{ikea 2011}
In honor of the new 2011 Ikea catalogue that was released earlier this week I have put together a grouping of my favourite new items from the Swedish design superpower.
1. MARIUS stool in light blue 2. KARLSTAD sofa in Tufted/Gray 3. SMADAL bookcase with drawer (there are also optional glass doors) 4. TRIPP storage tins
I already own this sofa in white, but I really like how the tufted pillows add a touch of elegance. If I ever redecorate my apartment I might have to get this new, darker slipcover. I also love the SMADAL bookcase. I have been waiting for this product for a while at my local Ikea, and will be buying it as soon as it is in stock. What items do you like from the new catalogue? Is there anything you can’t live without?
{mateus ceramics}
For several months now I have been anticipating the opening of a new store in Gastown. Every time I was shopping in the area – or eating at The Old Spaghetti Factory – I saw an empty store-front window that was covered in beautiful paper advertising a new home decor store. Last week when I was on assignment for the magazine I stumbled across the beautiful new store – open at last!
Orling and Wu (named after the owners) carries a variety of decor items, including wallpaper, fabric, small furniture, tableware and accessories. I was immediately drawn to a collection of ceramic dishes by Mateus.
Photo courtesy of Mateus
The dishes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and just absolutely exude prettiness. You can get the pieces in a variety of colours, including light pink, sunshine yellow, grass green and sky blue. I couldn’t help but purchase one of the pink plates, and I plan on adding more to my collection soon. This collection from Mateus really exemplifies the style and feel of Orling and Wu, and the store is really worth a visit. I can’t wait to see what items that carry in the future.
{dot melange}
After a successful first week at the magazine, I was sent out Friday afternoon to scavenge the city looking for new and trendy decorating items to include in the October issue of Western Living. I ended up at one of my favourite stores for decor – Vancouver Special – where I stumbled across these super cute pillows for fall.
Photos courtesy of Hay
The pillows, called Dot Melange, are designed by Hay – a furniture company whose “ambition is to encourage Danish furniture design’s return to the innovative greatness of the 1950s and 1960s but in a contemporary context.” The cover is 100 percent wool, which makes these pillows perfect to curl up with on a chilly fall evening. They come in two sizes (shown above) and 12 different colours with contrasting buttons. I am personally partial to the blue pillow with the yellow button as well as the grey pillow. Which one do you like?
{western living & christian woo}
Today is the second day of my summer internship at a fabulous magazine called Western Living. It is located in Vancouver’s South Granville neighbourhood and features home decorating, shopping, and travel information for Western Canada. It is a great gig for someone who loves design, and I have already had the chance to learn about a really cool Vancouver artist.
Right now the magazine is currently working on the September issue, and my first task was to write a short blurb about furniture designer Christian Woo. His work reminds me of something you might be able to find in Ikea – except higher quality – and he clearly has a gift for working with wood. He claims to be inspired by Scandinavian and Japanese design, but focuses on the colours found in BC’s landscape to help add interest to his pieces. He just launched his first line of furniture – called Covert – in May, and I think we can expect to hear more about him in the future. Check out the next issue of Western Living to read more about Christian and see some pics of his work.
{i heart popsicles}
After a short hiatus from writing (due to my attempt at finishing grad school with relatively decent grades and some sanity), I have returned. I promise I will be writing much more frequently, and will attempt to share the new and lovely things I discover, as well as capture some of the adventures I will be embarking on during my internship at a design magazine.
Today I wanted to share my newest find: a spin on the traditional home popsicle maker. I came across this handy device on Style at Home’s Style Sleuth blog.
Photo courtesy of Williams Sonoma
Available through Williams Sonoma, the Zuko Quick Pop Maker allows you to make popsicles at home in seven minutes! What makes this special than other traditional ice pop makers is that: a) it freezes quickly, and b) you can make a variety of different popsicles, including ones filled with cream and fruit!
The past week in Vancouver has been absolutely beautiful, and I have been finding myself on the beach almost every day. With summer just around the corner, you can be sure I will be craving popsicles after a long afternoon of tanning!
{rie elise larsen}
I recently discovered Danish designer Rie Elise Larsen courtesy of Decor8, and haven’t been able to get enough of her since. She creates paper products and accessories for the home (including boxes, pillows and lamps). Her work blends together strong graphic patterns and delightful colours in a fresh way.
Photo courtesy of Rie Elise Larsen
My favourite piece by this designer is her romantic paper lampshades, which are available in a variety of patterns and sizes. Unfortunately, I haven’t been able to find a place to check out her work in Canada, but I have been inspired to try to find a beautiful paper lampshade somewhere else. If you see one, let me know!
{a cup of tea}
For as long as I can remember, I have always had a special place in my heart for tea. I absolutely love every kind – especially loose-leaf – and drink it almost every day (as my friends at MPub can attest to). So, you can imagine my delight when I opened the May 2010 issue of Style at Home and saw this adorable teacup and saucer set from Indigo.
Photo courtesy of Style at Home.
The contrast between the soft pastel colours and the defined, square shape of the cups is just perfect, and adds a special touch to an otherwise ordinary dish. I am moving into a new apartment next week and will be furnishing it on the meager student budget I live off of. But, I don’t think I can stop myself from visiting Chapters to splurge on this new addition for my kitchen. I hope they have it in stock! Who wants to come over for a cup of tea?
