Guest blog / Julia Black: Under covers

Julia Black: What happens between the sheets is definitely personal. But, if I may, I’d like to recommend you get to know more about who you are in bed with, at least when it comes to your bedlinens. Shopping for linens can be a complex issue, as there’s a ton to know and a gazillion options out there, like threadccount, the brand, the content, and what part of the world does it come from? On a recent trip to Vancouver I discovered a bedding company called, simply, Bed. At Bed, they pride themselves in making their product themselves, from the sewing right through to the dying, making the most brilliant spectrum of solid, patterned and striped 100% cotton bedlinens, all locally. Luckily, you don't have to be in Vancouver to get in on the Bed action, since they ship just about anywhere, but it is great to get to support a small Canadian company who are making a positive difference in the mass manufactured market we all live in. My absolute fave at Bed was selecting from all the spectacular solid colours they carry - 48 in all - and having fun mixing and matching patterns and stripes. Better still, at the end of the day you get to hop into an overwhelmingly comfortable bed and know exactly who you're zzz-ing with!

To read more posts from Julia click here, and to check out her cool blog click here.

5 quick questions: Alanna Cavanagh

I've had a bit of a design crush on the work of ultra-talented illustrator and printmaker Alanna Cavanagh for quite a while, so I'm glad to have cornered her into answering 5 quick questions. You might have seen her illustrations in the likes of Real Simple and the New York Times, but most recently I saw her work hanging in the home of Bev Hisey, where after years of looking at an - imho - awful painting of a blobby lifeless figure floating in the ether, I was happy to see one of Alanna's gorgeous Big Orange Scissors prints sitting pretty on the wall instead. And for that Alanna, I really really have to thank you.

Below you'll find shots of both Big Orange Scissors and Brook Brothers Suit (Green), plus a behind-the-scenes snap of Alanna tea staining one of her Penguin Books cover prints. Next, a peek at Alanna's own place, a shot of a space that currently inspiring her, and finally a super cute portrait photo/illustration mash up. Click here to read more 5 quick questions! [Portrait photo:Janet Kimber]

Arren Williams: What's inspiring you right now?

Alanna Cavanagh: Josef Frank Textiles, Illustrations from the 1950s, the colour limey green, swiss miss blog, springy tulips, Selvedge magazine, Graphic designer Paul Rand, Decoupage artist John Derian, The Workroom on Queen West and most especially: my new 'hood Parkdale.  

AW: Is there anything that drives you crazy when you walk into a space?  

AC: If it's too white and minimal I don't feel comfortable. For me I need to be surrounded by lots of warm wood, cozy textiles, and piles of books to feel at home. 

AW: What's the next thing you have your eyes on for your own house?  

AC: I would love a velvet tufted couch in a jewel tone like turquoise - I'm on the look out for a used one. In the meantime I have my eyes directly set on Benjamin Moore's 'Florentine Plaster' paint. It'll soon be on the walls of my bathroom.

AW: How would you describe your look, and has it changed over the years? 

AC: Fleamarket Chic with a dash of New Romantic! 

I absolutely love a MIX: of high and low, traditional and modern, and new and old. I also love to include whimsical pieces like old birdcages, and vintage signs to make sure the space never feels too serious.

In terms of colour I always paint my walls grey (Benjamin Moore Chelsea Grey is a fave) and then add lots of juicy tones like pink and orange which really POP off the grey.

And of course I love displaying a lot of art. I've always been a sucker for a salon wall. Every time I see one in a magazine I rip it out. My style has always been the same but happily these days I have a bit more high to add to the low. :-)

AW: What's next on the horizon? 

AC: I've just completed 3 new silk screen prints which you can find here on my website. I've also illustrated a campaign for Air New Zealand, and a book cover for Penguin books, and am now working on a tote bag design for Good Egg ( the wonderful food shop in Kensington market). Look out for it in June!

IDS finds

Well, it's one week later and I'm finally editing down my faves from the IDS. There was so much to see except, errr, I was kind of busy, so I literally begged off an hour on the last day of the show to run around and catch what I could. So, here's a few designs that really caught my eye, and yes, before anyone says anything, I totally realize I have a bit of a thing for lamps...

From the top: Mahabali welcome mats in natural coir by Cristina Covello. Intensely coloured turned wood lamps and mortar and pestles by Tahir Mahmood. Handmade silver on brass Egyptian pendant lights available at Snob. The Clown light, part of Jaime Hayon's hook up with Lladro (lawdy it's a stunner).

5 quick questions - Matt Carr

Matt Carr, Umbra's Design Director, is a difficult guy to pin down. When I first e-mailed him he was somewhere in China, Shanghai I think, so I'm amazed that he was finally able to spend time and answer a few questions. As Matt mentions below, he's participating in the Pecha Kucha presentation at the Interior Design Show today - I'm moderating the presentation, which should be a laugh. Hopefully it will be fun and fast paced; Pecha Kucha is Japanese for chit-chat, each presenter gets 20 slides and 20 seconds per slide to speak to the theme of 'Inspiration'. So if you're at the show today, make sure to stop by. In case that wasn't enough, he and his girlfriend, Joyce Lo, have also designed one of the spaces at Come Up To My Room at the Gladstone Hotel - A v. cool exhibit that runs until Sunday, Feb 8th.

I asked Matt to pick out a few of his favourite pieces that he's designed for Umbra. From the top: The Mixalabra, my current fav candleholder. The Rolly Desk, check out the rest of the Rolly line too. The Teatime Clock, love all those vintage teacups. And finally the Biblioteca bookcase, snapped in Matt's own living space. Click here to check out more 5 Quick Question interviews.

Arren Williams: Can you describe your style?

Matt Carr: Style is always evolving. Lately I have been really into industrial vintage antiques with a touch of folk and a little glam. Ransacking through the aisles of the St. Lawrence antique market has become somewhat of a Sunday morning tradition. I am not a huge fan of slick contemporary as I love blemishes and inconsistencies…the little things that give pieces character and a story. Neither contemporary nor traditional, my home is a complete mixed bag of pieces that work together to make a comfortable informal living space.

AW: What's really got you excited in the world of design?

MC: Technology continues to change the face of design. From new materials and processes that I was just checking out in factories in Asia to how we develop product in our Toronto design studio. We have been using a 3D printer to generate exact models from our computer renderings. It is such an amazing tool to explore and understand forms, surfaces, and ergonomics. It’s kinda like our little design oven.

AW: What's the next thing you'll be buying for your place?

MC: Moving from a loft to a house meant a lot more furniture to acquire. The to do list for the house is still long, but I think the next investment piece will be a great armoire to hide the TV and unsightly electronics that go with it.

AW: Anything, décor wise, that you totally hate and think should be banned?

MC: Ha! Hate is a strong word but when I visit Mimi’s, my fave Pho restaurant on Gerrard Street I cannot get over the peach coloured sponge job they went for. Almost so bad it’s good…

AW: What's next for you?

MC: The last month has been a busy one. Just got back from a trip to Hong Kong and China then headed to NYC for the NYIGF. My girlfriend and I are just putting the finishing touches on our “In My Heart” installation for this weekend's COME UP TO MY ROOM event. We were inspired by the experiences people share in hotel rooms. Whether it be a honeymoon or a torrid affair, hotel rooms have a long association with love and lovers. Using light, holograms and typography, In My Heart is an installation that explores these relationships. Also presenting a Pecha Kucha speech during IDS focusing on how we are constantly surrounded by inspiration…even in the most mundane everyday experiences.

    

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.

 

On the carpet

If I haven't been carrying a box I've had a paintbrush in my hand (which is why I've missed out on posting on the blog), oh the joys of a new home, lol. Yesterday I escaped the drywall dust for a bit and met up with my mate, and rug designer extraordinaire, Bev Hisey. She's just launched her new designs for '09, one of which - Dity Dishes - will be debuting at Radiant Dark 2009, an exhibit of Canadian design curated by Made. The show runs from Feb 5th to the 8th, so make sure you check it out.

Some of hew new work comes with a back story, here's the deelio - Cross My Heart, in wool and silk, was inspired by a neighbour's heart surgery. Sightlines came about from Bev's recent eye exams. Dirty Dishes was inspired by a Petrie dish. Escort was patterned after shredded fishnets from her teenage daughter's punk phase (Bev is thankful it was a short lived phase!). One last important thing - Bev's rugs, as always, are stamped by Rugmark, guaranteeing no child labour was involved in their manufacture.

   

Let there be discounts

'Tis the season for sample sales, and here's one that's definitely worth hitting - Bev Hisey, maker of fab carpets and cushions (yes, admittedly she's a friend but I do love her stuff; see more here) and Charlotte McKeough of Brave Brown Bag (a line of indestructibly chic bags that come in tons of colours) are getting together to hold a Winter Solstice Sale at Bev's studio space in Toronto. Head down to 1066 Dundas Street West on Dec 19th and 20th, between 10am-6pm, to score major discounts on some really wonderful gear and to meet them both.

   

Ladies first...

I was lucky enough to be picked as one of Canadian House & Home Magazine's favourite blogs for their always fab Jan '09 Trends issue, along with quite the glam bunch - Jan Halvarson of Poppytalk, Marie-Eve Best of Lake Jane, and Kim Johnson, the Canadian half of the team behind Desire to Inspire. Jan, Marie-Eve and Kim have all already posted about the issue (thanks for the kind mentions one and all!), so now I wanted to pipe up and share some of the shots H&H just posted here on their website that give the inside scoop on our workspaces.

A few of the pics are below - Jan (not pictured) and the peek at her bookshelf was shot by Janis Nicolay, Marie-Eve and quite a v. fab vintage leather wall storage piece was snapped by Angus McRitchie, and Kim and her fantabulous desk were caught on film by Jordan Craig. Currently I'm working off the dining table piled high with papers and press kits (not too swanky for sure), which is why I'm pictured smack dab in the middle of the living room surrounded by some of our gear that didn't make it into storage, the second shot is of a favourite vintage tulip base with a Moroccan tray top I glued together and painted green (btw, I was shot by the always lovely Virgina Macdonald, take a look here at more of her work).

The magazine just hit the stands, so feel free to pick one up and doodle a mustache on my mug. Oh, and so ya know, House & Home's website is in the midst of a re-design and will launch all polished and shiny looking in Jan of 2009!

Say hello to Helen

I've kind of secretly been a fan of Helen Acraman's work, and now everyone and their magazine reading best friend knows, since I blabbed about it in the Jan '09 issue of Canadian House & Home. So much for keeping secrets, lol.

Helen's artwork is storybook cool, bright, happy and quirky; it's just the thing to give a blah wall a decorative slap in the chops, and is waaaay affordable too. A fresh green 20 is all you'll need to score one of her limited edition prints, and that's pretty unbeatable if you ask me - I bet one of her works would make the perfect prezzie either for someone on your list over the hols, or for a housewarming bringalong. Check out Helen's Etsy shop here (her seller name is zukzuk) and click here to take a boo at her sweet blog.

     

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]

   

  

 

 

A crafty institution

Toronto's bi-annual One of a Kind Show is quite the handmade, craft and artwork institution, so much so that the folks behind the show have now brought One of a Kind's to Vancouver, New York and Chicago. I can't remember the last show I missed and walking it, other than the excercise (lol), is always so inspirational since there's just such a feast for the eyes.

As always, I've ended up picking out a few best-in-show that I thought would be worth sharing -

Wendy Walgate's world is dreamy, odd and Alice in Wonderland-ish. My friend Morgan turned me onto her work, and I must say I became an instant fan - I love how her artwork plays with memories, collections and colour. 

Flakes stationary has a collaged feel that I totally get (love those Holiday cards). Ashley Stapleton's work is witty and pretty and her new calendars, debuting at the show, are smashing.

Kyla Francis caught me with her hand-printed enamel sneaker design as well as that hilarious mug inspired by haircuts spotted at the One of a Kind. She has such an irreverent, modern and young take on decorative work.

The show runs until Dec 7th, so make sure you get down there and hit the aisles!

 

 

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!

   

 

Gallery (s)hopping

Last night was the official opening 'do' for the AGO's Shop, so I headed down for a peek at what's on the shelves. I know, I should really have arrived early and toured the whole AGO, and I will - promise - I'm not quite as crass as infamous PR flack Edina Monsoon (of Ab Fab fame), who firmly believed that museums would be so much better if everything was on sale...

The store has quite the selection of fab stuff - I loved all the Frank Gehry pieces on show as well as the witty/cool references to all the Douglas Fir used in his design of the gallery, like the curly-whirly trivet below, and let's not forget the slew of artist designed limited edition t-shirts either (put me down for one of those) as well as tons of pre-framed art and a whole section with creative gear for the kiddies too. (Exterior image courtesy of the AGO)

 

Local sparkle

Yesterday afternoon I arrived waaay too early for an appointment at Farrow & Ball on Yonge Street so had to tool around a bit and, after stopping in at Putti (jammed with glam and sparkly gear) and Constantine (gorgeous and eclectic as per usual) I ended up in French Country, where I fell in love with a moose. Glitter covered deer and reindeer yes (I even own 3 or 4), but moose, um, huh? It was such an oddly endearing find, and so Canadian, that I had to share.

Oh, and the swanky new wallpaper I got a sneak peek of at F&B will be debuting in March /09, so you'll have to hold your horses on that!

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...

Good cause, good art, good beats

What are you doing tomorrow night? Nothing, and you're in Toronto? Okay, well I've got something for you to hit up that's for a super good cause - It's the Cape Town Shakedown Fundraiser and Art Auction at Studio Gallery out on College Street. Head there between 7-11pm on the 20th for a silent auction on a slew of edgy and cool donated artwork from more than a dozen artists and hang to the beats of a couple of DJs. All the money raised is for The Cape Town Children's Scholarship Foundation: a not-for-profit charitable group that will award scholarships to poverty stricken kids living in the Khayelitsha Township, outside of Cape Town. Go, donate, bid, drop some cash and have a good time.

Take a peek at some of the artwork on offer below from Jesi The Elder and Ndeur (I'll get back to you about who's behind the Paris shot), as well as shots of those deserving kids in the Townships, and click here for more info on the event.

Feeling small, but pretty

Affordable art alert!!! Art Interiors (yes, they are one of my fave galleries) is just about to debut their latest show, the 15th Annual Festival of Smalls. Prices start at a way affordable $30 and max out at $250 at the top end for all sorts of beauties. Click here to shop online, and take a peek below at a few of my picks by Beverly Owens, Lizzie Vickery and Susan Fothergill.

 

Walls need style

Am I out to wallpaper the world, one wall at a time? Maybe, lol. I'm always happy when more of the good stuff is available so news that Graham & Brown is debuting a collection of papers at Lowes made me perk up my ears. Fashion for Walls is a collection of highlights from G&B's Superfresco Easy, Umbra and Monsoon. Patterns are fashion forward, styles are in-stock and application is a snap (all are Paste The Wall products).

Check out one of my faves below, Colada from Canadian design firm Umbra - love the black and white modern mash up of that historical motif. Get shopping!

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.