by the idea of an Italian peasant's mattress stuffed with chestnut leaves and hit upon a way to update it for the mod generation. Since then it's become an iconic 60's object, ending up in design museums (and living rooms) around the world.

Now La Commedia Del Sacco, an exhibit of the chair in 40 haute couture fabrics has been off touring the world, but, if you miss out on seeing it in New York, Paris or Tokyo you can luckily check out the whole thing online here - love the original advertising shots. And, if you fancy your very own Sacco, stop in at Inform Interiors in Vancouver, they'll hook you up. 

 

Table tip

Mid-century wonks take note; have you heard of Lunar Lounge? They're based out of Winnipeg and have a collection that includes seating and storage, but it's their tables that I think are super sweet. So go ahead, hook your pad up with kidney and boomerang shaped tables available in a slew of sizes, wood finishes and colours. And, if you're feeling handy, order their hairpin legs to create your own table (I'm thinking of a rustic slice of wood), they come in 4 heights and 3 finishes. And yes, Lunar Lounge will happily ship across North America.

Fresh gear, daily

Okay all you design geeks, listen up - Design Within Reach is setting up a sweet program that might just be your cuppa tea. From Monday Nov 10th, and daily for the following 5 weeks, DWR: Limited will offer a first-click-first-served limited edition product. It could be vintage, it could be new, but one things for sure; there's a good chance that your mates won't have the chance to get their sticky mitts on what's on offer (giving you major design bragging rights).

The buzz on what might appear includes a Christmas tree that's more sculpture than kitsch, organic toys made in Vermont, masking tape that would make any modern Martha happy, a vintage typewriter to tap out love notes and a classic chair gussied up by fashion darlings. I'm intrigued.

Take a sneak peek below at a few of the things that might make the cut, including an original vintage 40's Eames plywood leg splint (just about the coolest and quirkiest thing that could hang on your wall). Click here to sign up!

   

It's a print thing

I have a total thing for Marimekko. It's the intense colours and graphic punch of their designs that just manages to make me hot under the collar, no matter whether it's one of their latest designs (like the beyond gorgeous leopard print below) or one of their classic 60's patterns. It's all good.

So, I'm extra peeved that Canada's first Marimekko Concept Store hit land in Vancouver which, unfortunately, is way off track for me (I'm in Toronto). How mean?!? Well, at least it's a little better on my bank balance this way, lol. For those of you that don't live out on the beautiful West Coast (though luckily they'll ship across the country), some of Marimekko's gear can be found in stores like Ministry of the Interior as well as Crate & Barrel.

Take a peek below at a few of their current offerings that grabbed me. Both of the fabrics, Kumiseva and Kaiku, would make brilliant wall art. Sininen Gepardi is that leopard print, available as fabric as well as the quite affordable dishware, and both the Tuuli bed linen and Fokus apron hit the nail on the head with their on-trend black and white combo.

   

Feeling modern

One of my favourite resources for lighting is Rejuvenation, they're a total go-to for fixtures that have a vintage charm, no matter what the period. And they're completely customizable too, so if you're in the mood for copper rather than nickel then they've got you covered. The newest release for their Satellite line is a collection of authentically styled mid-century modern hardware. Unfortunately this means more vintage furniture will be following me home from charity shops, garage sales and consignment stores since, up until now, ugly hardware was a total deal breaker.

Check out the hardware below - the knobs, handles and backplates are all available in Polished Chrome, Brushed Chrome and Oil-Rubbed Bronze - as well as a couple of their standout light fixtures that are on the cards for the new place.