Even small decorations bring the holiday spirit into your home. Isn’t this wreath sweet?
The Purist, $8, Maisy and Alice
Via Maisy and Alice.
Design
Post by Johanne
Chester Lit Armchair, $680 at Design Within Reach
Light-filled chairs and chesterfields are the latest concoctions to arrive at Design Within Reach.
The company asked Italian designers Raffaella Mangiarotti and Matteo Bazzicalupo of Deep Design to refine the 2009 model and make it better suited to braving the outdoors.
(You might know Mangiarotti from her Dandelion Lamp now included in MoMA’s permanent collection, pictured below:)
Deep Design's Matteo Bazzicalupo and Raffaella Mangiarotti with the Dandelion Lamp
The collab between Deep Design and DWR is what we see today: the Chester chair’s button tufting and rounded arms are fun and comfortable while the innovative draining system ensures that the chair and built-in light fixture will remain dry and weather-proof.
What a brilliant solution.
Product image courtesy of Design Within Reach; Deep Design image courtesy of Plus Mood.
P.S. I was so inspired by Deep Design’s work that I embarked on a little search to feature more of their designs on White Cabana next Wednesday. Stay tuned for more inventive Deep Design!
A beautiful Friday Five if I do say so myself:
Ashington house, via griege
via Desire to Inspire
by designer Helen Green, via Desire to Inspire
via Decor8
via Design is Mine
Images courtesy of Decor8, Design is Mine, Desire to Inspire, Greige.
Here’s a new concept in lighting brought to us by the Japanese manufacturer kyouei. The light lies flat but it transforms into a 3D honeycomb lamp in a matter of minutes (or seconds!). How do you feel about building your own light?
Before: The Honeycomb lies flat
After: The Honeycomb Lamp, 63 Euro
Via Daikty Viesbutis.
“White is the new black.”
The Danish exhibition, Whiteout, showcases almost forty snow-white chairs. Amazing and beautiful, right? If only I was in Denmark to see this in person.
Woolly
Snowshoe
Dissolving Chair
Grid
Stretch-out
Images from SE via Lotta Agaton.
Norweigan artist Siren Elise Wilhelmsen’s knitting clock is pure coolness. It knits one two-meter scarf per year. Amazing, right?
Developing Time - Time Developing, by Siren Elise Wilhelmsen
Image courtesy of Core77. Via Design for Mankind.
This poster has two looks. Daytime:
Good Morning/Good Night poster, $48, Dolce Press
Cool, right?
Available at Dolce Press. Via SwissMiss.
Paris and New York, like many of our White Cabana readers, are two of our favourite vacation destinations! We love the art, architecture…and fashion! Don’t you?
Have you ever stopped to compare the two cities? The culture, the traffic, the food? Well, a new blog has come to town, the creation of Vahram Muratyan, which makes friendly comparisons, using graphic images, between Paris and New York. It’s brilliant (and stylish). We’re so happy that a white(ish) design has made its way to the Paris versus New York blog this week. Hooray!
Le journal
Have you seen the blog yet? Which image is your top choice?
Image courtesy of Paris Versus New York.
Gosh…now even the youngest tots can get a set of gold rims…
At the Olga Korper Gallery, Toronto
Image via Art Toronto.
I know it’s supposed to be a secret and all, but I just can’t keep it to myself! Caviar 20 is having a (shhh) secret sale! It’s too exciting! Prices have been reduced in half! I’ve pointed White Cabana readers to Caviar 20 in the past as I believe it’s truly a hot source for beautiful collectibles. In addition to original Fornasetti pieces, Tahir Mahmood’s mortar & pestles, and art deco lamps, Caviar 20 is the place to find unique chairs, Ikat pillows, and original art.
Octagon French Art Deco Chandelier, $375 (reduced from $775)
The C Chair by Karl Sorlie & Sonner, $325 (reduced from $475)
The Caviar 20 (secret) sale goes until November 8th so be sure to get there soon! Click here for sale items.
Images courtesy of Caviar 20.
I adore Kyle Bean’s spooky black and white pop-up book, titled Guide for the Unlucky. Have a look at the video. It’s amazing!
Some Halloween reading
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGehXwzI-4c&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0]
Happy Halloween!
Via Hip Hip Gin Gin.
Image courtesy of Kyle Bean & Co. Video via Youtube.
What do you look for in a nightstand? Personally, I need a drawer or two and a good size surface area for a lamp, books, alarm clock, and a select crystal or silver accessory. Here are five nightstands that fit my requirements:
1. This affordable nightstand from Ikea has a good size drawer and the shelf is perfect for holding stacks of magazines or books.
Hemnes Nightstand $79.99CAD, Ikea
2. Ikea’s MALM nightstand is clean and simple. Clutter stays hidden with this piece.
MALM $69.99CAD, Ikea
3. This West Elm nightstand is almost an exact replica of one of my vintage nightstands. The drawer is large, there’s a good size surface area and the closed off shelf means your books and things won’t fall onto the floor.
Narrow-Leg nightstand, $249, West Elm
4. I adore these vintage oval nightstands. I love the shape, simplicity, and uniqueness of these pieces.
Vintage nightstands, C. Bell at 1stdibs
5. I’m saving the best for last. Aren’t these vintage Lucite nightstands gorgeous? They fit all of my requirements and would definitely add interest to any bedroom.
Vintage Lucite nightstands, Tom Thomas at 1stdibs
What do you look for in a nightstand?
To browse a wide selection of traditional and modern nightstands click here.
Images courtesy of 1stdibs, Ikea, Pottery Barn, & West Elm.
I love when collections from different time periods magically come together. Here you see my Sophie Conran cake plate with my growing collection of milk glass.
Sophie + friends
Photo by Jordana.
The popularity of the Union Jack continues to be strong in home decor. The design has been painted on vintage dressers, printed on pillows and used as curtains.
Here’s a more subtle Jack for all of us who love the look but without all the colour.
White-on-white Union Jack, $66, Karen Hilton Designs at Etsy
Image courtesy of Karen Hilton Designs.
Fornasetti plate, 125GBP, Milk Concept Boutique
I first “met” Fornasetti on an episode of Debbie Travis’ Painted House, a long while ago (I think I might have been in highschool!). I was a fan at first sight. Those black & white faces just had a way of capturing my attention. Since then, I have noticed that Fornasetti has continued to gain popularity and interest among designers, collectors and artists. The Fornasetti style has been produced and reproduced countless times in numerous forms. Pillows, lighting, stools and even umbrellas with Fornasetti designs have made it to the marketplace.
Last weekend a friend took me to The Good Neighbour espresso bar in Toronto (thanks Kathlyn!) and I was quite excited to see the Fornasetti wall. I think the wall in this inviting café makes for an interesting focal point. Seeing the wall also reminded me that it was about time I put a little Fornasetti into White Cabana!
Fornasetti Wall at The Good Neighbour, Toronto
If you’re looking to invest in a piece, I suggest you start your search at Caviar20 as there always seems to be a Fornasetti piece or two in stock. Troy at Caviar20 suggests that if one is serious about starting a collection, vintage is the way to go. According to Troy, “savvy collectors know that this is the time to buy Fornasetti”. Be warned…the new items have purely decorative value and they will never appreciate in value. Are you sold yet?
Fornasetti's Mesi Soli, $225, at Caviar20
Although I don’t own any pieces just yet, when I do begin this collection I might decide to arrange them something like this:
Fornasetti plates as wall art, via Design is Mine
Want to learn more or get your collection started? Click here and here.
Update: Read Troy’s review of the book, Fornasetti: The Complete Universe here.
Images via Caviar20, Design is Mine, Milk Concept Boutique. Image and more information about The Good Neighbour here.
InVU Drapery is having a seat sale and you’re invited!
The "O" Chair, $199, inVU Drapery
The “O” chair, available in cocoa, bronze or fog (above), is a perfect companion for a dining table and can also serve as an easy side chair by the living room fireplace. Or, how about bringing it into the bedroom for a touch of shine and glamour?
inVU Drapery Co. has several locations in and around Toronto. In addition to ready-made drapery and hardware, the company offers drapery customization, furniture and select home design consultant services. Click here to learn more.
Image courtesy of inVU Drapery Co.
Love the packaging of the ok.- brand. Comes in water too!
Ok.- energy drink, at Migros, Switzerland
Photo by Jordana.
Yulia Brodskaya
Immerse yourself in these delightful images from Yulia Brodskaya this Monday morning.
Go White, by Yulia Brodskaya
Bon Appetit, by Yulia Brodskaya
Magic, by Yulia Brodskaya
Who's Who, by Yulia Brodskaya
Images courtesy of Yulia Brodskaya. Via The Zhush.
Today’s Friday Five – a mix of bedrooms.
The Minimalist (via Aubrey Road)
The Duo (via If the Lampshade Fits)
The Comfort (via Sacramento Street)
The Curve (via Desire to Inspire)
The Combo (via Greige)
Images courtesy of Aubrey Road, Desire to Inspire, Greige, If the Lampshade Fits, Sacramento Street.
One of my pet peeves – people saying eXpresso when what they really should say is eSpresso. It rolls off the tongue so much more nicely.
Porcelain espresso server, $48, Anthropologie
Image courtesy of Anthropologie.
The ACME rollerball pen collection is a collaboration between designers and Stylus to create contemporary writing instruments. What's more, they can be converted into fountain pens with a separate kit. Above, the "Metamorph" pen by Asymptote, $90 at Stylus.
Well, actually, it’s the writing instruments that are white, although we highly recommend opting for some white ink for your next “Dear Secret Admirer” correspondence.
As writers and fond friends of paper and pens, we’re excited to feature the ACME collection of writing instruments available at Stylus. These modern and beautiful pens are the product of industry designers’ take on this most under-rated everyday tool.
Our fave: the “Punctuation” rollerball pen by Harry Allen (pictured below). Don’t you just adore all those exclamation points and accents “aigus“?
ACME "Punctuation" pen by Harry Allen, $95
ACME "Halftone" pen by Todd Falowsky, $95
ACME "Petal" pen by Gabrielle Lewin, $95
ACME "Geometri- Blk/Wht" pen by Verner Panton, $95
Images courtesy of Stylus.
With two little (yet growing) boys, my sister seems to be constantly thinking about the design of their bedroom (which also means that I am thinking about their bedroom!). I love these clean poster beds and the striking letters on the wall. The colour scheme is soothing and the linens look so soft. Thoughts?
via Haute Design
Photo courtesy of Haute Design.
Warby Parker is my new love interest. I’m proud to tell everyone!
Warby Parker logo
While in New York last month I visited the Warby Parker studio, tried on many fabulous pairs of eyeglasses, and placed an order for two pairs. Within two weeks they arrived and are now sitting pretty on my face.
I purchased the Thompson in Crystal Matte (below) and the Striped Tortoise Zaggs. I feel so hip!
Thompson in Crystal Matte, Warby Parker
Not only are the frames fabulously chic, but the price is unbeatable. I have a very strong prescription and always hate forking over hundreds of dollars for stylish frames. At Warby Parker high-quality frames and lenses are completely affordable (I spent just over $100 for each pair of eyeglasses and I have a very very high prescription). Want more good news? For every pair you buy, Warby Parker gives a pair to someone in need. Incredible, right?
If you’re unable to get to Warby Parker in person in San Francisco or New York City, not to worry. You can use the website’s virtual try-on feature or take advantage of the home-try on option (WP currently only ships to the US).
I can’t say enough about my Warby Parker experience. From the moment I walked into the bright, white, spacious New York office to to the day I received my new specs, I have been impressed with the work ethic, the quality and the attention to service and detail from this company. I’m definitely looking forward to more visits and more purchases in the future (hopefully a red pair will be in stock soon hint hint).
p.s. I’m still thinking about the orange Coltons but I’m still hesitant to introduce orange into my life. Thoughts?
Photos courtesy of Warby Parker.
French retailer FNAC is currently carrying a fabulous selection of white Nixon products. I personally do not own a watch or a set of headphones but maybe I should reconsider. I’m loving the design of the following Nixon products:
Time Teller, Nixon, 69 Euros, at FNAC
Nixon whip headphones, 35 Euros, FNAC
Nixon trooper headphones, 59.90 Euros, at FNAC
Nixon Master Blaster headphones, 199.90 Euros, at FNAC
Images courtesy of FNAC. Nixon products also available here.
Swissmiss is a blog that started in 2005 by the multi-talented “Swiss designer gone NYC” Tina Roth Eisenberg. If you haven’t already visited Swissmiss, then please let me introduce it to you by highlighting five fabulous white posts featured on this wonderful design blog this year.
One: The Moshi Moshi – an ergonomic Bluetooth handset by Frendh designer David Turpin.
The Moshi Moshi bluetooth handset, $135
Two: The Workshop office space, Brooklyn.
The Workshop office space, Brooklyn, New York
Three: The 2011 Calendar Scarf.
The 2011 Calendar Scarf, 55 Euros
Four: Made A Mano letter tiles.
Letter tiles by Made A Mano
Five: Sewing Kit wall sticker.
Sewing kit wall sticker, $57.50
Over the past decade I have spent a lot of time in Switzerland and feel quite attached to it. Swissmiss always manages to put a smile on my face when she makes references to the Swiss way of life (i.e., language, data, food). Anyone who has worked or travelled in Switzerland will understand what I mean.
On a final note, many White Cabana readers may also be interested to learn about TeuxDeux, a simple browser-based “to do” app, created by Swissmiss and Fictive Kin.
Images courtesy of Swissmiss.
Anu Raina logo
I recently had the pleasure of “meeting” (via blogging and email) Toronto-based textile designer Anu Raina. Flipping through her portfolio, I was quickly drawn to the diverse detailing in her creations (silk-screened prints, burnt holes in silk, staples). Although for the most part her work extends beyond my four-colour rule, she did manage to hook me in with her hand-crafted Salad Recipe apron and tea towel set.
Anu Raina's pigment-printed Salad Recipe apron, $70
Anu Raina's attention to detail
Only the best: Leather strings on Anu Raina's Salad Recipe apron
Anu Raina's Salad Recipe t-towel, $48 set of two
Anu Raina's T-towel: Pretty enough to frame
It just goes to show you – no matter how detail-oriented and colourful a person might be, there’s always room for white! Thoughts?
P.S. Anu Raina will be exhibiting her work this month at The Clothing Show in Toronto (Sept 24-26) so if you’re in the area, you can meet her at Booth #558. Anu Raina will also be featured on Fashion in Motion this month so stay tuned.
All images courtesy of Anu Raina.
Lighting – perhaps the most important element in creating a warm and inviting space. It’s today’s feature on the Friday Five.
Anemone, $300, Artecnica + Anenome at Econscious Market
Brenda Houston Alexandria lamp, $2240, Vivre
Normann Copenhagen floral lamp, $92, Gretel
Brasa table lamp, $79.99, IKEA
Elio Martinelli Serpente lamp, 593 GBP, The Lollipop Shoppe
Images courtesy of Econscious Market, Gretel, IKEA, The Lollipop Shoppe, Vivre.
Alrighty folks – I’m investing in my first Macbook. It doesn’t look quite like this one but it serves the same purpose. Wish me luck on this new adventure!
Peter Lindbergh's engraved laptop
Close-up of engraved Mac
Many thanks to Jeff for making my first Macbook purchase possible!
Images courtesy of Garance Doré.
Well – Troy at Caviar 20 has done it again. He has got some spectacular light fixtures in stock right now. If you ask me, it’s just one good thing after another.
Pastille pendant, $425, Caviar 20
Vistosi "Jellyfish" lamp, $475, Caviar 20
Telescope pendants, $250 each, Caviar 20
Tahir Mahmood "but-tee" wood lamp, $425, Caviar 20
p.s. Check out Caviar 20 & Tahir Mahmood’s mortar & pestle in the September issue of Canadian House & Home. I’m glad others are recognizing this amazing source for fabulous design.
Images courtesy of Caviar 20.
I wouldn’t use it for salad but how great is the IKEA trÃ¥dig bowl for fruit?
trådig IKEA
I haven’t seen it in North America yet…does anyone know when it is making its debut?
Oh Рand in case anyone wanted to know Рtr̴dig means thread or stringy according to Google Translate.
Image courtesy of Design Shimmer.
This would be the most perfectly cozy place to spend a rainy day (with a good book of course!).
A place to curl up
Â
 Image courtesy of Design Shimmer.
Why not combine the two things most women love to shop for most: bags & shoes. Klein & More has everything under control with this little tote.
klein & more naoto fukasawa
Image courtesy of Style Park.
I have mixed feelings about wallpaper but these dramatic designs from Eco Wallpaper make quite a powerful impression.
One
Two
Three
Four
Five
Six
Seven
Images courtesy of Design Shimmer.
Is it just my impression or are Juju hats now all the rage?
Juju hat via This is Glamorous
I love the look of this unique wall art and one hot spot to buy one (in a variety of colours) is at Table Tonic.
Bamileke feather Juju hat, $599 AUD, Table Tonic
Bamileke feather Juju hat, $599 AUD, Table Tonic
Images courtesy of Table Tonic and This is Glamorous.
Between graduate school and blogging, I spend a lot of time at the computer. As you can imagine, a great desk chair is a must for me and so a couple of years ago I invested in the stylish and uber-comfortable Zuo Modern Nexos chair. I’ve been happy with it since the day that I bought it and I have had great experiences with the company in general.
Nexos Office Chair
I recently had a look at their catalogue and wow – gorgeous! There are so many great pieces – now all I need is a bigger apartment!
Aristocrat Armchair
Vick Alligator Embossed Leatherette Chair
Pick Pocket Ball
Novel Chair
Fractal Mirror
There are so many other great items (in colours other than white too) at Zuo Modern so have a peek if you’re in the market for some beautiful furniture.
All photos courtesy of Zuo Modern.
This past weekend was our local Relay for Life event. This annual event is one of the biggest fundraising events for the Canadian Cancer Society and the turnout is exceptional. Survivors, relatives, friends and neighbours come to show their support in this 12-hour (7pm-7am) event. It is always a memorable evening. One of the evening’s highlights for me is always the lighting of the luminaries.Â
Detail of the Luminaries
Lined up in a row
Just as darkness fills the stadium, the message of hope (via hundreds of luminaries) shines bright all evening long.
Lit up luminaries
Shining lights
Â
For more information about this event, please visit the Canadian Cancer Society. To make a donation, please click here.
Congratulations to Team Daniela for their amazing fundraising efforts!
Photos by me.
The July issue of Canada’s Style at Home is full of white. Have you had a peek at it yet?
Canada's Style at Home magazine - July
all in white
lace vase, Home Sense
vanilla macaroons, MoRoCo
necklace, Megan Park
polycarbonate cutlery, Home Sense
white goodies
Many thanks to Boba for sharing her copy of Style at Home.
All photos of Style at Home pages by me.
I can’t say enough about the fabulousness of Zone. There are a few locations of this hip store in Ottawa and Quebec but my favourite location (of the ones I have visited) is the very accessible store on Ottawa’s chic Sussex Drive. I stopped in for a visit last week and fell in love with so many fabulous white objets de la maison.
Milk containers, $5-$12
Compact, $4.50
Ibiza Lantern, $20
Chair, $338; Table, $195
Lamps, $92-$295
Cushion, $90
Torre & Tagus Vase, $38
Lace accessories, $9-$16
Teacups
Garden set, $460
For more information, visit Zone.
All photos by me.
On my most recent trip to Ottawa, I was so happy to have stumbled upon Nest, the sweetest children’s toy store located on the ever-evolving (and increasingly popular) Dalhousie Street. I was quickly attracted to the brightness of the space and the colourful (yes, I said colourful) wooden objects. The blocks, mobiles, and soft woollen toys reminded me of my travels in Switzerland and I knew I just had to have a peek inside. Let me tell you, Nest is a delight!
Sweet faces, Papoum Papoum
Lisa, the friendly owner, took me on a tour and spoke of her fondness for beautiful, organic, and eco-friendly toys and textiles. Although most of Nest’s inventory is full of colour, I was so happy to see such a lovely selection of white toys and clothes. I’m thrilled to feature some of her products here but I urge you to have a wander down to Dalhousie if you’re in Ottawa or have a look on Nest’s website for more European and locally-made goodies for the kids in your life!
Dolls, Papoum Papoum
Dolls, Papoum Papoum
Whale, Papoum Papoum
Wool-stuffed animals
Wool-stuffed horse
Guardian Angel
Baby clothes made from natural cotton, Color Grown Clothing Company
Lisa & the down-filled Bisous Baby Sleepsack
 Many thanks to Lisa for taking the time out of her busy day for showing me around Nest.
Some of the featured products are from: Bisous Baby, Colorgrown Clothing Company & Papoum Papoum.
All photos by me.
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This watering can just makes me want to have a garden.
Pascal Charmolu & Born in Sweden's Watering Can, $78, A + R Store
Images courtesy of A + R Store via Remodelista.
Today’s post is dedicated to my gadget-loving brother-in-law.
Headphones, $64.99, ModCloth
Happy Birthday Jeff!
Photo courtesy of ModCloth.
Today’s Friday Five is dedicated to Villa Roxie, the former Miami home of the talented Lenny Kravitz. It’s so so so white and there are so many beautiful things to drool over.
Dining
Doorway
Bedroom
Dining
Living
Â
I love the scalloped doorway, the circle-embroidered bedspread, and those crazy octupus hanging lamps in the living room. So fun!
Photos courtesy of Freshome.
These measuring cups are darling, aren’t they?
Carl Mitsch measuring cups
Carl Mitsch measuring cupts, $16, Greener Grass Design
Â
Photos courtesy of Greener Grass Design via Design Shimmer.
Today’s Friday Five gives you an excuse to buy a few more clothes…you can have a cool new place to put them!
Light Switch Coat Rack, $12, Amron Experimental
Antler Coat Rack, 59GBP, Thorsten van Elten
Clothes Rack, TAF
Tree Coat Stand, 422GBP (small), The Lollipop Shoppe
- Hang On Coat Rack, 67 Euro, Normann Copenhagen
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Photos courtesy of Amron Experimental, Normann Copenhagen, TAF, The Lollipop Shoppe, Thorsten van Elten.
I love seeing how ordinary everyday objects are transformed into arty accessories for the home.
Farmers Market baskets, $20-$38, Jayson Home & Garden
 Photo courtesy of Jayson Home & Garden.
Check out this “Horsey” bike by Korean designer Eungi Kim.
Horsey by Eungi Kim
In the designer’s words,
“I wanted to give a special look to bicycles so that people would care about cycling not only as transportation but also as a lovely pet.”
Oh – it’s special alright.
Image and quote from designboom via Design for Mankind.