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Continuum: Transformation Inspiration
Continuum, a new decor store at Pape and Danforth in Toronto, is not what I expect from a "vintage" shop. For one thing, a lot of the inventory isn't especially old, it just isn't brand new. And much of the stock has been reborn under the fearless direction of store owner Daina Liepa who has a definite knack for updating tired furnishings.
O Christmas Tree!
Saturday, December 19, 2009 by Chris
I spotted this poinsettia Christmas tree in the lobby of my dentist's office last week -- isn't it amazing? If red and green are the colours of Christmas then this tree has the season all sewn up. Poinsettias are native to Mexico but they grow wild all over Central and South America. In Brazil, I saw poinsettia trees 40-feet tall! Some folks are suspicious of the potted plants believing them to be poisonous, especially to pets, but my research suggests there's actually nothing toxic about poinsettias.
Teak-root Tables and Benches
Thursday, November 26, 2009 by Chris
When I was at Ethel last week, I commented on a pair of Teak-root coffee tables that new store owner Shauntelle LeBlanc didn't seem convinced she could sell. Priced at $895 each, the tables are throw-backs to the 1960s and '70s, very much in the spirit of designer George Nakashima. Well, Shauntelle, you might get lucky because these tables and benches are hot, hot, hot again. The latest (and last) issue of Metropolitan Home (December 2009) features two such tables and on last week's episode of HGTV's Top Ten I spotted another pair, both in ultra chic New York lofts.
Stylish TV Stands
Monday, November 23, 2009 by Chris
If I had a flat screen TV I would definitely mount it on an easel à la Vincente Wolf and Newell Turner. My easel would not be coming from an artist supply store, however. I've got my eye on two easels a heck of a lot more luxe than anything you'll find at Curry's or Gwartzman's. My first choice,below left, is at Toronto's Decorum Decorative Finds ($425) . It's so sleek and chic it would be almost criminal to cover it up. My second fave, below right, at Toronto's Machine Age Modern($495) is in chrome with brass details; a little more traditional in terms of styling but still miles better than the chunky wood pieces in the top pic.
2009 Cabbagetown Tour of Homes
Saturday, September 19, 2009 by Chris
Among the seven residences featured on this year's Cabbagetown Tour of Homes are a pair of former semi-detached houses now conjoined as 357 Wellesley Street East (above right), and 369 Wellesley Street East, above left, a Victorian-era corner store now graciously converted into a bright, family home. It rained for last year's tour making for a sloppy and humid trek through the cobbled streets but Sunday's weather forecast promises a much finer afternoon.
Sunday, January 10, 2010 by Chris
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