Take a seat
I have a “thing” for chairs. Maybe its the mix of form and function that’s so appealing to me, so I’m constantly looking to fill an awkward corner with some type of interesting chair, ottoman or stool and I have to give a nod to IKEA for producing some chairs with strong design lines at great price points. These punctuating black chairs will look fabulous in contemporary rooms or elevate to a higher level when mixed into more traditional settings.
Black is best for Jenna Lyons
Jenna Lyons is the creative director of J. Crew and her Brooklyn brownstone as featured in the latest issue of Domino magazine is so fresh and now! From the mix of cool grey walls and warm reclaimed wood floors in the living room to the use of chalkboard off-black walls with strong yellow and white accents throughout (even the nursery!), the effect is dramatic but not moody, still fresh. I especially love the Madeline Weinrib rug in the living room and the mix of a threadbare rug and Serge Mouille light in the bedroom, it’s that unexpected mix that I find most exciting in decorating today.
Madeline Weinrib Atelier
You can’t open a magazine these days without seeing a Madeline Weinrib rug on the floor of the hippest spaces. I’m crazy for her rugs, especially the cotton weaves. I can see the blue and beige Mandala in a den with a breezy white slipcovered sofa and garden stool or the black and white Buche wool flatweave in a high impact living area or the purple Suzi runner in a chic dressing room. Keep in mind that natural cotton rugs would be difficult to clean in high traffic areas or under a dining table, while wool rugs are naturally stain resistant, and at these prices you want these beautiful rugs to last. Rugs as art is so on trend right now, with high impact floors, keep the walls simple to compliment.
Artists of the week: Alanna Cavanagh and Kotama Bouabane
Canvas Gallery is one of my favorite sources for original artwork from local Toronto artists. Alanna Cavanagh is an illustrator and fine artist who’s work has appeared in The New York Times and Kotama Bouabane’s photo-based work has been exhibited at galleries including Prefix Institute for Contemporary Art, Gallery TPW & Gallery 44 Centre for Contemporary Photography. Here are a few works that would be great for adding some energy and wit into a space (from top: N is for novel (pink), London park and Mannequin small by Cavanagh, It’s not you it’s me and Can we start over by Bouabane).
Retail Therapy: The Cross
The Cross Decor & Design is one of my favorite sources on the west coast. Located in Vancouver’s Yaletown district, their store is full of well-appointed luxury items and found objects. Right now I’m coveting their fabulous moroccan poufs and pillows (especially the brown and cream italian filigree print).
