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My Kelly Wearstler Moment
LA-based interior designer Kelly Wearstler set off an avalanche of criticism when she unveiled her new direction in an October 2008 Domino cover story. The blogosphere was apopletic over her sudden style shift toward chunky 1970s and '80s furnishings and I admit I added my voice to the chorus. But as I've seen more and more of this new Wearstler work published, I've warmed to the vibe, if only because it stands in such refreshing contrast to the overdose of mid-century modern evident practically everywhere else.
How Could I Say No?
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 by Chris
I know you're not supposed to buy art to match your sofa but how about a rug? The minute I saw Scott Young's textural blue photo, left, I knew I had to have it for my kitchen to go with those amazing flat weave carpets of mine. Scott's image of an old door at the Distillery District received honourable mention in Toronto's Building A Great City Together photo contest. I tracked Scott down and he was most obliging -- he sold me the 11" x 17" print, matted and ready to frame for just $99.
Discount Standards
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 by Chris
Mike and I popped into a swish bedding store on the weekend in search of a sheet set to go with our amazing new crewel-work duvet cover. We found an expensive set of ivory sheets marked down 25 per cent but not even the discount made them affordable. This got me thinking about my discount standards and I came to the conclusion that generally speaking, I need be saving at least 30 per cent off the suggested retail price before I'll reach for my wallet. How about you? How big a price break do you require before your trigger finger gets itchy?
Heads Up: Umbra Factory Sale
Thursday, December 10, 2009 by Chris
Apparently, it's sale week here on styleNorth and the Umbra Factory Sale is one of the biggest and best of the season. All you laggards who put off your Xmas shopping until the last minute are about to be rewarded. A little bird told me that among the offerings this Saturday and Sunday at Toronto's Direct Energy Centre will be some choice wallpapers at insanely low prices, as well as some excellent drapery hardware and the rest of Umbra's home accessories and furnishing lines. Selection will, of course, be best on Saturday and the earlier the better. See you in the lineup!
Aristocrat: Longer Hours, Lower Prices
Tuesday, December 8, 2009 by Chris
Aristocrat Lamps and Lighting remains one of my favorite Toronto bargain outlets but the banker's hours have always been a problem. Right now, however, the store is open seven days a week to accommodate a serious sale. The best deals are still found in the dead-stock room, below, where solid brass lamps are among the very best values, but the price reductions continue up front with newer stock and shades.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010 by Chris
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