styleNorth

204 Carlton Street, Toronto
647.436.6778, By Appointment

The “By Appointment” thing is a nuisance, there’s no getting around it. But I’m in love with just about everything in Richard Cope’s glorious new Cose di Casa and his prices are decent so I’m prepared to jump through the appointment hoop if it means getting the pick of his “fabulous” litter.

Fabulous is a word that comes up a lot with Cope, a sewing sensation who does custom draperies and bedding and even a significant amount of interior decorating. If you happen by his shop and the door is locked, he’s probably upstairs sewing, so ring the bell and wait just a minute. It will be worth it!

In Cose di Casa’s window last week was this gorgeous fruitwood dining table (two leaves) with brass fittings $1,125, the campaign stools are $1,500 for the pair, the large, fluted vase is $69 and the impressive Hen-Feathers, 1950’s polyresin greyhound statue is $625.

Cope used to occupy a little shop on Queen Street East opposite Moss Park. The new Cose di Casa is much larger, a multi-level warren with room after room of decorative treasures. The proprietor’s taste tends toward the neo-classical with loads of exotic overtones. The glamorous, green, Hollywood Regency credenza above is $1,500, the glazed, terracotta Chinese figural lamps are $975 for the pair, the Italian bird etchings (archivally framed) are $379 each and the carved coats of arms are $275 (large) and $225 (small).

The polished, burl wood boxes, above left, are $99 (top) and $149 (bottom, jewellery box); the late 19th century, carved wooden horse is $225 and the lidded celadon urn is $49. In the photo below right, the gilded coral lamp is $129 (pair available), the French maghogany twin bed with ormalu mounts is one of two priced at $2,350 for the set; the fantastic, black and white crewel duvet cover (king size) is $349, while the pillows are $59 - $79.

There’s nothing run of the mill about the amazing, fruitwood dining chairs, below right, with the cockpen backs—Cope wants $895 for a set of five. And the life-sized, carved wooden Buddha, one of two, is $3,500 for the pair.

Cose di Casa is a wonderland for decorating fetishists like me. The vignettes are all, well, fabulous, and there’s a surprise around every corner, like the taxidermy tortoise wandering across a beautifully dressed bed, below.

I am selfishly withholding a picture of my favorite items while I wrestle with all the reasons why I shouldn’t buy them. My penultimate favorites are the Japanese, carved wooden figural lamps, below, with ivory inlay on crystal bases for $1,200 (pair). The handsome, green marble jaguar desk set is French art deco priced at $2,200.

If you do stop by Richard’s shop, tell him styleNorth sent you.