Tag Archive | "Seating"
Vintage Heartache on Queen Street East
Toronto's Queen Street East is the city's best mid-century shopping drag and sometimes a trip down there can be the cause of considerable heartache. Like yesterday, for instance. At Phil'z (792 Queen Street East, 416.461.9913), I fell in love with what my companions and I dubbed the Hammock Chair. Shopkeeper Cynthia doesn't have any info regarding its provenance but what we all know is that the chair is a knock-out!
Rosedale Decor Strip: New Kids on the Block
Saturday, March 20, 2010
As promised, here's a little survey of the newest entrants on Toronto's high-end decor strip along Yonge Street between Rosedale and Summerhill subway stations. This neck of the decorating woods is mostly out of my snack bracket and yet I find myself trolling this drag more than any other. The proximity of so many great shops is dizzying and I'm always inspired by how the goods are styled and staged in these posh, aspirational showrooms.
Smells Like a Makeover
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
StyleNorth reader Debbie wrote to me with her latest project, the dining chair makeover above. "I found the chairs on Craigslist for $15 (for all 4!!)," writes Debbie. "The beige fabric seat cover was grungy and stinky, so I got rid of it right away. A little bit of steel wool and elbow grease revived the chrome, a few coats of white paint on the cane backs and new Ikea fabric for the seats, and they look pretty good to me."
Teak-root Tables and Benches
Thursday, November 26, 2009
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.
Canadian Cool: Russell Spanner
Friday, October 23, 2009
In my Home Show talk about buying vintage furnishings I noted that the best quality vintage furniture inevitably comes with the highest price tags but is also the most likely to escalate in value. As long as the item's provenance can be confirmed, a costly purchase is likely to hold and gain value as the years tick along, provided that you take good care of it. I'm not sure who said it but if you buy the best, you cry only once.
Saturday, March 27, 2010
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