News from Crawford Alexander

Jo and I received a press release the other day that I had to share. It came from the guys of Crawford Alexander, the interior design shop here in Ottawa where I purchased pendants for my new kitchen.

"With great excitement Luc Crawford and Jamie LeBlanc, Ottawa’s Original Design Guys, announce the opening of their new location for Crawford Alexander Designer Boutique at 1089 Somerset Street West. After nearly 2 months of renovations, the dynamic duo have completely transformed this former used appliance depot to a fabulous Designer Boutique with their Designs By 2 studio offices located on site. Custom furniture designed by them and by other great Canadian & American manufacturers boasts an array of great fashion fabrics. Filling the shop is a selection of one of a kind lamps, rugs, pillows, bedding and amazing accessories hand chosen by them while on their design travels. The philosophy is simple, to provide products of unique shape, form and function at multiple price levels."

I am really excited about this announcement because their new location is just a couple blocks from my house. I am so anxious to check it out. Here is a sneak peek.

ducduc @2Modern

I was just perusing 2Modern's site and came across a company that was unfamiliar to me, called ducduc. Am I ever glad I discovered them! They have the most fabulous modern furniture, mostly for kids and babies. Any soon-to-be parent (or anyone as they also carry some adult furniture) with a modern aesthetic needs to go have look. And they have so many colour options and fabric options like Marimekko and Knoll.

"ducduc is a collaborative design house based in new york city, designing lifestyle furniture utilizing four core principles: quality, environment, community, and design. All ducduc pieces are hand-made by expert craftsmen. Their hardwoods come from local, sustainably managed forests in New England and they use only non-toxic, pollutant free finishes. They own their factory in Connecticut, assuring that everything is made-here, and allowing ducduc to minimize both their waste and carbon emissions. All ducduc pieces are timeless and versatile, letting you express your own creativity and style throughout your home and into your child's rooms."

I am in love with ......

.... this furniture! The distressed leather in that rich hue. The shape of the sofa and the nail head detail. The playful fat tufting of the ottoman and that cocktail table. OMG don't get me started. Where pray tell do these glam meets rock meets Hollywood meets hedonist's playpen pieces come from? Check out Bradley Hughes. They are Atlanta based and hot, hot hot. Here's another image Michelle Bradley emailed. Check out the full range here. Seriously lust worthy.

Is it storage?...or art?

Furniture that acts as storage for all your junk belongings can sometimes be boring. I came across a line of eco-friendly furniture at 2Modern by Iannone Design that had me just smitten. It's furniture with a kick. They have such beautiful detail they would act as pieces of art. The design on the coffee table in the fourth photo? That's about 1600 hand inlaid wood dots!!!! WOW. You'd never see any of this end up on Craigslist. Me likey. Alot.

Welcome scandinavian.modern

Jo and I would like to welcome the folks of scandinavian.modern, based in Winnipeg, as our new sponsor. I just love being able to promote Canadians who know a thing or two about great furniture. If you love the mid-century variety, you MUST check them out. I have never seen so much gorgeous rosewood in one place. I think I've changed my mind about teak - rosewood is just stunning!!! Here's a bit about their shop:

"We hand pick and make available primarily original, vintage, mid-century modern, Danish and other Scandinavian furniture. We admire and stock pieces from such designers as Hans Wegner, Arne Jacobsen, Finn Juhl, Børge Mogensen, Kai Kristiansen, Arne Vodder, Ole Wanscher and Hans Olsen. We also stock pieces that may not have been designed by a well known designer but were crafted by elite danish cabinetmakers and are unique and showcase scandinavian functionality and appearance."

Here is a little peek at some of the (*drool*) items they've got in stock. LOOOVE the first one pictured - it's a table and a planter!